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! 

what is apoptosis?

Apoptosis, also called cell death, is a complex and important process within our bodies. It results in specific cells being targeted, completely engulfed and eliminated. Although ‘cell death’ doesn’t sound like a positive process in the body, apoptosis performs important functions in fetal development, as well as keeping the skin free from mutated cells that can potentially lead to cancers.

During fetal development, the cells between the fingers and toes are targeted for apoptosis.  If this process were not to occur, we would have webbed hands and feet. As it relates to skin cancer prevention, apoptosis contributes to the ridding of damaged cells from the skin. First, cells that are injured by UV exposure and other environmental offenders are identified. Then, cells called killer T cells communicate with the damaged cell and move to engulf it. The process continues with other biomolecules and proteins being summoned to participate in the breakdown and elimination of the mutated cell. Without this process, cells whose DNA has been damaged by UV radiation would be allowed to reproduce, resulting in the development of tumors.

An exciting ingredient that helps facilitate the process of targeting skin cells that have been damaged by UV exposure and instigating the process of apoptosis is caffeine.  This powerhouse ingredient not only increases the antioxidant capabilities of other polyphenols, but also helps prevent cells with compromised DNA from reproducing and potentially causing skin cancer tumors.  You can find topical caffeine along with the powerful antioxidant silybin in the whole range of PCA SKIN sun protection products including: Weightless Protection SPF 45, Perfecting Protection SPF 30, Protecting Hydrator SPF 30, Hydrator Plus SPF 30 and Active Very Water/Sweat Resistant SPF 45.

the truth about indoor tanning

There was a time when many thought that indoor tanning was actually a good thing. People would routinely tan indoors prior to vacations to avoid getting a sunburn from outdoor exposure.  The truth is that indoor tanning is a highly dangerous activity that increases skin cancer risks dramatically. Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School collected data from over 73,000 female nurses from 1989-2009. The research indicated that not only are younger tanners at a higher risk, but even just ONE indoor tanning visit a year increased a woman’s likelihood of developing basal cell carcinoma by 10%. Six or more visits increased that chance by 82%.   Just four tanning sessions increased the chances of non-melanoma skin cancers by 15% and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 11%. Melanoma is projected to kill 8,790 Americans this year alone. Those are scary numbers.

In addition to the increased cancer risks, indoor tanning creates oxidative damage and increases the visible signs of aging.  The moral of this story is that any tanning is dangerous. To maintain healthy and beautiful skin, indoor tanning should be avoided and daily use of  broad-spectrum UV protection should become habit. Feel free to contact us at PCA SKIN with any questions you may have about protecting yourself from UV damage and skin cancer or to find the best sun protection product for your skin.

don’t let winter get the best of your skin: part 2

A common misconception is that more protection from UV exposure is needed in the summer than in the winter. Although the strength of the sun’s UVB rays diminish slightly in the winter months, the UVA rays remain constant throughout the year, making overexposure still a threat to healthy skin. The fact that snow can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s rays, while sand only reflects 15% and water only 10%, makes a moisturizer with broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays a must in every winter skin care regimen. Skin that is already stressed, dry and dehydrated may be more susceptible to the damage caused by UV radiation and more in need of even better protection.

The sun is the primary source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays are broken down into UVA, UVB and UVC according to their wavelength:

• UVA – 320-400 nanometers

• UVB – 280-320 nanometers

• UVC – 200-280 nanometers

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with an estimated 1,000,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancers reported in 2008. Many people associate skin cancer with sun bathing and dismiss the UV risk during the winter months. This is not a safe assumption.  Get in the habit of wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day, all year.  Also, because UVA rays are constant throughout the year, be sure that your sunscreen contains one of the following UVA protective ingredients:

• avobenzone
• titanium dioxide
• zinc oxide
• encamsule

Also, don’t leave your wide-brimmed hat at home just because it’s cold outside.  With the sun being the number one cause of visible aging in the skin, avoiding unnecessary sun exposure and wearing broad-spectrum sun protection and hats daily will not only keep your skin safe, but will keep you looking younger.

show me the real answer?!

