Woody Allen Premieres 'Irrational Man,' Regrets Amazon Show

Any film that begins with a philosophy professor, played by Joaquin Phoenix, cruising in the bright sunlight musing to himself about Kant's "unanswerable" questions is going to charm me immediately (I also teach Kant). Indeed, Woody Allen's Irrational Man, which just premiered at Cannes, is a sunny joy to watch, despite its sinister subject: a philosopher named Abe who cannot find meaning in life--until he commits a radical act. Perhaps--I suspect--it is the abundance of sun in each scene and the jazzy soundtrack by the Ramsay Lewis Trio that makes the film so uplifting. Woody Allen privileges outdoor shots, each in a pleasant upper-class locale in Newport, Rhode Island, where the professor has come to teach.

Woody Allen returned to the Cannes Film Festival on Friday to show his latest film, "Irrational Man," speak about what he called the meaninglessness of life and confess that trying his hand in television was "a catastrophic mistake."

In "Irrational Man," a Rhode Island drama about a despairing academic, Joaquin Phoenix stars as a flask-swilling philosophy professor who has come to dismiss his subject as "verbal masturbation." As he befriends a young student played by Emma Stone, he contemplates a Dostoyevsky-inspired murder plot.

It's Allen's 11th film at Cannes but the 79-year-old writer/director's films have always played out of competition, as he has long disdained prizes in art.

"Irrational Man," due in U.S. theaters July 17, received a mixed reaction Friday from the critics at Cannes. For Allen film fans, however, the movie had many of his traditional hallmarks. Although set in a new locale for the director, "Irrational Man" contains familiar struggles with finding meaning in life, a romance with a younger woman and a general lightness of tone even amid the possibility of murder.

Allen told reporters that he and his protagonist both have similar feelings about the usefulness of philosophy.

"There's no positive answer to the grim reality of life, no matter how much the philosophers talk to you or the priests or the psychologists," said Allen. "The bottom line after the all talk is: Life has its own agenda and it runs right over you while you're prattling. We're all going to wind up in the same position sooner or later."

Top Ten Reasons to Watch "The 2015 Billboard Music Awards"

Taylor Swift leads all finalists with 14, with Sam Smith, Iggy Azalea & Meghan Trainor not far behind; the show airs live May 17 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Following Swift -- who racked up 14 entries in 13 categories -- is Sam Smith (13), Iggy Azalea (12) and Meghan Trainor (nine). Billboard Music Awards finalists are based on album and digital song sales, radio airplay, streaming, touring and social-media interactions -- measurements that are tracked year-round by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound. The awards are based on the reporting period of March 10, 2014, through March 8, 2015.

 In addition to this year's 40 chart-specific categories, fans will choose who gets the Billboard chart achievement award by voting on Billboard.com, BillboardMusicAwards.com and on Twitter; Swift, Azalea and Trainor are up for the only fan-voted prize.

The Billboard Music Awards -- produced by Dick Clark Productions -- will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 17, from 8-11 p.m. ET on ABC.

See the full list of finalists below:

TOP ARTIST
Ariana Grande
One Direction
Katy Perry
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift

TOP NEW ARTIST
5 Seconds of Summer
Iggy Azalea
Hozier
Sam Smith
Meghan Trainor

TOP MALE ARTIST
Drake
Pharrell Williams
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Justin Timberlake

TOP FEMALE ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Katy Perry
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

 TOP DUO/GROUP
5 Seconds of Summer
Florida Georgia Line
MAGIC!
Maroon 5
One Direction

TOP BILLBOARD 200 ARTIST
One Direction
Pentatonix
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift

TOP HOT 100 ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

TOP DIGITAL SONGS ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

TOP RADIO SONGS ARTIST
John Legend
Maroon 5
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift

TOP TOURING ARTIST
Lady Gaga
One Direction
Katy Perry
The Rolling Stones
Justin Timberlake

TOP SOCIAL ARTIST
Justin Bieber
Miley Cyrus
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Taylor Swift

TOP STREAMING ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Nicki Minaj
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

TOP R&B ARTIST
Beyoncé
Chris Brown
John Legend
Trey Songz
Pharrell Williams

TOP RAP ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
J. Cole
Drake
Nicki Minaj
Rae Sremmurd

TOP COUNTRY ARTIST
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line
Brantley Gilbert
Blake Shelton

TOP ROCK ARTIST
Bastille
Coldplay
Fall Out Boy
Hozier
Lorde

TOP LATIN ARTIST
J Balvin
Juan Gabriel
Enrique Iglesias
Prince Royce
Romeo Santos

TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC ARTIST
Avicii
Clean Bandit
Disclosure
Calvin Harris
Lindsey Stirling

TOP CHRISTIAN ARTIST
Casting Crowns
Hillsong United
Lecrae
MercyMe
Newsboys

TOP BILLBOARD 200 ALBUM
Maroon 5, V
Pentatonix, That's Christmas to Me
Ed Sheeran, x
Sam Smith, In the Lonely Hour
Taylor Swift, 1989

TOP SOUNDTRACK
The Fault in Our Stars
Fifty Shades of Grey
Frozen
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix: Vol. 1
Into the Woods

TOP R&B ALBUM
Beyoncé, Beyoncé
Chris Brown, X
Michael Jackson, Xscape
John Legend, Love in the Future
Pharrell Williams, G I R L

TOP RAP ALBUM
J. Cole, 2014 Forest Hills Drive
Drake, If You're Reading This It's Too Late
Nicki Minaj, The Pinkprint
Iggy Azalea, The New Classic
Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP 2

TOP COUNTRY ALBUM
Jason Aldean, Old Boots, New Dirt
Garth Brooks, Man Against Machine
Luke Bryan, Crash My Party
Brantley Gilbert, Just As I Am
Miranda Lambert, Platinum

TOP ROCK ALBUM
AC/DC, Rock or Bust
The Black Keys, Turn Blue
Coldplay, Ghost Stories
Hozier, Hozier
Lorde, Pure Heroine

TOP LATIN ALBUM
Juan Gabriel, Los Dúo
Enrique Iglesias, Sex and Love
Romeo Santos, Formula: Vol. 2
Santana, Corazon
Marc Anthony, 3.0

TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC ALBUM
Avicii, True
Disclosure, Settle
Calvin Harris, Motion
Skrillex, Recess
Lindsey Stirling, Shatter Me

TOP CHRISTIAN ALBUM
Lecrae, Anomaly
Casting Crowns, Thrive
MercyMe, Welcome to the New
NEEDTOBREATHE, Rivers in the Wasteland
Chris Tomlin, Love Ran Red

TOP HOT 100 SONG
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, "Fancy"
John Legend, "All of Me"
Sam Smith, "Stay With Me"
Taylor Swift, "Shake It Off"
Meghan Trainor, "All About That Bass"

TOP DIGITAL SONG
Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars, "Uptown Funk!"
Sam Smith, "Stay With Me"
Taylor Swift, "Shake It Off"
Meghan Trainor, "All About That Bass"
Pharrell Williams, "Happy

TOP RADIO SONG
John Legend, "All of Me"
MAGIC!, "Rude"
Nico & Vinz, "Am I Wrong"
Sam Smith, "Stay With Me"
Pharrell Williams, "Happy

TOP STREAMING SONG (AUDIO)
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, "Fancy"
Hozier, "Take Me to Church"
John Legend, "All of Me"
Sam Smith, "Stay With Me"
Tove Lo, "Habits (Stay High)"

TOP STREAMING SONG (VIDEO)
Idina Menzel, "Let It Go"
Bobby Shmurda, "Hot Boy"
Taylor Swift, "Blank Space"
Taylor Swift, "Shake It Off"
Meghan Trainor, "All About That Bass"

TOP R&B SONG
Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne, French Montana, Too $hort & Tyga, "Loyal"
Jason Derulo feat. 2 Chainz, "Talk Dirty"
Jeremih feat. YG, "Don't Tell 'Em"
John Legend, "All of Me"
Pharrell Williams, "Happy"

TOP RAP SONG
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, "Fancy"
Iggy Azalea feat. Rita Ora, "Black Widow"
Big Sean feat. E-40, "I Don't F--- With You"
Nicki Minaj, "Anaconda"
Bobby Shmurda, "Hot Boy"

TOP COUNTRY SONG
Jason Aldean, "Burnin' It Down"
Luke Bryan, "Play It Again"
Sam Hunt, "Leave the Night On"
Florida Georgia Line feat. Luke Bryan, "This Is How We Roll"
Florida Georgia Line, "Dirt"

TOP ROCK SONG
Bastille, "Pompeii"
Coldplay, "A Sky Full of Stars"
Fall Out Boy, "Centuries"
Hozier, "Take Me to Church"
Paramore, "Ain't It Fun"

TOP LATIN SONG
J Balvin feat. Farruko, "6 AM"
Enrique Iglesias feat. Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona, "Bailando"
Romeo Santos, "Eres Mía"
Romeo Santos feat. Drake, "Odio"
Romeo Santos, "Propuesta Indecente"

TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONG
Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne, "Rather Be"
Disclosure feat. Sam Smith, "Latch"
DJ Snake & Lil Jon, "Turn Down For What"
Ariana Grande feat. Zedd, "Break Free"
Calvin Harris, "Summer"

TOP CHRISTIAN SONG
Francesca Battistelli, "He Knows My Name"
Hillsong United, "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"
MercyMe, "Greater"
Newsboys, "We Believe"
Carrie Underwood, "Something in the Water"

Inflammaging: Changing the Face of Skin Care

Why everything you know about anti-aging is about to change
The skincare industry is fast approaching a watershed moment in the treatment of aging skin. Increasingly, scientific evidence suggests that many of today’s trademark treatments may actually exacerbate the conditions they’re designed to treat in the long term, thanks to a phenomenon known as inflammaging. This previously unseen consequence poses a challenge to product developers, who must adapt their formulations to meet shifting consumer demands or risk losing their shares of the market. As inflammaging goes mainstream, it foresees a widespread change in the industry–transforming everything from the ingredients that professionals use to the methods by which they use them.

Understanding Inflammaging
First coined by University of Bologna Professor Claudio Franceschi more than a decade ago, inflammaging began as a theory linking the underlying inflammatory changes to the causes if most age-associated diseases. Since its inception, research continues to present insurmountable evidence taking this concept from theory to fact.

The term 'inflammaging' describes the aging phenomenon induced by chronic (persistent) inflammation. Most people are familiar with the visible inflammation that can be seen on the surface of the skin, with redness representing a sign of infection, irritation or discomfort. However, inflammation can also be invisible.

All skin (and certainly weakened or aged skin) is subject to inflammation, even at low intensities. It is this underlying inflammation that ultimately exhausts the body’s defense system, dismantling key youth-sustaining skin structures and resulting in collagen and elastin degredation and a breakdown of the skin’s barrier function.

The inflammaging process involves a highly complex chain of events, by which acute inflammation gradually gives way to chronic, or silent, inflammation. To understand how to combat inflammaging, one must first understand the inflammatory cascade of reactions that erode the skin’s structure–ultimately manifesting in the form of deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and flaccid, inelastic tissue.

Acute Versus Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s response to cellular aggression or injury. It represents a defense mechanism designed to heal cells from injury and protect the body from the consequences of that injury. Cell injury may occur due to trauma, genetic defects, physical and chemical aggressions, tissue death, foreign bodies, immune reactions and infections. Inflammation also facilitates early tissue healing and repair and allows the body to restore itself to a normal form and function.


It all starts with acute inflammation, which is characterized by rapid onset and short duration. Generally associated with redness, swelling, pain, warmth and loss of function, acute inflammation manifests with the oozing of fluid and plasma proteins and the emigration of white blood cells (leukocytes). Of the five types of leukocytes that the body produces, it is primarily the neutrophils that make an appearance during acute inflammation, producing the whitish-yellow pus characteristic in wounds.

In contrast, chronic inflammation is of prolonged duration and manifests microscopically by the presence of two different categories of white blood cells, known as lymphocytes and macrophages. Lymphocytes function as ‘killer’ cells, disabling and destroying infected tissue such as tumors or infected cells, while macrophages literally consume cellular debris and pathogens. Together, these aggressive forms of white blood cells can result in the scarring of connective tissue and tissue death.

The Inflammatory Cascade
The healing of an injury is a complicated process. It starts as soon as the injury occurs and can take up to nine months or more to complete. There are three phases to the healing process: the inflammatory phase, the proliferation phase and the remodeling phase.

During the inflammatory phase, pro-inflammatory proteins enter damaged areas causing swelling as tissues push apart. Following this, white blood cells, including the macrophage, begin the proliferation stage by cleansing the wound and jumpstarting the repair process. During this stage, the wound contracts and receives the oxygen and nutrients vital for regeneration. Lastly, the remodeling stage is characterized by the production, organization and remodeling of collagen I and III to strengthen the wound.

However, even after the wound has healed, the resulting scar tissue is more vulnerable to injury and deformation than the original tissue. Science now shows that repeated injury leads to the chronic state of inflammation now known as inflammaging.

Inflammation and Skin Aging
Today, the direct link between extrinsic skin aging and inflammation is well established and documented. Elias and Feingold demonstrated the reciprocal effect of many chronic inflammatory diseases–such as psoriasis, atopic and seborrheic dermatitis–on the stratum corneum barrier, which maintains healthy hydration levels in the skin.

