Nourish Your Skin from Within

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Now is the time of year when we start fresh, make resolutions and give something new a try. One popular resolution is to eat better. This resolution can have more benefits than just a slimmer waistline. What we choose to put into our bodies has a huge effect on our health, including skin health. All the creams, lotions and potions used in a good skin care routine nourish the skin from the outside and the foods we choose to eat nourish us from the inside. There are certain vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and other nutrients essential for skin health. The following is a list of somethings to include in your diet to get your skin glowing from the inside out!

  • Vitamin C
    • Most cosmeceutical skin care lines offer some type of Vitamin C product. This is because Vitamin C is very important for skin health. Vitamin C is a super antioxidant, which protects the skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals cause accelerated aging by breaking down collagen in the skin. Loading up on Vitamin C can give the skin a smoother and more youthful appearance.
    • Nourish from the inside with strawberries, citrus fruits, red bell peppers and broccoli.
    • Nourish from the outside with SkinCeutical’s CE Ferulic, Jan Marini’s CESTA Serum/Lotion, SkinMedica’s Vitamin C+E Complex or Epionce Intense Defense Serum.
  • Vitamin E
    • Vitamin E is essential for the barrier function of the skin. A strong barrier plays a huge role in skin health. The skin barrier keeps irritants out and holds moisture in. Vitamin E also supports healthy skin growth.
    • Nourish from the inside with almonds, avocados, hazelnuts, pine nuts and sunflower seeds.
    • Nourish from the outside with SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E, Epionce Enriching Firming Mask, SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer, Jan Marini Juveneck, Jan Marini ReNu Hand Complex.
  • Selenium
    • Selenium is a mineral that works in tandem with Vitamins C and E and is essential for a healthy immune system. This mineral can help to protect against skin cancer, sun damage and age spots. Only 4 brazil nuts are the equivalent to the recommended daily amount of Selenium.
    • Nourish from the inside with brazil nuts, fish, shellfish, egg, tomatoes and broccoli.
    • Nourish from the outside with Epionce’s Intense Defense Serum.        
  • Eat the Rainbow                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
    • The pigments in fruits and vegetables are part of their natural defense systems. Different colors represent different phytonutrients contained in the plants. These phytonutrients have benefits for our health. By eating foods that are different colors, it ensures that a wide variety of vitamins and minerals are being consumed. For example, foods that are orange in color usually contain high amounts of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is converted to Vitamin A in the body and helps to regulate cell production and turnover, an essential function for healthy skin.
    • Nourish from the inside with tomatoes, carrots, yellow squash, kale, blueberries and purple potatoes.
    • Nourish from the outside with Skin Medica’s Retinol Complex, Jan Marini’s Age Intervention Retinol Plus, and Jan Marini’s Luminate Eye Gel.
  • Zinc
    • This mineral has two very important roles when it comes to skin health. Zinc helps to normalize the function of the sebaceous glands and works to repair cell damage, making it an important mineral for acne sufferers.
    • Nourish from the inside with fish, shellfish, lean meat, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
    • Nourish from the outside with Epionce’s Lytic Tx, SkinMedica’s Total Defense and Repair, and TIZO.
  • Omega 3s
    • Omega 3’s are considered essential fatty acids because the body is unable to produce these fatty acids on its own. These fatty acids are essential in a healthy diet. Omega 3’s greatest benefit to the skin is its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is the cause of many skin conditions.
    • Nourish from the inside with oily fish, flaxseed, chia seed, and walnuts.
    • Nourish from the outside with Epionce’s Restorative Hand Cream, Epionce’s Renewal Facial Lotion/Cream, and Jan Marini’s Age Intervention Face Cream.
  • Water
    • Skin cells are mostly water. This makes staying hydrated key for youthful looking skin. When you are dehydrated, the skin is dehydrated as well and fine lines and wrinkles appear more prominent on dehydrated skin. Keep hydrated for smooth and plump skin.
    • Nourish from the inside by drinking enough water (6-8 cups a day) and eating food with a high-water content (watermelon, cucumbers, celery).
    • Nourish from the outside with SkinMedica’s HA5, Jan Marini’s Hyla and SkinCeutical’s B5 Gel.

