Retinols are Vitamin A derivatives, which include prescription and OTC (over the counter.) Although prescription strength retinols are more potent , OTC strength has been hailed as an anti-aging staple with impressive results. Retinols were originally used to treat acne, but dermatologists quickly noticed the potential to treat a wider range of concerns from Photodamage to fine lines. Retinol works by enhancing cellular performance. It can boost cell turnover, build collagen, and fight acne. Retinol is a communicator that signals aging cells to continue their renewal process, it works on the molecular level binding to DNA. Retinol is a true multitasker it works intrinsically and extrinsically on the skin, making cells more organized, improving texture and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne, hyper-pigmentation, and dullness. Check out this amazing product with the maximum amount of Retinol allowed. Antioxidant Infusion Creme Prescription strength retonols might be more potent and work faster, but that also means that it can and most likely will over dry your skin. If you have sensative skin you will not be able to tolerate will the prescription strength product. Another important thing to remember when using retinol is to protect your skin with sunblock. Retinol increases cell turnover which makes it more vulnerable to the sun.
Skin Health and Anti-Aging
One of the best breakthroughs in skin care Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is one of the most important ingredients in the plethora of skin care serums or creams available on the market. HA was originally identified in the fluid in a cows eye if you can believe that, after that is was formulated from a roosters combs; these days its scientifically engineered to ensure its efficacy. HAs are used to plump and moisturize and it really works, but it also has many other qualities to help the skin stay looking beautiful.
HA is a clear sugary substance that is capable of holding 6 liters of water in just 1 gram of product! HA is produced in the body naturally and is in the extra cellular matrix of our skin, which simply put is the protective moisture barrier in our skin. HA is also present in the joints as a protective cushion. Another fun fact about HA is that helps to sustain the shape of our eyeballs. HA helps us to maintain our collagen which is what helps our skin maintain its elasticity and flexibility, which means to us, look young.
HA works like a magnet for moisture. HA is able to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. My clients who use the HA products that we offer say their skin is dewier, under eye fine lines are diminished, and their skin texture is smoother. Many of these clients also go to the Medical Spa to get injectable HA such as Restylane , or Juvederm. Since HA is a naturally occurring substance in the body it is compatible with every skin type and even the most irritated skin.
Check out these 2 Hyaluronic Acid products. 100 Percent Hyaluronic Acid Serum & Super Hyaluronic Acid Cream
Most of us have always had room for improvement when it comes to our under-eyes. From “eye bags’, crepey skin, dark circles , crows feet, you name it, we have all experienced it. Lets get to the bottom of these common aesthetic concerns, and also talk about what can be done to treat these issues.
Lets be honest, one of the first places we show age is right under the eyes. If we can treat these areas effectively we can restore a youthfulness to the entire face.
Dark Circles:
Dark Circles are probably the most common concern for most patients. There are several causes for dark circles which include hollowing under the eye. Hallowing happens when we have volume loss due to the fat pad shifting down and bone density loss; a great treatment for this would be under eye hyalouronic acid fillers, such as restylane, or juvederm. If a you are experiencing dark circles due to discoloration this could mean that you have a vascular issue, or excessive pigment in the area. To treat these, we would use a vascular laser if the issue is vessels and if its pigment, we can use brightening skin care.
Puffiness
Puffy or swollen eyes can be caused by fluid retention, stress, allergies, hormone changes, and other factors. Crying is often accompanied by swollen eyes because the tiny glands in the eyelids that produce tears become inflamed from over activity.
Other times we get puffy eyes after sleeping. This can be caused by too much sodium in the diet, which causes water retention. Puffy eyes can also be caused by lack of sleep or excessive alcohol intake. Here are some great products to help your eye puffiness.
Crepey Skin
Crepey skin is thin and looks finely wrinkled like crepe paper. It may also sag or feel loose. While crepey skin is similar to common wrinkles in many ways, the condition tends to impact larger areas, and this skin feels noticeably more fragile and thin. The most common cause of crepey skin is sun damage. Crepey skin can be treated with Lasers, H.A. fillers, and skin care products that contain retinols, or other ingredients which help with elasticity like this Antioxidant Infusion Cream.
