Category: Beauty

A skin-lightening cream from Mexico that contained toxic mercury left a California woman with significant central nervous system damage, doctors report in a case study.

Many weeks after her initial hospitalization, the woman requires “ongoing tube feeding for nutritional support” and can’t speak or care for herself, according to the authors.

The cream contained a form of organic mercury called methylmercury. This is the first known case of methylmercury poisoning in the United States in nearly 50 years.

“Most harmful skin-lightening creams are intentionally tainted with inorganic mercury. But in this case, the patient used a skin-lightening product containing organic mercury, which is far more toxic,” said study senior author Dr. Paul Blanc, of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and California Poison Control System.

Organic mercury can cause “profound damage” to the central nervous system that may even worsen after use ends, he said.

The woman first sought medical help for involuntary muscle movement and weakness in her shoulders and arms, the case study reported. After two weeks of outpatient care, she was admitted to a hospital with symptoms that included blurry vision, unsteady gait and difficulty speaking. Blood and urine tests confirmed mercury poisoning.

Her family told doctors that she had been using skin-lightening creams from Mexico twice a day for seven years, according to the case study published Dec. 19 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The woman underwent chelation therapy, a treatment for heavy metal poisoning, but her condition didn’t improve. She was transferred to UCSF, where tests found that the skin cream she used contained methylmercury.

“Central nervous system toxicity, as in this case, is the hallmark of organic mercury — it typically comes on after weeks to months of exposure. Once manifested, it quickly progresses and often worsens, despite removal of any further exposure,” Blanc said in a UCSF news release. “Unfortunately, chelation therapy, which is effective in inorganic mercury poisoning, has not been established to be efficacious for methylmercury.”

Consumers can take several steps to protect themselves, said study co-author Dr. Craig Smollin, of UCSF’s emergency department and medical director of the California Poison Control System’s San Francisco Division.

When buying skin creams, check that the product has a protective foil seal under the lid, Smollin advised.

“Purchase creams from well-known stores and avoid those with hand-made labels or without labels. Ingredients must be listed, and directions and warnings should be in English,” he said in the news release.

Biologists from The University of Manchester have explained for the first time why having a good night’s sleep really could prepare us for the rigours of the day ahead.

The study in mice and published in Nature Cell Biology, shows how the body clock mechanism boosts our ability to maintain our bodies when we are most active.

And because we know the body clock is less precise as we age, the discovery, argues lead author Professor Karl Kadler, may one day help unlock some of the mysteries of aging.

The discovery throws fascinating light on the body’s extracellular matrix -which provides structural and biochemical support to cells in the form of connective tissue such as bone, skin, tendon and cartilage.

Over half our body weight is matrix, and half of this is collagen — and scientists have long understood it is fully formed by the time we reach the age of 17.

But now the researchers have discovered there are two types of fibrils — the rope-like structures of collagen that are woven by the cells to form tissues.

Thicker fibrils measuring about 200 nanometres in diameter — a million million times smaller than a pinhead — are permanent and stay with us throughout our lives, unchanged from the age of 17.

But thinner fibrils measuring 50 nanometres, they find, are sacrificial, breaking as we subject the body to the rigours of the day but replenishing when we rest at night.

The collagen was observed by mass spectrometry and the mouse fibrils were observed using state of the art volumetric electron microscopy — funded by the Wellcome Trust — every 4 hours over 2 days.

When the body clock genes where knocked out in mice, the thin and thick fibrils were amalgamated randomly.

“Collagen provides the body with structure and is our most abundant protein, ensuring the integrity, elasticity and strength of the body’s connective tissue,” said Professor Kadler

“It’s intuitive to think our matrix should be worn down by wear and tear, but it isn’t and now we know why: our body clock makes an element which is sacrificial and can be replenished, protecting the permanent parts of the matrix.

He added: “So if you imagine the bricks in the walls of a room as the permanent part, the paint on the walls could be seen as the sacrificial part which needs to be replenished every so often.

“And just like you need to oil a car and keep its radiator topped up with water, these thin fibrils help maintain the body’s matrix.”

“Knowing this could have implications on understanding our biology at its most fundamental level. It might, for example, give us some deeper insight into how wounds heal, or how we age.

