Super Antioxidant Concentrate

What do these products do?
The primary purpose of our Super Antioxidant Concentrates is to supply the skin with a selection of effective and potent antioxidants and anti-irritants. Each formula has a silky silicone base that efficiently delivers the antioxidants into the top layers of skin and helps enhance the product's stability. Research has established that routinely applying antioxidants reduces the effect of environmental aggressors (such as sun exposure, cigarette smoke, auto exhaust, pollution), and helps skin to stay healthy and function properly (Sources: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, June 2003, pages 866-874 and January 2003, pages 1-19; and Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology , November 2002, pages 79-87).

What are the benefits of antioxidants?
Topically-applied antioxidants are believed to help mitigate free-radical damage caused primarily by sun exposure, oxygen, and pollution. (Free-radical damage is a chain-reaction process where "broken" molecules attempt to "fix" themselves to the detriment of other, unbroken molecules--a process that is ongoing and is believed to be a prime factor in how the skin and body age.) Although extensive research exists illustrating the role of antioxidants in preventing free-radical damage and some forms of skin damage, exactly how much antioxidants are needed and whether or not free-radical damage can be substantially slowed to prevent wrinkles is still an unknown. Nonetheless, the vast majority of researchers believe that topically-applied antioxidants do have merit for all skin types to keep skin healthy and help prevent sun damage and improve cell function. Further, antioxidants have been conclusively shown to exert a positive effect on reducing skin irritation and inflammation, and that is a crucial step in creating or maintaining healthy, vibrant skin and, therefore potentially reducing wrinkles (Sources: International Journal of Experimental Pathology, August 2000, pages 257-263 and Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, May-August 2000, pages 143-149).

How do I use the Super Antioxidant Concentrates?
After determining which one of our Super Antioxidant Concentrates to use, you may apply it morning and/or evening after cleansing and/or toning. The formulas were designed to be used under or over moisturizer. If you elect to apply one of our Super Antioxidant Concentrates in the morning, it should be used before sunscreen and/or foundation with sunscreen. If you use one of our Super Antioxidant Concentrates with an AHA or BHA product, the exfoliant is applied first. The same application order should be used when pairing one of our Blemish Fighting Solutions with a Super Antioxidant Concentrate product. If you are using topical prescription products such as Renova, MetroGel, or TriLuma, apply them before using one of our Super Antioxidant Concentrates.

Do I need a moisturizer in addition to one of the Super Antioxidant Concentrates?
It depends on your skin's needs. Details about each Super Antioxidant Concentrate are below, but keep in mind that part of what makes them all unique is that each one has a silky serum texture which differs from traditional lotion or cream moisturizers and can be combined for best results. They all reinforce the skin's structure, reduce free-radical and environmental damage, and contain cell-communicating ingredients. This combination of elements helps normalize skin which can be enough for some people to maintain their skin's healthy moisture balance.

However, depending on your skin type and your preferences, you may want to use the Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate or the original Super Antioxidant Concentrate in addition to your moisturizer or sunscreen, especially around the eyes and on dry areas. These would be worn over your moisturizer at night and under your sunscreen during the day. (The Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate has special considerations explained below.)

Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate is the most emollient of the three Super Antioxidant Concentrates. In addition to all of the beneficial elements listed above, it also contains plant oils that have a superior moisturizing effect on skin. However, for those with normal to very dry skin it can be extremely beneficial to apply it over a lotion or cream moisturizer. It can be used all over the face, including the eye area.

Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate is an oil-absorbing formulation that works beautifully over oily areas of the face, creating a smooth matte finish that can last all day. It also works well over normal areas of the face. However, if you have dry skin it is best not to use the Skin Balancing Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate over those areas.

Our original Super Antioxidant Concentrate is somewhere in between and is best for normal skin. It works well over other types of moisturizers in lotion or cream form. It can also be used all over the face including the eye area.

What is the difference between Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate and the original Super Antioxidant Concentrate? How does it compare to Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate?
Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate contains several plant oils and a greater variety of antioxidants known to be especially beneficial for normal to very dry skin than our original Super Antioxidant Concentrate. Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate contains special dry-finish silicones and absorbent ingredients that make it ideal for normal to very oily skin. The anti-irritants in Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate were specially selected to minimize redness and inflammation resulting from blemishes. Our original Super Antioxidant Concentrate is an option for all skin types that supplies skin with several antioxidants.

Why are there color variations in the Super Antioxidants Concentrates?
Both our Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate and Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying contain the ingredient Astaxanthin. This ingredient is part of the carotenoid family that functions as a potent, powerful antioxidant. Depending on the natural coloration of the raw material, which can fluctuate, it is possible that this ingredient will impart a light to medium yellow or pale coral hue. This color is completely natural, not visible on skin, and can vary from batch to batch. Therefore, you may notice some tubes of Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant or Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate are perfectly clear while others exhibit a hint of yellow or orange. Regardless of the level of color (or lack thereof), these are safe, effective products that promote healthy, radiant skin.

