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If you are looking for an indulgent spa experience right in your shower then pay attention because you won’t want to miss this! I have found the best body wash ever,  by a company many of us already know and love, Murad! Murad has been making us happy in the skincare department for a long time now and are best known for their acne products and facial skin care lines. They also make some pretty amazing products to take care of the rest of the skin on your body as well; which is where their Detoxifying White Clay body cleanser comes into play. This body cleanser is amazing. I love the way my skin feels when I use this in the shower and I love it even more when I can see the results day after day. I tend to suffer from dry skin on my body and it is one of the things that I hate the most about the skin on my body. I have to be careful to use the right cleansers and lotions to not only keep my skin from getting dried out and irritated but also actually do some work in the cleaning and beautifying department.   Murad did such a good job with the formulation of this product, I can use this product on a daily basis to detoxify my skin and cleanse it while in the shower and see it actually improving my skin and how clear it is, but while in the shower it washes clean as to not leave behind any irritating residue and when it rinses away it isn’t over drying at all. The ingredients in the product play a huge part in why this body cleanser is so good. The sunflower oil in the product works to help moisturize and soothe skin while and keeps working after being washed away while the ginger root in the wash stimulates circulation making your skin look healthy, refreshed and young. The smell of this product is great. I love the way all Murad products smell because they smell so clean and fresh without being overpowering. The lack of heavy fragrances in this product, makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. To truly be able to feel and see the benefits of using this Murad cleanser, I performed a quick comparison test. I washed my right arm with this Murad cleanser and my left arm with a generic body wash. The Murad cleanser left my skin feeling soft, smooth, and luxurious. The generic body wash left my skin feeling and looking dry. I went back and re-washed my left arm with the Murad cleanser due to the soap residue still present on my arm.   And since we all know Murad makes other amazing products I highly encourage you to not only check this one out, but also check out all the other Murad products  and be amazed at how great your skin looks and feels. I haven’t met a single person who has tried Murad and then stopped because they were disappointed, their reputation of being great is based on great results that last. So go check it out and see for yourself, you will not regret this decision!   Blog Written by askderm's Beauty Blogger Sydney Nichole is a self-proclaimed beauty nerd.  She stays on top of the latest makeup, hair, and beauty trends. She is an active contributor to our youtube channel with how-to-videos and talking about beauty products.

If you are experiencing tight, dry, cracked and irritated skin, you are not alone! Cold air contains less humidity; in turn we crank up the thermostat. While trying to keep warm in our homes, vehicles and workplaces we are drawing surface moisture from our skin and mucous membranes. Here’s how to combat the dry skin winter blues: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize - Apply a full body slather daily, ideally twice a day. I am still shocked to find out that there are people who never apply lotion, not even to their freshly shaven legs! - Do not forget about those areas of the body that are the most exposed and susceptible to dry heat like the hands and lips. Apply moisturizers to these areas as often as you can remember throughout the day. At night, those simple cotton gloves and booties are great for helping lotion to penetrate your hands and feet, while giving a cloth protection from surface moisture evaporation. - Change the type of moisturizer you are using. That lightweight lotion you were using in the summer may no longer be enough. You may need to switch to an oil-based product during the winter months. - Use a humidifier. They are relatively inexpensive and add much needed moisture into the air. Keep one close to your bed while sleeping. Your face, sinuses and throat will thank you in the morning. Change how you Shower - Avoid hot prolonged showers. Hot water can compromise the lipid layer of the skin. This leads to moisture loss and irritation. Try to shorten the length of your shower to around 10 minutes. - Apply your lotion or body oil IMMEDIATELY after a shower. I am talking about within the first 2 minutes! It is important to trap and lock-in any surface moisture that is left on the skin after toweling off. If “Out of sight, out of mind” is a saying that pertains to you when it comes to remembering to use lotion after showering, then leave it on the ledge of your tub where it is visible. - Gently pat your skin dry. If your skin is already feeling irritated chances are it is because your skin’s acid mantle and its protective lipids are compromised. Be gentle, rubbing the skin roughly can further aggravate sensitive skin, eczema, and psoriasis.   Blog Written by askderm's in house Esthetician Chantal Monique Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Her specialties include makeup application and facial treatments, which were featured on ABC's Wife Swap. Chantal also has a background in the Fine Arts. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers as well as the must have ingredients and trending looks. With an ever growing portfolio and clientele askderm is excited to be teamed up with Chantal for future blogs, informational videos and skin care tips!