Practice Good Skin Care Basics

If you really want to keep your skin looking young, start with the essentials:

Avoid the sun.
Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen.
Wear sun protective clothing (long sleeves and pants).
Don’t smoke.
Use moisturizer.

Sleep on Your Back

When you sleep in certain positions night after night, it leads to “sleep lines” — wrinkles that become etched into the top layers of skin and don’t fade once you’re up. Sleeping on your side leads to wrinkles on cheeks and chin, while sleeping face down gives you a furrowed brow.

Eat More Salmon

Salmon (along with other cold-water fish) is a great source of protein, one of the building blocks of great skin. It also has plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. Experts say essential fatty acids nourish skin and keep it plump and youthful, and that can help minimize wrinkles.

Don’t Squint — Get Reading Glasses!

Any facial expression that you do over and over (like squinting) overworks facial muscles and makes grooves beneath the skin’s surface. Eventually those grooves become wrinkles. So keep those eyes wide: Wear reading glasses if you need them. And get savvy about sunglasses. They can protect skin around the eyes from sun damage and keep you from squinting.

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Your hair, like your taste in music and comfort level with social media, can give away your age. Hair changes with age just like the rest of your body. “Hair follicles get smaller, sebum production declines, and some people lose pigment cells and go gray,” says Francesca Fusco, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

As hormones change, the hair sheds more and grows back more slowly, causing it to thin, says David Kingsley, PhD, president of the World Trichology Society. In addition, hormones trigger a reduction in sebum production that can leave the hair feeling dryer. At the same time, pigment cells in the hair bulb wane over time, Fusco says, so hair turns gray.

But while your hair changes with age, you can update it. We asked the experts to share their best anti-aging hair care tips and tricks to keep your strands looking healthy and youthful to represent your individual style.

See Your Doctor

“Address any thinning early,” Fusco says. “We have treatments like minoxidil and Propecia that work to regrow hair,” she says. “But it’s best to rule out other causes like anemia, iron deficiency, autoimmune disorder, or the side effects of medication.”

Get the Right Cut

“As your hair thins, it’s not a bad idea to cut your hair a bit shorter, but it’s a myth that you have to cut your hair short once you reach a certain age,” says Nunzio Saviano, owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon in New York City. “You can have beautiful hair that’s below your shoulders as long as it’s cut in longer layers that move together and give the illusion of fullness.” He explains that having too many layers only emphasizes thinning texture, but longer layers hold shape and look full.

Delve Into Your Diet

“Protein and iron are the two most important things to have in your diet for healthy hair,” Fusco says. “If your diet is restricted, it can affect hair loss.” She advises asking your doctor about a blood test and a medical history to check for a deficiency in iron, vitamin D, or other minerals. Once that’s ruled out, Fusco likes the supplement Nutrafol because it contains zinc and other antioxidants that promote hair growth. “There is good research, and my patients have been happy with the results,” she says.

When in Doubt, Moisturize

Saviano tells his clients to avoid drying mousses and gels because they can cause hair to look dull and strip away shine. His trick: “I like to use mousse designed for curly hair because it tends to be moisturizing and less drying for the hair,” he says. Fusco recommends rich conditioning treatments to hydrate aging strands. She likes macadamia nut oil masks once a week.

Brush With Greatness

There’s an old wives’ tale that you should brush 100 strokes a day. That isn’t necessary, Saviano says. But gentle brushing can encourage healthy blood flow to the scalp, which is good for the hair. In fact, some research shows that scalp massage may help increase hair thickness. He suggests using a Mason Pearson soft boar bristle brush because the natural bristles are gentle on delicate strands and will distribute the hair’s natural conditioning oils.

Check the Label of Your Lather

“Look for a zinc pyrithione shampoo — it’s usually in dandruff formulas,” Fusco says. She says the ingredient is hydrating and soothing, whether you have dandruff or not, and can help anyone feeling tightness or itchiness due to decreased sebum production on the scalp.

Keep Your Cool

Heat styling can be especially damaging to thinning hair fibers. The stress can cause breakage, and since the hair is producing less sebum, you have less natural protection against the heat. Fusco warns against using too many heat tools and recommends keeping any time you expose hair to flat irons or blow dryers to a minimum.

