Vitamins play a vital role in our lives- each vitamin is responsible for the way our bodies work and function, and a deficiency in certain vitamins can lead to break-down, oxidation and disease. Here’s a break down of the B vitamins to better help you understand what’s its function is and how it plays a role in your overall heath, and especially the health of your skin.

Vitamin B1, which is also known as thiamine, is essential for a healthy nervous system. Thiamine is contributes to healthy memory, healthy nerve function, and assists in carbohydrate metabolism. Thiamin also contributes to healthy eye function, as well as hair and skin health. A deficiency in thiamine can contribute to hair loss and skin sensitivity. Lackluster hair? Try HIRSANA 30 Capsule Golden Millet Oil.

Vitamin B2, which is known as riboflavin, is essential for carbohydrate and energy metabolism, as well as healthy immune function. Riboflavin aids in cell respiration and cell growth. Because riboflavin is an antioxidant it protects the skin cells from free radical damage and assists enzyme function. While acting as an antioxidant riboflavin stimulates cell growth and promotes tissue perfusion, therefore contributing to improved skin health and appearance.

Vitamin B3, which is also known as niacin, is essential for fat and carbohydrate metabolism and healthy immune function, it also assists in the creation of hormones in the adrenal glands. Niacin is great for topical use in skin care preparations in a niacinamide form to assist in smoothing skin texture, reducing hyperpigmentation, and strengthening the skin’s barrier function. Try the NIA24 product range.

B5, which is also known as pantothenic acid, is responsible for protein synthesis. Pantothenic acid assists in cellular regeneration and wound healing. Pantothenic acid works in conjunction with Coenzyme A to regulate and produce hormones. Without a sufficient amount of pantothenic acid CoA will produce excess hormones which in turn cause inflammation and acne. Pantothenic acid aids in hormone regulation and therefore is great for preventing and regulating hormonal breakouts. Try SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, a B5-enriched sodium hyaluronate gel.

B6, which is also known as pyridoxine, is very similar to vitamin B5 is vital for the body and plays an important role in the metabolism of proteins. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause cosmetic problems such as hair loss and skin inflammation.

For weak nails, try Elon MATRIX Plus Biotin Supplement for Nails.
B7, which is also known as biotin, is responsible for cell growth, the production of fatty acids, and the metabolism of fats and amino acids. Biotin is also responsible for healthy hair and nail growth as it assists in protein synthesis. A deficiency in biotin can cause hair loss, slow hair growth and weak nails.

B9, also known as folic acid, is responsible for healthy red blood cell function. Folic acid is responsible for many bodily functions and folate deficiency can lead to many diseases and disorders. Because folic acid is a contributing vitamin in all bodily processes it also contributes to the health of skin, hair and nails.

B12, also known as cyanocobalamin, is responsible for DNA and fatty acid synthesis. B12 is similar to B9; a deficiency of B12 can lead to disorders such as anemia.

Take your vitamins! Supplements are great in addition to a healthy diet. Look Ffr B-vitamin rich foods… we recommend eating turkey, liver, tuna, chili peppers, lentils, bananas, potatoes, oats, barley, wheat bran, avocado, salmon, and nuts.

Leave us a comment below and tell us what your favorite vitamins are!

Stress, anxiety and relaxation are all extremely important to balance in order to achieve a happy, healthy life. Stress and anxiety can have negative side affects on your health and well being. A quality relaxation session can do wonders to calm you after a stressful day or week of work. Here are my top suggestions on a power relaxation you can do in the comfort of your home.

1. Schedule some time for you and your spouse (or just you) to be alone for 1 – 2 hours. No kids, no barking dogs, no cell phones, no television, no internet. Ask a friend, neighbor, grandma & grandpa, brothers or sisters to babysit for the evening. Treat the kids to something special (movies and treats) while mom and dad have a “date night.”

2. If you’re married, don’t forget to be your partner’s girlfriend or boyfriend. ‘Husband’ or ‘Wife’ can sometimes end up being just a title and list of obligations. Don’t forget to do the special things you did for your loved one when you were a girlfriend or boyfriend while you’re on your “date night.” Being attentive to your spouse’s needs will not only make them happy, they will want to return the favor.

