Judging product results can be very tricky. How do you know the product you purchased is working for you? How can you tell if the product is doing what it claims? How can you be sure you even purchased the correct product for the skin concern you have?
It is very important to start at the beginning and write down a list of what skin concerns you have. I would suggest a list of top ten or five concerns arranged from highest to least importance. Identify what concerns need the most attention to detail and start there.
Before you go any further be aware that you need to be using (at the bare minimum) a cleanser, toner and moisturizer (in that order). Using one product alone and not using any other skincare products will limit the effectiveness and results of that one product.
Many times customers with aged or acneic skin call in with concerns about their skin feeling dry, tight or peeling after having used a retinol based product. Upon further consultation I usually find that customers are using the correct product, but the retinol level may be too high. Some brands offer retinol in graduating levels. Unfortunately sometimes in haste we may choose the most potent level thinking it will give us the best or quickest results. In fact retinol products that have graduating levels are designed for you to use them at the lower level first. You can then graduate upwards once your skin has adjusted. You can stop increasing the potency level once you find a level that works for you. Also retinol based products do cause a certain level of drying and peeling.
Be sure to give the product time to work. Ordering a product to address your skin concerns and using it for a few days or a week or two may not be enough time. You may need to use the product(s) for 4-6 weeks before you see noticeable results. Set up a skincare regimen through your esthetician or dermatologist and stick to it.
Finally, set realistic goals and expectations. Thirty years of neglecting to use sunscreen and prolonged sun exposure throughout your early years will not be corrected with one jar of the latest skin care cream in one month! Have someone take a photograph of your face and neck area before you begin to treat that area. Take another photograph at the end of each week. At the end of that four to six week period then compare your first week and last week photos and judge the results.
As always if you are uncertain what products to use you can contact us and we would be happy to help design a skin care regimen for you!
You can also get your own personal consultation now at SkinStore with Product Advisor, developed by our estheticians!
From the ingenious minds of leading cosmetic and skincare specialists, Cover FX was born. Conceived with the intention of becoming the foundation authority, Lee Graff, the co-creator and President of Cover FX developed a makeup that effectively camouflages major skin imperfections with added therapeutic benefits.
Graff has been a corrective makeup specialist for over 20 years at a leading Canadian CosMedic Clinic, working exclusively with rosacea, acne, scars, and vitiligo patients. Cover FX was created to match a variety of skin tones, be tolerated by even the most sensitive skin, affordable to the everyday consumer, and have a beautiful naturally looking finish.
Makeup experts agree that every foundation application should start with a great primer. Skin Prep FX Nourishing Foundation Primer and Anti-Aging Serum is a smoothing, hydrating foundation primer that reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and large pores. It is enriched with peptides, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid to help combat the signs of aging.
One of the biggest dilemmas we face with foundation is finding the perfect color. Whose skin really matches a pre-made color straight from the bottle? It’s either too light or too dark or the wrong tone. Or when you’ve finally found the perfect shade, it’s soon to be discontinued entirely. Cover FX addresses this issue, The Big Cover Up kit includes 3 coordinating shades to blend together for the perfect match.
Cover FX Total Coverage Cream Foundation is a 2-in-1 concealer and foundation. It provides full coverage for hard to conceal imperfections like sun damage, acne, and redness. The foundation is suitable for all skin types and imparts a natural dewy finish. It’s also non-comedogenic and has a zero skin irritancy score for skin sensitivity.
The finishing touch of the 3 step essentials is Cover FX Loose Mineral Setting Powder. To set your makeup, simply dust on a touch of translucent setting powder. This imparts a flawless finish with light defusing pigments. Your skin will appear smoother and more radiant. It also helps to prevent color and foundation transfer. A setting powder extends the wear of your makeup and locks makeup in place all day.
If you’ve struggled to find the perfect foundation for years to no avail, your search is over! Cover FX will give you the confidence of a beautiful even complexion.
This is a new product by Kinerase that has lasting results. This eye cream will stimulate collagen, target elasin protein coils to firm the skin, and visibly reduce wrinkles.
