Beauty News from Hollywood Beauty Secrets

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Beauty News from Louisa Maccan-Graves

Beauty News Topics

-Got Dry, Cracked, Thick Heels? -- Cancel your pedicure appointments forever!
-Are Your Knees and Elbows dry or calloused?
-Do You Have Upper Knee Giggle?
-Are You Challenged with Back Acne?
-Tired of Embarrassing Chicken Bump Skin on the Back of Your Arms?
-Burn Abdominal Fat & Increase Energy with Natural Calcium Pyruvate & Green Tea
-Rejuvenate Skin & Manage Pain with LED Light Therapy
-New & Improved Age-Proofing Peptides with Antioxidants - Beyond Essential Day Lotion
-Natural & Budget Relief for Chapped, Cracked Lips
-A Face Lift in a Jar!
-Natural Hydration & Exfoliation with Skinlasting Age-Proofing Peptides
-Say Goodbye to Ugly Scars
-Can't Lose Weight - Try This!
-Green Tea Capsules Have Fat-Oxidizing, Anti-Aging & Anti-Cancer Benefits
-More Best Beauty Buys
-Sun is Responsible for 75% of Wrinkles
-A friendly Reminder: Please Don’t Leave Your Pet in the Car
-Sensible Slimming Secrets

Hand and Body Parts Model Louisa Maccan-Graves Every week, I’ll list non-invasive, cutting edge treatments or products concerning general interest beauty and rejuvenation topics such as skin and hair care, slimming secrets, health and more. Bookmark and check this site frequently! Or, if you'd like to receive my FREE Hollywood Beauty Secrets Newsletter, by e-mail please join our mailing list! It's free - and you can unsubscribe at anytime.

DISCLAIMER: The intent of Beauty News is to share beauty and rejuvenation information. This is not a substitution for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or health care provider. Use the Beauty News information at your own risk.

COMMON CAUSES OF CRACKED HEELS & THICK SKIN BUILD-UP ON HEELS

The two top reasons for cracked heels is walking barefoot or wearing backless shoes (sandals & flip flops). This causes excessive pressure and friction that expands the “fat pad” of the heels, causing the skin to dry and crack.

NOTE: If you are experiencing bleeding, painful heel cracks making it difficult to walk, see your health practitioner as this may be a sign of a more serious concern such as diabetes. Diabetics are prone to the bleeding, painful cracks because they have more difficulty producing oil.

The two top reasons for thick skin build-up on the heels is extreme filing of the heels or using a callus blade. This causes a vicious cycle as your heels will look pink and soft for a few days, but then before you know it, the skin grows back even thicker and faster than before. Why? Your body goes into healing mode – it thinks it has a wound and reacts by sending more cells down to the heels. The skin builds up even faster and thicker to protect them.

SOLUTIONS THAT REVERSE CRACKED, THICK, DRY SKIN ON HEELS & DRY ELBOWS

Reverse and prevent dry elbows and cracked, thick heels FOREVER. Cancel your costly pedicure ladies and gents! Try the following quick tips that really work!!

1. Drink 8 glasses of water a day to keep skin soft and supple and eat a diet rich in omega-three fatty acids (such as fish oil or flax seed oil – they both come in capsules) to keep the body as well as heels and elbows hydrated.

2. Stop foot filing and never use a callus blade.

3. Instead, a guaranteed, speedy solution that reverses and prevents cracked, thick heels and elbows FOREVER is applying deep penetrating moisturizer Zim’s Crack Crème Original Formula every morning after showering. It's under $9, all-natural, non-greasy like most other foot creams.

4. Important Tip For Heels: Never walk around the house in bare feet. ALWAYS wear socks and slippers as well as AFTER wearing sandals or open-backed shoes, to support heel pads and prevent them from spreading and cracking.

5. Before wearing open-backed shoes, apply some Zim’s Crack Crème Original Formula on your heels and toes (Zim's instantly banishes dry cuticles), and when you return home, follow step #4. You can also apply Zim’s at night with socks and wear them to bed.

For elbows: Apply Zim's on elbows after showering. This reverses and prevents dry, thick elbow skin.

NOTE: FOR EXTREME cases of thick skin build-up on heels: Do this pre-treatment once only to help quickly soften and moisten heels. Soak feet in a foot bath of equal parts warm milk and warm water for 20 minutes. Dry feet, do minimal foot filing to remove excess skin. Apply Zim's and, then follow steps 1 - 5.

NOTE: If you’re experiencing deep, bleeding cracks making it difficult to walk, please see your doctor as this may be a symptom of diabetes. Diabetics are prone to very dry cracked, bleeding heels as they have more difficulty producing oil.

Find Zim’s Crack Crème Original Formula at select drug stores and on sale in the Foot Section at my shop.

SOLUTIONS TO STOP THE GIGGLE ABOVE THE KNEES

As we age the skin in this area loses elasticity and can appear crepy or giggly. So in this case, you DO want to use a more rigorous exfoliating method to both stimulate collagen production in the skin and help thicken skin, resulting in more firm looking thighs, preventing the dreaded “giggle”.

To do this you can either:
Apply a potent Microdermabrasion Scrub in a circular motion, or use a loofah on the thighs in the shower EVERY day. This helps stimulate collagen which can thicken skin.

After showering apply a peptide-rich cream such as Relastyl Moisturizer. It comes in a large 4 oz tube so it’s perfect for larger areas of the body and for mature, dry or normal complexion and neck. Peptides are clinically documented to stimulate collagen over 350% and hydrate the skin, stimulating hyaluronic acid over 260%. Relastyl Moisturizer contains skin rejuvenating peptides in a base of shea butter and evening primrose oil. This combination keeps the thighs looking firm.
Find Microdermabrasion Scrub and Relastyl at my shop.

