We have been hearing it for a few years now...anti oxidants are like the fountain of youth, but there are so many of them, which ones are the best? Allure magazine spoke with Dr. David McDaniel, a professor of clinical dermatology and plastic surgery from East Virginia Medical School who specializes in antioxidants, and here's what he said. "Some of the most effective are Coffeeberry, phloretin with vitamin C and feurelic acid, and idebenone."

He recommends any of these reliable creams:
RevaleSkin Night Cream (with Coffeeberry) $110
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF $150
Prevage MD $150

If you buy any of these products, use the coupon code BASICS20 at checkout and save 20%. A nice little savings for these pricey items I think.

Of these three products, I have only used the Skinceuticals Phloretin CF and it is absolutely my favorite anti aging skin care serum ever! Based on customer comments about all three products, RevaleSkin and Skinceuticals get the highest marks, 5 out of 5 stars overall, the Prevage just got 3 out of 5 stars. However, I use another idebenone based cream that I really like, Obaji, and I know it isn't really for anti-aging, it's more for fading sun and age spots. So that may account for the lower marks on Prevage if the customers were expecting wrinkle reduction.

Dr. Daniel went on to say, "I really like the idea of using two different ones, either on alternating nights or one in the morning and one in the evening. The antioxidants actions are somewhat different, so getting some of both makes more sense."

Like I said, I use the Skinceuticals Phloretin CF in the evening and an idebenone based cream during the day and I love the way my once freckly, slightly lined face looks. I swear by anything from Skinceuticals, though. I've never tried one of their products I didn't love.

The new Skinceuticals eye cream is said to be a revolutionary three dimensional treatment to dramatically improve severe signs of intrinsic aging around the eyes in mature skin. I am always skeptical of any eye creams, because no matter how much money I spend, nothing works. However, if any eye cream is going to work it's going to be from Skinceuticals. I have used their products and swear by them. I also love Kinerase products, but for antioxidant technology, hands down for Skinceuticals.

The Claim: dramatically improve severe signs of intrinsic aging around the eyes in mature skin and minimize the appearance of dark circles and capillaries.

How it works: Within four to twelve weeks, a complex of flavonoids and synergistic peptides strengthens blood vessel walls, improves lymphatic drainage, and eliminates hemoglobin’s colored end-products to dramatically improve dark circles and puffiness. By twelve weeks and beyond, blueberry extract interrupts the formation of advanced glycation end-products (A.G.E.) and Proxylane restores water and nutrient content to the dermal epidermal junction (D.E.J.) to increase skin elasticity and thickness for dramatic improvement of wrinkles and crow’s feet.

The Review: Overall, most customers swear by the original Skinceuticals eye complex, giving it 5 out of 5 stars. The new formula is said to be more advanced and effective, definitely worth trying. At $88, it's cheaper than surgery.

SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF serum is one of the latest, greatest beuaty breakthroughs all because of the key ingredient Plhoretin. Extracted from apples, phloretin is an antioxidant and when it's combined with vitamin C and ferulic acid, it's been shown to penetrate the skin and interfere with the formation of brown spots and wrinkles. It also protects against DNA changes that lead to some nonmelanoma skin cancers, as well as correct existing damage by stimulating cell turnover.

Stimulating cell turnover seems to be the best function of anti-aging skincare and antioxidants seem to be at the core of action. Antioxidants are thought to be the body’s body guard. One of the main culprits behind the aging process is Oxidation, which is caused by free radicals. These highly unbalanced atoms attack healthy cells, causing the cells to die. Antioxidants interact with and kill free radicals, keeping the cells safe and healthy.

Skin care products like SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF serum, with the active ingredient being a stable antioxidant, along with the proven properties of Vitamin c and feurelic acid, are going to provide a strengthened support structure on the inside and a more youthful, firm, radiant appearance on the outside.

I have used this product before and I absolutely love it. It does what it claims to do, decreases brown spots (but wear SPF everyday), soften lines and improve overall complexion. It penetrates into the skin easily and it's not greasy. It won't wash or sweat away or diminish in strength for 24 hours so you only have to use it once a day. The only drawback I had was my skin was a little sensitive the first few days I was using it. It costs about $150 and lasts about 2 months if you use it sparingly.

Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. A peel is a non-invasive procedure designed to promote cell growth and produce smoother, clearer skin.

I like to give myself chemical peels at home. They aren't the strong ones, obviously, that require a doctors administration, but a mild peel in conjunction with a great anti-aging moisturizer delivers beautiful results. I can have a peel every day with a mild peel and it just looks even better by a weeks end. People with sensitive skin cannot tolerate a peel every day and can only do it once or twice a month. The key to keeping skin from getting to dry and burned is a good moisturizer and SPF. I use Kinerase Pro+Therapy Advanced Radiance Facial Peel and follow with Kinerase Pro+Therapy Ultra Rich Night Repair and during the day I use Kinerase Pro+Therapy Daily Defense Lotion with SPF30. The peels really make my skin look clear and radiant. I do them for a few days in a row every month or so and the results are the same as going to a dermatologist for a single stronger peel. Also there is a more affordable price and no red, scaly skin with a series of mild peels.  

Another good at home peel is the Skinceuticals gel peel. I have used this one before and really like it. (The reason I'm currently sticking with Kinerase is because their 'Ultra' regimen I am on is sooooo fantastic.) This gel peel is also mild and can be used as often as you like, but must be followed with a good moisturizer. Their B5 Hydrating Gel is really good.

