Occasionally, a product comes along with a concept I adore. One such product is Priori Radical Defense ($120.00 retail, $110.00 on SkinCareRx.com). Named one of the 30 greatest beauty products of our time by the British Telegraph, Priori Radical Defense combines a potent dual chemical/physical broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 with antioxidant powerhouse idebenone in a side-by-side pump dispenser. Pretty clever, if I do say so myself.
Idebenone is an incredible antioxidant that is technically a stable analog of the antioxidant coenzyme Q10. Idebenone neutralizes free radicals and protects the skin from many UV-induced reactive oxidative species, according to the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Idebenone use for six weeks was found in a 2005 double-blind study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology to result in significant improvements in aging: in the study, forty-one female subjects, aged 30-65, with moderate photodamaged skin used creams with either 0.5% or 1.0% idebenone. After one-and-a-half months’ use of the 1.0% idebenone formula, a 26% reduction in skin roughness/dryness was observed, a 37% increase in skin hydration, a 29% reduction in fine lines/wrinkles, and a 33% improvement in overall global assessment of photodamaged skin. For the 0.5% idebenone formulation, a 23% reduction in skin roughness/dryness was observed, a 37% increase in skin hydration, a 27% reduction in fine lines/wrinkles, and a 30% improvement in overall global assessment of photodamaged skin.
In comparison with other antioxidants, idebenone is more effective at reducing oxidative stress than vitamin E, kinetin, ubiquinone, vitamin C, and lipoic acid, according to a 2007 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, and is second in antioxidant protection only to antioxidant powerhouse coffeeberry, found in the Revale Skin line.
In comparison with the other most potent antioxidant-sunscreen combination product, Revale Skin SPF 30 with CoffeeBerry ($72.00, Amazon.com), Priori Radical Defense contains a far better sunscreen combination. While Revale Skin SPF 30 with CoffeeBerry only offers SPF 15 and standard UVA protection, Priori Radical Defense protects with physical sunscreen (zinc oxide 8%) that prevents UV rays from hitting the skin, as well as chemical sunscreens (octinoxate 7.5%, octisalate 5%, and oxybenzone 5%) to prevent contacted UV rays from damaging the skin. Unfortunately, the idebenone in Priori Radical Defense is not as potent an antioxidant as the coffee berry in Revale Skin SPF 30 with CoffeeBerry, and some individuals (myself included) also experience sensitivity after idebenone use.
With that said, the following is the way I see it: If you are looking for potent antioxidant-sunscreen protection, and your skin is NOT sensitive, I say go with Priori Radical Defense, for the best sunscreen. However, if your skin IS sensitive, I say go with Revale Skin SPF 30 with CoffeeBerry. And because different antioxidants neutralize free radicals in different ways, it’s always a great idea to mix up the antioxidants you use. Try Priori Radical Defense during the day and Revale Skin Night Cream at night, OR Revale Skin SPF 30 with CoffeeBerry during the day and Priori Night Cream at night. No matter how you go, it’s a win-win! 
Product rating: 9.5/10 (High concentration of effective ingredients: 3/3. Novel technology: 3/3. Value for the money: 2,5/3. Sunscreen: 1/1).
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July 18th, 2008
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futurederm |
Anti-Aging Treatments, Antioxidant Treatments, Best Products, Best Products, Product Reviews, sunscreen |
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Recently, I was surprised to find a line that gives whole new meaning to the word “cosmeceutical”: Exederm Ultra Sensitive Skin Care. Exederm is a line formulated for sensitive skin that contains no colors, parabens, lanolin, fragrance, sodium lauryl sulfate or formaldehyde. But what really surprised me about Exederm products was relatively high non-prescription concentration of hydrocortisone in the Flare Control Cream - 1%.
Hydrocortisone is a synthetic form of the stress hormone, cortisol, that used to be known as Compound E. Hydrocortisone was developed in order to treat allergic reactions and inflammation, and is used in concentrations of 0.5-1% (as in Exederm products) to treat sensitive skin symptoms. To treat sensitive skin and mild rashes, Exederm should be applied 2-3 times a week until symptoms cease.
