Showing posts with label anti-aging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anti-aging. Show all posts

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Instytutrum Swiss Skincare

Instytutrum has branded itself Result-Driven Skincare. It was founded in 2014 by Dr. Natalia Derkach who teamed up with Swiss laboratory scientists -- skincare veterans with 30 years of skin research experience -- to develop professional in-office strength skincare to be used at home. The beauty company strives to be a skincare disruptor offering innovative formulas and performance-driven actives such as retinol, hydrators, and peptides.

Instyturum's Founder and CEO

Its full line of professional-grade skincare products contain ingredients that are clean, cruelty-free, and next-generation actives backed by clinically proven efficacy.

 A main objective of Instytutrum is to teach and advise clients about effective home skincare. Free online or telephone consultations and skincare advice from a team of skin experts are offered to anyone interested in receiving it by going to its website or calling an 800 number listed on the website.

Additionally, type the words: skincare or anti-aging in THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S search box to learn about skincare ingredients and effective brands to put on your radar.

Instytutrum is more expensive than drugstore anti-aging beauty brands but it contains ingredients that leading dermatologists recommend and celebrity clientele like Kristen Bell and Gabrielle Union buy. It's worth examining the ingredients in the brand and comparing them with similar products to increase your overall knowledge about what works to maintain and treat your skin. 


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Target Your Skincare: Naturium

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Sensational Skin Serum Trios Sold Cheap On Amazon

Amazon has become a fantastic place for finding effective affordable skincare sometimes from niche or small-batch merchants, as opposed, to large commercial cosmetic companies. Choice is a consumer's best friend.

Speaking of choice, ELbbuB is an Amazon Choice brand with lots of satisfied customers based on many 5-star reviews. The skincare has clean nurturing ingredients in supportive combinations based on science that really work to prevent aging and maintain the skin. A budget-friendly trio consists of the following essentials:

1) Vitamin C 20% Serum has Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol & Amino Acids  - Best used as a daytime serum to brighten, nourish, and protect the skin.

2) Hyaluronic Acid Serum plumps up the skin with moisture. Moisturizing dry skin takes years off a face by making you look dewy, i.e., soft and lustrous. 

3) Retinol Serum is used at night to repair the skin and stimulate collagen. Treats wrinkles, fine lines, and sun damage. Firms and softens wrinkles by promoting faster skin cell turnover.

The trio set is super inexpensive, yet customers get a bargain whether they order one, two, or splurge on the trio set of serums, so you save by ordering only what you'll use.

Another impressive, affordable brand sold on Amazon containing clean ingredients from nature with tons of satisfied customers who leave 5-star reviews is Eclat skincare (previously featured on the blog).

1) The Vitamin C Serum contains Hyaluronic Acid, Ferulic Acid, & Vitamin E. Ferulic Acid stabilizes and increases the effectiveness of Vitamin C, and protects the skin from free radicals and sun damage.

2) Its Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum has 2.5% Pure Hyaluronic Serum + 3% B5, Vitamins C & E, and Aloe.

3) The Retinol Serum is 2.5% Retinol.

Escat also offers its essential serums as a trio set or sold separately at a super reasonable price meaning cheap enough to use every day! Even cheap enough to splurge on a trio set to try a new serum from a new (to you) beauty brand!!👸🏻
Additionally, Escat has an anti-aging night cream and sun protection. When you buy an Escat serum, the retailer includes a note thanking you and hoping you love its skincare. It's a nice touch!

Splurge and save with skin essentials that won't break the bank!


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Friday, March 24, 2023

Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum

What's a good treatment for crow's feet and fine lines around the eyes? The Korean beauty market has the answer with real science behind it, and it's not ultra-expensive.

