AS WE WFH, TREAMENTS THAT WILL LEAVE SKIN HEALTHY AND GLOWING

As we all continue to naviagate working from home and staying in to continue to #flattenthecurve, we need to make sure that we have a number of spa days as we certainly deserve it. We’re sharing some great tips from mother daughter duo Kariné and Mariam Kazarian, estheticians and co-founders of Kariné Kazarian Luxury Skincare in New York City, share their tips for the most sublime at-home treatment that will leave skin healthy and glowing.

Karine’s Pro Tip #1: Think Twice About Using Hot Water

As the temperature outside is still brisk, you might want to slip into a hot shower. But, never use hot water on your face! In fact, I don’t wash my face in the shower. Heat destroys the natural protective barrier of the epidermis, removes natural oils on the skin’s surface, and strips skin of its moisture. It can even damage eyelash extensions. Instead, I recommend cleansing the face with Biologique Recherche Lait VIP O2. Emulsify with small circular movements and rinse off with tepid water to prevent drying out skin.

Mariam’s Pro Tip #2: Invigorate and Awaken with Cold Therapy   

To elevate your at-home treatment, glide Biologique Recherche’s Cryo Sticks on the face, cheekbones, under the chin, under the ears, under and over the eyes, and in the neck area. The sticks promote lymphatic drainage, which moves built-up fluids, toxins, and other stagnant waste into the body’s drainage system. Alternate between upward motions and static pulses on pressure points. It is really important not to crease the skin downwards or tug, which can lead to fine lines.

Place your Cryo Sticks in an ice bath for at least 30 minutes before use or keep in the refrigerator (which I always do.) This allows for the sticks to stock maximum thermal energy. The burst of cold not only feels amazing and immediately lowers skin’s temperature, it causes a “goose bump” phenomenon which stimulates the nerve cells and has a firming, sculpting, and lifting effect.

Another way to take your treatment to the next level is to use the Cryo Sticks with a sheet mask or eye patches, like the Biologique Recherche Patchs Défatigants. The cold components of the mask and sticks calm the skin while the increased blood flow helps achieve a gorgeous glow. If you do not have the Cryo Sticks, I recommend simply using ice wrapped in gauze over the Patchs Défatigants.

Remember – don’t let any product go to waste! If there’s still moisture on the sheet mask, rub it on your hands or body.

Karine’s Pro Tip #3: Don’t Forget About Your Lips

Lips need extra attention as the skin is much thinner and does not retain as much moisture as the rest of your body. Prevent chapped, dry, and flaky lips with Biologique Recherche BioKiss, which is rich in sunflower, raspberry seed oil extract, and vitamin E. This rich formula works to nourish and repair the sensitive skin on the lips, and is a super luxurious finishing touch to any at-home facial.

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7 TRICKS IN MAINTAINING A FIRM AND HEALTHY SKIN

Your skin is bound to change as you age; as a result of your skin weakening, and the loss of natural collagen and elastin. Now, while we can’t prevent aging, as it is part of life, what we can do is prevent dermatological issues, skin sagging, and damages caused by sun exposure. So if you’re looking for natural remedies to preserve your skin and maintain its health, firmness, and overall glow, you have come to the right place.

Contrary to popular belief you do not need to have a ton of money to feel youthful, and you certainly do not need to resort to injections. There are natural treatments that can do the job, in fact, some of the most popular skincare products are more affordable and effective than you think. The trick is to know what you can do daily to maintain firm and healthy skin.

And we’ve compiled seven tricks that we swear by to achieve the look you want, and we are letting you in on the secret. 

1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

We cannot stress how important moisturizing is! Our skin is exposed to such extreme weather conditions, from sun exposure to wind and dust, that it can greatly affect our skin if we neglect it. The right moisturizer protects our skin and prevents it from sagging. To achieve smooth, glowing skin you must moisturize your face and neck morning and night to maintain its elasticity and firmness. 

2. Be keen on sunscreen 

To this day people overlook the importance of sunscreen. Sunscreen should be applied to your skin every day before you leave the house, even if you are just popping out to the store for 20 minutes. While sun exposure is good for your overall health, it also makes your skin susceptible to dark spots and wrinkles. So opt for sunscreens that are waterproof and long-lasting. 

3. Drink plenty of water

Yes, you’ve heard so many skincare gurus mention this, but that’s because water works wonders. One of the best ways to accomplish youthful-looking skin is to stay hydrated; while there are plenty of products you can purchase to hydrate your skin, water is at the top of that list. Water is the most natural road to hydration of the skin. We don’t need to tell you how good water is for your health, but we will remind you that if you feel healthy on the inside, you’ll appear healthy on the outside too. 

4. Exercise

You might be surprised to find exercising on this list, but you need to maintain a healthy weight to protect your skin. You see, if your weight happens to fluctuate a lot, you'll end up stretching your skin which weakens elastin fibers on your face. So, don’t put your skin through a constant fluctuation, and make exercising a part of your beauty plan. 

5. Eat healthily

A balanced diet does more for your skin than you realize. Processed foods can become harmful to your skin and cause your skin to age faster than necessary; avoid eating too much sugar as well. For healthy, glowing skin add fruits and vegetables to your diet, and try to use healthy spices to your cooking as well. 

6. Change your lifestyle

The way you care for your body affects the way your skin appears. It will be hard to revive your skin to its natural glow and condition if you expose yourself to harmful activities, such as excessive drinking and smoking; these activities drain and dry out your skin, causing your skin to sag earlier than it should. A healthy lifestyle will provide your skin with all the benefits it needs to look beautiful and refreshed. 

7. Relieve yourself of stress

Stress is known to age the skin, especially uncontrolled stress. If you do not find ways to relax and unwind, you will be more prone to acne breakouts and will trigger other skin issues, especially if you have sensitive skin. Make sure you always put your well-being first and prevent unnecessary stressful situations, by getting enough sleep every night, organizing your daily plans to avoid feeling overworked and overwhelmed, and most importantly, find time for yourself to relax and do the activities that not only calm your nerves but make you feel good too. Happiness makes you beautiful. 

It’s not really that complicated of a list, and it doesn’t cost you a thing. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise, relax your mind, drink water, avoid sugary drinks and processed foods, moisturize daily and nightly, and of course, do not forget to wear sunscreen before you leave the house. In no time, you’ll have the natural glow and smooth skin you have always wanted indefinitely.  

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TREATMENTS FOR ACNE THAT WORKS

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles are filled with large amounts of oil and dead skin cells. In fact, suffering from acne does not just affect a person’s self-esteem and self-image, but it can also be an indicator that you need to make certain changes to your lifestyle. It is your body urging you to take better care of your health. There are different acne treatments out there. Some of them you might have tried with little to no results. This is mostly due to the fact that you do not fully understand what type of acne you have and, thus, are unable to identify the best way to deal with it.

Here are some tips, as well as acne treatments, that work wonders.

