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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.

After years of stripped down approaches, introductions of all-in-one products and “easy” three step systems, there is a buzz in the states about a different mind-set when it comes to taking care of the skin: Layering, a trend that is already popular in Asia and France with upwards to 10, 11, even more steps of methodically layered products.With a different outlook, these countries spend millions more on skincare, while in the United States there is a different attitude; more money is spent on cosmetics and makeup. Covering up flaws rather than combating or preventing them to begin with. If we all suffered from less acne, dealt with less pigmentation issues and earlier on addressed fine lines/aging, would we spend less on makeup, too?It brings to mind images of women looking almost flawless upon waking up, walking out the door with only a BB cream and a swipe of lipstick, while we all look on in envy of her beauty, and only after we spent upwards to an hour painstakingly penciling in our brows and concealing countless blemishes. While we all know someone who only uses bar soap to wash their face and has no pores and is always glowing, the rest of us are in a constant battle with our skin. While you may not have the time or resources for a 10+step skin care regiment, adding one or more new products, or even knowing the correct order in which to use them, could make all the difference.Always apply products in accordance from light to heavy, thin to thick. Remember lighter products like serums are molecularly smaller when compared to heavier products like creams and moisturizers, and will absorb quickly and penetrate deeper. Creams will act to seal these products into the skin.Step 1: Makeup RemovalWhile this should go without saying, ALWAYS remove your makeup at night. At the very least use a makeup remover wipe. Some regular cleansers are gentle enough for use around the eye, or oil based makeup removers, which easily break down foundation and mascara.Step 2: CleanseFoaming or cream cleanser, depending on your skin type Step 3: ExfoliationThis can be done as a separate step with a physical exfoliant product, or with your regular cleanser in conjunction with your Clarisonic or FOREO Luna.Step 4: TonerWhile some are more astringent-like and strip excess oil, other toners or boosters soften the skin and prepare it to take on and absorb products to follow.Step 5: MaskThey come in a vast variety, whether it is a sheet mask, a gel, or clay mask. They address all types of issues from oily acneic skin, lack of hydration within the skin or hyperpigmentation to name a few. Masks are perfect for two to three day a week use.Step 6: Serums or EssencesJust like masks they come is a variety of textures, from completely water like to a gel, and address many different issues. Unlike masks, these products are used daily or twice daily. Some people believe it is crucial to apply these within seconds after washing the face and with a patting motion rather than rubbing into the face.Step 7: Eye creamWhether formulated with caffeine to tighten the under eye skin in the morning, or hydrating and antioxidant-rich for nighttime treatment use.Step 8: MoisturizeOily skin still needs moisture, so hydrating sprays or gel moisturizers are recommended for this skin type, while more mature and dry skin can benefit form a heavier cream or an oil based moisturizer.Step 9: Spot treatmentThis could be spot treating acne blemishes with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, or perhaps treating hyperpigmentation spots with hydroquinone or kojic acid.Step 10: Sun protectionThe last step to a morning skin care regiment should always be applying a broad spectrum SPF.  These basics to a layered skincare approach may help simplify what previously seemed like a daunting trial and error science experiment, and a bathroom counter riddled with bottles and jars of potions and promises. Is “less is more” or is “more is more”?Blog Written by askderm's in house Esthetician Chantal MoniqueChantal 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!

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.