Stay Away From Spray

Jet Rhys, owner of Jet Rhys Salon in Solana Beach, CA, tells her clients not to use too much hair spray. The drying alcohols in these stylers can cause hair to become dry and brittle.

Build Body

“There is a wonderful product called Toppik that uses vegetable fibers to camouflage areas of thinning hair,” says Mona Gohara, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University. She says it’s very helpful in creating the appearance of hair thickness.

Gloss Over Gray

Gray hair naturally has a wiry, dull texture that reflects less light, Rhys says. “Semi-permanent or permanent color can improve the texture and add body, but you don’t have to completely cover your gray,” she says. “You can just add a few ribbons to add some shine.” She also says that color has the perk of increasing volume, so it helps thinning hair feel fuller as well. “A few highlights around the temple can make a big difference in creating the look of volume and shine,” Saviano says.

By Andrea Stanley

Your diet may be to blame for your breakouts. While food isn’t the be-all and end-all cause of acne, it can exacerbate it, says Ranella Hirsch, MD, past president of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and dermatologist practicing in Boston. If you’ve already tried every beauty product with “acne” on the label, it’s time to rethink the role these foods play in your diet.

Skim Milk

Got milk? Malaysian research revealed that those who regularly consumed milk were four times more likely to have acne drama than those who didn’t (the hormones in dairy are thought to make your skin go haywire). More surprising: Skim may be worse than whole or low-fat milk, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The exact reason why is still unclear, although it may have to do with the different proteins found in skim.

Ice Cream

Dealing with a rash of acne breakouts lately? Your go-to pint of ice cream may be to blame. (Sorry, cookie dough!) “Sugars can cause inflammation in the skin,” Hirsch says. And the not-so-sweet cherry on top? Ice cream contains dairy, too. So between the high sugar content and dairy, it may be time to cease those late-night freezer raids.

Potato Chips

Carbs, specifically those with a high glycemic index, cause inflammation, which can lead to breakouts, says Hirsch. In fact, when it comes to foods that cause acne, many dermatologists say high-GI foods are the biggest culprit. The next time you’re hankering for a handful of potato chips, reach for some peanuts instead (they have a low glycemic index).

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Why Try Natural Oils?
They are touted as alternatives to condition hair, moisturize skin, fight acne, and strengthen nails. Take a stroll down the beauty aisle of your drugstore and you’ll find them in many products. Do they work? You might need to experiment. Everyone’s skin is different, and it comes down to trial and error.

Marula
Made from the fruit of the marula tree, which is native to South Africa, this oil is rich and hydrating. It’s full of fatty acids, which dermatologists say soothe dry skin. It absorbs quickly and won’t leave you shiny or greasy.

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Wear Gloves When Washing the Dishes

You probably can’t bow out of household chores entirely (a girl can dream!), but if you’re exposing your hands to water for long periods of time, like when you’re tackling a sink full of dishes, throw on a pair of rubber gloves first. Fingernails absorb water even better than your skin does, says Stern. And while that sounds like a good thing, it’s really not. “When water is constantly moving in and out of the nail, it puts a tremendous strain on the delicate nail cells,” she explains. Too much water contact can result in soft, weak nails that are susceptible to breakage.

Polish to Protect

Layers of nail polish help protect the fingernail and hold nail cells together, but Stern recommends a five-free formula that avoids dibutyl phthalate, toluene, formaldehyde, camphor, and formaldehyde resin chemicals. And whatever you do, don’t skip the base coat and topcoat—they provide two additional layers of protection that you don’t want to miss out on.

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By Liesa Goins

Your hair, like your taste in music and comfort level with social media, can give away your age. Hair changes with age just like the rest of your body. “Hair follicles get smaller, sebum production declines, and some people lose pigment cells and go gray,” says Francesca Fusco, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

As hormones change, the hair sheds more and grows back more slowly, causing it to thin, says David Kingsley, PhD, president of the World Trichology Society. In addition, hormones trigger a reduction in sebum production that can leave the hair feeling dryer. At the same time, pigment cells in the hair bulb wane over time, Fusco says, so hair turns gray.
But while your hair changes with age, you can update it. We asked the experts to share their best anti-aging hair care tips and tricks to keep your strands looking healthy and youthful to represent your individual style.

