Product Review: Jan Marini Age Intervention Regeneration Face Mask

The Age Intervention Regeneration Facial Mask has some interesting technology behind it, so I was excited to be given the chance to try it. Without getting entirely too technical for a Monday morning, I will explain it like this: it works simultaneously to resurface your skin while applying ingredients that are beneficial in the fight against aging.  The key ingredients that make the magic happen are:

• Glycolic Acid. Provides superb skin resurfacing and retexturing benefits.
• Proprietary Peptide Blend. Targeted peptide blends designed to provide remarkable skin rebuilding and rejuvenation benefits.
• Resveratrol. Polyphenol from red wine often referred to as the “longevity” molecule. Has a wide range of anti-aging benefits that include wrinkle reduction, anti-inflammatory activity and has been shown to modulate genetic expression
• Green Tea Extract. Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Medical validation exists regarding its ability to significantly decrease the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Green tea also helps to reduce the appearance of skin redness, including rosacea and has demonstrated anti-acne properties. May also assist in protecting the skin against sun damage.
• Red Tea Extract. Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Studies suggest that it can significantly decrease the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
• White Tea Extract. Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Helps to prevent sun damage and boosts the immune function of cells. Decreases appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Pomegranate Extract. Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Helps to support cellular regeneration and skin repair.
• Linoleic and Linolenic Acid. Essential fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties. Assists in preventing trans-epidermal moisture loss.
• Co-Enzyme Q-10. Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Acts like a “cellular battery” to boost the skins ability to repair and regenerate. Research also indicates that CoQ10 encourages the production of collagen and elastin. Helps to protect the skin from sun damage.
• Algae Extract. Contributes beneficial minerals to the skin and promotes excellent moisture retention and elasticity.

The glycolic acid is a wonderful exfoliant, removing dull dead skin cells on the surface of your skin to enable the potent anti-aging ingredients like co-enzyme Q-10 to do their magic.

I was really pleased with the results of the mask, and have continued to use it at least once a week. It is excellent for those of us who don't need intense moisture, but still want the anti-aging benefits.

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Product Review: Sustainable Youth Skin Care

Anti-aging is all the rage right now, and rightly so. After all, 40 is the new 20, right? Okay, I'm almost 40, and I'm far too tired to be 20 again, but come on - I will fight aging every step of the way.

And that's where Sustainable Youth comes in. They have developed an exclusive ingredient complex called Alasta that not only is completely sustainable (no part of the plant is wasted), but a key factor in reducing the inflammation in the body that is responsible for the aging process. (Dr. Andrew Weil is an excellent resource for finding out more regarding the link between inflammation and aging, as well as disease.) Less inflammation results in less oxidative stress, fewer free radical reactions, and less collagen cross-linking, resulting in increased skin elasticity and firmness.

So how did it work? I used the products for 30 days, and while I didn't notice anything drastic, I think that they did a wonderful job keeping firmness in my skin. I found the Elasticity Cream to be very moisturizing, and loved the way it applied easily and didn't end up creating an oil slick on my already-oily skin. The serum is practically weightless and feels wonderful on my skin.

Sustainable Youth stands behind their products and offers a money back guarantee if you're not happy with the performance of the products over a 12 week period, which makes the whole thing almost risk-free! The natural and organic ingredients reduce the likelihood of allergic reaction, and the sustainable nature of the products makes even the greenest beauty junkie happy. Check out some before and after pictures at the Sustainable Youth website.

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Product Review: Exuviance Anti-Agin/Anti-Acne Skin Care

I was contacted recently by NeoStrata, the brand behind Exuviance with an offer to try out their anti-aging and anti-acne kit. I was very excited to even know that there was such a thing. It seems that often if you're in the market for anti-acne, you have to look to the young person's section of the drugstore. If you're in the market for anti-aging you aren't even in the same aisle. Exuviance is here to help with all of that, combining ingredients that work simultaneously on the anti-acne and the anti-aging front.

The kit contains Moisturizing Antibacterial Facial Cleanser, Sheer Refining Fluid SPF 15, Night Renewal HydraGel, Purifying Clay Masque, and Matte Perfection. I tried everything in the kit, so I'm going to break it down by product.

