Misstropolis

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Beauty Guide 3: Must Have Skin Care Products

by Cheryl Clarkson

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As an “expert” in the skin care industry, Misstropolis came to me and asked, “If you were stranded on a desert island, what products would you want to have with you?” Not only did I make a list, but I liked the question so much I decided to offer a special deal to Misstropolis readers. Read on and print this out if you want to take it shopping. Special offer information is at the bottom.

First on my list and an absolute must have is the best sunscreen known to womankind. In fact, if I only had ONE product available to me, that is what I would choose. (More about that in a future article.)

Other items I would not want to live without are, in order of preference: Cleanser, Anti-oxidant cream or serum, Moisturizer, Peptides or retinol cream and Glycolic acid night cream. That would be my bare minimum. If I was lucky enough to be stranded with more of my luggage intact, I would want my toner, eye serum, rejuvenating mask, and so on.

Why are these my choices? Here’s why…

Cleanser. Well just imagine living without a cleanser that is right for your particular skin? Yuck!

Anti-oxidant green tea and/or vitamin C cream or serum. If I go a day or two without my green tea or vitamin C cream I start to go crazy. My skin doesn’t look the same. I need them. My skin breathes a sigh of relief when I apply them. A good anti-oxidant product does four things for skin: 1. it neutralizes free radicals caused by sunlight, pollution, pesticides and chemicals by stopping the chemical chain reaction of free radical damage which leads to cell destruction; 2. It helps our immune systems protect us from damaging UV rays from the sun; 3. It reduces the effects of inflammation; 4. It helps maintain the skin’s connective tissue and stimulates collagen synthesis.

Not all topical anti-oxidants are created equal. Vitamin C and green tea are two of the most potent. Vitamins A, E and CoQ10 are other important antioxidants for the skin. The level of antioxidants found in products sold in department stores and drug stores often do not contain a high enough level of antioxidants to have the desired effect. 

A good quality, medical strength anti-oxidant cream or serum with a high percentage of antioxidants will help to slow the formation of new fine lines, slow the loss of collagen and improve the elasticity of the skin, helps to reverse previous photo-damage from the sun and leaves your skin noticeably healthier looking.  That’s why these products are so high up on my list.

Moisturizer. Next up, a moisturizer to hydrate and soothe my skin. Serums are best for oily skin and creams for dry skin (like mine.) Combination skin does best with a serum or light cream. It should be non-comediogenic, which means it does not clog pores or cause break-outs. Moisturizers without chemical fragrances are the best choice.

Peptides or Retinol cream. These help to keep skin supple and stimulate new collagen growth. Peptides are protein fragments and there are many types of peptides, each of which does something slightly different. (Just like each vitamin does something slightly different.) The gold standard for retinols is a prescription from your doctor for Retin A or Renova, but some people find these hard to tolerate (including me). The best alternative is a cosmeceutical grade retinol or peptide from a respected company.

Glycolic Acid night cream. I like to use glycolic acid in a 10 to 20% concentration a few times a week at bedtime as a night cream. During the night, the glycolic acid (which is a fruit acid) dissolves dead skin cells that give our skin a dull appearance. Glycolic acid exfoliates, allowing new skin to breathe, and once skin is exfoliated, other products, such as anti-oxidants, can be absorbed more readily.

Sorry my list of “must haves” isn’t shorter. There are some good combination products that combine several of the categories, but each item on the list has a different, and crucial, purpose. 

If I am stranded with my favorite skin care products, I will be happy. If I have some great books, even better. Some wine and food provisions, things are looking up. My ipod, now we’re talking. My women friends, I’m ecstatic. My husband and children, I’m set for life.

Cheryl Clarkson is the Founder and CEO of SkinHealth in Wellesley Hills and on Newbury St. in Boston, MA. For more infomation visit skinhealthcenters.com.

Special Misstropolis Offer! 15% off total purchase of SkinHealth brand products during the month of April in the stores or via phone or web orders. Just mention Misstropolis when you place your order, and receive 15% off! Now that otta make your skin glow!