According to Dr. Patricia Wexler, M.D. on Vogue.TV, “You have to select your [skin] problems…and act to treat those problems.” That said, with Dr. Wexler’s new MMpi 20 Skin Brightening and Pore Refining Serum ($55.00, BathandBodyWorks.com) & Daily Defense Anti-Oxidant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 ($29.50, BathandBodyWorks.com), expect to treat hyperpigmentation and lackluster skin (increased brightness occurs with soy extract, acetyl glucosamine, vitamin C, and the serum’s Melaclear tyrosinase inhibitor), as well as prevent signs of future damage (with the patented Niacyl complex,as well as antioxidants and sunscreen).
MMpi 20 Skin Brightening and Pore Refining Serum ($55.00, BathandBodyWorks.com) is a very solid product. My favorite ingredient in the formulation is Melaclear, a patented ingredient designed to treat hyperpigmentation by Sederma. (A sister product is called Melaslow). Like arbutin and hydroquinone, Melaclear works by inhibiting tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin production. Although a publicly available, non-company-affiliated study has not compared the efficacy of Melaclear to other hyperpigmentation treatments, my best hypothesis (and this is only a hypothesis!) would be that it has similar effectiveness to arbutin, and is most likely less effective than 4% hydroquinone.
Still, MMpi 20 Skin Brightening and Pore Refining Serum also contains N-acetyl glucosamine, the patented Niacyl complex, soybean extract, and new stable form of vitamin C to increase skin’s brightness. N-acetyl glucosamine has been established to make a statistically significant difference in hyperpigmentation, as reported in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2009. In addition, the potent combination of N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) and niacinamide was recently shown to reduce facial hyperpigmentation in Japanese and Caucasian subjects with facial hyperpigmentation in two double-blind, vehicle-controlled, split-face, left-right randomized clinical studies. It is likely that the patented Niacyl complex in this product has similar efficacy to the niacinamide used in the study, as niacinamide is simply the basic form of niacin. The soy extract also treats hyperpigmentation and brightens: in this 2000 study in the journal Dermatology, human trials demonstrate lightening of hyperpigmentation after use of realistic concentrations of soybean extract for just two weeks. Finally, the BVOSC vitamin C used in the product (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) has been proposed as a more stable form of vitamin C than the traditional L-ascorbic acid. Vitamin C runs the gamut in benefits – from decreased hyperpigmentation to increased antioxidant protection to increased collagen production – and BVOSC has been shown in a double-blind, half-face study in Dermatologic Surgery to provide statistically significant benefits. In other words, this product is a huge thumbs-up for treating hyperpigmentation.
So what’s the problem with MMpi 20 Skin Brightening and Pore Refining Serum? My only issue is with this or any other product that says “pore-refining.” From what I have learned from dermatologists, it is not possible to change the size of your pores (hence, I guess why the product doesn’t say “pore-reducing.”) At any rate, please do not use this or any other product expecting to see a change in the size of your pores. While certain products may clean out your pores to make them appear smaller (try 2% salicyclic acid) and others may use alcohol to inflame the skin cells to make the pores appear smaller by contrast, nothing will actually reduce the size of your pores. Just a side note. 
My favorite ingredient in the Daily Defense Anti-Oxidant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 ($29.50, BathandBodyWorks.com) is the antioxidant concentrate NDGA. Like Dr. Perricone consistently defines his products by inclusion of DMAE, Dr. Wexler appears to be the only dermatologist (at least that I know of) that is including NGDA in her products. According to the journal Mutation Research, NGDA has potent antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic activity. NGDA exhibits its antioxidant activity by lipooxygenase inhibition, in a similar fashion to the antioxidant quercetin. Unfortunately, it has been reported that some patients develop contact dermatitis after use of NGDA, so talk to your dermatologist to ensure your skin’s tolerance of the ingredient. (Perhaps this is why the product includes Symcalmin, a patented ingredient to treat inflammation of the skin).
Wexler Daily Defense Anti-Oxidant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 also contains other antioxidants (apple extract for one), soy extract, and the Niacyl complex. My only wish for the product was that it contained more photostable forms of sunscreen: while Helioplex (avobenzone and oxybenzone) and Mexoryl SX/XL are touted by this excellent 2007 review for their photostability, it is unknown at this time how the combination of sunscreens in this product compare (i.e., homosalate 8.0%, octinoxate 7.0%, octisalate 6.0%, oxybenzone 6.0%, and titanium dioxide 1.0%). Still, it is undoubtedly true that the product does contain reasonable sun protection.
