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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.  

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!

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.  

What is Microdermabrasion? Microdermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliation method in which aluminum oxide or Sodium bicarbonate crystals are sprayed over the skin from a wand that simultaneously suctions the skin and vacuums up the loose crystals. This exfoliation removes the topmost layer of the stratum corneum, encouraging new healthy cells to emerge. Microdermabrasion is for anyone looking to decrease the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, larger pores, hyperpigmentation or “sun spots”. Microdermabrasion can be integrated into your normal skincare regiment with a few modifications. With the removal of the dead cells from the stratum corneum, all other skincare products applied afterward work more effectively! What is the Difference Between an In-office Microdermabrasion Treatment and the PMD? The machines we (estheticians or dermatologists) use in an office setting cost thousands of dollars. The PMD device cost about the same as one in office microdermabrasion treatment. The other difference is that the PMD does not shoot out crystals from the wand but rather contains a spinning disc of aluminum oxide crystals. How to use the PMD? Your device will come with a helpful DVD explaining how to use, clean and maintain your device. Before using your device thoroughly cleanse your skin with a mild and non-exfoliating wash. Make sure the skin is completely dry prior to using your PMD. During a professional treatment we would use hospital-grade alcohol wipes to ensure complete surface dryness. At home I use a cotton round or cloth gauze with witch hazel. I divide my face in half when performing the wand passes. I start at my chin and work from the center of the face outward and up. Always start with the training disc until you get the hang of the device. Pull the skin taught with one hand, while using short strokes move the device across the skin away from the hand holding the skin taught. I work in shorter strokes (about an inch and a half to avoid suction marks). Do not let the devise sit idle on any part of your skin. Following a PMD treatment I rinse my face with cool water to remove any excess crystals and use rose water to calm my skin. The PMD brand does have their own skincare pre and post treatment products, but I did not receive those for the purpose of this review. My First Impression Firstly I was impressed and underestimated how strong the suction of the PMD was. This underestimation combined with passes that were to long led to tiny PMD hickeys and tiny scabs on the tops of my cheeks. Again this was due to operator mishandling and not the fault of the device. This is another reason to start with the recommended training disk and to keep the wand passes short! I performed my first treatment prior to bed. Upon waking up the next morning, the first thing I did, while still laying in bed, was run my hands down the sides of my face. Immediately I could feel that my skin was so much smoother and incredibly soft. My PMD Experience and Final Thoughts When introducing a new product or device into my routine I like to keep everything else the same. With no other additions there is a control; a baseline comparison, from which to be able to know for sure what the exact results are and what caused them. My personal PMD goal is to have less visible pores. The difference I want to achieve and the problem I am trying to rectify may be the one that takes the longest. Large pore size is genetic but overtime pores can be stretched due to the hardened plug inside. Unfortunately due to the change in the weather I had to amp up my acne/ oily skin treatment to get ahead of the beast. I added Professional Solutions Salicylic Acid Exfoliator to my regiment and use this every night of the week except the night that I use the PMD. The pores on my cheeks have been the first area where I noticed a change in appearance. I recently ran out of the house for an errand with only sunscreen on, upon looking at myself in the rear view mirror I felt a sense of relief, appose to the embarrassment I usually feel when looking at my nose sans foundation and concealer. My current favorite thing about the PMD is how much it helps to remove the flaking, dry skin on the sides of my nose and nostrils that is due to the intensity of the salicylic treatment. Without the PMD removing this excess skin, my foundation looks unsightly and uneven on my nose. Currently I love my combo of alternating the salicylic acid (chemical exfolant) with the PMD (mechanical exfolant) and will continue this combined treatment. Overall I am pleased with the PMD device. I will surely keep the PMD as a weekly part of my skincare routine and look forward to progressive results!     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.

