What is Matrixyl 3000? Matrixyl 3000 is a combination of two peptides palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7. This is an advanced formulation of the early edition of Matrixyl. These peptides are believed to stimulate collagen production by approximately 117% and also increase the hyaluronic acid production in your skin. The peptides stimulate the skin to reduce wrinkles and will also increase firmness in the skin. It is also believed that Matrixyl 3000 is less irritating on the skin than retinol or vitamin C. Even the most sensitive skin types can use this peptide, as it does not cause inflammation.
A combination of the palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, will provide greater benefits then versus when used alone. Together, they increase collagen production, reduce wrinkle depth and density. There has also been reports of an overall improved tone and texture of the skin. Matrixyl 3000 is said to firm the skin by reversing and preventing glycation damage to your skin. Glycation occurs when glucose and protein link together and cause the skin to stiffen resulting in dramatic decreases in collagen and elastin within the skin. This ingredient is a skin saver because it slows down the skin’s natural aging process, by promoting healthy skin from the inside out.
Here are some featured products on SkinStore.com that contain Matrixyl 3000:
I’m always on a search for the best eye cream, and so are our customers. At least five times a day I have customers asking “What is the best eye cream you have?”
Of course, ‘best’ depends on customer preference. Things that work for some people may not work well for others, but it seems that there are those cult-favorites with the loyal following that always seem to top the ‘favorites’ charts for just about everybody.
Here are some magic little potions we (and our customers) can’t stop raving about:
Bliss The Youth As We Know It Eye Cream – Bliss has taken the ten most important ingredients they’ve found for eyes and packed them into one exciting wonder cream. Alleviates dark circles, crow’s feet, under eye pillows, saggy eyebrow arches and pretty much all other eye concerns. This is a periorbital wonder cream!
Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Firming Eye Repair features a powerful combination of active copper, cutting edge peptides and anti-aging proteins that help boost collagen levels lost due to aging. This soothing, rich, cream-gel formula improves the overall health, balance and quality of collagen to firm, tone and tighten the entire eye area, while reducing the depth of fine lines and wrinkles.
Canyon Ranch Brightness Eye Cream – This power potion provides bright, fresh, visibly line-diminished eyes. Proven peptides plus Vitamin C quickly illuminate dark circles at the source. A caffeine complex deflates eye puffiness while reinforcing elasticity. Provides anti aging benefits too!
SkinCeuticals Eye Balm is a synergistic combination of highly effective, yet gentle phytochemicals rehabilitates mature, aging skin around the delicate eye area. This rich, corrective emollient treatment is specifically formulated to counter the three prime signs of aging— moisture loss, collagen breakdown, and free radical damage. A natural anti-inflammatory is added to reduce the appearance of under-eye puffiness, while a soothing agent derived from the chamomile plant calms irritated skin.
L’Occitane Immortelle Eye Balm – An eye cream with anti-aging benefits that reduces dark circles, puffiness and signs of tiredness around the eyes. Formulated with Immortelle floral water, this cream will soothe, moisturize, nourish and tone the delicate skin around the eyes.
Give one (OR FIVE!) a try- we’re sure you’ll love them!
And don’t forget to enter into our GIVEAWAY!!! See details on Facebook!
Lately, everyone is on a quest to either retain their youth they have, or turn back the hands of time to look younger. For those of us with pocket books that are not so deep as to afford cosmetic surgery (if needed), an injectable medicine with little to no down time sounds attractive!
But what exactly is Botox and where does it come from? In a nutshell Botox Cosmetic by Allergan is a low dosage of botulinum toxin that temporarily relaxes or temporarily paralyzes facial muscles. It was approved by the FDA in 1989 for limited use for eyelid spasms and crossed eyes. By 2002 it had been approved for use on moderate or severe frown lines and lines between the brows. By temporarily paralyzing select facial muscles, it can decrease your facial muscle’s ability to contract. The result is less wrinkling of the skin from repeated muscle movement. The results are temporary and can last anywhere from 3 – 6 months depending on the number of follow up treatments. Botox can also be used to treat hyperhydrosis or extreme sweating.
