How Makeup Can Damage Your Skin- Go With All Natural Mineral Products!!!

When you go through your morning makeup routine, your goal is obviously to improve your appearance. But how is that seemingly harmless, perfectly applied layer of powder really affecting your skin? Most of the time, makeup doesn't have any major negative effects -- other than maybe the early-morning frustration of applying it. However, it could cause a few skin reactions. Most of these reactions aren't severe or long-lasting, but you might want to know how your makeup is affecting your skin.

Some people experience allergic reactions to common cosmetic-product ingredients. These reactions can come in two types: irritant contact dermatitis, which is an itching or burning reaction to a product irritating the skin, and allergic contact dermatitis, which is more of a "true" allergy to specific ingredients that results in swelling, itching, or blisters [source: American Academy of Dermatology]. Both of these types of reactions are most commonly caused by things like fragrances or preservatives in makeup and other skin care products.

Makeup can also cause acne. You'll usually be fine if you're diligent about removing your makeup at the end of the day and immediately after exercise. However, certain oils in many cosmetics can cause or worsen acne. This type of acne, is mild, common and characterized by blocked pores and reddened bumps on the chin, cheeks and forehead. Acne cosmetica occurs when oils from your makeup collect in and clog your pores, so thick liquid or cream products are more often culprits than are lighter products like powders.

To help avoid these reactions, look for makeup products that are fragrance- and oil-free -- these ingredients are typically the most irritating to the skin. Also, look for products that are labeled hypoallergenic (they're less likely to cause allergic reactions), fragrance-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free. If you find that you develop any kind of reaction after you begin using a new makeup product, it's probably a good idea to stop using that particular product. But with a good skin care routine and quality makeup products, you can help prevent negative reactions.

Beauty Redefined offers a really great All Natural Mineral Makeup line that is Hypoallergenic, Paraben Free, Gluten Free, and Fragrance Free. Check out the really great products we have available here: Mineral Makeup.

www.beauty-redefined.com

408-356-7050

Out with the Old, In With the New!!!

             VS       

SkinMedica has replaced Vivite in skin care. Allergan, the company that made the Vivite skin care line, is now the company that owns and makes SkinMedica. Vivite has been discontinued, while some of the best products from the Vivite line have been reformulated and repackaged as SkinMedica.

One of the best things about the new SkinMedica line? All of the products are Paraben Free!!!

Some of the Vivite products that were reformulated and repackaged into SkinMedica Products are:
Vivite Night Renewal Cream -----> SkinMedica Glypro Renewal Cream
Vivite Exfoliating Cleanser ----> SkinMedica GlyPro Cleanser
Vivite Antioxidant Serum ----> SkinMedica Glypro Antioxidant Serum
Vivite Daily Firming Lotion ----> SkinMedica GlyPro Daily Firming Lotion

Other than the beloved Vivite products that were kept and reformulated, SkinMedica has an absolutely amazing product line that will blow you away with how incredible the results are!

From the top of the line in medical grade skin care, Lytera, to the revolutionizing TNS Recovery Complex, SkinMedica is the absolute best manufacturer in medical grade skin care products available for over the counter purchase.

Just a few tid-bits on our favorite SkinMedica products:

TNS Recovery Complex

Q: What is special about this product?
A: TNS Recovery Complex has more growth factors that any other product on the market with a 93.6% concentration of TNS®.
TNS® is the main ingredient in TNS Recovery Complex's potent skin treatment which is formulated from naturally occurring growth factors, antioxidants, soluble collagen, cytokines and matrix proteins.
Clinical studies have shown:

• Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Enhanced skin texture and tone

Retinol Complex

(we offer 0.5% and 1.0%)

The new SkinMedica® Retinol Complex products offer an advanced encapsulated retinol with an antioxidant complex called PhytoShield™.

Available in three strengths, Retinol Complex features an innovative targeted delivery system that helps to minimize irritation. The efficacious formulas help renew the skin, enhance exfoliation, and improve overall texture and tone. In fact, in a clinical study, 100% of subjects who used Retinol Complex 1.0 reported that it made their skin feel firmer and tightened after 12 weeks of use.

