Dark Circles Under the Eye

Dark circles under the eye are characterized by scaly, stratum corneum cells which do not exfoliate normally, pigment laden skin cells, pigment deposits in the dermis, and decreased collagen synthesis.  Dark Circle Eye Therapy is designed specifically to address dark circles, rough skin texture, fine lines under the eye, and crow’s feet.   The Rx Systems PF Exfoliating Facial Mask, Enzyme Complex Peel, Reparative Eye Gel and Intensive Hydrating Facial Mask work synergistically to remove pigment laden skin cells, induce enzymatic activity in the renewed epidermis, increases collagen synthesis, and infuse hydrating molecules into the skin of the eye area reducing the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, and crow’s feet.   It is important to use the specific product and appropriate sequence for the Dark Circle Eye Therapy in order to increase the penetration of each product.  In addition, each product is pH adjusted to enhance the effectiveness of each product in the protocol.  Using an alternative product with an inappropriate pH could decrease or eliminate the benefits of the therapy.

1.  It is important to remove all make up before beginning the dark circle eye protocol.  The Rx Systems PF Makeup Remover for face and eyes is designed to remove any residual makeup and other skin impurities in this area.  In addition to removing makeup before bed, discard old makeup.

 2.  The Reparative Cleanser contains the highest concentration of “glypoic complex” (combination of glypure-L and alpha lipoic acid) which enhances its ability to remove dead skin cells, bacteria, oil, and dirt.  Cleansers are designed to prepare the skin for treatments, therapies, and products and should be adjusted based on an individual’s skin type.   

 3.   The Exfoliating Facial Mask which contains kaolin, molecular silicate, and protein gently exfoliates scaly, stratum corneum cells and pigment laden skin cells decreasing the appearance of dark circles under the eyes and skin discoloration in the eye area.  Avoid the upper eyelid skin and excessive rubbing, pulling, or stretching the skin around the eye.

 4.  Neutralizer is applied to prepare the skin creating a uniform layer of hydration and adjusts the pH of the skin to enhance the effectiveness of the enzyme complex peel.

 5.   A short contact Enzyme Complex Peel avoiding the upper eyelid skin is applied for 2-3 minutes (which can be increased 1 minute for additional treatments up to 7 minute maximum) and then removed. This enzyme complex peel is a unique combination of enzymes rather than the single enzyme products on the market.  It is designed to restore normal skin growth, exfoliate dead skin cells, and replenish enzymatic activity.

 6.   Reparative Eye Gel which contains the trademarked ingredient “glypoic complex” is applied to enhance the removal of pigment laden skin cells, improve skin cell growth, reduce pigmentation in the dermal layer, and stimulate collagen synthesis.  Avoid the upper eyelid skin and any excessive pulling or stretching of the skin around the eye area.

 7.  The Intensive Hydrating Facial Mask which contains the hydrating molecule, sodium PCA and other natural humectants infuse moisturizing molecules into the skin.  This can be used on the upper and lower eyelid.

8.  Maximum Strength Moisturizer which contains the moisturizing molecules of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, in addition, to other natural humectants are applied to restore the skin’s pH and moisture content.  This can be used on the upper and lower eyelid.  In addition, the Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 with transparent zinc oxide can be used if one is going out in the sun.

Particularly, the day of treatments, drink water, decrease salt and alcohol intake, avoid cigarette smoking, and sleep with head raised and face up.  Look at maintaining overall health with weight control, balanced diet, and physical fitness.

Clients will notice instant results.  On the average normal skin exfoliation creates a new layer of skin every 30 days.  To take advantage of the normal skin cell growth cycle, initial eye therapies are recommended at 2-4 week intervals until the benefit plateaus.  At that point, results can be maintained with treatments at 1-3 month intervals.

Additional measures can be introduced to prevent and maintain treatment results.  It centers on one’s home skincare care maintenance program and using other Rx System PF custom, combination therapies and treatments.  We want you to look and feel your everyday fabulous with our new eye therapies.

