EcoSalon caught up with Anthony Vargas, founder and CEO of anti-aging skin care line, Tilth Beauty.

What do you get when science and anti-aging meet? That would be Tilth Beauty. The line, created by “Skin Care Scientist and Beauty Expert”, Anthony Vargas, is a combination of anti-aging chemistry and natural ingredients.

Vargas was behind the launch of some pretty big beauty products while working at Elizabeth Arden. He took his knowledge and experience on a mission to create safer products that deliver on a conventional beauty level. The result is a mix of ingredients, some natural, some synthetically processed. While these may not be an option for those of us into straight-up clean beauty, Tilth Beauty offers a safer alternative for women who’d like to steer clear of the worst cosmetic offenders.

Liz Thompson: You are a “Skincare Scientist”. What education and experience do you have in the skincare field? How about the natural skincare field?

Anthony Vargas: Well, I have a B.S in Chemistry with a minor in Biology. I have been formulating and leading the development of skin care products for over 30 years working for two of the biggest personal care companies in the world. During that time I have also collaborated with some of the top researchers in the skin area. That work included skin barrier, antioxidants, irritation and moisturization not to mention skin lightening and aging. In the natural area when I first started to work in the field we actually used many natural ingredients. But, the industry turned away from them and started to use more synthetic ingredients that were easier to obtain. Now we are going back to more natural ingredients because of their benefits to the skin.

LT: What caused you to become interested in natural skincare?

AV: I actually started my career using natural ingredients and knew of their benefits. What got me back to them was the fact that many synthetic ingredients did not have any real benefits for the skin and some of them became questionable safety wise. I would rather use a natural oil or butter that gives a beautiful feel to the skin than a synthetic ingredient which gives the same feel but offers no benefits. You see the natural oils and butters help to nourish the skin with the abundant fatty acids, antioxidants and moisturizers that the synthetic materials do not have.

LT: Which ingredients do you not use in your products?

AV: I use natural oils such as jojoba, argan, rose hips, sunflower, olive and butters such as shea, coco raspberry leaf. Not to mention many botanical extracts.

LT: Are your products completely free of synthetic ingredients?

AV: Well, we do use peptides in our products and they are made through a synthetic process. Peptides are amino acid chains and amino acids are what make up all the proteins in your body so they are not harmful or toxic to the skin or body. But all of our other ingredients are naturally derived.

LT: Are the cosmeceuticals you use synthetic or synthetically processed?

AV: The peptides are synthetically processed and are made under strict processes to not use any toxic intermediates.

LT: Who are your products for? 

AV: Our products are for everyone and yes, that includes men. Anyone who needs to protect their skin or needs anti-aging products to help with the premature signs of aging. Also, the products are formulated for all skin types so you will find a product for your skins needs.

LT: How would you recommend a woman get started with your products?

AV: They should start by addressing their need. By that I mean what issue does she want to address? Moisturization, aging, protection, etc. By doing that first she will be able to choose the correct product or products to address those needs.

LT: Do you recommend any tips, other than skincare, that are healthy for skin?

AV: Diet is import to skin as eating the correct foods will help replenish the body’s and skin’s supply of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients. Water is also essential, so make sure you drink plenty of it to keep your body and skin hydrated.

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Images courtesy of Anthony Vargas at TilthBeauty.com

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How to use your razor to score younger-looking skin.

We all love a new spin on an old favorite – especially when that new spin can help us score younger-looking skin. Ladies, I’d like to re-introduce you to… your razor.

That’s right, the handy little gizmo that keeps your legs looking so fresh and so clean is also one of your best anti-aging crime fighters. The backs of your hands, neck, and décolletage are some of the most noticeable places we age, and by shaving these areas twice a week in the shower, you’re not only exfoliating your skin, but stimulating collagen production, says Kerry Benjamin, aesthetician and owner of Kerry Benjamin Skincare.

I know, it sounds strange, but according to Benjamin it leads to a domino effect of goodness: Your beauty products will penetrate better, your makeup will go on smoother, and your skin will appear brighter and dewier. Cha. Ching. “It’s a fantastic way to exfoliate your skin,” says Benjamin. “It’s inexpensive, quick and effective.”

And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous: Shave your face too! “It’ll instantly brighten you up once all the baby hairs are removed and your makeup will go on smoothly,” says Benjamin. It’s basically an at-home version of a professional dermaplane procedure, which uses an itty bitty sharp tool to scrape away the peach fuzz and slough off dead skin cells, leaving you with softer, younger-looking skin.

Contrary to popular belief, shaving won’t (I repeat, won’t) make your hair grow back thicker and darker, so you don’t have to worry about someone eventually asking you, “Aren’t you on Duck Dynasty?” The reason the belief in this myth is so strong is because when your hair grows out naturally, it tapers off to a sharp point, making the hair look thinner. When you shave it, the blunt cut of the re-growth seems coarser and thicker when it first starts growing out. “After a day or two, it goes back to exactly the way it was before you shaved,” says Benjamin.

When shaving your hands, neck and décolletage…

You can use the same razor you’re already using for your legs, such as the Preserve Triple Razor (making sure to change it regularly, of course). All you have to do is gently swipe the backs of your hands, neck, and decolletage as part of your beauty routine in the shower, following up with a quality moisturizer and SPF.

When shaving your face…

“I start at the top of my ear and shave down, going down to my jawline and in toward my nose to get the whole cheek, jawline, chin and upper lip,” says Benjamin. “Then, the sides of my face by my eyes, followed by my forehead, using downward strokes from the top of my hairline toward my brows. Lastly, I’ll stroke my neck downward from my jawline.”

Very little pressure’s needed, since you’re just exfoliating the dead outer layer of skin and removing the fine baby hairs. Make sure you use a fresh razor on your face and apply a creamy cleanser before shaving.

If you’re looking to achieve a dermaplane-esque treatment at home, they’re typically done with the skin dry, followed up with a peel, serums and moisturizer. “I recommend using a face shaver on dry skin, followed by an enzyme peel for a deeper exfoliation, then apply your serums and moisturizer,” says Benjamin. (Only, wait to do this until you’ve shaved your face several times and your skin’s adjusted to the regime.)

How often you should do this for younger-looking skin is up to you: It’ll vary depending on your hair growth and your desired look for your skin. “Twice a month should be ample to keep your skin smooth and free of peach fuzz,” says Benjamin.

For the ultimate dermaplane effect at home, Benjamin recommends taking one of these facial razors for a spin:

• FT Shiseido Facial Razor
• Remington Dual Blade Facial Trimmer
• Panasonic Pivoting Facial Trimmer

What do you think about this new path to younger-looking skin?

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Image: John Vance

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