Overall Opinions
I’m a huge fan of Dr. Wexler, and I think that these two products are a testament to her knowledge, training, and willingness to incorporate new technology and rarely-used ingredients into effective and original formulations. I give these very high marks! Product Rating (Serum): 8.5/10. (High concentration of proven effective ingredients: 3/3. New formulation or technology: 3/3. Value for the money: 2.5/3. Sunscreen: 0/1.) Product Rating (Moisturizer): 9.0/10. (High concentration of proven effective ingredients: 3/3. New formulation or technology: 3/3. Value for the money: 3/3. Sunscreen: 1/1).
Also, if you wish to order Wexler products, sign up for EBates.com and receive 3% cash back from your order! (Cash back is typically delivered as a check in 6-8 weeks. Please visit EBates.com for more info.)
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June 21st, 2009
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futurederm |
Anti-Aging Treatments, Antioxidant Treatments, Best Products, Best Products, Hyperpigmentation Treatments, Product Reviews |
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Love-Renaissance is a beautiful store at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.
Recently, while on vacation in Hawaii, I came across a lovely skin care store called Love-Renaissance. Established and quite popular in Japan, Love-Renaissance is relatively new to the American seaboard, having set up a U.S. shop in only Hawaii thus far. And while I visited many skin care stores and spas during my visit to Hawaii, I must say, this was by far my favorite find.
Love-Renaissance is not the typical skin care system you will see getting high marks on this website. For one, Love-Renaissance is significantly more expensive than most drugstore brands, and it has never been conclusive that there is a statistically significant difference between the performance of most department store and drugstore brands of skin care. Second, Love-Renaissance does not contain what are arguably the five most proven effective ingredients in anti-aging skin care today: sunscreen, retinoids, niacinamide, antioxidants, or alpha hydroxy acids. Lastly, proper use the complete Love-Renaissance system requires four steps: cleansing (a cleansing oil, $47.00-$57.00), moistening (a cleansing foam or soap, $33.00-$57.00), supplementing (with a serum-like product called milk, $57.00-$65.00), and protecting (moisturizing gel or cream $76.00-$95.00) – a multitude of steps some experts would say is excessive.
However, Love-Renaissance still manages to deliver high-performance results with its inclusion of very high concentrations of all-natural, but scientifically proven, ingredients. (The salesperson informed me that the main ingredients were included in concentrations up to 80%, but I could not find documentation online verifying this statement). Love-Renaissance has four separate lines, each concentrating on one specific ingredient: Verdi (olive leaf and royal jelly); Noe (olive leaf); Sakuyahime (cherry leaf extract); and Swaness (brown rice extract). The cherry leaf extract in Sakuyahime has been demonstrated in published scientific journals to have anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic activity, with the additional inclusion of vitamin C, which helps to fight hyperpigmentation by controlling melanin production. The brown rice extract in the Swaness line has been shown to be anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory, with the potential to also inhibit portions of the free radical pathway that lead to oxidative damage. Lastly, olive leaf (in Verdi and Noe) has perhaps the least independent scientifically published data behind it, with one study demonstrating its antiviral activity.
I personally have been using the Sakuyahime line for the past three weeks, and I can honestly say my skin looks smoother and feels softer. However, I am only using the entire system at night, as I will not forgo my ultra-effective morning routine (Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 85 (or 100) OR NIA 24 Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30), at least until conclusive published research shows there are more effective products for ultimate sun protection.
And while I miss my nighttime prescription retinoid and Revale Skin’s coffeeberry moisturizer, for a short while, I am pleased with the results of Love-Renaissance and will continue to use it. I look at it like my skin is still on vacation: maybe not the most productive use of my time, but definitely relaxing and soothing…and I am definitely enjoying the luxurious pampering experience! :-)
With that said, I really love these products. To order, please see information below. Product Rating: 7.0/10. High concentration of proven ingredients: 2.5/3. New technology or unique formulation: 3/3. Value for the money: 1.5/3. Sunscreen: 0/1.