 Beauty of Revive Joseon Eye Serum is created to treat wrinkles in the sensitive area around the eyes. It combines 10% ginseng root extract and retinal (like retinol, a vitamin A derivative) for its efficiency. Multiple studies show ginseng improves wrinkles because it contains a high level of saponins (ginsenosides -- plant compounds with a long history of use in traditional medicine). Retinal works 11 times faster than retinol. Although retinal has a higher exfoliation rate than retinol, Revive Eye Serum is formulated to work without irritation. The serum contains 2% stable retinal in the form of liposomes (a minute spherical sac of phospholipid molecules enclosing a water droplet).

Here's the science explained --

retinol -> retinal -> retinoic acid

Retinal converts into retinoic acid in one step while retinol takes 2 steps, but usually retinal is too harsh to use. However this eye cream uses retinal liposome that is stabilized by breaking the retinal into smaller parts and enclosing it in liposomes, as well as, adding more lipids (fatty acid molecules) and oils to it. It's also blended with beneficial glycerin, niacinamide (B3), and cholesterol to make the formula even more effective.

Unless you have sensitive under eye skin, a separate eye serum is a waste of money. But Revive Eye Serum is formulated to be gentle to use under your eyes and you could use it on your face. The serum is less than (not the same as cheap) many other face and eye serums for the strength and blend you're getting. Costs $11.50 - $15 for 1.01 ouncdepending on the seller

This is a stellar formula at a reasonable price to fight the crows' feet forming around your eyes!👀


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Monday, January 16, 2023

LED Light Therapy Mask

There are a ton of pricey and gimmicky anti-aging gadgets on the market, but dermatologists say the following innovative LED Light Therapy Mask, is not a gimmick, it really works!

LED Light Therapy was developed 30 years ago by NASA and adopted by the skincare profession when its ability to heal wounds and ease inflammation was discovered. If shooting lights at your face frightens you, know that there are no ultraviolet rays in the device, and dermatologists tell us it's safe for the majority of people. 

The LED Light Therapy Mask uses non-invasive light energy which your skin absorbs at various depths to trigger beneficial reactions to improve your skin. Depending on the setting that controls the wavelength and type of light used, light therapy will do more to treat your skin than any of the known tropicals you apply to the skin's surface. 

On most of the devices, Blue Light (at 
445 to 490 nm) repairs acne. Red Light (at 620 to 780 nm) treats rosacea and reduces inflammation. Near-infrared Light (at 700 - 1000 nm) fights aging by stimulating the skin to produce collagen, smooth fine lines, and wrinkles, as well as, tighten the skin.

Prices and length of the treatment vary, and you can pay from $25 - $100 at facial bars or spas.

Or you can invest in an FDA-approved LED Light Therapy Mask to use at home. Hopefully, prices for home devices will drop as more manufacturers enter the market. The average price of a Light Therapy Mask tends to be $300 although some brands are lower while others run into the $1,000s. Artemis, Cleopatra, Regealight, and Qures are known names. Make sure the device you consider buying is FDA-approved.

LED Masks by Artemis, Cleopatra, and Regenalight - all are linked.

So why would consumers wait to buy one? Well, in life there are always risks vs benefits to consider. According to the Cleveland Clinic: 1) In-office LED Light Therapy devices are more powerful making them more effective, so you may not see the dramatic results you hope for using a home device. 2) At-home devices may take more time also -- 30 - 60 minutes and up to twice-a-day treatments to see subtle skin enhancements. Are possible underwhelming results worth a time suck? 3) Home devices won't help acne cysts, blackheads, or whiteheads. 4) The blue light ''may contribute to aging by causing free radical damage to the skin." 5) People with a history of skin cancer or genetic eye diseases shouldn't use it. And finally, 6) People taking isotretinoin and lithium medicines should avoid LED light therapy. It "increases their sensitivity to sunlight."

Consulting a dermatologist to weigh the risks and benefits before buying a home device is wise. You'll get a correct diagnosis and prescription to address your specific skin concerns which ultimately could save you time, money, and disappointment. 

