3 Keys to Successful Resolutions

With 2015 rapidly approaching, many of us are starting to ponder resolution ideas:

"Do Fifty Jumping Jacks Every Day."
"Eat Only Kale and Salmon."
Or the most excruciating: "Quit Facebook."

But resolutions shouldn't be painful; they should excite you. So how do you cultivate that excitement? How do you make that salad look more appealing than a gooey order of nachos or a bacon ranch burger?

First, make the resolution manageable. Nothing feels worse than failing on week one. If it's too hard to, say, give up sugar, give up your favorite candy instead. Still too difficult to part with Kit-Kat for a year? Try reducing the amount of sugar you dump into your morning coffee by half.

Second, set your sights on the outcome, rather than the path. Instead of thinking, "I must go to the gym three times a week," think, "I'm going to carve out some killer biceps."

Third, reward yourself along the way. For every month you manage to avoid dropping the "f bomb" treat yourself. Whether it's watching an episode of your favorite show or going out for sushi, be sure to acknowledge small victories.

Cyborg Skin: Scientists Create First Functional Electronic Skin

One of the many functions of our skin is to detect pressure. Someone digging a knife into your hand? Probably a good idea to pull it away. Feel that glass of ice-cold lemonade slipping through your fingers? Tighten your grip! Up until recently this ability to feel pressure changes was unique to our own, biological skin. However, scientists have recently developed an electronic skin prototype—that can do the same thing.

Not only can this innovative "electronic skin" detect pressure, it can also determine from what direction that pressure is coming. This information is valuable, says Dr. Hyunhyub Ko, because it can help our bodies determine how to manipulate objects and react to stimuli.

But why, you might ask, do we need artificial skin to do exactly what our natural covering already does? Engineers hope to use this technology to make prosthetics more realistic—and more usable.

Source: American Chemical Society. "New 'electronic skin' for prosthetics, robotics detects pressure from different directions." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 10 December 2014. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/12/141210121405.htm>.

3 Holiday Skincare Tips

As much as we all enjoy hot chocolate season, it is easy to feel as over-worked as an elf on Christmas Eve. What, with gift-buying, party-prepping, and present-wrapping, it's not surprising that your skin sometimes takes a turn for the worse come December first. Follow our Top Three Skin Survival Tips to help get your complexion through the holiday season relatively unscathed.

1.) The Catch 22: As stress levels rise, acne often increases. Unfortunately, some anti-acne products—especially those containing benzoyl peroxide—dry out your skin in the process. Since the cold weather has a tendency to do this anyway, be sure to apply an effective moisturizer like HYDRATE twice daily.

2.) Don't OD: Don't overdose—on sugar, that is! With cookies, gingerbread houses, and candy canes cropping up at ever school event and cocktail party, it's easy to over-indulge. But excessive sugar consumption can aggravate acne-prone skin. Don't deprive yourself of festive treats, but consume with caution!

3.) Guzzle that H20: When temps plummet, a tall glass of icy water is not exactly appealing. Unfortunately, it is crucial to stay hydrated during the winter months. If you just can't stomach an arctic beverage, leave your water pitcher on the counter so it comes to room temperature.

5 Best Skincare Tips

1.) Cleanse Properly!
This is the number one, biggest, dermatological faux-pas! Clear skin does not start with harsh anti-acne treatments, but with washing. Start with a pre-cleansing oil. Then remove a day's worth of dirt and oil with a gentle cleanser like CLEAN. Rinse with warm water.

2.) Don't Pick! 
We know it's tempting, but try to resist the urge to pop that ugly monster on your chin. Inevitably this will only worsen the problem—and possibly lead to scarring.

3.) Protect Against Sun Damage:
Sure, you might want to rock a tan in your twenties, but you'll regret baking all day when you have to live with the repercussions ten years from now: wrinkles, thickening skin, sun spots, and a predisposition to skin cancer. Use an non-clogging physical block like SCREEN as a precaution. Think of it as a dermatological investment in your future.

4.) Know When to Wash:
Washing at the correct time is almost as important as washing the correct way. Be sure to shower and cleanse after sweaty, pore-clogging sports and after wearing make-up.

5. Feed Your Skin: 
Pay just as much attention to your skin's diet as you do to your own. Use a multivitamin cream—like HYDRATE—to nourish on a daily basis.

5 Reasons to be Thankful for Your Skin

1.) It's a Biological Force Field: No, we're not talking Star Wars. Your skin's most important superpower is its ability to protect your body from external enemies: UV radiation from the sun, armies of bacteria trying to make you sick, and mechanical stressors like scrapes and scratches.

2.) It's a Sponge: Because the skin absorbs up to 60% of the substances applied to it, it is a key contributor to hydration; it absorbs moisture. (Be sure to lock in that H20 with a topical lotion like HYDRATE!)

3.) It's a Garbage Disposal: We try to hide it everyday--with deodorant, perfume, and cologne--but your skin excretes smelly odors. It also tries to rid itself of pollutants by pushing them to the surface. Unfortunately, this process also leads to breaks-outs. Try helping your skin out with a spot-treatment like CLEAR.

