Guinness Awards Record for Most Expensive Perfume

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New York - A rose is a rose, and a perfume is a perfume, right? Well, not if it's the "World's Most Expensive Perfume." Clive Christian No. 1 was awarded the Guinness World Record for being the most expensive perfume on Saturday, Dec. 8, at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York.

Composed of the rarest ingredients in the world with no regard to their cost, No. 1, which has been produced by Clive Christian for the past six years, retails for $2,350 for 30ml of the pure perfume. Only 1000 bottles each of the men's and women's perfumes are released each year.

The single most expensive bottle of the Clive Christian perfume, the No. 1 Imperial Majesty bottle made of Baccarat Crystal and inset with a white diamond on the neck, was on display Saturday as well at Saks. Valued at over $200,000, only 10 bottles were ever produced.

Fans of No. 1 include Sir Elton John, who used the scent to perfume the gardens at his White Tie and Tiara Ball and Katie Holmes, who wore it on her wedding day for her marriage to Tom Cruise.

Clive Christian flew in from London to receive the official award from Guinness World Records. When his company acquired the Crown Perfumery in 1999, the British perfume company originally established in 1872 granted the crown of excellence by Queen Victoria, he set out to revive the company's history of luxury by creating the most exquisite perfumes, though he said they never set out to break the world record.

"The brief that was given to them for No. 1 was that they had to produce the best possible perfume that was known to mankind, and they were to ignore all costs and buy whatever they considered would produce the best results, even taking into account that it might not be sustainable," said Christian. "In other words, next year, we may not be able to do it. Nobody has ever done that. No. 1 does change, year by year."

"The by-product of that is that it became ridiculously expensive to actually produce that," continued Christian. "We didn't expect it to be as well-received as it has been, which goes to show that if you produce something so well, the world will respond well to it."

Christian said the two ingredients in particular make this perfume so expensive. Natural aged sandalwood from India, for example, which is so prized it is regulated by the Indian government, is an ingredient in No. 1.

Tahitian vanilla is another, which Christian explained goes through a labor-intensive process to procure.

"The vanilla pods ferment, and then tiny crystals form on the outside of the pod, and we actually reap the perfume of the vanilla, from those crystals - not actually from the pods," said Christian.

Though Christian may be the man behind the world's most lavish scent, one of his favorite scents doesn't hail from an exotic locale or rare flower, though you might be hard-pressed to find such a smell today.

"A great smell and sensation was when I was a child," said Christian. "They used to have over a railway line, those metal bridges that you don't have any more. And when they had a steam train, if you stood, directly above it, as the steam train went through it, you were covered in steam, so it was quite an experience. You had the smell of the steam, and of the carbon, and the different goings on, and that was a powerful, energetic smell."

"So get a steam train, stand underneath it, and it will curl your hair!"

Promising Approach To A More Effective Sunscreen

ScienceDaily (Dec. 5, 2007) — Chronic exposure to the sun increases the risk of an individual developing skin cancer because UV light from the sun can cause genetic mutations that enable cells in the skin to grow in an uncontrolled manner.

Hope for a new sunscreen that can prevent and treat UV light--induced skin cancers has been provided by a new study in a mouse model of the disease by Mohammad Athar and colleagues at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York.

Mutations in the p53 gene that result in the production of mutant forms of p53 protein unable to do their job are associated with cancer in various tissues in mice and humans. An agent known as CP-31398 has previously been shown to bind mutant forms of p53 and restore their function.

In the study, applying CP-31398 to the skin of mice reduced skin cancer (in terms of the size and number of tumors) induced by exposure to UVB light. In addition, treating mice already carrying UVB light--induced skin cancers with CP-31398 reduced tumor growth and volume.

These effects were associated with increased p53 function. The clinical relevance of these observations was highlighted by the demonstration that CP-31398 increased p53 function in a human skin cancer cell line expressing a mutant form of p53.

However, as Wafik S. El-Deiry from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, notes in his accompanying commentary, this study raises a number of questions that need to be addressed before these promising findings lead to new sunscreens for the prevention and treatment of UV light--induced skin cancer.

The article "CP-31398 restores mutant p53 tumor suppressor function and inhibits UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis in mice" is published in the December 3 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Adapted from materials provided by Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Drug-Like Beauty Products Draw Concern

Surgeon: Caution Needed When Using OTC "Cosmeceuticals"

(CBS) Baby boomers are driving the market for so-called "cosmeceuticals" -- beauty aids that promise to work like prescription drugs to make you look younger and better. Many are advertised like drugs, too. And the field is taking off.

