At-Home Skin Devices

Savvy consumers are increasingly using at-home skin care devices for conditions ranging from acne to anti-aging, according to market research firm Kline & Company.    They estimate that these devices will account for nearly $1 billion (U.S.) in 2011 and will grow in 2012.  “Consumers are looking to save time and money by avoiding regular trips to the doctor for those in-office procedures that were once commonplace in a more robust economy.”

Anti-aging devices are expected to grow 50% this year.  According to Kline, anti-aging is the number one skin care concern for consumers, with topical product sales in this category comprising more than 40% of the market.

I have advocated for a microcurrent hand-held device called NuFace and recommend it for clients who have the time and dedication to do their own treatments on a daily basis.  The results have been very satisfactory, particularly if high-quality skin care is used in conjunction with the device.

Heat Rash & Other Seasonal Annoyances

Does heat rash occur on the face?  Usually not, unless your facial skin is covered by a bandana or mask or even goggles.  Heat rash is a common condition in which areas of the skin itch and are  prickly due to overheating.  It looks like small bumps in a sea of red patchy skin and usually occurs in clothed parts of the body such as the back, abdomen, neck, under the breasts, groin or armpits and goes away on its own after several days. 

You can avoid heat rash by wearing loose-fitting clothing and trying to stay indoors/away from heat sources as much as possible.  If the itching is unbearable, calamine lotion can be applied and cool bathes are also recommended.

Esoteric Information

I enjoy reading about new “age-defying” ingredients.  One of the best sources I’ve found is this website:   www.cosmeticsandtoilteries.com.  You can find the latest patents, product releases, skin care controversies, and just about anything you want about the world of cosmetics, skin care products, bath care products, and so forth. 

Check it out!

Skin Science from Procter & Gamble

I came across this article on gene expression research from Procter & Gamble’s skin science website:  www.pgbeautygroomingscience.com.  P & G’s site has many excellent  and readable synopsis of research results on skin health and aging.  Below is verbatim from this site.  The photos of young vs. old skin are not available to view unless you go directly to P & G’s site.

Gene Expression Research Reveals Causes of Wrinkles, Age Spots

In the past, scientists studying aging skin have looked at various skin properties – thickness, color, moisture barrier, proteins, and internal cell structures. Today, P&G Beauty scientists are studying the differences between young and aged skin at the most fundamental level possible – gene expression. “The expression of your genetic code as it reacts to environmental change controls all the metabolic processes necessary for good skin health and function,” says P&G Beauty geneticist Dr. Jay Tiesman, PhD. “Now we understand which genes become either disabled or overactive as your skin gets older, resulting in the physiological changes we see as wrinkles and age spots.”

Young vs. Old, Protected vs. Exposed

Research analyzed skin samples collected from ten young and ten aged female subjects (18-20 and 60-67 years). Scientists collected skin biopsies of buttocks to test intrinsically aged skin and biopsies of forearms for extrinsically aged skin. The buttock and forearm biopsies were selected because of their relative exposure, or lack thereof, to environmental elements that may impact aging. Additionally, Affymetrix gene chip technology was used to examine the gene expression differences in the samples to reveal the underlying biological mechanisms responsible for the appearance of skin aging. The study allowed scientists to identify pathways that are active in young skin but inactive in old skin, as well as those that are overly active in older skin.

Young and old skin biopsies

Sun Exposure Alters Skin Immune Function

One provocative finding was that aging associated with environmental factors, such as UV, not only accelerated the changes in natural aging genes as expected, but also turned on other gene responses. For example, the study demonstrates the magnitude of altered immune and inflammatory gene expression resulting from the photodamage process. This is important as recent scientific literature shows that UV-altered immune response in skin can increase susceptibility to skin cancer.

Driving Future Skin Anti-Aging Advances

This research is expected to drive breakthrough advances in both prevention and treatment of the signs of aging skin over the coming decades. By understanding how the expression of specific genes are modulated by the aging process, scientists now have the means to develop treatments to modify those processes that age skin considerably. “In the future, certain processes such as inflammation, proteolysis, lipid biosynthesis, or cellular differentiation, known to be involved in the breakdown of skin as it ages, may be able to be regulated,” speculates Dr. Michael Robinson, Principal Scientist, P&G Global Biotechnology, lead author on the study.