I currently use Super Antioxidant Concentrate. Should I switch to Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate or Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate?
That depends. If your skin is normal to very oily and prone to blemishes, it will gain greater benefit from potent levels of antioxidants and anti-irritants, so Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate would be preferred. if your skin does not have bothersome oily or blemish-prone areas, there is every reason to keep using our original Super Antioxidant Concentrate. If your skin type is drier than normal, then your skin will gain greater benefit from the Skin Recovery Antioxidant Concentrate.

Is the texture of Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate similar to Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Moisture Gel?
No. Although both products contain silicone, Skin Balancing Moisture Gel is a silicone-in-water emulsion, designed to lightly hydrate the skin and supply essential water-binding agents without feeling heavy or greasy. Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate is a non-aqueous serum that has a unique feel and provides more protection than moisturization. Its primary purpose is to supply the skin with a potent dose of antioxidants while helping to absorb excess oil. If you have normal to oily/combination skin, try applying Skin Balancing super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate in the morning, under foundation that contains sunscreen and using Skin Balancing Moisture Gel in the evening.

Does Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate decrease the appearance of pores??
The silicone polymers in this product float over skin and minimally "fill in" pores, creating a smoother surface. The effect (as with all such products) is temporary and how long it lasts depends on your pore size and skin's oil output, as well as other products used at the same time. Overall, this product is not capable of reducing pore size, but it's conceivable this effect will be noticed and can be prolonged by pairing it with a matte finish foundation and powder.

Since Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate and Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate both contain retinol, do they increase sensitivity to the sun?
Unlike tretinoin (all trans retinoic acid), retinol does not appear to make skin more sensitive to the sun. Further, research has shown that unprotected skin exposed to UVB radiation loses the vitamin A content that is present in skin. Therefore, as always, we recommend daily application of an effective sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher. Paula's Choice sunscreens are carefully formulated to provide broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection while also supplying skin with antioxidants. They perfectly complement the potent cocktail of antioxidants in any of our Super Antioxidant Concentrates.

Since both Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate and Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate contain retinol, is it OK to combine them with a product that contains benzoyl peroxide?
Yes, this combination (if needed) is fine. The only caution is to pay attention to your skin’s response. If irritation develops, we suggest applying the benzoyl peroxide product in the morning and using one of our Super Antioxidant Concentrates at night. Alternately, you can apply the benzoyl peroxide product where needed, and apply the Super Antioxidant Concentrate product elsewhere. If you are using a prescription product with tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Avita), we recommend applying the benzoyl peroxide separately. Because tretinoin is more potent and less stable than retinol, benzoyl peroxide can render it ineffective when the two active ingredients are combined. Please note : If you are using a prescription product that contains benzoyl peroxide, please consult your physician before making any changes to your skin-care routine.

Since Paula's Choice sunscreens and moisturizers already contain antioxidants, why do I need a separate product?
As research on topical application of antioxidants continues, it is becoming increasingly apparent that what works best is to give the skin generous amounts and a diverse mix. In other words, adding increased levels of antioxidants to your skin-care routine is a very good thing, and definitely not harmful. This is a win-win situation for the health and appearance of your skin! Even if antioxidants turn out to be less impressive than we think, the skin will still benefit from their anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties.

I use a prescription product with tretinoin (i.e. Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac). Since Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate and Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate contain retinol, is it OK to combine them?
We are not aware of any contraindications surrounding the use of tretinoin and retinol and believe this combination is beneficial to skin. However, due to their similarities, retinol has the potential to add to the amount of tretinoin (the active ingredient in prescription products such as Retin-A, Renova, and Tazorac) in the skin. Retinol can be converted to tretinoin in the skin when and if certain enzymes are present. There is a chance that using a product with retinol along with a tretinoin product may increase the side effects of tretinoin therapy, including dry, flaking, or reddened skin. Because this question concerns a prescription drug, we recommend consulting your physician and following his or her advice.

Will the Super Antioxidant Concentrates interfere with any of my other products/medications?
No. These products can be used with any other skin-care product, and are compatible with topical prescription medicines such as MetroLotion, Clindagel, Differin, or hydroscortisone. However, it is always best to check with your physician to be sure your skin-care products are compatible with any medications you may be using.

Can the Super Antioxidant Concentrates be used on skin with rosacea?
Although our Super Antioxidant Concentrates do not contain ingredients known to aggravate rosacea, recommending products for this skin condition is tricky because it tends to be more reactive to any cosmetic ingredients, even those typically deemed gentle or non-irritating. The good news is that because antioxidants are inherently anti-inflammatory, most people with rosacea find them to be beneficial. The anti-irritants we included in our Super Antioxidant Concentrates promote further skin soothing, and are generally well-tolerated by those with rosacea. If you are uncertain if these products will be an option for your rosacea-prone skin, please contact us about receiving samples.

Paula Begoun

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