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.

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.

One of the new ingredients of 2009 for the skincare industry is topically applied caffeine.  The skincare industry is undergoing a multitude of test using caffeine as a means of eliminating the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and rejuvenating skin to that youth glow that everyone dreams of having.  Caffeine is being tested now on mice but to date there are no test on humans that show it to be safe.  The testing on mice is very promising that caffeine could be very effective for fighting back father time but further testing is needed to make sure it is safe as well as effective on human skin.

According to test results, mice treated with topical caffeine showed fewer fine lines and wrinkles than the mice in the placebo group.  The part of the study that is promising for future use in the skincare industry is that the mice were exposed to ultraviolet rays and the ones treated with topical caffeine had fewer skin cells damaged than the mice not treated with caffeine.  Another really interesting observation was that the caffeine targeted abnormal skin cells to destroy but kept the healthy, normal skin cells intact.  This means that caffeine may not only be effective in fighting the aging of the skin but also preventing skin cancer.  The consumers will no doubt see an increase in caffeine being used in anti-aging products but more studies will need to done to prove the safety and efficacy of topical caffeine on human skin.

SKIN1 by Dr Gram does not have any products available with caffeine at this time.  Our labs will research the ingredient further and then we will evaluate the possible use of caffeine in our products.  Our motto is “put your skin first^TM” but we want to make sure that we put the consumer first and make sure that every product that bears the name SKIN1 is not only effective but safe for you and your skin.       

Don’t let a little breakout stop you from working out!  The breakouts from exercise can be controlled with a little attention to you post workout routine.  Moderate exercise is good for your skin.   It helps you maintain a healthy body and manage your stress levels.  If your acne is aggravated by regular exercise, then follow these easy steps to help keep your skin looking fresh and clear.

Acne is one of the most common skincare issues that everyone faces at some point in their life.  The major cause of acne is excess oil that clogs the pores.   Strenuous workouts can cause the body to produce excess oil due to sweating and this can cause acne to flare up.  Building a skincare cleansing regimen into your post workout routine can help eliminate the dreadful breakouts.

·         Shampoo—Remember to wash and condition your hair before you cleanse and tone your face.  The conditioner can leave a residue on your skin and clog pores.

·         Facial cleanser—Use a cleanser that will remove dirt, makeup and oil.  Try to use cleansers that are sulfate free because the sulfates have been shown to cause irritation to the skin and also can actually clog the pores, instead of cleaning them out.

·         Toner—They remove excess cleanser and residue from liquid cleansers. Toners have a relatively low pH, helping to adjust the pH of the acid mantle after cleansing so it is not over stripped.  Toners provide a temporary tightening effect to both the skin as well as the individual follicle openings, helping to temporarily shrink pores.

·         Moisturize—Use a light moisturizer after workouts.  The last thing the skin wants is to be weighed down with a heavy rich moisturizer.  Remember to use SPF if spending time in the sun after your workout, a mineral SPF is preferred.

·         Drying off—Use a soft towel to dry off and remember to pat dry your face.  Wiping your face can be rough on the skin and can cause acne to be irritated.  

So keep up the great work!

A healthy mind and body from a great exercise program should be an integral part of your overall health. 

Remember a healthy body deserves healthy skin after all it is the only one you have so +put your skin first^TM

Stay focused on the post workout skincare regimen and you will be on your way to breakout free workouts.

1. Use a good moisturizer daily like SKIN1 daily moisturizer.

2. Increase water intake to stay well hydrated, 6-8 8oz. glasses per day is ideal.

3. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

4. Limit sun exposure time. if your job requires you to spend ample time outdoors, use a moisturizer with SPF.

5. Wash your face no more than twice daily and use a non-drying cleanser or scrub.

6. Shorter shower time with warm water rather than hot.  Hot water tends to dry the skin faster.

7. When drying after the shower pat dry instead wiping dry because wiping with a towel wipes off natural oils on the skin.

8. Apply moisturizers while the skin is still damp.

9. If you live in a dry climate buy a humidifier because dry heat or too much air conditioning can dry the skin.

10. Read the SKIN1 Blog regularly for more great tips!