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!!

4 Skin Care Products You Should Not Be Without

Here's a 'foundation' minimum that we recommend you use:

Sunscreen: You NEED this. It's essential for preventing sun damage and lowering your risk of developing skin cancer. If you use only one product, sunscreen should be it. A lotion with SPF 15 moisturizes, protects with SPF, and smoothes skin AHAS and vitamin C.

Eye cream: The skin under your eyes is more delicate and dry than the skin on the rest of your face. Purchase an eye cream which treats the eye area with more emollient moisturizers.

Face Cream With Retinols: Worried about wrinkles and pigmentation spots? A face cream with retinol is order of the day. Use it in place of your regular moisturizer after washing your face in the evening.

Body lotion: A lotion with AHAs is recommended for your whole body. For dry spots put on extra lotion before bed and let it soak in while you are sleeping.

A lot of people with sensitive skin have reverted to natural skin care solutions. Many people use natural skin care formulas to care for their skin at home.

　

Recommended Products:

Sothys Sunscreen Lotion for Face & Body SPF 30

Enhance the skin with a glowing tan. This 2-in-1 emulsion for face and body is perfect for protecting all skin types in accordance with the recommendations for use. Sunflower Extract minimizes the appearance of sun burn cells and strengthens the skin's natural protection while Celligent optimizes skin cell function and preserves the skin's youth capital. Calcified Algae helps fight against Infrared radiation.

Decleor Expression de L'Age Relaxing Smoothing Eye Cream

Expression de L'Age Relaxing Eye Cream is designed for the first signs of aging. It preserves the youthfulness of the eye contours by treating wrinkles, fine lines and expression lines, visible dark circles, dehydration lines and irritation.

Benefits:

• Designed for the first signs of aging
• Reserves the youthfulness of the eye contours
• Prevents the appearance of fine line and wrinkles
• Treats dark circles, dehydration line and irritation

Sothys Hydradvance Comfort Cream

The Hydradvance products use genomics - or Gene Science - to give the skin the essential in hydration. This program has three exclusive ingredients: 1055 Boletus Mushroom Extract (a Sothys patent) to ensure long-term hydration, Ophiopogon Extract for water circulation and H2CR, another Sothys exclusive, which provides important messenger peptides.

Benefits:

• Hydrates and softens skin.
• Provides long term hydration.
• Leaves skin comfortable and with a dewy satin appearance.
• Recommended for dry skin.

　

Thalgo Vital Fluid with Organic Leaf

This non-oily fluid is an every day moisturizer for those with normal to combination skin. Olive Leaf Extract increases the moisture level within skin leaving it soft to the touch.

Benefits:

• Helps to restructure and regenerate skin.
• Provides protection against free radicals.
• Leaves skin with a matte finish.
• 99.62% of the total ingredients are from natural origins.

Detoxification at Home

Give us today, our daily brush: If lack of time is your
favorite excuse, find a new one! A complete skin brushing takes no longer than
four to five minutes and is highly stimulating and invigorating. This skincare
technique will also boost circulation and assist the skin in waste removal,
which can also help to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Doing this daily
before your shower helps revitalize and improve the skin's appearance, and
should be performed once or, if desired, twice per day.

How to brush: Start at your feet and work upwards, brushing
the legs, thighs, buttocks, tummy, arms, hands and back. Brush more gently where
the skin is thinnest and always brush towards the heart.

Self Massage: In circular motions apply the Body Sculpting
Lipo-Refining Serum and Firming Cream both morning and night. Women who tested
these products for a month found they shrunk in size by up to 4 inches.* Now
that’s a testimonial.

Self Worship: Try this on for size. Don’t zoom in your
imperfections, instead take the time to appreciate your amazing body. Apply your
detoxifying potions with an attitude of worship.

　

Recommended Product:

Elemis
Skin Buff

Fine exfoliating granules slough off dead skin
cells, to reveal a brighter more vibrant complexion.

　

Winter Lip Care

Lips tend to dry out the fastest at this time of year. Be sure to keep them covered with a good lip balm applied several times during the day. Warm sesame oil will also soothe your lips . Avoid licking your lips and don't bite the skin on the surface of your lips. The skin will never have a chance to heal if you chew on it. This is a hard habit to break but well worth the effort. Lip balms are now commonly available with an SPF factor as well to protect them from the harmful rays.

Decleor Excellence de L'Age Regenerating Eye and Lip Cream

Excellence de L'Age Eye and Lip Regenerating Cream is an eye and lip cream for mature women of 50+ years that targets dark circles, puffiness, lack of volume and tone, lines, and wrinkles. This light but intensely nourishing daily treatment helps reduce puffiness and dark circles and smooth fragile contours for an unmistakable radiance. This cream will reduce the appearance of fines lines and wrinkles for a luminous smile and redefined eye and lip contours.

Decleor Experience De L'Age Triple Action Eye and Lip Cream

Give your skin a treat and try the Decléor Experience De L'Age Triple Action Eye & Lip Cream. This anti-ageing cream has a corrective action on wrinkles, leaving your delicate eye and lip area firm and hydrated.