If you decide Botox is for you please make sure you see a qualified, trained physician or dermatologist. Botox is available by prescription only from a doctor. Botox “parties” have become a popular event where a licensed physician will offer services at a discounted rate if someone gets a group of people together and hosts the event. The concern is that although the doctor may be licensed to administer injectables, the doctor that attends the “party” may not be trained in the specialty of facial muscles and the administering of a facial muscle relaxant.
If the thought of needles and injections doesn’t sit well with you, you may want to consider some alternatives. There are products on the market that can give you an instant lifting and firming of the skin that lasts for several hours and some products have accumulative results.
For instant results:
Alchimie Forever’s Alexandrite Firming Gel for Neck and Bust is ideal to rejuvenate the delicate neck and décolleté area. The gel lifts and firms the skin, helping to impart a more toned and youthful appearance to this often-forgotten part of the body. It can also be used on the facial area and jaw line. The gel absorbs quickly, is not oily or sticky, and helps to prevent shine and reduce pore size.
Kinerase Extreme Lift Face is the alternative to physician administered injectables. This one of a kind formula fills in mild to moderate wrinkles for immediate, undeniable, proven results. It also visibly smoothes and fills trouble spots like forehead furrows, frown lines and crow’s feet. There is no discomfort or loss of facial expression and results are reversible within a day.
Dr. Brandt Lineless Lines No More is a filler and volumizer. It is formulated to help to fill and plump smile lines and nasolabial folds from the inside out, visibly decreasing the depth of wrinkles and folds while smoothing skin’s texture and appearance. Lineless Lines No More promotes youthful-looking skin. Can also be used on an ongoing basis for accumulative results.
For cumulative results:
Strivectin Instant Facial Sculpting Cream is an excellent product to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet. It also accentuates your cheekbones and jaw line as it lifts, tightens and tones your skin… making your face look more sculpted, youthful and defined. You may need to use the product for at least 4 weeks before seeing results and you will need to continue to use it to maintain results. So far I’ve had excellent results!
Kinerase Restructure Firming Face Cream Cream goes beyond stimulating collagen production to target critical elastin protein coils, combining the clinically-proven anti-aging power of Kinetin with revolutionary elastin-strengthening technology. Skin is deeply moisturized, contours are lifted and toned, and expression wrinkles are visibly smoothed.
You want to have clean, clear, healthy skin like some of your favorite teen idols. While you may want to have that Kellan Lutz or Dianna Agron look, your hormones and skin are telling another story.
Here are some quick things to make clean, clear, healthy skin a reality:
Hormonal changes can cause an increase in sebum (oil production.)
Dead skin cells, sweat, oil, and dirt can clog your pores causing pimples, breakouts and zits.
Using an exfoliating cleanser, toner, spot treatment, and moisturizer twice a day can help clear up existing breakouts and reduce future breakouts.
Using cleansers, chemicals, spot treatments, or acne pads, without following up with a moisturizer can cause your skin to dry out and release more oil, causing more breakouts! Make sure to use a moisturizer.
Be sure to use a clean washcloth each time you wash your face. Avoid buffing sponges as they can over exfoliate skin and irritate healing skin. Avoid facial sponges as they can breed bacteria! If you use your hands to apply cleanser, be sure to wash your hands with anti bacterial soap before washing your face.
Inexpensive makeup foundations can have mineral oils and fillers in them that can cause your pores to clog. Try using a minimal amount of foundation (oil free) and consider switching to a mineral based powder foundation.
Avoid picking at skin that is healing. Doing so can cause cratering and permanent scarring. If you are going to be outdoors in the sun for more than 10 minutes a day, be sure you wear an oil free sunscreen with an SPF of at least 20 or more. Exposing unprotected healing skin to UVA/UVB rays can cause pigmentation spotting.
Here are some kits for acneic skin that won’t break the bank!
Customers frequently contact us with many questions about their skin care and hair care products. Here are some of the top questions we receive on a regular basis. Hopefully the answers will be helpful to you!
