Archive for the 'Skin Care' Category

DIY Microdermabrasion Bringing Beautiful Skin to the Surface

Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure in which the outermost surface of the skin is partially removed by light abrasion. This form type of cosmetic procedure is to remove or lessen the appearance of scars and dark spots on the skin, smooth away leathery sun-damaged skin, and stimulate the production of new and healthy skin cells. Additionally, microdermabrasion can even out skin tone and diminish the look of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. In essence microdermabrasion is a form of advanced exfoliation, or skin resurfacing, in which the surface layer of the skin is removed and new skin cells are brought to the surface.

There are various methods of microdermabrasion: they are crystal microdermabrasion, diamond microdermabrasion, and at-home microdermabrasion.

Crystal microdemabrasion is much like sand blasting the skin. It involves spraying the skin with the crystals. This method can be somewhat uncomfortable around the nose and mouth due to their sensitivity. After the spaying of the crystals, the technician or dermatologist will vacuum away any remaining crystals.

Diamond microdermabrasion uses an exfoliation tool. During the treatment the technician or dermatologist will rub the diamond tool against the skin to slough off the top layer of dead skin cells. The diamond machine will then vacuum the surface. This type of microdermabrasion stimulates collagen and elasticity which promotes stronger skin and it stimulates blood flow to give a healthy glow to your complexion.

At-Home microdermabrasion kits are widely available and range in price and effectivness. What once was a spa procedure can now be done in the comfort of your home. Spa treatments would range from $75 to $200 per treatment. Most at home kits use the same crystals as used in the spa. Depending on the kit; the crystals are applied to the skin with your hands or a cloth, or applied with a massager. At home kits are available as a full body treatment or kits just for the face. Naturally the facial microdermabrasion kit will offer a much gentler exfoliation. Home systems contain active ingredients that are focused on skin renewal, and to acceleate the rebuilding of collagen skin cells.

The benefits of microdermabrasion are many. This non -invasive treatment will gently remove the epidermis – the outmost layer of the skin, and bring new skin cells to the surface leaving a more even toned complexion. Additionally, microdermabrasion will stimulate blood flow, and reduce the signs of aging, eliminate white and blackheads, reduce the appearance of large pores and provide visibly brighter skin.

Microdermabrasion however may not be for everyone. If you suffer from Roseacea, open sores, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and/or other skin conditions. Additionally, for those that suffer from diabetes, skin cancers, broken capillaries or are using blood thinners should not use a microdermabrasion skin treatment. Do not use if you suffer from Vitaligo, Lupus or hypopigmentation and if you are using Acutance, Retinol, Retin-A, Glycolic or Salicylic Acid or other topical or prescription medicines. Note that the above warning list is not inclusive of those that should not use a microdermabrasion skin treatment. As with any new skin care product always do a patch test first.

Anti Aging Products… Are All Marketers Really Liars?

In the cosmetic industry, the term “clinically proven” is often more marketing hype than science. Typically, the phrase means that at least ONE component of the cosmetic product has been shown, in one study or another, to have had some biological action, such as helping wounds heal faster by stimulating cell division. That the product has been demonstrated by a well-controlled, independent clinical study to have significant effects in skin, however, is not always the case.

As the baby boomer generation’s youth fades into the sunset, the revenue generated by anti-aging treatments is skyrocketing. According to the marketing information company NPD Group, sales of prestige skincare products in U.S. department stores alone reached $2.1 billion in 2004, up 17% from 2000.

So what makes these products so expensive? For one thing, many of them are made from expensive ingredients such as grape seed extract, alpha lipoic acid, chamomile oils and green tea-protectants that are said to reduce skin damage from free radicals. Among the most important ingredients are customized cell messenger proteins such as peptides and epidermal growth factor that stimulate cell growth. But alas, what you generally end up paying for with most products is:

1.Packaging

2.Marketing

3.Retail Distribution into “Prestige” stores

4.”Prestige” overhead costs (Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Salons, etc)

5.Very healthy margins!!!

Serums or moisturizers are typically the most expensive products within a skincare line, given their high concentration of costly ingredients. To maximize the age-defying effect that many of the products on our list are purported to deliver, experts recommend that you use a good facial cleanser, exfoliating scrub and mask prior to applying. “You have to start with a healthy, clean face or you’re just wasting your money”, says Helena Pae Co-Founder of Active Skin Formulas.