4.) It's Your Largest Organ: From surface area alone--on average, 20 square feet--you should be thanking your skin more than any other organ in your body! (Source: WebMD).

5.) It's Like a Biological "Snuggie": You may not be covered in fuzzy polar fleece, by your skin helps maintain body temperature. 

Style with Care: Three Skin-Harming Hair Products to Avoid

It's nice to think that good skincare stops with the products you apply directly to your face, but this isn't the case. As your body's largest organ, the skin absorbs up to 60% of substances applied to it—which means that you need to be mindful of products besides facial cleansers and moisturizes. Today, we've collected some of the worst offenders in the hair product category. Style at your own risk!

Clairol Herbal Essences Naked Sheer Shine Mist: This product, which promises to give you the kind of shine only seen on TV commercials, also contains a number of mint oils. Although these might give it a pleasant smell, they also irritate your scalp.

TRESemme ColorThrive Brunette Shampoo: In addition to reviewers claiming that this product did little to preserve the color of their precious locks, customers also reported excessively itchy scalps after washing.

Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo: Even though this shampoo is designed to combat dry skin, it contains a troubling ingredient: the detergent, Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Compounds in this family can actually increase dryness. So much for dandruff relief!

So next time you're shopping for shampoo, conditioner, or styling products, be sure to read labels--and reviews--before making your purchase!

5 Best Drinks for Your Skin

1.) Water! This seems obvious, but most of us don't get the recommended eight glasses-a-day. Not only does dehydration put you at risk for digestive issues and light-headedness, it also contributes to dry skin. Even if you apply a moisturizer—like HYDRATE—on the outside, be sure to work from the other direction, too: from the inside-out!

2.) Green Tea: We always knew that this calming drink came with the extra benefit of antioxidants, but new research from the Journal of Nutrition indicates that it may also act as a liquid sunscreen. No, we don't advise bathing in it; however, studies showed that women who consumed at least 4 cups a day had a 25% decrease in sunburn. Of course, we still recommend a topical product, like SCREEN, for complete protection. (We promise, it smells just as good as green tea!)

3.) Smoothies—But not just any smoothie! You'll want to avoid those with excess sugar. Opt for blends of fruits and vegetables instead. Looking for some ideal ingredients? Berries and kale have high anti-oxidant levels and are known to improve skin elasticity—Forestall those wrinkles as long as possible! Plus, the natural sweetness of blueberries and strawberries offset the bitter—but worthwhile!—flavor of kale.

4.) Black Tea: Like its cousin, green tea, this steamy drink nourishes skin by delivering hearty doses of vitamins B, C, and E. When you're finished steeping, don't toss the tea bag! Use it as a warm compress to reduce eye-puffiness after late-night studying—or celebrating.

5.) Coconut Water: Whether you're sipping Vita Coco or Zico, you are hydrating your body—and your skin—with a powerful blend of nutrients (including Lauric Acid, which helps with skin renewal). This is also a great option for electrolyte replenishment after sports events.

Itching for Autumn

Over the summer, I rarely needed to moisturize, but now that fall has come—with winter on the way—I'm starting to feel the beginnings of what I like to call "crocodile syndrome." You've probably noticed it on yourself. It starts on your knuckles and creeps slowly up to your elbows. By mid-January, you are more reptile than human.

But why does this happen specifically during the colder weather? Part of it is natural; as the temperature drops, so does the amount of moisture in the air. However, the other factor results from our own cold-weather behaviors. Temperature dip? Turn up the thermostat! Unfortunately, this leeches the remaining moisture from the air and worsens the problem. Hot shower to thaw after a day of raking leaves? Similar result; the hot water removes important water-locking oils from your skin.

We've identified the problem, but what's the solution? First, you could purchase a humidifier to reintroduce some moisture back into the air. Quicker fix? Moisturize right after showering (in warm—not hot—water). HYDRATE is a great option to keep your facial skin supple because it won't clog pores.

Ghoulish Good News for Ghosts Everywhere

A recent study by the AAHGG (The American Association for the Health of Ghosts and Ghouls) uncovered some clinical evidence explaining why phantoms, poltergeists, and other Halloween apparitions avoid the daylight.

"It's because of something called melanin," says, Dr. E. Vile, biochemist at AAHGG. "It is a special kind of pigment produced during the oxidation of the amino acid tyrosine."

How does this relate to our ghostly friends? When exposed to UV radiation, melanin darkens (i.e. causes you to "tan"). Because it also absorbs sunlight, it is believed to protect underlying skin cells.

The implications for the phantom species? Because they don't have melanin, they lack this protective barrier.

Then again, they also lack skin that would necessitate protection...

Stay tuned for forthcoming AAHGG updates. In the mean time, make sure to SCREEN up--unless, of course, you count yourself among the Undead.

Halloween Skincare 101

Halloween is easily my favorite holiday, but between costume-planning, party preparations, and caramel apple-dunking, it's easy to forget about a skincare regimen. To prevent post-Halloween breakouts, follow our tips.

