Rosacea Serums

Rosacea is a fairly common skin disorder that affects more than 14 million Americans, causing a splotchy, ruddy complexion. Acne is also common in conjunction with rosacea, appearing in the form of pimples rather than pustules. Although there is no cure for rosacea, it can be managed with the proper regimen. One of the most effective elements is a topical serum to immediately reduce redness and irritation. Unlike many other product types, serums can be used throughout the day without causing excess aggravation.

An all-natural treatment, Couperose-C Serum by Eminence Organics nourishes the skin with vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants, helping to calm inflammation and irritation while repairing broken capillaries that cause redness.

Juice Beauty Redness Reducing Serum is a vitamin-rich blend of grape, raspberry and aloe juices that calms and soothes the skin, relieving circulatory stress that causes the reddened appearance associated with rosacea.

Neova R2 Serum is a lightweight solution that helps relieve redness due to rosacea or environmental irritation. It absorbs quickly to provide immediate relief, leaving the complexion soothed and cooled.

Fight Free Radical Aggressors

Free radicals are atoms that negatively affect the skin by damaging the skins cells. Over time, free radical destruction induces fine lines and wrinkles, slack or sagging skin, pigmentation disorders and an overall lifeless or unconditioned look to the skin. Although aging of the skin is inevitable, premature aging can be avoided, and aging gracefully with beautiful, healthy skin can be achieved.

The right skin care regimen is essential to preserving your skin. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea and retinol help to do just that – preserve the skin. Regular use of antioxidants not only prevents free radicals from damaging our cells, but it can also help to reverse the signs of aging.

C-Cleansing Gel by Obagi utilizes the antioxidant vitamin C to help prepare the skin for outside aggressors such as UV rays and pollution. In addition to vitamin C, retinol, such as in the SkinMedica Retinol Complex, not only fights free radicals, it also increases collagen production to make skin appear more firm and supple. CITRIX Cell Rejuvenation Serum 20% works to improve the skin's texture, replaces damaged cells and enhances the skin's natural beauty by using antioxidants formulated with TGF-beta-1 growth factor.

In addition to antioxidants applied topically, the skin also benefits by treating it with antioxidants internally, such as consuming foods that are rich in antioxidants. Spinach, berries, whole grains, maize, tea, cocoa and chocolate are all good nutrition sources that are loaded with antioxidants that fight free radical damage.

Combat Expression Lines

Expression lines are formed by constant contraction and relaxation of our facial muscles, in time leading to deep wrinkles and loss of firmness in the skin. Relaxing the muscles and releasing micro-tensions is one effective way to prevent these unwanted expression lines and keep the face looking its best.

Babor Mimical Control Cream contains a unique formula of peptides and pro-endorphins that relax the facial muscles and release muscle micro-tensions, reducing expression lines and leaving the skin looking younger and smoother.

Serum Nirvanesque Eye Contour Cream by Nuxe Paris diminishes fine lines and wrinkles caused by squinting and smiling. Formulated especially for the eye contour area, this moisturizing cream leaves the skin smoother and brighter.

Viterol.A Cream for Wrinkles and Expression Lines by DS Laboratories features a mild exfoliant that helps shed the lackluster cells that contribute to wrinkles while increasing collagen and elastin production for firmer, healthier skin.

NuFace is an incredible rejuvenating system that uses gentle micro-currents to relax and firm facial muscles, eliminating fine lines and preventing wrinkle formation, discoloration and other signs of aging.

Make the Most of Your Mascara

What's the one makeup tool that no woman should be without? Mascara. An incredibly simple yet versatile cosmetic, mascara can makeup or break a look, and is also great when used on its own. Getting the most out of your mascara is as easy as partnering it with a few other tools to enhance the length, shape and color of your lashes.

The first step to killer lashes is giving them a great curl. I suggest gloMinerals gloLash Curler or, for a more intense curl, TALIKA Heated Eyelash Curler. The TALIKA curler works wonders in just 20 to 30 seconds and won't burn the lashes.

Next, use a conditioner to prevent dryness in the lashes. Jane Iredale PureLash Conditioner uses an all-natural formula of vitamins and nutrients for incredibly soft, healthy nails.

Finally, apply your mascara in even upward strokes, being sure to coat each lash. I like Colorescience Mascara - Pitch Black, a dramatically dark color. Colorescience products are mineral-based, chemical free and provide long-lasting color.

When it's time to clean up at the end of the night, I suggest Oil Free Lash Conditioning Cleanser by TALIKA. This makeup remove is formulated with natural botanicals that enrich the skin around the eye and won't cause any sensitivity.

Lighten and Brighten Your Complexion

One effect that cumulative sun damage can have on the skin is hyperpigmentation. Also known as age spots of sun spots, these small, brownish patches on the skin can be difficult to eliminate and embarrassing. Luckily, skin care technology is catching up and making it easier to restore a youthful luminosity and uniformity to any complexion.

