“Your Health Is At Risk” …is the first link that opens on Google when you search “Health Regulations regarding Micro-needling.”  Give it a try.

Medical providers applying a medical micro-needling device such as the Dermaroller (the original German registered device) need to know the science, including the limitations and contraindications.

Billions of dollars are spent by consumers in pursuit of younger skin, and anti-aging products. The UK, European Union, FDA, and Health Canada have all posted warnings; FDA has not formally approved any Micro-Needling device the manufacture must be registered with the FDA but some are not, and Health Canada specifically has banned the use unless a medical practitioner conducts the procedure and is trained, and within the UK many of the procedures are privately practiced and fee for service. Private costs for medical skin needling treatments depend on the area(s) being treated and the type of device being used. Medical micro-needling or CIT (Collagen Induction Therapy) must be under the guidance of a medical professional, and generally stated is that most devices cannot be re-used or re-sterilized.  Your health may be at risk otherwise; alcohol does not sterilize.

To recap; the treatment introduces a series of fine, sharp needles into the skin. The needles are attached to a single use, sterile roller which is moved over the surface of the skin to create many microscopic channels, or holes. This damage encourages the body to produce new collagen and elastin which generate new skin cells to repair itself; the skin becomes thicker, plumper and more youthful….if done correctly.  There must be a healing period of 6 – 8 weeks, but caution is given to the type of needle, type of device, sterility, sharpness, and the other risks outlined in the previous posts.  The bottom line is a medical professional ideally should administer the procedure, one who is professionally trained, preferably sharp, new needles one use device being used that are 0.5mm-1.5 mm in length.

Should you wish to choose this topical adventure, or as I see it, engage in self-torture or third party induced pain and subsequent inflammation I suggest appropriate topical cares to heal, and repair the damage that was induced.  The damage of course can be at varying degrees which is largely based on trust and reputation of the individual administering.

My personal view is don’t waste your money on a home Micro-Needling device you well not achieve the desired results, could possibly damage your skin and get an infection. Just using alcohol to serialize the home device does little to protect you from infections.

 In our final analysis of this micro-needling mini post session we will review, with a chart, the various topical treatments and what to look for in good skin cares to nourish and heal the skin. Ken Simpson, CEO and Founder of Skin 2 Skin ™ Care.  We welcome your comments.

Men Wear Pink Breast Cancer Awareness

Ken Simpson – CEO and Founder of Skin 2 Skin™ Care shares memories of his favorite Aunt “Chickie” and how she was able to detect her breast cancer early enough to beat it!

“I lost my Aunt 5 years ago to stomach cancer but when I was 14, 1966 she had Breast Cancer she was in her late 30′s then and I remember her telling me about it. How she had both breast removed and reconstructed because of the Breast Cancer. I just happened to find out about it one summer when I was staying with her and my Uncle. She caught it early doing a self breast examination saving her life. A year later the reconstruction was causing health issues and my Aunt and Uncle decided that breast was not so important it was her health and a long life together. She had the implants removed and never looked back. Two years later my Uncle died at the Santa Anita race track just coming from his annual physical of a massive heart attack. It was a devastating loss to her and to me but I was very great full that I had my Aunt Chicky for 41 more wonderful years she was one incredible women that took me into her life and gave me the love and compassion helping to make me who I am today. Each Christmas I put up a tree and hang an ornament of a baby chicken in honoring my Aunt Chicky and all the love she gave me and the opportunity to become the man I am today and taught me to do my own self exams.  

We are all touched somehow by Breast Cancer by friends or family. At Skin 2 Skin™ Care we have chosen to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. “I selected this charity because I wanted to give to a charity that gives to research, education and has one of the best charity ratings where the majority of the funds help in the fight against Breast Cancer. I have selected The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

“Skin 2 Skin Care honers all the women and men that are fighting breast cancer today and their family and friends.”

