The Best Cosmetic Forums

Let me premise this by saying that for years I have been plunging into the depths of forums devoted to a variety of product categories, actively participating in discussions and carefully scrutinizing comments left by other users. 

Theoretically, the amount of information and variety of viewpoints would be an invaluable treasure trove for those in search of a solution to some problem. However, as I navigated these waters, I encountered a stumbling block as insidious as it is widespread: misinformation regarding the health and safety of ingredients. The open nature of the forums, while one of the strengths, unfortunately turns into an Achilles' heel, opening the door to a myriad of theories unsupported by scientific evidence. This flood of misinformation not only sows confusion among users, but also sets the stage for choices that could also have negative repercussions on individual and collective health. 

1 - Misinformation.

Forums are mostly frequented by a young and uninformed audience, or rather, informed by the culture of TikTok and Instagram. Many moderators have the same culture as the users, plus they delete everything they don't know. I gave it a try on Reddit server Beauty and posted some scientific studies from PubMed that warned of the danger of some chemical components. Deleted "for scaremongering."

So the first problem lies not only in the presence of this information rarely supported by scientific evidence, but also in the difficulty of countering it with solid factual data in an age when sensationalism often trumps substance. The imperative to write a lot in order to get more points in the forum or to create an image for oneself induces users to tedious and pointless sequels of trivial questions and answers that serve no one.

2 - The Forum as Nirvana.

In the Forum everyone must feel secure and reassured. Despite reading trivial, uninformed advice, everyone should be happy and flatter each other. Sequels of useless questions and answers even on topics that would deserve the intervention of a medical specialist. 

Basically, the forums represent a kind of spiritual comfort for those who are lonely and want to chat with someone, for those who persist in thinking (even if they are not really convinced) that they will find a solution to their problem. However, all these people, usually in good faith, have to deal with: those who want to teach others things they know nothing about, those who are fond of controversy, those who just want to pass the time, or those who purposely enjoy providing wrong answers.

3 - Advertising.

This applies to only some Forums, not all.

Another and not insignificant problem is the phobia of not creating information that can be interpreted as advertising. You are not allowed to mention the name, the company of any commercial product, so someone who is looking for a solution to a practical problem of his own will never get a clear answer that solves his problem. Woe betide if you write that, you will be banned for advertising. 

So don't expect much from forums in general and cosmetic forums are no exception. If you have an average or high cultural background, I do not recommend the forums.

4 - Who is behind the username?

Another problem. In many years of dating I have come across a 14 year old boy giving dermatological advice, men instead of women, invitations to give my address and other confidential information, etc. One can never be sure of the identity of those hiding behind an Avatar!

If you have an average or high cultural background, I do not recommend Forums, they are just a waste of time. Better to find the answers in professional sites.

Well, after this dutiful introduction, let us examine the most popular forums.

Discord Is slightly better than Reddit: 

• The Make Up Den, 
• Cosmetic Hub, 
• Dermatology Official Server
• Makeuptalk 
• Pursueblog  

Reddit   

•  f/beauty   
•  r/Makeup  have been very disappointing to me.

Others

• Beautyheaven
• The Essential Day Spa
• Among the least frequented cosmetic forums Skincaretalk the one I did not like at all: few users and poorly informed, trivial topics. A waste of time, in my opinion.

Patch testing is a method used by doctors to diagnose skin allergies. It involves applying patches with test substances to a person's back or arms. These substances are common allergens that could cause a skin reaction.

Patch tests can be used to identify allergies to a wide range of substances. These substances are often grouped into categories according to their common use or source. Here are some examples:

• Metals: This category includes substances such as nickel, cobalt and chromium. These are common causes of contact dermatitis and can be found in jewellery, clothing fasteners and certain types of medical implants.
• Rubber chemicals: these are used in the manufacture of rubber products. People who work with rubber, such as mechanics or shoe manufacturers, may be particularly susceptible to these types of allergies.
• Fragrances and cosmetics: many people have allergies to chemicals used in perfumes, cosmetics and personal care products. Patch testing can help identify which specific substances are causing a reaction.
• Preservatives: these are used in a wide range of products to prevent bacterial growth. They can be found in foods, cosmetics and medicines.
• Hair dye chemicals: substances such as resorcinol are common causes of contact dermatitis in people who dye their hair.
• Textile dyes and resins: these are used in the production of clothing and may cause allergic reactions in some people.
• Medications: Some people may have allergic reactions to topical medications, such as antibiotics or antifungal creams.
• Plants: some plants, such as poison ivy or poison oak, may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
• Band-aids: an increasing number of people are proving allergic to normal patches because of the glue they contain.

