Gary's Blog

Your Questions Answered - 10/29/07

This week, I am going to reverse my blog schedule and do FAQ’s first. Since we have some exciting new products introducing at the end of the week, I wanted to take advantage of Friday’s blog to share all the excitement and give you some more in-depth product training. There is some really good “stuff” coming out to help continue your holiday selling, as well as a new “age-defying” product that I know you will love.

What is the correct order of application for the new Skinlogics Platinum Plus products? What order do I use the other products in my regimen?
The Platinum Plus line is just line any other skin care system with one exception…there is no need for Cell Block C PM .

The regimen would be as follows:
AM Regimen
• Nourishing Crème Cleanser
• Skinlogics Scrub/Microdermabrasion (AM OR PM)
• Relaxing Tonic
• Platinum Regeneration face and neck serum
• Cell Block C
• Brightening Day Cream
• Platinum Regeneration Eye Cream
PM Regimen
• Nourishing Crème Cleanser
• Relaxing Tonic
• Regeneration Reprogram
• Regeneration Time to Go with Retinol
• Regeneration Time to Go Eye Capsules
• Renewing Night Cream
• Platinum Regeneration Eye Cream

What is the difference between our foot products? Which is best for whom?

Save Your Sole: This is our most intensive line for treating extremely dry, rough and calloused foot conditions.

Save Your Sole - Rich Sea Salve

Key Ingredients
• Glycerin – attracts and holds moisture onto the skin
• Canola oil - Canola is an annual plant that bears large yellow cross-shaped flowers. Rapeseed, the canola variety of origin, comes from either Africa or Southern Europe. Canola oil contains about 20% linoleic acid which, when used externally, plays an important role in the regulation and restructure of the skin.
• Shea Butter - Shea butter is native to tropical Africa and is mainly renowned for its butter. Shea butter is most noted for its softening, anti-drying, and protective elements. Rich in cinnamic acid, shea butter protects from UV rays. It is also considered a regenerative and helps as an anti-aging agent.
• Paraffin wax – a wax to seal in moisture
• Tocopheryl Acetate – Vitamin E - It can help heal acne, promote wound healing and prevent scarring from eczema or psoriasis. Topical vitamin E moisturizes the skin from within, reduces UV induced damage, helps to protect against ozone damage and decreases erythema (redness of the skin) after sun exposure. This makes it appropriate for use in sun care products including lip balms.
• Panthenol – Vitamin B5 – deeply moisturizes and promotes healing
• Aloe leaf – he aloe vera plant, a member of the Lily family, is a succulent that closely resembles a cactus. Aloe vera is highly effective in healing various skin disorders including cancers, ulcers, lesions and general wounds. It is a well-known burn remedy and is currently used in trauma centers throughout the states. Research has shown that aloe vera oil penetrates human skin almost four times faster than water. Because of it's ability to penetrate so quickly, it is highly effective in moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, shaving gels etc. When combined with other healing agents, aloe vera helps those substances penetrate the skin easily carrying them to the deeper layers of the skin. Aloe is believed to have an anti-aging effect on skin and acts as an anti-inflammatory pain-reliever. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in the treatment of acne and other dermatological problems. Aloe vera can reduce the irritating effects that radiation has on the skin has also been found to accelerate tissue repair and normal cell growth.
• Sodium Hyaluronate – Component of skin tissue that is used in skin-care products as a good water-binding agent
• Papaya extract – Enzymes that feed on dead, impacted skin cells to chemically exfoliate the skin, improving texture and appearance while aiding the skin’s ability to absorb moisture.
• Mango extract - Enzymes that feed on dead, impacted skin cells to chemically exfoliate the skin, improving texture and appearance while aiding the skin’s ability to absorb moisture.