3. Draw a hot bath and add either some bubble bath, bath oils, or bath salts (just before you turn the bath off.) Sprinkle some rose petals on top of the bath water. Light some candles and maybe some incense. Play a relaxing or perhaps romantic CD. Lay down in a bath of luxury and relax. (I always like a glass of wine to go with this part.)

4. If you’re sharing your bath getaway with your loved one, take turns giving each other scalp, neck and shoulder massages. A great foot massage can also be another way of relieving stress. Try to keep talking to a minimum and whisper sweet nothings every now and then to your loved one. Make this all about relaxing in the company of each other and catching up on all that quality time together!

5. Once your bath time is done you can retreat to either your bedroom or living room with more soft music and candles or if you’re lucky enough near your lit fireplace or pool at night. Cuddle up next to each other in your robes and spend time playing footsies and tell your spouse all the things they do for you that you love and appreciate.

6. These things may sound corny and simplistic but I can’t tell you how many times I hear people talking about relationship woes, stress and anxiety. So many people don’t take the time to slow down, relax and enjoy some peace and solitude. Relaxation, meditation, prayer, and breathing exercises can all provide excellent sources of relief from the stress in life that brings us down.

Just remember quality relaxation can be achieved in the comfort of your home in a short amount of time without far away destinations, long term plans, and big vacation budgets! Now go light those candles and draw that bath!

We want to know – What are your best de-stressers? Leave us a comment below.

Here at SkinStore, we believe knowledge is key when it comes to skincare and beauty! That’s why we have created Product Talk, an interactive Q&A feature for our customers. It’s a powerful, yet simple tool!

Here’s how it works: While on SkinStore, find a product that you would like to learn more about. Click the “Product Talk” tab under the product photo to access the tool. To ask a question, click the “Ask a New Question” button. To answer, click the question to open it, and click the “Answer this Question” button. You can even also vote for the best answers to questions. It’s your community.

Now is your chance to help us build the beauty community and to be a voice! We pulled a few unanswered questions from community members who would love to hear about your beauty experience and get your feedback on some products that you may have already tried. We encourage you to share your knowledge and experience.  Click on the questions below to answer them (you may be asked to log in or register).

Click on the questions below to answer them.

UPDATE: (8/31)  These questions have been answered! Thanks to CindyS, Jofab and jd584 for sharing your answers.

Thanks for helping to build the community!

Looking dull, drab, tired, worn out? If you have no time to take a vacation or simply want to look good… NOW, then try these simple tricks.

Dab concealer under your eyes to cover those dark circles from staying up so late. I know you keep telling yourself that things will change and you’ll go to bed earlier tonight, but until things change… thank God for make up! Cover FX Conceal FX provides amazing coverage and stays put.

Blue eyeliner: blue counteracts red, so a bit of blue liner will eliminate the worn-out-been-staring-at-the-computer all day look. We like Line n Grow Lash Lengthening Tinted Eyeliner in Midnight Blue.

For flushed, kissable lips try a minty perk-me-up gloss. The Fusion Beauty LipFusion Micro Injected Collagen Color Shine in Clear is amazing.  

A good night’s sleep yields a healthy skin color, but the late night vodkacran guzzling and cigarette puffing followed by two hours of sleep will surely make you look ashy. I’m certain you’re vowing to change your habits. Until then, use blush to fake a healthy flush. Philosophy The Color of Grace Art of Blushing is a silky formula with a natural hue that’s flattering to any skin tone.

For a refresher that’ll perk you up AND will give you dewy, glowy skin try Philosophy Hope Springs Eternal Mist. Hope springs eternal is an ultra-fine, hydrating mist that replenishes skin’s moisture level to revitalize and restore skin, while enhancing your sense of well-being with a fresh, invigorating scent.

Remember lovely, your body is a temple and you should treat it accordingly. Book yourself a massage, splurge on a facial, shop for your beauty essentials at SkinStore, eat healthy meals and enjoy a yoga retreat to the mountains… far away from the stress of daily life. Until you can do all of those things use my little tips and tricks to make yourself look and feel better!

