Real Before-and-After Photos - E Experiments: SkinMedica's HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

It's no secret around the office that I am totally obsessed with SkinMedica's blend of five different forms of HA. Why The obsession, you ask? 1. While other hyaluronic acid serums will deliver a superficial plumping effect by binding water in the skin, they are short lived. Typical HA's only have a lifespan of 2 to 4 hours. SkinMedica's R+D geniuses took care to stabilize these HA's, which means all-day and long-term hydration for you.

2. Key Words: "Rejuvenating Hydrator": yes, applying this magical photoshop-in-a-bottle will create a visible, instant gratification perfection-increase. But aside from the right-now smoothing/plumping effect, this powerhouse serum features a brand new antioxidant, peptides, and polysaccharides which will actually stimulate your skin to produce its own HA after continued use.

3. These photos: the below photos are the result of simply tapping HA5 on top of existing makeup, in the office.

Elapsed time: 40 minutes for one set, 4 hours for the other (whoops, we had a pretty crazy clinic day). Anyway, I'll think you'll agree that these results are remarkable!

*no retouching was performed and no filters were used in any way.

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Here's what happens almost instantly when we restore the hydration with HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator: 

Here's the background on HA: Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is our skin's natural moisture. We started out making tons of it, but as damage accumulates with age and our cellular turnover process slows down, we make less and less of it. In fact, it's said that between the ages of 40-50, your skin has lost 50% of the HA it had at age 20!

Known as a "Fountain Of Youth" molecule, HA is super important in the skin to bind water, holding moisture in. HA is also naturally present in our joints for lubrication, and found in many injectable fillers, too. Thanks to the awesome new antioxidants and 5 different kinds of HA in HA5, short-lived temporary gratification from basic/other Hydrating serums is becoming obsolete. ...WELCOME TO THIS!

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If you add my fave HA5 to your regimen, you'll get awesome instant gratification with the added benefit of long-term improvement... and I think you'll be obsessed with it, too!

Click here for more on the long-and-short of the results from HA5 and the technology that sets this product-hero apart from other HA serums.

And until next time, stay fabulous my friends!

If you need to look REALLY good for something, you need to put THIS on 15 minutes before...

Ok, I'll admit it: I have a smidge of an obsession going on with my favorite product for hydrating: SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator. This photoshop-in-a-bottle might just be your new best friend, too.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA): The Fountain Of Youth Molecule

HA is a naturally-occurring, water-loving, water-binding element. The presence of HA, and the ability to create our skin's own HA, is depleted over time with age and skin damage. When we have more HA, fine lines are smoothed, dryness is relieved, and loss of moisture is prevented. The right HA is not only essential to your skin looking fabulous, it's also essential to long-term skin health.

Imagine there's a sponge underneath the top layer of your skin. Imagine that it shrinks as we get older, reducing our ability to hold water in the skin. No matter what moisturizer you use, the amount of water your skin can hold on to is not what it was. We need to restore and replenish that sponge, it's been getting dry and crispy over time.

HA5: What will it do for me?

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When you add a concentrated, stabilized HA Serum to your routine, it will amplify skin’s water content and prevent loss of hydration, reducing the look of crow’s feet, folds, laugh lines, marionette lines, and other 'textures of life'. The result? You have smoother, firmer skin, and you look Ah-mazing. Check out some before and after pictures on real people here.

...But when that HA Serum is SkinMedica's HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, the improvement is not just temporary. Remember that above-referenced 'sponge' (above)? After several weeks of use, you will notice a change in your skin each day: your 'sponge' is healthier, holding onto more water than before, and making its own HA! Because, while instant gratification is awesome, who doesn't want to look really good every day??

This amazing product boasts five different forms of HA, all with different tasks:

Time Release HA: A SkinMedica® proprietary, sustained release of HA (HA all day!)

Sodium Hyaluronate: For immediate hydration (instant gratification)

Uncross-linked HA: For smoothness and hydration

Nano HA: Soothes skin (great for those with sensitive skin)

Cross-Linked HA: Provides long-lasting hydration for up to 8 hours (most HA serums zonk out at 2-4 hours)

^Translation:

Soothing, calming, smoothing, an instant smoothing effect AND long-lasting hydration.

Instant Gratification

Really: if you put this on at least 15-20 minutes before you have to look really fabulous, you will notice a visible improvement in fine lines and textures. When we demonstrate it in the office, I'll apply it to one side of a patient's face. By the time they leave the office, there is a very noticeable difference between the two sides. 

HA All Day (and beyond!) 

Here's the best part: HA5 features VITISCENCE™ antioxidant technology, (this is exclusive to SkinMedica). These new and potent antioxidants will actually support long-term skin health and your skin’s ability to replenish its own HA.‬

Who Is It Good For?

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All skin types: including normal, dry, mature, oily, acne-prone, sensitive and fragile.

