The Kerstin Florian Serum C Plus Infusion is among the newest products featured by Kerstin Florian in their correcting line. The correcting line is formulated with more active ingredients to address the common signs of aging. The Serum C Plus Infusion uses a combination of Vitamin C and grapefruit peel extract to lightly exfoliate and brighten the skin also aiding in the production of collagen. This product contains Methylsilanol Hydroxyproline Aspartate which is an amino-acid that helps to improve the elasticity of the skin and tissue fibers by repairing the skin. The serum also has a type of silicone oil called dimethicone which prevents water loss by putting a barrier on your skin. This is a great product for sun damaged and aging skin, or anyone who wants hydration and antioxidant protection. The serum formulation is oil free so it would be beneficial for all skin types.
We definitely give the Serum C Plus Infusion an A+!
Learn more about the Kerstin Florian line here.
Ahhh… the warm weather is here. Break out the sandals and sunscreen. Lose the heavy foundation and lighten up with these warm weather tricks:
Opt for tinted moisturizer instead of traditional foundation. Sheer, see-through coverage with a hint of hydration is the ultimate product for hot weather. Most tinted moisturizers not only offer tint and moisture but also pack antioxidants, minerals and sunscreen. I’m in love with Somme Institute Treat and Tint. It contains ingredients that repair sun damage, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, treat and prevent moderate to severe acne and rosacea, as well as significantly improve skin discoloration, tone, texture and clarity.
Those of you that read the blog know that I love lip and cheek stains. They’re super versatile, flattering, easy to use and can provide either a very natural effect or a very dramatic one. Use a liquid or gel lip/cheek stain on the inner rim of your lips for that ‘just-ate-a-cherry-popsicle’ look. It’s simple and sexy. For a classic red fool-proof lip outline your lip line with the stain and fill in the volume of the entire lip for old Hollywood glamour. Finish it off with a clear gloss for some extra va-va-voom. Giddy red cheeks courtesy of a stain outlast humidity, sweat and water and unlike traditional blushes that streak, stain will stay on until it’s washed off with a facial cleanser. Don’t wear dramatic cheeks with dramatic lips (unless you’re into the clown trend). Do wear sheer lips and sheer cheeks together for an effortless summer cool.
Try Stila’s Convertible Colors or Stila Cherry Crush.
Stay away from excessively dark eye color in the warm weather- especially in the day. Try beiges, champagnes, light pinks and nudes. Iridescent shadows are fresh and bring out the natural beauty of the eye with a pop. We’re obsessed with Stila’s best selling Kitten shade, it’s a shimmering nude pink that’s flattering to ALL skin tones- and if you’re not a eyeshadow powder fan it also comes in a creamy silk shadow wash formula (which I love to also use on the cheekbones for gorgeous highlight).
To tame the shine on your t-zone skip the cakey powder and opt for bareEscentuals mineral veil instead. The new(ish) bareMinerals Hydrating Mineral Veil is a winner… instead of making skin look matte and dull, it brightens (I swear I have a halo around my face when I wear this stuff) AND hydrates – what’s not to love?!
Each of us at some point in our lifetime has had to deal with the trauma of acne and breakouts. They happen in the most conspicuous area, our face, and occur at the most convenient times, like just before a date or special photograph opportunity!
Most men experience acne at an earlier age, early to late teens, whereas most women begin to experience acne in their late teens to early twenties. There are infinite rumors about what causes breakouts, how to prevent them, and how to treat them, not to mention the unlimited amount of over the counter, department store and prescription treatment products. Ughhhhh! Where to begin?
Here are some myths and facts about acne and break outs:
- Oily skin is caused by eating junk food, chocolate and bad hygiene…. MYTH!
Oily skin can be the result of several factors such as environment, stress, hormones, and especially the products you do or do not use on your skin.
- Squeezing pimples or popping zits helps to clear out your clogged pore and promote healing… MYTH!
Squeezing your skin to force out any calcification (pimple) or pus (zit/pustule) can actually cause the material inside your pore to spread and cause more break outs!
- Placing a clean, warm, moist towel on your face prior to cleansing can help open your pores and promote deep cleansing and exfoliation… FACT!
Using a warm moist towel can not only be relaxing but can open your pores allowing you to remove more dead skin cells and clear out dirt and oil particles clogging your pores.
- After cleansing your skin, don’t apply any moisturizer. You’re skin is already oily enough… MYTH!