Although I'm curious about light therapy, what stops me from buying pricey anti-aging treatments is the lack of dramatic or lasting results. We should always strive to look our best, yet it's impossible to truly turn back the hands of time. You'll never look like your 20-year-old self and could go broke and waste your time trying to do so. 


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Thursday, November 10, 2022

What Does Argireline Do?

As a consumer, I think I'm fairly knowledgeable about anti-aging skincare. I try to take care of my skin by using products backed by science, keeping it as simple as possible, and I learn new information every week. Only recently did I hear of acetyl hexapeptide 8 also known as Argireline on the market. It is sometimes called Botox in a bottle.

Serums and creams with effective anti-aging ingredients contain either: 1) Retin-A (prescription Tretinoin and its non-prescription derivatives, Retinal and Retinol), 2) Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid); 3) glycolic acid (a hygroscopic crystalline compound that is widespread in nature. Longer name: hydroxyacetic acid.) or 4) peptides (defined as two or more amino acids, a compound, linked in a chain). All 4 ingredients work to do different things for the skin.

C34H60N14O12S
Argireline is a peptide compound with a similar chemical structure to botulinum toxin (or Botox). It is used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions. As it turns out, just like Botox acetyl hexapeptide 8 works by stopping the production of neurotransmitters, thereby relaxing the facial muscles and softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you see 
acetyl hexapeptide 3 as the listed ingredient, know it's interchangeable with acetyl hexapeptide 8 to confuse us. :)

Argireline also stimulates the skin to produce more collagen, a protein that forms large eosinophilic fibers to rebuild muscles and this also diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Wham!💥and double wham!!💥😄

Research shows a 30% reduction in wrinkle depth when Argireline is used for 30 days, so acetyl hexapeptide 8 is promoted as an excellent, non-invasive alternative to Botox. Argireline also moisturizes dry skin and improves the skin's elasticity. Sometimes dermatologists talk about protecting or restoring your skin barrier (the outermost layer of skin that is bound together by lipids). Inside the skin cells are keratin and natural moisturizers. Moisturizing with oils, ceramides, and/or Argireline helps to keep your skin barrier healthy. Keeping your skin barrier moist and dewy makes you look younger.

Without a doubt, THE SAVVY SHOPPER recommends Argireline over Botox ... not even close! Think twice before injecting anything artificial and expensive into your face that only lasts 3 - 6 months! What a waste of time and money!! Not to mention you want some expression lines to look natural. The robot look is not beautiful!🤖


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Monday, October 3, 2022

IMGN By IMAGINE Dermatology

I didn't expect to be writing about skincare so soon after writing about skincare, but in the wake of discovering a stellar anti-aging brand at an amazing price point, of course, I have to share it with my readers. You!

IMAGINE Dermatology is a small family-run US business with 40 years of experience in
skincare, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, and biology. Their aim is to make the best skin care products on the market with clean, results-based ingredients from reputable sources that are affordable. IMGN is luxury beauty containing anti-aging properties that 100% work without breaking the bank, a subject forever up THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S alley! Customers will also appreciate the bigger 2-ounce sizes of IMGN serums. This merchant never skimps on value! Normally you only get 1 oz bottles of serum.

The IMGN brand offers a full array of beauty scrubs, serums, hydrators, and treatments including these:

1) Beyond Retinol Creamy Bakuchiol Serum - A gentle retinol alternative that according to a British 2-blind scientific study produces all the benefits of retinol to soften lines and wrinkles plus brighten the skin without the irritation of retinol. The formula contains 1.0% bakuchiol, which is double the amount used in the British study. Among its anti-aging ingredients are anti-oxidants to fight free radicals and niacinamide (vitamin B3), which helps improve the skin's protective barrier by stimulating the synthesis of ceramides within the skin. Ceramides are needed for a strong skin barrier. The serum has a faint citrus scent.

2) Pure Retinol Creamy Serum - Has stabilized 2.5% retinol with an advanced delivery system, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and vitamin E. This is an excellent retinol serum in a great big bottle for cheap!