Retinol Complex is available in three strengths of 0.25 (low), 0.5 (medium) and 1.0 (high). 

Lytera

Q: What makes Lytera unique?
A: Lytera is a novel, non-prescription, non-hydroquinone skin brightening product that minimizes the appearance of skin discoloration and dark spots.
Clinical studies with Lytera have shown:

• High patient satisfaction
• Improvements seen as soon as 4 weeks
• Significant reduction after 12 weeks
• Continuous reduction over 6 months

Q: What skin type is appropriate for using Lytera?
A: Lytera is appropriate for all skin types.

 

You can learn more and purchase your new amazing SkinMedica Skin Care products here.

Organic Facials

Each mask used in our facials, has been formulated by Beauty Redefined using all natural, organic ingredients and extracts.

Upper Body Ergonomic Massage and Facial

1 hour appointment

Available every other Saturday

First time Facial Discount: $60

Regular price: $120

Your facial will begin with gentle massaging Vivite Exfoliating Cleanser onto your face and neck to remove any make-up and excess dead skin.

To best suit your skin type and needs, we will choose a facial from the following:

* H2O Mask - hydrates and balances your skins moisture level
Best for dry skin types.

* Azulene Mask - removes impurities while calming and soothing the skin
Best for acne prone and sensitive skin, less intense than Iced Mint Mask. Some key ingredients include Aloe Vera and Chamomile for calming the tissue.

* Chamomile Mask - reduces redness and inflammation commonly associated with rosacea
Best for rosacea, redness, and for general soothing. Some key ingredients include Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Calendula extracts and Lemon Oil.

* Iced Mint Mask - controls oily complexions by deep cleaning and refining your pore sizes
Best for acne prone skin, more intense than Azulene Mask. Some key ingredients are Oil of Peppermint and Menthol.


While your mask soaks in, you will receive an Upper Body Ergonomic Massage and Lyphatic Drainage pressure point application to release tension in key areas as well as moving toxins to drain from the body.

After your mask is removed, we will apply Vivite Antioxidant Serum to your skin followed by our Beauty Redefined C-Serum to boost your results and nurture your skin.


If you like, you may opt to have your makeup applied with our All Natural Mineral Makeup line that wont clog your pores or damage your skin. Our Medical Esthetician is specially trained for makeup application, facial application, and skin care. We can then apply a light layer of sunblock for a finishing touch. An extra 30 minutes, and $20 fee will be added to your appointment if you would like the professional makeup evaluation and application.

Express Mini Facial

30 minute  appointment

Available on Wednesdays and Fridays

First time Facial Discount $30

Regular Price $60



Your facial will begin with gentle massaging Vivite Exfoliating Cleanser onto your face and neck to remove any make-up and excess dead skin.

To best suit your skin type and needs, we will choose a facial from the following:

* H2O Mask - hydrates and balances your skins moisture level
Best for dry skin types.

* Azulene Mask - removes impurities while calming and soothing the skin
Best for acne prone and sensitive skin, less intense than Iced Mint Mask. Some key ingredients include Aloe Vera and Chamomile for calming the tissue.

* Chamomile Mask - reduces redness and inflammation commonly associated with rosacea
Best for rosacea, redness, and for general soothing. Some key ingredients include Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Calendula extracts and Lemon Oil.

* Iced Mint Mask - controls oily complexions by deep cleaning and refining your pore sizes
Best for acne prone skin, more intense than Azulene Mask. Some key ingredients are Oil of Peppermint and Menthol.


While your mask soaks in, you will receive a Mini Ergonomic Massage and Lyphatic Drainage pressure point application to release tension in the lower arms, hands and wrists as well as moving toxins to drain from the body.

After your mask is removed, we will apply Vivite Antioxidant Serum to your skin followed by our Beauty Redefined C-Serum to boost your results and nurture your skin.


If you like, you may opt to have your makeup applied with our All Natural Mineral Makeup line that wont clog your pores or damage your skin. Our Medical Esthetician is specially trained for makeup application, facial application, and skin care. We can then apply a light layer of sunblock for a finishing touch. An extra 30 minutes, and $20 fee will be added to your appointment if you would like the professional makeup application.