Please help “Give the Gift of Life” with your purchase of a 24/7 Rejuvenation we will contribute 5% of our proceeds to “The Breast Cancer Research Foundation”.

www.Skin2SkinCare.com

“A Micro Needle Roller uses 200 very fine needles to injure the skin sufficiently enough to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Resulting micro-channels also aid in absorbing therapeutic serums for greater penetration and increasing overall efficacy.”(www.agbeautysalon.com). The word “injure” automatically causes me to react with a twinge in my stomach, especially since we develop products that are intentionally formulated to heal the skin, and proven to penetrate into the basal or stem cell level without intervention or harm.  Why also, would you want to allow penetration of some products into the skin when many of them on the market contain toxins, parabens, sulphites, and potential carcinogens?  It seems at first analysis nonsensical. An evaluation of the web-site which I found credible “Top 10 Micro-Needling False Claims” fully explains the Dermaroller medical micro-needling or CIT concept, and home dermaroller, micro-needling tools that have since been introduced into the market.

First, there is no such thing as being FDA certified, and this can be verified at the FDA web-site. Unless a micro-needling device is sterilized, sharp, has the appropriate length, number of needles and is utilized by a medical professional (mandatory in countries like Canada) the risks include pain, tearing of the skin, trauma, bleeding, tissue and nerve damage, cutting the skin, potential infection, and other safety issues. The tearing, pain, risk of infection, and subsequent use of appropriate skin care are all factors that should “red flag.”  The benefits, as available through the above referenced web-site and others, if done properly, with appropriate frequency, a sharp, 1.5 mm needle, made with the appropriate alloys, by a medical person can, (as claimed) after puncturing the skin allow regeneration of collagen, elastin, address scaring, and promote thicker skin that is more vibrant with less wrinkles.  So the aim is to achieve success by inflicting, with a sharp flexible needle, multiple small holes into the skin, then a waiting period of approximately six to eight weeks to allow your skin to repair and regenerate.

As I review, my thought is risk, outweighs the benefits, when the benefits can be achieved by a product line that offers Younger Functioning Skin, repair, healing, regeneration without injury, needle penetration, and without toxins or known carcinogens.  Are you aware that most of the personal care products on the market contain toxins and potential carcinogens? Parabens and other potentially harmful ingredients?  The benefit of micro-needling allows for the “better absorption of these ingredients or your general skin care product.”  The conclusion, is the choice has to be an educated one, with the understanding of both risks and benefits, the question remains; is it worth it? –  Ken Simpson

No matter what city you live in the United States you can take care of your skin. Skin 2 Skin Care’s founder, Ken Simpson has written a number of articles for “Beauty At Any Age Is Beauty” that can help your skin to stay healthy, radiant and functioning younger. Enriching your skin the Natural Smart Anti-Aging way!  Enjoy….

We thought you would enjoy seeing this from: http://www.dailyglow.com/best-us-cities-for-skin 

What would you do if you had brain tumor and were going through radiation treatments only to find that your skin was having a visible effect from the treatments? This is exactly what happened to Ken Simpson who sought to find some kind of skin care product that would restore his skin. Unfortunately, there was no such product on the market. Most of the products he found either were made of ingredients that were not pure, were synthetic, a combination of synthetic with a small percentage of natural ingredients and low concentrations of 21st century peptide technologies or they were natural and organic with no advanced 21st century peptide

To read more and lesson to the interview please go to The Organic View Interview

By Kathy Hodge, NYC It’s a Glam Thing.com

No doubt about it, the skin care industry is a multi-billion dollar business. It is estimated to be worth 43 Billion (yes, that is with a B) a year US! It continues to grow steadily in the past years, and is expected to grow 6.8 % more this year. As a global industry, the biggest markets are Europe and the US. They alone account for over 50% of global skin care sales.

Blame it on Cleopatra! A woman renowned for her beauty, she did everything possible including taking milk baths to preserve it. For generations, it has become the quest of women to improve their skin and delay the effects of aging. It has taken the male population awhile to catch on to this fact, but in recent years there has been enormous growth in the male skin care market. They too have learned the importance of protecting and caring for their skin.

So….with all of the products that are available on the market, how do you know which ones to chose? How can you even begin to evaluate some of the new brands? Can they compete with some of the industry giants? One thing to know, that is prevalent in a lot of the industry, is that the major skin care lines are the same. They are made in the same vats, but they are packaged differently. Yep, that high priced cream was probably made by the same people making the drugstore brands….there might be a slight increase in vitamin dosage, but essentially they are pretty much the same.  

 Not that the industry wants the consumer to know that fact-they don’t. You are buying a brand. Now, I am not saying that you need to chuck your current regiment. If it works for you, that’s all that matter. However, the consumer should realize that companies that have been around for a long time certainly have advertizing budgets to help publicize their names. What about the little guys?? Are they just as good? In most cases they are better!