Puffiness Under the Eyes

Puffiness under the eyes is characterized by thin skin due to decreased (epidermal) skin cell growth and decreased collagen formation.  In addition, there is an accumulation of fluid in the epidermis and dermis, and finally bulging of the fat pads.  Restorative Eye Firming Therapy is administered by a physician, nurse, esthetician, or other trained profession and is designed to decrease puffy eyes, improve skin tone, and decrease the appearance of fine lines under the eye and crow’s feet.  Our enzyme complex peel, reparative eye gel and rejuvenating facial firming mask work together to remove dead skin cells, induce enzymatic activity in the epidermis, and infuse hydrating molecules into the skin, instantly reducing the appearance of puffiness, fine lines and crow’s feet around the eye.     It is important to use the specific product and appropriate sequence for the Restorative Eye Firming Therapy in order to increase the penetration of each product and achieve the maximum benefit.  This is important because each product is pH adjusted.  This enhances the penetration and effectiveness of each product in the protocol.  Using an alternative product with an inappropriate pH could decrease or even eliminate the benefits of the therapy.

This 30 minute therapy is outlined and can be used as a standalone eye therapy or in addition to other facial services

 1.  It is important to make sure all makeup is removed before beginning the eye firming protocol.  Our Makeup Removerfor face and eyes is designed for the removal of any residual makeup and other skin impurities.  Remember to remove makeup before bed and discard old makeup.

2.  Rejuvenating Cleanser with “glypoic complex” (which is a combination of glypure-L and alpha lipoic acid in a facial cleanser) is designed to remove dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil to prepare the skin for the restorative eye firming therapy protocol.  Cleansers are designed to prepare the skin for treatments, therapies, and products and should be adjusted based on an individual’s skin type.

3.  The neutralizer is applied to prep the skin creating a uniform layer of hydration around the eyes and adjusts the pH of the skin enhancing the effectiveness of the enzyme complex peel.

 4.  A short contact enzyme complex peel avoiding the upper eyelid skin is applied for 2-3 minutes (which can be increased 1 minute with each treatment not to exceed 7 minutes) and then removed.  The enzyme complex peel is a unique combination of proteases and lipases (enzymes) versus the single enzyme products on the market.  It is designed to restore normal skin growth, exfoliate dead skin cells, and replenish epidermal enzymes.

 

5.  After removing the enzyme complex, apply a small amount of the reparative eye gel.  This product, also, contains the trademarked “glypoic complex” and is the only eye product in the market place which contains glypure-L and alpha lipoic acid in a single product.  Do not apply to the upper eyelid skin and avoid stretching or pulling the skin around the eye.  This is designed to restore the normal skin pH, improve skin cell growth, restore normal skin exfoliation, and increase collagen synthesis.  This improves skin texture, firms and tightens the skin, improves skin color, and reduces the appearance of fine line and wrinkles.

 

6.  The rejuvenating facial firming mask with soluble collagen and glycoproteins penetrate the skin improving skin firmness and tone.  It can be use on the upper and lower eyelid skin.

7.  The rejuvenating protein moisturizer can be applied to the upper and lower eyelid skin.  It is enriched with glycoproteins.  Glycoproteins are the skins natural moisturizing molecules which improve skin tone and moisture content.  In addition, the facial moisturizer SPF 35 with transparent zinc oxide can be used if one is going to be in the sun.

Particularly the day of the therapy, drink water, decrease salt and alcohol intake, avoid cigarette smoking, and sleep with head elevated and face up.  Look at maintaining overall health with weight control, balanced diet, and physical fitness on a daily basis.

Additional measures can be introduced to prevent and maintain treatment results.  It centers on one’s home skincare care maintenance program and using other Rx Systempf custom, combination therapies and treatments.  We want you to look and feel your everyday fabulous with our new eye therapies.

Aging Around the Eyes

Aging around the eyes is a slow but relentless process.  Patients interpret these changes as making them look “old” or “tired.”  It is no surprise that elimination of dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness around the eyes is one of the most commonly sought after aesthetic goals.  Many myths suggests easy solutions for aging around the eye. Here are just a few...

- Cucumbers decrease puffy eyes.  This is true only if they are cold since they are 90% water and contain no known active ingredients.

- Cleansing removes waste products from the skin allowing the skin to repair itself for the next day.  This is not true. Skin cells cannot tell time and assuming you look in the mirror at bedtime you will not look much different in the morning unless you used one of our new eye therapies or products the day before.

