BEAUTY KLINIC

The anti aging beauty industry is one that is ever-changing. Keeping up with the trends and latest ingredients of eye cream across the multitude of brands can be quite a feat. Perhaps because of misleading claims and promises of miracles, we have become a bit skeptical ” and rightfully so. Here is your 2009 guide on trends you can be on the lookout for while making that important ” and sometimes expensive ” decision on anti aging skin care.

Trend 1: Cosmeceuticals. Cosmeceuticals are among some of the products people are paying attention to simply because they make perfect sense. Mixing cosmetics and pharmaceuticals in effort to medicinally relieve certain problem areas like puffy eyes and dark circles is pure genious - especially when so many people need more than the over-the-counter strength skin care lines that are available. Cosmeceuticals are on the rise due to advancements in ingredients and skin care technologies. Clinique Medical Skin Care is a perfect example of this approach to anti aging skin care which was introduced by Clinique (a maker of cosmetics) and Allergan (a leader in medical aesthetics). Some cosmeceuticals, like Clinique Medical, are available only at a doctors office, while others popular ones like Perricone MD are readily available just about anywhere online.

Trend 2: Caffeine and peptides. Products containing peptides and caffeine are on the rise. Studies are relatively inconclusive as to what the long term benefits are, but caffeine is shown to reduce puffy eyes and increase circulation while peptides are claimed to have anti-inflammatory properties to aid in adult acne and other serious skin conditions. Anti aging peptides will continue to be at the forefront of age-reducing product lines in your local drugstore. A study at the World Congress of Dermatology in Paris found that a 50% reduction in wrinkles is possible when the skin is treated with a high concentration of peptides. And those ever-so-popular home remedies suggest using the caffeine properties in tea to relieve puffy eyes.

Trend 3: Anti-inflammatories and topical antiseptics. You will start to see these antiseptics and anti-inflammatories in anti aging skin creams and makeup in the form of: tea tree leaf, lavender oils, and algae extracts. They all will provide healing to delicate eye skin. Anti-inflammatories are on the up-rise as we are becoming more aware that the inflammation is what leads to many degenerative diseases and skin problems.

Trend 4: Skin care begins on the inside. There is so much talk on the proven benefits of antioxidants. Products as well as supplements are being developed because everyone wants to eat healthier in order to improve their skin. Cosmetic companies are now including along with antioxidants - nutraceuticals, botanicals, and green tea in their skin care. They are believed to penetrate the skin quickly in order to nourish and protect skin. Dermalogica is one skin care line that offers potent antioxidants. Some potent antioxidants that you will be hearing a lot about, thus seeing in skin care are: goji berry, turmeric root extract, resveratrol from grapes, and the acai berry.

Trend 5: Probiotics. Some skin care lines are introducing probiotics into their formulas. Probiotics refer to foods that contain the good type of bacteria that are similar to those normally found in your body. Yogurt is one such example as well as the recently introduced Activia by Dannon. There has been a sudden growing scientific interest in probiotics and what they can do for your body. The companies who are adding probiotics to their products believe that it softens and exfoliates the skin. The only catch here is that most available research supports skin benefits when probiotics are taken internally as opposed to topically.

Be on the lookout for brands of skin care that support these trends as they are companies that are more likely to produce products that will give you optimal results. Anti aging products can cost a pretty penny, so for this reason alone, I encourage you to do your research and keep up on the lasts breakthroughs as they are continually emerging.

Argan oil is the latest buzz in the beauty industry, because it is being hailed as the most innovative new anti aging ingredient. Recently introduced to North America, argan oil is getting the attention of skin care experts due to its capability to combat eye wrinkles and preserve a youthful appearance.

Argan oil is nicknamed the “Gold of Morocco,” and it is extracted from the fruit of the argan tree, which is native to southwestern Morocco. Due to this small growing area, argan oil is one of the world’s rarest oils. The Berber women of Morocco have been producing the oil for centuries, often by hand. Argan oil production continues to be an essential source of funding for the region.

In order to extract the oil, the pits are taken out of the fruit and opened. The kernels inside are put through a cold-press process that preserves the extracted oil’s nutrients and extends its health benefits. If the kernels are roasted before the cold-press, then the resulting oil is edible and has a nutty flavor reminiscent of peanut butter.

The oil that is extracted from the raw, un-roasted kernels is used for cosmetic purposes. Cosmetic argan oil is making a significant impact in the anti aging industry. It is one of the richest sources of tocopherol, or vitamin E, which seals moisture in the skin, reduces inflammation and protects against the free radical damage that causes eye wrinkles and other signs of aging. It’s also rich in the essential fatty acids, oleic and linoleic acids, which hydrate the skin and maintain its resilience.

