3 Fast Facts: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic

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! 

Three Fast Facts About: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic

Skinceuticals CE Ferulic at TheProductPro.wordpress.com

➢ Fact 1

This fantastic product is a topical antioxidant used to protect the skin from future damage, promote cell renewal, and increase the build of collagen. Distinguished Duke professor, faculty-member, chemist, and Dermatologist, Dr Sheldon Pinnell published more than 200 articles and studies on topical antioxidants.

Known (by me, at least!) as the grandfather of topical antioxidants, Dr Pinnell developed this product based on much of his research. This serum has gone on to become and remain the cornerstone of Skinceuticals collection. Dr Pinnell had formulated the perfect C Serum: the right PH, the right percentage of C, and the perfect C-stabilizers: Vitamin E and Ferulic acid.

This emollient-like serum can be perfect for normal-to-dry skin types. Side note: Most reviews on the product describe it as 'featherweight', but I find that most oily- types find it too heavy, likely because of the Vitamin E.

➢ Fact 2

I love this formulation in particular because of its reservoir effect: once it is in the skin, it stays there for about 3 days- which makes it great for sweating runners and outdoor-lovers. This also says to me: "It really gets in there!"

(Keep things consistent and apply every day though).

➢ Fact 3

It also reduces inflammation in UV-irradiated cells. Slather this on afterwards if you happen to get a sunburn on vacay in Barbados. (But I know you won't get a sunburn, right?!)

Here's a link to learn more about it (the science!)

 

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. Front and center is the RHA Serum: I'm enjoying experimenting with this tall drink of water for the skin during cold Chicago winter weather.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.

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.

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 Vitamin C & E 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! 

 

 

Three Fast Facts About: SkinMedica C & E Complex

This satin-finish antioxidant feels like a makeup primer

➢ Fact 1

This fantastic product is a topical antioxidant used to protect the skin from future damage, promotes cell renewal, and increases the build of collagen. Topical vitamin C's have been known to reduce inflammation (think rosacea and post-sun exposure) and brighten the skin. These are usually great for everybody with the exception of super oily skin types, and some very sensitive or fragile types.

➢ Fact 2

Usually Vitamin C is really unstable... always about to oxidize and bite the dust. In this case, the vitamins are suspended in a silicone (dimethicone suspension) base so they are gradually released throughout the day and won't oxidize. This assures that your product isn't weakened or *GASP* causing oxidation. This is an ANTI-OXIDANT, for goodness sake. But don't become oxidation paranoid, you're safe with this formula.

There are 2 forms of beneficial C in there, too... lipid soluble and water soluble. Covering our bases here.

➢ Fact 3

The above-mentioned dimethicone suspension is not just a great delivery system, it feels like an awesome makeup primer! This super-satin finish will make you look forward to applying it. Use it in the AM's to protect against the onslaught of free-radical threats that you'll meet in your day. Your skin will thank you for it!

Here's a link to learn more about it:

http://www.skinmedica.com/skin-care-products/vitamin-ce-complex

 

Until Next time, Stay Fabulous, My Friends!

E's 3 Current Faves: a Sunscreen for Everyone

Here's a blog post I wrote for work, Erickson Cosmetic Dermatology. Enjoy! =)

Drug-Store Shout Out: e.l.f Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer

A decent makeup primer can be YOURS for the low, low price of $6!!!I was intrigued by e.l.f. when some makeup artist acquaintances rolled down a list of their secret e.l.f. favorites, so I thought I'd start exploring by demo'ing some basics. I chose this $6 Primer in Clear to start, which was 30% off when I ordered it- wow. I must say: I was pleasantly surprised by this particular elf item. It has a very similar silky/satin-like consistency as some of my favorite primers, including GloMinerals Face Primer ($26) and Smashbox Photo-Finish ($36). This product also has a similar ingredient deck, though there are a couple of silica ingredients that some of the others lack. Interestingly, this product is gluten-free, while my favorites are not. It doesn't stay perfect for quite as long as some others, and lacks some of the anti-oxidants (like Vitamin E) that others have, but for $6- I didn't feel disappointed, necessarily.

So, if you're in the mood for a good gamble with not much at risk (besides maybe hour 12 of foundation perfection!) it might be a good one the next time you find yourself in need of primer.