The Friday Forum Plus an Event with Dr. Gregory Bays Brown from RéVive Skin Care

Today, Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria had an event with one of my favorite people: Dr. Greg Brown from RéVive Skin Care. It was hopping in there. Customers had appointments to spend 15 minutes with Dr. Brown, who helped them with any concerns they expressed about their skin. Everyone wanted a consultation - so much so that women who didn't realize it was a "by appointment" event would just jump in and take the chair next to him the moment another customer got up. His sparkling reputation preceded him.

The young lady with him was a customer who was willing to have her photo taken with Dr. Brown. I was glad to see a young women who was so interested in skin care.

To recap prior posts here at Best Things in Beauty, after years as a successful plastic surgeon, Dr. Brown started a research laboratory dedicated to increasing the healing rates of burn victims' wounds. Though his clinical research, he discovered a unique bioengineered protein molecule (Epidermal Growth Factor or EGF) that accelerated burn healing. When the molecule was added to the patient's wound-care treatment, healing was accelerated.

What does this have to do with skin care? As we age, cell division slows. As it slows, we develop signs of aging, including wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, sagging skin, and a loss of radiance. The development of wrinkles is actually similar to an injury to the skin. Dr. Brown found that if he could kick-start cells to turn over more rapidly than they would normally, he could postpone the inevitable signs of aging and give the skin a much-needed boost. He started to experiment with the molecule that had helped burn patients so markedly, dissolving it into Elizabeth Arden's Visible Difference. The results were amazingly effective. He found that his "cream" allowed him to regenerate the skin in a way he couldn't with a scalpel. A face lift can lift the skin, but it won't make it glow. RéVive will make you glow.

RéVive Skin Care has had a remarkable history, and now there are many products - all fabulous - to address every skin-care issue. Today, he and I talked briefly about his new sunscreen. He said, "It's not sexy, but I think it's exciting." Soleil Superiéur Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA ++++ ($115) is powered by RES Technology and an advanced UV Defense System. This luxuriously lightweight sunscreen is ultra-transparent and gives you superb in-sun protection while helping repair visible signs of aging. That's why it's so cool - it's not only a sunscreen, but it will also repair your skin. You can see the ingredients at the link above.

The advanced UV Defense System helps:

• Fight signs of early skin aging with broad spectrum SPF 50 protection;
• Visibly smooth out lines and wrinkles caused by environmental aggressors; and
• Improve the skin’s firmness and elasticity. 

Dr. Brown says, “The most important anti-aging product that anyone can use is a sunscreen." From concept to inception, Soleil Superiéur took five years to perfect. This product is endorsed by the Skin Cancer Foundation. It has been granted a Seal of Approval for daily use, a sign of the product - and the brand’s - commitment to developing effective sun protection.

I want this sunscreen! It's on my list for my first paycheck at my new job. I love the idea that I can repair my skin while protecting it. I also learned today that RéVive has a new volumizing mask coming out in April. I can't wait.

It's time for The Friday Forum. The Friday Forum has always been an opportunity to share information. Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Tell us about it! Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Tell us why! Do you have questions others might be able to answer? We can help! Want to talk about skin care? I'm game. Just use the comments. We have busy weekends and slow ones on the forum. I hope you are ready to share, especially since it's still Beauty Event at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Photo at top by Best Things in Beauty; Soleil Superiéur photo courtesy of RéVive

How to Get Your Glow with RéVive Skin Care

Dr. Gregory Bays Brown, founder of RéVive Skin Care, made a personal appearance at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria a couple of weeks ago. I was excited about meeting him. He doesn't make many store appearances these days, and I thought we were privileged to have him visit our area. I also had an opportunity to interview him on the phone before his arrival, giving me plenty of information to consider before I heard his presentation.

We actually had a whole team of RéVive experts there that day, including Hylton Lea, Senior Vice President for Communications and Brand Development (on left), and John Wesley Gates, the company's Regional Sales Manager (at right). All three of them spent time with participants answering questions and showing them the products that were best for their skin and concerns. Anyone who met Hylton that day had to come away impressed with his enthusiasm and the friendly ease with which he provides advice. Amidst all the activity, John ran around making sure our experience that day was absolutely perfect (set-up, refreshments, product demos, etc.). If I were John, I would have headed straight for the bar when I arrived at Amtrak!

Let's just get this out of the way too: When have you seen such an attractive group of guys - all with perfect skin - from one company? Dr. Brown gives me hope that I don't have to look my age! I must also mention the incomparable Cleo Sorbi, our local Account Executive, and Anna Befanis, the RéVive Product Specialist at Tysons. They are amazingly knowledgeable.