1. Identify your acne

The very first step to treating acne is identifying what type of acne you have. Different types of acne have different causes and thus need to be treated differently.

a.    Hormonal acne

Hormonal acne comes around at a certain time of the month when your hormones are fluctuating. You can identify hormonal acne by the fact that it is usually a sprinkling of zits around the bottom half of your face seemingly appearing out of nowhere.

b.    Whiteheads and blackheads

Both of these acne types are a result of clogged pores. You might be wondering what exactly clogs your pores and the answer to that is the oil your face secretes. The difference is that whiteheads have thin film covering the oil while blackheads occur in larger pores which allow the trapped oil to oxidize and have that black color

c.    Inflammatory acne

Everyone is familiar with this kind of acne. Whether it is a large pimple with pus trapped inside or smaller pimples that are inflamed and painful, this type of acne is caused by bacteria on the face.

d.    Cystic acne

Cystic acne is mainly caused due to genetic or oil gland issues and cannot be treated with the usual acne treatments such as antibiotics or gels.

2. Medicines used

After understanding the different kinds of acne, you can take the necessary steps to treat your case. Most of these cases of acne can be treated using simple over-the-counter topical creams and lotions that contain certain active ingredients. Usually, an effective treatment will include retinoid, which comes in the form of gels, creams, and lotions. You will also find a range of antibiotics to treat inflammatory acne which is, as mentioned above, the result of bacteria. Salicylic acid, which is found in a range of grains and comes in liquid form that you can apply topically to the area you have acne in one to two times a day for the desired results. In fact, some medicines include a couple of these substances at the same time to rid you of acne as quickly as possible.

3. Alternative methods

After identifying what kind of acne you have, you might be surprised to find out that the medication listed above won’t have satisfactory results. You do not have to lose hope though, because there are some alternative methods to get rid of your acne once and for all.

a.    Supplements

Taking supplements to get rid of acne is one of the most popular alternative methods used by people. This is because taking alternative supplements that contain vitamins, such as vitamins A, C, and D, is quite beneficial for your skin. Not only will they help with any acne on your body, but they will also regulate your body’s functions and give you stronger immunity to help fight off any bacteria and viruses.

b.    Laser therapy

Laser therapy is another method that people use to get rid of both acne and acne scars that are left over from past breakouts. It can be quite expensive, however, to go for sessions regularly so people usually choose to undergo laser therapy as a last resort.

c.    Dieting

Believe it or not, dieting can help you with acne. Acne can sometimes be caused by an excess of oil secretions which is a result of eating junk food regularly. Limiting your intake of unhealthy food and allergens, such as berries and chocolate, will have a serious effect on acne-prone skin

4. Home treatments

If you do not want to use medication, you can also try home treatments that have a noticeable success rate.

a.    Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, like most kinds of vinegar, has antibacterial properties, so applying a generous amount of inflammatory acne will kill bacteria and make the pimples go down at a faster rate.

b.    Natural masks

One of the most popular masks to make at home is a honey and cinnamon mask. Both of these ingredients, which most people readily have at home, are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidants. This means that they work wonders on your skin after a couple of applications.

c.    Tea tree oil

Although more on the expensive side, tea tree oil is a natural remedy that works well to give your skin a luminous and smooth look.

d.    Green tea

Green tea can be used on your skin in two ways. You can first brew the tea and leave it to reach room temperature. Then you can apply it onto your skin using a spray bottle. You can use the leaves to make a green tea and honey mask to calm down any inflammation and get rid of acne-causing bacteria.

e.    Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is found in many face creams and lotions already, but you can use its pure form on your skin just like green tea to decrease inflammation.

These are some of the best ways to deal with any type of acne you might have. Do not be afraid to experiment with different natural treatments and supplements at the same time to ensure that you are free from any acne that you might be suffering from. No matter what, rest assured that using these treatments will ensure that your face remains acne-free for a very long time to come if used regularly.

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MEN'S SKIN CARE ROUTINE | 7 STEPS TO HEALTHIER, YOUNGER-LOOKING SKIN

Courtesy of Blume Skin & Body

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WHAT ARE YOU PUTTING ON YOUR SKIN? BEAUTY PRODUCT MARKETING CLAIMS DEBUNKED

It seems as if every week there is a new skin care ingredient trending on Instagram, From 24 Karat Gold, to Charcoal, Snail Mucin, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Azelaic acid, CBD, and countless others.

We are all subject to marketing and advertising on a daily basis. It seems like even thinking about skin care will have you bombarded with sponsored posts on social media. But how trustworthy are some of the marketing buzzwords used to describe the effects of skincare merchandise? We reached out to an anti-aging expert and board-certified Denver Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Manish Shah. Shah advocates helping consumers understand what this frequently used language means.

“There are many ways marketers attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the consumer with empty phrases and jargon,” comments Dr. Shah. “A phrase such as ‘clinically tested’ and ‘doctor recommended’ is used to mislead consumers into thinking a certain product has more credibility than it actually does.” However, Dr. Shah explains, when these phrases are used it says nothing for the results of the clinical tests or what the products were tested for. In terms of products being “Doctor recommended,” Shah warns that “consumers don’t know what doctor recommended the product in most cases and if those doctors are getting some sort of incentive for endorsement.”

Dr. Shah shares common marketing jargon phrases used to mislead consumers.

A Product that claims “Patented Technology”

“Patents are not necessarily a foolproof sign that something is groundbreaking or effective,” explains Dr. Shah. “Marketers use this language to convey innovation and superiority that their product might not necessarily have over its competitors,” he says. Patents are sometimes authorized through technicality instead of breakthrough meaning any new combination of ingredients, methods or production process can be patented as long as it is new.

“Maximum strength”

This is a term used often by skin cleansers and moisturizers. “It’s a relative term and the consumer doesn’t really know what it is relevant to. It’s language that entices the shopper to make the purchase without really telling them how it accomplishes ‘maximum strength’ results,” says the Denver Plastic Surgeon. 

“Clinical strength”

From painkillers to hydrating serums, companies love to bill their products as having “clinical strength.” Dr. Shah says consumers should practice healthy skepticism with such claims. “A product that claims it has clinical strength, in many cases, could have been tested by the doctors developing it. If you think about it you can’t really pinpoint what that phrase means because it is relative and we have no context as to what the company considers clinical strength,” says Shah. The perception, explains Dr. Shah, is that the product is better because the world clinical makes it sound more credible.

“For All Skin Types”

“This is a difficult promise to deliver on,” says Shah who has practiced his specialty for 14 years. “Not all skin is the same. If someone has an allergy to an ingredient or some form of dermatitis they really should speak to their doctor about what products are best to include in their regiment instead of blindly trusting a label,” he says.  

“FDA Approved” 

The FDA has different protocols for skincare products that make cosmetic claims as opposed to those that make more medical claims such as promising to increase the production of collagen in the skin. Since that is a body function the FDA treats those differently than normal skincare products. However, the FDA just stipulates that the product being sold is safe to use in the manner in which it is directed to be used “FDA approval is not credential that shows the superiority of results,” says Dr. Shah. The plastic surgeon recommends that you not be sold on the sole factor of an FDA approval.

