Dandruff.

Dandruff is an issue that affects the scalp, generally after the scalp has been washed or treated. Dandruff is characterized by itchiness, shedding and flaking. Not only is dandruff a bothersome skin condition, it is also irritating to the extent of affecting a person's self confidence. Although dandruff generally affects the scalp, it can be found on the nose and chest area in more serious cases. In these cases, dandruff should be treated by a dermatologist. Although dandruff is an issue that is non-curable, it can be treated and kept under control with minimal effort.

Your scalp should be treated with products made specifically for dandruff; products containing tar have become very popular in the treatment of dandruff. I suggest trying DHS TAR GEL Shampoo. Containing 2.9% of Solubilized Coal Tar Extract, it works particularly well for dandruff. Also doing a pre-treatment before shampooing the hair is also especially helpful. I recommend Summers Laboratories Tarsum Shampoo/Gel. You actually apply it before your shower and then rinse it off during bathing.

Dandruff, although irritating and frustrating, can be treated with the products mentioned. A regimen like this will keep the dandruff under control and help your self confidence in the long run.

The importance of skin care at night

Skin care is important and should be considered essential to incorporate into your daily routine. However, I have many clients tell me that they are only caring for their skin in the morning. Whether it is the habit or convenience of doing your step by step routine in the morning, you should remember that skin care is actually more beneficial to do at night.

Why? While you sleep at night, your skin isn’t resting: it’s rejuvenating, which allows better performance and penetration of your skin care products. Studies have actually shown that your skin accepts ingredients and products better while you sleep and it goes through its rejuvenation process.

What kind of skin care regimen is good for use at night? I suggest a more extended regimen at night, as one usually has more time to devote than in the morning. Naturally, you will want to do your normal cleansing process, cleansing thoroughly twice, followed by your treatment products, such as Phytomer Ogenage Smoothing Age Defense Serum. Follow with your eye cream – I like SkinMedica TNS Illuminating Eye Cream. Next you will want to apply a nightly moisturizer, like Kinerase Cream, which suits most skin types.

Keep in mind that this is a basic night regimen; you can always add another step or two to your regimen to achieve the maximum results of your products while you sleep. This regimen is not going to be suitable for all skin types. Find what works for your skin and include it in your night regimen. Remember, too, that it is still very important to utilize your products during the day as well, most importantly your sunscreen.

Rosacea -- Causes and Cures

Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by facial flushing, persistent redness and dilated capillaries that affects a large percentage of people. Although rosacea is a very common skin disorder, it is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Surprisingly enough, the actual cause of rosacea is unknown, and there are many speculations as to what causes rosacea. Some propose it is a reaction to the Demodex Mite; others believe it is caused by damage done to the blood vessels, such as over stimulation and extended dilation of the blood vessels.


Rosacea can be triggered or further inflamed by many factors, such as sun exposure, extreme temperatures, hot drinks, exercise, hot baths or showers, alcohol, stress and ingredients common in many skin care products. Avoiding these stimuli, though difficult, will help lessen most rosacea symptoms.


Until the actual cause is understood and proven, rosacea is incurable but treatable. There are products, diet restrictions and lifestyle changes that should be considered.


An at-home skin care regimen should be on the top list of things to consider. I suggest using products made specifically for rosacea. Pevonia Botanica actually formulated products made for rosacea clients. Their RS2 line is a great skin care regimen to start using and incorporate into your daily routine. You could start using the entire line or start off simple, either way you are going to see results, which will help your skin and self confidence as you use the products.


Rosacea Care is another great line that offers products specifically aimed at calming rosacea flare-ups, as well as cleansers, toners and other products designed for super sensitive skin.


Dietary changes will help keep rosacea flare ups under control. Avoid dairy products, soy sauce, yeast extract, vinegar, liver, spicy foods and certain fruits and vegetables (such as tomatoes, bananas, red plums, eggplant and figs). Avoid alcohol, especially red wine, champagne, gin, bourbon and vodka.

At-Home Skin Care Regimens

Everyone and all skin types should be on an at-home skin care regimen, whether it be an intensive ten step program or a simple three step program. That being said, your skin care regimen does not have to be a long time consuming routine -- it can be simple and still be effective. A three step regimen is a minimal regimen; however your skin will still reap the benefits of it. All skin types and skin conditions can be addressed and treated with a smaller regime.


Say you are a oily skin type. I suggest using a cleanser like Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser, day and night. This cleanser can also be used as your at-home masque 2-3 times a week to help control oil production. An exfoliating product such as Skin Medica Skin Polisher should be used on the opposite days that you use your masque to slough off the skins dead cells. Your last step should be your daily sunscreen protection. For oily skin types, I suggest something lightweight, such as Colorescience Sunforgettable (SPF 30) – All Clear.


An easy at-home regimen such as this is a great start to your skin care regimen, and you can always incorporate other products that will be beneficial as well. Remember, sunscreen should always be a part of every person’s daily skin care.

Men’s Skin Care Products

Until recently, treating yourself in any way -- such as spa treatments, waxing, facials, even at-home skin care -- has been pointed more towards the female consumers; however times have definitely changed. Men are beginning to realize that taking care of themselves, besides just the normal routine, is not only acceptable but actually beneficial.

Many spas today include treatments that are specifically suited for men; there are men’s facials, manicures, pedicures…the list goes on. Although there is still some controversy based on these treatments, most men are experiencing such treatments and realizing how nice it is to indulge themselves in such things that were once taboo.

Even more exciting is the innovations in products that have surfaced. Brands today are seeing the need for either separate products for men, or products that would be considered unisex. So are these products really necessary? Yes! Men and women’s skin are very different, therefore have very different needs.

Men starting a skin care regimen will only benefit you presently as well as in the future. I recommend products such as the Jack Black products, which include complete skin care products as well as products made for the entire body.

Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

In recent years, products and brands that utilize aromatherapy and essential oils have been a hit in the skin care industry. These ingredients have become so popular for many reasons, especially since essential oils and aromatherapy oils are all-natural ingredients, generally taken from plants, usually by distillation, expression and solvent extraction.

Aromatherapy and essential oils are most commonly found in perfumes, cosmetics, and incense, or as flavor in foods and drinks. There are actually key differences between essential oils and aromatherapy oils; essential oils are concentrated hydrophobic liquids that contain volatile aromatic compounds. Aromatherapy oils are forms of herbal medicine that have actually been used since folk medicine and are now widely used.

Because these products are naturally occurring and produce such great benefits, they have begun to appear in a number of skin care products. Not only are they available for use in personal skin care for all skin types, but are also available in spa treatments for more potent delivery.

Yonka is a widely known and popular skin line that uses aromatherapy, phytotherapy, marinetharapy and fruit-acid therapy, all of which produce amazing results even after a single use of there products.

Also, Decleor combines over 20 years of experience with today’s advancements in skin care technology to bring you a line that is considered holistic, yet very effective from a clinical stand-point.