Medical Skin Care V.S. Drug Store "Skin Care" Products

As a professional in the medical aesthetics field, we often hear these common questions from our clients: What is the difference between a “professional” skin care cosmeceutical vs. a brand you can find “over-the-counter” at a drug or department store?  Is there really a difference, or is it all a bunch of fancy marketing talk and pretty pictures?  Can you get nice results with drugstore cosmetic brands, or will your results be better with professional cosmeceuticals? Too often, consumers fall under the spell of cosmetic company marketing and advertising claims, and will spend a lot of money on expensive over-the-counter cosmetics that really don’t work in the skin.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) divides skin care products into two distinct categories: pharmaceutical and cosmetic.  Topical pharmaceuticals penetrate through the layers of the epidermis and affect the structure and function of the skin (think of prescription topical steroids or Retin-A).  Cosmetics are defined as ” … articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance …”  Pharmaceutical drugs may undergo more than 10 years of drug approval testing that may cost hundreds of millions of dollars — whereas, cosmetics do not have to prove their claims, but they can cite “scientific studies” of the ingredients used in their product formulations to validate the safety and efficacy of the ingredient formula.

Cosmeceuticals are the “happy medium” between a pharmaceutical and a cosmetic.  The word “cosmeceutical” really is not categorized by the FDA, but it is a word that is used in the professional skin care arena to describe a cosmetic that actually has biological action, but is regulated as a cosmetic — meaning, again, the formula does not technically have to prove efficacy or safety, but it does contain an ingredient that may have activity in the skin.

You will find many of the same catch phrases when you read an advertisement for skin care: “Dermatologist-Tested,” “Clinically Proven,” “Clinical Studies show that …,” “Clinically Tested.”  But interpret these phrases with caution, especially when trying to choose a skin care line that works best for your practice and clientele.  Since cosmetic companies really don’t have to prove efficacy claims, the special active ingredient touted in the formula only has to appear somewhere on the ingredient list – ingredients are listed in content order, from most to least, so if you see that “active” on the last half of the list (usually alphabetically) you can bet you are getting a tiny percentage (enough to be effective in the formulation?) of that specific ingredient. When you see these types of claims, start asking questions:

·     What was tested — an individual ingredient or the finished formulation?

·     How was it tested, in-vitro (in a test tube or petri dish, in an ideal environment), or was it tested in-vivo (on actual skin)?

·     Were the studies double-blinded (meaning, the person applying the product and the person evaluating the results each have no knowledge of what they are applying or evaluating; it is strictly objective)

·     Was the formula tested against placebo cream (like glycerin or petrolatum), or against nothing, or against another type of similar product?

·     How long was the test conducted?  On how many participants?

Because many consumers “self-diagnose” when choosing a skin care product to try from a drug or department store, these products must be made safely, meaning, big cosmetic companies cannot afford to have masses of consumers with issues from using very active products — so, that skin care product may feel good and smell good, but it likely won’t have a lot of activity in the formulation.

Over-the-counter cosmetics are also manufactured and distributed in very large batches, and are packed with almost as many preservatives as “active” ingredients!  In addition, many over-the-counter cosmetics simply do not penetrate the skin barrier, where the ingredient formula would have a therapeutic benefit to the health of the skin.   Remember too, it’s not just about one really fabulous ingredient — it’s the mixture of the right amounts of active ingredients working synergistically together that work best in the skin, similar to how oral multivitamins work internally in our bodies with a mixture of vitamins and minerals for best absorption.

It is important to note that many single ingredients that test very well in in-vitro testing actually have no function in human skin when mixed into a formulation — yet, we still believe the “clinical study” claims from in-vitro studies.  As well, many companies that cite clinical study results will notprovide clinical study documentation.  Rare is the cosmeceutical company that tests their finished formulations and then offers full clinical study details for the public to see.  You will sometimes find peer-reviewed cosmetic formulation studies in dermatology or cosmetic surgery journals, which lends more credibility to the testing process.