“Anti-Aging, Revitalizing, or Age Defying”

We’ve all seen these on the labels of some cream or serum or advertised in a commercial where beautiful models and actresses are displayed in all of their airbrushed and well-lit perfection. “These terms are somewhat misleading in that they give the perception of an unrealistic turning back of the clock,” says Dr. Shah. To many consumers viewing an advertisement, it might seem like buy and using that product will help them look like an ageless actress and that is not accurate.” Aging gracefully and maintaining a more youthful look has a lot to do with nutrition, exercise, genes, consistent skincare, stress levels, and cosmetic procedures when necessary. But according to Shah, people cannot cling onto just one aspect in order to look their best and no one product will reverse the clock.

Medical-Looking Packaging

Be wary of bottles that look like test tubes, labels or packages that include a medical or first aid cross, or feature type that looks like Rx suggesting that it’s a prescription-strength formula even though it’s sold over the counter.

Botanical

Dr. Shah explains that “An actual botanic is technically an ingredient that is derived from a plant. But, again, “botanical” may be used in advertising to refer to something that is synthetic but acts similar to a plant-based ingredient.”

Instant Results

Keep in mind that “instant results” aren’t the same as “long-term results.” Meaning, you may use a product that gives you instant moisture or has a quick-acting firming effect, but those results may fade after a few hours and require reapplication. Dr. Shah’s final advice: “Check a product to make sure it specifies whether its “instant” effects are long-lasting or short term.”  

Firming

What you think it means: Proven to make skin look tauter.

What it really means: Essentially nothing. “There is no objective way to measure firming,” says Dr. Shah “When a brand says their product has been shown to firm your skin, that claim can only be based on very subjective consumer perception.”

Natural

 What you think it means: Make from the earth’s own ingredients with no chemicals

What is really means: “Natural” doesn’t necessarily mean anything about the purity of a product. It’s a term that hasn’t been defined by the FDA. To determine what’s actually in a product, read the ingredients list. How many can you pronounce? If they sound like a list of chemicals, they are. There may be a benefit for some people to avoid parabens, usually absent from “natural” products, if their skin is sensitive.

Gluten-Free

What you think it means: That the product is not made with any gluten.

What it really means: Unlike foods, cosmetics labeled “gluten-free” aren’t regulated by the FDA. Do you need gluten-free beauty products? Maybe, if you’re gluten-sensitive and it’s a lipstick, gloss, or balm, which you could ingest in tiny amounts. Otherwise, it’s not necessary.  

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DON'T DO IT YOURSELF SKINCARE: HOME INGREDIENTS YOU SHOULD NEVER USE ON YOUR FACE

There are 47 million Instagram hashtags for #DIY.  It’s a hot topic for everything from home décor to crafting, and of course beauty. DIY skincare is hyped as a safe and affordable alternative to store-bought products. Just because it can grow in your backyard or exists in your medicine cabinet, doesn't mean it's good for your skin. Looking into cleaner cosmetics isn't a bad idea, but some natural ingredients YouTube and Instagram sensations swear by can cause adverse side effects. Dr. Gretchen Frieling, a board-certified Boston Area Dermatopathologist, warns us about the most touted DIY skincare ingredients and why you should never put them on your face. 

Take these products off of your skincare DIY List  

Toothpaste for acne spots
Treating pimples with toothpaste is backed by many who have extolled its drying properties. While it can dry the pimple out, Dr. Frieling explains, "it can also cause irritation, redness, and even peeling." The trend most likely started because toothpaste contains ingredients such as baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, which are drying. "This is no better than any over-the-counter products," she adds "and may make the problem worse." The chemical and ingredients in toothpaste that fight bacteria are made for your teeth, not your skin!
 
Citric acid (lemons and limes) as toners
You may have seen DIY exfoliators or toners featuring lemon juice as an ingredient -- but you should really avoid putting this on your face. Dr. Frieling shares, "Because of its high acidity, lemon juice can disrupt the natural pH levels of your skin leading to irritation and hyperpigmentation." While this reaction is not the same for everyone else, it's best to stay away from lemon juice, as you the acidity varies for every lemon. 
 
"A small splash of lemon juice on an acne scar or blemish is said to reduce hyperpigmentation and lighten the skin.  But, you may leave your skin with a bigger problem if you go in the sun." Dr. Frieling explains that citric acid in its natural form contains a phototoxic compound called psoralens, which can cause a severe chemical burn when exposed to UV rays. Thankfully, this compound can be extracted from lemon juice through processing, so just because a product contains citric acid doesn't mean you should always avoid it.  
 
Rubbing alcohol to dry acne
At the crux of germ-fighting products, rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol cleans wounds, disinfects, and sanitizes the skin. You think it would be great for your face too, right? Think again! "Repeated exposure to isopropyl alcohol on the face strips the skin of its natural protective barrier, oils, and irritates the skin." shares Dr. Frieling. While rubbing alcohol works great to remove bacteria, it's not always what is causing acne breakouts. "Good acne products treat all aspects of the problem," she adds, not just the surface of the skin. "They should target the inner layers of the skin and protecting it's natural pH levels in ways rubbing alcohol can't," says Dr. Frieling. 
    
Baking soda as an exfoliator
Baking soda is an alkaline, meaning it attempts to neutralize acidity. When it comes to healthy skin, Dr. Frieling says it should have a pH level of around 5.5. "Baking soda (a pH of 9) can alter the outer layer of skin and actually cause it to break down," she adds, "leaving the skin vulnerable to bacteria and worsening the condition." Baking soda, much like salt or sugar, is also used as a physical exfoliator. Although it can be useful in removing dead skin cells, Dr. Frieling does not recommend using baking soda on the face as over-exfoliation causes irritation. 
 
Raw eggs in your face mask
Anyone tell you not to eat raw eggs? Claims of salmonella and stomach issues would persuade you against it, but what about your face?  While egg whites are definitely the cheaper alternative to most serums, Dr. Frieling says it should not go anywhere near your face. "If you have a scratch or unhealed blemish on your face, putting raw egg whites on your face can cause infection, not to mention possible allergic reactions," she explains. "Egg white masks are said to tighten pores and brighten the skin, but any pore-tightening properties just get wiped away when washed off."
 
Coconut oil as a moisturizer or cleanser
It's excellent for food, hair, and even the legs, but coconut oil needs to stay far away from your face. Some claim it does wonders for their skin, making it brighter and smoother, others not so much. "Coconut oil is extremely comedogenic," says Dr. Frieling "it can't be absorbed into the skin, clogging your pores, and causing more breakouts." But what about as a cleanser? "Even after washing off, coconut oil leaves a thin layer of film left behind which can suffocate your pores." adds Dr. Frieling. As an alternative, other plant-based oils like Argan oil are anti-comedogenic are great for removing makeup.

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TOP 5 HORMONAL CHANGES DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY THAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT

One of the woman’s greatest joys and achievements in life is to give birth to a human being. There is no doubt that having a child is a wonderful experience. However, the majority of women didn’t know that pregnancy and giving birth changes you not only emotionally but also physically. Most often, you hear women complain about how they no longer look the same after they gave birth. The majority of the changes that happened during pregnancy are caused by hormones.