Because hydrocortisone is absorbed in the bloodstream, it is well-known that prescription strength hydrocortisone can cause a variety of undesirable side effects (excess hair growth, burning, redness) with repeated use over time. For this reason, I personally use Exederm whenever I have contact dermatitis from trying a new product, and keep it in my medicine cabinet for those emergency cases. I wouldn’t personally use the Flare Control Cream for longer than two weeks at a time, to prevent side effects from occurring.
Exederm Cleansing Wash goes on without a lot of bubbles, which makes sense, with the low concentration of surfactants. Still, it leaves skin feeling clean without feeling dry or tight. The fact that the facial wash is completely free of oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, color, parabens, fragrance, formaldehyde and hydrocortisone makes it perfect for daily use.
Exederm Flare Control Cream contains 1% hydrocortisone, making it extremely effective but not suitable for long-term use. However, it is very effective against red, irritated, and itchy skin; in fact, I would venture to say that this is the next best thing to a prescription, since a doctor would give you 2-4% hydrocortisone, whereas this is 1%. I used it on a patch of poison ivy for the past 2 days (I just got a dog, and I chased her through a park…not a good idea, haha), and it really alleviated the itch. Ahhh….
Exederm Intensive Moisture Cream goes on light, but once on, you can tell that the second ingredient is super hydrator petrolatum. It is very hydrating and feels cooling on a rash. It doesn’t contain anti-aging ingredients or sunscreen, but it is a solid moisturizer that is suitable for anyone with sensitive skin.
Overall, I’m very impressed with the Exederm Ultra Sensitive Skin Care line. I especially love the Exederm Cleansing Wash for everyday and the Flare Control Cream for itchy redness for two week intervals. Overall, I give this line a solid 9/10. (High concentration of well-proven ingredients: 3/3. Unique formulation: 3/3. Value for the money: 3/3. Sunscreen: 0/1).
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July 15th, 2008
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futurederm |
Best Products, Best Products, Dry Skin Treatments, How to Get Rid of..., Product Reviews, Spotlight On..., eczema treatments |
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Although the question as to whether or not there are definite advantages for natural skin care is still open, Aveda’s new Green Science Skin Care makes a strong case for the natural side of things. Aveda’s new line combines scientifically proven plant-derived ingredients with natural production methods (wind power!) and packaging to create a truly effective, yet earth-savvy, skin care line.
The active ingredients in the Green Science line include argan oil, which has received a lot of media attention because of its fair trade deal with the Targanine Cooperative, However, according to experts cited in Elle, magazine (June 2008), argan oil has three times the amount of antioxidant vitamin E found in olive oil. Further, Pat Peterson, the executive director of research and development for Aveda, tells the magazine, “The antioxidants and fatty acids work synergistically to stop inflammation.” According to Aveda’s in-house clinical tests, subjects showed a 38 percent improvement in lines after eight weeks of using the Green Science cream.
A second key ingredient in Aveda Green Science skin care, plai oil, has been cited in this 2003 report as having antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition activity. A second study in Phytotherapy Research demonstrated that plai oil may have antimicrobial activity as well. This indicates that plai oil shows promise as a natural anti-aging skin care ingredient, though additional studies need to be conducted to determine just how much promise. Aveda further stresses that its plai oil sources are from rural and indigenous farmers in Thailand.
Other natural ingredients in the Aveda Green Science line include organic cactus, which shows some promise as a collagen production stimulant, glucosamine, which increases skin’s brightness somewhat, and boswellia, a natural anti-inflammatory.
Overall, if someone is committed to using only natural skin care, then Aveda Green Science Skin Care is a great way to go, as the ingredients are well-established for all-natural ingredients, the packaging is 100% post-consumer recycled PET jar, and even the manufacturing is 100% all-wind power. Just one caveat: with a list of ingredients this extensive, those with extremely sensitive skin may want to use the product with caution (or at least try it from a merchant with a forgiving return policy). All in all, though, an excellent line, one I give a solid 9/10.
