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Kindergarten picture day was the first time my skin broke out. My mother covered up my first pimple with a band-aid and promptly asked for a re-do a few days later. Unfortunately, it was a sign of things to come and my skin has been acting up ever since: severe allergies, acne, rosacea, and now signs of aging. Anytime I would find a product which would work on my rosacea or under eye circles, I would break out in hives after a few uses. It seemed like I had to make a choice between ‘active’ ingredients, which worked, and ‘natural’ products, which did not.

My name is Joanna Shu, I founded Refresh Skin Therapy in 2013 to find products that really work for even the most sensitive skin types, without compromising on our values of being good for your health and good for the environment. We use as pure vegan ingredients as possible, naturally derived, with no animal testing, and no added color, fragrance, or preservatives. Before I started Refresh, I was working in finance at an investment company, and really feeling stuck. In 2011, I left that job and wanted to follow my passion, which was basically to create a line of skincare products just for me, exactly the way I wanted them.

We all know that taking care of your skin is important but that’s sometimes easier said than done. Here are the top three products that, in the long run, will preserve the youthfulness of your skin.

Fruit Acid 15% Gel Peel

During that time when I was “under employed” I had a peel done by an aesthetician friend, and my skin looked amazing.  I had compliments from strangers, even someone saying I looked like I’d been airbrushed - and I wasn’t wearing any makeup! (Of course I wasn’t - I have two little kids - makeup was ditched a long time ago, unfortunately)

I had never done a peel before, and they were so pricey at the spa, I doubt I’d be doing that again anytime soon. I realized that if I could create something like this, but that I could use at home on my time, it would be a lifesaver for busy women who have to budget their time and money. Our Fruit Acid 15% Gel Peel actually contains 20-30 full facial applications, for a fraction of the cost of one spa peel.

* Incredible Anti-Aging: This organic peel will dramatically improve the appearance of fine lines, shrink pores, and increase skin’s elasticity for a youthful and flawless glow.

* Erases fine lines, dark spots and improves skin’s texture and tone while revealing noticeably smoother, healthier skin

* Skin is noticeable brighter and complexion is more even-toned after first application

* Balances oil production across combination skin

Not all skin types will experience visible skin peeling off (like after a bad sunburn) but that does not mean the product is not doing its job of deep exfoliation. That’s one reason to choose an at-home peel like Refresh Skin Therapy: minimal redness, visible peeling, and downtime between treatments while still attaining professional results when used as directed.

Vitamin C, E, and B Serum with Ferulic and Hyaluronic Acid

The Vitamin C serum is my favorite product by far since I’m very fair skinned and prone to sunburn and freckles. When I go out in the sun I wear a physical block sunscreen, our Vitamin C Serum, and if the sun is really intense, take an antioxidant supplement like Heliocare. [We have no affiliations with heliocare, that’s just my personal choice]

Studies have shown that topically applied Vitamin C combined with Ferulic Acid (a plant-derived antioxidant) is five times more effective at repairing UV damaged skin cells that Vitamin C alone. This serum is our ultimate weapon to prevent UV-caused photoaging, and you’ll see noticeable results right away. We have a fairly low pH (3.5) in this serum to keep the Vitamin C active and stable, whereas some serums have higher pH values which can dry out skin.

Our serum is also enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, an ultra-lightweight moisturizer that pulls in moisture from the air to keep skin hydrated. Hyaluronic acid can actually hold up to 1,000x’s its own weight in water, which is good for all skin types since it’s oil free and non-comedogenic.  

* Clinical Strength 20% Vitamin C

* Our Powerful Blend of Ferulic Acid, and Vitamins C, B3, B5, and E Combine for a Unique Antioxidant Delivery System to Protect Skin from Premature Aging, Free Radical Damage to Cells, Oxidative Stress, UV Damage, and Environmental Pollution.

* Rich in Hyaluronic Acid: Our facial serum delivers intense hydration for even the driest skin, and penetrates skin deeper than a regular moisturizer.

* Lightens and Smooth’s Skin for a Flawless Complexion

Hyaluronic Moisturizing Cream

A Protective Hyaluronic Post-Peel Hydrating Cream. A well-balanced moisturizer for all skin types, [Re]store Hyaluronic Moisturizing Cream combines highly effective biogenic ingredients to soothe, nurture, and restore the skin’s moisture content.

Hyaluronic Acid creates an ideal environment for the generation of new skin cells and plays an important role in tissue hydration, lubrication, and cellular function.

Squalane is produced naturally by skin, but levels decrease as skin ages. Derived from olives, Squalane is ultra-hydrating and over time fades pigmentation, scars, and reverses UV damage while fighting free radicals.

• Smooth’s skin

• Reduces length and depth of wrinkles

• Stimulates new cell growth

About company  

Created in 2013 by a team from Boston with a combined 30 years in the beauty industry, [re]fresh Skin Therapy’s philosophy is real results from highly effective therapies which are safe and natural, for healthy skin. Company goal is to use only environmentally-friendly products and business practices whenever possible.

Photo courtesy of Refresh Skin Therapy