Only want PROVEN anti-aging products
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free skin care · Sun Nov 06, 2011 8:15 am

All of these conflicting studies on everything..this is why I come here. To talk to you beauty gals who look in the mirror and know what is working and what is not.
Has anyone out there used Aloe? topically? internally? and seen a difference? that's what I want to know. Smile

free skin care · Sun Nov 06, 2011 10:44 am

cm5597 wrote:

rileygirl wrote:

I still am not convinced that repairing a wound is the same as repairing a wrinkle. (That said, I am trying copper peptides!)

This is a very good point, and I take your point. It is a weakness of some of the articles I posted and much/most of the articles on aloe. I guess the things are more compelling to me are the alleviation of inflammation (which we all have to some degree), the seemingly beneficial effects on collagen in general, and the decrease in wrinkles in that oral supplementation study.

Agree with Rileygirl but just wanted to add my thoughts ... A wrinkle is comprised of functionally normal tissue, the skin's structure has not been damaged and thus does not need to be repaired. However it is subject to normal skin turnover or regeneration, of which collagen production is an integral part. In the name of anti-ageing there are many ways we 'injure' the skin (e.g. exfoliation) or send chemical signals to trick/ trigger the cells into repair and regeneration mode.

free skin care · Sun Nov 06, 2011 10:50 am

cm5597 wrote:

Lacy53 wrote:

Don't overlook this one CM:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21031007

Not overlooking anything. I'm not an expert on aloe and have only looked at several papers on aloe, not the full body of literature on aloe. I did see two other papers that show that aloe did not lead to neoplastic growth (so a ratio of 2:1 for the papers I've personally seen), although this paper suggests that in a few instances, it may lead to weak effects. Hence I did not comment on its neoplastic risk either way.

The one caveat that needs to be added is that mice are nocturnal animals, so I am always more skeptical of any study done on mice where they photodamage the mice and then try to extrapolate the results to humans.

Nonetheless, I totally agree with you that it is an important question to address for anything that enhances cell proliferation.

I don't like mouse studies either; nor do I like studies which involve a small number of subjects. However, I do think you have to consider the source of a study and in this case it is the National Toxicology Program, Department of Health and Human Services. I am not American, but I am assuming they conduct quality research and their findings are respected in the scientific community.

With respect to taking aloe internally, the NTP is wrapping up a 2 year study on this topic (using rats and mice). Although I couldn't find the finalized report, you can read a preliminary abstract here:

http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/?objectid=4DC2C23C-F1F6-975E-7F58092819E2C69F

Sun Nov 06, 2011 11:29 am

Hi Everyone!!!

Whenever I am looking for information on skincare, without fail, essential day spa comes up every single time, so I finally joined the forum. I have to say, I know there is a wealth of information here, but I am a bit overwhelmed with what to do with all of it!

I turned 28 yesterday, and want to establish a more serious skincare routine. Is there anywhere here I can read on where/how to start a healthy skin/anti-aging regimen and understanding ingreadients and the percentage strengths I should be looking for??

So far, I understand it should include, retinol (or retin a??), AHAs, vitamin C serum, & sunscreen. But then in another thread, I read not to mix vitamin c and retinol and ahas, though?? I'm so confused and don't know where to begin at all! Then I read about coffeeberry and copper peptides? lol Sigh.

Can anyone provide some guidance and direction for me? My skin is normal, and I'm getting smile lines and get horrid crepey fine lines under my eyes when I wear powder. Like everyone else, I want my skin to look healthy, youthful, and radiant.

I know I'm asking for a lot of info, so any help is appreciated! Thank you!! Smile

free skin care · Sun Nov 06, 2011 12:25 pm

Lacy53 wrote:

With respect to taking aloe internally, the NTP is wrapping up a 2 year study on this topic (using rats and mice). Although I couldn't find the finalized report, you can read a preliminary abstract here:

http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/?objectid=4DC2C23C-F1F6-975E-7F58092819E2C69F

Thanks for the link, Lacy. This is the summary at the end of that article:

"Under the conditions of these 2-year drinking water studies, there was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of a nondecolorized whole leaf extract of Aloe vera in male and female F344/N rats based upon increased incidences of adenomas and carcinomas of the large intestine. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity in male or female B6C3F1 mice exposed to 1.0%, 2.0%, or 3.0 % (wt/wt) Aloe vera whole leaf extract in drinking water.