Save Your Sole - Ebb and Flow Foot Softening Spray

Key Ingredients:
• Castor Oil - Vegetable oil derived from the castor bean. It is used in cosmetics as an emollient, though its unique property is that when dry it forms a solid film that can have water-binding properties. It is rarely associated with skin irritation or allergic reactions but it can have a slightly sticky feel on skin.
• Sodium Hyaluronate - Component of skin tissue that is used in skin-care products as a good water-binding agent
• Papaya extract – Enzymes that feed on dead, impacted skin cells to chemically exfoliate the skin, improving texture and appearance while aiding the skin’s ability to absorb moisture.
• Mango extract - Enzymes that feed on dead, impacted skin cells to chemically exfoliate the skin, improving texture and appearance while aiding the skin’s ability to absorb moisture.
• Salicylic Acid - Referred to as beta hydroxy acid (BHA), it is a multifunctional ingredient that addresses many of the systemic causes of blemishes (Source: Seminars in Dermatology, December 1990, pages 305–308). For decades dermatologists have been prescribing salicylic acid as an exceedingly effective keratolytic (exfoliant), but it also is an anti-irritant This is because salicylic acid is a derivative of aspirin (both are salicylates—aspirin’s technical name is acetyl salicylic acid), and so it also functions as an anti-inflammatory. In addition, BHA has the ability to penetrate into the pore (AHAs do not), and thus can exfoliate inside the pore as well on the surface of the skin; that makes it effective for reducing blemishes, including blackheads and whiteheads

Save Your Sole - Foot and Leg Scrub

Key Ingredients:
• Sea Sand – a natural and abrasive exfoliant that “polishes” the skin of dead skin cells and compacted skin
• Potassium Silicoaluminate – a mineral that is activated by water and friction to create a topical warming experience

Save Your Sole - Warming Seas Shaving Lotion

Key Ingredients:
• Potassium Silicoaluminate – a mineral that is activated by water and friction to create a topical warming experience
• Aloe leaf – he aloe vera plant, a member of the Lily family, is a succulent that closely resembles a cactus. Aloe vera is highly effective in healing various skin disorders including cancers, ulcers, lesions and general wounds. It is a well-known burn remedy and is currently used in trauma centers throughout the states. Research has shown that aloe vera oil penetrates human skin almost four times faster than water. Because of it's ability to penetrate so quickly, it is highly effective in moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, shaving gels etc. When combined with other healing agents, aloe vera helps those substances penetrate the skin easily carrying them to the deeper layers of the skin. Aloe is believed to have an anti-aging effect on skin and acts as an anti-inflammatory pain-reliever. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in the treatment of acne and other dermatological problems. Aloe vera can reduce the irritating effects that radiation has on the skin has also been found to accelerate tissue repair and normal cell growth.
• Carthamus tinctorius seed oil – Safflower – rich natural oil that provides hydration and lubrication.

Margarita Foot Products: This line is recommended for someone who is looking for cooling foot products that are prone to swelling and discomfort.

Frozen Margarita Frozen Foot Cream

Key Ingredients:
• Glycerin - acts and holds moisture onto the skin
• Carthamus tinctorius seed oil – Safflower – rich natural oil that provides hydration and lubrication.
• Emu Oil - emu oil has become an important component of the Australian economy. As a result there is research from that part of the world showing it to be a good emollient that can help heal skin. Furthermore it appears that Emu oil in comparison to mineral oil has better moisturizing properties, superior texture, and lower incidence of comedogenicity. There have been a number of studies that support EMU oil’s ability to aid in joint stiffness and discomfort.
• Menthyl Lactate – to cool and freshen the feet, encouraging increased circulation
• Aloe leaf – he aloe vera plant, a member of the Lily family, is a succulent that closely resembles a cactus. Aloe vera is highly effective in healing various skin disorders including cancers, ulcers, lesions and general wounds. It is a well-known burn remedy and is currently used in trauma centers throughout the states. Research has shown that aloe vera oil penetrates human skin almost four times faster than water. Because of it's ability to penetrate so quickly, it is highly effective in moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, shaving gels etc. When combined with other healing agents, aloe vera helps those substances penetrate the skin easily carrying them to the deeper layers of the skin. Aloe is believed to have an anti-aging effect on skin and acts as an anti-inflammatory pain-reliever. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in the treatment of acne and other dermatological problems. Aloe vera can reduce the irritating effects that radiation has on the skin has also been found to accelerate tissue repair and normal cell growth.

