5 Steps to Achieve Healthy Glowing Skin

It’s never too late to start!

It probably comes as no surprise that more and more people are worried about aging, and it seems to be a hot topic of discussion with your esthetician, family and friends. But recent trends are pointing to the realization that people are thinking about aging at a much younger age. We can have both beautiful and healthy looking skin if we start taking care of our skin at an early age. But don’t fret… it’s never too late to start. Like I’ve always said – “If you take take of your skin, your skin will thank you for it when you’re 50 and beyond.”

You don’t need a skin care routine that’s complicated.

So, do you have just a few minutes a day that will turn into a lifetime of fresh healthy glowing skin? Yes? YAY! And you don’t need a skin care routine that’s complicated – it shouldn’t be overwhelming. Find 5 easy steps below (only 4 that you need to do daily) that can transform and protect your skin so you can have the self-esteem and confidence to put your best face forward.

My favorite ingredients in a mask are enzymes.

Keep in mind that the type of product you use will depend on your skin type (details below). Masking is to be done weekly, and again, choose these depending on your skin type – charcoal or clay masks for oily skin and hydrating masks for drier skin. My favorite ingredients in a mask are enzymes. These wonderful natural exfoliators break down the substance that holds your dead skin cells together making it very easy for those dead skin cells to slough off revealing a healthy glow. This also helps your foundation glide on smoother and your products penetrate better into your skin.

Consistency is key!

Maintaining healthy skin requires consistency and a great skincare routine. We recommend monthly visits to your favorite esthetician for a deep cleaning, exfoliating and hydrating facial. Estheticians have the skills and the tools to really make a difference in your skin. But how you take care of your skin at home is just as important for maintaining what the professionals do on a regular basis. And don’t forget to drink lots of water, which hydrates your skin from the inside. Hydration is what allows skin to function at peak performance. Once you get into these simple habits, just like anything else, you will see and feel the benefits of healthy glowing skin!

Need personalized education?

If you would like a skincare consultation or personalized education, you can reach me at fabbspa.com. I’d love to help you achieve the healthy glowing skin you’ve always dreamed of!

You can have healthy glowing skin in 5 easy steps!

• CLEANSE – In order to have healthy looking skin, you must cleanse your skin twice a day. The most important time is at night to remove makeup, dirt, dead skin cells, pollutants and sweat. You can lightly cleanse in the AM to remove any shedding of the dead skin from its repair process at night. Use the proper cleanser for your skin type; gel based cleansers for oily skin and lotion cleansers for drier skin. And NO SOAP! Soap is a dirty 4-letter “S” word in my book! Soap is alkaline and strips your protective acid mantle.

• MOISTURIZER/SUNSCREEN – During the day, every skin type needs moisturizer – yes, even oily skin. You just need an oil-free moisturizer. And ALWAYS follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. There are some great combination moisturizers/sunscreens out there as well. Not only at the beach, but you really should wear it EVERY DAY to protect your skin while driving and taking your daily walks. And don’t forget the neck, decollette and hands.

• SERUMS – Many people skip this step and boy, are they missing out! Serums are for targeted and specific issues you may have; i.e., pigmentation, dullness, acne, rosacea or dry and dehydrated skin. Their molecular structure is always smaller so it can penetrate into your skin, not just sit on the top layer. A Vitamin C or antioxidant serum is great for everyone. Hyaluronic acid serum works wonders for drier skin and a retinol or peptide serum is fabulous for aging skin.

My favorite Vitamin C serum from Image Skincare

• EXFOLIATE – Exfoliation is probably my favorite step and one that many people skip as well. There are two types – physical (exfoliating beads) and chemical (enzymes and acids). Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells so the newer skin cells can rise to the surface, which gives you that healthy glow, and your products will penetrate better. It is recommended to exfoliate about twice a week (one physical and one chemical).

