Understanding the Difference Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Aging


Understanding the Difference Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Aging

Skin Exfoliation is important

We all know that the skin is the human body’s largest organ, but what’s the purpose of skin and how does our growing older change skin’s ability to perform this role?  We know this skin’s basic functions are to:

  1. Protects us from the outside world of germs and the environment
  2. Maintains our equilibrium – holding in water, controlling our temperature
  3. Is our outward, visible, indicator of health, age and well being

Why does your skin age?

As we age, the appearance and functioning of our skin changes.  Typically, skin becomes thinner, more wrinkled, rougher, less radiant, more lax, less firm, shows changes in pigment levels, and often dryer.  This aging of the skin is a result of two separate but interrelated factors: intrinsic or chronological aging, which is the biological process associated with your genetics and the passage of time, and extrinsic aging, changes caused primarily by external factors, the most important of which is UV exposure, but also includes exposure to pollution, weather, stress, and lifestyle habits.

What is Extrinsic Aging?

It’s generally thought that extrinsic factors have more influence on the visible signs of aging than intrinsic factors. In fact, 80% of skin aging is likely due to exposure to sunlight[1]. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding sun exposure and the use of a good quality broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 as the most important steps in maintaining skin health and preventing the signs of aging[2]. The good news, 80% of how your skin ages is in your hands.

What is Intrinsic Aging?

Intrinsic aging is the change in your skin related to your age and your genetics, and there are three main causes:

  1. Slower cell turnover
  2. Reduced cellular energy levels
  3. Reduced collagen production

Cell Turnover

We know that skin has the capacity to constantly renew itself.  Dry, dead skin cells slough off the surface to be replaced with new cells that have migrated up from deeper layers.  This replacement process is driven by something called turnover or proliferation.  Proliferation just means one cell dividing itself into two identical copies. Remarkably, cells can do this repeatedly, up to a maximum of about 50 times[3], but research tells us that as we age, this proliferation slows down considerably and eventually stops.  There is no foolproof way of reversing this decline.

Cellular Energy

As you can imagine, for cells to divide constantly, they need a lot of energy, but as we age, our energy levels drop too, sort of like how your phone battery slowly loses the ability to stay charged and runs down more quickly as it gets older.  The good news is that research has shown this decline can be addressed to an extent by providing very specific nutrients, ones that are important to a cell’s energy cycle[4].  Look for products that contain ingredients such as vitamin B3 (also known as niacinamide) and adenosine, both vital molecules in cell’s energy cycle.

What Can You Do To Address Intrinsic Aging?

Firstly, cleanse, tone, treat and protect your skin everyday[5] as this will enable your skin to be as resilient as possible to the signs of aging. Secondly, use products that contain ingredients that address the visible signs of aging caused by changes in cell turnover, energy, and collagen. Third, only use products that have been independently clinically tested to validate their efficacy.

R + F’s groundbreaking Total RF Serum is a powerful anti-aging serum that revitalizes skin to help achieve stronger, healthier, more resilient skin.

The serum does this through the use of carefully chosen ingredients proven to energize surface skin cells, including a propriety blend of ayurvedic sandalwood, Indian Kino extract + omega-6 fatty acids, combined with niacinamide and adenosine.  R+F’s patented antioxidant complex also fortifies the skin making it more resilient and defending against environmental aggressors.

A recent clinical trial published in Clinical Dermatology Open Access Journal, has shown how Total RF Serum can have a noticeable and positive impact on a broad range of anti-aging concerns and is capable of boosting the benefits of almost any skincare routine[6].

In Summary

Don’t assume all skincare is the same.  R+F is a dermatology inspired, problem solution skincare brand that sets out to identify key issues and provide demonstrable benefit. Do your research, identify your issues and do the best thing for your skin because what you do to your skin everyday has a huge impact on how it looks and feels.

Article by Simon Craw, PhD

Dr. Simon Craw holds a PhD in Chemistry from University of Manchester and held academic posts at the University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and University of Sydney (Australia). He has over 25 years’ industry experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and skin care research and development.  He began his career at Merck Research Laboratories before moving to a series of start-ups and early-stage biotechnology and skincare companies. At Lifeline Skincare, Dr. Craw helped develop and commercialize one of the first and most innovative stem cell extracts used in topical cosmetics.  At Rodan + Fields Dr. Craw has brought a number of skincare innovations to market including Retinal MD, one of the most powerful non-prescription retinoids and Total RF Serum a breakthrough anti-aging serum powered by a patent-pending new technology targeting cellular energy, RF TriEnergy Complex.