Each of these categories contains many individual substances that can be tested for. The specific substances used in a patch test depend on symptoms, occupation, hobbies and personal habits.

Here is a general overview of the process:

• Preparation. The skin must be clean and free of substances that could interfere with the test. Avoid applying creams, lotions or ointments to the area before the test.
• Application. Patches, which contain small amounts of potential allergens, are applied to the skin. They are usually left in place for 48 hours and you should avoid wetting the area during this time.
• Removal and initial reading: after a period of time ranging from 15 minutes to 48 hours, the patches are removed, the skin is examined for any reactions to look for signs of redness, swelling, or a rash.
• Final reading. Another reading is usually taken 72 to 96 hours after the patches have been applied. Some reactions may take longer to appear, so this final reading can help ensure that all reactions are controlled.
• Results. If a reaction is observed, it means that you may be allergic to the substance tested. The strength of the reaction may give some indication of the severity of the allergy.

Cost comparison: electric car and diesel car

To compare consumption costs between an electric car and a petrol car, we need to consider various factors, including:

• The cost of electricity and gasoline vary depending on the country or region.
• The energy efficiency of the electric car and the gasoline car.
• The average mileage.

In general, electric cars are more energy efficient than petrol cars. However, the cost of electricity varies depending on the country and region, so the cost per kilometer can vary.

The average fuel efficiency for a diesel car is between 6.377 and 9.778 km/litre.

Now we calculate the cost of fuel for 10,000 km for a diesel car. We will take the average value of the fuel efficiency range, which is about 8.08 km/liter. The number of litres of diesel needed to cover 10,000 km is given by:

Multiplying the number of liters by the cost of diesel (1.70 €/liter), we get the total cost of fuel to travel 10,000 km.

For an electric car, the average energy efficiency is about 0.20 kWh/km. Thus, the number of kWh needed to travel 10,000 km is given by:

Multiplying the number of kWh by the theoretical cost of what electricity should cost (0.067 €/kWh) without excise and all other bill costs. , we get the total cost of electricity to travel 10,000 km. To travel 10,000 km, the cost of fuel for a diesel car would be about 2104 €, while the cost of electricity for an electric car would be about 134 €.

So, according to these calculations, an electric car would be incredibly cheaper to handle than a diesel car for the same mileage. However the true cost of kW is quite different and varies between 0.276 and 0.845 and even more if you exceed a certain consumption. So if the cost of electricity increases to €0.845/kWh, the cost of electricity for an electric car that runs 29 km/kWh for 10,000 km would be about €291.38. So the electric car would be worth, but you have to calculate the cost of the eventual substitution of the batteries after a certain mileage, cost that is rather high, an expense between the 15 thousand and the 25 thousand euros perhaps when you reach the 300.000 Km.

At the electric charging station the kW costs about 0.65.

CELLULAR ADAPTATIONS

Cellular adaptations are the mechanism by which cells attempt to respond to environmental change. In an intra-cellular or extra-cellular environment, if the homeostatic condition of the cell changes, the cell tries to adapt. This is because, if the cell is unable to adapt to a new environmental condition, its fate will be to go to a damage, or will be damaged by this new situation. The damage can be:

- reversible: the cell can still return to homeostatic conditions 

- irreversible: the cell goes to death 

Cellular adaptations are intended to ensure the survival of the cell and give an appropriate response to new conditions. Thus, a cell can adapt both to survive and to respond appropriately to new exigencies.

There are different types of cellular adaptation, however all adaptations have common characteristics: 

- Reversibility: if a cell is in a new environmental condition it adapts but can return to homeostatic conditions if the condition that induced the adaptation ceases.