Patchology is all about ‘The Power of The Patch’.  Patches + Technology= Patchology. Patchology is a great line of wonderful products that are known for leaving your skin with noticeable, long lasting results. These products aren’t to be used solo, but in addition to your daily skincare regimen.   With all the positive reviews that I found online and from those of my friends who have loved these products, I decided to try some out for myself.  I recently ordered Patchology’s FlashMasque, FlashPatch Eye Gels and Energizing Eye Introductory Kit and have been trying them for a couple of weeks and I absolutely love these products! Patchology FlashMasque Exfoliate These FlashMasque exfoliating masks feel so incredibly soothing and cool on your skin that you are left feeling smooth and revitalized.  The masks include Proprietary Hydrasurge5 Moisture System with lactic acid and papain which will gently exfoliate removing dead skin cells giving you a soft and polished look.  Even after the first application, your skin looks brighter and retextured and left with a hydrated glow.  It is recommended to apply on a gently cleansed, dried face for at least five minutes and followed by your normal skincare regimen.  I personally love the cooling and soothing feel it gives my face, that I leave it on about 20-30 minutes while lying in bed in the evening with a good book.  Once you remove the mask, there is no need to rinse your face, just rub the serum gently into your skin and that’s it.   Patchology FlashPatch Eye Gels The Patchology FlashPatch Eye are amazing!  I can’t tell you just how much I love these patches!  They are packed with caffeine and hydrolyzed collagen which smooths fine lines and wrinkles.  The Hydrogel Patch Technology helps revive tired, fatigued eyes leaving them deeply hydrated and smooth.  Apply on freshly washed and dried skin for at least five minutes.  I use mine in the morning and keep them on for about 20 minutes as I move around getting the kids ready for school.  The patches stay in place and once removed, there is no need to rinse, just rub the serum into the skin.  The FlashPatch smooths out lines so well and tightens the skin that when you’re wearing concealer and under eye foundation it applies super smooth and you are left with more awake, brighter looking skin.   Patchology Energizing Eye Introductory Kit Patchology Energizing Eye Introductory Kit is another great product for those with tired eyes.  When used on freshly washed, dried skin and applied for at least 20 minutes, your skin will be left looking and feeling smoother and refreshed.  The gentle ingredients will not only calm your skin, but with regular use will help diminish lines and wrinkles.  Once applied, the patches stay in place so you can carry on with whatever task you were doing and when removed, the eye patches can be used up to four times each.  This kit includes refreshing wipes, activating gel and eye treatments.  You instantly will see a difference in the brightness of your skin but the more you use the product the more refreshed and awake your eyes will look.  It definitely helps you look as you have gotten a few more hours of sleep (say goodbye to that just rolled out of bed look!). These are such great projects for all skin types and even those with sensitive skin as they have gentle ingredients that help soothe and calm your face.  Not only do they provide you with instant improvement of your skin, the more you use it the better your skin will look long term.  Renew your skin and get a healthier, brighter glow all year round!     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.        

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.

Magazines have long been our go to source for the next best beauty product or the next up and coming product we all have to try. There are awards given from magazine companies to some of the most popular beauty brands. But what about all those beauty products magazines don’t tell you about? Here are 10 incredible skincare products that are the beauty world's best kept secret. 1. Exuviance Bionic Oxygen Facial : This face mask is one of a kind, making it a must have product already. This mask oxygenates skin and leaves the skin smooth, soft and luminous all while detoxifying your skin. This mask is also great for fighting the signs of aging because it also helps provide support for you skin to have and maintain optimum collagen levels. 2. Mybody Globiotics Probiotic Instant Resurfacing Pads : By now I think we have all heard how good probiotics are for our digestive system, but who knew they would be great for skin too!? Well Mybody did and they put probiotics to work. They resurface your skin to reveal more youthful, glowing skin and help to reduce the size of pores! Oh, and there is no irritation with this product so it’s great for every skin type. 3. Kelo-Cote Advanced Formula Scar Gel : For anyone with any type of scar, old or new, who just wants to get rid of it. This product can be used on healing wounds or old scars and boast that it is the number on scar treatment recommended by plastic surgeons. 4. Glycolix Elite Facial Cream Ultra Lite : This face cream is so good for your skin, not only does it have a lot of vitamins in it to nourish and repair skin but it also has CoQ 10 in it, to help fight free radicals and combat sun damage all while being ultra lite and wearable. 5. PFB Vanish: Since I think it is safe to say that ALL of us at one point or another has attempted hair removal of some part of our body, it is insane that this product isn’t in magazines. This product can be used on men and women, on any part of the body, and works wonders in soothing the skin after any type of hair removal from shaving all the way to waxing. No more redness and no more bumps. Yes, please! 6. DCL Makeup Remover: Contrary to popular belief, not all makeup removers are created equal, and this one is certainly at the top. This makeup remover is not over drying but also not oily and effectively removes all traces of makeup from any area of the face even sensitive eyes, without irritation. 7. Professional Solutions Red Tea Serum: This is a holy grail product for anyone who wants to fight free radicals and repair sun damage. This serum is jam packed with twice as many antioxidants as green tea and has hyaluronic acid which will keep the skin soft and supple by locking in moisture. 8. DCL AHA Lightening Gel: For those of us with uneven skin tones, dark spots, or sun damage. This product safely, gently, and effectively. By exfoliating the skin, slowing melanin production, and speeding up skin cell renewal this product works overtime to correct and even skin tone, leaving healthy looking smooth skin. 9. Aminogenesis Gone In Sixty Seconds Instant Wrinkle Eraser is INCREDIBLE in the truest sense of the word. This product is plastic surgery in a bottle. kindprotect The ingredients in the wrinkle fighting formula activate on contact with your skin to firm up skin and get rid of wrinkles, no botox required! 10. Nip And Man Manotox: This last incredible product is for the men of the world because even though they may not admit, they want to look good to and this product will help achieve that goal. Specially formulated to work with a man's skin to fight wrinkles and smooth skin to leave it looking refreshed and handsome! You don’t need a magazine to tell you what to use anymore, with these products you’ll be set to make your magazine debut!     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.

