Skin Beautifying Antioxidants You Need to Try: MitoQ, Neocell & Dr. Perricone

Antioxidants work best when taken internally and used externally.

As you may know, I am a Certified Nutritional Consultant and Pharmacology expert,(Rutgers College of Pharmacy alumna). When I wrote, The Secret of Staying Young, (Lotus Press), I emphasized the importance of adding antioxidants to your diet and skincare routine. I stand by this advice as it means keeping my skin fresh and clear despite spending my summers swimming, cycling and running. All of that UV damage adds up so I've found a way to actually reverse it. Here how I do it:

My book published by Lotus Press

Vitamin C Serums
The best way to get a fresh antioxidant boost in the morning is to start with a potent Vitamin C Peptide Serum. Apply this after cleansing to help undo free radical damage and fade sun spots.


Top Two Vitamin C Serums to Try:

1).  G.M. Collin Vitamin C + Peptide Serum

2.)  Sublime Beauty Retinol Serum with Vitamin C

After gently cleansing and exfoliating, use a potent Vitamin C Serum

Antioxidant Moisturizers
After applying my vitamin C serum(s) which are very light and thin, I like to "seal the deal" with a really good antioxidant moisturizer. I've found MitoQ Power Antioxidant to be in a class all its own and have been using it since last October. It is very different in that it delivers a healthy payload of antioxidants, namely CoQ deep within the mitochondria of your cells and is 847 times more potent than any other topical cream containing this co-enzyme.

MitoQ Power Antioxidant Supplements and Moisturizer

MitoQ Power Antioxidant Moisturizer works by protecting both skin fibroblasts within the deeper dermis and keratinocytes in the outer layer or epidermis. This means more youthful levels of collagen and elastin. When I apply it, I can actually feel it sinking down into my skin. It is like a wave of moisture going deep into the layers. No greasy residue, just a plump, moist and very firm skin toning effect. MitoQ has scientific studies showing its efficacy but my proof is in the mirror. MitoQ has reversed some of the sun damage I've gotten as I am outdoors a lot. As you can see in this fashion photo below, my skin simply glows from within.

PHOTO by Kenneth Deutsch of Headshots, NYC

MitoQ Targeted Antioxidant Supplement
Getting that lit from within look also means taking a daily antioxidant supplement. I've been taking MitoQ Targeted Antioxidant capsules since last fall. I especially believe it works as a synergy with the topical MitoQ Power Antioxidant Moisturizer. The 5 mg capsules are easy to swallow and I take one or two every morning when I get up. This same supplement has been extensively studied for its efficacy in dealing with degenerative diseases like MS so it is something to seriously consider adding to your diet to help your skin and body both look and perform younger. It can likewise help slow free radical damage which accumulates with age. Learn more about MitoQ products & research studies online HERE

NeoCell Beauty Infusion
Another good antioxidant beauty supplement you can take is by NeoCell known for my fave Beauty Bursts Collagen Chews. Although I just started taking this, it looks like another winner but in a delicious Tangerine Twist flavor. Blend a scoop of Beauty Infusion in 8 oz of water first thing in the morning for a burst of beta carotene and vitamin C along with 6,000 mgs of collagen and 3,000 mcgs of biotin which is by the way, amazing for your hair.

Sunscreen Year Round
I'm sure you're aware that just because summer is over doesn't mean we can abandon use of sunblock. After moisturizing, the next step is to use a natural sunscreen with antioxidants and botanicals. I've been using Sulwhasoo Age Veil, SPF 30 and Elizabeth Arden's Triple Protection Factor Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, SPF 50 which is more like a tinted moisturizer. What you want are sunblocks with a physical sunscreen, namely the newer products like these containing titanium and zinc dioxides.

EA's TPF Physical Sunscreen SPF 50

Sulwhasoo Age Veil at Crystal Springs Resort this summer.

Dr. Perricone No Foundation, Foundation Serum - Sephora & Ulta
This is something new I picked up at Sephora. Dr. Perricone is well known for his acne skin care line but this new serum goes beyond your usual tinted moisturizers. The serum is very light, watery in fact and you only need about four drops to do your face and neck. Coverage is very sheer but offers a mineral sunscreen with a SPF 30. It feels like nothing on your skin but makes it look flawless. I did not need the optional bronzer as the color right from the bottle is just fine. I would mix it with Kett Shimmers to match my tan. Just be warned that No Foundation, Foundation Serum's universal tint is quite warm making it perfect for golden skin tones. 

I like that this formula offers sun protection and some antioxidants but you can find a less expensive dupe with La Roche Posay's Sunscreen which offers an SPF of 50. La Roche Posay is also available at CVS in case you don't have a Sephora or Ulta store nearby.

So give these products a try this season. They will go a long way towards undoing the sun damage from summer and repair your skin in time for the Holidays. Better still, you'll not only look fabulous but you'll feel incredible too!

Hair: Esther Tobias of Fortune Fashions, NYC
Makeup: Kett Cosmetics Hydro Air Brush Foundation, NYC
Photography: Kenneth Deutsch, Headshots for Fortune Fashions, NYC
Power Antioxidant Moisturizer & Supplements c/o MitoQ
Beauty Infusion c/o Neocell

Editor's Edition: What's in My Work Commute Handbag?

Essentials I pack for my day commute into NYC.

