How do Amino Acids help your skin?

Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. Amino acids and proteins are the building blocks of life. When proteins are digested or broken down, amino acids are left. So what do they do in our skincare products? Continue reading “How do Amino Acids help your skin?”

Creamy Anti-Aging Eye Concealer

Do you love creamy eye concealer?  Do you love Biofond?  Did you know there is an easy way to create a creamy anti-aging eye concealer that will not only help to conceal uneven skintone, dark circles and hyper-pigmentation but will also work to fight signs of fine lines and wrinkles?

Continue reading “Creamy Anti-Aging Eye Concealer”

3 things that destroy your skin

Did you know that skin damage can happen even in the cold winter months?  Check this out from www.skincancer.org:

“It’s easy to associate winter with frostbite and windburn, but most people are unaware that UV rays can be every bit as damaging on the slopes as on the beach,” said Perry Robins, MD, President, The Skin Cancer Foundation. “With the winter sports season ahead of us, it’s more important than ever to take proper precautions on the slopes.”

The top 3 skin destroyers you need to know about:

#1 – Free Radicals

UV exposure is the main contributor to premature aging and http://www.dermatology.com goes as far as to say this- “UV radiation is one of the major creators of free radicals. Free-radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that have only one electron instead of two. Because electrons are found in pairs, the molecule must scavenge other molecules for another electron. When the second molecule looses its electron to the first molecule, it must then find another electron repeating the process. This process can damage cell function and alter genetic material. Free radical damage causes wrinkles by activating the metalloproteinases that break down collagen (see #3). They cause cancer by changing the genetic material, RNA and DNA, of the cell.

#2 – Glycation

“When you have sugar molecules in your system, they bombard the body’s cells like a meteor ­shower—glomming onto fats and proteins in a process known as glycation. This forms advanced glycation end products (commonly shortened, appropriately, to AGEs), which cause protein fibers to become stiff and malformed…The proteins in skin most prone to glycation are the same ones that make a youthful complexion so plump and springy—collagen and elastin. When those proteins hook up with renegade sugars, they become discolored, weak, and less supple; this shows up on the skin’s surface as wrinkles, sagginess, and a loss of radiance. The presence of AGEs also makes the complexion more vulnerable to bad-news assailants such as UV light and cigarette smoke.” www.Elle.com

When dealing with glycated skin conditions, it is essential to remember that the skin needs products that have anti-inflammatory ingredients and that will hydrate the compromised cellular structure of the dermis.

# 3 – MMPS: Collagen-eating enzymes

Enzymes activated by inflammation, often caused by UV exposure, MMPs (Matrix metalloproteinases) destroys the skins support structure which leads to sagging skin, lines and wrinkles.  MMPs help to keep collagen levels in balance, without these enzymes damaged collagen and elastin would accumulate and lead to skin blemishes.

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Best way to apply anti-aging moisturizers

Topical products like anti-aging moisturizers and creams can help our skin to be healthier and appear more flawless and even.  Before you apply any makeup you should be helping to nourish and maintain the biggest organ in your body, the skin!200503985-001

Nature has a thing with circles – have you noticed?  “From flowers, to fruits, and even the plants of our solar system there is symmetry and circular form.”  Applying this theory to your topical skin care applications is a philosophy that Madame Spillmann began teaching her clients in Switzerland over 70 years ago.  Circular massage provides warmth and increases blood flow to the skin helping to achieve a proper pH balance, moisture and overall healthy skin.

Start by dabbing a small sized amount of product onto to the middle of the woman-applying-hand-cream-winterforehead, rubbing gently in a clockwise motion and gradually expanding the diameter of your circle until you have allowed the skin to absorb all of the product.  Next, following the clockwise circle, apply more product to the apple of your cheek, followed by the chin and next the other cheek.  Use circular massage on your neck, arms and legs as well.  Remember to gently massage the skin, pressing too hard or deep can cause redness and irritation.

Physical benefits to the skin from circular massage include:

  • Stimulation of the skin and muscles beneath the skin
  • Skin respiration improvement
  • Skin tissue can be strengthened
  • Skin tension and elasticity recovery
  • Improved blood flow to the skin
  • Natural cleansing, exfoliation of dead skin cells

5 Plants for Anti-Aging Skincare

GS Botanical Ingredients

Botanical ingredients are derived from natural, plant sources that were created by Mother Nature that we can harness for powerful, effective skincare.  Gerda Spillmann has been studying and using these natural powerhouse ingredients for over 70 years.  Utilizing the newest technology has allowed GS to continue the traditions of proven skincare and given us the opportunity to take advantage of everything nature has to provide, for beautiful, healthy and radiant skin.

All of these botanical ingredients can be found in our line of Anti-Aging skincare products.

