The Best Time of Day to Exercise, Take Meds, and More Health Moves

There's an optimal time for every health move, from eating breakfast and taking your allergy meds to quitting smoking and even having sex. Here's how to tune into those magic hours to boost your everyday well-being — and your long-term health.

There's never a bad time to do something healthy, right? Not so fast. When it comes to maximizing your health, timing is everything. That's because we're hardwired to follow a "body clock," an internal timer that tells the body whether to sleep or work, nibble a light salad or devour a hearty stew, ovulate or grab a maxi pad. "Everything in nature works on a rhythm that is defined by time — hours, days, nights, weeks, seasons, years, and more," says Matthew Edlund, M.D., director of the Center for Circadian Medicine in Sarasota, FL, and author of The Body Clock Advantage. Unfortunately, our lifestyle — wolfing down lunch at 3 p.m. between meetings, flouting our bedtime to watch The Daily Show — often throws those rhythms out of whack, which can lead to weight gain, up our risk of illness and disease, and leave us feeling sluggish and sad. But tuning in to your internal clockwork more closely has great advantages. "If you can get your innate body rhythms in sync with the food, activity, and rest you need, you can not only get healthier but even feel better day to day," Edlund says.

Calibrate your body clock with the timing tricks below. You'll improve your workouts, gain more energy, stabilize your mood, manage your weight more easily, and even prevent and treat illness more effectively. It's health as nature intended!

In the Morning

• Sleep an extra 20 minutes. There's no substitute for a solid night of z's, but research suggests that rising as late as you can get away with — even if it's just 20 or 30 minutes later than you usually do — can make you more relaxed during the day. Our bodies naturally crank up the stress hormone cortisol in the a.m. so that we'll get up and moving, but postponing your wake-up time can lower those levels just enough to take the edge off. In a study at London's University of Westminster, earlier risers (who woke up as early as 5:22 a.m.) had higher cortisol levels during the first 45 minutes of their day and tended to be angrier at night than later risers (who got up as late as 10:30 a.m.), regardless of how much total sleep they got. While there's no optimal wake-up time, the researchers say, set the alarm for as late as your schedule will allow. For best results, try to go to bed and wake up at about the same times every day; this will keep your body clock running smoothly.

• Weigh yourself. Stepping on the scale first thing (after the bathroom, before breakfast, wearing little to nothing) gives you the most accurate read on your weight, which can fluctuate by up to three pounds during the day! It's a good idea to weigh in daily: A study from Brown University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill showed that 61 percent of people who did so maintained their weight within five pounds over time (compared with 32 percent who weighed in less often), mainly because it helped them catch weight gain early.

• Slather on sunscreen. For the best possible protection, apply it (year-round) a full 30 minutes before you head outdoors — that's how long it takes for the stuff to soak in and become effective.

• Bask in the morning light. Boost your energy for the day, and ward off depression, by getting a healthy dose of sunlight in the morning (after putting on sunscreen!). Exposure to natural light in the a.m. signals your body to cut off production of melatonin, a hormone that makes you sleepy. Light is also a natural antidepressant, according to several studies, and increases your body's production of vitamin D, which may help you fend off cancer and heart disease. So head outdoors for at least 10 minutes early in the day, whether that means walking to a farther bus stop or sipping your coffee on your porch.

• Eat breakfast if you're watching your weight. A hearty starter, ideally eaten within 15 to 30 minutes of waking and no later than 8 a.m., will help you stave off a gain. "If you don't eat breakfast, your body thinks it's in starvation mode, and you'll eat more food later on," Edlund says. A Harvard Medical School study confirms that people who ate a morning meal were one third less likely to be obese than those who didn't. Go for whole grains (oatmeal, whole-grain cereal, or whole-grain toast) with a serving of protein (an egg, a tablespoon of nut butter, or a slice of low-fat cheese) and some fruit to keep you alert and feeling full for longer. Aim for a meal of around 200 to 300 calories.