How Pregnancy And Childbirth Affects Hormones

Technically, a woman’s body produces a wide range of hormones during pregnancy to maintain it during pregnancy and sustain it during childbirth. The effects of these hormones have an impact on your body and in your everyday activities post-pregnancy. For example, Relaxin is a hormone released by the woman’s placenta, ovaries, and the uterine lining during the entire pregnancy period.

It prevents the contraction of muscles during the first two semesters of pregnancy. Relaxin also prevents premature delivery and ruptures the membranes around the fetus. It also opens and softens the cervix and the vagina and relaxes the ligaments of the pelvis to help during labor.

Prolactin is another hormone that stimulates the production of milk in the body and stays in the body as long as you breastfeed. This hormone could influence your immune system, metabolism, behavior, and fluids regulation. Prolactin is the obvious culprit of the water retention or edema and mood swings very common to women after they give birth.

Another hormone that plays a major role in breastfeeding and labor is Oxytocin. It stimulates the uterine muscle to contract and promotes the movement of milk into the breast. Most recent studies found that Oxytocin is crucial in one’s social behavior. It is responsible for anxiety, sexual arousal, trust, and recognition.

It is more popularly known as the love hormone and is responsible for the mother-infant bond. Most women feel unattractive and felt that childbirth took away their youthful appearance. While it is true that most of the weird changes in the woman’s body disappears after giving birth, some of them linger and are unfortunately for keeps.

Here are some of the things that may never go back to the way they were before pregnancy.

1. Stomach Skin Stretches Out And Becomes Saggy

For several months you carried another life inside your womb and as it grows inside, your skin will naturally stretch to go along with the expanding size. When you have given birth, the skin on the stomach has already stretched out too much that it has a lesser chance to return to its original appearance. It is like a plastic bag filled beyond its capacity that when you took everything out of the bag, it will not return to its original shape.

There is still a chance that your skin could bounce back after a year or two but the odds are against you and you have to fight against gravity and aging. This means to say that saggy skin is a permanent thing that you could not just remove by diet and exercise. So, even if you can remove the weight that you gained due to pregnancy, saggy skin, unfortunately, is not going away.

Most often, saggy skin is developed along with losing weight. Saggy skin is one of the major reasons why the procedure tummy tuck is popular among women who have had kids, says Dr. William Ross of Mommy Makeover.

2. Ptosis or Sagging Breasts

One of the most depressing effects of pregnancy on women is called Ptosis or sagging of the breasts. The problem is, once the breasts droop they will never stand firm again. The drooping is mainly caused by the stretching of the elastin and ligaments that ensure the fatty tissues are in their proper places, according to the 2008 Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

The bright side about this is that once you have had a baby, breastfeeding will not likely worsen breast sagging. The Annals of Plastic Surgery discovered that women who have been pregnant had more sagging breasts compared to those who had not. Breastfeeding, however, does not cause the worsened droopiness of the breasts like smoking status and weight gain do.

3. Stretch Mark On The Breasts And The Mid-Section

Striae, or stretch marks, are formed when the elastic fibers of your skin break. During pregnancy or when you gain weight, your body grows at a pace that your skin could not keep up with, which causes a stretch mark. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that 90 percent of women develop stretch marks starting in the seventh month of their pregnancy.

Just like saggy skin, striae are permanent but there is still a way that it could be removed depending on its location. Dr. William Ross, Mommy Makeover expert from Naples, FL, recommends a breast lift or a tummy tuck could give your body makeover that it deserves. Both of these procedures can also enhance the appearance of stretch marks that could not be removed.

4. Nipples And Areola Become Bigger And Darker

Long with your breast size, the size of your areolae and your nipples naturally increases. These changes in their shapes make it easier for the infant to latch on when they breastfeed. The change in the pigmentation of the nipples and areolas are caused by hormones. These hormones activate the melanocytes or the cells that produce pigment in the skin.

While the dark pigmentation will lighten over time, the size of your areola or nipples will stay the same despite that your breasts have returned to their original size. An areola reduction could be performed if you are too concerned about it.

5. Changes in the Skin

Pregnancy brings all types of skin changes. The linea nigra, for instance, becomes visible. This is the black line or the dark vertical line running over from the belly up to the pubic hair region at the time of pregnancy. Women could also develop melasma or the mask of pregnancy. These are brown blotches that color the face. Moles and freckles could also become darker during pregnancy.

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ARE YOU MAKING THESE COMMON MISTAKES AFTER A BAD SUNBURN?

Unless you have been living under a rock, you know the importance of SPF and re-applying it. There are times when, despite your best efforts, you still manage to get burned. Perhaps you were careless, and after too many margaritas forgot to re-apply your sunblock. Now, you are literally burned by your day of fun in the sun. Before you do anything to put yourself out of your stinging, burning agony, read these tips so you know what NOT to do to soothe a sunburn. Dr. Sheel Desai Solomon is a board- certified Raleigh- Durham North Carolina Dermatologist and founder and owner of Preston Dermatology

Here is her list of things to avoid after a bad sunburn.

Wearing Cologne

Some cologne may contain ingredients that make you more prone to burning. "Oil of bergamot is especially notorious for this," explains Dr. Solomon "and can cause a severe, blistering reaction when it's on your skin and exposed to the sun." It's become rarer in the past few years since many fragrance companies started stripping the ingredient from their products.  Other perfume ingredients and essential oils, like rosemary and lavender oils, can make your skin more sensitive to the rays, too, Dr. Solomon adds. To play it safe, avoid spraying any scents onto your skin before you go outside.

Medications

Taking an anti-inflammatory medication, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help soothe your skin once you're sunburned. However, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, can also leave you more vulnerable to getting burned in the first place.

Dr. Solomon explains, "That's because certain medications contain photosensitizing agents. Those molecules will absorb the sun's UV rays and release them back into your skin, which damages and kills skin cells."

However, NSAIDs aren't the only ones that can raise your risk of getting fried. "There is a whole slew of meds out there that can leave your skin more sensitive to sun's rays," says Dr. Solomon "meaning you need to take extra precautions before spending time outdoors." Common ones include topical acne medications like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, antihistamines, and antibiotics. Even OTC supplements like St. John's Wort can make you burn more easily. Avoiding direct sunlight after applying or taking these medications is your best bet, but if you need to head outside, Dr. Solomon suggests protecting your skin with SPF 30 sunscreen and covering up with long sleeves, hats. 

Taking Hot Showers

When your skin gets a little too toasted, you may notice that it tends to feel dry as it heals. Even if you're not in physical pain, taking hot showers can strip your skin of essential oils, which can dry it out even further and make it more sensitive, explains Dr. Solomon.

 "This may lead to blistering and possibly prolong the healing process." On top of that, hot water isn't going to feel great, even on a mild sunburn that didn't feel too bad to begin with. While cold showers typically feel uncomfortable, sticking to lukewarm or cool showers when you're burned will ease discomfort. The temperature should be no warmer than what you would expect from a heated pool, which is around 84 degrees. 