Sothys Eye and Lip Makeup Removing Fluid

A non-oily formula with Poppy extract to efficiently remove all kinds of makeup from the eyes and lips. Removes even the most stubborn, waterproof cosmetics in a snap. It contributes to maintaining moisture where it’s needed the most, in a protective non-irritating formula. Effective for all skin types. Ophthalmologically tested and suitable for contact lens users .Fragrance- and color-free.

• Suited for all skin types.
• Removes all eye and lip makeup.

Sothys Secrets Intensive Lip Care

Specific targeted care in a unique precious formula. Sothys Secrets Intensive Lip Care nourishes, protects, hydrates and plumps the lips. A sophisticated texture smoothes and prevents lines on the lips giving a more youthful appearance.

Thalgo Exception Ultime Ultimate Time Solution Eyes & Lips

Exception Ultime Ultimate Time Solution Eyes and Lips by Thalgo treats the delicate contours around your lips and eyes, helping them regain suppleness and comfort. The high-performance, anti-aging formula features a precious concentrate of active molecules to smooth crow’s feet, lift eyelids, reduce puffiness and diminish dark circles all while refining and plumping your lip contours. It’s fragrance-free and ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Winter Skin Care Guidelines

The low humidity common in many parts of the United States during winter can cause dry, irritated skin. When skin becomes dry and irritated, eczema can flare. Here are some tips to help skin feel more comfortable during winter or anytime the air is dry:

1. Use a humidifier. With the heat on and the windows closed, the air inside can become very dry in the winter, making the dryness and itching of eczema even worse. Use a humidifier to place moisture in the air. If you don’t want to invest in an expensive humidifying system, smaller, relatively inexpensive humidifiers can be obtained at a local drug store. Placing two or three of these around your home will help to humidify the dry air. This can keep skin from drying and becoming cracked and itchy.

2. Switch to an oil-based moisturizer and moisturize frequently. The more oil a moisturizer contains the more effectively it protects against moisture loss. Moisturizers that come in ointment form contain the most oil because an ointment, by definition, consists of 80% oil and 20% water. This water-in-oil emulsion forms a protective layer on the skin and makes it more “moisturizing” than creams and lotions. Ointments are especially beneficial when humidity is low. Ointments should not be used on areas of the body that tend to get hot and sweaty.

3. Before Going Outside in Winter:

• Apply a heavy layer of moisturizing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to the face, hands, and any other skin that may be exposed. This will act as a barrier to help protect against the harsh elements and is especially important if you will be outside for any length of time. Sunscreen is important in winter as the sun’s reflective powers are great year round - 17% on the sand and 80% on the snow. Today, several products are available that combine oily, moisturizing cream with sunscreen. If you are unsure of which product to use, ask a dermatologist.
  

• Grab those gloves. Protecting hands from the cold air and low humidity plays an important role in preventing flare-ups. Make sure the gloves are made from material that does not irritate your skin. Some patients find that wearing a cotton mitten next to the skin and a woolen mitten over the cotton one, keeps hands warm and dry.

4. Dress in layers. The most common triggers of the scratch/itch cycle are sweating and overheating. Wearing layers allows you to remove clothing as needed to prevent overheating. Be sure to wear loose-fitting cotton fabrics next to your skin.

5. Shed wet clothes and shoes immediately. These can irritate the skin and cause a flare-up.

Redefining Man-Power

Who says men have to be rough, rugged and everything that comes with that (calluses, body odor, greasy hair) around the edges?

Today’s modern man knows how to take care of himself. Looking good is not just about succeeding in the boardroom (or the bedroom!), but is also about taking pride in oneself and celebrating the goods given to you. Are men worrying about keeping up appearances? Absolutely. And it’s about time.

There is no certain “type” of man who likes to indulge in manicures, facials and massages. Gone are the days when sipping bottled water made one look like a fop. While the term metrosexual has garnered much play in pop culture, the phenomenon of the Metro Man also has opened doors for men of all ages and occupations to embrace their beautifying side.

Miami-based Beauty Expert Bryan Durocher says that the “spa break” is one avenue of relaxation busy men take in lieu of longer vacations. “There is a definite trend that has been happening slowly over time,” Durocher says, “and with the advent of celebrity and masculine men representing products for grooming the average guy has been given permission to take care of himself and know it’s ok.”

In the workplace it doesn’t cut it to merely be a guy anymore and do the golfing go-rounds in order to properly network. Men must stay well groomed just to keep up, not only appearances, but with the job market.

“We are in the midst of a youth driven culture and men are taking care of their appearance to be competitive in the workplace,” Durocher says. “Boomer men are competing with Gen X and Gen Y men in the workplace in addition to women and these groups have no stigma about grooming and appearance.”

Massages and pedicures are the top two ways men like to spa. Multi-use products, no foreign investment to women, such as shampoo and body wash combinations are becoming the numero uno product choice for men today.

Take, for example, Lawrence Rizzo, 41, a mortgage broker who divides his time between Miami and New York City. He felt the need to “keep up or get left behind” when it came to maintaining his looks once he graduated from college.

“Not only do I feel it is ok to look good and still be a man but part of being a man is looking good,” Rizzo says.

