Topical collagen is a very large molecule that cannot penetrate into living layers on the skin, so it doesn’t help to replenish skin’s collagen, firmness, or elasticity. In order to understand how to properly treat wrinkles, it’s first important to understand why we get them in the first place. As we get older, we have less naturally-occurring collagen and elastin in our skin. Our bodies make less of those very important proteins, we break down those proteins faster, and skin biopsies show that the fibroblasts that make these proteins lose their integrity and function. Dermatologists believe that by the time we hit 40, we have 1 percent less collagen each year.

Instead of replenishing your supply with topical collagen, you’ll want to use collagen stimulating ingredients to help kick these systems into high gear. Your best bet? Peptides. One group of peptides that truly help firm and increase elasticity in skin are ‘signaling peptides,’ like tetrapeptide 21 and rice proteins. Both of these ingredients contain amino acids, which are the building blocks of collagen, and since they are small molecules, they can penetrate down into the living layers of skin, where they signal the skin to start to make more collagen.

While peptides can be a helpful addition at any step of your routine, we suggests getting them by way of  a cream-based moisturizer. These formulas are able to penetrate better than balms and oils, which means the actives will be delivered into the deepest layers of your skin so that they can really work to their full capacity. With that in mind, we recommend our own Firming and Brightening Moisturizer Ultra Benefits .

Like most things in life, the old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies to skincare. This holds truer than ever when it comes to anti-aging in particular. Discover our 3 most powerful protective actives and how each uniquely counteracts different types of skin-aging environmental damage.

Chromabright® | UVA & UVB Light

What it is: Highly advanced fade ingredient with a broad spectrum UV protective profile. Shown to be as powerful as hydroquinone and kojic acid — without the phototoxicity and skin irritation.

How it works: Helps defend against cellular damage from UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays while inhibiting and correcting irregular pigmentation on the skin caused by sun exposure.

Skin benefits:

• Fades dark spots
• Brightens dull, discolored skin
• Improves uneven skin tone
• Restores luminosity

Found in:

• Ultra Benefits®

Lipochroman® | Environmental Pollution & UVA Light

What it is: Powerful synthetic triple antioxidant that fights premature aging damage damage caused by indoor and outdoor air pollution, urban dust, and UVA rays.

How it works: Protects cellular DNA from oxidative stress by scavenging all 3 classes of free radicals (ROS, RNS, and RCS).

Skin benefits: 

• Minimizes skin inflammation 
• Fights sagging and loss of firmness
• Prevents the appearance of lines and wrinkles
• Visibly rejuvenates in as little as 4 weeks

Found in:

• Vita Soothe
• Ultra Replenishing Sunscreen SPF 40
• Ultra Benefits®

Winter Cherry Extract | Blue Light & Digital Pollution

What it is: Antioxidant herbal extract with natural protection against screen-emitted high energy visible (HEV) light and modern digital pollution. [Shown to offer anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, and rejuvenating properties]. 

How it works: Combats the deep cellular damage caused by penetrating HEV rays by energizing skin cells and supporting key mechanisms like pigment regulation and cell repair.  

Skin benefits: 

• Imparts glowing vitality to skin
• Preserves healthy collagen and elastin
• Reduces redness and inflammation
• Prevents hyperpigmentation
• Improves skin resilience

Found in:

• Ultra Replenishing Sunscreen SPF 40
• Restorative Body Conditioner (Coming Soon!) 

Each of these multifunctional ingredients brings various protective benefits to the table. 

The most effective age-defense regimen, however, will incorporate all three to provide more comprehensive coverage against pollution, ultraviolet light, and blue light. 

The earlier your clients start, the more profound the benefits will be — but since environmental aging is an ongoing process, it’s never too late to begin shielding your skin.

Although skin is the largest organ of the body, most of us associate the idea of “skincare” with the face. We use multiple products each day to keep our complexions looking fresh, radiant, and youthful for today and tomorrow. This is a wise investment – our faces are the first image we present to the world, after all – but it’s not the only area that needs attention. Find out how (and why) we should all be caring for the rest of our skin.