This is one of the biggest misconceptions in complexion healing. Cleansing our skin can remove dead skin cells, dirt and oil; however not using a moisturizer afterward can leave your skin dry and tight. Your body reacts by releasing more oil from your sebaceous glands. The result is more oily skin than you started out with, more clogged pores and more break outs! A good moisturizer for oily or acneic skin rehydrates the skin without excess oil.
- Using products with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can help exfoliate dead skin cells and kill bacteria in clogged pores… FACT!
Benzoyl Peroxide can have a drying effect though so be sure to use your moisturizer.
- Sitting in the sun can kill the bacteria in your skin and promote a clearer complexion… MYTH!
Exposure to the sun and its UVA and UVB rays can actually cause your recently healed skin cells to damage and cause sun spots and acne scarring.
Now that you’re informed, put your good knowledge to use. Remember anytime you start a new skin care regimen or new product line always follow manufacturer directions and give the products a few weeks before you judge the results!
Start treating your acne now. Click here to discover a large assortment of acne treatments from SkinStore.
Vitamin D deficiencies seem to be a big debate right now. Humans are not getting enough nutrition, rest, or sunlight these days. This does not mean you should rush to the tanning bed for your daily dose of Vitamin D, or lay out in the sun lathered in baby oil either. You can take a Vitamin D supplement and eat the right foods and this will provide you with the recommended daily dose.
If a person is not getting enough Vitamin D it may lead to weak muscles and bones, dental decay, lack of energy, nervousness, or trouble sleeping. While some of these symptoms sound like a normal day for a lot of us, it is important to be properly diagnosed and treated if you have any kind of vitamin deficiency.
The top foods that contain Vitamin D are: milk, cod liver oil, salmon, tuna, sardines, egg yolks, fortified cereals, and beef liver. These foods may be hard to fit into a normal day, especially if you are lactose intolerant or a vegetarian. You can supplement your dose of D by taking a vitamin. There are a lot of different kinds of vitamins on the market that are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and that do not contain milk.
The suggested dose of Vitamin D is 400 IU per day. For example a whole egg would provide 20 IU where 3.5 oz of salmon provides 360IU. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends a daily intake of 800 to 1,000 IU per day for adults over the age of 50. It is important not to overdose on Vitamin D, as it can be toxic to your body in large amounts.
Vitamin D plays a vital role when used in skin care. Vitamin D promotes cell growth and can help prevent pre mature aging of the skin and repair damage to the skin’s structure. Vitamin D will also boost your immune system, maintain a healthy brain function, and has been linked to maintaining a healthy body weight.
If you are going to be in the sun to obtain your Vitamin D, please please please wear your sunscreen!
For an anti-aging sunscreen that contains broad spectrum protection try, DermaQuest Skin Therapy Solar Moisturizer SPF 30. We love this sunscreen because it will firm, hydrate, and protect your skin.
If you have concerns that you may be Vitamin D deficient, contact your health care provider and they can do a specific test to determine if you are at risk.
Visit SkinStore.com for all your skin care and beauty needs.
Luscious lips provide that youthful appearance that hypnotizes men and puts them under your spell! Capture a bit of that Hollywood glamour and plump lips, the likes of which can be seen in stars like Adriana Lima, Lil’ Kim, and Angelina Jolie without having the Hollywood price tag!
Lip plumpers are applied externally and temporarily increase blood flow to your lips, thereby filling in any fine lines or wrinkles and producing an overall fuller appearance. The best part is that it’s not permanent and won’t break the bank!
Here are our top 5 rated lip plumpers at SkinStore.com!
Fusion Beauty Lip Fusion Micro Injected Collagen Color Shine-Summer “…a moisturizing treatment gloss infused with revolutionary technology to plump lips instantly…”
H20 Plus Sea Results Lip Oasis Amplifying Lip Treatment “…instantly plump lips and naturally smooth fine lines for up to 48 hours…”
Ole Henriksen Fresh Lips “…plumps lips to make them look fresh and kissable. Deliciously flavored…”
Janson Beckett Beautifull Lips Lip Plumper “…enjoy fuller, lusher lips while moisturizing and promoting healing…”
DuWop Venom Gloss Pink Champagne “…beautiful shine with stunning color…”
Now that you’re armed, go out and conquer!
Click here for more great lip plumpers.
Vitamin A is a powerful little thing. It’s necessary for healthy eye function; our retina simply can not do without vitamin A. When vitamin A is converted into retinoic acid it functions like a growth factor for our cells. Vitamin A is also commonly known as retinol in dermatological use. Vitamin A is converted into a few different byproducts, and is commonly produced as retinyl acetate or palmitate.
