Newly released SKIN1 by Dr. Gram is the first professional line to specifically address chronic inflammation, which research has linked to causing premature aging, skin damage and acne.

Newly released SKIN1 by Dr. Gram is the first professional line to specifically address chronic inflammation, which research has linked to causing premature aging, skin damage and acne. Compounding pharmacist Dr. Bernard Gramlich utilizes synergies between natural, organic, and pharmaceutical-grade ingredients to prevent chronic inflammation and meet the needs of daily skin maintenance/protection. It is also the only professional line that is sulfate, paraben and fragrance free.

SKIN1 by Dr. Gram

“Scientific research connected chronic cutaneous inflammation with premature aging and other diseases such as cancer over 50 years ago, so I was surprised to learn this is the first line to control all effects of inflammation,” said Dr. Gramlich. “Most skin care products have one or two active ingredients in high concentrations which can be extremely harsh – there are 11 active ingredients in every SKIN1 by Dr. Gram product to gently yet effectively treat skin.”

About Inflammation: The three irritants that disrupt the skin barrier to cause inflammation are: environmental (smoking, allergens, UV rays and pollution); hormonal (stress and acne); and physical (harsh products, medical/cosmetic procedures, and preservatives). Acute inflammation is triggered to repair the damaged skin barrier by remodeling the injured skin. The body does not know when to stop “fixing” itself and continues producing pro-inflammatory molecules to ensure the problem is corrected. This is chronic inflammation which results in breakdown of collagen elastin, increase in oil production, and an increase in free radicals. SKIN1 by Dr. Gram is designed to prevent acute inflammation from becoming chronic.

Nutra-VÎt Complex™ This signature complex is included in all SKIN1 by Dr. Gram products. It utilizes the synergies between Niacinamide, glucosamine and two types of Vitamin E to fight inflammation and aging, moisturize, renew DNA, balance skin and slow skin discoloration.

Stem Cell Technology
Eye Rescue is the first skin care product to utilize Rutin, a powerful antioxidant that stabilizes Vitamin C, strengthens collagen/elastin in capillaries and chelates metals from the skin. By reproducing stem cells from Buckwheat, the most powerful source of this ingredient, Dr. Gram has been able to create a natural version that does not oxidize. Microsphere technology effectively delivers Rutin and Vitamin K, a vasoconstrictor, to strengthen capillaries to dramatically reduce dark circles and puffiness from under the eye. It includes extra protection from Vitamin C and two forms of Vitamin E, which infuse the skin with unsurpassed antioxidant action and nourishment. The signature Nutra-VÎt Complex™ works synergistically with botanical extracts to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, while aiding the skin’s natural recovery from environmental damage.

Daily Regimen: Daily Scrub, Daily Cleanser, Daily Moisturizer, Eye Rescue
Daily Scrub contains the powerful action of bamboo, rice brand beads, and walnut shell to remove the dead surface skin cells that dull a complexion. It reveals the freshest skin possible and allows the pure antioxidant and anti-aging properties of Green Tea and Vitamin E to directly impact the new skin cells. The signature Nutra-Vît ComplexTM helps balance hydration, decrease hyperpigmentation, and nourish the complexion. The blend of organic, pharmaceutical grade, and natural ingredients work synergistically together to enhance the skin’s natural resurfacing properties and will invigorate tired dull looking skin.

Acne Regimen: Clarifying Cleanser, Clarifying Toner, Clarifying Mask
Clarifying Mask brings together the antiseptic power of sulfur and camphor with the soothing relief of oat flour to clear and soothe acne prone skin. This nutrient-rich treatment purifies and brightens the skin, while minimizing the appearance of pores. Nutra-VÎt Complex™ works synergistically with botanical extracts to balance skin hydration and reduce hyperpigmentation, while aiding the skin’s natural recovery from free radical damage.

Clarifying Cleanser is a non-drying formula designed for all skin types, but especially beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin. This deep purifying cleanser uses salicylic acid to promote healing and preventing of blemishes by removing blackhead-causing bacteria from the pores while simultaneously exfoliating to decongest the skin. Antioxidants neutralize age accelerating free radicals while the natural, pharmaceutical grade and organic ingredients along with the botanicals calm and nourish the skin, leaving the complexion feeling refreshed and looking radiant.