BODY VS. FACIAL SKIN

Highly prone to visible aging damage, the sensitive neck, chest, and backs of the hands can benefit from quality skincare as much as the face. The skin in these areas is comparably thin; in fact, it’s thinnest on the neck. Critically, these areas are nearly as exposed to UV light, pollution, and blue light as the face, yet they generally receive less protection.

The hands have some unique difficulties. Unlike the face, neck, and chest, this area has very few sebum glands to produce skin-conditioning oils. Combined with a weaker moisture barrier, lower natural acidity, and more day-to-day exposure to environmental and physical stressors,  this makes the hands particularly vulnerable to dehydration and infection.

The skin on less exposed areas of the body is generally thicker and more resilient. It has its own challenges, however. Lower sebum production makes it susceptible to dryness and roughness; slower cell turnover and wound healing means it less easily sheds old skin and is more prone to scarring. Finally, the body has a higher number of sweat glands, which naturally means these clothing-covered areas require frequent cleansing.

 

GIVING YOUR BODY WHAT IT NEEDS

The best body care regimen uses medical-grade products that are suitable for skin on the entire body — and pays a little extra attention to the more sensitive and exposed areas. 

Cleanse gently.

A high-quality body cleanser will wash away sweat, oil, and debris without damage. Ordinary cleansers often contain irritating fragrances and harsh, drying sulfates, so it’s important to use a gentle, pH-balanced, and unscented formula like Salicylic Face & Body Wash that will not strip the skin’s moisture barrier or protective acid mantle. 

Exfoliate regularly. 

Not only does exfoliation soften and smooth rough areas of dry, dead skin, but it allows replenishing and hydrating ingredients to penetrate more deeply. Save time in the shower by exfoliating and cleansing in one step with non-abrasive, non-irritating formulas like our Papaya Mint Body Scrub. 

Protect exposed skin.

Well-rounded environmental protection is a priority for hands, neck, and chest. Use Ultra Replenishing SPF 40 or another multi-protective sunscreen to block UV rays and shield against environmental assaults from blue light and pollution. For extra protection and renewal, layer the an antioxidant moisturizer (like our upcoming Restorative Body Conditioner) under the SPF and reapply before bed for nighttime defense.

Tackle skin issues safely.

Disruptions like body acne, razor burn, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation must be treated carefully to avoid worsening skin irritation and inflammation. Use medical-grade acids optimally formulated with soothing ingredients, such as our Dual Action Toner Pads, to regularly clear pores and resurface skin in problem areas.

MAKE HOLISTIC SKINCARE A PRIORITY

Our bodies belong to us for a lifetime, and they deserve to be carefully maintained and protected, both on the inside and the outside. It’s easy to incorporate body-focused skincare into your existing daily routine, and with medical-grade products, you can be certain that your skin will get the best possible care. 

When we’re born, our skin is smooth and luminous. With age and sun exposure, however, we accumulate visible damage like texture, sun spots, marks and scars. Though it’s not possible to fully recapture the unblemished complexion of youth, these extraordinary skincare ingredients can offer dramatic improvement — and right now is the perfect time to start.

VITAMIN C 

Best for brightening and correcting dark spots

This is the ultimate brightening ingredient to tackle any photodamage summer left behind on your skin. Not only does it offer antioxidant protection to prevent UV-related hyperpigmentation and collagen loss, Vitamin C actually breaks up any existing uneven pigmentation to help fade spots and discoloration.

We recommend:

• C-Stem®
• Vita-C 20

VITAMIN A (Retinol)

Best for intensive multifunctional skin renewal 

Both brightening and exfoliating, retinol works on a cellular level to revitalize skin from within and address the full spectrum of premature aging damage. The result is a radiant, even complexion with noticeable improvement to wrinkles, skin firmness, and overall clarity. This powerful active is safe for most skin types, but it can be irritating to some, so use with care.

