Non-greasy lotion for dry skin..

QV Skin Lotion repairs and soothes dry skin. With a luxuriously light formulation, it’s easy to apply to all parts of the body. For best results, apply after your bath or shower.

BENEFITS

• Helps seal in natural moisture by acting as a protective barrier.
• pH balanced, low-irritant formulation, free from fragrance, colour, lanolin and propylene glycol.
• Suitable for use on dry, scaly skin, winter itch, ichthyosis, xerosis, and dermatitis.
• Suitable for relief of symptoms of atopic eczema and psoriasis.
• Suitable for even sensitive skin types.
• Particularly suitable for infants and the elderly.

INGREDIENTS

Aqua (water), glycerin, petrolatum, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, cetearyl alcohol, ceteth-20, steareth-2, dimethicone, glyceryl stearate, methylparaben, propylparaben, dichlorobenzyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, triethanolamine.

SIZES AVAILABLE

250ml bottle
500ml pump pack
1L pump pack

Always read the label and use only as directed
Caution: Avoid eyes.

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Kylie Miller, Melbourne, New QV Skincare User  

I was so impressed with the results I achieved on my skin that I went and bought the QV face creams for both day and night use. It is easily absorbed and scent-free and keeps my winter-dry skin feeling smooth and supple.

Vicky Sator, 36, Coburg

I’ve been using the QV skin lotion for the last two weeks and I have noticed a huge improvement. My legs dry out extremely fast during the day but with using the QV skin Lotion each morning my legs have stayed soft and haven’t dried out at all. I love it and highly recommend it.

Deanne Hull, 47, Bicton, WA.  

As I have just been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and have to taking a lot of medication, this product has been beneficial to keep my skin from drying out. I am using it twice a day after a shower and it is helping considerably.

Here are our WINNERS, who each receive a cash prize of $5,000!!

Congratulations:

Deirdre Lange from Mandurah WA

Nadarasha Varatharasan from St Andrews NSW

Danielle Southen from Mentone VIC

Kate Miles from Wakerly QLD

Kieren Taylor from Westleigh NSW

Anthony Roulston from Glenwood NSW

Matthew McKrill from Thornlie WA

–

What would you do with an extra $5000 cash?

Well stop dreaming. QV Skincare is giving away $5000 cash every week for 8 weeks!

To enter purchase any QV Skincare product and CLICK HERE to enter!

It’s that easy.

Competition closes 11.59pm AEST 9th May 2012

Good Luck!

This month the QV team are going to be looking at Super Foods for improving your skin. Remember that whatever you put inside you is going to show externally, so have a look at these super ingredients you should be adding to your diet courtesy of Women’s Health and Fitness.

Unless you’re genetically blessed with eternally youthful skin, chances are that by your late 20s the first signs of ageing will start to show.
The skincare industry does little to quell the paranoia, offering a range of miracle cures to reverse the signs of premature ageing. Buzzwords such as crows’ feet, wrinkles and sun damage can sound alarm bells in even the most confident of women, but it’s important to be realistic about your ever-changing skin. Embrace the memories that shaped those fine lines and wrinkles, but at the same time give your skin the attention it deserves. Here’s how can you strike a happy balance.

Diet

Omega-3s
Dieters who are obsessive about fat content may find that their skin is more prone to the visible signs of ageing. However, there are certain fats you should include to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
In recent years, omega-3 rich foods, such as salmon, sardines and linseed, have been hailed as skin superfoods for their ability to reduce inflammation and replenish dry and flaky skin. We require a certain amount of unsaturated fat in our diets, and cutting out the good stuff (extra virgin olive oil, avocado and canola oil to name a few) will only result in thirsty, dehydrated skin.
“Omega-3 fats are an essential fatty acid, which means our bodies don’t produce them. We have to get them from dietary sources,” says DD dietitian Clare Evangilista. “We all know the benefits of olive oil, but canola oil contains more omega-3 fats. Choose a canola-based spread for toast and sandwiches and use canola oil in cooking and salad dressings.”