Whether you are a young professional or a busy mom, this does not mean you cannot find time or shortcuts when it comes to a beauty regiment. So what if you do not have an entire day to commit to the spa! Here are a few tips and tricks for even the busiest of people.Choose multi-tasker products! Use a moisturizer with an SPF, a primer with anti-oxidants, argan oil for cuticles and hair flyaways, or a product that can be used as a cream blush and a lip color.Don’t have time or are you to tired at the end of the day to be using a mask twice a week? Multi-task and apply a mask towards the beginning of your shower, leave it on while you go through your normal shower routine and rinse it off at the end.Think you do not have time to put on a full face of makeup everyday? Everyone can find ten minutes to apply mascara. Sick of people saying you look tired? Curl your eyelashes, this instantly makes you look more awake, pair this with a good coat of mascara and a nude liner on your bottom waterline and you will have everyone fooled that you got your full eight hours of sleep.Skip washing your hair everyday. Washing your hair everyday is not recommended as it strips away natural oils. Only wash your hair every other, to every three days. This will cut down on the time it takes for you to get ready in the morning, because you wont be spending so much time blow drying and styling. If you have oily roots use a dry shampoo. If your bangs easily become greasy, tuck your hair into a shower cap but leave your fringe out while you shower and wash your face.Skip styling your hair by going to bed with it wet and in a loose bun on the top of your head. In the morning let your hair down and part for a gorgeous tousled look.When getting a manicure opt for gel. The polish is cured using a light and there is no waiting around for it to dry or smudging your polish while digging for your keys in your purse. Gel manicures also last about two weeks.While some shortcuts can be made here are the steps you should never skip:Washing your face before bed is a must to remove makeup, oil, dead skin, allergens and other toxins that can lead to skin issues. If you had a late night out or are just feeling completely exhausted, keep a package of facial cleansing wipes next to your bed.  Just do not make this a nightly habit!Always apply sunscreen, everyday. It does not matter how busy you are, this is not something you can skip or only care about seasonally. Melanoma is one of the most prevalent cancers and it also happens to be the most preventable! Blog Written by askderm's in house Esthetician Chantal MoniqueChantal 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! 

My skincare obsession is still uncontrollable. I really just can't help it. So, here are some secrets, tips and tricks I would LOVE to share with you during the Holiday Season! What you eat, extra stress and the change in season are going to affect your skin! Make sure you are still drinking lots of water and you may need to switch to a heavier moisturizer both day and night.  Secret: If you get your guy any of our sweet Men's line products, yes you can use them too! Shhhhh. I may or may not sneak some of the TURO Skin 3 in 1 shower gel. I also fell completely head over heels in love with their spot treatment. It smells amazing & has cleared up my skin in like a day. Tip: Since winter is officially here, make sure at least at night you are using a heavier moisturizer. I use a heavier moisturizer with glycolic acid at night (Glytone is my must have for Glycolic Acid) & during the day I use the Phytomer Souffle Marin Energizing Oxygenating Serum because it feels like heaven. Even with combination skin that tends to break out, this dry brisk weather really dries my skin out and makes it uncomfortable. If you suffer from dry/sensitive skin I HIGHLY recommend checking out ATOPALM.  Trick: Have a Holiday Party to go to? This is my typical "going out" routine: 1. Wash my face with my Glytone Acne Cleanser & LUNA. 2. Apply the Rodial Snake Mask for about 20-30 minutes (during the down time I pick out my clothes or shave my leggies). 3. Apply the Glytone Boost Mini Gel for 10 minutes and rinse, dry my skin. 4. Apply my Phytomer Souffle Marin Energizing Oxygenating Serum. 5. Prime for makeup with the OC8 Professional Mattifying Gel. 6. Apply my Osmosis Colour makeup.Here is what my makeup bag consists of: Natural Light Pressed Base start with light applications to build coverage, conceal with the Silk Age Defying Treatment Concealer, add a little color with the South Beach Bronzer, a splash of pink pearl blush, pick out my eye shadow based on my outfit & finish it off with a spritz of Mineral Mist. Ok. I sound very high maintenance after writing this blog. I am not even close! I just make sure to do the basics daily to keep my skin healthy first & clear for my self! I also am blessed with good genetics & will most likely look 23 forever. Plus, doesn't every girl like to have fun for a Holiday Party & get all fancy?! Happy Holidays! Enjoy your family & friends! Be safe & let's get ready for a great New Year!Stay beautiful.Dani. askderm bblogger.