If possible, avoid pore-clogging make-up. (Masquerade mask, anyone?) If your zombie ensemble absolutely requires some cosmetic necrosis--fake blood, rotting tissue--be sure to wash it off as soon as you return from your Halloween festivities. Don't know what to use? CLEAN is a fantastic makeup remover that won't burn your eyes.

Even if you're too old to trick-or-treat, candy is everywhere in October. There is nothing wrong with the occasional piece of chocolate or lollipop, but beware of candy overdose. High sugar consumption has be known to worsen acne. If you do over-indulge, make sure to get your diet back on track before Thanksgiving rolls around!

So You Think You Can Trust that Label?

Marketing can be problematic. Sometimes it makes promises that we can quickly dismiss as hocus pocus: "Lose ten pounds in one week consuming only chocolate and diet coke." Other times, however, marketing claims seem thoroughly plausible.

Many skincare products, for instance, claim that ingredients "won't clog pores." (This same claim sometimes manifests as "non-comedogenic.") While we'd like to believe that everything that makes it onto a label is accurate, this is not always the case. Sometimes you need to flip the bottle over and peruse the ingredient list to determine if the claims are fact or fiction. Acquaint yourself with some of the pore-clogging ingredients below to inform your next shopping venture.

For a list of more skincare and make-up ingredients that clog your pores visit Comedogenic Ingredients -GR8SKN

Villainous Ingredients: Topical Poisons in Today's Beauty Products

We are constantly told to be mindful about what we put in our bodies: "Avoid saturated fats!"; "Banish fast food!"; "Don't guzzle energy drinks." Unfortunately, we don't often consider the things we put on our bodies. Recent news, however, suggests that we should pay just as much attention to the ingredients on beauty product labels as we do to nutritional information.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics recently released a report indicating that a number of Procter & Gamble products—many of them in the Cover Girl and Olay lines—contain potentially harmful, cancer-causing ingredients. For example, formaldehyde-releasing compounds are often used as preservatives and have been found in Cover Girl creams and powders, in Herbal Essences styling products, and in Pantene smoothing serum. Most disturbingly, these chemicals were also found in certain facial cleansers. How ironic to wash your face with a potential carcinogen!

This isn't intended to scare you—or to stop you from buying your favorite beauty products. However, it is crucial that teens—and adults—pay attention to the labels of the products they are purchasing. Of course, this is difficult to do when these culprits are hiding behind intimidating, scientific names. See our chart below for some common aliases.

The Selfie Epidemic

According to a recent study, 55% of generation Y young adults—a.k.a. "millennials"—have posted a selfie at some point in their lives, and a staggering 81% have Facebook profiles. While some may condemn the selfie as a monument to narcissism—"look how hot I look in this bathroom mirror"—media psychologist Dr. Pamela Rutledge assures that taking a well-angled selfie is no different from "arriving at a job interview looking your best." In other words, a selfie is just another way to influence others' perceptions, to create a sort of persona. They are also a way to self-validate; no one would deny that the chance to accumulate a few "likes" is motivation enough to post a new Facebook profile picture.

While selfies themselves are not necessarily a problem, "over-selfie production" (OSP anyone?), might indicate an underlying dependency on social media. Of course, the issue is not simply about spending too much time on Facebook, but relying on it for peer acceptance. So next time you go to post that great driver's seat shot, make sure you're doing it to show off your new shades—and not because you're starving for attention.

Source: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2014/07/14/what-parents-and-kids-should-know-about-selfies

The Dissapearing Text Message: Erasing Your Cyber Footprint

We've all experienced that drop-of-the-stomach feeling when we hit the "send" button on a text message before proof-reading. But the consequences of impulsive texting—or rash  social media updates—can be more serious than a comma splice or a misplaced vowel.

Shark Tank personality and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban has invented an app to help solve this problem. Cyber Dust allows users to send messages that last for only a finite amount of time before being wiped from cyberspace completely. A related app—Xpire—functions similarly, in that it allows users to set time limits on social media status updates. This ensures that future employers or college admissions committees will never see that 2 am tweet about last night's house party.

As Cuban reminds, "The minute you hit 'send' on any SMS/Text, any Snap, Tweet or any digital media, you lose ownership of it. But you don’t lose responsibility for it." While these apps may not erase this responsibly, they erase evidence of it.

Source: http://theodysseyonline.com/upenn/mark-cuban-thinks-friends-could-cost-future/67975

Meet Talia, the "Face of GR8SKN"

Having recently visited the GR8SKN headquarters in lovely Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Talia quickly fell in love with our products—so much that she agreed to be the face of our budding company.

Between all the photo-shoots, Instagram updates, and song recordings, Talia carved out some free time for an interview.  Here's what she had to say:

GR8SKN: What is your favorite GR8SKN product and why?

Talia: Clear, it has to be Clear. I feel that the product sinks into your skin. Not only does it smell good— it works! By the third day, I had results!

GR8SKN: Who—celebrity or otherwise—is the most influential person in your life?

Talia: Beyonce because she is both a performer and a business woman. Also, she appeals to everyone, from teens to adults. I also admire her fashion and, of course, her skin.

