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.

B. KAMINS Therapeutic Anti-Aging Moisturizer

B. KAMINS Therapeutic Anti-Aging Moisturizer addresses the need for different types of anti-oxidants to ensure minimal free radical damage in the skin and control inflammatory reactions, a precursor to free radical activity. One of its ingredients, alpha lipoic acid, boosts the anti-oxidant properties of this cream as it has the ability to regenerate and recycle itself and other anti-oxidants, vitamin E and lecithin, for example. The grape and safflower oil along with retinyl palmitate (ester of vitamin A), squalane, and lecithin will give much needed emolliency and softness to the texture of mature skin.

B. Kamins uses a Bio-Maple™ compound, a moisturizing and penetrating anti-oxidant extracted from maple sap using a patented process. Bio Maple™ also contains pure AHA's ensuring healthy exfoliation and combined with a little niacinamide (vitamin B3) the skin will regain a healthy look of vitality. Hydration is re-enforced and protected with key actives, including hyaluronic acid (holds 1000 x its weight in water). To top off the efficacy of this cream there are copper and zinc peptides, which are essential for the regeneration of collagen and elastin as well as expediting enzyme activity and healing.

All in all, this is a great cream for anyone concerned about aging, or for enhancing medical or para medical procedures. B. Kamins in noted for being a results oriented skin care line targeting problem skin, whether it is acne, rosacea, or aging. Is aging a problem? Well, that depends entirely on who is answering the question.

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!