Quick Change ArtistMay 15, 2013
Transitioning from a work duckling into a social butterfly…fast! If you’re anything like me, a lot of times you don’t have the luxury of running home to bathe and change clothes for a big night out or social event. We usually have to make-do in the cramped quarters of bathroom at work to make our magical changeover. Much too often, we go out directly from work. Two things are important to remember. First, you always want to be prepared–plan your outfit the night before (don’t forget accessories and heels). Second, you have to think maximum portability and functionality, so anything that is a 2-in-1 is definitely a plus and basic clothing pieces that can be spiced-up. This means leaving your liquids, powders, and brushes at home and really focusing on the necessities. Following the proper steps are key: Step 1 – Sterilize the field. Make sure to sanitize your hands and the counter you will be utilizing before spreading out your tools. Step 2 – Touch-up your canvas. Pat down your face with a rejuvenating towelette. Brush your teeth with a pre-loaded portable toothbrush and then before rinsing, gently brush your lips too to exfoliate them. Step 3 – Trouble shoot. If there’s a rogue blemish, whatever you do, DO NOT pick it. Grab an ice cube and hold on the spot for 60 seconds to help take down some of the redness. Step 4 – Step up the makeup. Remember, fluorescent bathroom lights are going to make your makeup look more garish than it actually is, so don’t fret! Darken your eye shadow to a nice pewter color, add your power red lipstick, and dab-on an evening fragrance onto the neck area and wrists. Step 5 – Slip into sexy. Let your hair down from that usual office ponytail and let it fall naturally. Un-do the top button of your blouse and slip out of those business loafers into some sassy heels. Then add the final touches- statement jewelry; whether it is a bold necklace, wacky bracelet or fun ring…Wa-la! You are all ready for a night on the town. You’ll get better and better at this as you go along, practice makes perfect. Remember, a crowded schedule happens but it doesn’t have to show up on your skin.
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Skin-Fabulous FoodsMarch 22, 2013
Good (and good for you) recipes from ‘Girls’ Night In’
We’ve just completed a fun video for my web series, Ask Ava, called Girls’ Night In (http://youtu.be/fJqOMo8WXrM) where I introduce a subject very dear to my heart: Skin-Fabulous Foods. What’s it take to be Skin-Fabulous? Quite simply, it must be a food item or a recipe that has significant benefits for the health and beauty of the skin while at the same time being absolutely delicious! In this and future blogs, I’ll be posting about my favorite Skin-Fabulous foods for your delectation. As the body’s packaging, your skin is the exterior reflection as to what’s going on with your system on the inside. It follows then that when it comes to your skin, you are indeed very much what you eat.
So let’s start with my favorite new Skin-Fabulous snack food blends.
KALE MIX: SWEET WITH NUTS In a large mixing bowl, mix together 2 c chocolate kale chips broken into walnut-size chunks (either Just Pure Foods’ Cocoa Kale Chips or Kale Krunch’s Chockalet Chip) ½ c walnuts ½ c almonds ½ c dried cranberries (or raisins, dried blueberries or dried cherries) 1 c dried or dehydrated pears Save the leftover crumblies to sprinkle over plain Greek yogurt.
Skin-Fabulous because Kale is one of the richest sources of lutein and contains beta- carotene, which improves skin elasticity and firmness. The cocoa derivative in dark chocolate helps reduce stress hormones, which means less collagen breakdown in the skin and fewer wrinkles. Walnuts and almonds have essential fatty acids that are known to help reduce swelling and inflammation in the skin. Dried cranberries, berries or cherries help to reduce the effect of free radicals and contain Vitamin E which supports the function of sunscreens to absorb UV radiation. Dried/dehydrated pears are a good source of Vitamin C and copper which rejuvenates the skin and makes it glow.
KALE MIX: SAVORY WITH NUTS 2 c kale cheese chips (which do not, in fact, contain any cheese btw) broken into walnut-size chunks (either Kale Krunch’s Quite Cheezy or KK’s Cheezy Chipotle) 1 c walnuts or almonds ½ c dried cranberries or raisins Save the leftover crumblies to sprinkle over baked yams or sweet potatoes.
Skin-Fabulous because Raisins are loaded with potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron which will nourish the skin.
For those who are allergic to nuts or suffer from inflammatory conditions such as rosacea, cold sores or herpes that may be exacerbated by nuts’ high arginine content:
KALE MIX: SWEET WITHOUT NUTS In a large mixing bowl, mix together 2 c chocolate kale chips broken into walnut-size chunk (either Just Pure Foods’ Cocoa Kale Chips or Kale Krunch’s Chockalet Chip) ½ c walnuts or almonds ½ c dried cranberries (or raisins, dried blueberries or dried cherries) 1 c dried or dehydrated pears or apples ½ c dark chocolate chips
Save the leftover crumblies to sprinkle over plain Greek yogurt.
