What If I Told You One Serum Can Turn Back The Hands Of Time & Reveal Remarkably Smoother Skin In Just 12 weeks? Would You Say Bring It On!

Let me Introduce you all to the concept of laser precision skincare — Meet the NEW Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus, which Smooths, Restores, & Corrects single bottlely.

The new and improved Laser Focus delivers the same powerful results…but, now it does so with much more panache.

Wrinkles & Lines Be Gone

To address lines and wrinkles, a leading skin care concern, Clinique developed Repairwear Laser Focus Serum delivering 63% of the visible wrinkle reducing power of a dermatological laser in just 12 weeks — Impressive by any standards!!

Research has shown that in addition to lines and wrinkles, skin’s uneven texture attributes to the visible signs of aging. As a leader in dermatological concerns, Clinique scientists have added even more innovative technology to its powerhouse serum with the new Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects – It is now a newly reformulated serum that delves one step beyond lines and wrinkles to deliver twice the smoothing results as before.

What Motivated The Change In The Formula?

“In talking with our Guiding Dermatologists, we learned that patients with lines and wrinkles also had poor skin texture. This prompted us to re-evaluate the original formula to see how we could improve the serum to address poor surface texture,” says Dr. Tom Mammone, Executive Director of Skin Physiology and Pharmacology, Clinique Research & Development, Worldwide.

New ingredients for remarkably smooth skin texture.

As the skin ages, cell turnover slows and dead cells accumulate on the top layer of skin, making lines and wrinkles more noticeable. When the cell renewal process is normalized and encouraged, skin appears smoother and more refined. Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects contains new skin resurfacing technology that encourages gentle yet effective exfoliation to reveal smoother, more radiant looking skin.

The New Ingredients In The All New Formula

Acetyl Glucosamine: This multi-functional amino-sugar and building block of hyaluronic acid aids in naturally breaking the bonds that hold dead skin cells on the surface of the skin for a more natural shedding process.

Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract: Derived from the Salvia Sclarea plant, supports the final steps of cell differentiation and exfoliation by promoting the reformation of the skin’s barrier layer.

Peptide Complex To Restore Skin’s Youthful Appearance

Deterioration of skin from both the natural aging process as well as harmful UV rays results in fine lines and wrinkles. As skin becomes damaged over time, natural collagen synthesis is reduced, resulting in the overall loss of skin’s structural integrity. Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects contains a high-level peptide complex that boosts natural collagen production and helps maintain existing natural collagen with essential ingredients. Skin becomes more firm and the appearance of lines and wrinkles is diminished.

Whey Protein: a natural, high-quality polypeptide rich in amino acids helps skin look and feel more firm and resilient while minimizing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8: this bio-peptide helps stimulate natural collagen production and encourages repair.

Encapsulated Enzyme System To Visibly Correct UV damage

Additionally, a potent blend of repair enzymes encapsulated in a liposome delivery system works to correct the appearance of existing UV damage and protects the skin from further breakdown by helping to fight free radicals from environmental aggressors.

Micrococcus Luteus (Ultrasomes V): these liposomes work to support skin’s ability to visibly repair damage from UV exposure.

Plankton Extract (Photosomes V): absorbs visible light to promote natural cellular repair, helping to improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin over time.

Vitamins C and E (Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate and Tocopheryl Acetate): provides antioxidant protection from free radicals induced by UV exposure.

Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract (Roxisomes): repairs by targeting free radical damage.

Clinique Believes In A Second Chance For Every Skin

Dermatologist tested and oil-free, NEW Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects is uniquely formulated to work day and night to reveal a dramatic smoothness of skin’s texture with significant improvements in radiance and luminosity. Apply evenly over face morning and night and around eye area after the 3-Step Skin Care Regimen. With continued use, troublesome lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced. As a result, skin is left smoother and a youthful appearance is restored.

Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects is suitable for all skin types and ages. It is allergy tested & 100% fragrance free. Since November launch it is available at Clinique counters across the MiddleEast.