We all know the connotations of spring; renewal and looking forward, leaving the dark, dry and icy gloom of winter in our past. Springing forward and spring-cleaning apply not only to our homes and the length of our days but also to the health of our bodies, inside and out. Time to Exfoliate: if you don’t exfoliate head to toe on the regular, now’s the time to start. With winter’s dry heat our skin had a harder time with it’s own natural slothing and exfoliating process. Use a dry brushing method or a gentle body scrub to rid yourself of visible rough patches. You will have a closer shave and a more even sunless tanner application. Full body exfoliation promotes the growth of new healthy cells and also has the benefit of increasing circulation that may temporarily leave you feeling invigorated. If you choose a salt scrub you have the added mineral benefits as well as the fact that salt has anti-microbial properties and can help with blemish causing bacteria. Eat for the Season: To receive the optimum nutrient benefits we should always choose our produce seasonally. Asparagus’ unique properties make it a stand out. Glutathione, an antioxidant found in asparagus and cruciferous vegetables, protects your body from carcinogens. For your skin, this means that asparagus can protect cells from UV damage. Asparagine, an amino acid in asparagus, helps to flush excess fluid and salt from the body, which will relieve that sluggish feeling due to bloating. Schedule a Hair appointment: If you have not had an appointment with your stylist this entire winter book one ASAP. Now is the time to receive a trim and remove any split/dead ends. Rainy weather and a fresh blowout do not mix, so get creative with braids and buns. As the humidity increases it may be harder to maintain a pin-straight, flat ironed look if your hair is naturally curly. Equally frustrating is trying to keep bouncy curls from gong limp if your hair is naturally straight, so embrace your natural hair texture as the weather warms. Change formulas: As the seasons change you may need to switch up your products. Heavy moisturizers can be swapped for lightweight lotions if you are noticing an increase in oil or perspiration on the skin. If you were using a hair mask weekly during the cold season, you may need to skip a week if you notice your hair is becoming greasy faster. Spring Cleaning: No it’s not just for cleaning dusty corners or dirty windows in your home. Spring-cleaning applies to your beauty products. If you are not regularly washing your makeup brushes, now is the time to give them a good shampoo. Sanitize your makeup palettes and toss that grimy cosmetic bag. Replace your mascara every three months to avoid harmful bacteria. Pencils and pressed powders have a significantly longer life span than liquid and cream products and can last two years plus. Loose mineral powders are inert and cannot harbor or grow bacteria but if you are applying them with a germ-ridden brush, you are not doing your skin any favors. If the consistency, color or odor changes with any of your products, then it is time to toss and replace. Sun Protection: While we all know that we should be wearing an SPF year round, few do. As the weather warms and we ditch our gloves and heavy sweaters, more skin is revealed and being exposed to harmful UV rays. Do not forget about parts that are regularly exposed but rarely protected, like the hands while driving. Check your sunscreen dates! Unopened they usually last a few years. Opened SPF needs to be replaced annually. Sunscreen formulas can easily become unstable due to temperature changes or from sitting so long that the formula starts to separate. This also means the sun protection ingredients may be unevenly distributed within the lotion and will not give you an even coverage of protection from the sun. Happy Spring, happy and healthy skin and hair to everyone! Blog Written by askderm's in-house Esthetician  Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 9 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers.

