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I am not sure if in my professional career, I have ever been this excited about a skincare company, EVER! I have been a vegetarian for over half of my life. 90% of the groceries I bring into my home are organic. Lastly, I am a stickler about recycling- I even recycle the little paper tags off clothing I purchase! It makes me feel good when my work life can coincide with my personal morals that I practice at home. ACURE is a company with ethics. This natural and organic company has chosen a sustainable, eco-friendly and cruelty-free approach. Best of all, all of these good-for-the-people and good-for-the-earth products are completely affordable! Not one item is over 30 dollars.     ACURE is free from: Animal Testing Parabens Sulfates Phtalates Synthetic Fragrances Harmful Preservatives Artificial Color Gluten Sodium Chloride   Benefits to Choosing Organic Agriculture grown in this manor is free from toxic synthetic pesticides and other chemicals that could potentially enter our soil, water and our bodies. Aside from limiting your exposure to toxins, supporting organic practices may mean not contributing to the frightening bee population crisis. Choosing ACURE means supporting smaller family farms with strong personal connections to the land they are farming and love.   Other "Green" Benefits of ACURE -ACURE is a Green-e certified company with a neutral carbon footprint -100% of their office and manufacturing practices are produced using wind and solar power -All the products are 100% biodegradable and break down safely as to not pollute our water -The packaging is made from recycled materials and certified sustainable wood   If the “tree hugger” inside of you is not impressed, then maybe the science behind ACURE will entice you. There are two key ingredients in this line:   Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF): Chlorella is a single-cell algae rich in nucleic acids. CGF is clinically proven to protect collagen and elastin fibers, making it a key anti-aging ingredient. Clinical studies have shown that CGF increases collagen expression by 333% in a 1% concentration.   Curoxidant Blend: This blend is a combination of five organic fruits and herbs (Acai, pomegranate, black berry, rosehip and roobis) that are potent in antioxidants that neutralize free radicals.     My Favorites While I have not tried every single product within the line (Trust me, I will get there!), these are some of my favorites so far: Sensitive Facial Cleanser- Normally when I think about a fragrance free, mild cleanser, I think about something that is lack luster. This cleanser is anything but! It is so rich and creamy. I love this paired with a cleansing device like my FOREO Luna mini. I have oily skin but have issues using cleansers with salicylic acid, as they over sensitize my skin. This cleanser leaves your skin feeling clean yet hydrated with argan oil, probiotics and pumpkin seed oil.   Brightening Facial Scrub- Just like the cleanser changed my mind about fragrance free cream cleansers, this scrub has me changing my position on a physical exfoliant. I do not like scrubs, normally they are too gritty and they over-sensitize the skin. Nothing gives an esthetician an unpleasant twitch like an apricot scrub, ugh.  This scrub does not leave your skin feeling like you just put hundreds of tiny tears into its surface. It is loaded in sea kelp and contains French green clay. Because it contains clay, after I massage it into my skin I like to leave it on in the shower for five minutes. It acts as a mini-mask and pulls out impurities. I use this scrub two times a week so my face feels extra smooth and clean!   Oil Control Facial Moisturizer- This moisturizer has gotten me through this way-too-long winter. My oily skin easily becomes dehydrated, and while most moisturizers for my skin-type feel watery and pointless, this one is rich yet soaks in nicely. Lilac stem cells control oil production and help heal blemishes.   Cell Stimulating Facial Mask- This is a mask for everyone. It contains French green clay to draw out impurities, while adding moisture to the skin from Moroccan argan oil, CoQ10 and Sea buckthorn oil. Unlike other clay masks, this one does not require a lot of friction to remove. Add water to your fingertips and it actually begins to foam. Use circular motions as if you were washing your face prior to splashing with water. Eye Cream- This eye product performs better than some 200-dollar creams I have tried! You get a lot of product in this tube. Even better, you can use it around the entire eye area, unlike some eye creams, which are not recommended for the lid. This has definitely improved the crepiness underneath my eyes and my concealer is not settling into creases any longer.   A lot of people make comments about wanting to “Go green”, but then proclaim  “I don’t have the space or time for a compost bin”, as if that is their only way to not negatively contribute to environmental problems. There are FAR more ways to limit your carbon footprint. Something as easy as choosing a specific product line can help! That is a simple choice that can add up if you think about how many bottles of lotions and creams are sitting in your medicine cabinet. For me, the money I am saving because ACURE is so affordable, makes it easier for me to purchase and prepare that organic/ vegan kale and quinoa salad I love so much!   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, her work has included upscale clientele, a private investigator undercover and independent film work. 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! 
