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Of the four main skin types, Oily skin can be the hardest and most frustrating to treat. It is an on going battle of balance and you sometimes have to treat and care for more than one skin type depending on each zone of the face. First off it is important to properly identify oily skin. Oily skin has an excess production of sebum, a fatty substance that lubricates the skin. The surface of oily skin can appear thicker as dead skin cells are trapped and clogged in the follicle due to this sebum. It is characterized by larger pores and open comedones (blackheads). There are several myths concerning oily skin, first being that large pores are solely caused by poor hygiene. Unfortunately this is untrue. Pore size is genetically determined. While poor hygiene can lead to more blackhead clogs that expand the follicle wall, making them larger, it is much more likely that you have your parents to blame for your initial large pore size. Another huge misconception concerning oily skin and black heads in particular, is that the dark color of the clog is from dirt. While the clog contains debris from dirt, it is also comprised of dead skin cells and sebum. It is the oxidation of this sebum that gives black heads their color. Lastly greasy foods do not cause oily skin. While a lack of nutrition can lead to poor skin health, having a slice of greasy pizza at noon will never be the cause of your T-zone oil slick by three o’clock. To the contrary,  eating foods high in Omega- fatty acids such as wild caught fatty fish, avocados and tree nuts can improve the health of oily skin by balancing moisture levels and reducing inflammation. So we have identified skin type and cleared up myths about oily skin, now what? A Proper skincare routine is crucial to the on going fight against oily skin. As mentioned earlier caring for oily skin involves maintaining balance. While it is important to remove excess oil from the skin’s surface, you still need to maintain the skin’s hydration level. It is an unfair truth but skin can be oily and yet still be dehydrated, as dehydration refers to a lack of water, not a lack of oil. These are my healthy skin care tips for oily skin: I recommend using a salicylic acid or a beta-hydroxy acid facial cleanser at least twice a day. Before washing your face, wash your hands with soap and water to remove bacteria. Removing bacteria and germs will prevent them from being deposited onto the skin surface and into the follicle. If you are already dealing with oily skin, why deal with acne too? Exfoliation is also important, as a buildup of cells are trapped by the excess sebum and can perpetuate the cycle. But never over exfoliate or over strip your skin of this protective sebum, as your skin may fight back and produce even more oil to repair its barrier. Remember to moisturize with an oil free moisturizer containing a broad spectrum SPF. Oily skin needs the hydration and some skin care ingredients such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid can make the skin more sensitive to the already damaging effects of the sun’s radiation. Weekly or bi-weekly masks containing clay may also help draw extra oil away from the skin, but unless your entire face is oily keep this mask use to the t-zone only as to not disturb surrounding healthy skin. Leave the squeezing to a professional. We are trained to properly extract blackheads. Improper technique can lead to scaring, broken capillaries and breakouts. So please step away from the 10x magnification mirror. Oil blotting papers are a great way to rid the skin of shine and can be easily stored and used throughout the day. Has your makeup ever become a scary darker color as the day wears on? This is also caused by sebum oxidation, so a foundation a shade or two lighter than your skin may be helpful. Just use your correctly matched shade around the perimeter and contour of your face. While all this information may leave you feeling like you will never win the battle against oil, there is one positive note worth mentioning to lift the spirits of us oily skin sufferers - Oily skin appears more youthful, seems to age slower and shows less fine lines and wrinkles over time because the sebum prevents loss of water in the moisture barrier. Who wouldn’t want to trade a little shine for one less visible wrinkle?   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!

When it comes to skincare, many people have misconceptions on what their true skin type really is. I have had clients who have combination skin believe they had oily skin and would use harsh products that would not only dry out their face but make their sebaceous glands work on overload and give them even oilier skin to make up for the oil they had been attempting to dry out.  I have included the basic guidelines for figuring out your skin type and the tricks for the specific skin types should be in addition to a normal skin care routine for everyone.   Regardless of your skin type, you should always: Cleanse your face morning and night Apply eye cream morning and night Use a lightweight moisturizer in the morning and a thicker cream at night Always apply a broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30+ whenever going outdoors Drink lots of water to keep not only yourself hydrated but your skin Tone your skin not only morning and night but throughout the day as needed Never go to bed in your makeup              Normal Skin Those very fortunate people with a normal skin type don’t have to worry about having too much oil or skin that is too dry since their skin is ‘just right’.  They can use any products and have no skin sensitivities or redness.  With their skin having very few imperfections, they are fortunate to have not only pores that are barely visible, but they usually have beautiful, radiant skin.   Some tricks to try: Follow a normal skincare routine Always keep your skin moisturized Keep hydrated       Oily Skin People with oily skin seem to have a ‘thicker’ looking complexion.  Due to their sebaceous glands creating a lot of excess oil, those with oily skin will have larger pores, shiny skin and issues with clogged pores.  Blackheads and pimples affect the skin leaving an overall dull appearance.  Heat and humidity, hormones, birth control and even genetics can lead to oily skin but there are ways to help control the production of oil. Some tricks to try: Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser Use oil free products Use a clay mask once a week to absorb the excess oils Blot excess oil for approximately 10 seconds each area throughout the day. Use an alcohol free toner You still need to moisturize so use lightweight, oil free moisturizers Keep hydrated       Dry Skin Dry skin can be brought upon using too much indoor heating, taking long baths and hot showers, the weather, hormonal changes and even genetics.  Those that suffer from dry skin usually have skin that feels very tight due to the lack of moisture, as well as rough and inflamed. Their complexion seems duller and may have red, itchy patches that cause them discomfort. Although oil helps the skin with signs of aging, those with dry skin will have more visible lines and wrinkles.   Some tricks to try: Use oil based products Only use gentle cleansers and soaps Avoid foaming cleansers as they usually tend to dry those with drier skin even more Use a thick moisturizer or cream after showering and bathing Keep hydrated       Sensitive Skin Those suffering from sensitive skin must deal with their skin flushing red quickly with different products or temperatures which can cause embarrassment and discomfort.  When those with sensitive skin try new products that their skin doesn’t agree with, their skin often burns, stings and can even swell.  Due to the intense sensitivities, skin also may itch and flake. Some tricks to try: Avoid direct sunlight Keep hydrated Use gentle products with little or no fragrances Keep your skin moisturized Always test products on a small area to make sure no reactions occur     Combination Skin Combination skin is when you not only have dry areas on your face, but you also have oily spots as well.  Your T-Zone which includes your chin, nose and forehead tend to have oil and shine where as your cheeks and other areas seem to be dry and flaky.  Your T-Zone will usually have larger pores as well as blackheads from the excess oil and due to the different needs of the different areas, multiple products typically will do the trick. Some tricks to try: Use different products on the areas …ie: oil-free products on your T-Zone while using creams on your dry areas. Gently blot your T-Zone throughout the day for 10 seconds each area to rid of excess oils Keep hydrated Use a clay mask once a week only on your T-Zone       Acne Prone Skin People with oily skin seem to have a ‘thicker’ looking complexion and are more prone to breakouts.  Due to their sebaceous glands creating a lot of excess oil, those with oily skin will have larger pores, shiny skin and issues with clogged pores.  Blackheads and pimples affect the skin leaving an overall dull appearance.  Heat and humidity, hormones, birth control and even genetics can lead to oily skin but there are ways to help control the production of oil. Some tricks to try: Find products specifically for acne Use oil free products Moisturizers that are oil free and lightweight should be applied Wash your face gently avoiding using washcloths that are most likely to open up pustules. Keep hydrated Your skin changes with hormones, weather, medication as well as age, so your skincare needs change as well.      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.

