My hair must have the winter blahs — it’s dull, limp and totally unmanageable. Help!

Our skin is not the only thing at the mercy of the drying effects of indoor heat. Hair also reacts to a lack of moisture and a chill in the air. Give your lifeless locks a boost with Frederic Fekkai ADVANCED Salon Technician Rapid Results Moisture Mask. Rich in humectants and plant extracts, it locks in moisture and will also extend the life of your color. A healthy scalp is essential to a lustrous head of hair. Rene Furterer Complexe 5 Regenerating Plant Extract stimulates microcirculation and strengthens hair from the root with orange and lavender essential oils.

Is your hair suffering from over-styling? Eliminate frizz and protect it from heat styling tools with Alterna BAMBOO Smooth Kendi Oil Dry Mist. The weightless, nutrient-rich formula contains pure Organic Bamboo and organic Kendi Oil to enhance shine, protect color and boost your hair’s health.

How can I keep my skin looking healthy all winter?

The challenge during the winter is to keep skin hydrated (the air is cold and dry), minimize redness (changes in temperatures, wind burn, snow all induce redness), and maintain brightness (ever heard of the “winter blahs”? it also affects our skin!). For the face, look for nourishing products such as Alchimie Forever Kantic Plus Intensely Nourishing Cream, anti-redness ingredients such as blueberries, and brightening treatment products such as the bestselling Alchimie Forever Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask. Let’s not forget our bodies, which also need some extra TLC. To keep hands soft, use Alchimie Forever 532nm Antioxidant Relief for Hands and Feet, and wear gloves, which will protect extremities from the elements. And remember to drink a lot of water!

My teen years are far behind me yet I’m still battling breakouts — what can I do?

Adult acne can be especially frustrating to deal with. The same factors that cause teen acne are involved: hormonal activity, which affects oil glands, blocked pores, inflammation and acne bacteria. However, the challenge is that skin in our 30s, 40s and beyond is different from teen skin in that it may be dry, sensitive or showing signs of aging. Multi-tasking products target breakouts as well as aging and other skin issues.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo penetrates into clogged pores, using micronized Benzoyl Peroxide and LHA to exfoliate and reduce inflammation while minimizing irritation. It is fast-absorbing, non-comedogenic, oil and paraben-free. La Roche Posay Effaclar Toner Astringent Lotion eliminates impurities to prevent pores from blocking. Harsh acne treatments can take their toll on skin texture. La Roche Posay Effaclar K reduces blackheads, controls breakouts and improves skin texture, leaving it clearer and softer.

How can I keep my skin from becoming oily throughout the day?

If you have oily skin, you want to hold on to that feeling of freshly cleansed, shine-free skin all day long. Even combination skin has areas that will become shiny and oily by the end of the day. The sebaceous glands in your skin continue producing oil all day and all night — that is their job. So what can you do to maintain a fresh look and feel that lasts until the time when you wash your face at night?

First of all, do not make the mistake of washing your skin with a harsh cleanser at the beginning of the day in hopes that this will keep the oil away for the day. It will only prompt your sebaceous glands to produce even more oil. Stick to an oil-free, soap-free gentle cleanser like the JUARA Rice Facial Cleanser or the Eau Therame Avene Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser.

Similarly, do not follow the cleanser with a harsh toner. Rather, use an oil-free moisturizer that contains humectants like hyaluronic acid to keep skin properly hydrated without adding any oil, e.g. JUARA’s Sweet Black Tea & Ginger Mattefying Moisturizer. The trick is to spot-treat your skin for its specific needs. If you have any dry areas, e.g. around the eyes or mouth, dab a slightly richer moisturizer—that does contain oil—on those areas. For particularly oily areas, e.g. your T-zone, use a shine-absorbing lotion like the OC Eight Professional Mattifying Gel.

To protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays, apply an oil-free broad-spectrum sunscreen all over your face and neck. Unfortunately, many sunscreens, even oil-free ones, will make skin look and feel oily. Try a sunscreen that is not only oil-free but has a “dry” finish, e.g. Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 55 or Peter Thomas Roth’s Uber Dry Sunscreen SPF 30.

