Sophyto: The Organic Alternative

Sure, natural, organic products may be good for your skin and the environment, but what about their effectiveness? Is it possible to get the same skin rejuvenating benefits without all the chemicals?

With the latest advancements in organic skin care, the answer is a resounding yes. One of the newest additions to SkinCareRx is Sophyto, the first professional certified organic skin care line licensed by the UK Soil Association.

With very little current regulation of organic skin care, this rare certification guarantees Sophyto’s products contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients and meet stringent health and beauty care standards.

Originally from the UK, Sophyto has made the trip across the pond to provide skin care that’s good for you and the earth. Its focus is not youth in a bottle, but restoring the health of your skin.

So what makes Sophyto different?

1. Safe ingredient principles. Every ingredient Sophyto uses is screened to ensure it causes no harm to your health or to the environment.

Prohibited ingredients:
Petrochemicals, Triclosan, Hydrogenated fats, Mineral Oils, Hexane and similar solvents, non-organic or synthetic fragrances and colors, Polysorbates, Ethanolamides, Alkyl Sulphates, and Alkyl Ethyl Sulphates.

Prohibited Processes:
Genetic modification, ethoxylation, hydrogenation, sulphonation, ionizing radiation, solvent extraction except with water, ethanol, glycerine, CO2, and nanotechnology.

2. No artificial preservatives. Instead, Sophyto uses a unique food-grade preservative system. This ensures its formulas are pure and long-lasting without using parabens or petrochemicals.

3. Complex Organic Ingredients. Sophyto’s formulas contain hundreds of organic vitamins, minerals, and plant chemicals, which have been scientifically proven to work together and deliver a stronger potency than single element skin care.

Recommended Sophyto Products

Sophyto Ultra Mild Silken Cleanser Effectively cleanse your skin, removing makeup and all environmental debris without s...

Sophyto Normalising Day Face Moisturiser Sophyto Normalising Day Face Moisturiser is a nourishing and hydrating moisturizer th...

Sophyto Skin Energising High Potency Concentrate Hydrate, smooth, and protect your skin with Sophyto Skin Energising High Potency Conc...

Gain Confidence with Clarity: Causes and Treatments for Acne

Acne is the most widespread skin problem in the world. It is a problem that affects almost everyone at one time or another, including 90% of teenagers, 50% of adult women, and 25% of all adults. There are many misconceptions about the causes of acne as well as the treatments. Since everyone's skin reacts differently, once you know the cause of your own acne, it is much easier to find the right treatment.

Acne is caused by hormones, excess oil, uneven cell turnover, and bacteria. The majority of acne sufferers are teenagers. During puberty, the body begins to produce hormones called androgens. Androgens cause the oil glands to enlarge, causing acne breakouts. An excess amount of hormones can also occur during pregnancy and a woman's menstrual cycle.

Acne is not caused by dirt, even though blackheads may look like dirt stuck in the pore, they are actually oxidized keratin, caused by cells that didn't separate from the pore and shed from the skin. Products containing Salicylic Acid go deep into the pore, clearing excess oil and dead cells. Medicated Acne scrubs are a good way to remove excess cell buildup and prevent and treat blackheads and blemishes. They should only be used one to two times a week to prevent irritation. Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid, and Retinol are all ingredients to look for to slough off excess cell buildup on the surface of the skin.

Bacteria (Bacterium Propionibacterium Acnes) isn't something that only lives in problem skin. It is a part of the skin's natural oil maintenance system. Once a pore is clogged, the bacteria on the skin multiplies rapidly, creating red, inflammation on the skin. Benzoyl Peroxide in lower dosages is ideal for treating red, inflamed acne breakouts without causing irritation. It oxygenates the pore, ridding the skin of acne-causing bacteria.

When beginning any treatment, patience is the key to success. Since pimples begin to form two to three weeks before they appear on your skin, don't get discouraged if your treatment products don't clear breakouts immediately. It is also important to remember to continue treatment even after your acne clears to prevent future breakouts.

