What is the secret of eternal life? Is it scientifically possible to have a fountain of youth? There are some questions that have been asked since humans first became cognitive. The truth is that we already know how to stop aging, we just haven’t found a way to implement the cure. Although certain crèmes and serums help slow aging, they are merely a band-aid on the real problem. I believe everyone should know why they aging. Here are the basics on the chemistry of anti-aging. I present to you Telomerase by Dr. Shay and Dr. Wright from Southwestern Medical Center.

To better understand telomeres and telomerase, let’s first review some basic principles of biology and genetics. The human body is formed by adding many organ systems together. Each organ contains tissues designed for specific functions like absorption and secretion. Tissues are made of cells that have joined together to perform those special functions. Each cell is then made of smaller components called organelles, one of which is called the nucleus. The nucleus contains structures called chromosomes that are actually “packages” of all the genetic information that is passed from parents to their children. The genetic information or “genes” are really just a series of base pairs called Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C), and Thymine (T). These base pairs make up our cellular alphabet and create the sequences, or instructions, needed to form our bodies. In order to grow and age, our bodies must duplicate their cells. This process is called mitosis, which allows one “parent” cell to divide into two new “daughter” cells. During mitosis, cells make copies of their genetic material, half of which goes to each new daughter cell. To make sure that information is successfully passed from one generation to the next, each chromosome has a special protective cap called a telomere located at the end of its “arms”. Telomeres are controlled by the presence of the enzyme telomerase. Now that we have covered some basics, let’s explore telomeres, telomerase, and their importance to you!

A telomere is a repeating DNA sequence (TTAGGG) at the end of the body’s chromosomes. The telomere can reach a length of 15,000 base pairs. Telomeres function to help cap the end of our chromosomes from being recognized as damaged DNA. Telomeres also stop chromosomes from fusing to each other. However, each time a cell divides, some of the telomere is lost (usually 25-200 base pairs per division). When the telomere becomes too short, the chromosome reaches a “critical length” and can no longer replicate. This means that a cell becomes “old” and may sit there for years producing substances that are different from young dividing cells. s. Telomere activity is controlled by two mechanisms: erosion and addition. Erosion, as mentioned, occurs each time a cell divides. Addition is determined by the activity of telomerase.

Telomerase, also called telomere terminal transferase, is an enzyme made of protein and RNA subunits that elongates chromosomes by adding TTAGGG sequences to the end of existing chromosomes. Telomerase is found in fetal tissues, adult germ cells, and also tumor cells. Telomerase activity is regulated during development and has a very low, almost undetectable activity in somatic (body) cells. Because these somatic cells do not regularly use telomerase, they age. This results in an aging body. If telomerase is activated in a cell, the cell will continue to grow and divide. This “immortal cell” theory is important in two areas of research: aging and cancer.

Cellular aging, or senescence, is the process by which a cell becomes old. It is due to the shortening of chromosomal telomeres to the point that the chromosome reaches a critical length. Cellular aging is analogous to a wind-up clock. If the clock stays wound, a cell becomes immortal and constantly produces new cells. If the clock winds down, the cell stops. Our cells are constantly aging. Being able to make the body’s cells live forever certainly creates some exciting possibilities. Telomerase research could therefore yield important discoveries related to the aging process.

Cancer cells are a type of malignant cell. The malignant cells multiply until they form a tumor that grows uncontrollably. Telomerase has been detected in human cancer cells and is found to be 10-20 times more active than in normal body cells. This provides a selective growth advantage to many types of tumors. If telomerase activity could be turned off, then telomeres in cancer cells would shorten, just like they do in normal body cells. This would prevent the cancer cells from dividing uncontrollably in their early stages of development. In the event that a tumor has already thoroughly developed, it may be removed and anti-telomerase therapy could be administered to prevent relapse. In essence, preventing telomerase from performing its function would change cancer cells from “immortal” to “mortal”. There are ongoing clinical trials on patients with cancer testing this idea.