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July 8th, 2008
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futurederm |
Anti-Aging Treatments, Best Products, Best Products, Natural Products |
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After a few days of using Skinceuticals’ new Phloretin CF instead of my beloved Skinceuticals CE Ferulic,
I have come to a surprising decision on what works best: using both together!
After speaking to a friend in the beauty business, it was suggested that perhaps Skinceuticals manufactured Phloretin CF without vitamin E so that CE Ferulic fans would buy Phloretin CF in addition to, rather than instead of, CE Ferulic. This logic also made since because my (normal, somewhat sensitive) skin felt awfully dry after three days’ use of solely Phloretin CF. However, during that time, I felt that Phloretin CF on its own made my undereye skin look somewhat firmer.
For the next week, I used Phloretin CF and CE Ferulic together, with the product with the thinner consistency (Phloretin CF) underneath. The results really were extraordinary: my skin looks extremely smooth, to the point that indoor light reflects from it. The sunspot under my right eye (from a childhood vacation in Florida, don’t ask, haha) also looks a bit lighter. I personally love the idea of getting 2% phloretin, 10% vitamin C as L-ascorbic acid, and 0.5% ferulic acid in Phloretin CF and also 1% vitamin E as tocopherol acetate, 15% vitamin C as L-ascorbic acid, and 0.5% ferulic acid in CE Ferulic. There is no known reported research indicating that the mixture can in any way be detrimental to the skin.
However, for the record, Skinceuticals states that Phloretin CF and CE Ferulic are made to address “different photo-aging concerns and skin types.” According to a recent company brochure, the new Phloretin CF is designed:
- for oily, problematic, and normal skin
- to diminish age spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation
- to accelerate cell renewal
- to improve laxity
- to retexturize skin
On the other hand, according to the brochure, CE Ferulic is best suited:
- for dry, combination, and normal skin
- to replenish lipids
- to stimulate collagen synthesis
- to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
With that said, I offer the following advice: If you have normal skin, and can afford to use both products, I would do so to get increased antioxidant protection, increased skin firmness, and truly advanced hyperpigmentation treatment. (And I am not affiliated with Skinceuticals in any way, so I am saying this as an unbiased, unpaid recommendation! ) However, if you have dry skin, I would recommend only CE Ferulic, because Phloretin CF tends to dry out the skin. And, if you have oily skin, I would conversely recommend trying both Phloretin CF and CE Ferulic, because CE Ferulic is not as hydrating as Phloretin CF is drying. However, if your oily skin breaks out after using CE Ferulic, then definitely use only Phloretin CF. (Get your CE Ferulic from a company with a forgiving return policy like Amazon!)
I am truly loving my Phloretin CF and CE Ferulic in combination, and I hope that you find this post helpful too!
P.S.– Keep commenting! The FutureDerm and Skinmedix.com $500 skincare giveaway is this Friday, June 19, 2008!
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June 16th, 2008
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Anti-Aging Treatments, Antioxidant Treatments, Best Products, Best Products, Product Reviews |
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Being a beauty blogger has its perks: for one, you have to try lots of products! Of course, being a beauty blogger also has its detriments: you have to try lots of products, and some of these products are not always good for my normal, but somewhat sensitive, skin.
That’s why I was happy to come across the Skin Scientifica T’Fivve line, which claims to be “perfect for those who are ready for an anti-aging regimen, but are hesitant to use existing products because of skin sensitivity to traditional ingredients. Instead of the typical anti-aging ingredients, the T’Fivve line largely depends on hydration systems, vitamin C, peptides, and K6PC5, an ingredient the company deems “a skin…activator that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.” Although research on K6PC5 seems extremely limited (only research conducted by the company itself could be found), K6PC5 reportedly activates the keratinocyte (skin cell) differentiation, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen synthesis without irritating the skin. Best of all, the company claims that K6PC5 is not deteriorated by light or heat, like many antioxidants. However, one should keep in mind that I could not find whether the studies on K6PC5 were double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center, split-face, etc.