Zinc
But it’s not just about the fatty acids. According to Evangelista, zinc can promote happy and healthy skin.
“Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, baked beans and kidney beans are high in zinc, which is an important mineral for cell regeneration, so it helps skin to heal,” she says.
“A diet rich in zinc can help your skin better recover from wounds or acne. Zinc deficiency can lead to poor skin healing and can also contribute to gum disease and mouth ulcers.”
You can boost your zinc consumption by including a small can of four-bean-mix in your salad at lunchtime, or adding canned lentils to pasta, soup and toasted sandwiches.

Folate
Foods rich in folate, such as cereal and avocado, can help ward off wrinkles by rejuvenating the skin’s cells. Avocado contains folate, vitamin E and essential oils that can help keep your skin plump and smooth. Mash one quarter of a ripe avocado on rye toast and season with salt, pepper and a dash of lemon juice. Leek, spinach and green beans are also rich in folate.

Low GI foods
Low GI foods such as oats are another simple staple that may help too.
“Oat-based foods generally have low GI,” says Evangelista. “Research shows that choosing low GI carbohydrates can reduce insulin levels. Most people are aware that insulin is a hormone that helps to control blood glucose levels, but it is also an inflammatory hormone and can contribute to acne.”
If you’re not willing to trade your regular breakfast for a bowl of oats, add oats to low-sugar muffins or low-fat natural yoghurt for a nutritious snack.

Berries
Berries are another easily-accessible skin superfood and are a great source of vitamin C, which helps cells to make collagen, an important protein in skin.
“Berries are also a great source of other antioxidants, which help fight off free radicals in your diet and environment that can cause cell damage and premature ageing,” says Evangelista.
Berries can be easily incorporated in your diet – add them to your cereal, have them as a snack on their own or blend them with low-fat milk, honey and yoghurt for a delicious smoothie.Skincare
When it comes to treating wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation and crows feet, there is an abundance of skincare products available, but there is limited research to suggest that many of these are actually effective in the long term. The following active ingredients may be useful in minimising the damage, but it’s essential to be realistic about the results you are after.

Retinoids
According to the Victorian Cosmetic Institute, this derivative of vitamin A can reduce skin thinning (caused by too much sun), pigmentation and sun damage by boosting the natural turnover rate of the skin.
Studies have shown a noticeable improvement in sun-damaged skin when retinoids have been used on a regular basis. Topical retinoid creams are prescription-only, and as they may enhance sensitivity to the sun in the first few weeks, it’s important to wear a sunscreen too.

Vitamin C
The new kid on the block in anti-ageing skincare, vitamin C is renowned for its antioxidant properties and ability to protect skin from environmental damage.
Although the results can be impressive, vitamin C is only effective in its stable form. Look for products that contain L-ascorbic acid and don’t be fooled by cheap formulas that contain barely traceable amounts of the vitamin.

Alpha hydroxy acid
This common ingredient in exfoliants and peels unclogs the skin to make way for the regrowth of soft, new skin. While it may not banish wrinkles straight away, it will create a fresher face base for you to treat skin.

Vitamin A
A common ingredient in over-the-counter creams, vitamin A has a mild inflammatory effect that makes skin appear supple. The results, however, won’t last forever. Use on a regular basis may give the same results, but it’s only really effective at the surface.

Sun smarts
The harsh Australian sun can wreak havoc on skin. While it’s too late to take back years of lazing on the beach, you can take preventative measures against future damage.
With such an array of sun creams, gels, sprays and after-care available, it’s important to choose one that offers maximum protection against UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are longer and less powerful than UVB, but attack collagen and elastin, which can result in wrinkles, fine lines and broken blood vessels.
UV damage can account for up to 80 per cent of lines on an older face, so it’s important to apply suncream regardless of the weather conditions. As exposure to UV increases with altitude, if you’re hitting the slopes this winter be sure to pack some suncream.

Original Article: http://www.womenshealthandfitness.com.au
Image Source: © nixxphotography http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2217

Dear Readers,

How many of you have things you have always wanted to learn, but did not because.. Life distracted you from them?

There is always something holding us back. Money. Time. The paralyzing fear of stepping out of our comfort zones.

Back in my university days, a girlfriend commented this of me, which was one of the last words I would use on myself. You’re a Do-er, she said.

