For the fourth year in a row Skinceuticals has come in number one as the best anti aging skin care on the market. CE Ferulic has won the number one spot 4 years in a row, and the last two years a newer antioxidant, anti aging Skinceuticals serum, Phloretin CF has tied with CE for the number one spot.

As an avid user of Skinceuticals I’m not surprised they come in number one for anything and everything related to improving skin care. Their products are amazing and truly turn back the clock on your skin. I love both of the winning products, CE Ferulic and Phloretin CF, but just as a habit I use CE more regularly.

Here is the difference between the two:

C E Ferulic^® is a revolutionary antioxidant combination that delivers advanced protection against photoaging - neutralizing free radicals, helping build collagen, and providing unmatched antioxidant protection. More protection means more youthful looking skin and better defense against environmental aging.
Containing 15% pure L-ascorbic acid and 1% alpha tocopherol, the addition of ferulic acid doubles the already synergistic benefits of our original high-potency formula, C+E, transforming C E Ferulic^® into a super-antioxidant combination. – Skinceuticals.com

Phloretin CF® represents a new class of preventive and corrective topical antioxidant treatment. After five years of extensive research, SkinCeuticals developed this patent-pending breakthrough technology combining the newly-discovered, broad-range power of phloretin with vitamin C and ferulic acid in a biodiverse formulation to divide and conquer sources of damage at every level.
Phloretin CF®, a broad-spectrum treatment, protects against not only free radicals, but the range of other reactive molecules known to cause damage and DNA mutations among the integral cell types. In addition, it corrects existing damage by stimulating the synthesis of essential proteins and fibers and accelerating cell turnover. The result — a strengthened support structure on the inside and a more youthful, firm, radiant appearance on the outside. – Skinceuticals.com

The difference between the two is Phloretin, a new and promising ingredient in skin care. Also Phloretin CF is said to be better for sensitive skin. Skinceuticals is available here. Use the coupon code BESTSKIN20 for a 20% discount on anything storewide.

I am a big fan of the brand Clinique, they make effective and affordable skincare products and the latest to be released is the ‘Repairwear Laser Focus’ wrinkle and UV damage corrector. Here’s what Clinique says about their product:

Potent serum gives every skin a second chance against lines, wrinkles, sun damage. In 4 weeks, see obvious reduction in lines, wrinkles, improved texture. At 12 weeks, the visible wrinkle-reducing power is remarkably close to a dermatological laser procedure. 63%, to be exact. Different commitment, different results. And yet impressive results guaranteed.

The reviews for this product are mixed, but with far more favorable than unfavorable, and at $44.50 a bottle it’s worth a try in my opinion. Here’s my review:

It has nice packaging with a small pipette to get your three drops out (suggested amount). It looks like all serums, white, milky liquid and relatively scentless. It is easy to apply and absorbs quickly and a bottle seems to last a long long time. I experienced some tingling after the first couple of uses, which I'm told is not uncommon with products containing Vitamin A, but it wasn't uncomfortable and I had no further side effects. I have been using for 6 weeks, once a day and have approximately a quarter of the bottle left. The results are very good, it’s gotten rid of all my fine lines and has helped with UV damage, however it will not fade freckles, just sun spots.

$44.50

I am a huge fan of chemical peels and I get one to two Glycolic chemical peels with 50% strength every month (50% is pretty strong, they start at 10%). They keep my skin looking dewy and keep fine lines at bay. It also fades pigmentation issues. If you can afford it, it’s the best maintenance treatment for youthful skin. However, there are some possible side effects.

First and foremost, if you have darker skin, olive tones or darker, skip the peel! It can permanently lighten your skin. If you have lighter skin tones here is what you can expect: The solution will be applied to your face via a wet cotton ball, and you will feel a slight burning sensation. The burning sensation will get stronger as the chemicals stay on the face. After about thirty seconds to one minute your face will be sprayed with a dissolution liquid. This will stop the burning and deactivate the chemicals. Once the solution is off your face will feel a little tight and slightly sensitive like you got a mild sunburn. Within the next few days your skin may flake off, or little scabs will form, this is the damaged skin peeling off to reveal the undamaged skin below. However sometimes there is no peeling or flaking at all, especially with milder peels (I have only had two tiny scabs after an extra long peel [ 3 minutes ]).