First up is the Moisturizing Antibacterial Facial Cleanser. This is a very gentle cleanser with an active ingredient of triclosan (0.3%), a common antibacterial agent. It also has PHA's, or polyhydroxy acids which are also supposed to provide anti-aging benefits. According to Skin911.com, PHA's "are the next generation of AHAs in skin care, are natural and nontoxic. In the polyhydroxy acids category are lactobionic acid, galactose and gluconic acid. A special type of AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) known to

1. Modulate keratinization, cell development in the top layer of skin.
2. Normalize stratum corneum (outermost layer of skin involving the last stage of cell development) exfoliation and thickness. Aging slows the exfoliation process down allowing cells to remain on the skin causing a lack luster appearance.
3. Distinct advantage when used on sensitive skin due to a larger molecular size allowing gentle topical penetration, decreasing sensitivity and discomfort.
4. Sensitive skin, such as rosacea, atopic dermatitis, eczema, seborrhea and in hyperkeratosis (abnormal cell turn over) associated with psoriasis, ichthyosis, and keratosis pilaris are skin conditions benefiting from this advantage."

All of which are fabulous on the anti-aging front, but for those of us with breakout issues, there isn't much exfoliating power there. I actually had to discontinue my use of this cleanser because it just wasn't exfoliating off the sebum on my skin, leading to breakouts. However, if you are only mildly prone to breakouts, this product may very well be the answer to your oily skin/anti-aging dilemma. It just didn't work for me.

The next product in my kit that I used on a daily basis was the Exuviance Sheer Refining Fluid. This is similar to a moisturizer, and should be used as such. It has a broad spectrum SPF 15 level, which is key in any anti-aging product, in my opinion. It also has a unique botanical blend called Phytotal, which is supposed to help control surface sebum over time. To boost the anti-aging properties, it has another unique ingredient balled NeoGlucosamine which is designed to smooth the skin while fading dark and pigmented spots on the skin. I liked this moisturizer a good deal. I don't know that it really controlled my oil, but I haven't found a single product that actually does that, no matter what the claims are, so I don't have high expectations in that area. But it certainly wasn't greasy at all, and it didn't feel like I had a veil of thick cream on my face.

The Night Renewal HydraGel was designed to be used only at night. This light gel has a combination of PHA and AHA's to help exfoliate the skin, which refines and repairs it. It also has Phytotal to help control sebum. This was also a very light product that I liked a great deal for nighttime use. The gel formulation wasn't greasy at all, and it didn't cause breakouts.

Designed for weekly use, the Purifying Clay Masque has kaolin clay to absorb surface oil and packs a punch with more PHA's for hydrating skin. This is a great clay mask, and there are so many on the market right now. It might be my favorite product out of this whole line. My skin felt really refreshed after this application, and I tend to use these about twice a week, depending on what sort of state my skin is in.

Matte Perfection is one of the new formulations that are designed to go either underneath or over makeup to give the skin more of a matte look. It is also formulated with AHA's and PHA's for skin benefits. I think this is a perfectly lovely product, and will probably work well with most skin types - except for mine. It just didn't do much to mattify, and I like these types of products to be formulated with salicylic acid, or BHA's to really help remove the oil. Again, my skin is really finicky, and requires a bit of beating down, so don't think that my experience is universal.

All in all, I think this is a great system for those who have oily skin but don't tend to have breakouts. If you're more interested in anti-aging versus anti-acne, this is right up your alley, and you should certainly give it a try. As for me, I'm back to my anti-acne regimen before things get really bad!

All products can be found at Amazon, Ulta, and SkinStore.com.

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Prevention Magazine Announces 2009 Defy Your Age Beauty Award Winners

Prevention magazine put the leading anti-aging beauty products to the test again this year and found seven products deserving of the “Defy Your Age” seal, including Olay ProX Age Repair Lotion, Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Age Shield Hand Cream and Estée Lauder Idealist Dual-Action Refinishing Treatment.

The full list of winners include:

Best Day Lotion with SPF: Olay ProX Age Repair Lotion SPF 30
This lotion contains two powerful peptides that work to smooth fine lines and firm skin by speeding the production of new collagen. ($42; drugstores) DDC reviewed.

Best Night Cream: Roc Multi-Correxion Night Treatment
Includes multitasking ingredients like retinol and vitamin C, which smooth and firm skin and lighten discoloration. ($25; drugstores)

Best Lip Treatment: Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge La Base Revitalizing Lip Treatment SPF 10
Contains Pro-Xylane, a sugar molecule that boosts production of collagen and skin’s built-in moisturizers to plump lips and diminish fine lines. ($29; lancome-usa.com)

Best Microdermabrasion Treatment: Estée Lauder Idealist Dual-Action Refinishing Treatment
This skin polisher instantly boosts brightness, decreases pore size and smoothes skin thanks to salicylic acid, glucosamine and a blend of spherical beads. ($49.50; esteelauder.com) DDC information.