Sun Protection

Sun Protection 

No matter how active your lifestyle, the most important part of any skin care regimen is the product you select to protect your skin from UV ray damage and sun exposure. Damage from UV rays can cause premature aging, dark spots and even skin diseases. 

One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems — as well as increase the risk of skin cancer.

For the most complete sun protection:

• Use sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. When you're outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or perspiring.
• Seek shade. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
• Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Also consider laundry additives, which give clothing an additional layer of ultraviolet protection for a certain number of washings, or special sun-protective clothing — which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays.

We offer three forms of sun protection for your face. Vivite SPF 30, Vivite Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15, and Beauty Redefined Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15. 

For more product information you can visit our online store at 

http://store.beauty-redefined.com/index.html

Harmful additives in Makeup and Skin Care

From shampoo to sunscreen, we all use products to look and feel better. But could some ingredients actually be making the problem worse?

“Definitely make sure there are no parabens, no sulfates, that’s a good place to at least start,” said Melissa Lenberg, a makeup artist and owner of Citrine Natural Beauty Bar in the Biltmore Fashion Park.

Lenberg says toxic chemicals linked to cancer, hair loss, and even reproductive harm are common side effects of commonly-used chemicals.

“This is everything you use on your body. This is your deodorant, your toothpaste, your hair products,” said Lenberg. “Formaldehyde is a poison; it’s what we use to embalm bodies. But it’s also what they use to give products their shelf life.”

New, free apps like “Think Dirty” and websites from the Environmental Working Group aim to educate consumers about the ingredients in everyday products. 

According to the Campaign for Safe Products, some of the big ingredients to watch out for include:

Mercury - found in some eye drops, ointment and deodorants

Lead acetate - found in some hair dyes and cleanser

Formaldehyde and toluene - found in nail products

Coal tar - found in dandruff shampoos, anti-itch creams and hair dyes

Placenta - found in some hair relaxers, moisturizers and toners

Phthalates - found in some nail polish, fragrances and hair spray

Melissa Lenberg has been researching health and beauty products for nearly a decade. She suggests using products that are all-natural, like jojoba and coconut oils. A good rule – if you can’t pronounce it, it’s probably not good for you.

“We love to feel pretty, but we also want to be healthy and safe too,” said Lenberg.

For a safe, paraben free and all natural mineral makeup line, try Beauty Redefined's All Natural Mineral Makeup. All of our products are paraben free, formaldehyde free, gluten free, fragrance free, and hypoallergenic. We have created a natural line that is for clients to we are makeup and have skin care that will not damage your skin, or undo the work we do here in the office to help you improve, repair and enhance your natural skin's beauty. 

For more information visit www.beauty-redefined.com

5 Bad Habits That Damage Your Skin

Like all medical professionals, dermatologists subscribe to the Latin proverb "primum non nocere," or "first, do no harm." But, when it comes to your beauty routine, sometimes derms really, really want to smack you upside the head. "It’s amazing what some people do to their skin," says Doris Day, M.D., dermatologist and clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University Langone Medical Center.

Habit 1: Picking At Your Skin
Hands off! Look, a zit only lasts a few days—a week, max—but residual redness and hyperpigmentation from picking and scratching can remain for months or even years. "Picking isn't just an issue with acne—it can cause scarring whenever and wherever you pick, whether it starts with keratosis pilaris, a bug bite, or for no reason at all," says Heidi Waldorf, M.D., dermatologist and director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. "In fact, if you start scratching a spot of normal skin, after a while it will thicken. And it can become an itchy bump, also called a prurigo nodule."

"Laser hair removal helps for people picking at hairs," she says. "If that hair's not there, there's nothing to pick. Resurfacing lasers like the Pixel or Photofacial can help even out hyperpigmentation."

Habit 2: Licking Your Lips—A Lot
There's a myth out there that claims people can get addicted to lip balm. We checked—it's not real. "These people just have dry skin and miss the feeling of the balm when it's gone," says Day. You know what's really addictive? Lip licking. But when you moisten your lips that way, you actually wind up making things worse. The water in your saliva evaporates, leaving lips withered and cracked. "Saliva can contain bacteria and irritants, so you can end up with a rash around the lips as well," says Day.

