Bigger doesn’t always mean better, especially when it comes to your pores. How many of us have cringed when looking into those dreaded magnifying mirrors? Pores that we already know are larger due to aging are now magnified 5 or 10 times their actual size! Throw in the fact that high-definition photography makes even the tiniest skin blemish appear larger than life and we just can’t seem to win! While you certainly can’t get rid of your pores, there are ways you can minimize their appearance and help restore a smooth complexion.\nCleanliness is Key\nWant to make your pores appear smaller? Keep them clean. Use a gentle cleanser twice a day to wash away dead skin cells and prevent oil from building up. Excess oil can clog your pores—making them more visible which can also lead to acne breakouts. And pimples temp us to pick or squeeze. This can cause trauma to the skin and even permanently enlarge the pore. Theraderm’s Cleansing Wash is the perfect gentle cleanser to use twice daily.\nToner?\nPeople ask us all the time, “Do I really need a toner?” The fact is toners play an important role in your skin care routine by getting rid of any remaining makeup residue or excess oil that sits in your pores. They also balance your skin’s pH levels so you have just the right amount of oil to protect your skin without causing blockages. Many people love the fresh feeling after using a toner, and maintain that their pores feel tighter! Choose an exfoliating toner such as Theraderm’s Fruit Acid Exfoliant to remove pesky surface oils and dead skin cells that can clog pores.\nDon’t cover up\nCovering large pores with makeup sounds like a logical solution. But caking on foundation can actually make them appear worse. Make-up can pool in pores, making them more noticeable. Instead of covering up, prep your skin with a primer prior to foundation application to create a perfectly smooth canvas. And don’t forget to wash the foundation off before going to bed.\nNext time you’re obsessing over your pores, remember, taking care of your skin as a whole with a regular skin care routine will not only help you maintain beautiful, healthy-looking skin, but it’ll also help you achieve that look of pore-less perfection!

Most of us don’t realize that skin directly correlates to our digestive system and if we eat something we have trouble digesting, there are consequences. Unfortunately – those consequences can show up on our faces\nLong-term effects of consuming sugar include premature aging and scarring. Sugar attaches to proteins in the bloodstream, forming new molecules, called Advanced Glycation End products (or AGEs), that damage both collagen and elastin, contributing to sagging and wrinkles. Due to the breakdown of collagen the skin can become dull, saggy, thin, and wrinkly and unhealthy in appearance. AGEs also deactivate natural antioxidant enzymes, leaving the skin more prone to the damaging effects of UV rays. According to a 2007 study in the British Journal of Dermatology, these effects increase at the age of 35 and continue rapidly as you age. Aside from increasing the effects of aging, glycation can also exacerbate skin conditions like acne and rosacea. So those breakouts you’ve been blaming on hormones may not be hormonal at all!\nA steady diet of sugary foods results in a rapid increase in blood sugar in the body. This can lead to inflammation and can bring on biochemical changes in the human cells that result in acceleration of the aging process. Therefore, the effects of deterioration can include the skin becoming less elastic, which in turn can lead to deep wrinkles allowing the skin to look aged in appearance.\nIt is important that our sugar cravings are controlled thus stabilizing blood sugar and insulin levels. It is crucial to limit or exclude bad carbohydrates and sugary foods.\nAs more research is becoming available on sugar’s harmful effects, it is evident it is not simply the sugar you add to your tea, or the candy you eat. Harmful sugar may be listed on ingredient labels on everyday foods as: barley malt, corn syrup, dextrose, fruit juice concentrate, maltose, maple syrup, molasses, fructose, glucose, lactose, sucrose. Watch your labels and avoid these ingredients if possible.\nExperts recommend that sugar should be avoided altogether and refined carbohydrates should be kept to a minimum. Instead chose the lower GI options such as brown rice, pasta and bread. The good news is if you change your ways and cut down on sugar, you should quickly see benefits. This coupled with a good skin care routine, such as Theraderm’s Skin Renewal System, will help to improve the skin.\nSo banish your sweet tooth and take care of your skin!

