Hands need love too! We all have different lifestyles and skin so it’s no mystery that before we decide on products to use, we need to pin-point our concerns. Not all hands are created equal. Neither are hand creams! Do your hands feel dry, do they have wrinkles, is there sun damage or do we just need heavy repair? There are going to be products which can address each concern specifically. Here is a guide to help with the different concerns:
Dr.Dennis Gross is a New York City dermatologist to the elite, and he’s famous worldwide for his Alpha Beta Daily Face Peels. This year Dr.Gross took his innovation even further and created Alpha Beta Glow Pads. Not just any self-tanning pads, mind you, they’re exfoliating alpha and beta hydroxyl acid pads that are enriched with vitamins, antioxidants and a self-tanning compound. Each pad nourishes the skin, provides anti-aging, brightening, and anti-acne benefits while giving the skin a natural, sun-kissed, radiant look.
This revolutionary product works in four ways:
1. Prep Step
Exfoliates the skin with an alpha and beta hydroxyl acid blend, which keeps the pores clear and acne breakouts at bay (while also inducing collagen production! Wow!) 2. Treat Step
Nourishes the skin with antioxidants and vitamins. The Glow Pads have vitamins A, C and E that help to prevent collagen breakdown. Vitamin B helps to promote skin healing and cell regeneration.
3. Color Step
Saturates the skin with encapsulated DHA that provides a believable sun-kissed look, while soy proteins guarantee a natural hue and a long-lasting color.
4. Radiance & Luminosity Step
Adds radiance and glow to the skin with vitamin D. Vitamin D gives the skin a sun-kissed look without sun exposure, and helps for the other vitamins to perform better.
The Dr.Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads never leave your skin orange, streaky, or smelly (no more of that maple-syrup self-tanner smell!). These pads can be used in conjunction with the Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel (or with the Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel) on a daily basis, or when you need that little pick-me-up! Who wouldn’t want believable, natural color, anti-aging benefits and exfoliation in a streak-free self-tanning formula?! Everyone at SkinStore.com (even the guys) can attest to just how wonderful this product is.
If you’ve tried it, we’d love to know what you think! Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below!
For those of us that like to exfoliate, scrub, and slough off our skin on a regular basis, we often run the risk of overdoing it. The SkinCeuticals Epidermal repair has been specifically formulated for skin that has been compromised by in office peels or at-home blunders. It contains beta glucan and centella asiatica which provide a protective veil on the skin and help to repair and restore the skin barrier function while helping to stimulate collagen production.
The SkinCeuticals Epidermal repair will help with inflammation and will also help to soothe the skin to lessen irritation. If you use this product post-procedure it will help to protect, heal, soothe, and can also prevent scarring (but consult with your doctor before use).
It also makes a nice makeup base for us dry skin types because it contains dimethicone which helps to seal in moisture while preventing peeling and flaking. This is also a great product to use if you have sunburn, windburn, rosacea, or if you are a retinol user. The Epidermal Repair will be a skin saver for anyone that may have overdone it with the peel or treatment, and wants to avoid looking red, scaly or blistered.
Oh, the price we pay for beauty! Tell us about your beauty blunders on our Facebook page or in the comments section below.
You could win a Perricone MD Cold Plasma! Enter our latest giveaway now! Enter here. Event ends on 4/4/2011.
Don’t surrender to wrinkles, fight back! StriVectin’s newest Wrinkle-Fighting Trio Kit is your best defense against aging. The set includes a three step plan of attack: StriVectin-SD Instant Retexturizing Scrub (.75 oz), StriVectin-HS Hydro-Thermal Deep Wrinkle Serum (.5 oz), and StriVectin SD Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks and Wrinkles.
First, polish and prep your skin for treatment with the Instant Retexturizing Scrub. This scrub cleanses, smoothes and primes the skin for optimal absorption of treatment products. Skin texture is also improved with continued use.
Next, get to the root of the problem with Hydro-Thermal Deep Wrinkle Serum. This heat activated serum travels to the deepest layers of the skin where your wrinkles begin. The serum was developed to penetrate deeply into the skin helping to preserve the integrity of the Dermal Epidermal Junction. Over time the appearance of even the most pronounced wrinkles are lessened.
