Tag Archives | dry skin

Conquer Lines, Crepiness, & Sagging

By Skinmedix on January 4, 2013 in beauty

skincare As you age, the collagen in your skin breaks down, resulting in wrinkles, crepiness, and sagging. These common problems worsen as we age, often making us look even older and more run down than we really are. These tell-tale signs of aging caused by a variety of factors that include:

Gravity
Decrease in the production of collagen and elastin molecules
Sun damage
Environmental factors
Smoking
Rapid and extreme weight loss
Dehydration in the skin

Despite the fact that many of the causes of aging skin can’t be avoided, their effects can be remedied.

Fine LinesA Quick Fix – Use a primer to fill in and camoflauge those fine lines while creating a smooth, resilient canvas for a look of even skin texture and tone. Try Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer SPF 30, Jan Marini Age Intervention Prime Face Primer, or Murad Skin Perfecting Primer Dewy FinishFor the Long Run – To defeat fine lines and wrinkles, you need to help boost moisture and jumpstart collagenproduction. There are dozens of scientifically proven ingredients formulated to help do just this, including Palmitoyl Oligaopeptide, Palmitoyl Tretrapeptides-7, or Maxtrixyl 3000 (a combination of the two). Clinical studies have shown significant visible improvement in wrinkles and fine lines after two months of use. We recommend:

Face
Murad Age-Diffusing SerumNeostrata Firming Collagen Booster.
For Men: PCA Skin Total Strength Line and Pore Minimizer.

Eyes
PCA Skin eyeXcellence pHaze 12Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Treatment Cream

Lips
DermaQuest C-Lipoic Lip EnhancerDermalogica Clean Start Smart Mouth Lip Shine

Crepiness
While fruit-filled crepes may be delicious-looking, crepey skin is not. Crepey, or waffley skin is loose wrinkled skin characterized by skin surface sagging reminiscent of thin pancake-like crepes.

The Quick Fix – Smooth things out by moisturizer right out of the shower, while your skin is still wet. Look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid that promote water retention or Dimethicone, a substance that creates a skin barrier trapping in hydration. We like:

Face
Rodial Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic MoisturizerSkinMedica Hydrating ComplexTopix SRS Pro-Ceramide Barrier Repair

Eyes
Glycolix Elite Eye SerumGlytone Antioxidant Anti Aging Eye Cream

Lips
SkinMedica TNS Line RefineDermalogica Renewal Lip Complex

For the Long Run – Scaly skin is deeper rooted than you might think. Boosting cell turn over and collagen production will help to smooth and tighten underlying skin as well. Look for products with skin smoothing Retinol derivatives and and peptides. Participants of a Retinol regimen based study in the British Journal of Dermatology started to see improvements in areas of “crepiness and cross-hatching” within eight weeks. We think you’ll like:

Face
DDF Advanced Firming CreamSkinMedica Tri Retinol ComplexGlycolix Elite Facial Cream – Fortified

Eyes
Clark’s Botanicals Anti-Puff Eye CreamTopix Replenix All Trans Retinol Eye Repair Cream

Sagging
As elastin and collagen break down naturally due to the aging process, one of the most visible side effects is droopy, saggy skin. Look for products that help reinforce the collagen matrix and produce a tightening result.

The Quick Fix …and For the Long Run – No one would ever mistake a serum and at-home treatment for an under-the-knife procedure, but using the NuFace Smoother Powerhouse Peptide Serum together with the NuFace Trinity will offer quick and long lasting results of smoother firmer skin. The NuFace at-home microcurrent device uses gentle electrical stimulation to increase muscle tone and collagen. This tightening of the muscles in the face can pull up saggy growls and skin. For saggy eyelid skin, use the Nuface in a gliding upward motion three times above each brow in five second intervals.

How do you conquer lines, crepiness, and sagging? Leave us a comment below!

Self-Tanners

By Skinmedix on December 21, 2012 in beauty, fall/winter

Have a Tan Christmas

It gets dark at 4pm and even those days where the sun does come out, it’s not as though the rays are letting off much heat. It’s official – Winter is here.

Ever since a bronzed Coco Chanel came back from a Mediterranean vacation in the 1920s and made the tan the hottest fashion accessory, women have been going ga-ga over golden skin. So, what can a girl do to get some color in the midst of all of this grey?

Well, a vacation to a tropical destination is the best remedy. Combining R&R with sun, swim, and sand will infuse that golden hue back into your skin in no time. But remember to use your SPF – although the sun feels and looks great, skin cancer is not so cute. You can find list of sun protection products available on SkinMedix.com here.

There’s always tanning beds, but those have been raised to carcinogen status so I’d recommend that you stay far, far away from burning your body to a crisp in a human oven.