Take care! :-)
Ordering information for Love-Renaissance:
2301 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu HI 96815
Tel: 808.923.0991
http://www.love-renaissance.com
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June 20th, 2009
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futurederm |
Anti-Aging Treatments, Antioxidant Treatments, Best Products, Best Products, Best Skincare Gifts, Natural Products |
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Photo Credits: Skin Care Tips Originally uploaded by suzaned (flickr)
Recently, it has been found that using retinoids and an AHA (like glycolic acid) or BHA (like salicyclic acid) diminishes the effectiveness of both ingredients. So how can a patient still benefit from the potent anti-aging effects of each ingredient? To find the answer, I consulted with the site of Dr. Leslie Baumann, M.D., a practicing dermatologist and the co-founder and chief of the Cosmetic Dermatology department at the University of Miami School of Medicine. According to Dr. Baumann:
“Your question about order is a great one. Retinoids should not be mixed with BHA (i.e., salicylic acid) or AHA (i.e,. glycolic acid) because the BHA and AHA can inactivate the retinoid. Always use retinoids at night because the sun can also make the retinoid less effective.”
Dr. Baumann then proposes a skin care regime in which AHA/BHA products are used exclusively in the morning under a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen, while retinoids are used exclusively at night.
Of course, as would be expected from Dr. Baumann, this makes perfect sense.
Daytime AHA/BHA Products
Please note that AHA/BHA do make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and hence more susceptible to UV damage. With that said, always use AHA/BHA under a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 (I prefer 50+ myself), reapply frequently, and practice sun avoidance between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Some AHA or BHA products I like include MD Formulations Daily Peel Pads (with 10% of the AHA glycolic acid, $35.00, DermaDoctor.com); DermaDoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ AHA/BHA Acne Cleanser ($35.00, DermaDoctor.com); and Paula’s Choice Exfoliating 2% BHA Lotion ($18.95, Paula’s Choice.com).
For more on AHA, please click here; for more on BHA, please click here.
Nighttime Retinol Products
Some nighttime retinol products to try include Neutrogena Healthy Skin Night Cream (with approximately 0.025% retinol, if I had to take an educated guess; $13.99, Drugstore.com); Afirm 2x (with 0.3% retinol, $35.00, Dermadoctor.com); Green Cream Level 6 (with 0.6% retinol, $43.00, Dermstore.com) and Skinceuticals Retinol 1.0 (with 1.0% retinol, $52.00, Drugstore.com).
Please note that the higher the concentration of retinol, the higher the risk of skin irritation. With that said, start with a small application every 2-3 nights, gently working up to nightly tolerance. And, of course, it is always best consult with your dermatologist before starting use of retinol or any other new skin care ingredient.
For more on the benefits of retinoids, please click here (Dr. Baumann’s blog).
Take care! J
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June 19th, 2009
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Anti-Aging Treatments, Controversy, Cosmetic Dermatology News, General Cosmetic Dermatology, General Dermatology, Skin Care Warnings |
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According to a recent press release by DermaNetwork.org, more than 20 states currently have legislation pending about restricting tanning bed usage. Of these states, two – Arkansas and Mississippi – signed into law new legislation to restrict access for minors under 14 to tanning salons in March of 2009, and one – Montana – failed to get such legislation passed in May 2009.
Tanning beds do in fact pose a substantial risk to minors, even more so than to adults. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, an estimated 80 percent of sun damage occurs before age 18. Given the fact that the average tanning bed (or other artificial UV light source) provides approximately three times the DNA-damaging long-wavelength UVA rays (192.1 W/m2 on average) than the sun, it is easy to see why use of tanning beds in youth is particularly alarming. In addition, this 2005 study in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & Prevention confirms that use of tanning beds prior to age 18 significantly increases a patient’s risk of malignant melanoma later in life. In the study, it was confirmed that both earlier use of tanning beds and regular use of tanning beds throughout youth substantially increased cancer risk. With approximately 10,500 American lives lost to skin cancer each year, it is no wonder that restrictive legislation looks so promising.
Yet the legislation may fall flat if parents and guardians do not recognize the risk of using tanning beds themselves. According to a 2002 study in Pediatrics, youth (age 11-18) were significantly more likely to use artificial UV light sources for tanning if their parent/guardian did so, with 30% of the youth with artificially tanning parents/guardians doing so themselves. (Other factors that make a young patient more likely to use tanning beds include female gender, age 15-18 as opposed to 11-14, and the belief that tanned skin is more attractive).
