Do you really know what you are putting on your skin?

Avoid the disappointment of buying a skin care product that ends up producing very little result: read the back of the package label.  The back label lists the active as well as the inactive ingredients in a product.  The active and main ingredients are usually listed first. These are the ingredients that come in the highest concentration and to be listed as an active main ingredient, a concentration of 1% or greater is needed, but this isn’t always the case. If an ingredient falls near the end of the ingredient list, it is usually present in a very low concentration and may not be effective. So for example if your favorite Vitamin C serum has Vitimin C or Ascorbic Acid listed towards the middle or the end of the ingredients deck, it may not be packing as much of a punch as you'd like. Buyers beware... The inactive ingredients listed are used for some other purpose than the product's main intent. They may be used to preserve the product, increase shelf life, enhance its color or its fragrance. Spend a little time reading the labels, and know what you are really putting on your skin!

Prevage and Prevage MD - There is a difference!

You may have noticed that a Prevage night cream and an eye cream are being advertised in magazines.  We don’t carry them and we have a really good reason. We try to cherry pick and offer only products that are superior in some way.  The prevage night cream and eye cream which are available at your local department store are not medical strength. Idepenone is the active ingredient in Prevage.  In the night cream its concentration is only 0.5%.  The same is true of the eye cream.  Allergan, the makers Botox joined in partnership with Elizabeth Arden to promote Prevage MD. Allergan is involved only in the Prevage MD and not the regular Prevage sold at department stores. The Prevage MD is superior in effectiveness as it contains 1% concentration of Idepenone.

There are other differences between Prevage and Prevage MD:
The Prevage that is available in department stores and on many other web sites is 1.7 ounces in weight, has artificial fragrance and shimmer and last 4 months. It retails for $150 to $170.00.  The Prevage MD is 1.1 ounces in weight, last 4 month (you use half as much) has no artificial shimmer or fragrance, and has green tea extract and dimethicone which is a silicone base that allows easy application.  The Prevage MD is CHEAPER at $110.00. So stick with the medical quality Prevage and if you want to use it as a night cream, combine it with Neocutis, Skinmedica or Hyalogy  moisturizers. You will save money and achieve a better result.

Treating thinning hair

Of course we ALL want thick, lustrous hair but the quest for the perfect hair products can be a long, expensive one. One product to consider is Jan Marini Age Intervention Hair Conditioner. This product contains spironolactone which blocks the testerone by-products that cause androgenic alopecia. It also contains vitamins and Japanese green tea extract, retinol and wheat protein.


Use it only after shampooing if needed for simple maintenance, but if your hair is actually thinning, then use it every day or at least every other day. Use it sparingly though. Remember the hair on our heads has a different growth cycle so if your hair stops falling out in 4 to 6 weeks after beginning to use Jan Marini Age Intervention Hair Conditioner this is considered a great result.

The facts about eyelash conditioners

When a man named Max Factor developed the first mascara made of wax, he marked the beginning of a new era of eyelashes. Mascara has developed a lot since then but it was still just a coating to the eyelashes. Then a few years ago we saw the introduction of eyelash extensions. These were great fun but so time consuming and they just didn’t last. Then, two years ago Jan Marini developed Age Intervention Eyelash Conditioner. Suddenly everyone was talking about how long their eyelashes were growing; I mean this product really worked. Shortly after the product came out it was recalled by the FDA and no one could get it. A replacement product was introduced. By then though, other companies had come out with their own version of an eyelash conditioner. Now I think everyone is getting a bit confused about the eyelash products so here is what has been going on:

In 2006 Jan Marini came out with the first eyelash conditioner. This product contained Bimatoprost which is a prostaglandin analog. This product was used in glaucoma patients to decrease IOP. So the FDA put an embargo on the eyelash conditioner because of labeling and a regulation that involved containing a drug in a cosmeceutical. Jan Marini reformulated the product and came out with a new conditioner. The old formula product was seized from Jan Marini by the FDA and that explains the latest press release.

So much for politics, does the new product work??? Yes, but there is a lag time when you are switching from the old one to the new one (using it twice a day) that takes 2 to 12 weeks, but then the results are showing even fuller lashes.

Other lines offering eyelash conditioner include Revitalash, MD Lash Factor, Massive Lash, and Allergan will be coming out with Lumilash next year. The growth cycle on eyelash is 30 days to 6 months; this is much shorter than the hair regrowth period so that is why we see the results sooo much faster.
It does work on the eyebrows and you can even sculpt your eyebrows with the product!

Managing Scars - Old & New - with Talsyn CI

The Talsyn-CI scar cream is a unique composition of organic ingredients designed for the management of scars, including surgical incisions, erythema, and older scars. Talsyn-CI may be applied to new incisions as soon as sutures are removed. It should be used twice daily, for 6-8 weeks, or as directed, on new incisions, or for 8-12 weeks, or as directed, on older scars. Because Talsyn-CI is organic in nature and provides many nourishing qualities, it may be used indefinitely on the skin as it will continue to deliver healing benefits.

