August 22, 2011
Sure, the way you choose to care for your skin plays a role in how quickly you will age, but there’s one aging factor that there’s no controlling: your genes. Similar to how they determine your appearance and your overall health, your genes also dictate at what rate you will age and what areas of the face will age first and be most affected. Even though there is nothing currently available that can be done to genetically alter how you will age, there are many skin-care products that purportedly analyze your DNA and use that information to prescribe a solution to stave off the signs of aging. Keep in mind that most of us tend to age similarly to our parents. It is believed that 75 percent of facial aging is dependent on your genes and the other 25 percent is based on environmental factors.
Is that good news or bad news for you?
July 18, 2011

It’s important to fight inflammation from the inside out, but topical skin care that contains supercharged ingredients and proven antioxidants is an important piece of the anti-inflammation puzzle, too. There is a whole crop of inflammation-fighting ingredients in skin-care products today. While vitamins are some of the more noted anti-inflammatory agents, these key players also provide excellent skin benefits.
Ginger. Praised for its holistic healing abilities, ginger helps to mitigate the effects of inflammation because of its natural antioxidant properties, which reduce cellular stress.
Ginseng. Boasting more than 25 different antioxidants, ginseng works to regulate the release of enzymes that destroy the skin.
Vitamin C. Orally, vitamin C acts as an anti-inflammatory, and, when it’s applied to the skin, it helps to fend off free radicals while improving skin clarity, especially dullness, caused by sun damage. Vitamin C products and those that contain derivatives of the vitamin are especially beneficial for preventing sunburned skin.
Coffeberry. The fruit of the coffee bean is said to be one of the most potent antioxidants—three times more powerful than green tea.
Alpha Lipoic Acid. This rather small molecule packs a powerful punch. It affects how the cell is able to protect itself and helps get rid of scar tissue, a result of inflammation.
Mushroom Extract. Traditionally used in Eastern medicine, and becoming more mainstream, some varieties of mushrooms double as powerful antioxidants, scavenging off free radicals.
June 23, 2009
This was originally written in December 2008 by Liberty Kontranowski & Pierce Mattie Public Relations.
Argan Oil: This incredible skin care miracle, known for being one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin E with 80% essential fatty acids, has been a beauty secret of Moroccan women for centuries. It can be dually used on skin and in hair for its high level of antioxidants and ability to replenish hair and skin’s natural moisture.
Acai: Sometimes referred to as “The Fountain of Youth,” this Brazilian berry contains antioxidants, amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and protein that positions itself as a formidable fighter in anti-aging products. Acai can be found across the board in skin care, cosmetics and hair care products.
Goji Berries: This nutrient-rich berry, well known as Wolfberries in the Himalayas, has often been called a “super food” due to its abilities to fight free radicals and boost the immune system. While there are no inherent benefits of Goji in fragrance, that hasn’t stopped perfumers from including this sweet yet tart scent into their perfumes.
Baobab: Rich in riboflavin, niacin and vitamins C, A, D and E, baobab has incredible anti-aging properties although you won’t just find it in creams and moisturizers, but also in exfoliating scrubs and hair care.
Acerola: Ingredients high in Vitamin C, like acerola, are being used more often due to their ability to even out skin tone and brighten complexion. Skin care brands will be using acerola more to target those who have issues with skin redness and inflammation.
Blueberry: Chock full of amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, blueberries are another super food that will be used to fight aging in beauty products. Also known as a “super fruit,” blueberries have long been known for its ability to revitalize the skin; it was just a matter of time before beauty brands began to incorporate it more into their skin care products.
Probiotics: Last year Pierce Mattie PR termed probiotics a “buzzword” among beauty brands, but now those brands are delivering more than just buzz with this sister category to Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals. Probiotic skin care will be branded as another “clinical-like” line of products, which beauty consumers tend to lean towards as science-based.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3: This Cosmeceutical that is becoming found more often in anti-aging products to fight fine lines and wrinkles will be even more prevalent in 2009. Products that contain Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3 will be branded as a temporary alternative to cosmetic procedures.
Myrrh: With the increasing popularity of Ayurveda in the Unites States, this ancient ingredient is also resurging in perfumes and skin care products. The rich royal resin with the slight vanilla fragrance so popular in incense also stimulates circulation and has lifting effects.
Turmeric: A highly regarded ingredient in India, Turmeric is widely known for its medicinal properties. Turmeric will be found in acne-related creams and lotions, as it is an antiseptic and can aid in preventing and removing blemishes. It will also be found in hair removal products as well as in the formulation of sunscreen in more natural products as well.
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