- Adaptation conditioned by cell type: different types of cellular adaptation can be enacted by different types of cells. So the type of adaptation that the cell undergoes depends also on the cell type itself (hepatocyte, CNS cell or cardiomyocyte) 

- the capacity of adaptation is not unlimited and when the stress to adaptation is too intense or too prolonged in time, the cell may undergo cellular damage.

 SITUATIONS THAT LEAD TO ADAPTATION

Situations that most frequently lead a cell to adapt. 

Muscle cells adapt by becoming hypertrophic when asked to function more. A condition that very frequently leads to cell adaptation is an increase in functional demand. 

Cells can also adapt if they need to replace cells that have been lost: if a certain amount of cells are lost, those that have survived can adapt to replace them. 

A cell will have to adapt if it finds itself in a situation where it receives less nutrients and less oxygen, because a reduced availability of these affects cell function and primarily decreases it.

Cells can also adapt if a stimulation is decreased or lost, for example, one stimulation is electrical stimulation.

Cells can adapt if for a prolonged time they are in a stressful condition. 

These are therefore the most frequent causes that lead a cell to change and adapt by modulating its functions. 

The situations that can induce a cellular adaptation are of two types:

- Physiological 

- Pathological

From a conceptual point of view, the mechanisms that determine these two types of adaptation are still the same and the change is upstream: a physiological stimulus or a pathological stimulus that induces the cell to adapt. So the mechanisms of the cellular response are always similar but the induction changes.

Perhaps you received a message from WhatsApp on January 4 asking you to accept the new contract. Or you have a notice on your cell phone warning you that your version of WhatsApp has become obsolete as of 19/Feb/2021. I will not.

I'll explain why.

The new Whatsapp contract and its terms unfortunately cannot be discussed nor can you choose between different options as acceptance is mandatory. Users will either fully accept the changes or they will no longer be able to continue using it. This is the position of Facebook (owner of WhatsApp) towards its users.  Just those users that with their accounts and their clicks have made the fortune of this technological big that is worth 700 billion dollars. Options? None.

The concern is that user data could will end up on Facebook.

Yet, in 2014, when Facebook bought WhatsApp it promised that under the agreement reached, WhatsApp will continue to operate independently. As of May 15, 2021 however, I seem to understand, WhatsApp will no longer be independent.

The award-winning web hosting company Namecheap has informed its customers these days that:"Since WhatsApp’s announcement, rival app Signal received an 18-fold increase in download numbers, and Telegram reported a 500% increase in users."

What is going on?

By signing the new contract, "WhatsApp warns that the user is no longer offered any choice about whether or not to transfer their data to Facebook, Instagram and other group companies." (1).

But back to our subject, the fear of having one's data also on Facebook is creating a strong migration movement towards competing apps that are many: Signal, Telegram, Viber Out, Wire etc. 

Signal is a free chat app whose encryption keys, which is how our data remains secret, are hidden in the user's device, in their cell phone, so with a top security system. Signal's website reads:"There are no ads, no affiliate marketers, and no creepy tracking in Signal...Signal is an independent nonprofit. We're not tied to any major tech companies, and we can never be acquired by one either." It's run by a nonprofit foundation. Among its fans: Elon Musk and the European Commission. It is an open source project. Strengths:State-of-the-art encryption and secure chats.

Telegram is a free chat app with a user-activated encryption system. The founder has stated that he will not sell the company like WhatsApp did. "Telegram must continue to serve the world as an example of a tech company that strives for perfection and integrity. And, as the sad examples of our predecessors show, that is impossible if you become part of a corporation." (2) It also states that it does not sell user data. Strengths: versatility and confidentiality.

And even more. You'll be spoiled for choice: Element, Wire, Jitsi, iMessage, Skype, Viber, Kik, Snapchat,  Wickr Me, , etc.

The NewYorkTimes clarifies for us what changes in WhatsApp's contract terms are shifting users to the other apps."Facebook knows the phone numbers being used, how often the app is opened, the resolution of the device screen, the location estimated from the internet connection and more...For anyone who started using WhatsApp since 2016 — and that’s many people — Facebook has been collecting a lot of information without an option to refuse....But yes, WhatsApp is Facebook, a company many don’t trust." (3). What is of most concern is the transfer of data.