Recommended Acne Treatments
Solvere Acne Clearing Kit
Treat, heal, and prevent acne blemishes all at the same time when you use Solvere Acne Clearing Kit. It uses powerful acids to gently exfoliate and unclog the pores for clear, beautiful skin.
The kit includes: Step 1 - Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and 2% Glycolic Acid, Step 2 - Toner Pads with 2% Salicylic Acid and 2% Glycolic Acid, Step 3 - 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, and Step 4 - Fortified Moisturizer with Antioxidants.
Clear Clinical Acne Treatment Cream
You shouldn't have to trade a dry, scaly patch for your acne blemishes. Clear Clinical Acne Treatment is strong enough to kill the acne-causing bacteria in your skin without irritation. It contains ingredients to actually moisturize your skin so it can be soft and smooth as it heals.
M2 HP Skin Refinish 20%
Eliminate all your skin care woes with one easy-to-use serum. This multi-purpose facial treatment uses a high-potency combination of Mandelic and Malic Acids to rapidly even skin tone, reduce breakouts, and soften wrinkles. (Previously known as MaMa Lotion)

Stopping the Clock: Culprits of Aging Skin

Aging is inevitable, and as we get older, the effects of aging on our bodies becomes more apparent. Generally, our skin starts to age while we are in our twenties, but it should take several decades for that aging to catch up to us and become visible. Today, however, the effects of aging are usually all too visible for everyone to see.

Common effects of aging on the skin are wrinkles, age spots, and dryness. As we age, our skin produces less oil, which leaves our skin vulnerable to the climate and, therefore, extreme drying. People also generally experience thinner skin due to skin fat loss, which leaves skin sallow and less full. Unfortunately, gravity also has its effect, and begins to pull everything down.

Contrary to popular belief though, there are ways to combat the appearance and severity of skin aging. First and foremost is the regulation of sun exposure. Direct sunlight is one of the biggest contributors to premature aging. To avoid the effects of sun damage, wear an SPF of 15 or higher every day and wear protective clothing. The sun is potent all year long. Also, avoid false sunlight and UV rays in tanning beds and sun lamps. Such lights can prove even more harmful than normal sunlight. Blue-eyed and fair-skinned people have been proven to show more direct signs of aging and should be especially careful when in the sun.

Cigarettes are arguably the biggest contributor to deep wrinkles and premature aging after sun exposure. Prolonged smoking and inhalation increases the number of visible fine lines and wrinkles, skin takes longer to heal, and pigmentation and age spots become apparent. Nicotine constricts the blood vessels and decreases oxygen flow to the skin, essentially cutting off a healthy nutrient supply.

If you have heard the myth that facial exercise will maintain facial health in the future, you should probably stop now. Studies have shown that repetitive facial motions only serve to increase fine lines and wrinkles in the future. Also, try to mix up your sleeping positions. If you always sleep with your cheek on the pillow in the same way, your skin will wrinkle easier as you age.

One of your best defenses against aging skin is a healthy, balanced diet. Keep your diet loaded with essential oils, fish, olives, nuts, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, total fats (as opposed to saturated fats), water, tea, reduced-fat dairy products and supplements such as Zinc. Furthermore, keep your skin hydrated at all times. This will aid in the skin's natural defense system against damaging free radicals.

So, although we will all eventually experience aging, you can slow the process. Just be smart about what you are putting in your body, and be aware of what you are exposing your body to.

Recommended Anti-Aging Treatments
M.D. Forte Skin Rejuvenation Lotion III
Kick your skin-rejuvenating regimen into high gear with M.D. Forte Skin Rejuvenation Lotion 3. It deeply hydrates and renews skin with a higher level of Glycolic Acid and an added boost of Retinol. You skin will feel softer, look smoother, and totally defy your age.
Obagi Professional-C Serum 20%
Grant your skin the defense it needs to stay healthy and fit with Obagi Professional-C Serum 20%. It's designed to visibly reduce the signs of aging, protect your skin from future damage from free radicals, and support healthy skin function. The smooth serum also boosts collagen, brightens skin tone, and restores needed moisture and hydration to improve the skin's tone and texture. Obagi's strongest Professional-C Serum provides the strongest brightening effects.
iS Clinical Super Serum Advance+
Crank your regular skin care regimen up a notch. iS Clinical Super Serum Advance+ combines the remarkable results of time released L-Ascorbic Acid in a 15% concentration with Copper Tripeptide to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scar tissue, stretch marks, and uneven pigmentation. This new and improved formula is three times more effective than the original Super Serum, and is very effective at causing skin to appear brighter and firmer with a more even tone and texture.

