Tag Archives: anti-aging skincare

How to Dramatically Improve Your Complexion

Product Review: Ageless Derma Stem Cell and Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Cream, $65 at agelessderma.com

Since I only report on the products I truly believe in I’m happy to inform you I have another great one to share with you.

Ageless Derma’s Stem Cell and Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Cream combines seven powerful and clinically proven anti-aging ingredients for one of the most effective anti-aging creams available without a prescription. Containing plant stem cells as well as special ingredients that mimic the effects of botox and fillers without any injections it greatly diminishes lines and wrinkles (including crows feet!) and improves skin-tone and elasticity for a firmer, smoother, brighter, younger looking complexion.

Powerhouse ingredients:

  1. Argireline reduces the depth of wrinkles in the face, especially in the forehead and around the eyes, by reducing muscle contraction.
  2. Coenzyme 10 is an antioxidant that helps the skin to retain moisture and prevents damage to collagen and elastin production.
  3. Matrixyl 3000 improves skin tone and elasticity.
  4. PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica uses the stem cells of a rare Swiss apple famed for its longevity – the Uttwiler Spätlauber – to improve the longevity of human skin cells, protect the skin from UV damage, and assist genes that repair DNA.
  5. Sodium Hyaluronate draws moisture to the skin and maintains the integrity of the barrier function.
  6. Syn®-Coll mimics the body’s mechanisms to produce collagen.
  7. Vialox Powder significantly lessens muscle contraction as an injection-free altnerative to Botox.

To purchase: Ageless Derma Stem Cell and Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Cream, $65 at agelessderma.com

 

 

 

OroGold Rush!

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I recently met Denise Richards, accomplished actress and new face of OroGold Cosmetics. We were at the Grand Opening of NYC’s OroGold  store for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and Q&A session.

I have to admit, I’m a gossip junkie so I was more than excited to meet Denise and ask away…but then I found out I wasn’t allowed to ask any personal questions. What I was allowed to ask her about was beauty. And truth be told, this collaboration might help explain why she looks like she hasn’t aged a bit. Though she credits her looks with a clean, healthy lifestyle, eating lots of fruit, vegetables, olive oil and avocados she also uses OroGold’s skincare products containing pure 24K gold and cutting-edge ingredients. She absolutely raved about the Termica Energizing Mask, $598, which she says “you can actually feel working–you put it on and it heats up your skin and goes to work.” The heating action opens the pores allowing the active Vitamins A, C, E and Algae extract to really penetrate.  Another favorite is the 24K Vitamin C Booster Serum, $198, for instant illumination and anti-aging properties.

There’s no doubt about it, in person Denise is even more stunning than she is in photos…and that’s saying something. She has a glowing complexion and that “it” factor that can’t quite be quantified. The Denise I met seems smart, hard-working, down-to earth, relatable and clearly has very good taste in beauty products. For more information or to purchase, go to www.orogoldcosmetics.com.

 

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Giveaway: 10 Lucky Readers Will Win Asap Super B Complex!!!

Product Review: ASAP Super B Complex, $89 at SkinStore.com.

For the past few weeks I’ve been using Asap Super B Complex, a hydrating serum containing a high concentration of Niacinamide and other B Vitamins known to boost hydration, give you a more even-toned complexion, reduce redness and even strengthen your skin’s outer protective barrier. It’s great for everyone but ideal if you have dry, sensitive or rosacea prone skin like I do. I’ve been applying one pump of this silky smooth serum twice a day–in the morning on bare, cleansed skin and in the evening with my retinol product (for extra anti-aging benefits). My complexion is softer, smoother and more moisturized with a healthy and radiant glow. You’ll love it!

Get Lucky & Win it!

Asap Skin Products is giving away their Super B Complex to 10 lucky thebeautywall.com readers. Don’t miss out!

To enter:

  1. You must be a subscriber to this blog, thebeautywall.com to win. If you’re not already one, simply enter your e-mail address on the home page and click the aqua subscribe button.
  2. Leave a comment for this story with your name and e-mail address so I can contact you for details if you win. ***Earn an additional entry by forwarding this post to a friend or sharing it on your facebook wall. Let me know you’ve done that in your comment.
  3. Ten (10) winners will be randomly selected by end of day Sunday, 8/11/13 and notified via e-mail.

