Tag Archives | cosmetics

Should You Use a Facial Toner?

By Skinmedix on June 3, 2013 in anti-aging, beauty

Due to outdated information and misperceptions, toners have become a confusing category of skin-care products that many fashion magazines and cosmetic salespeople advise against using, or simply dismiss toners as an optional step. However, a well-formulated toner can provide truly amazing benefits for your skin.

Toners are meant to be used after cleansing. They once were recommended as a way to restore skin’s pH balance after using a bar soap or bar cleanser because those types of cleansers raise the skin’s natural pH to a level that isn’t good for your skin. However, with today’s gentle, water-soluble cleansers, the skin’s pH doesn’t change appreciably, and the fact that skin’s pH recovers just fine on its own made the need for toners to adjust skin’s pH fade away.

What we now know is that after cleansing, what your skin needs is a range of ingredients that restore and repair its surface. Skin can never get too much of these important ingredients, which include antioxidants and skin-repairing substances such as glycerin, fatty acids, and ceramides. The right toner can give your skin a healthy dose of what it needs to look younger, fresher, and smoother, right after cleansing and throughout the day.

If the toner is well formulated, we recommend that you make toner an essential part of your cleansing routine because the benefits can be felt and seen almost instantly. Below is a list of some of our favorite toners for various skin types available at SkinMedix!

Toners for Oily or Blemish-Prone Skin:

SkinMedica Purifying Toner
Dermalogica Clean Start All Over Clear
Murad Clarifying Toner
Glytone Acne Cleansing Toner

Toners for Dry or Sensitive Skin:

Wilma Schumann Soothing Toner
Dermalogica Multi Active Toner
Obagi Nu-Derm Toner
DDF Aloe Toning Complex

Toners for Combination Skin:

SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner
Neova Balancing Toner
Exuviance Moisture Balance Toner
PCA Skin Nutrient Toner

If the toner you’re considering is filled with great ingredients (like those in the list above), then skipping this step is cheating your skin of more of the beneficial ingredients it needs to become healthier and act younger. A toner that contains state-of-the-art ingredients proven to smooth, soften, calm, and repair skin is a wonderful addition to anyone’s skin-care routine!

Do you use a toner as part of your skin care regimen?

5 Tips for a Firmer, Younger-Looking Neck and Chest

By Skinmedix on May 16, 2013 in anti-aging, beauty

We see so much anti aging advice for our face. But what about the other parts, like our neck and chest? These areas are often on display too, and if we don’t take good care of them, they can give away our age. Keep reading for tips on how to keep your neck and chest firmer and looking younger!

1. Extend down.

Whether it’s with your Clarisonic Aria Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush or a glycolic acid, extended your daily exfoliant all the way down to the top of your chest. Sloughing away the dead-skin layer allows active ingredients to absorb faster.

2. Up the ante.

The skin on the neck and chest is thin, so sun damage is more apparent and harder to repair. Both the neck and chest require stronger formulations to reverse aging. Dedicated neck creams are more concentrated and powerful than most face creams, but some facial formulas with retinol, such as Murad Time Release Retinol Concentrate for Deep Wrinkles, can be used on the neck and chest, too.

3. Bring in the peptides.

Some of the best ingredients for treating damage below the jawline is tetrapeptides, like the ones in StriVectin-TL Tightening Neck Cream. There’s plenty of science to show they help make new collagen and elastic tissue, which is what the neck and chest need to look firmer and younger.

4. Stengthen the skin barrier.

Niacin is a B vitamin that, until recently, we could not get through the skin barrier. Now a new delivery system, in the NIA24 andStrivectin-TL lines, means it can penetrate the epidermis and strengthen the skin barrier. Try NIA24 Sun Damage Repair for Decolletage and Hands to dramatically improve the texture and tone of the neck and décolletage!

5. Watch your wardrobe.

When you treat skin below the jawline with anti-aging ingredients, consider the fabrics you wear. Anything scratchy, like wool, can cause irritation.

Is treating your neck and chest already part of your skin care regimen?

Say it isn’t so! LiLash No Longer Available after May 2013

By on May 10, 2013 in beauty, Beauty News

bloglilash2
Sadly, Cosmetic Alchemy LLC, the makers of LiLash and LiBrow, will no longer distribute their products within the United States as of May 13, 2013. Resellers, including SkinMedix, will be unable to place orders with Cosmetic Alchemy after that date and thereafter SkinMedix will be limited to supplies on hand. Click here to stock up on your favorite lash conditioner while supplies last!

