Looking for a safe way to put that summer glow back into your skin? Try the Jane Iredale Tantasia Self Tanner. This moisturizing self tanner builds a gradual tan within three days and is perfect for both face and body. It provides lasting, natural color with a streak-free formula and has a wonderfully refreshing citrus scent.
Quick tip: Allow 15-20 minutes for the product to dry before getting dressed to avoid any chance of it rubbing off onto clothing.
Watch this video for a full demonstration on how to apply Tantasia for the best results.
Natural and organic products have gained increased popularity during the last 5+ years that I have been here at SkinStore.com. I’ve seen an evolution in customers that have gone from mildly curious to highly passionate about what product they will choose to put on their skin.
For us its wonderful when we have customers calling in asking questions about products because the diversity in the questions we get asked can range from focusing on organic certification and verifying products have not been tested on animals to simply wanting a minimal list of ingredients in skincare products. What we love is that we have products to fit everyone’s skincare needs and desires.
Let’s talk Natural. At SkinStore we have a Natural skincare department that offers a broad range of natural products that contain high concentrations of “natural extracts and botanicals while avoiding common controversial chemicals, artificial dyes and synthetic fragrance whenever possible.” There are hundreds of products to choose from and many brands that offer not only natural or botanical ingredients but also provide eco-friendly and cruelty free products. In addition, some brands have even taken the next step in supporting our environment by focusing on minimizing their footprint and supporting environmental organizations that are focused on protecting our beautiful planet.
If you are into “natural”, come on by our natural department and take a look around. We’d love to see you there!
Before you decide to switch regimens to address breakouts for the 100th time, read this!
So you just started a regimen a week or two ago that your esthetician raved about and now you are breaking out more than ever? Believe it or not, this is not the time to change routines.
It is crucial to understand how your skin functions and how certain ingredients influence its behavior so you know what to expect when starting a new regimen.
Normally, your skin regenerates itself every 28-50 days depending on age and skin health. You shed skin cells daily, but the amount is so minute that you rarely see it happening. This is called natural exfoliation. Acne regimens rely on products that will enhance this process (along with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients).
When starting a new acne regimen, your skin goes through an accelerated exfoliation and renewal process. This allows for breakouts to show up much more quickly than they would have otherwise. The products are not creating new breakouts, but rather unveiling them at a sooner date. You would have seen the same blemishes surface weeks down the road, but since your skin function has been sped up you are seeing 5-6 weeks worth of breakouts in one or two weeks. This amazing and horrifying process is commonly referred to as “purging”.
This can definitely be alarming, but it is very important to adhere to the regimen suggested to you so you can get through this period, and you will get through it. The average time frame is 7-10 days, but it is not uncommon for it to stretch to 2-4 weeks. It all depends on the severity of acne you were experiencing and how quickly you can advance your regimen. Sensitive skin has to advance more slowly so the “purging” period may be a bit longer than tolerant skin which can increase the frequency of product usage more quickly. This breakout period can be minimized by using products with anti-bacterial properties such as benzoyl peroxide or topical antibiotics from your derm. We suggest sticking to a regimen for 6- 8 weeks and sometimes longer before deciding to switch, unless you are have a reaction (not skin purging). Keep in mind that not all acne will clear in 8 weeks, but you will definitely get a sense of the products and if you will be able to achieve better results over time.
The bottom line is to stick it out and you will see clearer, more refined healthy skin.
The key players in this acclimation process are:
Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (glycolic, lactic, salicylic, malic, mandelic acids) - Hydroxy acids have the ability to break down corneodemosomes on the surface of the skin. These are what hold the dead skin cells together. Think of the mortar on a brick wall. Once the corneodesmosomes are dissolved, the dead skin cells are ready to fall off. Using a hydroxy acid will speed up the rate that the cells are shed which means your skin has to make new skin cells to fill their place. When these new cells die, they are pushed to the surface for their turn to be shed. Any debris or microcomedones (pimples) rise to the surface too, which is why it seems like the product is making you break out. When using these ingredients for acne, daily is usually best.
Retinol – Retinol works from the inside out, which is opposite of a hydroxy acid. This ingredient stimulates cell renewal first, which then forces your skin to shed the dead skin cells from the top layer. This is a very potent ingredient and flaking and peeling is a common reaction because it has the ability to speed up the production of new skin cells so fast that you can visibly see the shedding of the old skin cells, which is usually invisible. This is generally not a desirable outcome, so moderation is the key with retinol. Use maybe 2-3 times a week.
Ask a professional before starting a regimen with either of these active ingredients.
Have a questions for our estheticians? Ask us here.
