A.  As people age, their internal DNA Repair Capacity (DRC) decreases.  This capacity is crucial in repairing damaged DNA cells in the body before they divide.  If the damaged DNA is not repaired, the mutations can form, which later manifest into serous and sometimes fatal skin conditions.  These mutant cells can even be formed by excessive UV exposure during childhood and lie dormant until later in life.

A.  Hyper-pigmentation or localized hyper-pigmentation is the skin's "hyper" response by the melanin cells when exposed to excessive UV light.  Both hyper-pigmentation and localized hyper-pigmentation are an indication of skin damage.  Hyper-pigmentation primarily occurs in persons of fair to medium skin tunes, and is visible on all areas of the face.  Localized hyper-pigmentation can affect any skin type and is indicative of excessive UV exposure on specific regions of the face.  Typically, subjects will see densely packed pigmentation that is localized on the forehead, the skin under each eye and the bridge of the nose.  These regions on the face are perpendicular to the sun's rays (at high noon) and will often receive the most exposure.  Many middle-aged and older persons who appear to have beautifully soft skin with relatively few wrinkles have usually changed their lifestyle and minimized UV exposure.  Many of these same persons , however, will still have residual localized hyper-pigmentation.  Skin damage that results from early sun exposure remains a potential risk of future problems as the person ages.

A.  As we age, our skin is exposed to a considerable amount of sunlight.  Excessive UV light is not only drying to skin, but also inhibits collagen production, cell turnover and moisture retention.  Prolonged sun exposure causes skin to produce an influx of melanin.  Melanin can temporarily darken or tan the skin; however, certain areas of the skin will develop dark spots on the surface where pigment has permanently remained within the skin.  This usually results in the formation of freckles, moles, and "age" spots and skin discolorations are more prominent.  skin appears to have collapsed and eventually starts to descent.  To help minimize and repair sin damaged skin, use products that restore healthy cells and increase the production of collagen.  And advanced DNA repair product will replenish damaged cells and reveres sun damage.  A companion product that enhances collagen and elastin production will help increase the density of skin for a firmer, plumper, softer surface  The use of skin lightening products can help diminish dark spots and treat pigmentation.  Always use products that deliver a sufficient amount of moisture, ad try incorporating a mind toner to help soothe and refine skin as well.  Remember, it is important to wear sunscreen, UV resistant clothing, or to simply stay out of the sun, especially during the peak hours of 10 AM and 2 PM.

A.  UV damage and lack of moisture can make your completion look dull and lifeless.  Dehydrated skin is more susceptible to irritation and can appear blotchy and inflamed.  Typically, skin will flake, peel and lose the natural, dewy glow on the surface.  First, you should always remove dirt and impurities by thoroughly cleansing the skin with gentle facial cleanser.  Select a facial cleanser that leaves skin feeling moist and hydrated.  Second, make sure your supplement oil and moisture to the skin by using a moisturizing product.  Water-based creams are highly effective for this skin type.  Your skin cream should also prevent moisture from evaporating and enhance your skin's ability to retain it.  Improve blood circulation and sebum secretion by massaging the skin during cleansing and treatment regiments.

A.  As you age, fine lines start to form on the forehead and around the outer edges of the eyes and mouth due to lack of moisture, loss of collagen and excessive UV exposure.  Skin texture is uneven and appears dry, rough and leathery on the surface.  To help minimize wrinkles and smooth skin use products that increase cell turnover and collagen production.  By utilizing the benefits of DNA repair products, you can increase the cell regeneration process and replenish damaged cells beneath the skin.  this enables skin to reverse sun damage and improve its texture and appearance.  Products that help support collagen production will also help increase the thickness of skin and create a softer, smoother, firmer skin surface.  And a generous amount of moisturizing toner and cream to your daily skin care regimen as well.

A.  When your sebaceous gland secretes too much sebum, or oil, skin can appear dirty or sticky and will often have a slight sheen on the surface.  Skin is also easily inflamed and prone to blemishes, acne and other skin irritations.  Unfortunately, hardened sebum cannot be removed by simply washing your face.  Use cleansers that gently remove excessive oil o the surface.  Toners that support cleansing help remove dirt and other impurities that can accumulate on the surface ad penetrate skin.  Always keep your skin clean and make sure make-up sponges or brushes are clean before use.  you should not wash your face too often as skin needs some sebum to help retain moisture.  However, using a foaming cleanser two or three times a day is a gently way to thoroughly cleanse skin without stripping it.