For a flawless, matte finish, apply a mineral face powder foundation with a natural sun protection factor like Jane Iredale’s PurePressed Base Pressed Mineral Powder SPF 20.

Often, despite a meticulous skincare program, skin can start looking oily towards the end of the day. Rather than dusting more powder on top to mattefy your complexion, use an oil-blotting paper first, e.g. Boscia’s Fresh Blotting Linens, and then apply powder afterwards. This will help prevent clogged pores, and the mattefying effect will also last longer.

Yoshiko Roth-Hidalgo, Co-founder, Juara

I’m hearing a lot about stem cells in new products. What can they do for my skin?

What you’re hearing about is technology that enables companies to use plant stem cells in skin care formulations, with the aim of protecting or stimulating skin stem cells. The objective of adult human skin stem cells is to maintain, repair and replenish new skin tissue. Aging and environmental factors affect the ability of the cells to continuously renew tissue, resulting in dehydration and eventually the formulation of lines and wrinkles.

Stem cells in plants function similarly to human epidermal stem cells: They maintain, repair and replenish tissue. The first (and still most-common) plant stem cell to be utilized in skin care is that of a rare Swiss apple that was found to keep for months without withering. Apple stem cells can be found in EmerginC Protocell Bio-Active Stem Cell Combat Cream and Goldfaden Stem Cell Skin Serum. Dermelect Resilient Stem Cell Regenerating Treatment uses stem cells extracted from the Swiss Alpine Rose — remarkable in its ability to flourish in harsh environmental conditions — to boost facial skin stem cell activity and help stimulate protein production. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer uses a proprietary blend of organic fruit stem cells along with Vitamin C to help decrease damage and accelerate cell turnover.

Are muscle-relaxing peptides really a good alternative to injections?

Muscle-relaxing peptides (SYN-AKE®, tripeptide) relax facial muscles, helping to correct and prevent expression lines, such as those around the mouth — often referred to as “marionette lines” — or the “11” lines between the eyebrows. As the name suggests, SYN-AKER® is modeled after snake venom (that of the Temple Viper) but without the paralyzing effects. Found in products like Rodial Glamoxy Snake Serum and Peter Thomas Roth UnWrinkle, it is often combined with other peptides.

GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid) also works as a muscle relaxer when applied topically. It can be found in products such as Dr. Brandt Crease Release with GABA and Dr. Michelle Copeland Rewind Advanced Day Serum with Matrixyl 3000.

While topical treatments can’t produce the same results as injectables, clinical trials show promising results, making them an excellent alternative for anyone looking to save money, a trip (or trips) to the dermatologist’s office or anyone squeamish about needles.

My skin has the winter blues — what can I do?

If your skin has lost some luster, you’re not alone. Many of us experience dryness and dullness after a few months indoors with the heat turned up. If you’re still using your favorite summer moisturizer, you might want to switch to a glycerin-based face cream such as Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Day Cream, which will help attract moisture to your skin.

Don’t forget the sunscreen—yes, even if you don’t see the sun! UV rays go right through the clouds, leaving your unprotected skin vulnerable. A broad-spectrum sunscreen like SkinMedica Environmental Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 applied daily (don’t forget the backs of your hands) will guard against environmental aging as well as snow glare.

A moisturizing masque is a great way to perk up tired skin, plus a good excuse to put your feet up and relax for a bit. June Jacobs Cranberry Pomegranate Moisture Masque is not only luxuriously creamy but the scent is delicious

Check out our guide to Winter Skin for more tips on putting your best face forward this season.

Can Omega-3 Oils benefit my skin?

Omega-3 fatty acids have been touted as dietary super-stars for the past 10-15 years. The so-called “good fats” are credited with lowering cholesterol and keeping our hearts healthy. But can they benefit our skin as well?

