Defying aging is almost like defying gravity but it can be done with retinol and other potent beauty ingredients. Rhonda Allison Clinical Enterprises (RA) offers products that converges modern anti-aging technology without harming your skin or testing on animals. Founder Rhonda Allison described her philosophy and approach to innovative youth boosting formulations.
What is the story behind the creation of Rhonda Allison the product line?
Rhonda Allison Cosmeceuticals was born from a desire to make a difference for women’s skin and evolved from my experience as an aesthetician. Thirty-two years ago, I made a great discovery that skin is a dynamic organ and it responds to disturbances from skin peels in the most profound way. When I began administering peels on clients, the rest of the industry was not quite there with me. Peeling was considered a very medical approach to skin rejuvenation and there was little support for, and understanding about the value of, superficial peeling. I continued with this work though, because I observed firsthand the importance of active ingredients and treatments that produce real results for clients. I saw what worked and what didn’t, and began researching and formulating a skin care line that focused on blending science and nature to impact change in the skin and bring it to optimum health.
What are the clinical results obtained by users of the skincare line?
Results truly depend on the skin type, selection of products, treatments used and the therapist delivering it. We are firmly rooted in providing strong education for our users, because we have always worked from the premise that a treatment is only as good as the therapist delivering it. We believe in a fully customized approach to skin care, as it is not a one-size-fits-all. We have seen clients go from photo-aged, hyperpigmented, dull, slack skin to smooth, supple, glowing and healthy, more youthful skin. Our goal is to produce optimum skin health, and this can only be accomplished by fitting the right regimen and treatment to the needs of the skin and its specific characteristics.
Why is Retinol a major anti-aging cosmeuceutical? How does Rhonda Allison formulate their retinol products without compromising on ingredients or testing on animals?
Retinol is unquestionably effective in treating the signs of aging and pigmentation associated with it. It is a major player in cosmeceuticals because it creates rapid cell turnover and produces smoother skin, improves circulation, and strengthens blood vessels, which gives the skin a healthy glow. It also helps regulate collagen production and improves the skin’s water barrier.
We have always focused on quality control – researching and using only the highest-quality ingredients and sources, whether time-tested or the latest scientific advancement. Our formulations are only tested on humans. After all, that’s whose skin we are trying to affect change in!
How are Rhonda Allison's products green?
I’ve always believed skin care is not a one-size-fits-all, and have focused on a balanced blend of fresh, organic ingredients and science to produce results. We have been using organic ingredients in our products for more than a decade, but always blend in an element of advanced science to produce the optimum skin care product. For instance our Organic A Complex blends organic botanicals with retinol to rejuvenate and rebuild the skin.
“Green” is an overused and misunderstood term, but we have always been extremely cautious in selecting only raw ingredients. This means we don’t use any dyes, perfumes or toxic preservatives, which are three primary skin antagonizers. While we do adhere to more natural, organic practices, I’m careful to place the term “green” on anything.
Describe the trademark skin care peel products available? How are they different from one another?
I recognized more than 30 years ago that affecting change in the skin not only depended on the ingredient line-up in the enzyme or acid formula, but also the levels of the ingredients used. We extract the enzymatic portion of the plant to create far more potent enzymes that have valuable nourishing and skin-building benefits. I also learned that acids and enzymes require a “smart” understanding in how to keep them stable, pure and consistent. The quality our Pro Line offers is solidified by 30 years of experience.
I prefer to use acids and enzymes that have digesting (breaking down) capabilities so there is a direct effect to cellular repair and an increase in cell integrity, but also have an end point and work from the superficial level of the epidermis. We also use chirally correct ingredients when possible, which is designated by “L” and “D.” This means the molecules are more readily absorbed by the skin and produce more noticeable results. Some of our professional acid products include salicylic acid, azelaic acid, flower acids, pyruvic acid, TCAs, wine vinegar extracts, L-malic acid and retinol to name a few. The alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are active organic substances – glycolic, lactic malic, citric, and tartaric – that exfoliate and regenerate. These can be used on a variety of skin types depending on the formula. Flower acids are similar to AHAs, but they are actually classified as next generation AHAs as they provide a non-irritating solution to cell renewal along with hydrating support.
Salicylic acids is also often less irritating than AHAs and work to stimulate collagen production, and provide antioxidant, antiseptic and inflammatory support. Wine vinegar extracts are taken from the juice of red grapes and work to accelerate cell turnover. They are rich in resveratrol and excellent for most dry, photo-aged skin.
Are there particular ingredients in the corrective facial products that make them distinct from non-organic based skincare lines?
I made the decision based on my experience and results to only introduce cosmeceutical formulas to the market that offer more efficacy and support to the skin – many of these require professional guidance in their use and application. Because our products use more active ingredients – like retinols and encapsulated retinals, chrono-peptides, flower acids, and organic stem cells, to name a few – we don’t sell over-the-counter. I believe strongly that healthy, nourished, youthful skin is achieved through appropriate treatments and daily home care regimens designed by the professional through proper assessment and diagnosis. This step is essential to producing results.
Tell me about the Men's line? What are some popular products available from that category?
RA For Men is a scientifically formulated skin care regimen specifically for men. It uses the power of raw, organic minerals, plants and biotech ingredients. RA For Men was designed for male skin, which is typically thicker, more sensitive, produces more sebum and has a lower, more acidic pH level. Men love the Blue Agave energizing cleanser, because it awakens the skin and has a great scent (a combination of blue agave and yucca plants), as well as the Stone Power, a skin-strengthening toner that uses stone extracts and peptides to hydrate, firm, tone and soothe skin. Other popular products include the EnviroProtect, an organic physical block that helps protect against UV damage, and the Mineral Freeze, which uses a dipeptide complex that mimics a peptide found in viper venom to “freeze” wrinkles by inhibiting muscle contractions.
What is the fruit enzyme wash exactly? What is it formulated to do?
The Fruit Enzyme Wash is part of our BODY line and is formulated to exfoliate the skin and provide potent antioxidant support. It uses shea butter for hydration and antioxidants, kiwi fruit extract for its high levels of vitamin C and a proteolytic enzyme that has exfoliating properties. The papaya fruit extract also provides exfoliation, as it contains the enzyme papain, which softens skins cells and promotes regeneration. The Fruit Enzyme Wash also contains mango fruit extract for its regenerative activity, pectin fruit enzyme to strengthen cells, and L-ascorbic and L-malic acids to stimulate collagen synthesis and rejuvenation.
The Fruit Enzyme Wash leaves skin polished, renewed and hydrated.
Is there a particular type of make-up that is best to use if one is using Rhonda Allison as their skin care brand?
We always recommend aestheticians help their clients choose a make-up line. It should be chosen wisely with careful attention to the ingredients they use and their formulation practices. I recommend selecting a foundation, such as powdered minerals with SPF, because it can also serve as a supportive skin topical and reinforce a daily skin care regimen.
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