A. Yes, the Gentle Foaming Cleanser, Day Activator and Night Reconstructor are suitable for all skin types.  However, it is important to remember that this system is intended as the fundamental first step in skin care.  Individuals with specific needs (dry skin, puffy eyes, acne, rosacea, etc.) should add or continue to use specific products positioned to treat certain skin conditions.  Individuals in humid or arid climates may need to adjust usage of support products as well.

A.  Rosacea (pronounced roh-ZAY-sha) is a common but little-known disorder of the facial skin and is often characterized by flare-ups and remissions.  Typically, rosacea begins any time after age 30 as a redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead that may come and go.  In some cases, rosacea may also occur on the neck, chest, scalp or ears.  Over time, the redness becomes ruddier and more persistent, and visible blood vessels may appear.  Left untreated, bumps and pimples often develop, and in sever cases the nose may grow swollen and bumpy from excess tissue.  Unfortunately, the cause of rosacea is unknown and their is no cure.  Rosacea sufferers can improve their chances of remission by avoiding lifestyle and environmental factors that trigger flare-ups or aggravate their individual conditions.  ART can help diminish the redness associated with rosacea, especially for those who have symptoms that appear after prolonged sun exposure.  Thus, rosacea sufferers should regularly apply the Day Activator cream to help avoid the redness triggered by sunlight.  traditionally, sandalwood has been used to treat rosacea and frankincense is known as an anti-inflammatory oil.  Of course, all of the ART products can help smooth skin texture, even skin tone, soothe, and moisturize which can be beneficial for people living with rosacea.

A. This product was not formulated to treat acne; therefore, it is important to continue the use of your existing regimen as it relates to treating acne.  For example, if you are using a bacteria killing cleanser or cream, simply incorporate the use of this skin care system into your existing regimen.  By discontinuing the use of your acne treatment products, your are more prone to breakouts.  However, the ART skin care products DO NOT contain any ingredients such as heavy mineral oils or other synthetics that would foster or enhance blemishes and breakouts, and does not contain any harsh fragrances r other ingredients that irritate skin or clog pores.  ART does contain sandalwood, and essential oil that my help improve the recurrence of breakouts.

The Thieves Foaming Hand Soap would be good choice as a bacterial killing facial cleanser, or Thieves bar soap. 

Also, we now have a Essential Beauty Serum for Acne.  Use it by itself, or add a drop or few into the ART products.

A.  While we have not yet tested this product on scars, the anti-aging Peptide Complex in both the Day Activator and Night Reconstructor creams will help plump and thicken the skin, and could have a positive effect on diminishing the appearance of scars.  Although the research is ongoing, you can always incorporate the use of other healthy skin treatments such as lavender oil and Vitamin E that have been shown to reduce the appearance of scars.  As we age, scars often start to diminish on their own as well.

A.  ART is not an astringent and thus, it is unknown whether or not this product will help shrink the size of pores.  However, ART does contain some botanicals, such as Melissa in the Foaming Cleanser that my have this effect on skin.  In fact, while conducting an informal product trial internally, many men and women saw a noticeable decrease in the appearance of pore size.  You may want to try the ART Toner.

A.  The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate that the rest of the skin on your face.  Bags under the eyes, formed of fatty tissue and fluid, are caused by the natural weakening of skin as we age.  UV damage and loss of collagen and elasticity that support skin will also contribute to bags under the eyes.  The skin under the eyes is very thin, almost transparent, and will show color changes underneath the skin very easily.  While dehydration is the primary cause of discoloration and dark circles, poor blood circulation allows waste  and carbon dioxide to accumulate in the blood and can also contribute to dull, cloudy skin and dark circles.  UV light can also cause dryness and irregular turnover that inhibits the natural renewal process and reduces glow.  Of course, lack of sleep, poor diet and genetics can also contribute to dark circles and bags underneath the eyes.  Use specific products designed to treat the delicate skin around the eyes.  Thoroughly hydrate eyes using an intense gel-type moisturizing formula that prevents dryness.  Use a massaging technique with circular motions to apply product and improve circulation.  Generally, skin care lines will include produces that improve blood circulation, treat dark circles, diminish bags and soothe tired, puffy eyes.  Skin and eye care products that help moisturize skin will always help minimize bags and dark circles.  Always remember to minimize sun exposure and stay hydrated.

A.  Absolutely.  If you aren't enhancing your body's ability to stimulate the production of collagen, and you continue to expose skin to sunlight and other damaging environmental toxins, rugged skin texture, uneven skin tone and wrinkles WILL return.  Just as quickly as you'll notice the skin improving, skin will return to its pre-treatment condition once product use is discontinued.