1. How long do the products that we purchase last?
•Most products have a 2-3 year shelf life unopened.
•Once opened most products, depending on ingredients can last 3-9 months.
2. When do products expire?
•Each product depending on brand and ingredients has a different expiration date. Unfortunately there is no universal labeling system for cosmetics that allow you to definitely tell what serial numbers on the packaging means. The exception would be sunscreen (SPF). The Food & Drug administration (F.D.A.) requires sunscreens to have a printed expiration date on the packaging. Using sunscreens after this expiration date will compromise your skin’s protection to UVA & UVB rays and make you more susceptible to sunburns and skin cell damage.
3. When does product efficacy (effectiveness) begin to diminish?
•Once opened most products, depending on ingredients can last 3-9 months.
•The longer you continue to use the product after that time period the less effective it will be in providing the results you desire.
•Many U.S. manufacturers are beginning to put the European labeling on their products that have a picture of a jar or packaging with a number and an “M” (i.e. 12M) meaning the product has a 12 month shelf life AFTER the product has been opened.
4. Is my product compromised by being exposed to heat or cold?
•All products must pass a heat/cool and freeze/thaw test in order to make it to the market. All products must be tested to ensure the active ingredients and overall composition has not been compromised. Although not recommended, products are tested and can be exposed to extreme heat or cold for extended periods of time but cannot last if the extreme temperatures are constant and repeated.
•Normal exposure to heat or cold while in shipping from the SkinStore warehouse to your delivery location should not affect your product. If your product has been sitting outside in elevated levels of hot or cold weather, bring your product inside and allow it to come to room temperature (70-75 degrees Fahrenheit) before using it. If your product has separated, the active ingredients are not compromised; you should be able to stir the product (i.e. skin cream) until the correct consistency is achieved.
5. Where do you get your products from?
•All of SkinStore’s products come directly from the brand manufacturer. We do not purchase any products that do not come from the manufacturer.
6. Where do you store the products SkinStore sells?
•SkinStore receives all of the products directly from the manufacturer and we store all of the products in a climate controlled warehouse in the United States.
7. My product color varies from my last order, is it still okay to use?
•Some products, especially those with a higher level of natural ingredients or L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) can have varying color from batch to batch depending on where and when the ingredients were harvested from.
•L-Ascorbic Acid begins to oxidize and darken as soon as it is exposed to oxygen. This is a natural process and does not mean your product has been compromised or has expired.
8. How should I store my product?
•Store your product in a cool, dry, dark place, away from heat, moisture and sunlight.
9. I ordered a product that comes out of a pump. I pump the container and nothing comes out. What’s wrong?
•This is one of our most frequently asked questions regarding product packaging. Nearly all of the products that come in a pump dispenser, regardless of brand, will have a certain amount of air in the package. Sometimes an air bubble can get stuck in the between the product and the dispenser. Firmly tapping the bottom of the dispenser bottle several times and then rapidly pumping can help to get the air out of the packaging and release the product. Click here to learn more about air pump issues.
10. Why don’t my products have the same packaging and seals as when I purchased them at the retail store?
•In an effort to save packaging for environmental reasons and passing those savings on to the consumer, some of the products shipped to SkinStore do not have the same packaging and seals that you would find at a retail location. All of our items are stored in our climate controlled warehouse and shipped directly to you with no retail setting where the product can be tampered with.
As always if you have questions about a product you are welcome to contact us and we will be happy to help you!
Inflammation is the immune system’s response to aggressors, pathogens, injuries and infections. Acute inflammation, such as the kind that’s caused by burns or bug bites, broken bones, or pulled muscles is necessary as it helps to promote healing by delivering white blood cells to the affected area. Without an inflammatory response our entire immune system would be greatly compromised. While inflammation is necessary, it can also be negative when it’s chronic. Chronic inflammation causes for the body to breakdown and can often result in diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer and many more. What causes chronic inflammation? Certain infectious agents do, such as certain bacteria, and Hepatitis C causes chronic inflammation of the liver which can lead to liver cancer. While the doctor can run blood tests to determine presence of inflammation, we urge to you to take preventative measures too to reduce the heat and ward off chronic inflammation for life.
