Best Life Magazine: Body: Looking Great

SAVE FACE
Dermatology secrets that will keep you looking your best
By Bruce Katz, M.D.
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Using a topical antioxidant face moisturizer in the summer will neutralize the free radicals that are produced by sun damage. The king of topical antioxidants is resveratrol, a polyphenol in red wine. Resveratrol boosts the production of enzymes called sirtuins, whose antiaging properties are 17 times stronger than the most popular antioxidant formulations. Products by Davi Skin (daviskin.com) contain the sirtuin-enhancing ingredient.

New ways to upgrade your image and build the body you want

Fertilize Your Scalp Here's news that could make your hair stand up…in a good way: Applying topical L-carnitine to your scalp can actually increase the number of hairs on your head, according to a recent study in the Journal of Dermatological Science. L-carnitine, an essential amino acid that transports fatty acids into mitochondria (cells' metabolic furnace), works like fertilizer, increasing the metabolic activity of the cells, which helps hair grow strong and healthy. Revita shampoo, which contains L-carnitine, works best when it's used daily and left on the scalp for five to 10 minutes before rinsing (divineskin.com).

Make Your Face Look Younger Just looking at the weathered face of Clint Eastwood is evidence of the sun's ability to make skin turn dry, rough, wrinkled, and yellow. Dermatologists usually reverse these effects with chemical peels and laser dermabrasion, but researchers now believe that light-emitting diode (LED) therapy is both safer and more effective, according to a study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. LED therapy promotes collagen formation and cell function, resulting in healthier skin. It doesn't emit heat or cause pain or side effects, and no downtime is needed. The FDA recently approved the first OTC light-therapy device, GentleWaves LED. lightbioscience.com

Lick Cavities At last, candy that your kids—and you—can eat guilt-free! Dental microbiologist Wenyuan Shi, PhD, of the University of California at Los Angeles, has created a lollipop that kills the bacteria that cause cavities. The orange-flavored sucker is made with extracts from Chinese licorice root, which disable the major organisms (Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus) that cause tooth decay. It can be bought online at drjohns.com.

The Skinny on HGH Professional athletes taking human growth hormone (HGH) aren't just wasting their careers, they could also be wasting their money, according to a study at Stanford University. While HGH might increase lean body mass, it does not increase strength or improve performance, and it can cause tissue swelling and fatigue. To boost muscle growth naturally, drink a protein shake that contains 40 grams of whey or casein after your workout.

Sculpt Strong Legs To ensure that your legs don't look like toothpicks this summer, do lower-body supersets. This is the best way to increase your explosive power and build leg strength, according to the Performance Training Journal. Go to BestLifeOnline.com/stronglegs for a lower-body superset routine, created by trainer Kyle Brown, that combines strength training and plyometrics.

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