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!

Life Savers: The Best Products To Use After A Peel - for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

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 Oily or Acne-Prone Skin Types

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 mister makes it a gentle refresher, toner, and a great way to set mineral make up, even on a daily basis.

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!

Skinmedica UltraSheer Moisturizer This oil-free, sheer moisturizer won't cause breakouts, nor will it leave you feeling 'eh' in the moisturizing-department, as some lightweight moisturizers will. This potent formula absorbs quickly and boosts the skin's ability to protect itself with multiple forms of Vitamin C and oil-soluble E (antioxidants).

Obagi Hydrate This go-to for clean-finish, medium-weight matte moisturizer is perf' for all of you acne-prone beauties. In my many experiences over the years with Hydrate, I feel confident claiming that it will NOT break you out. I repeat: It will not make you break out.

It's a great medium-weight, middle-of-the-road consistency moisturizer for oilier types that still need hydration. 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 All Skin Types, Dry and Mature, and "Trouble Spots". 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!

These Villains are the Cause of Skin Damage, Part 3

If we want to look at our anti-aging practices from an informed and discerning perspective, it’s good to know what’s going on in there that causes wrinkles (and other not-so-fun manifestations of skin aging). So far, we know about three main things that happen in the skin when damage is caused. Click HERE for the 1st Villain I wrote about, Click HERE for the 2nd in the series. Read on for the 3rd biochemical phenomenon in my series:

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Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs)

AGE is a a conveniently-coincidental acronym for Advanced Glycation End-products, which are the evil little products of a reaction between glucose (sugar) and proteins... Specifically collagen and elastin in this case (glycation).

Yes, it tastes good, but excess sugar in your diet screws up more than just your waistline.

How does it cause aging? 

Glucose is good, of course, in the way of providing energy. But when there's extra glucose, it rumbles with our collagen and elastin. This process produces AGEs, which make these fibers crispy and easily breakable. This reaction contributes to inflammation, slowed/inhibited growth of cells, and wrinkles (oh my!).

To simplify, think of it as turning your normal, elastic rubber band-like fibers into an old, dried out and crumbly rubber band. When AGE's wreak havoc, your rubber bands are in an accelerated aging state, causing that loss of elasticity, sagging, and wrinkles.

In an article for Prevention, dermatologist Dr Frederic Brandt (well-known for his research in AGE's) breaks it down further: "Besides damaging collagen, a high-sugar diet also affects what type of collagen you have—another factor in how resistant skin is to wrinkling... The most abundant collagens in the skin are types I, II, and III, with type III being the most stable and longest lasting. Glycation transforms type III collagen into type I, which is more fragile.

The article goes on to describe that "AGEs deactivate your body's natural antioxidant enzymes, leaving you more vulnerable to sun damage—still the main cause of skin aging."

(Read even more about it from a dermatologic perspective in this white paper.) 

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yikes! What Now?

1) It's time to build some new Collagen. If you're not already, start using a Retinol or Retinoid.

My favorites for sensitive or dry types:

RX Renova (super-gentle Tretinoin .02)

Or this SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex

My favorites for resistant or oily skin types:

Rx Tretinoin .05 or Tretinoin .1 creams

or SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0

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2) Diet:

Cut down on simple sugars in your diet. From a dietary perspective, refined sugar seems to impact glycation about 10 times more than glucose.

Yup, just another reason... Sorry.

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3) Use topical antioxidants.

These guys are ONCE AGAIN a great way to cut down on all the domino effects of damage. . Click HERE to read more about them. 

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4) Try a Targeted Treatment Cream: One of my fave go-to's is Skinceuticals AGE Interrupter. Give it a Go if you're in the market for a rich, cosmetically-elegant treatment cream.

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And Until Next time, Stay Fabulous My Friends!

These Villains are the cause of skin damage, Part 2

If we want to look at our anti-aging practices from an informed and discerning perspective, it's good to know what's going on in there that causes wrinkles (and other not-so-fun manifestations of skin aging). So far, we know about three main things that happen in the skin when damage is caused. Click HERE for the 1st Villain I wrote about. Here's the 2nd biochemical phenomenon in my series: •    The Villains: MMP's

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes -envision Pac-Man!- activated by inflammation.  Inflammation can be caused by elements like UV exposure and infrared radiation. MMPs are not cool because they contribute to the breakdown of collagen. And as if that wasn't bad enough... they also work to inhibit new collagen formation.

For a scholarly article type of resource, check out this white paper on The National Center for Biotechnology Information website. They say Matrix-degrading metalloproteinases are key mediators of collagen degradation that is observed in photoaged skin. Key mediators? Oh man!!

Yikes! What to do now???