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P&G Beauty & Grooming

 

Further Predictions

Let me share some thoughts written by David Suzuki, president of Bio-Therapeutic, the manufacturer of my Platinum Microcurrent device.  He begins by summarizing the financial uncertainties and opportunities of 2009, then proceeds with describing “the implementation of new services in new environments that cater to our new culture”.

“The new evolution of Americans has not displaced their priority of looking and feeling young; on the contrary, this priority has risen.  What has changed however is how they want to receive their services, the environment and the process.  Today’s clients have learned to be direct and frugal.  They have also learned the hard way that they, and only they, are responsible for their well being and livelihood”.

“Today’s clients will quickly sacrifice a two hour facial in the room for a 25 minute mini facial.  Mini-facials are generally specifically zone focused, therefore addressing their primary concerns.  Bottom line they are quick, practical, effective and allow the client a platform to become an active participant in their skin care, all of which speak to today’s new culture”.

Fast services such as peels, LED light treatments and mini-facials are a staple here at Peels To The People.

Skin Care Predictions 2010

I find it interesting to read what the “experts” say about skin care in the coming year.  These predictions are global in nature rather than specific to brands, colors, and so forth.   Sources are noted; most are market research firms either in the U.S. or the U.K.

1.  “Mood Beauty”:  there will be an increasing use of scents to promote well-being and induce sleep, for example.  Source:  Mintel International Group Ltd.

2.  “New Natural”: claims like “free from” and “sustainable” will appear in products that simulatneously contain synthetic actives like peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and collagen.  Source:  Mintel International Group Ltd.

3.  “Waste Not”: consumers are adopting a “waste not, want not” mentality regarding skin care products.  They must be simple to use and make their skin better.  Souce:  S. Shelton, Shelton Group.

4.  “Skin Care: The Next Fast Food”: the consumer push-back that began with tobacco and more recently has focused on fast foods will soon be aimed at leading cosmetic companies and faux organic/natural lines.  Once social networks are mobilized against chemical “baddies”, personal care manufacturers need to be ready for the consumers’ rejections and offer natural and efficacious alternatives.  C. Swanson, Tonique, Utalkmarketing.com.

Personally I’m pleased that my own skin care line as well as the Epionce brand can back up their efficacy with clinical studies by third parties.  Their “scents” are botanical rather than synthetic, their packaging is minimal, and they have not been tested on animals.   I do believe that the skin care that I offer is already trend-setting.

We Love Our Testimonials!

In last month’s newsletter,  I wrote at some length about microcurrent, the “new” device for tightening and toning your skin and the underlying muscles.  I’d like to share a testimonial I received from a client who has experienced this procedure over the past five weeks:

“When I got into my 50’s, I couldn’t deny that gravity was having an effect on my face.  There wasn’t anything huge happening, just a growing laxity of the skin, but I knew it was a trend.   I didn’t really know what to expect when I decided to try microcurrent with Susan.  The procedures were painless and left my skin in fantastic condition.  As for the signs of aging, the effect was quite amazing.  I no longer have any looseness in my face at all.  My skin is smooth and taut everywhere; it’s as if everything as been slightly lifted.  The fullness of my cheeks is higher, probably where it used to be 20 years ago, and the contours of my face are more defined.

One of the things I like most about microcurrent is while it creates this beautiful skin, benearth it is a definite new firmness of the muscles.  I’m very pleased with my outcome and plan to do maintenance sessions from now on.”  (L.N., Nov. 2, 2009)

This client has had a total of 12 sessions over five weeks; she’ll be on maintenance every 3 to 4 weeks for as long as she continues to see the improvement she’s achieved already.   In case you’re wondering what else this client does for her skin, she is using the Epionce Lytic Lotion and Renewal Facial Lotion, and of course SPF 30 on a daily basis.

If you see “creeping laxity” in your mirror, I invite you to inquire about microcurrent to help turn that looseness into toned, taut skin with a firmer underlying structure.  Compared to other skin tightening procedures (such as Thermage), microcurrent is a relaxing and pleasant walk in the park rather than a visit to Saddam’s torture chamber.