The process of applying an at-home chemical peel is quite simple. Though it is called a “peel,” you will not notice skin literally being “peeled” off. Rather, skin will be exfoliated with a sloughing action, and the dull, dead surface cells will dissolve, bringing new, healthy skin cells to the surface. The exfoliation process only takes 8-12 minutes and may burn a bit, depending on how sensitive your skin is. Always follow with a nice, rich moisturizer. The results will be glowing, radiant skin.

Do you know of any good at home peels? Leave a comment, I want to try it!

Antioxidants help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. The human body makes its own natural antioxidants that fight against free-radical damage; however, genetics, age, sex, and lifestyle factors can undermine their progress. You can boost your skins' defenses with skin treatments containing antioxidants.

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that target and ultimately damage your tissues, protein bonds, and cells. They are often caused by environmental factors such as UV rays, smoke, chemical and biological pollution, alcohol, and stress. Free radicals multiply excessively until they are stopped by antioxidants. The escalation of free radicals can inhibit the rebuilding process of cells and the consequences include damage to your skin's DNA, an aged appearance, wrinkles, sagging skin, a dull or rough complexion, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

The role of antioxidants, including the use of supplements, is still being studied, but we know that antioxidants can prohibit the free radical chain reaction before cell damage occurs.

In the past, people who wanted to reap the benefits of antioxidants applied vitamin E directly to their faces, although, problems occurred with people who had sensitive skin conditions. Also, the serum in vitamin E capsules is so thick that the skin has a hard time absorbing it. Today, there is a wide variety of lightweight antioxidant creams and serums that can penetrate under the skin's surface. Vitamins containing antioxidants (specifically vitamins C and E) are more easily absorbed when combined with other ingredients. The goal of these creams and serums is to diffuse free radicals and strengthen the fibroblasts, which are bridges that support skin. Strengthening fibroblasts defends you from sagging, dull, rough-textured, and aging skin. Dermatologists also found that such vitamins may stimulate collagen production which is naturally depleted during the aging process. As we all know, collagen supports the skin and keeps it looking young and healthy.

The antioxidant formulas below are thought to be the best among dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

               SkinCeuticals CE Feurelic                     Obagi C Serum 15%                

     Murad Essential C Moisturizer

There are also a variety of cosmetic companies that are infusing antioxidants into their products, providing anti-aging treatments inside of the make up. Here are a few I like.

"This is LORAC's Breakthrough Performance Oil-Free Anti-Aging Foundation with SMS Complex and SPF 14 combines pre-aging, anti-aging, hydrating, and smoothing ingredients along with antioxidants. The SMS Complex (Second Messenger System) helps to counteract the signs of aging by increasing cell turnover and promoting skin's natural ability to produce collagen. This system is designed for all ages and all skin types to help create a youthful, radiant complexion."  - from the Beauty.com website. I like this foundation because it goes on smooth and feels lightweight, with of course, the anti-aging benefits.

"Tarte Natural Beauty Natural Cheek Stain is a sheer berry flush that gives cheeks just a hint of tint naturally, by employing pigments derived from fruit and pure minerals. This cheek stain contains Skinvigorating ™ ingredients such as acai extract, an antioxidant-rich super fruit that promotes cell regeneration and has known anti-inflammatory and skin-softening properties, and goji berry extract, a nutrient-dense berry referred to as a "superfruit." Pomegranate extract has a high concentration of antioxidants and vitamin C, acerola extract is rich in vitamin C, which helps to brighten skin, and maracuja extract has been known to reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation of the skin." - from Beauty.com. I like this cheek stain because it leaves a natural blush color and isn't drying like powder can be.

"Unlike traditional cream shadows that crease and smudge, Tarte Lock & Roll Creaseless Eyeshadow is waterproof and crease proof. A new twist on the makeup artist trick, the matching loose shadow in a roller ball applicator glides easily over cream shadow to lock color in and add luminosity so color lasts all day. This eyeshadow contains Skinvigorating™ ingredients such as mineral pigments, known for their soothing and softening properties, and vitamin E, an antioxidant that acts as anti-inflammatory emollient." - from Beauty.com. I love this product. I tried it as a free gift, and bought my own. It goes on beautifully and it feels soft, like a moisturizer, and the color is beautiful. And our fragile eyelids need antioxidants, also!

These cosmetics are available at Beauty.com!

http://www.skincareresourcecenter.com/antioxidant-skincare.html

Among skincare junkies, Skinceuticals CE Ferulic is among the best of the best. Recently, the Skinceuticals brand pulled most of their on-line distributors, so you have to go to a doctors office or an aestheticans office to purchase it. I assume the reasoning was to make it 'exclusive', because it does not require a prescription. Regardless, it is more difficult to get, but not at all less desirable. Why you ask, because it works. It smoothes wrinkles and improves overall texture and appearance of the skin.

CE Feurelic combines proven antioxidant vitamins C & E with Ferulic Acid to maximize antioxidant performance. The combination antioxidant treatment contains L-Ascorbic acid, Alpha Tocopherol, and Ferulic acid.This synergistic formulation enhances protection against damaging UVA/UVB rays to better prevent premature signs of again, while stimulating collagen production to help diminish the appearance of photo damage.

This is one product that is definatly worth the money. One of the few on-line stores left where you can purchase it is drugstore.com.