Synthetic skin may make animal testing for cosmetics a thing of the past

Animal testing causes undue suffering for many types of creatures around the world. When it comes to testing for things like skin care products, it's difficult to justify such cruelty just so that people can improve their complexions.

Fortunately, researchers at Ohio State University have developed a type of synthetic skin that may be as good as animal skin for testing skin care products. Moreover, the material may also be useful in the future for individuals in need of skin grafts.

"In addition to ethical issues, animal skin is hard to obtain, expensive, and gives highly variable results because of individual skin variability," said Bharat Bhushan, lead study author.

In a clinical trial, the synthetic skin was shown to absorb and react the same way that rat skin did when the researchers tested a skin care product on it.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) reports that an estimated 100 million animals in the U.S. are killed each year in laboratory testing.

Those who are concerned with issues of animal cruelty should be sure to seek skin care products that are not tested on our furry friends.  

Cosmetic surgeons look into skin care techniques to supplement practices

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) recently put together a panel of professionals charged with the task of looking into how the industry can provide patients with better outcomes using topical skin care products and techniques like chemical peels.

Titled 'Skin Care - Lotions and Potions for Wrinkles: What Really Works?,' the panel will perform research on current and developing techniques and then educate plastic surgeons on the best products and practices.

“Skin is a living organ and is constantly changing,” said panel moderator Renato Saltz, M.D. “For the best surgical results, it is important to think about the quality of the skin and what we can do to improve it, which may mean incorporating skincare techniques into our practice.”

Focusing on medicine that has been backed up by rigorous clinical trials, the panel hopes to separate mere trends from truly effective skin care products. Additionally, they hope to develop an algorithm to help treat sun damage for an array of complexions.

The ASAPS reported that an estimated 20 percent of cosmetic surgeons currently offer spa treatments or have partnerships with medical spas to supplement their offerings.  

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

It's warming up outside, and many of you may have already bought new bikinis, some trendy sandals and a pair of short shorts. But you should consider adding one more thing to your shopping list: sunscreen.

Skin cancer is the most common form of carcinoma, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. While dark skin tones have the benefit of built-in sun protection due to extra melanin, it's not enough to keep African Americans, Latinos and Asians safe from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

The government agency says that skin can be damaged in as few as 15 minutes when under intense sun rays, but that you may not feel the burn for about 12 hours after you step inside. Also, skin can burn even in cloudy or cool weather, so be sure to apply SPF even if the weather isn't beach-worthy.

People who are at an increased risk of skin cancer include those with a personal or family history of the disease, individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors, people with sensitive skin as well as those who have light skin, hair or eye color.

In addition to staying indoors whenever possible, people should be sure to wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 and avoid tanning beds.  

Makeup tips for the office

Getting ready for work often involves striking the fine balance between looking professional while maintaining a fashionable, feminine look. Makeup can be tricky, especially for those who are making a transition - whether it be from college to a career, or from a more casual office to one that requires business attire.

The following guidelines will help you put your best face forward while earning the respect of your colleagues.

If you need foundation or concealer, apply the liquid or cream with a sponge, dabbing lightly for an even tone. If you tend to be on the oily side, either skip the first step and just use some loose powder that matches your skin tone, or dust a light layer over your foundation.

When applying eyeliner, remember to keep it subtle and do not extend lines past your eyelashes. Consider trying a dark brown shade instead of black for a more natural look.

Mascara should be clump-free and not too heavy. The goal is to accentuate the eyelashes, and not to appear as if you're wearing false ones.

Tinted or neutral lip gloss gives the face a fresh, young look with the simple swipe of a wand. Also, gloss wears more evenly than lipstick and can be easier to reapply.