Tips and Types of Back Acne Treatment

Back Acne Causes
It is often difficult to pinpoint the exact causes of most types of acne, back acne is no different. What is known is that irritation can make it worse. If acne is showing up more persistent in certain parts of your body, such as your back, perhaps it has to do with certain clothing or maybe a backpack. Tight fitting clothing contributes to promoting acne, by trapping sweat against the skin and clogging pores. Sometimes back acne is just caused by a hormone unbalance or poor diet.

Back Acne Treatment
The first part of controlling back acne is cleanliness; you should wash daily with a cleanser that contains salicylic acid. You should also shower immediately after engaging in any physical activity in which you were sweating. Follow up your shower with a body moisturizer that contains Alfa Hydroxy acid. This will exfoliate skin and help prevent breakouts, without drying skin out.
At night time, before going to bed, you can treat back acne the same as facial acne by applying a zapping gel or a cream to your acne.
If your back acne is light to moderate you could use a Regimen. The Regimen works well but remember that it contains benzoyl peroxide and it will have a bleaching effect on any clothing that comes into contact with it. I would suggest wearing white shirts if you plan on using this as your form of back acne treatment.
For stubborn acne and severe cases you may have to get an antibiotic prescription, or prescription strength Retin-A. Acne on the back is much more resistant to treatment and the skin is tougher, so it will need to be treated aggressively. As a last resort, you could try Accutane.
One homemade remedy you could try is by using a combination of lye soap and tea tree oil. This helps oily skin and will help reduce acne and make your skin soft.

Back Acne Tips

Always wear cotton clothing, loose fitting is best.

You can apply powder to keep your back dry.

If necessary apply anti-perspirant to your back, don’t do this if you are going to engage in physical activity because sweating is needed to help cool the body.

Always wear clean clothes, bras and T-shirts when working out and put a clean towel down before lying on exercise machines or mats at the gym.

Shower as soon as possible after perspiring.

You should probably change your shirt twice a day whether you exercise or not to avoid bacteria buildup that can further aggravate your acne.
Although back acne is not as severe as other types of acne but when not treated properly it sometimes leads to scars and cysts.

Top Ten Tips For Getting Rid Of Acne

1. Fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds

Increase the variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds in your diet. The easiest way to do this is to create delicious smoothies and juices from ripe fruit, have at least one salad every day — even just as a side dish — with your main meal, and snack on nuts and dried fruits. Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds are fantastic for acne because they contain selenium (Brazils) and zinc (pumpkin seeds), deficiencies in these minerals have been linked to acne.

2. Water

Drink plenty of water every day. Aim to drink at least two litres of still mineral water. If the skin becomes dehydrated, dead skin cells are not effectively shed, which can lead to blocked pores and further acne.

3. Probiotics and prebiotics

Antibiotics destroy the bacteria in your digestive system, which can lead to poor digestion, constipation and reduced absorption of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients — all of which can lead to more acne because your body isn't able to get rid of waste effectively and toxins get expelled via the skin instead. If you have been taking antibiotics for your acne, it's vital you replace the "friendly" bacteria in your digestive system with a good quality probiotics.
Prebiotics are foods which help re-establish the good bacteria in the gut — these include honey, onions, artichokes and bananas. Taking a probiotic supplement and eating prebiotics foods will help restore the levels of beneficial bacteria that are destroyed by antibiotics.

4. Supplements & superfoods

Sometimes it's not possible to get all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients required to obtain and maintain clear skin. We can be eating all the right foods, but because of other factors — such as long-term antibiotic use — we may not be absorbing everything we need from our diets. There are a few supplements that are particularly useful to those with acne, including:

• Maca — a powdered Peruvian root vegetable that helps balance and stabilize the body's systems and helps normalise hormones. It tastes delicious blended into smoothies, a little bit sweet and little bit savoury. Maca is also rich in essential amino acids, fatty acids, phytochemicals and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, silica and iodine.
• Nature's Living Superfood — A nutrient-dense, mineral-rich superfood, it contains a full spectrum of absorbable nutrients: vitamins, minerals, trace minerals.

