“Backne” or Back Acne can be a very embarrassing condition to deal with. Taking your shirt off at the pool or in the gym showers to reveal red bumps, pimples, pustules, zits, cratering and pigmentation spots can be the last thing that you want to do. Backne tends to be more common in men due to hormonal changes during puberty, but can also occur during adulthood. The skin on your back tends to be thicker and the sebaceous (oil) glands are larger. Sweating and oil secretion along with dead skin cells and free radicals (dirt) can all clog the pores.
Contrary to popular belief acne is not caused by eating too much chocolate or junk food. Some acne can be hormonal, some can be caused by genetics and some can be environmental (influences under our control.)
Here are some suggestions on how to control environmental influences and minimize or eliminate those embarrassing break outs. Try to wear light weight cotton t-shirts when you work out or when it’s hot and you’re going to sweat. Shower immediately after you’re done working out or outdoors sweating. Use a salicylic body wash like Menscience Daily Body Wash.
This product will help to remove the sweat, dirt and oil. It contains salicylic and glycolic acids that assist in cleaning out the pores and removing dead skin cells. When you shampoo and condition your hair be sure to thoroughly rinse your back area with warm water instead of hot water. Hot water on your back can cause your pores to open up more and not rinsing thoroughly can cause those open pores to absorb some of the chemicals in the shampoo and conditioner, causing more breakouts. When you step out of the shower, use a freshly laundered dry towel. Doing so will help you avoid reintroducing any bacteria to your freshly cleaned skin. Avoid direct sunlight while your acne is inflamed or healing. UVA and UVB rays can damage your irritated skin and cause pigmentation scarring.
If you have severe redness, inflammation, and hard bumps associated with your backne; see a dermatologist. You could have what is known as cystic acne or cystic nodular acne. These are conditions that will need professional medical help.
Next time you take your shirt off; let’s have them notice your sexy chest and abs, not your backne!
Visit SkinStore.com for more great acne treatments.
Poof…wrinkles be gone! Don’t you wish it was that easy to make wrinkles vanish from your pretty face? We all know that with consistency and the use of the right products, over time an even complexion can be attained. What is sometimes overlooked however, is products that can give instant gratification to your long days. 
Instant gratification products are products that will fill in, plump, and create an even appearance to the skin. Usually after application, they will start working in about 1-5 minutes and will provide results that last anywhere between 6-8 hours throughout the day. There are two main ingredients that are in instant gratification products as well as various others. First there is Argireline which acts to keep the muscles in your skin relaxed and smooth by blocking transmission from the muscle to the skin. Next you’d want to look for GABA in your products for instant results. GABA stands for gamma amino butyric acid and it is a breakthrough complex that releases the skin’s own muscle relaxers to calm and relax the skin. So if you want a smooth canvas before makeup application or a smooth clear complexion to display, look for instant gratification products. An added bonus is that with most of these types of products you’ll also receive long term benefits with continued use as well. Here is just a short list of some recommended instant gratification products:
Find more great products at SkinStore.
Shiny hair is sexy. Shiny hair signals youth and fertility, so instinctively men love a woman with luscious locks. Here are a few simple and easy steps that every woman can take to keep her hair shiny, and to keep those boys breaking their necks.
People with oily hair tend to over wash their hair. When the hair is stripped of its essential oils it goes into overdrive to produce more oils, so it’s a never ending battle to keep oily hair clean. Instead, wash only a few times a week if your hair is oily. The oils in your hair condition the roots and lengths of your hair, and will keep the hair shiny and supple. If the root area looks greasy, use a dry shampoo to keep it immaculate. Frederic Fekkai Au Naturel Dry Shampoo is a great choice.
If you have normal to dry hair and a dry scalp, it’s likely that your hair stays fresh for quite some time. Once weekly washings are appropriate to those that don’t produce much oil at the scalp and the oil that is produced will be beneficial and hydrating to the hair, so use a soft boar bristle brush to pull the oils from the roots through the lengths of the hair.