- Preparation H eliminates puffy eyes.  No clinical evidence to suggest hemorrhoid cream under the eyes decreases swelling and there are ingredients in preparation H that might irritate the skin around the eye area and cause a dermatitis.  If you think your hemorrhoids are the cause of your puffy eyes use the preparation H where the sun does not shine and at least one of your problems will improve.

Aging of skin around the eye includes dark circles, puffy eyes, fine lines, and crow’s feet.  Many factors cause these changes.  The most important include sun damage, cigarette smoking, and unhealthy lifestyle which include lack of sleep, significant alcohol ingestion, and poor diet.  It should be clear that for many patients the cause will be multifactorial.   Decreasing the appearance of bags under the eyes and dark circles requires elimination of as many precipitating factors as possible, in addition, to treatments, therapies, and products that can prevent and correct these problems.

The popularity of botox and filler materials suggests that many patients are interested in pursuing nonsurgical options to treat the aging facial skin and eye area.   Our unique, scientifically advanced products used together and in the appropriate  order will eliminate bags under the eyes, dark circles, fine lines, and crow’s feet.  These new protocols can be used as a standalone, non-invasive, eye therapy.  In addition, they can be used in preparation for or for follow-up care to improve the results with intense pulse light treatments called IPLs, laser treatments, resurfacing treatments, surgical intervention, and botox and filler material treatments.

Puffiness under the eyes is characterized by swelling under the eye along with fine horizontal lines.  Dark Circles are round uniform circles under the eyes (sometimes dark circles are confused with shadows cast by puffy eyes or hollows under the eyes).  It is important to remember that age related changes to the upper face present earlier than age-associated changes to the lower face.  I have one of the largest botox and filler practices in the country.  I am beginning to see younger and younger patients who want to treat and prevent the aging process in the eye area. These changes begin in the early to mid 30’s and persists throughout life.  The majority of the aging process in the eye area is related to genetics, sun damage, cigarette smoking, and lifestyle, that is, thinning skin along with rough skin texture due to a decrease in skin cell growth and exfoliation and volume loss secondary to a decrease in collagen production.

Restorative Eye Firming Therapy is designed to decrease puffy eyes, improve skin tone, and decrease the appearance of fine lines under the eye and crow’s feet.  Dark Circle Eye Therapy is designed specifically to address dark circles, rough skin texture, fine lines under the eye, and crow’s feet.  The name Rx Systemspf defines the value in a skin care system to address specific skin care problems.  It is important to use the specific product and appropriate sequence for the Restorative Eye Firming Therapy and the Dark Circle Eye Therapy in order to increase the penetration of each product and achieve the maximum benefit.  This is important because each product is pH adjusted. This enhances the penetration and effectiveness of each product in the protocol.  Using an alternative product with an inappropriate pH could decrease or even eliminate the benefits of the therapy.

Clients will notice instant results.  On the average normal skin exfoliation creates a new layer of skin every 30 days.  To take advantage of the normal skin cell growth cycle, initial eye therapies are recommended at 2-4 week intervals until the benefit plateaus.  At that point, results can be maintained with treatments at 1-3 month intervals.

Many clients suffer from both bags under the eyes and dark circles.  The initial eye therapy should address the primary problem and I then alternate the eye therapies at 2 week intervals.  You may have the client who thinks their puffy eyes and dark circles are equally disgusting.  At that point I let them pick the initial eye therapy and if all else fails I flip a coin.

Additional measures can be introduced to prevent and maintain treatment results. It centers on one’s home skincare care maintenance program and using other Rx Systempf custom, combination therapies and treatments.  We want our patients to look and feel their everyday fabulous with our new eye therapies.

Hair Growth

Lets talk hair.   It appears that hair growth is influenced by the health of the scalp and hair.  There appear to be changes in the skin in areas of hair thinning in women and men.  We have seen that hair grows better in healthy scalp skin than in scarred areas.  These are extreme cases but it suggests that minor changes to the scalp skin can affect hair growth.

