While many all natural and organic anti-aging skin care lines purport to contain a cocktail of antioxidants promising to rejuvenate skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines, the truth is that antioxidants alone are not enough. I’m not knocking antioxidants, they are an important part of a well rounded skin care regimen. However, while they help stabilize already sustained skin damage born of braving the elements and pollution, they have a minimal affect on building and strengthening the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. In other words, they don’t do much in the way of actually turning back the hands of time.

Skin science basics

As we age, our skin’s ability to produce collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid wanes. We see the visible signs of this in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, irregular pigmentation and sagging skin.

What’s a girl to do?

The reality of the situation is that every 365 1/4 days, our skin, along with the rest of our body, ages another year. Enter Sapelo Skin Care Spring Tide Serum. My mother discovered this skin care line, literally as it was launching, two years ago in Savannah, Georgia. At first, I wouldn’t even look at it. “Savannah, Georgia”, I said, “you’ve got to be kidding me”. I’m a serious skin care snob and, with few exceptions, won’t let anything near my face that is not from Europe or Asia.

A month later, I had lunch with my mom and noticed a significant change in her skin. It looked really taught and radiant, like she had just sat for a microcurrent facial. I mentioned that her skin looked great and she said “it’s Sapelo. I’ve been using it for a month and can’t believe the results.” I couldn’t either. I’ve never seen results like this from a topical skin care range.

Naturally, when I learned that Sapelo Skin Care had launched a new revolutionary anti-aging serum, I had to investigate. This silky serum combines the power of nature with science to visibly reduce wrinkles and fine lines by retraining signals in the skin to manufacture increased collagen and elastin. Spring Tide Serum is the latest addition to this all natural, wonder anti-aging line. Similar to the other products in the range, the science is rooted in its Southern heritage.

Founders Cindy Edwards and Stephanie Duttenhaver explained:

“In Savannah, the Southern spring tide signals the season of rebirth and renewal. This nourishing surge tide coincides with a full moon, flooding the wetlands of Savannah with nutrients to last the year through.”

This sounds like exactly what my skin needs! Especially with winter around the corner. In addition to high concentrations of a potent cocktail of proteins, peptides, amino acids, active Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, as well as selenium, magnesium, copper and zinc, the fourth ingredient in the formula is 5% highly blenderized, unfertilized, organic Norwegian Salmon Roe Extract.

Warning! We are about to get a little science geeky…

If you think about the purpose of roe, it is to provide all the nutrition that a zygote needs to become a fry - right? Molecules that stimulate growth are concentrated in the egg. Similarly, this extract stimulates growth in the dermis boosting the skin’s ability to build collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Why is this so important? The skin’s capacity to produce these vital anti-aging proteins and acids begins to diminish at the age 25 and by the time our 80th birthday rolls around our skin has lost 32% of its ability to carry out these cellular activities. So even if you are 25 and still look twelve, listen up! The earlier you start taking care of your skin, the better positioned it will be to age beautifully.

The best part is that there is real science to back this up. The highly-concentrated extract that Sapelo uses is taken from the unfertilized salmon roe by an all natural organic solvent which stabilizes this extraordinary biologic activity. The effectiveness has been proven in a Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial (The gold standard of scientific proof of principle – we are talking the very same standard that is used to test prescription drugs y’all) to dramatically increase collagen and elastin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and minimize redness and irritation. I won’t get into a scientific dissertation but I can tell you that using the 5% concentration of this new ingredient, dramatically increases collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production by up to 350%. That’s huge! Results can begin to be seen in as little as two weeks and have proven to transform skin in eight weeks. It is also worth noting that Sapelo Skin Care Spring Tide Serum is the only product on the US market to contain this powerful ingredient.

Spring Tide Serum can be used as a stand-alone product at night or as part of a bedtime skin care regimen prior to applying face cream. I have been using it morning and night as the second step in a cleanse, treatment, moisturizer regimen. It is so gentle, you can even work it around the eye area.

Spring Tide Serum has multiple applications

It is an excellent, non-abrasive alternative to undergoing a chemical peel, microdermabrasion or laser treatment. These procedures burn and damage the skin in order to initiate repair whereas this serum works to naturally repair the dermis without harming it.

Not convinced enough to forego these abrasive therapies?

