Hooray For Vitamin A

Dead cells are complexion enemy number one because they clog pores and give skin an ashy appearance. By using a Vitamin A topical such as retinol on a regular basis one can speed up the rate at which the body sheds dead skin. (After about age 28 the process of cell turnover slows down dramatically)

Retinol benefits don't stop there. Vitamin A also stimulates collagen production (making skin look plumper and fine lines look smoother) and normalizes cells exposed to UV rays, effectively undoing sun damage.

There could be a downside to retinols if you don't have expert instruction on how to correctly use them. They can be irritating if overused or if you choose the wrong strength or formula for your specific skin type. It is not one size fits all and Skin Care Developer, Rhonda Allison, took this into consideration when she formulated her different Vitamin A topicals. She has created 4 serums to address different skins and conditions. Each of these formulas can be used alone or added to your moisturizer to make it a little more gentle until the skin becomes accustom to it.

Vitamin A serums should be administered by a Skin Care Professional and not bought over the counter. Allow your Aesthetician to evaluate your skin and then fit you with the proper serum and regimen specifically designed for you and you will not be disappointed.

Rhonda Allison's Arsenal Of "A's":

Organic A Complex: A unique blend of Organic Veggies and Herbs, Retinol and Lactic Acid. A gentle, yet potent approach to healthy skin. A good starting point for new comers.

Beta A Conditioner: Active are Retinal and Salicylic Acid. This is the perfect formula for sensitive and problematic skin such as Rosacea and Acne.

Retinol Supreme: A combination of Lactic Acid, Retinol and Algae Extract make up this super charged serum that works deep into the skin for maximum skin regeneration. A good bump up after using a bottle of Organic "A" Complex.

Therapy A Serum: Retinol, Retinol/Glycolic Acid Polymer Complex, D-Beta-Glucosamine and Aminoguanidine. A powerful grouping of ingredients to help regulate collagen synthesis and improve the skin's water barrier. It also stimulates new growth of tiny blood vessels...WOW!

Sun Protection Is A Priority

This woman has a lot to be unhappy about. She forgot to use her sunblock for over 50 years.

Applying sun block should become a habit like brushing your teeth. It's unfathomable not to do it because it's so simple. Apply a thin layer as the last step of your morning skin care routine to prevent UV exposure, the chief cause of premature wrinkles and discoloration.

SPF30 is the number to look for because it blocks about 97% of ultraviolet rays. A rating of 15 means 93% protection. The FDA has recommended that sun blocks higher than 30 be labeled 30+ to prevent people from developing a false security that might lead them to spend more time in the sun.

Before outdoor sports, besides a topical sun block, an additional antioxidant suppliment containing Vitamin A, B, C and E provides yours skin with further protection and Vitamin D during the winter months when there is less sunlight.

Rhonda Allison offers 2 fantastic sun blocks.

Daytime Defense SPF30 is a broad spectrum sunscreen for all skin types. Zinc Oxide provides a natural sun barrier and also includes antioxidant support. A must for outdoor activity and post peels.

Zinc Protection Cream SPF18 is a beautiful and light formula that can be used as an everyday moisturizer. Besides Zinc Oxide, it contains Aloe Vera Gel for healing, Heart of Green Tea an antioxidant and Tumeric for antioxidant, antibacterial, and brightening support.

Fight Free Radicals On The Outside & In

If you want a more advanced lesson in free radicals you can review your notes from Physiology/Chemistry 101 or even better, google free radicals.

Here is what I would like you to know about free radicals. Free radical damage is caused by many ordinary things including, air pollution, the sun's rays and even too much exercise. Damage from free radicals is one of the primary causes of fine lines and uneven skin tone.

So what can we do to counteract the damage of these little devils? ANTIOXIDANTS, inside and out!

Using a daily cocktail of antioxidant protection on your face before applying your sunblock is the best way to ward off free radicals and provide support. Rhonda Allison has a whole arsenal of antioxidants. A few that I would recommend are: Super "C" Serum, Antioxidant Complex Serum, Therapy E Serum, Grape Seed Hydrating Serum.

To fight free radicals from the inside try having an antioxidant rich smoothie everyday. I recommend using blueberries, acai, yogurt, green tea powder and pop in an orange, a little agave nector and some fresh spring water and voila you are creating a shield to fight free radicals.

Your skin is truly a mirror of your overall health. Be proactive and incorporate antioxidants into your daily routine.

USE A CLEANSER WITH HORSEPOWER

We have all heard of Dermatologists recommending mild, gentle cleansers to their patients, but really, I don't think that is what they are using at home. I know that, for the most part, I'm sure not.

At least part of the time, I am lathering up with a cleanser containing latic or glycolic acid for exfoliation or salicylic acid to unclog pores and make them appear smaller.

So if you are wanting to improve the overall tone and appearance of your skin plus get your glow on again, just add a little horsepower with a more active cleanser. Just by improving how you cleanse you can improve your skin immensely.

• Rhonda Allison Pumpkin Cleanser contains 10% L-Lactic Acid and smells like heaven.
• Rhonda Allison Beta Green Tea Cleanser contains Salicylic Acid and is terrific for sensitive and young acne rosacea skin.
• Rhonda Allison Gycolic Herbal Wash is perfect for softening skin cells and reducing cellular build-up.

What a fun day of peels and facials at The Body Sanctuary. I know that the staff and their clients will love using Rhonda Allison products.

Rhonda Allison - RA Blog Post

Rhonda Allison - RA Blog Post