Some of us like to slather ourselves in moisturizer, others can’t live without a great peel and some swear by serums. We’re giving you the inside scoop on our favorite skincare products here at Finn Facial Plastics… Kim’s Favorite: Antioxidant Serum When you think of antioxidants, do visions of red wine and chocolate dance in your head? We’ve been hearing this fancy buzz word for years, but how much and what type of these cancer-fighting elements will do wonders for your complexion? Before you pour another glass of pinot noir, you may want to consider an even more effective tool for your anti-aging arsenal: Vitamin C. In a study done by Oregon State University, “The use of vitamin C (3-10%) in topical applications for at least 12 weeks has been shown to decrease wrinkling, reduce protein fiber damage, decrease apparent roughness of skin, and increase production of collagen.” By now we all know the importance of a broad-spectrum SPF, but it turns out that according to new research SPF is not quite enough to protect you from every form of sun damage. Broad-spectrum SPF will block UVA and UVB rays, but those rays only make up about seven percent of solar energy. New research finds that infrared radiation, which accounts for about 54% of solar energy, also causes aging. While there’s no product that can totally guard you from infrared radiation, studies show that antioxidants in skincare may help! What to look for when you purchase Vitamin C:
- For maximum results, a good vitamin C topical will also contain vitamin E as well. The Vitamin E helps to stabilize the Vitamin C, and gives it a longer shelf life.
- Do judge a product by its cover– all antioxidants are prone to deterioration when exposed to UV lighting, so the packaging should be airtight and opaque.
- Make sure that the product contains at least 3-10%. A clinical dosage, found only at a physician’s office, may have up to 15%.
Antioxidant Serum by Neocutis which contains 15% Vitamin C combined with Vitamin E.
Why we love it: This potent serum neutralizes free radicals at multiple levels to help minimize skin alterations due to oxidative stress, and it contains Creative which helps contribute to creative a wrinkle “shield” against oxidative stress. Contrary to what you might think, this serum doesn’t go under your moisturizer, but should actually applied right before SPF of course and can be used both in the morning, and at night for best results. Using an antioxidant serum fights free radicals formed by infrared radiation, but careful with your sunscreen: chemical SPF ingredients like Avobenzone and Octinoxate also produce free radicals when they absorb UV rays, meaning certain sunscreens may cause more wrinkles than they prevent. If you want to avoid free radical-producing sunscreens altogether, look for a physical (also called mineral) sunscreen ingredients, like zinc and titanium dioxide. http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/antioxidants-in-skin-care/p112962/page6
Caley’s Favorite: EltaMD®| EltaMD® SPF 40 UV Daily Broad-Spectrum
Why we love it: EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 absorbs quickly, and doesn’t have a greasy or shiny affect on the skin. It’s hydrating, with hyaluronic acid and just the right amount of oil to moisturize your skin. It’s also noncomedogenic, paraben free, fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive or acneic skin. Speaking of Antioxidants…
Jenny’s favorite: RevaleSkin (Coffeeberry) Night Cream Antioxidants help prevent the breakdown of elastin. Meanwhile, retinols speed up cell turnover, and peptides tell your skin to make more collagen.
Why we love it: CoffeeBerry has highest antioxidant potential of any ingredient measured to date, based on its Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity Score (ORAC) — a method developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the standard to measure the antioxidant capacity of natural substances. Along with other antioxidants, including Vitamin E.
Shannon’s favorite: ZO Ossential Growth Factor Serum. Apply after your retinol and vitamin C, which will disrupt the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin) to allow for the peptides from this product to better penetrate. Apply sparingly over face and neck. Out of any other product she’s tried, Shannon says this is the only one that makes a difference she can see, notably: better texture, and a brighter complexion. Ready to ramp up your anti-aging regimen? Stop by the office to speak with our knowledgeable staff to find the right products for your complexion!