1. Rejuvenates uneven skin tone. Blotchy skin, melasma and hyperpigmentation can create an uneven skin tone and age you significantly. A chemical peel can penetrate deep enough to remove the layer of darker skin to smooth your skin tone giving it a more youthful appearance. Pair a series of chemical peels with a skin brightener such as Theraderm’s Enlighten Skin Brightener to really see a difference.\n2. Removes signs of photo-aging. Exposure to UV rays is the leading cause of fine lines and wrinkles. Chemical peels remove the layer of skin that is affected by sun damage to leave behind a fresh and smooth layer of new skin.\n3. Acne management. If you’re suffering from acne, a chemical peel may be a valuable part of your treatment program. Lighter peels such as Lactic Acid and Jessner’s Peels are more appropriate for sensitive and acne-prone skin, and can help clear up inflammation and reduce the appearance of dark acne scars after a few months of treatment. Use peels in addition to the Reversion Acne Clear Skin System for greater results!\n4. Lightening of the skin. Sun damage, poor diet, stress or even a lack of rest can leave you with a dull and ruddy complexion. Chemical peels can brighten up your skin quickly giving it a radiant glow.\n5. Little downtime. When compared to other ablative services, chemical peels require little downtime for really great results. It varies from zero to 7 days for a light peel to 14 days for a deep peel. And downtime basically means peeling skin. You can further reduce downtime by using Theraderm’s NuPeel. It’s a gentle enzyme peeling gel that helps the peeling process quicken so the new skin is exposed more quickly!\n6. Fast and simple procedures. The process of applying the chemical peel solution rarely takes longer than 15-20 minutes. You can be in and out of your skin care professional’s office within an hour.\n7. Stimulates collagen growth. Chemical peels stimulate collagen production by creating a “wound”. Because collagen is a building block of skin tissue, it helps skin feel firm and reduces laxity. Additional collagen also means fewer lines and wrinkles!\nCan you think of additional reasons to have a chemical peel? Looking for a skin care professional who performs Theraderm Chemical Peels? Click here to find someone near you!

In addition to the already scary diagnosis of cancer, taking care of skin after radiation treatment can be a touchy process. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. James Beckman, wanted to make it simple, gentle, and effective. He developed this routine not only for those being treated for breast cancer, but for ANY area of skin receiving radiation therapy. In this post, Dr. Beckman explains what radiation therapy is and how it affects the skin and why his protocol is an excellent choice for care. \nRadiation therapy (or radiotherapy) is commonly used for the treatment of malignant tumors as either primary or adjunct treatment. The ionizing radiation from the tumor therapy causes damage to other normal structures at the same time, depending on the radiation dosage used and the patient’s age and overall health. Most of the effects on the skin are predictable and to some extent expected. Cells that are exposed to oxygen receive the most damage. This is due to the ionizing potential of the radiation energy causing free radicals in the presence of water, which then damages the DNA of cells to limit future replication. Epithelial surfaces, especially skin, have a predictable sequence of changes.\nThe radiation treatment, itself being a type of injury, causes inflammatory changes, much the same as seen in electrical or other burn injury. The acute changes involve a redness and soreness within one week to 10 days of onset of treatment. The skin may even blister or break down during the radiation treatment. Nearly all skin side effects heal with time. The problem lies in the end result of the healing leaving permanent damage to sweat glands or oil glands in the skin resulting in dryness and a leather-like consistency. A thorough explanation of basic radiation therapy and mechanisms can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/radiation_therapy.\nIt is a known fact that L-lactic acid has an effect on acute burns of any kind to decrease the effects of the injury. If the Theraderm Fruit Acid Exfoliant (10% un-buffered lactic acid) is applied within 4-6 hours after receiving a severe sunburn, thermal burn from touching a very hot object, or being splashed with hot grease while cooking there will be no resultant redness, no blister formation, no pain the following morning, and no delayed peeling of the skin occurs. This protection from the effects of injury is due to the well-known ability of lactic acid to both enhance the immune system and diminish the inflammatory response.