Darla Dares To Ask: I love shopping in Bath and Body Works and this year when I go in there has been a lot of hype about their Wexler line of anti-aging skincare line. And they tell me about MMPs and MMPIs and how this is supposed to be a revolutionary skincare line. Is it really worth the hype and is it worth the money to help ease the signs of aging? The Right Brain Responds:
What are MMPs and Why Are They Bad?
MMP stands for Matrix Metalloproteinases which are naturally produced enzymes that help regulate the skin`s ability to repair itself. MPPi stands for Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor, in other words, an agent that prevents MMPs from forming.
There are many types of MMPs, and while the function of all of them is not fully understood, it appears that several of them can degrade collagen and elastin which give skin its structure and firmness. Other MMPs play a role in inflammatory skin conditions like acne. These bad MMPs increase as you age and with exposure to environmental stressors. High MMP activity can result in wrinkles, loss of firmness, and dull, uneven skin tone.
Enter Dr. Patricia Wexler. She claims that her Wexler line of products use MMP Inhibitors to help skin`s own regenerating powers to interrupt damage and inflammation that leads to the most common skin concerns. She references studies which shows her products do indeed inhibit MMP production.
Can Cosmetics Really Protect You From MMPs?
According to Dr. Wexler’s website, she has done studies to show that her MMPi technology really works. The data on the website shows that she meastured a reduction in MMP production but there’s no data on how the skin itself was affected. In other words, did she prove her products have a beneficial effect on skin or did she only prove her products react a certain way in laboratory tests? Since she only references the studies and doesn’t actually link to them, it’s impossible to tell exactly what her studies do or don’t prove.
So is there any unbiased, peer review data to suggest what Wexler says is true? Sort of. This article from Pubmed shows research that indicates treatment with isotretinoin (the drug Accutane) can reduce two types of MMPs (MMR9 and 13) and that may be the mechanism by which Accutane works. Of course, Accutane is a prescription drug so you won`t find it in a cosmetic product. And while this study appears to validate that certain MMPs might play a role in acne, it doesn`t prove that MMPi’s can help fight wrinkles. Other than this study, we couldn’t find much to back up Dr. Wexler’s theories. But, we admit there is a lot of research on MMPs and it’s impossible for us to research ALL the studies that have been done.
The Brain`s Bottom Line
Scientists seem to agree that MMPs do play a role in various skin conditions, but we haven`t been able to find any data to show that MMP Inhibitors used in cosmetic products show a consumer perceivable benefit. Until we see some more data, we`re in agreement with The Cosmetic Cop who wrote a nice summary of these cell-communicating ingredients. She concluded that currently, there`s no solid research that shows these peptide-based ingredients perform as indicated by their claims.
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I have been using the products for about 3 months now and my skin has never been better! I have been fighting terrible acne for the last 6 yrs or so. I was starting to get feathering lines in my upper lip and they have vanished. The Wexler acne line is amazing!
i used patty’s regenerating pink gel in a small container and my eyes had a n allergic reaction to her product–I need to know the ingredients so I can write them down. I got it free with a huge purchase from Bath/Body works.–their are no ingredients on the container
Your best bet is to go to the Bath & Body Works store and ask them for the information.
I too am having a horrible skin rash or something as a reaction to using this Wexler produce (I believe the culprit was the regenerating stuff too – also free in a larger box of Wexler skin care products). I have been broken out in hundreds of small bumps all over my neck and face. If anyone has any advice on how to counteract this without going to the er or a dermatologist so that I can actually go out in public and finish my X-mas shopping, please let me know asap.
Thanks for listening
Maria Mort
hi maria,
same happened to me 3 days ago when i used dr. wexler’s product, small bumps on face and neck–taking benadryl waiting for it to go away!
calling dr. tommorrow if it is not gone!
I bought the wexler products at Bath & Body, since the salewoman and her manager glorified it the best ever invented. Well, I applied the serum this morning and my face started to get very tight and extremely red..I felt as if I had sunburn in the 3rd degree. As I was talking to my friend this morning, she told me she had the same reaction, if not worse, about a year ago when she used this product. I will return it and never buy this product again. I have never had any reactions to anything until today.