A growing body of evidence shows that indeed they can. Specific skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis are reactions to inflammation and thus can benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 fats. Supplements such as Nordic Naturals Omega 3 make it easy to get a daily dose. In addition to treating your skin from the inside, you can also see improvements with topical applications of serums or creams like Sundari Omega 3+ And Algae Day Serum and CelluliteRx LipoTherm Contour Cream by Institut DERMed Body.

In addition to specific conditions, Omega-3 fats can improve overall texture and firmness, as well as help with excessive dryness or flaking. While the skin produces its own oils, it can suffer from a lack, due to sun, wind or overly-harsh cleansers. Chronic lack of hydration can lead to premature aging. Omega-3 can also improve the health and appearance of hair and nails.

What is glycation and how does it affect my skin?

The term glycation refers to the bonding of a sugar molecule to a protein or lipid. While that’s not a bad thing for crème brulee, it’s another matter when it comes to our skin. Excess sugar molecules in the blood bind to collagen and elastin fibers making the skin more vulnerable to sagging and wrinkling. Glycated tissue is tough, inflexible and produces Aged Glycation End-products, or AGEs, which produce damaging free radicals and contribute to collagen breakdown and inflammation. During digestion, carbohydrates are broken down into sugars and absorbed by the body, bringing the harmful end products to skin cells.

A sensible diet that avoids processed sugars, especially fructose, the strongest glycation agent, will help your skin look better longer. You can also counteract the glycation process with the topical application of a serum such as La Roche Posay Derm AOX or Dr. Brandt Collagen Booster.

I keep reading about skin care supplements, but haven’t yet tried any. Am I missing out?

Supplements have come a long way since many of us were told to “take our vitamins.” You can now find targeted formulations to address specific concerns such as aging, like GliSODin Skin Nutrients Advanced Daily Formula, or acne, like Murad Pure Skin Clarifying Dietary Supplement.

If you hate taking pills, a liquid might be your best bet. Liquids contain no fillers or binders, and are easily digested and more quickly absorbed into the system. Dr. Brandt Water Boosters are a convenient and tasty way to treat your skin from the inside out. Made from 100% natural ingredients, including green and white tea, Water Boosters are caffeine, sugar and calorie-free.

How can I be sure I'm getting adequate protection from my sunscreen?

With the incidence of skin cancer on the rise, it’s more important than ever to include broad-spectrum sun protection in your daily regimen—regardless of the season. If you’re going to be outdoors for any length of time, be sure to choose an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours.

To increase public awareness and education, La Roche Posay a worldwide expert in UV protection, has launched their SOS — Save Our Skin campaign. The campaign was created not only to educate and inform Americans about the dangers of UV radiation and the importance of sun protection, but also to incite true behavioral change such as including sun care in daily routines and visiting dermatologists for regular skin checks.

The Anthelios line provides the most complete broad spectrum protection with face and body products designed for different skin types and levels of exposure.

What can I do to freshen my look during the day without having to redo my makeup?

Mid-afternoon touch-ups are a snap with a few simple tricks. Looking for a lift? SkinMedica TNS Line Refine instantly smoothes fine lines, tightens and lifts skin. It comes in an easy-to-use twist pen and can be applied over makeup. If you need a moisturizer boost, Kinerase Hydrating Antioxidant Mist will re-energize, re-hydrate and relax your skin. Brighten your eyes and minimize dark circles with Colorescience Eye Treatment – My Favorite Eyes Cream. The light-reflective cream nourishes and hydrates. Finish your look with Fusion Beauty LipFusion Micro Injected Collagen Color Shine, a moisturizing treatment gloss that plumps lips instantly. Now you’re ready for your close-up!