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!

Often I am asked about the specific products I use, how often I use them and in what order. While my routine and the products that I use are geared towards my specific skin type (oily/acneic), there are still take-a-ways that anyone could incorporate into their routine. How I Cleanse at Night: A nightly cleanse is for removing makeup, bacteria and skin pollutants that may have adhered to the skin’s surface via your own sebum. Secondly, nighttime skin routines are for treatment and recuperation of the skin. Basically it is the most important time to wash your face. Never skip a night cleanse! Step 1: I remove my makeup with a cleansing oil or a makeup wipe. You may think putting oil on an oily skin type is counterintuitive, but on the contrary, how I use skin oil is very important. We have all heard the saying “Go together like oil and water”. The point being that oil and water do not mix. Oil binds to oil and because of this I apply my cleansing oil to dry, not damp skin. The cleansing oil binds to the oils in my makeup and the sebum within my pores. I massage the oil directly onto my skin, then I add water to my fingertips and massage further. This oil and water emulsion helps breakdown waterproof mascara and helps lift the sebum from the follicle. For stubborn liquid lipstick I love to use ACURE Coconut Argan oil Towelettes prior to the cleansing oil. Steps 2 & 3: Double cleansing is a must! Anyone who wears makeup should be double cleansing. It is nearly impossible to remove all makeup residue and prep the skin for treatment with just one washing alone. I love using ACURE Facial Cleansing Gel in conjunction with my FOREO Luna for combination skin. I do not necessarily use my Luna for both cleanses but usually on the second cleanse. Step 4: Exfoliation with a manual scrub. While the Luna does exfoliate, my acneic skin requires more. This step is not for everyone (or at least not as often as I am doing it). My skin type is accompanied by retention hyperkeratosis, so I need to keep on top of those accumulating skin cells! The current scrub I am obsessing over is ACURE’s new Pore minimizing scrub. From the title you may be lead to believe this could quite possible be an extremely gritty scrub, but it is not. I would classify it as being a less aggressive scrub than the ACURE Brightening Facial Scrub, because it’s textural component is comprised of jojoba beads. Though I think both scrubs are great, the spherical shape of the jojoba beads lends to a mild, yet effective exfoliation. Moroccan red clay draws impurities from the skin as well. The Pore minimizing scrub smells amazing, like some fruity candy not sanctioned by my vegan diet, yet totally indulgent. Since using this scrub my face feels so much softer to the touch. Step 5: Believe it or not I may still have makeup on the surface of my skin, so I swipe Ren’s Centifolia 3 in 1 Cleansing Water over my skin with a cotton round to remove any remaining makeup. This cleansing water is so gentle and does not disturb the acid mantle. Step 6: I gently dab Derma e Firming DMAE Eye Lift around my eyes using my ring ringer. I started using eye cream at 15 years old and this has been one of my favorites thus far. Step 7: I apply Pangea Organics’ Moroccan Argan w/ Willow & Rosemary Facial Cream to my face and neck. Keeping oily skin hydrated is key. If oily skin becomes dehydrated sebum production will go into overdrive. This facial cream keeps my skin healthy without feeling too heavy or greasy. Variations on my Routine: I let my skin tell me what it needs. About three times a week I sweep Professional Solutions Salicylic Acid Exfoliator over my T-zone to help with my abundance of blackheads. If I choose to use this product I do so after I cleanse my face and prior to applying moisturizer. Also it should be noted that if my skin were feeling overly dehydrated or sensitive that night, I would certainly skip this product’s application. Once a week I use my PMD after I cleanse. This microdermabrasion device helps eliminate any discoloration from healed blemishes and removes any flakiness from around my nostrils. I never, ever use the salicylic acid post PMD! That would most likely be too harsh for anyone’s skin and cause sensitivity issues. After the use of my personal microdermabrasion device, I like to soothe and nourish my skin with a mask. ACURE’s Cell Stimulating Mask is a go-to, as well as Rodial’s Dragon’s Blood Hyluranic Mask. This mask reduces any redness or sensitivity I may be experiencing post treatment. On the nights that my skin is feeling good post cleanse- not overly oily, no sensitivity, no major outbreaks I like to use Derma e’s Overnight Peel in place of my moisturizer. This contains AHAs and is great as a gentle anti-aging product. While I am constantly fighting oil, acne and blackheads I am also trying to fight aging in my 30s! With my career centering on skincare, I get to test out and experiment with quite a large variety of brands and products, but what anyone at home can take away from this is knowing the order in which to use certain products. What is also of equal importance is thoroughly removing all traces of that day’s makeup so that your treatment products can penetrate more readily and be more effective!     