How Do I Use It?

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Apply 2 pumps of SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator as the last step of your skin care regimen before a moisturizer both AM and PM.

• If you use a moisturizer/sunscreen combo: it would go on just under that.
• If you are a serum-user, apply your serum first, then your HA5, followed by your moisturizer and/or sunscreen.

Real Patient Comments from our office:

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“You feel like you’re doing your skin a favor… and as time goes on, the more favors you can do for it, the better!”

“It’s a treat for myself every day”
..."it feels ‘soft’, ‘smooth’ and feels so light, while still ‘feeling moisturized".

After using it for a while, many patients remark that they don’t have that tight-feeling after cleansing, and don't feel that immediate need to throw something on fast to alleviate tightness.

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Looking to join the #nofilter-selfie-HA5-fanclub (<get one for yourself)?

Authentic HA5 is only available through authorized physician's offices:  you can find a physician near you by clicking here.

And if you're around the Chicagoland area, give us a call at our office! Skincare consultations and Shipping on products are both complimentary... we would love to help you get started on HA5:

DMG Aesthetics - Dr. Daniel G. Danahey GLEN ELLYN, IL 630-545-7840

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Learn more about HA5 on SkinMedica's site by clicking here. 

...And in the meantime: stay fabulous (and hydrated!) my friends!

A Fun Find Tech Toy or Just Way Too Much Connectivity? A Connected Mirror Analyzes Your Skin Condition

Ladies, start your charge cards - just when you thought you had smart-everything: from your phone, tv, thermostat, home speakers, smoke detectors, fridge, well, everything... now there's a smart makeup mirror.

Read the full article below from USA Today, but here's how I see it - in a nutshell:

Pro's:

• This smart mirror features settings that allow you to simulate the lighting scenarios you'll be in (office, evening, daytime, etc) for specific make up application needs. Love that!

• Skin analysis (fine lines, discoloration etc) keeps you aware so you can treat your skin proactively - and stat on top of your game.

• From my perspective, it seems like the storage of old photos and developments might help you recognize if a questionable spot is new or changing. Who knows, if you see something that wasn't there before (for example), it might trigger you to call your dermatologist for expert analysis.

Cons:

• Is this good for the psyche? Plain old magnifying mirrors are notorious for causing the most beautiful women to freak out and run into their doctors' offices for Botox, laser, you-name-it, to treat tiny 'imperfections' they see on the mag-setting at home. While Botox and laser of course have their benefits, it's the freak-out state that could be caused by constant reminders and updates on your new age spot could cause insecurity like, on a daily basis. This would be a definite CON.

• Omg, why do we need YouTube DIY's playing in our mirror?? Granted, there are a lot of jems and pearls of knowledge out there on good old YouTube. But it's also very diluted and there is a whole lot of junk. The last thing I would want is for this to be playing at me in my bathroom while I'm getting ready. I can't imagine my smart, well informed patients and clients doing the same, either.

Read all about it here:

From USA Today: A CES Innovation Award winner and available to test-drive at SXSW, HiMirror is the world’s first “smart mirror” that provides personalized beauty and health feedback by analyzing your face. Simply wave your hand in front of the mirror or use voice control, and thanks to the camera and cloud-based image processing algorithm, you’ll receive real-time skincare analysis – including comments on wrinkles and fine lines, complexion, dark circles, spots and pores.Based on your skin condition, HiMirror displays custom DIY YouTube tutorials on the mirror itself. Advice is also based on how your skin looks over time, with stored photos of you in its internal memory.

Along with the basic HiMirror model ($189), HiMirror Plus ($259) also adds LED makeup lighting that can simulate varying environmental settings – such as sunny outdoors, brightly-lit office, restaurant, and supermarket, to name a few – to help you properly apply makeup for the occasion. The Plus model also adds more local storage (for more photos or more users) and a faster Wi-Fi connection.

Is it a perfect new edition to the slew of tech products already on your home wifi network, or just way too much media? I'll be interested to see what else we can 'stay connected with' as more new products make their way to the market.

And until next time, stay fabulous, my friends!

The Rumor Mill: Fun New SkinMedica Products!

Exciting things are on the horizon for all of us Skinmedica TNS and HA5 maniacs out there!

Hot off the press, here's what I heard recently from our fabulous SkinMedica informant:

TNS packaging

• Have you ever wondered how much product is still in your Essential Serum bottle? You're not alone. The next generation of packaging will be including a window so you can check your levels and never be caught without your fave product. Yahoo!

• Also rumored is both a bigger (woah 👀❤👀) AND a smaller, travel-sized version. Which is great, because I'd rather cancel the trip than have a TSA agent threaten to throw my Essential Serum away. Seriously.

TNS targeted for the NECK!

• As I am newly obsessed with all-things-neck, I was THRILLED to hear about an upcoming TNS product specifically targeted for the neck. CANNOT. WAIT.