The major active ingredient in Talsyn-CI is Tamanu Oil. This oil comes from a nut native to the region of the South Pacific including the Philippines and French Polynesia, and has a long history of use by the peoples' native to this area for all manner of skin problems. It has been used to treat chapped skin, wounds, burns, acne, rashers, and herpetic lesions. Studies have been completed which demonstrate the different healing qualities of Tamanu and the chemical constituents in Tamanu responsible for its effects.

Talsyn-CI also contains several healing botanicals and a distinct peptide which improves collagen synthesis to hasten skin healing and regeneration. A clinical study comparing Talsyn-CI versus a leading silicone based gel was recently completed. The results indicated that the overall healing was approximately 20% more with Talsyn-CI as compared to the silicone. In addition, the compliance with Talsyn-CI was much higher as the patient actually enjoyed applying the Talsyn-CI. In contrast, the comments regarding the use of silicone based products include statements such as: "It's tacky" "It stains my clothes" "It's uncomfortable on my skin" "I don't like the smell". Because of these types of complaints, compliance by the patient with silicone products tends to be poor which ultimately affects healing.

Talsyn-CI is a pleasant smelling cream which rubs quickly in to the skin and leaves little or no residue. It leaves an agreeable aroma which dissipates over the course of the day. Many patients continue to use Talsyn-CI even after the prescribed course of the day. Many patients continue to use Talsyn-CI have several effects. They are anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-histaminic, and also have antibiotic and analgesic properties. Talsyn-CI's botanical blend provides several nutrients to enhance healing.

In all, Talsyn-CI is the treatment choice for managing both new and old scars. It is organic and nourishing to the skin, is easy to use which increases patient compliance, and is clinically proven to improve both the scope and speed of scar healing.

Saggy Skin - What can we do about it?

As we age, saggy skin becomes more and more of a problem. This is due to the loss of collagen and elastin in our skin. After 40 we lose 1 to 25% OF OUR COLLAGEN PRODUCTION PER YEAR. In addition to this we loose VOLUME. These results from a combination of factors, osteoporosis occurs in our facial bones, just like the other bones in our body. Now just as our facial bones shrink with age so do our facial muscles. As we get older they get weaker and thinner. Finally our skin thins as the second layer or dermis thins The result of loss of volume along with looser skin is sagging, wrinkles, folds and hollows. Often times the process begins with delicate lines such as expression lines, brow lines, and mild crow’s feet and later develops into more unsightly sagging in the entire face. Now while we can’t stop the process entirely we can work with what we know is going to happen at the skin level with the new cosmeceuticals, The key with any good skin care regime is to prevent further damage while making up for past damage. Active products such as Retinaldehydes and products with growth factors can actually thicken the dermis with time as they augment new collagen production.In the past, the only way to deal with or reverse this effect has been with expensive cosmetic surgery, painful toxin injections, and harsh chemical peels. Each of these comes with a long list of potentially serious side effects. Add to that a price tag that is prohibitive for the vast majority of the population and it is easy to see why so many people look to alternative treatments for dealing with saggy skin.

Preventing Saggy Skin The best way to deal with saggy skin is to ensure that you take a proactive approach to skin care and follow a few simple steps to help prevent the early onset of facial sagging. Here are some tips to help keep your skin firm:

1. Keep Properly Hydrated. While it is true that it is important to keep hydrated internally by drinking at least 8 full glasses of water a day, this is not enough. Internally water aids your skin's natural cleansing system. However you need to also hydrate your skin externally. This is where moisturizers come into play. In order to talk about how these products work we must first discus the skin itself. Your epidermis, or the outer, dead layer of your skin is hydrophobic and lipophilic. That means it repels water and likes oils or lipids. So we can use oils to coat the skin and keep water in, like TNS Ceramide treatment cream, or we can bring water in using a Hyaluronic acid, such as in Hyalogy P-Serum effect. Hyaluronic acid is the main product in soft tissue fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm. Hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge, drawing water into the area. This allows it to pump up your lips as well as your skin. So decide which consistency of moisturizer you like oil base or water base and then narrow it down from there.
2. Protect Yourself From the Sun Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature saggy skin and facial wrinkles. Always apply a sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 15 if you plan on being outdoors for more than 30 minutes. Your sunscreen is one of your most powerful weapons against saggy skin and aging spots.Anthelios is the best with Mexoryl. It is important to block both UVB and UVA rays. A new ranking system is in the works with the FDA but presently the SPF or sun protection factor is for UVB rays only.
3. Don’t Smoke Avoid smoking at all costs. If you are currently a smoker, do whatever it takes to quit – permanently. Smoking actively increases the signs of aging and can increase your risk of developing sagging skin significantly. There is a pill out now that can really help. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate.
4. Keep Your Skin Clean Never go to bed with make up on. This will lead to increased stress on your skin and can cause pores to clog and become infected. Be sure to wash your entire face daily with a gentle cleanser. The key here is not to rub, scrape, or be overly abrasive in the process. As with most things in life, moderation is the key to achieving favorable long term results.