Better Retinols

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As skin care professionals we hear this comment often, “I have a Retinol or Retin A (both Vitamin A derivatives) prescription, but I don’t use it because it irritated my skin.” Yes, Retinol can cause irritation for sensitive skin types limiting its’ use. However, good news: Retinol formulations have greatly improved, and users have been thrilled with amazing results!

Topical retinol is perhaps the best studied, results-driven, ingredient in the skin care market, and it has powerful benefits! Today’s advanced cosmeceutical retinols are combined with beneficial, soothing, and hydrating skin care ingredients such as peptides and antioxidants to help your skin acclimatize to using retinol. Retinol encourages the production of new skin cells and increases the rate that these cells travel to the surface of the skin. Check out these amazing skin benefits:

  • Diminished wrinkle appearance
  • Tighter and more luminous skin
  • An increase in collagen and elastin production
  • Clearing clogged pores that cause pimples and acne

Skin Care By Design carries these newer formulas in our cosmeceutical skin care lines. We offer two different brands of retinols: Jan Marini Age Intervention Retinol and Skin Medica Retinol Complex. Each brand offers the highest concentration of retinol available and is equal n strength to prescription Retin A.

When introducing retinol into your skin care routine, it is best to start low to avoid irritation. Start with applying your retinol 2-3 times per week (2-3 days apart), gradually increase to every other night, then advance to each evening as tolerated. Remember to apply sunscreen daily as retinols can make your skin more photosensitive.

Ask us on your next visit if a retinol is right for you. It is our pleasure to help you with any questions you may have!

DiamondGlow

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Here at Skin Care By Design we are all skin care junkies, obviously! We are always excited to try out the newest product or the latest treatment. When the DiamondGlow (formerly Dermalinfusion) was brought into the practice, we were so excited to see what it was all about! The DiamondGlow was an instant hit with the entire staff! It is not often that you see a treatment with literally no downtime that offers immediate results! One DiamondGlow treatment will give you instantly dewy and brighter skin! The best thing is that the DiamondGlow is completely customizable to your specific skin care needs!

So, what exactly is the DiamondGlow? The DiamondGlow utilizes 3-in-1 technology that simultaneously exfoliates, extracts debris, and infuses skin with professional grade serums, when pores are most open and receptive. A diamond tip wand is employed to gently exfoliate the skin (hints the Diamond in DiamondGlow). The treatment provider has 6 different tips to choose from, insuring the right level of exfoliation for your skin. There is even a special tip designed to be used around the delicate lip and eye areas. The next degree of customization comes from the SkinMedia ProInfusion Serums, which clean out the pores and send active ingredients deep into the skin. There are 5 serums to choose from and up to 2 serums can be used in one treatment! The choices of ProInfusion Serums are as followed:

  • TNS Advanced + Serum: targets coarse wrinkles and sagging skin.
  • Skin Brightening Serum: brightens skin and improves appearance of uneven pigmentation.
  • Ultra Hydrating Serum: rehydrates and smooths skin.
  • Vitamin C Serum: provides a deep dose of antioxidants to rejuvenate and protect.
  • Pore Clarifying Serum: addresses blemishes and promotes clearer skin.

At the end of your treatment, you can look at your waste jar that collects the dead skin and debris removed during the treatment. It’s pretty fun to get to see! The DiamondGlow only takes 40 minutes and make up can be applied immediately after. It is the perfect treatment to have just before a big event. For optimal results we suggest starting with 4-6 DiamondGlow treatments every 2-4 weeks and continuing treatments for maintenance as desired.

