Pharmacymix.com, Skin Care Pharmacy and Blog Specializing in Anthelios and Mexoryl Sunscreens

Pomegranate: Can It Protect Your Skin?

Cosmetics manufacturers are always looking for newer, better, more effective ingredients that can be used to improve the skin. It’s not a simple process. Many ingredients claim to provide benefits, yet only a few are supported by scientific studies. While it doesn’t mean that ingredients lacking clinical studies are necessarily ineffective, it does mean that we should perhaps think twice about rushing to the cosmetics counter to part with our hard earned money. Pomegranate is one such ingredient, resting at a crossroads.

Today, I’ll explain the things we do know about pomegranate in relation to how it affects your skin.

Research And The Effects Of Pomegranates

Pomegranates have been found to deliver a variety of health benefits due to its antioxidant action. They are rich in ellagic acid, which can help to prevent damage related to free radicals. As well, pomegranate seed oil contains punicic acid, an anti inflammatory ingredient that can aid cell regeneration and proliferation. 

Studies have shown that pomegranate can expedite the wound healing process. It may also help to repair sun damaged skin. It’s thought that these actions are related to pomegranate’s ability to extend the life of fibroblasts, cells which are responsible for the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are part of the skin’s supporting network, which give skin its strength, support and elasticity.

The one caveat is that many studies using pomegranate involve oral consumption and not topical application. We know that pomegranate has formidable antioxidant properties upon oral consumption and studies with topical application in animals show promise. While it’s likely that studies will reveal benefits to human skin with topical application, more research is needed. 

Proven Formulations

As you might imagine, there’s no shortage of cosmetic “miracle” products that include pomegranate extract as a key selling point. Whether you decide to purchase one or not is your call. The evidence is still in early stages and while pomegranate extract will deliver antioxidant benefits, some of the other claims attached to its use do require further investigation. 

Enjoy pomegranate juice, devour the seeds (I do!) and if you want to try a product that contains pomegranate, by all means do. Understand though, that while you will be reaping some antioxidant benefits that for now it’s a trendy ingredient that still needs to prove itself.

If you’re looking for proven solutions, choose from ones that do have science to back them up:

UltimaSkin Potent C Serum - 12% stabilized L-ascorbic acid can fight free radical damage, even skin tone and promote collagen production.

Green Cream - high potency retinol to help unclog pores, reverse sun damage and stimulate collagen production. A star anti-aging skin care ingredient.

Credentials Glycolic Acid Face Creme - glycolic acid has considerable evidence to support its use as a topical exfoliant. It can help to even skin tone and studies have also shown that it can stimulate collagen production diminishing the appearance of fine lines.

Can Exercise Improve Your Skin?

The importance of exercise can’t be underestimated. In addition to helping maintain your physical health, it’s been shown to  increase your blood circulation, thereby improving the delivery of nutrients throughout your body. Regular exercise can also boost the immune system and help to prevent disease including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity. It is also useful in increasing mental health and fighting depression. With all the health benefits attributed to exercise, can it also help to improve your skin?

Skin Basics

Under the epidermis (the top layer of skin) lay a number of tissues, including the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The dermis is where collagen and elastin fibers reside. If these fibers are structurally sound, fewer wrinkles and fine lines will manifest at the skin’s surface. Capillaries, which help deliver oxygen and nutrients, are also located in the dermis. The subcutaneous tissue is mostly comprised of fat cells.

How does exercise contribute to great looking skin? First, by increasing circulation and delivery of nutrients to skin cells, toxins are cleared away. As well, exercise increases the availabilty of oxygen and nutrients providing optimum conditions for increasing collagen production. This helps to keep wrinkles and lines away. Exercise can also help to control the production of certain hormones - testosterone and DHEA - that have been linked to the development of acne. These hormones may be produced in response to stress, which exercise can help to lower, resulting in a decreased production of these hormones.  And, the sweat that accompanies exercise, can help to unclog pores, leading to a clearer complexion.

Can Exercise Help Eliminate Cellulite?

Cellulite is a different matter. For those of us who deal with it, exercise is probably your best bet (as opposed to expensive and well-advertised creams and other topical solutions). Pilates, weight training or yoga help to tone and reverse muscle tension, which reduces the appearance of cellulite. Keep in mind that you probably won’t be able to get rid of cellulite completely. But, you’ll at least be able to develop muscle to reduce its severity.

One Caveat

Stay away from facial exercises and specific movements which claim to help you tone facial muscles. Often accompanied by devices that exercise specific facial muscles, the benefits are not lasting. Due to the aging process, facial muscles cannot be exercised like the rest of the body. And in fact, they may lead to an increase in wrinkles, just the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve.  

How To Improve Your Skin

As much as exercise will benefit skin, the use of well formulated skin care products are just as important. Exfoliating, moisturizing, and protecting skin from the sun’s UV rays will improve skin. The delivery of antioxidants can help to limit free radical damage associated with skin aging. Here are 4 products worth considering:

Green Cream With Retinol - Retinol, a Vitamin A derivative, increasing skin cell turnover, unclogs pores and can help to reverse the signs of premature aging and sun damage.

UltimaSkin Honey and Soy Moisturizer - This formulation soothes and hydrates aging skin with potent emollients including soy. Soy is an antioxidant and has been shown to boost collagen production. 

Anthelios XL SPF 60 Cream - This well formulated sunscreen contains both Mexoryl XL and SX to provide broad spectrum protection from the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays.

UltimaSkin Potent C Serum - With a generous 12% vitamin C concentration, this new serum offers the benefits of antioxidants to inhibit the spread of damaging free radicals.

