bath salts, lip gloss,

bath beauty recipes lip gloss bath salt bath bombs glitter gel  You are here: About > Parenting & Family > Family Crafts > Recipes > Bath and Beauty Recipes Parenting & Family Family Crafts Essentials Valentine's Day Projects Chinese New Year Winter Projects Coloring Page Index Craft Project Index Topics Craft Projects by Age Craft Projects by Theme Craft Projects by Type Crafting Tips Crafting for Charity Crafts Techniques 101 Holidays - Celebrations Homemade Gift Ideas Printables - Color Pages Products Recipes Buyer's Guide Decoupage Books Puppet Making Books Soap Making Books Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Family Crafts newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Family Crafts > Recipes > Bath and Beauty Recipes Bath and Beauty Recipes Find recipes to make your own bath salts, lip gloss, body glitter, and much more! Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Aches and Itches Bath Salts Made with baking soda, dry milk, epsom salt, and sea salt. Bath Bags A simple sewing project using washcloths. Make a little bath bag for mom. Bath Bombs Make this fizzing bath treat. Includes special recipes for specific aromas! Bath Fizzies Use this recipe to make a thoughtful gift for a favorite person. Bath Salts Sheryl explains how to make simple, colored bath salts. A fun gift idea. Bath Salts Follow this simple recipe to make bath salts mom will love. Bathtime Bubble Jelly This gelled bubble bath sounds very interesting! I want to try it now. Body Care Basics Read about this special edition, from Crafts Magazine, offers tips and tricks along with several recipes from the pros on creating bath and beauty products. Body Glitter Recipe Make your own body glitter using this simple recipe. Cocoa Lip Gloss Make your own chocolate flavored lip gloss using this recipe. Dry Skin Lotion Made with honey, vegetable oil, and lemon juice. Energizing Bath Salts Bath salts made with eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint oils. Eve's Apple Rinse This hair rinse is made with real apples and apple cider vinigar. Exotic Mango Lip Balm A beauty supply recipe from Crafts Magazine. Face Paint Cheryle shares an easy face paint recipe. Facial/Body Scrub This page presents the basic recipe and then gives you options for using different items depending on the effect you are looking for. Fizzing Bath Salts Add a little kick to ordinary bath salts! Grapefruit Mask Made with grapefruit, an egg white, and sour cream! Hair Care Recipes Find a variety of recipes for conditioner, dandruff relief, and more! Herbal Brew Bags Fill personalized bags with soothing herbs for your bath - from Crafts Magazine. Home-Made Bubbling Bath Make your own bubble bath! A great gift idea. Honey Lime and Chocolate Lip Gloss Two different recipes from Crafts Magazine. Layered Bath Salts Made with different colors of homemade bath salts, this item would make a great gift or decoration. Lip Gloss Recipe Make your own lip gloss using this recipe shared by OLDMOMINOR. Room Spritzer A basic recipe that can be use with any scent. Tub Tea Bags Make these great smelling mock tea bags for your next bath or to give as a gift. Vanilla Bath Cookie Recipe for a 'cookie' that disolves in the bath - from Crafts Magazine. Vanilla Bath Salts This sounds fabulous! Vanilla Lip Gloss Make your own vanilla flavored lip gloss. Vanilla Velvet Two free recipes for bath and beauty products! Make your own hand lotion and salt scrub.   Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Tips to Losing Weight Guide to Distance Learning How to Travel for Less PHOTOS: Italy PHOTOS: Hybrid Cars What's Hot February Print and Color Calendar Page 1 Photo Fun Special Days to Celebrate on January 24th The Letter G - Alphabet Crafts and Activities for Kids Clay Pot Winter Friends Photo by Thomas C. from NY Headlines Craft Project Ideas for Sick Kids There is nothing worse for a kid than having to... The Year of the Dog The Year of the Dog starts on January 29th,... Family Reunion Photo Quilt Check out this picture of a wallhanging quilt I... Valentine's Day Bead Patterns Create fun Valentine's Day jewelry using safety pins. Make...