Now that summer is over, many of my clients are seeing the effects that the summer had on their skin. We are a miami based company so we truly see what the sun can do to your skin. Mainly the sun creates hyper pigmented discolorations and wrinkles due to collagen loss, and dehydration. A lot of sun damage is irreversible there are some things that you can do to help.
Use Skin care with Antioxidants ! Here is a great product (one of our best sellers) Antioxidants help to remove free radicals from the skin which will prevent further damage, but it can also help with improving your skins texture. You should also look for products that have Retinoids , the product listed above also has this ingredient. Its widely used to increase collagen production which is greatly improve fine lines and wrinkles. If you are looking to treat the sun spots, try using products with Alpha Arbutin or Hydroquinone. Check out these great skin lighteners here Extracted from the dwarf shrub Bearberry, Alpha Arbutin is a safe and extremely effective whitening ingredient. In fact it’s so safe and effective that it’s been shown to outperform Hydroquinone and Kojic Acid. Try chemical peels to help shed the top layer of skin, this will help with a dull lackluster skin tone, and give you that glow you deserve. For a more medical approach there is the options of Lasers, Intense Pulsed Light, & Radio Frequency. Lasers can target brown and red spots, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and texture . Some laser require more down time then others but the results are fabulous .
Growth Factors, what is the hype all about?
We have seen many products come to market that advertise “growth Factors” these can be either derived from animals or plants. Others just use “signaling” ingredients which are typically just peptides that signal the cells in a similar manner to actual growth factors. The end goal however is usually always the same and that is to combat skin aging.
Our skin contains many different types of growth factors which bind to receptors and its basically like a key opening a lock. The locks make something grow. To stimulate the skin, formulators began adding growth factors to skin care in hopes of unlocking these receptors in aging skin in hopes that it will make more of the things that it needs to stay healthy.
when the body is working at optimal levels growth factors in the skin signal the fibroblasts to make collage and elastin, as we age our growth factors decrease so in an effort to slow this process formulators are adding the growth factors right into the cosmeceuticals. and the results have been excellent.
Check out this amazing product and the ingredients:
The Collagen Growth Factor Serum from REMI-D Clinical Skin Care
Here are the active ingredients:
AHNFELTIOPSIS CONCINNA EXTRACT (APT-GPF): Increases cellular turnover, skin firmness, elasticity, hydration, and superior skin smoothing properties.
Lipobelle Soyaglycone (Liposomal Genistein): Increases biosynthesis of Collagen IV which is essential for the structural integrity and function of the basement membrane (Stratum Basale). Increases collagen growth over 50% and skin thickness by 20%. Binds to estrogen receptors which then active collagen synthesis. Inhibits Tyrosinase Kinase, the principle transcription factor involved in the breakdown of collagen.
Superox-C: An amazing ingredient that not only stimulates collagen growth but also stimulates the growth of Hyaluronic Acid by 59% and Syndecan by 90%, which strengthens the skin matrix.
(PDDH): A tripeptide, stimulates proteins Laminin V, Collagens IV, VII and XVII and Integrin. These proteins play a vital role in the connecting and maintaining of the structure of the dermis and the epidermis of the skin to produce amazing visible results.
Hematite: A mineral that stimulates collagen synthesis, the proteins that comprise our connective tissue, to tone and strengthen skin, resulting in a younger looking complexion.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil: Powerful anti-oxidant.
Palmitoy Tripeptide-5: Bio-active peptide, enhances collagen growth. This also overrides the effects of Matrix Metalloproteinase Enzymes (MMP) that contribute to skin aging.
Sodium Hyaluronate: A smaller sized molecule of Hyaluronic Acid, which is rapidly absorbed deep within your skin to hydrate. Resulting in smoother, softer skin and a decrease of fine lines and wrinkles and an over-all appearance of fullness to your skin.
How can I save my skin? Strategies for healthier skin.
Lets talk skin complexion. everyone wants to have that perfect skin and glow right? the truth of the matter is that you can’t exspect perfect skin without putting in the work because the reality is that medical spa treatments can only do so much for a person that burns the candle from both ends ( tanning, drinking, smoking, poor diet, etc)! We need to talk about a wide range of skin supporting lifestyle choices you can use if you want to get that perfect skin and the “glow”!