Wearing Tight Clothing

Wearing tight clothing over sunburnt skin is not advised, because inflammation is setting in. "Your body is trying to respond to the trauma by increasing blood flow to the area to help with healing. This results in redness, warmth, and inflammation to the area," says Dr. Solomon.  Wearing tight clothes could amplify the response, which could lead to more intense swelling and blisters. Alternatively, you can avoid sunburns altogether and use the best sunscreen for your skin type.

Don't Use Scented Aloe

Aloe has anti-inflammatory properties and is suitable for your skin after you get a sunburn. However, using a scented aloe can irritate the skin even more. Dr. Solomon suggests using a fragrance-free aloe or using aloe directly from an aloe plant. However, the most beneficial treatment of all is to avoid sunburn in the first place.

Don't Cover that Burn With Makeup

Even though your sunburn might look bad, avoid covering it up with makeup. "The only way the burn will heal is if you let your skin breathe," says Dr. Solomon. "Introducing various makeups through dirty sponges or brushes will only increase your risk for infection or allergic reaction, which will ultimately make it all worse."

Don't Pop Your Blisters

Similar to not peeling your skin, you should never pop blisters. "That extra bubble of skin serves a fundamental purpose in protecting the wound," says Dr. Solomon. "If a blister hurts severely, apply a cream-based unscented aloe vera."

Not Drinking Enough Water

Sunburns dehydrate you from the inside out, so you really should be drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day to rejuvenate the skin.  

Exfoliating

While scrubbing dead skin off your body helps to you then the skin, it's one of the worst things you can do on a sunburn. When your skin is burnt from the sun, exfoliating only exposes the damaged layer of skin, even more, causing pain and further irritation, explains Dr. Solomon. Instead, use a gentle moisturizer or mask to treat damaged skin.

Don't Use Coconut Oil or Butter

You may have heard before that lathering butter or coconut oil will soothe your burn, but it's a myth. The skin is hot and needs to cool down, applying a fat-based product onto your skin will not only clog the pores and stop the healing process, but it might also aggravate inflammation. "Coconut oil and butter are great for moisturizing the skin in other instances," says. Dr. Solomon, "but when it comes to a burn, you should wait until the skin cools to use it."

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DERMATOLOGIST EXPLAINS WHY YOUR SKIN FREAKS DURING PREGNANCY

Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life. While some women are “unicorns” and experience the best complexion and hair of their lives, others feel as if their skin has been “hijacked” and that virtually every day brings something foreign or unknown emerging on their face or body. Dr. Sheel Solomon is a Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Board- Certified Dermatologist. She is a mother to two young children and understands first-hand what a woman’s skin and hair go through during pregnancy. Here she shares common concerns and what a woman can do postpartum to regain skin and hair status quo.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks happen when your body grows faster than your skin can keep up with. This causes the elastic fibers just under the surface of the skin to break, resulting in stretch marks. Growing that fast can leave you with stretch marks, especially on your belly and breasts, two areas that grow the most. Stretch marks can also show up on the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. The marks often start out reddish or purple, but after pregnancy, they gradually fade to white or gray. “Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent stretch marks. There’s not a cream, lotion, or “mommy” potion that can do that. If that’s the claim on the bottle, don’t be duped,” says Dr. Solomon.

"The Glow"

It isn’t an urban legend. It's real and it's awesome. “Because of increased blood flow and expanded capillaries, at some point in your pregnancy, your skin will effortlessly start to beam. People will likely notice that something is just different about you, and your skin will probably never experience so many compliments again, says Dr. Solomon.

In addition to added blood circulation, pregnancy hormones cause your skin to naturally retain more moisture, thus giving you your radiance. This is one of those side effects that we wish would stick around, but it's likely that it will eventually fade as your hormones level out. It's always a good idea to keep your skin hydrated with a rich lotion or cream, Dr. Solomon says, especially if it makes your skin feel better, look smoother and more toned, and helps the itchiness that can come with your growing belly.

Skin tags

These small, loose, harmless growths of the skin can appear anywhere on your body during pregnancy, but most commonly pop up under the arms and breasts. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to prevent them, but they can easily be removed after pregnancy if you want.

Varicose and spider veins

Varicose veins are those blue or purple veins that usually, show up on the legs, and spider veins are the tiny red veins that may appear on your face when you're pregnant. The good news: Both usually clear up after your baby is born. In the event that they don’t, Dr. Solomon explains that Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution directly into the vein that causes them to shrink.

Acne

Zits aren't just for teenagers: Many moms-to-be also get acne throughout their pregnancy, even if they've never had it before. Dr. Solomon explains that “Two things conspire to cause breakouts, which tend to hit sometime around week 6 of pregnancy: hormone surges, of course (in this case, progesterone, which causes your glands to increase acne-causing secretions of oil, called sebum) can clog up pores and cause bacteria to build up, leading to breakouts. And your body is also retaining more fluids, which contain toxins that can lead to **acne.”

Cholestasis of pregnancy

Dr. Solomon cautions that “There are times you shouldn’t ignore itchy skin. Cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver disease that results from high amounts of pregnancy hormones affecting the normal flow of bile in the gallbladder. This condition occurs in the third trimester and can cause severe itching over the whole body. It’s often worse on the palms and soles of the feet and causes patients to feel miserable and be unable to sleep. Cholestasis of pregnancy also may be accompanied by jaundice (a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes).”

A simple blood test can verify if you have cholestasis of pregnancy, and oral medication may treat it. Delivery also cures it, so OB-GYNS may induce labor when you are closer to your due date.

Melasma and linea nigra

If you develop dark splotches on your face, you could have melasma or the mask of pregnancy. This skin condition affects up to half of pregnant women and is also responsible for linea nigra, a dark line that runs down the belly.

Hair and nail changes

You may notice that your hair suddenly seems thicker and fuller or that your nails grow faster during pregnancy. These changes are due to pregnancy hormones. Unfortunately, you may also find that hair starts to grow where you'd prefer it didn't, including on your face, chest, and belly.

Quick Tips for Post Pregnancy Skin

Hydrate with water

Do yoga and practice relaxation techniques 

Use an oil free moisturizer to avoid acne

Avoid direct exposure to the sun to control pigmentation and wear a good broad-spectrum high SPF sunscreen 

Use a good under eye cream for puffy eyes and dark circles

Exfoliate your body all over with a gentle exfoliator stimulate circulation

Don’t stop taking your prenatal vitamins. They also are beneficial to the health of your skin, hair, and nails, as they provide iron and calcium.

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THINGS THAT AGE YOUR SKIN

PHOTO COURTESY | Mike Fox

Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that smoking, not wearing sunscreen and going to bed with your makeup on hardly produces the coveted look of Instagram’s “glass skin.”  Aside from these three ‘skin sins’ there are many others that are not so obvious. We turned to Denver Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Manish Shah who is a big believer in pre-juvenation and a holistic approach to youth.   