Knowing what we have just learned about telomeres and telomerase, it can be said that scientists are on the verge of discovering many of telomerase’s secrets. In the future, their research in the area of telomerase could uncover valuable information to combat aging, fight cancer, and even improve the quality of medical treatment in other areas such as skin grafts for burn victim’s bone marrow transplants and heart disease.

Don’t give up on your crèmes yet, they are the best bet in the

here and now. Stay tuned as “Runway” reveals the secrets of anti-aging products, what really works, and why in upcoming issues.

The winter blahs aren’t just a state of mind—they’re a state of hair, too. Rain, sleet, snow, wind and dry indoor heat can all wreck havoc on tresses.

Wash & Condition

Short or long, straight or curly- use a daily conditioner (one that contains essential fatty acids and humectants). Unless you’re getting dirty, skip the daily shampoos, cutting back to one or two times a week. Opt for “washing” with conditioner instead, starting about two inches from the scalp and concentrating on the ends — skip the scalp itself, as it has natural oils. Since hot water is drying, skip hot showers and shampoo and condition in warm or cool water. Products to try: for fine, color treated hair, Regis DESIGNLINE Hydrating Balm (available exclusively in Regis Salons); for coarse, curly, color treated hair, Redken Real Control Crema Care.

Leave It In

“The biggest mistake I see clients make in the winter is not using conditioner in the shower, or a leave-in conditioner while styling,” notes Kat Carey, artistic director at Regis Salons, Minneapolis, Minn. “The conditioner will keep hair hydrated and prevent static and fly-aways. And whether blow-drying or flat ironing, a thermal protection spray is essential year-round.” Products to try: Regis DESIGNLINE Olive Oil (available in Regis Salons); Paul Mitchell The Cream Leave-in Conditioner; Biolage Hydra-Seal Leave-in Cream; Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Sealed Ends; Regis DESIGNLINE Get it Pressed Flat Iron Spray (in Regis Salons); Redken Blow-Dry Lotion.

While you’re at it, opt for the cool setting on hair tools, or better yet, wash your hair on a day when you can stay home and let it air dry (makes new meaning of the excuse “I can’t, I have to wash my hair” huh?). But avoid going outside with soaking wet hair, because in super-cold climates, it could freeze and break.

Weather Busters

Soaking rain, chilling wind and snow can spell disaster for hair. Carey’s solution is what she calls a “winter trilogy”, which consists of leave-in moisturizing conditioner, shine serum and styling cream. “I also recommend adding an intense moisture mask to your at-home routine at least twice a month – more if your hair is really parched,” she explains, “If these don’t keep your hair looking healthy, try getting low-lights or a deeper all-over color. Darker, warmer colors can camouflage damage and make your locks look healthier.” Products to try: Regis DESIGNLINE Texture Cream and Pure Results Styling Cream (at Regis Salons); Paul Mitchell The Cream; Regis Olive Oil Hair Masque (at Regis Salons); Paul Mitchell Super Charged Conditioner; Biolage Age Rejuvenating Intensive Masque Conditioner.

Hat Head

A hat may help you stay warm, but once you take it off, you’re often left with static and flyaways. Opt for hats that aren’t too snug, and combat static electricity by using a moisturizing leave-in conditioner to protect hair (try Regis DESIGNLINE Silk Drops) and a leave-in styling cream to keep hair looking great both indoors and out. Or turn to your laundry room for a secret ingredient to stop static cling—lightly rub a dryer sheet on your hair to get rid of static-filled strands.

Regular Trims

Winter may make you feel like hibernating, but it’s important to get regular hair trims, which will remove or help avoid split ends, get rid of damage caused by sun and chlorine, and give your style a smoother appearance. In addition to trims, Carey recommends an in-salon conditioning treatment, followed by a color glaze treatment to maximize shine.

Home Remedies Put some moisture back into your hair’s environment with a humidifier. Also, don’t forget to drink lots of water to maintain internal hydration. Another way to keep your hair moisturized is with products you can find in your kitchen. Put a few drops of olive oil in your palms and rub them together, then start at the ends and, working your way up, run your fingers through your hair. The next time you feel the winter blahs hitting your locks, just follow these tips, and your tresses will reward you with happy winter hair.