Salty Margarita Foot Scrub

Key Ingredients:
• Potassium Silicoaluminate – a mineral that is activated by water and friction to create a topical warming experience
• Aloe leaf – he aloe vera plant, a member of the Lily family, is a succulent that closely resembles a cactus. Aloe vera is highly effective in healing various skin disorders including cancers, ulcers, lesions and general wounds. It is a well-known burn remedy and is currently used in trauma centers throughout the states. Research has shown that aloe vera oil penetrates human skin almost four times faster than water. Because of it's ability to penetrate so quickly, it is highly effective in moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, shaving gels etc. When combined with other healing agents, aloe vera helps those substances penetrate the skin easily carrying them to the deeper layers of the skin. Aloe is believed to have an anti-aging effect on skin and acts as an anti-inflammatory pain-reliever. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in the treatment of acne and other dermatological problems. Aloe vera can reduce the irritating effects that radiation has on the skin has also been found to accelerate tissue repair and normal cell growth.
• Safflower Oil – rich natural oil that provides hydration and lubrication.
• Green Tea Extract – Significant amounts of research have established that tea, including black, green, and white tea, delivers many intriguing health benefits. Dozens of studies point to tea's potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as anticarcinogenic properties.
• Ginseng Extract – From a family of herbs (Araliaceae) native to Asia. A small number of studies carried out on animals have shown that ginseng may have antitumor and anticancer properties. Incorporated to help increase the skin’s energy and circulation
• Ginko Biloba – Tree with leaves having components that are effective as an anti-inflammatory and an aid in collagen production; ginkgo also has antioxidant properties
• Kola Extract and Gotu Kola – a source caffeine to help rid the feet of excess fluid retention wihich can cause decreased circulation and swelling.
• Emu Oil - emu oil has become an important component of the Australian economy. As a result there is research from that part of the world showing it to be a good emollient that can help heal skin. Furthermore it appears that Emu oil in comparison to mineral oil has better moisturizing properties, superior texture, and lower incidence of comedogenicity. There have been a number of studies that support EMU oil’s ability to aid in joint stiffness and discomfort.

Herbal Serenity Foot Cream: This is a general use foot cream that cools the feet and offers moderately intensive moisturizing properties.

Key Ingredients:
• Avocado Oil – Although it is classed as a vegetable oil, the avocado is really a fruit since it has a stone - but none-the-less it yields a rich and extremely deep penetrating oil, rich in vitamins A, D and E, lecithin, as well as potassium - known as the youth mineral.
• Canola Oil – Canola is an annual plant that bears large yellow cross-shaped flowers. Rapeseed, the canola variety of origin, comes from either Africa or Southern Europe. Canola oil contains about 20% linoleic acid which, when used externally, plays an important role in the regulation and restructure of the skin.
• Safflower Oil – rich natural oil that provides hydration and lubrication.
• Soy Protein – Potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent for skin
• Macadamia Seed Oil – This oil comes from the pressed nuts of the Macadamia tree. It is nourishing to the skin and has proven itself to be one of the best regenerative oils available. It is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, and closely resembles sebum (the oil naturally produced by ones skin to help protect it). Macadamia oil is a protective oil with a high absorption rate.
• Glycerin – attracts and holds moisture onto the skin
• Lactic Acid – an alpha hydroxy acid known to help remove dead skin cells that contribute to calloused skin
• Tocopheryl Nicotinate - Vitamin E - It can help heal acne, promote wound healing and prevent scarring from eczema or psoriasis. Topical vitamin E moisturizes the skin from within, reduces UV induced damage, helps to protect against ozone damage and decreases erythema (redness of the skin) after sun exposure. This makes it appropriate for use in sun care products including lip balms.
• Menthol - to cool and freshen the feet, encouraging increased circulation

What is your favorite product/products and why?

