Intensive Resurfacing Peel by Murad (4 piece)

Intensive Resurfacing Peel by Murad (4 piece) - Murad's Age Reform line. Murad's exfoliation treatment offers the benefits of glycolic (an AHA - alpha hydroxyl acid), salicylic acid (a BHA - Beta hydroxyl acid) along with a mechanical exfoliation of bamboo. This combination ensures smoother skin, diminished depth of wrinkles and fine lines, pore refinement, a radiant complexion. The exfoliation action will trigger cell regeneration and lead the way to a newer, healthier skin. Some products that offer BHA peels can be too aggressive on the skin, but in this case, Murad has included Xanthan gum to counter any irritation. Hyaluronic acid and algin (from brown algae) are powerful hydrators and are included in the formula to ensure skin hydration coupled with the efficiency of the AHA, which is more effective on hydrated skin.

It is important when applying active products on your skin to counter any possible irritation, or inflammation, as these are stressors on the skin and indicate free radical damage. This product offers a cocktail of anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients that will ensure healthy resurfacing and renewal of the skin. These include vitamin C and E, from different sources along with licorice extract (improves the appearance of dry and damaged skin) and other anti-inflammatory botanicals. These ingredients will not only brighten and renew your skin, but will boost those great serums and creams you apply and amp up the penetration.

Telomeres - The Hayflick Limit

Exfoliation brightens the complexion, refines the texture of the skin, minimizes pores and fine lines and promotes circulation for better cellular nutrition. Exfoliation is a good thing. Frequent, deep exfoliation (AHA peels, microdermabrasion, etc.) works hard at removing more than its share of cell debris stimulating excessive cell division.  The result is smooth, lovely, rejuvenated skin.  However, as with many things in life, too much of a good thing is not necessarily a good thing. Avoid going overboard on exfoliation. Seriously. Moderation is the key to a healthy skin care program. But, there is something else . . .

The Hayflick Limit is worthy of serious consideration. During the early 1960s, Leonard Hayflick and Paul Moorhead theorized that since human cells are finite there is only so much cell life and division to go around. Cells can only divide a certain number of times before the division stops and they become senescent (old, sluggish, dying). Senescent cells are dysfunctional, slow, enlarged, interfere with younger cells, and build up the pigment responsible for age spots. The skin of older people has approximately 33% times the senescent cells, and as a result, their skin is more fragile, blotchy and wrinkled.

Aging is a fact of life. It can be graceful or it can be dreadful. The choice, as with most things, is up to each individual. There is a visible need to reduce the rate of cell division to live longer. The bigger question is what on earth can be done about the Hayflick Limit? Avoid excessive exfoliation. Eat properly. Understand the profound health benefits of antioxidants. Maintain a healthy body weight. Exercise. Minimize stress. Use appropriate skin care. Be careful about UV exposure. Live a moderate lifestyle.

The Hayflict Limit is directly connected to the shortening of the telomeres. Telomerase is an enzyme that offers restoration and health to the telomeres. This is exciting life extension technology. Is it time to catch the youth train? Not quite, but the train is definitely on the track.

DERMALOGICA - Daily Microfoliant

The difference between microfoliation and exfoliation.

Pevonia Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream

Is your skin looking duller, fine lines becoming more apparent, and pores more noticeable? This is a result of the corneal layer (top layer of the epidermis) thickening in a defense to continual UV exposure during the summer months. These are also signs that indicate an exfoliation intervention is needed to renew and refine your skin.

If your skin cannot tolerate mechanical types of exfoliants (those that require rubbing over the skin with or without granules), and you are looking for a product that will have a resurfacing effect on your skin, this enzyme peeling cream may be a solution. It offers different antihyperkerative enzymes, including papain from papaya and bromeline from pineapple. Both enzymes are encapsulated in microspheres to control their effectiveness, both work to break down excess keratinized cells, and both will refine the texture and thickness of the skin. This product also contains a small amount of citric acid, an AHA that works well in the corneal layer of the epidermis without the irritation caused by some AHA’s. The plant extracts offer the anti-inflammatory soothing actions of chamomile, saponaria and arnica, along with the anti-oxidant and regenerating properties of ginkgo biloba and horse chestnut, ensuring not only a nice enzyme exfoliation but one with minimal, if any, irritation.

Top 3 Pumpkin Skin Care Products

EMINENCE YAM AND PUMPKIN ENZYME PEEL
Yam and pumpkin pulp purées rich in enzymes, beta-carotene, amino acids and antioxidants. Lightens, brightens, encourages healthy cell turnover, keeps pores clear and raises hydration levels. Recommended for all skin types (except in active acne areas).

JUNE JACOBS PERFECT PUMPKIN ENZYME MASQUE
A gentle skin purifying enzyme peel that exfoliates and repairs the skin using the power of antioxidants and Vitamin A to protect the skin. Leaves the skin soft, clean and nourished. Recommended for all skin types.