The Restructure Firming Eye Cream works by using a plant extract known as LOXL stimulator, which reinforces elastin proving lifting and firming benefits to the delicate eye area. This product also contains a powerful peptide complex to reduce wrinkles and prevent further damage. Also formulated with .15% Kinetin, a potent antioxidant that Kinerase is famous for, retains moisture in the skin and helps to repair and protect the eye area.
If you are looking for an excellent eye cream to firm, strengthen, and hydrate, the Restructure Firming Eye Cream will do just that. This eye cream is also beneficial in reducing expression lines, smoothing the skin, reducing wrinkle depth and providing an overall more improved appearance of the skin.
The Restructure Firming Eye Cream is paraben free and great for sensitive skin types that may wear contacts or have allergies. This eye cream is a must try for us devoted Kinerase users and everyone else will like it too!
Essential oils have been around for centuries and have been used to treat everything from relieving stress, sore muscles, sinus problems, and even enhancing your mood…. The benefits of aromatherapy can have an effect on your mind, body, and spirit just by the direct connection they have to your brain.
Since essential oils can be absorbed into the blood steam, due to their small molecular structure, they can provide many health benefits to your whole body. Essential oils can be extracted by means of distillation, steam, cold expression, alcohol extraction or fixed oil. There is also a technique called oil pulling an ancient method, which uses essential oils to clean the teeth and gums. You would choose oil such as sunflower or sesame and move it around in your mouth in a light swishing motion then spit it out. You can repeat this a few times per day depending on which health issue you are trying to treat. It is also claimed that the swishing activates enzymes in the body, which can draw toxins out of the blood and treat many health conditions.
It is important to realize that essential oils are extremely potent and they should not be applied directly on the skin. They should be blended together with carrier oil, this process is called synergy. For example you can use almond, apricot, or grapeseed oil. You will still get the same benefits but will not burn or irritate your skin.
If you are using any citrus based oils or blossoms such as neroli, you should definitely make sure you are wearing a sun screen to protect your skin.
Here are a few essential oils that are beneficial for specific skin types and concerns:
Carrier oils: wheat germ, apricot, grapeseed, extra virgin, or macadamia nut oil.
Here are some other uses for essential oils:
Lemongrass: used to treat fevers and infections.
Geraniun oil: used for hormonal imbalances.
Lime: anti-viral, anti-septic and disinfectant.
Yarrow oil: used to relieve joint pain.
Cedar wood: used to alleviate acne, eczema, and dermatitis.
Rose Geranium, lavender, lemon balm, peppermint, orange oil: Used to repel insects.
When using any essential oils you want to first do a patch test on a small area of your skin. It is also not recommended if you are pregnant to use aromatherapy oils as some essential oils such as juniper, rosemary, and sage can cause uterine contractions. It is recommended that you contact an aromatherapy practitioner if you have any questions or need help blending oils to customize your results.
We get a lot of questions about uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, acne, and anti-aging. A lot of customers have all of these concerns and are looking for an effective treatment that is cost and time effective. One solution would be the Topix Glycolix Elite Treatment Pads. These multi purpose pads come in three different glycolic percentages to customize your treatment. A 10%, 15%, and 20% glycolic that any skin type can benefit from. Each jar has 60 treatment pads, so they should last you a few months making them very cost friendly.
Which skin types can benefit from the Topix pads? The answer is any skin type will see results. With a blend of antioxidants and witch hazel these pads are great for anyone that wants to fight free radical damage, exfoliate, and have smoother, break out free skin.
You will want to use these pads as often as your skin needs it. For sensitive skin types you will want to start with the 10% glycolic and only use once per week, you can work your way up to two times per week, but this will really depend on how sensitive your skin is. For all other skin types the same rules apply, using a few times per week is the maximum amount because these pads contain a high percentage of glycolic, and will do the trick with just a few applications.
For people who struggle with acne scarring, have mild to severe breakouts and really want something to clear up their skin, you may want to try Topix Gly Sal 10-2 Pads.These contain 10% pure glycolic and 2% salicylic acid, as well as witch hazel that will help to remove excess oil and lessen inflammation associated with acne. There are also 5% glycolic and 2% salicylic pads, which contains less glycolic for more sensitive skin types. The salicylic acid will help dry out blemishes, while the glycolic will even out skin tone and improve the appearance of scars.