Summer has finally arrived and with it, comes all the pool parties, ocean side vacations, backyard barbecues, and the beauty dilemmas that can come with it. Here is how to feel good about your body, keep makeup meltdowns at bay, how to get that dewy summer skin & healthy hair you dream about.  If you frequent my blogs you know my stance on sun protection to the point of ad nauseum. Yes, your body needs Vitamin D, which it synthesizes from the sun, but the risks can far outweigh the benefits if you are choosing to fry yourself. If you are one of those people who must catch some rays here is how to do it healthfully: Exposure should only occur three times a week for 10-15 minutes MAX without sunscreen (you may be able to go a few more minutes if you naturally have a darker skin tone.) No more than that! To keep yourself within these healthy parameters schedule to do this during your lunch hour Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Set a timer. Once you hear that “ding”, you are done baking, literally! If you still question whether or not your vitamin D levels are adequate, schedule an appointment with your primary doctor for a blood test to see where you stand. Simple adjustments to your diet can also supplement your Vitamin D. For a Complete Guide to Proper use of Sunscreen and the dangers of UV exposure please check out my past blog posts:             “Tips and Tricks You may not Know About Sunscreen”             “Tanning Bed Dangers”             “Why you need to Protect Yourself From the Sun Year Round” While wearing sunscreen is obvious, here are other summer beauty tips to consider: Make Fruits and Veggies the Main focus of every meal. At least half of the plate of every meal should consist of produce. Farmers markets, roadside stands and the local grocery store are abundant with fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. Lycopene a powerful antioxidant is not only found in tomatoes but also has high concentrations in watermelon. So enjoy all the summer specific vegetables and fruits. During warmer months it is truly important to keep your body hydrated. If you struggle to drink the recommended ounces of water daily, try adding sliced strawberries, cucumbers, lemon or mint to your water and you will find yourself more likely to drink it. Aside from all the vitamin and mineral benefits of increasing your produce consumption, you will also find that this additional intake will aid in your digestion to alleviate sluggishness and will help you in your health goals. Trying to be bikini ready and banish bloat? Avoid excess salt and dairy on swimsuit days. Sweat and Sand Proof Your Makeup. Forgo full coverage foundations; instead opt for tinted moisturizers, BB creams, and CC creams. Conceal only where you really need it and use powder on your oily areas sparingly. If you are not using a primer as the first step to your makeup routine, it is a product worth investing in to ensure that your makeup endures and withstands sweltering temps. If you have skin prone to oiliness, use blotting papers throughout the day to combat shine. Setting sprays also lock in makeup and increase its longevity. While some may think powders are the key to every summer look, products like cream blushes wear beautifully in the warmer months, they melt into the skin and create a realistic healthy flush. Cream shadows also tend to stand up better to water. If you find that your pencil eyeliner is leaving you looking like a raccoon by traveling down onto the tops of your cheeks or transferring onto your oily upper lid, try using liquid eyeliners instead. If you want to experiment with bold colors but are intimidated, try focusing on one feature and leaving the rest of the face neutral- a daring purple, orange or bright red lipstick pairs beautifully with just a swipe of mascara and well-groomed eyebrows. Likewise, multiple coats of a colored mascara is a fun look when paired with just a simple nude lip balm. If you plan on being directly in the sun for an extended period of time avoid super shiny lip glosses as they can magnify your lip’s sun exposure. While a lipstick may not contain the same SPF ingredients (ex Titanium Dioxide) as a specified sun protection balm, the more opaque a lipstick is, the more sun protection it offers. This makes the newly popular long lasting matte liquid lipsticks a summer favorite. Considering it dries matte, you will also banish the hair-stuck-to-your-lip gloss experience all of us girls dread. Adjust your Skincare Regiment. If you have oily or acne prone skin you may find that you need to switch to lighter product formulations. Swap creamier cleansers for gel washes. Oily skin types still need to use moisturizer but may find that it needs to only be applied once daily, preferably at night. For the very oiliest of skin, a hydrating facial spray is a perfect moisturizer. After misting onto your face, use your fingertips to gently press into the skin. Masks are a great addition to your summer routine. Clay masks will absorb excess oil, while gel masks, can be stored in the fridge and are great for cooling the skin, while reducing redness and sensitivity. Hyperpigmentation can become more apparent in the summer. Add a Vitamin C, licorice extract or Kojic acid containing serum to your routine. However if you continue to tan and expose yourself to too much sun, you will