Bobbi Brown's Baby Boomer Beauty Tips.

Bobbi Brown was on The Today Show yesterday sharing some beauty tips for baby boomers. One piece of advice that resounded so strongly with me is that you cannot do anything to your lips, medically speaking of course.  If you were born with thin lips or they are thinning, use a good lipstick, is basically what Bobbi said. I agree with her and believe that concept. If you want to use fillers or botox and the like, elsewhere, that is fine. Suddenly walking around with plump lips that you have never had is just a no!

Watch for the rest of her tips, along with actress Susan Saint James.

Rodan + Fields ANTI-AGE AMP MD System.

I am all for anti-aging treatments. I try them all. This one with NEEDLES intrigued me probably more than any other - or at least lately. Needles, I say "yes". This is one of those tools that are normally used only in Doctors' offices, so this is a first for at home treatment. Groundbreaking!

The Doctors behind the famous Proactive line of products. Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, have another winner on their hands with this ANTI-AGE AMP MD System.

With their years of combined work, they realize that one of the greatest roadblocks to transforming skin through topical products is the limited penetration of ingredients through the skin’s outermost protective layer. Getting deeper into the layers of skin has not been possible at home, until now. ANTI-AGE AMP MD is the solution, as it is a micro-channeling tool based on medical-grade rollers used by dermatologists. The AMP MD roller is a non-abrasive instrument with embedded surgical-grade, acupuncture-type, stainless steel micro needles which painlessly create precise micro-channels in the uppermost skin layers.  This allows a deeper, more uniform and effective delivery of ingredients in the Rodan + Fields ANTI-AGE Regimen.

The ANTI-AGE Regimen is a four-product, daily system that layers potent doses of dermatology-proven active cosmetics to combat skin aging from various angles. It is meant to be used at night and followed by ANTI-AGE Overnight Restorative Cream to close and fortify skin’s barrier while you sleep.  In the morning complexion is smooth, supple and resilient.  By combining the AMP MD System with the ANTI-AGE Regimen, lines and wrinkles are reduced, pore size is less noticeable, and collagen production is increased so that elasticity and firmness is greatly enhanced.  

Looking at the tool, I was hesitant, but only for a second as I rolled it over my hand and felt nothing as the superfine needles ran over my skin. I studied the instructions and learned the patterns in which to use the tool, and started using this every night on my face. It only added an extra minute to my routine, but a minute well worth it as I started seeing my skin looking more firm and smooth within a few weeks.  Overall, my skin feels softer and I swear my brown patches that I have been working on for months now, have faded more quickly after I started using the tool as well.

As this tool is medical grade and is made with needles, it needs to be cared for properly. The initial kit comes with everything necessary to properly keep it clean, and this is all described in the instructions which I recommend reading carefully.

ANTI-AGE AMP MD System is available right now at the Rodan & Fields website, where you can learn more in-depth information on it as well. It sells for $200, but I bet we will soon see infomercials with special offers and pricing, so keep a look out.

Retinoids, Retinol, Retinaldehyde... What's the Difference and How Do they Work?

My latest obsession is skin care. I have been testing and trying so many new things and know that I need to add some power-house products to my routine. Knowing what I do about Retinoids, I know this is the route I need to go. But, I, like many of you, are probably confused as to where to start.

I went to Dr. Graf, whom is recognized as one the most distinguished dermatologists in the country, for some important info on Retinoids. As she is well known for her lifestyle and nutritional approach to skin care, I knew I was in good hands.

A little background on this class of skincare, retinoids: recommended by top dermatologists, Retinoids are the family of Vitamin A derivatives scientifically proven to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles and reduce other signs of skin aging by improving skin cell renewal and stimulating the production of collagen, the protein fiber that keeps skin firm and supple. And what an impressive family—Retinoids include OTC options retinol, retinal (also referred to as retinaldehyde) and retinyl palmitate; tretinoin (prescription-strength retinoic acid; brand names include Retin-A and Renova), isotretinoin (used to treat acne) and alitretinoin (used to treat skin lesions such as eczema). To tap into the anti-aging power of Retinoids, it’s critical to know which form is best for your skin type—and how well you tolerate it.

Dr. Graf gave me a comprehensive overview of the various options within the Retinoid family. She said that prescription-strength retinoids deliver the fastest results but are often the most irritating. OTC choices include retinol, which is gradually converted to retinoic acid, the active ingredient in prescription formulas. Because the conversion is gradual, retinol is gentler than prescription-strength formulas. However, retinol is the most effective OTC retinol as it readily penetrates the skin. Retinaldehyde is gentler, but also proven to be a highly effective non-prescription choice. It is the immediate and closest precursor to retinoic acid.

Available in Eau Thermale Avène Rétrinal+ 0.1 (which I am actually testing right now) and 0.05 formulas, it’s clinically proven to significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with little to no irritation—making it ideal for even the most sensitive skin. Retinaldehyde combined with 5.5% unbuffered glycolic acid for optimum exfoliation powers a product like Glytone's Enhance Night Renewal Cream.

Even if you’re considering getting a prescription, dermatologists often recommend building skin’s tolerance by starting with a non-prescription formula, either OTC or doctor-dispensed. When might a prescription for retinoic acid, such as Retin-A or Renova, be recommended? Only your dermatologist can advise. For example, you may have serious sun damage or may be coping with a stubborn case of adult acne. A Doctor can tell you what percentage of retinol or retinal to look for in OTC products in order to reap optimum anti-aging benefits; what time of day and how to apply your Retinoid product; and what skin care formulas are most compatible with Retinoids. For example, Retinoids leave skin more vulnerable to sun, making a daytime moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher a must. And harsh, potentially irritating products such as alcohol-based toners should be eliminated from any regime including Retinoids. There is definitely a lot to consider.

It looks like I will be making a much needed dermatologist appointment. Do you use Retinoids? What has you experience been like? I will definitely keep you updated on my findings and results.