Professional Clinical Skin Care Since 1997
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Archive for the ‘General’ Category

Why Topical Vitamin C is so important

Monday, August 13th, 2012

When I go out in the sun I always make sure I use our Crystal C Serum or Lactic C Firming  in the morning under my sunscreen. The main goal of incorporating topical vitamin C is to reduce oxidative stress and reduce hyperpigmentation.  In a recent cosmeceutical report, studies show that “oxidative stress stimulates the production of free radicals that may denature proteins, alter cell cycles and influence the release of pro-inflammatory mediators that may trigger the induction of some inflammatory skin diseases”. 

Many people get confused about the forms of vitamin C because L-ascorbic acid is the same as sodium ascorbyl phosphate and the names are often used interchangeably.  Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl glucosamine are all various forms of Vitamin C considered to be effective and stable antioxidants for the skin.  The percentage of actives may vary and that is why using a professional brand will typically provide more noticeable results.  Years ago, when topical vitamin C products were first brought to market, the stability was an issue.  Today, with new cosmetic chemistry advances, the pH levels of these “bio-available” forms of vitamin C make it much more compatible for even the most sensitive skin types.

It is important to remember that vitamin C can block tyrosinase.  Tyrosinase is an enzyme important in the production of melanin (which gives our skin it’s pigment).  By using the Crystal C Serum  or Lactic C Firming Cream once or twice daily, on clean dry skin you help reduce oxidative stress and may potentially destroy free radical activity produced by the sun’s UV rays.

Sometimes it is hard to know what to use on your face with all the choices we have.   Regardless of all the choices, if you are at a plateau, outdoors during the day, noticing some new pigmentation, or just need a change, consider incorporating vitamin c topicals into your daily routine whether in a serum or moisturizer prior to applying your sunscreen as a preventative measure that you can notice now, but enjoy for a lifetime.

 

Skincare Strategies for the Working Mom

Friday, June 29th, 2012

Being a mom is a full time, important job, and can be even more difficult as many re-enter or continue in the traditional workforce.  According to data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 59% of women now work or are actively seeking employment. An even higher percentage of women with children ages 17 or younger (66%) work either full or part time. Working women are stuck between house chores, work schedules and taking care of the kids, and can find it difficult to squeeze in time for a daily skin care regimen. For such women, a simple and effective skincare system is essential!

Share with your wee ones

Have your little ones help with your beauty routine.  Children as small as four years old can be taught to help with every day beauty tasks. Share a face mask with your kids, let them apply it on your face and make it a fun beauty ritual you can do together. Or you can apply the mask before your child’s bath time so your mask can work while you are.

Recommended Product: Balancing Thermogel Mask. Offers up deep concentrated hydration at its most soothing and nourishing.

Restore Nightly

You may not be getting 8 hours of sleep a night due to a busy schedule but you can still maintain the health of your complexion each night.  Your skin is rejuvenating itself while you sleep, so nighttime is an ideal time to apply more intensive moisturizers. Simply taking a few minutes to cleanse and hydrate your skin before you hit the pillow will help restore your skin overnight—and you’ll wake up looking refreshed.

Recommended Products:  Anti Wrinkle Face and Neck Cream. This cream can be used as a face, neck, eye and chest cream.  It can be applied quickly, which is a perfect solution for someone with limited time.

Don’t leave home without it

Always carry a bottle of sunscreen with you in your purse. Sunscreen will be your best protection from sun damaged and aging skin, so we recommend using it every day and reapply as needed. You may not think you are getting much sun if you work in office or at home, and may not see the need for sunscreen application, but it is crucial. Sun damage is cumulative and you need to think about all the daily activities you do which can cause damage through sun exposure.  Walking to your car, driving (think about that left arm hanging out of the window!), taking your dog for a walk, and even getting the mail, are all necessary daily routines but result in cumulative exposure to the sun. If you have a sunscreen handy, you can reapply through the day.

Recommended Products: Oil Free Sunscreen SPF 30.  Offers broad spectrum UVA & UVB protection without leaving a greasy film. Contains aloe vera and antioxidants to help soothe and balance the skin.

Get Back to the Basics

Your skincare regimen does not need to be a complicated, multistep process. Using a cleanser, toner and moisturizer each morning and night that is suited for your skin type will help maintain skin health.  Sometimes simple is better (and quicker)!

Not Just a Pretty Face

Monday, May 14th, 2012

When the word ‘skincare” comes up, many people think about skincare for the face but many people suffer from skin conditions on the body as well. Many of the products in the Control Corrective line offer multiple skin benefits that make your beauty care regimen fully functional.