As always, you will want to use a sunscreen when using glycolic based products that have at least an SPF of 30 to protect your skin. When you use glycolic it will exfoliate and remove the dead layers of skin, so you will have that new baby skin to take extra special care of. Topix makes Defense Sun Pads SPF 30 for an easy application of sunscreen. These pads provide broad spectrum protection, so they will help combat both UVA and UVB rays that all skin types can use.
We just love it when we can find easy to use and effective products all in one!
Recently we have had requests for products to treat a common skin condition known as Seborrheic dermatitis. This inflammatory skin condition can be categorized as dry, flaky, or white to yellow scales that can be all over the body. The most common area affected by this condition is the scalp. There may also be dry and flaky patches on your eyebrows, behind your ears, and even on your legs and groin area. In infants, Seborrheic dermatitis is called cradle cap. For babies it is most common in the newborn months and will usually clear up on its own in 12 months or so. To treat this condition on babies you can use almond or olive oil to condition the area. You would then want to use a mild shampoo such as Mustela Foam Shampoo For Newbornsand leave on for about two minutes. Seborrheic Dermatitis is thought to be caused by an over production of oil and irritation from a yeast known as malessizia. Other factors that can attribute to this condition are stress, oily skin, and use of lotions that contain certain alcohols. Something to be aware of is that this condition is not contagious and is often very embarrassing for the millions of people who suffer from Seborrheic dermatitis.
For mild conditions on the scalp area you will want to look for products that contain salicylic acid. The salicylic acid will help to exfoliate your skin and prevent excess oil production. Anytime you use a dandruff shampoo you will want to rub the shampoo in your hair thoroughly and leave it in your hair for at least 5 minutes before you rinse it out. Dandruff will cause scaling on the scalp, however if you have Seborrheic dermatitis you will notice redness and excessive oiliness as well as scaling. You can use a shampoo like DS Laboratories Dandrene as long as you do not have any open sores or severe inflamed skin. This shampoo works effectively because it contains salicylic acid, amino acids to strengthen the scalp, and ketaconazole that is used as an antifungal ingredient. For a solution you can use every day until the scaling goes away we like to suggest NeoCeuticals Treatment Scalp Solution. This solution contains a blend of alpha hydroxy and polyhydroxy acids to gently exfoliate the scalp.
If you have Seborrheic Dermatitis on your body and scalp you can use Stiefel ZNP Bar to address the areas of concern. This solution will help to relive itchy and flaking skin because it contains pyrithione zinc. Pyrithione zinc is used as an antifungal and antibacterial agent to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. If you are looking for a liquid body wash for your skin that contains salicylic acid, we suggest Peter Thomas Roth Blemish Buffing Beads Body Wash.You can use this body wash daily to help with breakouts and to control oil. This body wash also contains antioxidants to improve the overall health of your skin.
With the right products this skin condition can tolerable. If you have severe Seborrheic dermatitis you may want to consult your dermatologist and they may be able to prescribe a steroid lotion that you can use in conjunction with your products.
Visit SkinStore to find more products for Seborrheic Dermatitis.
If it’s burning, it’s working! A fat-free diet will make my acne go away! I only need sunscreen in the summer! My skin is oily, I don’t need a moisturizer!
Right?! ALL WRONG!
Here are some principal skincare faux pas to avoid:
If it burns, it works.
When I was in middle school experiencing typical teen break-outs I would use rubbing alcohol as my toner to dry up the pimples. Little did I know, the rubbing alcohol was irritating my skin and exacerbating my acne. When I was in college I used a high concentration glycolic acid peel to treat my hormonal acne, and since the recommended treatment time was ten minutes, I left the glycolic on for thirty minutes to achieve beautiful skin. Yeah, right! My skin was red, raw and peeling for many months. Less is more when it comes to active ingredients. Always follow directions when using skincare products.
