Topical Antioxidants: What’s The Big Deal?

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Image We’ve all heard the terms “free radical” and “antioxidant”, but how many of us really understand what they are, how they function and why they matter when it comes to the skin?  Millions of consumer dollars are spent each year within the cosmetic and medical industries on antioxidant serums, Vitamin A, C & E topicals and Retinol products.  There is a reason these treatments are in such high demand despite their seemingly high cost.  They work. Antioxidants are necessary for overall skin health as well as extremely effective in fighting the extrinsic signs of aging.  The following is why…

To put it simply, free radicals are compounds with a high reactivity. They have an unpaired electron, causing them to be extremely unstable and destructive.  I like to call them floozies because they scavenge the body trying to steal electrons from other healthy, happily paired atoms, resulting in cellular chaos and disease.  Free radicals are found in the body primarily via two ways, they are either created in the body over the course of normal metabolic functions or they are introduced by the environment.

All of the healthy, functioning cells within our bodies are highly susceptible to the damaging nature of free radicals.  Oxidative damage is one result of free radical activity.  This process leads to the hardening of the unsaturated lipids that form the cellular wall.  Once the lipids are hardened, the cell looses it’s ability to communicate with other cells and cannot properly acquire the nutrients it needs. Healthy function is inhibited and the body suffers.

When free radicals become excessive, the damage can spiral out of control quickly but the effects are more noticeable as we age.  Free radical damage has been linked to cancer, Parkinson’s disease, atherosclerosis, emphysema, Alzheimer’s disease, and many more…  When it comes to the skin, free radical damage can cause a substantial loss in fibrous tissue (collagen), slow the cell turnover rate as well as impair vascular activity and oil/sweat gland function. The acid mantle that maintains cellular nourishment and protection at the top layers of the skin also becomes impaired, allowing dehydrated (lacking water) and alipidic (lacking oil) conditions to accelerate wrinkling and aging.  Depending upon ones genetic makeup and lifestyle, normal physiological functions within the skin may decline by more than 50% by middle age.

ImageSo, is there a remedy… or at the very least a line of defense?  Yes. The nemesis to the free radical is the antioxidant.  A capable victor.  It is the most effective and proven form of protection against such damages. Super oxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase are antioxidant enzymes that are produced within our bodies. These are nature’s weapons to fight free radicals.   While consuming antioxidants in the form of food is an excellent way to build health, using antioxidants topically on the skin has been proven incredibly effective in preventing damage caused by the sun and pollution. Using a topical antioxidant regularly can help to revitalize, protect, and preserve your skin’s tone, texture, and appearance.  Aging and wrinkled skin can show substantial improvement as collagen is restored and fibrolasts generated.

There is a constant need to replenish our antioxidant supply.  Incorporating these topicals into a daily regimen alongside regular professional treatments will maintain optimum skin health and greatly diminish signs of pre-mature aging.  These products are an effective weapon we can add to the arsenal when it comes to preserving the fountain of youth.

Physician’s Care Alliance Antioxidant Products:  Rejuvenating Serum, C-Quench Antioxidant Serum, C-Strength 15% With 5% Vitamin E, C-Strength 20% With 5% Vitamin E


The PCA Chemical Peel: FAQ

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Most Commonly Asked Questions About Chemical Peels…

Q. How much downtime is expected with a peel?
A. There is little to no downtime whatsoever with PCA chemical peels. You can actually receive a peel on your lunch hour and return to work.

Q.When will I start “peelings”, for how long and how much?
A. Everyone’s experience will be different. However, on an average, you will see flaking by day two or three following the treatment. It is possible to see flaking for up to five or six days. With all PCA peels, only light to medium exfoliation will be experienced.

Q. How irritating is a peel?
A. PCA peels are only slightly irritating. You may experience mild burning or stinging, which is transient.

Q. What is the difference between the three formulas of the PCA Peel®?
A. The PCA Peel® HQ Free is for sensitive skin types, ethnic skin, those allergic to hydroquinone or not looking to lighten the skin. The PCA Peel® w/HQ has a stronger lightening ability; it will help even out the skin tone. The PCA Peel® w/ HQ and Resorcinol is for most resilient and oily skin types and will provide more exfoliatation. This formula is great for someone who has reached a plateau with monthly treatments and needs a more aggressive treatment.

