Stem Factor, A product that could really change your skin.

There's a lot of products out there that promise amazing results, then there's the real thing and it's name is StemFactor by Osmosis. I feel so strongly about this product that I wanted to share some actual testimonies of people who have used this product.

"I started using Osmosis about two weeks ago and only off and on. I had several skin tags on my face, which a doctor want to charge 100 dollars per tag to remove. The StemFactor dried them up and I have been removing them when washing. Unbelievable. I thought I had to live with and the best part, no hyperpigmentation. Thanks!" ~ B Andrews 

Esthetician Marianne Kehoe, has worked with thousands of clients and numerous products for more than 20 years. "Between Catalyst and StemFactor, the results I’m seeing in my practice are phenomenal, repeatedly,” according to Kehoe, “including with post-operative scars and people who have been exposed to the California sun for years." 

"Over the past month I have noticed a significant improvement in my skin through using Osmosis skincare. I began with a starter pack then introduced StemFactor - this has resulted in a huge difference to both the acne prone areas as well as contributing to the overall glow of my skin. I have had problems with my skin for a number of years and in particular Osmosis Stem Factor is the only product I've found that continues to improve skin appearance." ~ Emma 

So, what is in StemFactor? 

The ingredients are simple: Aqua, Growth Factor Enriched Conditioned Media, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Distillate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Phosphatidylcholine, Lactic Acid, Citrus Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil.

What are the benefits?

Advanced technology utilizing exosomes that encapsulate the growth factors and proteins increasing penetration, stability and activating more receptors to enhance results. Over 150 different skin growth factors derived from adult stem cells create this magical serum that improves all aspects of skin aging and skin damage. It gently restores the repair process and stimulates new cells to build collagen and elastin, heal hyperpigmentation and reverse aging.

The fact is that after age 30, the amount of growth factors in your skin progressively declines impacting your skin's ability to heal itself. Using advanced technologies and a balanced approach, Osmosis Skincare's StemFactor replenishes the growth factor activity in your skin in a safe and effective way.

Watch this video by Dr. Johnson and learn all about this incredible product!

Stay Smooth!
Janet

A Few Things To Know Before Your First Brazilian or Bikini Wax

If you've never been waxed before the thought of it can be...well...terrifying. This is especially true if you've seen the 40-Year-Old Virgin.  The idea of hot wax being poured on your skin and then clumps of hair being ripped off does sound painful... The truth is it's not that bad!

I've put together seven things you should know to prepare yourself for a Brazilian or Bikini wax and help make the experience less frightful.

1. You'll be totally exposing yourself.

Yes, you are going to be just as naked as you think you will be. And, yes, your waxer is going to touch, stare at and be very close to your vagina and butt. When you get in the waxing room you'll be asked to take off your pants and underwear and relax. I'm a professional and I'll do everything I can to make you feel comfortable.... but remember when you think about it, it's sort of just like going to a gynecologist or other doctor. Depending on how comfortable you are, it might feel a little weird to expose yourself but don't worry, I'll help you through it. 

2. Brazilian or Bikini?

The difference between a Brazilian wax and a bikini wax is this: A bikini wax is your bikini line and  about a three finger area. A Brazilian wax is the whole area plus your butt. Don't let this stress you out.  Know that there aren't nerve endings near your butt, which is why it doesn't hurt.   Some girls think it tickles, again I will do everything I can to make you feel comfortable.

3.  Shave then book your appointment 2 weeks out.

One really important thing about waxing is that before you do it, you have to let the hair grow in. If you don't, the wax has nothing to grab onto and it's not going to work. You can't shave down there (or wherever you get waxed) for at least 2 weeks. I recommend your hair should be about a quarter inch long.

4.You Shouldn't Have Sex or Work Out For At Least 24 Hours After.

Hold out ladies! No sex and no working out or doing anything that could make you very sweaty down there for at least 24 hours. Doing so can cause friction, which can lead to irritation down there. So, plan accordingly. 

5. It can be a little awkward.

I'm not going to lie, it can be a little bit awkward to be laying on a chair with your legs spread and a someone (me) putting wax on your private parts while you struggle to make small talk... especially your first time, when you don't really know what to expect. I find that talking can make things feel a little more comfortable. Ask me questions and I'll keep you talking. It should only take about 15  to 20 minutes, so it's really not that long and eventually the awkwardness just goes away.