See Your Doctor
“Address any thinning early,” Fusco says. “We have treatments like minoxidil and Propecia that work to regrow hair,” she says. “But it’s best to rule out other causes like anemia, iron deficiency, autoimmune disorder, or the side effects of medication.”

Get the Right Cut
“As your hair thins, it’s not a bad idea to cut your hair a bit shorter, but it’s a myth that you have to cut your hair short once you reach a certain age,” says Nunzio Saviano, owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon in New York City. “You can have beautiful hair that’s below your shoulders as long as it’s cut in longer layers that move together and give the illusion of fullness.” He explains that having too many layers only emphasizes thinning texture, but longer layers hold shape and look full.

Delve Into Your Diet
“Protein and iron are the two most important things to have in your diet for healthy hair,” Fusco says. “If your diet is restricted, it can affect hair loss.” She advises asking your doctor about a blood test and a medical history to check for a deficiency in iron, vitamin D, or other minerals. Once that’s ruled out, Fusco likes the supplement Nutrafol because it contains zinc and other antioxidants that promote hair growth. “There is good research, and my patients have been happy with the results,” she says.
When in Doubt, Moisturize
Saviano tells his clients to avoid drying mousses and gels because they can cause hair to look dull and strip away shine. His trick: “I like to use mousse designed for curly hair because it tends to be moisturizing and less drying for the hair,” he says. Fusco recommends rich conditioning treatments to hydrate aging strands. She likes macadamia nut oil masks once a week.

Brush With Greatness
There’s an old wives’ tale that you should brush 100 strokes a day. That isn’t necessary, Saviano says. But gentle brushing can encourage healthy blood flow to the scalp, which is good for the hair. In fact, some research shows that scalp massage may help increase hair thickness. He suggests using a Mason Pearson soft boar bristle brush because the natural bristles are gentle on delicate strands and will distribute the hair’s natural conditioning oils.

Check the Label of Your Lather
“Look for a zinc pyrithione shampoo — it’s usually in dandruff formulas,” Fusco says. She says the ingredient is hydrating and soothing, whether you have dandruff or not, and can help anyone feeling tightness or itchiness due to decreased sebum production on the scalp.

Keep Your Cool
Heat styling can be especially damaging to thinning hair fibers. The stress can cause breakage, and since the hair is producing less sebum, you have less natural protection against the heat. Fusco warns against using too many heat tools and recommends keeping any time you expose hair to flat irons or blow dryers to a minimum.
Stay Away From Spray
Jet Rhys, owner of Jet Rhys Salon in Solana Beach, CA, tells her clients not to use too much hair spray. The drying alcohols in these stylers can cause hair to become dry and brittle.

Build Body
“There is a wonderful product called Toppik that uses vegetable fibers to camouflage areas of thinning hair,” says Mona Gohara, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University. She says it’s very helpful in creating the appearance of hair thickness.

Gloss Over Gray
Gray hair naturally has a wiry, dull texture that reflects less light, Rhys says.

“Semi-permanent or permanent color can improve the texture and add body, but you don’t have to completely cover your gray,” she says. “You can just add a few ribbons to add some shine.” She also says that color has the perk of increasing volume, so it helps thinning hair feel fuller as well. “A few highlights around the temple can make a big difference in creating the look of volume and shine,” Saviano says.

Find more articles, browse back issues, and read the current issue of WebMD Magazine.

By Liesa Goins

The beauty world is brimming with high-tech devices and cutting-edge ingredients, but when it comes to handling some of the most common skin care problems, newer isn’t always better. In some cases, simple natural options might be as effective as scientifically engineered solutions.

“Many of my patients practice ‘clean’ eating and want to extend that philosophy to their skin care routine,” says Papri Sarkar, MD, a dermatologist in Brookline, MA. “Finding effective clean beauty products isn’t as simple as finding organic produce at the grocery store, but it’s easier than ever before to find something that will fit your needs.”

