Education

A key ingredient to look for in a skin brightening product is Vitamin C.  It helps to build collagen in the skin, it scavenges damaging free radicals and it lightens pigmentation; it plays a very important role in keeping our skin youthful.

The type of vitamin C that is used in  a skin care formulation is actually quite important.  You need to look for a stabilized form otherwise the vitamin C will be oxidized before it gets anywhere near your skin and it won’t give you any result. Oxidized vitamin C may potentially contribute to free radical damage in your skin which is contrary to it’s purpose for the skin. Unmodified vitamin C is very costly but highly effective in boosting collagen synthesis.  It is also very acidic and has an exfoliating effect on the skin, so it’s usually not suitable for sensitive skins.

The most potent and stable derivative of vitamin C for use in skin care is MAP (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate)- which is water soluble, highly effective for collagen synthesis and non-irritating. It tends to be more affordable, however, you just need to look for products that contain a large enough concentration in order to benefit the skin. This ingredient is resistant to oxidation, but it isn’t infallible, so freshness and proper storage are still important. 

So how does vitamin C prevent and lighten pigmentation? Without getting into too much detail- vitamin C inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme which is part of the process of melanin production.  By inhibiting this enzyme the production of melanin is reduced and therefore the pigmentation of the skin is brightened.

So it would seem that you need to take your vitamins externally as well!

MAP 15 Regenerator

Pro-Derm Ultra C 10%

Winter can be a hard time of year- especially for people living in Vancouver.  Sure, we have the mildest winter weather in Canada, but the constant grey skies and sogginess can get you down.  Sunny vacation destinations are one way that people supplement their vitamin D intake. Another way is to head to the mountains. After all, there’s a much larger chance of seeing the sun when you’re up above the clouds.

The cold wind and snow can wreak havoc on your skin as you rip down the mountain.  One of the best defenses against dry, cracked, wind-burnt skin is Dermalogica’s Climate Control.  

It’s shaped like a little mini deodorant and is chalk full of ingredients that create an environmental shield for your skin. Climate Control isn’t limited to treating the ailments of outdoor pursuits; it soothes eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis outbreaks, as well as dry, cracked lips- an unfortunate reality of winter weather. 

Shea Butter, Oat Extract, Vitamin E, Superoxide Dismutase, Bisabolol and Lavender Extract are all included in the formulation. To spell out what these ingredients do in a metaphorical sense, it’s a band-aid for the skin- a cure for what ails.

This is definitely an underrated product and one of my personal favorites. If you haven’t tried it yet- you should- the Climate Control Lip Treatment is just $10! and your lips will be thanking you.

Shop for Climate Control and Climate Control Lip in our on-line store.

Our web store has expanded! For the holiday season last year we opened our web store featuring gift certificates for dollar denominations and treatments. This year, we’ve added the full range of Dermalogica and Pro-Derm products.  Products junkies don’t have to leave the house in order to reap the benefits of professional products and it’s easier to share the addiction with friends and family by taking the foot work out of holiday shopping and simply pointing and clicking your way to stress-free/ stress relieving gifts.

Here’s link to our store to see what’s new. Spruce Body Lab Shop

Keep an eye out for special Holiday promotions to come!