Dr. Jennifer Dietrich, Ph.D.:
Dr. Dietrich obtained an undergraduate degree in Microbiology in 1998 from the University of Kansas, with a focus in pathogenic microbiology. She pursued graduate studies in biochemistry and biophysics at the University of Kansas as well as the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, studying the cellular mechanisms of aging.
After obtaining her Ph.D. in 2004, she did postdoctoral work in single molecule spectroscopy at Los Alamos National Laboratory. During her time in New Mexico, Dr. Dietrich also founded a small research company, Athanor, Inc., which developed new methods for monitoring protein interactions, as well as nanomaterials for biological applications.
Dr. Dietrich now lives in Maryland, where she works as a technical specialist for the patent law firm of Edell, Shapiro & Finnan, providing technical expertise to patent prosecutors.
The Story of Xerion:
When I was a little girl, I was diagnosed with a skin condition known as Ichthyosis vulgaris, which is a condition in which the skin cells do not slough off as they should, resulting in dry, scaly patches, and easily irritated skin. I was told to always keep my skin moisturized, and to move to a humid climate. My dry skin has been a lifelong battle. I found that certain brands of moisturizers caused me to break out in hives, and other brands did nothing to keep my skin moisturized. After years of searching, I finally found a group of products that I thought worked well for me. I was using The Body Shop’s Mango Body Butter, and for my face, I used Origins White Tea products. I spent several thousand dollars on these products over the years, and used them every day, faithfully. My skin was not perfect, but of all the products I had tried, these seemed to work the best.
One day, while doing some research on eczema and skin irritants for my aunt, I happened across the Environmental Working Group’s website (www. Cosmeticsdatabase.com). I encourage all of you to visit this site, and look up your current skin, hair, and body care products. I was horrified to learn that the cosmetics industry in the United States is not regulated at all by the FDA, and as a result, toxic chemicals are routinely added to cosmetic products! I learned about lead and mercury being present in makeup; about parabens and petroleum products in lotions and face creams; and, perhaps most disturbing, about chemical sunscreens and their potential for causing free radical damage in skin. I looked up my products, and to my continued horror, found that both of them received 7 out of 10 hazard ratings! The products I had so dutifully applied for so many years of my life contained chemicals that had been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity!
Appalled, I threw away all my products immediately. However, the problem of my dry, sensitive skin was still there, and so I had to find products that were not toxic, but still worked for me. |
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The Story of Xerion: (continued)
I looked up the EWG’s non-toxic moisturizers and tried several of them, but to no avail. Finally, in desperation, I decided to make my own products. After all, I figured, I had spent most of my adult life in a laboratory. Surely, I could master simple emulsions and skin biochemistry! I began researching, and once I was versed in the subject, began making my own skin care products. Almost immediately, I noticed that my skin was softer, less dry. My face was luminous, and held its moisture all day, without me having to constantly reapply moisturizer. It was amazing the difference using natural, non-toxic products made!
Xerion Skin Science, LLC was born from this grand experiment. My coworkers and family noticed the difference in my skin and asked me what I was doing. When I told them, they immediately asked me to make products for them. The result? A group of very happy women with really great skin!
My products are hand-crafted, made in small batches and formulated with organic oils and extracts whenever possible. I only use emulsifiers and surfactants that are biodegradable and plant-based. My preservative system is globally accepted and contains “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) ingredients. My botanical extracts are supplied by small suppliers (local if possible) who adhere to the strictest standards of purity. I make certain that my extracts are extracted so as to maintain the activity of the product. All cosmetic actives in my products have a scientifically definable activity, as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals. I do not rely on anecdotal evidence for botanical extract activity. I formulate my products utilizing cutting-edge delivery systems to ensure that the maximal amount of “good stuff” makes it into your skin cells. I use high quantities of actives, unlike the big companies, who routinely practice “angel dusting”, which is a term for putting the barest amount of an active into your product, so that it can be listed in the ingredients; it will not, however, do anything for your skin at such low concentrations. I guarantee my products: if for any reason, you do not like a product, you may return it, and I will personally reformulate it until you are happy.
I do not test any of my products on animals. Rather, I test them on myself first, and if they pass my sensitive skin test, I test them on my intrepid “guinea pigs”, a dedicated group of skin care testers who bravely try what I give them, and report back to me. I am always looking for new guinea pigs, so if you want to be a product tester (and get a 25% discount on any products you order), click here to send me your information.
Welcome to my online store, and I hope you have a good time looking around. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at jennifer@xerionskinscience.com. I promise you’ll love these products, and you’ll love the way your skin looks and feels after using them! |
