More about Peptides

Excerpt form Article in Medesthetics Magazine, May 2009
http://medesthetics.epubxpress.com/

Peptides Promise New Breakthroughs in Skin Care

A mere 20 amino acids form the basic building blocks to hundreds of thousands of possible combinations of peptide chains. Yet within the test tubes being filled and assayed every day with these thousands upon thousands of combinations of amino acid chains, just one link could very well hold the answer to a significant breakthrough in reversing the grip of aging on skin.
The combinations of these tiny synthetic amino acid chains are often random, and the time it takes to evaluate the countless permutations can require years. Furthermore, scientists are tasked with the challenge to find the shortest chain possible for penetration.

But by sending messages and unlocking the code to a variety of processes in our skin, a small dose of a peptide can have a potentially huge impact on our skin’s biological activity without the potential irritation that we find with other actives.
“It’s a little like Name That Tune,” says John E. Kulesza, president of Young Pharmaceuticals, Wethersfield, CT (www.youngpharm.com). “The object is to name the tune in as few notes as possible. With peptides, the objective becomes how can we tell a fibroblast, for instance, to make a protein in as few notes, or amino acids, as possible.”

MATRIXYL BREAKS GROUND IN COLLAGEN STIMULATION
Although we’ve known about peptides for years, scientists only started researching them about 50 years ago and, it wasn’t until the last 10 years that the cosmetics industry began to focus on these tiny building blocks of protein.
Today, pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturers alike are studying peptides for the wide range of promising applications offered by these cell messengers.

The Truth about Makeup

We all have been conditioned over the past few years that mineral makeup is the best.
However, the truth is that as we age mineral make-up can make us look older and not refined.
Additionally, the SPF factor in makeup is a big hype. If you use a makeup with titanium dioxide it will flash white if you are photographed. A good alternative for a smooth refined look is make-up with Silicone. Silicone is derived from siica and it unique properties make it feel like silk on the skin. It is a water-binding agent and holds up even when wet. When you apply a silicone based foundation your skin looks flawless, youthful and glowing. A great professional make-up line to try is Face atelier.
It is innovative, simple and elegant. My skin has never looked so good with makeup on. For me, mineral makeup seeps into my fine lines and extenuates them, I don't feel like I have a flawless look.

A word of caution when using a makeup with SPF. The SPF ingredient is not strong enough to be effective and as you wear makeup in seeps into your skin, losing more of its effectiveness. Dermatologists will generally agree that when SPF is combined with something else such as makeup it often does not retain all of its UV-filtering properties. The best advice is to use a good sunscreen under your make-up.

Move Over Botox!!

Allergan, the makers of Botox may have some competition with the pending arrival of  Reloxin.  Reloxin is awaiting FDA approval and has  been used in Europe and South America.  Seems like the Europeans are always one step ahead of the U.S.,  when it comes to injectables. Perlane, Radiesse and Resytlane was also used in European countries prior to the FDA approved it.  

According to the buzz, Reloxin works quicker and last longer than Botox.  Botox lasts on the average about 3 months.  A final decision on Reloxin should be some time later this year.

It will be interesting to keep up with data and peer reviewed literature to see if Reloxin works as well as Botox and lasts longer.  Wondering what the price point will be?? Right now Botox is averaging about $14.00 a unit, yet you can get it for $10.00 a unit from some nurse practitioners and physicians.  My guess is that it may cost a little more than Botox and that maybe Allergan will begin to give the docs a break on their price so it will trickle down to consumers.  

During the depression it was a Liptstick factor... during this recession.. Botox is still on the rise and keeping steady!!!

Longer Lashes

Just to update everyone... Apparently one box of Latisse is good for 2 months. I bet you can stretch it for 3 months. Cost for 2 months would be $60.00 and 3 months would $40.00. Now, that is more reasonable. I have a tube of RevitaLash that has lasted for several months. Though, I find that I do not apply it nightly as suggested for best results.   RevitaLash retails for $130.00 but you can buy it for less on line or at trade shows for cost.