A second problem with the impending legislation is the fact that most youth using tanning beds are in the 15-18 range, whereas the legislation is primarily targeting children 14 and under. In fact, according to this 2002 study in Pediatrics amongst 10000 youths using tanning beds, tanning bed use increased from 7% among 14-year-old girls to 16% by age 15, and more than doubled again to 35% by age 17. Although earlier exposure does correlate to higher risk of malignant melanoma later in life, it is still haunting that legislation restricting tanning bed use under age 14 will ultimately not save as many lives as legislation affecting the 14-17 age range.
With that said, I personally believe that the only effective legislation will be that which sets advisory guidelines for UV exposure, concurrent activities, and sun protection, which has also been proposed in the journal Photochemistry and Photobiology. Governmental legislation needs to inform parents and guardians of the true risks of sun exposure for their children and adolescents. There are simply too many erroneous beliefs circulating in our society about the sun – “the sun is good for you,” “a little base tan protects you in the future,” “everyone looks better with a tan,” etc., and it is no wonder parents are confused. With that said, the American Academy of Dermatology’s current sun exposure guidelines are available here, and the organization maintains that this amount of exposure is adequate for the body to synthesize enough vitamin D.
For the original press release by DermaNetwork.org about the impending legislation, please click here.
Let me know your thoughts in comments below!
Editor’s Note: This entry was entered on June 15, 2009 in the “Make a Difference” Blog Contest, sponsored by Dermanetwork.org. The contest awards either a donation to the Melanoma Research Fund or a gift card to the winning blogger. I decided to enter the contest because I thought the topic was relevant to my readers’ interests, as well as for the opportunity. While not necessary, I wanted to disclose that this entry was entered in a contest in order to maintain the trust of my readers. -NZ
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June 15th, 2009
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Recently I was honored with the privilege to interview Dr. Jeanine Downie, M.D., about the treatment and prevention of melasma. Although Dr. Downie is an expert in many realms of dermatology, she specializes in pigmentary disorders, and is particularly passionate about the topic, having been personally diagnosed with melasma in her early twenties.
Dr. Downie is a practicing board-certified dermatologist of Image Dermatology in Montclair, New Jersey; author of Beautiful Skin Of Color: A Comprehensive Guide for Asian, Olive and Dark Skin; as well as a professional lecturer, wife, and mother. Dr. Downie has been featured in numerous sectors of the public arena as well, including onThe View, Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, and In Style andO magazines, amongst many others. Thank you for taking the time to talk toFutureDerm.com, Dr. Downie!
Nicki Zevola: How common is melasma in your patients?
Dr. Jeanine Downie: Melasma is very common amongst patients, and I have seen numerous patients with it lately. One type I have seen a lot of recently is intense heat fluctuation melasma. [...]It is upsetting, how common melasma is amongst patients.
NZ: What can be done to prevent or eliminate melasma?
Dr. D: To prevent or eliminate melasma, don’t necessarily get off of hormonal contraceptives. Put sunscreen on, reapply every 2 hours, and watch heat. Patients don’t often consider how much heat aggravates melasma. Even waxing the upper lip can exacerbate the condition.
NZ: What can be done to treat melasma?
Dr. D.: Three major factors: sunscreen, Tri-Luma, and chemical peels/Fraxel.
To treat melasma, first use sunscreen. The prescription Tri-Luma is the only FDA-approved treatment for melasma. With the Tri-Luma, you may also wish to do chemical peels to help to even the skin out. Also, laser treatments like Fraxel are useful if the patient has had very deep-seated melasma for many years. In summary, sunscreen, treatment cream (with Tri-Luma being the best, but a cosmeceutical may be used) and chemical peels or Fraxel.
NZ: A lot of attention has been drawn to potential safety issues [i.e., ochronosis] with Tri-Luma, particularly for patients of darker skin tones. Has this been an issue for you in your practice?
Dr. D: My practice consists of approximately 60% white patients, 40% black/Latino/Asian, in that order. Regardless of race, I advise my patients to only putTri-Luma on the dark patches themselves. I tell them not to put Tri-Luma all over the face, or else patches may evolve that look like a bull’s eye! Of course, these bull’s eye-like patches may not be a problem, but as a safety precaution, I do not advise puttingTri-Luma all over the face.