Rosacea, Reducing the Redness

Rosacea is a common, but often overlooked skin disorder affecting over 14 million Americans today. Unfortunately, the National Rosacea Society says that about 78 percent of Americans neither know how to recognize this skin disorder, or how to properly treat it.

Most often effecting fair-skinned people, rosacea is characterized by “erythema,” or flushing of the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. This flushing can also be found around the areas of the shoulders and back. Statistically, women experience rosacea symptoms about three times more often than men.

While the cause of rosacea is unknown, some scientists believe that there is a hereditary component. Individuals of European and Scandinavian descent seem to be predisposed to rosacea. Scientists have also learned that factors such as elevated levels of the peptide Cathelicidin, Stratum Corneum Tryptic Enzymes (SCTEs), and steroids can induce, or lead to rosacea. Rosacea symptoms can be triggered and aggravated by prolonged sun exposure, increased stress, alcohol, certain foods and caffeinated beverages, excessive exercise, severe temperature fluctuations, and even certain skin care products.

There are four classifications of rosacea:

1)Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea often exhibits a persistent flushing, or redness, with the possibility of visible blood vessels in the face.

2)Papulopustular rosacea also manifests as distinct redness, but includes a bumpy uneven texture that often leads it to being confused as acne vulgaris.

3)Phymatous rosacea leads to a thickening of the skin because of an excess of tissue and an irregular epidermal texture.

4)Ocular rosacea affects the eyes, making eyelids irritated, red, swollen, and uncomfortable.

There is no known cure for rosacea, however, the symptoms can be controlled and improve significantly by using proven skincare treatments. This skincare regimen would include a personalized and gentle skin-cleansing routine, daily sun protection containing products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, Tetracycline antibiotics, and possibly laser treatments and/or photorejuvenation therapy. But be aware, some skincare treatments and products can actually create and worsen rosacea symptoms. These could include use of: microdermabrasion, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids (such as Retin-A or retinol palmitate).

Many rosacea sufferers can benefit by learning to identify their trigger factors and avoiding those situations and skincare products that could increase their symptoms. An effective rosacea treatment must be continual and long-term. While it is characterized by periods of flare-ups and remissions, most individuals can experience gradual and noticeable improvements by using proven skincare treatments and avoiding triggers over time.

Recommended Treatments for Rosacea
B. Kamins Chemist Booster Blue Rosacea Treatment
Smooth on instant, calming relief with B. Kamins Chemist Booster Blue Rosacea Treatment. This lightweight serum acts as an anti-inflammatory, reducing redness and smoothing out the texture of the skin.
Avene Diroseal - Anti Redness Skincare Lotion
Reduce the redness in your skin with Avene Diroseal Anti Redness Skincare Lotion. It not only soothes and relieves irritation and dryness in the skin, it reduces the visible redness. It's smooth, creamy texture feels wonderful on the skin and it is slightly tinted green to neutralize the red.
B. Kamins Chemist Booster Blue Rosacea Treatment
Smooth on instant, calming relief with B. Kamins Chemist Booster Blue Rosacea Treatment. This lightweight serum acts as an anti-inflammatory, reducing redness and smoothing out the texture of the skin.

Tip the Scales on Eczema and Psoriasis

Although often similar in appearance, eczema and psoriasis are two very different types of dermatitis that affect a great number of the world's population today. Both eczema and psoriasis are characterized by distinct skin rashes, but differ in overall severity.

Eczema is an extremely broad term that applies to a variety of skin rashes and irritations, of which symptoms include redness, itching and dryness, flaking, blistering, cracking, and oozing or bleeding.