 

SKIN-TASTIC Vitamins — Learn Your ABC

In the beauty community, the loudest buzz these days is about the power of vitamins, tailor designed to your benefit they can give your skin a more radiant, healthy, and yes! youthful glow. The excitement is focused not only on creams, lotions and potions you put on your skin but what you put into your body as well. Health experts universally agree that vitamins and minerals in all forms play an integral role in a healthy complexion, whether the source is food, supplements, or a jar of cream.

If following latest scientific researches is your thing, I am sure you know there is a lot of important new research showing tremendous power of antioxidants in general, and some specific nutrients in particular that can make an important difference in the way your skin looks and feels and even in how well it ages. Experts say if you feed your skin from the inside and out, you can't help but benefit. Combined with a good diet, the right dietary supplements can help keep your skin looking not only healthy, but also years younger.

Sifting Through A Long List OF Alphabets — Which Vitamins Have The Strongest Impact On Skin?

Studies show that the vitamins C, E, A, K, and B complex all play special role in your skin health and appearance.

Vitamin C — Among the most important new dermatologic discoveries is the power of vitamin C to counter the effects of sun exposure. It works by reducing the damage caused by free radicals, a harmful byproduct of sunlight, smoke, and pollution. Free radicals gobble up collagen and elastin, the fibers that support skin structure, causing wrinkles and other signs of aging. Vitamin C also helps smooth and firm skin and fade brown spots. In one study, women who treated sun-damaged skin with a C cream for six months saw significant improvement in fine lines and discoloration.

Make sure your diet includes plenty of vitamin-C rich foods (citrus and vegetables, among others), which can replace the loss of the vitamin through the skin. You can also take vitamin C supplements, up to 500 to 1,000 milligrams of per day. Word of warning - over dosing of vitamin C has been linked with kidney stones.

You can also try a topical vitamin C cream to encourage collagen production, just as your body does naturally when you are young. The trick here is to use a formulation containing the L-ascorbic acid form of vitamin C, the only one that can penetrate skin layers and do the job.

Vitamin E —A slew of skin care studies document its superstar status. In one, E significantly reduced the number of these unstable molecules created after exposure to cigarette smoke. Others show that when it's used before UV exposure, skin is less red, swollen, and dry.

Vitamin E can also help reduce wrinkles and make your skin look and feel smoother.

According to studies published by the AAD, taking 400 units of vitamin E daily appeared to reduce the risk of sun damage to cells as well as reduce the production of cancer-causing cells. Some studies show that when vitamins E and A are taken together, people show a 70% reduction in basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer.

Golden rule of caution applies strictly as far as vitamin E dosage is concerned. Recent research has raised red flags reporting large doses of vitamin E can be harmful, so please stay within 400 international units per day or less to be on the safe side. Used in a cream, lotion, or serum form, vitamin E can soothe dry, rough skin. When combined with vitamin C in a lotion, it's highly protective against sun damage.

Vitamin A — If your vitamin A levels are up to snuff from the foods you eat, adding more probably won't do much more for your skin. That said if those levels drop even a little below normal, you're likely to see some skin-related symptoms, including a dry, flaky complexion. That's because vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue and if you are deficient, you'll notice the difference. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamin A.

Topical vitamin A is the form that makes a real difference in your skin. Medical studies show a reduction in lines and wrinkles, good acne control, and some psoriasis relief, all from using creams containing this nutrient. The prescription treatment is called Retin A, and it's used primarily as a treatment for acne. The less potent, over-the-counter formulations are sold as retinols and used as anti-aging treatments.

Vitamin B Complex — When it comes to skin, the single most important B vitamin is biotin, a nutrient that forms the basis of skin, nail, and hair cells. Without adequate amounts, you may end up with dermatitis (an itchy, scaly skin reaction) or sometimes even hair loss. Even a mild deficiency causes symptoms.

Most people get enough biotin without even trying. It's found in many foods including bananas, eggs, oatmeal, and rice, plus your body also makes some biotin on its own.

