skin care

It happens to all of us. We all know that we should wash our face before we go to bed; especially if we have make-up on. Yes there are those lucky few whose skin is beautiful whether or not they are religious about washing.

So, here’s a little shortcut for those nights when you need a fast, gentle face-wash so you can hop into bed lickety-split.

The Ultimate Cleansing Cloths were developed for the most sensitive baby skin, and also make a wonderful make-up remover. Extra thick cloths soaked in a no-rinse; hypoallergenic solution they are the perfect solution to clean your face before bedtime. Dermatologist-tested.

In addition to removing the dirt and oil that has accumulated over the day, gentle moisturizers will hydrate skin leaving it perfectly soft for the pillow that is calling your name.

Think of it as a “spa night” for your hands. Noodle & Boo’s Glowology line has two products that when used together offer RELIEF for those painfully dry hands. You will need the Sugar Mama Honey Scrub and The Balm.

Before you go to bed, run warm water over your clean hands for a minute. Take a big scoop of the Sugar Mama Honey Scrub and let it melt in your palms. Gently rub your hands together for two or three minutes making sure to get between your fingers and around your cuticles. When the sugar is gone and your hands feel oily, rinse them with water and pat dry.

When hands are still moist apply The Balm generously to your hands. Go to bed. Wake up with wonderfully soft and supple hands. During the winter months, this is a wonderful bedtime ritual.

Leave a comment on any post this week and receive free samples of both the Sugar Mama Honey Scrub and The Balm. Be sure to e-mail chatterbox@noodleanboo.com your mailing address!

Sweet dreams until tomorrow . . . .

My interest in research and development of skincare products stemmed from having a child with eczema. I am always looking for the latest information in better understanding eczema, its causes and potential cures. Could there be a link between hard-water and eczema? Professor Hywel Williams and his research team are going to find out.

The independent trial run by clinicians at The University of Nottingham has received funding of nearly £1million from the Department of Health’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) program. The study will focus on hard water areas in Nottingham and Leicester, Cambridge, London and the Isle of Wight.

The aim of the Soft Water Eczema Trial (SWET) is to discover whether eczema can be improved by deliberately softening all water used in the home - except at one tap in the kitchen which will supply mains water for drinking.

Families of eczema sufferers and some doctors have said that living in a hard water area may make eczema worse.

Recently a team of researchers at The University of Nottingham found that eczema is more common in primary school children living in hard water areas in the UK compared with children living in soft water areas. No one really knows why, but it could be because hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, leading to increased use of soaps which can act as skin irritants.

Professor Hywel Williams and his research team at the Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology are running the trial. Professor Williams said: “I have wanted to do this study for many years as patients keep telling me that water softeners help their skin, but other people aren’t so sure. Carrying out a proper randomized controlled trial will help us find the answer. If ion-exchange water softeners are found to improve the symptoms of eczema, this will be an extremely important finding for both patients and doctors. Many patients worry about the possible side effects of the usual treatments for eczema, so this would be a welcome addition to their treatment options.”

The study is in the process of recruiting 310 children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years who have moderate to severe eczema.

Up to one fifth of all children of school age have eczema, along with about one in twelve of the adult population. The severity of the disease can vary. In mild forms the skin is dry, red and itchy, whist in more severe forms the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding. Eczema is not contagious and with treatment the inflammation of eczema can be reduced, though the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and need extra care and protection against dryness.

The water softener industry (through their representative body, the UK Water Treatment Association) - is closely involved in the development of the trial and a generic water softener has been specially produced for the study. The industry is meeting the costs of producing and installing water softener units. The study findings will be quite independent from any industry influence.

The trial will run until the end of next year and the results won’t be known until the end of 2009 when all the information has been analyzed.

Noodle & Boo’s ultimate ointment was developed especially for sufferers of eczema. It is an excellent alternative to steroid-based medications.

Beware of the sun even in winter months; tender skin can burn before you know it! Even at this time of year, exposure of more than 20 minutes risks damage to your little ones’ sensitive skin.

