Articles & News

BLOG ADDRESS: www.carolyn-melby.blogspot.com

A True Thank You

I just wanted to drop MyAcneAgingSkin.Com a big "Thank You" for what you have done for my skin!

Today am 38 years old and have suffered from acne from the age of 15. You name it and I have tried it . . . . Many Dr. visits where we tried things like taking Accutane to using the latest in Retin A, Tretinoins and Tazarotene creams and gels. Not to mention the over the counter things such as Proactiv Solution. What a maddening mess....Tanning in the summer to try and dry up my skin to spending the winters applying one to many different formulas to get my skin clear.

Now at 38 I am still faced with Adult Acne in addition to my self inflicted sun damage.

This past November I was at my dermatologists office and happen to be reading the Nov/Dec 2005 Healthy Aging, A publication for physicians on skin and age management. After my appointment I had asked one of the nurses if I could subscribe to this publication or if I had to be a Physician, The office being busy she said just take it. This was my lucky day, in the back of the pub was review on a product called Benevs Redoxa used in firming and rejuvenating old weakening tissue/Aging Skin. I had to try it so I went on-line to find that MyAcneAgingSkin.Com carried the product - I placed my order for the Redoxa as well as many of the Vivant products, used for treating Acne (10% BP gel, scrub, clay mask cream).

It was like a miracle, I can honestly tell you that since using these products my skin has never looked better!

Ordering is easy the products arrive quickly and above and beyond when Carolyn personally called to let me know that my order had shipped I knew that this would be a Company that I would continue to shop from.

Thank you so much....

C. H.
New Hampshire

My Acne - Vivant Skin Care Products

Acne Treatment: My Experience With Vivant Skin Care Products

Hi, My name is Danielle I am 21 years of age and have had acne problems as far back as I can remember. My parents would buy over the counter products, I tried Murad, Proactive and every other thing you can buy, but nothing worked for the duration.
I mean some products worked for a short period of time, then quit working altogether. It was extremely frustrating for me and I did not know what else to do.

I went to a dermatologist for treatment and was told about Vivant Skin Care Products and like everyone else, I was somewhat skeptical but tried their products (BP Wash, BP Cleanser, Exfol A Forte, Skin Fitness Pads, Normalizing Tonic Forte and Day Treatment Lotion) using a strict, self disciplined Skin Care Regimen. The Vivant Products I used worked!
I mean I seen visible results in just a few days, I became very excited and hopeful! As time went on (Adhereing to my suggested Skin Care regimen) My face cleared up! I knew I had a "Great Product" because to this very day my face remains Acne Free!

Yes, I do have an occassional break out but I immediately have it under control. I have now started using Vivants new Mandelic Acid Toner 9% in my regimen and I think it is great.

I just wanted to say that since I was turned on to Vivant products my self confidence and esteem have sky rocketed!!
I have sinced moved closer to my job and was told about MyAcneAgingSkin.Com. I placed an order for my stuff and was impressed with thier service, knowledge and commitment to helping me in any way with my Acne.

I now buy my products from MyAcneAgingSkin.Com mainly because I recieve the "Best Customer Service". My products arrive very quickly, and more importantly - To me, I can get advice from a Professional who has many, many years of experience with Acne and has helped thousands of Men and Women with thier Acne Skin Problems.

Thank You very Much For Everything You Do For Me!!

Sincerely,
Danielle
California

Acne Adult Women - ARTICLE

Acne in Adult Women

By: James E. Fulton, Jr., M.D., Ph.D.

Published in Les Novelles Esthetiques October 1998

In dermatology, as in any field, practitioners often operate on assumptions organized around previously observed patterns. Such reliance upon conventional wisdom is important and necessary. However, our assumptions are often slow to change even long after the patterns have. It is important, then that we regularly challenge out assumptions by reexamining our patient population.

An example of such an assumption is the long-held belief that acne is chiefly a concern among adolescent males. It is true that until recently, acne was predominantly a problem of teenage and young adult males.

Eighty percent of the patients in our offices presenting with complexion problems twenty years ago were males ages 12 to 23. As these patients reached their early to mid-20s, the condition usually disappeared. In the 1990s, however, this pattern seemed to be changing. We were confronted with an apparent increase in the incidence of acne in adult women, many of whom continued to have mild to moderate acne conditions well into their 20s, 30s, even 40s. So in the summer of 1998, we conducted a study to explore the possible causes of this phenomenon.

Collecting the data
A review of our medical records revealed that 71% of the patients presenting with complexion problems were females over the age of 20. One hundred and fifty of these women were surveyed by means of direct interview and questionnaire. Researchers reviewed the history of acne in each patient's family and the severity of the patient's acne during her teenage years, and examined all factors to which past and present flare-ups were attributed.

We were able to classify the acne of 142 of the 150 women surveyed. Type I acne was characterized by open comedones, type II showed predominantly closed comedones, and type III consisted of inflammatory papules and pustules. Type IV was comprised of all cystic acne cases involving large inflammatory nodules of 1 cm or more in diameter, and also may have included a combination of type I, II, and III acne. We took photographs of the subjects and counted the lesions (open comedones, closed comedones, papules, pustules and cysts).

