With summer just around the corner, how do I keep my skin looking fresh and clear?

With hot summer days approaching quickly, the last thing you will probably want to do is cover up with heavy creams or foundations. That’s why now is the perfect time to clean up your routine and be ready for summer when it comes into full swing.

Humid weather can make an oily skin concern even worse. Look for an oil-free moisturizer that still hydrates without adding shine. Juice Beauty Oil Free Moisturizer is lightweight and contains a blend of certified organic white grape and pomegranate juices, soothing aloe vera and vitamin antioxidants for a beautiful matte finish. Now is also the time to treat any unwanted blemishes and start on the path to clearer, fresh skin. Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum has a powerful hydroxy acid complex of certified organic apple, lemon and salicylic acid from willow bark which unclogs pores, reduces breakouts and lightens scars. Summertime also means skin protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Protect yourself from free radical damage with Juice Beauty SPF Tinted Mineral Moisturizers, which provide chemical-free SPF protection, nourishing moisture and powerful antioxidants plus a mineral tint for natural coverage.

How do I need to adjust my skin care regimen for spring?

The change of seasons is always a reminder that it is time to look at your skin care products. As spring arrives and the air gets warmer, look for a moisturizer that is slightly lighter than your usual winter nourishing cream. The lightweight Alchimie Forever Yttrium Protective Morning Cream is ideal under makeup or sunscreen. Indeed, the arrival of spring also signifies the return of sunshine, so an SPF of 15 or higher is necessary every day. Finally, with the arrival of the warmer weather, we put away our turtlenecks and reveal more skin. This is the perfect time to treat our bodies and get in gear for the summer bathing suit season. Alchimie Forever Alexandrite Firming Gel for Neck and Bust and Alchimie Forever 532nm Antioxidant Relief for Hands and Feet are ideal problem-solvers to add to your skin care routine.

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.