1. Drink Water! The skin is our largest organ and one of the most valuable things we can do to not look weathered is drink water. It is suggested that men and women should drink between 9-13 cups of water a day, its important to note that this is also dependent on many conditions such as sweating, excessive drinking, smoking, etc. So in these instances we would want to be drinking more water. When we are dehydrated our organs have a very hard time working efficently. Dehydration affects the natural detoxification of the skin. So drink up!
2. Protect your skin! Everyone loves to look sun kissed, however this is arguably the worst thing you can do for your skin. exposure is primarily the biggest negative when it comes to pre-mature skin aging. What does the sun do to your skin? First of all it contributes to the break down of collagen which will give your lines and wrinkles, but it also causes hyper pigmentation and malasma, which are discolorations many people call sun spots, which are next to impossible to remove. If you are going to be in the sun its important to wear a true sunblock which blocks UVA and UVB Rays. Products with ingredients such as Zinc, and Titanium work best! Check out these great sunblocks.
Protect the skin your in!
3. Cleanse! It is said that at least 92 percent of the population lives with substandard air. environmental pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and smog. These can be the root cause of premature skin aging, pigmentation , and acne. What can we do? Its important to wash your skin at least twice a day. If you don’t wash your skin at night, its hard for your skin to repair itself as it has to deal with all the pollution that is on it from the day. You should wear a Antioxidant Cream, something that will help destroy the free radicals on your skin! Here is a great one. You can also wear a barrier cream such as a sunblock which will help to protect you from pollution. Check out these great cleansers and match them to your skin.
4.Balance your diet! Eating right is one of the easiest things you can do for your skin, taking in foods that are high in protein will help your body to support your collagen, elastin and other fibers that make the skin look healthy, and firm. Fish can help get you the omega essential fatty acids which help with the skins cells. Foods that are a natural anti-inflammatory are great to beat that flush!
Here are some other quick food tips. Carrots & Sweet potatoes (vitamin a), citris and broccoli (vitamin c), nuts and olives (vitamin e) .
5. Sleep! The expression “Get your beauty rest” is actually incredibly important. It really important to give your skin and body that chance to repair which happens when your sleeping. Lack of sleep causes puffiness inflammation, weathered looking skin. Last time I checked I had not met anyone who wanted dark circles under their eyes.
6. Work out ! physical activity can do wonders for your complexion. When we work out we have increased blood flow which delivers vital nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells. that being said we can slow down skin aging by simply working out.
Got questions ? just ask
I wanted to talk with you today about how inflammation affects the skin
Inflammation is a response by the body to a real or perceived threat. we need the inflammatory response because its the only way for healing to occur, however over time inflammation of the skin can cause cells to lose water and dehydrate the skin.
Some of the common causes of skin inflammation are sun exposure, stress, environment, diet, or even lack of sleep.
So how does this show up for us? It can come in the form of rosacea, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, acne, or wrinkles.
Inflammation is one of the most powerful aggressors to accelerate aging!
Inflammation has the power to show us when we are not getting enough sleep, when we are consuming too much alcohol or sugar, when are eating a poor diet, and the list goes on and on. The Longer you let these go on for the more serious the consequences will be.
Did you know that over 90 percent of the earths populations lives with substandard air quality and pollution? these are aggressors that we can not control. There are steps you can take though to protect yourself from poor air quality and pollution, and that is to wear your sunblock! We can also use skin care that is rich in botanicals or antioxidants.
Lets Talk Diet !
Food that are naturally anti-inflammatory:
Leafy Greens
Cruciferous Vegetables Like broccoli and brussels sprouts
Whole grains
Red and blue colored fruits
cold water fish ( salmon, tuna, mackerel etc. )
Foods that are pro-inflammatory:
Meats like beef and pork
processed foods
eggplants and tomatoes
citrus and dairy
pickled foods
fermented foods
sugars
taking small steps in your skin care routine and diet can have extremely beneficial outcomes.
lastly its important to exercise because if you live and active and healthy lifestyle you are 15% less likely to have chronic inflammation!