• REPAIR – Your skin repairs itself at night while you sleep, so it’s really important to pick the right moisturizer to help control how fast your skin ages and to keep your skin barrier in tip-top shape. One of the best anti-aging ingredients is retinol, which promotes collagen activity and helps to re-texturize your skin. And try to aim for 7-8 hours of beauty sleep. When you’re tired, your skin shows it.

Retinol night cream from Image Skincare

How to Transition Your Skin from Winter to Spring

After coming off the cold, dry months of winter (and yes, even in Florida!), it’s a good idea to ease up on some of your heavier creams and lengthy routines as we spring into spring. And just like we start to spring clean our homes, let’s not forget our cute little faces.

Do I really need my lotion cleansers and heavy creams?

Perhaps not. If your skin craves hydration in the winter, it may be time to switch to a gel-based cleanser and hyaluronic or water-based moisturizer as the humidity increases in the spring and summer. It’s also a good idea to trade in your heavy foundation for a lighter one or even a tinted moisturizer. Once you start taking care of your skin consistently, you won’t need a heavy foundation to cover up your beautiful skin!

And again, I stress that even oily skin needs a daily AM moisturizer – just make sure it’s an oil-free moisturizer. One I am in love with is Image Skincare’s Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer SPF 32. It smells divine, is oil-free and has a nice matte and shine-free finish.

What happened to my glow?

In the drier months, our skin looks dull and flaky, and we need to give it a little boost of exfoliation. This will help rid the dead skin cells just sitting on the top layer of our skin. I am a huge fan of enzyme masks, which dissolve the “glue” that holds our dead skin cells together. This is a type of chemical exfoliation. Physical exfoliation is when you use a scrub. Make sure you know what kind of substance that scrub consists of – no walnut pieces! They need to be bio-degradable. Once these dead skin cells are sloughed off, voila! Beautiful glowing skin appears.

Don’t forget the SPF

Welcome, Mr. Sun! As much I love to see the beautiful rays of sunshine, don’t be fooled! It does SO much damage and causes 90% of our aging. I hear so many people say they only wear sunscreen at the beach. Tsk. Tsk. Sunscreen needs to be worn Every. Single. Day. Period.

As far as spring cleaning, go through your makeup brushes – make sure they’re still up to par and clean as they can harbor bacteria. Check the expiration dates on your sunscreen and throw away products that are over 6 months old. Let the sun shine in, but don’t forget that sunscreen!!!

10 Nighttime Beauty Tips

There are morning rituals and of course specific ones for nighttime as well. Do you have a routine? Or do you just fall asleep on the couch after a glass of wine and Grey’s Anatomy? Tsk. Tsk. I have had many people tell me this scenario and that they are just too tired at the end of the day to take care of their skin. A solution leads me right to my #1 Nighttime Skincare Tip:

#1: I’m just too tired to take my makeup off at night.

Removing your makeup at night is so important. If you don’t, it can cause extensive damage to your skin during the night. The skin renews itself while you sleep, and when you leave makeup on, you are preventing that from happening. The skin ceases to breathe and fatigue signs appear soon enough. Too tired you say? Want an easy solution? When you get home from work, what’s the first thing you do? Head straight to the bedroom and take your bra off, right? Well, that’s when you go into the bathroom right then and there and remove that makeup! Then carry on with whatever you need to do…. make dinner, help the kids with homework or baths, and yes, even have that glass of wine (or two) and watch your favorite program. Just knowing you’re going to bed with cleansed skin should make you (and your skin) happy.

#2: Do I really need to double cleanse?

That depends. If you wear makeup on a daily basis, the answer would be a resounding YES! Removing your makeup with the first cleanse, and preferably an oil cleanser, will dissolve and remove the makeup. The second cleanse will then clean your skin. Makes sense, doesn’t it?

#3: What can I do about these lip lines?

A cool trick I learned many years ago is when you apply your eye cream around your peepers, put a little bit of that eye cream around the lip area as well. It will help with those fine little lines.

#4: Why does retinol only need to be applied at night?