This is a tough one. Remember, I have been here for 15+ years, so I definitely have become attached to some of the products. These products are like my children, I love them all, but I definitely have my favorites. Here is the list of products that I keep ample stock of at home (these are in no particular order):
• Skinlogics Platinum Plus (my new favorite skin care system) – I have dry skin, with years of sun damage to makeup for, so this system is a LIFE SAVER as far as I am concerned.
• All Clear Skin Solution – since I am always trying new products, my skin is prone to temperamental breakouts. The use of this product, as needed, can take care of skin problems as they arise.
• Time to Go and Time to Go Time Capsules - This is a product that I can see a huge difference when I don’t use for a few days. These products work from the inside-out to expedite the production of new, healthier skin cells.
• Platinum Eye Patches – I use these at least every other morning to refresh my eyes, offer a quick “lift” to immediately erase lines and wrinkles for 24 hours.
• Platinum Regeneration Eye Cream – Regardless of my age, I will always go for the richest eye cream available. I smile with my eyes, so this is the first place that shows my age. This product keeps the eyes ultra moisturized and there is nothing better for dark circles.
• Platinum Regeneration face and neck cream – For the same reasons I use the Skinlogics Platinum Plus products, I use this product. I have some catching up to do!!
• Microderm Abrasion – Bar none, there is no better physical exfoliating product on the market! I use this 3 times per week.
• Regeneration Reprogram – This product protects from UV damage unlike a sunscreen. Where a sunscreen works from the outside – in, this product works at the lower layers of the skin to protect the newly emerging skin cells from the deeper penetrating UV rays that cause the actual signs of aging.
• Spa Organic Enzyme Mask – I use this for 5 to 10 minutes before each Microdermabrasion treatment. The enzymes will dissolve the dead skin, allowing the Microdermabrasion to work deeper and more effectively.
• Therma Del Sol Detoxifying Bath Soak – I’m not sure what I did before this product. If I am feeling under the weather, or just stressed, there is nothing like this product to help restore my energy and detoxify the system.

Ok. That’s a lot to digest for a Monday. Be sure to check back on Friday where I will share with you the behind the scenes information on the new products that we have in store for you for November.

Have a great week.

Your Questions Answered – 10/26/07

What products should be avoided during pregnancy?

I know that I have addressed this topic in the past, but I continue to get bombarded with this question.

During pregnancy, it is recommended to avoid any product that contains a high % of Retinol. Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A and is found in Regeneration Time to Go products. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored in the body rather for an extended period of time. Excessive levels of Vitamin A in the body has been linked to certain forms of birth defects. It is best to visit with a physician regarding vitamin A in both topical and ingestible forms.

Different physicians have differing opinions on this issue. It is best to consult your physician when you become pregnant and discuss what products you are using.

I have been using the Time to Go Time Capsules every night and have noticed that I am getting an irritation around my eyes. Is this normal?

As I mentioned above, Time to Go contains retinol, a Vitamin A derivative that is stored in the body for an extended time. Retinol is an aggressive anti-aging ingredient and works by helping to kick start the production of new skin cells, increasing the rate that the skin renews itself. We recommend that when you start using either the Time to Go or the Time to Go Time Capsules, that you use it every other day to determine skin tolerance. Using it every day may start to cause redness and irritation for some people after a few days of consecutive use. After using every other day for 2 to 4 weeks, you can increase your frequency of use if you are not experiencing irritation.

Be sure to have your clients read the product inserts included in each of these products so they understand how to use the product correctly to avoid irritation.

Why does my skin turn red after using a clay based mask such as the Therma Del Sol Detoxifying Body Facial, the Luxuries of the Seas Fango/Seaweed Mask or the All Clear sulfur mask? Is this normal?

Each of these masks are formulated with 2 different types of clay – kaolin and montmorillonite. The purpose of clay in a mask is to stimulate circulation as well as help draw oil and toxins from the skin. The nature of this action will cause the skin to appear somewhat red, or flushed for a period of time after use. This is not a concern unless the redness is also accompanied by irritation. If irritation occurs, it is not recommended that you use this product. Clay based masks are NOT intended for those with dry and/or sensitive skin types. They are best recommended for those who have more normal or more oily skin conditions. For those who do not experience irritation, the redness should subside within one hour.