Vitamin A is naturally found in many foods. Liver, carrots, broccoli, sweet potato, pumpkin, eggs, milk, and many other foods are rich sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A, once absorbed by our body, is converted into the appropriate form and utilized by our bodily functions. Vitamin A plays a role in eye health, immune system health, gene transcription, antioxidant activity, and of course, skin health.
Vitamin A is very beneficial to the skin, so a diet rich in vitamin A abundant sources provides for healthy skin that’s firm, clear, radiant and resilient. Vitamin A, when applied topically (in retinol form) is very beneficial to the skin as well. Retinol is often used in the treatment of acne as it dramatically reduces the size and secretion of the sebaceous glands. It also helps to reduce inflammation and induces collagen production. As retinol induces collagen production it helps to firm and tone the skin, so aged skin will become more resistant to drooping and sagging. Retinol is an outstanding treatment for acne, enlarged or clogged pores, as well as prematurely aged skin. As retinol induces exfoliation and cell renewal it also assists in lightening hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration.
Here are some outstanding products that contain retinol and address acne and aging concerns:
Find more products with retinol here.
Hair today… Gone tomorrow? It seems as the years go on men are faced with the unique issue of more hair growing where we never anticipated and losing the hair on top of our head that we want to keep! YIKES!
To address the first of the two issues (hair where we don’t want it) if your pocket book is deep you can have the hair removed with several visits to your local laser clinic. Results may be seen immediately but follow up visits are a must. The benefit? Once you complete your series of treatments the hair is gone for good.
For those of us who may not have a deep pocket, shaving is a popular option. Quick, easy, and inexpensive. However accessibility may not be easy, you have to keep shaving on a regular basis, and don’t forget about that prickly sensation and ingrown hairs!
Waxing has been an option that has been around since the ancient Egyptians! It’s not until recently that most of the male population has caught on to this process coveted by women. If you’re shy about going down to your local salon or day spa and want to try this yourself I can recommend MOOM Express PreWaxed Strips for Legs and Body. Always read and follow manufacturer’s directions. Here are some pointers for first time waxing for men:
- Be sure to trim the hair to ¼ – ½ inch. Long hair next to the area you’re trying to wax can get caught in the wax strip and cause additional pain.
- If you’re using doctor prescribed acne products, consult your physician before using ANY waxing product. Some of these products may soften the skin layers and waxing can cause layers of skin to peel.
- Apply wax products in the direction of hair growth.
- Place one hand closest to the end of the wax strip (toward the direction of the end of the hair) and pull the skin tight. With the other hand grab the wax strip (next to your other hand and pull (quickly) parallel to the skin against the direction of hair growth).
- Apply any aftercare creams or gels the manufacturer provides or a cooling aloe vera gel to help relieve any irritation.
- Don’t forget waxing can also help to remove some of those upper layer of dead skin cells leaving your newly smooth skin baby soft… don’t forget to use SPF 15 or higher on your newly smooth skin to protect from sun damage.
The second dreaded issue is hair loss! For those of us who don’t feel that the bald or shaved head look is for us, there are options available. Scalp massage and massage oils can stimulate blood flow to the skin in the scalp. Increasing circulation can be an excellent way to keep your scalp cells and hair follicles healthy. A scalp massage from your partner can also be an excellent way to relax! I would recommend BABOR Stop Hair Loss Fluid. Anyone experiencing slow and steady hair loss may want to try Rene Furterer RF 80 Thin Hair Kit. This kit is designed to address the three causes that lead to progressive thinning hair: hormonal, tissular, and vascular.
If you have any questions on the products recommended or how to use them, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Below are some great products to add to your routine that are beneficial in treating acne. They will remove dead skin cells and debris, kill acne causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. (Remember, less is more with treatment products!) These are customer (and staff) favorites. Don’t believe us? Read the customer reviews. They speak for themselves!
Jan Marni Bioglycolic Bioclear – Choose the cream for normal to dry skin and the lotion for normal to oily. Contains glycolic, salicylic and azelaic acids to resurface the skin, clear out pores, calm inflammation and even skin tone. Salicylic acid also has anti-bacterial properties.

Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Cooling Masque – This clay mask contains 10% pharmaceutical grade sulfur for it’s anti-bacterial effects and zinc oxide for wound healing. Eucalyptus provides helps calm inflammation and is also antiseptic. Use once to twice a week to boost your acne regimen.
Belli Acne Clearing Facial Wash – It’s difficult to find an acne treatment when you are expecting. This wash uses lactic acid, so it is safe for use during pregnancy, but it’s a great cleanser for everyone.