HA5: Packing hydration into your pout

• We already LOVE HA5 for its instant smoothing and long lasting hydration for the face... and word has it, there's going to be an HA5 lip product launching soon! I AM so all over this. All. Over. It. I can tell you I will have multiples of these for my vanity, make up bag, and gym bag. 5 forms of hyaluronic acid (the same stuff fillers *and dreams* are made of) to pull moisture into the lips?! We love you, you SkinMedica R&D geniuses, you! 💗💗💗Woo hoo!

I'll be sure to post when I have these new babies in-hand! And until next time, stay fabulous, my friends! 

Drug Store Shout Out: A BB Cushion by a luxury brand ...without the luxury price

Well, I've been pretty busy (who isn't?!) and it's been a tad since I've posted - but I have some fabulosity to share that may make up for my blogging inconsistency lately: Laniege BB cushion (Target) is my fave new drug store find. I had an opportunity to try this Budget-friendly-find a couple months back, and have been searching for it in-store since! Not all Target locations carry this line, but it is available online if you can't find it at a store near you. Laniege is a brand made and distributed by Amore Pacific,  one of the more expensive skin care lines out of Nieman Marcus, one of the factors that piqued my interest right off the bat.  This super-light, sheer BB cream provides a barely-there coverage that evens the complexion just enough. Much lighter than my all time much-more-emollient fave, Intellishade, it's a great alternative to add to your BB-cream/SPF wardrobe for when you want something with a bit less creaminess. 

It also cools the skin, perfect after a workout or when you're in a warm climate, thanks to its ionized mineral water ingredients. The best part is it's SPF 50 feature (but keep in mind that you must apply it evenly and with enough coverage to realize this benefit, as with all SPF makeup products). Easy to apply, it comes with an antimicrobial puff (and also goes on beautifully with a texture brush, as I have found). It goes on evenly and dries enough to quickly follow with powder if more coverage is desired. 

This cooling, light and quick-to-apply product lasts all day, doesn't get muddy in oily areas, and gives the skin a soft airbrush-like glow. It's fantastic quality for a drug store find, and at $34 (which includes a refill and extra puff!) it's worth a try if you're looking for a new BB cream.

Enjoy, and until next time, stay fabulous my friends! 

My Before and After: My First Kybella Treatment

I'm so excited to share my photo from my first round of Kybella. This revolutionary treatment destroys fat under the chin via small injections of the Kybella product. It actually destroys the fat over the course of several weeks, leaving you with a streamlined jaw and neckline for a pretty profile. Best part is, it's permanent!

HOW KYBELLA® WORKS

The active ingredient in KYBELLA® is synthetic deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, KYBELLA® destroys fat cells, resulting in a noticeable reduction in fullness under the chin. Once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, so further treatment is not expected once you reach your desired aesthetic goal.

Really, I wanted to do it for prevention of the dreaded turkey neck down the road, but I absolutely love what it did for my jawline now!

Most of our patients end up doing 2-4 treatments, but it depends on your goals and how much fat you have. You'll need to space them out 4 or more weeks apart.

Dr. Daniel Danahey, board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon here in the Chicago area, did mine. You can check out the Kybella website here to find a doctor near you who offers it.

Prepare yourself for a good amount of swelling for a few days afterward which can happen, along with the possibility of a few little bruises (I had no bruising), but otherwise, it tends to be a really easy treatment!

Until next time: stay fabulous, my friends!

My friends are going to Vegas... Here is the product they NEED to be using

In honor of my friends' upcoming trip to Vegas, I thought I would share my recommendation for anti-aging during the summer in a hot climate... And what product I loaded them up with to make their trip as skin-safe as possible.

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It turns out that infrared radiation will absolutely zap your collagen and put your skin into a free-radical frenzy, creating damage. Read about that in another post I wrote, here.

A new, important factor in everyday skin protection, IR-protection is *of course* especially important when you're planning a vacay. Infrared manifests itself as heat on the skin, so you could imagine the havoc that hanging out poolside in Vegas could create.

Here's what I loaded them up with for their suitcases (also in mine when I was there in May for the Vegas Cosmetic Surgery meetings!):

SkinMedica’s Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 Tinted (also available without tint)

...is my absolute summer go-to superscreen.  It features:

• A cosmetically-elegant, easy-to use and wear consistency: creamy, but not greasy
• A semi-matte finish offers light, complexion-flattering coverage
• Tons of specially-formulated antioxidants for both UV and IR protection

Remember, it's important to protect from UV and IR on a daily basis, not just when you're sitting poolside. 

So give it a try this summer, don't forget to reapply, and until next time: stay fabulous, my friends!

Anti-Aging: A new reason why you need more than just UV protection

Fact: UV isn't the only cause of skin aging from the sun... You need protection from IR, too.