CBD and Skin Care

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CBD is the newest advance in the health and wellness industry. There are CBD tinctures, gummies, balms, creams, and many CBD skin care products. So what’s the big deal with CBD? In addition to known applications such as helping cancer patients to tolerate chemotherapy, CBD appears to have many benefits ranging from reducing anxiety to soothing sore muscles. The benefits depend on the application of CBD and this blog will concentrate on the benefits of CBD for skin care.

Let’s start with the basics. What is CBD? CBD is short for cannabidiol, a naturally occurring compound found in the leaves and flowers of the marijuana and hemp plants. Unlike its cousin compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is not psychoactive. Our own bodies naturally produce endocannabinoids that help regulate many functions, including sleep and inflammatory response. The receptors that respond to our own endocannabinoids also respond to phytocannabinoids like CBD. This means CBD can be used to boost the benefits of our own endocannabinoids.

Why should you use CBD in your skin care routine? There are several properties of CBD that make it an optimal skin care ingredient:

   * CBD is an anti-inflammatory that reduces redness and fights acne breakouts.

   * CBD is an antioxidant that combats the physical signs of aging.

   * CBD has soothing properties that make it ideal for people with sensitive skin or Rosacea.

   * CBD acts as an emollient to smooth and moisturize rough skin.

The most important aspect of adding CBD to your skin care routine is to ensure that the products are of the highest quality. CBD is not well regulated, and many online sources of CBD products have been found to contain little or no usable CBD. But fear not… a few simple questions will allow you choose CBD products wisely:

   * Was the product tested by an independent laboratory? Analysis reports conducted by the company selling the product cannot be trusted. The 3rd party lab should be accredited by ISO (International Organization for Standardization), the analysis should have been performed no more than eight months ago, all contaminant tests should be passed, and the cannabinoid content listed on the product should be consistent with the analysis report.

   * Does the product contain a maximum of 0.3% THC? Anything above this level is illegal in Arizona and may have psychoactive properties.

   * Other questions you can ask include the type of CBD (Full Spectrum CBD, Broad Spectrum CBD, or CBD Isolate), the method of extraction, and the reputation of the manufacturer.

Skin Care By Design obtains the highest quality CBD directly from the manufacturer.

Men’s Skin Care

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Taking care of your skin is not just something for the ladies! It is equally important for men to take care their skin. However, men usually opt for a more minimal skin care routine, which focuses only on the basics for skin care health. Here we will cover the essentials for any man’s skin care routine.

  1. Cleanse 2 times daily- Cleansing removes dirt and excess oil that can clog pores and cause breakouts. It is vital to use a cleanser designed for the face and to avoid using bar soap, hand soap or body wash. Soaps often contain harsh ingredients that can irritate or dry the more delicate skin on the face. It is suggested to cleanse twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. Cleansing in the evening helps to wash off everything the skin has encountered during the day and cleansing in the morning helps to prep the skin for the following steps in the routine.

May we suggest: SkinMedica Facial Cleanser, Jan Marini CESTA Cleansing Gel or Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser

  • Exfoliate 2-3 times a week- Exfoliating removes excess dead skin cells that cling to the skin. These dead skin cells can clog pores which leads to break outs, dulls the complexion, and prevent skin care products from absorbing properly. It is recommended to exfoliate 2-3 times per week to prevent over abrasion. Either an exfoliating cleanser can be used in place of your regular cleanser or a scrub/chemical exfoliator can be used in addition to your regular cleanser.  

May we suggest: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser or kNutek Omega Peel

  • Moisturize 2 times daily- Moisturizing hydrates and protects the skin. A good moisturizer helps to keep moisture in the skin and works as a barrier to protect the skin from compromising substances (dirt, pollutants, etc.). Moisturizer should be applied directly after cleansing.

May we suggest: SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer, SkinMedica Replenish Hydrating Cream, Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion/Cream, or Jan Marini Transformation Cream.

