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Rosacea is a chronic skin condition, which involves facial erythema (redness) and vascular sensitivity. It affects upwards of 16 million people in the United States. While an exact cause and cure is unknown, Rosacea can be controlled.Symptoms include: Persistent and chronic redness that does not go away and is most commonly located across the forehead, chin, nose and cheeks. Flushing or facial redness that will come and go. This can be accompanied by a warm or hot sensation across the area affected. Pimples, bumps, blackheads and pustules may be visible. Visual blood vessels around the nostrils and across the cheeks. Hardening or thickening of the skin, often affecting the nose, called Rhinophyma. This mostly affects male rosacea patients. While the exact cause has not been officially pinpointed there are many theories surrounding the cause of rosacea including- an abnormal immune system, blood vessel disorder, parasites such as Demodex mites or H. Pylori bacteria, and fungus.Triggers that can bring on flushing or exacerbate the condition include: heat, stress, alcohol, cigarettes, spicy food, sun exposure and some skincare product ingredients.It is important to be under a physician’s care to alleviate rosacea symptoms. Common prescription medications may include: Accutane (a systemic vitamin A acne drug), Metrogel (a topical antibiotic), Ciclopirox (an anti-fungal medication), along with many others. In conjunction with professional medical treatment, patients may find relief utilizing services performed by a knowledgeable esthetician. This could include the use of colloidal oatmeal, green tea exacts and tea tree oil. If you do not suffer from rosacea it is important to be mindful and compassionate when interacting with those who have the condition. If someone is having an episode of skin flushing, it is important to not point it out. Remember they can feel the heat sensation that accompanies the flushing, therefore they are already aware and embarrassment only worsens it!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! 

April is Rosacea Awareness Month which is geared to help raise awareness of this widespread yet often misunderstood chronic facial disorder. Rosacea affects approximately 16 millions Americans. Springtime is considered to be rosacea season due to the flareups that the change in weather causes. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that mainly affects the middle third of the face. Rosacea symptoms include flushing, persistent redness, bumps, and visible blood vessels. Rosacea can affect all segments of the population, individuals with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be at greatest risk. Rosacea is more commonly diagnosed in women, but men are also affected. It is believed that more severe symptoms are seen in men because they often delay seeking medical help until Rosacea reaches more advanced stages. Common Rosacea Triggers: Sun Exposure Emotional Stress Hot Weather Wind Exercise Alcohol Consumption Hot Baths Spicy Foods There is no cure for rosacea and the cause is unknown, products are available to control or reverse its signs and symptoms. “You play an important role in caring for your rosacea. Wash your face with a soap-free cleanser and lukewarm or cold water. Use a non-comedogenic, gentle moisturizer as well as a daily sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.” - Dr. Mercedes Florez While medical therapy can address the underlying physical aspects of rosacea, these tips & tricks can help boost your self-confidence when it comes to your physical appearance. Proper use of skincare and cosmetics can help reduce the appearance of Rosacea symptoms. Clean & Moisturize your Face - Find a cleanser and moisturizer based on your skin type and apply gently without rubbing your skin. Always use an SPF - Daily use of SPF is essential in any skincare routine but especially so for anyone with Rosacea since sun exposure was named a top trigger in a National Rosacea Society survey. Spot-Test New Products First - Always test out a new product on your arm to make sure your skin doesn't have an adverse reaction to it. Choose an Oil-Free Foundation & Concealer - Avoid applying foundation and concealer with your fingertips as that could add unnecessary oil to the face. Use an anti-bacterial brush and always clean your brush between uses. Mineral Powder Makeup - Mineral makeup is a good choice for those with Rosacea since it does not contain potentially irritating ingredients and helps tone down the look of redness. Avoid Red Lip Shades - Red lip shades will draw out the redness in your skin. Stick to neutral shades close to your natural color to downplay the redness in your skin. Are you thinking you might be part of those 16 million Americans who have Rosacea - be proactive in your skin’s health. Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. If you haven’t seen a medical professional yet and are self-treating your signs and symptoms, consider this April your motivation to seek proper diagnosis and treatment. Do you have any Rosacea tips & tricks?