As a rule, the deeper the peel or stronger the solution, the side effects will be more prominent and last longer. I suggest you start off with a mild peel and work your way up to a stronger solution. With regular applications the results are comparable to a laser treatment.

You can get a chemical peel through a med spa or a dermatologists office. You’ll be safer with a dermatologist, but you’ll also pay considerably more. Applying a chemical peel is pretty simple, so as long as someone is a certified aesthetician you’re pretty safe, and you will pay about $60 to $100 per peel. Prices go up as the peels’ strength goes up. I go through a med spa, but I did ask many questions regarding her knowledge prior to the treatment.

Everyone is asking what is the difference between the two types of Botulintoxin A and B - Botox and Dysport. I got some feedback from a spa owner who administers both on herself and her clients.

Botox facts:
- average costs $12 per unit
- usually need about 50 plus units for eyes, forehead and brow
- takes effect 5 to 10 days after administration
- effects last about 3 to 4 months

Dysport facts:
- average costs $4 per unit
- usually need about 100 units for eyes, forehead and brow
- takes effect 3 to 7 days after administration
- effects last about 4 to 5 months

Both Botox and Dysport stop the muscles in the face from moving, thus not allowing our face or skin to wrinkle while the toxin is effective. The main difference between the two is price and the amount of actual cc's, or units, that get injected into the face. Since Dysport is about $4 a unit, but you need twice as much, it comes out to be about $2 less per effective dosage. However the quanity od fluid injected in the face is double, so the needle will be in the face in each spot twice as long, about 3 seconds per shot, versus the 1.5 second per shot of Botox. Since either Botox or Dysport regular injections can be pretty pricey, Dysport is becoming more popular, but those that don't like the needle are sticking with Botox.

Not every spa or doctors office that administers Botox offers Dysport, so if that is what you are seeking, ask ahead.

Doctors keep many secrets and they keep secrets about wrinkles creams as well. This however is not a generalization because some doctors will tell you outright what topical creams will do to you. But what are the things they're keeping from patients? Many doctors especially those in the cosmetics department say that wrinkle creams do not work and never really did. They claim that they just nourish the skin and will not repair or get rid of wrinkles. If aesthetics doctors said otherwise they would lose their jobs because the truth is, there are many good products out there that can "fix" your wrinkles. If you find a product that helps increase collagen production, you're already good to go. Wrinkles form because of the reduction of collagen in the body as we grow old so if you fix this problem, you will be able to get rid of those wrinkles and fine lines. You would need to use the cream for a very long time though to maintain its effects.

Going under the knife is not fun and why should you subject yourself to a procedure if you'd have to return to the doctor, pay another outrageous fee for maintenance? For those who choose botox, it's not entirely a bad idea because it brings faster results compared to wrinkle creams. But whatever method you choose, be sure that you and your pocket are comfortable with it. 

We all want tolook young and to look and feel younger some of us have declared war againstthose unsightly lines and marks. Since they were introduced, wrinkle creams havebecome rather popular among women since they are easy to find and they areaffordable as well. However, not all creams were created equal –while some areeffective, some aren’t the right fit for some women.

Retinol, which is bothan antioxidant and also a compound of Vitamin A, is one of the ingredients abuyer should look for. Retinol can erase existing wrinkles and also prevent the appearance of new ones. This ingredient is also good against fighting acne. Coenzyme Q10, like Retinol,has been gaining popularity as well. This is a nutrient which keeps cell energy production. This ingredient has no known side effects, and can reduce fine wrinkles around the eyes. Sometimes, copper peptides can heal skin wounds and increase collagen production making the ingredient  one of the ingredients you would want to see in your wrinkle cream. The said ingredient can keep skin supple and therefore,giving you younger-looking skin. Copper peptides help enhance the effects of retinol so a pairing of the two is also something you should keep in mind when choosing a wrinkle cream. Natural extracts from fruits and herbs can help rebuild elastin and collagen stores in the skin. Pomegranate extract, Padina Pavonica, Indian Mulberry and Vitamin C,to name a few. Vitamin C, especially, can fight free radicals, and can helpagainst sun exposure.

Overall, it is good to search for products that are approved and tested in clinical trials, giving them more credibility. Look for before and after photographs in order to assess their effectivity and find out what works foryou.