Don’t overuse heat tools. Stick straight hair is so 2005, so don’t flat iron your hair to its death. Instead, embrace the natural texture that you were born with. Air dry hair when possible, and if you need to use a blow-dryer, opt for a cool setting instead of high heat. My therapist (I mean stylist) has taught me some great hair care tricks over the years, but one of my favorites is a blow-drying tip. Part the hair and spritz with heat-protective spray, then blow dry only at the roots, let the ends of the hair air-dry… this always gives my hair a lot of natural movement but doesn’t leave the top of my head kinked. If you like your hair curly, then traditional curling rods are a better choice than a high-heat curling iron, so if you’re sporting ringlets let dry hair set in curlers for a few hours.
Lay off the chemical processing for a change. Highlights, lowlights, double processing, triple processing, you’ve done it all. Every chemical process does a bit of damage, and when color is constantly pulled out and deposited in, the hair strand becomes more and more damaged. Color only the hair that hasn’t been colored, we advise professional root touch ups every 6-8 weeks. And quit with the drama already… If you don’t have naturally light hair, the peroxide that you use will eat up your healthy dark tresses. And light haired girls that go uber-dark can end up with those grey-looking roots (nobody wants to look like they have a receding hair line). Many colorists say that the most flattering color you can have as an adult is the hair color that you had as a child. Was it sunny and blonde, but turned a little brassy and mousy as you got older? Pump up the volume on the developer and lighten up! Did you have gorgeous black hair as a baby but it looks a little worn and ashen? Deposit a rich hue to bring out the vibrancy!
One of the most important rules in hair care is to trim your hair regularly. Hair that has split ends (no matter how well cared for) can look dry and brittle. Regular trims keep the hair looking slick and smooth, not bushy and unruly.
Remember that hair care products play a huge role in the way your hair looks. Using quality shampoo and conditioner that are made for your specific hair type will be beneficial to the health of your hair. Yes, a shampoo and conditioner made for color-treated hair can improve and prolong your hair color. A shampoo and conditioner made for oily hair will help to balance the production of sebum in the scalp. A shampoo and conditioner made for normal to dry hair will condition the hair thoroughly to provide greater manageability.
Leave-in treatment products are very beneficial to the hair. Leave-in conditioners (in spray or cream form) help to condition the hair and seal the cuticle so it’s pliable and elastic, therefore less prone to break. Leave-in products such as shine enhancing sprays and serums seal the hair cuticle and impart shine, so hair not only feels healthier, it also looks better.
 Deep conditioners are intense and really beneficial to thirsty hair. Because I have platinum hair that requires a lot of color developer to lift the ashy-ness out of my roots, and A LOT of toner to keep it neutral instead of brassy, my hair is always thirsty. In addition to using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner and leave-in products I love a once-weekly deep conditioner, and you will too once you try one. When you can’t afford to have it in-salon (or just have no time or desire to sit in a salon chair for two hours) use a hair masque at home instead! After washing and conditioning the hair, apply a generous amount of hair masque that’s appropriate to your hair type (I LOVE the Alterna TEN Hair Masque), put on a shower cap and use your blow-dryer to warm up the hair (make sure the cap isn’t the type that melts), this will allow for your hair cuticle to open up and absorb more of the active ingredients. Then rinse, dry and voila! Shiny, bouncy, smooth hair that’s manageable and silky.
Find more Hair Care products at SkinStore.
Being in the woods this spring and summer can be an exciting adventure. Whether you’re camping, playing outside with your kids, or going for a hike it’s important to know the hazards of poisonous plants. By poisonous plants we mean the ones that cause an allergic reaction, which can be a bothersome plant for a lot of people. In fact 85% of the population will have a reaction to these pesky plants.
Some facts about poison ivy are: you can get a rash also known as contact dermatitis by touching the oil on the plant, or by coming in contact with something that the plant has touched like clothes, toys, camping or  sporting equipment. In fact you can still get oil contact on most surfaces from many years back. Scientists have actually found plant matter from these poisonous plants on surfaces dated from a hundred years back. In most cases once you have the rash you can not spread it to another person, only the oil from the plant can spread.