Spring Tide Serum is also prescribed as an ideal post-procedure treatment product. It is extremely gentle and can be applied to nourish and protect your skin as it undergoes the healing process.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

I have sensitive skin that tends to be dry and have always had a difficult time finding anti-aging skin care that hydrates my skin enough without causing breakouts or irritation. Three years ago I stumbled upon an all natural, apothecary style line from France that made a huge difference in my complexion. Ever since, Cosmetics 27 by M.E. SkinLab has become an integral part of my regimen. During the cold winter months when the elements are particularly relentless and now that I am pregnant (pregnancy hormones can send sensitive skin over the edge), Baume 27, the line’s signature moisturizer, is my savior. Cosmetics 27 by M.E. SkinLab is the first of its kind, new generation of organic cosmeceuticals. It is the closest thing to a bespoke pharmacy preparation that can be commercially purchased.

Never heard of Cosmetics 27?

Michèle Evrard, the founder, studied pharmacology in Belgium and spent many years working, hands on, in a laboratory on product formulation and development. She has over 25 years experience and has worked for the likes of Max Factor, L’Oréal, Christian Dior Parfums, Boucheron Parfums and Matis Skin Care.

Michèle’s unique skin care philosophy is founded on the concept of homeostasis, the ability of an organism to maintain its own equilibrium. As we age, our skin loses its capacity to self-regulate. This leads to dehydrated, saggy, and irregularly pigmented skin. Cosmetics 27 is a line of rebalancing treatment products aimed at helping the skin to self-regulate, and consequently self-regenerate. An important part of this is stimulating the skin to produce increased collagen, which means bidding adieu to wrinkles and fine lines. It’s all natural, clinically tested and made in France.

Michèle Evrard on Cosmetics 27:

“I want to help women have healthier skin. If skin is healthy, it will look good. If you look good you feel beautiful. My products are unique in concept and formulae. It is not a conventional line, I create products that are useful and bring something different. Our products are organic and produce results. We validate the results by extensive testing.”

Michèle’s key piece of advice:

“Get to know your skin!  You will know how to treat it and maintain it better.  There is not one treatment solution for all –  we are all different. Too many women use and abuse products and treatments. Be good to your skin. Adopt a simple routine, clean your skin gently, don’t abuse the sun (that’s not to say stay away from it!). Massage skin as often as you can, it is a the first step to prevent skin aging. Drink water, a lot, don’t smoke and laugh a lot!”

A booster to revive cell generation

The line, which is built around the repairing virtues of Centella Asiatica, focuses primarily on skin regeneration. It enables the dermis to reset and rebalance itself. Though I have a consistent daily regimen, I’ve always been a little lax with respect to applying a weekly mask. When Cosmetics 27 relaunched the formula for its Plasma 27 Bio-Lifting Cell Repair Mask, I decided to give it a try.

The treatment mask for dummies and time starved

Like every product in the range, this mask is not merely another cosmetic but a treatment that enhances the skin’s wellbeing – making it look beautiful. It is a 15 minute facial in a single serve pouch. And all the work is already done for you – it’s presoaked with just the right concentration of ingredients and pre cut, so all you have to do is open the pouch and put it on. It even has hooks for your ears and has a bottom bit that covers and coats the neck. When time is up, there is no clean up. You just massage any excess ingredients right into your skin.

I use it first thing in the morning while I drink my coffee. It fits so well, you can do that! It’s like a second skin. I take that 10 – 15 minutes to be in the moment and set the tone for the day ahead. No television; no computer; just me, Plasma 27 and a delicious cup of coffee. It’s also great for travel and flight skin damage recovery, as well as a quick pick-me-up to transition into night activity mode. If that’s not enough, the mask is ideal to use immediately after harsh aesthetic treatments like laser, chemical peel or microdermabrasion, in fact, that is what it (and the entire range) was originally developed for. The goal was to create the first all natural product that would not only compliment these treatments but prolong the results of the procedures as well as maintain the skin’s homeostasis over time. It nourishes and hydrates the skin, calming inflammation and stimulating it to produce increased collagen and elastin on its own. It also happens to be a fantastic skin reboot for pregnant women. No matter what your skin type, the hormones that support the placenta tend to turn skin upside down. During this time skin requires a weekly reset. Plasma 27 gets the job done.

Bottom line:

Skin requires an intensive reconstructive care product regularly to enable it to recover and reboot its cellular functions. Plasma 27 is packed with high concentrations of Centella Asiatica and Proline to stimulate the skin’s ability to produce collagen. The immediate results? A bright complexion and firm, lifted skin. Also makes for a scary selfie!

