Shedding Your Skin: A Users Guide To Exfoliation

Shedding Your Skin: A Users Guide To Exfoliation

Chicago-based esthetician and owner of Le Bon Visage Corrective Skin Care and Cosmetics helps navigate the confusing world of skin exfoliation.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) June 21, 2006

A major key to having younger looking skin is weekly exfoliation. But what with so many exfoliants on the market, how do you know what’s right for your skin? Chicago based esthetician, Liz Quesnelle with Le Bon Visage offers this exfoliation cheat sheet (aka How to tell your AHA from a hole in the ground).

There are 2 classes of exfoliants: Mechanical and Chemical. Mechanical is when there are scrubby particles (usually synthetic beads or ground nuts/pits in a liquid or gel base that, when rubbed on, physically break the bond between the old skin cells that need to go and the rest of your skin. Chemical exfoliants are compounds that dissolve the “glue” that holds the old skin cells on so that they can slough off on their own.

Mechanical exfoliants are great for the body. In MOST cases (not all) Liz Quesnelle thinks they can be too harsh for delicate facial skin. Explains Ms. Quesnelle, "Mechanical exfoliants can cause microscopic abrasions that can allow bacteria in to the skin, which can result in acne." If mechanical exfoliants can not be avoided, Ms. Quesnelle recommends one created with synthetic beads. According to Ms. Quesnelle, these are perfectly round and less likely to cause damage. It is best to avoid exfoliants made with nuts/pits/shells – unless it’s a really high-end product. Chances are they are roughly ground with extremely rough edges.

The next major category of home exfoliation is chemical, which tends to be confusing for many people.

The first, and most common, class of chemical exfoliants is known as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (or AHAs). The acids that fall into this class and some info about them are:

Glycolic Acid: Comes from sugar cane. Good for most skin types, except for really sensitive skin. It’s the most common AHA on the market.

Malic Acid: Comes from apples. Not often used alone. Rather, it usually is in an AHA blend of 3 or more acids.

Lactic Acid: Comes from milk. It is easily Ms. Quesnelle’s favorite. It has all of the bond breaking goodness of the other AHAs but has the added benefit of being moisturizing. Lactic acid is used in many treatments at Le Bon Visage since it is great on sensitive skin.

Citric Acid: Comes from citrus fruits. Can be very irritating if not in low concentrations or in a blend with other acids.

Tartaric Acid: You will not see this unless it comes in a blend.

Beta Hydroxy Acids are another common exfoliant. The only BHA is salicylic acid.

But when to use what??? According to Ms. Quesnelle, "AHAs are water-soluble. That means, they don’t really absorb into the skin (since one of the skin’s function is to keep water out), rather they do their work on a surface level. Salicylic Acid is lipid (oil) soluble. This means that it can get into the pore and clean out the sebum (oil) and dead skin cells inside."

If you have mostly clear skin, but are concerned with fine lines and sun damage, use the AHAs. If you have oily/acne-prone skin, Ms. Quesnelle says that the BHA is the one for you.

Please note that in order to work best, these acids need to be in the correct concentration of 5-8 % and at a pH of 3-4. This usually is not stated on the bottle. If the AHA is listed as the 2nd or 3rd ingredient, it’s usually in the proper concentration.

Finally, there is a 3rd type of chemical exfoliant – the enzyme. Enzymes work to dissolve the top layer of dead cells (as opposed to AHAs which just eat up the bond that holds them on). Not all enzymes do the trick. They must be in a class known as Proteolytic Plant Enzymes. The ones normally used in skin care are Papaya (papain), Pineapple (Bromelain) and Pumpkin (cucurbita pepo). Enzymes are great for sensitive skin. IMPORTANT: Enzymes are what women and men of color should be using for exfoliation. Mechanical exfoliation can damage the skin causing dark spots. Acids can cause discoloration (lightening of pigment). Enzymes are safe and very gentle.

When using any exfoliant this summer, it is imperative to keep up with the sunscreen/sunblock. Exfoliation can make skin more sensitive to the sun and can cause some nasty burns. Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 every 2 hours of sun exposure and certainly after being in water.

This summer, don’t let your skin become dull and flaky! Show off the healthy skin that’s just one little layer away!