BACK ACNE

Many of us experience acne breakouts on the back and to combat that, I suggest applying an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) lotion to gently exfoliate and soften the skin. AHA’s may bring more blemishes to the surface for a couple of weeks, but afterward, your skin will stay clear as you continue to apply the AHA regularly to prevent breakouts. And AHA’s keep your back soft, supple and blemish-free because AHA’s don’t dry the skin like other pimple and acne products that contain BHA’s.

Other tips that prevent acne breakouit: Stick to a low-glycemic diet (The Zone, Mediterranean Diet, Adkins or South Beach Diets). This helps keep testosterone levels low. High glycemic diets trigger testosterone production which triggers more oil production, causing more blemishes and acne.

Take Chlorella to help keep skin clear. Chlorella has many benefits: Helps balance hormones, helps a sluggish system, uplifts mood, is a toxin-fighter and immune-booster and more. See more benefits in my Hollywood Beauty Secrets: Remedies to the Rescue Book – always on sales for over 40% off at the shop.

Find AHA Alpha Hydroxy Acids Beauty Fluid at my shop.

CHICKEN BUMP SKIN ON BACK OF ARMS

Chicken Bump skin, also known as Keratosis Pilaris, is quite common. Excess skin cells build up around the individual hair follicles as the normal sloughing of old skin cells does not occur as effectively so the skin forms overtops the hair follicles creating the inflamed, rough, bumpy skin. Exfoliating these areas with the Microdermabrasion Scrub or applying a lactic acid spray every morning and night will clear and prevent future build-up but you must be diligent. Every day after showering apply Skinlasting Hydrator & Exfoliant. This large bottle is an effective spray loaded with lactic acid for gentle exfoliation as well as vitamin C, green tea and NO fragrance – spray on back of arms, as well as on legs for dewy moist skin and to prevent chicken bump skin from coming back. Find both products noted here at my shop.

Burn Abdominal Fat & Increase Energy with Natural Calcium Pyruvate & Green Tea

Just in time for spring and summer and for those challenged with stubborn abdominal fat, check out this natural combination that helps burn stored body fat and increases your energy!

Pyruvate naturally occurs in the body. When combined with calcium, Calcium Pyruvate (CP), it helps burn stored body fat, minimizes the amount of excess fat stored around the abdomen and other parts of the body, increases metabolism, and energy. Pyruvate is the salt form of pyruvic acid; Calcium is used as the stabilizing mineral. Calcium is the best stabilizing agent for Pyruvate, as it attracts the least amount of water.

Pyruvate plays a crucial role in the conversion of food to energy, aiding the body to convert sugar and starches into energy. It greatly enhances the effects of exercising and proper nutrition. Along with fat-burning, CP helps us feel more energized, when used in conjunction with a sensible diet and moderate exercise. And you don;t have to exercise like crazy either! -- JUST 30 minutes of exercise (walking counts) 3 to 4 times per week will to the trick. However, CP should not be viewed as a way to eat and drink anything and still lose weight. CP works best when used along with eating lean meats, plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, choosing complex carbs (multi-grains) over simple carbs (white flour and sugar), and getting at least thirty minutes of exercise each day.

The combination of pyruvate with calcium does not interfere with any body function, nor will using calcium pyruvate cause the body to produce less pyruvate in the system. Instead, the supplement enhances the effectiveness of the pyruvate already present in the body and increases the ability to maintain energy for the day, preventing the accumulation of extra pounds. Many health food shops and vitamin stores will carry at least one brand of the supplement. The supplement will cost less than investing in complicated diet plans that may or may not produce results. As with any nutritional product, it is a good idea to check with your physician before beginning the use of calcium pyruvate. Your doctor will be aware of any existing medical conditions that might inhibit the effectiveness of the supplement, as well as determine if calcium pyruvate would interfere with any prescription medications you currently take.

How Should Calcium Pyruvate Be Used?
There should be an initial "saturation" of 6 grams of Pyruvate per day, for the first 10 days. Check the label or talk to your health food store representative.

Combining CP with Green Tea (EGCG) for Ultimate Fat-burning:

For even more fat burning, when you combine calcium pyruvate with green tea supplements, your metabolism becomes an even more effective fat burning machine. I've researched many brands of green tea supplements and found a super potent brand called Thermo Green Tea, and I placed it on my site at a great price. Only $19.95 for 90 capsules. It's an exclusive extract that contains a precise ratio of polyphenols (90mg) of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This proprietary extract has been proven to increase thermogenesis by up to 43%. Best of all, Thermo Green Tea will not increase heart rate. It's the first clinically-proven, ephedra-free thermogenic fat burner in the world, backed by a study recently published in the prestigious American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. These two facts make ThermoGreen Tea a true breakthrough in the world of fat burning supplements, plus green tea can help prevent certain cancers, is known to prevent colds and helps keep skin looking firm and rejuvenated. Check out potent Thermo Green Tea Capsules in the weight management section at the shop.

Rejuvenate Skin & Manage Pain
with LED Light Therapy

Take years off your face using affordable L.E.D. Light Therapy. Anti-aging and healing light therapy could replace costly, painful laser resurfacing and face-lift surgery.

In just 17 minutes a day you can treat your entire face! Many individuals have seen a dramatic reduction and improvement in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, crow's-feet and age spots on face, chest, neck and hands with just 17 minutes use per day in just three weeks. For maximum results I recommend using the unit 17 minutes every other day for 4 - 6 weeks. Once you achieve the desired effect, simply reduce usage to two to three times a week. However, daily usage will give you optimum results. For pain management you can place the panels on areas of the body for 30 to 40 minutes.
LED Light Therapy has been used by NASA, the US Army and athletes for quick healing. And now it is quickly becoming known as one of the most effective and non-invasive ways to help rejuvenate and repair the skin as well as for pain management and speedy wound healing.