ILIKE PUMPKIN AND ORANGE MASK
A detoxifying mask infused with ingredients including pumpkin, honey and calendula. This mask has been formulated to diminish dull skin, fight off bacteria, rejuvenate and revitalize skin. Recommended for mature and aging skin.

Dermalogica’s Sebum Clearing Masque

This mask is great for the acne prone skin. It contains some salicylic acid to encourage the elimination of dead keratinized cells that thicken the skin and contribute to blocked pores, blackheads and blemishes. An oily skin tends to be a little thicker and requires a healthy routine of non-aggressive, non-irritating exfoliation. Dermalogica's mask allows for effective exfoliation without rubbing, or the aggression of grains, which are contra-indicated (not a great idea) for blemished skin.

The kaolin, titanium dioxode and bentonite in this mask give it great absorption properties, but do not to let it dry as it will dehydrate the skin (they are great for absorbing, but will absorb oil and water). Generally, any clay (kaolin, titanium dioxide) base mask is only active when it is wet, . . . so apply, leave on for ten minutes and rinse. The rule that applies here is, "longer will not be better."

There is an abundance of great ingredients to bring the oil and acne under control. These include the anti-inflammatory properties of meadowsweet, healing properties of camphor and zinc, yeast and horsechest nut extracts, along with caffeine to promote circulation and detoxification of the skin. The liquorice and bisabolol will act to calm redness and irritation. The nice mix of B vitamins (essentially for healthy skin) and, of course, the anti-oxidant compliment of vitamin E completes the efficacy of this product.

All in all, a pleasant mask to use. For maximum results, try using the mask more frequently, perhaps 3 or 4 times a week when you feel your skin needs it. Here's to clear and healthy skin.

Acne Cosmetica aka Acne Picea

Acne Cosmetica, aka Acne Picea, is an externally caused acne where inferior cosmetics, or skin care products, are the big, bad trouble makers. It can be caused by other environmental influences, such as jobs that require wearing a face mask . . . i.e., nail techs that deal with the dust from nail drills, or pedicurists who use electric files, or dental assistants. Those who work in a dusty environment, or around deep fryers, (like those in the local fast food kitchen) may also be prone to this type of acne.

Acne Picea consists of mainly comedones (blackheads), and can appear on a normal to oily skin. You need to be sure the products you use are not occlusive on your skin, dehydrating, or too strong for your skin type, as this will trigger dehydration and increase oil secretion. Also, check the foundation you use to be sure it is not blocking your pores or feels too heavy on your skin. Gentle regular exfoliation will generally offer great results, along with deep cleansers, decongesting masks, and light protective day creams. Spa treatments could include professional peels, microdermabrasion, and deep cleansing treatments with extractions.

Terry Face Cloths vs Exfoliators

I am from the old school of thinking when it comes to skin care. Why can't I just use a plain, old terry face cloth to exfoliate my skin and save the money I would otherwise spend on exfoliators?


Using a face cloth to clean the skin is fine as long as it is used in gentle upward circular motions. Having said that, there are many beneficial ingredients incorporated into exfoliators that would be missed by just simply using a terry cloth. More importantly, terry face cloths cannot minimize pores, help hydrate the skin, soothe and calm the skin, draw out impurities and do not have antibacterial capabilities. We highly recommend a consistent exfoliation skin care routine using a product chosen for your particular skin type. Most exfoliators are not very expensive, and in our opinion, the results are definitely worth the money spent.

Oh, and don't forget to exfoliate your entire body. Love the skin you are in!

Exfoliation Feels Grate, Not Great!

I understand the importance of exfoliating and have tried to incorporate it into my skin care routine but my skin feels tight and red afterward. What am I doing wrong?


Exfoliation should leave your skin with a pink flush and leave a light tingling sensation, . . . the opposite of what is happening to you. Perhaps you need to reconsider how often you exfoliate and/or change the product you are currently using and select one that is not so aggressive. Don't forget to rinse, rinse and rinse again.Exfoliation is an important step in a skin care routine, but it is equally important to choose an appropriate product.

*For reference look at our posts on exfoliators on June 2nd, 4th, and 5th - a few helpful recommendations are listed there.

The Smooth Side of Exfoliation

BENEFITS:
• brightens the complexion
• refines texture, smoothes skin, minimizes pores and fine lines
• promotes circulation for better cellular nutrition and elimination of wastes
• can lighten pigmentation spots
• can prevent blemish formation due to blocked pores
• will enhance the benefits of light therapy
• allows for better penetration of products applied afterwards, enhances effect of products

FREQUENCY: (depends on the type of exfoliant)
• for thicker duller complexions, once a week,
• maintenance usually once every 2 weeks is sufficient
• if using serums or night creams with AHA's, use daily to give a gentle gradual exfoliation


CAUTION:
• do not use exfoliants that have to be rubbed over the skin if you have blemishes or fragile capillaries
• do not be too aggressive or exfoliate too frequently as it will be counter productive and cause inflammation in the skin (free radical activity)
• choose the type of exfoliant that suits your skin type and needs
• don't forget about the rest of your body
• rinse well

Reviews to follow . . .