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Chicago's Erikson Institute to Award Bestselling Author, Museum Founder with Honorary Doctoral Degrees

Chicago's Erikson Institute to Award Bestselling Author, Museum Founder with Honorary Doctoral Degrees

Alex Kotlowitz and Dolores Kohl Kaplan to be Honored at May 10 Graduation Ceremony

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) May 5, 2008

Erikson Institute faculty and trustees will award honorary doctoral degrees to prominent Chicagoans Alex Kotlowitz, author of the bestselling book There Are No Children Here, and Dolores Kohl Kaplan, president and CEO of the Dolores Kohl Education Foundation and founder of Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago.

The honorary degrees will be presented during the 41st annual graduation ceremony of Erikson, one of the nation's leading graduate schools in child development, at 2 p. m. on Saturday, May 10, at the South Shore Cultural Center. Kotlowitz will deliver the commencement address to 84 Erikson graduates receiving master's degrees in child development or early childhood education and three graduates receiving doctorates.

"Our two honorees have done significant work to focus attention on the educational needs and issues facing urban youth. Their work exemplifies Erikson's values," said Erikson president Samuel Meisels. "Throughout his distinguished career as a writer, Alex Kotlowitz has revealed the lives of urban children and made a powerful case for education, equity and social justice. Dolores Kohl has touched the lives of countless Chicago area children through her work as a teacher and philanthropist and through the museum that carries her name."

In 1991, Kotlowitz published There Are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in the Other America, a book chronicling two years in the lives of Lafeyette and Pharoah as they struggled to survive in Chicago's Henry Horner Homes, a public housing complex plagued by crime and neglect. Since that time more than a half million copies have been sold. The New York Public Library selected the book as one of the 150 most important of the century. In 1993, it was made into a television movie produced by and starring Oprah Winfrey.

"This recognition from Erikson Institute is an honor," Kotlowitz said, "particularly since my relationship with the Institute goes back to when I was working on There Are No Children Here. The professionals at Erikson helped me understand the effect that violence had on kids, and ever since then I've admired the work they do."

Kotlowitz (www. kotlowitz. com), who also has authored two other books, The Other Side of the River and Never a City So Real, teaches at Northwestern University. He has written on urban affairs, poverty, race and immigration for 25 years for The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and many other major newspapers and magazines. He also has reported, written and produced for public television and public radio. He has been recognized with The Chicago Tribune's Heartland Prize for Nonfiction, the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, the Helen B. Bernstein Award and the George Polk Award.

Kohl Kaplan is the founder, president and CEO of the Dolores Kohl Education Foundation. Her work in early childhood education, which began in the 1970s as a fourth grade teacher in Highwood, Ill., emphasizes literacy efforts for low-income urban families.

In 1985, she founded the Kohl Children's Museum (www. kohlchildrensmuseum. org) in Wilmette at what formerly had been a bowling alley. The museum grew in popularity, prompting a move to a new 46,700-foot location in Glenview in 2005. At the same time, the name was changed to the Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago to reflect its expanded mission. Kohl Kaplan stepped down from her roles as president and CEO of the museum in 1999 but continues to support the museum.

Kohl Kaplan directs The Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards, which recognize outstanding teachers of young children, and The StoryBus, an urban school literacy program. She is a trustee of Ravinia Festival, Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago and Brandeis University.

"I feel most humbled to have been chosen for this honor," Kohl Kaplan said. "Erikson is one of the country's foremost graduate schools focusing on childhood development, and I truly value its influence and contributions in this important field."

Past recipients of honorary Erikson degrees include noted philanthropist and Erikson founder Irving B. Harris and his wife, Joan, a prominent supporter of the arts; Chicago's First Lady Maggie Daley; National Black Child Development Institute founder Evelyn K. Moore; and Lella Gandini, widely known for promoting the approach to early childhood education developed in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

About Erikson Institute. Erikson (www. erikson. edu) is the nation's only graduate school to focus exclusively on child development from birth to age eight. An independent institution of higher education, it prepares child development professionals for leadership through academic programs, applied research and community involvement. For more than 40 years, the Institute has advanced the ability of educators, practitioners, researchers and decision-makers to improve the lives of children and their families. Erikson alumni are active in many different fields, including education, infant mental health, child care, social policy and research, family and social services and health services.

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Drummond Group Completes First Fully Automated AS1 Interoperability Certification

Drummond Group Completes First Fully Automated AS1 Interoperability Certification

Drummond Group Inc., the trusted interoperability test lab, announced that six products from Axway, Inovis, /n software inc. and nuBridges Inc. have completed the AS1-2Q09 Interoperability certification. This test was the first fully automated AS1 testing using Drummond Group's patented InSitu® automation technology.