In the Afternoon

• Take a power nap. A midday snooze isn't just for babies! By 2 p.m., your body temperature starts to dip, just as it does before bedtime, bringing your eyelids with it. Instead of hitting the vending machine for a sugar high — and eventual crash — try succumbing to your sleepiness and indulging in a 10-minute siesta. An Australian study compared naps lasting 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes and found that 10 minutes left participants feeling the most refreshed, rested, and alert. Just make sure to set an alarm on your watch or phone so your doze doesn't go overtime, which can cause sleep inertia (that horrible post-snooze grogginess). Can't nap at work? Get off your duff for a 10-minute loop around the block. It's not as restorative, but it will clear your head and boost your circulation, energizing mind and body.

• Skip "lunch" in favor of two mini-meals (of about 300 calories each). Eat the first one three hours following breakfast and the second about three hours after that to keep your blood sugar steady and your metabolism fired up. Time the second mini-meal to coincide with the low of that afternoon slump we mentioned — so, between 2 and 3 p.m. "You feel tired, and it's difficult to stay mindful, so you start putting stupid things in your mouth," says Pamela Peeke, M.D., author of Fit to Live: The 5 Point Plan to Be Lean, Strong, and Fearless for Life. "But having a bunch of fat and refined sugars is the worst thing you can do, because your energy will spike and then crash." Instead, go for lean protein, high-quality carbohydrates, and a bit of fat. Peeke's picks: 1 Tbsp of low-fat peanut butter on a pita, half a turkey wrap, or some low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese with fruit.

• Get moving. Late afternoon to early evening (5 to 6 p.m.) may just be the best time to exercise, because that's when you're hottest, literally. Your body temperature reaches its daily peak (2 to 3 degrees warmer than in the morning), giving you maximum muscle strength, flexibility, agility, and stamina as well as faster reaction times. Even your lungs are using oxygen more efficiently at this time. You'll work out harder with less perceived effort and are less likely to injure yourself. Of course, any exercise is better than none, so if an early workout fits best with your schedule, keep it there. In fact, a.m. exercisers are most likely to stick to their habit: Studies have shown that more than 90 percent of people who work out in the morning are consistent about doing it.

At Night

• Down a glass of cranberry. You've probably heard that compounds in cranberry juice can help prevent urinary-tract infections. If you drink a glass in the evening, the juice will hang out in the bladder, fighting bacteria, till morning. Sip a cup after sex for extra protection: The juice can keep bacteria that's been pushed up the urethra during intercourse from sticking to bladder walls.

• Invite the night. Preparation for bedtime should start well before you brush your teeth. Wind down any exercise three hours before bed to give your body temperature a chance to cool and signal the brain that it's sleep time. Also close the kitchen (and the bar) two to four hours in advance, since it takes that long for your stomach to empty of solid foods; doing so will help you avoid indigestion and acid reflux. Aim for an undivided seven to eight hours of sleep every night. And because environmental factors, from bright moonlight to fluorescent street lamps, can disrupt cues to your internal clock, it's best to keep the room dark — no night-lights, no neon alarm clocks, and certainly no flashing cell phones. Your brain's pineal gland needs darkness to make melatonin, a hormone that tells your body to drift off (see "Bask in the morning light"). The pineal gland gets confused if it senses light, compromising your sleep quality. Melatonin also has been linked to improved immunity and lower risk of cancer.

• Slather on a sweat-stopper. Take a shower before bed (or just spot-wash your underarms — or your feet, if they've been smelly). Then dry off and apply the antiperspirant of your choice. At night, your body's temperature naturally lowers and you're less likely to sweat, which gives antiperspirant a chance to fully absorb and allows its active ingredients to go to work. By the time you step into the shower the next day, you'll be totally protected.

• Take your allergy meds. Both allergy symptoms and the pollen count are highest first thing in the morning, so take your long-acting antihistamines at night to avoid waking up to a sneeze-fest. Bonus: If the pills make you sleepy, taking them at bedtime might help you drop off.