We recommend: Advanced Retinol

ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS (AHAs)

Best for targeting fine lines, uneven tone and texture

There’s no better way to get quick, visible renewal than AHAs. This class of chemical exfoliants resurface skin by dissolving the bonds between cells, shedding the dull, dry, and damaged upper layer of skin to leave a smoother, more youthful complexion. Over time, AHAs can help minimize other signs of aging, like collagen loss. 

We recommend:

• Glycolic Gel  Pads

BETA HYDROXY ACIDS (BHAs)

Best for minimizing large pores and acne marks

Similar in name and function to AHAs, BHAs provide a unique benefit for oilier skin — they’re lipid soluble. This allows them to cut through skin’s natural oils and penetrate deeper to exfoliate within the pores. Salicylic acid, the most widely-used BHA, also provides anti-inflammatory benefits, making it doubly beneficial for oily/acneic skin types.

We recommend:

• Salicylic Face & Body Wash
• Dual Action Toner Pads

Face masks are an everyday essential in 2020, but most of us are discovering a frustrating side effect: Maskne. Long hours of daily wear can lead to zits popping up on the chin, nose, cheeks, and jawline — even if your skin isn’t typically acne-prone. Fortunately, there are some simple strategies you and your clients can use to combat this widespread issue. 

WHY MASKS CAUSE BREAKOUTS

This type of acne is generally classified as “acne mechanica”. Like traditional breakouts, it’s ultimately a result of oil and dead skin cells clogging the pores, but there are three additional components at play: Friction, heat, and moisture. 

As the mask traps warmth and humidity, it creates a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. These bacteria then spread on your skin wherever the fabric touches your face. Continuous rubbing and chafing along the maskline exacerbates the issue by leaving skin irritated, inflamed, and vulnerable. 

HOW TO MANAGE MASKNE

1.  Always start with a fresh mask and a clean face.

Avoid reusing the same face mask for multiple days. For the health of both your skin and body, they should be treated like underwear and washed after a day’s use. Make sure to cleanse your face beforehand to minimize clogged pores — we recommend Salicylic Face & Body Wash.

2.  Prevent unnecessary buildup on your skin.

The humid environment inside the mask limits your skin’s ability to breathe, which means it’ll be easily weighed down by makeup and heavier skincare products. Skip the foundation and moisturize with a light hydrating formula, like our Ultra Benefits.

3.  Clear your pores after the mask comes off.

Once you’re back home, wash your face to remove any buildup and then use a gentle exfoliator to clarify your skin. We recommend a combination of salicylic acid (BHA) to dissolve excess sebum and glycolic acid (AHA) to remove dead cells, as in our Dual Action Toner & Pads.

4.  Prevent and repair skin irritation daily.

Keeping your skin’s barrier intact is key. Check the fit of your mask — if it’s too tight, it will worsen chafing and irritation. Use a fortifying formula like Vita Soothe to help soothe and restore your skin without clogging pores. 

5.  Spot treat pimples when they appear.

Emerging acne can worsen and spread into bigger breakouts quickly under face masks, so it’s best to get them under control as quickly as possible. Nighttime salicylic acid spot treatments, such as our Acne Spot Treatment, act fast to treat pimples and calm inflammation. 

With these steps, you should notice an improvement in maskne breakouts within a few weeks; however, it’s important to remember that stress and lifestyle changes can cause acne to flare up, too. The best approach to troubled skin is holistic — consistent self-care and prioritizing overall health can go a long way, especially in difficult times. 

HOW MALE SKIN IS DIFFERENT

Ultimately, men’s and women’s skin concerns are quite similar, but research shows there are some intrinsic (physiological) and extrinsic (environmental) factors that can uniquely influence men’s day-to-day skincare needs. Chief among these are androgens, a group of sex hormones which includes testosterone. Produced at a much higher level in the male body, androgens play a role in everything from skin thickness to fat distribution and reproductive development. 