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

While many anti-aging skin care lines boast having a cocktail of antioxidants promising to rejuvenate skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines, the truth is that antioxidants alone are not enough. I’m not knocking antioxidants, they are an important part of a well rounded skin care regimen. However, while they help stabilize already sustained skin damage born of braving the elements and pollution, they have a minimal affect on building and strengthening the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. In other words, they don’t do much in the way of actually turning back the hands of time.

Skin science basics

As we age, our skin’s ability to produce collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid wanes. We see the visible signs of this in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, irregular pigmentation and sagging skin.

What’s a girl to do?

The reality of the situation is that every 365 1/4 days, our skin, along with the rest of our body, ages another year. Enter Sapelo Skin Care Spring Tide Serum. My mother discovered this skin care line, literally as it was launching, two years ago in Savannah, Georgia. At first, I wouldn’t even look at it. “Savannah, Georgia”, I said, “you’ve got to be kidding me”. I’m a serious skin care snob and, with few exceptions, won’t let anything near my face that is not from Europe or Asia.

A month later, I had lunch with my mom, who was then 66, and noticed a significant change in her skin. It looked really taught and radiant, like she had just sat for a microcurrent facial. I mentioned that her skin looked great and she said “it’s Sapelo. I’ve been using it for a month now and can’t believe the results.” I couldn’t either. I’ve never seen results like this from a topical skin care range.

Naturally, when I heard that Sapelo Skin Care had launched a new revolutionary anti-aging serum, I had to learn more. This silky serum combines the power of nature with science to visibly reduce wrinkles and fine lines by retraining signals in the skin to manufacture increased collagen and elastin. Spring Tide Serum is the latest addition to this all natural, wonder anti-aging line. Similar to the other products in the range, the science is rooted in its Southern heritage.

Founders Cindy Edwards and Stephanie Duttenhaver explained:

“In Savannah, the Southern spring tide signals the season of rebirth and renewal. This nourishing surge tide coincides with a full moon, flooding the wetlands of Savannah with nutrients to last the year through.”

This sounds like exactly what my skin needs! In addition to high concentrations of a potent cocktail of proteins, peptides, amino acids, active Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, as well as selenium, magnesium, copper and zinc, the fourth ingredient in the formula is 5% highly blenderized, unfertilized, organic Norwegian Salmon Roe Extract.

Warning! We are about to get a little science geeky…

If you think about the purpose of roe, it is to provide all the nutrition that a zygote needs to become a baby fish – right? Molecules that stimulate growth are concentrated in the egg. Similarly, this extract stimulates growth in the dermis boosting the skin’s ability to build collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Why is this so important? The skin’s capacity to produce these vital anti-aging proteins and acids begins to diminish at the age 25 and by the time our 80th birthday rolls around our skin has lost 32% of its ability to carry out these cellular activities. So even if you are 25 and still look twelve, listen up! The earlier you start taking care of your skin, the better positioned it will be to age beautifully.

The best part is that there is real science to back this up. The highly-concentrated extract that Sapelo uses is taken from the unfertilized salmon roe by an all natural organic solvent which stabilizes this extraordinary biologic activity. The effectiveness has been proven in a Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial (The gold standard of scientific proof of principle – we are talking the very same standard that is used to test prescription drugs y’all) to dramatically increase collagen and elastin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and minimize redness and irritation. I won’t get into a scientific dissertation but I can tell you that using the 5% concentration of this new ingredient, dramatically increases collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production by up to 350%. That’s huge! Results can begin to be seen in as little as two weeks and have proven to transform skin in eight weeks. It is also worth noting that Sapelo Skin Care Spring Tide Serum is the only product on the US market to contain this powerful ingredient.

Spring Tide Serum can be used as a stand-alone product at night or as part of a bedtime skin care regimen prior to applying face cream. I have been using it morning and night as the second step in a cleanse, treatment, moisturizer regimen. It is so gentle, you can even work it around the eye area.

Spring Tide Serum has multiple applications

It is an excellent, non-abrasive alternative to undergoing a chemical peel, microdermabrasion or laser treatment. These procedures burn and damage the skin in order to initiate repair whereas this serum works to naturally repair the dermis without harming it.

Not convinced enough to forego these abrasive therapies?