Let’s start by saying that mostly everyone over the age of 40 should be using a retinol at night. Retinol is the #1 anti-aging ingredient out there, and is a derivative of Vitamin A. It helps promote cell turnover and prevents clogging of pores. It smooths your skin making it feel softer with a healthy glow. It helps to decrease fine lines and wrinkles, can help even skin tone and improves collagen production. But retinol can only be used at night due to its photosensitivity in the skin, which means it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. So, do not use retinol in the AM – ever!

#5: Never skip moisturizer at night

Some people think that your skin needs to “breathe” at night – but, hey, your skin does not have a respiratory system. When you go to bed with bare skin, your skin’s moisture evaporates more resulting in dry skin cell build up. This makes your skin look dull and tired. Your skin repairs itself at night, so pick the right moisturizer for your skin type, (generally a thicker cream than your day time moisturizer) and slather that good stuff on your face, neck and decollete.

#6: Sleep with your head elevated

According to the latest data, sleeping with your head elevated can boost your health and provide better sleep. By simply raising your head a bit, you can expect more open breathing passages to improve sleep problems. It can help with sleep apnea, congestion issues, acid reflux, and even heart disease. When lying flat, you can experience too much pressure on the head. This pressure can cause the brain to get congested. This way, the level of oxygen and sugar won’t have the right circulation. Some studies have reported that elevated sleeping can help relieve over 70 percent of migraines. Interesting stuff, right?

#7: Use a silk pillowcase

Can a silk pillowcase really be the path to smoother skin and better hair? In short, yes — silk pillowcases really do make a difference. A smooth surface with very little friction means less tugging on skin than with a traditional cotton pillowcase. We get ‘crush wrinkles’ from sleeping on our side/face, so we may get less of those when sleeping on silk. Studies show that friction from tossing and turning causes creases in the skin, but a silky smooth surface can reduce that effect in the long run. And sleeping on silk is a secret that women with textured and curly hair have been using for years since the hair glides over a silk pillowcase avoiding friction. So bottom line, yes: Silk pillowcases can improve skin and hair hydration, prevent fine lines and wrinkles, and result in smoother, frizz-free hair every morning. Just don’t expect magical results.

#8: Relax your muscles

Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique that often helps sleep. And it’s easy…. slowly tense one group of muscles, hold for 5 seconds and release on a deep exhale. Relax for 10 seconds, then move on to another group of muscles. PMR not only helps with sleep, but also with lower back and neck pain, less frequency of migraines and reduces anxiety and tension.

#9: Create a bedtime routine

Do you have trouble falling sleep? Creating a calming bedtime routine may help! Taking time to wind down at the end of a hectic day by switching to an activity which can help calm your mind is one of the most helpful sleep habits to adopt. It can calm your overactive mind for a more peaceful night’s rest. Turn off your electronic devices an hour before bed as they stimulate your brain. Meditate or read before bed; listen to relaxing music; have a cup of herbal tea or diffuse essential oils. My favorite essential oil blend right now is Chill Pill by Aura Cacia, a beautiful blend of sweet orange, lavender, basil, peppermint, Roman chamomile, and patchouli.

#10: Get Your Beauty Sleep!

A restful sleep helps with brain function improving concentration and productivity. It can maximize athletic performance and improves your immune function. On the flip side, not getting the recommended 7-8 hours per night is linked to depression, increased inflammation and affects glucose metabolism. If you think you’re doing yourself a favor by sleeping in on the weekends to catch up your amount of sleep, think again. Keeping the same schedule of when you go to bed and wake up is a good habit to strive for. Along with nutrition and exercise, good sleep is one of the pillars of health. Here’s to a restful peaceful slumber!

Hope these tips help your nighttime ritual be more relaxing and beneficial to your skin and health!

5 Products I Can’t Live Without

Just because I’m an esthetician, and I have the ability to buy any professional product out there, doesn’t mean I don’t like one or two over-the-counter products. Yep, phew….. there – I said it. I do know the difference and the many benefits professional products have over their OTC counterparts, but I say put your money in the things that matter most to you, and you can scrimp on the rest.