5. Use only natural products on your skin

Many skin care products on the market contain chemicals that can aggravate acne-prone skin. By overloading the skin with harsh chemicals that strip the skin's natural oils, the skin will produce more oil to compensate — which can lead to more blocked pores and acne! Use products that contain natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, which is known for its antibacterial properties. The best method for dealing with acne-prone skin is the less-is-more attitude. Use as few products as possible so your skin gets a chance to heal on its own. If you wear make-up, buy formulas that are non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic (non-pore blocking).

• Natural skin care products
  • Cleansers
  • Toners
  • Face Masks & Scrubs
  • Soaps
  • Moisturisers & Sun Lotions
  • For Spots & Pimples
  • For Acne Scars

6. Reduce stress

Stress is on of the biggest precursors of acne, especially beyond puberty. Controlling stress can reduce the release of the stress hormone cortisol, and therefore reduce the severity of the acne. Id you suffer from stress regularly, learn to recognise the early symptoms and take action. There are various ways you can reduce stress and become more relaxed:

• Exercise — especially Yoga and T'ai Chi. Moderate exercise will increase blood flow to the skin and aid healing, as well as improve the health of your internal organs enabling them to get rid of waste more effectively.
• Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises and meditation

7. Reduce your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates

There is recent research pointing the finger at diet — eating refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, rice, flour etc) and sugar leads to a surge in insulin and an insulin-like growth factor called IGF-1. This in turn leads to an excess of male hormones, which encourage the skin to excrete large amounts of sebum. This grease-like substance encourages the growth of bacteria responsible for acne.
Refined carbs/sugar = more insulin = more hormones = more sebum (oil) = more bacteria = more acne

8. Reduce your intake of caffeine

Caffeine increases the levels of stress hormones in the body and can aggravate acne. Avoid coffee, tea, chocolate and other stimulant containing drinks.

9. Reduce your intake of dairy and red meat

Dairy products and meat are hard for us to digest, and are acid-forming in the body. The condition of the skin is linked to the health of your internal organs. If you're struggling to digest high levels of animal protein, your body won't get rid of waste products effectively, and they will be released via the skin as acne. Dairy and red meat also contain high levels of hormones which can increase our our levels, and result in more acne. Many people are also intolerant to dairy products without realising it, and a mild intolerance can manifest itself as acne. There are plenty of alternatives to dairy these days — and you can create simple and nutritious nut milks at home, such as the calcium-rich sesame and banana super smoothie.

10. Sunshine and fresh air

Sunshine stimulates the creation of vitamin D in the body — an essential vitamin for healthy skin. A little bit of fresh air and sunshine every day will also reduce stress and increase oxygen to the skin. Even when it's overcast, the sun's rays reach us, so take a 10 minute walk outside every day. Don't get burnt in the sun though — apart from increasing the risk of skin cancer, burnt and heavily tanned skin forms a thick layer on the skin's surface that doesn't exfoliate quickly enough and leads to blocked pores.

How Many Myths Have You Been Told?

Myth #1 - Acne is caused by poor hygiene

Fact: Hygiene is not the culprit here. In fact, washing your face too often or too vigorously can actually make your acne worse.
The real culprits are those pesky hormones that kick in at puberty and cause excess production of skin oils. Match that up to increased shedding of dead skin cells and you have a lovely mixture ready to clog any pore on a very clean face.
Gently wash your face no more than twice a day with a mild cleanser and then pat it dry. Scrubbing or rubbing your face can lead to dry skin and irritated acne. That means delayed healing and worse, more breakouts. So treat your skin with care to help it heal.

Myth #2 - Acne is caused by eating chocolate and greasy foods

Fact: Despite numerous scientific studies, no evidence has been found to link diet to acne. Dermatologists do advise, however, that if you notice a tendency to break out after eating a certain food, eliminate it from your diet and see if your skin clears up.
So while you won't have to give up your Friday night pizza, burger and fries or favorite chocolate bar, remember that a healthy skin (and body) requires nutrition from a well-balanced diet.