Exposure to a nondecolorized whole leaf extract of Aloe vera resulted in increased incidences of nonneoplastic lesions of the large intestine in male and female rats and mice, the small intestine of male and female rats, the stomach in male and female rats and female mice, the mesenteric lymph nodes in male and female rats and male mice, and the nose in male mice."

free skin care · Sun Nov 06, 2011 12:34 pm

StyleBlack wrote:

Can anyone provide some guidance and direction for me? My skin is normal, and I'm getting smile lines and get horrid crepey fine lines under my eyes when I wear powder. Like everyone else, I want my skin to look healthy, youthful, and radiant.

I know I'm asking for a lot of info, so any help is appreciated! Thank you!! Smile

StyleBlack, take a look at the website smartskincare (http://www.smartskincare.com/)

This site has good information on ingredients and is a great place to learn.

What are you using on your skin now?

In my opinion, you are young, and if I were you, I would focus on sunscreen daily (my preference is a physical sunscreen) and an antioxidant (as an example Skinceuticals C, E, Ferulic). At your age, I would not mess with anything more. Other than that, make sure you are eating a good diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, getting regular exercise, stress reduction, etc.

free skin care · Sun Nov 06, 2011 1:06 pm

StyleBlack wrote:

Hi Everyone!!!

Whenever I am looking for information on skincare, without fail, essential day spa comes up every single time, so I finally joined the forum. I have to say, I know there is a wealth of information here, but I am a bit overwhelmed with what to do with all of it!

I turned 28 yesterday, and want to establish a more serious skincare routine. Is there anywhere here I can read on where/how to start a healthy skin/anti-aging regimen and understanding ingreadients and the percentage strengths I should be looking for??

So far, I understand it should include, retinol (or retin a??), AHAs, vitamin C serum, & sunscreen. But then in another thread, I read not to mix vitamin c and retinol and ahas, though?? I'm so confused and don't know where to begin at all! Then I read about coffeeberry and copper peptides? lol Sigh.

Can anyone provide some guidance and direction for me? My skin is normal, and I'm getting smile lines and get horrid crepey fine lines under my eyes when I wear powder. Like everyone else, I want my skin to look healthy, youthful, and radiant.

I know I'm asking for a lot of info, so any help is appreciated! Thank you!! Smile

Welcome and happy birthday! Very Happy

IMO there is not a one-size-fits-all approach because your skin type, current routine and lifestyle are all key. Sunscreen is probably the most universal recommendation but, depending on your home climate, some of us need a little sunlight exposure in the winter months.

At 28 you are young to be experiencing the early signs of ageing, are you confident this is not dryness/ dehydration as a result of an harsh skincare routine or less than healthy lifestyle? What are you using to cleanse, moisturise and treat at present? Do you meet or exceed your government's recommendations for healthy eating and physical activity consistently? Do you smoke, sunbathe, consume caffeine or alcohol regularly, get plenty of sleep?

Some on here are fans of an aggressive anti-ageing regime from an early age, others favour the more conservative prevention and hydration route. Retin-A, vitamin C and AHAs can all exfoliate, irritate and dry the skin: this can be cumulative if you use more than one product. For that reason I would say clean up your lifestyle, intensively rehydrate your skin then decide what, if any, specific anti-ageing products or techniques to incorporate. I've been forced to take that route due to sensitivity and it appears to have worked - I am pushing 40, am consistently mistaken for being years younger than my chronological age and my skin looks years younger than my (junior) sibling. Cool

HTH!

free skin care · Sun Nov 06, 2011 1:23 pm

Hi Styleblack, Happy Birthday Smile

, I agree with Firefox I'm 29 and have been using aggressive treatments retin a and vit c for 3 months now currently going through a mini disaster with my skin probably due to this I've been doing too much too soon using them everyday etc.