After Shave

Compare Prices and Read Reviews on Clinique After-Shave Fragrances at Epinions.com Join Epinions | Help | Sign In All Categories Beauty Books Business & Technology Cars & Motorsports Computer Hardware Education Electronics Games Gourmet Health Home & Garden Hotels & Travel Kids & Family Magazines & Newspapers Movies Music Musical Equipment Online Stores & Services Outdoor Gear Personal Finance Pets Restaurants & Gourmet Software Sporting Goods ---------------------------------- Related Deals Home > Gifts > Fragrances We found 1 result for , Clinique, After-Shave Search Results Showing 1 item Hide photos Sort by Name or Rating Sort by Price See specs Clinique Happy Gift Set - 1.7 oz COL Spray + 1.7 oz Aftershave Balm + 2.6 oz Deodorant Stick Clinique · Deodorants · Gift Sets · Men's Cologne · After-Shave Lowest price: $ 48 Showing 1 item Featured Resources FTD.com - Official Site Reserve Valentine's Day Flowers for only $29.99 at FTD.com! www.FTD.COM Local Florists Delivers Great selection of bouquets & more. Find the perfect flowers today! www.Teleflora.com Buy Flowers perfume Here Over 8,000 Brand Names & Discounts up to 70% off retail. Free Shipping FragranceNet.com Jewelry Browse a Collection of High-Quality Jewelry & Watches - Shop by Price! shopping.msn.com 1800FLOWERS: Your Florist Fresh Flower Arrangements from $25 Same Day Nationwide Delivery 1800flowers.com Help | Member Center | Message Boards | Site Rules | User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Site Index About Epinions | Careers | Contact Epinions | Advertising Epinions | DealTime USA | DealTime UK | PriceTool | Shopping.com | Rent.com © 1999-2006 Epinions, Inc. Trademark Notice Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.

Man Skin Care Products

Google Directory - Shopping > Health > Beauty > Skin Care > Men Directory Help Search only in Men Search the Web Men Shopping > Health > Beauty > Skin Care > Men Go to Directory Home Related Category: Shopping > Health > Men (34) Web Pages Viewing in Google PageRank order View in alphabetical order Clarins Men - http://www.clarinsmen.com Nine products for men from Clarins Paris. Zirh - http://www.zirh.com An award-winning line of men's skin, hair, shave, sun and fragrance products. Web site offers a customer rewards program. California North Skin Care and Fragrances - http://www.californianorth.com Professional quality skin care, hair care, sun care, and fragrance products for men. Also offers treatment protocols to spas and estheticians. MaleFace Skin Care - http://www.maleface.com Men's three-step skin care regimen and two-in-one hair care product. Site also offers skin care tips. Anthony Logistics for Men - http://www.anthony.com A multifunctional, multi-benefit personal care system of skin care, bath and body products designed for men. VitaMan - http://www.vitaman.com.au/ Australian made natural skin and haircare products for men. Truefitt & Hill - http://www.truefittandhill.com Men's grooming products, fragrances, and accessories. Barbershop locations also listed. Trafalgar Shop - http://www.trafalgarshop.com Sells imported shaving and grooming products for men. Menaji - http://www.menskincare.com A men's cosmetic line that includes blemish concealer, anti-shine powder, and eye gel. Carter and Bond - http://www.carterandbond.com A UK male grooming site offering shave, skin care, hair care, fragrance, and accessories for men. Nickel - http://www.nickelformen.com/ A comprehensive and nicely packaged men's line from France. Trevor Sorbie - http://www.trevorsorbie.com/ A London salon with a full range of branded hair care, skin care, and shave products for men. Mankind Direct Ltd - http://www.mankind.co.uk/ Offers men's grooming products, such as shaving, skin care, and accessories. Includes information, and advice. UK site offers international shipping. MenEssentials - http://www.menessentials.com Online retailer of men's skin care, hair care, shave and shower products. Web site features advice articles, newsletter, coupon codes, product samples, and men's skin care and style forums. Male Species - http://www.malespecies.com Male Species brings you the latest trends in men's fashion including men's cosmetics and grooming, stage makeup, shaving cream, aftershave, and other men's skin care products. Sharps Barber and Shop - http://sharpsusa.com A modern barber shop with its own line of hair, shave, and body products. Maxwell's Apothecary - http://www.maxwellsonline.com A new men's grooming and skin care line that includes a mint-menthol mask and muscle ointment. Ingredients are all-natural and hypoallergenic. 