Myth #3 - Stress causes acne

Fact: Your regular, every day variety of stress is not an important factor in acne. Rather, some drugs used to treat severe stress may cause acne as a side effect. If you think your acne is caused by a medication prescribed for stress or depression, you should talk to your doctor.

Myth #4 - Acne is a cosmetic disease

Fact: It's true that acne does affect how we look and at the same time does not pose a serious threat to our physical health. In that sense you can call it a cosmetic disease.
On the other hand, acne can lead to permanent physical scarring. It can also seriously affect the way some people feel about themselves and how they interact with others. This invisible side of acne can express itself in feelings of embarrassment, frustration or depression and result in decreased self-esteem and social withdrawal.

Myth #5 - You should not wear makeup if you have acne

Fact: Looking your best can make you feel your best so you'll be glad to know that you actually can wear makeup if you have acne. Just remember, only use cosmetic and skin care products that are labeled noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic (won't clog pores or cause breakouts).
Some concealers contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Both ingredients help to fight acne. You might also find that tinted acne-fighting creams can help get rid of pimples while hiding them.
You may have noticed more and more skin care products labeled "organic," "all natural" or "herbal" coming onto the market. However, these cosmetics may, in fact, clog pores and make your acne worse.
Stop using any cosmetic or skin care product that seems to be irritating your skin or causing breakouts. Talk with your dermatologist to see what adjustments can be made to improve your treatment and speed you on your way to clear, healthy skin.

Myth #6 - You should not shave if you have acne

Fact: You can, in fact, shave. Be sure to use either a safety or electric razor and be attentive to your skin. Shave lightly around blemishes to avoid nicking the skin and inviting irritation and infection. Remember to replace your safety razor on a regular basis.

Myth #7 - Acne is a problem only for teenagers

Fact: It is true that most teenagers have acne and that many cases will clear up during a person's early 20s. Sometimes, however, acne can persist into the 30s and 40s. A large percentage (82%) of both the men and women with severe acne reported that it was a carry over from their teen years. Others develop acne for the first time as adults.
Treatment during your teen years may minimize scarring and improve your acne before you hit your 20s.

Myth #8 - Getting a tan will help clear up acne

Fact: You may be tempted to get some rays since a tan can minimize your blemishes and make your skin feel drier, but getting a tan will make your acne worse in the long run.
Sunbathing dries your skin, causing your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum (oil exuded from the pores). In addition, sun exposed skin sloughs old cells more frequently. And that's the formula for clogged pores and acne.
Tanning makes your skin age prematurely and can put you at a much greater risk for skin cancer.
So anytime you're going to be outside, be sure to use a noncomedogenic sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 protection level.

Myth #9 - Washing your face a lot will help get rid of pimples

Fact: Acne is not caused by poor hygiene. It's good to wash your face each day to get rid of dead skin cells, excess oil and surface dirt, but washing your face more than once or twice a day can be too much of a good thing.
If you wash too frequently or too abrasively you can dry and irritate your skin into more breakouts. So don't scrub or rub. Gently wash your face with a mild cleanser no more than once or twice a day and pat it dry with care.

Myth #10 - Popping pimples will make them go away faster

Fact: No matter how tempting, you should not scratch, pick, squeeze or pop a pimple. Doing so may push bacteria from the pimple further into the skin, causing more breakouts.
Popping a pimple may also cause brown or red scars to appear that can last for months or worse yet, popping pimples can cause dents and pits that can last forever.

Myth #11 - You must let acne run its course

Fact: Acne can be treated and you can have healthy skin. With all the acne products available today there is absolutely no reason to endure acne or to allow untreated acne to result in scars. If you are frustrated with the acne treatments you've tried, talk with a dermatologist to help you find the right therapy and get you on track for clear skin.

Myth #12 - Just keep using more acne medication if you can't get rid of the acne

Fact: More is not necessarily better. In fact, it can worsen your acne. Many over the counter acne treatments contain active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Too much of either of these can cause your skin to become excessively dry or irritated which in turn may lead to more blemishes.
Results are generally seen in a few weeks, but may take up to 8 weeks or more. Use the medication exactly as directed, and if you don't see any improvement talk with your dermatologist.