continue to have discoloration. Exfoliate (dry brushing, salt scrub, loofa) your body regularly on days you do not shave. Avoid unsightly bumps, folliculitis or razor rash by opting to have a professional wax. Once waxed you will not have to worry about shaving everyday or dark hair being visible within the follicle. If you opt to shave apply a benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid or salicylic acid lotion to the shaven area to avoid razor rash. Coconut oil is also great post shave as it hydrates and has both anti-microbial/ anti-inflammatory properties. Here are my tips if some form of water is your destination! Beach and Ocean Beauty Tips: Schedule a gel manicure/pedicure prior to a beach vacation. Sand and salt breakdown and dull regular nail polishes, opting for the gel version will insure your polish stays shiny and last far longer without chipping. Long walks on the beach anyone? While the idea has a cheesy connotation walking on the sand engages muscles differently. The unevenness of the sand underneath you and the extra resistance is great for strengthening and toning your ankles, calves, hamstrings and glutes. If your brows tend to bleach in the sun and you want to avoid that, rub your sunscreen lotion into them or swipe a sunscreen stick over them. Why spend money on a salt spray for your hair when you can make use of the ocean water. As your hair air dries, twist small sections around your fingers for the perfect beachy waves. Ocean water contains many healthy minerals and trace elements and is known for healing wounds. Those who have acne, scars and eczema may see improvement to their skin post an ocean vacation. While the salt and sand is a great exfoliator, it is also drying so utilize outdoor showers to rinse off the excess. Apply a lightweight body lotion after a day at the beach. Swimming Pool Tips: Chlorine can be just as drying as salt, so rinse yourself as soon as possible after being in the pool and apply a full body moisturizer. Wear flip flops in public areas as humidity and standing water, like what is found in changing areas and around the pool, are breeding grounds for the viruses and fungus that cause athlete’s foot, ringworm and plantar warts. I have color treated hair and despite having my color done every four weeks, I keep chlorinated pool water from ever touching my hair. If you aren’t this hardcore, prior to the pool, wet your hair and apply a heavy weight conditioner that you do not rinse out until afterwards. This should give your locks an added layer of protection. If you do not have time to go home and shower after the pool and are worried about your hair, bring along a club soda to rinse away residue. To avoid brassiness or the dreaded green pool hair, mix baking soda with your favorite shampoo or while in the shower, rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar prior to shampooing. With added products and knowledge in your beauty arsenal, this advice should have you feeling confident to take on any summer beauty challenge and have you ready to embrace your inner mermaid!

Want the inside scoop? Chantal, askderm's in-house esthetician, shares her top beauty tips and skincare expertise. Check out Chantal's Friday Fun Facts on askderm.com's Facebook page for new skincare facts!  “Most sunscreens do have an expiration date of three years stamped on the packaging. If you are properly applying sunscreen as often as you should though, one bottle or tube should never ever last you the entire season. If at any time a sunscreen becomes separated, watery, chunky or the smell changes, throw it out."- Chantal Monique  - Chantal “Ocean water contains many healthy minerals and trace elements and is known for healing wounds. Those who have acne, scars and eczema may see improvement to their skin post an ocean vacation."  - Chantal “Masks are a great addition to your summer routine. Clay masks will absorb excess oil, while gel masks can be stored in the fridge and are great for cooling the skin, while reducing redness and sensitivity."  - Chantal “If you plan on being directly in the sun for an extended period of time, avoid super shiny lip glosses as they can magnify your lip’s sun exposure."  - Chantal “Contrary to the myth, blackheads are not dark in color because the pore is full of dirt. The dark plug you see is due to the oxidization of sebum within the follicle." - Chantal “Are you trying to be bikini ready and banish bloat? If so, avoid excess salt and dairy on swimsuit days." - Chantal “All of the 21drops blends can be used interchangeably. You can layer as many as you want and they can be applied to multiple areas of the skin. The rubbery protective sleeve and roller ball make them perfect to take with you and use throughout your day." - Chantal “Our lips have no follicles, no sweat glands and do not produce sebum. Therefore they cannot lubricate themselves. This is why the tissue here is so prone to drying out." - Chantal “Keep your body lotion or moisturizer in your shower, that way you cannot forget to apply it. Always apply lotion within three minutes after you have finished showering to trap in water, before it evaporates from the surface of your skin." - Chantal   Blog Written by askderm's in-house Esthetician  Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 9 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers.