Recently, I was giving a lecture at the Cosmetic Boot Camp in Aspen, CO, where approximately 250 dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and facial plastic surgeons attended to learn about cosmetics. I happen to specialize in pigmentary disorders, especially melasma. And when a question about Tri-Luma was raised, I explained this: the tretinoin in Tri-Luma thickens collagen and elastin over time, and the tiny drop of steroid is balanced by the retinoid in the product. In addition, it has been proven that there is no problem with using Tri-Luma for an extended period of time. The product has been FDA approved for seven years.
NZ: Is there a difference between treatments for melasma, dark spots from acne scars, and sunspots?
Dr. D: Yes. For dark spots from acne, I advise use of fade creams, the laser treatmentsFraxel or Lyra, and sunscreen. Sunspots are solar lentigines – I say these are like the ones that appear on Grandma’s hands – are best treated with the laser Gentle-Laze. Sunspots are an entirely different modality from melasma – don’t use Tri-Luma for sunspots! In fact, Tri-Luma doesn’t work swimmingly well for sunspots.
NZ: Melasma often develops during a woman’s pregnancy. Is there any way to prevent melasma from occurring during pregnancy?
Dr.D: In terms of being preventative during pregnancy, melasma can occur anywhere – even the arms – particularly if the patient has a family history. The patient must be very stringent about sun protection, must use sunscreen every 2 hours [for sunscreens that are permissible during pregnancy, please click here]. A patient can also receive peels all through her pregnancy, which can be helpful. However, I absolutely do not give Tri-Luma to pregnant or nursing women [due to tretinoin/retinol/vitamin A].
NZ: In summary, what is the best advice you can give to patients regarding melasma?
Dr. D: The bottom line is that people need to realize that they should get their irregular spots checked. Patients need to get melasma diagnosed by a board-certified dermatologist. Often patients with dark spots cannot tell the difference between melasma, sunspots, dark acne spots, and even skin cancer, so it is vital to have a board-certified dermatologist make the proper diagnosis – it could save your life! In addition, avoid too much sun exposure. While the sun is not a statistically significant factor in the development of melasma, it makes already-developed melasma patches worse, and can aggravate acne spots and worsen sunspots.
Have a skin care regime….once you are diagnosed with melasma, sunscreen, Tri-Luma, chemical peels, and/or Fraxel lasers are the best! Even after [dermatological] surgery, I tell patients they can keep the area covered, use Fraxel, and then use Tri-Luma to help eliminate scarring.
NZ: Thank you very much, Dr. Downie, for taking the time to do this interview! It was very useful and I feel privileged to have learned so much directly from you.
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June 14th, 2009
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Interviews |
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Cosmetics Alford&Hoff
Flickr: Originally uploaded by Manisfive
As we all know, Father’s Day is rapidly approaching, and if your dad is anything like mine, he has probably gotten enough toolsets, colognes, ties, and sweaters to fill a garage. With that said, looking into skin care gifts for your father may be just the ticket this Father’s Day.
Alford & Hoff Skin Care is endorsed by Dr. John Gross, a noted cosmetic and plastic surgeon, author, lecturer, and associate professor at the USC Keck School of Medicine. According to data released by the company, use of the system results in “immediate firming results” of up to 60%, reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 70%, and moisturizing and overall appearance improvement by up to 85%. Although these statistics certainly sound impressive, one needs to keep in mind that these results are likely to have come from studies done within the company, and it is unknown from the website and press release alone if these studies were blinded or placebo-controlled to reduce bias.
Key Ingredients
Alford & Hoff Skin Care is defined by its inclusion of its trademark SIR2stac Complex, which contains sirtuins and other hydrating proteins, vitamin C, sea fennel, antioxidants (which are not specified), lavender extract, rice extract, tetrapeptides 7, dipeptides, provitamin B5, and beta-glucan.
The primary active ingredients of interest in Alford & Hoff Skin Care are sirtuins. Sirtuins essentially act as “energy policemen” in the cell, arresting unnecessary processes in the body by removing acetyl groups from proteins involved. In essence, sirtuins theoretically prolong the life of the fibroblasts (collagen-producing cells) by turning off unnecessary gene expression. This means that sirtuins should prolong the life of the fibroblasts in your skin, enabling you to make collagen naturally for more years than if you did not treat your skin with sirtuins.