GR8SKN: Who is your celebrity crush?

Talia: [without a pause]: Channing Tatum.

GR8SKN: What's your favorite food? (It doesn't have to be good for your skin—no judgment here!)

Talia: Ravioli with pesto.

GR8SKN: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Talia: The Bahamas!

Are you interested in being featured on our blog or Facebook Page? Send before-and-after photos to us here!

Vitamin C: Cold-Preventer or Skin Rehabilitator?

Orange juice might be your grandma's favorite elixir for preventing the common cold, but its benefits go beyond folklore. One of citrus fruits' key components—Vitamin C—is crucial for skin health.

First, although Vitamin C is not a sunscreen, it helps reduce UV damage because of anti-oxidant behavior. Unfortunately, UV light reduces the amount of vitamin C in the skin, which means that it's even more important to incorporate it into both your diet and skincare regimen.

Second, Vitamin C has also been shown to improve wound healing because of its effects on collagen production. Not only can you hope for a speedy paper-cut recovery, increased vitamin C absorption may also mean rapidly disappearing pimples. (It has also been shown to reduce pigmentation changes due to acne scarring.)

Finally—and perhaps most importantly with autumn around the corner—vitamin C promotes skin moisture by slowing "trans-epidermal water loss." Although we would still encourage the use of a good moisturizer (like HYDRATE!), a hearty does of Vitamin C might mean the difference between a soft and supple face and an oil slick.

Get your daily dose from citrus fruits, cherries, strawberries, and kiwi. 

Inconsistency: The Super-Villain to Bad Skin, Bad Grades, and a Bad Lifestyle

It's an old story-line. You register for an AP calculus class and half-way through, you start neglecting your homework assignments. By the time Thanksgiving break rolls around, your average is hovering around a C+. 

Or perhaps it's about sports. You join the soccer team, realize that you're on the bench more than you're on the field, and so you stop practicing on the weekends.

It also applies to skincare. You have acne, and your doctor outlines a new regimen. After three days, you see no results and start skipping the routine. It's ineffective anyway, right?

Who's to blame? Enter Inconsistency, every teenager's nemesis. 

His technique is subtle:

First, he induces doubt: "You suck at math." "David Beckham would be appalled at your soccer skills!" "Your face looks like it belongs on a Pizza Hut commercial."

Next, he convinces you that your routine is not working.

Finally, he encourages you to give up.

Luckily, for every villain, there's also a hero. The key to success—in any aspect of life—is persistence. Nothing will work—especially skincare products—if you aren't consistent. Next time you feel compelled to give up, put on your cape, strap on your mask, and stick to it!

Death of the Snooze Button?

With the first day of school looming, it is impossible to ignore that start-of-semester reality: the dreaded alarm clock. There is evidence to support the compulsion to hit the snooze button: teens require at least 8.5 hours of sleep a night, a goal that is difficult to reach when homework, sports, and club meetings force bedtimes into the early morning hours.  

Some school districts, however, are addressing this problem by starting high school later. (The national high school start time clocks in at 7:59.) While more than 1000 schools have embraced this change, others hold out. Check out our pro-con list below and let us know your thoughts.

Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Meagan Lazor, the winner of our product Giveaway!

Vitamin D Essentials

Sometimes reading about dietary vitamins can sound a lot like alphabet soup. Given the time of year, I thought it might be appropriate to talk about one vitamin that often accompanies discussion of sunny weather: Vitamin D, which is important for strong bones and a hearty immune system.  

It is true that exposure to the sun's UVB radiation allows our own bodies to manufacture vitamin D. However, research from Skincancer.org indicates that only five minutes of high-intensity sun exposure a day are needed for maximum vitamin D production. What happens after that? Sun burn, probably.

In fact, the best ways to get vitamin D are through diet and supplements. Pair a big glass of skim milk with breakfast, chow down on oily fish (like salmon), or pop a go-down-easy liquid gel to ensure proper levels. 

Paraben-Free: So What?

Here at GR8SKN, we are proud to be paraben-free! Sure, that sounds like a good thing, but how many of us actually know what parabens are—or what they do?

Parabens are compounds used as preservatives in most cosmetics and beauty products. A small 2004 study suggested that these compounds may be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. However, most toxicologists have since discounted this claim, asserting that the evidence was inconclusive. This is further complicated by the fact that some parabens occur naturally—in blueberries, for instance.

Nevertheless, we'd rather not take the risk. Luckily, GR8SKN packaging—the airless pump, combined with the opaque bottles—allows us to avoid using these potentially harmful chemical as preservatives.   

Guest Post: Lauren's Take on GR8SKN

As a kid, summer means endless fun, the kind of fun that only comes without the stress of homework ceaselessly looming over your mind. However, somewhere between the tearful goodbyes at the end of the summer after graduation and the duration of your freshman year of college, summer just seems to lose its appeal.

The reason? Independence. You got your first taste of it when you hit the "caf" and realized you could have cereal for dinner—just "because." But this independence and control extends far beyond the cafeteria walls; all of a sudden, you have control over a myriad of facets in your life. And it is that very control which inevitably diminishes when you’re back under you parents’ roof and their watchful eyes. In the face of that, however,  it is important to focus on what you can control: your health. Only you can control what your body does, consumes, and uses. 

