We are so excited to announce our latest giveaway! Starting now, through October 20th you can enter to win 1 of 12 Purlisse Pur Protect SPF 30 Essential Daily Moisturizers! ($55 value)

This lightweight moisturizer provides full-spectrum sun protection and contains Vitamin E and Soy Proteins to promote soft, supple skin. It’s a non-whitening formula that contains White Tea to calm sensitive skin.

Want to win one? Enter now!

Seborrhoeic dermatitis, also known as seborrhea, is a common skin disorder that effects 3-5% of the population. It is found mainly on the scalp and face in scaly, itchy, red skin patches. The patches of skin can appear thick, and either yellow or red in color, and sometimes these patches can look shiny. Seborrhea commonly appears on the upper chest and back or other areas of the body that contain more sebaceous glands. Babies can also suffer from this condition and is typically known as cradle cap, which will usually clear up by their first birthday. While this skin condition is non-contagious, the people who suffer often will find it difficult to treat.

The causes of seborrhoeic dermatitis are not yet known by doctors but there are key factors that may play a role in its origin. There is natural occurring yeast called malassezia that grows in sebum, an overabundance of malassezia can cause flare-ups and inflammation. Also a change in season can be a trigger to a flareup, so seborrhea is usually more prevalent in the winter time. Seborrhoeic dermatitis has also been linked to people who have neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, and in people who are stressed and fatigued would be at greater risk. It seems to also be related to hormones and genetics, but doctors are not sure why.

Treatments for seborrhoeic dermatitis includes creams and lotions as well as medicated shampoos for the scalp. In some severe cases a doctor can prescribe an oral or topical medication to help reduce symptoms, because usually an antifungal product will help keep the flareups at bay. If you have seborrhoeic dermatitis on your scalp, an anti-fungal shampoo that contains selenium sulfide, coal tar, zinc pyrithione, or salicylic acid can be effective (we recommend Philip B Anti-Flake Relief Shampoo). Even over the counter shampoos and products should be used as directed or as a physician prescribes. Alternative methods for helping symptoms include the use of phototherapy which uses LED lights to inhibit the growth of malassezia which can reduce inflammation. Also the use of natural ingredients such as aloe, coconut oil and tea tree oil have helped certain people.

People who have seborrhoeic dermatitis sometimes think they just have dry skin or dandruff because their skin or scalp is flaky and itchy. Dandruff is considered the less inflammatory form of seborrhoeic dermatitis. If people do not know the specific skin condition they are dealing with, this can cause people to use products that are too heavy and are greasy on the skin which can aggravate the condition. A doctor would be able to determine the best course of action for you to ensure you are getting the care you need.

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There are five types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic, however plaque psoriasis is the most common form. While most people may think it is a skin condition, it is actually an immune system deficiency. The immune system protects the body from infections and diseases. In patients with plaque psoriasis, certain immune cells are activated and produce too much of a protein called tumor necrosis factor (a.k.a TNF), it’s protein produced by the body in response to infections. This protein can cause skin cells to grow too quickly. In turn, the skin cells build up and form raised, red patches often with silvery scales, known as plaques. Plaques can be painful, itchy and in some cases can even bleed. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp and back. Although this is a disease of the immune system, there are certain factors that may trigger psoriasis such as:

• Injury to the skin- skin infections, inflammation or excessive scratching
• Over exposure to sunlight (sunburn)
• Streptococcal infections
• HIV
• Medications
• Emotional stress
• Smoking and alcohol
• Hormone changes

Here is a breakdown of the types of psoriasis:

Guttate Psoriasis: This form of psoriasis appears as small, red, individual spots on the skin. Guttate lesions usually appear on the trunk and limbs. These spots are not usually as thick as plaque lesions.

Inverse Psoriasis: Is found in the armpits, groin, under the breasts, and in other skin folds around the genitals and the buttocks. This type of psoriasis appears as bright-red lesions that are smooth and shiny. Inverse psoriasis is subject to irritation from rubbing and sweating because of its location in skin folds and tender areas.