Myth #13 - All acne medications are the same

Fact: All acne medications are not created equal. It is important to know that over-the- counter acne products and prescription medications all contain different active ingredients.
Each product or drug is designed to target a specific cause of acne and degree of severity as well as to accommodate a given skin type.
Some acne treatments reduce oiliness, others decrease the amount of dead skin cells that are shed and still others attack the bacteria responsible for the breakouts, Propionibacterium acnes, (P. acnes). Some medications combine two or more acne-busting attributes.
Over-the-counter and prescription medications come in various forms that can make a difference in their effectiveness and your comfort. They can be topical (applied to the skin) or systemic (taken orally). Oral medications are available by presciption only.
Acne products and medications can come as creams, lotions, gels, solutions, pads and foam. Creams and lotions provide moisture and are generally better for people with sensitive or dry skin, while gels and solutions may be alcohol based and because of their drying effect may be best for people who live in hot, humid climates or who have oily skin.
If you have difficulty finding the right acne-fighting product for your skin, talk with your dermatologist who can steer you in the right direction.

Myth #14 - Acne medication should only be put right on top of the blemish

Fact: Spot treatment may work on reducing an existing blemish, but it won't treat new breakouts. Apply a thin layer of your topical medication daily over all the areas where there are break outs.

Myth #15 - Oily skin is the main cause of pimples

Fact: Oily skin is just one of the causes of pimples. The other contributing factors include rapid and irregular shedding of dead skin cells and the presence of a normal skin bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes).
The hormonal onset of puberty signals the onset of acne. Hormones cause the sebaceous glands to exude oil through the pores and increase the rate at which dead skin cells are shed. The accumulating skin cells and oil stick together and form a soft plug that clogs the skin pore.
This mixture of oil and cells makes a perfect environment for the growth of a normal skin bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). The bacteria multiplies inside the clogged pore and causes the inflammation that you experience as redness and heat.

Myth #16 - Blackheads are caused by dirt

Fact: That is not dirt you are looking at and it cannot be scrubbed away. Whiteheads and blackheads are simply pores that have become plugged with a mixture of oil and dead skin cells.
Whiteheads reside just below the surface of the skin while blackheads are enlarged plugs that have pushed through the skin's surface. The material inside the pore turns dark when it is exposed to the air.

Myth #17 - Acne is contagious

Fact: Nope. It may be tempting to think acne is contagious since just about every teen has it. However acne is a result of the hormonal influences that come with puberty and is not contagious.

Myth #18 - Acne can't be controlled

Fact: Acne can definitely be controlled. There is a wide range of both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription acne medicines currently available. And while some OTC products may be more effective than others, dermatologists have acne treatments that are available by prescription which may heal existing blemishes and treat new ones. With a little patience and attention, you may enjoy clear, healthy skin.

Myth #19 - Acne can be cured overnight

Fact: Be patient. Healing acne takes time. It is important to be realistic when you are trying to find a successful acne treatment. Don't be tempted by overnight promises, you want to look for the best treatment.

Myth #20 - Acne appears only on the face

Fact: Acne can occur on many parts of the body. It is common for people to have acne on their back, chest and neck. This is not abnormal, but in fact quite normal. These areas of the body have a high concentration of oil glands just as the face does. Body acne can be treated just as successfully as facial acne.

Suggested Products:

Erno Laszlo Anti Blemish Control Treatment

Erno Laszlo Anti Blemish Control Treatment repairs, heals and helps stop future breakouts from occurring. Salicylic acid exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal a smooth and clear complexion. Witch hazel tones and tightens the appearance of pores and soothes inflammation.