You can also get poison ivy by burning the wood for a bonfire, inhaling the smoke can leave some people in the hospital. No one is immune to getting poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Some people are less susceptible to getting it, but no one is in the clear. Your body can have a reaction every time it is exposed. If you are exposed to any of these poisonous plants you will want to rinse your body with cold water within an hour after being exposed. When showering do not use hot water, this will open your pores and let the oil penetrate into your skin. You can use an antibacterial soap to clean your skin. Stiefel Impruv Moisturizing Antibacterial Cleanser is an antibacterial soap that will effectively cleanse the skin.
Treatments consist of a cold compress (a bag of frozen veggies should do the trick), apply rubbing alcohol to dry out the sap, calamine lotion or tea tree oil will ease the itch, and jewelweed is thought to help the rash. For severe cases your doctor may prescribe a steroid cream.
How long should you be expected to be in pain? Experts say it could be 3 weeks before the rash completely disappears. What causes the rash? Oil called urushoil causes an allergic reaction; this is the oil that is in the leaves, vines, and roots  of the plant. One good thing about poison ivy and oak is that your little furry friend can not be exposed. Although if the oil from the plant is on their fur you can be exposed, take caution by giving your pet a cool bath.
If you can’t find anything nice to say about poison ivy remember that wild birds like to eat the seeds and animals like goats love to eat these “poisonous” plants. Native Americans have found medical uses for it such as curing warts, ringworm, and rattlesnake bites, and it also prevents the earth from eroding near the ocean. Who knew?
Because of its versatility to grow almost anywhere and all times of the year, it is important to know what the plants look like. They can change colors during seasons, the leaves can change depending on the climate, and you can get a rash off the dead branch in the winter time.
Here is a website devoted to poison ivy that contains pictures of different types of the plant. If you are educated on what the plant looks like you may reduce your risk of being exposed to this year round itchy annoyance.
Please consult your doctor if the reaction has caused a difficulty in breathing, you have inhaled the smoke of burning poison ivy, or develop a fever or the rash looks infected.
“Rah rah rah ah ah roma roma ma gaga ooh la la”
I love Lady Gaga (who doesn’t?). When I’m at work blogging, she’s plugged into my ear belting out “whoa, whoa, I’ll get him high, show him what I got..”
On my way home she’s on the radio singing “Ale Ale Alejandro…”
While I’m on the treadmill at the gym, she’s on full blast “Don’t want no papa gangsta…”
At the club? The DJ knows what I’ll request. Her concert? I was the first to buy tickets. She even helped me get through a break up; I’m convinced she wrote ‘Brown Eyes’ for my boyfriend.
You guys get the point! So it’s no wonder that I find quite a bit of make up and fashion inspiration from my favorite girl. Platinum hair? Check! Hair bow? Check! Caution tape outfit? Maybe not… we don’t go that far.
Lady Gaga inspired make-up is a lot of fun. And I encourage you all to try some fun looks!
My favorite look is from her Poker Face video; uber dark eyes with frosty pink lips. To re-create it, start out with smooth, even skin. I love the bareMinerals get started kit; it has primer, two foundations, warmth, mineral veil, really nice brushes and an instructional DVD, so pretty much absolutely everything you’ll need to create the most beautiful canvas.
 Take the smoky eye look to the next level. Think black lid, black lashes, black liner. This is obviously a great night time look. Use your fingertip or a firm eyeliner brush to paint the lid with the most amazing cream to powder shadow…Stila’s Smudge Pot (in Black). Paint the entire lid, up to the crease; pull the color to the outer corner of the eye for a bit of a cat-eye look. You can use the same smudge pot to line the lash line, or use a black liner for a bit more definition. Rim the entire eye, the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Carbon Black has a really intense black pigment that stays put. To make the eyes really pop accentuate the inner corners of the eyes as well as the brow bone with a shimmer shadow. Stila’s Kitten eyeshadow is universally flattering to all skin tones (it’s also great to use on cheekbones to make them pop). Finish the eyes with a strip of false lashes and two (or three) coats of black mascara. Too Faced Lash Injection in Pitch Black is a high impact mascara, great for length and volume.