Where I choose to spend my $$$ – a luxurious eye cream, my favorite mascara that I’ve used for the past 6 years, an award winning vitamin C serum, but then I use an OTC eye makeup remover and makeup products.

My favorite eye cream is fabulous!

Eye cream has been a staple of mine since I was in high school. I can only imagine what my eyes would look like if I hadn’t used an eye cream for that long. BUT – it’s never too late to start. My fav? Image MD Restoring Collagen Recovery Eye Gel. This advanced eye gel helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles while hydrating the delicate eye area with hyaluronic acid, peptides and ceramides. It is a must have for your peepers!

Looking for a luxurious mascara that lengthens AND adds volume?

I have used this fabulous eyelash primer & mascara for the last 6 years! I thought I would try it when I saw it at a trade show and I have never looked back! The primer on one end is a beautiful shade of blue to prep the lashes, and of course, the richest black mascara is on the other end to lengthen your lashes and add some volume for a luxurious velvety look.

A little Vitamin C is the perfect way to start the day!

I just can’t leave the house without this award-winning and bestselling product loved by all skin types, Image Skincare’s Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum. This high-potency serum softens the appearance of wrinkles, supports skin elasticity and fights environmental damage. Hyaluronic acid helps to lock in hydration and supports the look of plump, bouncy skin. It contains multiple forms of vitamin C to help brighten the skin and fight visible signs of dullness and fatigue. My fav under my moisturizer and sunscreen!

An inexpensive eye makeup remover that works great

Sometimes, you really don’t have to pay alot of money for products that work well. And this is one of them. I have used this eye makeup remover for years, and I’ve tried pro brands, and this is still my tried and true! It’s gentle, oil-free and it works. I think that about sums it up and all you need to know.

I’m lovin’ mostly anything from Laura Geller

I found this brand years ago on QVC, and Laura Geller does not disappoint. My favorite product of hers is her INKcredible Waterproof Eyeliner Gel Pencil. It is waterproof, glides on smoothly and color stays put all day. I have also used her Balance & Brighten, Blush & Brighten, eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks and glosses. You can purchase her line at Ulta, QVC and of course on laurageller.com.

If you’re searching for my favorite Image Skincare products or if you have questions about this line or your unique skincare concerns, you can reach me at dmfacials@aol.com or through my website, fabbspa.com.

Staying Positive in Today’s World

5 Tips to Keep Your Inner Glow A-Blazin’ in Your Soul

Have you been finding it difficult to stay positive with all that is going on around us in the world? Is your happiness dwindling and your worry increasing? I get it. When my business was shut down for 2 months, I was devastated. I’m not going to lie. For the first 3 days I cried, felt sorry for myself and wondered what was I going to do. How will I pay my bills, will my clients forget about me, what was going on in this crazy world of ours? But on the fourth day, I woke up, slapped myself in the face (not really, but you get the picture) and said, “Deb, wallowing in self-pity is not going to solve any of those problems. Pull yourself together and devise a plan.”

So, how did I remain positive and composed to tackle this plan? Here are a few tips that helped:

Make time in your day for self-care

• Self-care and being kind to yourself is not selfish. In fact, it’s entirely selfless because when you feel good, you are more inclined to help others feel good as well. If your practice of compassion doesn’t include yourself, then it is incomplete. There’s a quote that says, “Take rest – a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” Meaning if you give yourself permission for self-care, you are able to give a “bountiful crop” – or more of yourself to others.

Make time to relax

• To continue with the self-care practice, make time to RELAX! Make this a priority every day. Exactly how you can relax depends on the things you enjoy, but here are some common ideas: deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, 30 minutes of FUN activity – take a scenic walk, swimming, dancing, singing or any sport that makes you happy – this improves circulation and helps to relieve stress, spending time with family, friends or pets, journaling, reading, art, music or crafts.

Surround yourself with happy people

• There’s an old saying that we become like those we choose to hold closest. Look around your inner circle of friends – the ones you spend the most time with. Do you admire and respect them or are they bringing you down? Wouldn’t it be refreshing to spend time with people who don’t waste time and energy complaining? You can almost feel your spirits lifting around someone who is willing to see the good in things. Find those who know how to nurture and create their own happiness and share it freely. Spend time around these people and you’ll find yourself seeing the world differently.