  • Always use an SPF- It is important to apply SPF everyday regardless of the weather. The sun’s UV rays find their way to our skin even on rainy or cloudy days. Exposure to UV causes accelerated aging of the skin and is known to cause conditions such as sunspots, wrinkles, sun burn, dry patches, and even skin cancer. Some sunscreens can be used in place of your morning moisturizer. Ensure that your sunscreen is labeled as broad-spectrum and has an SPF of at least 30 for best results.

May we suggest: SkinMedica Total Defense and Repair or Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant.

All About Acids

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Acids are one of those words that can sound scary when you read a skin care ingredient list but fear not. Acids are skin care wonders. They have many benefits for skin health such exfoliation, protection, and hydration. Here is the low down on some popular acids for skin health.

  1. Alpha Hydroxy Acids – Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) are derived from plant and other food sources. They help to exfoliate skin by loosening the glue that holds dead skin cells together on the surface of the skin. AHAs are water soluble so they do not penetrate very deeply into the skin. This makes them best for surface issues such as improving skin texture and brightening the skin. They have the added benefits of accelerating cell turnover and increasing absorption of skin care products. You may see many AHAs in your skin care ingredient list. Here are a few of the most common:
    1. Glycolic Acid – Glycolic Acid is probably the most widely known of the AHA family and is derived from sugar. It is one of the most effective and least irritating of the AHAs. Its efficacy results from its small molecular size, allowing it to penetrate the skin most easily.
    1. Citric Acid – As the name suggests, Citric Acid is naturally occurring in citrus fruits. Citric Acid acts like all AHAs by exfoliating dead skin and increasing cell turnover. It is also added to skin care products to change their pH level (increasing acidity).
    1. Mandelic Acid – This AHA is derived from almonds and has the added benefit of being antimicrobial, making it a popular ingredient in products used to fight acne and control excess oil. It is the gentlest of the AHAs making it ideal for sensitive skin.
    1. Lactic Acid – Lactic Acid is naturally produced from milk and is a popular ingredient in skin care products. It exfoliates, hydrates, and is another great acid for sensitive skin. Lactic Acid helps to improve the appearance of dry skin, dark spots, and large pores.

Products with AHAs: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cleanser, SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cream, Jan Marini BioClear Lotion/Cream, Epionce Lytic Tx, Jan Marini BioGlycolic Cleanser, Jan Marini Luminate Face Mask.

  • Beta Hydroxy Acids – Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are known acne fighters. The BHA most frequently seen on your skin care ingredient list is Salicylic Acid. BHAs bind to oil, making them great for unclogging pores by ridding them of dirt, oil, and bacteria. BHAs are also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal. These properties calm the redness and irritation associated with acne breakouts. BHAs are best for oily and acne prone skin but can be drying for other skin types. 

Products with BHAs: SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age Defense, SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cleanser, SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cream, Jan Marini BioClear Lotion/Cream, Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser.

  • Azelaic Acid – Azelaic Acid is derived from grains like wheat, rye and barley. It is a gentle acid with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it well tolerated by most skin types. It aids in exfoliation and helps improve acne and the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Products with Azelaic Acid: Epionce Purifying Spot Gel, Jan Marini BioClear Lotion/Cream, Epionce Lytic Tx.

  • Ascorbic Acid – This acid is naturally found in citrus fruits and is a very potent form of Vitamin C. Ascorbic Acid is a powerful antioxidant, protecting the skin from accelerated aging caused by free radical damage. It is known to brighten the skin, even skin tone, and stimulate collagen production, leading to a more youthful overall appearance.

Products with Ascorbic Acid: SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF.

  • Ferulic Acid – Ferulic acid is another plant derived acid found in grains and the seeds of certain fruits. It is an amazing antioxidant, protecting the skin from oxidative stress while correcting existing damage. It is known for its ability to easily penetrate the skin and it helps to stabilize and improve the efficacy of Vitamins C and E.

Products with Ferulic Acid: SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic and SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF.