Environmental Commitment
SKIN1 is committed to being an environmentally conscious company in all aspects of its business, implementing strict recycling guidelines and green eco-packaging. SKIN1 also only sources ingredients from eco-friendly companies that offer the finest natural, organic and pharmaceutical grade ingredients.

About SKIN1:
As the owner and operator of two successful West Coast pharmacies, Dr. Gramlich has worked with some of the most respected dermatologists in the country. SKIN1 by Dr. Gram merges the finest elements in nature with the most powerful pharmaceuticals to create successful synergies to treat chronic inflammation and common skin care issues without irritation. All products include the signature Nutra-Nutra-VÎt Complex™, a combination of anti-oxidants, skin rejuvenators and moisturizers. SKIN1 by Dr. Gram is free from parabens, sulfates and fragrances, and entirely cruelty-free, Available at www.dermstore.com, www.makemeheal.com  and exclusive salons and spas.

For more information visit www.drgram.com.

San Diego, CA (Vocus) March 9, 2009 – SKIN1™ by Dr. Gram shows love in a lot of ways. His passion is to treat your skin with love, but his desire and commitment to bring you the best skin products extends past the creams and gels, and into the hearts of the community. Dr. Gram is dedicated to helping those in the San Diego community living with multiple sclerosis by creating the 2009 MS Fitness Scholarship. While training at Addie’s Studio, he met an MS patient who told him how the specially designed workouts have basically saved her life.

“That was all I needed to hear to lend a helping hand,” said Dr. Gram. “I took this news back to my pharmacy and told my multiple sclerosis patients about the fitness program and now, some have been enjoying the benefits of training. I saw a need and filled it the best way I could think of. While having healthy skin is important, health is much more than what’s seen. I can’t ignore that, so I am privileged to provide support in any way I can.”

Those living with multiple sclerosis are encouraged to apply for the Fitness Scholarship. Its goal is to present it to people living with multiple sclerosis who could make a valuable life changing improvement with an increase in physical conditioning. Participants are to answer six essay questions about their life and family and how MS has affected them. The members of the Pacific South Coast chapter’s clinical programs committee and the Addie’s Studio staff will vote on the scholarship recipients based on essay responses and need.

A male and female MS recipient will be awarded the fitness scholarship, worth $3,500. The fitness program includes:

• A personal trainer
• 26 sessions in the MS strength training program
• Nutritional information
• Monthly measures of progress with their strength and overall fitness

SKIN1™ by Dr. Gram sponsorship dollars will enable the MS fitness scholarship to exist. Without a fitness scholarship, the winners of the award would be unable to partake in a program of this caliber. For more information on SKIN1 ™ by Dr. Gram and how to participate in the 2009 MS Fitness Scholarship, visit www.addiesstudio.com and click on the SKIN1™ by Dr. Gram logo.San Diego, Dr. Gram has worked with several top physicians and dermatologists to develop prescription skincare products. Some of the most-recognized names in dermatology owe their success to the genius of Dr. Gram’s expert formulas. SKIN1™ by Dr. Gram is based in San Diego and for more information, visit www.drgram.com.‘/>”/>

About SKIN1™ by Dr. Gram
Dr. Gram has a decade of experience as a compounding pharmacist. He has helped countless patients solve their skin problems including severe acne, sun damage and skin aging with his passionate “put your skin first™” philosophy. In addition to developing a cult following in beauty-conscious

Controlling inflammation in your skin can change your skin. 

Inflammation is the Enemy Number #1 to Healthy Skin.  Inflammation breaks down collagen and elastin, increases oil production, and increases the amount of free radicals in the skin. 

Here are a few tips to help control inflammation and keep your skin health.

The normal cleanse, tone, and moisturize is the gold standard but what else can you do?

You have to train your skin to change just like you workout to get your body in better shape your skin needs a workout too.  Here are some tips to keep your skin healthier.

