Clover Power - In Honor of St. Patrick's Day

Red clover (trifolium pratense) is a wild, perennial herb commonly grown in meadows throughout Europe and Asia, and North America. It is a phytoestrogen (mimics and supplements the body's own estrogen hormones) and a powerful antioxidant containing four primary isoflavones (plant based chemicals that produce estrogen like effects in and on the body) present in soybeans - daidzein, biochanin-A, formonetin, and genistein.  It is said to reduce symptoms of menopause, have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties capable of reducing inflammation and softening the skin, increase the synthesis of collagen and elastin, heal infections and skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema, and improve blood circulation to nourish the skin. 

Tocopherol, a type of vitamin E, is present in red clover offering great antioxidant properties. Red Clover, a source of vegetable/herbal estrogen, is often used for menopausal women who are experiencing hormonal imbalances that greatly contribute to adversely altering the skin and hastening the aging process, i.e., wrinkles, dryness, age spots, lack of elasticity, hair loss.  It is also a source of many nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorous, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. 

Warning - the estrogen phytochemicals found in red clover are generally unsuitable for women diagnosed with breast cancer as well as those who are pregnant or breast feeding.  

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.

Valentines Day - Chocolate - Ooey, Gooey, Good

Valentine's Day is around the corner offering us all a perfect excuse to immerse ourselves in chocolate. Literally. Eat it, smell it, bathe in it. Ooey, gooey, chocolate. A decadent menu of luxurious chocolate skin care treatments are popping up in spas across the nation. Beauty experts claim the fatty cocoa butter hydrates and softens the skin, the cocoa bean husk acts as a gentle exfoliant to break down harmful free radicals, and the caffeine stimulates the circulatory system and firms the skin. Oh, and get this, . . . there is an anti-cellulite treatment using chocolate. Just sounds wrong, doesn't it?

Spas offer whipped cocoa baths (mmm), chocolate facials, body scrubs, massages, and pedicures. During your spa visit, chocolate treats are served alongside the treatments. Go ahead, indulge. Here are a few facts to ease your conscience. High quality chocolate has twice as many anti-oxidants as green tea and has more flavonoids (anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant) than any other anti-oxidant rich food, including wine or blueberries. Wow, who knew? And, (brace yourself), Vitamin A, B1, C, D, & E, Iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Phew! I mean, really, who cares whether it is one of the best kept beauty secrets around or not? Soon it will be Valentine's Day and complete euphoria is just a bonbon away. Now you can truly have your cake . . . and eat it too.

BABOR High Skin Refiner Lifting Cream Rich

Babor's nourishing anti-aging cream incorporates specific ingredients to offer a reported 24 hour firming effect for mature, tired skin. This thought provoking formula contains a few powerful lipids, including shea butter, jojoba, and mango seed oil, offering the EFA's (essential fatty acids) needed by the skin cells and important emollient and regenerative properties.

There are some key ingredients to help balance the enzymes that degrade old collagen and elastin with the intention of orchestrating harmony in the degeneration and regeneration process. Translation? This symmetry slows the aging process.This protein heavy cream utilizes soya proteins to help the skin deal with deterioration due to hormonal fluctuations, especially when specific amino acids from soya are used. The wheat proteins are an added asset to tighten the surface of the skin. The tried and true antioxidants vitamin C and E help neutralize free radical activity and the Vitamin B5 is essential for healthy skin. While this formulation does not contain any peptides, or hyaluronic acid, Babor selected bee's wax and other ingredients to offer protection to the skin and slow moisture loss.

Innovative Skin Care - Youth Eye Complex

The brightness of the sun during the summer and the tendency for the epidermis to thicken in defense usually results in more visible lines in the eye area. This eye product is a gem, loaded with hyaluronic acid in different forms to ensure immediate and delayed hydration as well as peptides, copper, centella asiatica and vitamins needed to trigger collagen synthesis. Centella asiatica not only promotes collagen synthesis, it will protect the skin from collagen degeneration.

The ester of vitamin A ensures it will not irritate the delicate skin of the eye area, but will leave the area smooth and emollient. Vitamin C and E are both powerful antioxidants, and when found together are 50 times more effective. This protects the elastin and collagen, as well as the other structures in the skin. Vitamin B5, needed for the health of every skin cell, also helps to ensure the revitalization of the delicate skin of the eye area. This eye product is definitely one to try, but remember to apply only along the bone of the orbit and not on the delicate skin of the eye lids. Enjoy!

High-Potency Serum by Cellex-C

Cellex-C High-Potency Serum is a perfect switch-up product to introduce to your new Spring skin care program. It packs a Vitamin C power punch that boosts the activities in the skin while helping minimize and repair the damage caused by ultra-violet rays.

This serum is loaded with L-ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C that is quickly used by the skin. It is no secret that Vitamin C plays a major role as a powerful anti-oxidant and in collagen regeneration. This product needs to be used for a few weeks before any changes in the skin will be noticed. First time users will need to increase the use of hydrating products for the first week as it may have a drying effect on the skin. It contains some hyaluronic acid to help keep the hydration levels up in the skin, but for many it is not enough to keep things moisturized until the skin adjusts to the active Vitamin C.

Like other serums, it is applied to clean skin, allowed to penetrate, and then followed with a nourishing cream. Spring is the perfect season to begin using the High-Potency serum so your skin can begin to build up resistance to the damage those glorious ummer rays can cause. The longer this serum is used, the better the skin’s resistance will be.