Here are some big ingredients to look for when you are shopping for skin care! Check us out on www.remi-d.com
ALGAE PEPTIDES: Moisturizing complex from sea algae. This nutrient enriched extract contains the amino acid Hydroxyproline, the building block of collagen. Application of Algae Peptides makes skin grow its own collagen at a faster rate.
ALLATONIN Allantoin is a natural soothing, anti-irritant, and skin protectant that increases the water content of the extracellular matrix which provides structural support to cells and is an important part of connective tissue. Allantoin also increases the smoothness of the skin; promotes cell replication; and promotes the healing of wounds, burns, and scars. It is added to skin care products for its moisturizing effect as well as its ability to cause the outer layer of dead skin cells to loosen and shed.
ALOE: A rich emollient containing hundreds of enzymes and vitamins. Known to promote healing of skin due to its effective cellular renewal properties.
ALPHA LIPOLIC ACID: 400 times the strength of vitamin C, the particle of this anti-oxidant is small enough to penetrate to the mitochondria of the cell. Protecting the inside of the cell where the cell’s energy is produced.
ALPHA ARBUTIN- Arbutin a glycosylated Hydroquinone extracted from bearberry plant. It inhibits tyroniese and thus prevents the formation of melanin. Arbutin is therefore used as a skin-lightening agent.
ARGIRELINE: A hexapeptide that reduces the depth of wrinkles caused by facial expression, especially around the eyes and across the forehead.
ARNICA: An anti-bacterial ingredient that is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties.
BISABOLOL It has been used for hundreds of years because of its perceived skin healing properties. Bisabolol is known to have anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Bisabolol is also demonstrated to enhance the percutaneous absorption of certain molecules.
CARNOSINE there are many great qualities of Carnosine, When is comes to clinical skin care Carnosine stabilizes and protects cell membranes, helping to protect the cells from harmful free radicals. Carnosine also protects healthy cells from radiation damage.
COLHIBIN: Derived from rice protein, this unique ingredient prevents collagen breakdown, delaying aging of skin.
CERAMIDES a family of lipid molecules. A ceramide is composed of sphingosine and a fatty acid. Ceramides are found in high concentrations within the cell membrane of cells.Ceramides greatly improve the skins ability to retain moisture.
COPPER: Stimulated enzymes to help build new elastin and collagen. Also aids in the production of Keratin in the epidermis, which leads to improved texture of the skin.
CHAMOMILE chamomile contains flavonoid and essential oils that possess significant anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy activity it is used in skin care products as an emollient while providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
CITRIC ACID Citric acid is an alpha hydroxy acid and used as an active ingredient in chemical peels.
CUCUMBER FRUIT EXTRACT This extract has been cultivated in Western Asia for over 3,000 years, and is widely used in skin care for its skin conditioning properties and as an emollient.
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol): Topical agent that can help firm sagging skin when applied by thickening muscle mass.
ELHIBIN: Soy protein that prevents elastin breakdown. Topical application is shown to improve elasticity of skin.
GLYCOLIC ACID: Exfoliator that removes dead cell surface, clearing away debris that accentuates fine lines and wrinkles. Glycolic Acid will also minimize the appearance of pores.
GREEN TEA EXTRACT: Anti-oxidant that helps protect cells against free radical damage. Many studies have shown that Green Tea Extract has been shown to prevent melanoma.
GINGER OIL Ginger is detoxifying and stimulates the circulation. The improved circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the skin which improves its appearance. Antioxidant ginger also prevents damage from free radicals. Ginger will also improve the elasticity of the skin so it appears more firm and youthful.
HYALURONIC ACID: Collagen and elastin supporter, this is a natural component of the skin. Hyaluronic Acid has the ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water, it will help skin maintain necessary moisture levels.
HYDROQUINONE Hydroquinone is the standard ingredient for skin lightening treatments. It is considered one of the most effective treatments for hyperpigmentation, including age spots, melasma, sun damage and other discolorations
JOJOBA SEED OIL Jojoba (pronounced ho-HO-ba) is a botanical extract of the seed of the jojoba tree (Simmondsia chinenis). This seed oil is the most similar to human skin oil (sebum) we can get. It is theorized that applying jojoba to the skin can “trick” the skin into thinking it is producing enough oil, thus balancing oil production. Jojoba oil is non-comedogenic
KOJIC ACID Kojic acid is a derivative of Japanese fungi that is mainly used skin whitening agents, kojic acid is a safe, non-toxic agent that prevents pigment coloration, due to environmental exposure.