I still need to make some lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and improving my diet I think I am probably very dehydrated due to the excessive amount of diet coke I drink I'm really trying with the water and hope it will help with the fine lines I am noticing on my forehead and round my eyes

Mon Nov 07, 2011 9:19 am

rileygirl wrote:

StyleBlack wrote:

Can anyone provide some guidance and direction for me? My skin is normal, and I'm getting smile lines and get horrid crepey fine lines under my eyes when I wear powder. Like everyone else, I want my skin to look healthy, youthful, and radiant.

I know I'm asking for a lot of info, so any help is appreciated! Thank you!! Smile

StyleBlack, take a look at the website smartskincare

This site has good information on ingredients and is a great place to learn.

What are you using on your skin now?

In my opinion, you are young, and if I were you, I would focus on sunscreen daily (my preference is a physical sunscreen) and an antioxidant (as an example Skinceuticals C, E, Ferulic). At your age, I would not mess with anything more. Other than that, make sure you are eating a good diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, getting regular exercise, stress reduction, etc.

Hi Rileygirl!

Thanks for the link. I'll definitely get some reading done.

It's interesting that you say at my age, I should take it easy. I always thought it was best to start using products like these as a preventative measure. No go? What do you think the drawbacks could be at my age?

Mon Nov 07, 2011 9:34 am

Firefox7275 wrote:

Welcome and happy birthday! Very Happy

IMO there is not a one-size-fits-all approach because your skin type, current routine and lifestyle are all key. Sunscreen is probably the most universal recommendation but, depending on your home climate, some of us need a little sunlight exposure in the winter months.

At 28 you are young to be experiencing the early signs of ageing, are you confident this is not dryness/ dehydration as a result of an harsh skincare routine or less than healthy lifestyle? What are you using to cleanse, moisturise and treat at present? Do you meet or exceed your government's recommendations for healthy eating and physical activity consistently? Do you smoke, sunbathe, consume caffeine or alcohol regularly, get plenty of sleep?

Some on here are fans of an aggressive anti-ageing regime from an early age, others favour the more conservative prevention and hydration route. Retin-A, vitamin C and AHAs can all exfoliate, irritate and dry the skin: this can be cumulative if you use more than one product. For that reason I would say clean up your lifestyle, intensively rehydrate your skin then decide what, if any, specific anti-ageing products or techniques to incorporate. I've been forced to take that route due to sensitivity and it appears to have worked - I am pushing 40, am consistently mistaken for being years younger than my chronological age and my skin looks years younger than my (junior) sibling. Cool

HTH!

Thanks for the birthday wishes!!! Smile

That's interesting. I didn't know they can be irritating and dry out the skin! I guess I need to do more research. My skin looks and feels best when it is dewey and super moist.

Currently:

Regimen: I wash with a Bliss Youth Code, tone with a Kiehl's product, use Kiehl's vitamin c serum, apply Hope in a Jar to moisturise, then I seal with Japanese Kissi oil. I do this for day and night. I'm dark skinned, and find SPFs leave this coated, unattractive purpely/blue film on my skin. I haven't found one I like, so I don't currently use one.

Diet & Excercise: I'm a pescatarian (no meats, just seafood), lots of vegetables, and lots of water. I am also on a lower carb diet, so not many fruits, juices, sugars, or starches/grains. I don't work out at all. I get 8-9 hours sleep every day. No alcohol & no cigarettes ever.

Climate: D.R.Y. and wickedly cold winters (Canada).

When you say intensely re-hydrate, do you mean physically (like a humidifier) or with a product, or just drinking more water, or all of the above? lol My skin definitely feels dry some nights, if I don't use the oil to seal.

Mon Nov 07, 2011 9:35 am

flick24 wrote:

Hi Styleblack, Happy Birthday Smile

, I agree with Firefox I'm 29 and have been using aggressive treatments retin a and vit c for 3 months now currently going through a mini disaster with my skin probably due to this I've been doing too much too soon using them everyday etc.

