Jean’s Review of Skindinävia 10 Years Younger Makeup Finishing Spray

[Read more about Skindinävia in yesterday’s post.]

I have to admit, I don’t use the 10 Years Younger Makeup Finishing Spray every day. It’s just not a part of my makeup routine yet. Old habits die hard. When I do remember to spritz, I always think how refreshing the spray feels. It leaves a nice glow that lasts for hours.

I’ve also noticed that foundation is less likely to settle into fine lines when I use the spray. When I go to touch up my face before going out for an evening it hardly, if ever, needs it!

This review wouldn’t be complete without some comments on the ingredients of 10 Years Younger Makeup Finish. You know that I’m a stickler for the best ingredients ;-)

10 Years Younger contains film-forming agents which bind water, create an imperceptible protective film over the skin and impart the appearance of firmer skin. A cooling agent accounts for the refreshing feel as well as protects your makeup from melting and sliding off your face.

There are several emollients and skin identical ingredients to give a silky, yet moist, finish; skin conditioners; and Aloe which has soothing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Tags: makeup finishing sprays, Skindinavia review, make makeup last, long-lasting glow, makeup fixing spray, anti-aging makeup, anti-aging skincare, preserve moisture and protect makeup

SKINDINÄVIA 10 Years Younger Makeup Finishing Spray

Have you heard about Skindinävia Makeup Finishing Sprays? That’s all the company makes – sprays to set and enhance your carefully applied makeup.

There are versions for dry or aging skin, to hold your makeup in hot weather or under hot lights, an active use version designed with professional dancers in mind, a bridal makeup finish for that extra-special day, an oil control formula and one for normal skin.

Frankly, a makeup finishing spray is not something I ever considered purchasing for myself. So when Skindinävia asked if I would like to review the 10 Years Younger spray and offered to send me a free sample, I figured I’d give it a try.

The company website says, “Celebrities use Skindinävia Makeup Finishes to keep makeup fresh under hot lights, during very active use, and to minimize touch ups. We have been featured on NBC’s The Today Show where our mists were proclaimed a “kind of genius” and in Vogue magazine as a “Top 10 of 2009.”

This video clip from CBS’s The Early Show features celebrity makeup artist Cynde Watson demonstrating ways to cover up imperfections and make your skin look and feel better. On the second volunteer, Cynde uses and talks about a Skindinävia Makeup Finishing Spray.



I like Cynde’s comment that the finishing spray seals your makeup “almost like a shrink wrap for the face.” Good description.

Read Jean’s Review tomorrow.

Tags: makeup finishing sprays, Skindinavia review, make makeup last, long-lasting glow, makeup fixing spray, anti-aging makeup, anti-aging skincare, preserve moisture and protect makeup

Stop Auto-Ship Plan Abuse!

I am writing to request discontinuation of the Dermapril supply that is sent to my home approximately every 30 days. I have requested discontinuation in the past but continue to receive the product in the mail. Please contact me at ___-___-____.

Thank you!

Jennifer

=============================================

Hi Jennifer,

I don’t know whom you contacted to request that the shipments be discontinued, but you may be getting the runaround. You need to contact the Dermapril company directly.

Ageless Beauty doesn’t sell any products. We are a free online magazine which publishes articles and is supported by advertising. Dermapril is not one of our advertisers, but you may have seen an “Ad by Google” on our site.

I’ve been warning my readers about auto-ship plan abuse for years. My first blog post on the subject ran October 22, 2006. Since then I’ve written 30 more blog posts and several more articles for the website to alert readers to auto-ship plan abuses.

I’m doing my best to warn consumers. On the other hand, I know from (painful) personal experience how circumspect I must be to avoid costly lawsuits when trying to “out” companies which are defrauding consumers.

Anyway, you need to take action to protect your bank account and credit score. Please read my article, How to Deal with Out-of-Control Auto-Ship Companies. It tells you what further steps you can take if the company does not comply and your bank is reluctant to help.

In this article, Does Dermapril Have the “Right” Stuff?, I warned about Dermapril’s auto-ship option and declined to review the products because Dermapril does not provide full ingredient lists on its website.