4VOO - http://www.4voo.com Men's skin care and cosmetic line that includes after shave, cleanser, scrub, mask, moisturizer, under eye gel, correctors, and shine reduction powder. Baxter of California - http://www.baxterofcalifornia.com A reputable men's grooming line developed in the mid-1960s and updated to include contemporary skin care formulations. MOXIE for Men - http://www.moxieformen.com Men's spa with a selection of skin care products. REN - http://www.ren.ltd.uk/ UK vendor of skin care and bath products that are 97% plant and mineral derived. Men's line includes a very comprehensive selection of moisturizers. Jack Black - http://www.getjackblack.com A fairly comprehensive men's line that is sold in golf pro shops, resorts, and specialty stores. Gendarme - http://www.gendarme.com Fragrances, body care products, and Father's Day gift sets. Studio5ive.com - http://www.studio5ive.com Skin care for men, plus a men's cosmetic line. Simple Skin Defence for Men - http://www.simpleskindefence.com A UK-based line of nine products, targeted at young adult males. eGentlemen - http://www.egentlemen.com Online retailer of men's skin care and grooming products. Web site features a newsletter and advice articles. pur:phuel - http://www.purphuel.com/ Complete men's skincare system from the UK. men-u - http://www.men-u.co.uk/home.asp A British line of hair and skin care products in concentrate form. Poshgeezer.com - http://www.poshgeezer.com UK site with a selection of grooming and fragrance products. Bullie Skin Care Products for Men - http://www.bulliecare.com Products for specific skin types. Mont Source - http://www.montsource.com/ A Canadian line of men's skin care, hair care, and fragrance products that uses organically grown ingredients. PFB Vanish - http://www.pfbvanish.com A topical roll-on gel treatment for ingrown hair, razor burn/bumps, and skin inflammation. Naturally Man Skin Care Products - http://www.naturallyman.com Men's naturally-derived skin, face and body care products, plus a small selection of cosmetics. KenMen Cosmetics - http://kenmen.net A Canadian line of makeup and skin care products for men. Site includes a selection of bronzers, tints, and concealers. Brave Soldier - http://www.bravesoldier.com/main_home.htm Athletic skin care for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Scoop - http://www.scoopofnature.com Organic skin care products for men with sensitive skin. Help build the largest human-edited directory on the web. Submit a Site - Open Directory Project - Become an Editor Modified by Google - ©2005 Google Advertise with Us - Jobs, Press, Cool Stuff...

Skin Rash Yeast Infection

eMedicine Health - Yeast Infection Skin Rash Treatment Search January 26, 2006 Registration Healthcare Professionals You are in: Skin, Hair, and Nails > Yeast Infection Skin Rash Yeast Infection Skin Rash Yeast Infection Skin Rash Treatment | Self-Care at Home | Most candidal infections can be treated at home with over-the-counter or prescription medication and can clear up within a week. If some other disease has weakened a person's immune system, the person should consult a doctor about any new symptoms before attempting self-treatment because of the risk of infection. Vaginal yeast infections Most women can treat vaginal yeast infections at home with nonprescription vaginal creams or suppositories. A single dose of fluconazole (Diflucan) tablet also cures most vaginal yeast infections. Fluconazole requires a prescription from your physician. Thrush For thrush, swish the antifungal agent nystatin around in your mouth then swallow the liquid. Take care to maintain excellent oral hygiene. All objects put into a child's mouth should be washed or sterilized after each use. Breastfeeding mothers should be evaluated for Candida infection of the breast. If you wear dentures, clean them thoroughly after each use and practice good oral hygiene. Adults and older children have several treatment options not available to babies, such as troches (antifungal lozenges) or pills such as fluconazole (Diflucan) to help clear the infection in addition to nystatin. Skin and diaper rash Clotrimazole (Lotrimin) creams and lotions can be applied to superficial skin infections. Other medications require a prescription and a visit to your doctor. Other antifungal creams, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), which is available by prescription, is helpful as well. For paronychia, avoiding moisture can be helpful. Oral itraconazole (Sporanox) or fluconazole (Diflucan) can also be helpful and can be prescribed by a doctor. Topical antifungal and topical corticosteroids are also used. Perlèche is treated with topical antiyeast or antifungal agents, and often with a mild corticosteroid cream. Limit lip licking of the corners of the mouth. Placing a bit of petroleum jelly on top of the antiyeast agents can be helpful as well. The affected area should be kept clean and dry. For diaper rashes, frequent diaper changes and the use of barrier creams speed recovery . Intertrigo can benefit from the use of nystatin powder, which decreases the amount of moisture and also acts as an antiyeast agent. | Medical Treatment | A wide array of treatment options is available to treat candidiasis. Options include creams, lotions, tablets or capsules, troches (lozenges), and vaginal suppositories or creams. Talk to your doctor to find the option that is right for you. Azole medications are a family of antifungal drugs that end in the