Do you know your skin's true age?  Up until now, there has been no quantitative way of measuring the age of our skin.  Our usual standard consisted of no more than taking a good look in the mirror for dark spots, wrinkles and fine lines and then deciding whether we looked older or younger than our actual age.  However, researchers in the Molecular Imaging Center of National Taiwan University have recently come up with a way to measure the intrinsic or chronological aging of skin.

Working with a small group of 52 subjects ranging in age from 19 to 79, scientists used a new laser procedure to send photons (light particles/waves) into the skin of the inner forearm, an area which is generally not exposed to the sun and thus relatively free of sun damage.  The laser beam penetrated to a depth of about 300 millionths of a meter, or the thickness of the epidermis (the upper layer of the skin).  By measuring the frequency at which the photons vibrated as they interacted with the skin, the scientists were able to produce a high-resolution 3-D map of the tissue.

They found that within skin cells natural aging resulted in a significant increase in the overall size of the basal keratinocytes, the most common cells in the epidermis, as well as in the size of the cells' nuclei.  The other types of skin cells, known as granular cells, did not show an increase.  Researchers suggested that the relative changes in the two types of cells could be used as an index to measure skin's true age.

Beyond being able to use the information to determine which parts of the population might age faster or as a tool to monitor the overall health of a person's skin, researchers put forth that this data could be used to measure the effectiveness of anti-aging products.

Keep in mind that this study is in its very early stages so it may take years before an accurate gauge is developed to rate skin's true age. Lucky for us, we already know that sticking to a tried-and-true anti-aging skin care protocol works:

 1.Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen like Anthelios XL SPF 50+  daily. Since the sun is responsible for over 80% of damage to the skin, sunscreen is a must every day of the year.

 2.Apply an antioxidant like apothekari Vitamin C&E Serum  to fight the free radicals that can cause skin to age.

 3.Use a retinoid preparation like Green Cream , to help reverse the signs of aging and help prevent future damage from occurring.

I may not be able to find out my skin's true age just yet, but with the help of effective treatments, the face in the mirror won't give it away either.

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com
For a limited time, Fabulously 40 members save 5% off all purchases. Code fab40 at checkout.

Spring is the perfect time for a body cleanse, and the Wild Rose Herbal D-Tox kit makes the process simple with its proven 12-day cleansing program.  If this is your kind of thing, the Wild Rose Herbal D-Tox  concentrates on the elimination of toxins that have built up in the body from environmental pollutants, foods that we eat and normal bodily processes.  Using the kit's four herbal formulas and following the recommended dietary program included, Wild Rose Herbal D-Tox encourages the cleansing and detoxification of the liver, lymphatic system, digestive system, colon and kidneys.  

During the process of ridding toxins from the system, the body may feel taxed.  Following the easy  food plan included with the kit helps to maintain a healthy balance between assimilation and elimination while optimizing detoxification results.  Wild Rose provides some guidelines for people who want to change their eating habits but need that extra bit of support and structure.

Although Spring and Autumn are traditionally the times of the year when our thoughts turn to cleanses, Wild Rose may be used at any time of the year, particularly when we are feeling heavy and lethargic or when we have overindulged.  The Herbal D-Tox kit is especially helpful when we:

 •Want to change some minor health aggravations such as skin breakouts or constipation

 •Are ready to make a new start with health and eating habits

 •Want to "tune up" the body and regain a feeling of well-being

 •Wish to break old habits

The Wild Rose Herbal D-Tox kit contains:

 1.Biliherb, for strengthening liver and spleen function;

 2.Laxaherb, for a natural cleansing of the intestinal tract;

 3.Cleansaherb, to cleanse the bloodstream, muscle tissue and lymphatic system of toxic waster material; and

 4.CL Herbal Extract, an effective and complete body cleansing formula.  

As part of an overall wellness plan or the beginning of a new lifestyle, Wild Rose Herbal D-Tox can become an integral part of continued health. Before starting the cleansing program, you may wish to consult with your physician to ensure that this is appropriate for you. This is especially important if you have any pre-existing medical condition or are taking any regular medications.  

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com
For a limited time, Fabulously 40 members save 5% off all purchases. Code fab40 at checkout.

If you've been diligently treating your dark spots and hyperpigmentation, it's possible that you may have experienced hitting the skin lightening plateau. In fact, it is not an uncommon occurrence. Our skin lightening treatment of choice may have been effective in achieving good results initially, but sometimes its progress may come to a halt. The reality may be that the product we are using may have done all it can for us. At this point, getting past the skin lightening plateau may involve reassessing our regimen and opting for alternatives to bring us closer to our goals.

Any successful skin lightening routine should involve a combination of products and ingredients to deliver maximum results:

1. A skin lightening product that disrupts the production of melanin

2. An exfoliant to remove existing hyperpigmentation

3. A sunscreen to prevent patches from darkening

4. A retinoid to reverse damage and help cells communicate more like young, undamaged ones

Switching up the treatments in any of these steps is a good way to jumpstart a skin lightening program.You may also want to consider adding in Vitamin C . At concentrations above 5%, it can brighten skin tone and add contribute to your efforts.