Pustular Psoriasis: is characterized by white blisters of noninfectious pus (consisting of white blood cells) surrounded by red skin. There are three types of pustular psoriasis. It may be localized to certain areas of the body, such as the hands and feet, or covering most of the body. It begins with the reddening of the skin followed by formation of pustules and scaling.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis: is a particularly inflammatory form of psoriasis that affects most of the body surface. It is characterized by periodic, widespread, fiery redness of the skin and the shedding of scales in sheets, rather than smaller flakes. The reddening and shedding of the skin are often accompanied by severe itching and pain, heart rate increase, and fluctuating body temperature. People experiencing the symptoms of erythrodermic psoriasis flare should see a doctor immediately.

If you have any of these signs or symptoms we recommend contacting your physician for best treatment recommendations. There are many oral drugs that can be prescribed by a physician to treat psoriasis. If prescriptions fail or you would like to steer clear of unwanted side effects, there are also more natural remedies like herbs, vitamins, sunlight, and ocean water. Some of the ingredients known to help are aloe vera, fish oil, Vitamin D, dead sea salts and cayenne.

While there is no cure for psoriasis, there is hope in topical and systemic medications. Topically, some effective ingredients are; salicylic acid, coal-tar ointments, and retinoids. Skinstore.com carries a variety of products that can help. Neostrata Therapeutics Psorent Topical is clinically-proven solution designed to help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis such as itching, scaling, flaking, redness and irritation. Avene Professional Akerat S Psoriasis Skin Cream is recommended for localized rough, thick and scaly areas on the scalp and body. This body product helps relieve and prevent the recurrence of itching, flaking and scaling. PCA SKIN Dry Skin Relief Bar is a mild facial bar suitable for all types of dry skin conditions particularly psoriasis and eczema. Tarsum Shampoo/Gel from Summers is a therapeutic scalp product. For a relaxing and calming treatment try one of the Ahava Mineral Bath Salts. No other natural substance contains a greater concentration of skin rejuvenating minerals than 100% pure Dead Sea salt crystals.

Resources & References: www.webmd.com and www.psoriasis.org

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Ringworm, a common skin disorder, is not as the name suggests caused by a worm. It’s a skin fungus characterized by round lesions or rings on the skin. The medical term is tinea, but the name “ringworm” has stuck over time. There are different forms of tinea that affect the skin on the body, the scalp, the feet (a.k.a athlete’s foot), or the groin area (a.k.a jock itch). Ringworm is caused by fungi known as dermatophytes which thrive off of dead cells on the skin, hair, and nails.

Types of Ringworm:

Ringworm on the body (tinea corpus) is the most common form. It starts as a round lesion with dry scaling in the center. The affected area is often itchy and in patches. It’s important to avoid scratching to spread the fungi to other areas of the body.

Ringworm of the foot, also known as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) causes scaling, inflammation, and itching in between toes and may also cause thickening of the skin on the heels and soles of the feet.

Ringworm of the groin also known as jock itch (tinea cruris) is reddish brown in color and usually extends from the folds of the groin area down the thighs.

Ringworm of the nails causes fingernails to look yellow, thick, and brittle. Artificial nails have an increased risk for fungi because water can collect under the artificial nail creating a warm moist environment ideal for fungi to grow.

Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) is common among school age children because it is spread by person to person contact. Tinea capitis can cause the scalp to scale and often forms bald spots.

How did you catch Ringworm?

Ringworm is very contagious and can be spread by contact with the infected person, animal or object. Yes, you can catch ringworm from Fido! Ringworm is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Although Fido is not your only concern!

Ringworm is commonly spread by contact with infected gym equipment and in locker rooms. It’s important to properly sanitize public gym equipment and mats before use and to wear sandals or flip flops in gym showers. Close contact sports like wrestling or basketball are also culprits for spreading Ringworm. Remember to shower thoroughly after engaging in similar sports.