More often than not, something startling must happen in order to change less than stellar healthy lifestyle choices. For many, this may be a routine trip to the doctor’s office that yields unfavorable test results or witnessing a relative’s health quickly deteriorating. These “wake up calls” force us to reflect on our own lifestyle choices and how we can better our health.

By far, the number one cause of death for women in the United States is heart disease. Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, claims the lives of nearly 500,000 women a year, nearly twice as many as all forms of cancer. One in 2.5 women will die of heart disease or stroke, compared with one in 30 from breast cancer. Luckily, you can substantially reduce many of your risk factors for heart disease and stroke with simple lifestyle changes.

Commit to small changes for a healthier heart:

• Take the stairs, those few extra steps can really make a difference in the long run!
• Vacate the break room and take a breather outside on your lunch for a change.
• Opt for healthy desert like baked cinnamon apples instead of cake or pie.
• Explore your community and plan family outings.
• Lift weights while watching your favorite TV program. Or get off the couch and do sit ups on commercial breaks.
• Take your four legged friend on a leisurely afternoon stroll. More likely than not, Fido could benefit from shedding a few pounds too!

Eat Heart Friendly Foods:

• Oats
• Flaxseed
• Walnuts
• Fish Oil (Omega 3 Fatty Acid)
• Psyllium Husk
• Legumes and Beans
• Apples
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

In addition to being more active, eating heart healthy foods and maintaining a healthy body weight are crucial. One may also supplement their diet is with Omega 3 vitamins. Studies have shown Omega 3 fatty acid helps to lower cholesterol, boost metabolism, and aides in overall cardiovascular health. We suggest Perricone MD Omega 3 Dietary Supplements to boost not only your heart health, but also improve your skin and hair as well.

Source: American Heart Association

As we move into the cooler weather, it’s important to make sure our hair is not left out in the cold. After the sun, wind and hot weather have taken their toll, it’s time to nourish and protect our gorgeous locks.

1. Rene Furterer Repairing After Sun Mask – This is a great mask for your hair after it has been sun baked and fried. It contains palm butter and soybeans to hydrate and nourish your post sun locks. Leave in for a few minutes once a week, and presto – instant perfection!

2. Frederic Fekkai Protein Rx Shampoo and Conditioner – This combo is a must have for the new season ahead. It will immediately repair your hair after it’s been heat styled or sun damaged. You can use the shampoo and conditioner daily or as needed, and they will help to restore moisture, strengthen the hair and protect it from future damage.

3. Oscar Blandi Olio di Jasmine Hair Serum – As the cold weather approaches our hair can get frizzy and dry. This serum will condition the hair with its blend of jasmine, almond oil, and vitamin E, without weighing your hair down. This serum gets rid of frizz, adds shine and smells wonderful!

4. Philip B Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo – This is a powerful reconstructing shampoo that will improve the condition of any hair type. It works by restoring your hair’s bounce and shine and is intensely reparative. Concentrated amounts of Vitamin B5 help strengthen and protect the hair. This is definitely worth the price, as it smells amazing and makes you feel like you are treating your hair to something magnificent.

5. Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Extra Hold Hair Spray – This hairspray has real staying power. It will hold your new Fall style all day, without that stiff and sticky feel. It is humidity resistant and will also protect your color with antioxidant-rich ingredients. A definite must for all hair types!

Be excited about the upcoming season because as colors change and styles transform, your hair will be healthy and protected. Now that your hair is ready for Fall, are you?

More guacamole? Yes, please! The next time you’re at a restaurant don’t pass up on the chips and guacamole, dig in! The astonishing power of avocados is too good to refuse. Avocados are not only tasty, they protect your vision, help prevent cancer and maintain a healthy body weight.

Guard your lookers with a few slices of avocado at meal time. This super food is rich in antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Both are naturally found in the retina and help to keep your vision as sharp as a hawk’s. They may also help deter cataracts and macular degeneration later in life.

Battling cancer is yet another attribute of the avocado. Recent studies show that the fruit’s unique combination of folate and vitamin C and E kill or inhibit the growth of precancerous cells.