Don't freak out, its just one of the biochemical phenomena that results from CHRONIC damage and UV exposure. Let's be proactive about this...  Since we know MMPs are expressed as a result of UV and IR, we have a shot at preventing by using great SPF and using antioxidants. Click here to read more about some of my fave go-to antioxidants. And stay tuned for another edition of Skin Damage Villains, coming soon!

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous (and Informed!) my friends!

These Villains are damaging your skin: Part 1

If we want to look at our anti-aging practices from an informed and discerning perspective, it's good to know what's going on in there that causes wrinkles (and other not-so-fun manifestations of skin aging). So far, we know about three main things that happen in the skin when damage is caused...here's one:

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The Production of Evil Villain #1: ROS, aka Reactive Oxygen Species

ROS: These little oxidative destructors are also known as free radicals. When they're produced by damage, they are missing an electron - so they'll tazmanian-devil through otherwise stable molecules wreaking all kinds of havoc.

Throughout this mission of destruction, they are looking to steal an electron for themselves, causing those other normal cells to become free-radicals, too. This chain reaction of destruction and theft leads to inflammation, damage, and the cross-linking of collagen and elastin (wrinkles!!)

Eeek! What should I do, you ask? The best product-related helpers are antioxidants and sunscreens, which both help prevent the formation in the first place, and help neutralize the offenders. (Picture a knight in shining armor, swinging a sword at an evil free radical... and read more about those here!)

More on those villains later, 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!

Love Lobster?? Read On! The Top Ten Anti-Aging Foods

It's (of course) not just the products we use ON our skin that helps us fight the good fight, it's what we put iN our bodies that can help our skin, too. Make sure you're eating the right ones! Health.com brings us the top ten antiaging foods:

• Coffee (bio-actives can help fend off melanoma)
• Watermelon
• Pomegranate 
• Blueberries
• Lobster (woohoo! Did we even need another reason to love lobster? It's anti-inflammatory effects can have a beneficial effect on the skin)
• Kale
• Eggs
• Walnuts
• Avocado
• Cantaloupe (this one was a surprise to me, but beta carotene makes this one a win!)

Read the whole article here: Health.com

   And until next time, stay fabulous my friends! 

3 fast facts: Teoxane

Teoxane Cosmeceuticals is a Swiss skincare line licensed and distributed by Alphaeon. When a good friend of mine began working for Alphaeon, I had my first opportunity to try the RHA Serum. Here are a 3 reasons you might just love Teoxane RHA Serum:

1) The Ingredients: The combo of the patented RHA (Resilient Hyaluronic Acid) with 8 amino acids, 3 antioxidants, 2 minerals, and a vitamin make this a nice concentrate of actives that hydrate and protect. Antioxidants are vital to the defense and preservation of your skin in the barrage of free radical damage we experience by like, leaving the house every day.

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Ummmm, Time Out: What the heck is Resilient Hyaluronic Acid (RHA), you ask?

Teoxane Cosmeceuticals' skincare line has the same crossed-linked hyaluronic acid used in their dermal-filler injections (Not yet available in the US). The main difference is the patented cross-linking process. A good comparison with a US cross-linked HA filler? It would be like if Juvederm was available for topical use. 

HA is already a popular skin care and dermal filler ingredient for it's water-loving properties, but Teoxane's RHA is said to form a mesh on the application zone that allows the active ingredients to gradually be released. Pretty cool concept.

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2) The History: TEOXANE Laboratories was established in Geneva in 2003 and has been busy with the design and production of HA based dermal fillers, with products in more than 80 countries. If they know HA that well, I'm going to guess that the quality of the HA ingredient in the topical line is top notch, Oh, and this has got to say something: The RHA technology has been patented now for 10 years!

3) The Feel of it: This paraben free, satin-like serum feels like a gloriously light makeup primer. I was told to use it as one of the last steps in my skincare routine to fully take advantage of the primer-like benefit, but I love how my other products glide on after it's application.

Check it out here, http://www.teoxane.com/en/rhatm-serum

And until next time, stay fabulous, my friends!

3 Fast Facts: Skinmedica TNS Essential 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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Three Fast Facts About: SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum

➢ Fact 1

All-in-one-awesome:

TNS Essential serum is product is used to correct, protect from future damage, promote cell renewal, smooth, lighten and increase collagen.

I personally call this fantastic product 'The Mercedes of anti-aging products'. Not only is there Vitamin C in here, but lots of other potent goodies, too. Users will benefit from ultra-high concentrations of growth factors, 7 antioxidants, peptides, and super-potent  alpha-arbutin for lightening and brightening.

➢ Fact 2

Antioxidants both ways:

The antioxidants found in Essential Serum include ergothionine, green tea extract, blackberry leaf extract, saccharomyces ferment filtrate, coenzyme Q-10, tocopheryl acetate (E) and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (lipid-soluble C), which are all free-radical fighters.

