June 14, 2010
You’ve heard “you are what you eat.” But did you know certain foods can actually make you look younger? True. They do so by increasing the production of collagen. And it’s collagen that keeps the skin strong and smooth.
Here’s a quick lesson in collagen. Collagen is a protein and is responsible for the skin’s elasticity and strength. When collagen breaks down, skin becomes thinner and fine lines and wrinkles develop. As we age, collagen production declines, the skin weakens and we start looking older.
Many skincare products boast collagen as a primary ingredient. But often the collagen molecules are too large to get inside the skin. Consequently, these creams and lotions are ineffective. Rather than applying collagen, why not eat it? That’s right. Feed your face with foods that boost collagen production. Get ready to make out your grocery list.
Among the best sources of collagen are soy products; dark green vegetables such as kale, spinach, collards and asparagus; red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, water-rich vegetables like cucumber and celery; cold-water fish including salmon and tuna; nuts such as cashews, pecans, almonds and olives.
So, don’t be obsessed with putting collagen on your face. Instead focus on what collagen-producing foods you feed your face!
April 7, 2010
 Bioclycolic Acne Gel Why do our hormones have such a profound effect on our skin? Does women’s skin react more to hormones than men’s? Why do we have hormones? Let’s look at the basics of hormones and why they can change our skin so dramatically.
Hormones are chemicals released from endocrine glands. They regulate body functions such as sleep, stress responses, metabolism, and reproduction. Some of the main hormones are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Estrogen widens blood vessels so blood flows more easily. Estrogen also increases collagen in the skin. Progesterone prepares the body for pregnancy.
Testosterone strengthens bones and muscles, affects sex drive, hair growth, and oil production. Testosterone is an androgen or sex hormone. It’s responsible for triggering puberty in males. Hormones cause the oil glands to mature in boys and girls at puberty. Androgens can also trigger acne. Hormones can impact hair, skin, and nails.
We actually have a small amount of hormones in our system but they are very powerful. Hormones need to be kept at just the right balance. When hormone levels are off, the results show up physically and emotionally. There are certain times in life when hormones are more likely to be off-balance.
Puberty is the first stage where boys and girls are hit with changing hormones. Hair grows and acne can appear. The androgens can over-stimulate oil glands. Products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are effective. For more severe acne, prescription Retin A or Accutaine may be recommended. For women, pregnancy changes their estrogen levels. Some women will get pigmentation across the center of their face, known as melasma. This can be treated with creams, lasers or peels. It is critical to keep the skin protected from the sun, which can re-trigger the melasma. Hair may also grow thicker during pregnancy but usually more hair than usual is shed a few months after delivery.
Menopause is another time of hormonal change. Estrogen levels drop and skin thins and becomes drier and more delicate. Women may see a thinning of their hair. Some women continue to struggle with acne at this age. Spironolactone is an androgen blocker that’s been used successfully to treat thinning hair and stubborn acne in mature women. Use of Retin A, peptides, and growth factors can keep the skin looking young. And as mentioned earlier, fluctuating hormones can send your emotions on a roller coaster ride. Hormone replacement can alleviate many symptoms, but recent research has shown that the risks may outweigh the rewards. It’s important to discuss your options with your doctor before starting hormone replacement therapy.
As we go through these life changes, remember there are ways to treat the problems that hormones can cause. Your skin can still look beautiful no matter what stage you’re in.
March 29, 2010
 Men Have Special Skincare Needs Men have their own special concerns and preferences when it comes to skincare. For some men the whole thing is confusing and they are not sure what products they should be using or how to use them. For others, they don’t want to waste time with multiple-step skin care regimens. Many men have strong preferences in the scent and feel of products. So let’s go over a few necessary products to keep the skin healthy and clear.
As a man, your skin tends to be thicker and tougher than a woman’s. The fact that you shave can also bring up unique problems. You need products that penetrate well and take into account that you most likely shave daily. Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a condition that is caused by shaving. Too close of a shave causes the hair to bend back and regrow into the skin causing red, irritated bumps. Make sure you use warm cloths to open up hair follicles before shaving.
A good cleanser can also be used during shaving to help prevent infection, soothe irritations, and help turn over dead skin cells. Remember, there is no need to scrub or cleanse more than twice a day. A good cleanser will gently remove dirt and bacteria.
The second step should be your “active”product. This is the product that has active ingredients to make a change in your skin. The product that you choose is based on what you’re looking to change in your skin. Do you struggle with acne? If so, this step should contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to kill acne bacteria. You can also use a product with glycolic acid in it to break down the dead skin cells which cause a plug in the skin leading to acne.