• Pop an aspirin if you're a candidate for high blood pressure, the biggest risk factor for heart disease and stroke. In a recent study from the University of Vigo in Spain, people with prehypertension (blood pressure that's between normal and high) who took aspirin around 11 p.m. had lower blood pressure readings after three months than people with prehypertension who took aspirin at 8 a.m. or who made dietary changes. Researchers believe aspirin works by slowing the nighttime production of hormones and other substances that lead to clotting. Talk to your doctor to find out whether it might help you.


Source: Redbook Magazine

Surprising Heart Disease Facts

If you have this on your ear...
A transverse crease -- one that goes horizontally across your ear -- may indicate heart disease, says Dr. Snyderman. "About eight years ago, there was a study of 108 people that found that individuals with a crease in at least one earlobe were more likely to die than people with out ear creases." This indented mark gives a clue about your body's levels of elastin -- a protein that affects blood vessel functioning. If you don't have enough elastin, it could be a sign of heart disease.

Baldness is a risk factor
Men who are balding at the front of the head and the crown should get their hearts evaluated, says Dr. Snyderman. "It has to do with vascular supply to the hair follicles -- everything in your body needs a blood vessel. The earlier the baldness and the more bald the baldness, the higher the risk of heart disease." Compared with men who are not bald, the risk of heart disease increases by 9 percent if the balding is at the front of a man's head, by 23 percent if it is at the crown and by 36 percent if he is completely bald on the top of his head, according to a Harvard Health study cited by Dr. Snyderman.

Snoring can indicate heart disease
"If you snore and you have sleep apnea -- when you stop breathing at night for 10 seconds or longer -- the risk of heart disease is real," says Dr. Snyderman. "We brush off snoring as no big deal, but your heart and your lungs have to work that much longer just to circulate your blood, and this takes a toll. This affects men and women equally."

How erectile dysfunction relates to heart disease
"If a man comes to the doctor's office complaining that he can't get an erection, he really has to get his heart evaluated," says Dr. Snyderman. If you're having a hard time getting blood to the penis to achieve an orgasm, "you have to wonder if the vascular supply coming out of the heart or to the heart isn't good." Men who have erectile dysfunction are 80 percent more likely to develop heart disease than men who do not, and young men in their 40s who have erectile dysfunction are twice as likely to get heart disease, according to a Mayo Clinic study cited by Dr. Snyderman.

Risky combinations
Having multiple risk factors can up your odds for heart disease astronomically. The combination of high blood pressure and baldness ups a man's risk by 79 percent, whereas having high cholesterol and male-patterned baldness increases his risk by 178 percent, according to a Harvard Health study cited by Dr. Snyderman.

Jaw pain may signal a heart attack
You know the basic heart attack symptoms: pain shooting down your left arm, or a large pain under the breast bone, which Dr. Snyderman says patients describe as "having an elephant sitting on your chest." But one unusual sore spot related to heart attacks is often a complaint among women -- pain in the jaw, when heart attack pain radiates up to the jaws and teeth.

Men and women feel heart attack pain differently
"Women more than men have this intuitive sense that something is not quite right," says Dr. Snyderman. "Usually for men, the way they discover heart attack risk is when they feel, 'Oh, my God, something is happening.'"

Heart disease kills this gender more...
Men. "Estrogen probably protects women a little bit, until later in life when estrogen levels drop," says Dr. Snyderman. "But women also access the healthcare system more than men. Men go to the pediatrician and stay in the healthcare system till they're 18, then they disappear. Unfortunately, with heart disease being the number-one killer, it's often heart disease that brings men to the doctor's office."

Men's risky behavior ups their risk
Men are greater risk-takers than women -- and this could have an impact on whether they are affected by heart disease, says Dr. Snyderman. "The typical overworked guy is a smoker, who works and is under stress. On top of that, he has a bad diet and never exercises. These become cumulative factors. Obviously genetics play a role, too."

Sleep matters
"We are a sleep-deprived nation," says Snyderman. "When you cut back on shuteye, your immune system really takes a hit. Stress and lack of sleep are really compound factors that can increase heart-disease risk."


