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Archive for February, 2010

The Answer to Brightening vs Bleaching Skin for the Treatment of Hyperpigmentation

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Ok so this one is a long one but one of the primary reasons for the development of JolieMD was a determined focus on achieving healthy, even-toned, acne-free skin which requires less make- up.

Don’t get us wrong, we know that makeup is fun and can be sexy, but we want to allow you to have skin that does not need daily cover up. Unfortunately,  for too many women, abnormal or excessive pigmentation- whether it is Brown Spots, Age Spots, Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, Sun Spots, Post Acne Hyperpigmentation, or Hormonal pigmentation/ Melasma- is a daily source of frustration that literally needs covering up. And, sadly, most of the billions of products out there focus on moisturizing or on a vision of anti- aging as simply plumping up skin temporarily to make it look better.

So why do you have brown spots or mottled skin?

While there are several factors causing melanin (pigment) overproduction, the most notable cause is some form of skin “injury.” This “injury” can be from sun damage, acne, or any one of a number of other possible sources of inflammation. This “injury” causes inflammation that then activates your skin to “protect” itself. After the inflammation response is set off, your skin produces more melanin as protection, and the result is dark spots and mottled pigmentation.

Can you really “bleach” your skin?

Yes and No. Obviously, if you saw the transformation of Michael Jackson, you know that “bleaching” is possible. However, the truth is that skin “bleaching” is a very aggressive treatment that necessitates medications that literally make it impossible for you to produce pigmentation by killing your pigment producing cells. And that is why Michael always needed to be under an umbrella all the time- otherwise he would burn.

Okay, so if you can’t bleach skin, how do you treat hyperpigmentation?

The objective is not to change your skin’s natural color. It is to remove layers and years of damage and uneven pigmentation to help you reclaim the skin you were born with. So you need less or no cover up, allowing you to show off your own natural, beautiful vibrant skin.

Many of you may have tried other solutions such as peels and creams for your excess pigmentation, only to find that it comes back. You’ve learned the hard way that just trying to remove the existing pigment doesn’t work.

Dr. Litner and I created Jolie MD Metamorphosis to create a transformative experience (metamorphosis) through a three-pronged approach:

-          1. Shedding old superficial skin to reduce existing excess pigmentation.

-          2. Decreasing new pigment production and its distribution.

-          3. Reducing the triggers of new pigment production including inflammation and free radical damage.

We address not only the pre-existing discoloration, but also its root cause: the inflammation that leads to excessive pigment production.

I have darker skin prone to dark blemishes- is Metamorphosis safe and effective for me?

It’s a paradox: those of us with darker skin tend to be more prone to reacting excessively to inflammation with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Yet, for that very reason, these skin types have often been left out in the cold when it comes to dealing with the problem.

Traditional methods- lasers, deeper peels- cause some inflammation themselves and can therefore worsen the situation. The key to improving hyperpigmentation in darker skin is a gentle but effective gradual approach that does not irritate or cause new inflammation. In fact, one of the main reasons we created Metamorphosis is for people like you.

This beautiful young woman was having occasional acne break outs which then resulted in spots on her cheeks and some discoloration. What we see 6 weeks later is beautiful, bright,  acne free skin with real improvement in the number and size of the hyperpigmented spots and no new ones.

Again, even with years of sun damage, we can see that 6 weeks later there is real and significant improvement in the sun spots and mottled pigmentation that leads to a healthier, more youthful complexion.

Finally, what was most impressive for this beautiful woman was that she was able to get rid of the hyperpigmented spots and achieve brighter, more even skin tone without lightening her skin.

Afrobella endorses JolieMD Metamorphosis!

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

When it comes to beauty, Patrice Yursik, aka Afrobella, really knows her stuff.  Not only is her beauty blog one of the most popular on the internet, but she has a loyal following devoted to her every recommendation.  Why?  Patrice only writes about products she personally stands behind and that she feels are truly worth readers’ money and time.  As a result, she covers very few beauty items–and those that make it past her filters are stellar.  Her words on JolieMD Metamorphosis:

“I have had ups and down with my skin.  But recently it’s been all ups.  Totally delightful ups…I have one product to thank.  JolieMD…My skin is glowier and clearer than its been…well, possibly, ever.”

Read more of her great review here!

Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis loves Metamorphosis

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

The word is getting out about us, and we just learned about another great Metamorphosis review–this time, by industry veteran and social media expert Jamie Stone on her site Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis.  She saw great results on everything from fewer fine lines and wrinkles, to more even skintone and diminished redness.  Thanks, Jamie: we’re fans of yours, too!   Read the full review here.

Latest JolieMD Press: Beauty 411

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Nancy Houlmont of Beauty411 is one of the most popular industry bloggers, and a writer who really knows her stuff–naturally, then, we’re excited by her review of Metamorphosis, posted today.  She calls us “strong and effective,” and notes that, since using Metamorphosis, she’s noticed “improved texture, and softer, more radiant skin.”

Read more here!

Reclaiming the beautiful skin you were born with: The revolution in anti- aging skin care

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

We’ve all heard it before. A latest line…a new doctor…and the fountain of youth. It seems that every few months some new miracle cream comes out claiming that if you use their “magic” ingredient, all of your skin problems will disappear in just a few weeks.

For years Dr Litner and I spent day after day explaining to our patients that there is no magic pill, that skin creams can only do so much, and that most do very little, if anything at all; that in fact, the only answer to the natural aging process could be found with surgery. However, we also know a facelift is not for everyone, and even those for whom a facelift did help turn back the hands of time, a facelift cannot correct the age spots, fine wrinkles, and coarse skin that are the result of time and sun damage.