NYC, NY Ever wonder what us editors pack when we have to cover an event in the city? Well, we've got to be very strategic about space but there are a few things that fill many uses that I take along every time. I will usually take a larger carry all to hold everything and my camera bag is separate but everything fits right in.

My Carry All: Give Love Cycle's Guilden Bag
This carry all is the perfect size to hold everything I need for my commute and a comfortable day away from home. What's really cool is it is made to fit the CityBike's front basket so once I get off the train, I can hop on a CB at one of Kiosks on 7th Ave. Even if I'm not planning to ride the NYC Bike Path, I like having the option to do so and this Guilden Carry All is perfect no matter what. 

The Guilden Carry All by Give Love Cycle

Pack Your Bag!
I'm notorious for taking WAY too much stuff but I've learned over time to pack "modules" of items. I've learned this from backpacking and camping but it works for commuting too. Items that do similar things can be packed in smaller inner bags so it's easier to access on the road. A few examples would be my Minimergency Pouch by Pinch Provisions which has lip balm, breath freshener, clear nail polish, an emery board, tampon, pain reliever, bandage, a sewing kit, etc. all packed in a tiny pouch. Genius!

Minimergency Kit by Pinch Provisions

My Commuter Bag Contents:
Left to Right-
Minimergency Kit, L'Occitane Almond Hand Cream, Physician's Formula Lighted/Mirrored pH Powered Lip Gloss, All Good Coconut Sunstick SPF 30, GM Collin Eye Contour Corrector, Round Makeup Mirror in Green Leather Case, Neocell Beauty Bursts, Visine Eye Drops, Energems, Benefit Watt's Up? Highlighter, Probar Fuel Energy Bar and Whish Deodorant Swipes.

Tea to Go: Eco Vessel's tricked out thermal bottle is amazing.

Eco Vessel for Hot or Cold Drinks
I also keep a container of hot tea or ice cold water with me on my trip. I'm loving the Eco Vessel Boulder right now due to it's sleek design, cool spring colors and leak-proof triple walled technology. Packing this way leaves room for my bicycle helmet and the Eco Vessel. Just the right size and easy to hold, this water bottle goes with me each time I leave the house. This and my Probar means I'll always have food and water available.  See more bottle styles and types at EcoVessel.com:

Featuring our TriMax® triple insulation technology, the BOULDER has been tested to keep water cold for up to 36 hours and hot up to 8 hours. Perfect for water, tea, coffee, soup or just about any drink. Its tight screw on top will keep your drink securely inside, where it belongs. It has a wide mouth to easily accommodate ice cubes and a comfortable, convenient drinking spout. We've also included a removable tea strainer/ice dam. The Boulder is a sturdy, high quality, stylish vacuum insulated steel water bottle for the office, tennis courts, golf course, on the trails... anyplace, anytime. 

• Cold and hot drinks
• Premium #304 stainless steel
• Free of BPA, phthalates, liners
• TriMax® triple insulation for superb performance
• Removable tea strainer/ice dam
• Sturdy carrying handle
• Recyclable
• 17 oz (500 ml)
• 10.75" high; 3.00 diameter; 1 lb

  
Carry All and Water Bottle c/o Give Love Cycle and Eco Vessel respectively.

Boo Hoo Halloween? Try These Tricked Out Treats

 

Try these tricked out treats for YOUR Happy Halloween!

Each Halloween, we are bombarded by ads for chocolate and candy for the Trick-or-Treaters and some how, WE end up eating more than the kids! So this year, you can head off calamity by having a few goodies of your own hand. Not only do they taste delicious but they are good for you and can be a healthy treat anytime.

NeoCell Beauty Bursts in Chocolate Mint and Super Fruit Punch

Beauty Bursts - NeoCell
These come in Chocolate Mint and Super Fruit Punch and pack a whopping 2,000 mgs of absorbable protein and collagen in just two chews. Both nutrients are needed for skin, hair and joint health but Beauty Bursts also contain Vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid. A very easy way to put the trick on aging skin! 

Usana Delicious Protein Snacks

Usana Fudge Delite
This and the Choco-Chip are definitely my favorites. These have a really pleasing cookie-dough texture but are surprisingly low glycemic. Each protein snack contains: 12 g protein, 180 calories and 6 g of fat. A yummy alternative when everyone else is gorging on higher calorie treats.

Usana ChocoChip

Dark Chocolate Energy Chews - CocoaWell
I'm not a huge fan of dark chocolate but I like these. These are naturally flavored chews that give you a little boost of energy. They contain 100mg of Chocamine which is a proprietary low-fat cocoa extract with added herbs and spices. Just 20 calories per chew, they contain green tea for natural energy and antioxidant support.

Godiva Hot Cocoa made MUCH healthier with EVO Coconut Oil!

Godiva Hot Cocoa + Coconut Oil
This combination has been known to stop a raging chocoloholic in her tracks. Sometimes sipping something hot and rich can fill the bill more than a whole chocolate bar. Sit back on Halloween night and enjoy some hot cocoa.  Here's my recipe for the best hot cocoa you'll ever taste:

Gourmet Hot Cocoa

3 Tablespoons Godiva Hot Cocoa
8oz of 2% Milk, Heated
1 Teaspoon Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil

Dissolve the hot cocoa mix completely into your hot milk. Add in your EVO Coconut Oil. Enjoy!