“In the ongoing battle against sagging, wrinkling and aging, the right creams and serums are good but alone they aren’t enough. Along with avoiding exposure to the sun (and sun screen), controlling diet and stress are crucial in decelerating the aging process”, says Tony Golden, Fitness and Nutrition Consultant. Golden also suggests that you avoid paying for expensive marketing & packaging (Prestige Products) and look for products produced in FDA audited labs, “That way you know the active ingredients claimed are indeed the ingredients in the bottle”.

The $25,000 question is “Do these products work?” Many of the products on the market have been shown in clinical studies to do everything from minimizing lines and improving skin tone to increasing skin thickness. “There are some great products out there”, says Bratis Peralta, Master Esthetician, “but what you usually end up paying for is EXPENSIVE packaging, marketing and advertising”!! To save money and achieve the same results Peralta suggests buying based on active ingredients, buying from companies that utilize FDA audited labs and buying direct online.

Top 5 “Masstige” Wrinkle Treatments

$89.95Revitol – Idebenone, DMAE, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Dermox SRC, LipoLight OAP, Skin Tightener ST, Argireline, Matrixyl, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten and Ceratonia siliqua, Macrocystis pyrifera, Edelweis Extract, Skin Tightener ST, Pentacare NA, Shea Butter, Squalene, Evening Primrose Oil

$79.95Hydroderm – (Active) Marine Collagen, Vyo-Serum, Matrixyl 3000 Peptides

$89.95Avotone – Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (10%), Avocado Oil, Propylene Glycol, Acrylamide Colopymer, Natural Fragrance, Ethyparaben, Methyparaben, Propylparaben

$114.99OHT Peptide-3 – (Active) Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3

$59.95Active Skin Formulas – CR: Aloe Gel, Deionized water, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Agirlenine), Glycerin, Rice Peptides, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E),

SPF: Octinoxate 7% (UVB Absorber) Titanium Dioxide 2% (UVA Block), Green Tea (Camillia Sinensis) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Emulsifying Wax NF, Sorbitol, Isocetyl Stearate, Deionized Water, DMDM Hydration, Lecithin, Rice Peptides, SD Alcohol 40, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Silica, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Alpha-Lipoic Acid.

Discover Your Highest Rated Wrinkle Cream for Yourself

Your own opinion and personal experience counts the most in the search for your highest rated wrinkle cream. Theyre your wrinkles after all. Every one of us has unique needs, skin chemistry and allergic response. So if you buy wrinkle cream, and use it correctly, you will be the best arbiter of the results. This does not mean that clinical trials and other objective models are not useful. They make a good starting point as you fine-tune your own decision making process.

In general the highest rated wrinkle cream, of those whose results are rated, will be one that deals with the main causes of skin aging. These are reduced collagen and elastin production, reduced hyaluronic acids and increased free radicals. All three of these processes are related and must be managed in harmony. A synergistic approach using natural ingredients designed to do no further harm is your best bet when you buy wrinkle cream. Find a company that is proud to reveal their ingredients and explain how these specific ingredients target collagen production, hyaluronic acid retention and free radical destruction and you are on the right path.

The most up to date skin care research identifies a few natural ingredients that always work to reduce aging and wrinkling of human skin over time. The highest rated wrinkle cream will feature these substances in high quantities per volume of product. They include naturally derived anti oxidants such as vitamins A, C and E, beta-carotene, avocado oil, plant-based glycerin and Phytessence Wakame. Eh?

Yes, it looks funny but it is a powerful Japanese sea kelp product designed to deal with enzymes that destroy hyaluronic acid and damage the bonds of collagen and elastin. Buy wrinkle cream with this ingredient and you will be amazed and delighted at your results. Your personal opinion is paramount of course. Be sure to use any product gently and often. It does no good in your plan to rate these products if you dont read and follow direction or use too much enthusiasm in application.

Start today to discover your own highest rated wrinkle cream. Beware of mega media campaigns that use the power of persuasion not science to sway your purchase decision. Never be tricked into using products with preservatives, fragrance or mineral oil at any time. These ingredients will never give you a positive result and frequently will derail your rating by causing contact dermatitis and inflammation. These results are not the reason you are undertaking to limit the harmful actions of pollution, time and sunlight on your precious skin. Wrinkles are not lovely, but you are in the drivers seat in the fight against the forces that cause them. Get started today.