The Proven Leader in Marine Skin Care. In 1972, PHYTOMER invented marine cosmetics: a new form of skincare that offers the best of the sea to your beauty regimen. Innovative, relaxing and extremely active, PHYTOMER face and body care represents an invitation to well-being, a marine immersion for healthy, natural, and lasting beauty. A team of over 20 scientists, experts in skin biology, work to discover new marine ingredients in order to develop sensory-stimulating and highly effective products. The research and production methods ensure irreproachable quality and optimal tolerance, with the constant aim to protect the marine environment. TOP PHYTOMER PRODUCTS: Perfect Visage Gentle Cleansing Milk - Its silky texture melts onto the skin to gently remove makeup and impurities.  Rosee Visage Toning Cleansing Lotion - Removes makeup and tones the skin in a single step. Rapid, effective and delightful. Souffle Marin Energizing Oxygenating Serum - A breeze of radiance lights up the skin. Douceur Marine Velvety Soothing Cream - In a soft embrace, it heightens the skin's natural defense against environmental stress to intensely comfort sensitive skin. Hydracontinue Moisturizing Base Skin Cream  - A light emulsion that quenches the skin's thirst and comes in a travel-friendly tube.   Shop PHYTOMER by Clicking HERE!   Written by: Danielle Jones | Marketing Coordinator | askderm #SkinCareExpert #BBloggers #BeautyIsMyWorld #MakingYouFeelBeautiful #OneBlogAtATime #SocialMedia #SocialMarketing #Shopaskderm #topbrands #expertadvice #beautifulskin

KRISTINE   Congrats on winning the Avene Product Giveaway!   Kristine will receive the following Avene Full Size products in a Hot Pink Gift Basket: • D-Pigment Dark Spot Corrector Legere-Light ($49) • Cold Cream Hand Cream ($10), Cold Cream Lip Cream ($14) • Antirougers DAY Redness Relief Soothing Cream SPF 25 ($36) • Skin Recovery Cream D.E.F.I. ($32) • Cold Cream Body Lotion ($29) • TriXera+ Selectiose Emollient Cleansing Bath ($24) • Moisturizing Self-Tanning Lotion ($24) • High Protection Mineral Cream SPF 50 ($24) • Thermal Spring Water ($16.50) • A Cosmetic Travel Bag Thank you to ALL of our wonderful Facebook Fans who entered! Stay tuned for future product giveaways, promotions and skin care tips!*Kristine has already been contacted via email letting her know she is the winner! top brands + expert advice = beautiful skin 

 A quick list of some important skin care tips during these harsh winter months: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize Skip the harsh chemical peels Use SPF - Yes even in the winter!  Drink lots of water Avoid long hot showers or baths Do not forget to hydrate your hands Wear gloves to protect your hands from the elements Hydrate with an oil-based product rather than a water-based product Apply any oils to your skin while wet for better absorption Exfoliate 2-3 times a week Rehydrate your skin as needed Top 10 Winter Products: Topix Non-Drying Gentle Cleansing Lotion La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water IS Clinical Hydra Cool Serum ATOPALM Intensive Moisturizing Cream Murad Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30 - PA+++ Kinerase Ultimate Night Moisturizer eau thermale Avene TriXera + Selectiose Emollient Cream DCL Hydro-Lipid Body Oil MEG 21 Hand Treatment Dermelect Runway Ready Luxury Foot Treatment   Click Here to Start Shopping 

Winter is in full swing and with this comes scaly, parched and flaking skin. No run of the mill watery lotions will do. Winter skin dryness happens to all skin types due to cold temperatures, harsh indoor heating, & gusty winds. Give your winter skin care routine a makeover with my (askderm's in-house Esthetician) top picks to protect and hydrate even the driest of winter skin. Elta MD Moisturizer: This petroleum-based salve melts in to relieve the driest of skin conditions such as eczema and atopic dermatitis while being safe enough for post procedure use. Moisture is retained for 12 hours within this waterproof formula. This is a limited ingredient product meaning it is ideal for sensitive or allergy prone skin types. Cerave Hydrating Cleanser: The notion of a cleanser aiding in hydration may be odd, but this product is a winter must! My doctor first introduced me to this cleanser. My profession requires constant hand washing, which can take its toll. My hands were over sensitized from multiple product exposure causing them to be patchy, red and itchy accompanied by cracking knuckles. This cleanser healed my hands! Developed to repair the protective acid mantle of the skin using MVE (Multivesicular emulsion) technology, meaning, nourishing moisture is time-released in multi-layers. This cleanser can be used for the entire face and body. Elon Herbal Foot Cream: In a recent study, New York University Medical Center concluded that this cream was more effective for healing the skin than leading prescription drugs! Quickly cracked sore heals are soothed with botanicals and healed with emollient ingredients. This cream is safe for those with diabetes. Acure Line Erase Argan Oil + Starflower: This certified organic, multipurpose balm not only works on deep wrinkles and scars but also heals the driest skin. Beeswax, along with argan oil, olive oil, and starflower oil soothe and hydrate. It can be used on over sensitized eyelids and also as a cuticle cream. Coola Liplux SPF 30 Original: Water loss from the skin occurs faster on the lips than other areas of the body. This is due to how thin the skin of the lips are, combined with the fact that the lips do not have the same oil glands as the rest of the body to lubricate themselves. UV damage is quite common for the lips so combining a moisturizer with an SPF is ideal. This water resistant lip balm is perfect for anyone enjoying outdoor winter activities. Fruit butters and coconut oil hydrate and protect the skin from the elements.   Blog Written by askderm's in-house Esthetician  Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers.