In a 2007 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, it was found that increased SIRT1 expression in the skin resulted in statistically significant improvements to fine lines and wrinkles, hydration, pigmented spot color intensity, complexion radiance, firmness, complexion homogeneity, and texture. Interestingly, however, while certain topically applied yeast peptides and calorie restrictive diets have been shown to upregulate sirtuin production in the skin, it has not been shown that topical application of sirtuins themselves stimulate sirtuin production within the skin in any non-company-affiliated, peer-reviewed, blinded, published studies as of yet [that I could find]. Despite this, however, the fact use of Alford & Hoff Skin Care results in the same improvements to the skin as induced in peer-reviewed scientific journal studies in which sirtuin production is upregulated suggests that topically applying sirtuins may in fact stimulate their production within the skin. Clearly, however, more research needs to be done in this area.
Antioxidants provide protection against future free radical damage. While some antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamins C and E work by “breaking the chain,” stopping free radicals from ripping electrons off of other molecules, other antioxidants, like superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase slow the free radical chain reaction by stabilizing the reactive free radicals. As the body does not produce or ingest enough antioxidants to neutralize all of the free radicals, free radicals tend to accumulate a great deal of damage within the body over time. As such, many dermatologists recommend using antioxidants regularly to protect the skin from the long-term effects of free radical damage. Unfortunately, other than vitamin C (a “chain-breaking” antioxidant), the other antioxidants in the Alford & Hoff Skin Care SIR2stac Complex have not been released by the company in the ingredients list online, so I cannot provide research on them. Despite this, the addition of antioxidants definitely gets one huge “thumbs up.”
As for the other ingredients in the SIR2stac Complex, which are found in lower concentrations than are sirtuins and antioxidants, sea fennel aids in hydration, lavender is traditionally calming, and beta-glucan is soothing. It should further be noted that, while lavender essential oil has received a lot of negative press as the result of a study in Cell Proliferation, there are also “numerous scientific and clinical data that support the traditional uses of lavender,” according to a review in Phytotherapy Research. In addition, many other factors need to be taken into consideration before renouncing the use of lavender in skin care, including the concentrations of linalyl acetate and linalool in the lavender compound (cytotoxicity was exhibited only with 51% and 35%, respectively), an individual’s allergic reaction, etc.. As always, it is best to consult with your dermatologist when making a decision whether or not to use a skin care ingredient.
Overall Opinions
As such, overall, I like Alford & Hoff Skin Care. While I wish that the formulation was backed up with more (non-company-affiliated, peer-reviewed, blinded, placebo-controlled published) research, I am overall pleased with the formulation. And as a gift, the luxury presentation is amazing, complete with an impressive list of celebrity clients in the Alford & Hoff Skin Care Celebrity Galleries online, ranging from talk-show host Maury Povich to football great Lynn Swann (go Steelers!). As such, a good skin care line and a great gift! Product Rating: 6.5/10 (High concentration of proven ingredients: 1.5/3. Value for the money: 1.5/3. Unique formulation or new technology: 2.5/3. Sunscreen: 1/1).
What about sirtuins for women? First found on the market as Pro-SirtuinSX in Avon Anew Ultimate Age Repair Elixir Serum and Night Cream, and now additionally in Time Zone Line & Wrinkle Reducing Lotion SPF 15 ($58.00 MSRP,Amazon.com) – amongst numerous other sources, sirtuins have officially hit the skin care market full-force. Happy shopping! :-)
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June 9th, 2009
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futurederm |
Anti-Aging Treatments, Antioxidant Treatments, Best Skincare Gifts, Eye Creams, Firming Treatments, men's skin care |
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This month, I am proud to announce that Curél and FutureDerm.com have teamed up in support of the “Share the Gift of Caring” campaign, which supports the American Red Cross, one of my all-time favorite organizations. Since 1881, the American Red Cross has provided domestic disaster relief; support and comfort for the military and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; CPR, first aid, and other life-saving training; disaster preparedness education and international relief and development programs. For more on the American Red Cross and its programs, please click here.
