Oprah loves Weightless Protection SPF 45!

The May issue of O magazine has hit the shelves and guess what made The O List? PCA SKIN Weightless Protection SPF 45! Since its launch in 2010, this light, quick-absorbing sun protection powerhouse has quickly become a customer favorite. Now it seems it’s become one of Oprah’s favorites, too.

Weightless Protection SPF 45 is a revolutionary formulation that provides broad-spectrum protection with zinc oxide and octinoxate. Part of what makes this sun protection product unique is caffeine, an amazing topical ingredient that increases the activity of other antioxidants and also identifies cells damaged by UV exposure and forces them into apoptosis – the process of cell death.  This is an unprecedented boost to skin cancer prevention. Also, the powerful antioxidant sylibin from milk thistle fight free radicals, suppresses redness caused by exposure to UVB rays and reduces the formation of sunburn cells. Because it is so light and disappears into the skin, especially people with oily skin and acne love this product.  This member of the PCA SKIN family of sun protection products truly is the next generation of sun protection, and we’re glad that Oprah agrees! 

why more isn’t always better

In a world of instant gratification where waiting for anything seems unnecessary, we tend to assume that anything we want can be achieved instantaneously. When it comes to correcting skin challenges, this cannot be the assumption. It is common for professionals and consumers alike to seek out the strongest products and treatments available because they assume that the strongest, biggest, fastest MUST be the best. In fact, overly aggressive products and treatments not only do not correct skin challenges, but they are often their cause.

Skin functions as the largest organ of the human body. Its critical importance in leading a healthy life is often overlooked.  Causing unnecessary inflammation triggers defensive mechanisms in the skin that can lead to redness, swelling, rashes, oxidative damage and hyperpigmentation.  The best way to achieve healthy and beautiful skin is to take a low dose approach.  This means using products and treatments that contain the appropriate levels of actives necessary to instigate positive changes in the skin, not too strong, as that can lead to inflammation and irritation.  The days of ‘no pain, no gain’ are thankfully long gone.

All PCA SKIN products and treatments are formulated with this low dose philosophy. One might think that lower percentages of acids or actives means consenting to wait longer for results.  This is not the case.  Often when following the ‘more isn’t better’ approach, dramatic results are achieved even more quickly.

Feel free to contact us anytime at (877) 722.7546 with questions or to find out more about becoming a PCA SKIN Certified Professional. You can also visit us at pcaskin.com, on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @PCASKIN.

the four faces of rosacea

Understanding rosacea is a continuous process.  Only within the last several years has rosacea been classified into four subtypes, and research brings us more information all the time. Only a physician can make a diagnosis, but it is important for the skin care clinician to be able to recognize these various presentations in order to educate the patient and make an appropriate recommendation to a physician. 

Rosacea cannot be cured only controlled, so it is important for the rosacea patient to understand what triggers this condition.  Heat, spicy foods, hot showers or hot tubs, certain types of cosmetics or extremes in temperature are some of the triggers that should be avoided.

Subtype one – erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is characterized by persistent redness within the central portion of the face, with possible telangiectasias (visible capillaries). The patient will become red or flushed easier and stay red longer.

Subtype 2 – papulopustular rosacea is characterized by persistent redness in the same area, including lesions that resemble papules and pustules.  This subtype is commonly referred to as acne rosacea because of its presentation, but absolutely cannot be treated in the same manner as acne.  One way to differentiate this presentation from acne is that the lesions will appear only within the inflamed area.  Blackheads and cysts will not typically be present.

Subtype three – phymatous rosacea is characterized by a thickening of the skin, most commonly seen on the nose (rhinophyma) but can affect other areas of the face such as the glabella and chin. This type of rosacea presents mostly in men and can be treated surgically.

Subtype four – ocular rosacea affects the eye area, and includes symptoms such as eye irritation, conjunctivitis (pink eye), blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), frequent styes, itching, burning and stinging of the eyes.  This type of rosacea is often misdiagnosed, and if left untreated, can lead to blindness.

Patients can have subtype one and subtype four rosacea, or subtype two and three.  This condition doesn’t necessarily progress from one subtype to the next.

Many people have rosacea and don’t even know it.  For more information, go to www.rosacea.org.

ingredients for resolving redness

Facial redness is a common skin concern. Some redness can be due to the use of aggressive topical agents, fragrances and dyes, while other redness is indicative of a sensitive skin condition like rosacea, impaired barrier function or atopic dermatitis. Regardless of the cause of redness, there are ingredients that will help to get this frustrating condition under control. Some ingredients that reduce the appearance of redness are anti-inflammatory and effect the function of microcapillaries. Others work by interrupting the inflammatory process.

VEGF stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and promotes hyperpermeability (capillary leakiness).

PGE2 are prostaglandins that work to dilate blood vessels.

Cytokines are immune-activated cells involved in the amplification of an inflammatory reaction.

Redness-reducing ingredients:

Ascophyllum nodosum (brown algae) and asparagopsis armata (red algae) extracts reduce VEGF and PGE2 expression.

Capparis spinosa (caper bud) fruit extract inhibits the production of proinflammatory cytokines.

Hydrocortisone is used to relieve the itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation and discomfort of various skin conditions.

Aloe vera extracts are rich in choline salicylate that offers anti-inflammatory benefits.

Panthenol (pro-vitamin B-5) reduces inflammation while increasing the moisture-retention capacity of the skin.

Oenothera biennis (evening primrose) seed oil is an excellent source of omega-3 gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and provides anti-redness and anti-inflammatory capabilities.

Bisabolol is the anti-inflammatory component of chamomile.

Other beneficial anti-inflammatory extracts: grape seed oil, evening primrose seed oil, borage seed oil, wheat germ oil and black currant seed oil.

These redness-fighting components and other beneficial ingredients can be found in Anti-Redness Serum, ReBalance, and other PCA SKIN products. Resolve your redness.