Aside from the past scandals that Facebook has been involved in and which are now well-known, currently more than 45 state prosecutors in the US have sued Facebook accusing it of illegal actions to acquire rivals and stifle competition. "For nearly a decade, Facebook has used its dominance and monopoly power to crush smaller rivals and snuff out competition, all at the expense of everyday users," said New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is leading the legal fight by the states. Basically, the article concludes "The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is arguing is that there's a reason why Facebook came to dominate this highly lucrative sector - it acquired the competition illegally." (4).

Conclusions

The NYT's Shira Ovide writes well, noting that Facebook is a company with huge sums of cash and a stock value of $700 billion and therefore can afford the best law firms and software engineers and "understanding what happens with our digital data seems to require advanced training in computer science and a law degree".(5)

In light of the above I have therefore decided to stop updating WhatsApp and download the two alternative apps, Signal and Telegram and maybe a few others just in case. So much so, whether on one or the other I will be notified when friends or a company or co-workers use these apps. On top of that, it's also easy to migrate chats to the other apps (6).

Another reason that motivates me to take this step is that caution is never too much and there are already enough reasons for concern today to go out and create more for an app on a cell phone. And then, ultimately, it's a form of opposition to a less than grateful dictat and a lack of promise given to those who created the fortune of Facebook & C.

But there is more and it will only be a guess, but in my opinion, given the history of this case, this could be just the first step to bring WatsApp to pay. 

By now the giants of the web do what they want: have they become, thanks to all of us, stronger than governments and authorities? In this case, Requiem for the small user.

Maybe it's a good idea to change now.

References_____________________________________________________________

(1) Whatsapp si riprende la privacy: Facebook potrà accedere a tutti i dati - La Stampa 

(2) https://t.me/durov/142 

(3) The Truth About Your WhatsApp Data - The New York Times (nytimes.com) 

(4) Facebook facing US legal action over competition - BBC News 

(5) The Truth About Your WhatsApp Data - The New York Times (nytimes.com) 

(6) https://www.lastampa.it/tecnologia/tutorial/2021/02/01/news/fuga-da-whatsapp-ecco-come-migrare-le-chat-su-telegram-1.39844484

Mineral water is part of our diet, but when we drink a mineral water we have some difficulty in finding our way around the label.

Few, essential words about sulphates (SO₄).

Sulphates and sulfuric acid products are used in the production of additives in the food industry, fertilizers, chemicals, dyes, glass, paper, soaps, textiles, fungicides, insecticides, astringents and emetics.

Sulphates are mineral salts containing sulphur and high sulphate content can confer a slightly bitter taste to mineral waters and an unpleasant smell (rotten eggs).

Sulphates in mineral water, if they exceed 200 milligrams per litre, have a slightly laxative effect, which could be considered an advantage for people suffering from constipation (1). Conversely, higher amounts of sulphates could lead to intestinal problems. diarrhoea and more (2).

Mineral waters containing sulphates in significant proportions, are used, in clinical therapy, as balneotherapy, hydropinotherapy, balneotherapy, mud therapy, mudbalneotherapy, inhalation crenotherapy or irrigation, through different methods of administration (3).

The results of this study on hydropinotherapy of sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium-magnesium mineral water show a significant improvement in symptoms in patients with biliary tract disorders (4).

When sulphates are present in large quantities in mineral waters, they give origin to (5):

• Sodium and magnesium sulphates.—Sodium and magnesium sulphates, or Glauber and Epsom salts, respectively, in small doses act as a laxative, in large doses as a cathartic. 
• Potassium sulphate.—Potassium sulphate is frequently present in mineral waters, but in smaller quantities than the magnesium and sodium salts. Its action is practically the same as that of the other two sulphates mentioned above.
• Calcium sulphate.—Calcium sulphate occurs in a great many mineral waters, and is the component that gives to them the property of permanent hardness.
• Iron and aluminum sulphates.—Iron and aluminum sulphates are usually found associated with each other in mineral waters. They are both powerful astringents. 