REFERENCES

[1] Flament F, Bazin R, Laquieze S, Rubert V, Simonpietri E, Piot B. Effect of the sun on visible clinical signs of aging in Caucasian skin. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2013 Sep 27;6:221-32. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S44686. PMID: 24101874; PMCID: PMC3790843.

[2] American Academy of Dermatology.  Skincare Tips Dermatologist’s Use. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-tips-dermatologists-use

[3] Watts G. Leonard Hayflick and the limits of ageing. Lancet. 2011 Jun 18;377(9783):2075. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60908-2. PMID: 21684371.

[4] Nicotinamide effects on the metabolism of human fibroblasts and keratinocyte assessed by quantitative, label-free fluorescence imaging. Liu Z, Chiang CY, Nip J, Feng L, Zhang Y, Rocha S, Georgakoudi I. Biomed Opt Express. 2021 Sep 20;12(10):6375-6390 https://doi.org/10.1364/BOE.432561

[5] American Academy of Dermatology.  Should I Apply My Skincare Products in a Certain Order? https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/apply-skin-care-certain-order

[6] Craw JS, Falla T, Ong D and Butani S, Efficacy and Tolerability of a Novel Facial Serum.  Clinical Dermatology Open Access Journal, 2022,7(1) doi: 10.23880/cdoaj-16000259

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

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How to Get Rid of Dead Skin On Your Face Safely

How to Get Rid of Dead Skin On Your Face Safely

Safe Skin Care

Your skin naturally sheds around a million cells a day. Knowing how to get rid of dead skin on your face properly is crucial knowledge for a healthy, fresh complexion. Also known as skin rejuvenation, the act of removing dead skin can be complicated to get right. Wondering where to start? Read on to learn how to do it safely and effectively. 

What Causes Dead Skin on the Face?

The skin is our biggest organ of the body, and is exposed to the outside world. Skin is constantly protecting us from environmental factors including the sun’s UV rays, pollution, changing weather and temperatures. Dead skin is basically dead skin cells that sit on the surface of the skin, caused by the natural cell turnover that’s happening every second.  Therefore, dead skin on the face is caused by environmental stressors, a new skincare product, skin damage or simply the cell turnover rate.

How to Get Rid of Dead Skin On your Face

The best way to rejuvenate and remove dead skin from the face is to gently treat skin with exfoliants or moisturizers, depending on your skin type. Since different exfoliators may not work for every skin type, it’s essential to consider skin type before choosing an exfoliation method. By consistently keeping your complexion free of excessive dead skin cells, skin will look and feel fresh, healthy and vibrant.

Physical Products

An exfoliating face mask or treatment, by default, are heroes when it comes to dead skin on the face. Exfoliators buff away dead skin cells and reveal the new skin layer below. This results in a refreshed and rejuvenated complexion. If skin dryness, redness or other issues are present, rely on moisturizers for a few days before exfoliators. This helps to prevent a damaged skin barrier. Once skin seems hydrated and ready, you can rely on exfoliants to finish the job. If you choose to exfoliate, make sure your skin is ready in that the exfoliant doesn’t damage your skin, lead to breakouts, or increase redness. Examples of exfoliants include peels, scrubs, and microdermabrasion treatments. Sometimes a great exfoliating face wash can even be effective at removing dead skin from the face.

Chemical Products

Chemicals can either make or break your skin’s condition when it comes to removing dead skin. Chemical products can very successfully remove dead skin cells, but they can also dry or irritate skin. Alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and chemical peels are some of the most common treatments used for removing dead skin on the face. Chemical peels are very popular in salons or as an at-home treatment, and generally affordable and relatively safe. Dead skin cells are usually removed easily, with one treatment being successful at proper removal.

Products to Avoid

It might seem counterintuitive, but there are certain exfoliating products you should avoid for getting rid of dead skin on the face. Exfoliants formulated for use on the body, for example, should never be used on the delicate skin on the face. Peels and other products with harsher, active ingredients should be considered for your particular skin type or left on the shelf for the time being. It is also wise to resist the urge to over-exfoliate, as you could damage the skin barrier and make the skin vulnerable to redness and sensitivity and other reactions.

