The six skin care products you need + one more for dry, Colorado skin

Best Skin Care Products for Coloradans

1. Growth Factors

Our number one product: TNS Essential Serum (bonus: includes Antioxidants)

KEY: Growth Factors use the body’s own healing potential to prevent skin aging.

The newest star of the medical grade skin care scene, Growth Factors, actually prevent skin aging by supporting cell renewal. Growth factors are naturally found in the fibroblast cells in the dermis (skin). When we have an injury, growth factors attract cells to wound sites to begin the repair process.  This is why Growth Factors have been used by surgeons during surgery for decades. In our Plasma Facial treatment, we use your own growth factors to heal and renew your skin.

When growth factors are applied to the skin, they help the skin to rebuild itself. Topically applied growth factors increase blood circulation, assist in the synthesis of proteins in the skin, and help the skin accumulate the collagen we need to have youthful, firm skin.

2. Peptides

Our number one product: Obagi Professional C-Peptide Complex

KEY: Peptides encourage skin to rebuild the collagen we all lose as we age.

Collagen is what makes our skin appear firm, taut and smooth.  Collagen makes up 75% off the skin, and collagen breaks down as we age.

Peptides are amino acids. They can penetrate the upper layers of the skin and cue skin cells to produce more collagen.

3. Antioxidants/Vitamin C

Our number one product: C-Serum by OBAGI

KEY: Vitamin-C neutralizes cell damaging free radicals before they begin to break down skin cells, keeping skin cells strong and healthy.

Oxidation breaks down cells. This is a natural process. In our skin cells, oxidative damage is caused by sunlight. When cells are damaged, they release “free radicals”. This means your cell is missing a critical molecule that is searching to pair with another molecule. In the process, the free radical is damaging other cells.

Antioxidants minimize the damage to your skin caused by free radicals. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant. Applied topically, it stops the oxidative process before it starts. Vitamin C also stimulates natural exfoliation in the skin. Exfoliation stimulates the skin to produce new skin cells.

4. Retin-A

Our number one product: Retin-A 0.5%

KEY: Retin-A causes the skin to continuously create new, healthy cells. Everyone should use Retin-A.

Retin-A is the most clinically researched and most proven skin care product on earth. It was originally formulated to treat and prevent acne. Retin-A, derived from Vitamin-A, deeply exfoliates your skin. When you exfoliate, you create new skin cells. By continuously causing this rapid cell turnover, your skin can’t accumulate the dead skin cells that lead to acne. Retin-A is also the number one anti-aging product because it forces your body to rid itself of old, damaged skin cells.

Retin-A is a critical product that everyone should use because it helps the skin cells stay fresh, healthy, and new. By purchasing Retin-A in a physician’s office, you are able to get a clinically effective dosage not available in over-the-counter products.

5. Sunscreen

Our number one product: SunShield by Obagi

KEY: The sun is your skin’s number one enemy. A broad spectrum sunscreen with the right combination of ingredients should be used every day, and reapplied throughout the day.

Sun exposure causes skin damage. The UV light from the sun breaks down skin cells. Sun exposure leads to sagging, discolored, and wrinkled skin. The good news is, sun damage can be prevented by properly using sunscreen. Sunscreen should be used every day and reapplied every 2-3 hours when outside. UV rays can penetrate windows, meaning your skin is being damaged when you are in the car or in front of your office window.

A good sunscreen has Zinc Oxide (10.5%) and Octinoxate (7.5%). The ingredients in a sunscreen matter, as do the concentrations. You want to make sure your sunscreen has the ability to physically block the sun’s rays. A sunscreen with Zinc Oxide and Octinoxate will have a thick texture and a white hue.

6. Hydroquinone (4%)

Our number one product: Clear by OBAGI

KEY: Hydroquinone (4%) removes skin discoloration caused by sun damage or melasma.

Hydroquinone is the only FDA-approved ingredient for lightening skin pigment. The concentration we sell of 4% is only available in medical offices, and is the safest daily dosage. The concentration matters. Over-the-counter products are limited to a 2% concentration which will take much longer to work and will be less effective.

Hydroquinone inhibits the enzymes in the skin cell that produce melanin. Melanin is what makes your skin appear tan, and is what causes freckles, age spots and sun spots. By inhibiting the production of melanin, you skin will gradually appear brighter and more even in tone.

7. BONUS: Hyaluronic Acid:

FOR DRY COLORADO SKIN:
Our number one product: Skin Medica Hydrating Complex

KEY: Hyaluronic acid adds moisture and improves the skin’s elasticity.

Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring carbohydrate in the body. It exists in the spaces between skin cells and provides moisture and fullness. As we age, and especially after age 40, the amount of hyaluronic acid in our bodies decreases.

Hyaluronic acid is what most of the short-term fillers (like Juvederm) are made of. When injected, it renews fullness and volume to the face.  It can also be applied topically to add moisture. It is able to penetrate deeply into the dermis to improve the elasticity of the skin.

Our suggested ideal skin care regimen:

[table class=”table table-bordered”] SILVER: A great start,GOLD: Get glowing skin,PLATINUM: For your most radiant ageless skin
GOOD FOR: 20s & early 30s,GOOD FOR: mid-30s & 40s,GOOD FOR: 40s & beyond
AM:,AM:,AM:
Cleanse,Cleanse,Cleanse
Apply Growth Factor,Apply Growth Factor,Apply Growth Factor
Apply Antioxidant or Peptide,Apply Antioxidant or Peptide,Apply Antioxidant or Peptide
Apply Sunscreen,Apply Hydroquinone,Apply Hydroquinone
,Apply Sunscreen,Apply Hyaluronic Acid
,,Apply Sunscreen
Product Suggestions:,Product Suggestions:,Product Suggestions:
Skin Medica GlyPro Cleanser,Skin Medica GlyPro Cleanser,Skin Medica GlyPro Cleanser
TNS Essential Serum (growth factors and anti-oxidants),TNS Essential Serum (growth factors and anti-oxidants),TNS Essential Serum (growth factors and anti-oxidants)
Obagi Sunshield Sunscreen,Obagi CLEAR,Obagi CLEAR
,Obagi Sunshield Sunscreen,Hydrating Complex
,,Obagi Sunshield Sunscreen
PM:,PM:,PM:
Cleanse,Cleanse,Cleanse
Apply Growth Factor,Apply Growth Factor,Apply Growth Factor
If needed apply Hyaluronic Acid,If needed apply Hyaluronic Acid,Apply Hyaluronic Acid
Apply Retin-A,Apply Hydroquinone mixed with Retin-A,Apply Retin-A mixed with Hydroquinone
Product Suggestions:,Product Suggestions:,Product Suggestions:
Skin Medica Gly-Pro Cleanser,Skin Medica Gly-Pro Cleanser,Skin Medica Gly-Pro Cleanser
TNS Essential Serum,TNS Essential Serum,TNS Essential Serum
Hydrating Complex,Hydrating Complex,Hydrating Complex
Retin-A 1.0,Retin-A 1.0 + Obagi Clear,Retin-A 1.0 + Obagi Clear
[/table]

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