Ground yourself

• Ground yourself – being fully present in your body, centering or feeling connected to the earth. Spend some time outdoors in nature, walking barefoot in the grass or on the beach. Once you learn how to ground yourself, it’s easier to find your Center. Grounding techniques are designed to redistribute the energy from your head or mind into your body. Doing so has an almost instant calming effect. Most of our stress and anxiety results from a disconnect from our bodies. The more rooted you are in your body, the less stress and anxiety you experience.

Positive thinking makes all the difference

• In today’s world, it is hard to be positive all the time but what you think about, you bring about. Think about that for a second…. “What you think about, you bring about.” How many times have we put ourselves down – that we couldn’t possibly do that or BE that – and you know what? You can’t and you won’t! But if you change your mindset, better things happen in your life. Use daily affirmations in the morning – look right in the mirror and say, “Good morning, gorgeous! I am beautiful, I am kind, I am strong and I’m ready to kick ass today!”

I think the last six months that the world stopped due to Covid made us realize what was important in life. Even if you feel like you are having the worst day of your life, remember that everything happens for a reason. There are no coincidences in life. God and the Universe will never throw a challenge at you that you can’t handle. If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, try to remember to breathe and be grateful.

Tony Robbins said, “When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” I recommend starting your day by writing 3 things you are grateful for. Keep a journal by your bed. And really dig deep – sure it’s easy to say family, friends and beer (yes, I’m a huge craft beer lover!), but realize some of the small things to be grateful for – the dog hair in your bed means you have another living thing that loves you unconditionally; the coffee beans growing in Brazil because you can’t wait to have your first delicious cup of coffee that morning; instead of being aggravated that the birds woke you up with their chirping that morning, be grateful for God’s glorious sounds of each day.

I know it’s not easy – but by changing your mindset and following some of these simple tips, I’m hoping you wake up a better YOU tomorrow! Namaste!

Can Microneedling be THE Answer to Your Skin Issues?

What is the difference between Nanoneedling (Nano Infusion) and Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy)?

Nanoneedling is suitable for all skin types. There are microscopic needles in the cartridge, but it feels flat to the touch. That’s because it does not puncture the skin, but “perforates” the skin creating tiny pathways to penetrate and drive products into the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, brightening serums or EGF (Epidermal Growth Factors). This type cartridge can be used safely on the face and neck, lips (Have a hot date? Plump up those lips beforehand!), eyelids (hooded and anti-aging), scalp and body. It does not work past the Stratum Corneum. Treatments can be done every 2-4 weeks and there is no downtime.

Microneedling, also called Collagen Induction Therapy, uses 12 or 36-tip stainless steel or titanium microscopic needles in a disposable cartridge. It is best used for scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, pore reduction, pigmentation and cellulite. CIT creates a “controlled wound” to the epidermis or dermis (depending on depth). This channel triggers the body to fill these microscopic wounds by producing collagen and elastin. Through this repair process, there are visible improvements in skin texture, firmness and brightening.

There are contraindications (certain prescriptions and diseases) and strict pre- and post-procedures to follow to obtain the best results. Some minimal side effects can occur, but usually go away quickly. A series of microneedling treatments is usually the best way to go for your most optimal benefits.

Suggested products used for glide can be sterile saline, specific microneedling solution, hyaluronic acid or PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma). Treatments at a depth of .25 can be repeated every 3 weeks and at a depth of .5 and over should be done every 4-6 weeks. It is highly advised to check with your State’s requirements as to what is allowed for your practice.

Is Microneedling Right for You?

Clinical studies have proven microneedling treatments to be more effective than ablative treatments like laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and chemical peels. It is just as effective as non-ablative treatments like IPL, CO2 laser and Fraxel in stimulating collagen and elastin production. If you are noticing more fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, acne scarring and larger pores lately, and if you are the right candidate for this type of treatment, microneedling may be the perfect solution for you.