6. Wear sweats and be comfy.

I definitely suggest wearing cotton undies and loose sweats to your waxing appointment, especially your first one and especially if you're running errands afterwards. The area down there will be a little bit sore, swollen and red when everything is done and so pairing that with tight jeans and a lacy thong isn't exactly an amazing feeling. Trust me, you'll just want to be comfortable.

7. It Really Doesn't Hurt As Bad As You Think It Does!

I'm not just saying this: waxing down there really doesn't hurt as much as you think it will. The hot wax can be warm and soothing. When I pull it off, it does hurt a little, but that pain only lasts a few seconds. Taking a mild pain reliever like Tylenol or Ibuprofen before your appointment can help.  Just know that the more you go, the less it hurts.  As you go more often, the root stops growing in and there isn't as much hair to pull out. So don't stress!

Serum Levels - Where to start

Hey everyone, Here's the lowdown on serums straight from Osmosis. 

Serum Levels - Where to Start

You may have noticed with some of our Osmosis Serums that there is a new addition to the labels. Each Vitamin A and DNA Repair serum now reflects a level listed on the bottle. But what exactly do these levels mean? Have no fear, we are here to help you crack the code!

As always, this system was designed with the Osmosis customer in mind. Each level listed on the bottle serves as a starting place for the skin care professional recommending the product. The levels were designed by aligning the activity level of the formulation with skin tolerance (i.e. how sensitive your skin is to these ingredients). We felt that this was particularly important when recommending our Vitamin A and DNA Repair serum families.

Vitamin A Serums

Our Vitamin A serums all contain the active ingredient Retinaldehyde with our phosphatidylcholine delivery system. Retinaldehyde is the safest and least irritating form of Vitamin A on the market but has the same effectiveness as Retin A. Because of this strength, it is important that our customers (and their clients) remember to introduce these serums into their daily facial regime very slowly. We have broken these serums out into 4 different levels and a specific Blemish Vitamin A serum to make this introductory process more seamless. These levels can be broken down into the following:

Level 1 – Relieve (.025% Retinaldehyde): Relieve is our level 1 vitamin A serum, designed for sensitive skin types who desire a dramatic restoration of the skin rejuvenation process. The most gentle of our vitamin A serums, this formula addresses skin immunity to allow for healing and repair.

Level 2 – Calm (.05% Retinaldehyde): Calm is our level 2 vitamin A serum, designed for moderately-sensitive skin types who desire a dramatic restoration of the skin rejuvenation process. It encourages the skin to calm inflammation, restore the protective barrier, increase skin nutrients and immune repair, rebuild the thin dermis, normalize oil, hydrate and firm.

Level 3- Correct (.05% Retinaldehyde): Correct is our level 3 vitamin A serum, designed for normal skin types who desire a dramatic restoration of the skin rejuvenation process. This formula sets up the ideal environment for aging skin to remodel itself through increased skin nutrients, collagen production and elasticity.

Level 4-Renew (.1% Retinaldehyde):  Renew is our level 4 vitamin A serum, designed for resilient or conditioned skin types who desire a dramatic restoration of the skin rejuvenation process. The most potent combination of fibroblast stimulators encourages the reversal of skin aging.

Blemish – Clarify (.05% Retinaldehyde): Clarify is Osmosis blemish serum clears blemishes, normalizes oil production, shrinks pores, increases skin's immune support, hydrates, calms inflammation, protects skin from UV rays, restores the epidermal barrier, and restores dermal thickness.

Please note that these levels do not necessarily indicate a progression and moving to a higher level of serum is not always necessary. However, if you do choose to increase to a higher level serum, make sure that your skin is comfortable with the serum you are using at 2 pumps a day before transitioning.

DNA Repair Serums

When it comes to our DNA Repair Serums the active ingredient used is Vitamin C, specifically L-Ascorbic Acid or Ascorbyl Glucoside. These forms of Vitamin C in these particular forms are supercharged antioxidants and are wonderful at helping to build proteins, decreasing hyperpigmentation and working synergistically with our products containing vitamin E. With that said, Vitamin C and particularly L-Ascorbic Acid can be somewhat stimulating to the skin. Ascorbyl Glucoside contains one molecule of Ascorbic Acid and one of Glucose so it tends to be more mild in activity. Because of these differences we have also applied our levels to this category, these levels can be broken down into the following:

Level 1- Catalyst Plus+: Catalyst Plus + is our level 1 serum that is more appropriate for very sensitive skin. It is in an Aloe base with the active ingredient Ascorbyl Glucoside. Catalyst Plus+ contains a patented formula that activates your natural zinc finger remodeling process, which is a critical part of DNA repair. The unique combination of vitamin C, amino acids and minerals also encourages the skin to increase collagen and elastin production, promotes wound healing and improves sun protection.