But recently, greater attention is being paid to topical preparations containing B vitamins. These creams can help give skin an almost instant healthy glow while hydrating cells and increasing overall tone. Niacin, a specific B vitamin, helps skin retain moisture, so creams containing this nutrient can help your complexion look plumper and younger in as little as six days. Niacin also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe dry, irritated skin. In higher concentrations it can also work as a lightening agent to even out blotchy skin tone.

In one study presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2003, a topical form of vitamin B was shown to dramatically improve aging in human skin.

Vitamin K — Studies presented at the American Academy of Dermatology in 2003 showed that topical vitamin K works well to reduce circles under the eye as well as bruises. In research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2002, doctors from the University of Miami School of Medicine found that skin treatments with vitamin K cream after laser surgery significantly reduced bruising. When combined with vitamin A in a cream, vitamin K can be even more effective for those dark circles. In a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, doctors from the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo found that the topical application of a gel containing a derivative of vitamin K, as well as vitamins A, C, and E, was effective in reducing dark under-eye circles while also decreasing wrinkles.

Follow The Golden Rule While Supplementing — Too much of a good thing can be bad, over dosing on vitamins can have serious side effects, so while supplementing it’s vital to stay within the recommended dosages.

TLC For Post Halloween Skin Blues

Trick or treating, can typically put you in a candy coma and if you really went for a good time extending happy hour, come next morning you might find yourself wrestling with monster hangovers. Spooky fun-spill-over of all hallows eve doesn’t stop just there, looking in the mirror later in the week you realize all of that excitement and sugar, plus the elaborate makeup has left a lasting dreary spell on your skin.

Trying Paranormal EFx from AminoGenesis the morning after a Halloween party, I couldn't help but regret not smudging it as my makeup base to the sci-fi themed event the night before! A purple glistening antiaging party mask, that doubles as skincare would have been a perfect marriage between skincare and Halloween celebration. Looking a bit alien, it also acts futuristic in the best possible way - offering cutting edge Regenplex 4 and antiaging powers of 6 scientifically advanced amino acid technology to deeply infuse skin with powerful wrinkle-fighting ingredients could have been the most skin smart all hallows eve skin potion. While scaring away wrinkles with mighty amino acids along with GPA, peptide, tremella mushroom extract and resurrection plant extract ensuring moisture retention, improving skin elasticity and warding off little fine lines and skin crinkles, you’d been tempted to slip into a club and rock the night away like a 20’something spirit on a youth-high.

Post Halloween if your skin is giving dry and lack luster vibes I’d recommend AminoGenesis to the rescue. Their amino acid packed moisturizing and skin repair formula “Therapeutic Facial Repair” will repair, hydrate and wipe away all signs of harsh makeup from first application. Indulge morning and evening and watch your skin coming back to it’s full glory in as little as 4-5 days.

Now only if I had before hand thought of making a Halloween kit including a salad and Advil along with Paranormal EFX and Therapeutic Facial Repair to help us celebrate and tame our other Halloween woes! — No worries still let’s just work on wiping the damage clean and there’s always next year!

 

Skin, Aging & Science (Part II)

Talking skin, aging and science in my last blog, I highlighted the importance of preventive measures and lifestyle changes, which can significantly slow down aging. Today we will dig deeper and focus on: Why skin ages and how science can help remedy it?

So, Why Does Our Skin Age? To answer this question, we need to understand what happens to our body as we age. Over time, our DNA gets damaged and our built-in repair and regeneration processes slow down, until cells wither and can no longer function properly.

Talking purely skin aging and genetic programming, our skin stops making new collagen and elastin past the age of 20. Adding insult to this injury we are constantly subjected to lifestyle dependent degradation of collagen/elastin. When the regular degradation of skin matrix is not balanced by regular replenishment, wrinkles begin to appear and skin begins to sag.

Skin Aging Under The Microscope

Sun, smoke, pollution and various toxins promote formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide anion, peroxides, and singlet oxygen (oxidants.) These ROS damage DNA, cell membranes and most importantly collagen/elastin fibers. They also increase matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes, which cause further carnage and break down vital skin components.