Although ringworm’s appearance is very distinct, it’s important to consult with your doctor and not self diagnose. Other common skin conditions can have similar characteristics. Your physician can prescribe topical antifungal creams or for severe cases oral medication. SkinStore carries an over the counter product Pedinol Fungoid Tincture for fungal infections including athletes foot and ringworm.

Tips to minimize your chances of ringworm:

-Wear sandals in locker rooms, public pools or bathing areas

- Don’t share clothing, towels, or sports gear

- Shower after any sport that includes skin to skin contact

-Wear loose fitting cotton breathable clothing and under garments

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Do you ever experience red, raised, dry, itchy, or irritated skin? Most adults and many children have probably experienced these conditions a few times in their lives. While some are more serious skin conditions, there are some very common minor culprits known as rashes. Take a look at just a few of the most common rashes to better identify your skin concerns with:

• Drug Rash- The most common type of rash is usually developed from an allergic reaction to medication. It can be from any type of medication including antibiotics, anti-seizure and diuretics. This type of rash usually appears within the 1st week after taking medication. You might initially see individual red spots that can spread throughout large areas of the body and can last for up to a few weeks even after ending the medication. There are cases where it can be serious and a physician should always be contacted in case of a drug rash.

• Heat Rash- Another common rash that’s usually not very serious, and can be resolved with proper self treatment. Heat rash occurs due to hot, humid weather, tight fitting or synthetic fabric clothing which interferes with the flow of sweat. Heat rash is sometimes called Prickly Heat, as it has a pins and needles sensation when inflamed. To avoid heat rash you should keep skin cool and dry, wear loose fitting cotton clothing.

• Diaper Rash- A form of inflamed skin which appears as a bright red pattern usually on a baby’s bottom. It usually occurs due to frequently wet or infrequently changed diapers. Other causes include diarrhea, improper ventilation, use of antibiotics, and even with change of diet. This type of rash can easily be treated at home usually with common over the counter diaper rash ointment.
• Swimmers Itch- This rash is usually from an allergic reaction to a waterborne parasite which burrows into the top layer of the skin. It appears as tiny bumps or blisters that can burn and itch. This rash can worsen with increased exposure to infected water and may even increase skin sensitivity. At home remedies such as calming lotions or baths may relieve symptoms and this condition usually resolves within a week.

With a better understanding of skin conditions you can be prepared to prevent skin ailments and combat the most common skin irritants! If you have a rash consult with your physician immediately for best treatment recommendations.

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What is Eczema? Eczema is a red, inflamed and irritated patch of skin. It is an inherited condition that can flare up and subside due to a few different factors. It is often accompanied by asthma or hay fever. The cause of eczema is unknown, but many medical professionals believe that it may be related to a deficiency in the body’s immune system. Eczema appears as thickened, cracked or scaly skin. It can affect any area of the body, but is typically found on the arms and legs. Many individuals also suffer from Eczema on the scalp.

There is no cure for Eczema, but there are a few things you can do to help ease discomfort of flare ups or lessen how often you experience flare ups.

Avoid Environmental Triggers
Rapid changes in body temperature (this usually occurs when we are stressed) can cause skin to become inflamed and irritated. Avoid detergents, harsh soaps and fragrances, as well as wool fabric products, as they can aggravate the skin. If you suffer from scalp Eczema avoid hair care products which contain sulfates.

Take a calming bath
Adding raw oatmeal, baking soda or a calming bath cream, such as Avene Professional Trixera Plus Selectiose Emollient Cleansing Bath to warm water can soothe and calm sensitized skin.

Choose products designed for sensitive skin
Avoid skin care products that contain perfumes, dyes, and harsh detergents. Look for products designed to calm and soothe the skin and are intended for those with sensitive skin.