What Skin Cancer Looks Like

By on May 3, 2013 in skin science, SPF, summer, Uncategorized

Pretty? No. But this is what skin cancer looks like, and these pictures could help you spot it. The earlier you can catch skin cancer, the easier it is to cure. Compare your moles to these images, and see a doctor if you find anything suspicious.

normal Normal Mole

A small brown spot that’s symmetrical and all one shade an that hasn’t changes over the years is probably nothing to worry about.

dysplasticnervus Dysplastic Nevus

A.k.a. an “atypical mole.” This tends to be dark with irregular borders. It could become cancerous so your derm will remove it or keep a close eye on it.

actinic_keratosis Actinic Keratosis

This potentially cancerous spot usually occurs on sun-exposed areas (scalp, lips, hands) and tends to look like a raised, rough, or scaly patch.

basal_cell Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common type of skin cancer, BCC forms deep in the skin and looks like a raised pink growth or sore that won’t heal.

squamous_cell Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Look for a reddish patch or wartlike bump that may crust or bleed. Get it checked out pronto—left untreated, it may spread.

Melanoma

The most deadly of skin cancers, melanomas may look geometrical in form and be smooth or raised. These cancers may also have irregular borders. They can be black, brown, gray, white or even red.

Plus, watch for the ABCDEUs. Use this guide to help determine if a mole could be dangerous. See a dermatologist if your spot has any of these characteristics.

A = Asymmetry – One half is s noticeably different shape than the other.

B = Border – The edges are uneven—maybe even scalloped or notched.

C = Color – The mole has multiple shades of brown, black, or red.

D = Diameter – Melanomas are usually big, about the size of a penicel eraser.

E = Evolving – This is any mole that has changed in color, size, or shape—whether that’s over the last month or the past decade.

U = Ugly Ducking – If any of your moles does not look like the other, get them checked.

Did you know just one serious sunburn can increase your skin cancer risk by as much as 50 percent? Monitor your skin for suspicious spots and moles and visit a dermatologist if you notice any changes in your skin. In the mean time, shop our full list of sun protection products here!

NEW ARRIVAL: PRESCRIBEDsolutions

By Skinmedix on April 26, 2013 in new arrival

PRESCRIBEDsolutions is a unique, potent skin care line designed to prepare, repair and maintain better skin. Each product offers medical-grade formulas, customized by physicians for long-lasting results. PRESCRIBEDsolutions especially caters to speed up healing processes, due to harsh skin treatments, allowing for a comfortable, quick recovery.

PRESCRIBEDsolutions is the only skincare line that enables you to customize your skincare products. PRESCRIBEDsolutions allows you to treat your short term concerns, such as temporary post procedure inflammation as well as longer term skincare concerns, such as skin discolorations or visible signs of aging by boosting your products -in a matter of seconds – with potent state of the art ingredients. When ordering a PRESCRIBEDsolutions product, choose an extra booster (available for purchase here) that can be added to your product. When mixed in with your product, it’ll become your own customized skin care product formulated for your specific skincare needs!

Have you tried PRESCRIBEDsolutions? Which booster is your favorite? Let us know in a comment below!

5 Wonder Skin Care Oils

By Skinmedix on April 19, 2013 in anti-aging

5 Wonder Skin Care Oils - SkinMedix.com If your skin is looking a bit dull, try swapping your usual moisturizers for a plant-based oil. These 5 wonder skin care oils are some of the most popular, and they come highly recommended by skin care experts. Beyond their hydrating abilities, each of the standout oils in our list also targets specific skin care concerns. Read on to find out which one you should try.

1. Tea Tree Oil

Best for Acne

Tea tree oil is an excellent treatment for acne. Studies have found that 5 percent tea tree oil is as effective at treating acne as 5 percent benzoyl peroxide. It’s recommended by skin experts as a gentle, natural alternative to harsher acne treatments.

Try:PCA Skin Purifying Mask2. Grapeseed Oil

Best for Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you’re probably reluctant to even utter the words “oil” and “face” in the same sentence. But Grapeseed oil can actually help regulate your natural oil production. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants, including skin-brightening vitamin C. Regular application of grapeseed oil will basically deliver a good amount of astringent which is useful for skin toning and tightening. For this reason, people with oily skin will take the most of grapeseed oil’s advantages.

Try: Repechage Opti-Firm Renewal Complex3. Argan Oil

Best for Anti-aging

The oil contains a high concentration of vitamin E and fatty acids, and it’s more stable in sunlight than other antioxidants — so it’s perfect to wear during the day. A little goes a long way so you only need a tiny amount for it to be effective.