The frosty pink lip is the cherry on top that pulls this look together. I use the bareMinerals 100 Percent Natural Lip Color in Bavarian Crème followed by NUXE Baume Prodigieux Nutri-Protecting Lip Gloss in Natural Crystal.
If you really want to look like GaGa use your cream shadow to paint a lightening rod on your face! Haha… well, maybe for Halloween!
Now get out there and get your channel your inner Gaga!
We’ve all heard the age old saying, “You are what you eat,” but can you really eat your way to a better complexion? Nutrition experts agree that what you put in your body not only determines your overall health, but also plays a vital role in how gracefully you age. The next time you head to the supermarket, add these super foods to the top of your list!
Barley: The power of whole grains is undeniable. Soluble fiber, which is found in whole grains like barley regulates blood sugar levels and insulin. The stabilization of blood sugar prevents the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, which in turn keeps you in your prime.
Buckwheat: Rich in collagen boosting monounsaturated fatty acids, Buckwheat is an anti aging all star by way of increasing skin elasticity. Buckwheat can be found in many Asian noodle dishes, rice, porridge and pasta.
Ginger: A great anti-inflammatory agent, ginger aides troublesome conditions like acne and psoriasis. Say adios to your red, inflamed skin and hello to your favorite spice!
Kiwi: Often overlooked, the kiwi fruit contains the highest density of vitamin C of any fruit. Potent with antioxidant powers, the kiwi is a free radical scavenger! This translates simply into this: the more kiwis we eat, the fewer wrinkles we will have.
Oysters: Next time you’re in the mood for some sushi, go for oysters instead! Oysters are packed with the mineral zinc, which aides in skin renewal and repair.
Papaya: Is your skin looking dull and lackluster? Not to worry, simply throw a papaya in the shopping basket! This delectable delight is loaded with glow worthy ingredients like vitamin C, carotene, and flavonoids.
Wheat Germ: Stimulating wheat germ promotes cellular turnover. Just sprinkle a tablespoon of wheat germ to your yogurt, oatmeal, or cereal and you’re on your way to a more radiant, glowing complexion.
Now, take a bite and remember… you are what you eat!
Nothing makes us look older than we are (even balding) than dull yellowing teeth. Despite the rewards of having a gym  body, having used all the latest skincare products, sporting those sexy new sunglasses, wearing the hottest new trends in apparel, or having that full head of hair… a yellow smile makes us look OLD!
There’s no doubt that yellowing teeth are not only unattractive, but they send the message that we’re older than we really are. Not Good! Brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist on a regular basis are essential in keeping your teeth in great shape. Not smoking or drinking coffee is another great way to cut back on the premature yellowing.
But what happens when we’ve done all this and our smiles just aren’t as radiant as they used to be…a smile and a wink to that special someone doesn’t get you playful response anymore?
There are so many products and infomercials out there claiming their product can achieve results better, faster, and cheaper! “BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE!”
The first thing is to check with your dentist and make sure the product you choose is safe for you. Make sure the product is FDA approved and comes with some sort of return policy if you’re not pleased.
SkinStore offers some excellent products to help you brighten your smile at home safely.
GoSMILE Smile Whitening System
“GoSMILE will give you the white teeth you’ve always wanted, quickly and effectively – with none of the mess, hassle, or discomfort of some other whitening systems. It’s so easy to use, you can’t help but smile! Simply flip, pop and whiten your way to a bright, fresh new look.”
Supersmile Professional Whitening System
“There’s no hassle with trays, strips or brush on gels, use an accelerant and tooth paste twice a day and see dramatically whiter teeth!”
GoSMILE Touch Up Fresh Mint – Freshen your breath and keep your smile clean in between brushings.