Skin Nourishing Balm – This emollient, aromatic balm is the ultimate healer!  Place the balm in your hands and rub until it melts like butter. This can be used all over the body including skincare for all over the body. knees and elbows to relieve dry itchy skin. Also, try rubbing some on your upper chest before you go to bed and breathe in the aromatic essential oils as you drift off into your beauty sleep.

Calming Balm- After you get your eyebrows or lips waxed, the skin can be red and irritated. Apply this soothing facial moisturizing gel to help calm and hydrate the skin. Keep cold in the refrigerator and use as needed.

Sensitive Skin Enzyme Mask – It may be called a mask but that does not mean you can’t use it on other areas of the body. This creamy, clay mask doubles as a skin polisher and brightener.  In addition to your face, this mask is also great for dry hands and arms.

Anti Wrinkle Face and Neck Cream – This is an all in one wrinkle fighter. The benefit of this multifaceted cream is itcan be used as an eye cream, face cream, neck cream and declote’ cream. Great for those of you that just wants one cream for everything and don’t have time for several steps in the morning and/or evening.

Cucumber Bead Cleanser – Cleanse with cucumbers all over the body. Works well as a luxurious body polish or as a facial pre-shave. Use this aromatic exfoliating cleanser in your shower for a spa-like experience from head to toe.

 

Share how Control Corrective Skincare has helped make your beauty care regimen fully functional by leaving a comment below.

Skincare Tips for Athletes

Thursday, April 5th, 2012

 

Being physically active is important to keeping fit and healthy. Did you know it can even affect the condition of your skin?  On the plus side exercise increases blood flow and body temperature which in turn helps oxygenate and bring more circulation to the skin.  This further increases lymph flow, and overall skin vitality.

On the flip side, if you exercise regularly it can take a toll on the skin’s surface without even being aware of it.   From dehydration, and photo damage when exercising outdoors, to dry hair, nails, feet and skin when swimming or sweating, to breakouts when touching the skin too much or from pressure and friction caused by exercise gear that rubs such as hats, helmets, exercise equipment, tight undergarments, or other occlusive clothing.

Unknown to most of us, infections are the most common cause of skin problems in athletes, according to Dr. Brian Adams, associate professor at the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Dept. of Dermatology.  It is important to use hand sanitizers, wash hands frequently, and follow some of these simple skin saver tips.

 

  1. Invest in soft, 100% cotton washcloths. Simple as it sounds, what you use to wash with and rub on your face makes quite a difference in skin sensitivity. Using the softest, cotton allows you to cleanse the skin without over stimulating it.  For very sensitive skin, get  cotton“baby diapers” to use as washcloths.  Believe it or not, they are they softest most gentle fabric we have found.

 

  1. Cleansing your face after playing a sport is very important, but it is important to use a non-soap cleanser. This will keep away dirt, oil, bacteria and surface debris, but not over dry the face. Our Gentle Face Wash rinses away surface pollutants, grime and makeup without even a hint of irritation.  Follow with a hydrating toner such as our Balancing Tonic and of course moisturizer to give the skin the healthy, hydrated glow.

 

  1. Select the right sunscreen for your skin type. When dealing with skin that is dry, rough and or acne prone, it is important to know your skin type and to determine if it is dry, oily, or a combination. Control Corrective offers a variety of non-comedogenic (non pore clogging)  sunscreens for all skin types. Because we have many more sebaceous glands on our face than our body, do not assume that the “cheap” body sunscreen works well on your face

 

  1. Tie your hair back during work outs or use a headband. Hair styling products can irritate the skin resulting in clogged pores and acne breakouts. If you do tend to get more breakouts due to sweating while you exercise then you can apply our Sulfur Calming Mask. This creamy comforting mask helps to reduce inflammation and decongest pores. If you breakout in your scalp with small bumps or flakes, try using our Salicylic Wash 2% prior to shampooing your hair.  (It can be left on 30 seconds, then rinsed out – very effective and simple to add).

Becoming more aware of how you can help your skin retain it’s moisture, reduce breakouts, sun damage and dryness by implementing several small shifts during your fitness routine will definitely help you look AND feel healthy over the years.