I still need to make some lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and improving my diet I think I am probably very dehydrated due to the excessive amount of diet coke I drink I'm really trying with the water and hope it will help with the fine lines I am noticing on my forehead and round my eyes

Thanks for the birthday love!!! Smile

Sorry to hear that! What have been your experiences and results with these produts, if you don't mind sharing?

free skin care · Mon Nov 07, 2011 10:00 am

StyleBlack wrote:

It's interesting that you say at my age, I should take it easy. I always thought it was best to start using products like these as a preventative measure. No go? What do you think the drawbacks could be at my age?

I think the best preventive measure is sunscreen. Topical antioxidants are also preventive. I do not look at Retin A as preventative. I know some people do, but in my own opinion I view it as more corrective and/or to be used when one is older. This is just my own opinion, and your best bet is to research and see what you feel is in your best interest. Hope that helps!

free skin care · Mon Nov 07, 2011 11:44 am

StyleBlack wrote:

Thanks for the birthday wishes!!! Smile

That's interesting. I didn't know they can be irritating and dry out the skin! I guess I need to do more research. My skin looks and feels best when it is dewey and super moist.

Currently:

Regimen: I wash with a Bliss Youth Code, tone with a Kiehl's product, use Kiehl's vitamin c serum, apply Hope in a Jar to moisturise, then I seal with Japanese Kissi oil. I do this for day and night. I'm dark skinned, and find SPFs leave this coated, unattractive purpely/blue film on my skin. I haven't found one I like, so I don't currently use one.

When you say intensely re-hydrate, do you mean physically (like a humidifier) or with a product, or just drinking more water, or all of the above? lol My skin definitely feels dry some nights, if I don't use the oil to seal.

Climate: D.R.Y. and wickedly cold winters (Canada).

By intensively hydrate I mean the full package: lifestyle (which you tick most boxes for!) and every product working for hydration. For example many commercial foaming cleansers and exfoliants dry my sensitive skin. So I use my regular oil-based cleansing lotion and a muslin cloth OR a light lactic acid peel (LA hydrates and exfoliates, unlike many other AHA/ BHAs).

A very quick Google sugggests neither hyaluronic acid (HA) nor waxes/ oils play a major role in your cleanser, serum or moisturiser? Lots of humectants, but some people find these counterproductive in dry climates. HA is one of the skin's natural moisturisers and helpful for collagen production. The low molecular weight stuff can be absorbed, holding water within the skin. It seems a shame to only use your lovely camellia oil to seal, does it absorb well? If not you might try using opting for it as the main ingredient of an organic cream or blending with rosehip seed oil, which has anti-ageing properties and sinks in beautifully.

If I have found the correct products your cleanser and moisturiser both lightly exfoliate. This could be too much for your eye area twice daily, given the C serum and the climate? Do you already wear wrap around sunglasses as much of the year as possible? That would help protect your delicate eye area from icy winds, snow burn and direct sunlight. Last thought is a weather protection face cream for the worst days - these tend to be rich in plant oils, waxes and lanolin.

StyleBlack wrote:

Diet & Excercise: I'm a pescatarian (no meats, just seafood), lots of vegetables, and lots of water. I am also on a lower carb diet, so not many fruits, juices, sugars, or starches/grains. I don't work out at all. I get 8-9 hours sleep every day. No alcohol & no cigarettes ever.

Yey to being pescatarian, I half wish all my nutrition clients were like you! I say half cos I like the challenge of junk food junkies. Laughing

Can I safely assume you are consuming plenty of oily fish for long chain omega-3s and plenty of other healthy fats such as olive oil? Did you know that carbs are important to maintain hydration? 1g of muscle glycogen holds 3g of water so I advocate low glycaemic index rather than low carb. That does not have to mean grains/ cereals it can be beans, lentils, berries and tree fruits. Cool

free skin care · Mon Nov 07, 2011 11:49 am

I asked this before, but I don't think I worded it correctly, so here goes again...is there a reason to use an AHA if I'm already using Retin A? I'm about to start the micro gel .04 after a year of .025 cream. I don't want to dehydrate that much if it would be overkill.

By the way, my order from ADC came within two weeks. I used a debit gift card. This was my second order from them. So far, so good.

free skin care · Mon Nov 07, 2011 1:14 pm

Flavia wrote:

I asked this before, but I don't think I worded it correctly, so here goes again...is there a reason to use an AHA if I'm already using Retin A? I'm about to start the micro gel .04 after a year of .025 cream. I don't want to dehydrate that much if it would be overkill.

By the way, my order from ADC came within two weeks. I used a debit gift card. This was my second order from them. So far, so good.

In my opinion they serve different purposes. The Retin A builds collagen while the AHA is an exfoliant and removes the dead skin cells. If you are worried about irritation, just start with your RA and see how you do on that alone before adding in an AHA.

free skin care · Mon Nov 07, 2011 3:05 pm

I found a great article on this Retin A / AHA issue:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5689906_manage-using-retin_a-wrinkles.html

free skin care · Mon Nov 07, 2011 6:19 pm

Proof? Really there's just Retin-A. How about a list of good bets....

*Retin-A
*Copper peptides
*sunscreen
*TCA peels
*Renovage
*LED light therapy
*facial exercises
*bioidentical hormone replacement
*intermittent fasting-- I have been doing this 4 months and am starting to get guessed as 7-8 years younger rather than 5
*exercise

free skin care · Tue Nov 08, 2011 8:14 pm

I wish to know any latest hit for anti-aging as
I did not do researh regarding this for long.
Any recommendation?

free skin care · Tue Nov 08, 2011 8:19 pm

I just order here a few BABOR products. My friend said it works well for dry skin. Anyone knows any products with good effect on nourishing.

free skin care · Wed Nov 09, 2011 5:11 am

I am very wary of retin-a because I suspect it could have bad effects in the long run. At my age, anything that thins the skin is something to be careful with.
Gretchen, in your list I don't find resveratrol, coQ10, topical phytoestrogens and antioxidants like green tea. These are the more gentle ingredients, that can help slow down ageing of the skin. See Smart Skincare for more info on research of these ingredients.

free skin care · Wed Nov 09, 2011 7:00 am

Lotusesther wrote:

I am very wary of retin-a because I suspect it could have bad effects in the long run. At my age, anything that thins the skin is something to be careful with.

Retin A does not thin the skin. It exfoliates the outer layer, but it is building collagen underneath!

This is an older article, but maybe it will help you understand Retin A. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/30/fashion/30skin.html?pagewanted=all

Another one: http://health.yahoo.net/experts/skintype/do-retinoids-thin-your-skin/

And this one shows photos at the bottom on what Retin A can do.

http://www.anagen.net/tretin.htm

free skin care · Wed Nov 09, 2011 7:01 am

Lotusesther, it isn't true that Retin A thins the skin--at least, in a bad way. Check this out:

MYTH: Retin-A™ makes your skin thin.

TRUTH: Retin-A™ thins the upper layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, of dead, sluggish, malformed, and disfunctional skin, allowing the stratum lucidum to shine through, that luminous layer children show. Additionally, it thickens the dermal layer by increading collagen production.

free skin care · Wed Nov 09, 2011 7:05 am

Flavia wrote:

Lotusesther, it isn't true that Retin A thins the skin--at least, in a bad way. Check this out:

MYTH: Retin-A™ makes your skin thin.

TRUTH: Retin-A™ thins the upper layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, of dead, sluggish, malformed, and disfunctional skin, allowing the stratum lucidum to shine through, that luminous layer children show. Additionally, it thickens the dermal layer by increading collagen production.

What is your reference please, Flavia? It reads like a sales pitch not an unbiased research paper.

free skin care · Wed Nov 09, 2011 7:06 am

Generally speaking, you can bet that anything that has been truly shown to help reverse the effects of skin aging, *requires a prescription*.

That said, many of us use our own due diligence and often find a way to obtain without a prescription.

Moisturizers, etc. impact appearance only.

Sunscreen is a preventative, although I recall reading somewhere some types have been shown to reverse signs of aging -**however**, figuring out what type of sunscreen to use and what is effective, can be an exercise in frustration - but well worth the trouble in my opinion.

bfg

free skin care · Wed Nov 09, 2011 7:08 am

Hi gretchen,

Do you have more information on clinical studies behind:

- *Renovage
- *LED light therapy
- *facial exercises
- *intermittent fasting

All links, references, data - much appreciated!!

BFG

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