LACTIC ACID: An exfoliator that helps reduce wrinkles by speeding cell turn over. By using Lactic Acid in our products new collagen and elastin will be stimulated increasing skin firmness and will leave the skin more vibrant and also improving overall texture.
LAVENDER OIL: A natural astringent that has anti-bacterial properties and will reduce inflammation and facial redness, this is a great ingredient for those suffering from Rosacea.
L-ASCORBIC ACID- The most potent form of Vitamin C.
MAGNESIUM ASPARATATE: Will help to re-mineralize and soothe the skin.
MALIC ACID protects skin from damaging free radicals.
MACADEMIA SEED OIL A high palmitoleic acid content makes macadamia nut oil very moisturizing. This acid is an antioxidant, which protects skin from drying out and thus prevents wrinkles and blemishes. macadamia nut oil is extracted and refined for a variety of commercial uses, mostly due to the moisture-retaining properties and acids.
PANTHENOL: A vitamin B Complex Factor. When Panthenol is applied it is converted to antithetic acid, which then becomes an important part of the compound Coenzyme A, which is important in cellular metabolism.
POLYPHENOLS and CAFFEIN: have been shown to block the formation of skin cancers.
RETINOL: Topical vitamin A, it is shown to increase cell turnover so dull surface cells are shed more quickly. Retinol thickens the epidermis, improves skin texture and elasticity and evens out skin tone.
SYN-AKE This synthetic Tripeptide mimics the effect of Waglerin-1. Which is a protein found in the venom of the Temple Viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri). It is shown to reduce wrinkles by relaxing muscle movement almost like botox.
SALACYLIC ACID Salicylic acid (sal acid) is a beta-hydroxy acid. The main reason sal acid is used for acne is because it is a ‘keratolytic.’ This means it breaks down and exfoliates dead skin cells. Sal acid is particularly good for the blocked pore (comedonal) type of acne because it penetrates the hair follicle and helps keep the pores from getting clogged.
TITANIUM DIOXIDE can scatter a broad spectrum of UV before it can enter the skin, blocking over 90% of the wrinkle causing UVA rays.
TYROSTAT: is the most effective natural “bleaching” agent. It is an extract of Rumax, a northern Canadian shrub.
VITAMIN E- Vitamin E is beneficial because of its antioxidant activity, it is vital in protecting skin cells from ultra violet light, pollution, other elements that produce cell damaging free radicals.
VITAMIN B This ingredient is widely know for its ability to help the skin retain moisture and maintain a healthy glow. This ingredient is widely used in products for sensitive skin types.
VITAMIN C Vitamin C is widely known as the ingredient for the repair of sun damage. Vitamin C is amazing because of its ability to enhance the synthesis of collagen: a critically important skin protein that strengthens structural support and resilience of the skin. Vitamin C is also an extremely effective Antioxidant, which are a critical natural defense against “free radicals,” unstable molecules that age the skin
VITAMIN A See Retinol…
WITCH HAZEL is an extract from the leaves and bark of the North American shrub Hamamelis virginiana. Which Hazel is a potent natural astringent, it is also used as a moisturizer because it improves hydration of the stratum corneum, or outer skin layer, to reduce water loss from skin and to maintain skin softness and elasticity.
YUCCA VERA EXTRACT Yucca was considered of great value to the Southwestern American Indians who used it to treat skin disorders, skin disruptions and disease. It was used in salves and poultices for sores and inflammation. It has long been used as a treatment to purify the blood and as an antibacterial, anti-fungal ointment.
ZINK OXIDE: This ingredient is beneficial for the reduction of facial redness.
AHNFELTIOPSIS CONCINNA EXTRACT (APT-GPF): Increases cellular turnover, skin firmness, elasticity, hydration, and superior skin smoothing properties.