Spray tans can be amazing, if you have the time, money, and a machine that doesn’t malfunction. I’ve heard more than a few spray-tan horror stories – like when my friend came out looking like the old lady from There’s Something About Mary. You’re going for gold, not orange, so be cautious.

In my opinion, the best way to fake a tan is with at-home self-tanners. Self-tanning is a huge business and many major brands are jumping on the bandwagon. They’ve come a long way since the days of streaks, orange palms, and smelly formulas. Here are 3 of my favorite self-tanners that will give you that coveted healthy glow even during these bleak winter months:

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads – Exfoliating self-tanning pads that also halt the aging process while giving skin a boost of Vitamin D. Free of all toxic chemicals including parabens, sulfates and petrochemicals.
Jane Iredale Tantasia Self Tanner and Bronzer – This hydrating, streak-resistant formula gives you complete control and customization over your tan, so you can achieve your best shade of bronze. Tested for sensitivity, it is gentle enough to use on your face and the fresh citrus fragrance leaves an energizing scent behind.
DermaQuest DermaGlow Self Tanner – Body – Provide your skin with a temporary and healthy tan that compliments your own natural skin tone. Due to this formula’s gradual and even tanning process, it reduces undesired streaks.

Do you have a favorite self-tanner?

Talk soon! XO

Food for Your Complexion

By Skinmedix on December 18, 2012 in Beauty News

Want rosy cheeks? Try munching a ripe, rosy tomato. It may sound far fetched but it turns out that a “peaches-and-cream” complexion actually may derive from eating peaches–and pumpkins, and apricots, watermelons, carrots, yams and even spinach. A recent study at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland looked at the association between fruit and vegetable consumption and skin color changes over a six-week period.

“Our study suggests that an increase in fruit and veggie consumption of around three portions over a six-period is sufficient to convey perceptible improvements in the apparent healthiness and attractiveness of facial skin,” said lead researcher Ross Whitehead. “Conversely, those who worsened their diet became paler.”

The researchers looked at the consumption of carotenoids, the res and yellow plant pigments found in colorful fruits and vegetables, specifically focusing on beta-carotene and lycopene. While the study was small, the findings that the resulting more colorful skin was also judged more attractive has prompted the researchers to explore if seeing potential appearance gains can motivate dietary changes.

Does the promise of better looking skin have you reaching for an extra serving of veggies tonight? It does for us! More veggies, peas! Nom..nom…

Visit SkinMedix.com and let us be your source for the world’s leading anti-aging and age-preventive cosmeceuticals! Join the hundreds of thousands of people who have discovered the value and convenience of SkinMedix.com. We’d love to count you among them. 🙂

5 Easy Evening Skin Care Steps

By Skinmedix on December 14, 2012 in beauty

Evening Skin Care - SkinMedix.com Your evening skin care routine maybe even more important as your daytime routine. In fact, skin’s prolonged exposure during sleep to anti-aging, acne treatments, nutritive oils and moisturizing products can become the most important part of your beauty regiment for healthy, younger looking skin. You need to know about doing it right for day and evening and how to go gracefully from one to the other. This quick and simple guide will help build your evening beauty routine.

You may not need all the steps listed, so assess your skin care needs and apply your products in this order so they can work to their full potential and achieve desired results.

1. Remove Make-up. Never ever sleep while still wearing your make-up. This is perhaps the most cardinal rule when it comes to facial care. Make-up that is left on overnight can clog the pores and trap the dead skin cells inside with the hair follicles. This may cause blackheads and even acne when not treated early. In addition, chemicals on the skin will prevent the skin from regenerating and breathing while you are asleep.

Apply a small amount of make-up remover, like Pevonia Eye Make-Up Remover to a tissue or cotton pad and dab directly on areas to be cleansed. Gently massage into the skin until the make-up is removed.

2. Cleanse.
After using the make-up remover, you should clean your face and neck with a cleanser and water. Then gently blot your face with a towel. Your facial care can be done in the shower or at the sink.

Don’t stop now, this is only the beginning to a healthier complexion!

If you have normal skin and believe that using a cleanser can dry your skin, it is important to remember that you are preparing your skin to receive nutrients from oils that are found in your other products.
If you have oily skin, then cleansing is more than important, it is essential in your morning and evening routine.
If you have sensitive skin, choose a gentle cleanser that will purify and cleanse without irritating the skin.
If you have acne remember that cleanliness is part of the solution. Use a cleanser intended for problem skin, and follow with an oil-free moisturizer or skin treatment. Don’t use any skin care products before using a cleanser and toner on your skin, as this can aggravate your skin condition and you’ll lose the benefits of your skin treatments.