Sothys Pore Refiner System Complexion Perfector

Sothys' Pore Refiner System Complexion Perfector is the perfect solution for you! This excellent formula has the power to reduce the appearance of pores, refine the texture of the skin and reduce pore size to reveal a perfect complexion. Different nutrients and minerals are included in this gentle yet effective cream to help fight bacteria in acneic skin types while mattifying the skin. Being an anti-blackhead formula and non comedogenic, it is suitable for all complexions. Upon application, your skin will immediately be left feeling softer and looking clear and smooth.

Skincare Tips for Men 5 - A Perfect 10

You are what you eat (and drink)

Watch your diet; for various reasons. Spicy, fatty foods send your oil production into overdrive causing shine, blocked pores and blackheads. Sugary foods cause your skin to slacken and loose it's firmness. Alcohol dehydrates you and your skin. Don't panic; you don't have to cut any of these out of your diet, all in moderation though!

Run around!

Exercise is vital in maintaining a good posture, relieving stress (causes lines) and increasing the blood flow (not only to heart and lungs, but also your skin).

Stay dashing

• Keep all your facial hair under control - eyebrows, nose hair, ear hair and your neckline. A groomed appearance is more than just great skin!
• Go easy on the cologne. Try and overpower them with your charm and not your scent. Spray it in the air and just walk through - enough will land on you to keep you smelling sexy cool.
• Take care of your hands; people look! Exfoliate them regularly and keep them well moisturized. Try by rubbing in excess body or face moisturizer!
• Sleep!

Skincare Tips for Men # 3 - Shaving Face

Stop dreading this daily routine, because shaving does not need to be a form of torture that leaves you bruised and injured! If you experience problems with razor burn, ingrown hairs and shaving bumps - try the following guideline:

• Shave wet! Use good old water, shaving foam and a sharp razor. Shaving electrically can cause your skin extra trauma when it is already sensitive.
• Try shaving in the morning when your skin has had a good nights rest. Don't be in a big hurry though - allow it to wake up with you. Have a coffee and a shower or bath and then give it a go! If you shave straight away your skin may still be puffy from your sleep and you won't get a close shave!
• A shower and a bath before will also moisten you skin and the heat and steam will open your pores and follicles, making a closer shave easier and less of a hassle.
• It is important to wash/ exfoliate first! Try NICKEL super clean face, in order to wash away all impurities and dead skin cells! This will avoid spreading any infections by dirt and bacteria found on a dirty skin.
• Always use a sharp razor and shave with your hair growth in slow short strokes! Don't forget to rinse your razor often under HOT water!
• Massage your shaving foam into the beard and let it rest for half a minute or so. Let the foam or gel do half the work for you. NICKEL's smooth operator shaving gel has ingredients that help soften the beard and make the hairs stand up by themselves, which makes a clean shave child's play!
• Use a shaving brush: this will stimulate the follicles and reduce infections from dirty hands.
• Rinse all residue foam off with cool, not cold, water and pat your face dry. Don't rub! Your skin has gone through enough traumas for one morning!
• Use an after shave balm or cream (NICKEL fire insurance after shave) that will soothe and heal your face from the shaving ordeal. Follow with a moisturizer in order to keep the skin soft and nourished, which in turn makes shaving easier and easier!
• Stay away from alcohol based after shaves, as they will only irritate a sensitized skin!

Skincare Tips for Men # 3 - All Eyes On You

Eyes always give your secrets away! Late nights, too much of a good thing, smoke or just slaving away at you computer, your eyes tell the tale. Angry circles and puffy eyes are a dead give away! Try NICKEL's eye firming gel, and if that isn't enough keep it in the fridge for a real wake-up! Eye gels increase the circulation and unblock the whole eye area to get rid of those tell tale signs!

But don't forget the rest of your face though - after a good night and a bad morning try NICKEL's morning after rescue gel all over and hide the night before.

To keep others mesmerized by your eyes make sure the whole eye area is attractive - maintain your eyebrows; a unibrow is not something to be proud of. It makes you look older, meaner and more sinister than you can imagine!

And always wear a good set of shades when out and about. Harsh sunlight not only damages your eyes, but your skin too. Squinting for hours on end will not aid a wrinkle fee eye area!

Get your eyes checked! If your eyes need help, make sure they get it! Straining your eyes to see something causes lines!

