DNA Renewal: the anti-aging miracle

Who doesn't want to turn back the clock a couple of years when it comes to skin care? Decrease some of those fine (or not-so-fine) lines, smooth your skin's surface and look brighter, firmer and more radiant overall? Now there's help, with DNA Renewal Foaming Cleanser ($28) and DNA Night Renewal ($130), both designed to repair photo damaged aging skin.

I have to admit: I tried them reluctantly as I've tried so many products that promise the same youthful effects. But I tried them each for a few weeks, giving me time to see the fruitful results. My skin not only feels softer and smoother but I definitely see some optimistic retexturizing results. Fine lines seem finer, deep lines seem more subtle. Granted, there's no surefire way to go back to the old days but every little bit of skin renewal helps!

The Foaming Cleanser's gentle, non-irritating formula genlty washes away dirt, oil and makeup, leaving clean, vibrant skin. Its unique ingredient, AHC, a glycolic sugar acid, is combined with amino acid for slow, controlled release, reducing stinging or irritation that's typically associated with standard AHA's. Apply it with a washcloth or soft brush before bed or in the AM then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

The Night Renewal lotion has an advanced liposome delivery system to maximize cell repair while your body sleeps. It works overtime to regenerate cells and counter photo-aging damage to restore skin's vitality. Ideal for dry and stressed skin, smooth it on before bedtime and you'll wake up looking and feeling more youthful.

To order and get these amazing results for yourself, go to www.dnaegfrenewal.com.

spa at home

I love getting spa treatments...but I also love feeling like I've just been to a spa. Aside from walking out the door feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, I love the way I smell! All those intoxicating scents mingle in the air and on my skin, keeping me calm as I head home. The Vanda Orchid Body Balm ($60) from June Jacobs Spa Collection is one of my favorite spa scents--thanks to the delicate bouquet of orchid extract it embodies in its luxurious formula. And while it smells heavenly, it also really works to moisturize my skin. Shea butter with nourishing oils of squalane, jojoba and sunflower seed soften, protect and replenish lost moisture, a blend of white, red and green tea extracts combined with goji berry, pomegranate and grapeseed extracts help to neutralize free radicals, protect the skin from environmental toxins and combat the visible signs of premature aging. Truthfully, though, I don't have to know how the formula is concocted. All I know is that it leaves my skin soft and smooth, adding hydration where I need it most. A must-have for summer, get this and other amazing June Jacobs products at www.junejacobs.com.

get the point

It seems to be a trend--if you're a plastic surgeon, you have to have your own skin care line. Denver-based Plastic Surgeon Christine Rodgers is no exception, thanks to her newly launched skin care collection, En Pointe Skin Solutions--but she brings to the table her first-hand experience as a breast cancer survivor as well as a passionate ballet dancer. In fact, it was the physical and emotional healing benefits she experienced through practicing ballet that inspired the brand name which suggests enduring strength. En Pointe specifically addresses women's skin concerns such as fine lines, skin pigmentation, redness and irritation which Dr. Rodgers believes are the consequences of skin stressors like hormonal, environmental, physical, emotional and medical issues. So I set out to undo some 40+ years of stress I have already endured. After washing my face, I applied the Encore Renewal Serum ($85), designed to brighten, reduce pigmentation and minimize the appearance of age spots. Formulated with Dr. Rodgers' Bio-Energy Complex to smooth, hydrate and promote radiant skin, it smoothed on easily and absorbed quickly. I followed up with the Fouette Firming Moisturizer ($85), designed to deliver intense moisture, stimulate collagen production and protect against free radical damage. It felt thicker than I expected but absorbed just as readily, almost as if it was filling in my not-so-fine lines as I was applying it. I added a couple of dabs of the Pas de Trois Age Delay Eye Solution ($75) in an attempt to reduce puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles around my eyes, offering a more youthful appearance. All of the formulas felt smooth and creamy on my skin and had a subtle clean, natural scent. There's a cleanser, toner, and SPF too, as well as other nourishing treatments. As for the results, only time will tell. I'll have to keep you posted. But in the meantime, check out these innovative and therapeutic products on www.empoweryourskin.com.

happy earth day: keep it simple

I don't know about you guys but whenever I've had a long day and just need to crash, the last thing I can think about is skincare. I mean, cleanser, toner, moisturizer, eye cream, etc... I just want to fall into bed and catch some zzz's. Which, of course, is no frame of mind to be in when it comes to protecting your skin. Leave it to Envision Beauty to come up with a solution, which is exactly what it's appropriately called. The Solution ($74) is an advanced anti-aging complex designed to restore, perfect and protect. It's a combination day cream, night cream, makeup primer and anti-aging cream in one (how convenient!) Packed with goji berry, acai, grapeseed and vitamins (A, B5, C and E), it smooths on easily and feels like a great base on your skin. But that's not all. THe Solution promises to reduce wrinkle density and the appearance of fine lines, and improve collagen production to promote healthy, radiant skin for all skin types. Founder Kimberly Snyder is not only trying to simplify your life, she's also on a mission to help others. At least 10% of the profits from Envision Beauty go to Project Concern International, a charity that focuses on sustainable, humanitarian projects around the world. So click on www.envision-beauty.com to order The Solution today. Make it an Earth Day gift to yourself.

get ekoh-friendly

Some beauty products are all hype...Ekoh Cosmetics' Skin Retreat is the real thing. It just feels good when you smooth it on and even better when it sinks into your skin. Set to hit stores next month, this all-in-one 24-hour moisturizer is designed to calm, soothe and hydrate your skin. And it smells yummy--thanks to all the fruity ingredients (wild blueberry, raspberry, cranberry, cherry, strawberry, among others). What's not in the formula: sulphates, parabens, petrochemicals, polymers, synthetic fragrance and colorants--and there's no animal testing used to get the end result. The lightweight cream is the perfect way to end a day. Just apply to your face, neck and chest areas, then drift off to a peaceful sleep as it does its duty. Before smoothing on Skin Retreat: Try Ekoh's Pre-Party Prep Exfoliating Facial Scrub. Apply to skin, let sit for three minutes, scrub lightly, then splash off to give skin a healthy glow. For more info or to find out where to make your purchase, go to www.ekohcosmetics.com.

VDay: give beauty (him)

Judging from my own personal experience, most men are hard to shop for. But give them something they could really use but won't go out and buy themselves--and you just may score points this Valentine's Day. Leave it to Lush, the fresh handmade cosmetics company, to come up with a solution. The company's Shave the Planet Gift set ($29.95) features three essentials he can use to look and feel his best. Sold in a special gift box that's wrapped up in a comic strip, it's designed for the superhero you know and love. Inside, he'll find Shave the Planet Shaving Cream (designed for super-smooth shaves), Cosmetic Lad Moisturizer (to soothe sensitive faces), Bamboo Soap (to tone and leave skin smelling like the rainforest) and a Business Time Massage Bar (for all the relaxation he needs). The trick now is getting him to use all of these little luxuries! At least I know the shaving cream won't go to waste! For more info or to make a purchase, click on www.lushusa.com.