We asked experts to share the ingredients that are the best of both worlds — naturally based and science-backed.
Coconut Oil
Benefits: Hydration, anti-inflammatory. There’s growing science supporting the use of this plant fat as a topical skin soother. Recent research shows that extra virgin coconut oil suppresses some of the body’s natural inflammatory agents while making the skin a better barrier. “Many people love coconut oil products to help fight dry, itchy skin and skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis,” says Laurel Naversen Geraghty, MD, a dermatologist in Medford, OR. “Some of my psoriasis patients swear by overnight coconut oil scalp treatments worn under a plastic shower cap.” But Geraghty warns against putting coconut oil on blemish-prone areas because it may worsen acne.

Find it in: Jars in the cooking aisle.

Gotu Kola (Also Known as Centella asiatica)
Benefits: Wound healing. This ancient herb often used in Asian cuisine is now a part of modern skin care due to its wound-healing benefits, says Michelle Wong, PhD, a cosmetics chemist and creator of the Lab Muffin Beauty Science blog. Chemicals in the plant boost blood supply to injury sites and strengthen the skin. Researchers have found that when skin injuries in rats are treated with Centella asiatica, the sites showed higher healing. The combination of amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids, and phytochemicals help speed healing time, making it a helpful way to treat injuries.

Find it in: Wong likes La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm ($15) and Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream ($48).
Green Tea
Benefits: Sun protection, anti-aging. The connection between drinking green tea and improved health has been suggested for years, but it may also help to use the plant on the skin. “Green tea has good results in terms of photoprotection and anti-aging benefits,” says Jeanine Downie, a dermatologist in Montclair, NJ. The polyphenols in green tea have antioxidant properties as well as soothing abilities that help treat sun-damaged skin and offer a way to address the signs of sun damage, she says.

Find it in: Downie likes sunscreen containing green tea, such as Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($23).

Oatmeal
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, eczema relief. “Oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant chemicals called avenanthramides,” Wong says. “It also has moisturizing beta glucans and starches. It’s the reason why oatmeal baths are so effective for conditions like eczema and rashes.” But not all oatmeal is created equal, Geraghty says. “Colloidal oatmeal is powder that’s derived from grinding and preparing oats into very tiny, specific sizes,” she says. This size and quality of oats is what makes the ingredient so therapeutic and able to blend with water to form the soothing paste when mixed with water.
“I like colloidal oatmeal products because they’re gentle and safe, and studies show they don’t tend to cause allergies or irritation,” Geraghty says. “I’ve found that if my eczema patients develop gentle skin care habits and regularly slather on a thick moisturizer containing colloidal oatmeal, they don’t need topical steroids as much or as often.”

Find it in: Wong likes Aveeno colloidal oatmeal products like their Soothing Bath Treatment, ($10).

Shea Butter
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, itch relief. Derived from the nut of a shea tree, shea butter is an ingredient in many moisturizers. “It seems to hydrate skin effectively because it’s loaded with fatty acids,” Geraghty says. These nutrients have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. She says shea butter might be most useful for treating and soothing eczema. Clinical studies using shea butter as a treatment for eczema in children showed less itching within 4 weeks, and another study with adults showed improvement in 2 weeks. Geraghty points out another plus of the natural moisturizer: Shea butter doesn’t seem to cause skin allergies often, which makes it right even for the most sensitive skin types.

Find it in: Geraghty likes Dove Cream Oil Shea Butter Body Lotion ($6) and L’Occitane Pure Shea Butter ($38).
Soy
Benefits: Inhibits pigmentation, improves collagen production. Soybeans contain a variety of plant-based chemicals that impact the skin. Among them are antioxidants, fatty acids, and isoflavones. The legume also produces estrogens or phytoestrogens that address skin conditions related to menopause.

“One of the reasons we believe that a woman’s skin turgor and brightness decreases after menopause is because of decreased estrogen,” Sarkar says. “Topical estrogens have been shown to help decrease UV-induced pigmentation and can improve collagen synthesis.” She says soy won’t offer as robust results as retinoids, but it’s another option for patients looking to address these conditions. The isoflavones in soy also offer sun protection that can help address pigmentation to keep skin even, according to research.