And of course, enough sleep is tops!

 

Skincare Tips for Men # 2 - How to Stay in Shape

• Wash your face regularly: it keeps you clean and feeling good! Kick the soap though - it leaves your skin stripped and dry! Exfoliate often, as this removes all the ingrained dirt and helps prevent ingrown hairs after shaving too! Be gentle though - you're not stripping paint! Why not combine the two and use a soap free cleanser/ exfoliator (NICKEL super clean face) and say goodbye to that dry red face!
• Moisturize after you have cleaned! If you're blond or brunette, light or dark, dry or oily NICKEL can sort you out! Not only do moisturizers help your skin stay hydrated and nourished, they also address specific needs your skin might have. Clever!
• Take care of your eyes - they are the window to the soul - they should always look inviting! Look under the "all eyes on you" section for further tips and tricks on how to keep them fresh and young!
• Shaving need not be mission impossible! Do it regularly to keep those boy-next-door looks and chase the age away! For a sure fire way to get rid of all shaving demons look under the "s(h)aving face" section!
• Swallow your pride and call in the specialists once in a while! Masks are a great way to give your skin an immediate boost! NICKEL has created 4 different masks: mug shots #1- #4. We wouldn't want you looking like a criminal!

Suggested Products:

 

Nickel Silicon valley 

Skincare Tips for Men #1 - Stay Young

First and foremost: use a good cleanser/ exfoliator on a regular basis. This keeps your skin soft, supple and firm! Try NICKEL super clean face. Keep it moisturized and if you're already giving your age away use an anti-ageing treatment, like NICKEL's silicon valley.

Sleep on your back and don't bury your face in the pillow; vertical lines are not from the effect of gravity!

Facial expressions lead to crows feet (eyes) and frown lines. So lighten up and grab a pair of shades to prevent unnecessary straining on the skin and delicate eye area!

Also get rid of facial hair; you might think it makes you more of a man, but it also makes you older. Try a good shave and watch the years fall off!

Suggested Product:

Nickel Moisturizer for Light Complexions 

 

Elemis Deep Cleanse Facial Wash 

Skincare for Men

Think about it. What is the first thing people notice about you? It's your face. Healthy skin is the most important element of a great looking face. It is not only easy to achieve; it is a critical thing you can do for yourself. Put your best face forward. Here are some basic tips and guidelines to encourage healthier skin. It's simple…

#1 Keep it clean.
Men have approximately 15% oilier skin and significantly larger pores than women do. Basically, this means you get dirtier. It is very important; no matter what skin type you have, to clean your face every day. Deep cleansing is important. It keeps pores clear, skin healthy and you looking good.

Cleansing products should be as chemical-free as possible. Deodorant soaps shouldn't be used on your face. They cleanse with harsh ingredients and leave a detergent film behind. This may irritate your skin and will clog your pores. Go natural.

A good scrub is essential for healthy clean skin. It will remove dead cells and smooth the surface of your face. The scrub should be strong without being damaging. Stay away from scrubs that contain rough elements like ground bits of nut or seed extracts. They will tear and damage the skin. A good scrub will invigorate you, not hurt you.

Moisturizing is a necessity. Again, the product with the least amount of chemical additives is the best. Always use a light moisturizer on your face after cleansing and shaving and don't forget your neck!

For an intensive moisture treatment use pure vitamin E, or aloe vera oil. It is available in liquid form, or just break open a capsule and apply the oil directly to the skin. This is a great under eye treatment. Remember it is very important to moisturize this sensitive area of the face. It is one of the first places to show age because the under eye skin secretes no necessary oils on its own.

#2 Keep it toned.
Because men are outside more than women are, environmental debris and pollutants are more a factor to their skin's health. Toning helps keep the skin clear and firm.

As skin ages, it needs to work harder to maintain its elasticity. Astringents and toners with glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids work the best for toning the face. These acids actually can reduce the pore size, and help avoid ingrown hairs. They are aggressive and have quick results. Remember to look for a product that is not photosensitive (sensitive to light).