Guinot Serum Blancheur is a deep-action lightening serum that penetrates the skin to lighten dark patches. Used regularly, it leaves the skin brighter and smoother.

I also like Babor White Effect Intensive Concentrate, a new product from this Germany based skin care company. This concentrate is part of a complete regimen for brighter skin, but it works well on its own, too. Its triple-action formula interrupts melanin production in hyperpigmented areas to create uniformity.

Eminence Organics Stone Crop Serum features an all-natural formula of plant extracts and vitamins. It repairs the damaged cells that lead to discoloration while providing essential moisture to the skin for enhanced benefits.

Antioxidant Co-enzyme Q10

Co-enzyme Q10, also knows as CoQ10, is a chemical found throughout cells in the human body known to have great antioxidant potential. Co-enzyme Q10 naturally attracts free radicals and neutralizes them, preventing them from damaging the structural elements of the cell. When the cells are damaged by free radicals, they decay and age more quickly; in the skin cells, this leads to premature sings of aging. CoQ10 has also been widely used in treatments for heart disease, gum disease and breast cancer.

Although Co-enzyme Q10 is naturally produced in the body, it does decay like any other cellular element. In younger people, Co-enzyme Q10 can be synthesized from other strings of Co-enzyme Q; as we age, our body loses this ability. Supplements of CoQ10 are therefore important for our bodies to maintain a high level of health; CoQ10 is also incorporated in many anti-aging skin care products for this reason.

Babor Q10 Fluid is a concentrated liquid topical treatment that delivers high levels of CoQ10 deep into the skin where it is needed most. Used daily for a week, it helps give the skin a more youthful, radiant appearance.

Mimical + Q10 Cream, also by Babor, helps to fight expression lines while delivering high amounts of Co-enzyme Q10. This cream breaks up micro-tensions in the skin caused by repeated movements - the cause of expression lines. Fine lines and crow's feet are significantly diminished.

Donell A + Q10 Cream contains Co-enzyme Q10 and retinol, a powerful anti-aging ingredient. This pairing provides significant skin rejuvenation and can even be used on sensitive skin.

Q10 can also be taken as a supplement, such as in the Multi-Vitamins, Minerals and Nutrients from Kinerase. With a morning and an evening packet, this intensive supplement regimen gives your body virtually every vitamin, mineral and nutrient that it needs for prolonged health.

Baby & Toddler Skin Concerns & Treatments

The skin of babies and toddlers is very sensitive and needs extra care. From diaper rash to cradle cap, young children can experience many skin conditions. Often, they are more irritating to the parents than to the actual child. Luckily, many of these conditions can be resolved with a few simple skin care products.

Diaper rash, characterized by redness and scaling, is caused by exposure to prolonged wetness along with the presence of bodily fluids. Diaper rash can be treated with ingredients such as calendula and zinc oxide. Try California Baby Calendula Cream or Mustela Vitamin Barrier Cream. These nourishing creams form a barrier that prevents irritation while calming the skin.

Cradle cap and dandruff are issues that affect the scalps of young children, resulting in yellowish, patchy, greasy, scaly and crusty skin. Mustela Stelaker utilizes ingredients such as aloe vera and borage oil to hydrate and nourish areas of the scalp that need it.

The skin of a newborn or toddler can be very sensitive and needs delicate and gentle care to ensure skin issues such as these do not arise. California Baby and Mustela are two brands that dedicate their research to make certain that your child is receiving the best products available.

Condition Nails and Cuticles

Our nails are a part of the body that is often left untreated and neglected. Fingernails, toenails and cuticles should be cared for just as we would care of any part of the body. Regular maintenance of the nails and cuticles is essential for beautiful, healthy hands and can be achieved by conditioning the nails, as well as consuming essential supplements needed for the body.

Nailtiques is a product line that treats existing nail issues such as nail fungus and fragility and also helps maintain healthy nails. Nailtiques Protein Formula 1 works by bonding the layers of the nails together to form a stronger nail.

Elon Matrix Plus Vitamin with Nail & Hair Enhancers utilizes biotin, a vitamin used not only to enhance the hair and nails but for overall health of the body as well.

Glytone Nail & Cuticle Cream is a great product to soften cuticles and diminish issues such as hangnails. Its active ingredient, glycolic acid, sloughs off old, dead skin, revealing new healthy skin, thus improving the appearance of the hand and nails.

Spritzers & Misters

Keeping the skin hydrated is an important step in keeping it healthy and youthful. While some moisturizers promise long-lasting hydration, many leave the skin feeling parched after just a few hours. Spritzers and misters are ideal for taking with you throughout the day to hydrate, refresh and tone the skin. Many even have anti-aging benefits like antioxidants to help prevent premature signs of aging.

Stone Crop Hydrating Mist by Eminence Organics is an all-natural formula of Stone Crop Juice, Spring Water and Salicylic Acid that tones and purifies the skin while providing essential hydration. Don't let its green color through you off; it won't tint the skin.