Consider Skin Type

Remember to read all labels and use products designed and formulated for your particular skin type. By remaining diligent about which products you are using, especially on your delicate complexion, you can avoid the dryness that sometimes accompanies dead skin cells. Becoming well-versed in your skin type and the products, ingredients and skincare routines that suit it, you are fully taking care and control of your skin health. Not sure what your skin type is? Here is a quick guide:

Normal

Normal skin does not show signs of peeling or excessive oiliness anywhere on the face. Normal skin also does not usually show signs of redness, enlarged pores, or feeling of sensitivity.

Sensitive

Sensitive skin is something you can feel, but also something you can see.  Visible or feelings of dryness, redness, burning, or itchiness are signs of skin sensitivity.

Oily

Oily skin is common, especially in younger demographics. People with oily skin have excess oil and shine in their T-zones or all over the face. Large pores may also be visible.

Dry

Dry skin often has visible symptoms of peeling, flaking, red areas, and dehydration. Physical symptoms include the feeling of tightness or taut skin.

Combination

The most common skin type, combination skin is known to be oily in the T-zone (across your forehead, down your nose, to your chin) and then dry or normal in the other areas. Lipids are unevenly distributed throughout your complexion.

Preventing Dead Skin on Your Face

The key to preventing dead skin on your skin is by being diligent with skin protection, cleanliness, exfoliation, and moisturization. Always remember that balance is key, and do nothing in excess when it comes to your skin. Products like a facial serum can help keep that balance in between more abrasive treatments. By working with your natural cell turnover and oils, you can improve and prevent dead skin on the face.

In Conclusion

Skin cells have a very short lifespan, so it is completely natural that dead skin builds up on your face. By keeping skin happy and healthy, you may not even notice it very often.

Sources

  1. US National Library of Medicine. Wound Healing and Nutrition: Going Beyond Dressings With a Balanced Care Plan.
  2. American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Safely Exfoliate at Home.
  3. Journal of Aesthetic Nursing. An introduction to superficial, medium, deep and combination chemical peels.
  4. American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Determine Your Skin Type.

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

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Rodan+ Fields Has A New Serum That Will Change Everything!

Rodan+ Fields Has A New Serum That Will Change Everything!

Total RF Serum

  • Rodan + Fields just released its newest product: the Total RF Serum.
  • The serum is meant to improve skin’s firmness, plumpness, and radiance.
  • Total RF Serum comes in refillable packaging to cut back on waste.

While some people might prefer a basic three-step skin-care routine that’s quick and effective, I’m more of a maximalist. I love to incorporate R+F products and tools into my daily regimen, and I always use a serum to target specific skin-care goals. My go-to is the Redefine Regimen. However, sometimes, I switch things up. Occasionally I target discoloration and uneven skin tone with the Reverse Regimen. Sometimes I want to plump and smooth fine lines. And when a serum comes along and promises to do it all — even better times a thousand.

The Rodan + Fields Total RF Serum ($175 retail – I can help you save more) is one of those all-in-one serums. It is our brand’s newest innovation that took five years to perfect and was formulated to do it all: it improves the skin’s elasticity, firmness, plumpness, radiance, and texture, plus reduces the appearance of pores.

“We’re all aging all of the time due to sun exposure, pollution, stress — the cumulative effects appear as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, loss of elasticity, dullness, enlarged pores, and dryness,” co-founder of the brand Katie Rodan, MD, tells us “A product specifically designed with ingredients to energize surface skin cells, especially one that could be used by people of all ages, was our ultimate goal.”

Total RF Serum

This powerhouse serum is packed with ingredients that deliver on the above claims — omega-6 essential fatty acids help hydrate and plump the skin, sandalwood minimizes the appearance of fine lines, Indian kino tree extract promotes even tone, antioxidants protect against environmental aggressors, ceramides support the skin’s moisture barrier, and calcium helps make skin firmer and tighter.

The Total RF Serum is safe to use both morning and night and is compatible with all skin types. Fold it into your routine after cleansing and toning. The consistency of the formula is creamy as opposed to watery like most serums and has a light blush hue to it. There’s a very faint, clean scent, but nothing too noticeable, and it quickly absorbs to a lightweight, soft, hydrating finish.

As someone with oily to normal skin, I found that the serum fit right in with my existing routine, and it didn’t leave my skin feeling irritated or more oily in the slightest bit. The pearly pink hue of the serum also gave my skin an instant radiance, which is even better!

Another aspect of the product that I love is that it is refillable! The vial filled with the serum that sits inside the glass bottle can be replaced after you run out, saving  money and unnecessary waste.

 

 debi.myrandf.com

Skin is a beautiful thing, wear it well!