That's right: Just when you thought you had it the whole anti-aging thing down, science is showing we have more than UV radiation to worry about: infrared radiation (IR or IRA)

What is infrared?

IR makes up more than half of the solar spectrum. IR penetrates deeper into the skin than UV rays. -This is a scary thought, because  well, deeper in the skin means more damage to the skin. 

"Infrared radiation lies between the visible and microwave portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared waves have wavelengths longer than (the) visible ... the primary source of infrared radiation is heat or thermal radiation... The higher the temperature, the more the atoms and molecules move and the more infrared radiation they produce."

...According to California Institute of Technology's CoolCosmos.com Read the whole article here 

IR manifests itself as heat on the skin, so when you're outside and you're feeling the heat, IR is doing it's evil work on your subcutaneous layers.

So, what does this mean for your skin??

Basically, THIS: (see pic)

IR causes free-radical production deep in the skin, essentially cooking the skin, causing free radicals to form, creating damage, hyperpigmentation, and of course: wrinkles. See my post on Free Radicals here.

What can you do?

It takes anti-oxidants to neutralize damage, along with broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect. A couple of my fave go-to "superscreens" combine the two for you:

SkinMedica's Total Defense + Repair line features cosmetically-elegant superscreens in both tinted and not-tinted versions. I love this one.

Another newer and fabulous superscreen is Obagi's Sun Shield TINT SPF 50, providing a matte finish and two shades to choose from: Cool and Light.

These easy-to use IR-defense products are making it easy to protect from UV and IR on a daily basis.

Check them out, give them a try this summer, and until next time: stay fabulous, my friends!

Omg Omg Omg: This Neck Product is the stuff dreams are made of

I'm so totally head over heels for the brand new Micro-Firm product by Neocutis.  This winner product just launched, I have been using it for about two weeks... and from my personal experience, let's just say: I'm drinking the kool-aid. The way my skin feels makes me want to absolutely shower in it!! 

The ingredients are rad; not only does it feature the new MPC technology (stimulates collagen one, three, and seven, plus Hylauronic acid and elastin production) but also: - contains 7% glycolic acid to refine tone and texture

-this concentrated treatment product contains as many peptides as a serum to make it more intensive and see results sooner

- improvement can be seen in as little as two weeks (and even sooner for less mature skin types)

- free of fragrance, dyes and parabens

- the packaging rocks - it's a pretty airless pump jar (prevents oxidation and contamination)

- the micro essential peptides stimulate elastin which is ideal for the sagging skin in the neck and sun-damaged chests

- contains nourishing argan and jojoba oil

- I'm loving the silky texture - not too thick and not sticky (think of a gel, cream, and serum hybrid), it's fun to use because it's super cosmetically elegant.

    Find it at a doctors office near you, and your neck and décolleté will be singing its praises, too!

Until next time, stay fabulous my friends!

The Skincare Ingredient You Didn't Know You Were Missing

Neocutis has long been known as a skin care leader for their innovations in growth factor technology. (Read more about that here)  The newest NEOCUTIS skin care line, MICRO•ESSENTIALS, is now available - and after weeks of experimentation, I can confidently say: I'm nuts about it. This brand new class of anti-aging brings a new addition ingredient to skin care - So what IS the newest thing, you ask?

The short answer: A brand new blend of peptides.

The short answer, explained: Inspired by matrikine technology, MPC™ (Micro Protein Complex) uses a new blend of peptides to help defend against and correct the visible signs of skin aging.

What will these fancy peptides actually do for me, you ask?

• They stimulate Collagen 1, 3, and 7 (7 is the kind way deep down there, helping with "foundational" support of the skin. Think firm!)
•  They stimulate your own production of Hylauronic Acid (HA). HA might sound familiar, it's a popular ingredient in moisturizers, hydrating serums, and fillers like Juvederm and Restylane. It'll keep your skin plump and hydrated.
• They stimulate elastin synthesis. This is exciting, there's not many products/ingredients out there that'll do this.

The NEOCUTIS MICRO•ESSENTIALS line includes five products to help you kick butt in the anti-aging department:

MICRO•DAY™ Rejuvenating Cream:

• Broad-spectrum Sunscreen with SPF 30
• An all-in-one for the girl on the go, this moisturizing product also delivers anti-oxidant protection
• Tinted and creamy, yet sheer and satiny consistency is lovely to apply and great for most all skin types

MICRO•NIGHT™ Rejuvenating Cream 

• Finally... A great anti-aging product that isn't too heavy, but still restores moisture. It's about time we had a new product in this category.
• Smooths skin and improves firmness while you sleep.

MICRO•EYES™ Rejuvenating Cream 

• If you like Lumiere, you'll LOVE this
• alleviates the signs of fatigue
• Light consistency, noticeable results
• helps make the delicate skin around the eyes resistant to the signs of aging.
• Safe to use on upper lids too! Woot!