Several courts have filed actions against auto-ship abuses, so I hope you will find Dermapril to be more responsive than many such companies have been in the past.

Good luck,
Jean

Tags: autoship programs, autoship warning, shopping online, anti-aging, free samples, online magazine, Ageless Beauty, antiaging skincare

Review of Ellen Langer’s Latest Book “Counterclockwise”

Back in 1979 Ellen Langer, Harvard professor of social psychology and award-winning author, designed a study that yielded some fascinating insights into how the mind makes the body age and, more importantly, how one can reverse many of the signs of physical decline.

In Professor Langer’s world view, mindfulness – opening our minds to what’s possible, instead of presuming impossibility – can lead to better health at any age. She lays out her arguments and research in her latest book, Counterclockwise: Mindful Health and the Power of Possibility.

“Counterclockwise”, the book, contains the first detailed discussion of Langer’s 1979 “Counterclockwise” study, in which 16 men in their late 70s and 80s lived for a week as though it were 1959. In just one week, they showed dramatic improvements in their independence, hearing, memory, dexterity, appetite, and general well-being.

Their fingers lengthened as arthritis diminished. They stood taller. People asked to choose in which photo each man appeared younger (without knowing which was taken before or after the study) consistently selected the after shots as the younger.

All this after just ONE WEEK. Imagine the possibilities!

Langer challenges the idea that the limits we assume and impose on ourselves are real. With only subtle shifts in our thinking, in our language, and in our expectations, she tells us, we can begin to change the ingrained behaviors that sap health, optimism, and vitality from our lives.

This is such an important and upbeat message for us Age Warriors that I hope you all will rush out and buy the book right now. It’s available in hardcover, as well as Kindle and audio versions.

“Counterclockwise”, the movie, featuring Jennifer Aniston as Langer is scheduled for release later this year.

You might also be interested in Professor Langer’s Other Books.

Tags: anti-aging book review, upbeat anti-aging news, live mindfully, counterclockwise study, mindful health, power of the possible, mind-body connection, live youthfully

Two New Anew Clinical Products for Replacing Lost Facial Volume

Anew Clinical Derma-Full Facial Filling Cream

As Aylin noted in Her Letter, Anew Clinical Derma-Full Facial Filling Cream contains a high concentration of Glycolic Acid, as well as Hyaluronic Acid (the most powerful moisturizer currently known) and two cosmeceutical peptides: Palmitoyl Oligopeptide (a.k.a. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, collagen stimulating) and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (anti-glycation).

Derma-Full Facial Filling Cream also contains a nice antioxidant cocktail of botanicals and synthetics. It is a night cream so contains no UV protection. Apply to face and neck at night after cleansing. 81% of women surveyed by Avon believed that Derma-Full Facial Filling Cream reduced the appearance of jowls and filled in facial contours which had lost volume with age.

Anew Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum
Avon has also released Anew Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum.

The serum has a higher concentration of Hyaluronic Acid and the two cosmeceutical peptides found in the cream. The cream and serum are not to be used together, but rather you should select the strength the condition of your skin requires. The serum also has more skin identical silicones which allow it to absorb quickly, leaving a nice silky feel.

In Avon’s words, “This super concentrated serum has 3X the level of injectable-grade hyaluronic acid for dramatic filling & plumping … 82% of women saw more youthful fullness in the cheek area.”

Tags: anti-aging skincare, effective ingredients, dark eye circle products, cosmeceutical peptides, clinical studies , wrinkle treatments, ingredients matter, know your ingredients

Regu®-Age – a New Compound Addresses Dark Circles and Under Eye Bags

Regu-Age complex from Pentapharm contains soy, rice and yeast proteins.

Pentapharm developed Regu-Age specifically to address dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. The developer says it functions by improving microcirculation and protecting the integrity of the collagen and elastin bundle. In addition, the complex is said to reduce the harmful effects of UV radiation on skin.

The skin around the eyes is normally very thin, containing only delicate subcutaneous fatty tissue. As we age it becomes even thinner. In addition to individual genetic disposition, external influences such as UV radiation play a significant part in the appearance of dark circles and eye puffiness.