In 35 selected subjects with inflammatory acne, hormonal blood levels of leutenizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), dehydroepiandosterone sulfate (DHEAS), free and bound testosterone (TI, and globulin binding factor (SHBG) were examined (Endocrine Sciences Laboratories, Calabasas Hills, California). Biopsies (2.5 mm punch excision of early inflammatory lesions were taken from six subjects with papulo-pustular acne and were examined microscopically.

The type of acne present in most of the adult female acne sufferers in our study (54%) was type III (papules and/or pustules). Two percent had type I (open comedones), 20% had type II (closed comedones), and 24% had type IV (cystic acne). A large majority of our female test subjects (70%)reported a history of mild to moderate acne as a teenager, and nearly three quarters (74%) had a family history of acne. Their brothers, usually suffered severe acne as teenagers, but most had outgrown the problem by approximately age 24. The women's acne, though milder, did not terminate but persisted well into their 20s and 30s. The follicles were apparently still susceptible and could react to aggravating factors. The subjects who had no significant acne in the teen years developed the condition later in life, often as a result of similar aggravating factors. Compared to the complexion problems of teenage males, specific aggravating factors played a more significant role in causing acne flare-ups in adult women.

The most common aggravating factor among the subjects was stress (75%), followed by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle flare-ups (68%), excoriations (53%), pregnancy (35%), oral contraceptive use (29%) and cosmetics (21%). Other aggravating factors can be seen in this table below.

Rosacea! What Is Rosacea?- ARTICLE

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea, (roh-ZAY-sha) is a common Skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. It is often referred to as "Adult Acne". Rosacea cannot be cured, but with proper treatment it can be controlled. Rosacea usually develops over a long period of time. It is estimated that about 14 million Americans have rosacea.

How Does Rosacea Occur?

In many cases Rosacea begins as a tendecy to flush or blush easily. It then progresses to persistent redness in the center of the face that may gradually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. Rosacea also may involve the ears, chest and back. As the disease progresses, small blood vessels and tiny pimples begin to appear on and around the reddend area. Blackheads are not characteristics of Rosacea.

What Causes Rosacea?

The exact cause of Rosacea is unknown.

What Are The Symptons Of Rosacea?

Some of the most common symptons of early stages of Rosacea are:
1. Redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead.
2. Small visible blood vessels on the face.
3. Bumps or pimples on the face.
4. Symptons for advanced stages include: Enlarged red nose, puffy cheeks and thick bumps on the lower half of the nose and nearby cheeks.

What Key products Are Recommended To Help Rosacea?

Benev Azaleic Gel or Vivant Rejuv RX

www.rosacea.org

FAQS On Vivant Benzoyl Peroxide Products- ARTICLE

Product Knowledge - Benzoyl Peroxide:

Question: How Much Benzoyl Peroxide is Enough?

ANSWER: It Depends on Your Complexion Problem.

Vivant has three different strengths of Benzoyl Peroxide:
1. Vivant BP Wash 2.5 %- or BP Cleanser 2.5 % with granules
2. Vivant BP 5 %- gel lotion for continuous coverage for dry or sensitive skin.
3. Vivant BP 10 %- gel lotion for continuous coverage for oily or resistant skin.

Benzoyl peroxide penetrates into pores, kills the bacteria that aggravates acne and improves the complexion problem. For some, the 2.5 % wash or cleanser is perfect. If used twice daily in the shower there is enough benzoyl peroxide to penetrate into the pore and reduce the fatty acid content of the oil about 20 %. It is also helpful to apply the 2.5 % benzoyl peroxide wash or cleanser and leave the suds on the area of the complexion problem as long as possible. We recommend sudsing up the face, taking the rest of your shower, and then rinsing the benzoyl peroxide from your face.

Some patients are quite sensitive to benzoyl peroxide gels 5 % or 10 %. Using them causes dryness or even a rash. However, most patients are able to tolerate 2.5 % BP wash or cleanser twice daily without difficulty. The 2.5 % wash or cleanser is especially effective when combined with the Clear Complexion Kit. The combination of the benzoyl peroxide cleanser, ice compresses to reduce inflammation, and the Normalizing Tonic to remove dead skin cells makes a potent combination. This is especially true when it's combined with Derm- A Gel, the vitamin A conditioning lotion which promotes new cell proliferation. These healthy cells don't stick and force out the acne impaction.

For those with oily skin or for patients that have been using the Vivant product line for a while, they can increase their benzoyl peroxide application by using the 5 % or 10 % gel medication in conjunction with their skin care regimen. Apply the chosen gel medication two to three hours in the evening or depending on tolerance level, all night. This is a much more potent combination. The 5 % gel will lower the fatty acids in the surface oil about 40 % and the 10 % gel will lower the fatty acids about 60 %. When combined with the routine skin care products applied during the day and the 5 % or 10 % gel applied at night, it is often possible to clear up problem complexions.