  • Hyaluronic Acid – Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in all connective tissues and skin. It holds 1,000 times its weight in water and gives skin its plump and smooth appearance. As we age, we produce less Hyaluronic Acid, so it is frequently added to skin care products to help improve dryness, skin texture, and elasticity. Hyaluronic Acid is great for all skin types.

Products with Hyaluronic Acid: SkinMedica HA5, SkinMedica HA5 Smooth and Plump Lip System, Jan Marini Hyla, SkinCeuticals B5 Gel, Epionce Intense Defense Serum.

Growth Factors and SkinMedica’s TNS Products

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Ask any skin care provider what types of skin care products to use and they will give you a list of items that are known winners. They will most likely include antioxidants, retinol and sunscreen. These three items are essential for flawless skin. The next items on the list would include ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids for exfoliation, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and peptides and growth factors to combat the signs of aging. While many of these ingredients could use further explanation, this blog is going to focus on growth factors.

So, what are growth factors? Growth Factors are naturally produced by all types of cells. They act as signaling molecules to relay messages between cells and are essential for growth, healing and survival. Growth factors in skincare can come from a variety of sources. Human growth factors are produced from human cells grown in a lab and non-human sources of growth factors come from snails and a variety of plants. The growth factors in SkinMedica’s TNS products come from human fibroblast cells.

 If growth factors are produced by all kinds of cells, then why would SkinMedica choose to use growth factors from human fibroblast cells? All cells produce growth factors and it is thought that the unique blend of growth factors produced by a cell would be ideal for the health of the cell that produced them. Following this theory, growth factors produced by human skin cells would be the ideal growth factors to include in skin care products. Fibroblast cells are a type of skin cell located in the skin’s dermis. Growth factors produced by the fibroblast cell help to repair damaged skin, make components that provide firmness and elasticity, and maintain protective functions. As the skin ages, it produces less and less growth factors and using skin care with growth factors, such as TNS can act as a replacement therapy and slow down the aging process. Skin care products with growth factors help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, skin tone and texture.

Growth factors play well with others and can be easily integrated into your skin care routine. SkinMedica’s TNS Recovery Complex and TNS Essential serum can be used in the morning and evening and are applied after cleansing along with any other serums. The TNS Recovery Complex is a high concentration of growth factors and the TNS Essential Serum includes peptides, antioxidants, alpha-arbutin and hyaluronic acid along with growth factors to increase results. In a study conducted by SkinMedica 92% of patients rated their skin as looking healthier and more youthful after using the TNS Essential Serum. Initial results are usually seen within 30 days and optimal results are seen at the 90-day mark. SkinMedica also makes a product to bring the power of growth factors to the delicate area around the eyes. TNS Eye Repair includes growth factors, vitamins A, B and C, and specialized ingredients to tackle dark circles.

Decoding skin care ingredients can be a challenge. A great way to find out what products/ingredients would be good for you and your skin care concerns is to have a consultation with a skin care professional. At Skin Care By Design, our consultations are always free.

A Break Down of the Jan Marini Skin Care Management System

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Getting into the habit of a well-rounded skin care routine can be difficult. It can be hard to know what products to use, what order to use them, and what time of day to use them (morning or evening). Sometimes it can be overwhelming, and you might even wonder why a skin care routine matters at all. That is why it can be beneficial to use a pre-packaged skin care kit. A skin care kit will include all the essential products and instructions to explain how to use them. Our favorite kit is Jan Marini’s Skin Care Management System. It comes in four different variations, normal/combination, dry/very dry, normal/combination MD, and dry/very dry MD.

Jan Marini’s Skin Care Management System has five steps (six in the MD kits) and all the products are formulated to work synergistically. Five or six steps can seem like a lot but, once you get in the habit, it is quick and easy to get through. So, let’s take a deeper dive into the Skin Care Management System.