The integrity of this barrier is maintained by metabolic balance (i.e. synthesis of collagen fibers, replacement of old and worn out fibers) by enzymes called MMPs (Matrix Metalloproteinases) and is regulated by TIMPs (Tissue Inhibitors of Matrix Proteinases).

Inflammaging destroys this balance, decreasing cellular metabolic activity and collagen renewal. Externally, the skin loses its suppleness and elasticity and becomes flaccid. It is also known that inflammaging generates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), causing age-accelerating oxidative damage, which further perpetuates a chronic, pro-inflammatory state.

Anti-Inflammatory Treatments
Inflammaging can be prevented, and even reversed, by using a wide spectrum of topical products formulated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients. In addition to inhibiting the key mediators of inflammation and aging processes, these ingredients should help reinforce, protect and boost the Anti-Oxidant Response System.

Two different classes of anti-inflammatory agents seems to show promising results: COX inhibitors and 5-LOX inhibitors. Boswellic acid (found in the Boswellia serrata tree), resveratol (found in grapes) and tamanu oil (found in Tamanu tree nuts), are just some of the natural inhibitors that can be used in skincare.

While anti-inflammatory ingredients are essential in the fight against inflammaging, successful treatment must also address two major skin issues. The first is reinforcing and protecting the integrity of the barrier function, which can be achieved through targeted topical care. The second is the use of broad-spectrum UV protection.

As with any skin concern, inflammaging can worsen with prolonged sun exposure. Combined with treatments that target the source of inflammation, proper UV defense and barrier support can help minimize the visible effects of inflammaging.

Alternatives to Common Irritants
Equally as important as using anti-inflammatory ingredients is avoiding aggressive ingredients that can further wound the skin and prolong the inflammaging cycle.

Acids–particularly those of smaller molecular size, like Glycolic Acid–are a major source of irritation in many cosmetic products. Because of their size, they have been shown to reach the dermis where inflammation takes place. Molecularly larger acids (like Lactic, Malic, Pyruvic and Tartatric Acids), however, don’t tend to penetrate the dermis, making them far gentler on the skin and less likely to spark inflammation. Using chirally correct acids can further minimize the risk of adverse side effects, including irritation.

Another common irritant to avoid is Benzoyl Peroxide. A mainstay of professional and everyday acne treatments, Benzoyl Peroxide can contribute to irritating oxidative damage. However, gentler alternatives exist in the form of Salicylic Acid and Sulfur, which have been shown to be just as effective.

Of course, no discussion of inflammaging would be complete without addressing skincare’s anti-aging hero: Retinol. The gold standard in renewal, Retinol achieves its goal often at the cost of irritating the skin. While retinoids themselves aren’t likely to change, science has found new ways to deliver these key ingredients through encapsulated systems that bypass their inflammatory side effects.

Inflammaging and the Future of Skincare As science continues to explore the dynamics of inflammaging, new products and treatments will emerge to address this nascent concern. In an industry that moves at breakneck speed, the advent of inflammaging serves as both a wakeup call and an ultimatum to product developers and cosmetic companies alike. The skincare game is changing. If companies don’t keep up, their customers will look elsewhere.

Tips to Combat Inflammaging in the Treatment Room:

  1. Choose your acids wisely. Avoid acids of small molecular size, like Glycolic Acid, that can penetrate the dermis. Instead, choose acids of larger molecular size that work in the epidermal layer, like Lactic, Malic, Pyruvic and Tartaric Acids.

 2.  Support the skin’s barrier function. After the exfoliation, reinforce the barrier function by protecting the NMF to guard against trans epidermal water loss (TEWL). This can be achieved with ingredients including ceramides, squalane, fatty acids, phospholipids, amino acids, lactates and PCA.
 3.  Don’t forget your anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients. Soothe and replenish the skin with ingredients that counteract irritation and inflammation. And, since oxidation is an age-accelerating side effect of inflammaging, make sure you pack the skin with protective antioxidants. See sidebar for a list of recommended ingredients.
  4. Protect your results. Inflammaging can worsen with prolonger sun exposure, so be sure to end every treatment with sunscreen application of SPF 30 or higher.

Prepare to Go Bare With These Summer Skin Tips

Show off your skin with confidence this summer! Read our tips on beating acne, shaving and waxing without irritation, faking a gorgeous tan, and more.