This summer, I took control over my diet, fitness, and skincare in the hopes of holistically revolutionizing my body.  While I have always done my best to eat healthy and exercise, I still made some minor changes that had big results. With a little creativity I have found fun and delicious ways to incorporate vegetables, such as kale, into my diet for at least two meals a day. Additionally, while I have always been a "gym rat," I have finally gotten over my “gym-timidation” and now do strength-training in addition to cardio.

While my diet and exercise didn’t need that much alteration, my skincare routine was in serious need of a face lift. Previously, I never considered skincare to be something about which I had to be conscious. I had dealt with troubled skin for many years and had tried all the washes, all the spot treatments, even all the prescription stuff. It was all the same to me. You walk down the skincare aisle and everything has the dermatologist stamp of approval promising “you’ll be ready for the big day in no time.” No matter what product I tried, I was always left with irritated, dried-out skin—anything but what I wanted on my illusive “big day.” I started to make the connection that all these ingredients with fancy names I couldn't pronounce were really just harsh chemicals deteriorating my skin. Finally, I realized that skin is an organ of the body—the biggest, in fact—and needs to be treated as such. Just like organs that I tried to nurture via diet and exercise, my skin also needed to be nourished.

So I decided to try GR8SKN, which uses mostly natural ingredients that aid troubled skin in a manner that doesn’t irritate it. I started using CLEAN three times a day: when I woke up, after my daily workout, and before bed. It’s gentle and has a sweet hint of willow bark that smells great. And when a cleanser even takes off your waterproof mascara, it is more than safe to bet that all that caked on foundation is gone after a wash, too.  In the mornings and nights I follow my cleansing with CLEAR, which I know I can count on to soothe any flare-ups. With just a few applications, a problem pimple will be visibly smaller, and yet my skin isn’t left irritated like it was with previous spot treatments. Finally, I apply RESET which is packed with Vitamin A, an all-star when it comes to nourishing skin. In using RESET I have noticed a reduction in uneven pigmentation and an overall healthier glow. As a trio, these products have left my skin looking fresh and healthy. Now, if I wear makeup it is because I want to—not because I have to. While I am still counting the days until school begins again, now it is not just to regain my independence, but to show off the healthy new me—especially my new complexion. 

Topical Poisons: Do You Know What You're Putting on Your Skin?

A recent ShopSmart report revealed that many popular beauty products contain ingredients that should earn them "hazardous" stickers rather than shelf space at your local drugstore.

Here are two examples:

NARS Duo Eyeshadow Windstar: Before you dust your lids with these NARS neutrals, check the label. They contain Triclosan, an antibacterial compound that has been linked to skin irritation and possible endocrine disruption.

Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash: The title is misleading; this wash contains two compounds that can produce 1,4-dioxane, itself potentially irritating. 

What to do about it?

Privilege "USDA Organic" or "Premium Body Care" emblems over "dermatologist recommended" claims when shopping for cosmetics and beauty products.

Source

Contest! Free Set of GR8SKN Products!

Right on the heels on Shannon Wilson's contest over at Raspberry Kiss is our very own give-away. Enter below for a chance to win a set of GR8SKN products. For more information about the product set check out our products at gr8skn.com/our-products/

Rules:

• For a chance to win a set of GR8SKN products, simply enter via the Rafflecopter widget below.
• Those using multiple accounts to enter will be completely disqualified.
• This giveaway is open internationally
• The giveaway will run from Monday July 21st 2014 to August 21st 2014
• Once the giveaway is over I will contact the winner via email. The winner will have 48 hours to reply before a new winner is chosen

Good luck--contest ends August 21!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

We are Bio-Cyborgs

We've all seen science fiction movies—some cornier than others—in which people have robotic arms or facial features welded from metal. Although this may be an exciting vision of the future, our current biology is pretty amazing, too.

There are about 100 trillion bacteria living in your body. Number sound big? It is; bacterial cells outnumber your own cells 10-to-1. You house a veritable microbiome.

While this statistic may disgust you, those bacteria are crucial to your health. In fact, Dr. Martin Blaser links disruption of bacterial balance to the onset of many diseases—from allergies to celiac disease. He condemns over-prescription of antibiotics as a major cause.  

Although most of us don't have the MDs necessary to control antibiotic prescription, you can help maintain your internal ecosystem by consuming probiotics. See this blog post to learn more!

Source

Fightin' Free Radicals

Here at GR8SKN, we throw around the term "free radical" quite a bit. (See this Facebook post if you don't believe me.) But how many of us actually understand what free radicals are—or how they can hurt you?

"Free radical" is a general phrase used to describe very a reactive atom or molecule. (In chemistry language this reactivity results from unpaired elections.) You might compare free radicals to preschoolers with nothing to do; they interfere where they shouldn't—like with your cellular function.  

Enter our cellular baby-sitters: antioxidants. Vitamins E, C, and Beta-Carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A) keep the free radicals occupied and prevent potentially damaging chain reactions.