Source: AOL Health

Lifetime Health Risks

What Are The Odds?
Most people know that no matter how unsettling flying in an airplane can be, there is a greater risk of dying in a car accident than in a plane crash. But what are the odds of catching a fatal case of influenza or of a baby being born with extra fingers or toes? The answers may surprise you.

Influenza
The flu might seem like merely an annoyance, easily cured by a week of bed rest, but the virus often isn't so innocuous. Historically, killer influenza pandemics have overtaken the nation and world. The 1918 outbreak had a death toll 10 times higher than World War I. Today, barring an epidemic, influenza can still prove deadly for the very old and the very young. In fact, your lifetime risk of dying from influenza is one in 63, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Albinism
Albinism, a genetic mutation in which the skin, eyes and hair lack the melanin that normally provides pigmentation, has proven to be a dangerous trait in the African nation of Tanzania in recent years due to a popular belief that blood and body parts from albino people will bring prosperity and luck, according to the BBC. Among East Africans, rates of albinism are as high as one in 1,000, according to a survey conducted by the World Health Organization. In the United States, about one in 17,000 have the mutation, according to the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation.

MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, known as MRSA, can cause life-threatening infections. Once considered a health risk only in hospitals or nursing homes, the bacteria have more recently been contracted in common settings like the gym. The lifetime risk of dying of a MRSA infection in 2007 was one in 197, according to the CDC. Staph skin infections begin as small red bumps that turn into painful sores; the bacteria also can invade the body, passing into the bones, bloodstream and lungs.

Polydactyly
Polydactyly, or being born with extra digits, is more common than you might think, especially among African-Americans. Approximately one in 100 African-American babies are born with one or more extra fingers or toes, while one in 1,000 Caucasians has the condition, according to doctors from the University of Washington Medical Center's Clinical Genetics Center and Harrison Regional Medical Center. Sometimes polydactyly can occur with other birth defects, but often the baby is otherwise perfectly healthy and normal.

Anophthalmia
The odds of a baby being born with only one eye or with one or both eyes abnormally small are about one per 10,000 births, according to the International Children's Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia Network. These conditions are called anophthalmia and microphthalmia, respectively. There is no treatment that can restore vision to the affected eye, but most children can be fitted with an artificial eye to make the face appear more normal.

Breast and skin cancer
There's no doubt that breast cancer can be devastating, but how does a woman's risk of breast cancer compare to the risk of of non-melanoma skin cancer, the most common type of cancer? Although risk varies based on factors like gender, skin color and sun exposure, the odds of a woman developing breast cancer by age 25 are one in 20,000; by age 85 that risk rises to one in eight, according to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. But it's estimated that up to one-half of people in the U.S. who live to be 65 years or older will develop non-melanoma skin cancer at least once, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Heart disease and stroke
The lifetime risk of dying of heart disease -- one in five -- dwarfs the previously mentioned statistics. So does the risk of passing away from a stroke: one in 24, according to the CDC. The main risk factors for these conditions? They are, among others, smoking, being overweight and having high blood pressure and high cholesterol. So while there is plenty of danger outside your control, perhaps the best bet for a long life just might be the old standbys: eating healthfully, exercising and managing stress.

Marfan syndrome
Today's experts suspect that former President Abraham Lincoln may have had Marfan syndrome, a disorder of the body's connective tissue. Approximately one in 5,000 people in the U.S. are born with this hereditary syndrome, according to the National Marfan Foundation. Often characterized by a very tall, thin build -- like Lincoln's -- and extremely flexible joints, Marfan usually affects many of the body's systems, such as the heart, lungs and nervous system. Dangerous effects include weakened heart valves, collapsed lungs and fluid retention around the brain and spinal cord.

HIV from a blood transfusion

Receiving a blood transfusion may be safer than ever, thanks to federal guidelines about who can donate and procedures to screen for blood-borne diseases. In fact, the risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, from a blood transfusion, has dropped to between one in 1.4 million and one in 1.8 million. In 1995, that figure was between one in 450,000 and one in 660,000, according to the University of California-San Francisco.