 

Several observations that would suggest that the scalp in analogous to topsoil.  That is, the thicker the topsoil the better the grass will grow and this maybe the case in the scalp.  Healthy scalp skin with a normal thickness of the epidermis and dermis will improve hair growth and/or decrease hair loss.  The causes of thinning scalp skin include sun damage, poor hair care products, poor nutrition, and hormones.   

 

It is a myth that hats make your hair fall out, instead they provide great sun protection.  Rx Systems PF Volumizing  Glycolic Shampoo and Volumizing Glycolic Conditioner improves scalp skin thickness and hair growth. 

 

Nutrition plays a role in healthy scalp skin and hair shaft growth. Scalp skin and hair are composed of protein.   To avoid unhealthy dietary changes it is more efficient to take a multivitamin and an amino acid supplement.  Scalp skin and hair grow on a daily basis. A healthy scalp can make your hair its everyday fabulous.   

Sunscreen Ingredients

I can't reiterate enough the importance of wearing sunscreen on a daily basis.  In May of 1999 the FDA published a monograph listing 16 approved sunscreen agents.  Only 2 were inorganic (physical) ingredients and 14 were organic agents (chemical).

 

Inorganic agents physically reflect and scatter UV rays.  They have a broader range of UV protection because they are physical UV blockers.  In order to improve the aesthetics and use of these ingredients they have been micronized (nanotechnology) into a small molecules.  Recent studies indicate the micronized zinc oxide is superior ingredient.

Organic sunscreen ingredients act like UV sponges to absorb the damaging rays.  When an organic sunscreen ingredient absorbs UV rays it neutralizes UV damage preventing skin cancer and photo-aging.  This depletes the amount of  sunscreen available for protection and is the reason reapplication of your sunscreen is indicated.  UVA organic filters include cinnamates, benzophenones, and others.  Some organic sunscreen ingredients are more stable than others.  This is the main reason why some sunscreens are better than others.   

 

One of the best facial sunscreens for daily use is Rx Systems PF's New Facial Moisturize with SPF 35. It contains translucent, micronized zinc oxide, octyl methoxycinnamate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone.  Combination sunscreen ingredients have been shown to be more effective than single agent sunscreens.  In addition, antioxidants were added to the Facial Moisturizer SPF35.  They include Vitamin E (tocopherol) and vanilla planifolia (vanilla bean).  This enhances the sunscreen protection and provides additional photo-damage repair when sunscreens fail.  This accommodates the need for a daily, all year round sunscreen that provides protection from UVB and UVA rays.  Don’t reserve sun protection for only sunny days.

Sunscreen Prevents Skin Cancer

The primary, preventable cause of skin cancer is exposure to UVB/UVA radiation.   The negative effects of sun damage include sun burn, photo-aging, and skin cancer, which are caused by both UVB and UVA radiation. The body has natural defense mechanisms to protect against ultraviolet radiation damage, however repeated exposure exceeds the bodies natural repair processes.   

The ubiquitous nature of ultraviolet rays requires the use of sunscreen agents to block the damaging effects.  Since UVB (280-320 nm) and UVA (320-400) radiation contribute to skin cancer, it is important to provide UV protection over a broad spectrum of ultraviolet radiation (280-400 nm) to prevent skin cancer.   

 

Sunscreen expands the range of ultraviolet protection from damaging ultraviolet rays.  Ideally, it contains organic ingredients that absorb UVB and UVA radiation and inorganic ingredients that scatter both UVB and UVA radiation.  A sunscreen should be applied 30-60 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every 2-4 hours depending on the quantity of direct sun exposure.  Daily use of a sunscreen enhances it effectiveness as it can bind to skin proteins and create a reservoir effect. 

Rx Systems PF New Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 provides unprecedented photo protection with its unique combination of ingredients including transparent zinc oxide.  This moisturizer is hypoallergenic, PABA-free, non-comedogenic, non-greasy, and light weight.  It provides broad spectrum UVB/UVA protection.  In addition to the unique combination of sunscreen ingredients, it contains antioxidants to enhance the effectiveness of the photo protection and to neutralize free radicals not blocked by the SPF 35.

Skin Cancer Protection

Prevention of skin cancer begins with protection from the damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds.  I think you will find the following facts interesting and emphasizes the need for sunscreen application everyday. 