About the contest: Five lucky winners will receive a full-size bottle of Curel Continuous Comfort Original Formula Lotion (currently $9.68 on Amazon.com) just for entering! Five lucky winners will be drawn from random number generation on July 15, 2009 at midnight EST.
To enter, please put your name and e-mail address in Comments below! One entry per person, please.
More About the “Share the Gift of Caring” campaign: Collaborating for the second time, Cynthia Nixon (shown above) and Curél are proud to launch the “Share the Gift of Caring” campaign in support of the American Red Cross. Curél has made a contribution of $250,000 to the American Red Cross, and has pledged to donate $10,000 more.
How You Can Help the American Red Cross (for free, and in 5 minutes or less!): Through the “Share the Gift of Caring” campaign, you can make a donation without spending a dime! Just log on to www.curel.com and click to donate $1 of the additional $10,000 Curél is donating in a friend’s name. Your friend will receive a message from Curél letting her know, and she will be invited to share the gift of sharing with someone else—creating a chain of donations from Curél and you!
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June 7th, 2009
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Offers and Promotions |
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Quite simply, patients don’t use their antifungal dandruff shampoos regularly, which allows recurrence to occur. In addition, patients tend to use the antifungal dandruff conditioner on their scalp, but the conditioner can remove the antifungal ingredients the shampoo leaves behind. Instead, according to Jim Schwartz, a research fellow at Procter and Gamble, it is best to apply the dandruff conditioner to the hair ends only.
The fact that dandruff shampoos don’t work due to inconsistent use is a new concept. According to writer Kristin Sainani in the June 2009 issue of Allure magazine, a recent survey of 722 dermatologists revealed that 64% believed that patients experienced dandruff recurrence because response to the antifungal shampoos diminished over time. However, Sainani reports that a 2009 Procter and Gamble study (headed by Schwartz) found that no dandruff recurrence occurs when a 1-2% pyrithione-zinc-based product (like Head & Shoulders) is used regularly for 24 or 48 weeks. In the study, two groups of 337 patients total using either a 1-2% pyrithione-zinc based product (like Head & Shoulders) or a placebo for 24 or 48 weeks showed that those using the anti-fungal shampoo experienced no dandruff symptoms or recurrence relative to patients in the placebo group. This indicates that the popular belief that dandruff shampoos diminish their effectiveness over time is false, and instead, patients who tend to get dandruff should consistently use their antifungal dandruff shampoos, even after the dandruff seems to have been treated.
Have any additional advice for dandruff or any other hair care tips? Let us know in Comments below!
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May 31st, 2009
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Originally uploaded by Mark Interrante (aka pinhole) (flickr)
On vacation in Hawaii right now (I’m sorry, I know I’m a lucky girl and I can’t help it), I’ve had a few friends in the area (and back home in Pittsburgh) ask me what sunscreen to use for their oily/acne-prone skin.
With that said, I’ve found a few products that have very promising ingredients for that very skin type. As always, however, check with your dermatologist before trying any new products.
Best Overall: LaRoche Posay SPF 60 Fluide Extreme ($44.00, Amazon.com). The first high-SPF product I ever used, this double-formulated (Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL) milky product provides superior UVA and UVB protection without a greasy feel or telltale white streaks.
Mexoryl (ecamsule) is an ingredient in chemical sunscreens that has been available in Europe for many years, and which came to the U.S. only this year. Mexoryl, available as SX (water soluble) and XL (lipid soluble), is very effective for two reasons: one, because it is very stable [as a benzylidene camphor derivative], and two, because it absorbs light at a broader range of UVA wavelengths than many other sunscreens. After absorbing light from this broad spectrum, ecamsule undergoes photoisomerization, followed by photoexcitation, which means that it causes for UV light to be released as thermal energy rather than allowing for UV light to be absorbed into the skin and cause damage, as most chemical sunscreens do. Additionally, the combination of Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL are even more stable than each alone; however, Mexoryl XL is often not tolerated in patients with sensitive skin, and so only Mexoryl SX is featured in L’Oréal products sold in the U.S.
If your skin is not sensitive, but is oily/acne-prone, I believe this is the best product on the market. Best of all, beauty bloggers and forum contributors with oily/acne prone skin attest to its ability to protect without causing breakouts. Of course, always check with your dermatologist!