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 holiday season is all about shiny ornaments, shimmering light displays, warm glowing fireplaces…but one thing that tends to not glow during the holidays is dull chapped and dry skin! No matter how perfect your skin is, we all seem to get more sensitive and dry during the holiday season. The key to beating the cold and dry weather is exfoliation, nourishing and protecting your delicate winter skin, and askderm.com has the perfect recipe to looking your best for every holiday occasion. Be Gentle The most significant mistake that we can fall into with our skin is using a cleansing regimen that is too harsh. DCL Express Waterless Makeup Remover is gentle yet effective and won’t dry out your skin. It also has calming ingredients like Aloe and Chamomile and uses Hyaluronic Acid to keep moisture attracted to your skin. It’s also important to use a gentle and non-drying face cleanser. Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser uses the power of glycolic acid to gently exfoliate away dead skin cells and but will still leave your skin supple and smooth. Exfoliation Because this weather can be harsh enough on our skin as it is, it can be better for some people to opt to use a chemical or enzyme method of exfoliation during the winter and save their brushes and scrubs for the summer. NeoStrata Skin Active Perfecting Peel is a high strength at home face peel. When used once a week this two-step peel kit offers remarkable anti-aging and skin smoothing results and improves the appearance of pigmentation, fine lines, and overall skin texture. If you have very sensitive skin, the Z. Bigatti Re-Storation Impact Fruit Enzyme Facial Mask may be a better option. After smoothing on the face and neck, leave on for just 3 minutes, and the mask will gently exfoliate and condition your skin, improve elasticity, apparent pore size, texture, tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines. The best time to exfoliate your skin is at night after cleansing your face. Although a lot of exfoliation products may say that its ok to use them daily, start with once a week and adjust your use depending on how your skin reacts, so you don’t run the risk of burning or irritation. Following up your exfoliation treatment with a moisturizer or moisture barrier product is critical. Even if your skin isn’t red and raw, that doesn’t mean that you didn’t get results. Nourish Now that you have wiped away your dead skin cells it’s important to nurture that fresh and exposed layer of your skin. NeoCutis Journee BioCream Riche Bio-Restorative Skin Balm was designed with climate changes in mind and is perfect for people who have just had exfoliation treatments. The wild yam extract balances and moisturizes skin and it locks in moisture all day. It’s anti-aging properties also works wonders for fine lines and wrinkles. For really dry and sensitive skin sometimes the only thing topical heavy winter products seem to deliver is breakouts. Whether you’re breakout prone or you need something extra to boost your winter regimen, taking oral supplements is the best solution. I fall into this category and have found that Elon R3 Extra Strength delivers fantastic results during the winter and all year long. The Aqua-Nutrient complex, Biotin, Silica, and L-cysteine are a wealth of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Although Biotin is known for its effects on hair, it also promotes more youthful skin. When taken along with other supplements your beauty and glow will be nourished from the inside and out even during the winter! Heal and Protect The final step of a good winter skincare regimen is to help heal your sensitive skin by protecting it from the harsh weather and other pollutants. Glytone Lipid Recovery Cream uses the power of healthy lipids to speed up your skin’s healing process. Designed for severe weather and for use after laser treatments and peels, the blend of vitamin A, Squalane, Camelina Oil and Shea Butter is a professional strength and luxurious cream that will treat you with the tender care that it needs. You may also find that on especially irritated or chapped skin you need a full on barrier to protect it. Lantiseptic Skin Protectant is enriched with 50% lanolin and is the number one choice of long-term care facilities. The product provides a moisture barrier for sealing out wetness and irritants to help maintain your delicate skin's integrity. It can be used all over the face an body and it totally fragrance-free. Many of these products are beneficial all year round as is making sure to use an SPF 30 or higher during the day (yes even if you’re just going in your car to get something from the grocery store!). Now you can be party ready for any winter day and any winter’s eve. Follow askderm on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to be the first to know about giveaways, new product releases, and sales! Use #askderm when you share photos of our products, and showcase your amazing results! 