Inconsistent Dieting

“Many people think caring for your skin is skin-deep,” quips Dr. Shah. “It is not.“ Inconsistent or inadequate nutrition that has your body mass and weight moving in a yo-yo motion up and down the scale can contribute to ruined elasticity and reduced collagen in the skin. This is part of the reason why specialists will recommend a two-pound maximum weight loss goal per week because your skin needs time to adapt to the loss of mass. Dr. Shah explains that the skin needs to be nourished from the inside as well and many of the trend diets like keto and paleo focus on one group of food and though it can help keep a caloric deficit, it can also create a deficit of the necessary vitamins and minerals you need to keep your skin looking healthy.

Drinking Too Much Coffee

“Excessive amounts of caffeine can increase the levels of insulin and cortisol in the system,” explains Dr. Shah.  Insulin increases inflammation and cortisol is known as the stress hormone. This combination could mix up your sleeping habits and contribute to continued stress which can lead to sleep deprivation. “Sleep deprivation prevents that regenerative rest our skin and mind need to stay healthy.”

Neglecting the Skin Around Your Eyes

"The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and has very few oil glands," says Dr. Shah. Pamper your eyes and stave off signs of aging by choosing a daily eye cream that includes peptides. Dr. Shah explains, “They work to stimulate collagen production and prevent fine lines. Be sure to check the label.” Other notable ingredients that reduce puffiness, lines, wrinkles, and under eye circles are caffeine and nicotinic acid (a form of the B vitamin niacin).

Expecting Instant Results from Beauty Treatments

Most of us are guilty of trying a face cream or anti-aging treatment once or twice and then giving up on it before it has had a chance to work. A majority of anti-aging treatments take up to a month to begin showing positive effects. Dr. Shah explains, “This is due to the cycle of your skin, which undergoes a period of cellular structure renewal over a span of 30 days. In our instant gratification mode, we often toss a product before giving it time to work.”

Taking Medications With Side-Effects on the Skin

Certain medications like corticosteroids for asthma and arthritis cause the skin to thin and weakens blood vessels. Medicine to treat seizures can cause heightened sensitivity to sun damage in the skin which is a common perpetrator in premature aging. Blood pressure medications that block calcium channels have been studied in relation to their inhibition of collagen production by obstructing the absorption of vitamin C by the cells. Vitamin C is an important part of collagen production.  “If these medications are being prescribed to you by your physician then the benefits outweigh their effect on collagen production. There is no need to stress over this, as long as you take care of your skin in other ways you should be fine,” explains Dr. Shah.

Consuming Excessive Amounts of Salt

“By all measures, an excess of salt in your diet is detrimental to your kidneys, your cardiovascular health and, yes, your skin,” says Dr. Shah. Salt absorbs moisture and it can aid in making your skin look dry and less vibrant. Reducing your sodium intake and sticking to a moisturizing routine should help your skin stay healthy and smooth.

Facial Expressions

Every time you move that beautiful face, your skin wrinkles a little bit. Most of the time your face bounces back and those little wrinkles disappear once new skin cells grow.

Soap

While you may think that soap is your skin’s best friend, this is actually not the case. The reason for this is that your skin has an acid mantle which is a natural protective barrier of the skin. When you wash with soap – which is generally alkaline – it can remove this protective layer of oils and dry out the skin, eventually leading to wrinkles. Dr. Shah says that “While it is not advisable to stop washing entirely, try swapping the soap for a PH-neutral and chemical-free cleanser, and bear in mind that there is such a thing as over-cleansing your skin.”

Tugging on Your Skin While Applying or Removing Makeup

To minimize the damage to the skin around your eyes, follow these quick tips from Dr. Shah:

Use your ring finger to pat on products around your eyes, including serums, oils, moisturizers, and concealers. Your ring finger is the least likely to pull or tug at your skin.

Apply eyeliner and eyeshadow by gently closing your eyelids, rather than by pulling them taut. If you’re struggling to apply without pulling, consider investing in products that are made to apply smoothly, like cream or gel formulas.

Have patience when removing makeup from the eye area. Use cotton or another soft product, coated well with your favorite makeup removing solution. Hold the cotton over your closed eye without wiping, allowing the product to break down the makeup. After a minute or so, wipe gently to remove the makeup.

Picking Your Skin

You're not a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician. You should not be picking at your pimples, ingrown hairs, or anywhere else on your face. It's one of the biggest assaults against your skin and can have permanent effects. "The more people press and manipulate blemishes, the more inflammation they create underneath," explains Dr. Shah. "The result is scars, pockmarks, and discoloration that can become permanent.”

Licking Your Lips Constantly

There's a myth out there that claims people can get addicted to lip balm. "These people just have dry skin and miss the feeling of the balm when it's gone," says Dr. Shah. Lip licking can become a bad habit. But when you moisten your lips that way, you actually wind up making things worse. The water in your saliva evaporates, leaving lips dry and cracked. "Saliva can contain bacteria and irritants, so you can end up with a rash around the lips as well," says Dr. Shah. Try a lip balm such as Burt's Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm, Original Beeswax with Vitamin E & Peppermint Oil.

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LOOK YOUNGER AS YOU AGE WITHOUT THOSE GRAY HAIRS

Looking young and amazing is still achievable even after the 60th birthday. This is, however heavily dependent on how best you take care of your body. Keeping your wardrobe up to date with the current fashion trends will be the first step to looking younger. Aging will also be taken care of and inhibited when the best anti-aging products are used. This will leave you looking fabulous and adorable regardless of your age.

One of the most upsetting signs of aging is gray hair. Every time you face the mirror, this will be a constant reminder of your age. Many women have been known to lose their confidence and their great looks when grey hair sets in. This is especially disappointing to career women whose career progression is determined by their looks. Sales personnel and real estate agents are just but a few who can't stand gray hair.

How then do you look young as you age? This article will highlight several tips that will make you look younger, regardless of your age. These tips will be essential, especially to women developing gray hair.

Change your hair color

Changing your hair color will make you look youthful. The color will help you cover up any gray hair, thus sustaining that desired look. The color chosen should, however, complements your skin tone. For dark colored hair, a light color will be appropriate. Dark hair casts dark shadows on your face that highlight facial wrinkles. Lightening up this hair will effectively hide these flaws. This will give your face a healthy glow and sufficiently mask your gray hair. Light colors, on the other hand, may promote aging. These should be avoided totally as they may worsen your hair condition.

Change your haircut

A bad haircut promotes aging by as much as 10 years. Choosing the wrong hair cut will make you look 50 even if you're in your mid-thirties. Changing your haircut to a new anti-aging hairstyle will shave some years off your looks. Shortening your hair is especially recommended as long hair draws a lot of attention to your face. Keeping it short will, therefore, make you look younger and full of life. When a suitable anti-aging haircut is chosen, your age will easily be forgotten. This is vital in ensuring that you look and feel great about yourself and your age.

Invoke gray hair reversal techniques

Gray hair is inevitable as one gets old. But some women will show signs of gray hair at a very tender age. Holly Moore from SVHairRegeneres.com says that many women start getting gray hair in their thirties. This is often promoted by certain nutritional deficiencies in the body. When these occurrences happen, several gray hair reversal techniques can be used. These techniques are tested and proven to renew your hair by significantly reversing graying. Some of these techniques include the application of hair renewal gels and dietary changes. Applying soft gels to your hair on a regular basis will reverse premature hair graying. Introduction to nutritional supplements will also inhibit this process, thus delaying premature graying of your hair.