Avoid foods that cause inflammation. Hydrogenated fats cause inflammation, therefore avoid processed and pre-packaged food when possible and read your labels to ensure that the food you’re eating doesn’t contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Skip the sugary foods too, because sugar is quickly processed by the body which causes a spike in insulin levels. Same goes for refined grains such as white rice and white flour, which are as easily processed as sugar. Whenever sugar increases insulin levels our bodies are prompted to store fats, which can lead to weight gain and in the long run, obesity. Some foods may be low in calories (such as rice cakes) but high in sugar content- therefore they increase insulin levels, which cause the fats to store, and result in excess weight gain; someone eating a low-calorie diet and still gaining weight may be perplexed by this occurrence unless they realize that foods easily converted into sugar are fattening.
Eat anti-inflammatory foods, spices and herbs. Many foods contain nutrients that counteract inflammation. eFish, olive oil, whole grains, and nuts contain omega-3, 6, and 9 to reduce inflammation. Herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, oregano, rosemary, basil, dill, and thyme contain antioxidants, and compounds that stabilize blood-sugar levels. Eat a cup of yogurt or drink a cup of kefir daily, which contain healthful probiotics that work to keep the digestive system healthy while warding off pathogens and ‘bad’ bacteria.
Lose excess weight. Overweight people have a high level of C-reactive protein, which causes inflammation. Therefore, exercise to reduce inflammation and to lose weight. Exercise helps the body to produce dopamine and endorphins, so we not only look better when we work out, we feel better too.
Reduce stress. Stress and inflammation are closely related. Stress activates cortisol secretion, and cortisol a.k.a the ‘stress hormone’ causes inflammation. While cortisol serves a very important function in our fight-or-flight response, it can also be disruptive when we experience chronic stress. Chronic stress results in excess cortisol that with time can ‘forget’ to shut off, in turn producing further inflammation and resulting in immune system break-down. Find ways to relax through yoga, meditation, relaxing music, massage, napping, journaling, or breathing exercises.
Keep your mouth clean. The American Academy of Periodontology has linked gum disease to heart disease, as the bacteria produced by gum disease is harmful when it enters the blood stream and can build plaque deposits in blood vessels. Plaque build up can result in inflammation which contributes to swelling of the arteries. Take care of your teeth and gums with regular dental cleanings, take the time to brush your teeth thoroughly, and always floss.
Take precaution to ward of inflammation to lead a healthy life full of vigor and longevity.
“Backne” or Back Acne can be a very embarrassing condition to deal with. Taking your shirt off at the pool or in the gym showers to reveal red bumps, pimples, pustules, zits, cratering and pigmentation spots can be the last thing that you want to do. Backne tends to be more common in men due to hormonal changes during puberty, but can also occur during adulthood. The skin on your back tends to be thicker and the sebaceous (oil) glands are larger. Sweating and oil secretion along with dead skin cells and free radicals (dirt) can all clog the pores.
Contrary to popular belief acne is not caused by eating too much chocolate or junk food. Some acne can be hormonal, some can be caused by genetics and some can be environmental (influences under our control.)
Here are some suggestions on how to control environmental influences and minimize or eliminate those embarrassing break outs. Try to wear light weight cotton t-shirts when you work out or when it’s hot and you’re going to sweat. Shower immediately after you’re done working out or outdoors sweating. Use a salicylic body wash like Menscience Daily Body Wash.
This product will help to remove the sweat, dirt and oil. It contains salicylic and glycolic acids that assist in cleaning out the pores and removing dead skin cells. When you shampoo and condition your hair be sure to thoroughly rinse your back area with warm water instead of hot water. Hot water on your back can cause your pores to open up more and not rinsing thoroughly can cause those open pores to absorb some of the chemicals in the shampoo and conditioner, causing more breakouts. When you step out of the shower, use a freshly laundered dry towel. Doing so will help you avoid reintroducing any bacteria to your freshly cleaned skin. Avoid direct sunlight while your acne is inflamed or healing. UVA and UVB rays can damage your irritated skin and cause pigmentation scarring.