The All Clear Sulfur Mask is somewhat of a different animal. While it does contain clay to help absorb oil and toxins, it also contains 4% of sulfur and benzoyl peroxide to help destroy bacteria and dry acne blemishes. Due to the aggressive nature of all of the active ingredients, this product may cause redness and drying for anyone who uses the product. If it does, you can adjust the time left on the skin to customize it to you individual needs.

There are so many choices of masks in our product line, how do I know which one will be best for me?

We have several mask choices to offer a variety of choices for a variety of different concerns. Not every person will want to use every one of these products as they are really designed for varied purposes. Below is a description of each of the masks as well as their intended use:

• Therma Del Sol Detoxifying Body Facial – This is a clay based mask, intended to absorb oil and toxins from the skin. Best for normal to oily skin conditions, or for mild to moderate acne.
Luxuries of the Seas Fango/Seaweed Mask – this is a clay based mask which is supplemented with pumice stone particles. The mask will absorb oil and toxins from the skin as it dries. Once dry, wet with water, then scrub the mask to remove, exfoliating the skin’s surface layers. Best for normal to oily skin conditions.
• Warming Trend Green Tea Mask – This is a moisturizing mask containing the ingredient potassium silicoaluminate, a water activated ingredient that warms the skin as the product is applied, helping to breakdown cellular debris and opening the pores to accept more moisture. Good for all skin types.
• Spa Enzyme Mask – This is one of my all time favorite products. This is a face or body mask that is formulated with enzymes. Enzymes feed on dead skin. The enzymes used in this formula are high potency enzymes derived for papaya and pineapple. When applied as a mask, the enzyme will eat away dead skin cells, helping to clear the skin of hard to remove debris. I love to use this product right before doing a Microdermabrasion treatment to remove the upper-most skin cells, allowing the physical exfoliation of the Microdermabrasion crystals work more deeply and effectively. Because this is an “active” product, some redness will occur, but should subside within an hour. Good for all skin types.
• All Clear Sulfur Mask - contain clay to help absorb oil and toxins, it also contains 4% of sulfur and benzoyl peroxide to help destroy bacteria and dry acne blemishes. Due to the aggressive nature of all of the active ingredients, this product may cause redness and drying for anyone who uses the product. If it does, you can adjust the time left on the skin to customize it to you individual needs. Good for acne prone skin conditions.
• All Clear Deep Cleansing Treatment – Think of this product as a self cleansing facial mask. This is a very unique product that is formulated with .5% salicylic acid. Apply to the skin and allow the product to create a foam over a period of a minute or two. The product will penetrate into the hair follicle and the self foaming action will cleanse the pores and follicles of debris. Best for oily or acne prone skin conditions.

Ok. I don’t know about you, but I am ready for the weekend! I hope all of you have a fantastic weekend and I look forward to visiting with all of you on Monday.

Dealing With Rosacea

Rosacea (pronounced “roh-ZAY-sha”) is a chronic disorder that affects an estimated 14 million Americans – and most of them don’t even know it. In recent years, this condition has been the subject of the media and public awareness of this condition has grown, helping people to put a name to a condition that has existed for many years. This is one of the reasons that it appears that cases of rosacea are on the rise. One’s awareness of this condition may be the result of using products that are too aggressive for their sensitive skin, triggering the underlying condition and manifesting itself prematurely.

Rosacea is characterized by periods of “flare-ups” and “remissions” – meaning that the symptoms will come and go periodically. It has been observed that one who is prone to this disorder may exhibit symptoms of the condition as a teen or young adult. This condition is called “pre-rosacea” and typically begins as a general redness of “flushing” on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. Those who are experiencing “pre-rosacea may notice a sensitivity to topical acne medications or certain skin care products.

Over time, typically after the age of 30, the redness tends to become ruddier and more persistent, and visible blood vessels may start to appear on the skin. Left untreated, bumps and pimples often develop.