Of all the Skin Scientifica products, my favorite is the T’Fivve Anti-Aging Eye Repair Serum ($65.00, SkinScientifica.com). The cream features K6PC5, undereye-brightening and firming niacinamide in relatively high concentration, antioxidant vitamin C and firming peptides as ascorbyl pentapeptide, and a very hydrating complex with a largely silicone base. The cream leaves skin feeling smooth, and a relatively high concentration of silica particles gives the undereye area an instant cosmetic sheen. Because T’Fivve Anti-Aging Eye Repair Serum takes a few minutes to dry on the skin, I personally like to apply the eye cream, brush my teeth, and then put make-up on the undereye area. It leaves the area cool and smooth.
Over time, with the skin-firming, hydrating, and antioxidant properties of T’Fivve Anti-Aging Eye Repair Serum, this repair serum can help to prevent future signs of damage from occurring. Are there better, more potent eye creams out there? Certainly. However, the strength of T’Fivve Anti-Aging Eye Repair Serum is that it is gentle enough for sensitive skin, but still tough enough to fight free radicals, dryness, dullness, and future loss of firmness for those patients. I give it a solid 9/10. (High concentration of well-researched ingredients: 3/3. Unique formulation or new technology: 3+/3. Value for the money: 2.5/3. Sunscreen: 0.5/1, with a deduction of only -0.5 because this eye serum may be desirable to use at night as well.)
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June 14th, 2008
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futurederm |
Anti-Aging Treatments, Best Products, Best Products, Product Reviews |
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If you read my blog enough, you know that I am a diehard Skinceuticals CE Ferulic junkie. I would probably inject, inhale, and snort the $128 serum if it were possible to do so. (And yes, this is me being sarcastic, haha.)
So imagine my surprise when I discovered that Skinceuticals has a new serum: Skinceuticals Phloretin CF ($128.00, Skinmedix.com). It’s kind-of like CE Ferulic was a Harvard grad, only to have its baby cousin Phloretin CF emerge and become a Rhodes Scholar: Phloretin CF is just that amazing. Preliminary research demonstrates that it is basically a super antioxidant that not only fights free radicals, but also protects against DNA damage and penetrates well into the skin. As said in June 2008 issue of Oprah, “Phloretin, a natural extract that’s been studied as an anticancer agent, is the newest antioxidant available topically; research has shown it can penetrate the skin and provide significant UV protection.” According to Dr. Brenton B. Koch, M.D., F.A.C.S., SkinCeuticals developed Phloretin CF after five extensive years of research. Dr. Koch elaborates in his blog, “This powerhouse formulation divides and conquers when it comes to damage at every level. Phloretin CF protects against not only free radicals, but the range of other reactive molecules known to cause damage and DNA mutations among integral cell types. In addition, it corrects existing damage by stimulating the synthesis of essential proteins and fibers and accelerating cell turnover.” Additional research in The Journal of Biological Chemistry shows that phloretin is an inhibitor of sugar transport amongst red blood cells, which holds some level of promise as to the role phloretin may play in AGE formation and the subsequent hardening of the skin’s collagen.
So how does Phloretin CF differ from CE Ferulic? Basically, Skinceuticals:
- removed all the vitamin E (1% to 0%) and 5% of the vitamin C from CE Ferulic (from 15% to 10%)
- kept the same level of ferulic acid as an antioxidant stabilizer (0.5%)
- added in 2% phloretin (from 0% to 2%)
What is exciting about this is that 2% phloretin reportedly is a very powerful antioxidant, not only fighting free radicals, but also protecting DNA from future damage and penetrating the skin in a way the ingredients in CE Ferulic were not shown to in published research. What is not exciting is that the product not only contains less vitamin C than CE Ferulic, but took out the vitamin E altogether, and vitamin C and vitamin E in combination have many well-established functions together, including prevention of the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines and enhancing the photoprotective effects of sunscreen, as vitamin C has been reported to enhance UVA protection, whereas vitamin E is more effective against UVB radiation. Vitamin C and vitamin E are also two antioxidants that are able to “borrow” an electron to enhance one another.