I love the look of mineral foundation, but by mid-day, my nose and forehead are shiny — what can I do

Even if you don't have oily skin, you still might find yourself with a shiny t-zone as the day wears on. A mattifying primer such as Philosophy Never Let Them See You Shine Primer will dramatically reduce oil and shine while providing a velvet finish for your foundation. Speaking of matte, bareMinerals MATTE SPF 15 Foundation is a ground-breaking formula that absorbs excess oil and eliminates shine without drying skin for a flawless, natural matte finish all day. Seal the deal with Skindinavia No More Shine Makeup Finish. The weightless mist contains an oil control system that not only controls surface shine, but disperses light particles for a clean, matte look for up to 16 hours.

I love to indulge in a hot bath during the winter, but how do I keep my skin from drying out?

A hot bath is a great way to soak away the stress of the day. There are a few things you can do to protect your skin, such as making sure the water isn’t too hot and not soaking longer than 20 minutes or so. Adding a bathing milk such as Molton Brown Nurture Desert Bloom Bathing Milk or Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath to the water will soften your skin as well as keep the water from stripping the natural oils. Gently pat your skin dry instead of vigorously rubbing and apply a moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. Juara Skincare Candlenut Body Creme is rich and nourishing, with the benefits of candlenut oil. DDF Glycolic 10% Body Lotion and Glytone Body Lotion SPF 15 are also good choices.

What can I do now to prepare my skin for the dryer, cooler months ahead?

As temperatures shift from hot to cool in the fall months, you might find that your regular skin care regimen isn’t doing enough. Skin can quickly become dry, uneven and more sensitive. Fortunately, there is a way to help prevent all of this. Follow three simple rules and your skin doesn’t have to go the way of autumn leaves. Learn how to Repair, Boost, and Nourish your end-of-summer skin to keep it healthy, gorgeous and glowing.

Repair

Sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation and the release of free-radicals in your skin causing wrinkles and damage. Your first plan of action is to restore sun-damaged summer skin with the help of products that increase your skin’s natural ability to regenerate itself.

• Skin Medica TNS Recovery Complex provides nutrients to our skin that increase its natural restructuring process. Make this your go-to product to enhance skin texture, improve firmness, and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
• SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum includes two revolutionary anti-aging formulas—TNS Recovery Complex® and APS Corrective Complex™—in one remarkable serum. This all-in-one anti-aging treatment helps strengthen skin’s natural ability to regenerate itself and fight against environmental damage.

Boost

As the weather becomes dryer and harsher, your skin will need additional hydration beyond that of a moisturizer. Make sure to look for a product that provides instant as well as long-term hydration.

• SkinMedica Hydrating Complex stimulates skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid, which replenishes thirsty skin and provides instant and long-term hydration to maintain firmness and overall elasticity.

Nourish

You’ve repaired summer sun-damage and boosted your skin’s ability to retain moisture. Now your skin is prepped to take full advantage of the moisture treatments it needs to stay hydrated through the fall and winter months.

• SkinMedica Dermal Repair Cream is a rich moisture cream concentrated with high levels of Vitamins C, E and other beneficial ingredients to repair, re-hydrate and firm the skin. It works like a multi-vitamin for the skin.
• SkinMedica TNS Night Eye Repair is an ultra-hydrating and luxurious eye treatment cream. High concentrations of Vitamin A, C and E help to dramatically improve the appearance of delicate skin around the eyes and reduce dark circles.

I have weak nails. Is there anything I can do to keep them from breaking so easily?

There are several things that you can do to treat weak, brittle nails:

1. Look at your diet:  A balanced diet of calcium, vitamins and proteins will have a direct effect on your nails (as well as your hair, skin and bones).


2. Genetics:  DNA has much to do with the strength of your nails. Ask your parents and siblings if they have weak nails too. If so, your question is answered!


3. Read the label:  Use only nail treatments that are free from Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP chemicals. These popular preservatives are also potential toxins that present long-term, harmful effects to your nails as well as your health.


4. Manicure:  Lastly, keep your nails short and well manicured with rounded corners supported by your nail bed. For the long haul this will help keep them looking healthy and beautiful.