5 Simple Ways to Transform Your Bathroom into a Spa Oasis

Wednesday, March 14th, 2012

Many women love escaping for a day at the spa, although it may be an indulgence reserved for special occasions.  What spa goers often do not realize is that they can still experience the same tranquility and relaxed feeling at home if they take a little bit of time and focus on it.   Below are several tips for transforming your bathroom into a spa oasis and help you feel some of the pampering that you get from a relaxing facial or massage.
Clean Up
A messy or dirty bathroom can feel cramped; not a place you want to spend much time in. Clean up the clutter of toiletries to a minimum. Stash cosmetics and other products in the medicine cabinet, under the sink or in the linen closet to avoid looking at clutter. Are you overdue?  How about getting new bathroom shelving liners, rearrange product, discard dated beauty products, paint your bathroom, have scented candles or, improve lighting?
Comfort and Joy
Invest in soft 100% cotton towels and a comfy terry robe that is soft on your skin for that spa-like feeling.  Remember to always launder your towels and robe in hypoallergenic, fragrance free detergent with no dryer sheets, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Ambiance is Everything


Aromatherapy candles, soft music, and lighting adjustments (to dim) are all ways to help you forget your daily stresses and set a relaxing mood.
Apply a Mask
Take the time weekly to use a facial mask.  Our Sensitive Skin Enzyme Mask will gently exfoliate, hydrate, and brighten the complexion.  Masks are great to put on while in the bath, or left on the skin 5-10 minutes either before or after your shower.  After removing hydrate well with your favorite control corrective serum of choice and moisturizer.
Be Natural


Natural elements are wonderful to create the spa experience at home. Softly running water and living plants help create a calming connection with nature. Bring a potted plant into your bathroom-they often thrive in the bath thanks to the high levels of moisture and humidity in the air.
Lastly, book “me time”, so you indeed do take the time-out to rejuvenate, relax and replenish yourself whether at the spa or at home. Pamper yourself and your friends and soon your family will thank you.

Is your makeup causing you to look older?

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

We all love wearing make-up; it is a great way to express yourself, try new looks and feel more attractive.   Many of us have had the experience of waking up, looking in the mirror, and noticing a new blemish, uneven roughness, dark areas and deeper lines, causing us to go right into the makeup case for coverage.  While most women wear makeup, be careful not to overload the face, and be sure to add weekly exfoliation to your routine.   A recent study conducted by Canada’s Environmental Defense Group showed that there is an alarming presence of pore-clogging substances found in cosmetic products that can cause imbalances in the skin and is commonly responsible for causing an increase in Rosacea, eczema, and acne.

Fear not!  Here are some tips to keep your skin looking it best while also enjoying the beautiful benefits of make- up.

1)      Start off with a clean slate. Cleaning your brushes is key for healthy, clear skin. Make up brushes are breeding grounds for bacteria, which can cause skin irritation and break outs.

2)      Read the label.  Many believe that using hypo-allergic make-up implies it will not congest the skin and that it is “better” or “healthier”.  However, last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that FDA’s regulation defining “hypoallergenic” was invalid. This means there is now no regulation specifically defining or governing the use of the term “hypoallergenic” or similar claims.

3)      Exfoliate weekly.  Remove dead skin build up several times per week with our CucumberBead Cleanser. Your makeup base will go on smoother and you may even use less in the future. Using the softest, cotton wash cloths allows you to very gentle exfoliate and rinse your skin without over stimulating it.

4)      Cleanse at night.  Avoid going to sleep with make-up on. If you wear make-up during the day. A.M. cleansing helps get rid of the makeup and grime. The PM cleanse is to ensure that your skin is really clean and free from impurities so that your moisturizers and toners can absorb better. It is important to use a cleanser for your skin type so your skin is not stripped of its natural oils.

5)      Take off your mascara. Use our Soothing Chamomile Eye Makeup Remover after a long day and ensure all mascara is completely gone from your lashes. If you sleep in your mascara, your eyelashes may eventually become dry and brittle, and are more likely to fall out.

Wrinkle Free Beauty Sleep

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), sleeping in certain positions night after night leads to “sleep lines”.  This refers to wrinkles that become embedded into the surface of the skin and don’t disappear once you start your day.  Did you know that the average head weighs between 7 to 10 lbs and the added pressure causes your face to “scrunch up” and essentially “stretch” your skin?

Sleep Beautifully

So what can we do?

  • Do not sleep on your side or stomach; sleeping on your back to avoid the pillow touching your face is one of the best ways to avoid getting these lines.
  • Massage our Skin Nourishing Balm on your décolleté and neck, and around your eyes (if dry) before going to sleep, to soften the skin, making it less likely to cause the dehydrated skin to tighten up and stretch.   This natural balm serves as a breathable, aromatic skin softener .  If your skin is very dry, also use it on the entire face.  Great for heals and elbows too.
  • Don’t forget about your eyes. Using a high quality eye cream is a crucial part of the wrinkle battle. The skin around our eyes is the thinnest and most delicate so you need to provide extra protection at night. Our Collagen Eye Defense delivers superior hydration that lasts for hours.

Have you been showing signs of sleep wrinkles? Do you have any anti aging sleeping tips to share? Post a comment!

