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Get healthy, radiant skin this spring! Follow these tips to freshen up your skincare routine.   1. Toss Old Skincare and Makeup Products: Toss anything that's no longer working for you, isn't a fit for your skin, or is older than 2 years. Sanitize your makeup palettes and toss that grimy cosmetic bag. Replace your mascara every three months to avoid harmful bacteria. Pencils and pressed powders have a significantly longer life span than liquid and cream products and can last two years plus. Loose mineral powders are inert and cannot harbor or grow bacteria but if you are applying them with a germ-ridden brush, you are not doing your skin any favors. If the consistency, color or odor changes with any of your products, then it is time to toss and replace.   2. Wash Your Brushes: Makeup brushes and applicators are breeding grounds for oil and bacteria.If you are not regularly washing your makeup brushes, now is the time to give them a good shampoo. Its important to wash your brushes to prevent future breakouts. 3. Lighten Up: Lighten up your winter skincare regimen by swapping out heavy foundations and moisturizer for light-weight creams and water-based moisturizers. If you were using a hair mask weekly during the cold season, you may need to skip a week if you notice your hair is becoming greasy faster. 4. Wear Sunscreen: As the weather warms and we ditch our gloves and heavy sweaters, more skin is revealed and being exposed to harmful UV rays. Do not forget about parts that are regularly exposed but rarely protected, like the hands while driving. Check your sunscreen dates! Unopened they usually last a few years. Opened SPF needs to be replaced annually. Sunscreen formulas can easily become unstable due to temperature changes or from sitting so long that the formula starts to separate. This also means the sun protection ingredients may be unevenly distributed within the lotion and will not give you an even coverage of protection from the sun. Don't wait for the temperatures to warm up, wear sunscreen year-round to reduce premature skin aging. Make sure you apply generously and don't forget your neck. What are some of your skincare tips for spring?      

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.  

Want the inside scoop? Chantal, askderm's in-house esthetician, shares her top beauty tips and skincare expertise for Summer 2015. “If you find that your creamier makeup products are slipping and not staying in place try setting them with powder! Most people know to do this in regards to their foundation, but eyeliner smudging and lid transfer can be prevented by lightly pressing a shadow over the area you placed the pencil liner.”  - Chantal " For clearer skin never go to bed without removing your makeup or without washing your face. Toxins, makeup, oil and dead skin cells will become trapped within your skin's follicles, this will lead to more acne blemishes and enlarged pores."  - Chantal "Apply essential oils to your wrists, neck, temples and inhale deeply to enjoy the most benefits."  - Chantal "Unlike chemical sunscreens, physical sunscreens sit on top of the surface of the skin and begin to give you sun protection immediately. Chemical sunscreens take about 15 to 20 minutes to absorb and start working properly."  - Chantal "Full body exfoliation promotes the growth of new healthy cells and also has the benefit of increasing circulation that may temporarily leave you feeling invigorated. If you choose a salt scrub you have the added mineral benefits as well as the fact that salt has anti-microbial properties and can help with blemish causing bacteria." - Chantal "Eating seasonal produce is a must. For spring, my go-to veggie is Asparagus! It is loaded with antioxidants and minerals. Asparagus is a prebiotic, meaning it helps feed the "good" gut bacteria and it is a diuretic, helping to rid you of that sluggish bloated feeling." - Chantal "Spring cleaning is not just for your home, it applies to your skincare products as well! If you are not regularly washing your makeup brushes, now is the time to start! Product shelf life upon opening varies, so toss your mascara if it is over three month old and replace your sunscreen annually. Pressed powder products can last two years plus. If any product you own has changed color, texture or odor, it is time to ditch it for a new one." - Chantal "Full and thick eyebrows convey youth and vitality. The growing popularity of eyebrows not only being thick, but straight and angular; bordering on the edge of masculinity, has to do with the notion that women are feeling stronger and confident, both socially and within the workplace." - 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.