Don’t forget to spice up your salsa with a healthy portion of avocado. Avocado ramps up our body’s ability to absorb fellow cancer fighter, lycopene (found in tomatoes). The healthy fat from the avocado helps absorption of more nutrients into the body.

Not all fat is bad fat! Throw out the mayonnaise and grab a healthier alternative, like creamy avocado spread. One ounce of avocado is loaded with 4 grams of monounsaturated fat (the good kind, which lowers cholesterol), 2 grams of fiber, and 1 gram of protein.

Next time you’re at the grocery store, avocados should be at the top of your list!

• Fun fact: Avocados were once regarded as a luxury food reserved for royalty.

Sources: California Avocado Commission and Health Magazine

Don’t be a hot mess this year. Leave the greasy products at home and try our tried and true beach favorites that’ll keep you looking and feeling oh-so-sexy, not ugh-so-sweaty.

SPF (duh!) Even if you’re dark, or don’t burn, you still need to use a broad spectrum sunscreen to shield from the sun’s harmful rays. We love the new La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 45 Ultra Light Sunscreen. It soaks right in and leaves a matte finish so you don’t look greasy, and best of all don’t feel sticky!

Cream eyeshadow stays put through sweating, swimming, and frolicking on the beach. We’re loving Illuminare All Day Eye Color in Cafe Americano.

Waterproof eyeliner is a must to withstand the sweat, sun, salt and sand. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Carbon Black is lovely.

Waterproof mascara is another beach staple to keep your luscious lashes looking fabulous. We’re digging bareMinerals Flawless Defintion Waterproof Mascara, it separates every lash and creates a natural look that’s perfect for a day at the beach! Now you can swim, sweat and laugh until you cry.

Body bronzer is a must have if you’d like to look sun-kissed without being sun-damaged. NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Golden Shimmer Multi-Usage Dry Oil Splash gives baby-oil sheen without the slick, and the golden particles make you glisten like a goddess. Layer over sunscreen for a gorgeous glimmery finish.

If you’re wearing lip gloss on the beach, sand is guaranteed to stick and who wants that sort of muddle? If you want pink, kissable lips without the mess then stick to lip stains. Stila Yumberry Crush is a pretty pink that’s fresh and fun. Always remember to protect your pucker with SPF too! We like MD Formulations Lip Balm because it’s not sticky, but is really hydrating.

If you love your tresses (and treasure that money well-spent in a salon) then you must protect your hair with sun protection too! The sun is not only drying and damaging to the skin but it can wreak havoc on your hair. Parched hair is gross… therefore douse with Alterna Summer Hair RX Spray Shine, it will make your hair shiny and will shield it from those sun rays!

And now you’re ready to put your best Baywatch babe foot forward!

When I began researching to write this article I searched online for references of men getting pedicures. The first site talked about pedicures being more masculine than most people think; ironically the website was adorned with dainty little sunflowers and a picture of women’s painted toe nails!  There were several other sites in various different glamour and beauty websites talking about how men are slowly beginning to take better care of their feet.  There were also numerous articles in women’s magazines giving pointers on how to give their man a pedicure at home.  However there was not much from a man’s perspective for men. 

Being a licensed manicurist and esthetician I wanted to give guys out there a heads up on what to look for in choosing who does your pedicure, and what products we have in case you want to do a pedicure at home.  Many times women have much more experience getting these services, so guys may be at a loss of knowing what to look for and what to do.

So here are my tips and suggestions on a getting a pedicure at a salon or spa:

• Make sure the business is licensed appropriately; make sure the person who does your service is licensed appropriately and displays their license.
• Make sure the nail files and foot files are disposable and new.  Be wary of metallic grating tools used to file callused skin off your heels!
• Make sure all the metal tools (implements) have been freshly sanitized in the blue solution and stored in a clean dry place later.
• Make sure your salon/spa has a cleaning journal showing when the last time your foot spa (especially ones with jets) has been cleaned and sanitized.  It should be after EVERY use.  Old water should be drained, debris filters cleaned, the tub rinsed, scrubbed down and rinsed again, refilled and a hospital grade disinfectant added, jets turned on to circulate the cleaner in the system, cleaner sits for 10-20 minutes, drained and dried. THEN it is ready for the next customer!

