Skin Care 101

Walking through beauty aisles at the department store and beauty superstores can be overwhelming. Everything claims to be the answer for younger-looking skin. How, do you know what products are best for your skin type and what ingredients need to be in them to be effective?

In order to easily communicate what your skin needs on a daily basis, Dr. Helen Torok and I created the H&H Science Youthful Skin Care Pyramid. Think of it like the Food Pyramid we all learned growing up. The Food Pyramid clearly illustrated to us what we needed to feed our body daily to get the essential vitamins and nutrients needed to be healthy and fit. The H&H Science Youthful Skin Care Pyramid illustrates what essential skin care ingredients and products you need to apply daily to maintain healthy and radiant skin.
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In addition to using the H&H Science Youthful Skin Care Pyramid, we also use medical grade ingredients in our products. These higher strengths cannot be found over the counter and allow for more results oriented treatments. We also take into consideration your skin type and what ingredients are most beneficial for your skin type. This allows us to customize your skin care regimen and recommend the right skin care essentials within the layers of the pyramid for your skin type.

Protect
As you can see in the pyramid illustration, the foundation of any great skin care regimen is protection. Dr. Helen Torok and I recommend the daily use of a medical grade SPF 50+ or higher that provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB coverage and offers a physical block. 

Repair
The second layer of the pyramid is focused on repairing the skin through the daily use of a medical grade retinol treatment. Medical grade Vitamin A, otherwise noted as retinol, repairs past damage and is touted as the gold standard for anti-aging. It retexturizes the surface of the skin making it feel and appear smoother, tightens the pores and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Treat
The third level of the pyramid is focused on ensuring that the skin is getting the appropriate daily dose of antioxidants. The most essential antioxidant is Vitamin C. The medical grade form of Vitamin C in our H&H Science products effectively stimulates collagen and elastin. This tightens and firms the skin and provides a healthy, radiant glow. Vitamin C is also a natural photo-protectant and when worn daily in the morning with a sunscreen can increase the effectiveness of your sunscreen. Think of it like your morning “orange juice” for your skin.

Brighten
The fourth level of the pyramid focuses on brightening the skin through bleaching agents and organic brighteners. Medical grade brightening agents even out the skin tone by improving the appearance of brown spots, pigmentation and freckles. It also clears up any pigmentation left over from a blemish.

Exfoliate Stimulate
The last two layers of the pyramid focus on exfoliating the skin through the use of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and stimulating the skin through the use of peptides and plant based stem cells and growth factors. Natural fruit acids, like alpha and beta hydroxy acids gently exfoliate the skin, allowing medical grade skin care treatments containing Vitamins A and C to be more readily absorbed. Peptides and cell repair enzymes stimulate the skin and provide for a more youthful appearance.