Recommended products to use:

• Dermelect Launchpad Nail Strengthener
  Anti-aging, base coat is the first nail treatment that provides a unique delivery system of protein peptides directly to the nail bed to encourage stubborn nails to grow while improving their strength. Furthermore, its antioxidant behavior allows it to actively remove harmful free radicals most commonly associated with nail damage.


• Dermelect Rejuvenail Fortifying Nail and Cuticle Treatment
  Utilizes Prosina protein-peptide technology and Pentavitin, a crucial moisture binding agent, to hydrate and strengthen nails and relieve ragged, painful cuticles. Regular use will result in increased integrity, cohesion and flexibility to the nails.

My skin looks so dull lately. How can I get a luminous complexion?

Luminous skin is even-toned, radiant, and smooth.  Due to age as well as environmental stress, our skin starts losing luminosity, but with these 5 key tips, you can recapture and maintain luminous skin well into old age:

1. Exfoliate:  As we age, our skin cell turnover slows down, resulting in an accumulation of dead skin cells that give skin a dull appearance. Reveal new, radiant skin by using a chemical or a physical exfoliator 1x to 3x a week, depending on skin sensitivity. People sensitive to glycolic peels can use physical exfoliators, a.k.a. facial scrubs. Just make sure that the exfoliating beads are perfectly round and gentle. Try MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel/ 2 Steps or Jurlique Daily Exfoliating Cream.
   


2. Boost hydration:  Over time, our skin becomes drier, making it look ashy with fine lines more visible. Boost hydration by applying a serum or toner designed to maximize skin hydration before applying your moisturizer. Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid. It can bind up to 1000 times its molecular weight in water and act as a very powerful natural humectant. Try Juara Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner.
   


3. Even out skin tone:  Accumulated damage from years of sun exposure eventually show up as age spots and uneven skin tone. When UV-rays penetrate the skin, they stimulate the skin to produce the pigment "melanin", which is why we get a tan, but they also damage the skin's DNA. Products containing turmeric, kojic acid, azelaic acid or Vitamin C all curb the production of melanin and help even out skin tone. Try SkinCeuticals Phyto+.
   


4. Daily sun protection:  Apply broad spectrum sunscreen daily, rain or shine, to prevent age spots from forming or darkening. Look for sunscreen agents that protect from UVA rays, such as Avobenzone, Mexoryl, Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide. Try La Roche Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer SPF 15.
   


5. Good nutrition:  Studies show that diets rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids help maintain youthful radiance. Load up on fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish and whole grains. Supplements can provide an added boost to skin luminosity. Try Perricone MD Pigment Corrective Dietary Supplements.

How can I control my frizzy hair?

The first step is to determine the cause. Some people with curly hair are prone to “the frizzies,” but excessive blow-drying, coloring, or use of products containing alcohol can exacerbate the problem. It might also be time to switch shampoos. Try a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to combat dryness. If your hair is damaged from over-drying or coloring, it will benefit from a conditioning treatment which will help prevent protein loss and strengthen hair fibers. Using a weekly treatment mask can also help restore lost moisture, as they are more concentrated than regular conditioners.

Rinsing your hair with cool water will “close” the cuticles and add to a smoother look. A styling product such as pomade can help control your hair without weighing it down. Warm a small amount in your hands and work it through your hair, without touching your scalp to avoid looking oily. If you use a blow dryer, don’t use the highest heat setting, and always point the air downward. Running the dryer up and down can cause the cuticles to split and frizz. It is also recommended to use the “cool” setting for the last few minutes of drying your hair to help seal the cuticles.

• Alterna Hemp with Organics Repair Shampoo
• Alterna Hemp with Organics Repair Treatment Conditioner
• Frederic Fekkai Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo
• Frederic Fekkai Shea Butter Moisturizing Conditioner
• Sundari Neem and Coconut Hair Treatment Oil     
• Frederick Fekkai Protein RX Anti Breakage Treatment Mask
• Molton Brown Reawakening Mer Rouge Hair Hydramasque
• Philip B Shinade Pomade

My hands are so dry they itch and are starting to crack - help! What can I do?