NOTE: Many hand held, battery-powered units are popping up on the market but take far too long to use, offer very few LED's AND they cost MORE than the large 2-panel unit I recommend. I am not a manufacturer. I simply recommend and help you receive a large discount off the regular retail price plus you get free S & H within the USA when you order the unit through me. You'll receive a $100 discount when you mention coupon code #1958 when you call to order at 1-877-568-4727.

The panels can be hand held up to the face or placed on the stand. NOTE: Keep eyes closed during use.

Studies indicate that L.E.D. Light Therapy stimulates collagen production, firms skin, lifts aged skin, increases moisture retention, helps diminish brown spots, calms rosacea, smooth texture, forms new capillaries, increases circulation, and helps repair wrinkles. Light Therapy is completely relaxing and non-invasive and can even help ease pain in muscles, back, knees and shoulders.

Infrared Light Therapy is available in many doctors offices and spas. Make sure you ask for infrared light therapy not IPL Light or Photofacial for anti-aging. There's a difference. Infrared Light Therapy is just warm light and does not require numbing cream.

For more information, photos, specs and order information CLICK HERE.

New & Improved Age-Proofing Peptides with Antioxidants - Beyond Essential Day Lotion -
Still Discount Priced at $36

Super potent, fragrance-free, Beyond Essential Day Lotion now combines peptides, minerals, and added antioxdiants to help reconstruct the dermal matrix. And it's a new light orange color. With 15% Matrixyl peptides (higher than most doctor-brands), Copper Peptides and added antioxidants: Pomegranate Seed Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Vitamin E and Alpha Lipoic Acid, offering wonderful anti-inflammatory benefits.

Skin will grow thicker and firmer while wrinkles smooth and soften. This powerful combination of peptides, essential minerals and antioxidants are proven to stimulate collagen growth. For ALL skin types including normal, dry, mature, sun-damaged, oily, blemish or acne-prone skin. Apply day or night.

Find Perfect RX Beyond Essential in the Wrinkle Repair/Anti-Aging or the Peptide/Antioxidant & Rejuvenation section in the shop

Natural & Budget Relief for Chapped, Cracked Lips

Most all chapped lip sticks on the market include mineral oil and petrolatum oil as the primary ingredient. These crude oil byproducts, leftovers from producing gasoline, are often used in chapped lip sticks and lotions -- causing DRY skin. They have been proven to actually damage your skin's ability to properly moisturize itself.

Just think about it - the lip balm on your lips is something you ingest every day as you sip drinks or eat foods, which is why I recommend natural Jurassic Emu Oil Lip Balm for your entire family. This affordable, healthy lip care product contains no parabens or chemicals --with all natural ingredients: emu oil, beeswax, avocado oil, almond oil, cocoa butter, lime lavender & tea tree essential oils, shae butter, and rosemary extract. Stock up for winter.

Jurassis Emu Oil Lip Balm 3 for $10.95 in the LipCare/Chapped Lips Section at the shop.

A Face Lift in a Jar!

Looking for an AFFORDABLE, yet highly effective, one-step age-proofing product that really works AND is all-natural, has NO parabens or propyl glycols, is not tested on animals, contains TWO rejuvenating peptides, and the most clinically proven antioxidants and age-defying ingredients in one jar? Just because celebs have money – doesn’t mean they are getting the most effective products. And most of the products that many doctors recommend are their own over-priced brands, which are often watered-down.

Take a moment and check out the age-defying ingredients of Aging Eraser, made by a small but reputable company in Florida. Aging Eraser is one of THE most extraordinary age-proofing creams I’ve uncovered and have written about for years. It can be applied day or night on your face, neck, chest and hands. Take a look at the list of ingredients on the label and you’ll see that unlike most other products on the market, Aging Eraser contains NO water. In fact, the list of superior rejuvenating and skin repairing ingredients begin with emu oil -- a transdermal, non-pore-clogging oil that helps push the active ingredients (peptides & antioxidants) of Aging Eraser down to the dermis for even faster rejuvenating results.

Aging Eraser contains not one, but two natural, clinically proven rejuvenating peptides Palmitoyl Oligopeptide & Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (Matrixyl 3000), gravity-defying and skin firming DMAE, super hydrator Squalane (Vitamin A), rejuvenating antioxidants CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Omega, 3,6 & 9 (emu oil), and skin rebuilding nutrients including; Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Elastin and Lecithin. Aging Eraser is also known to help plump lips and thicken the dermis, while gently brightening, firming and toning the outer layer of skin. And the natural preservatives in Aging Eraser are derived from vegetable sources.

Designed for all skin types, this remarkable skin repair formula helps prevent the signs of premature skin aging by repairing the skin from the inside out - slowing the skin cell aging process. Aging Eraser helps reduce, repair and soften lines and wrinkles, smoothes and evens the skin tone, targets crow’s feet, lip lines, temples, forehead as well as neck, chest and hands. The added combination of Emu oil (containing omega 3,6 and 9’s) with collagen and Co Enzyme Q-10 assists the therapeutic ingredients to penetrate down to the dermis, making Aging Eraser one of the most potent age-proofing products to date. It’s truly a face lift in a jar! In fact, many television soap stars, celebrities and Hollywood make-up artists are now using Aging Eraser since reading about it in my Hollywood Beauty Secrets: Remedies to the Rescue book.