Source: AOL Health

Love the Skin You're In

When it comes to skin care advice, there is often a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Well, no more. Whether you live in a hot climate or cold, or if you have maturing skin or tattooed, we'll give you the best advice to protect your outermost layer.

Winter Skin Worries
Not only does cold air contain minimal moisture, which can cause drier skin and increased itchiness in normal skin types, it has a greater impact on aging skin, and people with health concerns like psoriasis and eczema, by exacerbating the symptoms.

Dry, Itchy Skin
To prevent dry, itchy skin, avoid taking lengthy or overly hot showers or baths. Try using a less abrasive soap, such as a non-soap cleanser, suggests the AAD, and apply moisturizers with lipids right after bathing. If your dry, scaly skin is a chronic occurrence, you may have eczema or atopic dermatis -- find out more about this skin condition's symptoms.

Stressed? Your Skin Needs TLC Too
When you worry, your body's stress hormone, cortisol, rises, which in turn can cause oily skin and acne outbreaks, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Other nasty byproducts of stress can include an increased risk of skin cancer and slower healing wounds.

Pregnant Precautions
Of course you're curious about stretch marks. According to the AAD, odds are stacked against you -- about 90 percent of women get them -- typically during the sixth and seventh months of pregnancy. The good news? Moisturizer can improve the appearance of stretch marks and reduce itchiness. Sunless tanning products can hide them altogether, says the AAD. Prescription treatment creams or laser therapy are other options. Pregnant women may also have issues with itchy palms and soles. The AAD recommends switching to a fragrance-free non-soap cleanser or try using a chilled over-the-counter mentholated or oatmeal-based moisturizer to soothe the itch.

What Are Those Dark Patches?
Melasma, or hyperpigmentation, is the name you're looking for to describe those darker patches of skin on your face. They're typically found on the forehead, cheeks and above the upper lip and occur in women more often than in men, according to Harvard Health Publications. These marks are usually associated with hormonal changes, which is why pregnant women or women taking hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives may develop them. The AAD recommends wearing SPF 15 or higher to prevent the patches from growing darker. The spots can be concealed with makeup or treated with prescriptions.

Beat Breakouts
Adults with acne: the news is grim. According to the AAD, you can keep producing pimples into your 50s. Three factors contribute to adult outbreaks -- overproduction of oil, blockage of the hair follicles that release the oil, and bacteria growth, says the AAD. To prevent scars: do not pop or squeeze your zits. Wash with mild soap and warm water, but avoid vigorous scrubbing -- this can worsen the acne -- and alcohol-based astringents which strip your skin of natural moistures, says the AAD. Look for oil-free cosmetics and sunscreens. Medications are available too.

Fragrance Foul Ups
About two percent of Americans are allergic to fragrance, a component of most beauty products out there -- if you notice a skin reaction, try a hypoallergenic or fragrance-free version of the product.

Mature Skin: What to Watch for
As you age, time takes a toll on both the outer layer (epidermis) and inner layers of skin, meaning your skin is less able to retain moisture and protect against bruising, scarring, dryness and the sun's damaging ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, according to the AAD. You also lose collagen and tissues that keep the skin firm and protect against injury.

Cosmetic Complications
Immediately after getting a tattoo there are several complications you could have, including a skin infection, staph infection, or soft tissue infection. For the first 24 hours after the procedure, your tattoo may be swollen or ooze blood or clear, yellow fluid. However, if the fluid changes to creamy yellow, brown, red, or becomes pus-like, it may be the sign of infection. For piercings, a common problem is an itchy, red skin reaction -- or hypersensitivity to the nickel found in some jewelry. If this occurs, try wearing stainless steel, platinum, or gold jewelry. Hypersensitivity to tattoo pigments also may develop, but this occurrence is rare.

Caution: Hot Temperatures!
Hot and humid temperatures can really give your sweat glands a workout -- which can be a problem. As you age, your sweat glands take longer to produce sweat, meaning it takes you longer to cool off on a hot day. Seniors should pay particular attention to heat advisories. Muggy weather also affects the skin of infants and adults alike in the form of heat rash -- a red or pink rash that develops when sweat ducts are blocked or swollen.