Skin loses collagen and hydration as it ages, which leads to wrinkles, dark circles and sagging. The eye area has the thinnest, most delicate skin on the face, so wrinkles often appear there first. Argan oil can help to replenish moisture and reinforce the skin in this fragile area, reducing eye wrinkles and protecting the skin from additional harm.

Plus, cosmetic argan oil reduces inflammation, controls the production of oil and protects against moisture loss. So, it is an ideal treatment for the skin conditions eczema, psoriasis and even acne.

Because it is so moisturizing, argan oil is also beneficial for hair and nails, and pregnant women use it on their growing bellies to prevent stretch marks. Argan oil is even used in spas as an anti aging massage treatment.

Argan oil can be purchased in its original form and sold as either culinary or cosmetic argan oil, or it can be found in anti eye wrinkle creams and other anti aging products. One anti wrinkle cream that contains argan oil is BABOR Argan Cream. This cream also contains arganyl, which are polyphenols extracted from the argan tree leaves that prevent collagen breakdown and improve the skin’s elasticity, and aloe vera to hydrate and rejuvenate skin cells.

With all of these skin care benefits, it’s no wonder that argan oil is being called an anti aging super ingredient and one of the most potent eye wrinkle fighters available.

Caring for the skin around the eyes isn′t a new topic. Women (and now, men) have been looking for solutions to their eye skin care problems for generations.

Synthetic and chemical-based ingredients paved the way to replace natural eye skin care processes. The natural ingredients which were commonly used to treat eye wrinkles and dark circles were replaced by factory-created ingredients.

Everyone wants results and no one wants to wait for them. We all want the solution ‘right now.’ Unfortunately, with some of the fast fix ‘manufactured’ treatments came preservatives and even cancer-causing elements.

Even commercial natural skin care products had to be mixed with preservatives in order to increase their shelf-life, hence making them less effective than the homemade versions.

Overwhelmingly, consumers are looking for more natural alternatives to help solve common eye skin care problems, like dark eye circles and eye puffiness.

The proliferation of hundreds of new herbal skin care product lines has made organic and natural problem solvers more popular. But the research has been going on for years. Dermalogica Products were developed in 1986 with the goal of creating skin care products that worked without the addition of irritating and harmful ingredients.

The proven ingredients that are included in today’s natural, premium eye skin care products are plentiful, including:

salicylic acid

- salicylic acid

- benzoyl peroxide

- Vitamin C

Aloe vera, which is an extract from Aloe plant, is one of the best examples of herbal skin care product. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns.

A number of herbs are known to possess cleansing properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such cleansers. Their herbal skin care properties get invoked when they are combined with other herbs like tea.

The Dermalogica Eye Total Eye Care SPF 15 contains bisabolol, a derivative of chamomile known to sooth and retexturize the skin around the eyes. This ingredient helps reduce the appearance of eye puffiness and eye wrinkles.

Dermalogica Eye Total Eye Care SPF 15 contains bisabolol, from chamomile, known retexturize the skin around the eyes. Bisabolol helps to minimize the appearance of puffy eyes and eye wrinkles.

Tea is an important part of herbal skin care, particular when it comes to puffy eyes and dark circles. Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair contains green tea, cucumber, arnica (perennial healing herb) and Vitamin A.

Oils derived from herbal extracts are another form of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating mix)

Most herbal skin care products do not have side effects (the most important reason for preferring them over synthetic products). And when it comes to the sensitive area around our eyes, its even more important to take the natural or herbal route when looking for eye skin care products that deliver results. Dermalogica Eye Products is one such brand. The ingredients used in Dermalogica Products are gentle, non-irritating, non-harmful, yet incredibly effective.

Can′t ask for much more than that.

Herbal skin care isn’t a new breakthrough it has been in practice for generations, at a time when herbal skin care was most likely the only way to take care for the skin. However, herbal skin care, for the eyes in particular, has transformed in a big way.

For a time, herbal skin care ingredients had been replaced by factory-created ingredient ‘breakthroughs.’ The natural eye skin care treatments which used to be handed down from generation to generation was lost to highly commercialized, manufactured treatments.

We all want results and we all want them right now. That’s what the eye skin care professionals heard, so some responded with products that technically worked quickly, but contained irritating and harmful ingredients.

Even commercial natural eye skin care products had to be mixed with preservatives in order to maintain their shelf-life, which potentially made them more harmful than the homemade versions.

Even commercial natural skin care products had to be mixed with preservatives in order to increase their shelf-life, hence making them less effective than the homemade versions.

The proliferation of hundreds of new herbal skin care product lines has made organic and natural problem solvers more popular. But the research has been going on for years. Dermalogica Products were developed in 1986 with the goal of creating skin care products that worked without the addition of irritating and harmful ingredients.