Here are a few options to consider to get beyond the plateau:

For treating dark spots, La Roche Posay's Mela D Pigment Controlis a concentrated serum that is hydroquinone- and paraben-free. This powerful formulation contains kojic acid, an effective skin lightening agent, to visibly reduce the look of dark spots and boost skin radiance. Neostrata's Spot Lightener uses a combination of plant-derived Gigawhite (5%) and bearberry to inhibit the production of melanin and fade age spots. It's a gentle skin-lightening alternative for highly reactive skin that is preservative free and non-comedogenic.

To remove existing hyperpigmentation, M2 Skin Refinish harnesses the power of 20% Malic and Mandelic acids to gently exfoliate and even out skin tone with minimal irritation. Neostrata's Skin Renewal Peel Solution  uses 10% glycolic acid to remove the build-up of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin in one quick treatment. Either one would also help to increase the absorption of other active ingredients in your skin lightening regimen.

Always use a good broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 that will effectively block UVA/UVB rays. The sun encourages the production of melanin and may lead to redevelopment of dark spots. Anthelios sunscreens /offer a wide range of high protection products that are photostable, water resistant and available in many different textures to suit different skin types. Here's a handy tip: the Anthelios XL SPF 60 Targeted Stick  makes it quick and easy to ensure those dark spots are well covered for maximum protection.

If retinoids (and retinol as found in bestselling Green Cream) haven't been part of your skin lightening routine, now is a great time to add it to the program. Retinol  essentially tells the skin cells to function normally, encouraging the development of healthy skin cells that are unaffected by pigmentation. Retinol also speeds up the skin cell renewal process and helps remove pigmented skin from the surface more quickly. The result is smoother, more evenly toned skin.  

Hitting the skin lightening plateau? You're up for the challenge.

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com 

For a limited time, Fabulously 40 members save 5% off all purchases. Code fab40 at checkout.

What exactly are free radicals? We've all heard of them and how they can damage cells in our bodies. We also know, in some vague way, that antioxidants help counteract the potential for damage. So why are we looking for 'anti-oxidants' and not 'anti-radicals' in our skin care products? The answer lies in how a free radical is formed.

What is a free radical?  

A free radical is a highly charged and unstable molecule containing a single electron. This is compared to a stable molecule, which contains two electrons. Free radicals stabilize themselves by stealing an electron from a nearby molecule. The attacked molecule then becomes unstable (and starts looking for a molecule to steal an electron from). The process may start a chain reaction that continues for a very long time with the outcome being damaged and dysfunctional cells. Free radical damage may occur anywhere in the body leading to diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. In the skin, free radicals activate enzymes that break down collagen (the skin's supporting structure), leading to wrinkles and fine lines.

How are free radicals created?  

Free radicals are created by anything that contains oxygen – carbon monoxide, hydrogen peroxide. They may also be caused by exposure to daily living:

Exhaust fumes
Sunlight
Pollution
Smoking
Even normal bodily processes such as digestion and breathing, may lead to free radicals.

Fight Back With Antioxidants  

The best way to minimize free radical damage is to limit your exposure to triggers. Of course, some things (like eating) are unavoidable. If you can't avoid exposure, then you can protect yourself with antioxidants. Antioxidants are nature's way of fighting back. By lending a spare electron to a free radical, antioxidants help stop the chain reaction of damage. They can do this without becoming free radicals themselves. The good news is that antioxidants are abundant in the human body and in plants. They include ingredients such as vitamins A, C and E; flavonoids; superoxide dismutase; beta carotene; selenium ; glutathione; and zinc.

An antioxidant-rich diet, which includes fruits and vegetables, is a great way to fight free radicals damage in the body. When it comes to your skin, a topical antioxidant preparation is the best way to deliver it to where it's needed. A well formulated preparation can even help to boost the effectiveness of your sunscreen. Our favorites include:

Apothekari Vitamin C, E and Ferulic acid serum, formulated with high concentrations of protective anti-oxidants
La Roche Posay Derm AOX serum, containing vitamin C, pycnogenol and carnosine to fight cell oxidation and glycation
Reversa Anti-Oxidant Booster, harnassing green tea extract and vitamin E to protect against daily environmental hazards
Apply them twice daily – in the morning to fight against free radical damage from daily living and at night to help repair and rejuvenate skin.

Click here  to see our full range anti-oxidant rich skin treatments.

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com 

For a limited time, Fabulously 40 members save 5% off all purchases. Code fab40 at checkout.

Cliniderm RosaCalm and Cliniderm Rosacalm 30  are two new creams specially formulated for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.