Hello all, I just came across your posts because I used Wexler overnight regenerating cream and my entire face and neck has broken out in a serious rash- anne mentioned she was taking benadryl- did that help it or did you end up having to go to the doctor? I’ve been using Wexler acne line for months and have had no problem, it wasn’t until I used the overnight aging cream that I broke out. Thanks for any help!!
I also have this same red rash from using the Wexler products. I’m just trying to figure out which one of them is causing it. I’m going to the doctor tomorrow.
Wow, am I glad I read these posts – I have a coupon for the free eye product and was really looking forward to trying it – I am an Avon rep (and LOVE our skin care) but like to see what the
competition has out there. My skin is wonderful with very few lines (I am 62)
and using Avon skin care for 32 years has helped keep it that way. I will definately pass on this “FREE” offer.
I have had a reaction to the Wexler products. A friend had highly recommended the products. I got a package of several products on a great deal after the holidays. I am not sure whether the reaction is to the MMPi skin regenerating serum as I used that for a few days and it seemed to be okay, but rather greasy. I used the two-part Resurfacing Microbrasion System at night and the next morning the skin under my left eye looked like a baggy elephant. I once had this reaction to a Revlon moisturizer product so I finally am figuring out that the redness is due to one of the Wexler products. I, too, am concerned as one of the previous posters noted that there is no list of ingredients on anything. That seems weird for products from a dermatologist.
Well, if any of you ladies are interested, Avon is introducing a 4 step Dermabrasion Cream that is FANTASTIC – one tube should last about 2 months which is literally, pennies a day! I have been using it for about 3 weeks now with no problems except exceptionally smooth skin (can’t keep from touching my face). check with your
local rep or log on to: Avon.com for
more info. I am not trying to use this site to sell anything but this product is well worth investigating.
I also got a rash on my face after using the Wexler skin regenerating serum that came as a free sample. I had applied it once at night, then again in the morning; the itching and rash came on by that evening. 24 hours later, I’m starting to clear up after some Benadryl cream that I used this morning. I’ve never had a reaction to anything before. I wish the ingredients were on the container, but I’ll have to go to Bath and Body Works to find them.
I was recently on the Allure magazine site reading the Best of Beauty Award Winners for 2007 and saw that Wexler’s Fasctscription Instant Depuff Eye Gel was in the Master List (http://www.allure.com/beauty/bestof/skin)
Usually I trust the Allure list, as I have had success with several products it noted in the past, but wonder really about any Wexler stuff at this point.
One of my favorite finds from the Allure list a few years ago was Avon Beyond Color Lipstick with spf and retinol in the color Twig. I really like it. And I don’t sell Avon, but just buy it online.
By the way, the allergic reaction on the skin is similar to being burned. It heals in a similar way as the skin peels off. It took at least two weeks for my under eye skin to heal.
I just purchased the Patricia Wexler Skin Brightening moisturizer and received a free tester of the Rejuvinating Serum. I used both and had an allergic reaction (similar, if not identical, to those described above… little red bumps everywhere and my eyes are ridiculously puffy and watery). I don’t know which one is causing it, but anything that does that to my face has got to go. I do not have sensitive skin, so this is very surprising. I returned the product to my local Bath and Body Works without a problem.
Last week my skin broke out in a horrible rash! It was all this little tiny pimples all over my face neck and chest. This also happened two months ago. I had been getting great results besides these two incidences. I have never had this reaction to any other skin care line until I started using wexler. I almost wish I had taken a picture so I could show someone.
I use Wexler products of all kind and had no adverse reactions whatsoever, though I have a very sensitive skin, and cannot use some brands of skincare because of it. But I love Wexler products!
DO NOT USE- my face looks like terrible- my eyes broke out with a huge rash-swollen, closed lids….unless u want to look like a CYCLOPS do not purchase.