Find it in: Sarkar likes Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer ($13).

Tea Tree Oil
Benefits: Anti-microbial, blemish-fighting. The herbal remedy derived from tea tree leaves has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that help combat a range of germs, fungus, and bacteria, Geraghty says. “The fact that tea tree oil helps combat bacteria-driven acne means it may help reduce the inflammatory type of blemishes — the tender pustules or inflamed pink papules,” she says. But the topical treatment doesn’t have much effect against deep cystic acne or comedones. Geraghty also warns about the potential for irritation when using tea tree oil on the skin. She suggests monitoring areas for signs of redness and a rash.
Find it in: Geraghty likes Biossance Squalane + Tea Tree Detox Mask ($39).

A Final Note
As is the case when trying any new treatment, it’s a good idea to run something by your dermatologist to make sure you’re using a natural therapy the right way, Geraghty says. “Coconut oil can worsen breakouts, for example, and some treatments are completely unproven — they wouldn’t be worth it.”

The Scoop: Split Up With Split Ends
Fight your hair’s No. 1 enemy with these pro tips from Shaun Surething, lead stylist and co-owner of Seagull Salon in New York City.

Fine hair: For all hair types, but especially fine hair, sleeping with a humidifier is an absolute must. Hair splits because it is dry, and fine hair splits the easiest. “If you can take the financial leap, a good humidifier with a digital display is great,” says Surething. “Keeping the humidity level higher will help keep moisture in the hair and prevent it from splitting.”
Wavy hair: Swap your cotton pillowcase for satin, which allows waves to glide freely over the pillow rather than snag on cotton fibers. If you prefer cotton pillowcases, consider wrapping your hair in a satin scarf before you drift to sleep, Surething suggests.

Curly hair: As fun as it is to change the look of your hair, remember that using hot tools and styling tools too much can cause ends to split. Surething says to always start gently, from the bottom, when combing or brushing. Never yank at tangles, because it can cause tearing and splitting of the strand. Shield ends from heat with a thermal-protecting spray.
Coarse hair: On coarse, kinky hair, it’s more difficult to keep in moisture, so weekly masks and hydrating conditioners are paramount. “These products lock in moisture and keep a barrier between your hair’s cuticle and the elements, including rain, snow, and sun,” says Surething.

Pump Up the Volume

When you don’t have time to wash and style, take second-day hair to new heights by blasting your roots with a texturizing spray, massaging the crown of your head and then winding your hair into a high bun. Try BlowPro Blow Back Time ($20, ulta.com), which boosts fullness. Before you walk into your office, undo the bun, shake it out and, voilà, textured waves!

Reduce Sallowness

Peach blush helps balance a sallow complexion, says Kristofer Buckle, a celebrity makeup artist. Try Benefit Majorette ($28, benefitcosmetics.com) or Dior Cheek & Lip Glow ($37, Sephora stores) on the apples of your cheeks.

Whiten Stained Teeth

You’re giving a presentation at work later in the day and your teeth look a bit dingy (let’s just say the Starbucks’ barista knows your name by heart). To the rescue: a fast-acting strip that you can apply before you shower. Try Crest 3D White 1 Hour Express Whitestrips ($55, drugstores). Remove the strip and brush your teeth after you get dressed to reveal a sparkly smile. Good morning, multitasker!

Look More Vibrant

To perk up tired skin pronto, slather on a face mask, get in the shower and let it work its magic for 10 minutes. The steam will open your pores and help the ingredients penetrate deeper. Nugg Beauty Revitalizing Face Mask ($3, nuggbeauty.com) comes in a single-use pod and packs peppermint oil, which smooths, firms and acts like a shot of espresso for your skin.

Zen Out

You probably sprint through your a.m. routine, but that doesn’t mean it can’t feel a little spalike. Sprinkle a few drops of eucalyptus oil (get it at a health-food store) directly under the showerhead as the warm water streams out. Not only will it smell amazing, but the zesty fragrance will also open your nasal pathways for deeper breathing, helping to fight mental sluggishness, explains Sara LaBree, the education manager for Jurlique. A eucalyptus shower gel works wonders, too. We like Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Body Wash ($20, malinandgoetz.com).

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