But, on The Early Show, a New York cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgeon raised warning flags about cosmeceuticals.

Dr. Michelle Copeland pointed out that they're not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so consumers need to be extra-vigilant about what's in them before buying or using them.

She said many over-the-counter anti-aging products, anti-wrinkle creams and sun spot reducers are examples of cosmeceuticals.

There are a number of excellent products out there, Copeland said, but there are a few that might not do any good, and it's possible some might do some harm.

She added that some companies are even using prescription medications in cosmeceuticals.

Copeland offered a for-instance to co-anchor Hannah Storm, saying, "Lots of cosmeceuticals have forms of Retin-A in them, but not at the same concentration."

So, what's a consumer to do when considering cosmeceuticals, which tend to be pricey?

"Become an educated consumer," Copeland said. "We know with our foods we have to look and see if there are preservatives. It's the same thing with the skin care. Look and see if there are dyes in it, fragrances.

"Look at the ingredients. If a product says it's allergy-tested, that means it's held to a higher standard, that it's been tested and most people will not have a reaction to it. You want to make sure whatever you're putting on your skin isn't filled with lots of dyes that could be irritating. There are a lot of products out there and some of them are very good that can really do what they say they're doing.

"Make sure you're buying a product that has been tested in some form, that comes from a reliable company. There are certainly doctor brands (that) have been tested on a clinical basis.

"I think we are entering a tremendous revolution in skin care, and today we know so much more than we ever did. People are living longer. And they want to look better. And if there's an opportunity to look better without having surgery, wouldn't that be wonderful? And I think that that is really within our grasp right now."

In general, Copeland observed, soft, smooth skin "is healthier skin. Skin that gets cracked and dry is more prone to infection. So the wonderful thing about skin care is that we now can make our skin smoother and make it look better at the same time."

Of course, you could and should always consult your doctor if you have any questions not answered on labels, on the Web, etc., Copeland concluded.

(Dr. Copeland's website can be seen at www.mcskin.com)

Body Wraps: Way To Look, Feel Slimmer?

Allure Magazine's Amy Keller Gives Lowdown, And Volunteers Put Wraps To Test

(CBS) Body wraps, a staple at spas, are considered an effective, all-natural way to enhance and moisten your skin, making it look softer.

Now, they're being touted by many beauty experts as a way to help women look and feel slimmer.

Amy Keller, beauty editor of Allure magazine (http://www.allure.com), had the scoop on the beauty treatment Thursday, as The Early Show continued its series, "Weapons of Mass Reduction."

Wraps are designed to improve the texture and appearance of the skin by helping to rid the body of excess fluids and toxins. Benefits of body wraps may include detoxification, boosting of the lymphatic system and metabolism, body contouring, temporary inch-loss, skin tightening, and skin softening.

The Early Show had four different wraps done on four women during the program. They were measured before and after, off-camera, to see if the wraps made a difference. All four volunteers lost from two-to-four INCHES within an HOUR.

Three spas did the wraps: Cornelia Day Spa, Great Jones Spa, and Paul LaBrecque. So did a medi-spa, the Natural Alternative Center, which promises you can lose six-to-twelve inches in one two- hour procedure.

How Are Body Wraps Performed?

People undergoing body wrap treatments typically have their torso, legs, arms, and neck wrapped with elastic cloths (either dry when wrapped or pre-soaked with a body wrap mixture). The elastic cloths absorb and help remove excess body fluids and toxins. The cloths are wrapped snugly (though not too tightly), creating a thermal blanket that promotes sweating and aids in the shedding of unnecessary interstitial fluid (fluid located between the small spaces of body tissues).

Possible Benefits of Body Wraps

Body wraps are all-natural, most often containing a mixture of herbs and minerals designed to beautify the skin. Essential oils and sea salts may also be used in daily spa body wrap treatments, seeking to help tone and soften the skin, and help rid you of those unwanted inches. Results may be realized immediately. But toxins and interstitial fluids eventually re-accumulate, so regular body wraps may provide better long-term benefits.

More on Body Wraps:

Body scrubs may use salts and other natural ingredients to exfoliate and detoxify the skin.

Body wraps use detoxifying organic materials, such as mud or aloe vera, to draw toxins from the body and soften skin. Most body scrubs use a blend of oils with fine and coarse grains, and are followed with the application of emollient lotions to further soften skin. Skin will feel soft, and fine lines will lessen after just one treatment. Such deeply relaxing treatments are shown to decrease stress, thereby lowering blood pressure. Since the skin is our largest organ, detoxification can have profound effects on our health and sense of well-being.