KALE MIX: SAVORY WITHOUT NUTS 2 c kale cheese chips (which do not, in fact, contain any cheese btw) broken into walnut-size chunks (either Kale Krunch’s Quite Cheezy or KK’s Cheezy Chipotle) 1 c dried or dehydrated apples 1 c sweet potato or yam fries slowly overcooked until dry and chewy then broken into bite-sized pieces
Save the leftover crumblies to sprinkle over baked yams or sweet potatoes.
Skin-Fabulous because Sweet potato and yams have high levels of Vitamin A and beta-carotene which are essential for promoting anti-aging and collagen production. Dried/dehydrated apples have antioxidant compounds called phenols that provide UV-B protection, making your skin more resistant to damage from the sun.
Notes: Dehydrated foods are preferable to dried foods because they usually contain less sugar. Both are high in fiber which is great. Don’t overdue it on the dried cranberries because they do contain added sugar or sweetener (as versus raisins which do not.)
REFRESHER MASK Here’s a topical treat fresh from the kitchen: ½ c of egg whites ½ c of lemon juice ½ banana 15 grapes
Topically Skin-Fabulous because Egg-Whites help ward off wrinkles and potentially tighten sagging skin with vitamins and minerals, such as selenium and the B complex vitamin. Lemon Juice contains Vitamin C, citric acid, and B vitamins, which assists in detoxifying the skin as well as lightening and brightening. Bananas are rich in Vitamin A, B and E which works as an anti-aging agent. Grapes contain phytonutrients that are essential for skin health because of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Dr. Shamban on BeautyLish.comJanuary 3, 2013
Check out my new blog, Skin and Tonic on BeautyLish.com . Hear what I have to say about keeping your skin looking great after the holidays. Holidays have come and gone. The sequined dress is at the dry cleaners. The poofy slippers are on the feet. And, if you’re not passed out on the sofa clicking through reruns of Madmen, wondering how they party so hard and still look so chic, chances are you’re looking in the mirror thinking, sheesh! What in the heck just happened to my skin? Fun times, unfortunately, can have their price. But with a little effort, you can look as cute as Megan Draper does after a bender. Or at least, almost. Here’s how to get back your pre-holiday glow. Holiday Skin Symptom: Puffy Eyes From PartyingDR. AVA'S PRESCRIPTION:
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Fruitcake on Your FaceDecember 27, 2012
Fruitcake on Your Face Take this least-wanted of holiday gifts and turn it into a thing of beauty. Chances are, this seasonal concoction doesn’t do much for you in its baked and sliced form. But some of the ingredients you might find in it, in their pre-fruitcake state, can do wonders for your skin. Grape Cleanser The Great Grape: Grapes are chock full of polyphenols, which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, research has shown that grape skin and seeds are a great source of OPCs (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins), which promote production of collagen and elastin fibers. 15 dark grapes with seeds 1 teaspoon Olive Oil 1 tablespoon fine cornmeal Use a blender to mix grapes (with skin and seeds) and olive oil. Pour into a glass bowl and add cornmeal. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. Pour a small amount onto a wet washcloth and gently cleanse your face. Rinse off with warm water. Apple, Oatmeal, and Honey Scrub The Amazing Apple: Apples are rich in vitamins A, B, and C and also contain malic acid, which helps the skin absorb these vitamins. Alpha-hydroxy acids found in apples help balance skin tone and exfoliate.
½ medium apple, cored, peeled and finely chopped (Braeburn and Red Delicious varieties have the greatest amount of beneficial ingredients for skin) 1 tablespoon oats (uncooked) 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds 2 tablespoons yogurt 1 teaspoon honey, warm
In a blender, grind the oats with the sunflower seeds. Core, peel and finely chop the apple; add this to the blender mixture. Pour into a glass bowl. Mix with yogurt and honey. Gently massage onto your face, neck, and/or chest. Leave on for three minutes and then rinse off with warm water.
Blueberry Mask
Incredible Blueberries: Blueberries contain large amounts of Vitamin A and C, as well as other powerful anti-oxidants like Pycnogenol and Anthocyanin that not only help repair damaged skin, but help reduce the inflammation reaction in the first place after exposure to UV rays. Studies have found blueberries help stop collagen breakdown, stabilize the collagen matrix, work against oxidative stress, and improve microcirculation.