  • STEP 1- CLEANSE: BIOGLYCOLIC FACE CLEANSER
    • Why? Cleansing the skin helps to avoid clogged pores, dullness and acne.
    • What is it? A cream-based cleanser that deeply cleanses the skin without irritation. It contains glycolic acid to aide in cell-turnover and sorbitol for hydration.
    • How to use it? Apply to dry skin and remove with a damp washcloth. Splash face with water and blot dry.
    • When to use it? AM/PM
  • STEP 2- REJUVENATE: C-ESTA SERUM
    • Why? Environmental exposure to free-radicals, pollutants, infrared, blue light and UV are the number one cause of premature aging of the skin. Antioxidants protect the skin from the environmental factors that cause premature aging, while tightening, lifting and smoothing the skin.
    • What is it? A blend of antioxidants including Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, Vitamin E and DMAE.
    • How to use it? Shake bottle well and apply to clean skin on the face and neck.
    • When to use it? AM/PM
  • STEP 3- RESURFACE: BIOCLEAR FACE LOTION (normal/combination) or BIOCLEAR FACE CREAM (dry/very dry)
    • Why? Increasing cell turnover improves the overall appearance of the skin. Resurfacing smooths the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps to clear blemishes on the skin.
    • What is it? A combination of glycolic, salicylic and azelaic acid that provide a broad range of benefits.
    • How to use it? Apply sparingly in the morning and evening. To minimize sensitivity, start with one application daily and gradually increase to twice a day.
    • When to use it? AM/PM
  • STEP 3- RESURFACE: MARINI LUMINATE FACE LOTION MD (MD kits only)
    • Why? This step is for those who have concerns about hyperpigmentation.
    • What is it? A non-hydroquinone approach to reduce the appearance of discoloration and fine lines and wrinkles. This product includes a long list of lighteners and brighteners derived from various plants including, turmeric, berries, licorice root and green tea. These lighteners and brighteners to help lift existing pigment and prevent future pigment from appearing. It also includes retinol to assist in lightening pigment and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.
    • How to use it? Applying sparingly over entire face every other evening then slowly increase to 1-2 times daily. *Product increases photosensitivity and should be used with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
    • When to use it? AM/PM
  • STEP 4- HYDRATE: TRANSFORMATION FACE CREAM (normal/combination)
    • Why? Moisturizers hydrate and soften the skin and hydrated skin is the key to a youthful appearance. With age, the ability for the skin to hold moisture decreases and a moisturizer will help to prevent the skin from losing moisture through the outer most layers. A quality hydrator will reduce the appearance of damaged or aging skin.
    • What is it? An advanced hydrator that includes patented growth factor peptides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to stimulate collagen and elastin, retain moisture and reduce fine line and wrinkles.
    • How to use it? Apply over the entire face and neck.
    • When to use it? AM/PM
  • STEP 4- HYDRATE: AGE INTERVENTION FACE CREAM (dry/ very dry)
    • Why? This hydrator has all the benefits of a quality moisturizer, but is designed for dry, sensitive, or mature skin.
    • What is it? An intense hydrator that combats visible signs of aging from hormonal changes and sun exposure. It includes soy and red clover isoflavones to brighten the skin, decrease redness and boost collagen production. Other key ingredients include plankton extract for calming and healing benefits, Coenzyme Q10 for its antioxidant properties and essential fatty acids to aid in cell function.
    • How to use it? Apply to face and neck.
    • When to use it? AM/PM
  • STEP 5- PROTECT: ANTIOXIDANT DAILY FACE PROTECTANT SPF 33
    • Why? Wearing sunscreen is arguably the most important step of a skin care routine. It helps to prevent premature aging, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer.
    • What is it? A quick absorbing and hydrating broad spectrum sunscreen with the addition of antioxidants and microscopic particles for oil control.
    • How to use it? Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating immediately after towel drying. A nickel-sized amount of product will give the full SPF benefits.
    • When to use it? AM

There are a few things to keep in mind when starting a new skin care routine. Firstly, it is important to be consistent and to give the products a chance to do their job. Although there can be some immediate benefits, it usually takes 6 weeks of consistent use (1-2x daily) to notice significant change. Secondly, when introducing new products into your routine, it is best to ask how to incorporate your new product into your existing routine. However, a few rules of thumb are: after cleansing apply serums from thinnest to thickest and then finish with moisturizer; Vitamin C and other antioxidant serums are usually most beneficial for day time use unless otherwise stated and Retinol products are most beneficial at night.

