Avene skin care has been around for over 260 years and has offered the skincare market exceptional pharmaceutical grade products. Avene is recognized in Europe as the #1 skincare brand and has just got even better. Avene carries an exclusive line of professional products that are sold through dermatologists and contain higher levels of active ingredients. SkinStore.com has just launched this amazing line and we are excited to offer high quality products to our customers with the trusted Avene name.

Avene’s Professional line targets deep wrinkles, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, post procedure, and acne prone skin. The professional line provides pharmaceutical grade products at affordable prices. Avene offers hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance free products for every skin condition.

Among the other great anti aging products Avene offers the professional retrinal cream now available in the 0.05 and the 0.1 cream. This is a retinol treatment that contains Vitamins A and E to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while hydrating and firming the skin. The 0.05 cream is for sensitive skin while the 0.1 is more suitable for tolerant skin types. The formulation is fragrance free and provides excellent benefits with little to no irritation. Avene also carries the professional retrinal HAF firming gel. This will help to firm the skin, hydrate, soothe, and soften while addressing fine lines and wrinkles. The HAF firming gel will also help to reduce the appearance of deeper lines around the mouth, crow’s feet around the eyes, and nasal labial folds.

These are just to name a few in the Avene professional line, take a look at the other wonderful products Avene offers!

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

If you’re on the market for a new sunscreen product for this year’s sizzling summer do we have good news for you! La Roche Posay, an innovative skin care company and progressive sunscreen pioneer launched their newest and best. La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 is a sheer and lightweight all-mineral sunscreen that provides broad spectrum sun protection. The formula is an elegant fluid that soaks right in without leaving a residue or a white caste on the skin. Micronized Titanium Dioxide offers long-lasting broad spectrum protection with advanced efficacy against UVA and UVB rays, while Cell-Ox Shield, a powerful patent-pending antioxidant complex featuring Senna Alata, protects the skin cells against damage.

The benefits are outstanding, and because this formula contains a natural mineral sunscreen there is no waiting time; once the fluid is applied it’s effective immediately. As minerals naturally adhere to the skin the sheer fluid formula is remarkably water resistant, too! It’s also great for sensitive skin, and acne prone skin as is non-comedogenic.

Do you have a favorite sunscreen product? Share with us in the comments below!

Peppermint has been widely used in Eastern and Western medicine to alleviate a variety of different ailments. Peppermint helps to ease pain and also kill bacteria. Its antimicrobial properties make it a key ingredient in products for oily or acne prone skin types. Here are a few peppermint wonders that we can’t live without:

Sundari Essential Oil for Oily Skin has a lightweight blend of essential oils that replenishes oily skin without clogging pores. Stimulating peppermint oil cools the skin while rosemary oil works as an astringent to firm and tone. Loaded with vitamins A and E this blend helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The product also helps to regulate oil production within the skin. Peppermint also increases circulation, which purges pores of toxins and debris. With regular use the skin will appear balanced, nourished, and calm.

Cellex-C Betaplex Clear Complexion Masque contains an aromatic blend of essential oils such as peppermint, menthol, rosemary, and Echinacea. Blemish prone skin is soothed and bacteria is kept at bay with a blend of antiseptic peppermint, rosemary and Echinacea. Alpha beta hydroxyl acid (3%) is included to help to slough off dead skin surface cells revealing a radiant smooth complexion.

Decleor Cleansing Gel leaves oily skin squeaky clean and refreshed. Peppermint purifies and rebalances skin without stripping the skin or disrupting its natural pH balance. With continued use blemishes occur less frequently, pores are tightened and shine is reduced.

What’s your fave minty marvel? We’d love to hear your comments on our Facebook page!

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.

Spices are not just for cooking, many skincare companies utilize spices, or the oils obtained from them, in the formulation of their products. Here are just a few with notable skincare benefits.

• Fennel – Fennel’s ability to decrease irritation and redness make it a great ingredient for sensitive skin. It also has the capability to tone and tighten making it a useful tool for mature skin and a great addition to an eye cream. The Obagi Nu-Derm Eye Cream contains fennel. With its ability to stimulate lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness, Fennel is a useful firming agent.

• Cloves – These little evergreen tree buds have been used all over the world for centuries. Clove oil is an effective antimicrobial agent and is often added to acne treatment products such as the Boscia Clear Complexion Treatment. Additionally, cloves are rich in Vitamins A and C, two very effective antioxidants.