Do you have anyone on your gift-giving list that prefers a more natural approach to life or skincare? Being eco-friendly for a skincare company can mean a multitude of different approaches: organic certification, use of natural ingredients, foregoing the use of synthetics, or choosing to use plant based ingredients, over animal based ingredients because they require less water in production. Brands may choose to use solar or wind powered manufacturing processes, sustainable farming and harvesting of ingredients, recycled packaging or non-toxic inks for labeling. “Green” business practices are better for us and better for our planet! Whether you are shopping for yourself or someone else, these eco-friendly product picks cover a multitude of skin types. While being great for year round use, the following products are especially perfect for winter concerns like addressing hyperpigmentation from summer’s UV exposure, holiday stress or rough dehydrated skin. Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 Matte Cucumber: Are you being gifted a trip to somewhere warm? If so this sunscreen needs to be on your packing checklist. Mineral Face Matte smoothes the look of the skin and creates a matte finish, all while protecting you from harmful UV rays. Organic rosehip, omega-3 fatty acids and plankton extracts effectively nourish. Coola manufactures its sunscreens using locally sourced and organic ingredients whenever possible in their solar powered facility located in sunny California. You can be assured that Coola is free from parabens, PABA, petroleum and phthalates.   ilike Sour Cherry Gel Mask: This mask has by far one of the most nearly edible scents ever. Ideal for normal to combination skin, Sour Cherry Gel Mask tightens, tones and rejuvenates dull and dehydrated skin. This mask is rich in polyphenols and bioflavonoid antioxidants, meaning it is an anti-aging powerhouse. ilike skincare uses organically grown and hand harvested whole fruit pulps and over 150 herbs, combined with Hungarian thermal spring water that is rich in algae.   Derma e Evenly Radiant Brightening Cleanser: Winter weather can lead to skin that looks anything but merry and bright. This facial wash contains madonna lily plant extract, bearberry, green tea and vitamin C to promote healthy skin glow and diminish discoloration caused by sun damage. This brand’s humble beginnings were within a health food store. Every Derma e product is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben free, sulfate free, mineral oil free, GMO free and manufactured with the use of wind power. Derma e is the recipient of The Green Patriot award “for organic leadership, green entrepreneurial innovation and global sustainability”. ACURE Marula + Argan Dry Oil Body Spray: This spray replaces watery warm weather lotions to hydrate parched winter skin. It absorbs immediately, without a greasy feel and is also great as a hair care finishing product. Buckthorn, sandalwood, vitamin E, coconut oil and olive oil nourish the skin, while the bright citrus and ginger scent is energizing. ACURE Foaming Shave Gel: Loose the environmentally insensitive shave cream packaging, this shave gel is housed in a recycled dispenser powered by air, not harmful expellants. No more rust rings on the bathroom counters when this gel is integrated into a shower and shave routine. Aloe, calendula and blue chamomile soothe skin for a close and irritant free shave. ACURE is serious about caring for our environment. Their office and manufacturing facilities are 100% solar and wind powered. ACURE’s office is paperless. All of their products contain organic ingredients and are biodegradable to help keep our water safe and pure. REN 1 Minute Flash Rinse Facial: Visible results are achieved, in yes, one minute. Suitable for most skin types this product immediately improves the look of the skin by eliminating redness, redefining pores and bringing about a healthy luminosity. Formulated with water-activated vitamin C, Flash Rinse Facial brings about such an immediately visible improvement to the skin that it is easily comparable to an in-spa treatment. REN is a plant and mineral based skincare company that is free from harmful synthetic ingredients. The packaging is recyclable, the folding cartons are from certified managed forests and printed with vegetable based ink. Pangea Organics Body Polish: This cocoa butter, salt and sugar scrub removes dead skin cells while deeply hydrating. Skin is immediately more soft and supple. The essential oil fragrance relaxes both body and mind. (Personally this scrub paired with ACURE’s Dry Oil Spray is a perfect match. Goodbye itchy, scaly winter skin!) Based in Boulder, CO Pangea Organics is committed to using organic, clean and natural ingredients that are ethically sourced and biodegradable. Some Pangea product packaging can even be planted and will grow herbs! 