Wherever you purchase your skin care products should be able to assist you in any questions you have about your skin care routine. At Skin Care By Design we are always happy to help with any questions!

Why Pumpkin is Great for the Skin

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Fall is officially here and one way to know that it’s finally fall is the appearance of pumpkins everywhere. There are huge bins of pumpkins outside the grocery store for carving fun. There are pumpkin candles and pumpkin soaps to make your house and you smell like pumpkins. There are pumpkin pies to eat and pumpkin spiced lattes to drink.

Another way to get your pumpkin on is to incorporate it into your skin care routine. Pumpkins are jam packed with nutrients that are great for skin health. Let’s breakdown some of those vitamins, minerals and other wonderful nutrients that make pumpkin so good for the skin.

 

  • Vitamin C– This vitamin is known for its super antioxidant powers and is an ingredient in many skin care products. So, why is Vitamin C so super-duper? Since Vitamin C is an antioxidant, it protects the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental factors such as UV rays and air pollution. On top of protecting the skin from premature aging caused by free radicals, Vitamin C also helps to correct existing conditions. It stimulates collagen production improving the skin’s elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines. The anti-inflammatory properties of Vitamin C help to calm acne and other types of skin inflammation.

Skin Care Products with Vitamin C- SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF, Jan Marini C-ESTA Serum/Cream, Epionce Intense Defense Serum and SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex.

 

  • Vitamin A– This vitamin is also likely to be found in many skin care products. It’s active forms of retinal, retinol, and retinoic acid are proven winners in the beauty business. The type of Vitamin A found in pumpkin comes in the form of beta-carotene, which gives pumpkin it’s beautiful orange hue. Vitamin A helps to strengthen skin cells and the skin barrier making the skin more resilient. It also soothes and hydrates the skin. The combination of strengthening and hydration gives the skin a firmer more youthful appearance.

Skin Care Products with Vitamin A– Jan Marini Luminate face Lotion MD, Jan Marini Age Intervention Retinol Plus, Jan Marini Luminate Eye Gel, Jan Marini Age Intervention Eye Cream, SkinMedica Retinol Complex.

 

  • Vitamin B– There are many forms of Vitamin B found in pumpkins, including Niacin, Riboflavin, B6, and Folate. Each form of Vitamin B has its own benefits. Niacin is regarded as one of the best forms of Vitamin B for the skin. It helps strengthen the protective barrier of the skin which seals moisture in and keeps irritants out. Niacin can be beneficial for many skin conditions, including rosacea, acne, eczema, hyper-pigmentation and dry skin. Riboflavin and Folate both aide in cell turnover, which help prevent acne break outs and creates a brighter complexion. B6 prevents acne in two ways by assisting in the repair of skin cells and by reducing inflammation.

Skin Care Products with Vitamin B– SkinCeuticals B5 Gel, Epionce Intense Defense Serum, and SkinMedica Redness Relief Complex.

 

  • Zinc– This amazing mineral is a super healer when it comes to skin. Zinc can be found in many topical creams for scrapes and burns because of its healing properties. It repairs damaged skin and soothes inflammation, both characteristics make Zinc great for those with acne prone skin. Zinc also aides in acne prevention by controlling oil production.

Skin Care Products with Zinc– TIZO3, Color Science Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen, Epionce Lytic Tx, and SkinMedica Defense + Repair Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 34.