So how do you "hire" some of these babysitters? Load up on fruits and veggies. As you probably remember, GR8SKN products deliver topical Vitamin A, too.

Tri-Part Skin Defense

It's the Fourth of July, you've smeared sunscreen on your face, and you think you're ready to hit the barbecues. But the sun is only one of three threats against which you need to protect your skin. We'll begin with the most obvious.

1.) UVA and UVB radiation.

These acronyms describe two different wave-lengths of ultra violet solar radiation: UVA rays are slightly longer than their UVB counterparts. Nevertheless, because both can cause premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer, it's crucial to protect against them using an effective filter like Screen!

2). Dryness.

You may not think about it on a daily basis, but your skin is your first line of defense against pathogens. In order for it to maintain this "barrier" function, it must be properly hydrated. It is particularly important for the stratum corneum—the topmost layer of your skin—to retain moisture. You can help by using daily moisturizing agents—like Hydrate.

3.) Cellular Mis-communication

The components of your skin, like any defensive unit, need to communicate; when this doesn't occur, processes like skin renewal suffer. For example, as people age, cell-to-cell communication in the epidermis decreases, which inhibits cellular replenishment. Some cosmetic ingredients—like yarrow extract—can help reestablish communication.  

Don't let this infringe on your hot-dog-eating, s'mores-making celebrations. Just be mindful that holistic skincare doesn't end with your SPF 30!

Trading Acne for Allergies

By now, you've heard about our anti-Benzoyl Peroxide campaign, but recent FDA reports back up our claims!

Hiding behind big name anti-acne brands (we're looking at you Proactiv) are two troubling ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid.  Although allergic reactions to these ingredients have not been deadly, they have included some rather unpleasant symptoms: swollen eyes, scratchy throats, and difficulty breathing.

Our solution? You guessed it: avoid BPO and Salicylic Acid-containing products.

Luckily, the GR8SKN line avoids both of these dermatological super-villains; our products use natural active ingredients like Vitamin A and willow bark. 

Life-cycle of a Zit

Coffee: Drug in a Mug?

We're taking a little break from skin-health today to talk about breakfast's favorite side-kick. 

Whatever your preference—Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, or Keurig—there is a good chance that coffee plays a major role in your morning routine. If you're anything like me, it goes something like this: roll out of bed, turn on Mr. Coffee, and down at least two cups of caffeinated ecstasy before even thinking about starting the day.

But there is a lot of information out there about coffee—some myth and some fact.

1.) Coffee keeps you awake.

Fact: Caffeine affects the central nervous system and can induce anxiety and restlessness. Of course, effects vary; some people can guzzle a mug at night and be snoozing ten minutes later.

2.) Decaffeinated coffee has no caffeine.

Myth: Decaf coffee usually has around 5mg of caffeine in it. (This is considerably less than the amount in brewed coffee: usually around 180mg.)

3.) Coffee is bad for you.

It's Complicated: Studies show that there are some benefits to regular coffee consumption: it can help prevent Alzheimer's and dementia—not that you're likely worrying about that now. It has also been known to combat depression.

Unfortunately, coffee also exacerbates bone-loss, which is why kids shouldn't drink it. Just wait until those bone plates finish developing!

First Product Review!

A big thanks to Shannon Wilson over at raspberrykiss.co.uk for a lovely (and comprehensive) product review.

Best of all? She is hosting a giveaway of the entire product line. 

Pro-Health, Pro-Skincare, Pro-Biotics

We all know the drill about "good bacteria." They aid in digestion.

But recent studies from the American Academy of Dermatology suggest that probiotics may also be beneficial for the skin when applied topically. The mechanisms are not yet fully understood, but research indicates that the substances produced by these "good bacteria" have anti-microbial properties. They put holes in the "bad bacteria"—just like tiny, biological automatic weapons.  They also minimize inflammation by calming down the skin's natural immune response. Goodbye redness.

Oral probiotics may also be helpful in combating acne. Although your skin and intestines seem unrelated, researchers have identified a "gut-brain-skin axis" by which these organs are connected. When the good-bad bacteria ratio is altered in the gut, toxins are released throughout the blood-stream, and can eventually manifest as skin irritation. Probiotics are all about balance.

We're not suggesting you go smear yogurt all over your face, but don't be surprised if you start seeing probiotics advertised on the labels of future skin products. And remember:

Source

Men’s Skincare: Not a Niche Market Anymore!

Hello all! My name is Larry, I’m in my 20s and I like to take care of my skin. There. That wasn’t so bad. 

But according to recent trends and market research, it appears I am not alone. It’s no secret that men’s skincare does not get nearly as much attention as women’s skincare, as it tends to be much simpler. The women’s skincare market is valued at over 30 times that of the men’s skincare market. Men (typically) do not wear makeup and our routine doesn’t take as much time: there’s no foundation, blush, bronzer, eye shadow, and other cosmetics to apply to our skin, and we don’t have to spend even more time removing these products at the end of the day. (Sorry ladies.) But what’s interesting is that young men are increasingly investing more money in skincare products (including makeup—in countries like South Korea!). In fact, men’s skincare products are actually growing at nearly double the pace as women’s: 9.4% versus 4.8% for women’s skincare products.