One thing to keep in mind is that throughout your life, your skin changes and there are many factors effecting the skin- aging, environment, stress, hormones, diet, overall health, medication, and many other things come into play. What works for you at one age, may not work at another. With your skin constantly changing, and its needs being different, how do you even begin to navigate through the maze of products out there to find something that works? Trial and error can be costly!

One of the purposes of my blog is to bring you in contact with some of these smaller and newer companies. I look for many things in a skin care…..first and foremost that it works! I tend to be green and natural. I like products that were developed either by doctors, by accident and necessity. These products aren’t made by someone chasing the dollar signs, but by individuals who genuinely believe in their products. Price is an issue as well. You shouldn’t have to obtain a small mortgage to buy skin care! Companies that are of the highest integrity- they care for the environment and give back to the community. Companies that have proven results are cost effective, environmentally conscious, and forward thinking.  Companies that are offering consumers the most effective skin care available.

Through my own journey, I have been lucky enough to find many small skin care companies and products that fit the bill. I have hopefully introduced you to some of my favorites in my blogs. I am happy to be adding another one that fits the bill.  Skin 2 Skin, just one try is all it will take to notice the difference!

Skin 2 Skin was developed out of necessity.  Ken Simpson, CEO, President and Founder, had been undergoing radiation treatments on his brain. He had three points of radiation entry on his skin, one being directly under one eye. The radiation did wonders on his tumor, not so much on his skin. Discolored, sore, raw, and overly sensitive,  and having being keenly aware of only putting natural ingredients on his skin, Ken started seeking products that would not only protect his skin, but restore it. After extensive research on products available in the market, he found that other products were either synthetic, a combination of synthetic with a small percentage of natural ingredients and low concentrations of 21st century peptide technologies or they were natural and organic with no advanced 21st century peptide technology.

Ken realized that there was a need for something remarkably different in skincare. There was a need for something better and more effective for the age-affected skin of mature men and women. There was a need to have a line that uses 100% plant life, replenish able ingredients, and medical grade ingredients. Welcome to the future of skin care technology!

Ken created a line of non-toxic, natural cleansers, creams, serums and masks made of potent antioxidant elements that quench free radicals and protect against environmental pollutants and toxins. They also use traditional elements like Vitamins A, C, E and certified organic extracts to repair and prevent what they call solar scars or UV damage from the sun. All of their formulations work together to repair existing skin conditions and prevent future skin damage.  They use medical grade ingredients-less is more!

The Skin 2 Skin (www.skin2skincare.com) line contains some of the highest concentrations of anti-aging elements known to science. The products are designed to repair, rehydrate and enhance skin elasticity, while noticeably reducing wrinkles and improving the skin’s appearance and balance. You will experience softer and healthier appearing skin within the first use of Skin 2 Skin.

In the two short years the company has been in existence, they have won 11 beauty awards they include “Natural Health Magazine” 2009 Best Beauty Product, “American Spa” 2009 Professional’s Choice Award Finalist, 2009 & 2010 “DaySpa” Editors Choice, 2010 “Shicky’s “Beauty At Its Best Award”, 2010 “Beauty Store Business” Beauty Star Award, 2010 & 2011 “Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa” Readers Choice Best Product Award, and in 2010 we received out PETA certification as Cruelty Free and Vegan. The line is affordable, (especially when you use the required dosage which is a must because the ingredients are medical grade!) and unisex! 

Skin 2 Skin pushed the envelope to offer you the best of all worlds: natural, certified organic extracts with the highest possible concentration of 21st century anti-aging peptides and Dermatologist-recommended Alpha Lipoic Acid. I think you’ll enjoy the immediate results. I know I did!

Click on the like and follow Kathy Hodg in NYC http://itsaglamthing.com/blog3/

Ken Simpson, creator of Skin 2 Skin Care, will be on hand for a Q&A session along with certified
aesthetician, Michelle Chatham to create customized skin prescriptions filled with tips, tricks and products for achieving the ultimate in skin care.