This can be the result of blood retention in upper layers of the skin caused by poor circulation and limited blood flow. If not treated properly, the puffiness and inflammation lead to pressure on fine skin capillaries, resulting in increased damage (dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles) to already weakened connective tissue.

In a double-blind randomized study conducted by Pentapharm, 20 subjects over age 30 with dark puffy under eye bags applied either a 5% Regu-Age cream or placebo twice daily for eight weeks.

A 35% reduction in dark circles and 31% reduction in eye puffiness were observed in the subjects using Regu-Age.

Digital analysis of silicone replicas of the eye area revealed a 42% increase in overall skin smoothness (decrease in wrinkle depth and pore size) for the subjects using Regu-Age.

Subjects applying the placebo exhibited no significant improvement in the same parameters.

It should be noted that only one of the improvements was measured objectively (increased smoothness). Reduction in dark circle and puffiness were observed.

Regu-Age is found in NewPeptin Eye Contour Cream and True Radiance Eye Serum.

Tags: anti-aging skincare, effective ingredients, dark eye circle products, cosmeceutical peptides, clinical studies , wrinkle treatments, ingredients matter, know your ingredients

The Peptides in NewPeptin Eye Contour Cream

This review started yesterday.

Matrixyl 3000®
Matrixyl 3000 is a combination of Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (PP-4, collagen stimulating) and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (PT-7, anti-glycation). Read more about these ingredients in my Cosmeceutical Peptide Glossary.

Dermaxyl®
Dermaxyl is a complex containing Palmitoyl Oligopeptide (a.k.a. PP-4, collagen stimulating) in a base of skin identical ingredients. Sederma’s clinical study included 24 women aged 42 to 66 who applied a 2% solution of Dermaxyl once a day for two months.

Profilometry (computerized image analysis) showed that wrinkles both shrank and filled in. Mean wrinkle depth decreased 10.1% and area occupied by deep wrinkles decreased an average of 40.3%.

Eyeliss®
Eyeliss was also developed and patented by Sederma. It includes two peptides: Dipeptide-2 and PT-7 (anti-glycation).

Dipeptide-2 is used primarily in eye creams. It improves lymphatic circulation and helps the skin clear away toxins. It is especially effective for drainage of under-eye bags, spider veins and rosacea.

Sederma’s clinical study included 20 women aged 40 to 60 who had chronic under eye bags. The women applied a 3% solution of Eyeliss twice a day for two months.

Results were measured by 3D morphometry (think of a topographical map of your face). Seventy percent of the volunteers had significant reduction of eye bag volume. The average reduction was 25% and the maximum was 75%. The reduced puffiness in the after photos was quite remarkable to me.

Tags: anti-aging skincare, effective ingredients, dark eye circle products, cosmeceutical peptides, clinical studies , wrinkle treatments, ingredients matter, know your ingredients

Review of NewPeptin Eye Contour Cream Ingredients

I looked at NewPeptin Eye Contour Cream in response to Aylin’s Letter and was quite impressed with the ingredients and the site in general. Good science about the causes/effects of skin aging; excellent ingredients.

I wish they would provide the full ingredient list on the website. However they do provide trademark names for the three peptides in NewPeptin Eye Contour: Matrixyl 3000®, Dermaxyl® and Eyeliss®; as well as other active ingredients ReguAge® and an excellent antioxidant cocktail to fight free radical damage (Green Tea, Vine, Gingko Biloba, Calendula, Lemon).

There is some duplication in the peptides, in that both Matrixyl 3000 and Dermaxyl contain Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 and both Matrixyl 3000 and Eyeliss contain Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. It may be that one or more of the formulae have synergistic properties.

However, with peptides, it is not true that the more the better. There is a range of efficacy. Adding more and more is not necessarily beneficial. The manufacturers’ clinical studies typically employ the most effective concentration. In other words, NewPeptin Eye Contour would likely perform just as well without the inclusion of the duplicative Matrixyl 3000.

Again, I would like to see the ordering of ingredients in the ingredient list to judge which, if any, of the peptide complexes are present in sufficient amounts. That aside, let me tell you about these patented ingredients in tomorrow’s post. They are quite exciting.