Keep skin hydrated
Keeping skin moisturized can avoid flare ups. Choose heavier lotions and creams designed for dry to very dry skin conditions. Moisturizers like ATOPALM Intensive Moisturizing Cream help to boost the skin’s barrier function while protecting it from environmental stresses.

Eczema is often confused with other skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis, so it’s always best to consult a dermatologist, physician, or immunologist to determine your skin condition and best treatments available.

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Pure, smooth, glowing skin is something everyone dreams about, but Pur~Lisse makes gorgeous, resilient skin a reality! Just ask Jennifer Yen, the founder of Pur~Lisse Skincare! As an actress in Hollywood, Jennifer found her skin in less than perfect condition due to hot lights and heavy makeup, and that’s when she set out on a quest to find skincare solutions that soothe and smooth. As an ode to her Chinese heritage, Jennifer incorporated tried and true ingredients and ancient remedies into her renewed formulations. Accordingly, Pur~lisse blends traditional Chinese beauty rituals with today’s French skincare technology so ingredients like blue lotus, white tea, and soy proteins in combination with lupine peptides and seasilk create efficacious, yet gentle formulations.

Pur~Lisse products are free of harsh ingredients like petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, synthetic coloring agents, and proplyne glycols. Pur~Lisse is also paraben-free and free of animal by-products. By keeping the formulas simple and clean there is a minimized risk of unwanted skin irritation, so even the most delicate skin types can use Pur~Lisse.

The Pur~Lisse product selection is impressive, it may seem like a small collection with only six full products and two travel trial kits, but it’s surely mighty as all of the products are suitable for all skin types, all ages, and all concerns. The Pur-Delicate Cleanser is our favorite; its milky formula rinses away makeup and debris and leaves a fresh, clean feeling. Another favorites, Pur-Bright, is great for lightening up stubborn hyper pigmentation without irritation, and our hot-selling Pur-Moist is a delicate hydrating moisturizer that leaves the skin dewy and supple.

Have you tried Pur~Lisse? Tell us what you love about it. If you haven’t tried this amazing brand, don’t fret, as we’ll have a great giveaway coming soon!

Check out this awesome Pur~Lisse video for find out more about the brand:

Content reference: http://purlisse.com/

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Just because summer is over that simply is no excuse to neglect your tootsies. Give your feet the tender loving care they deserve! Here is how to give yourself a spa-like pedicure in the comfort of your own home.

Before we begin here are the items you will need:

• Basin Tub
• Foot Soak Bath Crystals
• Foot File or Foot Scrub
• Clean Dry Towel
• Foot Cream
• Nail Clippers and Nail File
• Cuticle Oil
• Manicure Wood Stick
• Cotton Swabs
• Nail Polish Remover
• Nail Primer Base Coat
• Your Favorite Shade of Nail Lacquer
• Nail Polish Top Coat

1. Remove any old toe nail polish with a cotton swab soaked in nail polish remover.

2. Dip your feet in a basin tub filled with warm water and foot soak bath crystals. The crystals will help to soften rough patches on your heels and soles. Soaking will aid in calming and soothing tired achy feet. Soak feet for 5- 10 minutes. Try finding Foot Soak Bath Crystals that contains essential oils; Many essential oils have antibacterial and antiseptic qualities.

3. Exfoliate the rough patches on your heals by using a foot file or foot scrub. This will leave your skin smoother and much softer. The exfoliation will aid in allowing the skin to absorb creams much more effectively.

4. Pat feet dry with a clean dry towel. Apply a rich, creamy foot cream. Massage the cream into the soles and pads of your feet. Make sure you are paying extra attention to tense muscles. When choosing a foot cream, you may want to select one that contains Peppermint oil. Peppermint oil may help to ease any pain or tension you might have. It also acts a stress reducer. Next, you want to dab cuticle oil onto your cuticles and massage in. Afterward, gently push cuticles back with an orange stick.

5. Clip and file nails into a rounded square shape. I recommend using a Glass nail file. Glass nail files deliver a very smooth finish, which is hard to achieve with traditional nail files. They are incredibly easy to use and will never become dull.