Focus on the condition of your hair

Soft hair tends to be coarse as one gets old. Changing your hair color will mask gray hair, but it will still remain coarse. Coarse hair is easily noticeable as it will appear thin and curly. This makes you look aged especially if your hair is thick and straight. Various hair care products will come in handy softening coarse hair. Anti-aging hair care products will ensure thick and robust hair growth. Regular use of these products will counter the effects of aging and you will end up looking as youthful as you desire.

Protect your face

Focusing all your attention on your hair and none to your face is unwise. Old skins may have several blemishes and wrinkles. As these skins do not produce extra shine, it is vital that they are brightened. One of the best ways to protect your skin is to keep it hydrated. When dull and blotchy skin is well hydrated, blemishes and wrinkles are less visible. This makes your skin soft and gentle. Protecting your skin against sun damage is also vital. Harmful UV rays will not only damage the skin, but also promote hair shedding. Applying sunscreen on a regular basis will, therefore, leave you looking way younger than you are.

The above tips will hinder gray hair from making you look older. These will help you maintain your beauty, something that you will always be proud of. Applying these tips will guarantee a younger look even as you get old.

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6 BENEFITS OF SNAIL SLIME FOR YOUR SKIN | EXPERT DERMATOLOGIST EXPLAINS WHY SNAIL MUCIN IS A MUST FOR ANTI-AGING

Snail slime, otherwise known as snail secretion filtrate (SSF) or snail mucin is naturally created by snails to protect, renew and restore themselves. It has become a popular ingredient in skincare offering great results when used on human skin.

Dr. Andrea Godoy is a Brazilian Dermatologist for former Victoria’s Secret bombshells Alessandra Ambrosio and Ana Beatriz Barros, and Lead Advisor for Brazilian Skin. Their skincare products include snail mucin, among other key ingredients. SSF has six main benefits for the skin and is a powerful anti-aging property, especially at clinical levels.  Brazilian Skin extracts the SSF without causing any harm to the mollusk.   

1. It optimizes overall skin health.

Packed with zinc, iron, manganese and copper peptides, plus incredibly high quantities of vitamins A and E, snail mucin helps to restore skin and heal it quickly.

Dr. Godoy explains that, “The beneficial ingredients within SSF are plentiful, they include: Allantoin which stimulates skin and regeneration healing, anti-irritation and smoothing actions, proteins which aid in skin nutrition and improving skin texture and luminosity. Snail mucin seals in moisture and allows active ingredients to penetrate the skin. It prevents dryness and makes the skin look dewy, with fewer allergenic ingredients.”

2. It’s a potent way to hydrate skin.

When we consider that 98% of SSF is comprised of water, it is excellent for dry skin which often has wrinkles and fine lines due to dryness.

3. Research shows it has anti-aging potential.

Beyond sealing in moisture, and helping skin to heal, new research has shown SSF may have anti-aging potential, too.

How do skin care companies like Brazilian Skin get the snail mucin from the snail into their products?  Dr. Godoy states, “When snails are put under mild stress conditions, they excrete a thick fluid as a means to protect themselves.” When concentrated, this snail mucin aids human skin by hydrating, preventing aging and improving wrinkles and scars. 

4. It’s a protection powerhouse.

When looking at ways to protect skin from premature aging, UV rays, pollution, dryness, it’s the copper and antimicrobial peptides along with hyaluronic acid, proteoglycans, and glycoprotein that makes snail mucin such a powerful skin shield.

When you use a serum that includes clinical levels of skin mucin, you’re going to see a difference in the overall appearance of your skin within a few days.

5. It fades scarring and stretch marks.

“There are two key components to snail filtrate that boost tissue repair and promote rapid cell renewal. First are fibrinolytic enzymes which can be thought of as cellular nourishment for the skin. The other is glycolic acid which serves as a natural exfoliant which handles the scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. When you look at these two components plus everything else found in snail filtrate, it’s obvious that it is a powerful ingredient,” Dr. Godoy illustrated.

6. It kills bacteria and blasts acne.

The little snail that could continues to amaze with the ability to kill bacteria that live on the skin’s surface causing acne. “Snail mucin is full of natural antibiotics so when using products with high concentrations of it, skin clears and remains clear with consistent use,” says Dr. Godoy.

With this abundance of naturally occurring benefits for a variety of skincare issues, it’s a no-brainer why snail mucin is more commonly featured as an ingredient in skincare products lately.

What does the research show?

In Brazilian Skin’s research on the benefits, results from a small study with varied ages, both men and women had skin moisturization increase 30-40% after using protelixan and skin elasticity increased by 17%.

While there is limited research on the anti-aging properties of snail mucin, Dr. Godoy believes the addition of SSF in Brazilian Skin products contribute to the drastically amazing results their skincare line achieves, specifically in regard to anti-aging. Along with Dr. Godoy, Wilson Chueire, Founder of Brazilian Skin, also believes this and affirms their Bratoxin formula, which features SSF, increases skin moisture by 54% over 24 hrs.

Product information:

Currently, Brazilian Skin’s regimen comes in the form of a Facelift Kit ($229.00) with three serums: the Age Reversing Bratoxin ® which is the daytime serum, the Triple Cell Complex Acai mask which delivers the best results when worn overnight, and Bratoxinsta ® a more direct wrinkle treatment serum that when applied to deeper wrinkles, radically reduces their appearance within 60 seconds.

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DOES YOUR SKIN HAVE A HOLIDAY HANGOVER? WHAT TO DO WHEN LIBATIONS TAKE A TOLL ON YOUR SKIN

It’s holiday time again. Although Thanksgiving has passed, the “booziest” holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s are yet to come.

This post-Thanksgiving period between now and the New Year are when even average people tend to binge drink. What many people don’t realize is that drinking alcohol in excess can have a negative impact on your appearance. Alcohol dehydrates your body including the skin- your body’s largest organ. This happens every time you drink. Extra cocktails can be adding years to your face in the form of wrinkles, poor texture and lack of radiance.

Dr. Stanley Poulos a board-certified San Francisco area plastic surgeon explains that, “frequent alcohol consumption is also thought to deprive the skin of vital vitamins and nutrients. Over time, drinking heavily can have other, more permanent, detrimental effects on your skin. Rosacea, a skin disorder that starts with a tendency to blush and flush easily and can eventually lead to facial disfigurement, is linked to alcohol. Since alcohol increases your blood flow, it often causes blood vessels in your face to dilate (sometimes permanently) and often burst, leaving behind broken capillaries and red spots that are difficult to get rid of,” offers Dr. Poulos.

Here’s a look at what alcohol can do to wreak havoc on your appearance.

Brittle hair.

What's worse, drinking too much doesn't only affect the appearance of your skin; it will dehydrate your hair, making it more prone to breaking and split ends. Weak, brittle hair in addition to premature wrinkling, can easily add 10 years to someone’s appearance.

Dark circles, bloodshot eyes and even blindness.