You’re a Do-er. When you find something of interest, you go ahead and do them. If something catches your eye, you sign up for classes and learn them. Sign language, saxophone, Japanese, anything. You approach them with no hesitation and partake them enthusiastically and with so much passion.

Her words, from so many years ago, stuck in my head. I was stunned that someone thought that of me. Me – a quiet and passive person – a Do-er?

The past three years, I have not been actively learning. It was mainly because my work hours in the new job were too crazy for me to be able to commit to anything. I felt like I was at a standstill. Some days, I dragged my feet to work. Weekends were for resting because weekdays wore me out. Rinse and repeat. I could feel mould growing on me.

This year, however, is one of movement. Something has got to be done. I applied for my Masters. My fingers revived the ivory keys at home again. Come May, my friend and I will be attending capoeira classes at a martial arts school.

Wouldn’t you love to just.. take up lessons in whatever you have always wanted to learn? To find happiness and passion in learning or upgrading yourself?  Wouldn’t you wish to wake up each day and look forward to something?

This is my list of to-learn:
1) capoeira
2) archer (I am caught in the “Hunger Games” mania)
3) violin
4) photography
5) French

What is your list of to-learn? Will you do something about it today?

With love,
starmist
www.thegirlstarmist.com

Image Source: © chrisroll http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2140

Moisturise with a little help from Taz!

Highly concentrated, non-greasy and easy to apply all over the body, QV Kids Moisturising Cream is suitable for dry, sensitive and itchy skin. It also contains vitamins A (retinyl palmitate) and E (tocopheryl acetate) in colourful, skin friendly micro-beads that dissolve following application to the skin, making it fun to learn good skin care.

BENEFITS

• Easy for kids to apply themselves.
• Absorbed by the skin for effective moisturising.
• Hydrates dry skin and is suitable for eczema.
• pH-balanced, low-irritant formulation, free from fragrance, lanolin and propylene glycol.

INGREDIENTS

Water (aqua), glycerin, paraffinum perliquidum, petrolatum, cetearyl alcohol, dimethicone, squalane, glyceryl stearate se, stearic acid, ceteth-20, laureth-3, glyceryl stearate, methylparaben, lactose, cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, tocopheryl acetate, ci77289, ci77492, ci77007, retinyl palmitate, dichlorobenzyl alcohol.

SIZES AVAILABLE

100gm

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Lana Hooper, 11, Inner Melbourne, 1st time QV Skincare user

Positives: I found that in less than a week my skin was softer and wasn’t dry in areas that it usually is like on my elbows and shins. I like the packaging, its fun and its a good way for kids to feel like they can moisturise too! And I like the bright colours (purple, blue, yellow, orange). I also like the colored dots inside the cream because it’s not just like any other cream that’s just white and boring. I feels like a cream specially made for kids to enjoy. I like the easy directions on the back so kids don’t do silly stuff like put it in their eyes (some kids need directions even though they mightn’t like it!)

Negative: The pointy bits on the top of the package are really sharp and it cut me while I was fiddling with it. I know it’s not how you are suppose to hold it but I’m a kid and we DO FIDDLE alot so you need to consider that.

Elise Henderson, 33, Ringwood North, Mum of 2  

Fantastic product. The kids loved it and wanted to put it on themselves. I’m really happy with their skin after using it for a week. Would love to see it in a big pump pack though.

Rhonda Crowther, 36, Laidley Heights,  Mum of 1

My daughter and I loved the product. It looked a little odd at first and I was dubious of the blue coloured micro beads, but they quickly dissolved and I began to use them as a helpful tool to identify that the cream was rubbed in properly. My daughter suffers eczema and dry skin. Often sorbolene and other products sting, but QV Kids had no sting and made after bath massage and moisturising a pleasure that we looked forward to. Another bonus feature of QV Kids is that the initially thick consistency alleviates spills and messy accidents that toddlers can quickly cause.

Article Source: http://www.healthandthecity.com.au/resources/fitness/9/top-10-fitness-tips

Image Source: © Stuart Miles http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2664

Gentle, soap-free cleanser for delicate skin.

QV Gentle Wash is designed for dry and sensitive skin. It works to maintain hydration during cleansing so skin is left clean and soft. QV Gentle Wash is also non-comedogenic so it won’t block pores.