#3 Treat your skin.
Depending on your skin type (oily, dry or combination) and the time of year, there are different products that treat and enhance your skin. Different treatments will have very different results. It is important to know your skin's needs.

All types of skin need to be exfoliated. This is the removal of dead skin cells that form daily. This is an essential part of skin treatment.

After shaving, you need to moisturize with a product that has absolutely no alcohol in it. Avoid heavy fragrant after-shave products too, as they can irritate the skin.

Skin that is too shiny doesn't look healthy, just greasy. Blot the excess oils away. Blotting papers or a light powder that will give you a more natural finish, are both good options to try.

Don't forget about your lips. Find a balm that has an SPF of at least 15 in it. Peppermint oil has a nice feel and keeps the lips looking luscious.

#4 Protect your skin.
Healthy skin is young looking skin. There are preventative techniques that can promote the best skin possible and keep it looking its best longer. Remember that your skin is a mirror of your overall body health.

Here are the key techniques:

• Avoid over exposure to the sun.
  Sun damage leads to hyperpigmentation (brown spots) which can develop into serious skin disease. Excessive exposure can also exaggerate and thicken fine lines. Use an SPF 15 or higher on all exposed skin, especially on your face.
• Stay in shape.
  Exercise promotes capillary functioning which can decrease premature aging. It also increases oxygen to the tissues which keeps skin looking young.
• Eat right.
  Keep vitamins such as C and E in your diet regimen.
• Everything in moderation.
  Too much of anything is never a good idea. Stay away from excessive alcohol, smoking, fatigue and stress. Not only can these factors lead to premature aging; they also decrease facial circulation making you look older.

Suggested Products:

Nickel Morning After Rescue Gel

Sothys Basic Care - Sothys Purifying Serum

Imperfections progressively disappear with Sothys Purifying Serum. It helps balances sebum in oily and problematic skin. Used as a double-action product, Sothys Purifying Serum reduces imperfections and small blemishes while regularizing excess sebum.

It is recommended to dry blemishes and reduce facial flaws. Thus, the complexion will become more matte and smoother.

Benefits:

• Reduces imperfections and small blemishes, while regularizing sebum production.
• Helps to dry oils and blemishes in skin and reduce facial flaws.

Directions For Use:
Place 1 or 2 drops on cotton swab or in cupped palm and gently apply directly on blemishes or oily areas. Avoid area around the eyes. Apply every morning and evening directly onto well cleansed skin.

Ingredients:
Complex of Iris, Zinc and Vitamin A, Licorice Extract, Lichen Extract, Ethanol

Sothys' spring and summer chic

 

Said by the company to have been inspired by art, the new Spring & Summer Make-up Collection for 2008 from Sothys is described as sensual, sparkling and a touch indulgent.

Featuring a combination of energetic and soft cool shades, the range includes Sublime Lips Care in both Orange Beauty and Rose Esquisse; Summer Powder Mosaic ‘Chic Artistique’, to create a radiant glow; and new look Eye Shadows in Nuage Nacré, Rose Tender and Prune Intense.

Also available are long-lasting Protective Nail Enamel in Rose Vinyle, and Sparkling Eye Pencil in Argent Pure, which can be used as a kohl or eye contour.

Oily happy skin is not an oxymoron.

 

Beauty Spotlight: Elemis

Editor’s Note: I’m excited to introduce a new series called TDO Beauty Spotlight! With this series, we intend to introduce up-and-coming brands and their line of products in detail to you. We hope to expand your knowledge about various beauty brands and assist you in discovering new products that may work for you!

Posh and Becks aren’t my only British loves as of late. A few weeks ago, I discovered an amazing British skincare lined called Elemis that I have not been able to stop obsessing over.

ABOUT THE BRAND: Elemis is the leading luxury British spa with a line of products that is making its way over to this side of the Atlantic. Developed with the latest technology and using the highest quality natural active ingredients, Elemis invests heavily in research and development. A line of scientists and doctors formulate, monitor and test each product from its conception through its clinical trials. Each product must achieve a “statistically significant” effect on the skin before it’s released to market, thus making their products some of the most powerful skincare treatments available.

