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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Introducing the newest anti-aging product from Dr. Perricone: Perricone MD Acyl-Glutathione.

Acyl-Glutathione is the first patent-pending skincare treatment to reduce the appearance of creases. When applied twice daily customers have seen dramatic results in just 30 days in forehead, smile, brow, and marionette creases:

Glutathione (glue-ta-thigh-on) or otherwise known as GSH is considered a super antioxidant that helps our bodies fight off toxins that are associated with environmental pollution, poor diet,  and stress. Glutathione is actually a protein that is naturally produced in our bodies but healthy levels are depleted due to an increase of toxins in the body and as we age.
Glutathione boosts the immune system, detoxifies the body and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Without glutathione in our bodies, other antioxidants such has vitamins C and E are not as effective and can not do their job properly. Glutathione will help to slow down the skin’s aging process by protecting the skin from free radical damage.

Perricone MD Acyl-Glutathione will help to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, firm and tighten the skin while reducing pore size and improving the texture of the skin. It will also help to hydrate the skin while retaining moisture, and adding radiance to the skin. Perhaps the most noticeable difference in the skin is the reduction of facial creases in the forehead area, smile, and marionette lines. Acyl-Glutathione also contains Dr. Perricone’s key DMAE complex to help tighten and firm the skin. Other key ingredients include squalane, glycolic acid, alpha-lipoic acid, and a blend of peptides.

Use this product as a preventative and corrective treatment to improve the overall health and condition of your skin.

Have you tried this product? Tell us what you think, we’d love to know!

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*image courtesy of PerriconeMD.com

Want a brighter skin tone? Want more radiance to your skin? Or a better texture with fewer fine lines & refined pores? There are doctors who listen to these needs and want to offer the best results in products that are quick and efficient. With a few swipes a day, you can almost instantly be on your way to a more youthful looking complexion. The Dr.Dennis Gross Skincare Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel addresses multiple concerns and pave the way to a healthy, glowing skin.  Watch how you can use these pads daily to achieve better skin!

Wanna win free skincare products? Enter our Dermelect Giveaway! Enter here. Event ends 5/16/11.

Teenagers are not the only ones that have oily skin. As we age, hormonal levels fluctuate which causes changes in our skin. Some women experience more oil production later in life as hormones change entering perimenopause and menopause. With onset of hot flashes, an oily complexion is only accentuated. Although hormonal transitions are unavoidable, here are a few of our highest rated mattifying moisturizers that will help combat unwanted shine.

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Anti-Aging Mattifying Lotion is a top seller addressing anti-aging concerns while taming excess oil. The lotion is infused with retinol and apple stem cells to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Pore size and shine are also greatly reduced.

L’Occitane Red Rice Ultra Matte Face Fluid rebalances oil production with red rice vinegar, zinc, red rice powder. Excess shine is reduced immediately and oil production lessens with continued use.

Another great option is Vichy Normaderm Pro Mat which instantly mattifies the skin while providing UV protection and acts as a great make up base.

Source: Mayo Clinic

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.

 

Vitamin A is a powerful little thing. It’s necessary for healthy eye function; our retina simply can not do without vitamin A. When vitamin A is converted into retinoic acid it functions like a growth factor for our cells. Vitamin A is also commonly known as retinol in dermatological use. Vitamin A is converted into a few different byproducts, and is commonly produced as retinyl acetate or palmitate.

 

Vitamin A is naturally found in many foods. Liver, carrots, broccoli, sweet potato, pumpkin, eggs, milk, and many other foods are rich sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A, once absorbed by our body, is converted into the appropriate form and utilized by our bodily functions. Vitamin A plays a role in eye health, immune system health, gene transcription, antioxidant activity, and of course, skin health.

 

Vitamin A is very beneficial to the skin, so a diet rich in vitamin A abundant sources provides for healthy skin that’s firm, clear, radiant and resilient. Vitamin A, when applied topically (in retinol form) is very beneficial to the skin as well. Retinol is often used in the treatment of acne as it dramatically reduces the size and secretion of the sebaceous glands. It also helps to reduce inflammation and induces collagen production. As retinol induces collagen production it helps to firm and tone the skin, so aged skin will become more resistant to drooping and sagging. Retinol is an outstanding treatment for acne, enlarged or clogged pores, as well as prematurely aged skin. As retinol induces exfoliation and cell renewal it also assists in lightening hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration.

Here are some outstanding products that contain retinol and address acne and aging concerns:

 

• Topix Replenix Retinol Plus Smoothing Serum 10X

 

• SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0

 

• SkinMedica Retinol Complex

Find more products with retinol here.

 

Oily skin is usually characterized by large, clogged pores, and areas with excessive oil production. This skin type follows along with sensitive skin as being frustrating and difficult to find the right products for. I mean, who likes cleansing their face only to feel as if they are wearing a mask applied from grease only about an hour later?! Surely not I, and I’m sure none of you either. Oily skin types can also lead to other concerns such as blemishes and acne if not attended to, so it is very important to take the necessary steps to finding the proper products.

