Spa Week Spotlight On: Fresh

September 19, 2012 | By

If simple, well-formulated skincare products and effective spa services are your thing, then you’ll love spending Spa Week at Fresh!

Known for their products scented and formulated with skin-friendly ingredients that everyone loves (sugar, anyone?!), Fresh locations also offer pampering spa services — and you can get a fantastic facial for just $50 during Spa Week!

Fresh is offering 3 facial treatments for 2013 Spa Week April 15-21. See all the Fresh locations offering Spa Week treatments and book yours here.

Filed Under: Spa Spotlight, Spa Week Event, Spas Tagged With: , , ,

Expert Skin Q&A: How to Treat Cystic Acne

September 18, 2012 | By

You ask, we get answers! This week’s reader skin question is being fielded by Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in the Dermatology Department at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

Q: What’s the best way to treat cystic acne?

A: Cystic acne is a severe form of acne that can be treated with topical medications, but may also require oral medication. Over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are a good place to start.  If you see no improvement after two weeks of use, make an appointment to see your dermatologist — those types of angry pimples can heal with permanent scars if not treated.  Your dermatologist may give your prescription topicals in combination with pills by mouth.  Some women may be treated with hormonal therapies to normalize any fluctuations in hormones causing cystic eruptions.

A word of caution: Many topical acne medications can be irritating and make you sensitive to the sun.  Choose a good sunscreen for sensitive skin (I like Cetaphil DermaControl Moisturizer SPF 30).

Got a question for us? Leave a comment below and we may answer in the  next post!

Prefer to leave your acne treatment to the pros? We can help! Spa Week is happening NOW, so book a discounted $50 facial at a participating spa near you: Click here.

Filed Under: Skin Care, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

How to Change Your Skincare Routine from Summer to Fall

September 18, 2012 | By

Now that summer is coming to a close, what does your skin need?

We consulted top dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross to share some tips for summer-to-fall skincare changes that will really make a difference.

“To help transition your skin from summer to fall, focus on products that help repair sun-damaged skin,” says Dr. Gross. “By the end of summer, many women are dealing with the consequences of months of sun-exposure, including sunburn, peeling, redness, and dry skin.”

Dr. Gross put three such ingredients into his favorite new product, Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution. Here’s a breakdown of what they are and what they do:

Azelaic Amino Acid: Helps control oil secretion to prevent formation of blackheads & whiteheads; Fades dark spots & brightens skin.

Bearberry Extract: Corrects hyperpigmentation & helps increase cell turnover for younger-looking skin.

Ferulic Acid: Offers sun damage protection; A plant-based antioxidant that enhances properties of other vitamins for healthy skin.

Bonus tip: “It’s also important to avoid taking extra hot showers as the weather gets colder,” Dr. Gross advises. “Hot showers can be drying to the skin. Shower with the bathroom door closed to allow the steam to build-up, and moisturize as soon as you get out of the shower.”

And, of course, the best way to transition skin between seasons? A facial! Here are a few highlights of $50 facials you can get at top spas during Spa Week in October (booking happens now, so don’t wait!):

Affinia Beauty & Spa, New York, NY: 55 Min Ultrasonic Facial plus Ossein Eye Treatment

Ageless Spa Medica, Chesterfield, MI: Oxygen Facial Regular with Supersonic Saline Mist Exfoliator and Oxygen Infuser

Alchemie Spa, Santa Monica, CA: 45 Min Skin-Plumping Oxygen Facial

Andrew Michaels Salon and Spa, Salem, MA: 50 Min Ocean and Collagen Cocktail Facial

Aniko Salon and Spa, Chicago, IL: 45 Min Signature Aniko Spa Facial Includes Customized Mask and Extractions

Annemarie4Skincare, Lebanon, NH: 50 Min Customized Ultra Sonic Facial

Filed Under: Skin Care, Spa Week Event Tagged With: , , ,

Expert Skin Q&A: How to Get Rid of Blackheads

September 11, 2012 | By

You ask, we get answers! This week’s reader skin question is being fielded by Dr. Dendy Engelman, board certified dermatologist and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Q: Why do we get blackheads, and how can I prevent/remove them?

A: Environmental factors, hormonal changes, diet and your beauty routine are all factors that can lead to blackheads. Simple measures like washing your face and hair daily to remove excess oils, staying hydrated, and eliminating overly processed and sugary foods can significantly help. No matter what, don’t pick!  Exfoliate your skin with a gentle scrub and use a face mask to help extract dirt and bacteria trapped beneath the surface of the skin. GENTLY steaming your face with a towel soaked in hot water can also help to remove and prevent future breakouts by keeping pores open and minimizing congestion. For peskier blackheads, solicit help from your Dermatologist for a prescription treatment.

Got a question for us? Leave a comment below and we may answer in the  next post!

 

Filed Under: Skin Care, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Expert Skin Q&A: Hyperpigmentation Treatments

September 4, 2012 | By

You ask, we get answers! This week’s reader skin question is being fielded by Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in the Dermatology Department at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

Q: I have hyperpigmentation on areas of my face. What should I do?

A: Pigmentation on the face may be caused by sun damage, hormonal changes, or resolved rashes.  Regardless of the cause, sun protection is key to prevent more pigmentation from being produced.  Bleaching creams can lighten spots directly and can be used in combination with retinol and antioxidants.

Bleaching creams may contain hydroquinone or nonhydroquinone alternatives.  They come as over the counter or prescription formulations. If creams are not helping, lasers like Fraxel are effective in office procedures that you can get at the dermatologist’s office.

Got a question for us? Leave a comment below and we may answer in the  next post!

Filed Under: Skin Care, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,