MICRO•SERUM Intensive Treatment 

• The Cadillac of the line, this glorious serum is the highest concentration of our new found peptide friends.
• Absolutely lovely upon application, not sticky or goopy... Just elegant and enjoyable as it smoothed over skin.
• goes beyond fine lines and wrinkles to address additional signs of aging, including elasticity, tone and texture.

MICRO•FIRM: Check out my post about this 5-star product here. I am head-over-heels for this awesome serum-meets-cream rejuvenating and firming intensive treatment!!

If you're interested in adding this new cutting-edge peptide to your regimen, find it at a doctors office near you! And in the meantime, stay fabulous, my friends!

Life Savers: The Best Products To Use After A Peel - For Dry and Mature Skin Types

If you've ever had a chemical peel (maybe you're recovering from one now) you know that the days after the treatment can be interesting... From trying to apply makeup over dry, flaky skin to explaining to co-workers or significant others that no, you don't have dried milk on your chin, and yes, this is supposed to be happening.  

Besides trying to look as normal as possible, it's very important to use gentle products that won't irritate the skin -or worse for social scenarios- cause additional dryness. 

I thought I'd share my favorite moisturizer and recovery products to use post-procedure, but as always: be sure to follow the instructions given to you by your skin care professional or doctor, and always use plenty of SPF!

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The Best Post-Peel Products for Dry or Mature Skin Types

Neocutis BioSerum  While I believe everyone should use a growth factor all the time, BioSerum is one of my favorites for drier skin conditions because of its elegantly milky consistency. Neocutis' most potent blend of growth factors, this hylauronic acid (humectant) rich serum comforts and calms while speeding up the recovery process.

La Mer CRÈME DE LA MER While I myself am not aware of any data to support the efficacy of the seaweed based "Miracle Broth™" that makes this product so well-known, I can vouch for its protective, skin barrier qualities. Warm it between clean hands before applying on fragile skin (it spreads easier that way). Enjoy the experience as you smoothe this somewhat fragrant, decadent, oil-based Creme on to reinforce the skin's barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

SkinMedica Ceramide Treatment Cream Formulted with skinmedica's famous (and proven) growth factors, this decadent -but not too heavy- cream heals, protects, and is also one of my favorites for daily winter anti-aging/moisturizing.

Obagi Hydrate Luxe This staple product should be in your cabinet right now! A more-emollient version of Obagi's ultra-popular Hydrate formula, Hydrate Luxe contains the same fabulous ability to deliver moisture to the dermis consistently for 8 hours!

Dermalogica Barrier Repair I've said it before and I'll say it again: This unique anhydrous (waterless) moisturizer has just about saved my life in the days after exfoliation. Rich in protecting and barrier-reinforcing essential fatty acids, this moisturizer is a favorite of chemical peel clients and dry skin types alike.

BONUS: Thanks to its makeup primer consistency, it smoothes flawlessly over flaky skin, fine lines and pores to disguise and moisturize. It feels like satin, and elegantly 'glues' flakes and peelies down so you can go on with your day.

May the Post-Peel Force be With You! And be sure to watch for my next editions of Life Savers: The best post-peel products for Normal, Oily and Acne-Prone, and "Trouble Spots". And until next time, stay fabulous my friends!

TheProductPro Blog has been featured on Bangstyle!

I just got word that THIS very blog has been featured on Bangstyle! Bangstyle, House of Hair Inspiration, is a very cool Pinterest-meets-shopping, saving, and informative articles app and website "for the hair obsessed". Thanks, Bangstyle!

Check out the article on Bangstyle Here

And Check out the original post (on Wordpress) here And until next time, stay fabulous, my friends!

Life Savers: The Best Products To Use After A Peel - For All Skin Types

If you've ever had a chemical peel (maybe you're recovering from one now) you know that the days after the treatment can be interesting... From trying to apply makeup over dry, flaky skin to explaining to co-workers or significant others that no, you don't have dried milk on your chin, and yes, this is supposed to be happening.  

Besides trying to look as normal as possible, it's very important to use gentle products that won't irritate the skin -or worse for social scenarios- cause additional dryness. 

I thought I'd share my favorite moisturizer and recovery products to use post-procedure, but as always: be sure to follow the instructions given to you by your skin care professional or doctor, and always use plenty of SPF!

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Best for All Skin Types:

Dermalogica Barrier Repair This anhydrous (waterless) moisturizer has just about saved my life in the days after exfoliation. It smoothes over any skin type to disguise and moisturize dry skin, and feels like satin! It also delivers a powerful punch of lasting comfort and healing thanks to it's UltraCalming™ Complex formulation.  A great product to include in your skin care 'wardrobe', this lipid-barrier-reinforcer is a marvelous makeup primer as well!