21 Drops Calm: Know anyone who feels overwhelmed or stressed during the holidays? This roller-ball vial contains an essential oil blend of jasmine, sweet orange and vetiver root in an organic jojoba carrier oil that will help anyone to chill out and enjoy the season. 21 Drops formulates their oil blends without synthetic fragrance, synthetic dyes, GMOs, sulfates or parabens. With a philosophy of creating a mind and body experience, 21 Drops aromatherapy treats a multitude of physical and emotional ailments.     Blog Written by askderm's in-house Esthetician  Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 9 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers.

Meg 21 Skincare is so confident that their products will help fight premature skin aging that they developed the 28-Day Challenge. As a NYS Licensed Cosmetologist, I sure was intrigued by Meg 21's confidence. I did not hesitate, sign me up! Twenty eight days ago I was first introduced to the Meg 21 Skincare Line. It was developed by researchers who were working on the effects that sugars have in the body including how it can speed up the aging process. For those who know me, I have a true love affair with chocolate. It is part of my diet daily and it has been my biggest struggle to attempt eliminate it. I used the following products for the past 28 days as my skincare regimen. I did not stray from these four products in order to get a strong grasp on their combined effectiveness. Clean and Clear Cleanser Bright and Firm Eye Treatment Cell Therapy Step 1: Clean and Clear Cleanser The Clean and Clear Cleanser is a non-foaming lotion. I used this twice daily: once in the morning to begin my AM routine and once to remove my makeup at night. This is a new type of cleanser to me as I typically use a foaming cleanser. After using this cleanser for 28 days, I am hooked! I recommend massaging this in for at least 30 seconds to get the full benefits. I found it very soft and soothing. After a long day out in the sun, it took away all of my skin's irritations. As an added bonus, this cleanser was great at removing makeup (even for my heavy-handed mascara technique). Step 2: Bright and Firm Eye Treatment I used the Bright and Firm Eye Treatment twice daily as well. I Cannot say enough good things about this product as it is an all-around great product. I saw a definite reduction in fine lines around my eyes. On bad allergy days, my eyes were not puffy at all! I was able to apply my concealer directly over this treatment without any interference. This product came in a convenient pump that made it fast and easy to use. Plus the packaging was adorable! Step 3: Cell Therapy I was most excited to try the Cell Therapy product as it lists Grape Seed as an ingredient. I have tried to incorporate grape seed extract into my diet for years because of its anti-aging qualities so this is the perfect product for me! I also used this product twice daily. The Cell Therapy gave my skin the brightness it was lacking without the harsh side effects of a Vitamin C cream. For those with dry skin, you will want to apply a moisturizer over this product for added moisture. Using this product combined with the summer heat, was enough by itself for me. So for those that have skin that can become irritated quite easily, Meg 21 Skincare may be the answer for you. Now if only it could make me walk past the chocolate it would be a true miracle but it is good to know there is something out there to keep my skin from showing the results of my bad habits. Blog Written by askderm's in-house Cosmetologist  Carolyn is a NYS Licensed Cosmetologist. She has over 20 years experience in the beauty industry with make up, skin, and hair care services. Based on her expertise in the industry, Carolyn provides expert skin care & hair care knowledge to our customers.