- Natural protection from the sun’s damaging rays comes from the ozone, which is the major photo-protective agent in the atmosphere.  It is thickest at the north and south poles and is the thinnest at the equator.  

- Ultraviolet ray intensity increases about 10% with every 1000 feet of elevation above sea level.  Therefore, Denver, the mile high city, 5280 feet above sea level has a higher intensity of UV rays due to its altitude versus New Orleans which is at sea level.    It is important to remember that fog and clouds only reduce UV intensity about 30% and that UV protection is needed even on cloudy days. 

- The sunscreen benefit of clothing is related to the thickness, type of fiber, weave, stretch, color, and other factors.  A point of interest would be the fact that nylon stockings have a SPF of only 2 to 3. 

- Don’t be fooled by window glass and sunglasses.  UVB rays (the sunburn rays) are blocked by glass but the UVA rays (the longer wavelength UV rays) pass through window glass and sunglasses and can damage the skin and eyes. 

- Luckily, advances are constantly being made to prevent sun damage and skin cancer.  Environmental regulations have improved the thickness of the ozone layer.  Clothing has been manufactured to provide sun protection, some chemically treated with sunscreen agents.  Glass has been thickened, polarized, and tinted to increase its sun protective properties. 

- The most important thing you can do is apply sunscreen daily. There are broad spectrum facial moisturizers with sunscreen ingredients for everyday use.  I highly recommend Rx Systems Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 with transparent zinc oxide, additional sunscreen ingredients, and antioxidants. Most cosmetic products with sunscreen ingredients only increase their sun protection ability to a maximum of SPF 3-15.  However, Rx Systems Facial Moisturizer provides twice the protection and then some.  

The Rx Systems PF new SPF 35 Facial Moisturizer with Transparent Zinc Oxide provides complete Broad Spectrum UVB/UVA protection. This Dermatologist developed and tested SPF Moisturizer offers unmatched Protection from the Sun’s harmful rays and an Antioxidant Formulation designed to provide excellent Anti-Aging Benefits. The lightweight texture won’t clog pores, it’s Hypoallergenic, very Hydrating and Oil-free. Regular use of sunscreens over the years may reduce the chance of sun damage, some types of skin cancer, and other harmful effects due to the sun.    

Prevention of skin cancer begins with protection from the damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds.  I think you will find the following facts interesting and emphasizes the need for sunscreen application everyday. 

• Natural protection from the sun’s damaging rays comes from the ozone, which is the major photo-protective agent in the atmosphere.  It is thickest at the north and south poles and is the thinnest at the equator.  

• Ultraviolet ray intensity increases about 10% with every 1000 feet of elevation above sea level.  Therefore, Denver, the mile high city, 5280 feet above sea level has a higher intensity of UV rays due to its altitude versus New Orleans which is at sea level.    It is important to remember that fog and clouds only reduce UV intensity about 30% and that UV protection is needed even on cloudy days. 

• The sunscreen benefit of clothing is related to the thickness, type of fiber, weave, stretch, color, and other factors.  A point of interest would be the fact that nylon stockings have a SPF of only 2 to 3. 

• Don’t be fooled by window glass and sunglasses.  UVB rays (the sunburn rays) are blocked by glass but the UVA rays (the longer wavelength UV rays) pass through window glass and sunglasses and can damage the skin and eyes. 

• Luckily, advances are constantly being made to prevent sun damage and skin cancer.  Environmental regulations have improved the thickness of the ozone layer.  Clothing has been manufactured to provide sun protection, some chemically treated with sunscreen agents.  Glass has been thickened, polarized, and tinted to increase its sun protective properties. 

• The most important thing you can do is apply sunscreen daily.  There are broad spectrum facial moisturizers with sunscreen ingredients for everyday use.  I highly recommend Rx Systems Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 with transparent zinc oxide, additional sunscreen ingredients, and antioxidants.  Most cosmetic products with sunscreen ingredients only increase their sun protection ability to a maximum of SPF 3-15.  However, Rx Systems Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 provides twice the protection and then some.  
  