• Cinnamon – Individuals with oily or acne-prone skin will benefit from this yummy ingredient due to its antibacterial and naturally astringent properties. Korres Cinnamon and Natural Clay Deep Cleansing Mask is a great product that makes use of its benefits. Cinnamon is also well known for its warming effect and is commonly found in body products such as soaks and scrubs to help boost circulation. Melvita Cinnamon Orange Cream Soap and Kings and Queens Queen Isabella Cinnamon Orange Body Scrub are some of our favorites.

• Pepper – Pepper is a popular ingredient in body products due to its ability to boost circulation. Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Sugar Scrub also have analgesic properties and can be used to soothe muscle aches. Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Gel is another great muscle soother.

• Turmeric – This is a popular ingredient because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is also a powerful antioxidant and can help with the lightening of hyperpigmentation. For a more in-depth look on Turmeric, see our previous blog. [“Hot Ingredient – Turmeric”]

Like this blog and share it with your friends on Facebook! Or leave us a comment, questions, or feedback – if you have a question, one of our estheticians will respond to you directly when you supply your email address in your response, remember, email addresses are not posted with your comment.

Light therapy is something that has been around in the beauty world for quite some time now. I always get a kick out of watching the 1939 movie “The Women” starring Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer. (Some of us remember images of Joan Crawford with a green cold cream mask on, YIKES!) In the movie you see what the glamorous day spas for women were like during that era, and all the bizarre treatments and beauty devices; one of those including light therapy.

Typical light therapy from decades ago would involve giving a client a relaxing facial followed by either oils, creams, or masks and the use of either a white, blue, or red lamp depending on the skin type and desired result. Clients would typically relax on the spa bed for several minutes allowing the product and light to penetrate.

OH HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED! The light therapy used today is an entirely new era of advanced technology. Comparing the old school light therapy lamps to the technology used in the Baby Quasars is like comparing apples to oranges.

The Baby Quasar utilizes the latest technology with specific wavelengths of infrared and natural light energy to stimulate skin cells. The Baby Quasar Red uses light to stimulate blood flow, cellular metabolism, and collagen production. The Baby Quasar Blue uses light to kill acne bacteria deep within the pores. When the Baby Quasar Red and Baby Quasar Blue are used in combination, clinical studies have shown an even greater benefit in treating inflammatory acne.

Ongoing use of the Baby Quasar Red and Baby Quasar Blue can help to reduce acne breakouts and inflammation, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce pore size, increase blood flow and circulation, replace damage skin cells over time, and accelerate your skin’s deep healing.

For years and years I have been plagued with ongoing spurts of acne breakouts at the base of my hairline. The technical term is Scalp Folliculitis. They come and go, and no matter what products or treatments I have tried nothing seems to work. We recently completed training with a Baby Quasar representative and we were fortunate enough to have a Baby Quasar Power Pack to use. After just 5 treatments I have seen a significant
reduction in breakouts and the areas of skin that had deep inflammation are now healing!

The Baby Quasar products are a revolutionary break through in skin care technology. I know once you purchase a Baby Quasar Power Pack and begin your new regimen, you will be hooked!

Lets be honest, one of the greatest perks of my job is the abundance of products I get to try. I’m like a kid in a candy shop when something new comes our way. Not only do I want to try any new products because I’m obsessed, but also so I can better educate our customers about the products we carry.

Now, this type of situation comes with its goods and its bads. The good? A seemingly endless supply of products at my disposal, doing at-home facials when I feel up for it, having a variety of gifts readily available and getting to try something new whenever I’m bored.

The bad? Products go bad before you get a chance to use them and the biggest downer of all… a random breakout caused by a product. When I jump back and forth from different products or use too many at once, my skin will tell me it’s had enough and punishes me. I guess I can’t say it’s “random” because it’s obvious why it happened… the greedy got to me… too many products at once. Sigh….So what to do now? Here’s a guide to all you over-users and abusers that love products as much as I do…

Step One: Purge and Purify

Action: You need to remove all the impurities. Therefore things are most likely going to get worse before they can get any better.

Recommended Product: Tracie Martyn Amla Purifying Cleanser

Step Two: Keep in Balance

Action: Using a toner will help keep your skin in check.

Recommended Product: Yonka Lotion PS Toner

Step Three: Treat

Action: Eliminate impurities, calm irritated skin and balance out the pH.

Recommended Product: iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum

Step Four: Hydrate

Action: Prevent moisture loss and seal in benefits of treatment product.

Recommended Product: MD Formulations Moisture Defense Antioxidant Lotion

We want to know – What’s your go-to acne treatment product? Leave us a comment below and share your favorites!

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“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.