Topical Botox Alternatives: Do They Work?

Botox has been used successfully for years to get rid of wrinkles. The problem is that it’s an expensive procedure, requires injections, and the results are temporary. And, since we haven’t used it for a long time, there is the concern for long term side effects. Skin care product manufacturers have quickly responded by offering scores of topical applications that promise to do the same thing as Botox, only safer. The question is do they work? Are manufacturers’ claims substantiated with a significant amount of clinical evidence?

Today, I’ll provide an overview regarding how Botox works to eliminate wrinkles and fine lines. In doing so, it will be easier to understand why topical formulations cannot work in the same manner. We’ll explore Argireline and a couple of other Botox alternatives. Then, I’ll describe 2 products that take a different approach to reducing the severity of wrinkles.

How Botox Works

Facial muscles contract and relax based upon signals received from nerves. The muscles and nerves are connected by a neuromuscular junction. When the nerves send signals to the muscles, neurotransmitters are released and bind to receptors on the junction. This causes a chemical reaction which ultimately makes the muscles contract. Botox inhibits the receptors in the muscles that would normally identify the presence of these neurotransmitters. By doing so, it prevents the chemical reaction that causes muscle contractions. In effect, by paralyzing the underlying muscle, Botox doesn’t allow the wrinkle to develop.

Topical Alternatives To Botox

Topical Botox alternatives claim to work in the same manner, by blocking the receptors and thereby preventing the muscle from contracting. Here are a few popular products that manufacturers claim will do the same thing as Botox:

Argireline - this ingredient is supposed to result in relaxed facial muscle tension by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters. Studies by the manufacturer of argireline, Sederma, used a 10% concentration and demonstrated a reduction in wrinkle depth of up to 60% in one month.

Crease Release - this product was created by Dr. Fredric Brandt, who claims to have been involved in the clinical trials that eventually led to Botox’s FDA approval. He also claims that Crease Release uses a GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) to encourage internal muscle relaxers to smooth the skin and get rid of wrinkles. It is difficult to find any clinical research to substantiate GABA’s claims. 

Freeze 24/7 - another “solution” that purports to include a number of topical muscle relaxers, including GABA. Despite persuasive marketing, there is no research to support GABA’s efficacy for inhibiting muscle contractions.

Formulations To Reduce Wrinkles

If you don’t want to undergo Botox injections, there are topical formulations that can help smooth your skin and reduce the outward appearance of wrinkles. The best way to reduce wrinkles is to minimize exposure to UV rays, which can result in the degradation of collagen and elastin and ultimately lead to wrinkles. Your anti aging skin care routine should include effective sunscreens, antioxidants like Vitamin C, a retinoid and moisturizers. Peptides, such as Matrixyl should also be considered. Matrixyl is a peptide with research to back up its benefits in stimulating collagen. Following is an effective solution to consider:

Credentials Botanical Peptide with Matrixyl - This preparation includes Matrixyl, a peptide that stimulates the synthesis of collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans to restore the skin’s structural integrity thereby reducing wrinkles.

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How To Keep Your Hands Looking Young

Besides facial wrinkles and age spots, your hands can actually give away your age. And that’s because along with the face, your hands are one of the most exposed parts of your body. Not only do we put them through the rigors of our daily work, but they’re also exposed to damaging environmental influences, such as harsh weather and UV radiation. It’s important to take preventative measures to ward off the premature aging effects of these influences. Today, I’ll describe the benefits of using moisturizers and sunscreens as part of your anti-aging skin care routine for your hands.

Using Moisturizers

It’s common for hands to become incredibly dry when they’re constantly exposed to the weather and sun. If neglected long enough, they can become chapped, cracked, and lifeless looking. In severe conditions, they might become so dry that they begin bleeding. You should be using a well formulated moisturizer repeatedly throughout the day. Whenever you wash your hands, apply it by thoroughly massaging it into your skin. Apply it again whenever your skin calls out for moisture. Ideally, you should try to have access to a moisturizer wherever you are (in your car, at work, and at home).

In addition to emollients, moisturizers can contain antioxidants, skin lighteners and sunscreen. These additional ingredients can protect skin by fighting against damage or helping to reverse some of the effects of aging.  

Protection From UV Radiation

Most people realize that the sun’s UV rays can cause long-lasting damage. Because your hands are constantly exposed, they’re extremely susceptible. Part of the damage is caused by damage due to free radicals, unstable molecules that can speed up the aging process. This damage is accelerated by UV radiation, resulting in the loss of collagen as well as DNA damage and other effects. Your hands should not be neglected from protection with a broad spectrum product that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays, in particular, can penetrate deeply into the skin, causing wrinkles and other signs of premature aging.

Those are the basics of an anti-aging skin care routine for your hands. The important thing to remember is that their constant exposure to the weather and UV radiation makes them extremely vulnerable to cellular damage. Over time, that can cause them to lose their youthful appearance. Below are a few highly-effective formulations that you can use for protection.

Lac-Hydrin Lotion - This exfoliating lotion clears away dead skin cells and will sooth dry, rough and itchy skin anywhere on the body. 

La Roche Posay Hand Repair Cream - For severely dry hands, this moisturizing solution restores the skin’s protective hydrolipidic layer, offering resistance from the damaging effects of the environment.

La Roche Posay Iso-Urea - This formula hydrates and rids dry skin of roughness by restoring the protective hydrophilic film of the skin.

Anthelios Sunscreens - offer broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection against the sun’s UV rays. There are a range to choose from; apply to hands and rest of body.