 

  • Fruit Enzymes– Pumpkins are full of fruit enzymes, which act like alpha hydroxy acids when applied to the skin. The enzymes exfoliate the skin by dissolving the dead skin cells that sit on top of the skin. Removing the dead skin cells leads to a brighter and smoother complexion. The enzymes go one step further by increasing cell turnover, giving a longer lasting glow.

Skin Care Products with Fruit Enzymes– SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense, SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cleanser and SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cream.

 

It is truly unbelievable how many components of pumpkin are great for the skin. These 5 are only the tip of the iceberg. Experts believe that there are over 100 beneficial compounds for skin health that can be found in pumpkin. To get all the benefits of pumpkin try Jan Marini’s Holiday Pumpkin Exfoliator or spoil yourself with a seasonal Pumpkin Facial!

Who to Trust? What to Buy? 

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It seems that skin care products are being sold everywhere you go, whether it be the drug store, grocery store, online, and even your hairdresser. But how do you know what to buy? Who to trust? What level of training and experience do the people selling these products have? These questions may be difficult to answer but the solution is simple. Only buy your skin care products from licensed medical professionals specializing in skin care, such as medical spas, dermatologists, or plastic surgeons.

Licensed medical professionals are authorized to sell medical grade skin care products and have training and experience with all types of skin concerns such as acne, rosacea, melasma, and aging skin. Other sources are not authorized to sell medical grade products and do not have the expertise to advise you which products to buy or how to use them. However, they often obtain medical grade products from resellers who buy the inventory of offices going out of business and then offer them at a discount. Combine that with the tremendous amounts of counterfeit product in the market and who knows what you actually get when you purchase your products from a non-medical source?

You don’t need to buy dozens of products. You can achieve a healthy, bright, glowing complexion with only the key products listed below.

  1. Exfoliating cleansers containing alpha-hydroxy, beta-hydroxy, or glycolic acid gently polish away impurities that make your skin appear older and dull. Exfoliating cleansers also prep your skin for the products applied next.
  2. Antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals, which are free-floating molecules that cause oxidation in whatever they touch. Oxidizing iron results in rust and the cell damage caused by oxidizing your skin is just as unpleasant. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent them from damaging your skin.
  3. Moisturizers are important because our skin provides a watertight barrier between our body and the environment. The internal hydration we get from drinking water does not penetrate to the skin’s surface, so we need to provide the skin with a topical drink. The best moisturizers are creams or serums containing hyaluronic acid (also known as HA), a substance that already exists naturally in our skin. Hyaluronic acid penetrates the skin’s upper layers and attracts moisture to boost elasticity and hydration, giving your skin a youthful appearance. These products also form a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to lock in moisture and aid in tissue repair. However, you should avoid HA products that also contain alcohol, parabens, sulfates, or other ingredients that are harmful to the skin.
  4. Retinol enhances your skin’s natural beauty. Retinol promotes cellular turnover, removing dead and damaged cells from the surface of your skin and revealing the newer, more evenly toned skin cells below. Cellular turnover minimizes wrinkles, shrinks pores, and creates a healthy complexion.
  5. Sunscreen protects you from harmful solar radiation that damages and rapidly ages your skin. It is your most important skin care product, but not all sunscreens are the same. Most sunscreens protect you from UVB radiation, which is related to sunburn and skin cancer. SPF (sun protection factor) indicates how much UVB protection is provided (SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 to 100 blocks 98%). However, SPF does not tell you anything about protection from UVA radiation, which is the main cause of the darkening and aging our skin. Always look for the term “broad spectrum” on your sunscreen’s label, which indicates that both UVA and UVB protection is provided. Water resistant sunscreen is helpful for warmer, wetter activities. Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen throughout out the day for optimal protection.

There are many other skin care products but achieving a healthy, glowing complexion is simple with only a few products from a licensed medical skin care professional. If you have questions about your skin and what products are best for you, a quick and efficient consultation is the best option to help build a personalized skin care regimen that works for you.

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