Stiefel PanOxyl Acne Spot Treatment 10% Benzoyl Peroxide – Kills acne bacteria. It’s a very hydrating BP lotion that’s effective and doesn’t dry out your skin like other benzoyl peroxide treatments can.
Philosophy On A Clear Day Oil-Free Acne Spot Treatment – those who can not use benzoyl peroxide will appreciate this spot treatment, which uses sulfur and salicylic acid.
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 – fantastic for speeding up cell renewal and helps with acne as well as anti-aging.
Bonus product – ANSR Beam – This is a great LED device that has a blue light for killing acne bacteria. The red light accelerates healing and cell renewal. It’s also great for hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.
It’s best to use a combination of products to address all causes of acne. For example one might use the Jan Marini Bioglycolic Lotion daily for exfoliation and calming inflammation, SkinCeuticals Retinol a couple nights a week for cell renewal and Philosophy On a Clear Day Oil-Free Acne Spot Treatment on the other nights or as needed to control bacteria. It is best to start one new product at a time to minimize irritation. As stated above, “Less is more” because using treatments too frequently or too many at the same time can cause drying and irritation.
Moisturizer and Sunscreen is also a must. Proper hydration promotes healthy cell turnover and you will need sun protection as these products make your skin more vulnerable to UV rays.
Unfortunately, your acne can’t go away over night (no matter how hard you wish for it). It is common for you to see new breakouts at first. For more information on that, please see our blog on skin purging. Be patient and you’ll start to see clearer, healthier skin.
Visit SkinStore.com for more great acne treatments.
Stress wreaks havoc on our bodies and on our skin. When you’re stressed out, your skin may break out in painful cysts, your body may experience ailments like headaches, joint pains, stomach aches, ulcers, and numerous other disorders that are typically the cause of inflammation caused by hormonal imbalance. When we’re under stress we produce a number of hormones, like epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol. Cortisol stimulates metabolism to produce energy which in turn stimulates insulin, which then in turn results in an increased appetite. A surge of cortisol is necessary in life-or-death situations; it’s our ‘primate hormone’ that helps us function under the most extremely nerve-racking situations, but when we put our bodies under constant stress the production of cortisol is continuous and demands for us to supply the body with fuel. Chronic release of cortisol causes us to feel hungry all the time, causing us to overeat and gain excess weight.
Take measures to reduce stress in your life. Wind down with chamomile tea, take deep breaths, practice yoga. Incorporate exercise (which helps to produce endorphins- aka happy hormones). Do things that make you happy and put you at ease. Eat a balanced diet, and incorporate stress-relieving foods into your meal plan. Carbohydrates help the body to produce serotonin, a calming hormone that helps to fight anxiety (this is why we crave pasta and pizza when we’re stressing!) Give in to the craving but choose healthier alternatives (complex carbs instead of simple carbs) like oatmeal, which will provide fiber and balance your blood sugar. Antioxidant rich foods help to ward off oxidative stress and free radicals (the cause of inflammation) so to prevent aches and pains that are caused by stress incorporate plenty of veggies, fruits and nuts into your meal plan. Get plenty of essential fatty acids from omega-rich food sources like salmon, nuts, and flax. Omega 3, 6 and 9 reduce inflammation and promote healthy cardiovascular function.
Find de-stressing products at SkinStore.
Introducing Kinerase Restructure Firming Eye Cream.
This is a new product by Kinerase that has lasting results. This eye cream will stimulate collagen, target elasin protein coils to firm the skin, and visibly reduce wrinkles.
The Restructure Firming Eye Cream works by using a plant extract known as LOXL stimulator, which reinforces elastin proving lifting and firming benefits to the delicate eye area. This product also contains a powerful peptide complex to reduce wrinkles and prevent further damage. Also formulated with .15% Kinetin, a potent antioxidant that Kinerase is famous for, retains moisture in the skin and helps to repair and protect the eye area.
If you are looking for an excellent eye cream to firm, strengthen, and hydrate, the Restructure Firming Eye Cream will do just that. This eye cream is also beneficial in reducing expression lines, smoothing the skin, reducing wrinkle depth and providing an overall more improved appearance of the skin.
The Restructure Firming Eye Cream is paraben free and great for sensitive skin types that may wear contacts or have allergies. This eye cream is a must try for us devoted Kinerase users and everyone else will like it too!
Also check out Kinerase Restructure Firming Face Cream if you are looking for a firming moisturizer to help and smooth out your skin and reduce wrinkles.
Click here to learn more about Kinerase.
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