Everyone wants to look like they have a healthy glow for the winter. When the sun is rarely out and you miss your sum­mer tan, it’s hard to feel sexy. The prob­lem is, there is no such thing as a “healthy glow”. We all know that spending too much time in the sun or tanning bed unprotected can break down the collagen in our skin, cause free radical dam­age and possibly lead to skin cancer. Good thing we can fake that glow that is so sought after!

Here are some great tips for sunless tan­ning…

Before slathering yourself in self-tanner, do a patch test on the inside of your arm to make sure you’re not allergic to the formula. Use a gentle scrub to exfoliate your skin before applying your tanning lotion. This will en­sure that the color develops evenly, but use it sparingly on knuckles, knees, ankles and in between fingers/toes. Also, be sure to choose the right shade based on your natu­ral skin tone or the starting point. Don’t go overboard though, as nobody wants to look orange. Try blending your fake tan lotion with your moisturizer or opt for a moistur­izer with tanning cream built in. Favorites include Neutrogena Build-a-Tan or Loreal’s Sublime Glow. These lotions give you a subtle glow that will deepen with each use. They are very easy to apply and almost goof-proof, just remember to wash your hands after applying! But don’t skip the sunscreen. If your self-tanner doesn’t already have one in it, you still have to apply sunscreen.

Salon tans are your best bet if you want a flawless, professional application and can afford the price. Head to the salon or spa and opt for the full body exfoliation (to save on the cost you can do this step at home just before you get to the salon) and a professional application of self-tanner with an airbrush machine. This is where an aesthetician sprays a fine mist of tanner over your entire body, making sure that it is even everywhere. For a cheaper option you can visit a tanning salon that offers booth spray tans. This process is done in a small booth and the tan­ning solution is sprayed on your body by a machine. Be care­ful to cover your hair and apply a barrier cream to your nails and palms of your hands. Otherwise you will have a build-up of self-tanner all over. When finished, you dry off starting at your feet and working up. Be sure to follow the booth tanning steps carefully, otherwise, without a human to help, you could end up a self-tanning mess.

There are several steps to follow in order to maintain your glow as long as possible. Whether you do it yourself or have a pro­fessional apply the product, do not wear makeup, perfumes or lotions before your treatment. These can affect the absorption of DHA (the sunless tanning in­gredient) resulting in streaking and minimal color. Deodorants should also be avoided. Spray­ing over deodorant can result in green rings around the arm pit and is difficult to remove. Always wait 8-12 hours before showering, and use a body wash or shower gel. These contain less alkaline than regular bar soap. If you have had an airbrush appli­cation with bronzer, you will see color washing off the first time you shower. This is just the sur­face color that was applied. Your skin will continue to tan as the self-tan reaction occurs on your skin. Moisturize twice a day with an alcohol-free lotion. Hy­drated skin makes your tan last longer and slows down the proc­ess of natural skin exfoliation. If you are using a self-tanner with moisturizer, only apply the self-tanner once a day and use a reg­ular moisturizer after that. The use of alpha hydroxy acids will increase exfoliation and acceler­ate the fading process of your tan. Waxing and other forms of hair removal should be done before your self-tanner application.

Do not exercise immediately following your tanning session, as excessive perspiration can affect the tanning process and the end result of your tan. When swimming or soaking in a hot tub, use a waterproof sun screen to help seal it in. The tan will still fade a little but this will slow down the process. And remember not to sit directly on light fabric or put tight fitting clothing on just after your tanning session or self tanner application.

Good luck—you will look and feel great after doing this!

About Mo Lewit:

Celebrity makeup artist Maura ‘Mo’ Lewit was recently seen on the new Lifetime reality competition TV series “Blush: The Search for the Next Great Makeup Artist”. From past credits working with celebrities and high profile shows such as Jen­nifer Tilly, author Lucie Venture, Norma Strait, “The Country Music Awards”, Sarah Ferguson, Rachel McAdams, Omorosa Manigault-Stallworth and Cirque Du Soleil her beauty, sense of professionalism and outgoing attitude lend to her leaving a lasting impression in the industry.