April is Rosacea Awareness Month: This is the second post in our Rosacea Blog Series during Rosacea Month. Discover the basics as well as our top Rosacea tips and tricks in our first post here.  Chances are you have heard the about Rosacea. However, there is a lot of misconception out there surrounding Rosacea. The goal of Rosacea awareness month is to help raise awareness of this widespread yet often misunderstood chronic facial disorder. Below are five common rosacea myths with information to help you correct these false assumptions to become more aware of what Rosacea is and what causes Rosacea flareups. Myth 1: Coffee and Caffeine Cause Flare-ups Fact - The thermal heat of warm beverages, coffee included, is what commonly triggers a Rosacea flareup. Coffee and caffeine is not the trigger. Myth 2: Rosacea is Caused by Not Washing Your Face Fact - Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene. Too much cleansing and use of products with harsh ingredients are known to worsen Rosacea symptoms. Myth 3: Rosacea is Contagious Fact - Rosacea cannot be caught. Myth 4: Rosacea = Acne Fact - Rosacea and acne are not the same. There are some common symptoms such as small, pus-filled red bumps, but the causes and treatment are different. Myth 5: Rosacea Is Caused by Heavy Drinking Drinking alcohol is a known Rosacea trigger but it is not the cause of the condition. Myth 6: Rosacea Is Caused by Consuming Spicy Foods Consuming spicy foods is a known Rosacea trigger but it is not the cause of the condition. Spicy foods that are known Rosacea triggers include: black pepper, paprika, red pepper, and cayenne pepper. Are you thinking you might be part of those 16 million Americans who have Rosacea – be proactive in your skin’s health. Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. If you haven’t seen a medical professional yet and are self-treating your signs and symptoms, consider this April your motivation to seek proper diagnosis and treatment. If you have Rosacea, what are some of your favorite skincare products?

Apr. 1, 2013 - BLOOMFIELD, N.Y. -- AskDerm.com, a leading online retailer of Dermatologist recommended products, is providing discounts on rosacea treatment products to promote Rosacea Awareness month. These discounts will be available on popular brands such as Murad®, Avene®, and Glytone®. Dermatologists at AskDerm.com encourage both medical treatment and self-care measures when dealing with rosacea. “You play an important role in caring for your rosacea,” said Dr. Mercedes Florez, a consultant for AskDerm.com. “Wash your face with a soap-free cleanser and lukewarm or cold water. Use a non-comedogenic, gentle moisturizer as well as a daily sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.” The effects of rosacea are both physical and psychological, and can leave people feeling like they cannot look their best. Rosacea, sometimes referred to as adult acne, leaves sufferers with redness and small bumps on the face, often around the checks. There is no cure for rosacea, so self care can be a very important step in minimizing its appearance. Click Here for a full list of available rosacea treatment products on AskDerm.com!  

With Rosacea being a very common skin disorder, there are an estimated 16 million Americans who are suffering with this condition and according to Rosacea.org, there are millions of others who may be in a temporary remission. Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition which causes overly sensitive skin, red pus filled pimple like bumps, visible blood vessels and skin that flushes and blushes very easily. Women are affected more than Men as well as those whom are over 19 are more likely to have signs or symptoms of the skin disorder. Although it is easily diagnosed, it cannot be cured but it can be managed and treated, usually by antibiotics, topical and simple lifestyle changes. Rosacea can last your entire life or even a few years, varying by person and the severity of the skin condition. Small Changes Can Make A Big Difference In order to keep your skin clear and calm or even trying to ease the symptoms of a current flare up, here are some tips and tricks my esthetician friends and myself suggest to our clients. Avoid Sun Exposure. If you’re going to be outdoors even on a cloudy day, you must keep your skin protected by using at least a good SPF 50 and even a wide brimmed hat. Put Down The Alcohol! If you must drink, make sure it’s a glass of cold white wine. Avoid Anything Spicy. Just like spicy foods may cause some discomfort inside, it will warm up your temperature causing irritation on your skin. Use Gentle Products. Not all products are made for everyone’s skin type, especially those with sensitive skin. Staying clear from harsh products including those with lots of vitamin A, glycolic and fruit acids and even those with lots of strong fragrances should be avoided. Don’t Go Face First! We all love trying new products but when you know you have extremely sensitive skin you shouldn’t apply a new product directly all over your face right away…try a couple days of applying something new on your forearm or wrist to avoid not only a bad reaction but possible pain and discomfort. Have A Good Esthetician. Find yourself a good esthetician that knows how to deal with Rosacea and knows how to give you a customized facial based on your individual skin care needs. These customized facials really will help with managing flare ups. Avoid Steam! Whether you are sipping on a delicious cup of coffee or cooking in the kitchen, you really should put lids on items that have steam to avoid skin irritation and redness. Green Based Makeup. Purchasing concealer or foundation with a green base will counteract with the redness creating a more skin colored tone. You can purchase a green concealer stick and other green colored products used to correct redness where cosmetics are sold.       Dealing With Rosacea… Whether you’re young or old, male or female, rich or poor…Rosacea is a difficult thing to deal with not just physically but emotionally. Many people who suffer from the chronic skin disorder become depressed and begin having low self-esteem and many insecurities when dealing with some of the symptoms. You have to remember you’re not alone and many others out there including some of your favorite celebrities are dealing with some of the same issues you are dealing with. A good Dermatologist isn’t the only thing you need to help manage your Rosacea but you deciding you must make some minor adjustments in your life will help you achieve results much easier. Just remember when you’re feeling down or your insecurities are getting to you, listen to Marilyn Monroe and ’Keep Smiling Because Life Is A Beautiful Thing And There’s So Much To Smile About’…Just breathe…be patient, it will get better.   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.  

European Skin Care Wilma Schumann is a skin care company with over 25 years of experience. Their products are used and sold in 1000s of spas and physician’s offices across the world. It is a full product line for face and body. Wilma Schumann was developed using naturally derived ingredients and pure botanicals, and many of their products are paraben free. The products were developed to treat the most common skin care issues - acne, aging, rosacea, and pigmentation. Whether your skin is dry, dehydrated, normal, combination, sensitive, oily or acne prone, there is a product for you.Wilma Schumann encourages a layering approach to skin care. Using cleansers, followed by serums that are then sealed in with appropriate moisturizers.  My Top Picks  Wilma Schumann | O2 Oxygen Blu ™ | 1 oz / 30 ml | $56 This light gel is like a serum and moisturizer in one. O2 Oxygen Blu addresses so many skin concerns! Acne and folliculitis from shaving are caused by anaerobic bacteria; a bacteria that thrives in an environment without oxygen. O2 Blu’s oxygen kills germs and bacteria without irritation. This is perfect as a summer time moisturizer, for anyone with combination or oily skin, and is great for men post-shaving. Skin radiance improves with this product, making it even suitable for drier skin types when used layered under a moisturizer.  Wilma Schumann | Soothing Serum | 4 vials / 16ml | $38This serum does not take months to show results. Some people may see improvement in redness, especially around the nose, in as little as a few days. Perfect for over-sensitized skin, broken capillaries and those with rosacea. This serum is lightweight, with no greasy feel and can even be used by those with combination skin. This serum can also be used around the eyes and improves the skin tone.Wilma Schumann | The Liposome Eye Contour ™ | 1 oz / 30 ml | $56 This product comes with a roller ball applicator, making it easy to use while giving a massage like feel. It contains liposomes and Horse chestnut to help with swelling and fine lines. It absorbs nicely and can be used on smile lines, forehead lines and under the chin and neck.    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!

Harmonized H20 utilizes frequencies imprinted on water molecules to balance energetic disruptions in our system. Science tells us that we are all made from vibrational energy, meaning every component in the body has a unique frequency that distinguishes it from everything else. As you might imagine, when we eat badly, drink heavily, inhale toxins, or suffer from an illness, we change the makeup of our body and also change the cellular vibrations that comprise that tissue. Harmonized Water is designed to recalibrate the damaged tissue and restore it to its optimal state. Harmonized H20 was developed using a combination of groundbreaking technologies. We can determine the frequency of any substance in nature, which allows us to create specific frequency remedies for many conditions. Osmosis has also discovered through years of research how to permanently imprint vibrational frequencies onto water molecules enabling us to communicate easily with cells in the body. There are several formulas available that address a wide variety of ailments, including fatigue, depression, acne, rosacea, allergies, sun protection, nail strength, hair loss and sleep deprivation. Suitable for all ages, Harmonized H20 ignores cells that are already balanced, so there are no side effects. Harmonized H20 is not a medicine or a drug but rather a formula that helps balance cellular disharmonies, thereby encouraging the body to heal itself. Regardless of age, Harmonized H20 re-calibrates altered frequencies that then lead to cellular changes, which assist in healing the body naturally and make the body's physiology function better within hours or days of starting it. Harmonized H2O comes in 6 versions, each described below. Environmental Protection Harmonized Water: Harmonize your immunity defense against environmental toxins with Environmental Protection. The Environmental Protection formula is specifically designed to balance the disharmonies associated with the environmental toxins that we are exposed to daily (carbon monoxide, glucose, sulfites, nitrites, mercury, lead, arsenic, and more). Add this allergy crime-fighter to your daily routine this season and say goodbye to those pesky allergy symptoms! Inner Harmony Harmonized Water: Inner Harmony not only aids in balancing skin and overall state of mind, it also aids in organ protection. By helping your organs detox daily, you provide each organ (like your heart) with the power of protection. Removing toxins from the body daily helps keep your body alkaline, which in turn helps ease inflammation. Inner Harmony is an important part of keeping your body in line so your heart can keep you going. Take it twice daily for optimum results. Tan Enhancing UV Neutralizer: Tan Enhancing UV Neutralizer allows UV cancellation waves to vibrate on the skin, preventing sun damage from the inside out. No Tan UV Neutralizer: No Tan UV Neutralizer is  great when you do not want to tan. It will not keep you from tanning naturally but it will not increase your tanning potential. Any UV rays that do reach your skin will cause your skin to tan as that is the body's way of protecting our skin. With No Tan UV Neutralizer, fewer UV rays will hit your skin. For easy effective sun protection, drink up. Mosquito Harmonized Water: Mosquito Harmonized Water helps keep mosquitos away by creating a vibration on our skin which detracts them from landing and feeding.  This is the most natural and effective way to protect yourself without dowsing your body in harmful chemicals.  Osmosis recommends to keep perfumes and cologne at a minimum and wear a natural antiperspirant to fend them off. If you do get bit, keep some Environmental Protection Harmonized Water on hand to treat the bite and harmonize your antihistamine reaction. Hormone Health Harmonized Water: Hormone Health Harmonized Water helps with Thyroid deficiencies and also aids in balancing symptoms of menopause, "man-o-pause," hair loss, libido and fertility. Skin Perfection Harmonized Water: A dietary supplement that addresses symptoms of skin inflammation, rosacea, acne and other skin concerns. You can find Osmosis' line of Harmonized H2O here.

Phyto-C Skin Care formulas consist of only the purest, most powerful ingredients available, which are sourced throughout the world. These pure and powerful ingredients include olive leaf extract and aleoferon. These natural ingredients have been tested over 15 years which is now why Phyto-C Skin Care is a market leader in natural product chemistry for skin and healthcare products. The Phyto-C Skin Care Serum 20: Enhances firmness and texture Boosts collagen production Reduces fine lines and wrinkles Helps to treat problematic skin Phyto-C Skin Care has been developed to relieve common skin care conditions such as: Vitiligo Psoriasis Eczema Rosacea Acne Melasma Fungal Infections

The holidays are fast approaching and with the celebratory cheer may come some not-so-nice beauty blunders; stress, overindulgence and improper skincare can wreak havoc on our bodies! Here is how to survive.Prevention is key. Hydrate! If you have not switched your lightweight moisturizers to something more emollient, now is the time. You do not want to wait until you are flaky, dry and sensitized. Apply moisturizer to your entire body within the first three minutes after stepping out of the shower to ensure you are sealing in the water left on the surface of the skin. Do not forget about your lips. I love a bright cherry lip this time of year. With a pout gaining so much attention, chapped lips are a no- go! Exfoliate with either a store bought lip exfoliant, a dry tooth brush or make your own with organic sugar and coconut oil. When not wearing lipstick, remember to apply a nourishing lip balm throughout the day. If you are not already using probiotics, now is the time! Research shows that probiotics are effective in treating acne and rosacea. Probiotic skincare comes in many forms- cleansers, moisturizers, masks and peels. Whether topical or ingested these beneficial microorganisms decrease inflammation. When looking for a probiotic supplement, do not skimp and go with what’s the cheapest on the drugstore shelf. You are just throwing away your money. If the probiotic does not have the correct delivery technology, the bacteria will never make it past your stomach acids and into your intestines where they do the real work. Having your gut flora well balanced will prevent the sluggish digestion and bloated feeling that comes along with over indulging and over eating. Do not go to bed without washing your face. So you were out late celebrating and now all you can think about is your head hitting the pillow, don’t skip cleansing your face and removing your makeup. If you really cannot bring yourself to use a makeup remover, followed by a cleanser and exfoliant, then at the very least keep facial wipes by your bed. That way you have no excuse and you may be able to avoid a ruddy complexion and clogged pores the following morning. Be careful of your alcohol consumption. Aside from the obvious dreaded hangover, alcohol can exacerbate rosacea. Alcohol dilates blood vessels triggering the flush of redness at the skin’s surface. Eat clean between parties and get-togethers. We know that the corn syrup in pecan pie is bad for us, but that is not going to stop us from having desert! I do not believe in depriving ones self, but be selective in your food choices when away from holiday gatherings. Whether that is ordering your favorite macro plate from that place down the street or cooking wild caught fish and fresh veggies at home, eating clean means eating real food that is not processed or fried. This will allow you to feel a little less guilty when you go back for a second helping of stuffing or your forth potato latke! Get adequate sleep. Recuperative rest is not only important for your mood and energy levels but can also keep you from having dark circles for your holiday family photo. Sleep on your back slightly propped up to prevent blood from pooling, causing those purplish under eyes and puffy lids. Hit the gym. So, 30 minutes of cycling does not justify eating a dozen sugar cookies, but it may give you an edge. People who exercise regularly and experience fitness progress are more likely to make healthy food choices. Having exercise as a regular part of your routine may help you from packing on the holiday pounds. If prior to the holidays, fitness is already part of your routine, you are less likely to be a statistic. By the beginning of February many people have broken their New Years resolution of going to the gym or loosing weight. Stress can lead to breakouts. The cells responsible for sebum production have stress hormone receptors! Everyone has more to juggle this time of year; the shopping, the hosting, the cooking and cleaning can have you feeling more Bah-humbug than very merry. This is the best time of year to be practicing mindfulness, getting to that yoga class, or volunteering time to your favorite charity. Remember what this time of year is really about- being thankful, love, family and friends. Once you learn to let go of the idea that your home needs to be ripped from the pages of a home catalog, you will be better able to focus on what’s truly important and you may just be able to save yourself from a few pimples. While this information may not keep your drunk uncle from embarrassing you in front of your new boyfriend you brought home to meet the family for the first time, these tips may keep you off the beauty naughty list! Cheers! 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.

Botox®- injectables The Average cost for Botox®- injectables ranges from $400 - $1000 based on where you are located and how many injections you receive per visit. The Botox® injections lasts approximately 4 months.   Here are some amazing topical alternatives you could apply at home instead that range from  $36.95 - $260.00 for a 3-4 month supply:   DS Laboratories Viterol.A - for Wrinkles and Expression Lines - General Face Area - $36.95 Viterol.A is the first anti-aging aid that contains viatrozene, a new compound that visibly reduces wrinkles and expression lines and significantly improves the over-all skin health. The greatest benefit of Viterol.A is that it is a continuous and safe treatment, the effect of which does not wear off.  For full details go to: Viterol.A   Neova Refining Eye Lift - $57.00 This serum contains Copper Peptide Complex and DNA Repair Mitosomes to give you the immediate appearance of tightening and firming. For full details go to: Refining Eye Lift   Keyano Eterna Bella Anti Wrinkle Cream - $71.00 Eterna Bella contains the highest concentration of active tissue regenerating anti-aging botanicals designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For full details go to: Eterna Bella   Dremu Oil - $88.00 Dremu Oil provides rehydrating benefits as well as collagen boosting penetration. For full details go to: Dremu Oil   Freeze 24/7 Instant Targeted Wrinkle Treatment - $95.00 Immediate gratification: Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles within minutes of application. Reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, acne scars, stretch marks, rosacea and provides an improved surface for makeup application. For full details go to: Instant Targeted Wrinkle Treatment   Freeze 24/7 Anti-Aging Eye Serum - $115.00 Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles directly under and around the eye area within minutes of application. Reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around the eye area by rapidly bringing oxygen and nutrients to the area. For full details go to: Anti-Aging Eye Serum   PREVAGE MD (1% Idebenone) - $120.00 Idebenone (hydroxydecyl ubiquinone) is an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect cells from environmental damage, improve the appearance of fine lines, reduce dryness, and smooth skin texture. For full details go to: Prevage MD   SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum - $260.00 This unparalleled anti-aging serum is the first to combine the benefits of the patented growth factor serum, with potent antioxidants, peptides and other innovative anti-aging ingredients to regenerate your skin. For full details go to: TNS Essential Serum  

Skincare has always been a mystery for some of us, there are so many products out there and it’s hard to tell what will work best for you and what you really need in your late twenties. While you may be able to figure out your taxes and cook worthwhile meals, you may be wondering what products you really need to help you look as great as you feel! Well consider this your quick reference guide to the top 13 products every lady in their late twenties needs. Avene Classic Daily Sun Care for an ultra hydrating sunscreen for those of us who find other sunscreens drying. While many of us forget this incredibly important step, it’s really time we up our SPF game to keep our skin looking beautiful and protect against harsh UV rays. Another great sunscreen that does EVERYTHING; IPKN Pore Apple Sun Creme which is great under makeup because one of its features other than sun protection is makeup base. Glytone Improve Anti-Aging Eye Cream : This product means business and good thing too! This eye cream is sure to help fight any signs of aging around the eyes, like puffiness and wrinkles. Nip And Fab No Needle Fix Serum, is a must have not only to combat any signs of sagging skin or unwanted wrinkles but this product will also leave your skin ultra-hydrated and glowing! For the reset of your body try this quick absorbing moisturizer Replenix By Topix Green Tea Antioxidant Moisturizing Lotion to keep your skin barrier healthy and give your skin a healthy dose of antioxidants. Retexturing may sound foreign to you but is a must! Retexturing can help with rough dry skin, give you a healthy glow and aid in getting rid of those small bumps some of us experience just under our skin. Try Clearista Retexturizing Gel for almost instant results! If you are looking to pull the dirt and oil out of your pores (which you are, because smaller pores means more flawless looking skin) look no further than Dr. Brandt Pores No More : Vacuum Cleaner. This product really is a vacuum for all that dirt and oil and the difference after using this product is amazing! For those of us who want our cleanser to be gentle, yet strong enough to remove all dirt and makeup without over drying our skin, there is  Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser for that. Oh, and it is a no rinse formula, you just wipe it off. Skin care doesn’t get much easier than that! Now, if you really love anti-aging ( and we all do, it is never too early to start fighting the signs of aging) you need LifeCell PH Balanced Anti-Aging Cleanser in your life. This cleanser is gentle enough to fight inflammation associated with rosacea  yet powerful enough to tighten and depuff skin all while balancing the PH level of skin to leave it with the perfect healthy glow. Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel, is a marvelous cleanser. While it is not recommended for people with certain skin conditions, this cleansing gel is great for people with pretty normal, fairly insensitive skin. This gel will exfoliate, tighten, tone, speed cell turnover, AND remove makeup. It’s pretty much a one stop shop for your cleansing needs. Now, if you are looking for a simple, easy, everyday, go to product to moisturize your skin but still want it to be A-MA-ZING, Topix Ultra Lite Moisture Dew Cream is the cream for you. This oil free cream is great for almost every skin type, and uses aloe to soothe and hydrate the skin. Primer is something often overlooked or seen as unnecessary but I say, primer is important. Primer is the last thing that goes on your skin before makeup and can make all the difference in your skin health. So with that in mind Skindinavia Makeup Primer Spray is a killer primer spray that will help lock in moisture as well as reduce pore size and redness. Last and certainly not least is foundation. Now foundation is makeup and a lot of you may not consider it skincare, however there are some great foundations on the market that not only serve as makeup, but help to nourish and beautify the skin while being worn. One such product is Michael Marcus Cosmetics Anti-Aging Foundation which offers beautiful coverage while firming, hydrating, and allowing more oxygen to the skin that other foundations.   With the aid of these products, you’re sure to get a handle on what you need in your late twenties to help keep your skin looking flawless, young, and fresh!     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.

Healthy Foods, Healthy Skin. Check out our guest esthetician's tips to eat your way to great skin. Your skin will thank you for eating these simple foods. December 31st is a time for us all to reflect on the past year, all that we have done, that we have learned from and that we wish to accomplish for the new year for a better self and a better life.  Once it’s 11:59pm and the countdown begins, everyone is excited and optimistic and looking forward for the clock to strike midnight and they are given another chance, another blank slate to create a better life.  The moment that 12:00am hits, January 1st is day one of working to accomplish all those New Year’s Resolutions that you wish to achieve.  Whether it’s to lose weight, get healthy, be happy…whatever goals you have your heart set on, this is it, this is now.  So get your list of resolutions and add ‘Eating Your Way To Great Skin’ to that list.  I’m not saying inhale only greens to work on your skin, but knowing what foods are powerful and great for achieving healthy skin.  There are so many, I decided to come up with my favorite Healthy Foods and all the benefits they provide for you to incorporate them into your ‘healthier you’ meals.   The Miracle of Green Tea The power of green tea is absolutely amazing. By drinking this magical tea, hot or cold, you will not only get all the health benefits but all the skin miracles. Green tea provides you with a natural source of caffeine that will not give you the jitters like coffee with but it will help tighten your skin.  Your skin will stay supple as Green tea will keep your dehydrated skin hydrated, brighter and the EGCG will not only help for weight loss but will also help with inflammation and redness which is great for those with acne and rosacea.  The rich antioxidants help protect your skin from damage from free radicals and will also help slow the process of wrinkles and aging. Cooking with Extra Virgin Olive Oil Olive oil is one of my favorite ingredients to cook with not only because it adds an awesome taste to your food but it is also great for your health.  Olive oil created from the olives from the Mediterranean Basin are rich of antioxidants and rich fat that is so wonderful for your skin.  Extra virgin olive oil has the ability to lower blood pressure which in turn lowers stress. EVOO also has great anti-inflammatory benefits that help with psoriasis and eczema.  Another great benefit from extra virgin olive oil is that it helps protect your skin by strengthening a built-in defense to sun exposure and environmental hazards which cause your skin to age.   Coconut Oil Does Wonders Coconut oil is made up of 90% saturated fats. Capric acid and lauric acid helps with inflammation and acne inflammation but also helps in UV inflammation on the skin.  Coconut oil helps with premature aging and wrinkles. Personally, I feel my skin looks softer and brighter after eating it for several months.  If the idea of eating tsps. of coconut oil throughout the day gags you (I know some have tried and hated it!) there are supplements to make it a little easier. Coconut oil should be used an addition to your dietary intake.  Bright and Beautiful Colored Fruits and Veggies Having bright fruits and vegetables throughout the day in addition to having them a part of your meals is a great way to get antioxidants which helps slows the aging process, prevents free radicals, and prevents skin damage.  Besides the obvious health benefits, you get from eating these wonderful foods, your skin will benefit as well.  Don’t forget to eat an apple a day, not to only keep the doctor away but to enjoy the vitamin A that works as retinol for your skin. Indulge in Dark Chocolate This is one of my mother’s favorite beauty tips as she loves chocolate! Dark chocolate is wonderful for your health including your heart health by lowering the risk of stroke and heart attack. Dark chocolate has proven to increase blood flow resulting in a beautiful glow to your skin. Another great thing about this wonderful treat is that it is mood enhancing which lowers stress hormones.  When stress hormones are lowered, there are fewer wrinkles, less collagen loss and a better, happier you!    When searching for this delicious treat, make sure you grab some with at least 70% cocoa, otherwise you’re not getting all the full benefits. Studies show that two to three ounces a week will give you those benefits without you having to sacrifice your skinny jeans. I personally like starting my day on a good note so I savor a one ounce square while sipping my coffee every morning.   My Absolute Favorite: Sushi If I had to choose just one meal to eat for the rest of my life, sushi would be the winner.  This Japanese cuisine is great not only for your health but your skin as well.  Rolls with crab or shrimp contain a mineral Selenium that protects your skin from free radicals helping slow down the aging process.  Sushi that contains salmon and tuna have key antioxidants and CoenzymeQ10, Omega3s and Omega6s which are healthy fatty acids that are essential for your health.  Your skin becomes softened as it helps with dryness as it creates a natural oil barrier for your skin.  This wonderful treat helps lower blood pressure, increases metabolism and balances hormones which play a huge part on good skin health.    Replace Your Breakfast With Whole Grain Oatmeal Whole grain oatmeal has the protein to make you feel full longer so you don’t have to binge on snacks to hold you over to the next meal. Oatmeal provides you with refined carbs which increases your insulin and produces the hormone androgens.  This will help your sebaceous glands secrete oils to help prevent clogged pores that lead to acne.  If those aren’t enough reasons on why you should be eating your whole grain oatmeal, it has been proven to be a great benefit towards healthy heart health.  To add to the nutrients and benefits, add some blueberries, strawberries, almonds and cinnamon to a delicious yet healthy meal.  Thanks to such sites as Pinterest, I have found so many delicious combinations and my new favorite, overnight oats.  Check out some recipes and find your favorites! These are some of my favorite foods and ingredients to add to my daily healthy foods and I really swear by them.  Not only will you start to feel better physically and mentally, your skin will also benefit greatly from adding these simple foods to your life.   I’m not saying to not enjoy that Danish or slice of pizza because heck, I won’t deprive myself from them either.  But I am asking you to take a look at what you eat daily, see what you can replace or even add a healthier food to your day.  Making some healthier decisions, drinking the recommended amount of water daily, avoiding smoking and really limiting the amount of alcohol you drink can really help you in promoting beautiful, radiant, healthy skin.  So grab a notebook and pencil and create a list of New Year’s resolutions that you can reach and maintain and take a foot into 2016 with optimism and new healthy choices.     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.