3) Pure Vitamin C Serum - Along with ascorbic acid, it contains ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid which together moisturize and help promote collagen synthesis and skin brightening. The whole line of skincare has no parabens, soy, sulfates, artificial colors, or fragrances. Here again, customers get a generous 2-ounce size cheaper than what many competitors charge for 1-ounce.

4) Smoother Skin Anti-Aging Renewal Complex - A cream that moisturizes, smooths, and firms the skin with an algae yeast complex that treats wrinkles. Everybody needs a face cream sometimes and do we mind if it builds collagen while moisturizing our faces? Nooo!

5) Instant Lifting Wrinkle Fighter - With acmella oleracea, an ancient plant from South America, to instantly ease the appearance of lines and wrinkles similar to botox. Personally, I'm not interested in quick temporary fixes, but hey, perhaps a person has a reunion to attend, an old girlfriend-or-boyfriend to see, or works in a profession where aging is frowned upon. Nooo judgment here as people have different skin care needs!
To economize I always start with a serum (1st) and a moisturizer (2nd), then I might add products as needed. The website has more than the 5 serums and treatments featured above to whiten, hydrate or bathe the skin in powerful anti-aging ingredients ... all worth your time and money. Take a browse to be impressed with the brand!


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Thursday, September 29, 2022

Should You Sleep On A Silk Pillowcase To Prevent Wrinkles?


Silk pillowcases are expensive so alas ... should you pay the piper for them to prevent wrinkles? Let's discuss.

Silk is said to be a better fabric than cotton for pillowcases because it prevents lines and wrinkles from etching on your face. The argument goes, silk's smooth surface lessens the amount of friction on the skin as we sleep. Silk also absorbs less moisture than cotton, therefore when sleeping on silk, the serums, creams, and dewiness in your skin stay on your face instead of getting absorbed into your pillowcase. 

Well according to some dermatologists, silk does pull the skin less and the fabric does soak up less moisture than cotton. However, I don't think it makes any discernable difference in the aging of a face, and personally, I won't be switching from cotton to silk pillowcases. 

Here's why:

1) Silk is 3+ times higher in price, so for me to switch from cotton to silk pillowcases, I'd have to look 3+ times younger going forward. There would have to be a recognizable difference to be worth the extra cost. For sure, I'll have age-appropriate wrinkles, and I think slathering on scientifically proven anti-aging serums will do more to stop and soften those lines and wrinkles than any other course of action. Slather on enough face serum and enough face serum will absorb into our skin even if some ends up on a pillowcase! Btw: I can find no studies measuring silk versus cotton in creating lines on a face. If obsessed, you'll have to sleep standing up.😁

2) Although silk is smooth, soft, and comfortable, good cotton (sheets and) pillowcases are also cozy and luxurious to sleep on, no? 

3) A silk pillowcase is more trouble to clean. It must be hand washed, or machine washed separately on a delicate cycle, then hung up to dry while cotton can be mindlessly machine washed and dried on a hot setting. IMHO over the years, silk pillowcases add up to needless time and money spent.

Still if unlike me, you'd like to switch from cotton to silk pillowcases, Fishers Finery is 19 Momme 100% Pure Mulberry Silk; machine washable; and the best value I can find for silk pillowcases. Another option is a Bedsure Satin Pillowcase for a feels-like-silk fabric that promises the same benefits as silk, namely, hydrated skin and less frizzy hair.