Signs of Rosacea
• Flushing or blushing
• Persistent Redness resembling a sunburn that does not go away
• Bumps and Pimples that appear to be accompanied by inflammation
• Visible blood vessels around the nose and on the cheeks
• Burning or stinging sensations accompanied by a feeling of tightness or itching

Rosacea can affect all segments of the population but tends to be more prevalent in those of Irish, English, and Nordic descent. Those who are fair skinned and tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be at greatest risk. More often than not, women appear to be more prone to this condition, although men will show more severe symptoms.

While there is no known cure for rosacea, it can be managed with the help of a physician who will most likely recommend topical and/or oral medications. One should not attempt to treat this condition with cosmetic skin care products alone. Those who think they may have this condition are urged to consult a physician early in order to seek active treatment options to help prevent flare-ups. Early diagnosis and treatment may help to decrease the chances of this condition becoming more severe.

Patients should check with their physician to ensure their skin care routine is compatible with their rosacea. Since this condition may vary dramatically from patient to patient, there is no one clear cut solution or recommendation when making skin care choices. Here are some recommendations you may want to discuss with your physician regarding your skin care regimen:
• Start out with a simple regimen and slowly add products to ensure that you do not trigger a rosacea flare-up.
• Know your skin. When you experience a rosacea flare-up, make a note of possible culprits and try to avoid them.
• Avoid aggressive skin care ingredients that can trigger a rosacea flare-up. These ingredients would include:
- SD Alcohol 40
- Physical exfoliators such as daily scrubs or Microderm Abrasion products
- Retinol
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids
- Skin care products designed for acne prone skin
- Sun protection products with an SPF factor higher than 30

Remember, it is always recommended to consult a physician regarding the use of topical skin care products. Here are some good guidelines to help you determine which BeautiControl products will most benefit your client:
• As a general rule, a person with a sensitive skin condition such as rosacea can use the BC Spa Facial products as a starting point. Depending on the severity of the sensitivity, it may be necessary to recommend the use of Skinlogics Sensitive which is designed to be most appropriate for those with more sensitive skin problems.
• It is recommended to avoid the use of very aggressive physical exfoliators such as Microdermabrasion. Daily scrubs, such as the BC Spa Facial Scrub can be recommended with caution, but never during a flare-up.
• Regardless of which skin care maintenance products are used, the use of Skinlogics Sensitive Protective Services can be applied after cleansing and toning to help protect against redness and irritation.
• The use of makeup primers and the selection of foundation shades can successfully camouflage the appearance of redness. Secret Agent Mint Color Primer will help to neutralize redness. Choosing a foundation shade within the N(neutral) or Y(yellow) color family will also help hide residual redness.

Products to Avoid:
Remember, one of the tricks to dealing with this condition is avoiding the use of products that are known to be more aggressive and can trigger a flare-up. The products that are recommended to avoid would include:
• Skinlogics Clear Tonic
• BC Spa Facial scrub (during periods of flare-ups)
• Microderm Abrasion
• BC Spa Facial Tonic with AHAs
• BC Spa Resurface Resurfacing Peel (AHAs)
• Regeneration Overnight (retinol)

Since there is no clear-cut recommendations for this condition as it relates to a skin care routine, just remember to keep it simple and always listen to your skin. If a product causes irritation, do not keep trying to use it. If irritation manifests itself, immediately discontinue using the product, and make a note of the product as a potential culprit for a flare-up. A little trial and error may be necessary, but combined with a physician’s care, and proper medications, you should be able to get this condition under control and prevent this condition from growing more severe.

I hope you find this information helpful. Have a great week.

Your Questions Answered

I noticed that our vitamin C serum is on the 'while supplies last' page. Is this product being discontinued? If so, 1. why? and 2. is it being updated and replaced?

To answer your question, yes, this product is being discontinued and it is being replaced by a new product early next year. Part of our product strategy is to continually update our product formulations as technology permits. To use a basic analogy, it is like using a cell phone that was created 5 years ago. Just think about how the IPhone stacks up with those old clunkers! New technology comes along that allows us to make products more effective and even better than before. Rather than continually introducing more and more new concepts (which is very common in the retail environment), we take the concepts that we have and make them stronger. This not only keeps your inventory more manageable, but it also helps you better make sense of the products that are being introduced.