6.  Dip a cotton swab in nail polish remover and wipe over each toe nail to remove any excess oil or moisture that may remain.

7.  Paint each toe nail with a nail polish primer base coat. This will help to keep your nail polish from chipping as well as help keep the polish from staining the toe nail itself.

8. Paint on your favorite nail lacquer shade. Many colors that are popular for fall are rich reds, bold burgundy’s and passionate plums. Or go wild and explore your playful side and with an electric cobalt blue. Brush on two coats; wait a few minutes between each coat.

9. Apply a clear top coat and allow nails to fully dry before applying shoes or socks.

10. Enjoy your fresh and gorgeous pedicure.

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You can detox your body for fall with this DIY firming coffee body scrub. This luxurious body scrub contains coffee, coconut, and hydrating oils to tighten, exfoliate, and nourish the skin. Coffee is stimulating and firming and acts as an anti cellulite product, while coconut provides additional exfoliation and antioxidant benefits. This scrub is also great to use before you apply your self tanner because it will exfoliate and nourish the skin.

To make this homemade concoction you will need the following ingredients:

• ¼ cup ground coffee beans -
• 1½ cups raw sugar (for sensitive skin use pure cane sugar because it will be less abrasive)
• ¼ cup shredded coconut-
• ¾ cup macadamia nut oil or olive oil
• 1 tsp. honey
• 2-5 drops essential oil of choice (try orange or peppermint)

You will mix the ingredients together adding the honey and essential oil last. You will want to store in an air tight container at room temperature. Canning jars work great or you can go to any health food store or specialty shop and pick up a plastic or glass container. Apply to moist skin to your whole body, paying close attention to those problem areas, like elbows, knees, and feet. Rinse well with warm water then pat your skin dry. For added benefits apply a hydrating body lotion to seal in moisture. We like the Juice Beauty Green Apple Extra Firming Body Moisturizer.

You will want to use up your scrub in a few weeks time since there are no preservatives. You can make a double batch and give away as gifts too! While we do carry a lot of amazing body products at SkinStore, we love to experiment with DIY recipes too! Get creative and craft up your own anti-aging body recipe! Got any good ones? Please share with us in the comments below!

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It’s tough having oily skin… a shiny midday forehead doesn’t scream “fresh & polished”. To make foundation and powder last longer and go farther I always invest in a good primer, but in my opinion the most important step in a makeup regimen is the setting spray. You don’t have to have oily skin to use a setting spray to make your makeup last. If your skin is dry you probably know how uncomfortable that tight, powdery face is… and it surely doesn’t look any better than it feels. A spritz of setting spray allows for your skin to look beautifully radiant and smooth while allowing for your makeup to last and last without touchups, no matter your skin type!

Our favorite and best-selling makeup setting spray line is Skindinavia. It’s a tired and true celebrity and makeup artist favorite. In fact, Scandinavia is used backstage at huge theatrical productions, and it’s always a favorite at fashion week across the world.

Recently Skindinavia updated their packaging to sleek black bottles, and the best part is that you’re now getting MORE for LESS! At $39 a pop these 8 ounce bottles are a steal. Oily skinned gals (and many guys, too) really love the No More Shine Makeup Finish, it’s great as a midday spritz that allows makeup to adhere better to the skin, and it works wonderfully for those on TV and on the stage.  The Skindinavia 10 Years Yonger Makeup Finish is amazing for those of us concerned with lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and scars. Because this spritz cools the skin upon application it rapidly sets powder and foundation in a smooth layer, rather than allowing the skin’s heat to push the product into crevices.

A special occasion calls for very special makeup, that’s why the Skindinavia Bridal Makeup Finish is our go-to for exceptional events. This color dispersing mist helps to keep blended coverage of foundation, eye shadow, blush, and concealer through perspiration and tears! Great for wedding photography and always a prom and homecoming must!

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