Dry skin, cracked lips and dull, gray complexions are just a few of the winter skin woes we suffer through each year. But could they all be fixed with a tiny little pill?
New research out of the Department of Dermatology at St Jacques University Hospital in France suggests that taking proper supplements can repair those seasonal skin problems. Researchers studied 80 women between the ages of 35 and 55, dolling out Perfectil Platinum micronutrient supplements to half of them and a placebo to the other half over a period of four winter months.
So what did they find at the end of snow season? Those who had taken the supplements avoided dryness, appeared less gray and washed-out and had thicker skin and a decreased level of skin anisotropy than their placebo-taking counterparts. Plus, oral supplements, which contain antioxidants like vitamins E and C, come with no serious side effects, according to the study. (But don't toss out your creams just yet: Subjects were allowed to use "basic moisturizing products" in addition to the supplements.)
Unfortunately, since the study was only conducted over a four-month period, researchers weren't able to gauge whether or not the supplements actually prevented sagging and wrinkles, which develop over the course of years, not seasons.
Interestingly enough, these clinical findings come amid many reports questioning the efficacy of vitamin supplements. "It is very American to put hope in a bottle," Dr. Amy Wechsler told the New York Times about the prevalence of skin supplements back in 2010. "And it is also very American to try to sell that hope."
Fair point. But after reading this new research, we figure it can't hurt to give supplements a shot this winter.
If you have extra cash lying around...
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Rihanna Spends $23,000 A Week On Her Hair
Rihanna is almost never seen sporting the same hairstyle twice. From mohawks to flowing locks, RiRi's love of variety means she spends over <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2023257/Rihannas-styling-hair-raising-14-000-week.html?ito=feeds-newsxml">$23,000 a week on a personal hair stylist</a> -- that's more than a million dollars a year!
Mila Kunis Requests $7,000 Ruby Facials
Even seemingly down-to-earth starlets love to indulge. Mila Kunis reportedly likes to keep her skin looking fresh <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonydemarco/2011/08/01/mila-kunis-7000-ruby-and-diamond-facial/">with a HD Diamond and Ruby Peel</a> -- a facial that uses precious stones to buff away skin impurities and costs $7,000 a pop.
Jennifer Lopez Glows, Thanks To $1,000 Placenta Cream
J.Lo's famous glow <a href="http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-news/517761/jennifer-lopez-takes-15-hours-700-and-2-placentas-a-week-to-look-this-good">costs her $1,000 a week in human placenta facials</a>. It may seem kind of gross, but proponents swear that the vitamin and protein-rich smearing placenta encourages skin regeneration, making your face baby-smooth!
Madonna Buys $78,000 Anti-Cellulite Device
It's no secret that The Material Girl lives lavishly, especially when it comes to her rigorous beauty regime. <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1265213/Madonna-just-bought-50-000-machines--miracle-cure-cellulite.html">Madge reportedly purchased an at-home anti-cellulite machine for $78,000</a> that uses acoustic wave therapy to eliminate unsightly skin dimples.
Serena Williams Takes $5,000 Evian Bath
Serena Williams revealed just how serious she was about soaking when <a href="http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20050225005522/en/Serena-Williams-Christens-Worlds-Expensive-Bath-5000">she christened the world's most expensive bath at the Hotel Victor in Miami Beach</a>. The exclusive 'Evian Experience' comes filled with spa treatments and 1,000 litres of natural Evian spring water -- as well as a $5,000 price tag.
Celine Dion's $2,000,000 Humidifier
When Celine Dion demanded a humidifier for her Las Vegas hotel room, no regular humidifer would do -- <a href="http://entertainment.ca.msn.com/music/photos/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=27549275&page=10">the Canadian singer requested a $2 million machine</a> to keep her vocal chords warm and to prevent the Vegas climate from drying out her skin.
Owen Wilson Spends $3,200 A Week On Tanning
It's not just the ladies who shell out for their looks -- Owen Wilson stays California-bronzed all year 'round by tanning three times a week, <a href="http://www.therichest.org/money/the-top-10-biggest-spenders-in-the-world/">spending around $1,200 per session. </a>
Kate Middleton's Bee Venom Facials
To keep her skin royally radiant, Kate Middleton reportedly indulges in bee venom facials, which (you guessed it) <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/09/kate-middleton-skin_n_1760202.html">use bee venom to keep skin supple and youthful. </a> <a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10721972">One ounce of venom costs approximately $55,200 to extract; </a>Victoria Beckham and Gywenth Paltrow also swear by this odd beauty treatment.
Demi Moore Beautifies With Blood-Sucking Leeches
Demi's ever-youthful appearance didn't come cheap -- she's rumoured to have spent over $400,000 in plastic surgery! -- but it seems the 41-year-old actress will go to any extremes for beauty,<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1582889/Demi-Moore-uses-leeches-to-detoxify-blood.html"> including having blood-sucking leeches 'detoxify' her blood.</a> Riiight.
Kelly Osbourne's $250 Thousand Diamond Manicure
Kelly's 2012 Emmys look achieved Internet fame after she posted an Instagram photo with the caption, "About to get a $250k manicure..." <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/27/kelly-osbourne-manicure-diamonds_n_1918663.html">Kelly received a ton of backlash for the ridiculously extravagant manicure</a>, but the reality star was ultimately unrepentant, Tweeting, "...please forgive me for not regretting it. It made me feel like a queen!"
Top Five Spa Splurges
Need a day to relax? Some time to unwind? We have to top five splurges that will make you feel like new at the spa.
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