Adult Acne Treatment: Avon Clearskin Professional Acne Treatment System
Unlike teenagers’ treatments, this trio of products—a scrub, a toner, and an oil-free lotion—contains humectants that soften and smooth. ($34; avon.com)

Hand Cream: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Age Shield Hand Cream SPF 30
This cream smoothes fine lines and keeps hands soft with heavy-duty humectants and emollients; potent UV protection helps stave off future damage. ($6; drugstores)

Eye Cream: Skin Effects by Dr. Jeffrey Dover Cell 2 Cell Anti-Aging Eye Treatment
Made with hyaluronic acid, peptides and dermaxyl (a nonirritating synthetic retinoid), this cream decreases wrinkles, brown spots, and under eye darkness. ($15; CVS pharmacy)

You can log on to win all seven products (a $200 value!) at http://www.prevention.com/winbeauty

Have you tried any of these? How well did they work for you?

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Today Only! Free 10 Day Sample of Estee Lauder's New Advanced Night Repair

Listen carefully, I have a bit of inside information. Ready?

For 4 synchronized hours – from 5:00pm – 9:00pm (all local times) TONIGHT, July 23, 2009 – Estée Lauder Beauty Advisors will be distributing 250,000 10-day samples of NEW Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex at ALL Estée Lauder department and specialty store counters nationwide – one per customer while supplies last. They are calling it "America's Night to Repair."

So get yourself off to an Estee Lauder counter and grab yours while they last. I was able to try a preview sample, and believe me, you'll want to give it a shot.

Go visit the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair website for more information.

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Gift With Purchase from Marina Cosmetics

I've written about Marina Cosmetics before, and wanted to share this special offer with you before it expires. Purchase any Marina Hydrating Gloss for $22, and receive a full sized Sea Perfected Lipstick FREE. That is a gloss and a lipstick for $22. Can't beat that.

The best part about these products is that they offer UVA and UVB protection, which isn't something you find in many glosses or lipsticks, but is so important. Also, I'm told that if you use a Marina lip product for 56 days, you can see a 9% decrease in wrinkle depth to the lips.

Find them in salons near you or online at MarinaCosmetics.com.

Edited to Add: These discounts are available at the participating Beauty 360 locations only.

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Product Review: Olay Pro X Anti-Wrinkle Protocol

I am so interested in anti-aging products lately. Mostly because I'm getting to that age, but also because there are so many options out there that are available to everyone - not just those who have an extra $500 to spend at the beauty counter.

Olay will always have a place in my heart. I remember my mom always having a bottle of the pink Oil of Olay lotion when I was growing up, and the Regenerist line has been very good to me. While I have temperamental, breakout-prone skin, I can usually count on Olay products to calm my skin down and provide great moisturizing, especially in the cold winter months.

I was fortunate enough to be able to try the Pro-X line when it was just being released. I had heard through the beauty grapevine that people were having a hard time with it, and I was a bit worried. I shouldn't have been, though. I managed to make it work quite well for me.

The Anti-Aging Starter Protocol kit includes Age Repair Lotion SPF 30, Wrinkle Smoothing Cream, and Eye Restoration Complex. The Age Repair Lotion SPF 30 is to be worn during the day, applied in the morning after cleansing. The Wrinkle Smoothing Cream is applied in the evening after cleansing, and the Eye Restoration Complex goes on the eye area after the Wrinkle Smoothing Cream.

I really like the Age Repair Lotion because the SPF is high enough to actually make a difference. It also incorporates the SPF into your daily routine, which is something we all need, but most of us don't really do. SPF 15 in your moisturizer or makeup really isn't the same, and we all need sun protection. It isn't overly greasy, and goes on well. A simple two step routine in the morning - cleanse, apply lotion. That's it.

The Wrinkle Smoothing Cream is a rich cream that is applied in the evening. I thought it was extremely moisturizing, and the eye cream was also quite rich. It almost bordered on greasy, but a good exfoliation before application will help with that problem a lot.

While many people reported breakouts with this regimen, I managed to avoid it by using a 2% salicylic acid cleanser both morning and evening. While there is no cleanser in this kit, and none is recommended, the only way I would have avoided problems was to hit it hard with the salicyclic acid. I am not sure a glycolic acid formulation would have been as successful.

I don't have many facial lines or fine lines on my face, so I can't report any change in wrinkle reduction. It is important to note that it takes up to 24 weeks to see changes (check out their information on clinical trials). I used the product for four, and was quite happy with it. Will I continue using it? I'm not sure. Probably not, since I don't think I need this kind of intense protocol just yet. I may very well come back to it in a few years when I'm ready for some serious wrinkle fighting action, though.