Best Drugstore Product: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 85 ($21.98 for two, Amazon.com). Let’s start off this review with a bit of disappointment: this product does not absorb nearly as sheer or dry as the LaRoche Posay SPF 60 Fluide Extreme for Face does. However, for the cost ($21.98 for 6 of the Neutrogena product versus $44.00 for 6.1 ounces of the LaRoche Posay product), Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 85 still absorbs dry and sheer enough to make it the best in the drugstore class.
The main ingredient in Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 85 is Helioplex. According to Johnson & Johnson, the parent company of Neutrogena, Helioplex is a stabilized, patented combination of oxybenzone and avobenzone that has been demonstrated in clinical tests to provide longer-lasting UVA protection than most other sunscreens. In fact, it has been documented (and cited here) that Helioplex is more photostable than even the Mexoryl SX found in the LaRoche Posay product – another reason to consider it!
Despite the superior protection, again, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 85 tends to leave telltale white streaks on the face. I personally use it everyday, but if I have an important event to attend, I automatically reach for my LaRoche Posay SPF 60 Fluide Extreme for Face .
Best Physical Protection: Physical sunscreens prevent UV light from penetrating the skin, while chemical sunscreens prevent subsequent damage after UV rays are absorbed by the skin. While some dermatologists (and research from the University of Arizona) swear by layering a chemical sunscreen under a physical sunscreen, knowing patients often prefer physical sunscreens alone because they often do not interact as much with their cosmetics (particularly when their sunscreens contain micronized zinc or titanium dioxide), and for an overall movement towards less chemicals in skin care.
With that said, the best physical sunscreen for oily/acne-prone skin that I am aware of is Mychelle Sun Shield SPF 28 ($30.67 for two 2.3 ounce tubes, Amazon.com). This sunscreen contains over 11% zinc oxide and under 1% titanium dioxide – the ideal formulation for UVA protection! According to a 1999 study by Mitchnik et al., microfine zinc oxide absorbs more UV light than titanium dioxide in the long-wave UVA spectrum, from 340 to 380 nm, and hence provides more effective UVA protection.
I personally have used the Mychelle Sun Shield SPF 28, and while I do not have oily/acne-prone skin (rather normal/sensitive), I thought that it dried well on the skin, with a minimum of white streaks. With all due honesty, I did not like it as much as the LaRoche Posay, but if you want a physical sunscreen, Mychelle Sun Shield SPF 28 may be the best out there.
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With that said, let me know you have any sunscreens that you swear by in Comments below! Please be sure to include your skin type.
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May 30th, 2009
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futurederm |
Acne Treatments, Best Products, Best Products, Product Reviews, Sunblocks, sunscreen |
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Photo originally uploaded by livinginacity (flickr)
Cosmetics companies are always trying to develop the latest and greatest new ingredients to help improve the performance of their products. One ingredient with potential to revolutionize the sunscreen industry is cerium dioxide (also known as cerium oxide). Traditionally used for polishing glass, cerium dioxide is currently being developed with other chemicals (i.e., in combination with silica, or with a turbostatic boron nitride coating) to potentially provide additional scattering and reduced absorption of UV rays, like physical and chemical sunscreens, respectively. According to the Journal of Solid State Chemistry, doped (i.e., in combination with certain other chemicals) cerium oxide provides excellent protection in the UV-visible light range in comparison with undoped cerium oxide. Cerium dioxide also has been found in a study published in SCCJ to show higher physical UV protection than a micronized titanium dioxide particle. Best of all, cerium dioxide was found to look “more natural” and “less visible” to wearers.
So what’s the catch? As of yet, the safety profile of cerium dioxide (whether doped or undoped) in skin care has not been ascertained in peer-reviewed published scientific research. However, previous concerns regarding potential radioactivity of cerium dioxide have been linked to radioactive thorium contamination in unpurified cerium dioxide, not by cerium dioxide itself. Even so, we may be waiting for a few years before we know the true efficacy of cerium dioxide, as well as its full safety profile, much less a revolutionary sunscreen.
I’ll keep on the lookout for new products with cerium dioxide! In the meantime, please let me know your thoughts or if you have any news about cerium dioxide or sunscreens in general in comments below.
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May 29th, 2009
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futurederm |
Cosmetic Dermatology News, General Cosmetic Dermatology, General Dermatology, Spotlight On..., Sunblocks, sunscreen |
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