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!