So which is better? The word is still out, until some brilliant scientist decides to do a comparison study of 15% L-ascorbic acid and 0.5% vitamin E versus 10% L-ascorbic acid and 2.0% phloretin. I say, if you are a cautious person, stick to the proven CE Ferulic until more research inevitably surfaces. (And my own personal experience from doing a switch to Phloretin CF, which will be available on the blog on June 17. ) On the other hand, if you are a trendy person who likes to be the first to try new things, then I would try Phloretin CF, because it is likely that 2.0% phloretin is equally or even more effective than 0.5% vitamin E, though one cannot be sure of such a thought.
At any rate, I love Phloretin CF! Be sure to come back on June 17 (and hopefully before, haha) to get the full scoop on my personal experiences from the switch!
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June 2nd, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Anti-Aging Treatments, Antioxidant Treatments, Best Products, Best Products, Cosmetic Dermatology News, Firming Treatments, Hyperpigmentation Treatments, Product Reviews |
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Ah, just when I think I’ve heard it all, I run across MaMa Lotion ($44.50, Cosmeticville.com). A dermatological-grade potent combination of 20% unique alpha hydroxy acids (10% mandelic acid, 10% malic acid), MaMa Lotion has what it takes to become a new regular in my skin care line-up, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, freckles, acne blemishes, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, melasma, ingrown hairs, and rough skin.
One of the main ingredients in MaMa Lotion, mandelic acid, is an alpha hydroxy acid derived from almonds. According to research published in the journal Tetrahedron, mandelic acid is a potent antioxidant, preventing skin lipid peroxidation when applied topically. A review in Clinics in Dermatology further affirms that mandelic acid is an AHA tat is able to treat signs of photoaging (including skin roughness and fine lines). Interestingly enough, mandelic acid is also used at 0.5% in antimicrobial solutions as an activating solution for 0.1% sodium chlorite.
Malic acid (hydroxybutanedioic acid) is an alpha hydroxy acid that is found naturally in apples. In the Journal of Dermatology, a published study found that a combination of malic acid and glycolic acid increased cell proliferation and functional activation of fibroblasts, indicating that the ingredient is effective in stimulating collagen production. Although it has been reported in the International Journal of Skin Science that malic acid is somewhat less effective than the alpha hydroxy acids glycolic acid and lactic acid, in combination with other AHAs (like the mandelic acid in MaMa Lotion), malic acid has been reported to have great efficacy in treating skin roughness, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Unlike the other AHAs, malic acid has also been demonstrated to have some level of anti-microbial activity, as reported in The American Journal of Enology and Viticulture.
Skin following 1 month treatment with MaMa Lotion.
MaMa Lotion is a very strong and effective product, with 20% AHAs and a pH of 2.5. For this reason, special instructions are necessary for those using MaMa Lotion; namely, MaMa Lotion should not be used more than twice a week for the first few weeks, and usage can then be increased to every other day or everyday, depending on the skin’s tolerance of the product. A gentle, broad-spectrum sunscreen, like LaRoche Posay, should be used everyday in conjunction with the product, and other products with AHAs, retinol, and the sun should be avoided. Those with darker skin should additionally consult this page for further instructions.
Although MaMa Lotion goes on very thick, it absorbs into the skin within 10-15 minutes, leaving the skin extremely smooth. The treatment can also be used on rough areas like the knees, elbows, and feet (with appropriate sun protection on these areas, of course!) With that said, I love MaMa Lotion. Although the very potent product does need to be used with caution, when used properly and in conjunction with proper sun protection, it really gives skin a fantastic glow! Product rating: 9.5/10. (High concentration of effective ingredients: 3+/3. New technology or unique formulation: 3/3. Value for the money: 3/3. Sunscreen: 0.5/1; there is no sunscreen in this product, but it should only be used at night anyway, so it is only a 0.5 deduction).