Few studies have shown that there are low-grade inflammatory processes taking place in our bodies in response to ROS that are responsible for making us age faster.

How Do We Fight Cellular Aging?

Personally, I agree with the above schools of thought and feel antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents are both beneficial to stop the wear and tear processes in our body. Oral antioxidants like: CoffeeBerry, Resveratrol, Pynogenol, Acai, green tea, Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Palmitate version), and Nicomide do help in slowing down the wear and tear in our body.

Some research into the low-grade inflammation theory has indicated that Doxycycline in low dosage (40 mg a day) can work well in reducing skin aging. In animal studies it has shown to substantially decrease the amount of MMP's (bad guys) that cause skin matrix degradation (if it works in humans is still debatable though).

Tried & Tested Topical Collagen Boosters:

One sure way to produce collagen is to exfoliate skin. Exfoliation, removes the surface layer of dead cells, and stimulates the new skin cells turnover and new collagen production. Retin-A, Glycolic Acid based products, superficial peels and manual facial scrubs are all good ways to exfoliate the skin.

Retin A is the most researched, tried and tested collagen booster. Looking at similar products, Dermatology literature shows us that Tazarac works a little better than Retin-A. Differin 0.3 has yet to be studied in a comparative trial.

Retinol is not bad either. ROC makes a good and fairly stable one.

Alpha-hydroxy acids are similarly tried and true, glycolic acid being the best. (Neo-strata is a great brand.)

Peptides, especially the carrier peptides, which bring zinc and copper into the dermis, increase collagen production (Neova, Osmotics and Neutrogena's Visibly Firm).

While there is a lot of hype to other topicals, skepticism is healthy here, I feel that dermato-pharmacology has improved greatly and many of the ingredients, especially peptides and hyaluronic acid benefit our skin.

Radiofrequency and Laser Treatments are also beneficial antiaging tools. They work by denaturing the skin collagen by delivering heat into the skin and thus producing collagen fragments called the signaling peptides. These signaling peptide signals the fibroblast to make more collagen.

The Bottom Line

Based on currently available science there are two main approaches to preserve youth. One is to stimulate collagen/elastin synthesis, and the other is to inhibit their degradation. Topical agents, lasers and radiofrequency treatments stimulating matrix synthesis (particularly collagen boosters) are adequately researched and supported by clinical evidence. In most cases, it is reasonable to try them first. But, sometimes (particularly in older people) they have little or no effect. In those cases, one should consider taking steps to minimize matrix degradation by inhibiting or reducing the levels of MMP enzymes. Unfortunately, the methods to do that are still in emerging processes and still some distance away from the prime time.

Skin, Aging & Science (Part I)

First Rule Of Antiaging - Prevent Damage Before It Happens

Whether you're 35 and just beginning to see the first signs of aging, or 55 with skin that isn't exactly keeping your birthday a secret, seeking ways to reduce wrinkles is probably on everyone’s agenda. But, before we even talk about boosting new collagen production, we must first learn how to preserve what we already have. Here’re few simple things you can do on your own to preserve collagen in your skin.

Avoid Sun Exposure: Especially between 10:00 - 3:00. Wear sunglasses to preserve the delicate collagen around the eyes. UV rays are the biggest danger to collagen and elastin depletion: wear a good sunscreen. Put a sunscreen next to your toothbrush. The youthfulness of your skin is just as important as the whiteness of your teeth. I like Avene 

DO NOT Smoke: Archives of Dermatology Dec 2007 showed identical twins, who lived near each other and both worked as delivery truck drivers. One smoked heavily the other was a non-smoker: amazing difference. Another set of sibling studies done at the Twin Research Unit at St. Thomas Hospital in London found the brother or sister who smoked tended to have skin that was more wrinkled and up to 40% thinner than the non-smoker.