Try:Dermalogica Overnight Repair Serum4. Rose Hip Oil

Best for Scars and Discoloration

It is effective on scars caused by acne, surgery, burns, chicken pox, injuries and cuts. Rose Hip Oil’s potent cell regenerating and wound-healing properties help to replace ugly scar tissue with healthy, normal skin. It not only remodels damaged skin structure, it also improves skin color and elasticity.It’s ideal for protecting your skin as well as increasing cell turnover. Use it as a boost for your moisturizer — just mix in a few drops before you apply. If you’re skeptical about putting oil directly onto your face, this is a great option.

Try: Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+5. Olive Oil

Best for Dry skin

Not only is it super moisturizing, olive oil is also rich in compounds like polyphenols, squalene, and fatty acids — all of which are nourishing and help fight aging and damage from overexposure to sun, air pollution, and other modern-day environmental hazards.

Try:Repechage Hydra 4 Day Protection Cream

Which oil is best for your skin care concerns?

3 Things to Know About Antioxidants

By Skinmedix on April 10, 2013 in anti-aging, beauty

3 Things to Know About Antioxidants 1. Not Every Vitamin is an Antioxidant

And not every antioxidant is a vitamin. Some vitamins are anti-oxidants, however. Vitamin D, for example, has little to no antioxidant capacity. It cannot neutralize a free radical. Vitamin E, on the other hand, is a potent free radical scavenger (anti-oxidant) and a necessary vitamin. Look for products with high potent antioxidants like vitamin C, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), and Glutathione.

2. Let Your Skin Feast

For the best protection, wear a formula with several antioxidants. Studies show they work together, becoming more powerful when they’re combined than when they are alone. For example, vitamin C is more potent than green tea extract and grapeseed extract, but none of them alone, can do near what they can do together in terms of fighting off free radicals and keeping oxidative stress to a minimum.

3. Be Quick

Wearing a sunscreen or moisturizer with antioxidants is fine, but serums penetrate faster than creams when applied to bare skin. The strongest concentrations are usually the most stable, so look for one in a dark or opaque bottle. A change in color, smell, or texture of the product can mean the antioxidants have oxidized. Make sure the lid is tightly closed on these types of products, and store them in a cool, dark place to minimize the oxidation process.

Antioxidants We Love:

1. Glytone Antioxidant Anti Aging Facial Serum
2. PCA Skin C-Quench Antioxidant Serum
3. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
4. NeoStrata Antioxidant Defense Serum

5. PRESCRIBEDsolutions Line Subtractor Anti-Aging Serum C + AHA (add a Booster for even more fighting power!: PRESCRIBEDsolutions Booster 4 – Anti-Oxidant)

Have you tried any antioxidants from our list? What’s your favorite?

Allure’s Beauty Bucket List

By Skinmedix on March 27, 2013 in beauty, Beauty News

Allur'e Beauty Bucket List Allure Magazine shares their list of “50 Beauty Products to Buy Before You Die”, and 2 SkinMedix favorites made the cut!

Clarisonic Sonic Cleasning System
It was Oprah who really launched this oscillating facial cleanser into popularity. “It’s a miracle massage for your face!” she said. Everyone in the audience got one—and Lady Gaga, Demi Moore, and Justin Timberlake followed suit. The brush uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth your skin. In just 60 seconds a day, it removes six times as much makeup and dirt as your hands alone, which not only clears pores but also makes skin-care products more effective. It cleanses so well that pores appear smaller, fine lines and wrinkles appear reduced, and your skin’s tone and texture improves. Just one minute a day, for the best skin of your life.

Find a Clarisonic right for you:
Clarisonic Pro Face and Body Spot Therapy Kit with Extension HandleClarisonic Aria Sonic Skin Cleansing BrushClarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Cleansing SystemClarisonic Mia Skin Care SystemDr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pad
When New York City–based dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross came out with a facial self-tanner that hydrated skin, reduced wrinkles, and shrank breakouts, we only had one question: Can we get one for our whole body? You bet. And he even threw some vitamin D into the formula as well, just in case you were tempted to spend any time in the sun. Glow Pad transforms dull texture and tone into radiant, glowing skin better than MotherNature herself! Shop Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads here.

What SkinMedix products are on your beauty bucket list?

Celebrity Skin: Reese Witherspoon

By on March 22, 2013 in Celebrities, SPF

Happy Birthday, Reese Witherspoon! Our favorite Southern Belle starlet turns 37 today and she has been glowing as bright as the spotlight does on an A-list celebrity. The Legally Blonde star is modest enough to give credit for her gorgeous baby skin to great genes, but we all know that there is more to looking good! So, just how does she maintain her fresh, young look through all that work? According to Reese, it all comes down to sun protection. Reese wears a sun hat anytime she is out in the sun or on the beach an never leaves home without Continue Reading →