Contraindications are only high concentrations of this mineral salt. High doses can interfere with the absorption of calcium in the human body. Therefore, special care should be taken when administering water that is very rich in sulphates to children and those with bone disorders.

References_________________________________________________________________

(1) Bothe G, Coh A, Auinger A. Efficacy and safety of a natural mineral water rich in magnesium and sulphate for bowel function: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Eur J Nutr. 2017;56(2):491–499. doi:10.1007/s00394-015-1094-8

(2) http://www.saskh2o.ca/PDF-WaterCommittee/sulphate.pdf

(3) Costantino M, Conti V, Corbi G, Marongiu F, Marongiu MB, Filippelli A. Sulphurous mud-bath therapy for treatment of chronic low back pain caused by lumbar spine osteoarthritis. Intern Emerg Med. 2019;14(1):187–190. doi:10.1007/s11739-018-1967-y

(4) Mennuni G, Petraccia L, Fontana M, et al. The therapeutic activity of sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium-magnesiac mineral water in the functional disorders of the biliary tract. Clin Ter. 2014;165(5):e346–e352. doi:10.7417/CT.2014.1761

(5) THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE WATERS OF THE HOT SPRINGS OF ARKANSAS. HOT SPRINGS  Analyses of the Waters of The Hot Springs of Arkansas  Geological Sketch of Hot Springs, Arkansas  https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/hosp/haywood-weed/sec2.htm

Silica is the most common mineral in the earth's crust and is found in rocks, sand and, in minimal quantities, in mineral water.

In recent years, interest in the potential role of metals in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has grown considerably. In particular, aluminum (Al) neurotoxicity was suggested after its discovery in the senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that represent the principal neuropathological hallmarks of AD. Al is omnipresent in everyday life and can enter the human body from several sources, most notably from drinking water and food consumption. The evidence supporting association from ingestion of Al from drinking water is somewhat stronger than for its ingestion from food. However, other elements present in drinking water, such as fluoride, copper, zinc, or iron could also have an effect on cognitive impairment or modify any Al neurotoxicity. Some epidemiological studies, but not all, suggested that silica could be protective against Al damage, because it reduces oral absorption of Al and/or enhances Al excretion. Some epidemiological investigations suggested an association between chronic exposure to Al and risk of AD, although this relationship falls short of all the criteria generally attributed to causation. Future studies need to be more rigorous to truly test the validity of previous findings and in doing so attempt to identify dose-response relationships between Al and AD risk which may provide new routes to disease-modifying treatment of AD or possibly some lifestyle modification, to supplement existing symptomatic approaches (1).

The authors of this study examined associations between exposure to aluminum or silica from drinking water and risk of cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Subjects were followed-up for 15 years with an active search for incident cases of dementia, aged 65 years and over living in 91 civil drinking water areas in Southern France. Two measures of exposure to aluminum were assessed: a geographical exposure and an individual exposure taking into account the daily consumption of tap and bottled water. A total of 1,925 subjects free from dementia at baseline and with reliable water assessment were analyzed.

Using random effects models, cognitive decline with time was greater in subjects with a higher daily aluminum intake from drinking water (≥ 0.1 mg/day, p = 0.005) or a higher geographical exposure to aluminum. Using a Cox model, a high daily intake of aluminum was significantly associated with increased risk of dementia. Conversely, an increase of 10 mg/day in silica intake was associated with a reduced risk of dementia (adjusted RR = 0.89, p = 0.036). However, the geographical exposure to aluminum or silica from tap water was not associated with dementia. High consumption of aluminum from drinking water may be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (2).

There has been a plausible link between human exposure to aluminum and Alzheimer's disease for several decades. We contend that the only direct and ethically acceptable experimental test of the 'aluminum hypothesis', which would provide unequivocal data specific to the link, is to test the null hypothesis that a reduction in the body burden of aluminum to its lowest practical limit would have no influence upon the incidence, progression, or severity of Alzheimer's disease. This study have provided preliminary evidence that over 12 weeks of silicon-rich mineral water therapy the body burden of aluminum fell in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and, concomitantly, cognitive performance showed clinically relevant improvements in at least 3 out of 15 individuals. This is a first step in a much needed rigorous test of the 'aluminum hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease' and a longer term study involving many more individuals is now warranted (3).