Q. What is the difference between the PCA Peel® versus the Ultra Peel™
A. The Ultra Peel™ is less sensitizing than the PCA Peel® due to the complexity of the formula. The PCA Peel® has more of a drying effect and the Ultra Peel™ has a more moisturizing effect. The PCA Peel® formulas have more instant lightening ability, whereas, the Ultra Peel™ lightening process is more gradual.

Q. Why would Ultra Peel™ II be applied, and when?
A. Ultra Peel™ II will ensure more flaking and peeling post-treatment. It can be applied after any treatment or it can be very mild treatment used alone.

Q. What is resorcinol? Why use the PCA Peel® w/HQ & Resorcinol and who is an appropriate candidate?
A. Resorcinol is an antiseptic, antifungal, astringent and flaking agent. The PCA Peel® w/HQ and Resorcinol is excellent on active acne, smoker’s skin, oily, thick, resilient skin and hand and arm treatments.

Q. What peels are recommended for use with microdermabrasion?
A. There are different ways to enhance your results by using PCA chemical peels with microdermabrasion. For an advanced treatment or for very resilient skin we perform microdermabrasion followed by any TCA peel, or any one of our non-chemical peeling treatments. Treatment options are determined by your skin type, condition and professional recommendation of your esthetician.

Q. What skin type or condition will benefit most from the Pumpkin Peel; what results are expected?
A. The Pumpkin Peel is best used for asphyxiated skin or acne, as it contains the highest concentration of salicylic acid of any plant, which provides the Pumpkin Peel Treatment with potent skin smoothing and pore clearing action. It is incredibly nourishing to all skin types as it also offers more than 100 beneficial components including the highest concentration of vitamins A, C and beta-carotene found in any other fruit or vegetable. The skin will have a healthy glow following this treatment.. It provides nutrient input and will brighten the skin. It’s also great on ethnic skin or very sun damaged skin that has lumps and bumps.

Q. Can a person who is in the sun a lot receive a peel?
A. Yes, only if they are compliant with using sunscreen protection and avoiding the sun 48 hours after a peel. If you are getting peels to lighten the skin, Profecting Protection (SPF 30+) is ideal to reduce any chance of further hyperpigmentation due to its enhanced lightening ingredients of Bearberry, Licorice Root Extract, Kojic Acid, Mulberry Root and Lactic Acid.

Q. What peels can be used on someone who frequently works out?
A. Someone who frequently works out can have any peel but must wait 48 hours after the treatment to exercise. If you don’t want to wait, any non-chemical or retinol peel is a great choice. The Esthetique or our Ultra Peel™ II which is an acid-free, time-released retinol cream are great choices. They have a delayed flaking action that creates no irritation or downtime and leaves the skin glowing and hydrated.

Q. My skin is very thin. Why would I want to peel? Wouldn’t that make my skin thinner?
A. If your skin is dry and thin, often there is a buildup of dead cells that actually keeps your home care products from penetrating. Having a retinol treatment will remove the surface buildup, hydrate the skin and give it a more plump, “thicker” appearance. The use of Vitamin C products in the treatment, as well as in your home care program, will help to build the collagen in your skin, thus making it stronger and more durable.

Q. Can pregnant or lactating women receive a peel?
A. No. We recommend only the Signature Facial for pregnant or lactating women. But always ask your doctor to make sure.

Q. Are there any treatments that are good for rosacea?
A. The Sensi Peel is a treatment designed specifically for rosacea. It helps to unclog the pores, smooth the surface of the skin and promote healing. This treatment could be done as often as every four weeks.

Q. Can someone using Retin-A® or Accutane® have any PCA Peel treatments?
A. We generally recommend that Retin-A® use be stopped five days prior to a peel and five days post treatment because of potential irritation and uneven peel penetration. Accutane® users tend to have very dry and sensitive skin and need to be treated only with peels that are appropriate for their skin type. We have found that the PCA non-peel solutions are Accutane® friendly. However, your skin care specialist should always be made aware of any Retin-A® or Accutane® use and my recommend you postpone treatment if skin is too reactive.