3. Apply a toner. A toner should be applied after cleansing to close your pores and stimulate circulation. It also helps to remove anything that your cleanser may have missed as it restores the pH level of your skin, and it prepares your skin to be hydrated. Toners, like SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner or Murad Hydrating Toner can be applied directly to your skin with a cotton pad.

4. Apply vitamin A derivative product, such as SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0. Vitamin A works very well to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. It has also shown in dermatologic studies to be very helpful in improving the fine lines underneath the eye area.

5. Moisturize. Hydrate skin 30 minutes after applying vitamin A product. A moisturizer leaves the skin feeling softer and smoother, and also helps smooth away fine lines and dryness. Moisturizers are not created equal. Each has a purpose in your skin care routine.

Butters are used for intense moisturizing, are best for dry skin, mature skin, or dry weather conditions.
Creams are lighter than butters and provide good hydration and moisture to skin.
Lotions are generally very light to deliver moisture and nutrients as needed.
Oils are designed for specific areas of concern that need intense protection and nutrients.
Anti-Aging are specifically formulated with ingredients rich in anti-oxidants that aid in restoring lost the skins’ properties.
Acne Treatments created with moisturizers enriched with anti-bacterial ingredients that neutralize acne and help prevent break-outs.

By incorporating this routine into your beauty regime you’ll be well on your way to skin that looks refreshed and feels soft and supple!

5 Easy Morning Skin Care Steps

By Skinmedix on December 11, 2012 in Uncategorized

Morning Skin Care Routine 1. Start in the shower by rejuvenating your skin with a face steam. Hold a steamy wash cloth up to your face and let the steam penetrate your pores for a few minutes.

2. Cleanse with a cleanser that contains alpha hydroxyl acids (i.e. glycolic and lactic acids), like Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser or PRIORI Advanced AHA Gentle Facial Cleanser to exfoliate dull, dry, uneven texture and leave skin smooth and hydrated.

3. Apply 3-5 drops of vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid 10-20% concentration), like Obagi Professional-C Serums to prevent premature signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, protect against future damage, stimulate collagen production, and to lighten and brighten skin for more even tone.

4. Hydrate skin with a moisturizer ideal for your skin type.

5. Apply sunblock with SPF 30 or higher every day. If you are going outside apply sunblock 30 minutes before heading outdoors. Reapply sunblock every 2 hours if you are outdoors for a prolonged period of time; or if you are swimming or perspiring heavily. And don’t forget to apply sunblock to children before they go outside to play!

2012 Holiday Domestic Shipping Deadlines

By Skinmedix on December 6, 2012 in holidays, Uncategorized

2012 Holiday Domestic Shipping Cutoff Dates:

To receive your order before Christmas on December 25th, please follow these suggested (not guaranteed) cutoff shipping days to allow enough time for processing and delivery; however, please note that the United States Postal Service cannot and will not guarantee delivery before Christmas even if you follow these suggested cutoff dates.

Standard (Free Shipping) orders must be placed by December 14, 2012

All Priority Shipping orders must be placed by December 17, 2012

Express Overnight orders must be placed by December 20, 2012

Last-Minute Gift E-Cards by December 25, 2012. E-mail gift E-cards can be sent immediately, at any time

Orders placed after the above cutoff dates will be delivered after Christmas.

Alaska and Hawaii deliveries: Please add 3 additional days for standard shipping. For Express Shipping to Hawaii, add 1 additional day.

DISCLAIMER: The above cutoff days are not a guarantee that your package will be delivered by those dates. This is merely a guideline. Please plan ahead.

→ CLICK HERE TO START SHOPPING SKINMEDIX NOW! ←

FAQs: Which skin care products should I apply first?

By Skinmedix on November 29, 2012 in FAQs

Answer: Start with the lightest consistency and end with the heaviest (e.g., gels before serums; serums before lotions; lotions before creams). “Thick products can prevent thinner ones from penetrating,” says dermatologist Jeffrey Dover, MD, author of The Youth Equation. Rub in each layer until it disappears, then slather on the next. And apply products to clean skin — the more makeup or dirt a formula has to pass through, the less effective it will be.

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Quick Tip: Hand Mask

By Skinmedix on November 28, 2012 in beauty, hand care, quick tip

Quick Tip: Hand Mask Beautiful, well-kept and delicate hands are important. Hands tell you a number of things about yourself. No matter how firm the face, your hand can give away your true age–just ask any Real Housewife. Treat hands to some TLC when you use a face mask by spreading any excess product on the back of hands (exfoliating, moisturizing, and anti-aging masks are ideal) to keep your paws in perfect condition. Try these SkinMedix favorites!:

MoisturizingAlchimie Forever Kantic Brightening Moisture MaskClark’s Botanicals Deep Moisture MaskExfoliatingCellex-C Betaplex Clear Complexion MaskPCA Skin Purifying MaskAnti-AgingMurad Age-Diffusing Firming MaskClark’s Botanicals Intense Radiance MaskDermaQuest Skin Therapy C-Lipoic TX Mask

Quite a handy little tip!