So what are proven ingredients that are being used in todays premium skin care market that are non-oil-causing and non-irritating? Here are a few:

- salicylic acid

- benzoyl peroxide

- benzoyl peroxide

- hyaluronic acid

- Vitamin C

Aloe vera, the extract from the Aloe plant, is a great example of a beneficial herbal skin care solution. The use of aloe vera is a natural way to hydrate and sooth the skin. Aloe vera is also helpful in healing burns and cuts.

Many herbs have cleansing properties. Rosemary, chamomille and dandelion are examples. Their beneficial properties are expanded when they are combined with other herbs like green tea.

Dermalogica Eye Total Eye Care SPF 15 contains bisabolol, from chamomile, known retexturize the skin around the eyes. Bisabolol helps to minimize the appearance of puffy eyes and eye wrinkles.

Tea plays an important part in herbal skin care. Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation. Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair contains green tea, cucumber, arnica (perennial healing herb) and Vitamin A.

Oils derived from herbal extracts are another form of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating mix)

Most herbal skin care products do not have side effects (the most important reason for preferring them over synthetic products). And when it comes to the sensitive area around our eyes, its even more important to take the natural or herbal route when looking for eye skin care products that deliver results. Dermalogica Eye Products is one such brand. The ingredients used in Dermalogica Products are gentle, non-irritating, non-harmful, yet incredibly effective.

Can’t ask for much more.

If you look at the number of eye skin care products and brands available today, you can see the value our society puts on the beauty of our eyes. Our eyes, are the first thing people see and judge us on and the one that ironically shows the signs of aging first. I′m sure most women would agree on that. Before you go and gather all the makeup and eye skin care products you can get your hands on for puffy eyes, eye wrinkles and dark circles, they will be useless and your money down the drain if you don’t take the necessary precautions for maintaining your skin’s health beforehand. Here are 10 great tips for doing just that:

1. Know Your Skin Type. In order to make the right decision on your eye skin care products, you must first identify your skin type. Skin care products are available in various types, depending on the needs of your skin. Having a firm grasp on what your skin needs to be healthy and look good, will help you find a product that will produce maximum results in that area.

2. Drink plenty of water. 8-10 glasses of water per day is the recommended amount by dermatologists. It will ensure your skin is hydrated and work to eliminate the build-up of bacteria and in effect, can clear up your skin and make it look more vibrant and radiant.

3. Use cool water in the morning, lukewarm water at night. Cool water in the morning is helpful for not only waking you up and making you feel refreshed, but also for reducing the puffy eyes look we so often experience when waking up. Before bed, use lukewarm water as opposed to hot water because hot water can make the skin exceedingly dry. Also lukewarm water will open up your pores to allow them to be fulling cleansed and rid of dirt and oil from your makeup.

4. Exfoliate Often. When exfoliating, try not to exert too much pressure when scrubbing. Exfoliating is certainly good for your skin, but do not do it too often as you might end up harming the outermost layers of your skin. Twice a week is sufficient for getting rid of the skin’s top, dead layer of skin cells.

5. Moisturize, moisturize. Moisturizing is an essential part of your daily eye skin care routine. By giving an extra dose of moisture to your skin you are ensuring a brighter, more even skin tone. Always put your moisturizer on just after washing your face as the skin is most permeable and the most amount of moisturizer will be absorbed by your pores.

6. Don’t use bar soap. Bar soap will strip your skin of its natural moisture. No amount of moisturizer can replace the oils stripped by bar soap. So just keep your bar soap for the body, not the face.

7. Avoid the Sun. We all need a little sun exposure to be happy, but when expecting to get sun exposure at length, apply sunscreen lotion or better yet, use a facial moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15. Make a habit of using sunscreen every time you go outdoors, even when it’s cloudy. The easiest way to not forget SPF? Make sure it is in all your makeup products.

8. Exercise daily. Some sweat on your face can be just what the doctor ordered. When you perspirate, your skin retains moisture and will, in turn, be brighter because the excess dirt and oils are removed from everything it has taken in during the day. Just make sure you wash your face thoroughly afterwards!

9. Eat Foods That Are Rich in Antioxidants. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, can reduce free radical damage that our skin undergoes daily. This free radical damage is the number one reason why our skin starts aging. Reverse this aging process by eating lots of berries.

10. Learn to deal with life stressors. Studies show how harmful stress is to our bodies and it is a key factor in aging. By learning to cope well with stress, we can reduce the signs of aging improving the health of your skin and your overall health. It’s one of the best things you can do for yourself. Start off by trying not to sweat the small stuff.

By adding these tips to your daily skin care routine, you will help your skin to look beautiful and ageless. Don’t rely solely on eye creams and become a product junkie. Help yourself by applying these techniques, and if your results aren’t exactly as you’d like, then you can use an eye skin care cream for added benefits. Won’t it feel good to know that you’ve done everything you can to improve your skin and in turn slow down the aging process?