“Use these ampoules to help polish teeth after and between whitenings. Just open, squeeze and apply to teeth after eating and drinking to help keep stains from setting on teeth.”
Now go out and charm your date with those dimples and pearly whites!
 One thing that will always be in fashion is healthy glowing skin. To obtain this you must first establish the basics. You can start off with a gentle yet effective cleanser, a treatment, moisturizer, and eye cream. Also a weekly exfoliating product will keep your skin soft, smooth, and makeup ready. You can use peel pads that contain AHA’s like glycolic acid, or a retinol treatment for a skin boost. For sensitive skin types try lactic acid or an enzyme peel. After you have used the right skin care products, check out these easy makeup looks that will have you looking great just in time for summer.
- Watercolor for eyes – This trend is hitting the runways, but would also look great for anyone who wants to add a little pow to their makeup routine. Watercolors in soft pastels are a great way to layer on colors, making sure to blend properly of course. Shades of pink, blue, and purple are among the most popular colors on the canvas this season. Try Stila Eye Shadow Duo – Orchid. Also think cream or mineral shadows for a soft easy to blend look.
- Pop of color on lips – the rest of your face should look sheer and muted. From magazines to makeup bags, the use of rich bold lip colors and sheer cheeks with minimal makeup on the eyes is among the most popular trend. The look is almost pin-up girl like, but you can be more modern by adding a coral or deep pink to your lips instead of that fire engine red. For a rich red try NUXE Lip Gloss Prodigieux Nutri-Protector Lip Gloss in Charismatic Red.
- Loads of mascara - extra long lashes. This look never goes out of style, who wouldn’t want glorious lashes! Try this one- Too Faced Lash Light.
- Blushing cheeks – in rose tones. The rose tones take the color pallet this summer. They look great on eyes, but especially lovely on the cheeks. Anyone can pull off a subtle yet romantic look with just a few swipes of blush using an over sized brush for easy application. Try Colorescience Retractable Blusher Brush – Apple Of My Eye. This is a medium rosy red with a built in brush that will provide a flawless finish.
- Sculpting make-up - This technique has been used in movies and on the red carpet for years. How do you think check bones appear out of thin air? They get contoured and sculpted. Round cheeks can also be camouflaged, and the results are dangerously stunning. The trick is to use a foundation and light powder, then highlight cheeks in brownish shades. Try bareMinerals Warmth All Over Face Color for a cheek contour.
Also take note that apparently sparkle and glitter are so last season. You don’t want to look like a 1980’s senior prom queen so remember less is more. Pick one main trend and keep the rest understated. You will be on your way to glowing skin and whimsical summer nights in no time.
 I’m always on the look out for new products that meet the needs of the men who are looking to take care of themselves. There are an abundance of skincare products, but so many of them are designed for, and marketed to women. Men’s grooming and skincare is one of the fastest growing markets! As forty has become the new thirty and we’re all living longer, you better believe we want to keep that handsome masculinity… Dad included!
After having recently tested out some products I was VERY pleased to have stumbled across products made by Pevonia Botanica. Don’t let the fancy name fool you, these products are reasonably priced, they produce fabulous results, and the items I’m recommending don’t come in pretty little pink containers that Dad will have to keep out of site from his buddies!
Pevonia Timeless Cleanser
“Foam a small quantity between very wet palms, apply on face and neck. Work with wet fingertips. Rinse with warm water. Follow with Timeless Repair Lotion. For all skin types. Use morning and evening.”
Pevonia For Him Easy-Glide Shaving Emulsion
“Wet Beard with warm water, apply the Shaving Emulsion all over the area to be shaved: The emulsion should coat the skin. Proceed with shaving. Recommended for all skin types especially sensitive skin.”
Pevonia Timeless Lotion
“Apply to face and neck with a cotton pad, use morning and evening.”
These products contain ingredients such as Caviar Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Lemon Peel Oil, Vitamin E and the ever important Chamomile that all work to cleanse, repair and protect your skin. What I loved about these products is that they have a very subtle masculine, woodsy aromatic smell from the Chamomile. A very old school masculine smell but not overpowering. A definite thumbs up from me and a must have gift to make Dad feel special!