Lipobelle Soyaglycone (Liposomal Genistein): Increases biosynthesis of Collagen IV which is essential for the structural integrity and function of the basement membrane (Stratum Basale). Increases collagen growth over 50% and skin thickness by 20%. Binds to estrogen receptors which then active collagen synthesis. Inhibits Tyrosinase Kinase, the principle transcription factor involved in the breakdown of collagen.
Superox-C: An amazing ingredient that not only stimulates collagen growth but also stimulates the growth of Hyaluronic Acid by 59% and Syndecan by 90%, which strengthens the skin matrix.
(PDDH): A tripeptide, stimulates proteins Laminin V, Collagens IV, VII and XVII and Integrin. These proteins play a vital role in the connecting and maintaining of the structure of the dermis and the epidermis of the skin to produce amazing visible results.
Hematite: A mineral that stimulates collagen synthesis, the proteins that comprise our connective tissue, to tone and strengthen skin, resulting in a younger looking complexion.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil: Powerful anti-oxidant.
Palmitoy Tripeptide-5: Bio-active peptide, enhances collagen growth. This also overrides the effects of Matrix Metalloproteinase Enzymes (MMP) that contribute to skin aging.
Sodium Hyaluronate: A smaller sized molecule of Hyaluronic Acid, which is rapidly absorbed deep within your skin to hydrate. Resulting in smoother, softer skin and a decrease of fine lines and wrinkles and an over-all appearance of fullness to your skin.
It is said that the best time to put a topical skin care product on your skin is around 9pm, because that is when the skin is the most receptive, and the DNA Repair is boosted. The best tricks in evening skin care is to remove , rinse, and repeat. What this means is you should wash your face twice at night , this is an absolute necessity in today’s world because of the constant pollution, the atmosphere, and free radicals. if you wear makeup, many people opt to use a makeup remover followed by a deep pore cleanser . Using an exfoliating cream or toner is sure to get you the glow you are looking for, we recommend exfoliating at least 3 times per week if you are sensitive, and more if you have normal skin. this is going to help get all the dead skin cells from your skin, letting your topicals penetrate even farther.
Beneficial Natural Ingredients: It is important to know what works for your best skin.
Using botanical ingredients in skin care goes back many thousands of years, for instance using olive oil to soften, tea tree oil to heal wounds, or turmeric to reduce wrinkles. Even as skin care has advanced, traditional ingredients stay the same. In this post I want to go over some of the best natural proven ingredients for some of the most common skin care concerns such as Acne, Redness, Hyperpigmentation, and of course wrinkling.
Let us start with Acne. Some of the most common natural ingredients and botanicals that are used to fight blemishes are witch hazel and willow bark, which are used to reduce seabum and lessens the severity of your breakout. Witch hazel will reduce the oils on your skin and help to fight infections, while willow bark is an anti-inflammatory. Check out this A&B Cooling toner or The Pore Minimizer both contain the active ingredient witch Hazel.
Redness Reducers: one of the great anti-inflammatory ingredients that chemists use is Bisabolol , which is derived from the chamomile plant and red and brown algae. Check out this great eye cream which uses this ingredient to help with puffy undereyes.
Skin Brightening: Hormonal imbalances, photodamage, acne, and other factors can lead to pigmentation problems. There are many ingredients that will help to suppress the melanogenesis to prevent future hyperpigmentation. Some of the most widely used ingredients include Arbutin, Licorice, and mulberry. All of these ingredients have the same function which is to inhibit the tyrosinase which is the enzyme that causes hyperpigmentation. Check out these excellent skin lightening products here.
Collagen Stimulators: Antiaging products formulated to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines primarily focus on collagen production which basically plumps the skin! Without question one of the most popular ingredients used is Vitamin A more commonly seen on the packaging as retinoids or retinoic acid. Check out this popular product Antioxidant Infusion Crème. Vitamin C is another naturally derived topical ingredient with a long history in antiaging skin care. L-abosrbic acid (Vitamin C) is widely known as the ingredient for the repair of sun damage, however Vitamin C is amazing because of its ability to enhance the synthesis of collagen: a critically important skin protein that strengthens structural support and resilience of the skin. Vitamin C is also an extremely effective Antioxidant, which are a critical natural defense against “free radicals,” unstable molecules that age the skin. Check out this amazing Vitamin C Crème.