If you have severe redness, inflammation, and hard bumps associated with your backne; see a dermatologist. You could have what is known as cystic acne or cystic nodular acne. These are conditions that will need professional medical help.
Next time you take your shirt off; let’s have them notice your sexy chest and abs, not your backne!
Being in the woods this spring and summer can be an exciting adventure. Whether you’re camping, playing outside with your kids, or going for a hike it’s important to know the hazards of poisonous plants. By poisonous plants we mean the ones that cause an allergic reaction, which can be a bothersome plant for a lot of people. In fact 85% of the population will have a reaction to these pesky plants.
Some facts about poison ivy are: you can get a rash also known as contact dermatitis by touching the oil on the plant, or by coming in contact with something that the plant has touched like clothes, toys, camping or sporting equipment. In fact you can still get oil contact on most surfaces from many years back. Scientists have actually found plant matter from these poisonous plants on surfaces dated from a hundred years back. In most cases once you have the rash you can not spread it to another person, only the oil from the plant can spread.
You can also get poison ivy by burning the wood for a bonfire, inhaling the smoke can leave some people in the hospital. No one is immune to getting poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Some people are less susceptible to getting it, but no one is in the clear. Your body can have a reaction every time it is exposed. If you are exposed to any of these poisonous plants you will want to rinse your body with cold water within an hour after being exposed. When showering do not use hot water, this will open your pores and let the oil penetrate into your skin. You can use an antibacterial soap to clean your skin. Stiefel Impruv Moisturizing Antibacterial Cleanseris an antibacterial soap that will effectively cleanse the skin.
Treatments consist of a cold compress (a bag of frozen veggies should do the trick), apply rubbing alcohol to dry out the sap, calamine lotion or tea tree oil will ease the itch, and jewelweed is thought to help the rash. For severe cases your doctor may prescribe a steroid cream.
How long should you be expected to be in pain? Experts say it could be 3 weeks before the rash completely disappears. What causes the rash? Oil called urushoil causes an allergic reaction; this is the oil that is in the leaves, vines, and roots of the plant. One good thing about poison ivy and oak is that your little furry friend can not be exposed. Although if the oil from the plant is on their fur you can be exposed, take caution by giving your pet a cool bath.
If you can’t find anything nice to say about poison ivy remember that wild birds like to eat the seeds and animals like goats love to eat these “poisonous” plants. Native Americans have found medical uses for it such as curing warts, ringworm, and rattlesnake bites, and it also prevents the earth from eroding near the ocean. Who knew?
Because of its versatility to grow almost anywhere and all times of the year, it is important to know what the plants look like. They can change colors during seasons, the leaves can change depending on the climate, and you can get a rash off the dead branch in the winter time.
Here is a website devoted to poison ivy that contains pictures of different types of the plant. If you are educated on what the plant looks like you may reduce your risk of being exposed to this year round itchy annoyance.
Please consult your doctor if the reaction has caused a difficulty in breathing, you have inhaled the smoke of burning poison ivy, or develop a fever or the rash looks infected.
We always hear about the benefits of green tea in skin care as a powerful antioxidant, but what about red tea? Some of us may drink red tea, but what are the benefits when used in our skin care products?
Research suggests that red tea has two times the antioxidant benefits of green tea. It can protect the skin against environmental damage and free radicals. Red tea is said to contain more antioxidant properties then Vitamin C, and E. Researchers have also found that red tea contains 9 types of flavonoids, 5 of which are free-radical scavengers. Red tea can reduce bacteria and inflammation, making it a great treatment for acneic skin.
SkinStore.com carries a few product lines in particular that are known for using red tea as a key component in their products. Ole Henriksen has quite a few products that are formulated with African red tea. African red tea will strengthen the skin’s outer layer, soothe the skin, and can slow down the aging process. Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser was named the best natural cleanser at the Natural Health Beauty Awards in 2009.