The Rx Systems PF SPF 35 Facial Moisturizer with Transparent Zinc Oxide provides complete Broad Spectrum UVB/UVA protection. This Dermatologist developed and tested SPF Moisturizer offers unmatched Protection from the Sun’s harmful rays and an Antioxidant Formulation designed to provide excellent Anti-Aging Benefits. The lightweight texture won’t clog pores, it’s Hypoallergenic, very Hydrating and Oil-free. Regular use of sunscreens over the years may reduce the chance of sun damage, some types of skin cancer, and other harmful effects due to the sun.    

Putting Mineral Makeup in Perspective

Mineral makeup is a key word in today’s cosmetics.  It is a popular style of makeup.   Mineral makeup is made from “all natural” finely ground minerals from the earth without any fragrances, preservatives, and dyes.  Most mineral ingredients have consistently been used in popular makeups for decades. 

There is no science that substantiates health benefits of mineral makeup, or evidence that mineral makeup is more pure, safer, or better for sensitive skin.  However, since they contain no fragrances, binders, dyes, or preservatives they help eliminate the problem of sensitivity or irritation from these ingredients.  Most of the brands today use similar ingredients but have proprietary formulas.  Some minerals can cause irritation in certain individuals.  Bismuth is an example of a mineral ingredient which causes irritation in a few individuals. Although, some brands of mineral makeup contain the sun protective ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, I still recommend using a sunblock under mineral makeup.

The important ingredients in mineral makeup are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, bismuth, mica, and other micronized minerals.  The CTFA has no set regulations regarding mineral makeup.  Any makeup containing minerals as a primary ingredient can be marketed as a mineral makeup.  Some mineral makeups contain ingredients that are not “natural minerals.”  People should read labels and not be fooled by “all natural or all mineral formulas.”  Again, there are many present day cosmetics which contain these ingredients but are not called mineral makeup. 

Mineral makeup is appropriate for clients with acne or rosacea.  Loose powder foundations and blushes are light, finely ground, loose minerals that are applied with a soft brush.  Mineral makeup is non-comedogenic (will not clog pores).  However, it is important to avoid agents with known irritation potential.  Bismuth oxychloride in high concentrations can cause acne and skin irritation.

Mineral makeup is water soluble and does not clog pores.  It is easy to apply smoothly and evenly.  There are differences in brands and there will be individual variations.  This means, that smooth, even, long lasting appearance in one person may produce drying, poor skin color match, and accentuation of wrinkles. Bottom line, mineral makeup is not a miracle, buyers need to be educated, and major brands provide the most reliable products at the present time.

For those who wear makeup, it is important to use a good make-up remover.  Rx Systems Moisturizing Makeup Remover is designed to remove eye and facial makeup without clogging pores. It lifts dirt and skin impurities to the surface while gently moisturizing to promote visibly smoother and healthier skin and is formulated for all skin types.

Vitamins Play Important Role in Skin Care

Your skin is a reflection of the general health of your body.  To look your everyday fabulous requires internal health as well as skin health.  Skin care, nutrition, weight control, exercise, sleep, and avoidance of environmental toxins (cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse) play important roles in the health and beauty of our bodies.  Over the next several weeks, I will address many of these issues on an individual basis but remember in real life they work together creating healthy skin and body.

The American Academy of Dermatology noted vitamins, minerals, and amino acids whether taken orally or applied topically are essential for overall health and beauty.  It is important that vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are in a biologically available form and adequate amount in any oral or topical preparation.  Vitamin A, B complex, C, D, E, and K play a significant role in skin and body health.  It is important to focus on adequate amounts of these vitamins and not excess.  These vitamins play an important role neutralizing free radicals and cell damage.  In this role they are called “antioxidants” and provide one of our first defenses against the aging process.