Dry skin:

1. Water- Drinking water keeps the skin hydrated because throughout the day your skin loses moisture.
2.  Take a daily Skin, Hair and Nails Vitamin.  Treating your skin topically with quality skin care is great but it is not enough.  You have to treat your skin from the inside too.
3. Avoid using cleansers and scrubs that dry your skin.
4. If you live in a dry climate use a humidifier to help keep your skin from drying out.

Oily skin:

1. Water- Rinse your face with warm water.  Warm water is a better solvent than cold water.
2. Stress- I know easier said than done but if you can lower your stress level you will be able to control your hormone level that can cause excessive oil secretion.
3. Use a non-drying mask can help control the oil production.
   1. The problem with most skincare products that “control oil” is that they dry the skin.  Drying oily skin is the worst thing one can do.  If you use a product that dries the skin the body will want to fix the dry skin by producing oil.  The problem is the body can fix the oil skin but the body does not know when to stop.  Example: You cut yourself and the body fixes the cut by growing new skin but the body does not stop at a nice new layer of skin it grows into a scar well the same thing happens with over producing oil.

SKIN1 by Dr Gram clarifying regimen can improve the appearance of pore size due to its anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, soothing and regenerative effect. They purifies and “absorbs” excess oil secretion and makes the pores look smaller.

The key ingredients that reduce pore size are

1. Camphor in SKIN1^TM by Dr Gram clarifying mask gently draws out impurities from below the surface, absorbs excess oils helping diminish the appearance of large pores and revitalize skin’s appearance.

2. Witch Hazel in SKIN1^TM by Dr Gram clarifying toner reduces pore size by tightening the pore tubule and makes the skin appear smoother.

3. Salicylic acid which is in the entire SKIN1^TM by Dr Gram clarifying regimen is a beta hydroxy acid that is oil soluble and is able to seep into the sebum packed pore and exfoliate the dead skin cells that build up inside of the pore. Thus by exfoliating the pore and cleaning out the impurities the pore is not stretched and will shrink back to its normal size.

Premature aging of the skin and inflammation

Scientists have long known that the root cause of most skin damage is inflammation.  50 years ago, Dr. Denham Harmon first documented the connection between inflammation and skin damage while researching the destructive impact free radicals have on cells.  30 years ago, Kligman and Lavker detailed the role that inflammation plays in visibly aging skin.  More recently, science has identified a link between inflammation and multiple disease states, including heart attacks, colon, skin and prostate cancer, as well as aging of the skin. 

The mechanism of inflammation

There are many factors that can damage the skin:  UV radiation, smoking, excessively aggressive facials, harsh chemicals found in some skincare products, and even hormonal imbalances (for example, in the case of acne).  What most people don’t realize is that all of these agents are related to inflammation of the skin cells.  Irritants such as those above cause disruption of the skin barrier which in turn activates the release of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) and interleukins 1 (IL1) and 8 (IL-8), as well as other pro-inflammatory molecules to induce protective acute inflammation and trigger repair of the damaged skin barrier.  Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are enzymes that activate inflammation and degrade the damaged dermal skin cells like collagen and elastin to remodel the skin after injury.  These destructive enzymes are produced in several skin cells, including fibroblasts, keratinocytes and mast cells.  Collagenase , stromelysin and gelatinase are the most important enzymes in the inflammatory response.  Visible skin aging like fine lines, wrinkles, fragility and laxity are due to solar elastosis, collagen destruction and tissue atrophy induced by damaging MMP activity. 

Thus, the acute inflammatory response plays a vital role in the repair of damaged skin cells.  But the modern woman often faces so much skin stress that chronic inflammation can result.  Here, the body has taken a beneficial reaction too far, and the continual release of destructive enzymes can damage the skin faster than it can repair itself.  The result is premature aging and the possibility of more serious diseases.  

Reversing the damage

For over 100 years, people have used aspirin and other anti-inflammatories to reduce internal inflammation.  And for decades people have taken antioxidant supplements to prevent damage to internal cells.  Now it’s possible to apply the healing properties of both these compounds to the skin as well, reducing current inflammation and preventing its recurrence in the future. 