BENEFITS:

• Recommended for cleansing drier skin as it contains a higher concentration of moisturiser than QV Wash.
• Maintains skin’s natural protective properties.
• Doesn’t strip away natural oils like soap can.
• pH balanced, low-irritant formulation, free from colour, fragrance, propylene glycol, and lanolin.
• Suitable for use with conditions such as dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.
• Suitable for sensitive skin.

INGREDIENTS

Aqua (water), glycerin, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, lauryl betaine, sodium cocoyl isethionate, acrylates/ C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, styrene/acrylates copolymer, aminomethyl propanol, methylparaben, propylparaben.

SIZES AVAILABLE

250mL flip-top bottle
500mL pump pack
1L pump pack

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Test Drivers

Diana Kerr, 36, Lives in St Kilda – Vic, Never used QV products before.

I’m a big fan of soap free body washes, try to never use soap on my skin as it dries out very quickly. I found the QV Gentle Wash to be one of the best on the market. I like it because it has no fragrance and is gentle, especially in winter, as my skin seems even dryer at this time due to heating. I like the texture very much and a little seems to go a long way. I tend to use my body washes when I am in the shower with a soft loofah, and it feels soothing. After using QV my skin felt smooth, not stripped of moisture which is great because I use less of my unfortunately very expensive moisturiser – my wallet thanks you!

Product Rating:

Shannon Leary, 29, Lives in Boronia, New to QV Products

The gentle wash is really good – I have noticed my skin feeling smoother and more nourished since I have been using this (thanks!!!). It feels a little too heavy for on my face, my oily t-zone however so I haven’t used it every day for that particular reason. One thing I will say is that the packaging makes the product look very medicated and clinical – I think it is the shape of the bottle, could it be sleeker in shape, maybe even more feminine looking? Just a thought …..

Product Rating:

We’ve been scanning the web for the best skincare tips. This handy tip comes from eczema.com.au:

Regardless of the type of emollient you choose to use there are some common rules that if followed will enable you to gain the most benefit from your emollient.

• To reduce the risk of infection always wash your hands before applying your emollient.
• Always patch test an emollient that is being used for the first time.
• To prevent the skin drying out apply your emollient immediately after drying the skin.
• To minimise skin irritation and increased itching always rub emollients in the direction of the hair growth.
• To decrease the risk of cross infection, never share your emollient with other people.
• To moisturise your skin overnight, apply an emollient to your whole body before going to bed.
• To minimise skin irritation, apply moisturising creams gently.
• Always follow the manufacturers instructions.

Article source: http://www.eczema.com.au/articles/1776-tips-for-using-emollients/

Image source: © adamr http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=4061

Soaring sales of soap, bath and shower products and baby wipes have been blamed for a huge rise in the number of children suffering from eczema.

Skin specialist Michael Cork urged parents to cut down on using soapy detergents and baby wipes and switch to moisturising emollients.

Dr Cork, from the University of Sheffield, has found a strong correlation between detergent use and eczema. Since the 1950s, the proportion of British children affected by eczema has grown from about 3 per cent to more than 20 per cent.

Dr Cork’s research shows that this trend is mirrored by increasing water consumption and sales of soap, bubble baths, shower gels and shampoo. Sales of bath and shower washing products rocketed from 76 million in 1981 to 453 million in 2001.

Sales of baby wipes, which can contain alcohol and crude detergents, rose from 39 million in 1988 to 110 million in 2000.

Scientists already knew that detergents can increase the risk of eczema by stripping the skin of protective fats. Cells that form the “bricks” in the skin wall shrink, allowing irritants and allergy triggers to slip through the cracks. The skin becomes dry, scaly and itchy and may develop unpleasant sores.

“Rising demand for detergents closely reflects the increasing incidence of eczema,” Dr Cork said. “This is a genetic disease that runs in families, so you have to ask yourself why it has increased in prevalence to such an extent. The most likely explanation is something changing in the environment.”

He recommended that parents use emollient products, which trap moisture in the skin and plump up the cells.

Baby wipes containing alcohol were particularly bad. “Unless parents can find emollient-based baby wipes, my advice is don’t use them,” Dr Cork said.

Article source: http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/05/13/1021002430737.html

Image source: © nuttakit http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1556