Here are a few tips for winter sun safety…

• Your child needs sunscreen outside in all weather. Even on overcast days, 80% of the sun’s damaging rays filter through the haze.

• Plan ahead. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Sunscreen won’t work well unless it has had time to be absorbed. Better yet, use sunscreen on your child’s face and exposed skin each morning; now you can be smart and spontaneous when your toddler wants to play outside. A school age child needs sunscreen every morning year round.

• Sunscreen is absorbed better by dry skin, so don’t wash your child’s face right before applying. When sunscreen is absorbed better, it protects better.

• Bring your sunscreen along on winter vacations. You might not think of packing sunscreen when it is 35 degrees outside, but snow increases exposure. Reflected rays from the sun increase by 80% in snow. The risk of burn goes up even more at high altitude. (And don’t forget the sun goggles in snow country.)

These are a few important features in a sunscreen…

• Sun Protection Factor. There is just a small increase in protection beyond SPF 30, but there is a lot more sensitivity. I see more contact dermatitis with gels of SPF 45 to 50 and higher, so I tell parents to avoid them and choose a water-resistant lotion with SPF 15 to 30 for young children.

• Broad spectrum. The two types of harmful rays in sunlight are UVA and UVB. They are both dangerous, but UVB is the major cause of sunburn and skin cancer. A broad spectrum sunscreen protects against both types of harmful rays.

• Hypoallergenic. When using sunscreen on a young infant, always test on a small area to watch for redness or irritation. You and your older child will benefit from the same mild formula you use on your infant.

Question: Who makes a hypoallergenic, broad spectrum lotion with an SPF 30 that is safe enough for babies? Answer: Noodle and Boo, of course. Play-Day is the perfect sunscreen for sensitive skin of all ages. Don’t leave home without it!

Want to know more? The American Academy of Dermatology is a great resource; read Facts About Sunscreens or take a sun-smart survey called RAYS: Your Grade!

Are you or your guests on the search for the perfect baby shower gift? A great way to enhance your event for your guests, as well as for the guest of honor, is for the ceremonial gift opening experience to be unique and unforgettable! Last week, I shared an innovative theme for a baby shower. The theme of the shower has been created using the bedding and or room color palette pre-selected by the mom-to-be. Keeping in line with your theme, it would behoove you and your guests to offer gift selections in hopes to unite the dream baby trousseau of which any new mother could wish!

1. Fully-stocked diaper bag. A Fleurville Mothership or Caden Lane Messenger bag make the perfect packaging; these are prominent and prestigious diaper bag companies and each represents the utmost quality. Fill the bag with Noodle and Boo hair and skin care products, such as Extra Gentle Shampoo, Conditioning Hair Polish, Super Soft Lotion and Ultimate Cleansing Cloths. You can fill the outer pocket of the diaper bag with fashionable travel bags with pink disco dot by Diapees & Wipees.

2. The Peanut Shell. A celebrity favorite, this pouch can be worn 5 different ways and has just the right amount of stretch for comfort! Brooke Shields, Marcia Cross and Jenna Elfman are all fans of the Peanut Shell. Retro Dots in Pink Chocolate or Blue Chocolate are best sellers!

3. Hip, keepsake designer blankets by InphantElefant, wrapped just like a gift ready to give! Be sure to add a matching onsie. Inphantelefant was also featured in Oprah’s World’s Biggest Baby Shower!

4. Ribbit-Ribbit hand painted, wooden ornate baby frames designed by Amy Dillard, Many colors and motifs to pick from you will find more than one to match any baby’s room.

5. Blossom Roll crib bedding or Bassinet Bag by Petunia Picklebottom. Baby will sleep in comfort and style in this luxurious linen. Available in chocolate brown and champagne pink floral brocade (pictured here). A beautiful diaper bag is also available to match!

Just the words “dry, cracked skin” are enough to make us girls reach for the lotions and potions. And as the weather turns colder, dry skin becomes a common problem for most of us. When choosing lotions, creams and ointments, personal preference is important along with choosing effective products that leave skin hydrated and healthy.