All in all, I think this is an amazing anti-aging program for someone who needs it at an incredible price point.

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From Total Beauty: Makeup Tricks that Erase 10 Years

Makeup Tricks That Erase 10 Years

Try these simple color and texture changes to look younger today

Here's motivation for you: At the end of this article, you can cozy up to your makeup mirror and emerge looking 10 years younger. What habits to break, what new techniques to try -- it's all here with before-and-after pictures. See tips

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Ageless Fantasy: Can Perfume Make You Smell Younger?

I don't have the answer to that, but a new fragrance called Ageless Fantasy is supposed to make those anti-aging dreams of yours come true.

Here is what the company says about the formula:

"The blended tropical flavors of pineapple, mango and leafy greens have been known to bring a feeling of comfort often associated with positive childhood memories, thus giving a sense of coziness, youth and joy. Tropical notes bring a more youthful impression while indulgent, creamy florals - jasmine and cherry blossom appeal to the modern woman. Musk, dry woods and vanilla combine for an earthy, natural fragrance. Organic citrus natural compounds create a rich, sophisticated & energizing scent. Combined with antioxidant pomegranate AgelessFantasy® achieves powerful euphoric properties, sets off a feeling of youth and excitement. Smells youthful. Feels youthful. Is youthful."

This idea of using fragrance to influence others perceptions of your age isn't new. It wasn't so long ago that several studies were done showing that pink grapefruit scents seem to affect age perception, and this fragrance just builds on that.

So does it work? I don't know. I didn't find anyone who thought I was younger, but I did get a lot of compliments on the scent, and several people asked me where they could purchase it. It's a lovely light scent, citrus and floral being the dominant notes, not completely my style, but perfectly lovely nevertheless. Will it work for you? I don't know that either, but I'm betting you'll at least get a few compliments like I did.

Ageless Fantasy by Harvey Prince for Women, 3.4 oz Eau De Toilette Spray, $120. Available at Amazon and AgelessFantasy.com.

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Beauty Bubbles: 14 Products that Won't Keep Your Skin Young

14 Products That Won't Keep Your Skin Young

Skincare addicts beware: These won't likely smooth away your wrinkles and age spots -- so save your money

With proper skincare habits, a little product can go a long way to help reduce signs of aging over time. But before you invest, make sure you're getting your money's worth: Avoid these overhyped, overpriced disappointments. See products

No. 14: Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel, $45

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 4.9*

Why: "Week 1, no results. Week 2, still nothing. Week 3, I saw something and it's a frown on my face from seeing that this wasn't a very effective product...

No. 13: Burt's Bees Evening Primrose Overnight Creme, $14.99

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 4.4*

Why: "It felt very thick and oily and didn't do dramatic things for my skin..."

No. 12: Principal Secret Reclaim EyeMazing Eye Serum, $36

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 4.6*

Why: "It just makes my eyes puffier and I have noticed looking more tired than usual..."

Want to see what's #1? Click here!

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Product Review: Patricia Wexler MMPi.20 Skin Regenerating Serum

I picked up a sample of MMPi.20 Skin Regenerating Serum the last time I was in Bath and Body Works. I tucked it away and didn't give it a whole lot of thought until I realized that I had run out of the eye cream that I was previously testing. And I am glad I did. This is one amazing skin cream. Here is what the website has to say:

• MMPi.20™ anti-aging technology blocks the damaging effect of all 20 known MMPs (skin destroying enzymes that break down production of collagen and cause skin to sink, sag, and wrinkle) and prevents the production of new MMPs, correcting the signs of aging you see today and preventing future damage
• Boosts skin's own regenerative powers to diminish the visible signs of aging
• Visibly reverses the lines, sink and sag
• To use: After cleansing, gently massage serum evenly over face, neck, and decollete 2 times daily

I just used it on my eye area, as I'm always weary of putting anything new on my breakout-prone face. But even there I was impressed with the serum. It had a definite mattifying effect, which is always a bonus for me. Plus, it make my skin feel super soft. I even had other people touch it after applying it just to make sure I wasn't dreaming the whole thing. And it caused absolutely no problems for my skin at all - in fact, I do believe it did a great job kind of plumping up the few smile lines I have around my eyes.

Just FYI, the website says that a jar of this good stuff goes for $150. That wasn't the case at my local Bath and Body Works. The jar available for sale there was $55.

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Ask Me: What is the Difference Between Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids?

Have I mentioned how much I love reader mail? No? Well, it makes me happy. And I love questions the best. It makes me break out all my researching skills to come up with a reasonable answer. Here is this week's question:

Q: I read a lot about products that use alpha and/or beta hydroxy acids for my skin. What is the difference between the two and how are they beneficial?