An aside: You might be tempted to brush your lips since flakes make lip color look particularly craggy and gross. Day says forget what you've read, and put down the toothbrush—a gentle swipe with a damp washcloth will suffice. "In trying to get a smoother look for a lipstick, brushing just makes them rougher and bumpier," she says. "Lips don't have oil glands, so you don't need to exfoliate them like the rest of your skin." 

To repair damaged, dry and cracking lips, try Vivite Lip Plumper. It brings natural moisture to your lips, plumps and helps rebalance your lips natural moisture for a smooth surface to apply non-damaging lipsticks such as our all natural Mineral Lipstick or all natural Mineral Lip Gloss. For an amazing result, apply Vivite Lip Plumper 5 mins before applying our all natural Lip Luxe lip gloss.  

Habit 3: A One-and-Done SPF Style
Nothing—and we mean nothing—bothers a skin doc like a patient who's blasé about their SPF game. "Caucasian patients who come in the color of red walnut tell me they don't understand how it happened when they applied an SPF 100," says Waldorf. "I show them my spotless skin after spending a week outdoors in Thailand and Brazil using only SPF 30+. What people need to understand is that you need to use enough, often enough."

You'd think derms would be on-board with ultra-high SPF sunscreens, but nope. Turns out, these provide only marginally better protection than an SPF 30 lotion, which filters more than 95 percent of UV rays. Worse, they give a false sense of security. "Just as wearing a safety belt doesn't give you permission to drive 90 miles per hour on black ice while texting, applying a high-SPF sunscreen doesn't give you permission to remain outside otherwise unprotected all day," says Waldorf.

Apply enough broad-spectrum sunscreen to fill a shot glass—and apply it a half-hour before you go outside. (It needs time to soak in.) Then, reapply every two to four hours. For extra credit—and extra sun protection—layer on SPF-infused foundations, concealers, bronzers, blushes, and lip colors. Mineral makeup, such as Beauty Redefined's All Natural Mineral Line have a natural SPF 15 in all foundations, concealers, and blush. Try applying your natural mineral makeup with it's natural SPF, then lightly tap on your SkinMedica SPF30+ over your makeup for a sure-fire coverage. All you will need to do is apply SkinMedica SPF30+ lightly again about every 3 hours, without messing up your makeup! 

For more information about makeup and quality SPF, contact our office at www.beauty-redefined.com

Habit 4: Ignoring Skin Fluctuations
"It’s important to pay attention to your skin and give it what it needs, the way it needs it, when it needs it," says Day. That means using lightweight, mattifying products in the summer; switching to heavier, more emollient ones in the winter; and using acne-fighting products before your period starts. ("If you wait until you're broken out, you're already behind," says Day.)

And don't rely on spot treatments. "Studies show that when you see a pimple, there are more in the surrounding area that haven't come up yet," she says. If your forehead is a problem area, treat the whole forehead. Ditto for the chin. 

For help understanding your skin and its fluctuations, schedule a consultation with Kelly, our skin care specialist. She will ask you the right questions to help you better understand the best skin care regimen to stay ahead of your fluctuations instead of scrambling to constantly repair. 

www.beauty-redefined.com

Habit 5: Exfoliating Your Face Off
Dermatologists understand why people love Clarisonic brushes and the super-clean feeling you get after using them or your favorite exfoliator. But chasing that beauty high has led a lot of patients to overdo it, scrubbing skin into a blotchy, irritated mess. Exfoliating too often breaks down the skin-barrier function, meaning new skin never has a chance to build up. Skin becomes more sensitive to irritation, which leads to inflammation and actually speeds aging.

For oily skin we recommend exfoliating every other day, for dry skin to exfoliate about once to twice a week, and for combination skin to exfoliate once to twice a week as well. Using the Clarisonic is not only for the benefit of exfoliating, but the technology in the Clarisonic helps to rejuvenate your natural collagen when used correctly. For more information on exfoliating and the Clarisonic, schedule a free consultation with Kelly, our skin care specialist. 

www.beauty-redefined.com