Did you know that Aging Eraser, along with my doctor-recommended book, “Hollywood Beauty Secrets: Remedies to the Rescue”, were both included in the prestigious Madison & Mulholland Ultimate Nominee Gift Bags presented to the top 30 A-list celebrities at the Oscars®. Celebrities who received my book and Aging Eraser include: Reese Witherspoon, Charlize Theron, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Aniston, Rachel McAdams, Angelina Jolie, Claire Danes, Kristen Dunst, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kira Knightley, Scarlett Johannson, Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Geena Davis, Sarah Jessica Parker, Naomi Watts, Eva Longeria and Uma Thurman, just to name a few.

When the manufacturer found out I wrote about Aging Eraser in all of my books, they lowered the wholesale price so I could pass the savings on to you. My site lists the lowest price you'll find for the most recent and improved formulation.Read more information or order Aging Eraser at the lowest price HERE….
Natural Hydration & Exfoliation with Skinlasting

Your skin is your largest organ. So doesn’t it make sense to apply an all-natural product that not only moisturizes, evens and exfoliates skin, but that is also fragrance- free, contains no parabens, propyl glycols or petroleum products? Safe and natural Skinlasting Super Hydrator not only instantly hydrates and moistens skin for hours, it also gently exfoliates and evens the skin tone on face, neck, hands and body, and even makes a great make-up base. See even more benefits of all-natural, fragrance-free Skinlasting Super Hydrator below:

Skinlasting is loaded with lactic acid, vitamin C and other natural, fragrance-free ingredients. Simply spray Skinlasting into hands and apply onto face, neck, chest, arms, legs, feet and hands after showering. Skinlasting’s moisturizing effects last all day long. In fact this is the secret hand rejuvenator I spray onto my hands and body before I go on camera as a celebrity hands and body parts model in Hollywood.

Take a look at the long list of benefits of affordable Skinlasting Super Hydrator: * Doctor-formulated * Fragrance-free * All-Natural * Hypoallergenic * No Petroleum Products * Not tested on animals * Comes in a generous 6 oz. spray bottle * Non-pore clogging so perfect for all skin types from dry or mature skin to normal, sensitive or oily skin * Made of natural, fragrance-free and long lasting ingredients that work for hours to help keep skin looking dewy and moist * Rapidly hydrates and softens skin * Helps increase skin’s elasticity * Contains gentle lactic acid exfoliant to reveal younger and new skin cells * Contains Vitamin C to nourish and protect skin form free radicals * Helps even skin tones * Helps soften and moisturize dry cracked feet * Helps eliminate crape neck skin * Rejuvenates hands instantly * Is a fantastic hydrating make-up base that helps create even coverage * Smoothes and soften wrinkles * Helps reduce chicken bump skin (keratosis pilaris) * Even helps those with severe dryness from psoriasis, eczema or post-chemotherapy treatments

For all skin types including: normal, dry, mature, sensitive, oily, itchy, eczema, psoriasis, diabetic skin conditions, keratosis pilaris, & post chemotherapy
Just a little spray goes a long way. Spray a small amount of Skinlasting into hands and apply sparingly on face, neck, chest, and body after showering. Please note: If skin feels sticky – you’ve applied too much.
Fragrance-free, All-Natural, Hypoallergenic
No Petroleum
Not tested on animals

May tingle for one minute after applying especially if you’ve shaved legs or exfoliated skin in the shower. Tingling subsides in one to two minutes.
For more information or to order at a discount price click HERE.

What I do is different from anything you've ever experienced before for two major reasons:

Reason #1... I don’t make promises that you’ll get results without doing some work on your part. You'll never achieve ANYTHING valuable in life without working for it. If you want to be great at a sport, you have to do ‘the work’. If you want a get a raise or promotion, you have to do ‘the work’. If you want to look and feel your best, then you have to do ‘the work’.

But before you begin to do “the work," please make one promise to yourself. Even if you’re 20 pounds over your desirable weight, or not feeling or looking your best -- you can change one thing now! You can make your journey a more positive one with a little ‘attitude adjustment.' By simply promising yourself that you are going to enjoy your path to achieving your goals, you will not only make your life more happy from this moment on, but you will likely uplift others in your life during your journey! And lets’ face it, when you’re happy, you’ll be a lot more fun to be around! LOL You may even inspire others to go after their goals!

Reason #2...I'm going to be your “beauty and age-proofing” coach.
You see, no one wins an Olympic gold medal without a coach. The greatest athletes, singers and actors in the world all have coaches. This is where my expertise comes in. I’m going to be your beauty and age-proofing coach. With my years of experience and research, I can help provide you with empowering solutions that will help address your challenges from head to toe.

That's where my coaching comes in...I’ve done the work for you by locating and revealing THE most effective and AFFORDABLE rejuvenating research to date. I will continue to be your one-on-one skin care mentor, your coach - guiding you with rejuvenation and beauty tips, home-made recipes, product suggestions and in-home treatments that I uncover. I provide solutions for any woman on any budget.

With urging and support from my friends, family, and loyal readers I have spent years updating the information on this website so that I can offer my findings to all those looking for answers about rejuvenation, beauty and health. May I add, I am not a manufacturer of the skin care products I uncover or suggest, nor am I paid a dime to endorse them. And many of the products I list on my website cost less than the manufacturer’s prices or department store brands.

I’m living proof that what I’ve been doing is working because I continue toremain tops in my field in youth-oriented Hollywood. I can’t wait to reveal my real age on one of those afternoon talk shows– because that’s the day I’ll sell loads of my “Hollywood Beauty Secrets: Remedies to the Rescue” books. Thousands of women and men have visited my site these past six years and they continue to return – they are truly loyal visitors. Why? Because they are seeing results with my beauty tips and product suggestions.

Age-Proofing Peptides

Anti-Aging peptides stimulate collagen up to 327% and stimulate GAG (hyaluronic acid) by 267% and reduce deep wrinkles by as much as 68%! If you're over 40, have normal, dry, wrinkled, thinning, sagging or sun-damaged skin, you'll want to read this:

Note: Peptides are known by many names including: Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 or Matrixyl®, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide & Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (Matrixyl 3000®), palmitoyl pentapeptide- 4, palmitoyl oglio or bio peptides, Pal-KTTKS, or acetyl hexapeptide-3 or 9.