Now that it is officially Fall, we've got pumpkin on our mind. From Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks to Pumpkin Pie flavored candles and everything in between, pumpkin has exploded over the past few years. But did you know that pumpkin has some great benefits for the skin as well? To prepare your skin for the cold harsh weather, add skincare products with Autumn's star seasonal ingredient - pumpkin to your fall regimen. Pumpkin is packed with fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to brighten and smooth the skin. Peter Thomas Roth - Pumpkin Enzyme Mask This face mask will surely get you in the fall spirit. Exfoliating pumpkin enzymes work with alpha hydroxy acid and aluminum oxide to brighten up dull skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Pumpkin is packed with fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to brighten and smooth the skin. ACURE - Ultra-Hydrating Body Wash Organic Argan Oil, Organic Pumpkin, and cell boosting Argan Stem Cells in this body wash deeply condition and hydrate your skin. Leaving your skin smooth, soft and smelling great, you'll never want to get out of the shower. Zinc in pumpkin seeds is brilliant for acne sufferers. Zinc will help control the hormone level and oil production, as well as assist with healing of the skin. Murad - Transforming Powder Dual-Action Cleanser & Exfoliator Keep pores clear for smooth, blemish-free skin with Salicylic Acid and Pumpkin Seed Extract. Unique, water-activated powder transforms to effectively cleanse and exfoliate without over-scrubbing. Pumpkin is packed with fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to brighten and smooth the skin. Peter Thomas Roth - Clinical Peel & Reveal Pumpkin Enzyme, a natural exfoliator, sweeps pore clogging dead skin cells while Alpha Hydroxy Acid resurfaces your skin. Aluminum Oxide clears your skin of the toughest dirt and oil deposits, leaving your skin refreshed and polished. Pumpkin is excellent for use on all skin types, but especially if your skin is damaged from environmental conditions such as overexposure to the sun. ACURE - Repairing Shampoo & Conditioner Provides lasting moisture to even the most dry and damaged hair leaving it soft, manageable, and ready to rock. Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil - high in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, adds shine. Locks in moisture, repairs damage, and strengthens follicles. Have you incorporated pumpkin into your skincare routine? Let us know in the comments below.  
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.
I have not wanted to admit it, but atlas summer is over. Soon the leaves will change their hue. Autumn’s change parallels the change we need to make in regards to our skincare as colder and drier weather approaches. This change is all about proper hydration and repairing the damaged caused by improper sun protection. My Favorite Fall Skincare Picks: NuFace Trinity: If you are feeling melancholy as cold and drab weather approaches, here is a device to get excited about. This device is FDA cleared to simulate the skin with the use of micro-current to help tone and contour the face. Goodbye jowls! I am only a week into my NuFace use, so stay tuned for a full review! Cellex-C 2-step Starter Kit: If you are a sun-worshiper feeling guilty about what you did not do to protect yourself this summer and are dealing with hyperpigmentation, now is the time to combat that damage. Also if you have an oily and acneic skin type, which is left with the dark marks of a pimple’s past, this two-part treatment is perfect for you. This combo is oil-free, contains vitamin C to combat free radical damage and will brighten the appearance of the skin. All while reducing the signs of photo-aging. ilike Sour Cherry Gel Mask: If autumn has you craving a harvest of fresh fruits and veggies, this organic mask will not disappoint. Honestly it is hard to resist eating this mask as it contains real cherry skins. The scent is amazing! Normal/ combination skin will benefit from the fruit acids and honey. Mybody Protect and Serve: Just because summer is over, there is no excuse to not properly protect yourself from UV exposure. This tinted mineral sunscreen has a creamy texture and dries matte. It can be applied alone or before your makeup and can be used by sensitive skin, aging skin and acneic skin alike. Acure Moroccan argan stem cell + argan oil Shampoo and Conditioner: Alright, this is a year round favorite, but I figured if I did not include something with pumpkin, I would catch some flack! Safe for color treated hair, this combo has an almond scent and a rich creamy texture and lather. Pumpkin seed oil nourishes with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Shine and manageability improves all while being sulfate free and cruelty free. ilike Sour Cherry Cleansing Milk: During the muggy summer months skin’s oil production is in high gear. If the gel cleanser that left you squeaky clean in July, now has you feeling tight and over sensitized, it may be time to change to a creamy cleanser. This milky cleanser gently removes impurities and makeup without depleting hydration within the skin. Salicylic acid fights acne while vitamin E provides anti-oxidant protection. Just like the Sour Cherry mask, this cleanser smells good enough to eat! Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell Bio-repair mask: This gel mask cools and hydrates all skin types while multiple rose extracts and stem cells, work to soothe the skin and fight the sign of premature aging. This mask is very versatile. It is a great morning pick-me-up! I recommend storing the jar in the refrigerator prior to application and leaving it on for 10 minutes. Or in the PM it can be used as a sleeping mask overnight, for serious rose benefits! 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.