Q. I thought TCA was very aggressive and required a week at home for recovery. Why is this not true of your Ultra Peel™ that is 10% TCA?
A. Ultra Peel™ is effective because of its formulation, but works in a way that does not traumatize the skin like traditional, straight TCA peels. As with all other peels, there is no downtime. Following an Ultra Peel™, the skin is glowing and hydrated; exfoliation occurs more as flaking.

Q. What is the difference between PCA and glycolic peels?
A. Glycolic acid will dehydrate skin and make pores larger after extended use. PCA uses lactic and citric acids which are skin-friendly because they are natural constituents of your skin. PCA peels are unique because they are moisturizing and hydrating and leave your skin fresh, soft and supple, the way it wants to be!

Introduction

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Well here we go again! As some of you may know, this will be my third venture into the world of blogging.  Currently, I maintain 2 other businesses and corresponding blogs: EDEN Soap & Candle Co. (www.edensoapandcandle.com) and Whitney Oliver Designs (www.whitneyoliverdesigns.etsy.com), both small but successful artisan companies.  With Whitney Oliver Esthetics being the 3rd and final addition, i figured I might have some explaining to do as far as how these three facets are going to co exist and function successfully alongside each other. But first, a little bit of history…

EDEN was born in Los Angeles in 2008, out of a passion I harbored for natural, high quality aromatic home and body products that unfortunately seemed less available and obviously much more expensive than their synthetically produced and often times ineffective counter parts.  I began pouring my own pure soy wax candles and aromatic diffusers, later creating my own all natural sea salt scrubs and creams loaded with nourishing carrier oils such as coconut, olive and sunflower.  I experimented with aromatherapy and herbal extracts, read every book I could get my hands on about skincare, skin biology and ingredients.  There was no turning back, my passion for skin therapy and wellness only grew and as a result EDEN Soap & Candle Co. was established and thrives today.

Whitney Oliver Designs took root after moving from Los Angeles, to Turlock, California. As a creative spirit and someone who enjoys working with their hands, jewelry making had always been a hobby for me, over time that hobby turned into a side business, which eventually turned into a full time business… As an artisan jeweler, I work with real gemstones and hand forged, precious metals.  Wire woven details, hand hammered textures and faceted stones permeate each season’s collection.  Today Whitney Oliver Designs can be found in numerous boutiques including locations in Carmel and San Diego, CA.

Although these trades seem to have nothing in common with each other at all,  somehow they have woven together to create a beautiful marriage… Jewelry and spa goods, the ultimate pampering combination.  Side by side they are displayed within my studio and offer an eclectic selection for every shopper to feast their eyes and noses on.  Some prefer the soaps and creams, others come strictly for the jewelry adornments, but most seem to enjoy a combination of both…  For me, as a designer to both, the freedom to switch gears creatively from one to another has allowed me never to tire of either.  After spending an extended amount of time focused on jewelry, materials and construction of that product line, I am able to then return to EDEN with a fresh perspective and renewed excitement for working with that medium again, and vise versa.

Upon deciding to further my education in skin therapy by obtaining my professional esthetics license, I am making the move from studio to treatment room, BUT taking EDEN and W.O.D. with me.  Being able to not only produce an effective product, but apply advanced treatments and beneficial therapies with them, is exciting.  EDEN essential oil sea salt scrubs and body reapir lotions will be used alongside the PCA product line (Physycian’s Care Alliance), a medical grade, results oriented company, specializing in the treatment of hyperpigmentation, acne, rosacea, premature aging conditions as well as skincare for patients receiving chemotherapy.  EDEN and PCA Skincare products as well as one of a kind Whitney Oliver Designs pieces will be displayed and available for purchase in one convenient location.    Clients will now be able to have a treatment or waxing, purchase their home care and do some shopping all in one stop.  Gift certificates and gift wrapping will be available.

I look forward to taking this journey with you all and will use this blog as a means to share relevant articles, product/treatment reviews and promotional deals.  Thank you so much for your support and I hope to see you soon!

Sincerely,

Whitney Oliver