Any skincare regimen intended to reduce visible skin aging should begin by addressing chronic skin inflammation.  Daily use of a skincare line that fights chronic inflammation will ensure that the skin is functioning at its optimal level of protection.  Dr. Gram has researched the mechanisms of inflammation and the thousands of herbal and antioxidant ingredients available to fight inflammation in topical skincare preparations.  He found that only fourteen of these ingredients have been rigorously tested and clearly shown in human clinical trials to improve skin condition and decrease the visible signs of aging in the skin.  They include, for example, the alpha hydroxy acids that can be found in apples, panax ginseng root extract, green tea, ginger root, retinols from carrots, soy bean extracts, and grape seed extracts.  Dr. Gram has incorporated these proven ingredients to create a new line of skin-care products called SKIN1.  Inflammation has been shown to increase the number of free radicals in the skin, break down collagen and elastin, and increase oil production.  While many lines of skincare products attack free radicals, and anti-aging products seek to heal the damage to collagen and elasting, only SKIN1 does both while also reducing excess oil production by avoiding harsh drying sulfates. 

In addition to SKIN1, Dr. Gram further recommends diet modification along the lines of Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet.  (Andrew Weil, MD, a leading name in the health field, believes that “without question, diet influences inflammation,” and has formulated a diet especially designed to reduce inflammation.)   

Conclusion

Recent scientific advances have made clear chronic inflammation’s connection to multiple skin conditions, as well as its connection to a host of systemic diseases including cancer.  It is clear that skincare products with the right ingredients can help prevent and reverse chronic inflammation, restoring the skin to its normal condition and helping to minimize, reverse, and/or prevent premature aging of the skin.  Virtually everyone would benefit from a diet rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents and daily use of topical anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents such as those found in SKIN1.

My next few blogs are going to be about some of the main ingredients in SKIN1 products. I want to help people understand why I use the ingredients I use and why. As a compounding pharmacist my expertise is how to put ingredient sets together that work synergistically with each other to achieve better results than using that same ingredient by itself.

The main ingredient for this blog is Rutin, which is found in SKIN1 eye rescue. Rutin is a bioflavonoid that is found in many different plants, fruits, and vegetables. Pure Rutin is yellowish in color and the richest source to get it is buckwheat although it is also found in citrus fruits, black tea, and apple peels.

Rutin was a great choice for the eye rescue because of its many functions. First it is a strong antioxidant that can chelate metal ions like iron by reducing the Fenton reaction. The Fenton reaction is when iron reacts with a peroxide to make a hydroxyl molecule which is a free radical. Free radicals are bad because they damage the skin by stealing the charge from the healthy cells around it and making them unstable. Now this is good when you are trying to clean up contaminated soil or sludge water but not so good for the skin. Free radicals damage organic compounds like skin; this is why antioxidants are needed in skincare lines to protect the skin from breakdown and aging.

Vitamin C by itself can oxidize and become a dangerous free radical but when it is combined with Rutin at the proper concentration it stabilizes Vitamin C and works synergistically together and intensifies the anti-oxidant activity of Vitamin C.

Another important role of Rutin is that it strengthens capillaries. This is one of the main reasons why I picked Rutin for the eye rescue. When the blood pools in the delicate skin under the eye this is when you get dark circles and puffiness. There have been many studies proving that Rutin can prevent venous edema by strengthening the capillaries thus getting rid of and preventing dark circles under the eye with daily use. Now I have combined the Rutin with Vitamin C and K to boost the action of each and effective eliminating dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles around the eye.

The last function of Rutin is that it has anti-inflammatory effects. With all of SKIN1 products they are formulated with multiple ingredients that help to fight inflammation because inflammation is one of the biggest roots to skincare issues like break down of collagen and elastin, increase in oil production which can lead to acne and blemishes, as well as skin discoloration.

Now as you can see Rutin is a favorite ingredient of mine and when it is combined the right mixture of ingredients the benefits are well worth it. Give SKIN1 eye rescue a try and see for yourself.