Why Resveratrol?

Everywhere I turn the past few months I have come across yet another skincare company launching a new cream or serum based on the antioxidant ingredient resveratrol. They praise resveratrol as a new, exciting breakthrough for anti-aging skincare. While I agree that resveratrol is a great skincare ingredient, it’s hardly new. I've been using resveratrol for over 12 years in my skincare and in the treatment room.

Present in grapes (and red wine), resveratrol is not only a potent antioxidant, but it pulls double duty as a great anti-inflammatory agent. Antioxidants defend us against free radical damage. Free radicals attack our skin and break down skin’s support structure. Want a truly “firming” moisturizer? Then you want a moisturizer loaded with antioxidants to protect you from exposure to free radicals that can cause skin damage over time like loss of elasticity. Recent studies also indicate that reducing inflammation on the skin is also a critical step to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Inflammation isn’t just about the redness or irritation you can see. Inflammation can also occur but it can be microscopic and not visible to the naked eye. Anti-inflammatory ingredients are a great addition to your skincare routine.

Always pair your antioxidants with the daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. Antioxidants will enhance the effects of your sunscreen, but they absolutely do not replace your need to wear sunscreen every single day.

For years, I have used a cream with resveratrol after performing a peel or microderm treatment. At the request of my clients, I recently started offering this product for purchase, which I have long referred to as my “Antioxidant Cream”. It was an instant hit and because everyone loves it so I'm now offering it in a convenient new package, with a new name - Comfort Cream! Without feeling greasy or heavy Comfort Cream provides substantial moisture from shea butter and jojoba oil while protecting the skin’s natural moisture barrier with Ceramides. In addition to resveratrol, additional anti-oxidants are on hand including Vitamin C, Giant Knotweed and Turmeric. Comfort Cream smells absolutely divine with a light, all-natural fragrance from peach wine and vanilla extracts. It’s great for all skin types, particularly dry, dehydrated or skin that has recently had a peel or microdermabrasion.

I have had a hard time keeping the Comfort Cream in stock so I’ve not yet offered it for purchase on my website. If you are interested, Comfort Cream is available in a 1oz size for $27 at Scosh Studios. As with all Scosh products, a little goes a long way – All you need is a Scosh!

For more information, call Scosh at 480.970.5454 or email info@scoshksincare.com

Tips To Avoiding & Hydrating Dry Skin

The dry desert air can contribute to a lot of skincare concerns, but especially impacts those of us with dry skin. There are a host of things you can do to aid dry skin year round, and they go well beyond just using more moisturizer.

Skincare is important, but there are a few non skincare tips that can dramatically aid dry skin;

- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking more water. Don’t stress yourself out either trying to carry around some enormous bottle of water all day. Drink a glass of water with each meal and fit in an extra glass here and there when you can.

- Consider buying an inexpensive humidifier. Elevating the moisture level in the air at night while you sleep will help keep your skin hydrated all day.

- Avoid bringing your skin in contact with really hot water. Hot water dehydrates your skin. Avoid long, hot showers and baths, and use lukewarm or tepid water to cleanse your face.

There are some basic rules that apply to both skin and body care products that can help dry skin;

- Use a gentle cleanser that does not strip your skin of it’s natural oils and lipids. And use a gentle, non aggressive scrub twice weekly. Scosh Cleanse and Papaya Exfoliating Enzyme Scrub.

- Avoid toners or serums with drying alcohols like “SD alcohol“ or “denatured alcohol“. Instead use a toner with great water binding ingredients like glycerin and skin boosting antioxidants.

- Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater daily. Sun damage will absolutely contribute to how your skin looks and feels. Scosh Protect SPF 15 and Peptoxyl Protection SPF 30

- Look for water binding ingredients in your serums and moisturizers to boost your skins ability to retain moisture. Ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate, collagen, elastin, algae, sodium PCA and phospholipids. Scosh C Serum 20% and Peptoxyl Radiance Serum

- Choose products with proven, effective hydrators. Shea butter is always a favorite as are some natural, non-fragrant plant oils like jojoba, apricot kernel and sunflower seed oil. Mineral oil gets a bad wrap and shouldn’t. Although mineral oil isn‘t “green” (it’s not a renewable source) it’s a great moisturizing ingredient that creates a protective barrier on the skin. Mineral oil is a great option for most dry skin types, except those with congested skin. Scosh Peptoxyl Wrinkle Relaxing Cream

So remember, it’s not just about the creams and lotions you are applying, it’s about avoiding the behavior that will contribute to your already dry skin and applying a bit of science to your skincare choices. The result will be more beautiful, healthy looking skin.