There are four main types of eczema. Atopic eczema is believed to have a hereditary component, as families that suffer from either hay fever, or asthma tend to be predisposed to it. Symptoms include an itchy rash covering the face, neck, hands, elbows, knees and scalp. Contact dermatitis can either be caused by irritants such as detergents, or allergens such as nickel, and can generally be avoided. Xerotic eczema is dry skin so severe that it becomes eczema, and seborrhoeic eczema is the dry, or greasy scaling of the scalp and elbows.

A diagnosis of eczema is usually based on an evaluation of family history, dietary and lifestyle habits, allergies, the use of prescribed drugs, and exposure to irritating chemicals and materials. Treatments include intensive moisturizers (emollients or aqueous), the elimination of dusts or allergens, anti-itch products, corticosteroids, and or immunomodulators.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated, genetic disease that manifests on the skin, and/or joints and varies from person to person. Scientists believe that psoriasis triggers the immune system to speed up the production of skin cells at a rate too fast to shed. The skin then builds up and scales, forming lesions on the upper epidermis. Because psoriasis is not the same for any two people, a diagnosis is based entirely upon the physician's examination of the condition.

There are five main types of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is the most common, and is characterized by the buildup of skin cells and the formation of lesions. Guttate psoriasis exhibits the formation of small, patchy lesions on the body. Pustular psoriasis occurs when the lesions begin to ooze and bleed. Inverse Psoriasis is an intense inflammation of the epidermis. Finally, erythrodermic psoriasis is the rapid shedding of the skin, resulting in chapped, red, and raw skin.

Triggers for psoriasis include emotional stress, skin injury, infections, and an adverse reaction to drugs. Treatments must be individualized because cases are so different, and flare-ups are common. Scientists are, however, close to discovering the exact genetic properties that cause psoriasis. Some treatments include topical creams, phototherapy, photochemotherapy, systemic treatment, and even homeopathic remedies such as oatmeal baths.

Neither eczema, nor psoriasis have a cure yet, but treatments have been proven to minimize the frequency and severity of flares of both diseases.

Recommend Treatments for Eczema & Psoriasis

Dr Irena Eris - Pharmaceris - Lipo-Moistatic - Active Regenerating Cream
Is your skin is serious need of hydration? Dr Irena Eris Regenerating Cream prevents water loss from the skin and returns it to its normal balance. It intensely nourishes, regenerates, and significantly improves the protective function of the skin.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet Cleansing Body Cream-Gel
Save your skin from harsh, drying soaps and hard water. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet Cleansing Body Cream-Gel is a daily, non-drying, foaming body wash. It is soap-free and fragrance-free. It is targeted for adults and children with Atopic Dermatitis. Your skin will be perfectly clean without irritation.

Qusamine-ST
Stop the itch, irritation, inflammation, scaling, and flaking of Psoriasis with this ultra-moisturizing treatment cream. Offering the latest in skin care technology, Qusamine-ST utilizes Releven, a balanced combination of Salicylic Acid and amino acids to soothe itching and irritation. Fragrance free, non-greasy, paraben free, and steroid free.

Get Even, Meslasma Causes and Treatments

Embarrassing patches of dark colored skin on your face, lips, chest, or shoulders is not something you should have to be ashamed of or live with the rest of your life. Melasma, also known as Chloasma or the Mask of Pregnancy, is estimated to affect over six million men and women throughout the U.S. Melasma is a stimulation of melanocytes or pigment-producing cells in the skin when the skin is exposed to the sun.

Melasma may sound like a trivial, cosmetic concern since it does not cause any other symptoms or health problems other than skin discoloration, but to a person who has melasma it can be crippling and emotionally painful. The major observed causes of melasma are an increase in hormones (pregnancy, oral contraceptives, or hormone replacement therapy), genetics, and sun exposure. In rare cases, melasma has occurred through an allergic reaction to medications and cosmetics.

Estrogen and Progesterone levels are normally increased during the third trimester of pregnancy. This increase in hormones in some cases stimulates the melanin producing cells in the skin to increase and cause the brown patches. The discoloration usually disappears spontaneously over a period of several months after giving birth, stopping the oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy.

A major factor in cases of melasma is genetic predisposition. More than 30% of patients with melasma have a family history of the condition. This common link relates to skin type and hormone levels linked through DNA.

The most preventable and damaging factor related to melasma is exposure to sunlight. UVA and UVB rays cause the generation of free radicals, which can stimulate melanocytes to produce excess melanin. It is very important to always wear a form of sunscreen even if you don't have signs of melasma. Be sure to use at least an SPF 30 sunscreen over all exposed areas and reapply frequently.

No matter how your melasma has occurred, it can be treated. For tolerant medium-toned skin, Hydroquinone is a powerful bleaching agent to lighten melasma. Mandelic Acid is gentle, non-irritating ingredient ideal for darker complexions. Kojic Acid, Azeilic Acid, Arbutin, Licorice, and Vitamin C are all proven ingredients to treat sensitive or reactive skin.

Now that you know the causes and how to treat and prevent melasma, there's no need to hide. While your skin is healing, it is important to only use healthy makeup. Pure mineral makeup is an ideal choice, since it blends smoothly over the skin and contains an SPF.

Products Recommended
SkinMedica TNS Hyperpigmentation System
Take the first step toward younger, smoother, more radiant skin with SkinMedica TNS Hyperpigmenatation System.

Colorescience Suncanny Foundation Brush SPF 20 - My Fair Lady
Enjoy the benefits of loose minerals in your foundation with Colorescience Suncanny Foundation Brush SPF 20 - My Fair Lady. The lightweight minerals are highly pigmented, but your skin will feel fresh and bare even while wearing them. Best of all it's good for your skin!

Obagi Nu-Derm Clear
Make your intentions as well as your skin crystal-clear as you hydrate, balance, and even out your complexion. Obagi Nu-Derm Clear's lightweight formula delves deep into skin to clear, resurface, and reduce uneven skin tone while lightly moisturizing.

Leave your past behind, Fighting sun damage

Remember your teenage years, when you transformed your backyard deck into the ultimate tanning bed? You didn't think about the damage, you just found the right spot, slathered on the baby oil, and enjoyed those perfect rays.

Unfortunately, today your skin is showing the results. Perhaps freckles, sunspots, and wrinkles have taken the place of that youthful glow. And alathough now you'd never dare to leave the house without at least an SPF15, you still wish you could reverse the past.

Lucky for you, SkinCareRx have found a new product that can do just that. Remergent DNA Repair is a new serum proven to repair past UV damage and protect skin from future damage.

How it can turn back time
We know, it almost sounds too good to be true. But this one really is different. "Remergent DNA Repair helps restore thymine dimmers, which are pieces of DNA broken by UV exposure," says Dr. Tina Alster, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Georgetown University Medical Center. "This product is really helpful for people with a lot of sun damage."

In fact, this product is the first of its kind to use the science of DNA Repair enzymes to rebuild the skin's protective barrier, treat discolorations, and prevent wrinkles. Simply apply the serum twice a day for repair and finish with a sunscreen for prevention.

Why we're believers
After using the product for two months, our staff is already seeing results, such as lighter freckles, improved hydration, smoother wrinkles, and overall clearer skin.

Products Recommended
Remergent Antioxidant Refoliator is a skin protector designed to replenish the skin following exfoliation treatments. Antioxidant Refoliator is recommended for antioxidant replenishment following exfoliation treatments, including microdermabrasion, chemical and laser peels, shaving, and scrubbing grains. For all photo-damaged skin types after exfoliation treatments. Antioxidant Refoliator rejuvenates the skin with a healthy dose of antioxidants and nutrients. It also refoliates that exfoliated skin to help protect it.

Remergent Clarifying Concentrate 2
Irritated by your uneven skin tone? Don't let your treatment product irritate your skin too. Remergent Clarifying Concentrate 2 uses a powerful antioxidant, L-Ergothioneine, to lighten and even your skin tone without causing any skin damage or irritation.