Most lotions and creams contain one or both of the following agents, an oily agent and a watery agent. Most of the time, creams and lotions vary based on the amount of these two agents, or “phases” as they are commonly referred to by formulators.

Some creams or lotions can contain most of one phase and almost none of the other. Or, these agents can exist in equal amounts. In many cases, the ‘feel’ of a lotion or cream may run from very oily to not oily at all. It all depends on the relationship of the two phases. For instance the Ultimate Baby Ointment and the Elasticity Oil are two Noodle & Boo products that are oil-based (no water). The Balm has both oil and water but has a higher percentage of oil than the Super Soft Lotion or Lovely Body Lotion which are light daily moisturizers for the whole body.

Unless some unusual medical condition exists (such as Psoriasis) most skin damage occurs because of dryness. In the winter, the air lacks the same humidity as in the summer. The atmosphere contributes to dehydrating the skin at a faster rate during this time.

It is during this period that creams or lotions with an oily feel come to the rescue and provide a covering that slows the escape of moisture from the exposed surface allowing re-hydrating from below. Oil-based lotions and creams have an ‘occlusive’ function in that they cover the skin and allow healing like a band-aid. These creams and lotions may also contain additives which have proven to provide softening and soothing properties to the skin.

If you suffer from dry skin from head-to-toe, the ultimate luxury we offer is the Elasticity Oil applied just after your shower and before you dry off.

For seriously dry cracked skin on hands and feet the ultimate ointment is excellent. Since it is an oil-based product it will leave skin oily and is recommended for overnight skin therapy.

For dry skin that needs a little tender loving care to keep it in tip-top shape during the winter months, The Balm is “the bomb.” Wonderfully rich it dries quickly and leaves skin supple. For best results it should be used after you shower as well as after every hand-washing.

Happiness is well-hydrated skin . . .

Pearls?…these are some of my pediatric “tricks of the trade.” Time tested, parent tested, and pediatrician approved from over twenty years of baby and child care…

Most people know to avoid diaper rash by keeping those little bottoms dry. But too much cleaning can be a problem too.

Newborns and very young infants are especially sensitive to wetness, and that includes over cleaning. A newborn may need to be changed 12 or more times a day; that’s a lot of wetness and wiping on such sensitive skin. Most diapers wick wetness away quickly, so when changing a wet diaper in a newborn, simply switch it for a dry one. Save the cleaning for a soiled diaper (which may still end up being almost every change!)

When there is any soiling, cleanse with gentle wiping, without rubbing or pressure. And after the bottom seems clean, use another fresh wipe to be sure. Any trace of stool left behind (no pun intended) can trigger irritation and rash.

Older babies and toddlers do not urinate as frequently as newborns, so a quick wipe with every change is better to freshen them.

Which wipe to use? Choose Noodle and Boo’s Ultimate Cleansing Cloths for soft, gentle pampering of your baby’s sensitive skin.

They are just what the doctor ordered.

A single cupcake will probably do you no harm, but eating foods with Low GI Ratings have now been linked to clearer, healthier skin.

Before we continue let’s review . . . GI stands for Glycemic Index. You have heard about good carbs and bad carbs as they relate to weight loss, diabetes and heart disease, now eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and less pasta, rice and cereal can contribute to the health of your skin as well.

Specifically, a new study suggests there may be a link between a low-glycemic diet and an improvement in blemished skin. The study, “Low-Glycemic-Load Diet May Improve Acne in Young Men,” published in the July 2007 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined whether male acne patients aged 15 to 25 who followed a low-glycemic diet (25 percent of energy from protein and 45 percent from low-glycemic-index carbohydrates) had a reduction in acne lesions vs. a control group that consumed a diet rich in carbohydrates.

The study found that at 12 weeks, acne lesions had decreased more in the young men in the low-glycemic group than their counterparts in the control group whose diet had no consideration for the glycemic index. This suggests that there could be a relationship between limiting carbohydrate-rich foods and an improvement in acne.

If you would like to compare a meal you might have during the day with one that has a “low GI rating,” click here.