I don’t know where to start talking about this line of products because I’ve absolutely loved every single product I’ve tried. In order to prepare for this feature, I exclusively used Elemis products for two weeks straight — and the change in my skin has been incredible. Even after a couple of days, my skin cleared up and started glowing; now, at the 2 week mark, I’m confident enough to skip foundation! For me, this line has been absolutely revolutionary.

STAND OUT PRODUCTS: It’s hard to isolate a single product to call my favorite, as the combination I’ve used has truly transformed my skin. However, if I had to pick, I would start with their Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Program. This program includes a face wash ($47, 200ml), a serum ($176, 30ml) and a night cream ($148, 50ml).

The Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash is a daily cleanser that stimulates the cellular renewal process, while smoothing, refining and sloughing away dead skin cells. Packed with essential moisturizing oils, it has a milky texture and a very soothing scent. Immediately after washing, the skin is smoother, softer and more radiant.

The Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Serum is probably the best product I have ever used. (I’ve recommended this to my family and all my friends.) In independent trials, the serum has been found to smooth the skin’s surface by up to 91%! This is a non-abrasive peel that can be used morning and evening, under makeup and with night cream. The serum stimulates natural cell renewal to uncover a luminous, more even skin tone. The texture of the serum is very silky and not oily at all, making it very comfortable to wear. I also discovered that it gave my skin an immediate glow. Even though the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Serum is loaded with anti-aging properties, it is really great for young skin as well. I’ve found that it helps remove any uneven patches in skin, random imperfections and even symptoms of acne! A little bit of this powerful product goes a long way!

Before Elemis, I never really used a night cream - but now I’m addicted! Finishing out the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing program is the Night Cream. As you sleep, this night treatment helps renew skin, while keeping the skin soft and super hydrated. You seriously wake up to a brighter face in the morning, which makes any day start off better.

Overall, the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Program is a truly universal regime which is appropriate for all types of skin - and to sum it up, will fix your skin.

OTHER GREAT FINDS: In addition to the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing regime, I’ve also been using products from their Pro-Collagen range. As part of their anti-aging skincare line, the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream ($124, 50ml) and Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream ($167, 50ml) works wonders with visibly softening wrinkles and rejuvenating skin.

While I personally don’t have wrinkles yet, I still use these products for the amazing effects it has on my skin. The Marine Cream is very hydrating without any oiliness. In addition to providing superior protection against free radicals, it also firms my skin and brightened my complexion. My mother, who has sampled a great variety of anti-aging moisturizers on the market, tried this - and she loves this product the most so far!

For antioxidant protection, I use the Oxygenating Night Cream. Every day we face so many contaminants in the air (anybody live in NYC, LA, or Hong Kong?). Designed to detox and replenish oxygen deep into your skin overnight, this product is a powerful fighter to heal pollutant-damaged skin. In clinical trials, the Oxygenating Night Cream has been proven to increase oxygen levels in the skin by up to 41%. My thoughts? My skin feel great and the light cream is absorbed quickly so nothing is left on my pillowcase.

Before now, I never found an eye cream that I liked enough to remember to put on every day. Then, I discovered the Pro-Collagen Eye Renewal ($99,15ml). The luxurious, yet lightweight cream is specially formulated for the delicate eye area. During their clinical trials, 60% of volunteers testing this product found that their around eye wrinkles were visibly smoothed! Even though I can’t speak to the wrinkle fighting powers, I can say that it has visibly reduced my dark circles, puffiness and overall, made the eye area look brighter. It’s become my holy grail for looking alive, especially during a week of heavy partying. Just dabbing some on before naps or in the morning helps me look much more awake.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Everybody! Elemis has a very wide line of products. They believe in catering to different skin types, so they release many different products that work specifically for your skin issues - ranging from general daily maintenance to advanced anti-aging. To view the products they offer, visit the Elemis section of DocDerma.com.

I would love to hear about your experiences with this line!!