Not sure what is right for your skin? Take the quiz below 

https://debi.myrandf.com/solution-tool

Learn more about Rodan + Fields and how you can get your most radiant skin yet. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

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Vitamin E and Skin Care: Benefits and Products

Vitamin E and Skin Care: Benefits and Products

Dark Spot Corrector

There are a lot of vitamins out there to keep track of. There’s Vitamin C, which is known for being great for our immune systems and promoting collagen production in skin. There’s Vitamin A, which is famously great for eye health (remember always being told to eat your carrots as a kid?) and can help skin health and even prevent breakouts.

Then there’s Vitamin E, a fat-soluble nutrient available in some foods that are also used in quite a few skincare products. But what does vitamin E actually do? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is vitamin E?

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient found in foods like vegetable oil, nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables. In the body, vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting it from free radicals and helping to fire up the immune system.

But vitamin E is also an ingredient commonly listed in skincare products because when used correctly, topical vitamin E can be incredibly hydrating, healing, and protective for the skin.

Is vitamin E good for your skin?

Vitamin E has a handful of benefits for the skin. While you should always do your best to eat vitamin E-rich foods—not just for skincare benefits but for general health benefits, too — a lot of people use topical vitamin E, and dermatologists will often recommend it for skin because of its benefits.

Benefits of vitamin E for skin

So what does vitamin E do for your skin, exactly? “Vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant skincare ingredient that is naturally healing, hydrating, protective, and soothing,” says cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michelle Green, MD. “Vitamin E is most often associated with its ability to intensely hydrate and protect against environmental irritants and pollutants that can cause premature aging of the skin. It’s also commonly used for treatment and prevention of dark spots, fine lines, and dehydrated skin.” Vitamin E benefits for skin go far beyond a quick fix, which is why it is so trusted in the skincare industry.

Safety of vitamin E skincare products

We know that vitamin E can be a hydrating, beneficial part of a skincare routine. But are there any safety concerns we should be aware of? Dr. Green says that in general, vitamin E is considered a safe skincare ingredient. “Vitamin E may potentially cause skin irritation in some individuals, though,” she says. “Those who have oily skin or who are acne-prone may want to avoid products that contain vitamin E as well since there’s potential for clogging the pores and causing or exacerbating acne breakouts.”

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, Dr. Green suggests first starting with a moisturizer that contains vitamin E so you can figure out if you have any reaction to it. If you notice breakouts or another skin issue, back off of it and talk to your dermatologist about it. Consider products for sensitive skin if irritation is an ongoing issue.

Products with vitamin E for face and skin

There are tons of vitamin E-based skincare products on the market. “The best way to reap all the skincare benefits of vitamin E is by using a moisturizer or oil blend containing it since vitamin E is soluble in oil,” Dr. Green says.

In addition to moisturizers, because it is easily absorbed in the skin and is very hydrating, vitamin E is also often added to sunscreens, eye creams, anti-aging formulas, lip serum and even some makeup. You might be surprised by how often vitamin E is actually listed in skincare products – you may already be using a product that contains it without knowing it.  It comes in formulations of both cream or lotion to suit your product texture preferences.

Incorporating vitamin E into your skincare routine

Because vitamin E is generally non-irritating and is available in so many products, most people find they can seamlessly incorporate vitamin E into their skincare routine.

“Vitamin E is commonly used in skincare products, and it may already be a part of your regular skincare regimen simply because it’s added to so many products already,” says Dr. Green. “Incorporating the ingredient into your skincare routine can be as easy as adding a nighttime moisturizer with vitamin E in it.”

She adds that the benefits of vitamin E can be further enhanced by using it in tandem with vitamin C. “Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant ingredient. When combined, the skin will be left feeling and looking youthful, radiant, and beautiful,” Dr. Green says.

If you’re thinking about incorporating vitamin E into your skincare routine and have any questions, don’t be afraid to talk to your dermatologist. They can help you address any concerns you might have, and help you decide if it’s the right ingredient for you.

Sources

What is vitamin E and what does it do?” National Institutes of Health. Accessed 7/27/2021.

Dr. Michelle Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist and chief resident in Dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin yet. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

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What is Hyaluronic Acid?

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Dark Spot Corrector

And why am I reading about it everywhere? Hyaluronic Acid has been trending lately within the beauty and skincare world. But we have known about its incredible skin benefits for years. It’s become the gold standard in hydrating skin and improving visible signs of aging. But what is Hyaluronic Acid anyway? Don’t be scared away by the hard-to-pronounce name! This ingredient is, in fact, produced naturally within our own bodies.