1.  My patient asked about Topical Botox
2.  My patient says his/her sunscreen is a ‘waterproof SPF 70’

Question number 1:

First of all, there is no such thing as Topical Botox.  This is the result of some very clever marketing.  By the time this false statement was removed, it had reached just about every type of media available.  The correct name for this ingredient is acetyl hexapeptide-8, or Argireline.  When Argireline is applied topically it inhibits the neurotransmission process that causes muscles to move or contract.  While this is a fabulous peptide that helps with the prevention of fine lines and wrinkles, it in no way is equal to an injection of Botox.  When explaining the differences to your patients, you can say that Botox temporarily places the neurotransmission highway that causes muscles to move under “construction” and the message cannot get from the brain to the facial muscles.  When Argireline is applied, the “highway” is fogged in…. the message will get there, but it’s much slower.  PCA SKIN®’s ExLinea ® Peptide Smoothing Serum is formulated with Argireline and a host of hydrating and antioxidant ingredients.

Question number 2:

Yes, another myth that gives our patients a false sense of security.  Currently, the SPF number on a sunscreen product ONLY pertains to the UVB protection provided by the product. (This will soon change).  Secondly, there is no such thing as a ‘waterproof’ sunscreen.  They all wash off and must be reapplied every two hours.  Explain to your patients to look for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.  Also, explain to them that no SPF product provides 100% protection.  We relate the SPF number with the amount of protection and the amount of time that we are protected.  The truth is that an SPF of 15 provides 93% protection, while an SPF of 30 provides 97% protection.  An SPF higher than 30 only increases the percentage of protection by a tiny amount.  Again, inform your patients that they should use a minimum SPF of 30, with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and reapply every two hours.  All of PCA SKIN’s broad-spectrum SPF products are formulated with antioxidants and skin-friendly ingredients and carry the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Approval.

 

Understanding ingredient mechanism of action and product formulation in the skin health industry will enable the clinician to communicate with their patients on all levels.  This in turn will build credibility and long-standing relationships when your patients know they can turn to you for the real answers.  PCA SKIN offers education for aesthetic students, licensed medical professionals and aestheticians all over the country.  Call our team at 877-722-7546 for more information.

O Magazine features our amazing Active Very Water/Sweat Resistant SPF 45

Once again, the editors at O Magazine gave PCA SKIN some exciting recognition.  This influential publication circulates 2.7 million copies each year. Our revolutionary Active Very Water/Sweat Resistant SPF 45 is highlighted in the “Here Comes the Sunscreen” section featured in the June issue.  This unique broad-spectrum sunscreen combines Z-Cote and other potent sunscreen agents with caffeine and silybin to fight environmental cellular damage.  Proven effective for up to 80 minutes in dynamic water, this is the perfect choice for those enjoying outdoor sports, regardless of skin type.  This exceptional product also passed rigorous testing to qualify for The Skin Cancer Foundation’s ‘Active’ Seal of Recommendation.

We are thrilled to be recognized for our exceptional sun protection product.  Feel free to call PCA SKIN for more information about Active Very Water/Sweat Resistant SPF 45 and the rest of our suite of advanced products designed to protect skin from UV and other environmental damage.

avoiding summer hyperpigmentation

For those prone to hyperpigmentation, summer drawing nearer can mean worry.  Many put in lots of effort to clear their skin of discoloration throughout the fall and winter, only to see it resurface as the temperatures rise and they inevitably spend more time on outdoor activities.  With some minor adjustments to habits and regimen, this cycle does not have to repeat itself.

It is important to remember that heat, not only UV exposure, can stimulate melanogenesis.  Although it can be difficult to avoid getting overheated during the summer months, especially in humid climates, if you are prone to hyperpigmentation, it is wise to avoid extended or frequent overheating. Outdoor activities during the hours of 10am and 4pm should be minimized, and wearing wide-brimmed hats, protective clothing and staying in the shade can help to suppress unwanted pigment deposit.

The daily use of broad-spectrum sun protection is a must for everyone, but imperative for keeping skin discolorations from resurfacing. In addition to continuing with your regular use of the melanogenesis inhibitors in Pigment Gel and Brightening Therapy, adding Perfecting Protection SPF 30 to your regimen boosts your skin’s ability to suppress hyperpigmentation. This revolutionary broad-spectrum sun protection product contains a blend of bearberry, licorice root extract, kojic acid, mulberry root extract and lactic acid that work synergistically to inhibit and interrupt melanogenesis.  Additionally, the inclusion of caffeine and silybin from milk thistle gives skin powerful protection against free radical damage and the formation of sunburn cells.

For more tips on treating hyperpigmentation and keeping it at bay, feel free to call a highly-educated member of our Practice Development team at 877.PCA.SKIN (722.7546).

the importance of broad-spectrum

Some of our customers have asked us why we chose to use both physical and chemical sunscreen ingredients in our new suite of sun protection products.  The current sun protection factor (SPF) number rating system only identifies the amount of UVB protection a sunscreen product provides.  This has led some to feel that they are being misled by the makers of these products, as there is the UVA spectrum to consider, as well.  A new rating system for identifying the amount of UVA protection a product offers is under consideration that could be helpful to consumers when looking for true broad-spectrum protection.

