MANILA, Philippines—The biggest culprit in skin aging is the sun. That’s why I find it ironic that cosmetic companies choose to bombard us with anti-aging products during the cold months but seem to abandon us altogether when summer starts creeping in.
For Asian skin, age shows first in discoloration and sagging rather than in wrinkles, as in Caucasians.
Here are some non-greasy and non-pore-clogging remedies.
In a meeting with dermatologist Lucy Forres, I learned that L-ascorbic acid is the only form of Vitamin C that will make a positive difference to collagen in terms of restoring the elasticity and firmness of the skin. Any other form is merely for antioxidant purposes.
Products with Vitamin C derivatives have molecules that are too big which cannot penetrate the deeper levels of the skin where collagen production is found. Their benefits are limited to fading skin discoloration and boosting the properties of your SPF sun blocks.
Cellex C high potency serum contains L-ascorbic acid. It is lightweight and needs to be applied only once a day. That single application is good for three days so you are assured of its benefits and protection.
The downside: The moment you open the vial, Vitamin C oxidizes so as you’re using it, it becomes less and less potent.
So take advantage by applying it not only on the face and neck, but also at the back of the hands and areas with dark marks and freckles.
I had a wound and was advised to wait for the scabs to fall out before applying Cellex C. Result: My leg wound has not yet turned brown but has stayed reddish and continues to fade and shrink.
It is when a wound has turned brown that it is almost impossible to fade. Of course, you can use hydroquinone, but not if you are pregnant or intend to conceive.
Vitamin for the skin
L-Ascorbic Vitamin C is very safe. It contains Zinc to create a conducive environment for collagen production, and Tyrosine for skin remodeling and repair.
The perfect moisturizer for the wounded skin is Hydra 5 B complex, an oil-free gel containing a high percentage of hyaluronic acid, a substance that attracts 1,000 times its weight in water for maximum hydration.
Well-hydrated skin heals and repairs more efficiently. These are sold exclusively at physicians’ clinics due to its very potent formulation that needs to be monitored, so call 8997868 to find the clinic nearest you.
Notes: Any Vitamin C cannot be combined with copper peptide or calcium ingredients as these minerals cancel each other’s benefits. So you will be spending a lot for nothing if you carelessly combine products that contain these ingredients.
Lifting eye creams
My main problems are puffiness and drooping upper lids, especially when I am really tired.
What works?
L’Oreal Revtalift Double Lift Eye may be useful. Its red side is for lifting the upper lids and its white side is for hydrating and draining the lower. Those with puffy upper lids will love this.
You may also try Kiehl’s Eye Alert, which is really for men. But it is, hands down, the best eye cream for those prone to puffy eyes. The caffeine in it will make you look like you get eight hours sleep nightly.
Kiehl’s first store is at Greenbelt 5 Makati.
Also check out Herbalife Skin Activator Eye. It was my life saver when I was trapped in an air-conditioned hotel room for three days finishing up five deadlines. It hydrated the lower and side eye area and kept it firm despite the haggard nights.
For a Herbalife dealer near you, call 8973450.
Clarins Lift Affine Regard Defining Eye lift is applied on brow bone and under the eyes. It gives an instant lift to heavy lids, drains puffy portions instantly and brightens dark circles slightly.
My staple eye creams are Shu Uemura Beta G eye, Lancome Secret de Vie, and Guerlain Orchid Imperiale. They have active ingredients that work on strengthening the immune system.
All of the items I have reviewed above really do a great job.
Tags: ascorbic acid, B Complex, cellex c, collagen production, conducive environment, cosmetic companies, dermatologist, elasticity, firmness, freckles, high potency, manila philippines, moisturizer, potency serum, scabs, skin discoloration, sun blocks