Michelle Chat will be at Henri Bendel providing skin accessments April 11^th – 13^th

Ken Simpson will be available April 14 – 17^th

Enjoy your complimentary skin consultation
April 14 – 10am-8pm
April 15 – 10am-8pm
April 16 – 10am-8pm
April 17 – 12pm-7pm

Henri Bendel
712 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10019-4108
(212) 247-1100
Subway: 5 Av/53 St

RSVP to y.kai@sociallybella.com with your name, preferred date/time and affiliation

http://www.facebook.com/Skin2SkinCare
@Skin2Skincare

You can’t afford to let even one hour pass NOT thinking about the health of your skin and body as a whole.  With free radicals roaming about and ultraviolet rays attacking from above – it would make sense that someone would create a skin care product that would actually give you 24 hour protection.  Ken Simpson, founder and creator of Skin 2 Skin Care has done just that!  The newest and hottest product on the market right now is Skin 2 Skin Care’s 24/7 Rejuvenation Cream.  It contains the powerful peptides: Tego PEP 4-17, HyaCare50, Melanostaine5, Eukarion 134,  and is locked and loaded with Vitamins A, C, E.

Formulated specifically for maturing skin ages 35 and up to prevent the signs of premature aging.  24/7 Rejuvenation cream synthesizes collagen, Hyaluronic Acid and increases the skins elasticity. Did you know that your skin could have more volume? It tightens and lifts and lightens and brightens skin tone (this product is like giving your skin a full on makeover and work out!). By controlling the secretion of oils, peptides decrease the areas where there is an abundance of oil. It prevents bacteria growth and acne, increasing secretion where the skin is dry. 24/7 softens and smooths wrinkles and fine lines. Begin using this product when the first signs of aging appear from sagging, loss of collagen, fine lines or dark spots. By using 24/7 Rejuvenation in your early 30’s or upon the first signs of premature aging  due to environmental conditions and menopause, this cream helps to slow, prevent future damage and repair. As the skin continues to mature, introduce spot creams such as Anti-Sagging Renewal Serum, Un-Wrinkle Forehead & Crow’s-Feet Cream and Photoaging Repair Cream to control, prevent and repair dark spots.

If other cosmetic and beauty products can have “all day protection and hold” why can’t your skin care?  We asked ourselves that question and decided to do something about it – In a Smart, Ant-Aging sort of way.

For a limited time get 25% off all Skin 2 Skin Care products, including our brand new 24/7 Rejuvenation.  Starting Nov 26th through Dec. 6th receive a 25% Discount as a BIG thank you from Skin 2 Skin Care! Promotion Code: TURKEY (offer good on web only!)

1. Drink lots of water when traveling! Before boarding a plane or taking a long road trip, drink at least 16oz of water (and locate the nearest restroom…). You need to keep your body and skin hydrated when traveling. Healthy beautiful skin reflects a healthy and hydrated body.  All the cream in the world will never keep your skin moisturized without proper hydration.
2. Try to avoid coffee and liquor on days when you are traveling. They are hydration suckers. If you need to have one, don’t beat yourself up, but you will need to drink extra water to make up for these dehydrating liquids.
3. Don’t wear a lot of makeup when traveling more than 6 hours.  It is ok to use your mascara and lipstick.  It is important to reapply more moisturizing anti-aging cream during the trip, and you can’t do that if you are wearing foundation.
4. If you are taking the red eye or traveling overseas on an overnight flight do not wear any makeup. Before landing wash your face in the lavatory (you can do it) and then go back to your seat and apply your skin care products and makeup (don’t hog the lavatory – and remember to stay away from perfume and hairspray in the cabin.)
5. Both men and women need to reapply lip balm, hand cream, anti-aging moisturizer and a cooling eye gel that will hydrate and reduces puffiness.

1. Ken Simpsons’ Carry On Essentials:
   1. One to two large bottles of water depending on travel time. Do not rely on beverage service.  You will not receive the amount of water needed during your flight.
   2. Sun Screen SPF 30
   3. Cooling eye gel that hydrates the skin and reduces puffiness.
   4. Anti-Aging moisturizer
   5. 1oz tube of face wash for red eye and overseas trips
   6. Hand & Body Cream
   7. Lip Balm with shea butter & Vitamin E. Avoid Chap Stick or flavored balm that will cause you to lick your lips which causes more chapping.
   8. Women should bring basic makeup; mascara, foundation and lip stick or gloss.
   9. Eye Drops

Ken Simpson has over 32 years of experience in conceptualizing, developing and marketing skin care products for some of the world’s most renowned retail companies and upscale destination spas. www.skin2skincare.com