I tried the eye cream- my eyes puffed up-red, swollen, wet….DO NOT use- My doctor said that her cosmetics have a chemical in the cream that is a preservative and thtat causes the reaction-
Well needless to say I will be without a date for the next few days-I look terrible using Wexler’s products- This stuff makes your skins break out in hives- yes I am desperate to look more youthful-but this stuff makes me look terrible-stick to the lotions from the mall-
TERRIBLE – My face turned into a PUMPKIN – i had to go to the doctor and spend another $65 in medical bills- ice packs on my face-benadryl, eye drops – Unless you want a sollen face-DO NOT USE-
I have used the wexler products for a little over a week now and already can see a difference in the lines around my eyes. I think it is an incredible product line. And as far as all of you ladies that say you have swollen eyes from using the pink serum– it clearly states to not use around your eyes. I will definitely keep buying the product line and will keep looking younger and younger…
I have been using Wexler products with great results! Yes do read fine print not around eyes or lids could be why a reaction occured. When instructions are follwed it works. I’ve not tried all products yet..used deep wrinkle eye cream and moisturizer with spf a plus
and regenerating pink gel..face a little
pink but after moisturizing went away.
competition out there use what works for you. wish stoe bbw had coupons!
I’ve been using the Acne starter kit for about 3 months now and I love the products. I used other stuff before, mainly proactiv for about 2 years, and that worked fine until it stopped working for me and made my face break out in cyctic acne. After reading reviews on other sites I tried the Wexler line. Now instead of breaking out all the time, I only break out during that time of the month. I will continue to use these products until they stop giving me results. I tell everyone who is looking for face care to try the Wexler line. So far I’m one satisfied customer.
I have been using the Wexler skin care for several months now. I love it. I have never had results with other products I have used before ( Estee Lauder, Olay) like I have with the Wexler products. My skin texture has changed so much. It is softer than ever before and the dark spots on my cheeks, caused by sun damage in my sun worshiping early years, have dimiished significantly. I no longer need the heavier make up I used to wear due to those spots. I have also noticed firmer skin and the slight sagging along my jaw was reversed. I love the newer 3 in one eye cream too. I got the anti-aging starter kit first to try the whole cleasing thru moisturizing system and I didn’t have any adverse effects with any of the products I used. I agree with an earlier poster that reading the fine print on any product is very important. The serum as well as the micro-dermabrasion states to avoid the eye area. The ingredients are listed on all the boxes the products come in. As with any new skin care you have to allow at least a week for your skin to adjust to a new product. As the lady at the Bath and Body works store informed me…If you are new to taking better care of your skin it could certainly react to suddenly having a high performance product being put on it. someone who may not have taken as good of care of their skin may see a reaction to suddnely using a good cleansing product as opposed to basic soap and water. But remember as we are all different no one product is going to work for EVERYONE. That is why I love the unconditional guarantee Bath and Body works has on all their products. If I don’t like something….I take it back and have not had any problems doing so. I say give the wexler products a try. If you don’t like it, take it back. I personally love it, have seen great results and will continue to use it.
I have broken out so bad on my face and chest with bumps and tiny pimples. What do I do? Has anyone had any luck with getting rid of this problem? I have never had acne before and this is horrible!!
I’ve been using Wexler for over a year now and absolutely love it! I follow the directions closely and have had no adverse reactions. I’ve used every expensive cream out there, and nothing made my skin look and feel the way Wexler does. I’ve even got my daughter hooked on it, and she also has had no adverse reactions.
i don’t use the pink stuff around my eyes….i think it’s the other eye cream that’s doing it…I feel like i need to close my eyes all day and my eyelids have swollen
Hey all,
I also tried this product, the pink gel rejuvenator, and also broke out in a red rash on my face. The rash didn’t feel like a burn, but was just very red. I didn’t even know I had it until I was washing up in the bathroom.
At first, my skin felt silky smooth and even had a very youthful sheen to it, But after a couple of hours, it makes my face turn red.
I’ve been told before (by family & friends), that sometimes this is just the oxygen coming to the surface of your skin, etc, but after a few days of this, I begin to wonder when it would end.