Tags: anti-aging skincare, effective ingredients, dark eye circle products, cosmeceutical peptides, clinical studies , wrinkle treatments, ingredients matter, know your ingredients

Finding Anti-Aging Skin Care Substitutes

[Aylin’s question posted yesterday .]

Dear Aylin,

I'm sorry I haven't had a chance to check into the two new products you are trying for your dark circles until now. On the other hand, you’ve been using them for almost 8 weeks, so perhaps you have some (good) news to share with me!

From what I can see, I think you’ve made two excellent choices in Avon Anew Derma-Full Face Filling Cream and NewPeptin Eye Contour Cream. You’ve found products that contain exactly the ingredients your dark eye circles warrant, as well as the wrinkles which are beginning to surface.

I often say, it’s all about ingredients. Know your ingredients; read the full list; pay attention to the order in which the active ingredients appear; and you can choose the best products for your skin yourself.

There is something empowering about being able to evaluate a product based on the ingredients so as not to be sucked in by misleading over-the-top product claims or pressure sales tactics.

So, good for you, Aylin.

The other nice thing you’ve gleaned from your experience is that the dark circles may not be as noticeable as you seem to think. Rather than stare at them in the makeup mirror (at 5 or 7Xs magnification!), look at pictures of your face from different angles and taken in different light conditions. That can give you a more realistic idea of how pronounced they are and boost your self confidence a bit.

I’ll go into detail about the two products you selected starting tomorrow.

Tags: dark eye circles, fine lines at 28, effective ingredients, antiaging skincare, excess melanin, skin care, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, skincare advice

Finding Anti-Aging Skin Care Substitutes

Dear Jean,

Thank you kindly for your Feedback and Recommendation!!

Unfortunately I have not been able to locate any of the products you have suggested for under eye circles. I also haven’t been able to locate Neutrogena Visibly Firm or Avon Clinical Advanced Wrinkle Corrector.

I am in Europe and a little impatient to start a regime, so I searched for other alternatives. For the fine line between my eye brows and the laugh lines, I’ve been using Avon Anew Derma-Full Face Filling Cream. I read up the ingredients and saw it had peptides, hyaluronic acid, and some good extract antioxidants, which I learnt about thanks to your site. I have been using it for just under a week now and think I can see some slight improvements in the depth of these lines.

As I had mentioned my main concern is these darn dark circles. Coincidently after receiving your email and going on the hunt for Hylexin Serious Dark Circles, I popped in to the local pharmacy and they had a skin care expert providing skin analysis and recommendation on products.

It was more of a big sales pitch rather than anything, but they suggested I try NewPeptin Advanced Eye Cream (called Eye Contour Cream in the USA). The pharmacist looked at my eyes and said that the dark circles aren’t all that bad. It may be due to the fact I wear glasses and sit in front of a computer for most of the day.

Perhaps it’s psychological – the fact that whenever I look in the mirror they are the first things I see. So maybe that makes me think the dark circles are worse than they actually are. I read up the ingredients for NewPeptin and saw it too has peptides, a retinol, some good antioxidants and some special patented formulas which are clamed to improve circulation and blood flow to reduce puffiness, dark circles etc. The website claims are also promising; but so are all.

I suppose it all depends on whether there is an effective concentration of these active ingredients and if they are able to penetrate into the derma for some results to be achieved. Perhaps as the skin around the eye area is thin this may be achieved, I guess I will just have to wait and see 6-8weeks that is.

What do you think? Do you think I have made a right choice in purchasing Avon Anew Clinical Derma-Full Filling Cream and NewPeptin Advanced Eye Cream for my problem areas??

I would love to find out your thoughts esp. on NewPeptin and its ingredients. I have also read that the application is also important in aiding the functionality of products and they should be applied to skin after it has been cleansed and then rinsed with warm is this true?

Thank you kindly once again and keep up the great work with the site!!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Aylin

[My answer to Aylin will begin tomorrow.]

Tags: dark eye circles, fine lines at 28, effective ingredients, antiaging skincare, excess melanin, skin care, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, skincare advice