Renaissance Pro Age – decadent 24-hour Amino Acid cream with extracts of Wild Yam, Lemon, Cucumber and Avocado

Reniassance Age Serum – silky, light weight serum works quickly to improve skin texture and repair irritated or damaged skin

Prestige Cell – advanced moisture complex will balance the skin’s pH, improve the texture of damaged skin, build and retain the skin’s hydration

NEW! Swiss Brightening Cream – Revitalize the appearance of your skin, even out skin tone, diminish age spots and promote a balanced pH.

Best Facial Cleanser for all Skin Types

Peau de Fleurs Cleansing Mousse is an advanced Dual Action Anti-Aging Cleanser formulated with the highest Swiss standards and most effective, botanical ingredients.

Peau de Fleurs translates to mean the “Skin of Flowers”; delicate, beautiful and balanced.

This popular cleanser is ideal for normal-to-problematic skin types but is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.  PDF thoroughly cleanses while maintaining critical moisture content with natural moisturizers, allowing for a balanced pH for radiant, glowing skin.PDF Dual Action Cleanser Small Cleanse and gently exfoliate while helping to improve the health & appearance of your skin.

Formulated with only pharmaceutical grade ingredients, the Peau de Fleurs Cleanser washes away residual makeup, oil that may clog the pores, skin contaminants, and dead skin cells with a non-foaming formula and gentle exfoliation.   We recommend using it twice daily; once in the morning and again at night before applying your night creams. Extracts from natural sources such as the Comfrey plant and Tamarind Seed give this exceptional Swiss formula a renowned reputation for not just cleansing the skin but also for helping to improve skin elasticity, hydration and smoothness.

This revolutionary new cleanser is perfect for people who need quality skin care in as few steps as possible. Tamarind Seed Extract has been found to exceed Hyaluronic Acid in laboratory tests for skin moisturization and decreasing fine line depth, for skin that appears smooth.  Tamarind Seed Extract is naturally rich in skin health boosting nutrients and has been found to include many important anti-aging factors including Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Sugar Enzymes, Citric Bitartrate and Collagen Fibers.

Proven to be hypoallergenic, the Peau de Fleurs Cleansing Mousse helps to tighten the skin while delivering nutrition, aiding in hydration while leaving behind clean skin with a glowing and a youthful radiance.

Paraben Free, Mineral Oil Free, Animal Testing Free. All GS Products have received the Swiss Crossbow of Excellence and are Dermatologist recommended.

For more information please visit our website, send us an email, join us on Facebook or give us a call. WWW.GERDASPILLMANN.COM or 1-800-282-3223.

How to get healthy skin – Skinfood

Skin is the largest organ in our bodies, so large it that adults carry some 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) and 22 square feet (2 square meters) of it.  In fact National Geographic goes on to say this: Skin acts as a waterproof, insulating shield, guarding the body against extremes of temperature, damaging sunlight, and harmful chemicals. It also exudes antibacterial substances that prevent infection and manufactures vitamin D for converting calcium into healthy bones. Skin additionally is a huge sensor packed with nerves for keeping the brain in touch with the outside world. At the same time, skin allows us free movement, proving itself an amazingly versatile organ.

So what do we do to keep such an important part of our bodies healthy & hydrated?  We feed it of course!  Continue reading “How to get healthy skin – Skinfood”

New Year, New Skincare Resolutions

Every new year we start out with new things we want to do to better in our lives. Exercise more, eat healthier, and look younger. TV, magazines and the Internet are saturated with ways to do the first two, so what are some things we can do for our skin?

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Hydration is firstly and largely the most important thing we can do for our bodies, including the skin. Did you know the skin is the largest organ of the human body? The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly about 13 cups (3 liters) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is about 9 cups (2.2 liters) of total beverages a day. (Read more on the Mayo Clinic’s website)

If you don’t already have one now is a great time to start a skincare regimen! Everything we do, or don’t do, for our skin now will prove itself over time. Ideally we start an regimen in our 30’s but it’s never too late! A through yet gentle cleanser, quality moisturizer with penetrating emollients and an effective anti-aging serum are critical components to your regimen. The final step is a physical sun block product that will protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays, a great one is the Bio-Fond Foundation from GS products that is also light weight foundation coverage!

If you already have a skincare regimen (way to go!), is it time to tweak it or find new balance? Over time our skin will change and transition into different skin types (oily vs combination vs dry), texture and appearance. Use this new year to enhance your regimen to find the products that will help us traverse these changes with grace and fight any pesky signs of aging skin!

Do you have something to pamper your skin a few times a week? There are dozens of DIY facial tutorials online but often these can lead to clogged pores, sticky solutions that peel your skin or unhealthy ingredients that can cause irreversible damage. Instead treat your skin with products that are formulated by professionals, tested in laboratories and have the seal of approval from doctors, dermatologists and estheticians from all over the world. GS products are Swiss made and have received the Swiss Crossbow of Excellence, a skincare company for over 70 years providing you with the best, high quality products and ingredients available.