So many of us have this problem in the winter there is actually a name for it. While 'winter itch' might seem inevitable, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your hands soft and supple even in the harshest winter weather.

Wash your hands in lukewarm – never hot – water, which actually robs your skin of moisture. Take extra care to protect your hands while doing household chores, especially dishes or anything where your hands will get wet. Always wear gloves when you go out into the cold.

Apply a rich moisturizer after washing, ideally one containing glycerin or Shea butter. Many women prefer rich, creamy facial creams in the winter, rather than lighter lotions they might use during warmer weather. The same is true of our hands. We carry a vast selection of rich, creamy moisturizers that will give your skin a protective barrier against the harsh elements. Here are a few to get your started:

• ATOPALM MLE Cream
• L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
• Juara Skincare Candlenut Hand and Body Balm
• SpaRitual Look Inside Organic Moisturizing Lotion
• Alchimie Forever 532nm Antioxidant Relief for Hands and Feet

My husband could use some help when it comes to grooming. He’s doesn’t have a clue beyond a razor and can of shaving cream. What are some "gifty" things I can give him for Christmas?

One of the most satisfying things about giving a gift is when you know it can and will benefit the recipient. Your dilemma is to give something personal yet practical and helpful too. We have just the thing!

Although there are men who are well-groomed and understand why skin care products enhance their appearance and improve their general hygiene, there are others who feel it’s too complicated, not necessary or for women only.

The truth of the matter is, the more that men commit to a routine like yours, the better they’ll look and feel – and it’s not just for appearance sake, it’s for their skin’s general health too.

We carry a wonderful selection of gifts for men. Kits that are basic enough to get them on track and other sets for guys who are already taking care of themselves but appreciate being introduced to more.

Whether your guy needs a jump-start or you have a metro man in your life, try any of these:

• Lab Series Basic Tools Kit
• B. Kamins MALE Gift Set
• MD Skincare Men’s One-Step Daily Facial Packettes
• Anthony Logistics for Men
• Kenneth Cole Black Holiday Set
• Menscience Androceuticals

To see more of our great gifts for men, click here.

How do supplements help my skin?

Nourishing our bodies from the inside out is one of the most significant attributing factors to healthy skin. The most effective method? Nutrients derived from our diet. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time or know-how to be consistently successful. However, nutritional supplements have become the most convenient way to supply the body with everything it needs for optimum-looking skin.

There are two ways to incorporate supplements into your skin care routine. A popular trend is boosting the water you drink with antioxidants to not only fight damaging free radicals but combat the signs of aging as well. In addition, water boosters increase the effectiveness of topical sunscreens so you have less chance of burning and long-term damage.

Products to boost your water:

• Pure Inventions Signature Antioxidant Fruit Extract Blueberry with White Tea
• BORBA Age Defying Aqualess Crystalline
• dr. brandt Antioxidant Water Booster Original
• Pure Inventions Signature Antioxidant Fruit Extract Cranberry with Elderberry

Another way to supplement your diet effectively is to take supplements in pill form. Vitamins improve specific conditions such as dryness, anti-aging, inflammation and detoxification.

Here’s a look at what a few vitamins do to specifically benefit your skin:

• Vitamin E noted to reduce sun damage, minimize wrinkles and improve skin texture.
• Selenium helps to protect the body from cancers, such as skin cancer. It also aids in the preservation of collagen and elastin, slowing down the effects of aging.
• Vitamin C essential for collagen and its repairing properties.

A few pill suppliments to try:

• Kinerase Multivitamins Minerals and Nutrients
• Jan Marini C-ESTAMINS
• Perricone MD Skin Clear Nutritional Support System Dietary Supplement

To maintain healthy skin, remember to look for quality ingredients in the products you apply to your face and body, and seek out the best supplements to add to your diet.

Does my skin type change when the seasons change?

Evidence of change in your skin will occur with the seasons. You may feel drier in colder months, oilier in warmer months and notice breakouts occurring intermittently between seasons. However, these are all referred to as skin conditions; your skin type never changes. As a rule, always treat the condition then the type.