Just like SkinMedica's C & E Complex, there's a combo of water- and lipid-soluble antioxidants here.  This is good because the water-soluble antioxidants can weave down between skin cells. The lipid-soluble's are meant to actually enter the cell through its membrane. The two types of action here means that you're covering your bases and in for a better result.

➢ Fact 3

In a hurry?

Essential serum is essential for the gal (or guy) on the go. A combination of both the beloved TNS Recovery Complex and APS corrective complex in one. This super-covenient dual chamber packaging is like those toothpaste/gel combo pumps that pump out both products simultaneously. One pump and both the APS serum and the Recovery Complex are dispensed.

Oh, and for the instant-gratification lovers out there: hyalauronic acid plumping spheres are present in this all-in-one serum. Buh-bye, fine lines!

Check it out here

Until Next time, Stay Fabulous, My Friends!

3 Fast Facts: Skinmedica TNS Recovery Complex

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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Three Fast Facts About: SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex

➢ Fact 1

Growth factors are not something that come naturally to aging skin. Thankfully, SkinMedica has provided us with the #1 growth factor on the market, NouriCel-MD, which is a naturally secreted , physiologically-balanced combo of over 110 human growth factors that are both active and stable. TNS Recovery complex is made up of 93.6% NouriCel-MD (this means it's potent).

Growth Factors like TNS Recovery complex basically play a game of telephone with the skin to unlock it's ability to heal and repair itself. Since age and inflammation basically wound the skin, TNS helps 'heal', improving skin texture, smoothing fine lines, and reducing photo damage.

➢ Fact 2

This nifty red gel is quickly absorbed by the skin. In fact, you've got to be pretty quick about it! This has been a patient favorite for years. I would say that there's almost a cult-like following of TNS among many clients/patients. Many of our patients insist that it almost instantly tightens upon application and won't go without it. Great for all skin types, use AM/PM before all of your other serums and moisturizers.

➢ Fact 3

Since procedures like chemical peels and laser treatments are also a sort of wound, TNS Recovery complex is often times appropriate to use after your peel or laser treatment to help the skin heal quickly and predictably. That's one reason it was called Recovery Complex! (Always check with your doctors office to see what their specific post care instructions are for your procedure). We love it after HALO laser, MicrolaserPeel, pro-fractional laser, chemical peels, after the incisions seal up post-surgical procedures, and all the time!

Here's a link to learn more about it:

http://www.skinmedica.com/skin-care-products/tns-recovery-complex

Until Next time, Stay Fabulous, My Friends!

Nuts about it Now: Neocutis

I will admit: I was hesitant to experiment with Neocutis a few years back because I am SUCH a SkinMedica TNS fan. Like, an Ultra-Fan. But of course I have to keep my eyes and ears open for different and new ways to use products and new technology etc... so I dove in.

I loved the way the Lumiere Bio-Restorative Eye Cream felt, and really enjoyed the brightness it seemed to provide my eye area. I really enjoyed using the Exfoliating Skin Cleanser (featuring 10% Glycolic acid) which did not make my skin feel stripped. I also really loved the convenience of the Journee, a one-stop-shop anti-aging product featuring a sunscreen, a slight tint, and PSP, Neocutis' growth factor. By far, my favorite of the group was the Bio-Serum: a concentrated growth-factor intensive that helped the clarity of my skin and the texture simultaneously.

I recently became re-familiarized with the line when my good friend Jill took on the Chicago Neocutis territory and dropped in to school me on the swiss technology ...and let me play around with the products again. I am pretty excited about the line again, it's just as good as I remember and I even had the chance to do a couple split-face comparisons with other products. (More about that in another post).  In the meantime, here is a another post I wrote about Neocutis and their approach to skin care technology: to check that out, Click Here

And until next time, Stay Fabulous, My Friends!

Food for Thought: Veggie-Based AntiAging Skin Care!

I will not pretend to be an expert in the realm of hormones. Not at all. In fact, I am perplexed by how intensely women are affected by hormones: hormonal changes, hormonal aging, and hormonal imbalances. Seriously, hormones affect just about everything... from hair growth and loss, kidney function, reproductive organs (obv), skin aging, and uhhh... basically everything. I thought this was a neat line to look into because of how little awareness there is on this topic (myself included, but perhaps a universal issue?) The VENeffect Line was founded by Chicago locals (and sisters!) Rebecca and Cecil Booth. Rebecca Booth, MD is a gynecologist and hormonal expert, who aims to balance the decline of estrogen influence on the skin as we age. She and Cecil designed this line to provide women with a solution to the hormonal aging issue by utilizing their proprietary blend of phytoestrogens in topical products.

