Author Archive

Exfoliate with ExfoliKate!

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Exfoliate your way to a brighter more even complexion with results you can see and feel! Everyone always loves that baby face, fresh and clean feel after they leave their facial appointment. Well now you can have that feeling at home. Formulated with microbeads, fruit enzymes and salicylic acid, the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment will leave you with healthier looking skin after just one treatment! It became a personal favorite of mine after the first use. It’s best used once or twice each week, morning or evening, to keep skin radiant. Apply a thin, even layer to a clean, wet face, massaging in a circular motion for 30 seconds. Leave on for up to two minutes. Rinse off with warm water and gently pat dry and experience the results! This product does increase circulation which can cause the skin to flush for a short time. If you have sensitive skin it is best to leave it on for less than a minute or use the ExfoliKate Gentle Exfoliating Treatment. And for those with a problematic skin type, we highly recommend the ExfoliKate Acne Clearing Exfoliating Treatment to give you that glow, while targeting blemishes and helping to prevent new breakouts.

  • Tip from Kate Somerville: Use ExfoliKate in the shower as the steam will help to activate the enzymes, making it even more effective.


Avene Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream

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Irritation, Injury and skin conditions occur in our everyday lives. When the unexpected happens, Avene Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream is there to help! This technologically advanced cream helps speed the recovery process by maintaining an optimal healing environment for the skin and prevents signs or scarring. It is used for many general skin problems such as burns, cuts, cracked skin, peri-oral dermatitis, mild eczema, diaper rash and for post procedure skin such as peels, episiotomy, vascular laser, and hair removal. Not only does it help for a speedy recovery, but it contains 45% of Avene’s very popular Thermal Spring Water to soothe and soften your skin.


Sjal Skincare

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SkinStore.com is pleased to carry some of the finest skin care that can be found worldwide. A recent addition, sjal skincare, is no exception. The mother daughter team Karen and Kristin Petrovich have cultivated decades of research from around the globe to formulate a holistic and effective skin care product line that is a minimalists dream. Its simple beauty at its best.

This scientifically advanced skin care line incorporates an eastern blend of electro-stimulants like gemstones, platinum, gold and silver to increase cellular performance and enhance the effects of key ingredients.  In addition, sjal uses the most recent advances in biotechnology from Europe and Japan and adheres to strict standards of performance and efficacy. Among the many high quality standards, sjal does not use petroleum jelly, caffeine, silicone, or mineral oil in any of its products.

Sjal skin care has been featured in the press by such notable names as Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, Nylon, Elle and many more. Check out sjal skin care at skinstore.com and find out what all the buzz is about!

Source: sjalskincare.com

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Varicose Veins

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Found most commonly on the legs and ankles, varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin. These veins are caused by weakened valves in your legs. When the one-way valves are working properly they direct blood flow upwards toward your heart. When they are not functioning correctly, blood collects in your legs and pressure builds up causing the veins to become large, weak and twist. Varicose veins run in families, but age, weight gain, pregnancy, and standing\sitting for long periods of time are also common causes. At home treatment may be all you need to ease your symptoms and keep them from getting worse.

  • Wear compression stockings
  • Elevate your legs
  • Avoid long periods of standing and sitting
  • Exercise

The Phytomer Beautiful Legs Blemish Eraser Cream can also be massaged gently over the legs in an upward motion to help with appearance and imperfections on the legs.

Other signs and symptoms of Varicose Veins may be: swelling in legs and feet,

Itching over the vein, color changes in the skin, dry skin, inflammation, and scaling. Varicose veins typically are not a serious problem but in some cases it can be a sign of blockage in deeper veins and need treatment. If you have any of these signs or symptoms we recommend contacting your physician.

Reference: www.webmd.com

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Goodbye Dark Circles

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While there are numerous different reasons why people get dark circles, one thing is sure… everyone wants them gone! Dark circles appear as dark skin under the lower eyelid and often extend to to the top of the cheek. Everyday lifestyle can contribute to the reason as to why some people get dark circles. Alcohol, caffeine, crying, certain medications, smoking, stress, malnutrition, lack of sleep, and dehydration are all contributing factors. On the other hand, there are a couple factors like genetics and aging that we are unable to control. Dark circles can be genetically passed down from a family member, or thinning of your under eye skin due to aging causes the blood vessels to be more visible, making dark circles more prominent. There are many great eye products that can lessen the appearance of under eye circles. Here are our top picks:

Topix Replenix All Trans Retinol Eye Repair Cream: This retinol based eye cream effectively fights the signs of aging in the delicate eye area without causing irritation, it’s formulated with vitamin K and arnica to combat dark circles. It also has a potent peptide blend to draining under the eyes, discouraging puffiness while fighting fine lines and wrinkles.

Hydro-Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Dark Circle Concentrate: This high-performing powerful eye brighter and line fighter gently beautifies the delicate eye area. Formulated with Vitamin K to reduce dark circles and puffiness up to 72%. It also contains light reflecting pearl that immediately brightens and illuminates the eye area.

Caudalie Premier Cru They Eye Cream: This eye cream provides patented active anti-aging ingredients from the vine and effective science to combat skin aging and dark circles. It will help immediately brighten dark circles and helps to correct for visible long term benefits.

Remember to enter into our Giveaway! See the SkinStore.com Facebook page for details!