The final step in defense is StriVectin SD Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks and Wrinkles. StriVectin SD is a powerful treatment product and hydrator in one that fights stretch marks and wrinkles. This re-engineered formula has 4x more peptides and patented NIA-114 technology. NIA-114 was discovered in skin cancer prevention research to help rebuild skin layers. StriVectin’s Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks and Wrinkles has a proprietary complex of 8% NIA-114 and Peptide Actives which has been clinically proven to improve the appearance of wrinkles and stretch marks in as few as 2-8 weeks. The results speak for themselves!
The new StriVectin-SD Wrinkle Fighting Trio Kit is just in time for spring and a great gift idea for Mother’s Day! Hurry though, quantities are limited. This kit will only be available while supplies last.
Did you hear about our latest giveaway? We are giving away 5 Perricone MD Cold Plamas! Enter to win HERE! Event ends 4/4/2011.
A stem cell is an unspecialized cell that has the capacity to renew itself, or to replace dying, worn out cells. When a stem cell divides it has the potential to become a different type of a cell, like a brain cell or a skin cell, or it can remain a stem cell for the course of its life and work in the gut or in the bone marrow. Every life; human, animal, or plant, starts with a stem cell. And just like you and I came from stem cells, so do fruits and flowers and every living thing on this planet. Stem cell research continues to get savvier day by day and scientists are discovering that plant stem cells can play a huge role in the human system too, especially in the skin. Juice Beauty, a pioneer in the freshest and purest nature and science synergy, has launched two plant stem cell based products and they’re definitely sure to please.
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer is a reparative hydrator that’s suitable for all skin types. Completely waterless, this moisturizer contains a potent blend of organic fruit stem cells and vitamin C to decrease DNA damage that occurs from daily aggressors. The fruit stem cells are absorbed deeply into the skin to encourage repair and cell regeneration, while a multi-vitamin base stimulates collagen production and skin resilience. Additionally, fatty acids encourage elasticity and impart deep hydration. The result? Fresh, moist, dewy, glowing skin that looks and feels smooth and healthy. After using this product for three weeks both morning and evening I’ve found that I no longer need foundation. My skin is smooth, radiant, and even-toned, and I have no sensitivity, irritation or breakouts post-use.
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Eye Treatment is another brand new fruit stem cell based product that’s quickly becoming a customer favorite. This light-weight formula is great for both morning and evening use. It helps to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet while nourishing and protecting the delicate eye tissue. The essential fatty acids hydrate while vitamin C brightens and tightens. I’ve found the formula to be light-weight and extremely smooth… great for layering under concealer. My eye area appears brighter and tighter, and my much-too-sensitive eyes are not one bit irritated or red.
I’ll be the first to tell you that as complicated as stem cell research sounds, it’s definitely an amazing thing, especially when it comes to skin! Our skin is the largest organ and it requires extra special care. When your skin looks good, you feel good… no doubt about it!
Entering our 30’s we hear that these are the best times of our lives. We are given the opportunity to have careers, babies, or travel the world. But what does this mean for our skin, and how do we know if we are making the right choices for our new age and concerns?
Most of us have been warned about the dangers of the sun because our parents told us to wear sunscreen and not use foil and baby oil, so we are hoping to look better than our mothers and fathers. The question is how do we keep looking young? Advancements in skin care have come a long way in just the past 5-10 years, and all these tricks and potions are at our fingertips just waiting to be explored. To make it easy, here are the top things you need for your 30’s when it comes to your skin.
1. Wear your sunscreen: Yes we know this, but let’s really practice what we preach ladies and gentlemen. Skin cancer is the leading type of cancer right now, and we can help prevent it by just covering up and wearing a sunscreen. An SPF of at least a 30 is suggested. Due to variations in formulations there are sunscreens that are oil free, hydrating, and even great for you sensitive skin types. There are no exceptions on this one, wear your sunscreen please! We like La Roche Posay sunscreens and so do our customers.
2. Take your vitamins: They don’t look like cartoon characters at this age, but they can make us look and feel young well into our 40’s and beyond. Vitamins A, C, E are essential for healthy skin, strong immune systems, and overall wellness. Also, please wear your vitamins. Get a great antioxidant serum, this will protect your skin against further damage and help to correct unsightly sun damage. Retin-A is said to be one of the most powerful products in helping to promote collagen production and cell turnover. This is essential because collagen levels have already started to deplete by the age of 30.