Austin, TX (PRWEB) July 27, 2009

Drummond Group Inc (http://www. drummondgroup. com/)., the trusted interoperability test lab, announced that six products from Axway, Inovis, /n software inc. and nuBridges Inc. have completed the AS1 (http://www. drummondgroup. com/html-v2/as1.html)-2Q09 Interoperability certification. This test was the first fully automated AS1 testing using Drummond Group's patented InSitu® automation technology. This technology allows the tester to automate the execution and evaluation of the AS1 test cases used for Interoperability testing including sending and receiving of AS1 messaging.

The amount of manual effort that was required before InSitu (http://www. drummondgroup. com/html-v2/insitu. html) automation has been significantly reduced. Engineers do not have to be constantly monitoring and executing test cases manually and can now focus on solving interoperability issues. Furthermore, InSitu allows for multiple protocols to be tested at once. Drummond Group plans to offer AS1 and AS3 Interoperability testing concurrently starting in 2010.

"When we began interoperability testing, which required that all test cases be executed in a full-matrix fashion where each participant executes each test case as both sender and recipient with all other participants, the major pushback we received from the software vendors was the amount of work it would require," says Rik Drummond, CEO Drummond Group Inc. and the InSitu patent author. "With the lessons learned from our automated AS2 Interop which exchanges some 40,000 messages among 20-25 products, we continue to InSitu-enable more interoperability test events at the requests of the participants. This AS1 test is our third test to be automated, joining AS2 and AS3. There is significant time, effort and related cost savings in using automation to achieve interoperability. It is a win-win for everyone."

For specific AS1-2Q09 certification results, final report and registration information for upcoming tests, click here.

AS1 (Applicability Statement 1) is the RFC standard (RFC3335) by which vendor applications communicate EDI or other business-to-business data (such as XML) over the Internet using SMTP, the standard used for email.

About Drummond Group Inc.
Drummond Group Inc. (DGI) is the trusted interoperability test lab offering global testing services throughout the product life cycle. In addition to interoperability testing services, Drummond Group offers test lab services including auditing, QA, conformance, and test consulting. Founded in 1999, DGI represents best-of-breed on linking technologies, standards and interoperability issues with the needs of vertical industries such as automotive, consumer product goods, healthcare, financial services, government, petroleum, pharmaceutical and retail. For more information, please email info2 at drummondgroup. com

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Aegis Environmental, Inc. Presents Free Webinar for Cost-Effective Environmental Training and Compliance

Aegis Environmental, Inc. Presents Free Webinar for Cost-Effective Environmental Training and Compliance

Kellie Boston, CIT of Aegis will Offer Expertise in Environmental Training and Compliance in a Free 1-Hour Webinar in September. Ms. Boston will Outline Training Requirements, Explain the Role of Training in Environmental Compliance and Recommend the Effective Training Methodologies that Fit Any Budget.

Richmond, VA (PRWEB) August 28, 2009

Aegis Environmental, Inc. (http://www. aegisenv. com), a woman-owned environmental consulting company with a technical staff that averages 17 years of experience, announces a free webinar to help corporations and government agencies improve environmental compliance through more efficient and cost-effective environmental training of employees. The webinar occurs on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EDT.

Despite all of today's environmental buzz words (e. g., green facilities, sustainability, carbon footprint), compliance is the core of an environmental program. Many issues identified during audits and/or agency inspections can be traced to improper, inadequate, or lack of personnel training.

Increasingly, managers are asking questions such as: How can I satisfy training requirements when my training budget has been slashed? How do I train my employees not only to meet regulatory requirements but to understand their importance within the overall corporate and facility environmental programs? What specific information is required, who must be trained, and at what frequency? What types of training would enhance environmental stewardship?

Kellie Boston, CIT of Aegis will answer these questions in a 1-hour webinar entitled Training Requirements for Today's Environmental Compliance (https://www2.gotomeeting. com/register/417633210). This session will review training requirements in air, waste, water, and transportation-related regulations. Ms. Boston will discuss which topics must be included in the media-specific training sessions, trainer qualifications, training frequency, and records required to support and document your training program. She will cover training methods (one on one, onsite group, offsite group and online) and recommend the best and most effective methods for delivery per topic and audience. Each attendee will receive an easy to use chart outlining the training requirements for various regulations.