Food Choices & Glycation: You have been told in the past that the secret to radiant skin is avoiding fry-ups, chocolate and alcohol? According to a new book, you are in for a big shock. “Future Proof Your Skin” by dermatologist Dr. Stefanie Williams claims certain fatty foods and chocolate can be beneficial to your looks - while sugars, carbs, lentils and brown rice are no-no's. Glycation is a type of chemical reaction that happens when sugar molecules attack your body proteins, lipid or fats - In simple words it means sugar destroys your skin.

Avoid Squinting: The American Academy Of Dermatology (AAD) warns, any repetitive facial movement -- like squinting -- overworks facial muscles, forming a groove beneath the skin's surface. This groove eventually becomes a wrinkle. Also important: Wear sunglasses. It will protect skin around the eyes from sun damage -- and further keep you from squinting.

Get Plenty Of Sleep: Yale dermatologist Nicholas Perricone, MD, says that when you don't get enough sleep, the body produces excess cortisol, a hormone that breaks down skin cells. Get enough rest, Perricone says, and you'll produce more HGH (human growth hormone), which helps skin remain thick, more "elastic," and less likely to wrinkle.

Good Sleeping Posture May Help: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) cautions that sleeping in certain positions night after night leads to "sleep lines -- wrinkles that become etched into the surface of the skin and don't disappear once you're up. Sleeping on your side increases wrinkles on cheeks and chin, while sleeping face-down gives you a furrowed brow. To reduce wrinkle formation, the AAD recommends, sleeping on your back.

Don't over-wash your face: According to dermatologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center, tap water strips skin of its natural barrier oils and moisture that protect against wrinkles. Wash them off too often, and you wash away protection. Moreover, unless your soap contains moisturizers, you should use a cleanser instead.

Hydrate Or Not To Hydrate: In a recent study in our literature, water consumption did nothing for collagen production or preserving, either way.

Get To Know Jergens A Little Better

Last month I had the chance to meet up and gage in edifying conversation with the Jergens skincare experts, as we all came together to celebrate the launch of Jergens all-new skincare creams in the Middle East. We discussed the brand intelligence and philosophies and the local virtuoso’s were kind enough to put me in touch with the Jergens Research & Development team via email to dig deeper and get to know the brand more intimately, and here my lovelies is what I found out….

What is Jergens skincare philosophy?

At Jergens we believe – “beautiful” begins with skin. Since 1901, Jergens® moisturizers have been dedicated to help women of all ages have soft, smooth and sensuously beautiful skin. Every moisturizer and body cleanser in our collection is designed to enhance a variety of skin types and tones, and now they transform skin better than ever.

How do Jergens moisturizers differ from other moisturizers in the market?

Jergens moisturizers contain the following technologies that make them fairly unique in providing Visible Skin Enhancement to beauty driven consumers:
                                                                                                           
Ø  Humectants: Glycerin
o   Provides instant surface hydrations;
o   Pull moisture into the skin.

Ø  Emulsifiers
o   Enhanced emulsion stability and skin feel.

Ø  Occlusive emollients: (Petrolatum, Mineral Oil)
o   Lock in moisture; prevent moisture loss.

Ø  Emollients (Silicones, butters, etc)
o   Skin feel modification,
o   Restoration of a luster & healthy appearance.

Ø  Oil in Water emulsions
o   Fast-breaking action to immediately rehydrate and deposit emollients directly to the skin.
 

What is Jergens stance on organic and toxin free skincare?

“At Kao USA, Inc., we are committed to only using ingredients with well-established safety profiles and we closely evaluate all products before they go on the market. Jergens products are used by millions of people globally and do not use any ingredients that would be considered toxins.

Our consumers can continue using and enjoying our products with confidence, knowing our products are safe and comply with the appropriate regulatory requirements.”

How does Middle Eastern women differ in their skincare habits compared from women elsewhere?

From what we learned from ME consumer they:
·         Enjoy outside activities; shopping, walking, and swimming

·         Always feel dryness even in hot season because of 24/7 air conditioning, so body care products are used throughout the year

·         Apply skin lotions typically at least twice per day and on additional occasions specially after washing for prayer (Wudu)