Skin Cancer Prevention
To defend against skin cancer, wear sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. The AAD recommends adults do annual or semi-annual full body skin exams, either through self-examination or with a dermatologist -- checking for any new or unusual moles, marks, bumps or other changes. A recent study published in the May 2008 issue of the 'Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology' found that couples who perform skin self-examinations for each other increase their chances of finding a new melanoma earlier.

Not out of the Clear
"Anyone, regardless of skin color or ethnicity, can develop skin cancer, so it is important to practice sun safety," says the AAD. The difficulty is in diagnosing it, because the typical signs can be found between the toes or on the scalp. Melanoma is often left undiagnosed in people of darker skin tones until after the cancer has already spread. The AAD recommends that people with skin of color practice regular skin self-examinations and learn how to identify unusual moles or other signs of skin cancer.

Toxic Tanning
Yes, if you didn't know already, indoor tanning exposes your skin to what the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has declared a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). A majority of tanning-booth patrons are young women -- which may further their skin cancer risk. According to the AAD, a Swedish study presents strong evidence that indoor tanning, especially at a young age, increases the risk of melanoma. Other complications include skin aging, weakened immunity, and eye damage, including cataracts and ocular melanoma.

No Need to Get Red in the Face
Rosacea, a skin condition characterized by facial redness, affects nearly 14 million Americans and is often confused with adult acne because it affects people between the ages of 30 and 60 and its symptoms can include acne flare ups. Rosacea grows worse over time and is generally cyclic, peaking for weeks to months and then clearing up. Current treatments are often not effective at curing or reversing any skin damage, but medications can help control symptoms and prevent worsening.

Best Care for Psoriasis
People with psoriasis have skin cells whose rapid growth results in thick, white, silvery, or red patches of skin. Typical skin cells are shed every four weeks, while people with psoriasis produce new skin cells in a matter of days, giving that rash appearance. There is no cure for this skin condition, but medical treatment and medicines are available.



Source: AOL Health

Beauty Myths and Truths II

Does red lipstick have lead in it? Is it dangerous?
YES and NO. While some red lipsticks contain lead, the amount is so miniscule that you receive greater exposure just by living your normal, everyday life. However, homes with small children should keep lipsticks hidden because eating a full tube at once could be harmful.

Is any makeup truly "waterproof?"
NO. This depends on your definition of "waterproof." In the beauty world, the word "waterproof" refers to a product's resistance to rubbing off or being sweatproof. "When it comes down to it, all cosmetics come off with soap and water," says Dr. Kunin.

Do I need to wash my makeup brushes after every use?
NO. You only need to shampoo your brushes once a week to sanitize and maintain their best quality, says makeup artist Sara Biria. If you need to dip into a different color and want to quickly refresh your brush, try a spray-on brush cleaner that you tissue off.

Do I have to throw out my makeup after a certain time period?
NO. Use your best judgment. If an item doesn't smell right or changes consistency or color, it's definitely time to trash it, says Biria.

If I have oily skin, should I avoid putting any type of oil on my face?
NO. Some oils can actually benefit this type of skin. Natural essential oils, like orange and grapefruit, help balance a shiny complexion so skin doesn't over-produce oil, says Dr. Christian Jurist of Pevonia Botanica Skincare.

Should I use anti-aging products if I'm in my 20s or early 30s?
YES. Maintaining the firmness, clarity and high collagen levels in skin (the 3 key factors to youthful glowing skin) is easier than trying to repair any damage later on, says Dr. Kunin. The most important anti-aging step is to use a daily SPF of 15 or higher.

Are organic skincare products better for your skin?
MAYBE. Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's safe. There is currently no government regulation for organic skincare products, and many natural plants can cause skin reactions and irritations. "You're paying more for the word without necessarily getting a better product," says Dr. Day.

Do eye creams really contain different ingredients from my normal face moisturizer?
YES. Today's eye creams target specific problems including under-eye circles and puffiness with ingredients like caffeine and vitamin K, which you won't typically find in facial creams, says Robin Evans.