So, if you were a fan of the Cell Block C serum, then you will be thrilled at what we have been working on as a replacement.

I received my Show of Hands Sugar Cookie and noticed that there is color variance in each of the products. Is this normal?

This formula contains a white sugar/salt solution and a clear oil. To mimic the appearance of a sugar cookie, we included red and green sprinkles in the formula. These red and green “sprinkles” are actually fatty acid beads that break on the skin when the product is used. During the manufacturing process, some of the beads may break as the product is being filled, causing some of the colorant to seep into the formula. This is not abnormal and will cause each product to vary slightly in color.

I love reading your blogs each week. How can I access archived editions of your blog so I can send to my clients?

First of all, I have to say THANK YOU to everyone for their support of my blog. We have gotten over 60,000 hits since I started writing the blog and I have heard from many of you how it has help give each of you a better understanding of our products.

The great thing about this technology is that every edition of my blog is archived and can be easily accessed. So, regardless of when you started reading my postings, you can always go back and review previous postings that date back to August.

When you log onto the blog, on the right hand side of the page you will see 2 categories – “Weekly Posts” and “Your Questions Answered”. You can click on either of these and it will pull up every edition that has been posted. Every Monday I post articles on various topics pertaining to skin care, beauty, etc. These postings can be found in the “Weekly Posts” category. On Fridays, I generally post a Q&A on relevant topics of the week. These postings can be found in the “Your Questions Answered” category.

If I have a product question, what is the most effective way to get a quick answer? Should I post questions on your blog?

The most effective way to receive a quick answer is by sending your question to product@beauticontrol.com. I think you will find that our response time is incredibly fast, usually within a few hours at the most. If you do not receive an answer within 24 hours (maximum), then it is likely that your email was not received. Please send a follow up so we can get you the answers that you need. We realize how important answers are to you and your business, so please know that we are always here to support you in any way that we can.

I hope you all have an amazing weekend. Be safe and be sure to check back in on Monday. Our topic of discussion will be how to deal with Rosacea.

Ciao!

Your Questions Answered - 10/12/07

I saw a report yesterday regarding the use of lead in lipsticks. Can you explain?

BeautiControl is committed to providing the highest quality, safest personal care products possible. Lead is certainly not an ingredient that is added to any of our cosmetic formulations. Constant research into new ingredients and new formulations ensures that the industry provides safe products. Cost is never a consideration for safety.

In the United States, cosmetics are regulated under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which is enforced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The American cosmetics industry and its trade association, Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA), work with the FDA to ensure the safety of all cosmetics products sold in the United States. In the statement issued by the CTFA, of which we are a member, “Despite the negligible levels of lead found in some lipsticks, cosmetic companies are committed to reducing that level even further. For decades, cosmetic companies have worked to minimize all product contamination, including lead. They actively and continually review all raw materials to ensure that they contain the lowest levels of impurities possible. Cosmetic companies have some of the world’s leading chemists, toxicologists, and biologists to evaluate all the safety information.”

Can you please explain how to use the new Platinum Plus products? Does the Renewing Night Crème take the place of Cell Block C PM?

1. It is recommended to start with the Nourishing Crème Cleanser. This cleanser can be used in the shower as a rinse off cleanser, or at the sink, applied to dampened skin then removed with a moist cloth.
2. Next, apply the Relaxing Tonic with a tissue or cotton pad to provide a final rinse while laying down age specific ingredients that treat the skin and help it maintain the essential moisture mantle.
3. In the daytime, apply your Regeneration Platinum, Cell Block C and any other products that you may include in your daytime regimen. Follow with the Brightening Day Cream as your moisturizer.
4. At night, apply your Time to Go, Reprogram and any other products that you may include in your nighttime regimen. Follow with the Renewing Night Cream. There is no need to use the Cell Block C PM with this line. The Renewing Night Cream will provide the essential age specific nutrients and antioxidants that you need to help your skin renew its moisture levels while you sleep.

Be sure to check back on Monday. My blog topic will be “Dealing with Acne”. I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend.