The Miracle of Water and Niacinamide for Youthful Skin

October has been a busy month. First, I took a very in-depth cosmetic chemistry course on skin care ingredients at UCLA. This is a gold standard intensive taught by the most respected instructors in the industry today. I have periodically taken this series for over 20 years to stay up to date on all the new ingredients, technologies, and discoveries as they emerge. I will attend Part II in February. Needless to say, I learned A LOT and am excited all over again about skin and harnessing advanced science to make it gorgeous!

Second, I went to Yosemite National Park for some hiking and much needed time in the mountains. We’ve been in a drought for so long that the famous waterfalls were dry. It rained while I was there, and in just one day of a steady shower, the waterfalls were restored to their full volume – it was pretty amazing!

The Miracle of Water
It kind of reminded me of how fast skin can bounce back with the right hydration products and treatments. Hint: Aquagel Hydrating Serum,  with 7 moisture attracting ingredients, instantly plumps parched skin PLUS it has a reservoir effect in the skin so that with continuous use it helps sustain a healthy barrier, filling the water channels in the skin and replacing the fluids lost due to aging and dry air. Use generously twice daily under moisturizer. Think PLUMP, DEWY, MOIST, and YOUTHFUL.

Third, I am on my way to historic Jacksonville, Oregon, for an annual retreat to rest, recharge, recalibrate, and do some personal growth. I find I come back  refreshed, with renewed energy, and ready for the rush of the holiday season.

Ingredient Spotlight: Niacinamide
Speaking of energy, one of the ingredients discussed at the UCLA course is Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), which is an extremely potent cell energizer. We’ve been using Niacinamide in some product formulations for a while now and studies show increased synergistic benefits to the skin. The more I learn about it, the more impressed I am with this ingredient, which is found in my Age Reversal Treatment Moisturizers, Ultra Vitality Serum,  and Illuminating Eye Lift.  Niacinamide does so many things. It:

• Energizes aging cells, whose functions slow down as we age,
• Visibly reduces appearance of enlarged pores,
• Brightens dull, uneven skin tone, blotchiness and dark spots,
• Repairs and prevents fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen and protein production,
• Reduces the damage environmental attack can cause. Untreated, this type of constant toxin assault makes skin act older, dull, and less radiant.

I think of it as a boosting performance enhancer to an anti-aging skin care program. Niacinamide is a standout, very versatile ingredient and I’m sure you will be hearing more about it in the future.

It’s Peel Season
As days get shorter and we receive less UV exposure, this time of year (fall/winter) is the best for getting refresher peels to slough the old and kick those cells into repair mode. It’s also the perfect opportunity to treat other areas such as chest, arms, hands: any areas that are sun exposed. Your skin will have renewed youth and vigor, and look fresh and glowing. A series of peels kick starts a prolonged cycle of deep rejuvenation in the skin all winter long. You’ll look springtime fresh instead of dull, dormant, saggy and in winter hibernation! If you’re in the area, call 831.625.6855 to schedule your appointments.

Looking Ahead
This November, I plan to go on a news fast the moment the election is over. To step back a bit and go on a cleanse. And, we are moving into GRATITUDE SEASON. Each day in November I put extra emphasis on remembering to notice the good things in life and be thankful for them. I am thankful for rain, my puppy, my family, life in California, a roof over my head, even hot water coming out of my tap each morning. And I am thankful for the beauty of YOU!

How are you experiencing your fall this year? Busy? Depleted? Energized? Restful? Filled with nourishment? What are your fall skin care questions or challenges? Please leave a comment below and share this post with your friends.