The proof of the following studies were presented at the World Congress of Dermatology in Paris, France last year. These studies were accepted as fact by the World Congress of Dermatology. As of this date, there are no other active topical ingredients that will induce collagen/elastin formation to the extent of Biopeptides CL and EL and Matrixyl® (brand name) . Peptides are clinically proven more effective than Retinol and Vitamin C with no irritation. See below for complete articles. I highlighted the facts from the clinical studies if you don't have time to read the lengthy articles attached below:

1. Palmitoyl pentapeptide significantly decreased facial lines and wrinkles

2. The peptide formulation showed improvements in the appearance of age spots, dark circles under the eyes, and skin firmness.

3. Overall results, palmitoyl pentapeptide improves the appearance of photo-aged skin.

4. Significant improvement of the skin profile (determined by profilometry of wrinkle depth, length, volume, roughness) for patients using the peptide was observed at the two-month evaluation versus baseline with further improvement versus baseline after four months.

5. Dermatological scoring as well as image analysis confirmed a decrease in overall roughness and deep facial wrinkles with both treatments after four months.

6. Although skin thickness increased by an average of 9 percent after four months for both treatments, the two-month data suggested that palmitoyl pentapeptide thickened the skin about 1.5 times faster than retinol.

7. Palmitoyl pentapeptide did not cause the inflammatory reactions frequently associated with retinol treatment.

8. The women who used 5 ppm of palmitoyl pentapeptide had substantial improvements in skin roughness, wrinkle volume, and wrinkle depth.

9. Skin biopsies conducted on six patients indicated that palmitoyl pentapeptide triggered growth in elastin and collagen IV and enhanced the structure of elastin and collagen IV.

10. The researchers note that the peptide was not associated with any side effects and was "a safe and potent alternative to Retinoids in wrinkle repair."

11. Matrixyl (a brand name peptide) stimulates collagen synthesis by 100 to 327% and stimulates hyaluronic acid by 267%.

Self evaluation of peptides by test subjects:

1. Produces lasting moisturizing of the skin

2. Makes the skin smoother

3. Makes the skin more supple

4. Reduces wrinkles and lines

Peptide-Rich products on this site are:
Perfect Rx Night Serum (over 50% peptides. Apply nightly or BEFORE using LED LIght Therapy for even faster results)
Perfect Rx Beyond Essential Lotion (15% peptides with added antioxidants - apply daily)
Relastyl (generous 4 oz. tube - perfect peptides for larger areas of the body)
Ayur-Medic Eye &Lip Corrector
Ultimate Eye Crème
Refill Wrinkle Corrector
Aging Eraser

By Jill Stein
Special to DG News

PARIS, FRANCE -- July 2, 2002 -- Results of a randomised, double-blind trial suggest palmitoyl pentapeptide (Pal-KTTKS) improves the appearance of photodamaged facial skin. Dr. Larry Robinson, with Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, presented the findings here at the 20th World Congress of Dermatology (WCD).

Palmitoyl pentapeptide is a lipophilic modified peptide originally developed based on wound healing research and currently being investigated as an anti-aging ingredient. The peptide was developed by Sederma SA in Paris, France, and is being tested by Sederma and Procter & Gamble. The 14-week, randomised double-blind, split-face study compared the technical and subjective efficacy of a facial skin care formulation containing 3 ppm palmitoyl pentapeptide versus a non-peptide formulation.

The trial consisted of a two-week preconditioning period and a 12-week treatment period. Each formulation was tested on 92 women aged 35 to 55 years. Subjects were generally healthy and had moderate to severe photodamaged facial skin and Fitzgerald skin types of I, II, or III. During the 12-week treatment period, subjects were given both test formulations and instructed to use them twice a day, in the morning and night, on the right or left side of their face. Facial lines and texture were assessed by image analysis and trained visual grading of high-resolution digital images taken at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. In addition, subjects completed a self-assessment questionnaire regarding their own skin appearance at weeks 4, 8, and 12.

Results showed that the addition of 3 ppm palmitoyl pentapeptide significantly decreased facial lines and wrinkles as measured by image analysis at weeks 4, 8, and 12 relative to placebo. Trained visual grading of images also demonstrated a significant reduction in the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles at weeks 8 and 12.

Self-assessment data indicated that the peptide formulation showed improvements in the appearance of age spots, dark circles under the eyes, and skin firmness. Overall, the results suggest that palmitoyl pentapeptide improves the appearance of photo-aged skin both by standardized measures and self-assessment, Dr. Robinson said.

The study was sponsored by Procter & Gamble.

WCD: Palmitoyl Pentapeptide Challenges Retinol as a Treatment for Photo-aged Skin

By Jill Stein
Special to DG News

PARIS, FRANCE -- July 3, 2002 -- Two teams of investigators say palmitoyl pentapeptide (Pal-KTTKS) is as effective as retinol in improving the effects of photo-aging but lacks the side effects often associated with retinol.

The findings from two separate trials were presented here today at the 20th World Congress of Dermatology (WCD).
The first study, conducted by Dr. Karl Lintner, with Sederma SA in Paris, France, and colleagues, examined the effects of palmitoyl pentapeptide 3 ppm versus retinol 700 ppm on photo-aged skin. This double-blind half-face study enrolled 16 healthy women. For four months, they applied a cream containing 700 ppm of retinol to the crow's feet area on one side of the face and the same base cream containing 3 ppm of palmitoyl pentapeptide to the other side of the face.Patients applied the creams once daily for the first two months of the trial, then twice daily during months 3 and 4.