1/3 cup blueberries 2 tablespoons yogurt 1 tablespoon rice flour
Place the blueberries in a glass bowl and mash them with a fork. Add other ingredients and mix well. Spread on your face, neck, or chest. Leave on for fifteen to twenty minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Follow with your favorite moisturizer and eye treatment and voila—fresh and rejuvenated skin! |
This Holiday Give the Gift of Beautiful SkinDecember 24, 2012
By Ava Shamban, MD December is the month of giving. And now that you’ve gotten through your holiday shopping, you can concentrate on the important stuff—giving to yourself. Most of us think of a ‘gift’ as something we give to others. But if you want to be the MVP on any team—whether it’s the family front, the girlfriend squad, or the best manager brigade —you’ve got to save some TLC for yours truly. Keep yourself strong, and you can be a strength to others. Appearance plays a huge role in self-esteem. When we are excited about the way we look, this feeling supports an overall positive outlook, an outlook that says anything is possible. So it’s not a matter of vanity to want beautiful skin. It’s a right. Stress, hormonal changes, environmental assaults – all of these can take a toll on skin. But, just like in any relationship, you can take control—and choose to maintain or restore naturally glowing, healthy skin. You can prevent premature signs of aging. You can get rid of adult acne. You can erase the damage that illness may cause. Follow a nourishing skin care regimen; fight free radicals with fitness and diet; get rid of cigarettes and other destructive habits; take advantage of today’s highly advanced non-invasive procedures; and the sky’s the limit. Amazing support is available. All we need to do, is value ourselves enough to seek it. Taking steps to keep skin looking healthy and naturally youthful isn’t selfish or egotistical –it’s one of the most giving things you can do. Six Gifts You Can Give Your Skin This Holiday Season
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Signature FeatureNovember 29, 2012
Signature Feature
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DIY Pumpkin FacialNovember 21, 2012
Give your skin and your senses a break this Thanksgiving with everyone’s favorite seasonal vegetable! Pumpkin provides a powerhouse of benefits, for all skin types, including:
Here’s what you’ll need for a little pre-holiday TLC:
Voila! You’ll look like you stepped out of the spa, instead of the kitchen. Enjoy!
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Everyone Loves a QuitterNovember 14, 2012
In honor of November 15’s Great American Smokeout, I want to share a bit of news with you: Smoking kills. And if that won’t make you quit, how about this? Smoking attacks your skin. Smoking not only accelerates the aging process and shortens the lifespan by more than ten years. And if you smoke a pack a day, it makes you look older by ten years. Serious clinical studies show smoking significantly compromises the health of your skin. Here’s how:
And here are the visible signs of premature aging you can expect:
Not to mention, smokers suffer:
By this time, most of us understand intellectually the incredibly negative health effects. But quitting is tough. Next time you light up, think about not only what you are doing to your lungs and heart—think about how you are ruining your appearance.
In honor of today’s Great American Smokeout, quit smoking for one day. The American Cancer Society and your physician have a wealth of supportive resources to help you quit. Your entire body will thank you and you will see immediate results on your skin!
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Sugar and Your SkinNovember 13, 2012
It’s true. You are what you eat. And sugar and high fructose corn syrup will age you prematurely—inside and out.
But can sugary drinks be good for your health? Especially when they make claims of fruit and vitamin infusions? Soft drink manufacturers want you to think so. Most recently, 7-UP prettied up their bottles with ‘antioxidants,’ and promoted their soft-drinks as nutrition-packed sources of refreshment and health. Luckily, a consumer advocacy group is shining the spotlight and suing 7-UP for false marketing. Together with an individual from Sherman Oaks, who feels he was duped by the campaign—and that others were, too.
Sugar eaten in excess not only causes obesity and heart disease—it wreaks havoc with your skin. It causes a natural process called glycation to kick into overdrive. Sugar in the bloodstream attaches to protein to form harmful molecules known as advanced glycogen end products, or AGEs, that damage collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are responsible for keeping skin firm. Excess sugar affects collagen in the skin. It can make stable forms of collagen more fragile, leaving the skin less supple. And AGEs neutralize antioxidant enzymes, causing skin to lose its natural protection against the sun.
If sugar is bad for your skin, High Fructose Corn Syrup is awful! It not only spikes your cortisol and blood sugar, but it is incredibly difficult for your body to process. This puts stress on your digestive system and makes mayhem with your stress hormones – which leads to acne, oxidative stress, dark circles, hyper pigmentation, increased sun sensitivity, and premature wrinkling.
No doubt, by printing ‘antioxidant’ on their soft drink bottles, the makers of 7-Up were hoping all the soda lovers out there would make the hopeful leap into thinking they were drinking a life-extending tonic. But the added antioxidant is only a negligible amount of vitamin E. And high levels of sugar neutralize the free-radical fighting power of anti-oxidants—causing any good in this formula to get way beat out by the bad. So, kudos to the consumer advocates for doing their homework.
Companies will always want to sell, and consumers will always want to believe. But in this ‘information age,’ we all have the ability to educate ourselves, to take responsibility for safeguarding our health. Knowledge is power. My thought for the day? Be informed.
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SPOTLIGHT ON: Teri Baron, Patient Consultant (Beverly Hills)November 1, 2012
Q: How did you end up working in this field? |