Many women make a mistake of staying away from fats in their diet. While hamburgers may add extra inches to your waist line, certain fats are beneficial to your health and skin. Fish like salmon and mackerel contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed and nuts also contain omega-2 fatty acids. Avocados and olive oil are also beneficial to the skin. Beneficial fats also have anti-inflammatory ingredients which help to alleviate inflammation associated with acne, so certain fats are actually good for your skin!
Everyone needs to use sunscreen on a daily basis. The sun’s harmful rays penetrate through the clouds and through the windshield, and even on overcast days there are sun rays (why do you think it’s light out in the day? The sun is out). Even fluorescent lights emit radiation which is harmful and damaging to the skin- so wear an SPF of 15 daily to protect your skin from aging and sun damage.
Chances are, if your skin is oily, you like to use products that strip your skin of oil. You love a matte finish and hate anything that feels greasy on the skin. But when you use products that take away all of the protective oils from the skin, your skin will go into overdrive to produce more oil, so it’s a never ending fight! To keep your skin balanced and hydrated without feeling greasy, you’ll need to use an oil-free moisturizer. We love DDF Ultra Light Oil Free Moisturizing Dew.
I don’t know about you but when I think of a bar of soap I think about this icky, germy, bar just sitting in the shower growing fungus. (ewwww!) That’s not really something I’d want to use on my face. However, Cor has given the boring ol’ bar of soap a makeover.
Cor has patented a delivery system that allows active ingredients to target the “core” of the skin’s most problematic concerns. Their highlighted active ingredient is nano-silver with silica, and a compound of Collagen, Sericin and Chitosan (CSC).
The components of Silica prepare the skin to take in all the active ingredients the Cor Soap has to offer. With its sponge-like quality, the silica pulls the active components deeply into the skin. Silver is a new discovery in the anti-bacterial world and it has proven to be very effective. Silver prevents the transfer of oxygen through the cell walls, killing off the ability for the bacteria to grow. Silver is also very healing and has been shown to increase cell turnover. The CSC molecules are micronized to their minutest size while remaining in an active state. The tiny size of the molecules will allow for maximum delivery to the deepest point in the dermis, reaching the source of any damage in the skin. The collagen in this product is a marine based collagen and is used because of its smaller molecular size and provides a better performance once penetrated into the skin. Sericin is a soluble protein extracted from silk and supplies moisture binding benefits, leaving the skin soft and supple. Chitosan is a natural fiber that balances out pH in the skin and evens out skin tone, giving a more hydrated, youthful appearance.
Since Cor has a pH of 7.2 and contains all natural ingredients, it is safe enough for even the most sensitive skin types. Simply lather up, let the foam sit on your skin to work its magic and then rinse away to beautiful skin.
Are you looking for an effective lightening product that does not contain hydroquinone, but has proven to be just as effective? The new SkinCeuticals Pigment Regulator is effective in treating hyper pigmentation, blotchiness, and brightening your skin tone. It also helps to prevent future discolorations for a healthier skin tone, and is safe to use everyday. This product is a great alternative for people that do not want to use bleaching agents on their skin.
So what is in this miracle product you ask? The pigment regulator uses a powerful patent pending combination with Emblica, which is an Indian gooseberry known to soften deep wrinkles and lines. It also contains a 10% exfoliating blend and 2% Kojic Acid to naturally improve the condition of your skin. This will help to diminish frekles, melasma, photo damage, and post acne scarring.
Apply this product twice daily to face, neck, and chest for best results. While using this product, it is recommended to use a broad spectrum sunscreen, and limit sun exposure. A great sunscreen to try is the SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30. This formula is oil and fragrance free, and works great for all skin types. Anyone can incorporate the pigment regulator into their daily routine. For optimum results, use the pigment regulator in conjunction with SkinCeuticals antioxidant treatments..
The term “sensitive skin” can be closely linked with many different skin conditions. From rosacea to severe acne, any skin condition can cause sensitivity. In addition, sensitive skin does not discriminate against skin type, you can have combination, normal, dry, or oily skin and it can still be sensitive. Sensitive skin can also appear suddenly, resulting from a few major factors. It can be due to a cosmetic reaction to a product, climate change, stress, or even the foods we eat. It can be characterized by redness, tightness, itching, or irritation. It is important to know the proper tips and products to help protect and improve sensitive skin conditions.