 Silicon has been suggested to exhibit roles in the structural integrity of nails, hair, and skin, overall collagen synthesis, bone mineralization, and bone health and reduced metal accumulation in Alzheimer's disease, immune system health, and reduction of the risk for atherosclerosis (4).

The objective of this study was to investigate at baseline the potential association between the composition of drinking water and the level of cognitive function in women taking part in the Epidemiology of Osteoporosis (EPIDOS) Study and to determine during follow-up the effects of the composition of drinking water on the risk of Alzheimer disease. Silica in drinking water may reduce the risk of developing AD in elderly women. The results corroborate those of another epidemiologic study carried out in France. The potential effect of silica needs to be confirmed in additional investigations (5).

A nutritional-based strategy has been proposed in order to improve cognitive performance of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The strategy requires daily dietary supplementation with magnesium (Mg), folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12, daily consumption of silicic acid-rich mineral water in order to lower the body burden of Al, and several plasma exchange procedures in order to replace Aβ-bound albumin with fresh albumin. Evidence suggests that the deteriorating cognitive performance associated with AD may be improved by supplementation with either Mg alone or with the combination of the above three B vitamins (B vitamin combo), or by drinking silicic acid-rich mineral water, or by undergoing plasma exchange. However, for the following reasons the combination of all four therapeutic approaches may have a synergistic effect on improving cognitive performance of AD patients (6).

However, when choosing mineral water, it is not prudent to stop at the lower or higher value of an interesting mineral salt, but make sure that there are no excessive amounts of other mineral salts in contrast to the needs of your body. Always ask your doctor.

In this video, the values of the Silica content of 40 Italian Mineral Waters. I would like to remind you that the values of mineral salts in mineral waters change very little over the years.

References_____________________________________________________________

(1) Aluminum in the diet and Alzheimer's disease: from current epidemiology to possible disease-modifying treatment.  Frisardi V, Solfrizzi V, Capurso C, Kehoe PG, Imbimbo BP, Santamato A, Dellegrazie F, Seripa D, Pilotto A, Capurso A, Panza F.  J Alzheimers Dis. 2010;20(1):17-30. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2009-1340. Review.

(2) Aluminum and silica in drinking water and the risk of Alzheimer's disease or cognitive decline: findings from 15-year follow-up of the PAQUID cohort.  Rondeau V, Jacqmin-Gadda H, Commenges D, Helmer C, Dartigues JF. Am J Epidemiol. 2009 Feb 15;169(4):489-96. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwn348. Epub 2008 Dec 8.

(3) Silicon-rich mineral water as a non-invasive test of the 'aluminum hypothesis' in Alzheimer's disease.  Davenward S, Bentham P, Wright J, Crome P, Job D, Polwart A, Exley C.  J Alzheimers Dis. 2013;33(2):423-30. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2012-121231. 

(4) Silicon: the health benefits of a metalloid.  Martin KR.  Met Ions Life Sci. 2013;13:451-73. doi: 10.1007/978-94-007-7500-8_14. Review.

(5) Cognitive impairment and composition of drinking water in women: findings of the EPIDOS Study.  Gillette-Guyonnet S, Andrieu S, Nourhashemi F, de La Guéronnière V, Grandjean H, Vellas B.  Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Apr;81(4):897-902.

Domingo JL, Gómez M, Colomina MT. Oral silicon supplementation: an effective therapy for preventing oral aluminum absorption and retention in mammals. Nutr Rev. 2011 Jan;69(1):41-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00360.x. 

The potential influence of silica present in drinking water on Alzheimer's disease and associated disorders.  Gillette Guyonnet S, Andrieu S, Vellas B.  J Nutr Health Aging. 2007 Mar-Apr;11(2):119-24. Review.

(6) A multipronged, nutritional-based strategy for managing Alzheimer's disease.  Glick JL, McMillan PA.  Med Hypotheses. 2016 Jun;91:98-102. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2016.04.007.