\nTheraderm’s OPC Reparative Gel utilizes three powerful antioxidants, OPC, Lipoic Acid, and vitamin E to trap free radicals formed by the radiation treatment process. It contains aloe vera for its wound healing and soothing effects. And it contains a large amount of hyaluronic acid to act as a very effective humectant for pulling water into the skin surface cells.\nTheraderm’s Eternox Peptide Crème has three important active peptides to stimulate growth promotion of new fibroblast and keratinocyte cells while at the same time stimulating increased collagen production from existing fibroblasts.\nThe Theraderm Extreme Dry Skin Therapy has natural lanolin in a 20% concentration to accurately replace and restore a natural lipid barrier to preserve water retention and to moisturize the skin. These products form the nucleus for a radiation treatment regimen of skincare to restore skin to near-normal condition in the radiation treated area. Therapon has formulated a specific skin care protocol for use following radiation therapy.\nTherapon Post Radiation Treatment Skincare Protocol\nLess skin damage will occur during the radiation treatment if this Therapon protocol can be implemented two weeks prior to initiation of radiation therapy. If this is not possible the regimen may be implemented at any time during or after the treatment process to prevent excessive skin dryness and/or irritation from the therapy treatments. For most patients this regimen greatly enhances comfort as well as the quality of life.\nSeveral short, simple steps are utilized in the morning and again in the evening to allow optimum correction of the post-radiation skin damage. The use of the Theraderm products may begin (or resume) the day after the first radiation treatment and should be used daily thereafter. It is advisable to consult with your radiation therapy physician as to whether or not to use the products on days of radiation therapy treatment.\nA.M. Regimen\n1.Wash radiated skin area gently with Theraderm Cleansing Wash and soft cloth.\n2. Apply Theraderm Fruit Acid Exfoliant with fingertips in an even, thin layer over the affected area.\n3. Apply a thin layer of Theraderm OPC Reparative Gel.\n4. Apply a thin layer of Theraderm Eternox Peptide Crème to skin.\n5. If severe dryness or flaking is present apply Extreme Dry Skin Therapy.\nP.M. Regimen (before bedtime)\n 1.Wash radiated skin area gently with Theraderm Cleansing Wash.\n2. Apply Theraderm Fruit Acid Exfoliant with fingertips in a thin layer (evenly) over the affected area.\n3. Apply a thin layer of Theraderm OPC Reparative Gel.\n4. Apply a thin layer of Eternox Peptide Crème to skin.\n5. Apply Extreme Dry Skin Therapy to affected area each evening as needed.

We’ll let Dr. Beckman answer that question:\nBesides being available exclusively in Theraderm skin care products, Soluble keratin peptides are the ultimate natural, active ingredients. They are derived from natural keratin fibers (wool) and almost duplicate nature’s own control mechanism causing new cell growth with 12% increase in fibroblasts (the cells in skin that manufacture ALL collagen) and 26% increase in Keratinocytes (epidermal cells). When applied topically, they send a message that collagen has been lost and your body needs to generate more.\nOriginally intended for wound-healing, Soluble keratin peptides are protected by 31 different patents. One patent covers application to wounds with NO skin (from burns, trauma, etc.) to cause the body to regrow new skin coverage. Because they are derived from natural structural/matrix proteins, they retain “template activity” for stimulating the repair and formation of new collagen and elastin. These are the substances that give strength and thickness to skin. They also know what is damaged and/or missing from sun exposure and the aging process in human skin.\nThis “template” aspect allows large amounts of new collagen to be created more rapidly than synthetic (computer-designed) peptides manufactures from scratch. The result is the removal of laxity and thus decreased number and size of wrinkles for smoother, younger-looking skin. For additional information about the importance of peptides in skin care click here.\nThe use of Soluble keratin peptides in skin care products is EXCLUSIVE to Theraderm, they are available in our Eternox Peptide Crème, Peptide Hydrator and Peptide Repair Eye Crème. Products can be purchased through Therapon.com or if you prefer, you may check our physician locator to: Find Therapon Near You

Peptides are definitely the latest “buzz word” in the skin care industry. But do you know what makes them so important in your skin care routine?
When our collagen breaks down, short segments of amino acids are formed. These are the tiny proteins and active molecules known as peptides. These peptides send a message that collagen has been lost and your body needs to generate more. As we age – this process begins to slow down. This is where peptides in skin care come into play.