If you have blemish prone or problematic skin, then you know that finding the best acne products suited towards your skin is key! There are many products available, ranging from over the counter to doctor prescribed medications. They can be oral or topical and use numerous different ingredients to achieve desired results. This is a run down of the key acne fighting ingredients used in the most popular prevention and treatment products available on the market to date. We will start off with the most commonly known ingredients; Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid.

Benzoyl Peroxide has been proven as one of the most effective over the counter antibacterial medications used to treat acne. It draws oxygen to the skin making it difficult for bacteria to thrive. It also can help to rid the follicle of excess dead skin cells. This in turn will decrease pore blockage or the clogging that can occur in your pores.

Salicylic Acid is another ingredient found in common acne treatment products. Its main function is to kill off bacteria and also help to clear out congested pores. The acid is a beta hydroxy acid and is also used in different exfoliating products as it assists to shed off dead skin and offers anti-inflammatory properties. Also look for products containing Willow Bark Extract which is the natural form of salicylic acid.

Zinc is used in different acne products due to its assistance with regulating the production of oils and helping in keeping the pores clear. It also has properties which assist to help fight the bacteria that causes acne.

Glycolic Acid is another well know ingredient used in skin care products, it penetrates deep beneath the damaged upper layers of the skin to release the bond which holds the dead skin to the surface. In short, this ingredient is used to exfoliate the skin, help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone.

Mandelic Acid is an ingredient becoming more popular to current acne treatment products. This ingredient uses a slower, more even penetration into the skin which can be gentler for people with delicate skin or sensitive skin conditions. Mandelic acid is a very powerful alpha hydroxy acid which smooths away dry skin and offers anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as antibacterial benefits. This ingredient is also used to reduce fine lines or wrinkles and can help lighten different pigmentation issues.

Sulfur has been used for a very long time in acne products. It’s been recorded that it has been used to treat different skin concerns such as dandruff, warts and even dermatitis. When applying this ingredient to the skin, it causes the skins surface to dry and peel. It will help reduce oil production, prevent pore blockage, and assist in healing properties.

Hopefully this key ingredient list will help aid you in your search for acne treatment products beneficial to you!

Find many acne treatment products at SkinStore.com.

Each of us at some point in our lifetime has had to deal with the trauma of acne and breakouts. They happen in the most conspicuous area, our face, and occur at the most convenient times, like just before a date or special photograph opportunity!

Most men experience acne at an earlier age, early to late teens, whereas most women begin to experience acne in their late teens to early twenties. There are infinite rumors about what causes breakouts, how to prevent them, and how to treat them, not to mention the unlimited amount of over the counter, department store and prescription treatment products. Ughhhhh! Where to begin?

Here are some myths and facts about acne and break outs:

• Oily skin is caused by eating junk food, chocolate and bad hygiene…. MYTH!

Oily skin can be the result of several factors such as environment, stress, hormones, and especially the products you do or do not use on your skin.

• Squeezing pimples or popping zits helps to clear out your clogged pore and promote healing… MYTH!

Squeezing your skin to force out any calcification (pimple) or pus (zit/pustule) can actually cause the material inside your pore to spread and cause more break outs!

• Placing a clean, warm, moist towel on your face prior to cleansing can help open your pores and promote deep cleansing and exfoliation… FACT!

Using a warm moist towel can not only be relaxing but can open your pores allowing you to remove more dead skin cells and clear out dirt and oil particles clogging your pores.

• After cleansing your skin, don’t apply any moisturizer.  You’re skin is already oily enough… MYTH!

This is one of the biggest misconceptions in complexion healing.  Cleansing our skin can remove dead skin cells, dirt and oil; however not using a moisturizer afterward can leave your skin dry and tight.  Your body reacts by releasing more oil from your sebaceous glands.  The result is more oily skin than you started out with, more clogged pores and more break outs!  A good moisturizer for oily or acneic skin rehydrates the skin without excess oil.

• Using products with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can help exfoliate dead skin cells and kill bacteria in clogged pores… FACT!

Benzoyl Peroxide can have a drying effect though so be sure to use your moisturizer.

• Sitting in the sun can kill the bacteria in your skin and promote a clearer complexion… MYTH!

Exposure to the sun and its UVA and UVB rays can actually cause your recently healed skin cells to damage and cause sun spots and acne scarring.

Now that you’re informed, put your good knowledge to use.  Remember anytime you start a new skin care regimen or new product line always follow manufacturer directions and give the products a few weeks before you judge the results!

Start treating your acne now.  Click here to discover a large assortment of acne treatments from SkinStore.