Significant improvement of the skin profile (determined by profilometry of wrinkle depth, length, volume, roughness) for patients using the peptide was observed at the two-month evaluation versus baseline with further improvement versus baseline after four months.

Dermatological scoring as well as image analysis confirmed a decrease in overall roughness and deep facial wrinkles with both treatments after four months. Although skin thickness increased by an average of 9 percent after four months for both treatments, the two-month data suggested that palmitoyl pentapeptide thickened the skin about 1.5 times faster than retinol.

Palmitoyl pentapeptide did not cause the inflammatory reactions frequently associated with retinol treatment.

Overall, the results suggest that palmitoyl pentapeptide is as effective as retinol at regenerating the skin but without the irritation that often occurs secondary to retinoid use, Dr. Lintner said.

Dr. Lintner and Dr. Jean Revuz, with Mondor Hospital in Paris and the current president of the WCD, presented the results of the second study, which examined the effects of palmitoyl pentapeptide 5 ppm on the structure of elastin and collagen IV in 49 women with photo-aged skin.

Over the course of the four-month, blinded study, the women who used 5 ppm of palmitoyl pentapeptide had substantial improvements in skin roughness, wrinkle volume, and wrinkle depth. Skin biopsies conducted on six patients indicated that palmitoyl pentapeptide triggered growth in elastin and collagen IV and enhanced the structure of elastin and collagen IV.

The researchers note that the peptide was not associated with any side effects and was "a safe and potent alternative to Retinoids in wrinkle repair."

Palmitoyl pentapeptide is a lipophilic modified peptide that is presently being investigated as an anti-aging ingredient. The peptide was developed by Sederma SA and is being tested by Sederma and Procter & Gamble Company in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Both studies were supported by Sederma SA.

(Copyright Louisa Maccan-Graves, 2004)

Scar Gel is not a concealer but a scar treatment. This is a top selling product so it must be working!!

Everyone has scars as this is the body's natural response to burns, scrapes, surgery, acne and more. Scar Gel can be used on new (after wounds heal) or old scars to make them look softer, smoother and less noticeable. The active ingredients help break down scar tissue and also have the opposite function of encouraging cell renewal. This process of breakdown and renewal helps diminish the discoloration associated with scars. The result is that scars are softened, flattened and their appearance is markedly diminished as they blend in with surrounding tissue.

Scar Gel works on old, new, keloid, acne, burn or surgery scars. If a scar is lumpy or bumpy or has discoloration, this product will be of benefit. You can also use Scar Gel on stretch marks to help remove the reddish or purplish color that many stretch marks exhibit. Scar Gel is superior to Vitamin E oil and is non-oily and non-greasy so it won't stain your clothes.

Scar Gel contains:
Allantoin to help heal and soften the skin and aid in tissue building,
Panthenol to increase skin suppleness,
Onion Extract (Allicin) an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral.

It takes anywhere from two to six months of at least twice-a-day application to see maximum results. Click here to order Scar Gel.
(Copyright Louisa Maccan-Graves, 2008)

Can’t Lose Weight? Try This….

You've tried every diet and still can't lose weight. Check this out…

We've heard it a million times -- drink 8 glasses of water a day. Well, after you read these amazing fat loss facts, I guarantee you'll increase your water intake! After I did the research, I increased my water intake for three days and guess what --- I lost three pounds and my tummy stayed flat all day long. No more bloating for me.

If you can't lose those stubborn 5 or 10 pounds, if you've tried every diet and can't lose weight, if you're bloated, constipated or retaining fluid, try increasing your water intake. It's been proven to be THE easiest and most affordable way to lose body fat. Here's why:

Water helps the body naturally metabolize fat and toxins.

- Your kidneys can't function properly without water. When the kidneys don't function properly, the liver has to take over some of the work of the kidneys.

- It's the liver's job to metabolize fat, but if it has to do the additional work of the kidneys, the liver slows down metabolizing fat and WEIGHT LOSS STOPS!

- If you're overweight, you need to drink more water than the average person. For every 25 pounds of additional weight you are carrying, add an additional glass of water. I.E. If you're 45 to 50 pounds overweight, you need to add two more glasses to your daily intake. More than two glasses is even better.

- Water helps keep your muscles and skin looking toned and tight. Water helps hydrate the muscles which in turn enables the muscles to contract. When you lose weight, particularly larger amounts, your skin can sag. However, if you increase your water intake while losing weight, your shrinking cells become plump with water, which helps keep the skin looking firm.

- Water helps suppress your appetite. Drink a cold glass of water when you feel hunger between meals.

- Cold water helps the body metabolize fat faster. Cold water absorbs more quickly than warm.

- If you have water retention, you may want to decrease your salt intake. The more salt you add to meals, the more your water your body will retain, UNLESS you drink sufficient water. To stop water retention, drink more water to eliminate excess salt.

- Water helps eliminate the body of waste, toxins and most importantly, fat! While dieting, the fat you're metabolizing needs to leave your body. An increase in water flushes out the fats, toxins and waste.

- Stop constipation by drinking more water. When you increase your water intake, your colon has sufficient water to utilize and regular bowel movements occur.

- On average, we should drink 64 oz, that's eight - 8 oz. glasses of water a day. More if you're overweight and more if you want to lose weight.

Another great weight loss trick is adding one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drinking it prior to meals. This can help the liver metabolize more fat. My parents did this before lunch and dinner and both lost 15 pounds and have kept if off for four years.