Babor Thermal Spray is formulated with thermal spring water from Aachen, one of the biggest spa cities in Germany. It can be applied to the body as well as the face, leaving skin rich and supple. It's even safe to spray on over makeup, which is essential for all-day hydration.

Haeru Activating Ageless Serum by C'watre from Japan uses optimized ocean water (the molecular makeup of ocean water is almost identical to that of our plasma, making it a great skin care treatment). Haeru can be used morning and evening as an anti-aging treatment or throughout the day as a light mist.

Lastly, I suggest Avene Thermal Spring Water. This treatment is the only thermal spring water to be bottled right at the source, in Avene, France. It soothes the skin while forming a protective barrier to lock in moisture and lock out irritants. It also makes a great remedy for sunburn.

Soothe Dry Hands

The dry winter months, with their bitter cold and wind, can leave the skin dry and dehydrated. This is especially true on those few areas we often leave unprotected against the elements: the face and the hands. Most people adopt a skin care regimen in the winter to keep their faces smooth and comfortable, but too many of us ignore our hands. Luckily, reviving dry, depleted hands is easy.

Reve de Miel Hand & Nail Cream by Nuxe Paris includes vitamin E and honey to strengthen, nourish and repair hands that have been sensitized by cold or even detergents. It is especially beneficial along the nail contours.

Babor Hand & Feet Smoother is an anti-callus moisturizer formulated with thermal spring water that reduces inflammation and soothes dry, cracked skin. It can be used on hands, feet, elbows and other affected areas.

Lastly, I suggest MD Forte Hand & Body Cream contains a 20% Glycolic Acid compound to slough off dead skin cells that contribute to dry skin, offering the hands - and the whole body - a renewed, revitalized texture.

Cream to Powder Liners & Shadows

Cream to powder makeup products are uniquely designed to make applying these products very easy and quick - great for when you're in a hurry! Jane Iredale Cream to Powder Eye Liner - Jewel Box is a useful four-color combination product containing a bright green, purple, blue and wine color. Eye-catching colors such as these are gorgeous for a night on the town or a glamorous event.

For a more natural look, try Jane Iredale Cream to Powder Eye Liner – Black/Brown Plus. This trio is best for lining the eyes or as an all over eye shadow color. Combine these colors with Paula Dorf Mascara – Blackberry for outstanding eyes.

Helpful hints. Brighten the eye area by applying a light, shimmer shadow to the inner corners of the eye such as Shell Eye Shadow by Babor. Draw even more attention to the eye area by dabbing just a small amount of Colorescience Eye Serums – Shrinking Violet around the eye area prior to makeup application.

Simple Steps for Puffy Eyes

Irritants such as too much alcohol or sodium, loss of sleep, allergies or a night spent crying can cause the eye area to puff up drastically. Why? Irritants like these cause excess fluid in the eye area to temporarily accumulate under the skin, which causes this puffed up look. No matter what the cause, puffiness of the eye area can be irritating and annoying to deal with. A few simple steps can help to treat eye area puffiness and give you your confidence back.

A puffy eye area should first be treated by consuming a few large glasses of water filled with Dr. Brandt Anti-Oxidant Water Booster /Lemon Green Tea to help increase blood circulation, as well as provide internal antioxidant benefits.

Secondly, when dealing with puffy eyes, one should apply cold compresses under the eye area, such as tea bags or a bag of frozen vegetables. Tea bags should be applied for 10-15 minutes while lying with your head propped up. If you have limited time I recommend keeping an eye cream such as Babor Sensational Eyes Cream in the fridge and applying as you normally would in your skin care regimen.

Lastly, to help de-puff one should increase blood flow by walking around or exercising. This will bring the retention down in the eye area and allow for a brighter, smoother eye area that’s ready for the day.

Common Acne Misconceptions

The exact cause of acne is different for each individual. It is commonly caused by an on set of hormones (puberty), stress, overactive sebaceous (oil) glands, accumulation of dead skin cells, and bacteria in the pores. Acne is also caused by the use of anabolic steroids and certain medications.

There are quite a few common misconceptions of the exact causes of acne, such as certain foods or diet, including chocolate, potato chips, pizza, sugar and French fries. These are simply not true. One food does not cause a pimple or zit or a breakout; however an all-around unhealthy diet can affect your skin, which is why a good healthy diet with plenty of water is best to maintain the skin's health.

It is true that seafood can actually cause an acne breakout or congestion to surface, if the food contains high amounts of iodine. Avoiding foods high in iodine will ensure that the skin does not break out.

Acne is not caused by dirt. Lack of personal hygiene does not cause breakouts. The source from which acne surfaces is actually located deep down in the hair follicle where dirt could never get to.

Although there are many causes of acne, none of these have been known to directly or indirectly cause acne. A proper skin care regimen will help to keep acne under control. I suggest Glytone Acne Treatment Kit or SkinCeuticals Acne Care System.