And finally my lovely readers, don't get me wrong: I like silk and satin pillowcases, but for the same money, I can buy an Eddie Bauer 100% cotton bed set to get 2 cotton sheets and 2 pillowcases for the cost of one silk pillowcase. In fact, I did so! I love cotton bedding too. Somebody, please speak up if my cotton pillowcases are adding creases to my face by drying out and rubbing against my skin. I haven't noticed!😳


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Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Tula Anti-aging Skincare

Photo: Adweek
As regular readers know, I've switched to drugstore retinoids for my skincare routine because certain brands (Olay, Neutrogena, L'Oreal, Roc) are budget-friendly with scientifically proven anti-aging ingredients that really work. But it doesn't mean I don't continue to learn about skincare and put other impressive brands on my radar. Tula is such a brand to know about. Although it costs far more than the drugstore brands, the retailer has regular Friends-and-Family discounts, making it more affordable. And, Tula has a store on Amazon with savings.

Tula focuses on a gut-to-skin connection by putting prebiotics and probiotics in its skincare. While this may seem like shrewd marketing, there is real science behind it. We have billions of bacteria living on our skin, as well as, in our gut. {A lurking microbiome of living microorganisms ... you are never truly alone!😱😂} Without a doubt, preprobiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are essential for overall good health, creating a good microbiome and resulting in skin balance, not to mention, glowing skin. There's plenty yet to be learned, but the company's approach of putting biotics into its skincare works to balance the skin microbiome -- this is backed by science, as it helps fight inflammation (a cause of aging), treats wounds, and strengthens immunity.

Tula is formulated by Dr. Roshini Raj, its founder, a practicing gastroenterologist who is at the forefront of the gut-to-skin microbiome connection. Dr. Raj developed an innovative way to put probiotic extracts called S6Pro Complex into skin elixirs to effectively balance your skin microbiome with the results of strengthening, hydrating, and healing the skin. She has 20 years of experience, including research with successful clinical trials and product testing, behind her.

Next, I'll list Tula's probiotic complex products in the order I'd splurge on them ... still only after waiting for a good sale to roll around:

1) Retinol Alternative Serum - To ease wrinkles with 3 botanical retinol alternatives of bakuchiol, alfalfa sprouts, and stevia with squalane.

2) Pro-Ferm Overnight Complex - To recharge and replenish the eyes -  It contains bakuchiol (a gentle retinol alternative), s6Pro complex (as do all Tula's products), peptides, chamomile, squalene, and shea butter. As it happens, I don't use a separate eye cream, but if retinol is too harsh, this should provide the same benefits.

3) Overnight Repair Treatment - A high-potency face cream to treat wrinkles using alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C.

Watch for more beauty brands to offer biotics-based skincare -- it's coming and will ultimately bring prices down.

When splurging on skincare I tend to buy only one item, not everything all at once. The serum is the most-worth-the-splurge item for me (as it treats both under the eyes and face). With a 2nd splurge, I might try something I don't already have (anti-aging eye cream). Finally (later on) I might complete the set with the night cream. If I ever see Tula at T.J. Maxx, I'll be sure to snatch it up for less! It's why putting the name on your radar is a smart move.


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Monday, August 29, 2022

The Barebones Anti-aging Skincare Products You Need

It so happens I have 3 friends who want to take better care of their skin and have asked for my advice on skincare products. I love it!
😍 
Photo: Depositphotos

In suggesting stellar products to my 3 friends I know 4 important details:

a) What they want their skincare to do: Target lines, wrinkles and dark spots as much as possible with anti-aging ingredients; 

b) A simple and easy routine:

c) Products that work without being too strong for their virgin skin;

d) Potions that are affordable and highly effective (i.e., backed by science without sticker shock).

We are also in the midst of inflation with people wisely economizing and trying to get the most bang for a buck. So without further ado, here are my rock-bottom with the least amount of steps recommendations, a/k/a --

A Skincare Routine With the Least Amount of Products For Less Money:

1) Wash your face with Noxema Cleansing Cream - It contains eucalyptus and camphor, anti-inflammatories used in Ayurvedic medicine. Cost: $4.47.

2) Treat your face by starting with The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and work your way up to The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid in Squalane 5% - Retinol/Retinoid converts to retinoic acid the Holy Grail of anti-aging ingredients. Cost: $7.50 - $14.95.