Green Tea Capsules Have Fat-Oxidizing, Anti-Aging & Anti-Cancer Benefits

Want to protect your health, while you safely lose weight? Consider taking Thermo Green Tea capsules. They contain EGCG as mentioned above in the DDF kit. Along with antioxidants that help protect against colds, flus and some cancers, Thermo Green Tea is best known as a natural thermogenic (fat-burner) alternative. It is ephedra-free and does not cause nervousness or jitters. Green tea also helps stimulate collagen production which keeps skin firm and more youthful-looking. Lose weight, increase collagen production and protect your health with this best-selling supplement. Click here for more info. Always check with your physician before taking supplements.

More Best Beauty Buys

The Best Mascara - Okay ladies - here's the best mascara - without a doubt!! I recently discovered this mascara while doing more investigating. Within a day or two of switching to this brand, I started receiving several comments from friends and even strangers inquiring about what mascara I was wearing. It's Maybelline Sky High Curves. I absolutely love it! And it's about $6 - $7 at most drug stores. This mascara does not smudge or run into my concealer and it comes off easily with Papaya & Soy Foaming Facial Cleanser.

The Best Concealer - You know that I don't usually recommend department store brands because they're often over-priced. But here's a wonderful concealer revealed to me by several models and an Emmy-Award winning make-up artist. It's Yves St. Laurent Touche Eclat. It's actually very reasonably priced considering how long it lasts. I've used the same tube for over eleven months. It stays moist, does not cause creases and stays put, while adding a nice highlighted effect under the eyes. I love this concealer. It's approx. $35.00 That's a little over $3.00 a month. Available at fine department stores.

Did you know that the harmful rays of the sun can damage skin within 60 seconds of exposure? Besides the risk of skin cancer, sun is also responsible for 75% of the wrinkles on your face, neck and chest. It also quickly ages hands. This is why it's imperative to wear sunscreen each and every day -- rain or shine. Sunscreen creates a barrier that causes sunlight to reflect off skin, preventing UV rays from penetrating into the skin. For full protection, your sun screen should be 15 or 30 SPF and must contain ONE of the following effective ingredients: Parsol, Avobenzene, Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide. Choose sunscreen formulated for your skin type. Try the Cutting-Edge C-30 Moisturizing Cream with SPF 30 Sun Block. This sunscreen is oil-free, paba-free, light textured and can be used on all skin types.

Apply sun screen every morning in this order:

1. Apply daily moisturizer after cleansing skin.
2. Next, apply sunscreen to face, neck and chest all year round. During the summer of course, apply to all exposed areas (arms and legs etc.)
3. Lastly, apply make-up or foundation.

Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun. Try to avoid sun exposure when exercising or walking outside. Walking or exercising early in the morning or after 5:00 p.m. is best. Try to walk on the shady side of the street, if possible. If not, wear a loose cotton, long sleeved shirt, a wide-rimmed sun visor, sun glasses and protective lip gloss like Blistex Pro Care SPF 30. If you plan to play sports, spend any length of time outside, or swim, reapply sun screen every two hours. When driving, wear cotton gloves to protect hands from damaging UV rays that can penetrate windshield glass.

C-30 Moisturizing Sunscreen with SPF 30 Sunblock For added skin protection, C-30 includes SPF30 (Parsol ®) sun block to protect skin from UVA & UVB rays. The C-30 cream technology uses encapsulated micro sponges to help the skin absorb the cream through its time release properties. Micro sponges also absorb excess oils from the skin, making the C-30 cream an exceptional moisturizer for any skin type including oily or blemish-prone skin. C-30 cream rapidly absorbs into the skin, leaving no oily or greasy residues. Perfect for men and women and those with normal, dry, mature, combination, oily, acne or blemish-prone skin. CLICK HERE TO ORDER $29.95

Fallene Total Block Clear SPF 65 UVB/UVA Broad Spectrum. Dermatologist Recommended and contains both Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide! Available at most Beauty Supply Stores and Dermatologist Offices. Approx. $40

A friendly Reminder: Please Don’t Leave Your Pet in the Car

Please pass this around to all dog and animal owners. Take your doggy for a walk early in the a.m. and after 5:00 pm so paws are not exposed to hot pavement. We know you love your dog, but please NEVER leave him/her in the car during sunny winter days and especially on hot summer days as dogs can suffer from heat stroke, dehydration and may even die if left in the car for periods of only 20 minutes. These are facts from the SPCA. If you really have to take your dog with you, never leave him/her in the car unless you park it in the shade AND leave all four windows open for cross ventilation. Try sitting in your car with a coat on and you'll get my drift. You wouldn’t last 5 minutes in that heat. Be smart. Leave your pet at home.

Sensible Slimming Secrets

The following sensible slimming suggestions can effectively help promote weight loss. Be sure to check with a qualified health care professional before beginning a new diet, exercise regimen or taking new supplements.

1. Constipation can cause weight gain, gas, bloating and discomfort. Replace processed foods with fiber-rich foods such as green, leafy lettuces, colorful vegetables, beans, asparagus, broccoli, artichokes, peas, and fiber-rich cereals that contain kashi, flax, or bran. Also include nuts such as raw almonds, walnuts or pumpkin seeds. Try spreading raw almond butter on a rye cracker with all-fruit (no-sugar) jam. Eat low-glycemic fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, if you are adding more fiber to your diet, you must add more water to your diet. Eating fiber without drinking plenty of water can cause constipation or a blockage. Incorporate at least 10 to 12 glasses of water or fluids daily.

2. Eating starchy or sugary foods can cause water retention, bloating, weight gain, high blood pressure and high insulin levels. When insulin levels are high, the body stores more fat. Stick to a high protein, high fiber, low-fat diet and avoid the following processed, starchy or sugary foods including bread, rolls, corn or potato chips, potatoes, corn, beets, rice or rice cakes, pasta and other noodles (ramen), cakes, cookies and any processes sweets. Always check with your physician before starting a new eating regimen.