We've discussed rosacea  before: a chronic and progressive skin condition. It often presents itself as flushing of the skin, redness, bumps, pimples and tiny visible blood vessels on the face.  Symptoms tend to appear in a cyclic fashion, characterized by flare-ups and remissions with no fixed pattern of occurrence. One of the keys to controlling rosacea is to identify and avoid triggers that may lead to flare-ups.  Typical triggers may include but are not limited to:

 •sun exposure

 •cold and windy weather

 •indoor heat

 •hot baths

 •emotional stress

 •alcohol, especially red wine

 •spicy foods

 •intense exercise

It often goes undiagnosed as sufferers do not attribute their flushing symptoms to rosacea. However, an accurate diagnosis from a dermatologist is important so that proper treatment can occur. If left untreated, it can worsen over time and progress to more serious symptoms such as thickening of the skin and rhinophyma, swollen and bumpy excess tissue around the nose that gave W.C. Fields his distinctive look.

Treatments are tailored to each individual and range from oral antibiotics (such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline) to topical medications (such as Azelaic acid, which reduces inflammation). The benefits of a gentle skin care routine that includes products like Cliniderm Rosacalm can't be underestimated. Alcohol- and fragrance-free, a minimum of chemical irritants, and a green tint (the tint helps to neutralize the redness that is typical of rosacea) are attributes to seek out. A good routine for managing rosacea may include:

 •a mild, non-abrasive cleanser  as in LRP Rosaliac Gel Cleanser or Cliniderm Gentle Cleanser 

 •fragrance-free moisturizers  like LRP Rosaliac Creamand Cliniderm RosaCalm Cream. Cliniderm RosaCalm SPF 30 has the benefit of moisturizing and protecting against sun damage. The RosaCalm creams are specially formulated without common chemical irritants to soothes irritated and dry skin. The light color reduces the appearance of redness and skin imperfections to restore a more uniform and healthy-looking skin. They are quickly absorbed, invisible and non-comedogenic. Like all Cliniderm products, RosaCalm and Rosacalm 30 are free of parabens, dyes, perfumes, lanolin, formaldehyde and proteins.

 •gentle sunscreens. Formulations that contain physical vs chemical blockers may be better tolerateb by individuals with rosacea. Consider Cliniderm SPF 45 .

Although no cure for rosacea is available, professional oral and topical treatments along with an appropriate skin care routine can go a long way to controlling it.

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com
For a limited time, Fabulously 40 members save 5% off all purchases. Code fab40 at checkout.

In honor of the New Year's tradition of lists and countdowns, we've put together our version of the Top 5 anti-aging vitamins for great skin.  It's no coincidence that the you will find the same anti-aging vitamins for both oral and topical supplementation. Here's what to look for in topical treatments:

5. Vitamin K.  As we age, dark circles under the eyes may become more prevalent.  Although there are many causes for dark circles, including lack of sleep, allergies or genetic predisposition, vitamin K helps lighten under eye circles  when they are caused by broken capillaries. It's believed that vitamin K helps to constrict capillaries, breaking up the tiny blood clots that cause the appearance of dark circles.  Vitamin K may also be listed as phytonadione.

4. Vitamin E.  Often listed as alpha tocopherol, vitamin E is a multi-tasker. It is an antioxidant, which battles free radicals that can lead to wrinkles and premature aging.  Vitamin E also bolsters the skin's ability to retain moisture and helps protect against UVB damage.  It can be found in a range of treatments – sunscreens, moisturizers and serums. One of our favorites is Apothekari  Vitamin C & E serum with Ferulic Acid, which, incidentally, brings us to our next anti-aging vitamin ...

3. Vitamin C or L-Ascorbic Acid. Also an antioxidant, it works synergistically with vitamin E to fight free radicals.  As the workhorse of the skin care world, vitamin C  improves skin firmness, promotes collagen production, lightens dark spots and boosts the power of your sunscreen. Look for at least 5% to 10% vitamin C on ingredient lists to ensure that you are getting maximum effectiveness.

2. Niacinamide. Otherwise known as vitamin B3, niacinamide increases the production of ceramides and other fatty acids to keep the skin smooth. When taken as a supplement in the form of niacin, vitamin B3 increases the body's ability to retain moisture. As we age, this ability diminishes, leading to dry and scaly skin. Applying niacinamide topically in the form of creams and lotions helps keep the skin smooth and healthy. Perhaps more importantly, it keeps the skin barrier intact, sealing in moisture and blocking external irritants. La Roche Posay's Rosaliac Cream  uses niacinamide to help reduce redness and breakouts that are the bane of rosacea sufferers.

1. Vitamin A.  Known as retinoids, these vitamin A derivatives win "Best in Show" for anti-aging vitamins.  It is no secret that we are big fans of vitamin A and its derivative, retinol  .  It's difficult not to love an active ingredient that does so much: increases skin cell turnover, reduces pigmentation, evens out skin tone, manages acne, reduces pore size and stimulates collagen production which leads to fewer wrinkles and fine lines.  It also reverses sun damage. When choosing a retinol cream, ensure that your product is packaged appropriately to maintain its effectiveness as retinol is light sensitive. And, incorporate it into your routine gradually to allow your skin to adjust to its use.

We may not be able to turn back the hands of time but we can certainly put on a brave and healthy-looking face in the anti-aging battle.

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at PharmacyMix.com
For a limited time, Fabulously 40 members save 5% off all purchases. Code fab40 at checkout.