 

Skinmedica TNS Recovery Complex This potent mixture of Human Growth Factors layers under moisturizers and makeup to accelerate the healing process. A light gel formula, it absorbs quickly for a clean finish. This product is also great to use daily for anti-aging, whether you are post procedure or not!

 

LaRoche Posay Thermal Spring Water This versatile product is much more than a can of spray water. Rich in restoring elements like selenium, The water from the thermal springs in LaRoche Posay France has been used historically to treat burn victims, wounds, and critical skin disorders.. It's neutral pH and delicate mist application make it a gentle refresher, toner, and a great way to set mineral make up, even on a daily basis.

Neocutis BioSerum Neocutis' most potent blend of growth factors, this serum comforts and calms while speeding up the recovery process. With a slightly more milky consistency than TNS recovery complex, this serum might be a good choice if you normally lean towards the dryer side. I recommend using a growth factor as part of a daily regimen for anti-aging (also see TNS Recovery, above).

Obagi Hydrate This go-to for clean-finish, matte moisturizer is perf' for all skin types. Easy to layer over serums or under SPF, Obagi Hydrate is a great one-size-fits-all and easy to incorporate into existing regimens. The unique time release formula actually releases moisture to the dermis -yep, way down there- consistently over the course of 8 hours! Read my old-school post on it here. 

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May the Force be With You! And be sure to watch for my next editions of Life Savers: The best post-peel products for Dry and Mature, Oily and Acne-Prone, and "Trouble Spots". And until next time, stay fabulous my friends!

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Anti-Aging: We've been missing something

As a skin care professional, I'll admit that the first (and sometimes only) anti-aging recommendations I default to are the usual suspects: Retinoids, sunscreen, growth factors, antioxidants, and a smorgasbord of treatments to prevent and treat wrinkles. But with so much focus (from me, from like, everyone) on anti-aging of the skin, what about the hair?? Perhaps it's that hair anti-aging hasn't been a focus from a technology standpoint until recently. But technology IS catching up in this category, as I recently learned in a lecture featuring speaker Brian Hendricks, VP of Global Education for DS Laboratories. By the way, "DS" stands for Divine Skin. This organization is certainly speaking my language.

“The future expectation of hair care will not be to simply clean, condition, and style the hair.  Rather, products will be designed to protect, stimulate, and manipulate actual hair growth to achieve the best hair of your life.  DS Laboratories has already set this standard with stunning results.” says Hendricks.

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Here's what I learned:

As we age, the hair follicles shrink, harden, and weaken -Oh GREAT. We have the best hair of our lives at our follicular peak around the age of 19. Stop and think about it: have you seen a elderly woman with flowing, long locks lately? Well, I haven't. And while weekly roller sets might also be a convenience when you're 90, it's true that the potential for mermaid hair at that age is little to none.

So, is there potential for keeping the hair at its peak, restoring, or even maintaining where it is presently? There is, with recent developments in technology. And, with the help of stimulants, anti-inflammatories, and nutrient delivery, says Hendricks. The unique line of products from DS Laboratories, including Revita Shampoo and Revita COR Conditioner give the follicles a fighting chance.

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Here are some of the benefits: •Stimulants: No, we're not talking Rogaine here. Multiple stimulants including caffeine in DS Laboratories' Revita line can stimulate the follicles into action for length and volume!

•Anti-inflammatories: Anti-inflammatories rescue the follicles from arguably the Number 1 cause of aging: Inflammation.

•Antioxidants: Antioxidants like Spin Traps, one of the most potent (and expensive!) antioxidant molecules available on the market neutralize free radical damage, a serious offender in the aging process for hair AND skin. •Nutrient Delivery: One word: Biospheres. Just like skincare, once we've identified beneficial ingredients, the challenge lies in how to get them where they need to go. Biospheres magnetically attach the active ingredients to the skin on the scalp so they keep working. Rest assured these powerful products are not just rinsing down the drain - they're even working while swimming or working out!

•Beauty AND Brains: Aside from all the great science, these products make your hair look and feel glorious starting from the first time you use them. I speak from experience.

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Says Jessica Taylor, Regional Brand Manager for DS Laboratories, "We are all on the pursuit of perfection, and a fusion of hair and skin care is what will get us there. (With products) filled with antioxidants, amino acids & anti-aging components, science can be sexy too."

And who doesn't love that??

Until Next time, Stay Fabulous My Friends!

Practice safe sun and look hot doing it: The Best Self Tanners Of The Year

I spent the entire summer trying numerous self tanners, here are my top picks for 2015:

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The BEST Professional Brands

Playboy Celebrity Glitz (yes, playboy brand)

This medium-consistency cream requires care when applying because of its ultra-dark color and potential for staining hands, but is so worth it! Wear gloves and/or apply with a slightly dampened sponge-mit for best results.

