Do you religiously slather on sunscreen all summer long, only to find a fresh batch of freckles and dark spots come August? Getting -- and keeping -- flawless skin takes more than simply applying SPF (though that is a big part).
If you've ever experienced time-of-the-month breakouts, you know all too well about the close relationship between hormones and skin. What you probably didn't realize, however, is that you have your cycle to thank when your skin looks good, too.
It's that time of the year again. Time to pack up the cashmere, boots, and scarves, and bust out the bathing suits, maxi-dresses, and flip-flops. But, shouldn't your skin care routine get the same kind of out-with-the-old, in-with-the-new treatment, too? We think so. That's why we spoke to Heidi Waldorf, MD, director of the Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Here she shares the scoop on how to clean out your shelves and shower and stock up on the skin care items you need now.
What is it about laying down on a facialist's table that makes you feel so vulnerable? Maybe it's because you're inches away from your esthetician's face, with your pores, pimples, and lines hanging under a seriously bright light? Or maybe it's because the facialist always happens to have the clearest, most flawless skin?
Whether you're wearing a new pair of shorts or baring all in a bikini, summer is the perfect time to show some skin. But as freeing as it can be to shed those wooly winter layers for lighter, more revealing outfits, your skin may not be quite as ready for the seasonal wardrobe shift as you are.
Fall is a busy time for most of us, so creating and following a complex beauty regimen ends up pretty low on the to-do list. But thankfully, looking and feeling beautiful doesn't have to be complicated. We tapped top skin, hair, spa, and makeup experts for their best tips to streamline your routine -- your skin will be clear and glowing, your hair will be healthy and shiny, your nails will look perfect, and the rest of you will feel pampered, pretty, and relaxed.
Ever wish for a magic 8-ball to appear when you need the more difficult questions in life answered? You know, a safe, private source where you can spill your guts without even the slightest chance of judgment -- and more importantly, where you'll get the guidance you're looking for? For most women, hair removal probably falls into the need-an-8-ball category. Because let's be real -- we all have questions that are too out-there, too taboo, too TMI to admit to, even to our best girlfriends.
What could be better than buying a new beauty product? Um, not much, but learning how to perfectly use your products (new and old) so you can look your most beautiful every day comes very close. That's why we got experts, top beauty bloggers and savvy Facebook fans to dish on how you can play up your features, care for your skin and hair, and remedy your most common beauty concerns -- both big and small.
There's something about getting a spa treatment that's transcendent. The entire ritual -- from the exhilarating moment you enter the sanctuary to the melancholy phase of checking out -- is indulgent and exhilarating. Especially when you're at a top-notch destination like the ones featured in this story. These award-winning spas are some of the best in the United States -- and for good reason. They're not only breathtaking to behold, but offer signature spa treatments steeped in either ancient methodologies, new wave thinkings or a combo of both -- all guaranteed to cure what ails you, and feel (mostly) heavenly in the process.
Have you ever wondered what your skin would look like if you could have a dermatologist care for it every day? Just imagine how your skin might transform if you could use every product suggested and have every treatment recommended. Well, these four women got to do just that. We sent them to noted dermatologist, Dr. Ava Shamban and her teams at AVA MD Med Spa in Beverly Hills, Calif. and The Laser Institute in Santa Monica, Calif., to solve their skin issues in 30 days. And now you get to see their results from using key face and body products and undergoing various treatments. Warning: The following pictures might inspire you to head to your local derm's office -- stat!
Ok, first it needs to be stated that we do not endorse, support, or approve of purposeful skin care neglect. We do however understand, sympathize for, and commiserate with the woman who has too much on her metaphorical plate. Squeezing in facials and obsessing over a strict anti-aging routine takes serious amounts of "me"-time. Who's got that? Truth is, many of us don't.
Love your town or not, your environment might bear some responsibility for those wrinkles and spots on your face and body. Factors like sun damage, dryness, pollution and high stress levels can seriously affect the condition of your skin, making you look older than you are. Of course, you can always overcompensate by boosting sunscreen to 60+ for those long drives, chugging more water to beat the heat, and deep-breathing your way through (cough) traffic. Or you could just move to one of the U.S.'s ideal skin cities (which we picked based on humidity, sunshine, stress, pollution and skin cancer levels as well as factors like diet). See if your town is on the list, or if your body just might need a change of scenery to stay youthful.
It's 10 pm. Time to remove your makeup and start your nightly skin care regimen. A serum here, a cream there. Fifteen minutes in the morning, 15 at night. With all the effort you put into your skin, it's hard not to dread the entire ordeal; and frankly, finding the time isn't easy either. (Trust us -- we feel your pain.) So in case you're wondering, is this all really necessary? We turned to the pros: New York City dermatologist, Dr. Sapna Westley and Dr. Mary Lupo, board certified dermatologist in New Orleans, La. to find out why you should keep up that routine -- day and night.
Nothing has us running for the hills more than the idea of doing a skin care treatment like a bikini wax at home -- cue horror movie soundtrack. There are some things you can do safely and easily at home, but then there are certainly hair care and skin care treatments that should be left to trusted professionals. Case in point: Loving the trendy lob (aka long bob) is one thing, but deciding to do it yourself by plopping a fruit bowl on your head (visions of the Jack in the Box commercials are running through our minds) is definitely not recommended, and will most likely demand a trip to the hair salon afterwards anyway. So leave the scissors to the pros by going in for a haircut. On the other hand, something like a deep conditioning treatment you can do at home by simply using your fave conditioner and a shower cap. Doing this once a week will help maintain shiny, healthy hair.
While using natural skin care products may make you feel good, do you know why they make you look good? Many of the natural ingredients you see in products today have been used for decades due to their healing, anti-aging and rejuvenating abilities. Check out this list of buzzed-about ingredients and learn more about their origins, what they can do to boost your skin, and products they can be found in.