I eventually gave up on the product altogether. (the microderm abrasion system was good though). I really, really wanted this to work…
I have been using Wexler products for almost a year. I am 49 years old. I have used the serum, the repair night cream and the day cream and 3 in 1. My skin looks great. I have tried every product out there. The 3 in 1 is fantastic. I have had several people think that I am in my thirties.
i used the eye cream and had an allergic reaction. my eye swelled shut and i had to see a physician, opthamologist, & dermatologist just to ok me to go to work! if you have sensitive skin like me, be warned!
I just bought this product and when I used it my face and chest could not stop itching and my eyes watered. I did follow the instructions. I will be taking these back
Honestly, I am shocked at some of the reactions that some people have had to the Wexler line. I have extremely sensitive acne prone skin and have spent most of my adult life trying to find a suitable regimin for my facial maladies. I used the anti-aging products for the first time last night without ANY adverse reactions. They felt wonderful, had no perfumy scent, no rash, redness, peeling, scaling, pain-NOTHING! I don’t get it. You would think by the reports by others that this stuff would be yanked off the shelves and class action lawsuits would be filed. I mean, really….eyes puffed shut, hundreds of rash like bumps all over the face and neck? Did you follow the directions? I am so hopeful that these products will work but I have never would have purchased them had I read the reviews first. Makes me wonder if people aren’t somehow compensated for negative reviews, especially when you see mentions of other product lines intertwined in the comments.
I have been using the rejuvinator, 3 in 1 eye gel, dark circle treatment as well as the de-puff gel and I LOVE IT! I have had puffy eyes throughout my life, since a young teen. I’m 36 and I’m happy I found this! My daughter notices a difference in my skin and says I look younger. I’ve been getting compliments about my face and eyes…most say I look well rested. I highly recommend the products and hope that if you want to try it, especially with the B&B policy to take it back, it may not hurt to try. Check the label first for things you may be allergic to. If you know of things in other cosmetics / skin care creams that have caused a reaction, compare it with that of Wexler before you try. That’s what I did and I’m happy that I did the research and that I made the discovery! It’s a great line!
I am a professional freelance makeup artist and skin care expert. I’ve been in the industry for over a decade, and have worked for several lines and tried pretty much every main stream line and some not-so mainstream ones. I have (according to my dermatologist) “very very very very sensitive skin”. I have used this and other Wexler products and never had a reaction to any of them. It sounds like many have, however, allergic reactions will appear usually within 3 days, but no more than 5 days after contact with an allergen, so it sounds like several people who had sporadic breakouts may have been unnecessarily tying it to this product. When in doubt, remember to patch test new products on the inside of the elbow or, like I do, on the belly. Good Luck!
I’ve been using Dr Wexler products all of them for almost a year, I have never had any problems, my skin is very youthful looking, and people ask me what I’m using on my skin because it looks so great. In the past I have used many different products, Dr Wexler’s is by far the best I have ever used. thank you Dr Wexler for your products, I don’t have to look anymore, I’ve found the best.
I have been using this product for about 30 days, am perfectly happy with it, and will continue to use it. I have had no reactions of any kind. I do not use the serum near my eyes and love the way the serum leaves my skin feeling. I’m tired of spending $$ on high end skin care products and not seeing any results. I am seeing results with this product.
Wow! I have tried so many products in the past and only got skin rashes and no positive results. This product is the first to actually work! I am so happy I can’t stop telling people about it. I can’t understand how the only product that has ever worked on me has caused others so many problems. I can understand the disappointment because all others have done that to me. I am just happy something out there really, really works. I am 42 and look great. Before the product I looked 35. I now look 29. I will stick to this..don’t need Avon, Olay, Lancome,etc.. Good luck to everyone on their journey finding the one product that works for them. Hey, I found mine and had given up all hope.
I just received the starter kit for Christmas and tried the products for the first time today. I will report back next week. Reading these comments have been very interesting to say the least.
I used my starter kit tonight. So far so good. I will update later this week. Hoping for the best.