The weather is what draws a lot of people to life in the desert, but the strong summer sun can damage your skin. Keep reading for some tips that will help you get your skin ready for Tucson’s most extreme season:

Wear Sunscreen

Walking out of the house without sunscreen leaves your skin completely susceptible to sun damage and increases your risk for skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen whenever you go outside helps you prevent wrinkles and sunspots. It can also prevent you from developing melanoma or other forms of skin cancer. You should wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to keep your skin protected from dangerous UV rays.

Stay Hydrated

Even though Tucson has a dry heat, it is still important to keep your skin hydrated throughout the summer. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to ensure that your body stays hydrated. Drinking enough water is one of the easiest ways to keep your skin looking and feeling its best

.

Keep Covered

Give your skin even more protection from the sun by wearing clothing that covers large amounts of skin. If you are planning to spend a lot of time outside, you should wear a hat and sunglasses. Try to stay in the shade whenever possible to avoid direct exposure to UV rays.

Treat Sun Damaged Skin

If your skin is already showing signs of sun damage, the staff at the medical spa can help. Skin treatments like chemical peels, Intense Pulsed Light Photofacial Rejuvenation Treatment, and even regular facials can help you keep your skin in the best condition.

5 tips dailly for healthy skin

Good skin care — including sun protection and gentle cleansing — can keep your skin healthy and glowing for years to come.

Don't have time for intensive skin care? You can still pamper yourself by acing the basics. Good skin care and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay the natural aging process and prevent various skin problems. Get started with these five no-nonsense tips.

1. Protect yourself from the sun
One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems — as well as increase the risk of skin cancer.

For the most complete sun protection:

    Use sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or perspiring.
    Seek shade. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
    Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Also consider laundry additives, which give clothing an additional layer of ultraviolet protection for a certain number of washings, or special sun-protective clothing — which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays.

2. Don't smoke

Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health.

Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — the fibers that give your skin strength and elasticity. In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — can contribute to wrinkles.

If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit. Ask your doctor for tips or treatments to help you stop smoking.

3. Treat your skin gently

Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin. To keep it gentle:Limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm — rather than hot — water.
 Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers.
  Shave carefully. To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it.
  Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some     moisture remains on your skin.
  Moisturize dry skin. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type. For daily use, consider a moisturizer that contains SPF.

4. Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. The association between diet and acne isn't clear — but some research suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin.

5. Manage stress

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind — take steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect.

Pomegranate Softening Facial Wash

The Pomegranate range addresses the signs of ageing. This cleanser softly cleanses and refreshes skin.

• • Cleanses and refreshes
  •  Leaves skin feeling soft and silky
  •  Skin feels firmer and brighter
  •  Softens the appearance of wrinkles
  
  
   This facial wash comes in their Natrulift skincare line, which uses pomegranate extract as a natural alternative to retinol--in essence, it reduces the signs of skin aging in the most natural way possible. I’ll be reviewing other products in this line when I’m ready.
  At first, I hesitate on using the products in their skincare line because I’m still young to have fine lines though, admittedly, I do have wrinkles now. After consulting some people regarding using Anti-aging products at my young age, I decided to give it a try.
  This facial wash comes in 100ml tube which is good enough for the price. Most facial wash nowadays come in 100g products. I don’t really like products that use grams instead of ml because you don’t really know how much products are inside the tube.  (except for water, as 1grams=1 ml, because density is 1).
  One thing I notice about this range is that they all have the same scent. I’m pretty lame in describing scents so yes, I can’t explain how it smells but I really do like the smell. Compared to other products this one smells light which I like. I can’t say it smells like pomegranate since I haven’t even seen pomegranate since birth lol!

Pomegranate Softening Cream Cleanser

The Pomegranate range addresses the signs of ageing. This cleanser effectively removes make-up and impurities, leaving skin feeling soft, more supple and refreshed.

* Removes make-up and impurities
* Gently cleanses
*  Leaves skin feeling soft and silky
 * Skin feels firmer and brighter
 * Softens the appearance of wrinkles

There was a time when the pomegranate was as pervasive as a Katy Perry song on the airwaves, nearly as ubiquitous as the word “ubiquitous” has become. 2007 witnessed the launch of more than 400 pomegranate products, from cocktails to gumdrops. Thanks to $20 million in research by the Pom Wonderful company, the pomegranate’s particular health benefits - on evils like heart disease, staph infection, and erectile dysfunction - were widely published in medical journals and promulgated by the media. However, it seemed that the pomegranate’s golden years were over and that this superfruit was starting to feel rather passé. Not so, according to The Body Shop, which recently launched the Natrulift skincare line starring - you guessed it - pomegranate extract.