We are proud to announce our latest giveaway! We have partnered with Juice Beauty. Now through June 13, you can enter to win a Juice Beauty Age Defy Solutions Kit. ($60 value)
Kit Includes:
2 oz. Green Apple Cleansing Gel
.5 oz. Green Apple Peel Full Strength
.25 oz. Green Apple Age Defy Serum
.5 oz. Green Apple SPF 15 Moisturizer
.5 oz. Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer
Entering the giveaway is simple. All you have to do is CLICK HERE and fill out the entry form.
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.
What is your skin like? My skin is a real trouble maker. It’s oily… everywhere, but it’s also dehydrated. It breaks out…..everywhere. And there is sun damage…..everywhere. Oh, and it doesn’t appreciate frequent use uses of aggressive products. I have tried this approach but it retaliates with redness and dry, irritated areas. I have to coerce it into behaving properly with a balancing/ juggling act that I have choreographed over the years. To top it off, I am trying to ward off signs of aging, so I have added a couple new products to my routine.
What is your main concern? All of the above.
What does your skincare regimen consist of? See below.
Treatment #1:SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum – This is like 3 serums in one. An anti-aging serum full of peptides and growth factors, an antioxidant serum to prevent and repair free radical damage, and a hydrating serum with sodium hyaluronate. I could go on and on.
Treat – Dark spots are a major set back when glowing, radiant skin is your goal. Treat them safely and effectively with SkinCeuticals Pigment Regulator am and pm.
Glow – Try adding a touch of bronzer to the areas of your face that light naturally hits. Too Faced Caribbean in a Compact – Sun Bunny lets you create versatile looks from a subtle glow or go for a bronzed beauty look, or anything in between.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your makeup. Try different looks for different occasion or even moods!
Below are some great products to add to your routine that are beneficial in treating acne. They will remove dead skin cells and debris, kill acne causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. (Remember, less is more with treatment products!) These are customer (and staff) favorites. Don’t believe us? Read the customer reviews. They speak for themselves!
Jan Marni Bioglycolic Bioclear – Choose the cream for normal to dry skin and the lotion for normal to oily. Contains glycolic, salicylic and azelaic acids to resurface the skin, clear out pores, calm inflammation and even skin tone. Salicylic acid also has anti-bacterial properties.
Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Cooling Masque – This clay mask contains 10% pharmaceutical grade sulfur for it’s anti-bacterial effects and zinc oxide for wound healing. Eucalyptus provides helps calm inflammation and is also antiseptic. Use once to twice a week to boost your acne regimen.
Belli Acne Clearing Facial Wash – It’s difficult to find an acne treatment when you are expecting. This wash uses lactic acid, so it is safe for use during pregnancy, but it’s a great cleanser for everyone.
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 – fantastic for speeding up cell renewal and helps with acne as well as anti-aging.
Bonus product – ANSR Beam – This is a great LED device that has a blue light for killing acne bacteria. The red light accelerates healing and cell renewal. It’s also great for hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.
It’s best to use a combination of products to address all causes of acne. For example one might use the Jan Marini Bioglycolic Lotion daily for exfoliation and calming inflammation, SkinCeuticals Retinol a couple nights a week for cell renewal and Philosophy On a Clear Day Oil-Free Acne Spot Treatment on the other nights or as needed to control bacteria. It is best to start one new product at a time to minimize irritation. As stated above, “Less is more” because using treatments too frequently or too many at the same time can cause drying and irritation.
Moisturizer and Sunscreen is also a must. Proper hydration promotes healthy cell turnover and you will need sun protection as these products make your skin more vulnerable to UV rays.
Unfortunately, your acne can’t go away over night (no matter how hard you wish for it). It is common for you to see new breakouts at first. For more information on that, please see our blog on skin purging. Be patient and you’ll start to see clearer, healthier skin.
Dandruff is the most common scalp condition that we hear about today. What people don’t realize it that the little white flakes you are brushing off of your shoulder may not be dandruff at all, but dry skin. Confused? Let’s take a look at the differences.
True dandruff is also known as seborrheic dermatitis or seborrhea. This is a condition that is itchy, inflamed and frequently produces scales of flaky skin. Seborrhea can be found in any oily environment where malassezia furfur, a type of yeast, is known to thrive . Hormones and some chronic or autoimmune conditions are known to play a role too, but one specific cause has not been identified. Symptoms can be very mild (flaking, some itching) or quite severe (very inflamed and resulting in hair loss). Craddle cap on a baby is a good example of mild to moderate seborrhea. This condition can also affect the skin on other areas of the body. To address this condition, treatments include the active ingredients pyrithione zinc, anti-fungals, salicylic acid, sulfur and tar. Since it is difficult to pin point the cause of the symptoms it may be necessary to experiment with the active ingredients to find out which treatments have the most favorable outcome for you.