I have been using the Wexler Intensive Night Reversal and Repair cream for three days now. This morning I woke up with a rash and hives all over my neck and cheeks. I don’t use this stuff anywhere near my eyes or mouth. I have never ever had problem skin and these bumps are not something I have ever seen on my skin. I have never even had acne. I feel awful b/c this stuff is affordable and I really wanted it to work. Looks like I’ll have to return it. I’m taking Benadryl now in the hopes that this rash and itchiness will go away.
I have been using the Wexler products for
5 weeks now. I have extremely sensitive skin (Irish skin) Honestly I am so surprised that some of you are getting hives and rash. I am usually the one with
the rash and hives but I find her skin products amazing. The first time I am truly happy with a skin product.
I am a youthful looking fan forever.
I’ve been using this line for a few days now. After the first 24 hrs, I also got a “rash” of small bumps – no itchiness, and since I used all the products, I don’t know which one is the issue. I’ve had this happen when I’ve tried other lines, too, so I’m not going to give up on it just yet. Sometimes stopping for a day or two is enough for your skin to “catch up” to the treatment. I will say that almost immediately I noticed an improvement in skin tone, and after a few days, i see differences in fine lines. So I’m hopeful these bumps go away and I can continue to use it!
I noticed her instructions say to use the universal moisture PM for sensitive skin along with the serum. I would be careful of the scrubs if you’re sensitive. I would like to know if people with sensitive skin have been using the scrubs. For 2 days I’ve been using the night creme for dry skin along with the serum but I might change to the universal moisturizer if I see irritation.
i dont know what are the factors behind the freshness of the skin some people claim that proper diet is the only factor and some people say proper beauty products lead to the glowing skin but i believe its directly related to your internal state of mind.. if u are not having much stresses then will definitely give cool look otherwise out of question!!!
I have been using Wexler products….Love it, MMP working wonderful for my skin, I had use Kinerase skin cares (VERY EXPENSIVE) it work great for me.. but I decided to try Wexler products causes it is much cheaper…Amazingly surprise, it work beautiful for me.. Ladies please read the fine prints on the products information, your eyes red and break out cause those are sensitive area, the product should not be apply to the eye lid !!
For all those who say they have gotten little white bumps/pimples from using a face product- they are most likely milia.
Though most common in babies, adults can get them- particularly if you’re using a cream that’s too rich for your face. Your pores are clogged.
You can also get them from sun-damage.
You shouldn’t need to use Benedryl or anything- it should clear it up on it’s own, just give it a few days- and don’t use a heavy moisterizer for a few days.
It’s not specifically the Wexler products that are causing this- it’s not uncommon to happen.
to andrea edgerton, this is specifically the wexler products that are causing the problem. i have also broken out into a rash of small pimples all over my face after only one day of using the product. it is not milia. i would never suggest this product to anyone. i have tried several different products before and never had this problem. i can only hope that this awful rash goes away soon!!!!
I have been wondering if they test on animals. Her boxes do not say anything, but they are sold at Bath and Body. If they do not say, then I assume they do animal testing. Any idea what is going on with that?
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Wexler’s Skin Care Products. I am over 50, never in my life worn makeup because I never needed to. 19 years ago I was involved in a very serious auto accident with my whole family. If anyones skin was going to have a negative reaction, mine would. Dr Wexler’s products have changed my life. The scars on my face have softened and my skin looks ageless. The skin care products are not greesy but they leave my face smooth, wrinkle free and have given me a younger appearance. My friends and family have noticed. Strangers are always telling me I look much younger than I am. Thank you Dr Wexler. I thank God for the contribution you have given to women.
I have been using Wexler products for 2 weeks and I love it so much. My skin is smooth and soft. If I get the 3 in 1 eye cream too close to my eyes they will water for quite awhile with some redness on the whites of my eye but no burning or pain. Just need to watch how close I put the product to my eye. I am grateful to have these great products at this time in my life…I just turned 49 and haven’t been faithful in my forties to care for my skin. I am seeing really wonderful results.
Dr. Wexler thank you for making these products…it’s like turning back the hands of time!!
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