A self-proclaimed “big fan” of massages and other spa treatments, Rizzo tries to go once a week for the works. He even went so far as to join a private men’s club in New York City in 1997, where a manicure is inclusive with membership. At first Rizzo scoffed at the ‘cures but then he grew to love them. Although he adds, “I still refuse the polish, and if I were to guess I ALWAYS will, but the manicure itself is very enjoyable.”

Miami-based television personality Louis Aguirre is aboard the massage boat, as well. Aguirre, 40, thanks David Beckham for making the metrosexual a household name. Aguirre also says his feet require pedicures or else they look like “they belong to Fred Flintstone.”

“Let’s face it, chaffed, callused, dry peeling feet are just not sexy,” says Aguirre.

Amen to that!

High powered executives are warriors of an urban kind. For them, being well-groomed is essential to forge ahead in the competitive world of business. Kyle Mendes, Vice President of Business Strategy for Steiner Management Services, L.L.C. uses Elemis grooming products daily. “I use the Elemis Smooth Results Shave Oil and Ice-Cool Foaming Shave Gel every day,” says Mendes “It gives me the closest and smoothest shave ever.”

But it's not just the urban executive who has started caring for his skin. Steve Reppert, local artist and the Chief Preparator for the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami swears by the Elemis Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream, "My skin used to get very dry and I have found that since I started using skincare, it has completely transformed!" Reppert admits that many of the guys on the crew would laugh if they read this but he doesn't care, "After a long day of building a new exhibition, there is nothing better than relaxing in a hot bath with a little bit of Elemis Aching Muscle Super Soak and then having your feet massaged with some instant refreshing gel!" Reppert also notes an unexpected benefit from using the new Elemis creams, "I sometimes get psoriasis on my hands and I tried some of the Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream on a couple of dry areas. It completely cleared up." Sadly this cream is not available on prescription so it makes for expensive treatment, but Reppert says he doesn't care as long as it works.

Of course, there are still those guys that won't peel away that macho mask and put on a face mask instead! But that's okay. We are redefining Man-Power one man at a time!

Tips for your feet

Women want not only healthy feet but pretty feet. Many women wear high-heeled or pointy-toed shoes that only add to foot pain and problems, including painful bunions. Women also often spend long hours on their feet, which can cause the feet, ankles and legs to become swollen and tired. The following tips are recommended to follow at the end of a long day.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The average person, engaging in non-strenuous activity, walks approximately 4 miles every day and about 115,000 miles in a lifetime.

• More than 70% of all people in the United States will have painful foot problems at some time during their lifetime.

• Foot care is much more than a pampering treatment to help you feel good it is an important issue; the earlier we start proper foot care practices the better.

TIPS FOR HAPPY, BEAUTIFUL FEET

• Wash feet daily. Rinse off all soap and dry thoroughly, especially between toes.

• Trim nails straight across, and not too short. Don't cut out or dig at corners.

• Wear shoes that fit properly and are made of leather or canvas. Sandals are good.

• Switch shoes from day to day.

TREAT YOUR FEET

• Dry feet thoroughly, especially between toes and massage the feet and ankles with a cooling menthol and camphor gel to improve circulation. We recommend the Elemis Instant Refreshing Gel, which contains Arnica and Birch, two ingredients recognized for reducing swelling and relieving pain and discomfort.

• Spa Bath – Invest in a foot spa. At the end of the day fill the foot spa with warm water and add a dose of your favorite bath soak, we recommend Elemis Aching Muscle Supersoak. Soak feet for ten to fifteen minutes to ease tension and improve circulation.

• To keep feet free from dry skin and callus's use a foot file or pumice stone around the heels and balls of the feet after soaking

• Those prone to athlete's foot or fungal infections under the nails should spray feet between the toes and under the nails with a natural Tea Tree Spray such as the Elemis Tea Tree SOS Spray. Tea Tree is an ingredient known to be one of nature's strongest antiseptic and anti-fungal agents.

• Moisturize feet every night before bed with a rich moisturizing lotion or nourishing oil such as Elemis Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt. Monoi leaves are a precious secret of Polynesian women, who have been using this ingredient for centuries as a nourishing treatment for excessively dry skin and damaged cuticles.

• When treating the toe nails, always cut them straight across and not too short to prevent in-grown nails. If you do have an in-grown nail see your podiatrist, do not attempt to dig into the corners of the nails or cut down the side.

• Rub cuticle remover into the cuticles and gently push back the cuticle with a rubber ended hoof stick or orange wood stick wrapped in cotton. When pushing back the cuticles make sure to soak the feet first to soften the skin and push back gently. Pushing too hard on the base of the nail (the nail matrix) can cause permanent damage and ridging in the nails. Do not be tempted to cut the cuticles, this makes them more raggedy and look worse in the long run.

• Ridging in the nail is usually caused by trauma to the nail matrix, often the ridges will grow out but if the trauma is severe the nail may be permanently ridged. To reduce the appearance of ridging use a buffing paste and soft buffer twice a week to improve smoothness and shine. Buffing the nails is great for nail health as it improves the circulation, as well as leaves the nails beautifully shiny.