MUST HAVE: iS Clinical Active Serum

By Skinmedix on November 21, 2012 in beauty

Must Have: iS Clinical Active Serum

Happy Thanksgiving, SkinMedix Fans! This year I’m thankful for SkinMedix.com and my new favorite must-have serum, iS Clinical Active Serum!

iS Clinical Active Serum is a potent formula designed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and control acne. It contains an impressive array of active anti-aging ingredients which includes glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid, arbutin and kojic acid which all work together to smooth texture and decrease pigmentation.

What do I LOVE about Active Serum? Everything! This is a fabulous one-stop shop serum that instantly transforms my skin both in the moment and over time. I love the light menthol scent and the slight tingly feeling I get when I apply this serum that makes me feel like it’s working. My skin feels soft and supple after use and over time it has transformed the look of my skin. This has been my go-to serum when my skin is acting up, breaking out, and needs triage. I apply and wake up the next morning with almost perfect skin.

iS Clincal Active Serum is available in 4 convenient sizes: 0.5 oz, 1.0 oz, 2.0 oz Pro-size, and Travel Sample 5 Packs!

Wishing you a blessed holiday with family and friends!

Talk soon! XO

5 Holiday Beauty Saviors

By Skinmedix on November 21, 2012 in beauty, top 5

5 Holiday Beauty Saviors Thanksgiving is here and it’s time for turkey and pumpkin pie which, of course, is just the kick off to the holiday overflow of insatiable sweets. We often forget what this indulgence can do to your complexion. As the holiday season begins to rear its roller-coaster-ride-head: traveling, family affairs, late nights and shopping sprees are on the horizon. While the end of the year is festive and full of cheer, it can wreak havoc on your skin–going from fresh and dewy to Brilo pad overnight. Before Santa hits the malls, a simple point and click to these 5 products will have you stocked up for a radiant glow all season long!

SkinCeuticals Micro Exfoliating Scrub – Designed to help open congested skin, this luxurious scrub will slough away dead skin leaving you with a smooth, even complexion. This mild exfoliating gel combines natural microbeads with gentle cleansing and hydrating agents to thoroughly cleanse pores and promote healthy cell renewal without damaging or drying skin. Diatomaceous earth microbeads are formulated at maximum density to provide intense and even exfoliation without causing lacerations. Additionally, the highest purity of aloe softens polished skin.

Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% – This professional strength serum uses advanced scientific formulas developed and tested by leading Vitamin C experts. Obagi Professional-C 20% offers maximum daily antioxidant protection and greater penetration than other Vitamin C products. The greater the penetration, the greater the antioxidant benefit to your skin.

NeoStrata Ultra Moisturizing Face Cream – Staying hydrated is always a challenge during the holidays. We pull late nights, eat gluttonous foods and toast to one too many New Year’s resolutions. When you don’t hydrate your body, the first place you’ll notice it is on your skin. When you’re hitting the slopes and visiting higher altitudes, lotions, which contain more water than creams, will evaporate almost immediately upon skin contact. Whereas a cream moisturizer will actually penetrate into the skin and create a shield against harsh, drying weather.

NeoStrata Ultra Moisturizing Face Cream is an antioxidant moisturizer formulated to gently exfoliate, moisturize, and restore the skin, reducing the visible signs of aging on the face and neck. It helps calm and strengthen the protective barrier of dry, stressed and sensitive skin. As part of a daily PHA regimen, this formula has been shown to reduce skin vulnerability and redness over time, and to significantly improve texture, firmness, lines, and overall skin clarity.

iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex – My, what big eyes you have! When your beauty nemesis makes a snarky remark about how tired you look, you know it’s time to resuscitate those baby blues. This breakthrough formula utilizes “intelligent proteins” to combat the signs of aging at a cellular level. These proteins are clinically proven to target damaged sites and help regenerate skin. Powerful peptides, key growth factors and potent antioxidants rapidly reduce wrinkles, puffiness and dark under-eye circles to keep skin moist, smooth and protected all day long.

RevitaLash Volumizing Mascara – Maximize your lashes! With a high performance, clump-free formula your lashes will look thicker, fuller and more luscious than ever. The custom designed brush will separate and define for an eye-popping finish. Used together with RevitaLash the results are even more stunning. This volumizing Mascara by RevitaLash frames your eyes so your true beauty shines through. Between the Youth Complex Eye Treatment, a few drops of Visine and a wave of this waterproof mascara wand, Holiday party hopping will not affect how fabulous you look!

What SkinMedix products are your Beauty saviors during the holidays?