 

First of all, there are two types of characteristics of oily skin to understand. One is clogged skin, where the produced sebum is hardened and dead skin cells stay within the follicular orifice. This results in the feeling of easily mistaken dry skin. The next is oily skin which appears wet or shiny. It is possible to experience both of these characteristics and important that you use products that will not only treat but aid in prevention as well. The regimen you should be committed to should include the following steps:

 

You should cleanse your skin both morning and evening. If you experience any over drying in the skin, you may be using a cleanser that’s  not right for you.  Switch to something more mild. You would want to use a cleanser specific to oily skin. Suggestions would include finding a gel cleanser with hydrating and exfoliating properties.

 

A toner would be necessary to help keep the skin pH levels balanced, help clear out the pores, and improve skin texture.

 

Your moisturizers need to be lightweight, hydrating and mattifying. You can look for oil-free moisturizers but don’t forget that your skin still needs moisture so that it does not over produce oils. Over production of oils will result in adding to already existing concerns.

 

You can also incorporate masks into your regimen. You’d want to look for masks that are either exfoliating or purifying. Most can be used a couple times a week and will enhance the results of the products you are already using in your daily regimen.

 

Lastly, there are also certain treatment products or serums specific to aid in control of oil production, smoothing of skin texture, and prevention of future blemishes.

 

For any questions or for help finding the right products, you can look on our site under oily skin in the word friendly search box, refer to a previous blog titled “Finding the Right Products- For Oily/ Acne Prone Skin”, or simply call us to go over products with our licensed aestheticians. We are always happy to help and we all know that feeling of relief once you find your perfect regimen. So don’t be shy, start asking questions and do your research to pave your way to healthy, flawless skin. Feeling like a million bucks is priceless!

 

You can find great products for oily skin at SkinStore.com!

La Roche Posay Effaclar AI is a one stop acne treatment shop. It is a revolutionary acne product combining two of the most effective acne treatment ingredients on the market, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid exfoliates dead skin cells while micro encapsulated benzoyl peroxide kills acne causing bacteria. This one two punch is clinically proven to reduce acne lesions by 60% in just a few weeks. Apply a thin layer to targeted areas once to twice daily for great results.

 

New to the scene, Zeno Hot Spot is an effective acne treatment device that utilizes thermal energy to kill acne causing bacteria. With the flip of a switch, the device warms up to a comfortable 118 degrees. It delivers just the right amount of heat every time because it has a unique personalization component that adjusts to the user’s skin temperature. This wonder gadget delivers results and fast! Blemishes are reduced significantly within just an hour and by a dramatic ninety percent within 24 hours.

 

Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask is loaded with rich natural ingredients that purify and detoxify the skin. Aloe, Kaolin, Tea Tree Oil, Marine Algae, and Lavender are a few of the key ingredients. The mask can be used as an allover treatment mask or as a spot treatment left on overnight. This formula purges pores of toxins, kills and prevents acne causing bacteria from spreading, while nourishes and hydrating the skin. Used once a week, Astara Blue Flame Purification mask is an excellent preventative maintenance treatment.

 

SkinCeuticals Acne Care System combats all acne woes in one super powered kit. The kit includes a clarifying cleanser that contains Salicylic, Glycolic, and Mandelic acids that unclogs pores and exfoliates dead skin cells leaving the skin clean, smooth and clear. Next is the blemish control gel, a lightweight acne treatment gel made to attack troublesome whiteheads, and blackheads with 1% Salicylic acid. The kit also includes Retinol 0.5 which aides to minimize pore size, and reveals a more even and uniform complexion. Retinol also stimulates collagen and elastin production in the skin. Lastly, the clarifying clay mask, which combines Kaolin and Bentonite clay rids pores of impurities deep within the skin.

 

Products featured in this article: La Roche Posay Effaclar AI, Zeno Hot Spot, Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask, SkinCeuticals Acne Care System.

 

For more great acne treatments, visit SkinStore.com!

The oily/acne prone type individual usually instinctively wants to remove as much oil and shine from their face ASAP. Keep in mind that it is key that you do not strip your skin of its essential oils or you will put your skin in “protection mode”, the result is that your skin will naturally be stimulated to produce more sebum. Here are some helpful product comparisons for your skin type – you get to decide which one works for your budget.

 

Make-Up Removers

 

Cleansers

 

Toners/Astringents

 

All Over Treatments

 

Spot Treatments

 

Daily Moisturizers

 

Night Moisturizers

 

Weekly Masks

 

A majority of the time, oily skin can be a passing phase. So with patience and a proper skin care regimen your oily skin will no longer have to feel like a burden, it will be something you’re proud of.

 

Don’t have oily/acne prone skin? Be sure to check out my other articles: Dry/Sensitive Skin and Normal/Combination Skin. Coming Soon: Body and Beauty Products!

 

Want more recommendations? Get your own personal consultation now at SkinStore with Product Advisor, developed by our estheticians! 

 

Products featured in this article: Boscia Purifying Cleanser, Yonka Gel Nettoyant, Stiefel PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash, Euoko A-10 Matte Foam, La Roche Posay Effaclar Toner Astringent Lotion, Euoko A-20 Matte Water, Glytone Acne Gel, Exuviance Night Renewal Hydragel, Neutrogena on the Spot Acne Treatment, Pevonia Spot Treatment, SensiClear Blemish Free Acne Treatment Lotion, Kinerase Clear Skin Moisture Light, PCA SKIN pHaze 18 Clearskin, Jan Marini Age Intervention Transitions, Glytone Acne Facial Masque, Cellex-C Betaplex Clear Complexion Masque.

 

Get your complete skincare fix at www.SkinStore.com!