In comparison to female skin, male skin tends to present with the following characteristics:

• Thicker skin layer (about 25% more)
• Denser collagen and elastin fibers
• Larger pore size
• More sweat gland activity
• Less trans-epidermal water loss
• Increased sebum production
• Higher number of hair follicles on the face
• Thicker and coarser facial hair 
• More gradual intrinsic skin aging overall; except
• Higher likelihood of sagging in the under eye area
• Statistically higher incidence of UV-related damage with age

In short, men struggle less frequently with moisturization, hydration, and early signs of aging; however, they’re more likely to need solutions for oily skin, clogged pores, photoprotection, and shaving-related issues.

ADDRESSING KEY CONCERNS

The ideal regimen for men will generally focus on cleansing, clarifying, skin repair, sun protection, and eye rejuvenation.

Oily/Combination Skin 

Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. Unfortunately, many products designed for oily skin contain harsh ingredients that strip the moisture barrier, which often leads to even more grease. 

Avoid this by using a non-irritating, sulfate-free formula like the Chamomile Facial Cleanser to cleanse excess oils and impurities without depleting the skin. 

Maintaining hydration also helps keep the skin balanced, but oil-prone skin types are easily weighed down by more emollient moisturizers.

Blackheads, Pimples, and Body Acne

While women are more prone to hormonal acne, men’s increased oil and sweat production makes their skin more prone to blackheads and pimples on multiple areas of the body. 

Daily cleansing with a salicylic acid formula, like the allover Salicylic Face & Body Wash, will help prevent breakouts by penetrating into the pores and clearing the gunk, leaving skin fresh and clear. 

For a more intensive treatment, use Dual Action Toner Pads, which combines both salicylic acid (BHA) and glycolic acid to tackle active and emerging acne breakouts. 

Pore-Clogging Buildup

Dead skin cells like to build up on the skin, leaving it rough, bumpy, and congested. (This is especially common in areas covered by facial hair.) In oily/acneic skin, this layer can block the pores, mixing with sebum to create a breeding ground for acne bacteria. 

Resurfacing products like our Glycolic Pads provide AHA exfoliation ideal for removing the dead skin and preventing buildup.

Razor Rash (Post-Shave Irritation) 

Razor rash is bumpy, irritated skin caused by the physical friction of the shaving blade combined with the drying alcohols and harsh ingredients often found in shaving products. 

To help prevent this, keep the surface of the skin smooth using regular AHA exfoliation with Glycolic Pads. Stick with an emollient, fragrance-free shaving foam or cream, and shave only when skin is completely wet. 

Clients whose razor burn is accompanied by itching or dryness can add Ultra Benefits® for non-comedogenic moisture. 

Razor Bumps (Folliculitis, Ingrown Hairs)

Shaving can also lead to pimple-looking bumps caused by inflamed follicles and/or hairs trapped under the skin. These razor bumps do not occur immediately afterward, appearing instead as the hair begins to regrow.

As with razor rash, pre-exfoliating with AHA is beneficial for razor bumps. Regular resurfacing with Glycolic Pads maintains smoother skin, which helps reduce follicle damage and allows hairs to emerge easily from the skin without getting trapped. For more coverage or more acne-prone skin, step it up with the combined AHA and BHA in our Dual Action Toner Pads.

Baggy Undereyes 

The undereye area in both sexes has thinner skin with less oil glands than the rest of the face, leaving it more susceptible to signs of aging or exhaustion. Men in particular have been shown to present with significant loss of firmness in this area as they get older. 

No matter their age, male clients can fight eye bags by applying Ultra Firming Eye once or twice a day.

Sun Damage

Studies have proven that skin cancer occurs more frequently in men. Compared to women of the same age, men aged 65 are twice as likely to develop melanoma. By the time they reach age 80, that risk goes from double to triple. 

The #1 defense against UV damage is a broad-spectrum sunscreen, like our Ultra Replenishing Sunscreen SPF 40, which protects against UVA/UVB rays along with digitally-emitted blue light (HEV) and harmful pollutants. 

Fortifying with antioxidant vitamin C offers another layer of defense. Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals on the skin to help fight DNA damage that leads to inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and cancer. Serums like C-Stem® are most effective, but Vita-C 20 is another easy-to-use option.