For more information visit us at http://www.GerdaSpillmann.com, or call us at 1-800-282-3223. You can also join us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Pinterest.

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Sweet Stocking Stuffer! Organic Apple Facial Scrub

Almost 70 years ago Madame Spillmann begin teaching women how to take better care of their skin.  She explained that our epidermis is like an apple. To have a beautiful exterior flesh, we must first have healthy, hydrated underlying layers. 

While we still embrace her theory and apply it to our skin care products we’ve been able to harness new technology and ingredients to take the Apple to a whole new level!  Organically grown Swiss Apples are famous for their natural ability to heal their skin while still growing on the trees and can delay withering.  GS Products has harnessed the unparalleled power of these Uttwiler Spatlauber Apples, a rare 18th century apple tree, grown in Switzerland.Swiss Apple Facial Scrub

The GS Swiss Apple Facial Scrub uses these amazing apples and combine them with polished Bamboo to give both AHA and gentle physical exfoliation on the skin.  This combination allows for a fresh, clear complexion to shine like a perfectly ripe apple!

For a very limited time during this Holiday Season you can get your own Swiss Apple Facial Scrub for 50% off.  Visit http://www.GerdaSpillmann.com or call us at 1-800-282-3223.

RAO – the Must have Winter Skincare product

Cold, dry, winter weather is coming!  Prepare your skin with products from those who understand winter well – the Swiss!

The high altitude of the Swiss Alps has some of the most frigid and deadly winters in the world but also let skin care innovators to create leading moisturizers and skin care products to protect us from those extremes.  One of these products came from the First Lady of Swiss Skin care, Madame Spillmann, over 60 years ago!

RAO Essential Oil

RAO-New-Packaging-SmallRAO combines anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial and bactericidal properties of bergamot and lemon peel oil with the strength of orange essential oil to strengthen epidermis, to increase the cell hydration and to support cell regeneration. The composition is also design to obtain a crisp fresh scent.  Together these ingredients relax and restore the skin’s strength and vitality.

Formulated with Sesame Seed Oil, Orange Oil, Lemon Peel Oil, Citrus Fruit Oil, and Vitamin E, R.A.O. promotes moisture retention and acts as a barrier to harmful environmental irritants. The use of botanical, natural essential oils allows R.A.O. to be a non-greasy, fast absorbing formula that will not leave your skin feeling heavy or oily. Individuals with severely dry, mature or damaged skin can begin to see a balanced, moisturizing effect on their skin after just the first application. It also helps to reduce discomfort & redness from sunburn, treatments, or shaving-for men & women! Even great for sensitive skin!

Daily use of the R.A.O. and circular massage can also help to soothe away acne scars, burns, stretch marks and deep cracks in the heels or elbows by sealing in moisture, preventing any further loss of critical hydration necessary for the skin to regenerate itself.

From the GS Archives when RAO was introduced in the late 1940’s:

We needed a replenishing, regenerating oil for the “problem zones” such as the belly and the thighs (cellulite!), an oil to take care of sunburns on any part of the body, to counteract developing stretch marks in pregnant women, and to positively influence the natural healing process of scar tissue (after the wound had closed and healed).

In my youth we only knew of fruits like apples, pears, prunes, plums, apricots and peaches, and although the fantastic scent of oranges, lemon and other tropical fruits were known, we rarely had them on the table, maybe as a dessert on a very special occasion. The aroma of these fruits was truly inspiring to me.

I wanted to build this inspiring scent into the new oil: a combination of orange oil, lemon oil and bergamot oil (bergamot is a pear-shaped orange having a rind which yields an essential oil). My oil should have a natural fragrance like a dainty.

Furthermore, because at that time there were no “light” preparations to be found in any of the leading cosmetic brands, I wanted an oil that would be yielding and “go a long way” for the customer. Remember, these were the years of the 2nd World War, and precious raw materials would not be readily available on the market. The consumer did not have a lot of cash for luxury goods.

While the post-war world was believing more and more in modern technology and its achievement I deliberately turned to the past for answers. I wanted to rediscover the true values for lasting and sustained results. I looked to the Egyptians where natural cosmetics and herbal treatments had been eminently respected, and I found old formulas that gave me the basis for the modern preparation.

BENEFITS OF RAO:

• Helps to rejuvenate dry, damaged skin. • Aids in reducing the visible effects of burns, scars, and stretch marks. • Helps to reduce discomfort and redness caused from sunburn. • Provides additional protection from razor burns when applied before shaving • Helps soothe redness and swelling after laser treatments.

 

For more information about the RAO Essential Oil visit our website or call us – 1-800-282-3223.  Join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram too!