Level 2- Catalyst: Catalyst is our level 2 serum that is more appropriate for normal skin. It is L-Ascorbic Acid in a water base. Catalyst contains a patented formula that activates your natural zinc finger remodeling process, which is a critical part of DNA repair. The unique combination of vitamin C, amino acids and minerals also encourages the skin to increase collagen and elastin production, promotes wound healing and improves sun protection.

Level 3- Catalyst AC-11:  Catalyst AC-11 is our level 3 serum which has the highest level of repair activity, appropriate for all skin types, even some sensitive skins. It has L-Ascorbic acid in an aloe base. Catalyst AC-11 contains a patented formula that activates your natural zinc finger remodeling process, which is a critical part of DNA repair. In addition, this product contains the patented technology AC-11 that is proven to increase DNA repair by 33%. The unique combination of vitamin C, amino acids and minerals also encourages the skin to increase collagen and elastin production, promotes wound healing and improves sun protection. See the Osmosis website for even more information on serums! http://www.osmosisskincare.com/Default.aspx Stay Smooth! Janet

Winter Skin Tips

By Guest Blogger Ami Shvartman, Director of Education at Osmosis

As I sit staring at the snow-flocked trees and watching my breath as it fogs up the window, I’ve had a realization. Like it or not winter is here

! With colder temps and dryer days winter weather can wreak havoc on your skin. Here are some tips to keep your skin winter ready:

Bump up the moisture to aid that barrier

Winter weather mixed with indoor heating solutions can cause dry and harsh conditions both in the air and on your skin. Our skin’s barrier is the first line of defense when it comes to bacteria, UV radiation, environmental toxins, dry climate, etc. It is important to support the outer layer of our skin by not stripping it with harsh cleansers and exfoliants. Osmosis’ cleansers use non-drying, gentle surfactants (from Kiwi- Kumquat and Coconut) to assist in keeping our skin’s barrier intact. Osmosis moisturizers utilize ingredients that mimic our skin’s natural moisture. you may also find, however, that this time of year it is often beneficial to “bump up your moisturizer” and use something slightly richer than you may be currently using. simple changes such as adding a drop of our emu oil based Immerse may be the key to a perfect winter complexion.

Ultra gentle exfoliation

For skin that is dry, dull and dehydrated, using a mild enzyme exfoliant 2-3 times per week can help to smooth out the upper epidermal layers without causing inflammation. Try our Polish cranberry enzyme mask which gently lifts dead skin cells and superficial debris. This mask also contains a small amount of L-Lactic acid, a hydrating AHA and the powerhouse antioxidant Co-Q10 and leaves skin protected and radiant.

Indulge with a mask

Shorter days and longer nights call for more time at home, and more time for you to pamper yourself! Now is the time to introduce a mask into your regimen. A mask with moisturizing and hydrating properties can really benefit skin that has been affected by winter’s fury. Try our new Tropical Mango Barrier Repair Maskwhich is designed to restore, nourish and hydrate the skin. this delicious smelling mask uses various fruit and nut butters to soothe dehydrated and irritated skins.

Keep quick fix products on hand

Osmosis makes it easy for you to keep dry skin issues at bay! Just pop one of our Age Defying Treatment Concealers in your purse for easy access to argan oil, apricot kernel oil, coconut oil as well as vitamin e and shea butter located in our fantastic moisture stick. keeping Refresh PM on hand, an intensely moisturizing eye serum, makes for a great lip treatment as well! and don’t leave home without a bottle of our Mineral Hydration Mist, a great way to revive and rehydrate your skin throughout the day. this refreshing mist contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, a water-binder which is hydrating without being heavy, and saccharide isomerate which is a powerful humectant making this product a winner for dry skin.

Stay warm and remember to take care of your skin this winter!