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

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

Who doesn’t want their skin to “glow” & radiate beauty? How do we achieve this flawless glowing look? Well if you follow some simple steps, you can get the look everyone is striving for!      Check out these “secret tips,” & put on that beautiful smile!     1. Avoid smoking     It goes without saying that smoking is a major “no no” when it  comes to skin.  It can dry out your skin and leave you with bags under your eyes, just like you would get if you stayed up all night long.  It also causes premature aging and lots of wrinkles because it interferes with the blood supply that goes to your face. Smoking has been even associated with acne in adult women.      2.  Use an exfoliating cleanser morning and night Experts say that one of the most essential skin rituals you can engage in is exfoliating daily.   Not only can exfoliating get rid of skin problems like blemishes and dry skin, it also will leave your skin glowing.      3. Use a light moisturizer in the morning It’s essential to have a good morning skincare regime that includes a great light moisturizer.  This will keep your skin soft and hydrated.  Make sure you give careful attention to the area around your eyes.  4. Use an antioxidant serum Many people skip the vital step of using an antioxidant serum.  For example, you might want to choose a serum containing vitamin C + E + ferulic acid.  Use your antioxidant serum in the morning before you apply sunscreen.  At night, you should apply a serum that contains resveratrol to protect against photo aging.  5. Use a sunscreen daily There are a wide variety of reasons why sunscreen needs to be part of your skincare regime.  First of all, it has been proven to reduce skin cancer rates.  Additionally, it can prevent brown spots and discoloration, and reduce the appearance of blotchiness.  Sunscreen, when used daily, will also significantly slow down the skin aging process. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours, if you are spending time in the sun. There are mineral powders with SPF and compact powder with SPF that can be used to retouch.     6. Use restorative serums with growth factors at least at night Growth factors are naturally occurring proteins.  They encourage cells to develop in a healthy manner.  In fact, they take advantage of your skin’s healing abilities.  When you use growth factors, you’ll be able to preserve your youthful appearance for far longer!  This is good news for those seeking to get the glow.    7. Use an eye balm or cream morning and night The eyes are one of the first parts of the face that shows aging.  As a result, it is essential to treat them carefully by using an eye balm or cream twice a day.  A good eye cream will support the lipids in your skin and banish puffiness.  It also can improve irritated skin in a gentle manner.  When you keep the area around your eyes moist, wrinkles and lines will be far less likely to pop up.   8. Use a thermal water or moisturizing mist Many people never even think of using thermal water, but actually this treatment can help in several key ways.  A good thermal water product contains minerals and antioxidants that are healing and transformative to skin.  Feel free to use a thermal water or mist several times a day during the summer or if you are exposed to an air conditioner or heater for an extended period of time.    9. Get a facial or skin treatment Don’t overlook the value of a good facial.  If you have normal to dry skin, try a hydrating facial for the ultimate in deep cleansing.  Those with normal to oily skin should get an exfoliating treatment at least 4 times a year.  Don’t let years pass by without benefiting from this essential treatment.  It’s a major anti-aging treatment that you shouldn’t ignore. 10. Drink lots of water and sleep well If you are looking to get that “million dollar glow,” you need to treat your entire body right.  That means ensuring that you are drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day, as it aids in digestion and blood circulation.  You’ll also need to get enough sleep if you want to look your best.  Lack of sleep can cause inflammation and lead to skin breakouts and skin sensitivity.  So give your skin what it needs to thrive and treat yourself to a good night’s sleep.

BB and CC creams went from American obscurity to prime time commercial breaks and at every makeup counter in the department store. The first Beauty Balm was developed in Germany and quickly gained popularity in the Asian market. While those of us in the skincare and beauty industry have known about these products for years, the craze did not hit America until about 2011.  If you are in the search for a new product, just enjoy trying something new or are looking for a minimalist approach to your daily skin routine you may want to experiment with a BB or CC cream. They run the gamut when it comes to targeting specific concerns like acne, pigmentation, and maturing skin. Some are more lightweight in consistency and more reminiscent of a heavy tinted moisturizer, but much more often they have a whipped or mouse like constancy. Depending on your desired level of coverage you may like to use them alone or use as a primer, layered under your liquid or powdered foundation. While there are some differences between brands the most common similarities between these balms and creams are in the ingredients, so when reading labels you may see these key words: SPF, both physical sunscreens (titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide) and Chemical sunscreens (octinoxate) A silicone derivative, which works as a primer and pore smoother Light reflecting particles such as mica, to create a more radiant healthy skin glow Antioxidants like Vitamin C to brighten and lighten skin, and vitamin E, which aids in skin healing and free radical damage Moisture binders such as Hylaronic Acid Licorice which fights pigment discoloration, lightens skin, aids in inflammation and is effective in fighting bacteria Algae that thickens the product consistency and helps the skin retain moisture Some BB and CC users may enjoy the product alone, but keep in mind that if you have specific skin issues such as very dry, dehydrated skin you may still need to use a daily moisturizer. Apply your moisturizer before using your beauty balm. If you have chosen a beauty balm that specifically targets acne, chances are it does not contain an SPF, as the FDA does not allow sun protection ingredients and acne fighting ingredients, such as salicylic acid to be combined in a single product, so you will still need to wear a daily sunscreen. While some trends come and go in a single season, the Alphabetically squared trend seems to just be getting started and manufactures are sure to be moving their way down the alphabet when it comes to treating and protecting the skin.   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!