First, for extremely sensitive skin, some have benefited from only cleansing their face once a day, generally in the evening. Rinse or use a lotion to cleanse in the morning. This will ensure you aren’t stripping the natural oils in your skin and possibly creating more dryness and irritation. You want to use a soap free mild cleanser. A popular favorite would be the Topix Citrix Antioxidant Cleanser. This is a mild, yet effective cleanser that contains powerful antioxidants your skin requires. One might also consider exfoliating only once or twice per week, with a gentle exfoliator. If your skin is very sensitive you will only want to exfoliate once per week. A great one to try is the PCA SKIN pHaza 4 Gentle Exfoliant. This has a light creamy texture with smooth jojoba beads to gently exfoliate your skin. Jojoba beads are spherical in shape, so they will not scratch or irritate your skin. You may also want to try a mask a few times a week to soothe and hydrate your sensitive skin. You can alternate the days you mask with the days you are exfoliating. After you exfoliate you will want to apply the mask the next day to nourish and protect your skin. We suggest the Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Masque. This is a great skin booster containing hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5, to hydrate and improve your skin’s tissue repair function.
You also want to wear an SPF of at least 15 to condition and protect your sensitive skin. Yes, you will need to wear sunscreen even on those cloudy and dreary days. By wearing sunscreen it allows your skin time to heal and your immune system the chance to repair existing damage. For those of who think that tanning clears up your skin that is just a myth. Tanning and sun exposure can often lead to Actinic Keratosis. This is a horrifying skin condition that people with sensitive skin, and who have severe sun damage, could be more susceptible to getting. Wearing your sunscreen will also help protect your delicate skin from the possible effects of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, so please don’t forget the sunscreen!
If you haven’t already, give Colorscience brush-on sunscreen a try. They are suitable for all skin types, even on the most sensitive of skin types. The Colorscience Sunforgettable Brush in All Clear has an SPF of 30, and is completely translucent. It is also water resistant, with a non greasy feel. Lotion based or chemical sunscreens can often irritate and clog your pores if you have sensitive skin. If your skin is on the oily side you will probably prefer a light oil free sunscreen and moisturizer. A good one to try is DDF Ultra Lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew with SPF15. This works well for all skin types, absorbs quickly, and is fragrance free. It contains aloe and grape seed to soothe and protect the skin.
You also want to make sure you are drinking plenty of water, and taking vitamin supplements such as flax seed oil to hydrate and condition your skin. Also, make sure you are getting plenty of rest! This may be the hardest tip to follow but your skin really does need time to repair itself. It will be the best gift you can give your skin this holiday season!
For more great products formulated for sensitive skin, click here!
Graff has been a corrective makeup specialist for over 20 years at a leading Canadian CosMedic Clinic, working exclusively with rosacea, acne, scars, and vitiligo patients. Cover FX was created to match a variety of skin tones, be tolerated by even the most sensitive skin, affordable to the everyday consumer, and have a beautiful naturally looking finish.
your mouth in a light swishing motion then spit it out. You can repeat this a few times per day depending on which health issue you are trying to treat. It is also claimed that the swishing activates enzymes in the body, which can draw toxins out of the blood and treat many health conditions.
We get a lot of questions about uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, acne, and anti-aging. A lot of customers have all of these concerns and are looking for an effective treatment that is cost and time effective. One solution would be the 
The term “sensitive skin” can be closely linked with many different skin conditions. From rosacea to severe acne, any skin condition can cause sensitivity. In addition, sensitive skin does not discriminate against skin type, you can have combination, normal, dry, or oily skin and it can still be sensitive. Sensitive skin can also appear suddenly, resulting from a few major factors. It can be due to a cosmetic reaction to a product, climate change, stress, or even the foods we eat. It can be characterized by redness, tightness, itching, or irritation. It is important to know the proper tips and products to help protect and improve sensitive skin conditions.
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