Staying Hydrated All Day

Many use moisturizers, toners and cleansers that are specifically for dry or dehydrated skin in the hope that they will maintain a hydrated look all day. But what happens when you use all these products and you still have that dull look, even after you’ve applied your makeup for the day? Is it still possible to hydrate after makeup application?

Yes. Most likely, you’re not using a moisturizer that is suited for your skin. First consider a different moisturizer that will help you stay hydrated. If you’re looking for a simple hydration spritz that will give your skin a boost, try these products:

Colorescience Face Freshener - Incredible Romantic –- its therapeutic spritz hydrates and actually revitalizes the color of your mineral makeup after it’s been applied.

La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water –- filled with mineral salts and trace minerals that will help hydrate dry skin, and will also act as an anti-aging product.

Both of these products are great for applying after mineral makeup application, but can also be applied before or to bare skin.

Preparing for Self Tanners

Self tanners are the big buzz right now. Everybody wants that bronzed look, and they want it as quickly as they can get it. Self tanners are a great way to get the look you want without causing the damage that the sun (and even tanning beds) can do. So how do you prepare your skin for self tanners?

First you want to exfoliate your entire body, concentrating on the areas of they body that are normally more dry. Try L’Occitane Exfoliating and Defining Delicious Paste. Use it in the shower and rinse it off. Follow with a good body moisturizer like Phytomer HydraContinue Moisturizing Body Milk. Be sure to apply it all over, especially on the dry areas of the body, such as the elbows and knees.

Wait 10-15 before applying your self tanner to that your body moisturizer has enough time to fully penetrate the skin. Self tanners that I like are ProCyte Ti-Tan Foaming Self Tanner or Phytomer’s BronzPerfect.

The Effects of Sugar on the Skin

We've all heard the old wives tale that eating too much sugar will make your skin break out. While there is no proof that eating sweets will directly result in your skin breaking out, there is research that shows that eating foods high in sodium and sugars can indirectly affect your skin. If you aren't eating right or drinking enough water, it will show on your skin. I’ve mentioned before that staying fit, eating healthy, and keeping your water intake at a good level will help to keep your skin healthy. It is also very important to take supplements.

I recommend Jan Marini Skin Research C Estamins Nutritional Skin Care Supplements. These are beneficial in helping improve the appearance of aging and sun-damaged skin. They help maintain the overall appearance of the skin as well.

I also like Murad Pure Skin Clarifying Supplements, which are helpful with skin breakouts and congestion.

Remember - eating right is not only the key to a healthy body, but healthy skin as well. But eating some sweets every now and then won't kill you.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a newer technique in the skin care industry. It was first introduced to the scene in Italy 15 years ago, and then to the U.S. It is a mechanical form of exfoliation, which means machines. I’ve personally tried a couple different microdermabrasion machines that used suction pressure along with either crystals, such as aluminum oxide crystals, or diamonds tipped in stainless steel.

Microdermabrasion is a fairly aggressive treatment that helps improve skin color and texture, small acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles and also somewhat helps to minimize the appearance of your pores.

It’s a non-surgical treatment performed by a doctor, nurse or esthetician. You can expect some redness and swelling afterwards, possibly some peeling and a bit of a sore feeling. The cost of each treatment usually depends on the area you live in and whether you see an esthetician or a doctor.

Based on the popularity of microdermabrasion, there are now products on the market trying to duplicate the treatment. Realistically, these products don’t compare to actually having a treatment professionally done, but that’s not to say they don’t offer nice results.

Try using Dr. Brandt’s Microdermabrasion in a Jar. It received Allure’s Editor’s Choice Award for excellence in skin care.

Hormonal Acne

Most women have the same problem every month: breakouts occurring either before, during or after their period. Some men even experience hormonal acne (yes, men have "cycles"!). Normally, these breakouts flare up around the mouth and chin area, but for some, they will show up all over the face, even the back and chest.

It’s best not to let your hormonal breakouts go unattended to. Unlike teenage acne, hormonal acne usually doesn’t subside with age. In many cases, I’ve actually seen the case worsen. Aside from consulting with your dermatologist about contraceptive options, these are some products I recommend:

SkinMedica Acne Treatment Toner has a 2% salicylic acid and tea tree oil, both of which fight the acne bacteria.

PCA Clearskin pHaze 18 controls bacteria, reduces inflammation and fights against free radical damage and is great for all skin types.

As far as treatments, I’ve heard only good things about the blue and red light therapies. They work well for minimal to moderate acne. Check out the American Academy of Dermatology for more information.

Eye Cream for Very Dry Skin

A co-worker of mine recently asked me to recommend an eye cream for her. She has an oily T-Zone, yet is extremely dry around her eye area and cheek bones. She has tried many different eye creams and so far, nothing has done the trick.

Some tips in case you might be having the same issues: Make sure you’re hydrating yourself by drinking plenty of water. Watch how much caffeine you take in everyday, as this dehydrates you. Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages also take a toll on your skin, not only dehydrating you but also accelerating the effects of the body’s aging process.

A booster or a serum geared specifically for dry or dehydrated skin will increase the moisture benefits of your eye cream. Serums have a smaller molecular size than other skin products, so they can penetrate deeper into the skin. Try SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel along with their Eye Balm Triple Age Defense or BioMedic Hydrating Serum.

Don’t forget to incorporate a moisturizing mask 1-2 times a week. You can even put a serum or a booster underneath your mask. The mask will enhance the effects of your serum, leaving you more moisturized.

Also, to keep your T-Zone in balance, I suggest trying Babor's Perfect Combination T-Zone Control. It helps regulate oil production and shrinks enlarged pores.

Treatment Masks

Masks are an important product that many people leave out of their skin regimen. Masks are normally a quick 5-15 minute treatment done once or twice a week. Masks have many different functions, such as drawing out impurities from the skin, absorbing excess sebum, hydrating, soothing, stimulating, tightening, firming or nourishing the skin – and that’s just a partial list of advantages. With all the benefits of using a mask, I don’t understand why more people don’t use them. No matter what your skin concern, there’s a mask for you.

I suggest using a mask at night rather than the morning, because you have more time to pamper yourself. Don’t feel you have time to pamper? You can try multitasking – use a mask while you’re busy doing something you feel is more important.

A few masks I suggest:

Skin Medica Purifying Mask uses natural ingredients to relieve irritation and treat acne.

If you want instant hydration, try MD Skincare Intense Hydra Mask. It gives your skin a more youthful, plumped look.

I also like Jan Marini Factor A Plus Mask, which works well to even out skin discoloration, helps with acne and smoothes fine lines and wrinkles.