A shower filter can preserve your natural oils from being washed away from chlorine and other harsh chemicals in the water. Your hair will feel softer, be less frizzy and look more vibrant.
—Dr. Francesca Fusco
Oils: Are a wonderful way of nourishing skin, sealing in moisture and giving a healthy dewey sheen. After washing your face, apply your daily moisturizer and then a drop or 2 of oil. The same oil can be applied to cuticles to ensure healthy nails!
—Dr. Francesca Fusco
Instant radiance can be accomplished by exfoliating skin. Look for a gentle product with round synthetic beads and hyaluronic acid for instant brightening.
Brush lightly your skin with a mineral powder containing light deflecting particles and top with a highlighter along cheekbones and top of brow where light naturally reflects.
—Dr. Francesca Fusco
Looking for a way to tighten your skin nonsurgically? Consider Ulthera laser therapy. I call it the spanx effect: the cheeks lift back toward their apple position; the jaw line tightens; the brow no longer sags. We’re actually resculpting the face. Most of my patients see an immediate result before they leave the office and a secondary one few months later as new collagen continues to form. I’m finding it’s wonderful for the lines along the upper lip that no injectable can treat. In fact, those secondary skin-tightening properties already have me dreaming of its potential effects below the neck, in areas like the loose skin on the underside of the arms, the crepey skin on the chest, even the wrinkly areas on the knees and elbows. Note: There can be some bruising, swelling, and a feeling of tightness in the days after the procedure.
—Dr. Patricia Wexler
Every adult should have their skin examined by a dermatologist once a year. This is particularly important in those with a history of skin cancer in themselves or their close relatives. The first Monday of May is deemed "Melanoma Monday" by the American Academy of Dermatology. Free skin cancer screenings, performed by dermatologists, are organized throughout the country, and take place throughout the month. Patients may find a local screening through the Academy website.
—Dr. Kenneth Howe
The benefits of exfoliation are well known: it removes dead skin, and can minimize the appearance of pores. With summer here, it’s the perfect time to focus on body exfoliation. With short skirts and tank tops, exfoliation can make your skin the best accessory. And if you use sunless tanners, exfoliation is a must for an even, glowing application.
If you're using enough sunscreen, a single-bottle shouldn't last a whole season. One ounce is the right goal for each application, so a 12-ounce bottle is like 12-servings. That's not a lot! A one ounce "serving" of sunscreen is about enough to fill a shot glass. If you apply the "one-shot" approach to application (head-to-toe) every two hours, and if you're using at least an SPF of 30 (we prefer SPF 50), then you know you're getting enough sun protection.
Sunscreens, like moisturizers, tend to be the most effective if you can find one that's a good fit for your skin tone. That said, there are definitely some sunscreens we prefer more than others.
For sensitive skin. try...
Skin Ceuticals has a line of sunscreens without chemicals. You get broad spectrum sun protection from ingredients like micronized zinc oxide--not chemicals. Enhanced with plankton extract, this lightweight sunscreen increases resistance to UV and heat stress.
For acne-prone skin, try...
La Rouche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60 with Cell-Ox Shield™ This "melt-in" sunscreen contains antioxidants with high-efficacy sun filters. The non-greasy, lightweight texture helps minimize breakouts, even in water (it's water resistant).
For anti-aging benefits, try...
La Roche-Posay's Anti-Aging Primer in SPF 50 helps skin look instantly luminous with light-reflecting micro-particles. It also contains certain anti-oxidants which are clinically proven to instantly reduce fine lines, wrinkles, pore size, dark spots, and redness.
For sports, try...
Neutrogena Ultra Sports Lotion SPF 70 with Helioplex is a lightweight, waterproof sunscreen which is oil- and PABA-free. It won't sweat off, and best of all, it's non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores.
The most common complaint is dry skin, nails and lips. Some people develop a condition called "winter itch". As more time is spend indoors, where humidity is low, the moisture from the top layer of the skin is lost to the environment, leaving dry, itchy and sometimes red skin. Moisturizing is critical. When bathing use an exfoliating wash with granules is a one-two hit. It will slough off dead skin and allow your moisturizer to penetrate more efficiently. "Spike" your moisturizer with an ounce of drugstore "glycerin" to boost its hydrating properties.
—Dr. Francesca Fusco
1. Use a natural bristle brush. Unlike synthetic brushes is has a little "give" so that when you are blow drying and stretching the hair, it doesn't damage and break.
2. To combat dullness which can occur from product build up rinse you hair with apple cider vinegar and then apply a warm oil to your hair and scalp. Healthy hair starts from the scalp.
3. Foods high in protein are critical to a healthy head of hair. A half cup of cottage cheese has 14 g! Toss in some pecan (rich in zinc), banana (a good source of biotin) and raisins (rich in iron) and you have a great breakfast to start your day and kick-start a magnificent mane.
—Dr. Francesca Fusco
Even though it's September, it's raining, and the sun is far from strong. UVA is present 365 days a year. Remember "A" is for aging. Use your SPF 30 or higher daily, rain or shine. And reapply every two hours if a particularly hot or sunny day which September or October frequently bring.
—Dr. Patricia Wexler
Keep your eye gel in the refrigerator and apply while cool. It will have a constricting effect on dilated blood vessels and decrease the puffiness.
—Dr. Francesca Fusco
During the summer months, many individuals with rosacea experience flushing in the heat or after eating a spicy meal. A quick trick to combat this is sucking on an ice cube.
—Dr. Francesca Fusco