Spring Tide Serum is also prescribed as an ideal post-procedure treatment product. It is extremely gentle and can be applied to nourish and protect your skin as it undergoes the healing process.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

While utilizing quality skin care products and establishing a consistent self care routine is the cornerstone of any effective skincare practice, seeking out professional guidance is a must as well. Just as many of us schedule routine teeth cleanings and check-ups twice a year to take inventory of our oral health, we need to do the same for our skin.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and is the body’s first line of defense against the elements. Like any organ, it is constantly in flux and affected by age, pollution, our nutritional intake, levels of anxiety, hormones, the season and many other factors. So in addition to cleansing, using a quality serum, moisturizer, face oil when necessary, eye cream and a weekly mask, I recommend having a routine facial. At a minimum shoot for 4 times a year. To that end, we sat down with Yasmine Djerradine, renowned skin care expert and founder of Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté, to discuss her approach to skin care and why it is more important than ever to take good care of ourselves.

TB: What do you love most about what you do?

Yasmine: So many things…I love to take care of people. There is something intimate about caring for another’s skin. I like to customize each treatment.

People often call me and describe their skin over the phone and ask me to recommend a regimen for them. I always tell them that I need to see and touch their skin in order to understand their unique health and beauty needs.

TB: What is the single most important piece of skin care advice that you give your clients?

Yasmine: Please don’t overdo it! Your skin is an organ, and your body’s first line of defense against the elements. Many harsh procedures actually strip your skin of what it desperately needs to protect itself! Focus on cleansing and hydrating, and your skin will always be there to protect you.

Customization in skin care is also crucial. Everything has to be “sur mesure”, or made to order. Everyone ages differently and responds to the elements and pollution uniquely.

TB: If you had to recommend a few essential skin care products that you would encourage people to splurge on, what would they be?

Yasmine: Today people are living longer and so we need our youthful complexion to last indefinitely. It is more important than ever to take care of ourselves as we age. If you think about the adverse effects of collagen collapse, sun or wind damage, cancer, etc., all of these issues can be traced back to the various ways we have neglected our skin. We must utilize a serious moisturizer during the winter to protect ourselves from the cold and wind and the best sun protection when we are in the sun – basically all year round.

TB: What defining moment in your career had the strongest influence on you?

Yasmine: I have defining moments all the time! I am constantly discovering new products, working with new clients and experimenting with new treatment technologies. This is why, even after 30 years, I am still so passionate about skin care. It is my hope and vision for the future that each new experience will be insightful and exciting. I strive for every moment to be the next “aha” moment!

Read more about Yasmine on her Travel Beauty Expert Page.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

Social media has helped focus a lot of attention on the lips these days, “the Kylie Jenner Effect”. Yes, these days we can easily inject filler in the office to make your lips more plump and kissable with little down time and minimal discomfort, but what’s the use if you don’t take care of what your mama gave you?

More than lip service

If I’m being honest, I probably remember sun protection for my lips 50% of the time when I plan for a beach day, and 0% of the time on a normal work day. This is not enough, and I know better. The skin over your lips is extremely thin and sensitive and requires extra attention to keep your pout sultry and healthy. Everyone knows about using SPF for their face and body, but ultraviolet radiation from the sun can really add up in the delicate skin over the lip leading to both aesthetic and medical problems.

How does sun exposure affect my lips?

Cosmetically, ultraviolet exposure can affect collagen production in the lips over time, and repeat exposure can lead to thinning of the lips and those vertical lines around the lips known as “smokers’ lines” (how ‘80s!). A chronic dry, cracked tender lip (the lower lip more commonly than the upper lip) can mean that you’ve developed “actinic cheilitis”, which, aside from not being pretty, is a precancerous condition that can develop into squamous cell cancer of the lips (yikes!). Other types of lip can cancer can develop too, including basal cell cancer. Those who have fairer skin, blond hair, blue eyes, or a history of skin cancers are most at risk, though we must all be vigilant.

Some great products to protect your lips all year long

Lips need extra loving in both the summer sun, and harsh winter air.  B. Kamins Laboratories Lip Balm SPF 20 UVA/UVB sunscreen helps prevent sun damage, including unsightly and uncomfortable lip sore breakouts and also helps to repair dry, chapped, sore lips once the damage is done.

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream – this versatile cream from Japan can be used on both the lips and the body to help lighten your beauty regimen load. The rich balm is enriched with vitamin E, vitamin B2, and camphor, but without sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals or phthalates, so it’s suitable for even the most sensitive, and allergic.