Glytone also has a few new anti-aging products that are formulated with red tea flavonoids. Their research has shown that red tea has 30% more free radical reduction than green tea. This new anti aging line by Glytone contains an exfoliating cream, facial serum and eye cream.
As more research is being done regarding Red Tea, companies like Glytone and Ole Henriksen are showing us how effective this anti-aging ingredient really is.
When we consult with our customers, those that are acne prone often inquire about Accutane. Have we heard of it? What does it do? How does it work? Although we don’t carry Accutane (it’s a prescription) we’re well-versed on the product.
Accutane is a prescription medication made for the treatment of severe acne, especially cystic under-the-skin, painful, scarring type of acne. Accutane uses a derivative of vitamin A (similar to that found in our bloodstream) in a very high dose. Most Accutane courses last for 4-6 months. While taking Accutane a patient may experience severe dryness of the lips, nasal passages, and skin. Side effects also include nose bleeds, thinning of the hair, increased sensitivity to sun, irritation of eyes, joint and muscle pains and in some rare cases blurred vision and depression. During Accutane treatment blood tests are necessary to monitor liver health. It is not safe to drink alcoholic beverages while on Accutane. The most serious side effect of Accutane is the possibility of serious birth defects, so women who are pregnant, nursing or trying to become pregnant should not use Accutane.
If you suffer from serious acne and topical products do not help, we recommend consulting with your dermatologist to see if Accutane may be right for you. If you choose to take Accutane make sure to supplement your diet with healthy essential fatty acids, use sunscreen on a daily basis, and keep your skin hydrated by drinking lots of water and using a nourishing moisturizer.
Accutane not for you? Visit SkinStore for a large assortment of acne treatment products.
You want to have clean, clear, healthy skin like some of your favorite teen idols. While you may want to have that Kellan Lutz or Dianna Agron look, your hormones and skin are telling another story.
Avoid foods that cause inflammation. Hydrogenated fats cause inflammation, therefore avoid processed and pre-packaged food when possible and read your labels to ensure that the food you’re eating doesn’t contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Skip the sugary foods too, because sugar is quickly processed by the body which causes a spike in insulin levels. Same goes for refined grains such as white rice and white flour, which are as easily processed as sugar. Whenever sugar increases insulin levels our bodies are prompted to store fats, which can lead to weight gain and in the long run, obesity. Some foods may be low in calories (such as rice cakes) but high in sugar content- therefore they increase insulin levels, which cause the fats to store, and result in excess weight gain; someone eating a low-calorie diet and still gaining weight may be perplexed by this occurrence unless they realize that foods easily converted into sugar are fattening.
Eat anti-inflammatory foods, spices and herbs. Many foods contain nutrients that counteract inflammation. eFish, olive oil, whole grains, and nuts contain omega-3, 6, and 9 to reduce inflammation. Herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, oregano, rosemary, basil, dill, and thyme contain antioxidants, and compounds that stabilize blood-sugar levels. Eat a cup of yogurt or drink a cup of kefir daily, which contain healthful probiotics that work to keep the digestive system healthy while warding off pathogens and ‘bad’ bacteria.
Keep your mouth clean. The American Academy of Periodontology has linked gum disease to heart disease, as the bacteria produced by gum disease is harmful when it enters the blood stream and can build plaque deposits in blood vessels. Plaque build up can result in inflammation which contributes to swelling of the arteries. Take care of your teeth and gums with regular dental cleanings, take the time to brush your teeth thoroughly, and always floss.
sporting equipment. In fact you can still get oil contact on most surfaces from many years back. Scientists have actually found plant matter from these poisonous plants on surfaces dated from a hundred years back. In most cases once you have the rash you can not spread it to another person, only the oil from the plant can spread.
When we consult with our customers, those that are acne prone often inquire about Accutane. Have we heard of it? What does it do? How does it work? Although we don’t carry Accutane (it’s a prescription) we’re well-versed on the product.
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