Often I am asked about the specific products I use, how often I use them and in what order. While my routine and the products that I use are geared towards my specific skin type (oily/acneic), there are still take-a-ways that anyone could incorporate into their routine. How I Cleanse at Night: A nightly cleanse is for removing makeup, bacteria and skin pollutants that may have adhered to the skin’s surface via your own sebum. Secondly, nighttime skin routines are for treatment and recuperation of the skin. Basically it is the most important time to wash your face. Never skip a night cleanse! Step 1: I remove my makeup with a cleansing oil or a makeup wipe. You may think putting oil on an oily skin type is counterintuitive, but on the contrary, how I use skin oil is very important. We have all heard the saying “Go together like oil and water”. The point being that oil and water do not mix. Oil binds to oil and because of this I apply my cleansing oil to dry, not damp skin. The cleansing oil binds to the oils in my makeup and the sebum within my pores. I massage the oil directly onto my skin, then I add water to my fingertips and massage further. This oil and water emulsion helps breakdown waterproof mascara and helps lift the sebum from the follicle. For stubborn liquid lipstick I love to use ACURE Coconut Argan oil Towelettes prior to the cleansing oil. Steps 2 & 3: Double cleansing is a must! Anyone who wears makeup should be double cleansing. It is nearly impossible to remove all makeup residue and prep the skin for treatment with just one washing alone. I love using ACURE Facial Cleansing Gel in conjunction with my FOREO Luna for combination skin. I do not necessarily use my Luna for both cleanses but usually on the second cleanse. Step 4: Exfoliation with a manual scrub. While the Luna does exfoliate, my acneic skin requires more. This step is not for everyone (or at least not as often as I am doing it). My skin type is accompanied by retention hyperkeratosis, so I need to keep on top of those accumulating skin cells! The current scrub I am obsessing over is ACURE’s new Pore minimizing scrub. From the title you may be lead to believe this could quite possible be an extremely gritty scrub, but it is not. I would classify it as being a less aggressive scrub than the ACURE Brightening Facial Scrub, because it’s textural component is comprised of jojoba beads. Though I think both scrubs are great, the spherical shape of the jojoba beads lends to a mild, yet effective exfoliation. Moroccan red clay draws impurities from the skin as well. The Pore minimizing scrub smells amazing, like some fruity candy not sanctioned by my vegan diet, yet totally indulgent. Since using this scrub my face feels so much softer to the touch. Step 5: Believe it or not I may still have makeup on the surface of my skin, so I swipe Ren’s Centifolia 3 in 1 Cleansing Water over my skin with a cotton round to remove any remaining makeup. This cleansing water is so gentle and does not disturb the acid mantle. Step 6: I gently dab Derma e Firming DMAE Eye Lift around my eyes using my ring ringer. I started using eye cream at 15 years old and this has been one of my favorites thus far. Step 7: I apply Pangea Organics’ Moroccan Argan w/ Willow & Rosemary Facial Cream to my face and neck. Keeping oily skin hydrated is key. If oily skin becomes dehydrated sebum production will go into overdrive. This facial cream keeps my skin healthy without feeling too heavy or greasy. Variations on my Routine: I let my skin tell me what it needs. About three times a week I sweep Professional Solutions Salicylic Acid Exfoliator over my T-zone to help with my abundance of blackheads. If I choose to use this product I do so after I cleanse my face and prior to applying moisturizer. Also it should be noted that if my skin were feeling overly dehydrated or sensitive that night, I would certainly skip this product’s application. Once a week I use my PMD after I cleanse. This microdermabrasion device helps eliminate any discoloration from healed blemishes and removes any flakiness from around my nostrils. I never, ever use the salicylic acid post PMD! That would most likely be too harsh for anyone’s skin and cause sensitivity issues. After the use of my personal microdermabrasion device, I like to soothe and nourish my skin with a mask. ACURE’s Cell Stimulating Mask is a go-to, as well as Rodial’s Dragon’s Blood Hyluranic Mask. This mask reduces any redness or sensitivity I may be experiencing post treatment. On the nights that my skin is feeling good post cleanse- not overly oily, no sensitivity, no major outbreaks I like to use Derma e’s Overnight Peel in place of my moisturizer. This contains AHAs and is great as a gentle anti-aging product. While I am constantly fighting oil, acne and blackheads I am also trying to fight aging in my 30s! With my career centering on skincare, I get to test out and experiment with quite a large variety of brands and products, but what anyone at home can take away from this is knowing the order in which to use certain products. What is also of equal importance is thoroughly removing all traces of that day’s makeup so that your treatment products can penetrate more readily and be more effective!     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.

I have not wanted to admit it, but atlas summer is over. Soon the leaves will change their hue. Autumn’s change parallels the change we need to make in regards to our skincare as colder and drier weather approaches. This change is all about proper hydration and repairing the damaged caused by improper sun protection. My Favorite Fall Skincare Picks: NuFace Trinity: If you are feeling melancholy as cold and drab weather approaches, here is a device to get excited about. This device is FDA cleared to simulate the skin with the use of micro-current to help tone and contour the face. Goodbye jowls! I am only a week into my NuFace use, so stay tuned for a full review! Cellex-C 2-step Starter Kit: If you are a sun-worshiper feeling guilty about what you did not do to protect yourself this summer and are dealing with hyperpigmentation, now is the time to combat that damage. Also if you have an oily and acneic skin type, which is left with the dark marks of a pimple’s past, this two-part treatment is perfect for you. This combo is oil-free, contains vitamin C to combat free radical damage and will brighten the appearance of the skin. All while reducing the signs of photo-aging. ilike Sour Cherry Gel Mask: If autumn has you craving a harvest of fresh fruits and veggies, this organic mask will not disappoint. Honestly it is hard to resist eating this mask as it contains real cherry skins. The scent is amazing! Normal/ combination skin will benefit from the fruit acids and honey. Mybody Protect and Serve: Just because summer is over, there is no excuse to not properly protect yourself from UV exposure. This tinted mineral sunscreen has a creamy texture and dries matte. It can be applied alone or before your makeup and can be used by sensitive skin, aging skin and acneic skin alike. Acure Moroccan argan stem cell + argan oil Shampoo and Conditioner: Alright, this is a year round favorite, but I figured if I did not include something with pumpkin, I would catch some flack! Safe for color treated hair, this combo has an almond scent and a rich creamy texture and lather. Pumpkin seed oil nourishes with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Shine and manageability improves all while being sulfate free and cruelty free. ilike Sour Cherry Cleansing Milk: During the muggy summer months skin’s oil production is in high gear. If the gel cleanser that left you squeaky clean in July, now has you feeling tight and over sensitized, it may be time to change to a creamy cleanser. This milky cleanser gently removes impurities and makeup without depleting hydration within the skin. Salicylic acid fights acne while vitamin E provides anti-oxidant protection. Just like the Sour Cherry mask, this cleanser smells good enough to eat! Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell Bio-repair mask: This gel mask cools and hydrates all skin types while multiple rose extracts and stem cells, work to soothe the skin and fight the sign of premature aging. This mask is very versatile. It is a great morning pick-me-up! I recommend storing the jar in the refrigerator prior to application and leaving it on for 10 minutes. Or in the PM it can be used as a sleeping mask overnight, for serious rose benefits! 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.

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

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

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!