Ms. Boston is the Jacksonville, Florida Branch Manager of Aegis Environmental, Inc. (http://www. aegisenv. com). She has been certified as a Certified Instructional Technologist (CIT) by the National Environmental, Safety, and Health Training Association (NESHTA) for over six years and has been developing and providing environmental training for over 10 years. Ms. Boston's training experience has put her at the top of her industry. She has provided instruction to U. S. government agencies, municipalities, and Fortune 100 companies. Ms. Boston regularly trains on topics including EPA and various state-specific air, waste, water, hazmat-transportation (domestic and international), and environmental management systems (EMS). She has extensive experience providing regulatory support to clients with the hazardous material regulations including Department of Transportation (DOT), International Maritime of Dangerous Goods (IMDG), International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA). She is an active member of NESHTA, Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA-Florida Section/Northeast Chapter), and the Dangerous Goods Trainers Association (DGTA).

Space in the Free Webinar is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
Https://www2.gotomeeting. com/register/417633210 (https://www2.gotomeeting. com/register/417633210)

For more information about Aegis Environmental, Inc., visit www. AegisEnv. com.

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Capella University Makes Comprehensive Online Academic Writing Center Available to the Public

Capella University Makes Comprehensive Online Academic Writing Center Available to the Public

The online university's Online Writing Center features multi-media modules aimed at graduate level students studying in a variety of disciplines

Minneapolis (PRWEB) May 30, 2008

A comprehensive online academic writing center developed by Capella University (www. capella. edu]) primarily for graduate level students is now available to the public at www. capellawritingcenter. org]. Capella, which is an accredited,* online university (http://www. capella. edu/online_university. aspx) that focuses on master's and PhD degrees, created the Online Writing Center (http://www. capellawritingcenter. org/) to provide its 23,000-plus students with instruction, resources, and strategies to help them navigate the writing process and develop clear and effective academic writing.

"We decided to make this writing resource available to the general public because, first, it's the nature of writing centers to share resources, and second, we have some unique resources to share that are a result of the collaboration among faculty, staff, and our incredible web and instructional designers," said Leslie Olsen, coordinator of Capella's Writing Center. "There is so much information on this site that people seeking help with their writing won't find on other writing resource Web sites. What we have developed truly makes the writing process much more manageable, efficient, and enjoyable."

Some of that unique information includes a writing handbook organized around the writing process and embedded with multi-media modules, animated handouts, and easily downloadable documents on topics such as the philosophy behind APA writing guidelines, writing a literature review, and pre-writing techniques that can be used to help facilitate the writing process.

"The multi-media modules and animated handouts are very unique among writing resource Web sites, and are a very effective way to help these concepts come to life and really sink in," said Olsen, adding that all of the modules are ADA compliant.

Some other topics covered on Capella's Online Writing Center include:
 Annotated Bibliography Guide  Grammar  Business and Technical Writing  APA Style and Formatting  Undergraduate Writing Resources  How to Get Your Work Published  Academic Integrity

The site also offers a wide variety of one-page handouts in PDF format for downloading on topics such as developing a thesis statement, writing in the third person, and plagiarism. The Writing Center even features a "Writer's Relief" section for those who need a break from thinking about writing.

Although Capella's Online Writing Center has been developed primarily for graduate-level students, it does feature a section for undergraduate students. It includes an interactive module on the four stages of writing, which takes the student all the way through the writing process, from prewriting, through drafting and peer review, and on to revising, editing and proofreading.

About Capella University
Founded in 1993, Capella University (www. capella. edu) is an accredited*, fully online university that offers graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, psychology, public health, and public safety, and bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 104 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 15 certificate programs. The online university currently serves more than 23,400 students from all 50 states and 45 other countries. It is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Capella University is a wholly owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www. capella. edu (http://www. capella. edu) or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).

*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www. ncahlc. org.
Capella University, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), www. capella. edu.

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Career Guidance Goes High Tech

Career Guidance Goes High Tech

Company uses technology to put personal career guidance within reach of all.

New Britain, CT (Vocus) March 3, 2008

For the estimated 110 million Americans struggling with their career direction, help is now within reach. Today, online company Clear Ambition announced its goal to 'vault personal career guidance (http://www. clearambition. com/guidance. aspx) beyond the walls of private practice into the laps of mainstream Americans' using national web-based and telephone technology.

"The average person has never received personal career guidance," says Brian Sanders, President and Founder of Clear Ambition. "People seek advice from experts on their health, taxes, and how to choose the right TV, but when it comes to the big life decision of choosing a career direction, they struggle alone," says Sanders.

