Tuesday, September 28, 2010

The Miracle of Retinol Explained

How does retinol work? 

Looking for an anti-wrinkle, anti-acne, collagen & elastin boosting miracle product? Sound too good to be true? Retinol is the answer! 

Retinol is a topical gel or cream made up of Vitamin A and has the unique abilities to both act as an antioxidant and to get deep into the skin. When applied topically, it causes the production of new collagen in both naturally aged skin and skin damaged by ultraviolet radiation. 

It also improves the outer layer!  Retinol binds well with skin cell receptor sites which allows the retinol to encourage greater cell growth, as well as the removal of old skin cells. This leaves your skin looking and feeling smoother, with a healthy glow.

If you take your anti aging wrinkle strategy very seriously then the best bet is to go for a prescription strength retinol rather than risking an over the counter product.


My favorite is Atralin. I've been using it for 2 years, and have seen the best results! Less photo damage, prevention of blackheads/acne, prevention of wrinkles and dryness. Love it! 
http://www.atralingel.com/

For a more in depth article regarding retinols check out: http://dermatology.about.com/cs/topicals/a/tretinoin.htm

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Hard, Little White Bumps on your face? What are they?



Wondering what those hard stubborn bumps are on your face? Disease? Whitehead? Why are they so hard to get rid of?
Milia explained! 

A Milium (milia- plural) is a keratin-filled cyst, dead skin cells combined with oil that form a plug in the pore. They are benign but super annoying! Newborn babies mostly get them, but appear on people of all ages. Milk spot and oil seed are the common names for these little buggers, and they have to be removed by a dermatologist or esthetician. The removal process includes using a lancet to create a very small incision in the side of the milium and then push out the plug with an extractor tool. 

I've found that making sure you are exfoliating your skin on a regular basis will keep these Milia at bay. Since they are caused from dry skin, use your exfoliant (scrub, fruit acid or retinol) regularly(2-3x Week).


Photo Credit: http://www.skinsight.com/

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Basic Skincare 101

Hello All, 


Looking to switch up your facial skincare routine? Here are my suggestions for a great, basic system! 


AM


Cleanse -- Cetaphil or Cerave Cleanser 
Serum -- Skinceuticals Vit C or Fruit Acid Gel 15% 
Sunscreen -- Mario Badescu SPF 30 or Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30


PM


Makeup Remover -- DHC Oil Cleanser or Laura Mercier Oil Cleanser
Cleanse -- Cetaphil or Cerave Cleanser 
Retinol -- Atralin (prescription only) or Skinceuticals Retinol .5%


Feel free to email me with specific questions about your skincare routine! 


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