So, let me get this straight, healthy weight, healthy heart and healthy skin . . . sounds like a win, win, win!

by Sarah Skarda

Like most women I have an ideal routine for my day, including a skin care regime. However, the reality of being able to keep my routine is not so predictable. I juggle so much in my day with two little ones, plus the always-wonderful unexpected events that come up. It seems like there will always be something I have to compromise. Usually, the “something” is my personal care.

On that note, the one step I cannot go without is applying my daily eye cream. I may not fit in the planned pedicure, but I will not sacrifice my “Eye Doctor” by Origins at a mere $28.50 (not bad when compared to other leading brands).

The eye area is so important to keep hydrated. There are no sweat or oil glands in the eye area so it is impossible to hydrate naturally, by drinking water. Like most gals, I want to grow old gracefully and I know I do have some control to make it happen! Since eyes “tell all,” eye skin care is critical.

The skin in the eye area is as thin as an eggshell. That is why it is very important to treat this area with the utmost care and gentleness. Too much pulling on your eye will wear out the elastin and in time your skin won’t bounce back. To apply your eye cream use your ring finger in a gentle tapping motion, in a C-like shape, from the brow bone down and under the eye on the highest point of your cheek bone. Also, wearing eye cream will noticeably improve the application and the payoff of your eye-shadow.

Happiness is taking time for your thirsty eyes . . .

Glowology’s The Balm is beautynewsnyc’s, beauty editor, Candice Sabatini’s choice for the perfect “hostess gift.” Here is what she had to say:

“While you’re giving thanks for the bounty, don’t forget to thank your hostess for working her fingers to the bone and for creating a fabulous feast. Even if she did only dial-for-dinner, she deserves a prezzy.

The Balm by Glowology smells as sweet as dessert and will soften her hands and feet with its blend of shea butter, sugar maple essence, orange and lemon.

Use your noodle and buy one for yourself also. It’s too delicious to want to give away!”

Available at Neiman Marcus, The Balm $26.00

Happiness is having someone cook (or order) for you . . .

Actually, these are a few of Sarah Skarda’s favorite things! Sarah is a freelance make-up artist (and mother to 2 beautiful little boys) who came up through the ranks at MAC Cosmetics and has always had wonderful suggestions in how to make even the most time-starved woman feel beautiful.

Here is what she had to say:

There are a few make-up staples that I cannot live without. I don’t have very much time but, like most gals, want to look as polished as possible. So, I have a “must have 3 list” for those who don’t have more than 5 minutes to apply make-up in the morning.

Number one! Find the “perfect bronzer” for your skin, not too orange and not too red. Red will give the skin a grayish payoff that will look dirty and the last thing you want is for someone to lick their finger and rub your cheek the way your mother used to in order to get dirt off your face! The bronzer I use for my skin tone and LOVE is Golden Bronzer by MAC. Bronzer gives that wonderful sun-kissed look but won’t make you too blushy or rosy. Apply bronzer with a large powder brush and stroke downward in small strokes towards the jaw on the cheek bone (no more of the 80’s streak line blushed look ladies). Also, apply in the T-zone and on the neck. Bronzer is something that you use to look polished, alive and “natural, not noticeable.”

Number two! Get your favorite mascara. Use a black mascara to thicken your lash-line and to define your lashes . . . personally I never use any other color. My favorite mascara ranges from the typical $8 mascara from the local drugstore to my trusty Lancome Definicil Mascara. ALWAYS replace your mascara every 10 weeks, if you use it daily. Not only can you get an infection, but it dries out and becomes flakey and clumps your lashes together. Having a new mascara makes your application process easier and FASTER! Apply an even layer on your lashes and try to separate the lashes by using very small back and forth movements. If you get mascara on your skin while applying it, let the mascara dry completely, then flake it off with your fingernail. NEVER try to get mascara off when it is wet.