When peptides (like those in Eternox Peptide Crème, Peptide Repair Eye Crème and Anti-Aging Lip Complex) are applied topically, your skin thinks they are present due to a collagen break down and triggers your body to manufacture more collagen!
What does this mean? Plumper, healthier looking skin AND a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles! Additional collagen also strengthens the matrix of the skin which tightens the skin reducing laxity and sagging skin.
Theraderm offers a full line of peptide-infused, anti-aging products to help you look your very best:
Eternox Peptide Creme
Packed with 3 peptides that work together in different ways to combat signs of aging:
Soluble Keratin Peptide: Stimulates production of new cells firming skin which strengthens the dermal matrix.
Argireline™: Mimics the effect of Botox® by softening lines caused by expression
Matrixyl: Stimulates collagen synthesis and skin repair reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Light-weight. Can be used in addition to your moisturizer without feeling too heavy. Also perfect for those who are mid-life hormonal and need anti-aging products, but not a heavy moisturizer.
Protects what you’ve already invested in your skin.
Peptide Repair Eye Crème
Contains Soluble Keratin Peptide which strengthens the dermal matrix. With a healthier matrix, capillaries and veins are naturally camouflaged, masking dark circles!
A unique blend of botanicals help alleviate puffiness.
Oil-free so it doesn’t clog sensitive pores on the eye lids causing millia.
Put a jar in the refrigerator for use in the morning for additional refreshment!
Anti-Aging Lip Complex
Avocado oil hydrates lips that do not have any oil glands of their own. Use throughout the day as a gloss and watch those lips plump up – without that odd, tingling feeling!
Contains the peptide Matrixyl which helps with those annoying lip lines. This is particularly true when AALC is used as a treatment before bed.

Let’s face it. None of us are getting any younger. And if you haven’t noticed – the new talent coming into the office is usually around the ripe old age of 22. As we, um…..mature, it is important to maintain a youthful appearance to keep us from looking stodgy, boring or out of fresh ideas. It’s time to step up our game ladies! We have the new generation of women to mentor! Luckily, looking younger INSTANTLY isn’t difficult. Follow these tips below and the new talent? They’ll be begging for tips from you!\nPlump Those Lips\nNothing screams “old lady” like lips that have lost their pout. Did you know lips have no sebaceous or oil glands, therefore only saliva (yuck!) keeps them hydrated? Plump up your lips with a moisturizing treatment. We just happen to know of one that contains avocado oil that plumps lips WITHOUT that weird, tingly feeling. Give Theraderm’s Anti-Aging Lip Complex a try! BONUS: It also contains an anti-aging peptide to help with those annoying lip lines!\nConcealer is Your Friend\nDon’t stop with concealer under your eyes! Dab a small amount on the the inner and outer corners to brighten up dark areas. Use a small amount around your nose and even along marionette lines. Brightness reflects light making those lines and shadows seem to disappear!\nUse Conditioning Hair Gloss\nYears of blow dryers, washing, coloring and take a toll on our hair making it dull and dry. Damaged hair ages us exponentially – so do yourself a favor and find a conditioning gloss. Not only do they make hair appear more healthy, they lock in moisture to help prevent further damage. This is a simple, 30 minute process you can do at home!\nProfessional Bra Fitting\nThis may sound odd – but an ill-fitting bra ages us instantly. Sagging in the front and “back rolls” are unattractive and unprofessional. Spend a little extra money for the professional fitting and a QUALITY bra. You’ll be amazed at the difference a great bra makes. It not only lifts and puts “the girls” where they belong, it helps with your posture, making you appear younger AND more confident!\nMakeup Primer\nPrimers are a God-send! Typically silicon based, they fill in small lines and pores creating a smooth surface for foundations. There are several good ones out there in a broad price range, anywhere from $10 to $60. Try a few out to find one that works for you.\nProfessional Chemical Peels\nWe stress PROFESSIONAL because so much can go wrong with facial procedures. And we don’t even want to know where the peeling solutions on popular “bidding sites” come from. A professional will order their solutions from reputable manufacturers and teach you how to get your skin in optimal condition before the peel. They should provide post-peel care as well.\nChemical peels remove the top layer of skin which stimulates collagen production. This reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores! Mid-depth peels can also help with adult acne or melasma! You will LOVE the new, smooth surface of your skin after a chemical peel. Takes less than 1 hour and the results are gorgeous!\nWhat about you? Do you have tips to help you look younger? Do you feel pressure to maintain a youthful appearance in the workplace?

Eczema is a skin condition that causes the skin to become inflamed or irritated. It usually afflicts those who suffer from allergies and asthma, thus indicating a root cause — usually an environmental allergen such as dust or mold, or more commonly a food or detergent. Although it is more common in children, eczema can affect adults too.\nTreating eczema is tricky. There are steroid creams for extreme cases, but usually it’s a matter of keeping the skin moist, bathing in a soothing oatmeal or vinegar bath, and of course trying to avoid the trigger, if that can be determined.\nOf course every case is different, which is what makes eczema such a tricky condition to treat.\nRecent evidence suggests that eczema sufferers can drastically improve or even resolve the condition by addressing overgrowth of Candida in their digestive system.\nThis is great news for those who have been relying on steroids or topical immunosuppressants to control their eczema because those products have dangerous side effects. We are learning that perhaps there is a way to cure eczema from the inside out.\nWhat is Candida?\nCandida is an overgrowth of yeast in the digestive system, which can cause a host of digestive and other issues (such as eczema).\nHow do you treat Candida?\nTreating Candida basically means starving the yeast in the digestive system by eliminating sugar, yeast and cheese from the diet. No fun, right?? But many who suffer from eczema have found relief from basically starving the Candida out of their systems.\nDon’t be alarmed if symptoms will worsen at first, or if you experience headaches or nausea. This is mostly likely due to the dying off and release of toxic chemicals from the Candida and shouldn’t last more than a week.\nMaintenance\nOnce the Candida is gone and the eczema begins to improve, it’s important to keep the immune system strong to keep both conditions at bay. Eating yogurt and taking probiotic supplements to create healthy gut flora will also help the Candida from reoccurring. Raw garlic also has anti-fungal properties that help the battle against Candida and eczema.\nA healthy diet of whole foods, primarily good quality meats and vegetables, will keep your body healthy and strong.\nNaturally it’s important to find skincare products that do not irritate the skin. Theraderm has several skincare lines made from the highest quality ingredients. For those with eczema, I recommend trying the Cleansing Wash followed by the Gentle Facial Moisturizer. The gentle, non-irritating formula of the Cleansing Wash purifies and refreshes even the most sensitive skin, and the Gentle Facial Moisturizer is water-based so as not to clog your pores or irritate sensitive skin.

Have you ever seen someone with flawless skin and wondered, “What is she doing that I am not?” Do you want YOUR skin to be an object of admiration? Here’s how:\nWatch Your Diet. Make sure you eat plenty fruits and veggies packing in those antioxidants! Also include foods rich in Omega 3′s to really increase the “glow”. SPOILER ALERT: Sugar is an inflammatory and breaks down the collagen within the skin. So limit sugar as much as possible.\nDrink water. Water hydrates the cells which plumps them and makes fine lines and wrinkles disappear! PLUS – water helps flush toxins from your body keeping skin looking clear and hydrated!\nAntioxidants. Green tea, blueberries, acai berries, Vitamin C, astaxanthin…..all these things have one thing in common – they are packed full of antioxidants that battle free-radicals that are known to cause aging.\nSun. A little sun goes a long way – but it does give you a fresh sun-kissed glow. Use a bronzer in the winter months for the same effect.\nExercise. Get your blood flowing! Blood transports oxygen to all the cells in your body – including your face! That pink “flushing” give skin a healthy look and it helps you shed stress hormones!\nWash Your Face. OPTIMALLY – you should wash your face twice daily, but definitely before going to bed. While you sleep, your skin is in repair mode and needs to be free of dirt and debris. So remove the day from your face and have beautiful skin in the morning.\nExfoliate. Exfoliation removes the top layer of dead skin cells revealing smoother, healthier looking skin! Just be careful – don’t use abrasives which can do more harm than good. Look for enzyme peels or one with an Alpha Hydroxy Acid instead.\nSMILE. A smile will make you look younger and happier and everyone will wonder what you are smiling about!\nWhat are your tips for great looking skin?