suffix "-azole." They block the manufacture of ergosterol, a crucial material of the yeast cell wall. Without ergosterol, the yeast cell wall becomes leaky and the yeast die. Fortunately, ergosterol is not a component of human membranes, and azoles do not harm human cells. Polyene antifungal medications include nystatin and amphotericin B. Nystatin is used for thrush and superficial candidal infections. Doctors reserve amphotericin B for more serious systemic fungal infections. The antifungals work by attaching to the yeast cell wall building material, ergosterol. These medications then form artificial holes in the yeast wall that cause the yeast to leak and die. | Medications | Topical antifungal agents in the form of creams, ointments, or vaginal creams or suppositories are usually initially used. Many are available as nonprescription medications. Topical creams and ointments include clotrimazole (Lotrimin), econazole (Spectazole), ketoconazole (Nizoral cream), miconazole (Micatin, Monistat-Derm), and nystatin (Mycostatin Cream). Vaginal creams and suppositories include butoconazole (Femstat), clotrimazole (Femizole-7, Gyne-Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat Vaginal products), terconazole (Terazol), tioconazole (Vagistat). Follow manufacturer's instructions for 1-7 days depending on the formulation. If the irritation increases, immediately discontinue the medication. Some products contain topical antifungal cream to use on irritated external genital areas along with vaginal cream or suppositories. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before using these treatments. If symptoms continue for more than 1 week despite treatment, consult a doctor. These symptoms may be caused by something other than a fungal infection. If you have abdominal pain, fever, or offensive-smelling vaginal discharge, consult your physician before using these products. For more information, refer to Understanding Vaginal Yeast Infection Medications . Oral antifungal agents may be used for a variety of skin or vaginal infections. Nystatin (Nilstat, Mycostatin) is commonly prescribed for oral thrush. The oral liquid is administered with a dropper to adequately coat the inside of the mouth in infants and young children. Troches (lozenges) may be prescribed for older children and adults with oral thrush. Clotrimazole (Mycelex) troches are also available for treating oral thrush in older children and adults. Fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and ketoconazole (Nizoral) are prescription products administered as tablets or oral liquid. They may be used when topical agents are ineffective, large areas of skin is affected, or for individuals at a higher risk of fungal infection, such as patients with cancer or HIV. Fluconazole is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for vaginal candida infections. These oral antifungal drugs interact with many medications. Your doctor and pharmacist should be aware of all medications that you are taking, including nonprescription drugs and herbal products. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Your doctor will periodically draw blood samples to monitor for the rare toxicity of liver impairment. | Other Therapy | Fungal infections thrive in moist, enclosed areas. The following instructions are important to prevent and treat skin and vaginal fungal infections. Try to keep the skin free from persistent moisture. Shower thoroughly after activities that produce sweat and dry areas prone to fungal infection. In infants, keep diaper area dry. Cotton underwear may help prevent excessive moisture for women who are prone to vaginal infections. Try to maintain the proper fungus/bacteria balance in the vagina by eating yogurt or taking acidophilus capsules. < Yeast Infection Skin Rash, Exams and Tests Yeast Infection Skin Rash, For More Information > Sections - Yeast Infection Skin Rash Overview - Yeast Infection Skin Rash Causes - Yeast Infection Skin Rash Symptoms - When to Seek Medical Care - Exams and Tests - Yeast Infection Skin Rash Treatment - For More Information - Synonyms and Keywords - Authors and Editors Are you sad, bored, fatigued, irritable, unable to concentrate, pessimistic? If you've been feeling this way for at least 2 weeks, you may have clinical depression. Learn what can help. Dementia is not something that happens only to older people. Learn about causes and treatment options. Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, coughing–all symptoms of asthma. Find out more. Stress, fear, or worries can lead to severe anxiety, which can have a serious impact on your life. Do you need to seek help? Anxiety Arthritis Bone, Joint, Muscle Cholesterol Dementia Depression Headache Mental Health Women's Health About Us | Privacy | Code of Ethics | Terms of Use | Contact Us | Advertise | Healthcare Professionals We subscribe to the HONcode principles. Verify here . © 2003-2006 eMedicine.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved . Medicine is a constantly changing science, and clearly established therapiesare not always available for every condition. New research findingsnecessitate continual changes in drug and treatment therapies. The authors,editors, and publisher of this journal have used reasonable efforts to provideup-to-date, accurate information that is within generally accepted medicalstandards at the time of publication. 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Facial Skin Care