Clear Ambition was launched last year to address what Sanders refers to as a 'near universal need for career guidance' among students, job seekers, stay-at-home mom's returning to the workforce, those who have been laid off, and baby-boomers who are redefining retirement with part-time work roles.

The company believes access, convenience, and affordability are key reasons why people have not sought help until now. "Using technology, we've built a national platform to deliver highly personalized, highly affordable career guidance to virtually anyone, anywhere, at anytime," says Sanders.

Here's how it works: Customers sign up for the program on the company's website at http://www. clearambition. com (http://www. clearambition. com). The program steps each client through four self-assessments, then automatically generates a list of best-fit career options. Working with a highly trained career consultant by telephone, each client receives help in discovering what options really fit. The client then receives guidance in choosing a direction and in building a step-by-step action plan.

"Each of our career consultants (http://www. clearambition. com/guidance. aspx) has a Masters Degree and at least 5 years experience in career guidance," says Sanders. "We carefully match each client with a consultant based on the client's life stage and specific needs."

The upfront subscription fee includes access to the web tools and a specific number of guidance hours. As such, clients know exactly what they are signing up for. Starting packages cost half of what people pay for their daily cup of coffee over the course of a year.

"With the constant change in today's workplace, everyone should have access to expert career guidance. Our goal is to make sure they get it," says Sanders.

About Clear Ambition
Clear Ambition is an online program that helps people make better, more confident decisions about their life direction and career path. The company has simplified the process of finding a life/career direction that fits each person by combining self-assessments, career and education exploration tools, and 1-to-1 personal career guidance in one all-inclusive, online program. Its program is designed for teens, college students, and adults of all ages. The privately held company is headquartered in New Britain, CT and can be found online at http://www. ClearAmbition. com (http://www. ClearAmbition. com).

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Car Insurance Advice to Save Money This Summer

Car Insurance Advice to Save Money This Summer

Planning a summer road trip? Check out these saving tips and advice on car insurance.

(PRWEB) July 15, 2005

So youÂ’re finally going on that summer road trip vacation! Whether youÂ’re driving your own car or renting one, www. InsuranceFusion. com has some tips that will help you save on insurance costs for your trip.

Renting a Car

When you rent a car online or at the counter, chances are good the rental agent will try to sell you insurance – a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and liability coverages. If you’re like most people, you want to be protected. But do you need to purchase this insurance to be covered? In many cases, the answer is a resounding NO.

How will you know whether or not you have enough coverage? Before you travel:

 Check with your insurance company or agent. Most car insurance policies cover you and any car you drive. Verify both collision and liability coverage with your insurance company, and how much it covers. If you usually drive a “beater” and youÂ’re renting a Corvette, you may need additional coverage. Also check your homeowners or renters policies to ensure coverage of your belongings in the event they are stolen on the road.  Check with your credit card issuers. Many credit card companies provide car rental insurance as a free service. Verify what coverage you have and how much it covers, and then use that card when you rent the car.

If after checking these sources you still feel like you want more coverage, go ahead and get the rental car company’s insurance for about $10-25 per day. If you do purchase it, be sure to ask about exclusions – i. e. the things they don’t cover - or you could end up with less coverage than you thought.

One other issue with rental cars – make sure you fill up at the gas tank BEFORE you return your car. Otherwise, you will pay the per gallon rate established by the rental company – often as high as 3x as what you’d pay at a standard gas station – which at this summers prices could be downright scary.

Driving your own Car

Gas prices everywhere are going up, up, up. According to recent the government, the average price for a gallon of gas in the United States is at a record high of $2.33. Sometimes it seems like the only way to save money is to stay home. However, here are some tips to help improve your fuel economy.

 Compare prices at different stations, pump gas yourself, and use the lowest-octane called for in your owner's manual.  Slow down! Fuel economy decreases dramatically at speeds over 60 MPH.  Before your trip, get your engine tuned and your tires inflated to their proper pressure.

Make sure your insurance is current and that you have enough coverage. Insurance costs vary dramatically ($400 or more for the average family) from company to company. Visit www. InsuranceFusion. com to make sure you are paying the lowest price possible for your car insurance.

Whether you rent a car or drive your own, above all, be safe, have fun, and donÂ’t forget to stop and smell the roses along the way!

About InsuranceFusion

InsuranceFusion. com is owned and operated by Sequoia Interactive, Inc. InsuranceFusion brings trusted names together in one place to make insurance shopping easier. www. InsuranceFusion. com provides insurance quotes and a wealth of insurance articles and information for auto insurance, term life insurance, homeowners insurance and health insurance.

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