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One of the most common skin complaints is that of hyperpigmentation. While we all dream of a doll-like Alabaster finish or a rich, even, mahogany glow, discoloration can impede on our ideals of perfection. Hyperpigmentation is an excess of pigmentation in the skin. Factors influence cells called melanocytes to produce pigment as a defense mechanism. Some types of Hyperpigmentation include: Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) is caused by an inflammatory response to a chemical or a physical irritant. It is most common in Asian, Black, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Skin types. This is because there is more pigmentation naturally occurring within the Skin. Over treatment of acne with products such as Benzoyl peroxide, aggressive exfoliation and acne or blemish extractions can all lead to hyperpigmentation. Hormonal Hyperpigmentation Our hormones influence all other body functions including those in the skin. This discoloration can be caused by birth control, hormonal therapies, pregnancy or menopause. The most common pigmentation alignment caused by hormones is melasma, also know as pregnancy mask and is characterized by splotchy dark patches across the face, usually not affecting the orbital around the eyes lending to the disorder’s nickname. Sun Damage induced Hyperpigmentation Unprotected exposure to the sun’s radiation can lead to melanocytes being so severely damaged that this immune response to darken can be permanently affected. UV induced discoloration includes; Solar lentigens (freckles), Chloasma (liver spots), and multiple forms of Mottling or grouping of various spots that create an overall pronounced patch. Sun induced hyperpigmentation most easily afflicts Caucasians, as it is more visible. How to Combat Hyperpigmentation: When dealing with hyperpigmentation, a two-part approach goes hand-in-hand. Treatment and prevention are equally important. Treatment There are many creams, lotions and serums to treat Hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone is the only FDA approved drug for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. It works by interfering with the production of melanocytes. It is available over the counter at a 2% concentration. There are many other topical products that help suppress melanin production or brighten the skin and these include: Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Vitamin C, Bearberry Extract, Azelaic Acid and Licorice Extract  Exfoliation also aids in the removal of these cells that lay on the top surface of the skin. When used properly Glycolic Acid or other AHAs, Salicylic Acid and Treitnoin (Vitamin A), sloth off the buildup of cells. Just use caution with exfoliation, especially physical exfoliants as they can worsen or be the root cause of discoloration. Prevention All Hyperpigmentation no matter the initial cause will be worsened by sun exposure. A daily SPF of 30, reapplied often is necessary. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face. Limit your outdoor activities by avoiding the hours that the sun is the most dangerous (10am-4pm) and never use indoor tanning beds. Hopefully with this information you will be better prepared to pursue that desire for beautiful, even skin no matter your race or age.   Blog Written by askderm's in house Esthetician Chantal Monique Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Her specialties include makeup application and facial treatments, which were featured on ABC's Wife Swap. Chantal also has a background in the Fine Arts. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers as well as the must have ingredients and trending looks. With an ever growing portfolio and clientele askderm is excited to be teamed up with Chantal for future blogs, informational videos and skin care tips!

Just like you switch up your wardrobe to work for the changing seasons, it's important to do the same with your skincare regimen. While summer skincare is all about sun protection, fall brings its own challenges - repairing any summer skin damage and preparing your skin for the cooler temps. The change in seasons can be a shock to the health of the epidermis. As the air becomes drier, so does our skin, leaving it feeling tight, flaky, even red and over sensitized. Simple changes in our skincare regime can return it to a state of balance and even combat the damage it endured over the summer months. Moisturize Change up your moisturizer- swap out a lighter moisturizer for one slightly heavier and creamier. If you have oily skin, you may have skipped moisturizer all together during the summer. Those with more mature skin may have opted for a lighter formula as heavy creams lead to sweating or makeup slipping, but as the air cools and become drier, you may need a more intense dose of moisture. Moisturizer recommendation- Person & Covey Facial Moisturizer Topix Ultra Lite Moisture Dew Cream Exfoliate Oil-based scrubs are great in fall because they exfoliate and hydrate your skin. While everyone should be exfoliating year round, many people do not think about it until they are experiencing flaky rough patches or are trying to conceal their hyperpigmentation and freckles caused by damaging UV rays. Cleansing devices, leave on treatments and exfoliating mask are all effective in removing dead skin buildup while also combating dull or discoloration in the skin. Exfoliation recommendations- FOREO Luna Peter Thomas Roth Strawberry Exfoliating Scrub Avivi Invigorate Body Scrub Protect Don't skin the SPF! UVA and UVB rays are present year-round, not just during the warm summer months. We are affected by UV damage no matter the temperature or how bright the sun seems. Whether it is sitting by an office window, driving in the car or participating in outdoor fall activities you are being exposed to damaging UV rays. The majority of UVA rays penetrate through cloud cover. Sun protection recommendations- Murad Correcting Moisturizer SPF 15 La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Anti-aging Primer Hand Care Hands often become dry and cracked during fall and winter so stay ahead with a moisturizing hand cream. Hand cream recommendations- Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream DCL Peptide Plus Hand Cream There is no need to commit to one product or skin care routine year round. Your skin’s health can be improved when you change your skincare with the changing seasons.  

Whether you are treating yourself or someone special, these products and skincare devices will have anyone’s skin feeling like a million bucks! iS Clinical InstantSmoothing Gel: This gel has instant smoothing effects and can be used as a primer in conjunction with your morning makeup routine. The combination of watermelon, pea, lentil and caffeine help to instantly smooth the texture of the skin. Long term; fermented extracts and copper aid in wrinkle reduction and collagen synthesis. MD Solar SciencesDaily Eye Repair Emulsion: Known for their amazing sun protection products, MD Solar sciences does not disappoint with this velvety eye gel. Contained within a twist-tight closed pump, is an eye product ready to take on sun damage and prevent further aging. Safe for use around the entire eye area and for all skin types. Humectants help draw in and retain moisture. Chamomile helps calm and sooth the delicate skin while caffeine and seaweed extracts firm.  Vitamin C, grape, rosemary and green tea extracts prevent further photo-aging.   NuFace Trinity: This FDA cleared microcurrent device stimulates muscles to help tone and contour the face and neck. Fine lines and wrinkles become less visible while the brow is lifted and the jaw once again becomes more defined. The trinity features interchangeable attachments to target specific aging concerns. Audible indicators inform you of when to move on to the next treatment area.   askderm Essentials TriplePower Vitamin C Serum: Vitamin C is perfect for combating wintertime dull skin, just as it is great for fading hyperpigmentation caused by too much sun exposure in the summer. This lightweight serum is great for all skin types can be used alone or before moisturizers. Three different stable forms of Vitamin C (a powerful anti-oxidant) brighten the skin and aid in collagen production.   FOREO Luna Pro: Anti-aging and deep facial cleansing in one facial device! 8,000 pulses per minute and dual sonic technology increases micro blood circulation to penetrate deep for a substantial cleaning while combating the signs of aging including skin firmness and fine lines. This waterproof facial system can be used with your favorite gel or cream cleanser and will allow for your high-end serums to penetrate more effectively. Have you finished shopping yet? There's still time to order with delivery for the Holidays! Comment below & add to our luxury holiday wish list with your favorites or tweet us your gift picks using the hashtag #askdermholidays! 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!