3) Moisturize your face with The Inkey List Bakuchiol - It has 1% bakuchiol, the new anti-aging wonder is backed up by a 2-blind scientific study showing it works, as well as, retinol. 1% is double the concentration tested in the study. Also, bakuchiol plays nice with other skin care products, so you can layer it without canceling the benefits of any other anti-aging ingredients you may be using. Cost: $11.49. {Learn more about the InkeyList here.}

4) Protect your face with the daily use of sunscreen such as Olay Sensitive Skin SPF 15 - SPF 50 - SPF 15 is a lightweight formula and provides sufficient protection as long as you reapply it every few hours. Higher SPF numbers don't give you much more protection, yet you don't need to reapply them as often. Doctors often recommend SPF 30 or SPF 50 because patients forget to reapply their sun protection. Walmart has an I can't tell the difference knockoff brand, Equate Beauty All-Day Broad Moisturizing Lotion, SPF 15. Cost $3.50 {complared to Olay's $10}.

The grand total of my suggested barebones, anti-aging-beauty-elixirs is $26.96.💋

How do 4 products and 4 steps that have you covered in anti-aging ingredients for under $30 sound? The whole shebang ... ultra budget-friendly and without compromise!🎯

🧴🧴🧴🧴🧴🧴🧴🧴🧴🧴🧴🧴🧴🧴🧴🧴🧴🧴🧴🧴

Honorable Mention for All Skin Types - the new one-step face serum for both morning and night:

2 ounces of a 1% bakuchiol serum from Imagine Dermatology for $16.12 is a steal! The formula also includes green, white and chamomile teas; hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (vitamin B3); glycolic acid; and, rosemary. You could use it in the morning (replacing Vitamin C serum if you use it) to brighten your skin and again at night (replacing retinol) to erase lines and wrinkles, plus this serum improves elasticity by increasing the production of collagen. Bakuchiol serums are gentle for sensitive skin that won't tolerate retinol.


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Thursday, August 18, 2022

Bakuckiol The Retinol Alternative


Most of us know how important retinol is to our anti-aging skincare regime. Well, there's a new kid in town.

Bakuchiol (which is a phytoretinol) is an anti-aging ingredient derived from the leaves and seeds of the psoralea corylifolia (babchi) plant. An herb commonly used in Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines, dermatologists describe it as a natural vegan alternative to retinol. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties to heal, calm and smooth the skin.
According to a double-blind medical study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, using bakuchiol for 12 weeks was as effective as retinol in reducing wrinkles and hyperpigmentation ... yet was milder with less irritation, so is ideal for sensitive skin and in fact, is suitable for all skin types. In other studies, bakuchiol stimulated the skin to produce collagen, as well as, increased elasticity, and improved firmness.

In comparison, retinol is used at night to avoid sun degradation and skin sensitivity. Yet unlike retinol, bakuchiol's potency is not weakened by sun exposure and it doesn't irritate or dry the skin, so can be used both during the day and at night.
How much bakuchiol is needed in face serum, lotion, cream, or oil to do its job? Choose a bakuchiol serum, etc, with between .5 - 2% concentration for visible benefits. A lightweight bakuchiol serum or lotion layers beautifully with other anti-aging products such as vitamins C and E, azelaic acid, or niacinamide in your skincare routine. Furthermore, since bakuchiol also brightens the skin, some users are replacing their vitamin C serum during the day and retinol at night with just one gentle ingredient. On the other hand, don't combine bakuchiol with glycolic acid as these two kids don't play well together. Glycolic acid degrades bakuchiol's effectiveness.
Moreover, there are a ton of bakuchiol-based beauty products on the market in all forms: face serums, lotions, creams, and oils that are very reasonably priced -- many well under $20 so what's good for our faces is also good for our wallets! Ahhh, welcome to the neighborhood, bakuchiol, you are a Savvy Shopper's dream.

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