The school season is upon us. Time to put your best face forward and strive for success. These skincare products surely make the grade. FOREO Mini: Maintaining a routine is the key to success in the classroom and at home. The FOREO makes skincare more enjoyable and has effective results, meaning you are more likely to stick with it and incorporate face washing into your morning and evening routine. This device is more effective at removing oil, makeup and grime from your face than hand washing alone. Because the FOREO Mini only needs to be charged every six months or so, you will never find yourself with an uncharged device on the same morning you slept through your alarm! The bright color selection makes it fun to coordinate and personalize your Mini. ACURE Facial Cleansing Gel: Did the bill for this semester’s books leave you penniless? Not to worry, the pocket-book friendly price of this cleanser will have you singing its praise (in the shower of course!). How a company can produce a skincare line that not only works but is also eco-friendly, chock full of healthy ingredients AND is inexpensive warrants some sort of study! This product removes makeup and oil with ease, yet it will not over dry the skin. The Antioxidants work to combat breakouts while preventing premature aging. The FOREO Mini and this gel cleanser are the ultimate dream team! The scent is a slightly sweet citrus, reminiscent of lemonade stands from past childhood summers….Aaaaahhhhh… mybody myHelper Acne Spot Treatment: This convenient click pen acne treatment is perfect for a student on the go. It can be tossed into your practice bag and is perfect for combating acne caused by sweat and dirt that accumulates during sport activities. The concentrated benzoyl peroxide formula quickly kills acne bacteria and stimulates cellular turnover to heal blemishes, keeping your skin clear without the harsh irritation that some acne products create. Blinc Mascara: While a full face with heavy eye makeup may not be practical or appropriate for class, mascara worn on its own, creates an opened-eye look. Mascara makes you look bright eyed, healthy and well rested, even if you pulled an all-nighter studying for an exam. Blinc was the pioneer of non-flaking, tube-technology mascara. This product will not run or transfer onto your lower or upper lash line, making it perfect for someone active or who has little time between classes to touch-up. 21 Drops Focus: The essential oil blend is formulated to jump-start your brainpower, helping you to “focus” on the task at hand, while eliminating distractions. This aromatherapy product is all-natural and has its roots in a science and study that is centuries old. The vial is spill-proof, has an easy roller-ball applicator and is enclosed in a protective, rubbery silicone sleeve. Simply toss into your backpack or purse and apply as often as needed. Studying has now become so much easier!     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.
Teens are a handful, between the attitudes, hormonal changes and daily stresses, most teens will have your work cut out for you.  I still have a few more years before I have to worry about that with my kids, but I do know how much stress I put my parents through (sorry mom and dad!).  Finding gifts for the teens in your life may not be the easiest thing to do, but rather than picking up a hoodie you think your son might wear or a pair of shoes you hope your niece would like, play it safe by investing in your teen’s skin health and overall confidence.   Having great skin is a wonderful confidence booster and not only will they feel good about themselves, they will look great as well. Most teens are usually strapped for cash and the last thing they want to spend their money on are important skincare products, so do them a favor and give them some necessities and let your gifts go to good use! They Need A Great Cleanser There have been so many times where I have heard teens say they wash their face with just soap and I’m here to tell you that just won’t cut it.  Cleansing your face with basic soap will cause a lot of drying and can even create small cracks on your skin due to the dryness.   Your skin needs to be cleansed properly with a facial cleanser that is right for the individual’s skin type which will not only help rid their face of dirt, excess oils and toxins but it will also keep their skin hydrated.  For the acne sufferers, purchase products that aren’t too harsh or drying, but will still do their job such as VICHY Laboratories Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel which purifies the skin without causing drying while it has a powerful anti-irritant.   Upgrade Their Skin Cleansing Routine Help them keep their skin super healthy by upgrading the way they cleanse their face.  The Clarisonic Mia 2 Acne Clarifying Collection is a great way to deep clean their skin while removing dirt and impurities from the pores.  With the rotating cleansing brush, skin gets cleaner and looks and feels smoother than regular facial cleansing.  Use of the Clarisonic will help treat blemishes gently and effectively while leaving skin exfoliated and brighter. Quick and simple to use, a rotating cleansing brush instantly refreshes skin and is a great gift for teens regardless of what their skin type.   Give Them An Extra Boost Of Energy It’s hard waking up early for school and work and even with a full night’s sleep, teens are still usually exhausted and difficult to not only wake up but to stay alert in class.  Products such as Bliss Super Minty Soap N’ Scrub will help wake them up by giving them that extra boost of energy in their morning shower. Soap N’ Scrub is packed with jojoba beads that will exfoliate their skin leaving it bright and smooth while the sweet smell leaves you feeling refreshed.   