Reducing Existing Saggy Skin
What can be done about existing lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin? Recent scientific breakthroughs have allowed for the development of very effective cosmetic products that can reduce saggy skin as well as facial lines and wrinkles without the risks involved with other more traditional procedures. Check out products with growth factors such as TNS by Skinmedica and Neocutis.

A word of caution, there are some products that produce outstanding results and have independent clinical studies to back up their claims while the market remains flooded with copycat products that deliver nothing more than a hit to your bank account. All products sold on SkinStore4less website have been carefully tested and produce real, significant results when used properly. Watch out for companies that make claims but fail to stand behind their products. The bottom line is to know the company that you are dealing with and stick to doing business with one that has a solid reputation for delivering results. There are countless products on the market but only a handful that are based on legitimate science. These are the ones to add to your daily skin care regimen.

We all know that saggy skin can be problematic and sometimes even downright scary. By following the tips listed above and carefully selecting your skin care products, you'll be one step ahead in the battle against sagging skin. Keep your skin looking young and healthy by taking a proactive approach dealing with skin care. We all get old but we don't have to look that way!

Hyalogy Product Line - A daily skincare program

Hyalogy by Dermavance is the only cosmeceuticals line to integrate nanotechnology in the manufacturing of their products. Each of the Hyalogy products has a combination of hyaluronic acid, “moisture-preservation” protein complexes and ionized minerals in an ultra low molecular weight of 5 nanometers. Used in combination, the ingredients provide moisture to the skin longer and with more penetration.
Additional ingredients which work synergistically with the core ingredients include liposome-enhanced Coenzyme Q10, retinol, squalane, ceramides, stable vitamin C.

Available Hyalogy products:

Make-up remover - Hyalogy Cleanance cleansing gel – all skin types.
Use daily, apply 2 pea size drops for entire face, massage and then rinse.
Squalane – closest ingredient to human sebum to retain the natural oils in the skin
Cleansing Ingredients – Trieythilhexanion and Peg 20-Glyceryl Triisostearate
Facial wash - Hyalogy Repurance wash – all skin types.
Use daily, apply a fingertip amount to a slightly moistened face/neck, massage, rinse well. Cleansing Ingredients: Myristic Acid and Stearic Acid extracted from palm oil.
Beauty Serum - Hyalogy P-essence – all skin types.
Use daily after cleansing, apply a pea-size amount to the periorbital area. Also excellent for forehead lines, oral commissures. Contains the highest percentage of hyaluronic acid/proteins/minerals in the product line. Immediate visible results, plumps up fine lines/wrinkles.
Eye Treatment Sheets - Hyalogy Eye Treatment Sheet - all skin types.
Use 1x/week, leave on for 20 minutes. Apply the sheet which is contoured to the eye area. Excellent eye rejuvenation treatment, 8 pouches per box / 2 month supply.
Toner - Hyalogy Refining Lotion – all skin types.
Use daily, after cleansing the face, apply a small amount all over the face/neck. Seals in moisture, non-drying, lotion feels like water. Contains ingredients to tighten and refine pores (Alanine and Serine).

Moisturizers – apply daily, choose one based on skin type.

Moisturizing Emulsion - Hyalogy Basing Emulsion – normal to dry skin
Very lightweight, “milky” lotion. Contains ceramides.
Moisturizing Gel - Hyalogy Reliance Gel – oily skin or acne patient.
Cosmetically elegant aqueous-based gel. Contains Coenzyme Q10, stable vitamin C.
Nourishing Cream - Hyalogy Nourishing Cream – dry or mature skin.
Rich and light in feel, daily moisturizer for very dry skin or mature skin. Can be used as a night cream for normal to dry skin. Contains Coenzyme Q10, retinol, squalane, ceramides.

Retinal HAF by Avene - Skin Rejuvenation "à la Française"

Renowned french cosmetic company Avene (Paris) has introduced Retinal HAF. This product contains Retinaldehyde, which is the immediate precursor to Retinoic Acid. (The active ingredient in Retin A, Tazorac, and Tretinoin) Retinoic Acid is known to reduce the appearance of visible deep lines and wrinkles. It is also known to benefit the CD44 production, which is the receptor for Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid binds with water thereby plumping, or hydrating the area it is in. It is the primary ingredient in dermal fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane, and it hydrates skin beautifully when used as a topical agent.

Fragmented Hyaluronic Acid (HAF) when sized to its optimum length has an enhanced firming effect. When used together, Retinaldehyde and HAF have a synergistic action and further demonstrate reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What can you really expect from this product?
- It will diminish the visible depth of fine lines and deeper wrinkles
- It will reduce roughness and blotchiness
- It will even out skin tone
- It will increase hydration of the skin increasing skin firmness and hydration

For those with a more oily or acne prone complexion consider alternating with Diacneal which is Retinaldehyde mixed with a glycolic acid.