GOOD LUCK! xoxoNancy

 

 

Eye Cream Extraordinaire

Product Review: Replere by Dr. Debbie Palmer Renew & Firm Eye Serum, $98 at www.replere.com.

The good thing about being a beauty writer is I get to test a lot of products. Unfortunately, that’s also the bad thing about being a beauty writer because when I love a product I’m not so eager to move on in my search for the next great thing. That’s what happened to me with Replere by Dr. Debbie Palmer Renew & Firm Eye Serum.

A few weeks ago Replere’s publicist asked me to give Renew & Firm a try. I’ve been using it religiously for over a month now and it totally exceeded my expectations! My dark circles have really faded and  my under eye area actually appears tighter and brighter. I’m not so quick to put on my under-eye concealer in the morning.

Dr. Debbie Palmer’s entire skincare line is antioxidant focused and free of parabens (chemical preservatives), fragrances and dyes, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Renew & Firm contains hyaluronic acid and olive oil to hydrate plus super-powerful antioxidants including vitamins A, C & E, the berry of the coffee plant, green tea, goji and acai berries and grapeseed and works best when layered under a hydrating eye cream. The $98 cost might seem high but a little goes a long way–it lasts you 3 months.

(photography courtesy of Chadwick)

Doctor’s Orders: What you Should Be Doing Every Day

The Location:  Club Metropolitan, NYC.

The Topic:  Anti-aging.

The Mood:  Relaxed, cocktail party-ish vibe.

While sipping wine and enjoying apps and bite-size desserts I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Jeannette Graf, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. She was there to talk about anti-aging, specifically on how we can stop the aging process. She’s a big believer in diet and lifestyle but says “the right skin care plays a crucial role to stop aging now.”

Dr. Graf explained how our cells are hard-wired to function differently during the day when they’re in protective mode vs. the night when our bodies are at rest and our cells are renewing and repairing damage. Our pH levels,  sebum, antioxidant production and more support this. “We can help this process along with the right products,” says Graf. “The bare minimum you should be doing is applying sunscreen during the day and a retinol product at night.”

MORNING: According to Dr. Graf the number one daytime anti-aging product to use is broad spectrum sun protection. It’s the most important thing you can do for your skin.

  • Use it each and every day. Incorporate it into your morning routine, the way you brush your teeth.
  • Use an SPF50 or greater in late spring through early fall since the sun’s UVB rays are stronger then. In late fall through early spring you can stick with an SPF30.
  • Apply 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply every 40 minutes.
  • Sunscreens with added antioxidants like Vitamin C and E will further enhance protection from environmental pollutants.
  • Apply it even if you’ll be in the shade or it’s cloudy out.

Try: Glytone Suncare Block Sunscreen Lotion, $37 at dermshop.com or Neutrogena Age Shield Sunblock, $9.99 at target.com.

EVENING: While you rest, your cells are in renewal mode. Dr. Graf believes “no matter what your age, complexion or skin type, retinol (Vitamin A) is the most important  skin care ingredient to help your skin renew itself.”  Retinol has been clinically proven to regulate skin repair on a molecular level. It will decrease fine lines and wrinkles, improve collagen production, enhance elasticity, improve tone and texture and target hyperpigmentation.  There are multiple forms of retinol available in prescription and over-the-counter strength. Look for retinol, retinaldehyde and retinyl palmitate.

  • Only apply your retinol product at night.
  • Don’t apply on damp skin. It will absorb unevenly, increasing your chance of sensitivity.
  • To avoid irritation, use every other day and start with the lowest percentage retinol cream and increase up from there as you find your skin tolerating it well.
  • When using a retinol product, always apply sunscreen during the day.
  • Continue using to maintain your results.

Try: Glytone Enhance Night Renewal Cream, $72 at dermstore.com, Eau Thermale Avene Retrinol+0.1 Cream, $69 at dermstore.com or SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5, $55 at skinceuticals.com.