FDA Consumer: Alpha Hydroxy Acids for Skin Care: SmoothSailing or Rough Seas? U. S. Food and Drug Administration FDA Consumer March - April 1998; Revised May 1999 Alpha Hydroxy Acids for Skin Care Smooth Sailing or Rough Seas? by Paula Kurtzweil Baby boomers and others who once sought the sun's rays with little thought of skin damage are now paying the price--billions of dollars annually for cosmetics containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Derived from fruit and milk sugars and served up in creams and lotions, AHAs attract customers with their supposed ability to reduce wrinkles, spots, and other signs of aging, sun-damaged skin. Some scientific evidence suggests they may work. But are these products safe? Since 1989, the Food and Drug Administration has received more than 100 reports of adverse reactions in people using AHA products. Their complaints included severe redness, swelling (especially in the area of the eyes), burning, blistering, bleeding, rash, itching, and skin discoloration. FDA believes reactions from AHAs are probably even more widespread. Past experience suggests that for every adverse reaction report the agency receives, the manufacturer receives 50 to 100. "This would translate into approximately 10,000 adverse reactions being received for AHA-containing products," says John Bailey, Ph.D., acting director of FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors. Also, their relative newness (they've been widely available only since about 1992) means that their long-term effects are unknown. An industry-sponsored study found that people who use AHA products have greater sensitivity to sun, raising the specter of greater risk of photoaging and skin cancer. "There are many unanswered questions in front of us," Bailey says. "AHAs are unlike anything else ever introduced onto the cosmetic market on such a wide scale. They are not your traditional cosmetics." In spring 1997, the National Toxicology Program of the National Institute of Environmental Science accepted FDA's proposal to study AHA safety. While FDA awaits the results, expected by the year 2000, the agency is cautioning consumers to take extra care with AHA products: for example, avoiding the sun when possible, otherwise using adequate sun protection, and reporting adverse reactions immediately to doctors or FDA directly. "These are very, very popular products," Bailey says. "Very little about the process restricts their sale. And it's a somewhat alarming idea to put acids on the skin. It raises obvious safety questions." AHAs Are Everywhere AHA cosmetics are believed to have derived from the "chemical peels" that dermatologists and plastic surgeons have used for years. The peels, typically trichloroacetic acid, phenol, resorcinol, and salicylic acid, help remove undesirable signs of skin aging, such as discoloration, roughness and wrinkling. The chemicals cause the skin to lose its outer layer, or peel off, revealing a fresher-looking layer of skin. Known as chemical exfoliation, the procedure is done in doctors' offices so that doctors can control the process and prevent deep skin burns from the highly acidic solutions. Cosmetic manufacturers began to market similar but milder versions of these chemical peels containing AHAs for salon and at-home use around 1989. They quickly caught on, and by 1992, mass marketing had begun. Today, says Lisa Berger, a cosmetic sales manager for a Hecht Co. department store in Washington, D.C., "every [cosmetic company] has AHA products. There used to be only three product lines; now there are 20." The AHAs used most often in cosmetics are glycolic acid and lactic acid, although there are others, and many are used in combination. Increasingly, says Zoe Draelos, M.D., a dermatologist in High Point, N.C., manufacturers are using poly-AHAs, which have larger molecules, and ingredients such as salicylic acid. According to Draelos, who consults for several large U.S. cosmetic companies, these products may produce less skin irritation. Typically, AHA products sold to consumers have an AHA concentration of 10 percent or less. The concentration of AHA products used by trained cosmetologists may run between 20 and 30 percent, while those used by doctors can range from 50 to 70 percent. Though sold to consumers mainly in face and body creams and lotions, AHAs also can be found to a lesser degree in other cosmetics, such as shampoos and cuticle softeners. Available everywhere, from discount pharmacies to fine department stores, the products typically range in price from a few dollars to as much as $60 a bottle. Product Status Some in the cosmetic industry