Let’s review characteristics of each skin type:

Oily Skin: Occasional breakouts, congested skin and comedones. You will be oily over your entire face and most likely have an oily shine 2-4 hours after cleansing.
Combination Skin: An oily t-zone (nose, chin and forehead), occasional breakouts, congestion and comedones. You’ll have an oily shine 4-6 hours after cleansing.
Dry Skin: Pores are unnoticeable. You rarely suffer from breakouts and congestion. You may notice signs of premature aging.
Normal Skin: Normal skin does not feel dry or oily. Never or very rarely have breakouts, no congestion or comedones. May suffer from slight dehydration in t-zone. May have oily shine 12 hours after cleansing.
Sensitive Skin: Easily irritated. Burns easily. May feel warm or itchy after cleansing. May break out.

We all suffer from some sort of condition on a regular basis. The key is to have supplemental products to treat them.
Here are some products to combat a few skin conditions:

• Dehydrated, lack-luster tight skin. Try switching from your moisturizing lotion to a serum. Serums have smaller molecules that penetrate the skin and usually have more hydrating ingredients without the extra oil. PCA Skin Hydrating Serum is a good choice.
• Skin reddens or feels warm after cleansing or exfoliating. Your skin condition is sensitized. Try Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Masque and use daily.
• Breakouts. If you have a ‘Dry’ skin type, try Pevonia Purifying Skin Mask as a spot treatment. Make sure to follow with a good moisturizer.
• Skin is flaking and extremely dry because of extreme weather or a chemical peel use PCA SKIN PHaze 20 Silkcoat Balm.

Our overall goal with skincare is to maintain balance in the skin to keep it healthy. Treat your skin condition as it comes. Just remember, your skin type stays the same.

Even though I’ve tried several concealers and foundations, I can’t seem to find any cosmetic that properly covers the large pores on my face. Can I do something to make them smaller?

In general, there are two contributors to having large pores: genetics and age. People who have oily or thicker skin tend to have enlarged pores, and as people get older, sun damage and a decrease in the skin’s elasticity can be a factor for pores to increase in size.

Unfortunately, there isn’t anything available on the market that can permanently reduce or “shrink” pore size. However, there are several products that address this condition and help make your pores less noticeable.

Be sure to cleanse your face well. Debris and oil can cause pore blockage, stretching the pores and making them appear larger. A good cleanser to address this contains BHAs and AHAs. Also, exfoliate on a regular basis. Exfoliation rids the skin of dead cells which can block pores and also contribute to the problem. Finally, before applying makeup, use a foundation primer. Not only does it even out your skin tone, but the primer also creates a barrier so your foundation won’t sink into the pores.

Pores are vital to the health of your skin. The oil they deliver maintains suppleness and hydration to your skin. If you do have large pores, there’s a good chance you have an oily skin type. Later in life, this may be to your advantage—the natural moisture in your pores will help the skin age better by delaying or minimizing the drying and wrinkling that occurs. And that’s a good thing.

Here are some products to try:

• Joey New York Quick Blackhead Dissolver and Pore Minimizer Gel
• Dr. Brandt Pores No More
• Colorescience Line Tamer Foundation Primer
• Tracie Martyn Enzyme Exfoliant

Help! My heels are cracked and callused…and summer just started. Will smooth, soft feet be impossible for me?

Cracked, callused heels are a common condition caused by dry skin. Going barefoot and wearing sandals in the summer can easily aggravate this problem. Besides looking unattractive, it can actually become painful.

It’s important to identify whether you’re dealing with a cosmetic condition or a possible health issue. Be sure to talk to your physician if you develop deep and/or bleeding cracks on your heels.