Pros:

• darkest and best tan

• not-orange

• no scent

• bronzing

Cons: 

• Will stain hands, cuticles, everything - even if you're quick to wash after. Wear gloves or a mitt!

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Norvell Dancing with the Stars Mousse

I have a new-found love for foams this year. Cleaner than sprays or airbrush, and quicker to dry than creams or lotions, I found myself defaulting to foams and mousses often. This one is my fave!

Pros:

• quick drying

• slightly bronzing

• clean finish, not dewey or heavy

• beautiful tan result!

Cons:

• must use gloves or a mitt

• doesn't smell awesome after it starts working. I like this one for overnight use only,

Tip:

• I hear the Norvell brand foam without the "dancing" endorsement is just as good and a little cheaper, but have not tried it yet. You'll save anywhere from $3-10 for trying the standard, not-endorsed formula.

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The BEST Store-Bought Brands:

Victoria secret BRONZE:

This creamy, bronze lotion leaves a pretty and subtle gleam without being sparkly. Whenever I wear it, everyone always asks me what it is and where to get it!

Pros:

• bronzing

• medium consistency

• smells good

Cons:

• too many applications in a row can start to look orange

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If you are in a hurry and want something fast from the store, I usually go with

Loreal Sublime Tinted Self Tanning Lotion

Pros:

• bronzing

• light sheen/shimmer

• budget-friendly

• this line also features a towlette, which I sometimes use when I'm in a hurry

• satisfyingly dark level of tan-result

Cons: 

•takes quite a while to dry

• the smell (it's not terrible, but you can certainly detect that good ole' self-tanner smell after the fragrance wears down)

• a misleadingly sheer consistency and great slip when applying leads me to think I've spread it on evenly each time. Don't fall for it and take your time!

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By far, the best store brand is the new Jergens Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse

Pros:

• bronzing

• Dries FAST!

• budget-friendly

Cons: 

•This is a gradual tanner, so you'll need to build it up slowly over the course of several days.

• the smell (it's not terrible, but you can certainly detect that good ole' self-tanner smell after the fragrance wears down)

• This product is QUICK to stain hands - even if you immediately wash after. I underestimated this. Be sure to wear gloves or a mitt!

This is a great tool for maintaining a professional spray tan, also!

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The BEST New Concept:

St. Tropez Gradual Tan In-Shower Lotion

This innovative new product is a lotion you apply IN the shower (once you're finished up, with the water off). Wait 3 minutes and rinse: Wah-Lah! It's formulted with sweet almond oil so it leaves your skin smelling sweetly and feeling conditioned by not greasy. Love it!

Pros:

• No need to wait for it to dry

• No icky self-tanner smell

• No streaks!

Cons: 

•This is a gradual tanner, so you'll need to build it up slowly over the course of several days.

• I am a wimp, and get cold in the shower even when it's on. Despite only needing to wait 3 minutes, I get cold and find myself skipping it some days.

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I hope you found a new product to experiment with from this review!

Until Next Time, Practice Safe sun and Stay Fabulous My Friends!

Hot off the press! You'll love this New Obagi Sunscreen

Sun Shield Mineral isn’t just an ordinary sunscreen

So excited: this a cosmetically-elegant ALL PHYSICAL BLOCK (This means NO chemical sunscreen) complete with a unique dry, clear, and invisible finish!

Fun Features:

• Paraben FREE
• SPF 50
• Water resistant (40min)
• Appropriate for ALL skin types, even sensitive skin!
• Non-irritating and non-sensitizing
• Light-weight
• Oil-free

Undoing Summer Fun-Damage

This is a perfect product to use all year long, but especially now if you plan to do any procedures this Fall. Tis' the season for undoing Summer Fun-Damage, so you'll want a smooth, easy-to-use, gentle SPF!! (Click here to read more about one of my favorite ways to un-do that Fun-Damage, Halo Laser)

Enjoy, and Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous My Friends!

Yay! A New Clarisonic

  Ok- I'm so excited! This Mia 3 'Sonic Romance' (available at Nordstrom) is super cute! My mom gave it to me! It's totally trumping my old and boring white Clarisonic Pro - I can't wait to use this bad boy! 

A Clarisonic is a great tool to increase the efficacy of your topicals by prepping the skin effectively. It cleanses 6 x better than manual cleansing. This means your expensive and amazing products can penetrate much more effectively. 

Clarisonics are fun and unique because you can customize/choose the 'strength' of the brush for more or less exfoliation. Most models also feature timers so you don't overdo it. My mom and I both love how clean we feel after using these awesome tools - we've both been Clarisonic-users since about 2008... And neither one of us is willing to go without them anymore!

If you do try a cleansing device, I would recommend this one. It's patented sonic technology is much more effective and gentle than a spinning brush, which can (in theory) stress out the capillaries, maybe upset elastin fibers and irritate the skin.

If you try one, enjoy! And until next time, Stay Fabulous my Friends! 