have suggested that AHA products are more than simple cosmetics, coining the term "cosmeceutical" to describe them instead. Under the 1938 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, cosmetics are defined as "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance." Drugs are defined as products intended for treating or preventing disease and affecting the structure or any function of the body. They are subject to premarket review and approval; cosmetics are not. "The term 'cosmeceutical' is not recognized by law," Bailey says. "These products, depending on their intended use, would be regulated either as cosmetics, drugs, or both as cosmetics and drugs." FDA has a particular concern about AHAs because, unlike traditional cosmetics, AHAs seem capable of penetrating the skin barrier. In reviewing the limited data on AHAs, FDA concluded in a 1996 report that certain formulations of AHA products can affect the skin in a manner similar to that of chemical peels--that is, increasing cell turnover rate and decreasing the thickness of the outer skin. The effect depends on the product's pH level (a measure of its acidity), the AHA concentration, and the AHA vehicle cream, as well as how the product is used (for example, frequency of use and where on the skin it is applied). Sun Sensitivity An additional concern arose as FDA prepared its 1996 report on AHA safety: Some people who had reported adverse reactions cited increased sun sensitivity. In addition, one industry-sponsored study found that participants whose skin was exposed to 4 percent glycolic acid twice daily for 12 weeks developed minimal skin redness with 13 percent less ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure than normal. Three participants developed minimal redness with 50 percent less UV exposure than normal. Another study that looked at the effects of glycolic acid on production of sunburn cells (markers for UV-induced skin damage) found that people who received the AHA product in the presence of UV radiation experienced twice the cell damage in areas where the AHA had been applied than those who were treated with the non-AHA product. FDA's concern is that people who are sensitive to sunlight may be particularly susceptible to UV rays, which can damage the skin and, over a long period, can cause skin cancer. In 1997, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel--the cosmetic industry's self-regulatory body for reviewing and addressing safety of cosmetic ingredients--concluded that the AHA's glycolic acid and lactic acid and their related chemical compounds are safe for use in products intended for consumer use when: the AHA concentration is 10 percent or less the final product has a pH of 3.5 or greater (lower numbers indicate greater acidity) the final product is formulated in such a way that it protects the skin from increased sun sensitivity or its package directions tell consumers to use sunscreen products. For AHA products used by trained cosmetologists, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel concluded that formulations of glycolic acid and lactic acid at concentrations of 30 percent or less and a pH of 3.0 or greater intended for only "brief" use at one time followed by thorough rinsing and daily use of sun protection are safe. The panel's conclusions actually serve as guidelines for cosmetic manufacturers, Bailey says. "This means that each manufacturer of an AHA product should conduct appropriate testing on their products to measure whether or not the product increases the sensitivity of the user to UV radiation and, if so, should add sun protection to their product and warn consumers to take extra steps to protect themselves at all times." Meanwhile, FDA continues to study AHA safety. Later this year, scientists with the National Toxicology Program and FDA will use hairless mice to study the effect of AHAs on the risk of cancer associated with sunlight and UV radiation. The study will run for about three years. Depending on the outcome of FDA's investigation, Bailey says, the agency may or may not take action against AHA products. "The absence of action by FDA to date doesn't mean that there won't be any in the future." Use with Care Considering the questionable safety status, FDA and dermatologists advise consumers who use AHA products to follow these precautions: Always protect your skin before going out during the day. Use a sunscreen product with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15. Wear a hat with a brim of at least 4 inches (about 10 centimeters). Cover up with lightweight, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Buy products with adequate label information: for example, a list of ingredients to see which AHA or other chemical acids are in the product; the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor, which can serve as the contact if a problem or question arises; and a statement about the product's AHA concentration and pH level. The first two pieces of information are mandatory; the third is optional. Consumers