Although UVA protection is vitally important to healthy skin, it is important not to forget about UVB rays. UVB are the rays which were originally identified as cancer-causing and which are capable of producing much more cutaneous harm than UVA rays. The most complete and successful protection demonstrated to date for UVB defense is a combination of zinc oxide and octinoxate.  Sunscreens containing only zinc oxide or a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide offer less complete protection than one containing both zinc oxide and octinoxate.

Additionally, products containing solely zinc oxide or titanium dioxide tend to be very thick and not appealing for daily use.  Wearing broad-spectrum protection every day, not just when on the beach or expecting extended exposure, is the key to keeping skin healthy and avoiding premature aging of the skin and some cancers.

We chose to provide this proven combination of physical and chemical agents to offer our PCA SKIN customers the best possible protection available in a suite of cosmetically elegant sunscreens they would love to wear daily.

caffeine and your skin health

Many Americans’ morning routine revolves around a good, hot cup of coffee.  Worries about coffee consumption contributing to heart disease and other forms of ill health were refuted and now our beloved ‘cup of joe’ is actually credited with reducing type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s, asthma and migraines.  Much of these benefits are linked directly to coffee’s caffeine content. 

Many ingredients that have proven internal benefits when consumed do not deliver the same positive outcomes when applied topically.  Caffeine does not fit into this category.  In addition to its amazing internal benefits, caffeine is a highly important topical ingredient.

We know that exposure to ultraviolet radiation leads to premature skin aging and skin cancer.  Applying broad-spectrum sun protection products daily is a critical step to avoiding the formation of pre-cancers.  Even with daily UV protection, some cells can begin to mutate and potentially lead to skin cancers. Caffeine  has demonstrated the ability to force these damaged skin cells into apoptosis (death), which reduces the potential that they will go awry and cause cancer. By incorporating caffeine into our new suite of broad-spectrum sun protection products, you now have access to a whole new standard of skin health protection.

Find caffeine and the powerful polyphenol antioxidant silybin in the following new PCA SKIN sun protection products:

weightless protection spf 45

perfecting protection spf 30

protecting hydrator spf 30

hydrator plus spf 30

active very water/sweat resistant spf 45

sunscreens and vitamin A prevent cancer

Many questions are arising due to the recent release of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) 2010 sunscreen guide in which they advise against using sunscreen containing either retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) or oxybenzone.  In this release, they only recommend 39 of the 500 sunscreens currently on the market.  Although they may have the best intentions, by misinterpreting and misunderstanding research, the EWG has unfortunately raised unjustified and unnecessary fears in consumers regarding sunscreen use.  Further, they have erroneously suggested that retinyl palmitate may trigger skin cancer.

We can all feel confident that both oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate are safe.

• Oxybenzone has been tested extensively and determined to be safe and effective by the scientific and regulatory bodies of the European Union, Canada and the United States.
• Retinyl palmitate and the entire the vitamin A family of ingredients, the retinoids, have long been proven to prevent skin cancers.
  • There are numerous scientific papers (citations available through PCA SKIN) as well as clinical experience to support the safety of the retinoid family of ingredients, including retinyl palmitate.   In fact, retinoids have been used for decades by dermatologists for the patients that are most at risk for skin cancers because for their ability to prevent and to reduce the number of actinic keratosis (pre-skin cancers) and skin cancers.
  • The National Toxicology Program (NTP) study, cited by the EWG, did not look at sunscreens.  This study was only evaluating the relationship between retinyl palmitate and UV exposure.  This is a critical fact because the addition of sunscreen, combined with the retinyl palmitate, would limit any cancer induction by UV rays.   Even if the EWG assertion that vitamin A induces skin cancer was correct, which the majority of research does not support, a sunscreen component added to vitamin A would inhibit the UV rays therefore inhibiting cancer.
  • There are human studies showing that both retinoids and sunscreens prevent pre-skin cancers and skin cancers.  It does not seem logical to therefore suggest that when used together that they would trigger skin cancers.

Educating patients on the critical importance of sunscreen use is not always easy.  Any distractions that create even the slightest worry or fear thwarts all our efforts to keep our patients healthy.  We hope that this misinterpretation of incomplete data does not put the public in any danger. 

For more information about the studies supporting the safety and efficacy of retinyl palmitate and sunscreens, feel free to contact us.