Here's what the Booth girls say about PhytoEstrogens and what they do for the skin when applied topically: (click below to go to their site)

"They increase skin's production of collagen as well as boost hyaluronic acid production, the dewy substance that gives healthy skin its glow. Phytoestrogens also increase the activity of fibroblasts: collagen-making cells that also pump out elastin, the substance that gives skin elasticity.  Phytoestrogens are also potent anti-oxidants that neutralize toxic free radicals as well as promote healing in order to slow premature aging. VENeffect has developed a proprietary phytoestrogen system that is safe and highly effective at restoring and preserving skin's collagen and youthful glow."

Here they are talking about the science behind VENeffect (click below to watch a vid):

http://video.neimanmarcus.com/media/veneffect0212.mp4 

From my perspective:

As far as the efficacy of topical phytoestrogen's direct effect on the elasticity/tone of the skin: Hey, it's food for thought!  I will leave the hormonal science up to them, and physicians or experts on this topic. What I CAN comment on is my personal experience while experimenting with this line. Here are my top three favorites:

#1 Favorite: I LOVED LOVED LOVED the Anti-Aging Lip Treatment ($85) .  This award-winning lip treatment harnesses that  'phytoestrogen technology' to deeply hydrate. I applied twice a day, and really enjoyed the light green-tea-ish fragrance and delicate consistency. It really felt like the skin on and around my lips absorbed the product. While using it, I had no issues with color-bleeding  from lipstick, nor did I have any issues with flaky, dry, peely, or cracked lips. LOVED this.

2nd Place: The anti-Aging Eye Treatment ($125) was a nice product, too. I was told by Melissa Moore, (the Product Specialist that educated me here in Chicago) that the founders designed it to work well when applied OVER makeup in case you need a mid-day refresh. I tried it for myself and it did not roll up, ball off, or make my makeup muddy. This was a nice rescue product when my allergies caused me to wake up with puffiness, and when I got too little sleep a few times during the week.

3rd: The Firming Neck and Decollate ($155) product is  another winner in my book for it's rich, yet not-greasy consistency.

I look forward to continuing to learn more about phytoestrogens and their impact on hormonally aging skin. But in the meantime, at least I found my current favorite lip product!  (So at least I can look good, even if I'm not totally sure why!)

Until Next time, stay Fabulous My friends!

Intellishade: Major Multitasker

So, I'm actually a little embarrassed that I have not yet written about some of my favorite product lines in this: the 'Product Pro' blog...Yeeesh. In this category of neglected-yet-amazing products: one of my favorite sunscreens, Revision Skincare's SPF/AntiAging Treatment/Moisturizer multitasker all in one, Intellishade SPF 45.

Kudos to Revision Skincare for coming out with a sunscreen that is actually enjoyable to wear. It's not new, Intellishade has been one of Revision's bestsellers for years. (Hence my embarrassment for not profiling this NewBeauty Best of Beauty Award winner sooner)

This tinted moisturizer is a broad spectrum SPF 45, featuring the ever-important octinoxate and zinc oxide, making this a great broad spectrum SPF for even the most sensitive types. The sheer-ish tint is just enough color to take the dreaded SPF-whiteness out of the equation, while neutralizing redness and minor imperfections. It almost magically matches most skin types, hence it's intelligence, I suppose.

Loaded with 3 awesome peptides, antioxidants, humectants, coenzyme Q10 and a glorious dewey finish, this product is an obsession for our patients who have either mature, normal, or dry skin.

***By the way: If this all sounds up your alley, but you desire more of a matte/clean finish, Revision also offers Intellishade SPF 45 Matte. Historically the Matte has been a about half as popular (in my experiences), but I've always been glad to have it, especially for those clients who have oily skin.

Give this a mad multitasker a try if you're in the mood for an awesome, hydrating, and dewey-looking all-in-one AM product.

And in the meantime, stay fabulous my friends!

Sciton's Superior Science: Aesthetic Laser Symposium

Speakers Jason Pozner, MD, FAC and Stanley J. Kovak, MD just schooled all of Chicago (and surrounds) last weekend on Combo treatments with amazing Sciton laser technologies at the Waldorf Astoria. Sciton (as I'm learning over time) has awesome, advanced, and highly-customizable phototherapies for many different aging and sun-damaged skin types. These lasers are complex, and behind the scenes you would hear that they aren't for the beginner laser practitioner. Even with as much experience as I have doing laser treatments, I'm learning a lot (well, a TON) and am enjoying every minute!! The results are significant- and I'm looking forward to learning more every day under the direction of my physician. YEAH!

These were the Topics:

• Achieving superior results with combination procedures
• Advanced phototherapy and skin tightening for aging and sun damaged skin
• Resurfacing Perfected

Thanks Sciton, Dr Pozner, and Dr Kovak! I learned a ton!

Until next time: Stay Fabulous, My Friends!