3. Use an eye cream: At the age of 30 we start seeing the first signs of aging right before our very eyes, or under our eyes I should say. Those beautiful browns or beaming blues and greens can continue to remain as the center of attention with a little help from a great eye cream. A serum formulation for day will help tighten and provide that wide awake look. A slightly more hydrating cream formula for use in the PM, will help hydrate and regenerate the delicate tissue under the eye. A great eye cream for that is the Arcona Eye Wrinkle Repair.
4. Try alpha hydroxy acids: AHA’s are very anti-aging because they help to smooth lines, even out skin tone, and give your skin a nice healthy glow. AHA’s will also help to promote cell turnover by exfoliating your skin and should be incorporated into your weekly regimen. SkinCeuticals C+AHA is an excellent choice because it provides 15% L-Ascorbic Acid and 10% alpha hydroxyl acid. Antioxidants and exfoliation all in one product make this a great multi tasking necessity.
5. Tools for success: These include the Clarisonic, Baby Quasar, Nuface or the Wellbox device. Tools will help boost the benefits of any skin care regimen you are currently using. They will help to exfoliate, repair, tighten, and rejuvenate the skin. They save time and money because you can treat your skin in the privacy of your home for a fraction of the cost when compared to the doctor’s office or medispa.
The most important thing to remember is to do your research, but don’t believe everything you read. Be educated about what to expect, but don’t make your self crazy. A lot of consumers tend to overdo it and can cause damage to their skin. The trick is balance, education, and prevention.
Goodbye 20’s… Hello to the fabulous 30’s!
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Why is it that men are commonly referred to as “distinguished” when they have salt and pepper hair, yet women don’t receive the same props? The locks of silver haired male icons Richard Gere, Harrison Ford and Sean Connery drip sex appeal, though they are well on their way to over the hill. Is it a societal norm instilled through the media or is there a genetic factor that contributes to this phenomenon?
Society may influence our perceptions of male and female beauty, but science has a lot to do with it! Men’s skin is thicker than women’s because of male hormones i.e. testosterone. Consequently, women are more susceptible to damaging UV rays because their skin is much thinner than men’s. This is why men generally have fewer wrinkles than women, which in turn keeps their skin looking younger.
As women enter the big M, the lack of estrogen depletes the skin of collagen and elastin, making the skin vulnerable and less resilient. Men’s skin also thins as they age, but at a much slower rate, roughly 1% per year. Women’s skin is much more likely to suffer from hyperpigmentation and rough texture because of an increased sensitivity to sun damage. Whereas men are less susceptible to damaging UV rays because their thicker skin acts as a shield to the sun. Sun damage accounts for roughly 80 percent of the aging process to the skin. As always (women especially) don’t forgot the sun block! We like La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Melt In Sunscreen Milk and SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30. For oily skin types we suggest La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid.
Many other factors also contribute to the aging process such as smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, diet and genetics. Living a clean and healthy lifestyle will help you age gracefully into your golden years.
The largest organ in the human body, our skin, is often overlooked. Our skin is on the front lines day after day, waging war against climate, environmental pollutants and damaging UV rays. Skin is not only a precursor to our inner health, but also a timeline of our life. Every scar, freckle, and birth mark tells a tale.
Our skin serves many purposes. It shields organs inside the body protecting them from injury, keeps invading germs out, retains water and other fluids and aides in regulating body temperature. The skin is made up of three layers; the epidermis, dermis, and subcutis. Within the epidermis are melanocytes, which are the cells that produce pigment, called melanin. Melanin is what makes skin brown or tan, protecting deeper layers of skin from harmful UV rays. Melanocyctes are the cells that can become melanoma.
Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the melanocytes. Melanoma tumors are most often brown or black in color. However, in rare cases melanomas can have no color at all. A common misconception is that people with darker skin tones cannot develop skin cancer. Having dark skin may lower the risk of melanoma, but this does not mean that a person with dark skin can not get melanoma.
It is crucial to remember that if caught in the early stages, melanoma can be cured. But, if not caught early it is likely to spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma occurs less frequently than other forms of skin cancer, but is far more serious.
Risk Factors:
UV light exposure is the leading risk factor for most melanomas. Sunlight, tanning lamps and tanning beds all greatly increase your risk of developing melanoma. Studies have also linked melanoma in stomach, legs, and arms to frequent sunburns (especially in childhood).