At-Home Glow Holiday Facial

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

While nothing replaces a great facial from your esthetician, many people get busy with social commitments, or due to budget constraints, cannot get a facial as often as desired.  So what can you do at home?  We recommend the following facial protocol that you can do bi -monthly to keep your skin smoothed, refreshed and brighter for the holidays.  Great to have nice music, playing and creating a relaxing environment for yourself:

 

Step 1:  Cleanse withGentle Facial Wash or Sensitive Skin Cleansing Milk.

Step 2:  Do a second cleanse with the Cucumber Bead Cleanser.

Step 3:  Put Chamomile Tea Bags in a steamy hot pot, and steam your skin for 3-5 minutes (towel over the head to hold in the steam if desired).  This softens the skin.

Step4: Apply 1/2 teaspoon of our Skin Nourishing Balm and massage skin for 3 minutes to increase circulation and soften the skin.  After, tissue off excess.

Step 5: Apply Sensitive Skin Enzyme Mask with fan brush or fingers.  If eye puffiness or redness is a concern, saturate two cotton rounds with our Soothing Chamomile Eye Makeup Remover  rest on your eyes while the mask is on your face.    Leave on ten minutes, then rinse and remove with gentle washcloth.

Step 6: Apply Firming Tri Peptide Serum or Crystal C Serum and massage into the skin.

Step 7: Finish facial with application of Collagen Eye Defense and Ceramide Daily Cream to the face and declote’.

Step 8: Apply your favorite makeup and you will shine!

Don’t underestimate the power of topical antioxidants

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

Daily applications of antioxidant-rich products benefit the skin in many ways.  Topically applied antioxidants have been clinically shown to reduce the damage from harmful UV rays.  UV radiation is a known cause of hyperpigmentation, skin cancer and aging to the skin and if you think you can focus only on exfoliation, you will not create “healthy” skin.  Antioxidants must be a part of your home care regimen.

According to Jennifer Linder, MD “Of the three types of UV rays, mid-range, UVB and long-wave UVA rays are widely known to be the chief causes of premature photo aging, immune dysfunction and certain skin cancers”.

Essentially, the sun’s rays cause an “overproduction” of reactive oxygen free radicals which leads to “oxidative stress in the skin” and actually can damage DNA and cellular proteins.  While free radicals have beneficial properties, when the skin is exposed to high amounts of UV rays, so common in our outdoor lifestyles, damage occurs and eventually we “see it” on our own face and body.  It can manifest in the way of wrinkles, dryness, dark spots, and increased overall skin sensitivities.

This is where antioxidants come to the rescue.  Many antioxidants have shown an ability to decrease and reverse the damage.  Several clinically studied antioxidants that prove to have chemo protective benefits include green tea, Vitamin E, reservatrol (found in grapes, peanuts, berries, and cocoa), ergothioneine (found in mushrooms, and other plants), coffeeberry (from derived from the unripe coffea arabica plant), silybin (found in milk thistle), and L-ascorbic acid, (vitamin C) which also provides the photo protective, anti-inflammatory and collagen synthesis properties much needed in aging skin.

The Control Corrective line incorporates a cocktail of antioxidants because they are so vital to skin health and prevention.  From our antioxidant rich serums and day creams to our skin-specific sun protection creams, you can be assured that your skin is defending itself against the inevitable evolution of skin aging and the side effects

Control Corrective Products high in Antioxidants:

 

Customer Service – Superior Service Wanted!

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

Many companies invest a a tremendous amount on marketing their goods and services.  This gets the client in the door no doubt, however, the sale is often lost at by way of indifferent, poorly trained, non-motivated sales personnel.  On my most recent trip to my local mall,  I visited a well-known, high-end department store.  I knew exactly the product I was interested in (a face powder by Laura Mercier), so I walked directly to the product counter.

The sales representative I first approached advised that she was unable to assist because it was “not her brand”.  She offered to find a representative who could help me, but returned after five minutes because the correct sales rep could not be located.  She did her best to answer questions about the product I was interested in, but she was unfamiliar with the brand and did not have any information available to her to help.  Although I appreciated her effort to assist me, I left without purchasing the product I had gone to the store specifically to buy.

My experience affirmed my belief of the importance of good customer service and in-store assistance.  In this case, a near-guaranteed sale was transformed by the customer service experience into a lost sale.  Despite an extensive marketing campaign for the face powder and my interest in the product, the in-store sales staff was unable to “seal the deal.”

What has been your experience with customer service?  Have you ever been thankful for superior assistance, or suffered through an aggravating sales transaction?  Leave a comment for us.

 

 

 


Questions?
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