As we ate tea sandwiches and sipped on iced tea and water during the formal presentation, Dr. Brown opened our eyes to the magic of RéVive. With just a few products, you can markedly improve your skin and get the RéVive glow. Dr. Brown and everyone who works for him are a testament to the effectiveness of RéVive. After the formal presentation, Dr. Brown took the time to provide an individual consultation to each participant, talking about her skin-care concerns and providing a "RéVive prescription."

I introduced you to Dr. Brown and his background in prior features. To recap, after years as a successful plastic surgeon, Dr. Brown stated a research laboratory dedicated to increasing the healing rates of burn victims' wounds. Though his clinical research, he discovered a unique bioengineered protein molecule (Epidermal Growth Factor or EGF) that accelerated burn healing. When the molecule was added to the patient's wound-care treatment, healing was accelerated.

What does this have to do with skin care? As we age, cell division slows. As it slows, we develop signs of aging, including wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, sagging skin, and a loss of radiance. The development of wrinkles is actually similar to an injury to the skin. Dr. Brown found that if he could kick-start cells to turn over more rapidly than they would normally, he could postpone the inevitable signs of aging and give the skin a much-needed boost. He started to experiment with the molecule that had helped burn patients so markedly, dissolving it into Elizabeth Arden's Visible Difference. The results were amazingly effective. He found that his "cream" allowed him to regenerate the skin in a way he couldn't with a scalpel. A facelift can lift the skin, but it won't make it glow. RéVive will make you glow.

Dr. Brown's iconic product, the one that started the RéVive revolution, was RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream. This powerful perfecting cream, which contains EGF, gives all faces the legendary RéVive glow - quickly. It's a remarkable moisturizer, and it's a RéVive best seller. Once hooked, always hooked. Its earliest devotees are among today's devotees. After just a few evenings of using Moisturizing Renewal Cream, you'll see a difference in your skin. Keep using it, and you'll see a more youthful you in no time at all.

Dr. Brown introduced us to his latest miracle, Peau Magnifique Youth Recruit ($1,500), which was recently reformulated to make it even better. There's also a new Peau Magnifique Les Yeux Youth Recruit ($750), which must be my next RéVive purchase. These powerful skin-transforming treatments help slow the visible signs of aging, with a potent blend of “youth-recruiting” ingredients that provide dramatic visible results in just four weeks. I saw results overnight. I know that sounds impossible, but I told Dr. Brown when we talked after the event. The first morning after I had applied a sample of Peau Magnifique Youth Recruit to my face, I awakened to find a line-free face, even skin tone, and raring-to-go skin.

The formula merges biotechnology and beauty, resulting in a marked improvement to the skin. This powerful treatment helps detect and recruit healthy cells in their prime - it's as if the skin gets an "injection" of new life. A dramatic increase in cell renewal reveals brighter skin, smoother tone and texture, and an immediate glow. You’ll see firmer, younger looking skin with a visible reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Peau Magnifique is a targeted four-week treatment. Given its price, I asked Dr. Brown when a woman should use it. After all, $1,500 is an investment. He said that you would use Peau Magnifique no more than twice/year or before a big event. He mentioned a wedding; my mind went straight to a class reunion. Use it far enough in advance of the event to allow your skin's cells to renew, leaving a younger you to greet friends and family.

Peau Magnifique will:

• detect and recruit healthy skin cells to repair and renew skin;
• increase skin cell renewal to reveal brighter, smoother tone and texture;
• firm skin while reducing the look of lines and wrinkles; and
  
• gives skin new life and an immediate glow.

Skin stem cells sit by and wait for some kind of injury or assault to the skin that signals them to create new skin cells. Dermabrasion, lasers, and other cosmetic procedures are basically "controlled trauma," sending signals to the stem cells to create new skin. The best cosmetics can do the same thing - a lot more gently. That's how Peau Magnifique works, by promoting cell renewal with powerful ingredients. What are those ingredients?

A Bio-3 Cell Renewal Complex has three key ingredients.

• AEE: detects the most healthy, rechargeable cells in your skin and works to recruit only the healthy cells - a proprietary ingredient developed by scientists
• Phykosaccharide: gives our skin cells an added boost to optimize and enhance the benefits of EGF, promote rapid regeneration of skin cells, and decrease skin reactivity (derived from marine biotechnology)
  
• Bio-Renewal Protein: a bio-engineered protein designed to encourage skin cell renewal

Additionally, Peau Magnifique includes targeted skin-repair ingredients, a magnificent and powerful peptide blend that helps restore collagen production to slow the signs of aging. After using my samples for a couple of weeks, I'm a believer.

The new Peau Magnifique Les Yeux Youth Recruit looks the same in the packaging: four little vials containing a miracle serum. It was developed using the same ingredients and principles found to work so well in the face treatment. The eye treatment is targeted to help repair the delicate skin around the eyes and slow visible signs of aging with potent “youth-recruiting” ingredients that provide dramatic visible results in four weeks.