Body Wrap Costs

Body wraps typically cost between $100 and $300, depending on your location, at most day spas. Body wraps are often performed as part of a larger body treatment that may include aromatherapy, mud baths, hot tubs, and saunas. Day spa body wraps can be less expensive when performed in conjunction with other body treatments or day spa therapies that may include facials, massages, or waxing.

How does Alure rate body wraps?

Keller says editors first look for those that promise "detoxifying," "firming," "tightening," or "slimming" effects. Then, they check for ingredients dermatologists and aestheticians have said have some kind of tightening effect, however temporary. That includes things such as seaweed, caffeine, and muds. To pick the best, it comes down to trial and error: Editors try them, to see if they feel as if they've lost any water weight, and if they're actually tighter and firmer -- and how long the effects last.

The following information was provided by the spas represented on the show:

DR. ROSSI'S NATURAL ALTERNATIVE CENTER
As founder, and director of The Natural Alternative Center on West 72nd Street in Manhattan for more than 20 years, Dr. Trisha Rossi is a well-known lecturer and talk show personality. She has treated the likes of Britney Spears, Hillary Swank, Jennifer Gardner, Missy Elliot and an endless list of others who have, along with "The Discovery Health Channel," dubbed her "the naturopathic doctor to the stars." She compliments her practice with various licenses and certifications from nutrition, and food allergy-related alternative therapies to colon/digestive disorders and organ drainage detoxifications. She enhances her treatment programs with proven herbology and DNA/TMA detoxification protocols. Her specialty is in weight- and inch-loss, pain management, and problem skin issues. On the show Thursday, a demonstration was done of how one can lose inches on a natural, non-surgical, non-chemical level.

GREAT JONES SPA, of New York City
Green and White Algae Body Wrap
60 minutes, $160
90 minutes, $230
Includes massage
Marine algae are the base of the food chain and contain all the minerals, trace elements, and vitamins essential to life. Providing re-mineralization, restoring balance and inducing relaxation, this treatment nourishes and hydrates skin while stimulating natural detoxification. Performed as a wrap in a Vichy shower, marine algae grown in the pristine waters off the Brittany coast of France are applied to the skin to provide nutrients on a cellular level and draw out toxins. This treatment reduces the effects of bloating, fatigue, stress, and water retention while replenishing skin to its optimum level of nutritional balance. The 90-minute treatment includes a relaxing massage with a hydrating moisturizer. This wrap will leave you soft and rejuvenated. Those with iodine allergies should instead choose the Sedona Mud and Red Algae Body Wrap & Hydrotherapy Treatment.

PAUL LABRECQUE
Detoxifying Seaweed Body Wrap
60 minutes $125
Series of six, including tax $715 ($780 value)
This treatment starts with a wonderful body polish using 100 percent natural energizing herbal powder, followed by a detoxifying and re-mineralizing slimming and firming action of a algae wrap. Natural plant essences of lemongrass, geranium and tonka bean help to reduce water retention, and flush out excess fluids and toxins. Localized drainage massage is added to specifically target stubborn areas of cellulite. Also includes a luxurious scalp massage. Start your contouring cure!

CORNELIA
Algae Slimming Body Treatment
Bathe in mineral rich soaking teas, slimming algae and essential oils to alleviate water retention. The slimming body wrap promotes circulation, pulls out impurities and restores balance to the body.
90 Minutes $260

Stressed-out Skin Loses Its Antimicrobial Defense Mechanism

ScienceDaily (Nov. 19, 2007) — It is well known that being stressed increases our susceptibility to infections by impairing the function of our immune system, but the molecular links between stress and diminished immune function have not been determined.

However, Peter Elias and colleagues at UCSF, have now characterized a mechanistic link in mice between psychological stress and increased susceptibility to skin infections.

Mice subjected to conditions of psychological stress were found to be more susceptible to group A Streptococcus pyogenes skin infections than mice housed under normal conditions.

This was associated with decreased expression of antimicrobial peptides by the epidermis of the skin. Further analysis revealed that psychological stress induced the increased production of glucocorticoids and that this inhibited the synthesis of fats in the epidermis of the skin and decreased the secretion of vesicles that contain antimicrobial peptides.

As indicated by the authors and Andrzej Slominski from the University of Tennessee, Memphis, in an accompanying commentary, these data lead to the suggestion that the immune function of the skin might be improved in individuals who are stressed by inhibiting the action of glucocorticoids.

Psychological stress downregulates epidermal antimicrobial peptide expression and increases severity of cutaneous infections in mice, Journal of Clinical Investigation, November 1, 2007

Adapted from materials provided by Journal of Clinical Investigation.