It is hot and humid. I am blotting my face like I will get paid for every oil-absorbing sheet I pluck from my purse. I felt like I just got my skin balanced and before I knew it, summer was here to challenge my ego. It is time for a skincare overhaul! I know I am not alone; here is what you need to know when it comes to summer skincare and hair care.Change your productsForgo heavy full coverage foundations. Instead opt for tinted moisturizers, BB or CC creams and a light dusting of mineral powder.The creamy face wash you were using all winter may be too much. Switch to a gel based formulation if you tend to be on the oily side.Change your routine You may need to exfoliate more or less. Never exfoliate skin that is burned or red and irritated. If your skin become more sensitive during the warmer months you may want to decrease the number of times you exfoliate within the week. On the flipside, hot and humid weather can exacerbate oil production and pores may be more visible. Adding just one more exfoliation to your week may help.Quench your SkinMoisturizer and lotions are still important to use daily during the warmer weather, just make sure to switch to an oil-free formulation. If you have oily skin your first reaction may be to forgo any moisturizer what so ever, but this is not going to help. A lack of moisture can send your sebaceous glands into overdrive, producing more oil to lubricate and protect your skin.Hydrating mists are great for cooling down, calming the skin and adding hydration throughout the day. I love keeping a mist in my fridge, or throwing it into a cooler while at the beach or on a boat.Unleash your locksSummer is not the time to try and fight your hairs natural texture. Youtube is a great resource to learn quick and easy hairstyles that embrace your hair type. Because you are sweating more and you are applying your sunscreen right up to your hairline like you are suppose to, dry shampoos are a great way to freshen your style, absorb oil and add volume to limp locks. UV rays don’t just damage your skin; they can take a toll on your hair, especially color treated hair. Make sure you wear a hat, a scarf or take time to relax under an umbrella.Protect yourself from the inside outStudies show that the antioxidants in many fruits and vegetables not only fight free radical damage but also actually boost your skin’s ability to protect itself from the sun! So challenge yourself to consume more fruits and vegetables with every meal.Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen..Sunscreens take time to absorb and begin to work, so as always choose a broad spectrum SPF, apply it 20 minutes prior to exposure and make sure you reapply every 90 minutes!Now that you have the knowledge of beautiful summer skin and hair - slip into that swimsuit, grab that floppy hat and hit the beach!Written by yours truly: Chantal MoniqueNYS Licensed Esthetician & Makeup Artist with 7+ Years Experience 

Each and every Thursday, Instagram & Twitter feeds are taken over by #TBT posts featuring childhood photos and anecdotes. I don't know about you, but I love to browse through #TBT posts as a trip down memory lane. So in honor of #TBT, we are throwing it back to 2014 and recalling our top spring skin care posts from 2014.  1. Sunless Tanning 101 "If you have always been curious but hesitant about trying sunless tanner, these tips should have you feeling like a pro and if it keeps you from baking yourself outside or in a tanning bed, then all the better! There is also that added benefit of avoiding melanoma, the deadliest cancer!" read more... 2. Beauty Shortcuts "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." read more... 3. 6 Beauty Tips: How to Change your Skincare for Summer "It is hot and humid. I am blotting my face like I will get paid for every oil-absorbing sheet I pluck from my purse. It is time for a skincare overhaul! I know I am not alone; here is what you need to know when it comes to summer skincare and hair care." read more... Did you know you can search all of our old blog posts, by using the search bar in the left hand navigation or you can browse past posts by category. What are your favorite blog posts from 2014?

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!