Number three! Find a great gloss that you are comfortable with, both in color and shine. Some of my girlfriends hate gloss because their hair sticks to it or they just don’t like the thicker texture and look. In that case, find a tinted lip moisturizer to substitute for gloss. The reason I say a gloss is a “must have” is because it is one thing you can re-apply without the use of a mirror, there are many colors to choose from, and it dresses up a natural and virtually makeup-less look. I LOVE the juicy tubes by Lancome or Lip Glass by MAC. Try a reddish hue for the holidays and your friends will think you took forever to get ready! Apply directly on or use your fingertip to smear it on. Usually brands will sell wonderful sets for the holidays at reduced prices.

Now is the time to “buy and try” for your new years, “new look” resolution.

All recommended products available at Nordstrom.

Glowology, according to The Daily Obsession, offers the perfect gift for “The Yummy Mummy” on your list. The Daily Obsession covers fashion, beauty, shopping and lifestyle, and has a wonderful holiday gift guide. Our Simply Divine gift-set was included as a must-have along with our Essential Care Kit for the little ones in your life. Here is what they had to say:

holiday gift-guide 07: yummy mummy

Even the yummiest of moms may not look so divine after a sleepless night waiting up with her child for Santa. Gift her with the Simply Divine set ($45) from Noodle & Boo’s glowology line. She can re-charge by lathering up with the Heavenly Honey Wash, a rich cloud of milk and honey meant to refresh and relax. Afterward, she’ll turn to the Lovely Body Lotion to hydrate and smooth skin (not to mention, will leave her smelling SO good). And since we know that these mommies just adore their children…add the Essential Care Kit ($15) so that her kid can join in on the fun, too. The result is baby soft skin - for both mother and child!

Noodle & Boo products available at Neiman Marcus.

Glowology’s Simply Divine makes the “top 12″ list on the STYLELIST. Here is what they had to say:

Bath Beautiful

Need the perfect present for a girlfriend, neighbor, or co-worker? This indulgent Glowology gift set, featuring body wash and lotion made from milk and honey, is formulated for even the most sensitive skin. Simply Divine Gift Set, $45, www.noodleandboo.com.

To view The Stylelist’s complete list of BEST: Last-Minute Holiday Gifts, click here.

Senior writer for Celebrity Baby Blog and Mommies With Style, Nancy Johnson Horn was 30 weeks pregnant when she requested Glowology products to review. She was a perfect candidate to review our line as they are developed to be 100% safe for pregnant and nursing moms.

Here’s what she had to say, “Heading into my 30th week of pregnancy, my ankles are getting more swollen every minute. And my feet are getting so dry! What can I do to fix this?

Well, Noodle & Boo, very well known for taking care of the sensitive skin for the playground set (also a celeb fave for their kids) recently started a line for expecting mamas called Glowology. They sent me two products to review, The Balm and the Elasticity Oil. Both are organic and I’m in love with them!

The Balm ($24 for 6.5 oz) actually moisturizes my feet and feels wonderful. You can also use it on your hands. Made with oh-so-rich organic shea butter, sunflower oil and with a blend of billberry, lemon, orange, sugar cane and sugar maple extracts, it smells amazing (but I like that it works!) It also kept the moisture in for hours (something the other lotions I’ve used just don’t do). Treat your feet to this, whether you’re pregnant or not! I do not let it out of my sight!

I’m also using their Elasticity Oil ($42 for a 4 oz bottle) to nourish my itchy belly and bust. You can also add it to your bath. This heavenly oil contains sunflower and jojoba seed oil, with a little honey, calendula (to calm the skin) and grape seed oil (to soothe). Also smells delicious and works well!

Noodle & Boo also have some other great products in their new line, I’d love to try. Check out the Perfecting Creme ($62) - to reduce stretch marks and the Afterglow Gel - to firm and slim the skin.”

Glowology products are availabe at Neiman Marcus.

Happiness is being so close to meeting the little person of your dreams . . .