People with fair skin are at risk for melanoma 10 times more than other people. Fair skinned individuals with freckles, red, or blond hair also have a higher risk of melanoma. People with red hair have the highest risk of melanoma.
A family history of melanoma is also a contributing risk factor. 10% of people with melanoma have an immediate family member with the disease.
Melanoma is most often found in older people, however it is one of the rare cancers that are also found in younger people.
Possible Signs of Melanoma:
The ABCD rule will help you detect abnormal moles that should be checked by your doctor.
Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.
Border irregularity: The edges of the mole are irregular or not smooth (ragged, blurred, or notched)
Color: The color of the mole is not uniform. There may be shades of pink, red, white, or blue.
Diameter: The mole is larger than ¼ inch (about the size of a pencil eraser)
Easy Prevention Tips:
Limit UV exposure (natural sunlight and tanning beds)
From the ingenious minds of leading cosmetic and skincare specialists, Cover FX was born. Conceived with the intention of becoming the foundation authority, Lee Graff, the co-creator and President of Cover FX developed a makeup that effectively camouflages major skin imperfections with added therapeutic benefits.
Graff has been a corrective makeup specialist for over 20 years at a leading Canadian CosMedic Clinic, working exclusively with rosacea, acne, scars, and vitiligo patients. Cover FX was created to match a variety of skin tones, be tolerated by even the most sensitive skin, affordable to the everyday consumer, and have a beautiful naturally looking finish.
Makeup experts agree that every foundation application should start with a great primer. Skin Prep FX Nourishing Foundation Primer and Anti-Aging Serum is a smoothing, hydrating foundation primer that reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and large pores. It is enriched with peptides, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid to help combat the signs of aging.
One of the biggest dilemmas we face with foundation is finding the perfect color. Whose skin really matches a pre-made color straight from the bottle? It’s either too light or too dark or the wrong tone. Or when you’ve finally found the perfect shade, it’s soon to be discontinued entirely. Cover FX addresses this issue, The Big Cover Up kit includes 3 coordinating shades to blend together for the perfect match.
Cover FX Total Coverage Cream Foundation is a 2-in-1 concealer and foundation. It provides full coverage for hard to conceal imperfections like sun damage, acne, and redness. The foundation is suitable for all skin types and imparts a natural dewy finish. It’s also non-comedogenic and has a zero skin irritancy score for skin sensitivity.
The finishing touch of the 3 step essentials is Cover FX Loose Mineral Setting Powder. To set your makeup, simply dust on a touch of translucent setting powder. This imparts a flawless finish with light defusing pigments. Your skin will appear smoother and more radiant. It also helps to prevent color and foundation transfer. A setting powder extends the wear of your makeup and locks makeup in place all day.
If you’ve struggled to find the perfect foundation for years to no avail, your search is over! Cover FX will give you the confidence of a beautiful even complexion.
The Kerstin Florian Serum C Plus Infusion is among the newest products featured by Kerstin Florian in their correcting line. The correcting line is formulated with more active ingredients to address the common signs of aging. The Serum C Plus Infusion uses a combination of Vitamin C and grapefruit peel extract to lightly exfoliate and brighten the skin also aiding in the production of collagen. This product contains Methylsilanol Hydroxyproline Aspartate which is an amino-acid that helps to improve the elasticity of the skin and tissue fibers by repairing the skin. The serum also has a type of silicone oil called dimethicone which prevents water loss by putting a barrier on your skin. This is a great product for sun damaged and aging skin, or anyone who wants hydration and antioxidant protection. The serum formulation is oil free so it would be beneficial for all skin types.
We definitely give the Serum C Plus Infusion an A+!
Hands need love too! We all have different lifestyles and skin so it’s no mystery that before we decide on products to use, we need to pin-point our concerns. Not all hands are created equal. Neither are hand creams! Do your hands feel dry, do they have wrinkles, is there sun damage or do we just need heavy repair? There are going to be products which can address each concern specifically. Here is a guide to help with the different concerns:
Graff has been a corrective makeup specialist for over 20 years at a leading Canadian CosMedic Clinic, working exclusively with rosacea, acne, scars, and vitiligo patients. Cover FX was created to match a variety of skin tones, be tolerated by even the most sensitive skin, affordable to the everyday consumer, and have a beautiful naturally looking finish.
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