However, some individuals cannot tolerate the 5 % or 10 % gels all night. The skin around the eyes or mouth may get too dry. If this is the case, apply the gel medication for a few hours in the evening, and then wash it off. If neither the 5 % or 10 % gel medication is not tolerated (even in small amounts) you should just use the 2.5 % wash or cleanser. This is particularly true of patients who are Allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide. They may tolerate the 2.5 % wash or cleanser, but not the 5 % or 10 % gels. Unfortunately some individuals are so sensitive to Benzoyl Peroxide they can't even tolerate the 2.5 % cleansers. In that case they need to use the buffing grains and normalizing tonic combined with one of the stronger Vitamin A conditioning lotions such as Exfol-A.

In summary, a word of caution about Benzoyl Peroxide. Though it is an effective anti- bacterial that improves acne complexions, it is also a powerful oxidant similar to oxygen in the air. It's use may be very safe for a year or so but chronic use over many years can cause fine lines to develop. We do not advocate the chronic use of Benzoyl Peroxide Gels in those who have dry skin or live in a dry atmosphere or where the acne problem has improved. These patients should come off the Benzoyl Peroxide Gels and use Clear Complexion Kit I or Clear Complexion Kit II that only contains Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5 %.

Mandelic Acid Serum- ARTICLE

Mandelic Acid Serum Before & After

Mandelic Acid Allows individuals with any skin type to rediscover their glowing complexion. Used by physicians as an internal antibacterial for years, it is available externally to relieve blemished, blotchy skin.

This incredibly formulated serum allows individuals with blotchy complexions and/or acne to rediscover their radiant complexion. Used by physicians as an internal antibacterial for years, it is now available externally to relieve blemished, blotchy skin.

Mandelic Acid, with its larger carbon molecule, is not as irritating to the skin as lactic acid or glycolic acid. The antibacterial effects of this product are useful to reduce the bacteria (Corybacterium acne) of the skin and can be used in conjunction with any of the Vivant Skin Care complexion programs or individually. Blotchy, Mediteranean skin type III or IV complexions will benefit the greatest from this new and exciting serum.

Mandelic Acid Serum & Vitamin A Combination Instructions:

Mandelic Acid Serum can be used in combination with any Vitamin A product. However, products must be used at separate times. For example, use the Mandelic Acid Serum during your AM regimen and the Vitamin A product during your PM regimen.

In addition, Mandelic Acid Serum can be applied in conjunction with the Spin Trap Vitamin C+E Serum. Apply the Mandelic Acid Serum, let dry for approximately 5 minutes and then apply the Spin Trap Vitamin C+E Serum. This can be used during your AM or PM regimen.

Individual Results May Vary.

The latest research and development from NuCèlle is now focused on the little heard of but highly effective Mandelic Acid. Studies are now being conducted on the efficacy of this acid compared to other alpha hydroxy acids. Preliminary studies show Mandelic Acid to be less sensitizing and remarkably effective in alleviating such skin conditions as Melasma and hyperpigmentation. Another noticeable benefit is a smoother, clearer, and less lined complexion.

Mark Taylor, M.D., of Salt Lake City, Utah, first introduced Mandelic Acid to the NuCèlle team in late 1996. Dr. Taylor has been testing and using the Mandelic Marine Complex® formulations since 1995. During the course of his clinical trials, he discovered that he was able to use the Mandelic Acid safely on pigmented skin. He also discovered that it caused less sensitivity, when compared to other alpha hydroxy acids. His research is highlighted in the article, "Summary of Mandelic Acid for the Improvement of Skin Conditions," (click here to view article) published in Cosmetic Dermatology, June 1999 issue.

During the summer of 1999, NuCèlle commissioned the California Skin Research Institute (CSRI) to conduct an independant study of the Mandelic Marine Complex® formulations used for the treatment of facial pigmentary lesions, acne lesions, and facial lines/wrinkles as a cosmetic skin conditioning regimen. The results of this study revealed a customer satisfaction level of 87.5% "Excellent and Very Good." [Click here for a summary of this study, CSRI #99-016 by Dr. Robert A. Harper, Ph. D.]

"Chemist's Corner: Safe Skin Lightening" - Written January 2008 in the Benev Newsletter

BENEV Emlite® Cream is a non-hydroquinone skin-lightening product. The known irritation potential of hydroquinone inspired research that generated new non-irritating lighening raw materials. Emlite® Cream contains phyllantus emblica fruit extract, a non-irritating, natural botanical extract, to lighten skin. The extract acts on several different sites in the melanogenesis pathway to inhibit tyrosinase and therfore stop melanin production.

Phyllantus emblica fruit extract showed lightening results comparable to hydroquinone and kojic acid but without harmful side effects and irritation. It showed comparable results to licorice but is more cost effective. It is more effective than magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl glucoside. This extract is excellent for reduction of freckles, age spots, and other skin discolorations and prevention and reversal of UV-induced skin pigmentation.

The fruit extract also functions as an antioxidant and has anti-wrinkle properties (it inhibits collagenase activity that destroys collagen). Emlite® Cream may be used for all skin types to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, to lighten skin, and to improve skin texture and tone.