Juli B - San Francisco is a lifestyle and luxury blog . . . a new fav of Harper’s Bazaar . . . has this to say about Glowology’s Perfecting Creme for stretch mark control:

glow on.
proclaim your radiance. the noodle and boo glowology perfecting crème ($62) is the prod to keep you feeling like your old self. or young self, for that matter. this 3.5-ounce tube squeezes out nothing but goodness. collagen synthesizers and fibronectin (we don’t know what it is but sounds good) helps to reduce stretch marks. also great for the pregger ones. available at neiman marcus.

When a person becomes stressed, the level of the body’s stress hormone (cortisol) rises. This in turn causes an increase in oil production, which can lead to oily skin, acne and other related skin problems. Even those with skin that is not affected by acne tend to develop temporary stress-related acne due to increased oil production.

In fact, a study in the January 2001 issue of the Archives of Dermatology entitled Psychological Stress Perturbs Epidermal Permeability Barrier Homeostasis, found that “stress has a negative effect on the barrier function of the skin, resulting in water loss that inhibits the skin’s ability to repair itself after an injury.”

Specifically, the study involving 27 medical, dental and pharmacy students examined how periods of higher stress (in this case, during final examinations) impacted the skin’s response to repeated stripping of cellophane tape on the subjects’ forearms vs. periods of lower stress (such as after returning from winter vacation). Researchers found that it took longer for the skin to recover from the minimally invasive tape stripping during periods of perceived higher stress than during less stressful periods.

“This study was the first of its kind to suggest what dermatologists anecdotally have known for years - that psychological stress adversely affects the normal functions of the skin,” said Dr. Mayoral. “While the subjects in this study did not have any pre-existing skin conditions, I would suspect that people with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis would have been even more adversely affected by this experiment.”

Learn to recognize the underlying problem that is triggering your symptoms and develop skills to help minimize the stress.

1. Exercise helps release endorphins in the body that can reduce stress.
2. Avoid very hot showers or baths.
3. Moisturize as soon as possible after bathing.
4. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily to protect your skin from sun exposure.

Adapted from materials provided by American Academy of Dermatology.

Happiness is beautiful skin . . .

A nice review from beauty expert Mickey Williams at BeautyBakery. Mickey says: “This lotion is considered a luxury in the body beauty world and it’s not just for its super smooth texture and flirty smell.

Glowology glimmers with other benefits like being solely created with the sensitive flesh in mind. I recommend Glowology Lovely Body Lotion as a fall to winter product. It’s a nice complement when the nights get colder and your honey gets closer.

Nourishing milk protein, almond oil and clover honey leave skin sweetly soft.”

Available at Neiman Marcus, Lovely Body Lotion, $26.00

Happiness is having someone to cuddle with . . .

A review from BeautyNewsLA. We are glad that Glowology is a new fav!!! Here’s what beauty expert Courtney Kretchman had to say:

This month, the educated editors at BeautyNewsLA have found love in studying Glowology. Positively defined as “the art of celebrating the beauty in every woman,” Glowology is a luxury line of skincare by Noodle & Boo dedicated to women who are “expecting” or have sensitive skin.

Whether brought on by stress, hormones, weather or any handful of reasons, skin can become more sensitive with age. Glowology products have been developed with natural ingredients that are moisturizing and regenerating, to relieve, calm and reduce symptoms of easily irritated skin. Specially selected ingredients improve skin’s tolerance level, while also helping to reinforce its barrier to outside influences.

The Sugar Mama Honey Scrub was a unanimous favorite amongst the BNLA women. Even those of us who didn’t claim any skin sensitivity issues couldn’t seem to get enough of the honey and shea butter whipped body scrub. It’s even sold as a boxed duo called Honey Child, packaged with the Sugar Mama Honey Bar. Gentle enough for little ones too, the moisturizing bath bar smells amazing and is said to balance skin’s natural pH level.

We also couldn’t wait to pick up the Repair Kit for our pregnant pals. The bow-tied embossed box set includes Glowology’s Perfecting Crème, a formula to control and prevent stretch marks, and Afterglow Gel to firm and tone the skin.

From packaging to product, we can’t say enough about Glowology. We only wish we’d studied it sooner…

Available at Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills.

Happiness is healthy skin . . .