Vitamin A is available in many vegetables and fruits or can be taken as a nutritional supplement (5,000-10,000 IU) daily.  It can also be applied to the skin in a topical preparation in the evening at a concentration of at least 0.2%.  Vitamin B represents a group of B vitamins called Vitamin B complex and are in many fruits and vegetables and can also be obtained in nutritional supplements.  Most oral nutritional supplements will list the B vitamins individually, such as, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, folate, biotin, and others which can be taken daily.  Vitamin C is the most important water soluble antioxidant in our body.  It is available in citrus fruits and can be taken in an oral supplement in the range of 500-1000 mg per day.  Vitamin D is not only an antioxidant but its metabolism and production in the skin is critical.  It is available in fish and dairy products but can be taken in an oral supplement in the 200-400 IU range per day.  Vitamin E is the most important fat soluble antioxidant in the body.  Vitamin E is in vegetable oils, nuts, and some vegetables but can be taken as an oral supplement in the range of 200-400 IU per day.

In the coming weeks, I will address on an individual basis the importance of the chemical formulation and concentration of the individual vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.  The American Academy of Dermatology and others have cited the importance of chemical composition and concentration.  It has been demonstrated that an excess of oral supplements can be dangerous.  

Rx Systems PF Multiplex Defense Vitamins are a completely natural supplement formulated to strengthen hair and nails and promote healthier skin and scalp. Promotes skin elasticity, moisture, microcirculation and resistance to damaging factors, such as ultraviolet damage and stress.

Rejuvenating and Reparative Skin Care Products

Rx Systems PF's reparative and rejuvenating skin care products contain a special ingredient called Glypoic Complex, which is a trademarked formula of glycolic acid and alpha lipoic acid, a natural antioxidant molecule.  

The Reparative Facial Cleanser and the Rejuvenating Facial Cleanser are designed to remove dead skin cells, make-up, dirt, oil, sweat, bacteria, and other skin impurities. The Reparative and Rejuvenating Cleanser are the only facial cleansers with trademarked  Glypoic Complex.

Reparative Cream 1, Reparative Cream 2, Reparative Cream 3, Reparative Cream 4, Reparative Lotion 1, Reparative Lotion 2, and Reparative Lotion 3 contain the scientifically advanced ingredient "Glypoic Complex" in various concentrations and formulations for different skin types.  Glypoic Complex protects cellular proteins and lipids maintaing the barrier and lightening of brown spots, and a decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkle.

The Reparative Eye Gel and Reparative Lip Gel contains the scientifically advanced skin care ingredient "Glypoic Complex."  The proprietary bases allow enhanced penetration in specific locations. The reparative eye gel improves skin texture, reduces puffiness, and reduces the appearance of dark circles and fine lines under the eyes. The reparative lip gel improves the skin texture of the lip as well as the skin around them, and decreases those fine lines above the lip. 

Glypoic Acid Complex

What is Glypoic Complex?

Glypoic Complex (TM) is a scientifically advanced skin care ingredient that combines glycolic acid and alpha lipoic acid.  Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived naturally from sugar cane; alpha lipoic acid is an organic acid derived from many natural plant sources. Each acid serves an important function.  With the smallest molecular size of any AHA, glycolic acid achieves superior epidermal penetration while alpha lipoic acid is an essential antioxidant for cell metabolism.

How does it work?

1.  Glycolic acid loosens and dissolves the glue-like substance that holds the outer layer of cells to each other and to the underlying epidermis.  These thick, piled up, clinging cells are responsible for the appearance of dry, rough, scaly skin, discolored skin and sun damaged spots.  Thanks to Glypoic Complex (TM), these skin cells can now grow and slough in a normal fashion, resulting in smoother, hydrated and vibrant skin.  This process takes place at the opening of the pores to reduce pore size and blackheads.

2.  Alpha lipoic acid is an essential element required for cell growth and improved cell metabolism. Alpha lipoic attacks free radicals that damage normal cell division and collagen formation and makes them inactive.  This allows better and faster results with products containing Glypoic Complex (TM).

3.  Glypoic Complex affects the deeper layers of the skin by improving collagen and elastin synthesis. As alpha lipoic acid inactivates free radicals that interfere with collagen production, glyolic acid stimulates elastin production. The synergistic result is improved skin tone and a decreased in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What are the benefits of regular use of products with Glypoic Complex (TM):

-  Improves skin texture, tone, and moisture content

-  Improves skin color and lightens brown spots

-  Increases elasticity and firmness of the skin

-  Decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and crows feet

-  Decreases the puffiness of the skin under eyes

-  Decreases pore size and reduces blackheads