At first this statistic puzzled me: living in the United States, I certainly didn’t initially notice an abundance of men’s skincare products on the store shelves. But I have noticed a trend in advertising, more editorial coverage of skincare in men’s magazines, and even in observing my own habits over time. In the past, my own grooming routine consisted of not much more than daily cleaning and shaving. Now I find myself spending MUCH more time and money than I am willing to admit in this blog post on my own skincare and "manscaping" habits. Luckily for me, I discovered I wasn’t alone: this trend has really been taking off and is nothing of a niche market anymore. Asia is completely dominating as the fastest growing market for men’s skincare with Western Europe in second. Of the $3.3 billion spent globally in 2013 on products like men’s lotions and skin creams, $2.1 billion of that was spent in Asia. But it isn’t just in Asia that we’re seeing this trend, and I expect there to be more growth here in the US. So why is men’s skincare a growing global trend?

Because men have become more aware of the perks associated with looking good. They have a heightened awareness that looking good may provide them an advantage in the workplace and in their social/personal lives. It is becoming increasingly acceptable for men to care about their looks, and vanity is no longer exclusive to women. This trend has been reinforced by women’s approval of it. It appears women appreciate a man who puts effort into taking care of himself and his health. Not that this is a huge revelation or anything, but whether it’s taking care of your skin or working out—chicks dig men who care about looking good! 

I am currently using GR8SKN products for my skin, and I highly recommend them to guys and girls alike!

Sweating: Dermatological Danger?

Swimsuit season is here, and you want to carve out a six-pack.

Ok, let's be realistic. You'd be happy to shed that layer of seal-blubber on your stomach—a vestige of your winter carbohydrate hibernation diet.   

Problem: within a week of your newfangled running regimen, your skin rebels! Breakouts crop up along your hairline, on your back, and across your forehead.

Sorry to say it, but you're not allergic to physical exertion. It's more likely that your recent breakouts were caused by a symptom of that exercise: sweat. This, combined with surface dirt, increases the likelihood of blocked pores.

There is, however, a simple solution. Be sure to shower as soon as possible—or at the very least, rinse your face immediately after your workout.

--Or you could stop running, but we don't recommend that option. (Nice Try.)

Tanning-Bed or Early Grave?

Fact: The American Academy of Dermatology released a study showing that tanning bed users face a 59% higher risk of developing melanoma than non-users.

You'd think this would be sufficient to deter anyone one from setting one flip-flopped foot in a tanning salon. Not so! Just look in any suburban strip-mall.

However, the FDA is taking baby-steps in response to this study. First, they have created a rating scale for tanning lamps, categorizing them from low to moderate intensity. Secondly, tanning bed manufacturers are now required to put labels on their products indicating increased risk for users under eighteen.

Ultimately, the danger associated with tanning is one that only you can prevent—by avoiding tanning salons altogether. Not convinced? Maybe this infographic will sway your opinion. 

Fresh-Face Friday? Our Response to "Throw-Back Thursday"

If make-up ranks up there with food, water, and oxygen on your list of necessitates, this might come as a shock: There is a growing acceptance—indeed even an endorsement—of beauty routines that kick mascara, lip-gloss, and blush to the curb.

Sure, magazines have long served up articles about "natural beauty." But let's be honest: "natural beauty" is just a euphemism for neutral color palettes and an abandonment of "mega-lash" mascaras.

Recently, however, there has be a move toward legitimately natural beauty; that is, a rejection of make-up altogether. According to an article published in Vogue's March 2014 issue, "For spring/summer 2014, models really were sent out onto the catwalks with the bare minimum of products and styling" (Niven). 

But maybe you require more rigorous evidence than fashion trends before you chuck your new Urban Decay eye shadows. Researchers at Bangor and Aberdeen Universities conducted a study investigating participants' make-up preferences. They found that both men and women preferred models wearing 40% less make-up than originally applied.

Even if you're not totally convinced, consider wiping off a few layers of that cake-like concealer before heading out the door tomorrow morning.

Sources: http://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/2014/03/26/raw-beauty-spring-summer-2014-no-makeup-trend

http://time.com/79584/science-women-less-makeup/

Your Own Worst [Dermatological] Enemy

Recent research suggests that the problem with many current acne treatments resides less in the medicine and more in the application. Studies estimate that only 50% of patients actually adhere to their doctors' instructions.

Imagine this: You go to your dermatologist. He writes you a prescription and tells you to apply the product twice a day. You do this for...three days? Four? Until spring break vacation? Until you leave for camp?

This is a classic story-line. Unfortunately, the ending is not a happy one. Unsurprisingly, poor adherence to anti-acne regimens causes many teens to think that their products don't work. What happens next? Usually those expensive medications are shoved to the deepest recesses of the medicine cabinet–along with expired gummy vitamins and crusty bottles of Pepto Bismol.