I’d love to consult with you to see if this amazing treatment is a perfect fit for you. Book your free consult here

Is there really a difference between Over the Counter (OTC) and Professional Skin Care Products?

You may be wondering if professional skincare products are worth the money. In one word – YES! But, do you need to pay $450 for a luxurious creme or serum? NO! There are so many professional brands that work just as well (or even better) than those expensive lines. And I’m sure that you’ve at least once stared at the many shelves with rows of random skin care products at the drugstore wondering which ones will help you with your acne, fine lines, pigment, you name it. Let me help you first with providing you with a few differences between over the counter and professional skin care products so you can make the right decision on where to turn and why:

Benefits of Buying Professional Skin Care Products:

*Made in smaller batches

*Has high levels of active ingredients with safe formulations

*Does not contain colors, dyes, fragrances or parabens

*Molecular structure is much smaller so it’s able to penetrate down to the bottom layers of the epidermis (the live tissue)

*pH balanced maintaining skin integrity

*Treats skin conditions

*Sold in professional outlets by licensed estheticians to offer guidance and advice

*Reasonably priced made with higher quality, clinically validated ingredients that are specifically chosen for their proven results

*Always at the forefront of technology and reformulating their formulas to seek improvement in their products

Downside of Buying Over the Counter Skin Care Products:

*Made in larger batches for the masses

*Has lower levels of the active ingredients, which takes so much longer to see results. The larger cosmetic companies cannot afford to have a large number of customers with skin issues after using products with very active ingredients

*Most times contains fillers, parabens and preservatives

*Molecular structure is much larger so it basically sits on the top layer of the skin barely penetrating the top layer (the dead skin layer)

*pH can be off (more alkaline) compromising skin barrier function

*Sold in drugstores usually with no assistance or recommendations for YOUR specific skin conditions

*OTC companies may never change their formulations keeping them the same for years

Most times, you get what you pay for! And you may be thinking that only the skincare lines sold in drugstores are considered OTC – wrong! All those big name brands sold in Macy’s, Sephora and Nordstrom – you guessed it! They are considered OTC as well!

Why You Should Use Caution When Buying Skin Care Products Online:

Just a word of caution when purchasing your skincare online such as Amazon… these products can be counterfeit, expired or have been sitting in a warehouse for long periods of time. Some counterfeit products have been found to be laced with lead, copper, mercury or arsenic. The bottles may look the same, but trust me, they are NOT! Seek out a trusted professional so they can guide you on the right skin care path with the right products for your specific skin type.

What’s all the Buzz with these Skin Care Ingredients?

Proven to produce noticeable improvements in all signs of aging

Have you looked in the mirror lately and wondered, “What happened to my skin?” or “Where did this line come from?” or better yet, “Did this just pop up overnight?” Changes in your skin are inevitable as we mature, and we surely can’t stop the process; and hey, we have earned some of those lines, right? But we can slow down the process by some awesome skin care ingredients. Next time you’re researching the right products for your skin type and condition, look for some of these wonderful anti-aging ingredients.

AHA’s & BHA’s

AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids) like glycolic acid derived from sugar cane, lactic acid derived from milk, malic acid derived from apples and pears, citric acid derived from lemons and oranges, and tartaric acid derived from grapes, are water-soluble natural exfoliating acids that bind moisture, improve collagen production and smooth uneven skin texture. These are great for combination to drier skin types.

BHA’s (beta hydroxy acids) like salicylic acid derived from aspirin are oil-soluble acids and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin roughness and is extremely useful in the treatment of breakouts and helpful in the management of keratosis pilaris, conditions that involve blocked or clogged pores and is great for oily skin types.