can call or write the manufacturer, however, to get information about a product's AHA concentration and pH level. Buy only products that comply with the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel's 1997 recommendations--that is, products with an AHA concentration of 10 percent or less and a pH of 3.5 or greater. Do a skin-sensitivity test on a patch of skin if you are a first-time user of any AHA product or are using a different brand or a product with a different concentration or pH than you are used to. Stop using the product immediately if you experience adverse reactions. Signs of adverse reactions include stinging, redness, itching, burning, pain, and bleeding or change in sun sensitivity. Even mild irritation is a sign that the product is causing damage, FDA's Bailey says, despite what the manufacturer may indicate on the product label. "Cosmetics shouldn't sting or cause irritation," he says. If you have an adverse reaction, see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can tell you whether an adverse reaction is from the product or is an indication of an underlying disease, such as skin cancer. Dermatologists also can recommend appropriate skin-care products, and they will report your case, keeping your name confidential, to FDA's adverse reaction monitoring program. You also can report your adverse reaction yourself to FDA. Reports can be made to local FDA offices, listed in the Blue Pages of the phone book or to FDA's1ffice of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-532-4440 . + Have the label and any other packaging information on hand. Be prepared to give the name of the product, the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor, and any identifiable product code numbers. Also be prepared to state where and when you bought the product, if you can remember, and whether you saw a doctor. "We'd like to know about it even if it's only a mild reaction," Bailey says. Bailey adds that these precautions are important until AHAs' safety is better known. "We are told that AHAs are here to stay," he says. "But they are not reviewed for safety before they are put on the market. And we don't have enough information to say that they are safe." Paula Kurtzweil is a member of FDA's public affairs staff. Ingredient Terms Here are some ingredient terms that indicate a cosmetic contains alpha or beta hydroxy acids. Alpha hydroxy acids: glycolic acid lactic acid glycolic acid + ammonium glycolate alpha-hydroxyethanoic acid + ammonium alpha-hydroxyethanoate alpha-hydroxyoctanoic acid alpha-hydroxycaprylic acid hydroxycaprylic acid mixed fruit acid triple fruit acid tri-alpha hydroxy fruit acids sugar cane extract alpha hydroxy and botanical complex L-alpha hydroxy acid glycomer in crosslinked fatty acids alpha nutrium Beta hydroxy acids: salicylic acid * beta hydroxybutanoic acid tropic acid trethocanic acid Alpha and beta hydroxy acids: malic acid citric acid * From a chemist's perspective,salicylic acid is not a true BHA.However, cosmetic companies often refer to it as a BHA and,consequently, many consumers think of it as one. Approved Treatments for Signs of Aging, Sun-Damaged Skin These are the only products that have been studied for safety and effectiveness and approved by FDA for treating signs of sun-damaged or aging skin: Renova (tretinoin emollient cream). This vitamin A derivative, available by prescription only, is approved for mitigating of fine wrinkles and mottled darkened spots and roughness of facial skin in people whose skin does not improve with regular skin care and use of sun protection. Renova does not eliminate wrinkles, repair sun-damaged skin, or restore skin to its healthier younger structure. Also, the safety of daily Renova use for longer than 48 weeks has not been established, and it should not be used by women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Renova has not been studied in people 50 and older or in people with moderately or darkly pigmented skin. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) lasers. These medical devices are approved for treating wrinkles. The procedure requires removal of facial skin in a layer-by-layer manner. It is performed under anesthesia by a doctor in an outpatient surgical setting. --P.K. For More Information FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Information Line 1-888-723-3366 FDA's Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Website: Backgrounder on Alpha Hydroxy Acids in Cosmetics Information About Cosmetics For more information, consumers can also call toll-free 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332). Questions concerning the content ofthis article should be directed to FDA's Office of Public Affairs. . This is a mirror of the page at http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1998/298_ahas.html + Updated Contact Information: CFSAN Adverse Event Reporting System (CAERS) Phone: 301-436-2405 Email: Cosmetics Foods Home | FDA Home | HHS Home | Search/Subject Index | Disclaimers & Privacy Policy | Accessibility/Help