Luckily, GR8SKN products are easy to use and can be tailored to fit any teenage lifestyle.

Pick and choose the products that best suit your needs here! 

Bibliography: Snyder, Stephanie, Ian Crandell, Scott A. Davis, and Steven Feldman. "Medical Adherence to Acne Therapy: A Systematic Review." American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 15.2 (2014): 87-94.

Battle of the Sexes: Guy-Versus Girl-Acne

Sure girls have it rough; between childbirth, periods, and cellulite, it seems that our sex got the short end of the biological stick.

But there is one exception: acne. Owing to higher concentrations of testosterone, young men tend to have more severe acne flare-ups during the teenage years than their female counterparts. What is it about testosterone that implicates it so strongly in the emergence of acne?

Testosterone works with the enzyme 5a reductase to create di-hydrotestosterone, which  stimulates the sebaceous glands. These glands then increase sebum production, which leads to oilier skin and a higher risk for blocked follicles. These clogged follicles become the progenitors of acne lesions.

Of course, girls aren't off the hook. Two-to-seven days preceding the menstrual cycle, women experience decreased estrogen and elevated progesterone levels, which often result in breakouts. There are treatments to mitigate these symptoms: oral contraceptives and vitamin A are two popular options. Perhaps menstrual breakouts are Mother Nature's way of balancing out the more severe testosterone-driven acne that afflicts young men!

GR8SKN products, however, are not gender-specific; they are formulated to treat guys and girls equally!

Buy yours here!

Turning Over a New...Cell?

You have probably heard those vomit-inducing statistics about shedding skin cells—how skin debris doubles the weight of your mattress, and how it composes most of the "dust" you see accumulating around your bedroom. Though I am no expert on skin debris stats, I can tell you something about the process that accounts for them: skin turnover.

Skin cells make their way up from the basal layer of the epidermis to the top layer—the stratum corneum—over a period of two weeks. Once they arrive at their destination, they should flake off within another two weeks, but sometimes this doesn't happen. When this fails to occur—when the surface cells stick together too well—the dead cells clog pores, preventing sebum (oil) from draining. The result? Pimples!

So how do you encourage a process that is invisible to the naked eye? For most skin types, regular cleansing with an appropriate, non-drying product will promote natural exfoliation. If your skin cells are especially sticky, however, you'll want to choose a cleanser with willow bark and fruit acids (Like CLEAN!) Additionally, mandelic acid, which comes from almonds, helps to dissolve those sticky bonds; you can find it on CLEAR'singredient list.

Of course, the ultimate key to turnover is vitamin A, which ensures that the bonds between cells are of the appropriate "stickiness" before they get to the surface.

The take-away for today?

Benzoyl peroxide-free at GR8SKN!

Get yours here!

Benzoyl peroxide: Derma-Friend or Foe?

Benzoyl peroxide: it might sound like a term from freshman chemistry, but I can almost guarantee that you have used it before. It may even be lurking in your medicine cabinet as you read this post. 

"BPO" is an ingredient in many—forget that, in most—anti-acne facial cleansers. So why the hype? What is it about Benzoyl peroxide that earns its prominence in the skincare world?

First, it promotes "skin turnover." By making your surface skin peel, Benzoyl peroxide allows new cells to replace the old ones. Additionally, it reduces bacteria counts, specifically the propionibacterium varieties, which are responsible for acne flare-ups.    

Ready to go stock up? Not so fast. Just because BPO is the current "go-to" ingredient doesn't mean it is without risks. For starters, that "turn-over" process can be quiet irritating, especially if you already have sensitive skin. It also increases sun-damage susceptibility and can raise your risk of hyper-pigmentation—those dreaded "brown spots." But the biggest problem with BPO is tolerance. After about a week of use, your skin becomes acclimated; you'll soon need higher doses of BPO to match that initial efficacy.  

Ok—so maybe tolerance isn't quite the "biggest" problem. Some studies link extended BPO usage with increased risk of skin cancer. However, many medical professionals privilege its acne-fighting benefits over this danger.

Our perspective? 

An A+ for Vitamin A!

Want to know the secret ingredient to great skin?

Maybe "magic" is the wrong word. There is nothing mysterious about Vitamin A, but that doesn't prevent it from providing all kinds of epidermal benefits. Operating on the level of DNA, Vitamin A reinvigorates damaged cells (hello sunburn!), to help your skin in countless ways. Here are a few benefits that interest me the most.

So how do you get some of this "secret ingredient"? No need to quest through the dense jungles of the Amazon to find it. Vitamin A is hiding in plain sight: try the produce section of your local grocery store. Cantaloupe, squash, carrots, and dark, leafy greens like kale all pack an "A+" dosage of this vitamin. 

Not into veggies? (Shame on you!) That's ok, too, because you can supplement Vitamin A externally--through the skincare products you choose. Read labels and look for ingredients like Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Acetate, Retinol and Retinal Aldehyde. These are all face-friendly forms of Vitamin A.

Don't know where to find reliable products? Try the GR8SKN line; we're a bunch of Vitamin A groupies.

Shop GR8SKN here! 

Spring Cleaning!