So after years of telling our patients there was no magical cream, we began researching how we could help take care of  not just the fine wrinkles, but also the discoloration, age spots and coarse skin that lead women to wear far more make up than they want. After intensive study and research, the result is JolieMD’s Metamorphosis, our 2 step revolution in anti aging skin care that allows you to reclaim the beautiful skin you were born with:

  • Wrinkles and Loss of Elasticity – JolieMD’s innovative formulation boasts specialized hydroxy acid complexes that bind glycolic and lactic acid with an amino group. The result–  our acids deliver a measured dose over time rather than a “burst” of acid that stings and irritates the skin. So, you can have all the benefits you want– a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, collagen deposition, and improved firmness and elasticity– without the irritation you experience with other acid products.
  • Age Spots and Discoloration – The advanced hydroquinone-free blend of the best known skin brightening ingredients includes alpha arbutin, bearberry, licorice, mulberry, niacinamide, glucosamine, hexylresorcinol, and a skin lightening peptide which allows for a brighter complexion and more even skin tone, helping women with mottled skin and age spots look younger and brighter.
  • Coarseness and Roughness – JolieMD’s combination of Softening Serum and Enlightening Lotion were formulated to deliver the maximum effectiveness but also include the ceramide, essential fatty acids, squalane and plant based sterols to effectively fortify your skin to insure that your skin not only maintains a healthful and beautiful vibrancy but also helps you achieve the softest, smoothest skin you’ve ever known.
  • Inflammation and Redness – Metamorphosis comprises a specialized anti-irritant complex that includes green tea, willowherb, bisabolol and a highly functional, nature identical, oat – based active that further reduces the potential for irritation and sensitization.

And the results of this incredible effort have been simply beautiful.

After one kit, you see softer, brighter skin with reduced fine lines, wrinkles, and an overall more youthful appearance.

Style Apothecary loves JolieMD!

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

We’ve had some glowing press so far, but this review from Style Apothecary bowled us over.  Of course, we’re a little biased so we can’t say we’re surprised they saw such wonderful results in their skin!  They write:

“I imagine that if you get the opportunity to try this one-two punch from JolieMD, you will do a sweeping motion of every skincare product you have on your counter and send it to the skincare graveyard that I know you all have. You know the one I’m talking about….the drawer with the products that promised so much and delivered so little. Well, I have news for you – you will NOT be sweeping these two products off of your counter. No, they will remain front and center and become the products that you will automatically reach for because…they work. Containing every possible exfoliating and/or healing acid, active, and lightener, these two products work synergistically to basically transform skin.”

Read more here at Style Apothecary!

Treating Hyperpigmentation Takes Time

Monday, February 15th, 2010

One question comes up very frequently: “I have tried different cream prescriptions to get rid of hyperpigmentation but it has gotten progressively darker. What can I do now?”  We hear you, and want to let each and every one of you know that you’re one of the main reasons we created JolieMD.

It’s no wonder you’re frustrated–the problem is extremely difficult to treat. There is hope in getting rid of hyperpigmentation, but the solution takes time.

One of the main targets of JolieMD Metamorphosis is hyperpigmentation. We know you want to rid the hyperpigmentation without bleaching your skin; that you want to get rid of the old spots, but also prevent new ones from forming. And we truly believe JolieMD is the best hydroquinone alternative to treat hyperpigmentation.

The key, which we will address more fully in future blog posts, is a formulation that works by targeting the entire pigmentation assembly line, not just one step.  Our formulation uses numerous different active ingredients that work at separate points, not just one “super” ingredient that probably isn’t so super.

All of this being said, you have to remember that hyperpigmentation can arise from sun damage and hormonal issues, as well as inflammation from acne, lasers, waxing, rubbing the skin, etc. So to allow the skin to rid itself of this excess pigmentation, you need to do a few things:

1. Daily sunscreen to prevent sun induced pigment

2. Stop irritating the skin: no rubbing, waxing, lasers, etc, until the irritation has gone away

3. A good skin care product, like JolieMD Metamorphosis, that works to prevent excess pigmentation

Remember: it took a long time to get the hyperpigmentation, so it is going to take a little while to get rid of it. Don’t buy the hype on products that say they will remove the pigmentation in 5 days or two weeks.  If  it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably because it isn’t true at all.

We’re in Angeleno!

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Hi friends, Nadine Jolie here!  I’m Creative Director of JolieMD, and am excited to share with you a little piece that was just published in Angeleno magazine’s annual beauty issue, featuring yours truly.

To read it, click here and visit page 53 of Angeleno.  To be included in the beauty issue is a huge honor, so we’re thrilled!

Latest JolieMD press

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

We’re thrilled by the latest review of JolieMD Metamorphosis on top beauty blog Hello, Dollface.  Cindy Bokma writes:

Within a few days I saw an improvement in my skin tone. I really loved the way it made my skin look smoother, and the texture was better, especially in the t-zone. I have awful pores and the JolieMD Serum and lotion helped make them smaller, less obvious. And for that reason alone, I was hooked!…JolieMD delivers on its promises…They should have called it JolieMD Miracle!

Want to read other press on JolieMD Metamorphosis?  Check us out in WWD, take a peek at these excellent reviews on The Jet Set Girls, Posh Glam, In New York Style and What’s Wear, or read our Creative Director Nadine’s take on the products (spoiler alert: she likes them!) on Jolie Nadine.

JolieMD available at DermStore.com

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Read about JolieMD recently and wondering where to experience Metamorphosis’ 2-step skin revolution for yourself?  We’re proud to announce that we’re now available at DermStore.com!  Visit the site, get your own Metamorphosis kit, and see why we’re confident you’ll fall in love with JolieMD.