Image Skincare’s Ageless Total Facial Cleanser with 12% Glycolic Acid

Image Skincare’s Clear Cell Clarifying Gel Cleanser with Salicylic Acid

Retinol

Retinol is the #1 anti-aging skin care ingredient on the market today and is often touted as the gold standard for reducing fine lines, wrinkles, large pores and pigmentation issues. It speeds up cell turnover and boosts collagen and elastin. It also pumps up our circulation by increasing your blood vessel formation so your skin looks healthier. And isn’t that what we all want? One thing about retinol that I always recommend is to go slow in the beginning…. twice a week the first week; three times a week the second week; and build up from there. If you start to use retinol every single night right off the bat, you could possibly experience dry, flaky, irritated skin. And remember – only use your retinol products at night as it is very sun sensitive.

Image Skincare’s Ageless Total Overnight Retinal Masque

Vitamin C

One of the best antioxidants to help fight off environmental damage (namely, free radicals) and make your skin have a healthy glow is Vitamin C. It increases collagen production, reduces the appearance of skin discoloration, strengthens your skin’s barrier response and reduces inflammation. All skin types can use Vitamin C and most types of Vitamin C are even safe for sensitive and rosacea prone skin. Because Vitamin C has a very short period of activity, it must be replenished daily. I recommend using a Vitamin C serum under your daytime moisturizer and SPF every morning. Bye-bye free radicals!

L-Ascorbic Acid is the most common form of Vitamin C and is water-soluble. Other names you will find Vitamin C listed as are: ASCORBIC ACID POLYPEPTIDE, ASCORBYL GLUCOSAMINE, ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE, ASCORBYL PALMITATE MAGNESIUM, ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE SODIUM, ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE, and the newest form of Vitamin C on the market, TETRAHEXYLDECYL ASCORBATE, which penetrates skin deeper and faster than any other form of Vitamin C.

A beautiful array of Image Skincare’s Vital C collection

Green Tea Extract

There have been a number of encouraging studies of skin benefits of green tea and many have found it to slow down the development of some signs of aging. It usually can be found in many natural and organic skin care products. Green tea is an antioxidant, it reduces inflammation, cell damage to the skin and sun damage.

It is best to combine green tea with zinc oxide-based sunscreens because zinc oxide is chemically inert and should not react with green tea (which some chemical sunscreens might do, especially in sunlight).

One little tip is make freshly brewed green tea, freeze it in ice cub trays and then use it as a refreshing toner. Just please don’t put the frozen ice cube directly on the skin. No one wants freezer burn!

Green tea can be found in Image Skincare’s Ormedic collection

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a stable and potent antioxidant and a protective benefit for your skin. It can be found in grape skin, peanuts, berries, and even dark chocolate. In skincare, however, it works on a cellular level to fight aging. It also protects against sun damage, improves collagen synthesis and reduces cell damage.

Image Skincare’s The MAX Stem Cell Creme with Reservatrol

Hyaluronic Acid

Now, don’t freak out when you hear the word “acid.” Our bodies produce hyaluronic acid, but as we age, the production slows down. It keeps our tissues lubricated and it has two main functions. 1. It acts like a plumper. Hydrated skin reduces the appearance of wrinkles, which may explain why several studies show that supplementing with it can make skin appear smoother. And 2. It’s a humectant. It actually takes the moisture from the air and binds it to your skin. It promotes healthier and supple skin and can speed wound healing. It is excellent for dry or dehydrated skin.

Image Skincare’s Ageless Total Pure Hyaluronic6 Filler

Peptides

Peptides is one of the most promising discoveries in the last few years. Peptides are chains of amino acids that are building blocks of proteins in the skin. They penetrate the top layer of the skin and send signals to our cells to let them know how to function. This is a brilliant process. Peptides are channeling into the skin telling our cells what to do with the products. One important protein in our skin is collagen. When collagen breaks down in our skin, wrinkles form. Peptides, applied topically to the skin, send a signal to the collagen to prompt formation of new collagen – and – VOILA! – you have the appearance of more youthful supple skin.

Image Skincare’s The MAX Collection loaded with stem cells & peptides

So there you have it! If you are using some of these awesome ingredients in your skin care products, great job! If you’re not, look for them so your skin can be SO HAPPY!