If you’re looking to keep your skin looking young and protect it from damage, you’ll want products containing antioxidants like Vitamin C and E. If you have sun damage or are older, you want anti-aging ingredients. Look for retinols, growth factors and peptides to reverse aging. Consider using a prescription strength Retin A. Dermatologists agree that there is no better anti-aging product, especially when aging is due to sun exposure.
And speaking of sun exposure, the final step for your skincare regime should always be applying a sunscreen. Sun exposure not only pigments the skin, but breaks down the collagen and elastin which keep you looking young. The sun can also aggravate skin conditions, like rosacea and acne. Look for a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. The label should say “broad based” sunscreen which means it blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
Skin care can be simple, quick, and effective. Now you can put together your own three step skincare routine and be on your way to healthy, clear skin. Check our our store at www.SkinGift.com for great products made just for men! Here are just a few you may want to consider.
IS Clinical Cleansing Complex, IS Clinical Active Serum, IS Clinical SPF 20 Powder Sunscreen
SkinMedica Facial Cleanser, SkinMedica TNS Vitamin C Complex, SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex, TNS Ultimate Daily Moisturizer SPF 20
Obagi C-RX System Cleansing Gel, Obagi C-RX Clarifying Serum, Obagi C-RX Sunguard SPF 30 Obagi Clenziderm M.D. Daily Care Foaming Cleanser, Obagi Clenziderm M.D. Pore Therapy, Obagi Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35
March 19, 2010
There are many skin myths out there. Let’s take a look at the more common ones.
Truth or Myth?
1) You only need to wear sunscreen when the sun is out or you’re planning to sunbathe.
MYTH- You are still exposed to ultraviolet rays even when it’s cloudy. You need to wear sunscreen EVERY day regardless of the weather or what you’re you’re planning to do. Sun damage can occur over time in small doses. So running errands every day for years without sunscreen can add up to a day by the pool without sunscreen.
2) Certain foods can cause acne, like greasy, fried food and chocolate.
MYTH- There is no medical evidence that eating certain foods causes breakouts. Acne occurs when dead skin cells stick together in the follicle and cause a breakout. Sebum and bacteria are trapped and result in a bump and inflammation. Eating a healthy diet is, of course, good for your whole body, but will not cure acne.
3) Retin A is shouldn’t be used for long periods of time. It will make the skin thinner and more delicate.
MYTH- Retin A does not thin skin. This myth came about because Retin A causes skin cells to shed on top of the epidermis. The underlying layer, though, actually thickens. This means skin has more support and looks plumper and younger. There are very few people who wouldn’t benefit from using Retin A. Originally a treatment for acne because of it’s ability to break down dead skin cells, it is now used for aging skin. Retin A speeds up the turnover of dead skin cells, making skin brighter and helps to lift pigmentation from the sun. Retin A actually makes skin cells function more effectively. It is acknowledged as the gold standard in treating photo-aging.
4) You can have a healthy tan.
MYTH- There is no such thing as a healthy tan. When exposed to UV or sun rays, melanin is produced and secreted by skin cells or keratinocytes. This is a protective action of the skin. The skin is trying to protect itself from further damage by throwing out color. So if there is any tan on your skin, that is simply damaged skin.
5) It’s okay to extract your own breakouts.
MYTH- Extractions are best left to a skin care professional. Applying uneven pressure can actually push bacteria further into the skin. Using your fingers is unsanitary and can spread bacteria around the face. If you pick at your skin you can end up scarring it.
Do you have a skincare concern? Just leave me a comment below and I will answer it one of our upcoming blog posts.
March 12, 2010
 IS Clinical’s Super Serum is a remarkable, restorative serum. Its blend of potent and scientifically proven ingredients solves a variety of skin woes. Super Serum is anti-aging, restorative, lightening, anti-acneic, scar-tissue reducing, and stretch mark reducing.
This innovative skin care is the first formulation to combine clinically proven Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and Arbutim Glycoside. Vitamin C has been proven in many studies to be a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants fight damaging free radical cells that lead to aging. Hyaluronic Acid is an intensive hydrating ingredient. Arbutin controls uneven pigmentation.
IS offers two other unique anti-aging serums. Active serum has many fans among physicians and clients. Physician and skin care experts have described Active serum as “miraculous”, and “one of the most important discoveries in skin care.” Active Serum diminishes fine lines, wrinkles, acne and pigmentation.
Hydra-Cool Serum’s essential ingredient is Centella Asiatica, which is proven to have amazing healing properties as well as antioxidant ones. It heals and refreshes dry, damaged skin and can even be used on sunburns. It’s often used after a cosmetic procedure to cool and calm the skin.
Whichever IS serum you choose, you can expect exceptional results with proven ingredients.
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