What is Hyaluronic Acid, and how does it help skin?

Hyaluronic Acid is a natural substance produced by our body to bind water to keep tissues well balanced, moist, and hydrated. It exists in our skin and joints. Hyaluronic Acid is essential because it’s one of the main substances that help our skin look fresh, plump, and youthful.

Applying HA is like giving your skin a heaping glass of water. In fact, HA not only provides immediate benefits to the skin, it also helps the skincare products layered on top work more effectively to deliver even better results you can see and feel.

When should I start using Hyaluronic Acid?

Typically, the body’s own production of HA starts to decrease in your late twenties. Which makes then a good time to start adding Hyaluronic Acid (HA) into your skincare routine for its anti-aging benefits. But HA is great for all skin types and ages. It’s beneficial for people who experience dry skin because of its hydrating powers. And it can also help to calm sensitive and blemish-prone skin.

It’s never too early to start hydrating your skin regularly. As the skin loses its moisture, ingredients like HA work to help the skin stay happily hydrated. It works like a sponge to retain water and keep your skin’s moisture levels high.

Other than aging, your lifestyle may affect your skins’ health. Environmental factors like pollution, smoke, the sun’s rays, and more may decrease the amount of HA in your body. This is why it’s essential to add Hyaluronic Acid to your daily skincare regimen to boost the effectiveness of your other skincare products.

Whether you’re interested in HA for its anti-aging benefits like visibly improving fine lines and wrinkles or you’re experiencing dryness, this universal ingredient can help boost the results of any routine.

I understand HA has lots of benefits for the skin, but how exactly does it work?

Hyaluronic Acid is mostly known for benefits like alleviating dry skin and reducing visible signs of aging, like those pesky fine lines and wrinkles that start to appear as we age. When is skin is dry, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles can become more prominent. Hydrated skin helps reduce the visibility of these visible signs of aging

HA can be used in the form of a topical treatment (applied directly on the skin), a supplement, or through injections. Topical applications, like through a serum, are less invasive and deliver immediate visible results. It can take much longer to see visible results from supplements. Adding a serum like Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Serum into your Regimen is an easy way to work HA into your skincare routine and experience its benefits. HA transforms dry skin into younger-looking, younger-acting skin. You can typically start to see results in a week after first use. Remember, results also vary based on your skin condition, age, gender, lifestyle, etc.

Can I use Hyaluronic Acid in place of a moisturizer?

Let’s start by learning about the difference between hydration and moisturization when it comes to skincare.

Simply put, we can say that a hydrator equates to water, whereas a moisturizer has more to do with oil. Dryness in your skin comes from a lack of oils. Dehydration comes from lack of water. All skin types need hydration. Dry or dehydrated skin can lead to visible dullness and flakiness. Hyaluronic Acid is a perfect hydrator because it helps bring water to the skin’s surface using humectants. Moisturizers, on the other hand, lock the moisture in and work to protect the skin’s natural oil barrier. Keeping skin hydrated can help boost radiance, improve texture and overall smoothness.

Since hydrators and moisturizers work to address differing skincare needs, it can be beneficial to use both HA and a moisturizer separately as two different steps in your skincare routine. For best results, we recommend that you apply anHA serum after toner and before any moisturizers.

Should I use Hyaluronic Acid in the AM, PM or both?

When you first start to use it, it’s better to do so at night. For best results, apply daily after your cleanser and toner. You can also use it during your morning routine if you have dry skin.

How long after I apply an HA product, like a serum, should I apply moisturizer or other products?

With any routine, it’s recommended to let your skin dry between each step before layering on the next product. Formulations are made for layering. And layering in the correct order is more important than timing. However, some prefer to wait 30 to 60 seconds between steps. Your skincare routine should center around your preferences.

Is it too much to use a serum with HA and then apply a moisturizer with HA afterward?

No, it’s not harmful to use HA in multiple products. What’s most important is applying products in the right order to ensure ingredients and formulas can work in tandem to provide the best visible results.

Can Hyaluronic Acid cause acne?

If you are worried about adding a new ingredient to your skincare routine, it never hurts to reach out to your doctor to make sure it is right for you. Everyone’s skin needs are different.

Is it true that too much HA can lead to drying out my skin?

Hyaluronic Acid is a hydrating ingredient. Using HA once or twice a day shouldn’t be an issue. If you experience any drying, it never hurts to reach out to your doctor.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields and how you can get your most radiant skin yet. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message