Throughout the course of my career I have understood the importance of transparency. In sharing my experiences, I hope to dispel the shame or embarrassment we all feel when it comes to the health and beauty care of our bodies. There is not one body or skin issue that I would shy away from discussing with practically anyone. This may come from my years of performing Brazilian waxes and the trust built during that moment of vulnerability, or that I have been in the beauty industry long enough to know that all women have the same gripes and body concerns. All women are struggling or dealing with health or beauty issues that they believe no one else is facing. Unwanted hair is a very common issue. Recently I went through a series of laser hair removal treatments for hair on my chin. This unsightly hair appeared several years ago and has added at least 15 minutes to my daily routine. After a while I began to feel like this was something I was not going to accept anymore and began to do my research. What is Laser Hair Removal and How Does it Work? I am fairly sure everyone is now familiar with the term “laser hair removal” but may be unaware of exactly what it entails. Laser hair removal is a medical procedure in which a trained technician uses a machine, emitting an intense short burst of light that targets the hair deep within the follicle. The intense heat created by the laser light damages hair and prevents growth. Laser hair removal is done within a series of treatments, anywhere from three to six weeks apart (as determined by your technician), over the course of several months. Who is an Ideal Candidate for Laser Hair Treatment? While laser technology is continuously advancing, the laser is attracted to and is targeting pigment within the hair. This makes myself the ideal candidate, as I am so pale that my fair skin is practically see-through and I have very dark hair. You do not need to be as fair as me for laser hair removal to work; you just need the hair that is to be treated darker than the surrounding skin. Subsequently, if the hair you want removed is blonde, you will need to find a method other than laser. What Else to Consider Prior? If the hair you want removed is a new and unusual growth, especially on your face or neck, you need to first see your primary care physician to rule out other underlying health issues like hormone imbalances. How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal Avoid UV exposure whether from the sun or indoor tanning for four weeks prior and post treatment. A tan is the skin’s own immune system response in which cells darken in pigmentation to protect against further UV damage. Remember the laser is attracted to pigmentation! Because the laser works by targeting the pigment deep within the root of the hair, you need the unwanted hair to be present. That means you must stop all forms of epilation (removal of hair by the root, e.g.: waxing, tweezing and threading) weeks in advance. This also means you will have to shave the area for the entire treatment time. For me, this meant putting down the tweezers and having to shave my face. Honestly, shaving for the first several weeks had me physiologically devaluing myself. I had an overwhelming feeling of being less feminine, but this was something I just had to work through and reassure myself that it was temporary and that in the end, the results would be worth it. Avoid harsh skincare products before treatment. Keep your skincare regiment simple the night before and the morning of. My face wash of choice prior to a laser treatment is ACURE’s Sensitive Facial Cleanser. This non-foaming cleanser has Chamomile as the first ingredient. Its formulation is very calming and anti-inflammatory. Head to your appointment with a makeup free face. A simple SPF is the only product you should be wearing to your appointment. Derma E antioxidant Natural Sunscreen Oil-free Face Lotion is a perfect choice. This contains the physical sunscreen Zinc oxide, which is a known anti-inflammatory. What to Expect During Treatment: When you meet with your technician for the first time, they will have you fill out a comprehensive health evaluation sheet. At the beginning of each and every appointment your technician will ask if there have been any changes in your health, how you felt after your last treatment and whether or not you have been in the sun. You are only doing a disservice to yourself if you do not answer these questions honestly. Both you and your technician will wear protective eyewear during the laser treatment.       A very common question regarding laser hair removal is whether or not it hurts. The best way to describe the feeling is that of a very hot rubber band snapping against your skin. I found that this uncomfortable sensation dissipated, overtime as the treatments go on and there is less hair. After your treatment, expect mild redness or sensitivity. For me this only lasted about 20 minutes post treatment. Avoid heavy makeup, harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliants on the treatment area for 24 hours. My favorite go-to product immediately post treatment is Wilma Schumann Soothing & Balancing Toner. The refreshing mist calms irritated skin, is alcohol free and contains nourishing plant botanicals. The results from my laser series are amazing. My morning routine of plucking and searching for unwanted hairs is no more. My only complaint is that I did not have laser hair removal sooner!     Blog Written by askderm's in-house Esthetician  Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 9 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers.