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Derma Topix specializes in customized solutions for acne-prone skin, Derma Topix delivers powerful results and helps you achieve oil-free skin. Options include a Benzoyl Peroxide base or a Glycolic-Salicylic Acid based treatment regimen. With a variety of strengths available, Derma Topix allows patients to adjust their treatment depending on their individual needs Derma Topix, by Topix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is formulated for oily and acne prone-skin, and is most effective for people with mild to moderate acne.

   I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t curious about trying every single new skin product that I saw. I’m sure we have all bought a hot new product out of impulse and were floored to find that our skin not only wasn’t totally transformed in an instant but that it reacted horribly! Most of the time we chalk this up to our skin not agreeing with the product but more often than you would think this can happen because the product doesn’t agree with what we already use in our skincare routine! Here is a fool proof guide to mixing and not mixing different ingredients in your skincare products!Beauty Chemistry 101: What to Mix and What not to Mix~Vanessa Sterling   DO NOT MIX Salacylic/Glycolic Acid with Retinols/Retinoids Using these two ingredients in tandem can lead to extreme drying, flaking and irritation which can ultimately lead to breakouts and skin that looks more aged. Retinols/Retinoids usually take about 10 days or more to leave your system so if you want to be able to get the benefits of both ingredients its better to start with your salicylic or glycolic regimen until you are satisfied with your results, discontinue your use and then start with your retinol/retinoid routine. If you have extremely oily skin and you find that your skin can handle using products with both of these ingredients at the same time stick to a cleanser with salicylic or glycolic acid because it has shorter contact with your skin than a cream ointment or gel. Start with the Murad Acne Clearing Solution .  Once you get your desired results switch over to the Tina K Correct K Line Diminishing Cream.     DO NOT MIX Exfoliators and Brighteners Not only is this combo extremely irritating but it can also make you more photo sensitive which can ultimately lead to an intensifying effect on your hyper-pigmentation.  If you’re looking to banish your dark spots and still exfoliate your skin cut the brightener and just use your gentle exfoliant and use a really good SPF. When your skin is protected is produces less melanin and because you’re exfoliating that pigmentation will gradually dust away on its own without the use of brighteners. I would recommend the Crop Natural Detoxifying Charcoal Facial Scrub   along with Glowbiotics Non-Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 .     DO NOT MIX Vitamin C and Acids Vitamin C is one of the most power packed skincare ingredients out there however it is also an extremely unstable antioxidant which means that you have to be really careful with what you use with it. Using it along with Alpha-Hydroxy Acids and Salicylic acid can throw off the pH of the product(s) leaving them totally useless.     DO NOT MIX Retinols/Retinoids and UV Light As we know retinols/retinoids increase cell turnover which is why they do wonders for skin conditions like acne and wrinkles. The problem with this is that it also makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight than normal so make sure to apply and reapply SPF during the day and save your retinol/oid products for your nighttime routine. Don’t worry not all ingredients are incompatible you can still reap the benefits of using multiple power packed ingredients.     DO MIX Retinol and Ferulic Acid Ferulic Acid is an awesome antioxidant that helps enhance the properties of other skin loving vitamins and helps with sun protection as well. While retinol is great for skin firming, and boosting clarity and glow, when ferric acid is added to the mix it helps retinol do its job even better by helping it get deeper into the skin and promotes collagen production as well. Using La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Serum Intensive Dark Spot Correcting Serum along with Avene RetrinAL .05 Cream   will work wonders.    DO MIX Vitamins A, C & E Vitamin A (includes retinol and retinoids) helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles and increases the moisture and bounce in your skin. Vitamin C helps even out your skin tone and offers environmental defense and Vitamin E helps add another level of defense. When all of these vitamins are used together you have the perfect recipe for nourishing and protecting your skin from a bunch of different angles. Use the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum along with the Crop Antioxidant Facial Cream  to give your skin the vitamins that it craves.   DO MIX Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid With its ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in water, Hylauronic acid does wonders when it comes to hydrating the skin. Even though retinol is great at stimulating cell turnover the downside is that it usually increases dryness which is why these two are a match made in heaven.  The DCL Profoundly Effective A Cream SPF 30  not only has both Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid but it’s also loaded with other skin loving ingredients to soften firm and hydrate your skin.

Have you ever taken a moment to look at the ingredients on your favorite products and say to yourself ‘What the heck is that?! Well, it happens quite often that we put products on ourselves that we have no idea what their ingredients do. As an esthetician, I can help you get an idea of what some of the most popular active ingredients are and what you should be looking for.  Your skin should be very important to you as well as the care you take, so grab some of your favorite products and see just what exactly you have been putting on your skin. Some tips to keep in mind when reading your product label are: The ingredients are listed in descending order while the first ones listed are those with the largest amount of the ingredient in the product.  Those towards the end of the list are the ones that don’t have as large of an amount as those at the top. Usually, the first ingredient that is listed in majority of products is water. Inactive ingredients are those that may not have large amounts in the product or may be the most effective but, they help by enhancing how the other ingredients effect your skin. When you are looking for products to help fight acne, you don’t always have to find items that specifically say ‘Acne’ on them.  Those that say ‘Clarifying’ will also help your skin in controlling acne. You should really find products that are listed as Noncomedogenic which have been tested to not clog the pores. These products are especially great for those with acne prone skin. For those who are looking to not only moisturize their skin but to brighten any dull areas, there are some ingredients to look for: Ascorbic Acid Butylated Hydroxytoluene Citric Acid Lactic Acid Retinol Tocopheryl Acetate Salicylic Acid Glycosphingolipids Types of Emollients that will give you smooth, soft, suppleness that remain in your skin as a lubricant while holding the moisture in are typically: Cyclomethicone Dimethicone Copolyol Glyceryl Stearates Isopropyl Palmitate Lanolin Propylene Glycol Linoleate Products with Occulusives help increase the amount of water in your skin creating an oily layer which helps moisture from evaporating from the surface. Propylene Glycoldioleate Paraffin Mineral Oil Dimethicone Cyclomethicone Caprylic/Caprictriglyceride Beeswax A main ingredient in many types of products are Humectants which are able to absorb water and retain water into the skin preventing it from cracking. These humectants help the other active ingredients by assisting them with not only penetrating the skin but making the ingredients last longer. Ammoniumlactate Sorbitol Sodium PCA Propylene Glycerol Hylauronic Acid Glycerin Butylene Glycol For those of you who are dealing with acne issues you should be using products that include: For Blackheads: Salicylic Acid. It’s a great exfoliate which will peel dead skin cells from the skin’s layers. For Whiteheads: Benzyl Peroxide. It will help in removing those awful dead skin cells as well as kill bacteria. For Cystic Acne: The best solution to cystic acne is to see a professional. Dermatologists can prescribe the proper topical or oral medications to help clear the skin. Those that suffer from sensitive skin should really avoid products that include ingredients with known irritants such as: Artificial colors and any types of fragrances Sulfates like ‘Sodium lauryl sulfate’ that allow products to not only foam up but remove oil Parabens which are a type of preservative that extends shelf life of products but also protects from mold and bacteria from forming If you are still unsure what you are reading, or what products are best for your skin, ask a professional and go see your local esthetician.   When you’re shopping online for a new product, just ask your super helpful askderm product specialist with any questions or concerns you have and they can gear you towards the right products for your skin care concerns.   So start reading up on your ingredients and stay informed so you can properly take care of your skin the way you should be taking care of it and make the most informative decisions.  Good luck and happy reading!     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.  

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.  

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.

Have you ever noticed a bumpy red rash on the back of someone’s arms? Or even worse, you decided to check out your derrière in the mirror only to be startled, when you realized it is covered in red pimply, “chicken skin” like bumps? Chances are you know someone who has this skin issue, or you have it yourself!   This common skin condition is called Keratosis Pilaris (commonly referred to as KP). The signature red bumps are formed when keratin (a protein) hardens within the hair follicle. Most of these bumps contain a coiled ingrown hair, which has been encapsulated by the keratin pug; this prevents it from exiting the follicle and growing naturally above the skin’s surface. Most commonly, KP appears on the upper arms, legs and buttocks and is usually accompanied by dry skin. Almost half the world’s population has KP and this skin disorder is more common among women, than men. While there is no health risks associated with KP it can be unsightly, embarrassing and a cosmetic issue.   There are a few ways to treat KP:   1. Chemical Keratolytic treatments: This treatment will help cellular turnover, breaking down the hardened keratin plug. Product ingredients, which aids in this process include: topical retinoids (vitamin A), Alpha Hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic acids) and Beta Hydroxy acid (salicylic acid).   2. PhysicalExfoliants: will help with the rough bumpy texture of the skin. If your “red goose bumps” are accompanied by whiteheads however, avoid scrubs as they can rupture and spread bacteria across the surface of the skin.   3. Moisturizing: When moisture levels are balanced and the skin is healthy, the skin’s natural shedding process occurs at a normal rate. Lotions and moisturizer help soften the hardened Keratin plugs. Urea is a great skincare ingredient to look for when choosing a KP appropriate moisturizer. Urea is a humectant, meaning it helps draw water into the surface of the skin. Cold, dry winter air and dry indoor heat often worsen symptoms, so start treating your "red goose bumps" now before they worsen. Check out askderm’s extensiveproducts containing the KP fighting ingredients listed above and share with us your regiment for treating Keratosis Pilaris.   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.

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!

Here are a few tips on how to properly use your acne skin care products and what to look for to treat your acne skin: Use a gentle, soap-free gel or foaming cleanser that is targeted for oily/acne prone skin morning and night with warm water.  Here are a few askderm acne skin care product suggestions: La Roche-Posay | Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel | 6.76 oz / 200 ml | $22.99 eau thermale Avene | Diacneal Soap-Free Gel Cleanser | 6.76 fl oz / 200 ml | $25.00 Obagi | Nu-Derm Foaming Gel | 6.7 oz / 200 ml | $39.50 NEOVA | Purifying Cleanser | 8.0 fl oz | $34.00 Glytone | Acne Self-Foaming Cleanser | 3.4 fl oz | $39.00 Avoid "picking" or "popping" any blemishes. Instead treat them with a spot treatment that will help to treat them, soothe the redness and reduce inflammation. Key ingredients to look for are Sulfur, Zinc Oxide & Salicylic Acid. Here are a few askderm acne skin care product suggestions: Kinerase | Clear Skin Blemish Dissolver | 0.12 oz / 3.5 ml | $39.00  Peter Thomas Roth | Acne Spot And Area Treatment | 1 oz | $32.00 Murad | Acne Spot Treatment | .5 oz | $18.00 Murad | Acne Treatment Concealer - Light | .09 oz | $21.00 Murad | Acne Treatment Concealer - Medium | .09 oz | $21.00  Apply a treatment product over the entire face that will help prevent and treat existing acne/blemishes. With use of this product/step in your acne routine will also help exfoliate & unclog your pores revealing softer smoother skin. Key ingredients to look for are Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycolic Acid & Salicylic Acid. Here are a few askderm acne skin care product suggestions: La Roche-Posay | Effaclar DUO (1.35 fl oz) | 40 ml / 1.35 fl oz | $36.95 Murad | Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel | 3.4 oz | $54.00  Obagi | Clenziderm M.D. Pore Therapy | 4 oz / 118 ml | $36.00 Neostrata | Oily Skin Solution AHA 8 | 3.4 oz/100 ml | $30.00 Glytone | 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel | 2 oz | $22.00 Hydrate your skin! Even though you may feel like your skin is oily with all the treatment products you apply to combat your acne you do not want to strip your skin of all its moisture. Be sure to apply an OIL-FREE moisturizer morning and night! This will help keep your skin healthy and your treatment products will have better results. Here are a few askderm acne skin care product suggestions: DDF | Ultra Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew | 1.7 oz / 48 g | $43.00  SkinMedica | Ultra Sheer Moisturizer (oil free) | 2.0 oz | $54.00  Wilma Schumann | O2 Oxygen Blu ™ | 1 oz / 30 ml | $56.00 Peter Thomas Roth | Oil Free Moisturizer | 1.7 oz | $42.00 DCL | Ultra Light Hydrator | 3.5 oz / tube | $24.00 Heal & Treat while you sleep! Use a product at night that will help increase cell turnover and improve your tone and texture of your skin. The key ingredient to look for in your night time acne product is Retinol or a version such as Retinaldehyde.  Here are a few askderm acne skin care product suggestions: eau thermale Avene | TriAcneal | 30 ml / 1.01 fl oz | $60.00  Alyria | Acne Retinol Complex | 30 g / 1.05 oz | $61.00  Peter Thomas Roth | Retinol Fusion PM | 1 fl oz / 30 ml | $65.00  DCL | Nighttime Treatment - Acne Healing System | 2.5 oz / tube | $33.00  Glytone | Acne 3P Gel | 2 oz | $29.00  Don't forget - there is no instant treatment for acne. All treatments will take 6-8 weeks for results, and you may notice that your acne gets worse before it gets better. If you have any further detailed questions please contact our expert customer service team. We are here to help and keep your skin healthy and beautiful!  Shop askderm for all your skin care needs & save 20% off with coupon code: JUNE20   top brands + expert advice = beautiful skin Written by: Danielle Jones | Marketing Coordinator | askderm #SkinCareExpert #BBloggers #BeautyIsMyWorld #MakingYouFeelBeautiful #OneBlogAtATime #SocialMedia #SocialMarketing #Shopaskderm #topbrands #expertadvice #beautifulskin