Tag: Vitamin C

Brand Spotlight: Bioelements

Bioelements is a skin care line focused on fostering younger looking skin with professional grade products you use at home. The skin care regimens are custom blended for ideal results according to your skin type. Their formulas are responsibly crafted, always free of parabens, fragrances and colorants. And never tested on animals. One of the biggest joys of using Bioelements is their glass skin care packaging. Not only does it feel more luxe, but it maintains the integrity of the products and is 100% recyclable.

I’ve been surrounding myself with some Bioelements best and brightest for the past month and have been thrilled with results. Not only are the products wonderful to use – they have honestly made my skin look better. My main issues are hyper-pigmentation and redness. The following four items have helped me moderate both and keep safe in the sun.

Again, an oil based cleanser that really can clean, the Bioelements Sensitive Skin Cleanser is gentle and nourishing. Olive oil is used to lift impurities while calming and soothing. And your skin won’t be striped of precious moisture.

Using one of my most beloved skin care ingredients, Advanced VitaMineral C Complex has a double dose because it uses Acerola cherries, which contain 32 times more vitamin C than oranges. This extract is the most scientifically advanced C ester and can fight aging and brighten skin. I’ve been using this day and night and find my skin to be more radiant without any irritation.

I’ve been spending a lot of time in the sun. I know I needed something with a really high SPF on a daily basis to try to keep this sun damage at bay. The Bioelements SPF 50 FaceScreen has that broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection I need. At the same time, it works to firm and reduce the appearance of fine lines. The formula uses chemical blockers so you get that sunscreen smell, but on the plus side, you don’t get any whitish cast. The rich cream leaves my skin ultra-hydrated. Also to note, it was named ‘Best Anti-Aging Sunscreen’ by Dr. Oz’s YouBeauty.com.

I’ve been running more lately and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the way it leaves me feeling. The downside is my redness really ramps up… even hours after I finish a jog. The Bioelements Calmitude Hydrating Solution is one of the very few products I’ve found that can really calm that flare up. The spray soothes and calms upset skin while hydrating.

Find your closest spa here. Or order Bioelements products on bioelements.com.

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Kiehl’s Newest Philanthropy With DonorsChoose.org

Kiehl’s has done it again, parnering philanthropy with stellar skincare. And this time, customers get to decide where the funds go. How cool is that ?

Starting today, through April 15, a new Jumbo-sized Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate will be available at Kiehl’s stores, counters and on Kiehls.com with a specially designed sleeve. With every purchase, customers receive a $50 DonorsChoose.org gift code, found in the underside of each sleeve. Then, customers can visit www.DonorsChoose.org/Kiehls and redeem a gift code to apply $50 of Kiehl’s donation to the project of his or her choice.

I fell for Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line Reducing Concentrate last June when I was on the search for a Vitamin C serum. The best-selling product contains 10.5% Pure Vitamin C. This gem of an ingredient is one of our key tools in the fight against aging. Kiehl’s found that, over time, the formula had a “significant and progressive effect on ‘marionette lines’ around the mouth, ‘crow’s feet’ and sub-orbital wrinkles in the eye area as well as other facial lines and wrinkles. In addition, skin shows an improvement in texture, tone, and sallowness.” The formula was gentle on my skin and leaves a silky, soothing feeling. Read the full review here.

More about DonorChoose.org: public school teachers from across the country can post requests for their classroom, including computers, books, art supplies and other teaching materials. All projects on www.DonorsChoose.org/Kiehls will be science related, in a nod to Kiehl’s pharmaceutical and scientific heritage. In addition, all projects will also be from schools in the cities and towns in which Kiehl’s customers are located, so customers can search for and support their local teachers and students. Customers can search by location, school or subject to find projects and donate to those that most inspire them. Donors are then personally thanked with letters and photos from the teacher and students.

Skin Care Mixology: 4 Boosters from Intraceuticals

I’m like a mixologist when it comes to skin care. Other than my tried and true retinol, I’ll change it up on a day to day basis: some days I’ll add a little Vitamin C and others a little Antioxidant. A little of this… a little of that. Intraceuticals had exactly this approach in mind when they developed their Boosters, designed to be mixed with your daily serum or used on their own. They come in handy when you are trying to spot treat certain areas (for instance, Vitamin C on my hyper-pigmentation on my cheeks). Here are the details on the four “flavors” if you will. I think they all come in pretty handy!

VITAMIN C+3 BOOSTER contains three forms of Vitamin C to fight premature aging, irregular tone and sun damage. The Vitamin C acts to fight free radical damage while protecting skin. It also works in collagen synthesis to improve skin texture. I mostly grab for this stuff because it can brighten and correct hyper-pigmentation. This booster should be primarily used in the morning and plays well with the Collagen+ Booster. If you are really going after hyper-pigmentation, use this with the Vitamin A+ Booster at night as well.

COLLAGEN+ BOOSTER is packed with peptides to renew and rejuvinate skin, plumping volume and tightening. It really can target fine lines and wrinkles while hydrating and adding radiance. Because this has such a beautiful immediate effect, I like using it in the morning under makeup. It also works well at night while skin is working hard to regenerate skin. You can add this to the Vitamin C+3 Booster in the morning, and Vitamin A+ Booster in the evening.

ANTIOXIDANT+ BOOSTER targets dull skin by revitalizing and detoxing. Perfect for after late nights or travel, it can improve dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. And the natural antioxidants sourced from the Australian Rainforest can give the complexion a more radiant and even look. Antioxidant+ Booster is designed to be used in the morning.