Do facials make a difference for your skin?
YES. Facials can provide a brightening effect, but it's usually temporary and created by the massage stimulation of blood flow, says Dr. Rodgers. And only allow a trusted and skilled esthetician to perform extractions, as a poor job can inflame acne and even cause scarring.

Will liquid foundation clog my pores?
MAYBE. If you're break-out prone, use extra care when selecting a foundation and read the ingredient label. If you stick with oil-free foundations, or tinted moisturizers, you should be safe, says skin expert Evans.

Can I reverse wrinkles once they start forming?
YES. Retinoids are powerful wrinkle-fighters that come in both over the counter and prescription strengths. Treatments in your doctor's office that really work include Botox (though temporary) and more invasive CO2 laser sessions that are "the gold standard," says Dr. Day. New line fillers like Juvederm and Restylane can soften deep creases without the downtime of plastic surgery.

Will getting enough sleep cure under-eye circles and puffiness?
NO. Dark circles and puffiness are more often the result of broken capillaries, genetics, your ethnicity, or salt retention, so no amount of sleep will make a noticeable physical difference, says Dr. Rodgers. Consult your dermatologist if either issue particularly bothers you, as laser treatments can improve these conditions.


Source: Stylelist

Beauty Myths and Truths I

Will waxing make facial hair grow back thicker?
NO. Thankfully, this is not true. However, if you have never waxed before, the sun may have naturally lightened your facial hair to a lighter shade. After you wax, you may notice the hair appears a bit darker only because you were accustomed to the lighter shade, says Robin Evans, owner of Robin Evans Skincare in New York.

Is colored mascara acceptable for the office or daytime?
YES. It is acceptable; just make sure you use a very deep shade like navy blue or eggplant. "Bright mascara is only fine if you're 15," says TV's What Not To Wear makeup artist Carmindy. Keep your look classy by skipping the eyeshadow and liner if you choose to experiment with a more colorful mascara.

Will my eyelashes fall out if I don't remove my mascara?
YES. Scary, but true. Mascara can clog your eyelash follicles, which leads to breakage and shedding, says New York City dermatologist Dr. Doris Day. To quickly remove your mascara, hold a cotton ball saturated with oil-free remover over your lashes for a few seconds before gently wiping the mascara off. Never rub!

Will drinking more water really clear up breakouts?
NO. Even though water will improve skin's hydration, acne and breakouts are caused by genetic and environmental factors that result in increased oil production that gets trapped beneath your pores, says Dr. Christine Rodgers, a plastic surgeon in Denver, CO.

Does eating sugar cause wrinkles?
NO. Sugar doesn't directly cause wrinkles, but a poor diet, such as crash-dieting, or fat-free diets can lead to premature wrinkling because of the evaporation of fat cells in the face which can leave you with sagging jowls and dark under eye circles, according to Dr. Audrey Kunin, a Missouri dermatologist and founder of DERMAdoctor.

Do I need to wash my face both morning and night?
YES. Your skin accumulates grime, pollutants and oils that need to be cleansed, you guessed it, twice daily, even if you're not wearing any makeup. The morning wash is more useful for those with oily skin, which produces sebum overnight and causes you to wake up shiny, says Dr. Day.

I heard that mineral makeup is like rubbing rocks on your face. Is this true?
NO. Mineral makeup is a finely milled, gentle product that is brushed onto the skin surface for a flawless and non-harmful application. Do stay away from synthetics and look for all-natural mineral brands like Bare Escentuals for the best results, says Sephora Pro Makeup Artist Sara Biria.

Is the inner wrist the best place to test for the right shade of makeup?
NO. Your inner wrist is the lightest part of your body and can throw off the accuracy of selecting a foundation shade. Instead, test on your jaw line and take your chest color into consideration as well, says Carmindy.

Can I get an infection from borrowing friends' makeup?
YES. Makeup is the perfect home for bacteria to grow in, and you can even get an infection from your own collection, says Dr. Kunin. The only safe products to share are closed, protected items like cosmetics that are dispensed from pumps.


Source: Stylelist