The formula is similar to that of regular Peau Magnifique for the face. It merges biotechnology with beauty, resulting in a noticeable decrease in the look of lines and wrinkles. It's a laser-free lift, and I'm dying to try it!

If you are considering a cosmetic surgery procedure to eliminate fine lines and other signs of aging from your face, you might want to try Peau Magnifique Youth Recruit first. It's easy to apply a gentle serum to your face (or the area around your eyes) each night. There's no down time; you won't burn to a crisp red; and you'll probably find, as I did, that you look remarkably better in no time. Better skin without the risks and side effects!

Even if you don't feel you need Peau Magnifique Youth Recruit, there's a RéVive recipe for you. The line consists of targeted treatments that help you minimize product layering (one for this, one for that) and maximize results.

Many thanks to Dr. Brown, who has spent time on the phone with me, explaining the science behind his products. I love talking with him - his candor is refreshing. He's quick to debunk skin-care marketing hype, and our conversations have helped me learn. I feel comfortable recommending skin care when I understand how it works. I've become a RéVive disciple.

Photos by Things in Beauty; Peau Magnifique Youth Recruit photo courtesy of RéVive

Meet Dr. Gregory Brown, RéVive Skin Care

Got a schedule for Thursday, October 13? If you live anywhere near DC, and your calendar doesn't include a trip to see Dr. Gregory Bays Brown of RéVive, change it! Dr. Brown will be at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria on Thursday, meeting with customers to share his skin care perspectives and advice. After using RéVive products for over a year, I can assure you, you'll be glad you went.

I had an opportunity to talk to Dr. Brown on the phone this weekend, in advance of his visit to Neiman Marcus. Before I tell you about RéVive skin care, I want to share our conversation, which was fun for me because we have interests in common. I was thrilled to find another art collector who appreciates and collects post-war abstract expressionist work. We talked about Ellsworth Kelly, whose paining, Spectrum IV, is shown above. We talked Gene Davis, Frank Stella, Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell...I could have chatted about art all evening!

I'm intrigued by RéVive's limited-edition Artbox 9 ($550). Dr. Brown's love for art influences RéVive's skin care in ways you might not realize. The regular packaging design was inspired by an Ellsworth Kelly work. Dr. Brown also creates an annual special-edition skin-care collection that showcases artwork - this year by renowned artist Ross Bleckner. The keepsake box, Meditation (Entering), embodies a spiritual presence, depicted through a series of layered luminous organic forms. These foliage-like shapes are reminiscent of the meditation symbol, mandalas, and reference a transcendental experience that delicately balances purity and naturalism. Bleckner’s meditative imagery seemingly emanates a serendipitous quality from the center of the canvas, creating an evocative power that is captivating yet liberating. The work is captured on an elegant box that houses four of RéVive’s bestselling products. It's a steal, given that the products purchased individually would cost $200 more than the collection. All RéVive counters received limited stock of Artbox 9, so check with your counter if you can't get to Tysons.

Dr. Brown and I talked about skin care and advances being made by scientists that could be applied to prescription drugs or cosmetics, including "'toxins" like Botox that freeze facial muscles, but for days, not months. We also spent a few minutes talking about anti-glycation skin care. I loved an analogy he used. If you wrap Velcro around a smooth rod, it won't drag smoothly. Sugar has the same effect on our skin cells. Sugar molecules act like a Velcro drag on the skin. We also spent a little time on peptides and cosmetic surgery. Mindful that he couldn't stay on the phone all evening, I am compiling more of my questions for my visit with Dr. Brown on Thursday.

You have an opportunity to talk to Dr. Brown yourself! He will be doing individual consultations, recommending specific products, and - yes - answering your questions about cosmetic surgery if you ask. I understand Dr. Brown will be accompanied by Hylton Lea and John Wesley Gates (skin-care experts themselves). You can make an appointment by calling Anna Befanis at (703) 761-1600, extension 3295. If you can't get Anna, try Kathy Shoreman on her cell phone at (571) 212-8399.

The creation of RéVive is revered today as the gold standard of haute couture skin care and rigorous science for its ability to recapture the glow of youthful skin. Since the original face cream was launched, Dr. Brown has continued to pioneer the use of bioengineered growth factors in skin care. Today, the RéVive family of products employs the latest technologies and continues to set new standards for products that produce small miracles. Learn more on Thursday (or if Dr. Brown visits a store near you in the future). InCircle starts October 13, so it will be a great day to go to Neiman Marcus.

Photo at top courtesy of Museum of Modern Art; other photos courtesy of RéVive