With the wonderful peppermint oil and menthol, they will be left feeling clean, energized and invigorated, ready to start their day. Keep Their Skin Soft, Glowing And Hydrated With A Tinted Moisturizer Even those teens with overly oily skin still will need a moisturizer for their skin to stay healthy.  When purchasing facial moisturizers or creams, make sure you purchase those that won’t clog pores and those with minimal to no fragrances to help any sensitivities.  Nip and Fab CC Cream SPF 30 is a great tinted moisturizer that helps skin look brighter and evens out skin tone each time they use it.  The CC cream not only has medium coverage but it also protects your skin from harmful rays with a SPF 30 while giving skin a beautiful glow.  I’m a big fan of BB and CC creams especially for everyday use when I rather not apply foundation, it gives you a nice polished look while it works magic on the skin! Balance Their Skin’s PH As Well As Keep Their Skin Hydrated On The Go And At Home I absolutely love using toners for my skin and always recommend them to clients.  I have one not only in my facial ritual basket but I also carry one in my purse everywhere I go. Having a good toner will keep your skin feeling clean and refreshed while it not only balances skin’s PH levels but also ridding your face from any bacteria. It’s great to use midday inbetween class or afterschool after cleansing their face.  Either way they use it, their skin will be hydrated, rid from excess oils and protected from future breakouts.  ACURE Facial Toner - Balancing Rose and Red Tea is a great gift idea for anyone on your list. Have Them Feeling Refreshed On The Go Between school, afterschool jobs, sports and extracurricular activities, most teens are on the go.  Much of the time they really don’t have much down time in between.  I remember after school let out rushing to work or to a sports practice and by the time you were finished your evening your skin wasn’t as clean or feeling as nice as it should.   Give your teens amazingly convenient facial towelettes to refresh their skin on the go.  ACURE Coconut Argan Oil Towelettes are a great product with its sweet smelling beachy scent and wonderful soothing oils, their skin will be left feeling clean, smooth and refreshed. For all of my teenage cousins, nieces and nephew their gifts are always personalized to their needs and likes.  If I know one suffers from acne then I usually create a basket with products that will help with their problematic skin. Those with normal skin types I also will create gift baskets with the basic skincare necessities so there is no excuse for them not to start taking care of their skin at this age.   Knowing that they are teens, their gifts wouldn’t be complete without a gift card to their favorite place to eat or to the movies or even for a cup of coffee.  Regardless of your gift, and underneath some of their mood swings, they love you and will appreciate any gift you give them…but just stay clear of any ugly sweaters, that will break anyone down!     Blog Written by askderm's Guest Esthetician  Stephanie Ivonne is a New Jersey licensed Esthetician.  Her fun-loving, outgoing personality will shine through her product selections & reviews to help you discover the hottest skincare and beauty products. When Stephanie is not scouring the internet for the next hot skincare product, she is a mother to two wonderful biological children, a dedicated foster mom and is devoted to her husband of 13 years.
We all have that one thing, that one holiday tradition or moment we looked forward to in our younger years. On Christmas morning, that one thing was my Stocking! For my sister and I, it was the only gift we were allowed to open prior to our mother waking up. In our eyes, the stocking held the best presents because it was filled with useful and practical beauty/ hygiene products…. and of course silly holiday socks. To evoke those happy memories and holiday feel, I have compiled my favorite stocking stuffers to share with you and the best part is, they are all under $30.00! Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray: This setting spray elevates anyone’s makeup game by keeping it flawless and creaseless for up to 16 hours! Skin is visibly less oily, which means no foundation oxidization (oh that dreaded orange discoloration!). Blinc Eyebrow Mousse: The brow obsession is not going away any time soon. Getting well-groomed eyebrows is easy with this tinted brow product that separates, sets and holds brows in place all day long. Blinc Ultrathin Liquid Eyeliner Pen: Whether someone is a barely there eyeliner kind of person, or fancies a full-on dramatic cat eye, this easy to use liquid eyeliner is extremely precise! It will not fade and is water resistant. Dew Puff: Made from the Konjac root, these facial sponges provide gentle cleansing. They can be used in combination with your favorite cleanser or simply alone for the sensitive or highly allergic skin types. The charcoal in this specific Dew Puff helps to fight breakouts for clearer, healthier skin. ACURE Coconut + Argan oil Cleansing towelettes: Perfect for on-the-go face and body refreshing. These all-natural and biodegradable cleansing wipes are gentle enough for sensitive skin types, yet strong enough to remove eye makeup and even liquid lipstick! Pangea Organics Hand Cream: There is not a single person who would not benefit from the use of a hand cream in the winter months. Rosehip and Tamanu oils soften and protect skin from the dry winter air. The essential oil scent is relaxing and free from synthetics. Coola Liplux Peppermint + Vanilla: The tingling peppermint feel and sweet vanilla scent are perfect for the holiday season. Nourishing oils hydrate delicate skin while an SPF of 15 make this the perfect balm for the winter outdoor enthusiast.     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.
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.