 

The Hot New BB Cream? A CC Cream!

The hot new BB Cream is a CC Cream!

Beauty Balms (aka BB Creams) have enjoyed their time in the spotlight thanks to multiple benefits of an all-in-one moisturizer, primer, sun protection and a light foundation. Color Correctors (aka CC Creams) are the latest take on this craze. Similar to the BB Cream they do all of the above but also address specific complexion concerns like dullness or discoloration while adding a bit more coverage. Both are lighter than your traditional foundation.

Your skin type, desired coverage and even the weather (dry vs. humid conditions) will all influence your preference.

BB & CC Beauty Tips:

  • Apply sunscreen before your BB or CC Cream to ensure you’re getting adequate sun protection.
  • Blend with your usual foundation when looking for more coverage.
  • If skin is oily, use it as a primer to help set your makeup. If skin is dry, mix in a little moisturizer for extra hydration.

To Try:

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF30 , $42 at sephora.com

Ole Henrikson Perfect Truth CC Creme Broad Spectrum SPF30, $36, available at sephora.com

Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm Broad Spectrum SPF20, $34, available at sephora.com

 

About Face: How to Look your Best at any Age

If you’re one of the lucky ones you get the opportunity to grow old. And if you’re one of the wise ones you choose to grow old gracefully. I find that growing old gracefully has everything to do with attitude and very little to do with looks. It’s about embracing life and living it to the fullest no matter where you are number-wise. Growing older is one thing, looking it is another thing altogether!

A little effort goes a long way in the beauty department. To look your best:

  • Eat healthy. Fill up on antioxidant and nutrient rich fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.
  • Stay active. Experts recommend a few hours of aerobic exercise and 2-3 days of strength training weekly.
  • Treat topically. Anti-aging topical treatments like Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHA & BHA) can lessen fine lines, Vitamin A derivatives (tretinoin and retinol) will help build collagen and thicken the skin, Vitamin C will improve skin tone and texture and Vitamin E moisturizes and heals.
  • Protect daily with sunscreen. Look at the ingredient list and choose a product containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to make sure you’re getting broad spectrum protection from both the UVA and UVB rays.

There’s also much that can be done in a doctor’s office. To educate yourself on the latest anti-aging options available I highly recommend The Face of the Future, Look Natural, Not Plastic: A Less-Invasive Approach to Enhance Your Beauty And Reverse Facial Aging, by Andrew A. Jacono, MD, FACS, an interesting and informative read on the latest facial rejuvenating procedures, from non-invasive to surgical treatments. This book demystifies topical treatments, peels, injectables, lasers, energy-based tightening treatments, face-lifts and numerous other procedures. You’ll also find how to get the most from your skin care regimen, advice on choosing a doctor, what does and doesn’t work, before and after photos  and so much more.

For more info. on Dr. Jacono, click here.

Great New Skincare Line! POE

Product Review: POE

As a beauty expert, I’m asked to test new products all the time and I can say without a doubt POE (Purity of Elements) is a new skincare company worth writing about! Founded by a mother/daughter duo (Sheri Poe and Danielle Birrittella) looking for a simpler skincare regimen, there are two basic lines, one preventative and one restorative with anti-aging products for radiant skin at any age.

I sampled from the restorative kit:

  1. I applied a generous amount of the Mandarin Marine Moisture Mask to clean skin and left it on for 10 minutes. This gel felt cool as it dried and I could actually feel it working. After 10 minutes, I rinsed with tepid water and saw an immediate improvement. Packed with Vitamin C and Ginger Root Extract, it gave me back my healthy glow!
  2. After patting dry, I followed the mask with the H2Poe Hydrating Serum. It’s formulated with Lactic and Hyaluronic Acids, Peptides, Collagen, Antioxidants and other super-charged ingredients for major rejuvenating effects.
  3. Lastly, I topped off the serum with the Radical Renewal Hydrating Cream, a super-moisturizer that not only hydrates but helps reverse damage thanks to ingredients like Retinol, Avocado Oil and Fatty Acids.

Fantastic results! POE Skin Care Collection, $18 – $84, available at www.purityofelements.com.