If you would like to try MaMa Lotion, Cosmeticville.com is currently giving away a free sample of MaMa lotion with any purchase! In the comments box at checkout, put - MaMa Lotion Sample. For more information, please visit Cosmeticville.com.
Water, Mandelic Acid, Malic Acid, Algae Extract, Polyacrylamide, Potassium Hydroxide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Ubiquinone, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Fragrance, Squalane, Laureth-7, Tetrasodium EDTA, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben and Butylparaben.
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June 2nd, 2008
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futurederm |
Acne Treatments, Anti-Aging Treatments, Best Products, Best Products, Best Skincare Gifts, Firming Treatments, Hyperpigmentation Treatments, Offers and Promotions, Pore Size Treatments, Product Reviews, Special Offers, Wrinkle Treatments |
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Every once in a while, I am really impressed with a product not so much for the ingredients, but for the way the ingredients come together to make a truly great formulation. That is the case with Gloves in a Bottle ($9.99, Amazon.com). Designed as a shielding lotion, Gloves in a Bottle works by forming a delicate protective barrier on the skin that keeps oils and moisture sealed into the skin.
The secret of Gloves in a Bottle is mainly dimethicone, a silicone that has been proven to seal moisture into the skin. Dimethicone has also been found to prevent certain bacteria from infecting the skin, as reported in this 2002 study in the Journal of Parasitology. I know that it seems almost outrageous that a skin lotion would be able to protect the skin from bacteria, but the claim appears to be sound, making Gloves in a Bottle particularly desirable for those in the healthcare professions, in which frequent hand washing strips the hands of moisture and in which keeping levels of bacteria low is a must.
After my mother and I used Gloves in a Bottle for two weeks, we both thought that it made our skin softer. My mother said that it made her skin less dry after washing her hands. I actually started to keep Gloves in a Bottle in a dispenser by the bathroom sink. I also used Gloves in a Bottle as a foot cream, and found that it made my feet softer, smoother, and more hydrated.
Of course, I am not saying Gloves in a Bottle is a miracle anti-aging product: it has no antioxidants, retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids, or sunscreen to protect against signs of aging. However, if dry skin is your primary concern, I highly recommend Gloves in a Bottle anyway - it truly is very effective in treating dry skin! Product rating: 9/10 (High concentration of proven ingredients: 3/3. New technology or formulation: 3/3. Value for the money: 3/3. Sunscreen: 0/1).
For LOTS more about Gloves in a Bottle, please visit www.GlovesInABottle.com!
Ingredients in Gloves in a Bottle
Purified Water, Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Stearyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Xanthan Gum, Hypromellose, PVP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Steareth 21, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben
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June 1st, 2008
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futurederm |
Best Products, Best Products, Dry Skin Treatments, Hand Treatments, Product Reviews |
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Avril Lavigne has perfect skin - and is a fan of Olay Definity, according to the June 2, 2008 issue of OK! Magazine. Photo source: ChrisOnRails.Wordpress.com
Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer ($11.69, Amazon.com) claims to “penetrate 10 surface layers of skin” to treat “discoloration, dullness, brown spots, and wrinkles for luminous skin.” Sounds great…and affordable too!
Unfortunately, this is an instance of a great product with a claim that frustrates me. The statement “penetrating 10 surface layers deep” is actually an impossibility. The epidermis, the surface layer of the skin, only has five layers: stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum. To imply “10 surface layers” indicates that the company is employing its own skin layer-numbering system, and really, who knows how deep each of these 10 new layers even goes?!
Which is unfortunate, really, because Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer is actually a great product. It contains a fairly high concentration of niacinamide and glucosamine, two ingredients that have been proven in numerous studies to reduce the appearance of age spots and increase skin’s brightness with regular use over time. Niacinamide has also been shown by Bissett et. al (amongst others) to increase skin’s hydration levels and reduce the appearance of fine lines wrinkles over time. The moisturizer further rises to greatness with the inclusion of aloe and vitamin E, both of which have been proven to soothe and hydrate the skin.
After using Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer the first time, dry skin flaked off like crazy, which I thought was especially great, considering that I keep my skin very well-moisturized! It was a nice, completely unexpected effect! The texture of the foam is very light, which I also liked a lot, making the foam perfect for applying before sunscreen each morning and a heavier moisturizer at night. In fact, the moisturizer is designed before morning use with Olay Definity Deep Penetrating UV Moisturizer SPF 15, which has a thicker texture and offers some sun protection. Personally, because I like a higher SPF, I use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 85 after [Skinceuticals CE Ferulic and] Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer, but Olay Definity Deep Penetrating UV Moisturizer SPF 15 works well too.
Overall, although the “10 layers of skin” claim initially bothered me, when I realized that the product has effective, scientifically-proven ingredients, hydrates, and works very well under sunscreen, I was willing to give Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer a break — and a permanent place on my bathroom shelf! Definitely a winner, and a must-have for skin care fanatics. Product rating: 8.5/10 (High concentration of proven ingredients: 3/3. New technology: 3/3. Value for the money: 3/3. Sunscreen: 0/1. And a -0.5, just because, let’s face it, I had to do something about the “layers of skin”!! 
)
Active Ingredients: Octisalate (3.8%), Avobenzone (1.9%), Ensulizole (0.95%), Octocrylene (0.95%)
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Isopropyl Isostearate, Isobutane, Propane, Acetyl Glucosamine, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Polyethylene, Triethanolamine, Panthenol, Polysorbate 20, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylparaben, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG 100 Stearate, Propylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Methylparaben, Pentadecalactone, Carthamus Tinctoria (Safflower) Seed Oil, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Soluble Collagen, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, Plankton Extract, Phosphoric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Mica
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May 28th, 2008
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futurederm |
Best Products, Best Products, Product Reviews, Uncategorized |
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So, recently, I started trying a lot of skin care creams (hey, a blogger’s gotta do what a blogger’s gotta do. ) And, what do you know, I ended up with a pretty bad case of contact dermatitis, resulting in a horrible itchy rash that not even two weeks’ worth of prescription hydrocortisone could cure.
But then someone turned me on to Intelligent Aesthetics Gentle Cleansing Gel ($30.00), Comforting Skin Primer ($20.00) and AM/PM Healing Complex ($28.00). Immediately after using the products, my red, inflamed skin felt smoother and cooler. (And no, as usual, I am not being paid to say this.) The next day, my skin looked to be healing, and it felt comfortable for the first time in weeks. I’m not completely cured yet, but let me tell you, I am well on my way and I love this stuff.
Science backs it up, too. Two of the ingredients in the Intelligent Aesthetics Gentle Cleansing System are willow extract and chamomile, which have been shown in numerous studies to have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Another great ingredient is oat extract. A 2002 study in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology found that topical application of practical concentrations of Avena Sativa (Oat) Extract reduced skin irritation in the majority of the individuals studied. Avena Sativa (Oat) extract has also been documented to be effective as a soothing and anti-inflammatory agent in the journal Phytotherapy. Other great ingredients in the line include hydrating vitamin E, anti-aging retinyl palmitate, and antioxidant vitamin C.
But my favorite ingredient in Intelligent Aesthetics Gentle Cleansing System is actually the blend of peppermint and spearmint extracts. Although the menthol that distinguishes peppermint from spearmint is sometimes touted as an irritant, both peppermint and spearmint have long been established as anti-inflammatory agents, according to the text Herbal Medicine and Botanical Medical Fields. The blend of mint extracts left my skin feeling cool, clean, and refreshed…completely unlike the itchy discomfort of contact dermatitis.
I highly recommend this line to anyone without a menthol allergy who is suffering from irritated skin! I love it!! 9.5/10 (no sunscreen)
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May 20th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Best Products, Best Products, Best Skincare Gifts, Dry Skin Treatments, Uncategorized, eczema treatments |
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