If you simply need to step up your foot care routine like most of us, here are a few things to do to get you on the right track:

• While showering or soaking in a bathtub, rub H2O Plus Pumice Foot Scrub onto the bottoms of your feet particularly along the heels. This softens callused skin and reduces their thickness on the heels.
• Apply a heavier moisturizer on your heels each night at bedtime like Atopalm MLE Cream or Pedinol Hydrisinol Crème. Slip on a pair of socks to better absorb the cream while you sleep.
• Soak your feet at least once a week in a small tub of warm water. Use a pumice stone to remove any dead skin on your heels. After patting your feet dry, generously apply Barielle Total Foot Care Cream for a soft, supple finish.
• Don’t forget to treat yourself to a pedicure on a regular basis to keep your feet in tiptop shape.

It’s not impossible to keep feet looking their best—it just takes a bit of extra time and effort to show them off confidently!

How can I reduce the appearance of scars on my legs?

Scars are evidence of healing. The deeper the damage, the more scar tissue forms. Inflammation and discoloration are normal and in many instances, lessen after time.

Although no product on the market can make a scar completely disappear, some help to diminish the appearance. There are products that reduce redness or purple discoloration (known as hyperpigmentation) and some that can help minimize inflammation or flatten the surface of a scar.

It’s important to identify the type of scar you have before treating it as some products are specific to scar type. Are the scars from an injury or surgery? Are they raised (Keloid), recessed/pitted or appear stretched?

Remember, you can always talk to you physician about options. For at-home care, consider the following.

Products that address hyperpigmentation caused from scarring:

• Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Face & Body Polish
• MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Body Peel 2 Step

Products to help decrease the appearance of Keloid scars:

• Donell Super Skin Durasil Kit
• Scar Esthetique Crème

You can pair any of the above products with a corrective cosmetic specifically for covering imperfections on the body from Dermablend.

Do I need Vitamin C in my regimen?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble, anti-oxidant vitamin found in several skin care products. Its powerful benefits have been shown to promote healthy looking skin.

Vitamin C aids in the production of collagen, a protein that gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels. When applied topically, it also helps prevent and correct free radical damage due to environmental and internal stressors. Some common internal stressors are stress, lack of sleep and poor diet. External stressors include sun exposure, cigarette smoking and pollution.

Although Vitamin C isn't the only anti-oxidant used in skin care products, it is one that provides noticeable results when used regularly. Consider including these products with Vitamin C in your regimen:

• Dr. Brandt C Gel
• Cellex-C High Potency Serum
• Cellex-C Serum for Sensitive Skin
• SkinMedica Vitamin C Complex
  

I have dark circles that won’t go away! I’m tired of looking tired…is there anything I can do?

Although dark circles are often genetic, several effective products can help. To see long-term results, use a vitamin K gel or cream like Peter Thomas Roth Power K Eye Rescue under the eyes to help strengthen capillaries, diminishing the ‘blue eye’ appearance. Vitamin C based eye serums or creams such as La Roche Posay Active C Eyes provide antioxidant protection and make the eye area more resilient.

Other contributing factors could be the cause for your dark circles, such as: sun damage, smoking, excessive caffeine and alcohol. As we get older, dark circles become more prominent—the skin under our eyes becomes thinner and our blood vessels become more visible. It’s never too early to care for the delicate skin around the eyes with proper skin care and healthy, lifestyle choices.

Tip: For a quick fix, you can pair either of the above products with a corrective cosmetic like Exuviance Cover Blend Multi Function Concealer or Dermablend Smooth Indulgence Concealer. Apply before foundation to minimize any darkness.

What's the difference between Prevage Anti-Aging Treatment by Elizabeth Arden/Allergan and Sovage Idebenol?

Although the products have similar ingredients, the actual antioxidants are different. Prevage contains an antioxidant by the name of Idebenone or Co-Q-9. Sovage's Idebenol contains a combination of botanical antioxidants and does not include any Idebenone.

Both products are similar in benefits as they were created for "anti-aging" results. Prevage is lighter in consistency so it is typically preferred by consumers who have a combination to oily skin type, however, dry skin types can use this product. Sovage Idebenol is a cream based formula preferred by dry skin customers.