A: Excellent question! The main difference between alpha hydroxy acids (AHA's) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA's) is their ability to dissolve lipids or oils. AHA's are only water soluable and cannot penetrate surface sebum or oil. BHA's are able to penetrate the sebum and are recommended for skin that is prone to breakouts. On the other hand, AHA's are perfect for skin that is sun-damaged without breakout problems.

The most common AHA's are glycolic and lactic acids derived from fruit and milk sugars. Other AHA's are citric and malic acid. They work mainly as exfoliants, removing dead skin cells and may or may not stimulate the skin's production of collagen and elastin. When purchasing a product with AHAs, look for a percentage of 5 to 8%. AHAs can increase sun sensitivity, so be sure to use a good sunscreen during treatment.

There is only one BHA, and that is salicylic acid, which is derived from asprin. BHA products work best with a concentration of 1 to 2%, and most acne treatment products use 2%, which seems to be the magic number for truly problematic skin. BHAs also work as exfoliants, but are able to penetrate through the sebum layer on the skin into the pore to remove buildup there, which is why many blackhead treatment products feature BHAs. Again, it's important to use sunscreen during treatment, as BHAs have been known to increase photosensitivity.

Photo by thebettymae on flickr

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Product Review: L'Oreal Skin Genesis Daily Treatment Serum Concentrate

I'm turning 36 this September. September 11, as a matter of fact. I'm fortunate to not have many fine lines or wrinkles, but that is probably due to genetics, not my faithful use of anti-aging products. Truthfully, I only started using a basic moisturizer about three years ago. My skin has always been very oily, blemish-prone, and altogether difficult. I've spent more of my time trying to prevent breakouts and treat the problems that I have instead of looking to the future and using sunscreen, using anti-aging products, and moisturizing well.

It has only been recently that I have become aware of the importance of anti-aging. I don't want to see any fine lines or wrinkles, who does? So I have developed a newfound interest in what is out there for that type of skin care. Ladies, there is a LOT out there. I had no idea! Of course we all want to have beautiful skin, but the number of choices is simply overwhelming!

I'm sure many of you know my fondness for drugstore products. I have long since held the opinion that you can find almost anything you need at a more than reasonable price. So I was excited to try out L'Oreal's upcoming Skin Genesis line.

But first, a bit of background. Skin Genesis is a technology-advanced, cell-strengthing system for stronger, tighter, more even skin, according to L'Oreal. Formulated with patented Pro-Xylane™, an exclusive L’Oréal molecule that strengthens skin and reignites cell activity layer by layer, and hyaluronic acid, skin’s natural hydrator. The creation of patented Pro-Xylane was the result of seven years of focused research on the function of skin’s glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), chains of sugar molecules found in the skin’s layers that hold together skin structures and create the ideal environment for skin’s natural functions. Realizing that GAGS get damaged and decrease in number with age and UV exposure, L’Oréal Research and Development worked to find a molecule that could stimulate GAG synthesis. The solution came in the form of xylose – derived from the beech wood plant, xylose is small enough to penetrate the skin’s layers and is also found naturally in skin. With that discovery, the Pro-Xylane molecule was born.

How do you like all that PR speak? I know. It's awesome.

Basically, here is what you need to know: it effectively penetrates the surface layers of the skin to optimize skin hydration. The dehydrated spheres of hyaluronic acid (naturally found in both the skin’s epidermis and dermis - it provides moisture to the skin, making it soft, smooth and elastic) inflate when in contact with water. This essentially means that when these bad boys plump up, it plumps up your skin, filling in fine lines and wrinkles. Make sense?

But how does it work? I know, you want the good stuff. I've been using Loreal Skin Genesis Multi Layer Cell Strengthening Daily Treatment Serum for over a week now, and I am very impressed with the product. I use it after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing, and I use it twice a day, in the morning and the evening. I've noticed that my skin seems much smoother and softer, and while I don't really have anything other than "smile lines" around my eyes (which will never go away, I'm sure), I haven't noticed anything new crop up, and that is all I am looking for in a product like this: superior moisturizing and no new lines. So in my mind, it's well worth the expenditure. Besides, it could be an investment towards the future, as long as I keep wearing that sunscreen!

Look for a review of the accompanying moisturizing lotion coming soon.

L'Oreal's entire Skin Genesis line is available at most mass retailers, and the Loreal Skin Genesis Multi Layer Cell Strengthening Daily Treatment Serum Concentrate retails for approximately $19.99.

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