What’s not to love about the 4th of July? Barbecues, pool parties, beach bonfires, fireworks…all of these things are such a fun way of celebrating ‘Murica! Unfortunately the fun that we have on July 4th can often wreck havoc on July 5th but don’t worry! Here is your fool proof guide to slaying July 4th and surviving July 5th. Suns out Buns Out Whether your outfit of choice for the 4th is a bikini or a flowy dress, one thing is for sure…we tend to show more skin and spend more time outdoors on the 4th than we do the rest of the year. As long as we have proper sun protection and remember to reapply we can enjoy the great outdoors as much as we want! I recommend starting off the day using La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral all over your body especially the areas that aren’t going to be covered up. I know that I will most likely be wearing makeup on the 4th so a big hangup for a lot of us with reapplication is messing up our look! That’s why the Avene High Protection Compact in SPF 50 is the perfect solution not only to protect your skin but also to mattify your makeup if you start to sweat throughout the day. I prefer to apply with a powder brush so I get more sheer coverage but a makeup pad works well too! A lot of people think that you only need to tend to skin that has gotten some sun if you have gotten sunburned. However even if you aren’t sunburned sun damage can still occur. I love using the Avene After-Sun Repair Creamy Gel whether I have an island glow or a ripe tomato look by the end of the day. Unfortunately the process of getting a tan from the sun can harm your natural moisture barrier, lead to hyperpigmentation and make you lose elasticity so this amazing gel can act as your personal body guard against all of those signs of aging. It’s also paraben and silicone free as well as hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. The best thing to do is apply it as soon as you can after sun exposure ESPECIALLY after the shower. Rosé All Day…Until Bedtime As one of the top 3 heaviest drinking days of the year in the US,  the 5th of July can make us regretful of the partying the day before. But if we properly prepare then we can slay the 4th AND the 5th. First things first…the main reason why we get hangovers is because of the LARGE amounts of simple sugars that make up alcoholic beverages including shots of hard liquor.  We all know the physical feeling of being hungover but that can also leave your skin looking tired and even lead to premature aging. I always take collagen, calcium and hyaluronic acid supplements because these are the main compounds that our skin uses to heal itself like the Murad Youth Builder (Anti-aging Dietary Supplement.  Because sugar breaks down the collagen in our skin I would highly recommend jumping on the skin supplement bandwagon as well. Something that we all have done at least once is have so much fun celebrating during the day that once bedtime comes we don’t have the energy to take off our makeup and  cleanse our skin. Whether you’re prone to breakouts or not leaving on your makeup can lead to premature skin aging, tired skin, hyper pigmentation and other not so flattering results. Whether you’re staying over at a friend’s house or going home at the end of the night DO NOT GO TO BED without using BRYT Remove Eye and Makeup Remover. Not only does it get rid of your makeup but it also has skin loving oils and antioxidants that will help heal your skin while you’re asleep. After removing your makeup and cleansing don’t forget to moisturize while you’re asleep! You guys know how into supplements I am and I just found my newest obsession! A big problem with anti-aging skincare lines is that if you don’t technically have maturing skin then anti-aging products can really flare you up as far as acne goes because your skin is already producing the amount of “good stuff” that it needs so it gets overwhelmed by the product. The Cura Complexion Catalyst Creme provides all of those anti aging benefits without using traditional anti aging ingredients so feel free to smooth this on after a day of sun drinking and partying no matter your age! As we mentioned earlier calcium is a compound that your body naturally uses to heal itself and Cura Skincare uses calcium in their skincare line! This cream also uses caffeine to help stimulate skin cell renewal, Colloidal oatmeal to help sooth your skin and prevent moisture loss as well as other supercharged ingredients. “I Think I’m Going to Call in Sick” Despite our best efforts whether it’s lack of sleep, dehydration, sun damage or just not being able to adult today don’t let hungover skin be the reason to skip work on July 5th. Timeless Beauty Bar Face the Day Sheet Mask is the perfect boost that you need after cleansing before work to help you have a good skin day. Not only is it hydrating but it also reduces redness, soothes and restores your skin so that you can take on the day! Now that you have your skin arsenal set up make sure to be have fun, be safe and party like there is no tomorrow! Happy 4th of July!