by Debi G | Jul 30, 2011
Excessive amounts of melanin (pigment) production result from exposure to UV radiation, heat and other sources of injury to the skin, such as healing from acne. Excessive melanin production may appear as freckles, age spots, post-acne dark marks or general dull appearance.
Hydroquinone works by inhibiting tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the physiological pathway that produces excessive pigmentation and is the only ingredient recognized for skin lightening by the FDA.
Currently, the FDA limits over-the-counter concentrations to 2% and prescription concentrations to 5%. In Europe and Asia, all levels of hydroquinone require a prescription, but it is not banned, as some misinformation purports.
Due to the controversy over the safety of hydroquinone, a lot of buzz about naturally-derived alternatives has surfaced. However, while many women see results from “natural” other ingredients, it’s important to note that they have not been proven to work, nor are they FDA-approved for skin-lightening.
Additionally, most dermatologists feel that hydroquinone side effects are very rare and that consumers can use it to treat freckles, sun spots, liver spots, melasma and post-acne spots without fear.
What has your hydroquinone experience been? Tell us your story by leaving a comment below.
Read more here.
by Debi G | Jul 22, 2011
Yes! Some people actually have a real addiction to the pleasure of tanning. Studies show that the UV rays trigger the release of endorphins – morphine-like substances in the brain that block pain and heighten pleasure – resulting in a natural “high.” Just like smoking, this is a habit you will have to break if you want your skin to stand the test of aging and time.
by Debi G | Jul 16, 2011
Proactiv is a sister company, totally separate from ours. Same founding doctors, new skincare line.
Our products are only available through a consultant such as myself. We used to be in the high end retail stores, were the #1 brand at Nordstroms, but the doctors wanted to help people create personal wealth, not share the profits with the retailer. They realized that there is power in word of mouth networking to distribute the product…and they were right. We’re already outselling the retail sales in just 2.5 years in the direct sales channel. Smart move. Their ultimate goal is to create more millionaires than Mary Kay, without the need for the distributor to carry or ship the product and with their skincare line that emphasizes continuous groundbreaking technology in the sun damage and aging arenas.
We just tell others about it after seeing the results on our own skin. Like sharing a good movie with others!
by Debi G | Jul 7, 2011
Just like sunscreen decreases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun there are ingredients (like retinol, AHAs, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide) that actually increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
What does this mean for you?
It means if you are using products with these ingredients,it is essential you use the products as directed and take extra precautions when it comes to sun exposure.
Go beyond using a broad spectrum sunscreen and cover up with a hat and sunglasses. Your skin will be happier you did!