Summer is coming! It’s an exciting time of year filled with swimming, vacations, parks and mosquitoes. Unfortunately, that last one is just as big a part of the sunny season as the fun stuff. Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance that ruin your outdoor experience. They can pose an actual threat to our health. These little pests are capable of spreading disease to your family and pets such as West Nile Virus, heartworms and in other parts of the world, malaria.
They seek out their prey by using dozens of odor receptors on their antennae and mouth. A typical appealing scent combination is carbon dioxide, which is what we exhale, and the lactic acid in our sweat. Since we can’t stop breathing or sweating when we’re hot, we have to take a different approach. I like to refer to it as olfactory warfare, meaning: the use of aromas that that inherently repulse mosquitoes in order to reclaim our yards and walk freely outdoors. It’s natural and effective.
Mark your territory. Burning citronella candles is the most popular way to do this as they are easy to find at any store that carries outdoor/yard products. Citronella is an essential oil obtained from different species of lemon grass and has been proven to repel mosquitoes. It’s not the only essential oil that mosquitoes loathe, though. You can also use candles made from real cinnamon, lemon eucalyptus and castor oils. For more stationary boundaries, grow citronella grass, marigolds, geraniums, sage, basil and rosemary in the yard to keep them away from you and your pets. Place the plants in, near and around all the areas you like to be outside, especially by doors and outside sitting areas. Throw some of the sage and rosemary in the coals of your barbecue while grilling to fend off attackers. It is also vital that you eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. They lay eggs in stagnant water, so dump out any water that might collect in buckets, toys, or other areas around your yard after every rain. Keep pool water circulated, chlorinated and covered when not in use. Don’t give them any reason to infiltrate.
Dodge attacks by becoming as unappetizing as possible. Eating large amounts of garlic does the trick for some because it produces a natural skin secretion in humans that is not appealing to mosquitoes. (This is the only one that might work for vampires, too.) Sweet and floral fragrances attract mosquitoes, so opt for spicy or citrus scents if you  can’t be without your perfume. Another common preventative measure is taking vitamin B-1 (Thiamine Hydrochloride 100 mg once a day). This practice doesn’t have any clinical evidence to support it, but some people swear by it, so it might be worth a try if your doc is on board with the idea. And don’t forget your armor. Dress in light colors because mosquitoes are drawn to darker clothing, which absorbs heat. Light clothing reflects it. Wearing long sleeves and pants isn’t a bad idea either. It’s much more difficult for them to pierce through a layer of cloth and skin. If possible, avoid the outdoors at dusk and dawn, which is when the enemy is most active.
Looking for a secret weapon? We’ve got you covered. Mix this solution at home and apply to skin (avoiding the eye area) Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating a lot.
- Mix 10-25 drops (total) of essential oils, it’s fine to mix and match essential oils with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil or alcohol to dilute the essential oils. Note: Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin. They are very potent and can cause irritation if not mixed with a carrier oil or alcohol.
- For a larger batch mix 1 part essential oil with 10-20 parts carrier oil or alcohol
The essential oils that work well against mosquitoes are:
- cinnamon oil
- lemon eucalyptus oil
- citronella oil
- castor oil
Safe carrier oils and alcohol include:
- olive oil
- sunflower oil
- jojoba oil
- witch hazel
(Keep out of reach of children. Test on a small area of skin for sensitivities)
If you end up getting wounded in action, treat the area by making a paste with baking soda and water or using a hydrocortisone cream can help ease the irritation. Vick’s Vaporub is also great to soothe irritation because of its cooling effect. Also, try not to scratch the bite. Humans are allergic to the mosquito’s saliva and scratching just moves it around your skin. I’m sure you’ve noticed that a tiny circular bite turns in to a swollen amoeba shape, after pawing at it a bit.
You have been given the tools to carry out this mission successfully. I am confident that you will return unharmed. Stand your ground and don’t give up, the mosquitoes sure won’t.
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