While being obsessed with all things pumpkin spice flavored may make you a “basic”, knowing the skin and hair benefits of this fall fruit makes you a beauty ingredient aficionado! Pumpkin is loaded with antioxidants, minerals and enzymes. Pumpkin is the perfect ingredient for youthful and blemish-free skin, and it has healthy hair growth benefits as well! Vitamin A: Stimulates cell growth and turnover Vitamin B: Treats acne Vitamin C: Brightens skin and repairs sun damage Vitamin E: Treats premature aging, acne and is helpful in wound healing Zinc: Regulates sebum production, has anti-inflammatory properties Selenium: Fights acne Omega fatty acids: Maintains hydration levels and moisturizes Enzymes: Boost cellular turnover and removal of dead skin cells   ACURE Moroccan Argan Stem Cell + Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner: Repairs and moisturizes normal, dry, damaged or color treated hair. High in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for added shine and maintaining healthy hair and scalp. Formulated with vegan, organic, fair-trade and biodegradable ingredients and a light almond scent. PCA Skin Nutrient Toner: Vitamins, enzymes and AHAs gently exfoliate, remove impurities and refine pores. This toner is suitable for all skin types. Incorporate into your skincare routine by using after you cleansing step. M2 Skin Recovery Moisturizer: Hydration in the form of an oil-free antioxidant moisturizer. Improves the appearance of acne, aging and hyperpigmentation. ACURE Calming Body Lotion: Contains nourishing fatty acids. The lavender essential oil and scent soothes your mind and body. Echinacea stem cells aid in cellular rejuvenation. Murad Transforming Powder: A water activated bio-enzyme exfoliant that removes dead skin cells, dirt and oil. Salicylic acid and pumpkin extracts keep blemishes at bay.     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 springtime is a beautiful season. The snow is melting and the days are starting to get warmer. As the days begin to get warmer and the flowers start to bloom again let's be honest…our skin freaks out. When a midday outfit change due to the weather and a whole box of tissues seems like a good idea, our skin is going to need some major TLC. Let’s start with our cleansers. Unless is you’re trying to wash off a heavy sunscreen or a heavy makeup look there is little to no need to use soap in your face cleanser. But not all face cleansers are created equal and DCL Ultra Comfort Cleanser is the queen of the cleansers especially during this time of year. Not only is it free of fragrances and any known irritants, Ultra Comfort Cleanser is loaded with skin-saving ingredients such as Green Tea to protect skin from free radical damage, and it has Chamomile and Aloe Vera to help fight against springtime inflammation. Now that our skin is cleansed it’s important to balance our pH with a toner and Murad Hydrating Toner is a perfect go-to product all throughout the year. Along with ingredients to help you get the most out of your cleansing routine, this hydrating toner also has cucumber extract to help calm your skin and peach extract to help keep your skin soft during what is still very dry and confusing weather. After you let your toner sink in and balance your skin, this is when your serum comes into play. With spring break season just around the corner, sun protection is very important to keep in mind and that is why Vivierskin Vitamin C IDS High Potency Serum 10 is an amazing option. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, the dry winter weather can sometimes be the most acne clear season for us. If you fit that description using a hydrating toner plus this serum and a very light moisturizer only on your dryer areas is perfect. You get the brightening, tone and texture correcting and protection benefits of this serum plus the light moisture barrier protection of the cleanser and toner without the clogged pores and oil that can come with other products.   DCL Ultra Comfort Cleanser     Murad Hydrating Toner   Vivierskin Vitamin C IDS Hight Potency Serum 10   Another serum that is perfect for this awkward weather is the Murad Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum. Whether you have a sunburn, just got waxed, or experience tight dry skin after washing your face this calming serum may just be your new best friend. It uses calming extracts including cucumber and flower extracts plus ginseng root to quiet that irritation and allow your skin to optimally absorb other products and take on the day! Prolonged irritation can lead to pigmentation and uneven skin texture so if you have skin irritation don’t just wish it away. One of the most important parts of skincare is the care of your eye area because of the delicate nature of the skin and it being prone to aging and damage faster than the rest of the skin. Avene Retrinal Eyes not only has amazing decongesting properties to reduce puffiness and dark circles but it also has “soft focus” powders to reduce the look of irregularities and wrinkles. It also has powerful moisturizing ingredients and is hypoallergenic to help you looking bright-eyed ready to take on your spring allergies. Something that is important throughout the whole year but even more so during transitional seasons is how you take off your makeup. With the eye area being even more prone to irritation during the late winter and early spring, to take off my eye makeup I use a petroleum jelly on Q-tips to carefully and gently take off my eye makeup and concealer and then use micellar water on cotton pads to take off the rest of my face makeup. An amazing option is La Roche-Posay Micellar Water for Sensitive Skin because it picks up makeup dirt and oil like a magnet without upsetting your moisture barrier. It also eliminates the need for rubbing which is one of the worst things you can do on any part of your skin.  Especially if you are a girl that loves her eye makeup it is very important to slowly and carefully remove that makeup and avoid drying ingredients and tugging or wiping of the skin. Murad Sensitive SkinSoothing Serum   Avene Retrinal Eyes     La Roche-Posay Micellar Water for Sensitive Skin   With the right care and attention, you can take back control over your skin during this awkward transitional weather. Whether you’re getting ready to head off to spring break or totally OWN your Easter party, flawless soft and clear skin is always the best accessory! Check out our Vlog Below!