Some treatments may be labeled for “oily dandruff” since consumers frequently attribute dandruff to dry skin. If you can identify with the symptoms above, here are some products that may be able to help.
On the body use Stiefel ZNP bar. It contains pyrithione zinc.
Dry scalp is just how it sounds. It is skin lacking oil, water or both. Flaking, an itchy, tight feeling and sensitivity can be key indicators. Inflammation is not as common, but if left untreated, can occur. Exfoliation is be beneficial to remove flakes and to allow the scalp to accept hydrating treatment products. This condition is much easier to address than seborrheic dermatitis. Some products will be listed for use for “dry dandruff” due of the common misconception of the consumer. Below are some great products to get your scalp back in shape.
Looking for a new way to exfoliate? Have we got a product for you! SkinCeuticals has recently launched Retexturing Activator, which uses a chemical exfoliant that is unlike any other. The revolutionary product surpasses the results of a 20% glycolic daily use treatment!
We all love our tried and true alpha hydroxy acid for exfoliation, but sometimes it can become irritating to our skin and can cause sensitivity to the sun. Alpha hydroxy acid works by dissolving the glue like substance between dead skin cells thereby allowing the dead cells to slough off. The SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator works differently. This patent pending product stimulates the protease enzyme in your skin that aides in your natural exfoliation and hydration.
The protease enzyme basically herds the skin cells to the surface of your skin, where they can turn into a corneocyte. Corneocytes are a component of the stratum corneum layer of the skin and contain proteins and some other water soluble substances that help your skin’s barrier to function properly, keeping you well hydrated and protecting you from any cellular damage. Once these protease enzyme have done their job, the corneocytes are ready to fall off (natural exfoliation). Proteases help keep this process moving so that you can produce new skin cells faster and keep your skin’s barrier in proper shape. This even helps to prevent acne from forming since the dead skin cells aren’t able to collect and bind together to clog your pores.
If your protease enzymes are stimulated, then your cell renewal rate will be increased because you are naturally shedding skin cells faster. Your body will produce new healthy cells to fill their place. What does this mean for you? Healthier, younger looking, more hydrated, even toned skin! Without the irritation!
So now you may be asking “what exactly is the active ingredient that makes this product so fantastic?” There are a couple of amazing ingredients; the one we are most excited about is the Hydroxyethyl Urea/ Aminosulfonic Acid Compound. SkinCeuticals uses this ingredient in a 25% concentration. The SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator also contains Kombucha and Hyaluronic Acid.
Looking for a safe way to put that summer glow back into your skin? Try the Jane Iredale Tantasia Self Tanner. This moisturizing self tanner builds a gradual tan within three days and is perfect for both face and body. It provides lasting, natural color with a streak-free formula and has a wonderfully refreshing citrus scent.
Natural and organic products have gained increased popularity during the last 5+ years that I have been here at SkinStore.com. I’ve seen an evolution in customers that have gone from mildly curious to highly passionate about what product they will choose to put on their skin.
This can definitely be alarming, but it is very important to adhere to the regimen suggested to you so you can get through this period, and you will get through it. The average time frame is 7-10 days, but it is not uncommon for it to stretch to 2-4 weeks. It all depends on the severity of acne you were experiencing and how quickly you can advance your regimen. Sensitive skin has to advance more slowly so the “purging” period may be a bit longer than tolerant skin which can increase the frequency of product usage more quickly. This breakout period can be minimized by using products with anti-bacterial properties such as benzoyl peroxide or topical antibiotics from your derm. We suggest sticking to a regimen for 6- 8 weeks and sometimes longer before deciding to switch, unless you are have a reaction (not skin purging). Keep in mind that not all acne will clear in 8 weeks, but you will definitely get a sense of the products and if you will be able to achieve better results over time.
We are proud to announce our latest giveaway! We have partnered with 
disease to your family and pets such as West Nile Virus, heartworms and in other parts of the world, malaria.
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.
What is your skin like? My skin is a real trouble maker. It’s oily… everywhere, but it’s also dehydrated. It breaks out…..everywhere. And there is sun damage…..everywhere. Oh, and it doesn’t appreciate frequent use uses of aggressive products. I have tried this approach but it retaliates with redness and dry, irritated areas. I have to coerce it into behaving properly with a balancing/ juggling act that I have choreographed over the years. To top it off, I am trying to ward off signs of aging, so I have added a couple new products to my routine.
Dandruff is the most common scalp condition that we hear about today. What people don’t realize it that the little white flakes you are brushing off of your shoulder may not be dandruff at all, but dry skin. Confused? Let’s take a look at the differences.
Looking for a new way to exfoliate? Have we got a product for you! SkinCeuticals has recently launched 
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