In much the same way that alcohol causes broken capillaries on your face, it irritates and enlarges the tiny blood vessels on the surface of your eye (the sclera) causing a "bloodshot" appearance. If vanity doesn’t get your attention, how about blindness? “Because excessive drinking robs the body of some nutrients required to maintain eye health, it can lead to a condition called alcoholic optic neuritis, which impairs eyesight and, over time, can result in blindness,” cautions Dr. Poulos.

Some tips to avoid a “skin hangover” include…

1. Stay hydrated.

Aside from giving up booze altogether, Dr. Poulos says it is possible to minimize the unwanted effects of alcohol by constantly staying hydrated. “That means drinking a full glass of water for every cocktail you have. Drink even more water before you go to bed to flush the alcohol out of your system, so you wake up less dehydrated, puffy and flushed,” he advises.

2. Take care of your skin before bed.

Taking care of your skin before hitting the sack is also crucial. Dr. Poulos advises fully washing your face and then applying a moisturizer, like a hydrating serum before getting into bed. “Sleeping with dirty skin makes it prone to clogged pores and acne.”

3. Prop pillows and use tea.

One of the best ways to minimize the eye and face puffiness is to sleep on two pillows, slightly propped up. In the morning, rubbing ice cubes all over your face helps, too. “One of the best ways to deflate eye puffiness and reduce the redness is to place cold tea bags over the eyes. The tannins in the tea help constrict blood vessels,” adds Dr. Poulos.

4. Cover up what you can’t cure.

To camouflage the redness in the face, use a green-tinted primer before applying makeup, which should help neutralize any redness. If you must use foundation, look for a lightweight, moisturizing formula.  Avoid powders, as they are often more drying. 

5. Consider lasers.

When at-home remedies aren’t making much of a difference. There are pricier measures you can take to minimize the effects of alcohol. “Certain laser treatments can reduce redness and spider veins on the face. It’s important to see someone who is well trained to administer the laser treatment,” suggests Dr. Poulos.

6. Choose your booze wisely.

If you are going to consume alcohol know that different alcohols have different effects on the skin, but as a general rule, the clearer, the better. Vodka, gin, and tequila leave your system quicker. “If you’re going to drink anything, drink vodka that doesn’t have a grain in it, like potato vodka. It’s a lot clearer and smoother, so it gets in and out of your body quickly,” says Dr. Poulos. Most physicians agree that although everyone metabolizes alcohol differently, if you can remember to drink in moderation and stay hydrated, you can save your skin.

7. Reach for Caffeine

Grab an extra-large coffee, then give your skin a little caffeine boost, too. Caffeine helps constrict blood vessels and is a good option after a night of drinking, since alcohol dilates blood vessels. "This can make the area around your eyes look puffy and bloated," explains Dr. Poulos, who recommends keeping an eye cream with caffeine handy.

8. Go for Yogurt

Dr. Poulos advises slathering it on as a face mask and to make sure it’s plain yogurt.  Because it's anti-inflammatory, it will help soothe redness, another side effect of drinking too much, especially for those who have rosacea, he notes. Leave it on for five to ten minutes before rinsing.

9. Put Your Face on the Rocks.

“Take the ice cubes out of the freezer, put them in a hand towel and rub them over your face,’ says Dr. Poulos.  He suggests doing this to minimize puffiness and swelling. Use cold teaspoons to de-puff around the eye area.

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SLUMBER BEAUTY

Read more the from March Issue and see Slumber Beauty in mag.

GET READY, NYFW PREP

Next month, Fashion Month begins right here in NYC and continues to roll on to global destinations that showcase SS17 within a number of locations. Whether you're a model hitting the runway, sitting front row, part of the creative team, or enjoying online - it's essential to be skin and health ready! Dermatologist Dr Dendy Engelman and Nutritionist Brooke Alpert share how you can be ready for fashion's biggest season.

BePrepared

Fashion Week is all about preparation. Brooke recommends a hearty breakfast to kick-start the day and stave off temptation mid-day to reach for unhealthy snacks. Try oatmeal to maintain blood sugar levels and feel satisfied all morning, and fruit to fight fatigue and stress.  Don’t forget to pack snacks for in between shows! Brooke is partial to almonds, dried fruit, jerky and squeeze pouches. “The almonds and jerky have protein to help satisfy, and the fruit and squeeze pouches will keep your energy levels up while running from show to show.”

Dr. Dendy wants your skin to glow and withstand the stress Fashion Week Brings.  Her first secret: the Oxylight facial. “What’s nice about a facial is that it is customizable to treat many skin concerns,” says Dr. Engelman.  Oxylight facial is a comprehensive skin rejuvenation treatment using light therapy for anti-aging and discoloration, increases collagen production and firming with galvanic currents, oxygenates the skin while destroying harmful bacteria as a side benefit for active skin. “I also like to have my clients use a brightening mask or a sleeping mask the night to maximize absorption before each day so the skin as further insurance for a camera ready appearance.” Dendy recommends DERM iNSTITUTE’s Cellular Brightening Bio-Crystal Mask - 4 packs or Nerium International AD Night Cream.

DERM INSTITUTE

NERIUM INTERNATIONAL

Stay on your Game

When travelling all day, you are at the mercy of what your hectic schedule brings. Brooke always carries a water bottle to remind her to stay hydrated throughout the day. "Water is essential for feeling your best and keeping headaches away.”  “I like to add a scoop of Reserveage Collagen Replenish Powder for an extra beauty boost. It’s tasteless and odorless, you don’t even realize it’s in there,” says Alpert. “Collagen is a good source of protein to keep hunger at bay too.”  

We don’t realize all the germs and bacteria that get on our skin and face. When opening doors, touching invitations, even using our computers—we transfer germs to our face. This can cause breakouts and irritations. “I love cleansing and hydrating mists that can be easily sprayed to refresh throughout the day—even over makeup,” says Dr. Dendy. (LUMIONskin Oxygen Mist Plus HOCL) “And of course, using protective sunscreen!” (Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart SPF 50).

LUMIONSKIN

ELIZABETH ARDEN

-- Psst. Don’t forget your charger—you know your snapchat will kill your battery life—and a good playlist for between shows or while you are perusing online.

You survived Fashion Week, now what?

Time to put all those makeup and fashion trends to the test and hit the streets. Staying healthy can be hard when you’re dining and cocktailing, debuting the newest trends. Brooke likes her clients to do regular weigh-ins. “This will prevent over indulging and bring mind-body awareness.” When out, take a quick run-through of what is offered. “Pick what actually looks good and worth eating, planning will help with any regretful bites.”

All the new makeup trends can be fun to try, but make sure you are using products that are nontoxic. “I look for products free of parabens, fragrance, gluten, mineral oil and talc,” says Dr. Dendy. These products are safe for even the most sensitive skin. So whether you are covering dark circles (Nerium International Age-Defying Serum) from a late night or testing out the newest runway look, you are protecting your face while looking fabulous. Brands like Cover FX don’t have harmful ingredients and are safe for all skin types.

NERIUM INTERNATIONAL

COVER FX

Read more from the Aug Issue.