If you want to do a home treatment here are some suggestions:

Soak your feet in hot water in a foot tub or home foot spa.  Essential oils such as lavender can relax, and eucalyptus or mint can stimulate.  I would suggest trying Kerstin Florian Krauter Fub Salt.

After soaking your feet for 10 minutes or so you can use a foot file to file off the  rough areas of skin on your feet.  I would suggest trying Tweezerman Pedicure Ceramic File.

Next trim and shape your nails using nail clippers and a nail file.  Toe nails are best trimmed square with a rounded or softened corner.  Use a 3 way nail buffer to smooth out any nail ridges, even out the surface, and buff to shine (if you want.) Tweezerman Men’s Deluxe Grooming Kit is a great kit.

When you’re all done with the soaking, filing and trimming and have dried off your feet, use a foot cream or body butter to moisturize.  Massage it into all areas of your feet.  Put a little extra on and slip some socks on while the product absorbs!  I suggest L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream.

Don’t be afraid to take a little time out to take care of your feet.  A good trimming of the nails can make your shoes more comfortable and a great foot massage can alleviate a lot of built up tension, stress and pain.  The result will be feet that feel better in your shoes or boots, and look better in those summer sandals! Which ever you decide, salon, day spa or at home, be sure to put your best foot forward!

I’ve taken countless trips to my colorist since I was sixteen years old. In fact, she knows quite a bit more about me and my personal life than some of my good friends (when the hair shaft opens up to absorb the bleach so do the flood gates… sometimes). Having gone from ashy blonde to brown to platinum to a perfect buttery shade that I’ve kept as my signature hair color for over five years I can give true testament to how difficult it is to keep blonde hair healthy. While the brunettes and redheads of the world have nourishing color deposited into their locks the blondes get a lot of Lift! Lift! Lift! Blonde hair color and bleach, are typically developed with a high lift developer which sucks the natural pigment from the hair, oftentimes resulting in weak, brittle hair (which can result to lackluster locks and breakage). Here are my tips to keeping your blonde shining:

1. See a professional. An $8.99 box dye sounds tempting versus the $150 salon dye job, but you get what you pay for when it comes to hair. Your hair colorist will determine just how much lift and tint is needed to achieve the perfect color- box dye just isn’t as savvy as a trained professional. Besides, box dye doesn’t include a head massage, a blow out, professional styling service and a great overall experience!

2. Clean carefully. Some shampoos can strip the hair and cause blonde to become brassy, therefore it’s best to use a sufate-free shampoo. Alterna Caviar Moisture Shampoo is my personal favorite. A few times a month refresh your blonde with malva shampoo. Malva is purple, therefore a malva shampoo will be purple, and purple will help to counteract and neutralize the brassy shades to refresh and revitalize blonde hair.

3. Condition thoroughly. Ammonia in hair color tends to strip away a lot of the protective barrier that keeps the hair cuticle sealed and the hair shiny, so to avoid dull hair replenish what you’ve taken away with a good conditioner that’s made for color-treated hair. I like Neil George Intense Illuminating Conditioner because it has Indian gooseberry which helps to strengthen and repair the hair shaft and deeply moisturize the hair leaving it smooth, luxurious, and tangle free.

4. Nourish weekly. Use a hair masque or nourishing treatment oil once a week for intense repair. I’m a huge fan of Alterna products and if I could only use one hair product for the rest of my life it would be Alterna TEN Hair Masque. It’s deeply nourishing and softening, it also imparts dramatic radiance and leaves the hair softer than a baby’s. It smells amazing too.

5. Style carefully. Heat tools and low quality hair brushes can be damaging to the hair. Use a natural boar bristle brush to comb through your hair (gently!) and high quality ceramic tools to straighten or curl your hair. Use a tourmaline or ion blowdryer on a low to medium heat setting to dry your hair post-shower or bath. I’m a fan of Metropolis Technology styling tools.

I hope you find my tips helpful! Care for your tresses with love!