Psoriasis

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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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Spritz Up With Thermal Water

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Whether you need a quick pick me up for you skin or a product to soothe irritation, thermal waters are formulated for all skin types and have many benefits. These unique toners not only help even out the pH level of the skin, but are anti-inflammatory, have antioxidant properties, provide hydration, help reinforce the skin’s natural barrier function, and not to mention they are excellent for sensitive or post procedure skin. You can very easily incorporate one into your skincare regimen after cleansing morning and night, or they can be used when needed throughout the day. I can honestly say this has become a MUST HAVE item for me and I always have one sitting on my desk. I’d like to highlight a few or my favorites:

Avene Thermal Spring Water

  • Clinically proven by over 300 studies to calm, soothe, and soften the skin
  • A 40 year journey through the Cevennes Mountain allows the water in Avene to acquire perfectly balanced mineral composition
  • Low mineral salt content will not dry out the skin
  • PH of 7.5
  • It is the only thermal spring water that is connected directly from the source to the hydrotherapy center and manufacturing plant
  • Preservative free
  • Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic

La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water

  • Naturally contains a high concentration of the element Selenium to provide powerful anti-oxidant protection
  • Highly recommended from intolerant skin, Eczema, and Rosacea
  • Contains no additives
  • 100% pure natural spring water

Vichy Thermal Spa Water

  • 100% pure and naturally rich with 15 rare mineral salts and trace elements
  • Was recognized by the French Academy of Medicine for its soothing and fortifying benefits
  • Is present in all Vichy products
  • So unique it can not be reproduced by Science
  • Allergy tested
  • Preservative, fragrance and paraben free

Remember to enter into our latest GIVEAWAY! Visit our Facebook page for more details!


Determining Which Clarisonic Fits Your Needs

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While cleansing our face is typically one of the first things we do to start our day, and one of the last routines before bed at night, a good deep down cleaning can be overlooked. Manual cleansing can leave behind dirt, debris and oil. The Clarisonic is a device that has many great benefits to help your skin to look its best. Here are a few:

  • More than 2x as effective as manual cleansing
  • 6X more makeup removal
  • Leaves skin feeling and looking younger and smoother
  • Increases product absorption
  • Clarisonic Mia Sonic Cleansing System is gentle enough for use twice daily
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Helps reduce oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
  • Helps reduce the appearance of visible pores
  • Clarisonic Skin Care Brush System is waterproof
  • Brush heads are interchangeable with other Clarisonic Skin Care Systems
  • Suitable for use with any non-abrasive cleanser
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Used and recommended by skin care professionals

Here at Skinstore.com we offer 3 different models of the Clarisonic. This quick overview will go over each of the models and their features to better assist you in determining which one would be best for you.

Clarisonic Mia- This device has all the benefits of the standard model in a smaller compact size with 1 speed. It is great for at home use or traveling, and it comes with an international charger as well. The Mia comes in a variety of colors such as white, pink, yellow, red, blue, turquoise, lavender and tangerine. This model comes with a 1 year manufacturer warranty.

Clarisonic Classic- This device is great for at home use, and has 2 speed settings for the face. It comes in white, pink, or gray and has a 2 year manufacturer warranty.

Clarisonic Plus- This system has 3 speeds for the face plus body mode for cleansing areas needing extra care and attention. It comes in white and in blue, and also has a universal charging cradle. As with the Classic, the Plus has a 2 year manufacturer warranty.

Do you own a Clarisonic? Tell us what you love about it, we’d love to know!

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Staff Regimen: Macey!

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Name: Macey

What is your Skin like: Like millions of people I would say I have a combination skin. My t-zone is oily (especially in the warmer months), and the rest of my skin is normal. I do have to watch what I use on my face because I do break out easily.

Skin concerns: I try my best to keep my skin clear and use preventative products. My forehead can get very oily and I get the occasional break out.

Morning:
Cleanser: Kinerase Gentle Daily Cleanser- This is my all time favorite cleanser. I love how gentle this product is, yet it is excellent for removing make-up. It is even good for removing my stubborn mascara.

Toner: SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner- helps balance my skin and leaves it with a fresh soothed feel.

Treatment: SkinMedica C + E Complex- helps me get my antioxidant defense without leaving a heavy feel on my skin like some other products can.

Hydrator: Dr. Brandt Pores No More Anti-Aging Mattifying Lotion- Fast absorbing, mattifying, helps minimize my pores, oil free, and anti-aging in one! I absolutely love this moisturizer and apparently my boyfriend does too because out of the tons and tons of products I have, this one always seems to come up missing and I always know who to go to when I need to find it!

Eye Cream: Caudalie Vinexpert Anti-Aging Serum & Lips- a hydrating serum that leaves my eye area tight, bright & smooth looking. This is your all in one eye product. Targets lines, wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles.

SPF: La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid- If there is one thing I can not stand is a heavy sunscreen that leaves you with a white face. Since I love being outdoors, this sunscreen has become my best friend.

Night:
My night regimen is the same as my morning regimen with a few exceptions: I swap out my antioxidant for a retinol treatmnet, and my moisturizer & SPF for an anti-aging, nourishing lotion that repairs sun damage!

Treatment: SkinMedica Retinol Complex- very effective, yet non irritating. I love the consistency of this product and it has definitely cleared up my skin and evened out my tone.

Hydrator: Kinerase Lotion- it’s a light moisturizer but is very hydrating. This moisturizer does not clog my pores and absorbs well. Not to mention it is anti aging, helps even out skin tone, and works very well for those with sun damaged or sensitive skin.

What’s your regimen like? As comprehensive as mine? Tell us! We’d love to know!

You could win a Perricone MD Cold Plasma! Enter our latest giveaway now! Enter here. Event ends on 4/4/2011.



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