Vivid MD skin care

I am currently living in Deerfield Beach, Florida where the humidity is intense. I previously lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico where the air is dry. Clearly there must be alternative regimens for skin care based off the type of environment. I generally found myself to have oily skin type, until I moved to higher elevation in New Mexico. I discovered a soothing skin care line called Vivid MD. I was immediately attracted to the line because it's ability to repair and renew damaged skin. The line is based out of Santa Monica, California, and generally is used by plastic surgeons, dermatologists and other medical professionals by clinical estheticians. It takes research to find somewhere near you that carries the line. However, the representatives are extremely thorough through email or telephone in ordering and discussing the products.
I became a user of tetrinoin two years ago. I find that it is effective towards preventing fine lines, as well as acne issues. When first using a topical cream such as tetrinoin, the skin experiences dryness and slight inflammation. I ordered Vivids Satin Cleanser. The natural scent is phenomenal, but that's not the only great thing about this cleanser. The cleanser was first created to treat cancer patients who experienced skin sensitivity from chemotherapy. It removes all impurities and makeup without stripping essential lipids from the skin. Rosemary Leaves Extract and Yeast help stimulate the skin, which results in firming. For soothing and preventing inflammation, Chamomile Extract and Natural Vanilla Essential Oil are used. The most important to me is the cleansing agent. The cleanser uses an antioxidant called Citric Acid, which is commonly used among skin care products. Seaweed Extract, Yeast and Natural Orange Essential Oil all aid in anti-tumorigenic and antimicrobial soothing agents. The cleanser is moisturizing and I would not recommend it to be used daily for those living in humid environments, or those who produce excess oil regularly.
For those who have acne breakouts or blackheads and sensitivity, the Purifying Whipped Cleanser would be your choice. Sebum production has been known to be a corporate in causing acne breakouts. This antibacterial cleanser helps to dissolve the over production of sebum within the dermis. The anti-inflammatory agents are Clove and Lavender. Soapwort and Watercress focus on a decongestant for skins impurities to heal and soothe acne.
The other product that I would recommend to everyone, a product I can't live without, is the Refreshing Toner. I am a firm believer in sticking to the essential four step process to maintain healthy skin: cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize. This toner has natural exfoliant agents which is beneficial between the days that you won't perform a more abrasive exfoliant. It also contains Lactic Acid to promote cell renewal - not always an ingredient in moisturizers or cleansers.
The last product I would like to discuss, but does not conclude the line, is the Glycolic-15 Cream. A restorative (pH 3.5) cream which removes the outer layers of the epidermis for a smoother, more vibrant appearance. I have used this cream for about a year now. If your skin is more sensitive as mine is, then only use the cream once a week. If your skin can tolerate stronger exfoliants, I would recommend two times a week. This product brings a natural lightener to your skin tone and neutralizes your pigmentation. I find it beneficial toward post acne scars or photo damaged skin spots.
There are so many skin care lines out today and it's difficult to determine which one is the best. I believe experimenting to find what works best for you. If your skin begins to change, change your routine. I had to switch to the Purifying Whipped Cleanser because Florida has such high humidity. But there are still the basics that I will always use, no matter what kind of environment I live in: sunscreen!
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There is great debate today about organic skin care products. I must admit that for a while I was truly convinced that I should only use organic products. However, I don’t believe there’s enough evidence to truly prove the effects are that different. Of course it’s probably better for you to use pure ingredients, but are a few additives truly going to kill you; especially if they’re beneficial to your beauty? Most vitamins that we take daily are not in the purest form, most prescriptions given from doctors are not pure, and most food we consume has a slight trace of something funky. I think it would be extremely difficult to live your entire life only using and purchasing organic products. But back to my point…I feel if the product works well and contains a small percentage of additives: use it!
Dermalogica has been my product of choice for numerous years now. For the most part the line does not contain any unnecessary ingredients such as: lanolins, mineral oil or artificial fragrances. That’s enough for me. I truly believe that the use of their products continue to balance and repair your skin. Most products sedate the action of the skin. Once you stop using the product, your skin will return to its original state.
Continuous education is what Dermalogica strives on. The Dermal Institute is constantly improving their products and discovering an effective personalized system. Not every product works for every person. That’s why Dermalogica has so many varieties of moisturizers, exfoliants, cleansers, and masques. Here are a few (to say the least) of my favorite Dermalogica products I would recommend to people with normal or combination skin:

Special Cleansing Gel- This product does not disturb your natural acid mantle. The cleanser detoxifies your skin from all waste, which is generally the purpose of cleansing. It is a foaming cleanser with Quillaja Saponaria and Lavender. Also it brings a cooling action from a Balm Mint base.
Essential Cleansing Solution- This is a great cleanser for dry to ultra-dry skin - even if it’s only used occasionally during dry weather. It’s formulated with a Citrus Flower Extract base and also utilizes soothing Safflower Oil. The cleanser nourishes the skin and effectively removes all makeup and debris.
Skin Prep Scrub- This product is beneficial for those who prefer a deeper exfoliant. Although people with sensitive skin can use this product a few times a week; it is not recommended to those who use prescribed exfoliants; such as Retin A or Accutane. The ingredients consist of Corn Cob Meal, soothing Aloe Vera and Vitamin C. You can use it before cleansing or add it to your cleanser.
Daily Microfoliant- The same rule applies to those who use Retin A or Accutane. However, being a using of Retin A, I find that it does not irritate the skin when used 2-3 times a week. This exfoliant contains a unique rice powder formula, leaving the skin brighter and smoother. * It does contain Salycilic Acid for those who may have sensitivity. This product truly leaves your skin glowing!
Active Moist- Mainly used for normal to oily skin. I find that it’s more effective during the day if that’s the time you produce excess oil. This is an oil free moisturize containing Silk proteins, Burdock, Cucumber, and Sage.
Intensive Moisture Balance- Mainly for dry to ultra-dry skin. This moisturizer will repair your skin overnight! I swear by it – especially when my skin is feeling dehydrated. It contains ultra rich phytinutrients and Vitamin C to improve collagen synthesis.