3. Begin every meal with a few bites of protein. This little trick can help keep insulin levels low. Low insulin levels promote weight loss. Have either 5 or 6 raw almonds or nuts of your choice, two olives, a piece of cheese, a boiled egg, or a tbsp. of cottage cheese before beginning each meal. Or take a few bites of the protein portion on your plate before eating the rest of your meal. Other proteins include beef, chicken, lamb, fish, and soy. Include a leafy green salad with lunch and dinner if possible. Try to stick to nitrate and hormone-free meats and cheeses. Hormones in meats have been linked to obesity.

4. Eat healthy fats such as olive, almond or grape seed oil. Keep butter to a minimum and avoid margarine. It's loaded with hydrogenated, unhealthy fat! Read labels on all foods to ensure that you are not consuming hydrogenated fats.

5. If you insist on eating pasta, rice or pizza, the portion should be the size and thickness of a deck of cards. Don't forget to start your meal with a couple of bites of protein and add a green salad to your starchy meal.

6. Carbohydrate blockers can neutralize over 60% of starch from a meal, however they contain a kidney bean extract (phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolamin 2250, or Phase 2 Starch Neutralizer) that can also cause bloating. Your health food store carries carbohydrate blockers.

7. Taking flaxseeds or flaxseed oil supplements can help keep your system regular as well as ease bloating and constipation. Flax also ignites fat-burning, helps balance hormones and slows down the aging process. It's key to great health!

8. Snack on raw nuts, almond butter on apple slices or low-glycemic berries topped with a little yogurt.

9. For years French women have relied on Green Tea Extract to keep slim. Green tea extract is a natural fat-burner (thermogenic) from the bud of the green tea plant. Try Thermo Green Tea for under $20 for 90 capsules. It's ephedra and ma huang-free.
10. Stress releases a hormone called cortisol that can prevent weight loss and add inches around the waist. Regular exercise blocks cortisol production. Regular exercise is imperative to good health. Recent studies indicate that taking a brisk 30-minute daily walk can keep weight down. Go for a walk during your lunch hour at work. Ask a co-worker to join you. Talking while walking burns more calories!

11. Lifting weights increases muscle mass and stimulates the body's own natural production of human growth hormone (hGH). Human growth hormone keeps the skin and body looking toned, firm and youthful. It's imperative to add weight resistance exercises to your regimen especially after age 40 when natural production of hGH declines dramatically. Read more about this in my book, "Hollywood Beauty Secrets: Remedies to the Rescue." I also developed my own personal "Under 30-Minute Model Sculpting Workout." It is a series of body sculpting, weight resistance exercises that can be done in the privacy of your own home. All you need is a chair and a set of 3 lb. weights. This is primarily the regimen I have done for past 20-plus years. It's convenient and it keeps my body 'model' shape.

“I’ve given your book to many of my celebrity clients, including one of my top clients -- a royal princess. She said, “Gerald… this woman, your friend is a genius! The Hollywood Beauty Secrets: Remedies to the Rescue book is one of THE best gifts I’ve ever received..” Louisa --I know for a fact that she’s been practicing some of your secrets for years. You see Louisa – even the richest women in the world love your book proving that even THEY like to save money!
Gerald David Bauman, Jeweler to the Stars

“You know I really appreciate the personal contact you have with your customers. That really gives me a good feeling about the products. I would definitely refer my close friends. Thanks again for your time, attention and concern.”
Tina T.

"Hollywood Beauty Secrets: Remedies to the Rescue is a concise insight to the personal care world of a career professional model. Louisa's book takes you through core issues of personal appearance, wellness, anti-aging skin care and her secrets to access affordable and effective products and rejuvenating therapies. Everyone, men included, may benefit with her secrets to success! Hollywood Beauty Secrets is an important work for all aesthetic medicine and surgery professionals to recommend for their clients."
R. S. Jennings, M.D.

"A great book, full of insightful tips. Not surprising, from a woman who not only looks years younger than her age, but maintains her own health so carefully and well."
C. Ott, M.D.

“Just a short update. I have continued to do your Under 30 Minute Model Sculpting tape religiously everyday and have been doing so for six months and I have noticed a definite change. I can now do the rollup exercise effortlessly! I have also lost 20 pounds and I feel great! Thank you so much for your great DVD – it’s a wonderful tool.”
Andrea

“Louisa has single-handedly changed my skin. It's true - her remedies work!" Michaela Pereira, Emmy-Award-Winning News Host of The KTLA Morning Show, Los Angeles, CA.

"....As chairman of Anti-Aging Conferences, I believe Louisa has put something together here of significant practical value. Along with four other physicians, I also recommend "Hollywood Beauty Secrets: Remedies to the Rescue" as a must-read for all women who care about their health and appearance."
L. Stephen Coles, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman of Anti-Aging Conferences, CA.

"I've had the pleasure of working with Louisa on numerous beauty segments on both KUSI News and Inside San Diego. She walks the talk and is certainly proof that what she writes about it working."
Sandra Maas, Host of KUSI News & Inside San Diego

“….Louisa has certainly uncovered amazing skin care secrets that work far better than any expensive or hyped product on the market….. May I add that I work on faces all day long and when I found out Louisa’s age, I thought she was 15 years younger! Her skin is glowing and looks better than most women in their 20’s.
L. Vallejo, Hollywood Make-up Artist for Hit Series “Heroes”

“I’d just like to thank you again for being so kind, helpful and forthcoming with all your expertise. You replied to my enquiry and never once made me feel pressure to buy anything.”
Maria P.

"I have known Louisa for years. Not only does she defy age, she legitimately grows younger in appearance. I encounter many celebrities who devote massive amounts of time, money and energy in achieving beauty that seems to come naturally to Louisa."
David Addelson - Reporter E! Entertainment