VITAMIN A+ BOOSTER, my most beloved skin care ingredients, does it all. Vitamin A can treat blemishes, visible pores, sun damage, uneven texture or deep wrinkles. This Booster is formulated with a “release on demand” form of Vitamin A to increase potency while reducing irritation. Vitamin A + Booster is should be used at night. It works particularly well with the Collagen+ Booster. Make sure to use twice a week, then gradually increase frequency to every other night. Vitamin A can cause irritation in those who have never used it.

Confused yet? If so, I found this chart so very helpful – create your cocktail of booster based on what skin issue you are dealing with:

You can find your closest Intraceuticals clinic here.

Favorite Vitamin C Serums

Hyperpigmentation (grrr!) is my skin’s biggest issue. I’ve tried everything. And have made some progress. But every time summer rolls around, SPF be damned, I get those nasty spots again. (This summer, I am taking the hat-approach in addition to super-powdered SPF). The progress I have made, I credit to Vitamin C. This super ingredient can fade dark spots and even skin. It also helps with aging and radiance. So, here is my round up of Vitamin C MVPs:

SK-II Facial Treatment Repair C has been in my rotation for a while. I love the light formula with a silky finish. This serum also contains SK-II’s signature ingredient, Pitera to fight aging.

M-61 Vitablast C is a fabulous oil-free version from the BlueMercury brand. This formula contains gallic acid to naturally brighten. And at the same time, it soothes and nourishes skin with Vitamin E.

Taylor Owen Vitamin C+ 12% manages a decent level of Vitamin C without being irritating. This formula gave us some pretty immediate brightening and we love the way it smooths onto skin. Bonus points that this South Florida based skincare line is 98% natural.

OBAGI Professional-C Serum, 20% packs a punch. Obagi has consistently brought me fast and dramatic results. Expect no less with this highly concentrated serum. Not only will it bring the strongest brightening effects, but it will also give you a does of hydration.

Perricone MD Vitamin C Eye works specifically on this delicate skin and in conjunction with your your daily eye cream. For those with genetic dark circles, this could be the ticket. The formula is also loaded with antioxidant protection from Tocotrienols.

SK-II Skincare

I recently reported to you about SK-II ‘Facial Treatment’ Essence, the centerpiece of SK-II’s luxurious skin care line. Over the past couple of months, I have had a chance to use more of the line. Talk about true performers. This will always be my go-to routine to fade hyper-pigmentation and soothe and heal angry skin.

Upon my arrival in NYC back in September, I took a moment in my hotel room before venturing out and used the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask. Adored by makeup artists and globe-trotting fashionistas, this mask promised to give a “radiant youthful glow”. You know what? It did just that. The cooling sheet soaks your skin in vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids, replacing dehydrated skin. This cotton wonder will be my staple for travel and big events.

I’ve been hooked on Vitamin C products ever since I tried Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line Reducing Concentrate. Having fallen hard and finishing every last drop of the Kiehl’s version, I was excited to try SK-II Facial Treatment Repair C. I love the replenishing and rich texture of this serum. It could almost work as a moisturizer. It contains Pitera, the anti-aging wonder ingredient found in the Essence, along with powerful Vitamin C. It leaves my skin smooth and not the least bit irritated from the active ingredients. While I have been using prescription hydroquinone for years, the addition of Vitamin C has taken my fight against dark spots to the next level. My skin looks more even than it has in years.

Lastly, the gentle, comforting SK-II Skin Signature Melting Rich Cream is a hydrating master. I love the purist approach to this cream. With strong anti-aging ingredients working in my serum and prescriptions, I was craving a nourishing pure moisturizer. This comes in a jar, but the texture is a lotion/cream hybrid making it easy to apply and absorb. Its focus on hydration leaves my skin radiant and soothed.

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Summer Complexion Helpers

We are more than halfway through summer and I am still enjoying the casual days, subtle makeup and festive mood. I’m also seeing the effects of time by the pool – filled with pore clogging sunscreen and dreaded hyper-pigmentation causing sun. I thought I’d share some of my favorite complexion savers that have been especially helpful to me during the summer routine.

1. Kate Somerville Complexion Correction Daily Discoloration Perfector: This stuff goes after melanin (which causes those dark spots). The formula actually controls the creation of pigments, while lightening at the same time. Retinol is also included to fight those fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Bliss No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Rubberizing Mask: Bring a little piece of Bliss Spa home with this “way too fun” rubberizing mask. There is something so satisfying about peeling off the mask after it has dried. Tea tree, seaweed and willow and menthol extracts help complexion look less shiny and improves the appearance of pores.

3. 3LAB Perfect BB SPF40/ PA+++: Armed with high factor SPF, this tinted moisturizer can even skin and fight those dark spots while making skin appear flawless. The formula contains 3LAB’s proprietary bioengineered growth hormone that can reverse the signs of aging.

4. Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% Strength: This serum effectively delivers a high-powered amount of Vitamin C into the skin. Vitamin C is great anti-aging ingredient which also lightens and brightens skin. Unlike other Vitamin C products, I get zero irritation despite the high level of active ingredient.

5. Bliss No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Correcting Serum: Containing 1% Salicylic acid, this serum gently heals blemishes and fades darks spots that those blemishes leave behind. If you have oiler skin, it makes for a great all over serum, reducing pore size and redness.