Vitamin C: it's not just for breakfast... Products that Prevent

The best product-related helpers to prevent damage to the skin are arguably antioxidants and sunscreens, which both help prevent the formation of free radicals in the first place, and also help neutralize these offenders.

Picture a knight in shining armor, swinging a sword at an evil free radical, he'd be considered the antioxidant.

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My go-to, long-standing favorite antioxidants are topical Vitamin C's.

 Topical vitamin C's are known to have many benefits, including:

•  Neutralizing free radicals, preventing skin aging
•  Helping to maintain normal cellular turnover
•  Helping to build collagen
•  Lightening and brightening the skin
•  Reducing inflammation
•  Decreasing transepidermal water loss (your skin won't leak moisture so much)

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Here are just a few I love:

• Skinmedica C & E Complex This creamy, silky formulation has a satin-like consistency... Just like those makeup primers we all love. I tend to like it because of its cosmetic elegance and the lipid-soluble Vitamin C feature. Also, if you are as clumsy as I can be, the pump is very helpful. No spills! Read more about this one in my post, 3 Fast Facts: Skinmedica C and E Complex

• Skinceuticals CE Ferulic This L-ascorbic classic has been often imitated, never duplicated! Read More about it in my post, 3 Fast Facts: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic

• Skinmedica TNS Essential Serum My clients know that I refer to this one as 'the Mercedes Benz of anti-aging products'. Because, not only is there C, but lots of other potent goodies, too. Namely, growth factors, antioxidants, peptides, and alpha arbutin. Read more about it in my post, 3 Fast Facts: SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum

• Obagi C-clarifying Serum This little powerhouse is the first and the only of its kind on the market. It's really under-rated, in my opinion. Read more about it in my post, 3 Fast Facts: Obagi C-Clarifying Serum

• Obagi Professional-C Serums

• Environ C-Quence Eye

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The Need-To-Know:

How to Use Vitamin C: Use Vitamin C in the mornings after toner and before moisturizers and sunscreens to help defend skin from the onslaught of pollutants, sun, and all kinds of other threats that you'll meet out there during your busy day.

Think: I'm drinking my OJ in the morning, My skin needs its Vitamin C in the morning, too!

Oh, and don't forget the neck, chest, and the backs of the hands... they need protection, too.

Buyer Beware: Even though Vitamin C is a sort of 'knight in shining armor', it's also really unstable... always about to oxidize and die. Be sure that you don't go with just ANY vitamin C. Those that have published research or from reputable companies are the best bet.

Oxidation: If you've got a water-based C (L-ascorbic) like CE Ferulic, for example, be sure you toss it when it starts to turn orange/amber in color.  This assures that your product isn't weakened or *GASP* causing oxidation. This is an ANTI-OXIDANT, for goodness sake.

Acne Patients Beware: Vitamin C's are great for many people, but acne patients should avoid: even though Vitamin C's are great to lighten acne marks from old breakouts, they are not the best choice for those currently breaking out. If you currently have active acne, get your breakouts under control first, and then consider choosing a formula meant for all or oily skin types.

Stay safe in the sun out there - and Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous My Friends!

3 Fast Facts: Obagi C Clarifying Serum

I started 3 fast facts because I could go on forever about some of these products... which can make writing about them a little daunting.  Instead of overthinking (and therefore procrastinating), I'll just use this category to finally touch on some of my favorite products & three reasons you might love them too! 

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Obagi C-Clarifying Serum

Obagi C-Clarifying Serum

What can I say except: WOW. This little powerhouse is amazing, and the only of its kind on the market.

➢ Fact 1:

The first and only:

Its unique formula features 10% Vitamin C combined with prescription strength 4% Hydroquinone, the Gold standard treatment for dark spots and discoloration. Prescription strength means that the product is able to penetrate the dermal layers to reduce the over-activity of melanosomes.

Translation: Not only will the Vitamin C work to lighten and brighten, but the power of RX lighteners are in your corner too. It's really under-rated, in my opinion: This product is not only neutralizing free radicals and protecting the skin, improving the appearance of age spots and hyperpigmentation! What more could you want??

➢ Fact 2:

It works. And Fast:

In studies, this product was mostly observed effective at about 4 weeks. In reality, I observe patients (and on my own skin!) notice changes much faster than that. Some people swear up-and-down that they see significant lightening and brightening as soon as a few days! Expect results to continue to get better for up to 4 months. The prevention benefit will continue beyond that, as long as you're still using it.

➢ Fact 3:

Two sizes fit most:

Originally (way back) only available in one formula, this serum is now-a-days available in two 'flavors': Normal to Dry and Normal to Oily, they've thought of everyone here! It will help treat multiple kinds of darkened skin:

•  Freckles
• Age spots
• Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (the 'stain' that's left over after a blemish for example)
• Melasma

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous, My Friends!