How To Do The Basic At-Home Facial

There’s nothing better than getting a professional facial, but they can be expensive. To maintain your healthy skin between professional treatments or to do them yourself, try this basic at-home facial once a week. This basic facial works on oily, dry and combination skin.

And don’t worry, I’m not going to make you whip up a batch of egg-whites & oatmeal. If you want natural, do-it-yourself recipes, see ‘Make Your Own Face Mask.’

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 25-30 minutes

Here's How:

1. Cleanse the skin
   You’ll want to wash the face to remove any grime or dirt. If you have oily or combination skin, try a cleanser like Clinique Wash Away Gel Cleanser or Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash. For dry skin, your best bet is a cream or milky cleanser such as Cetaphil.
2. Exfoliate
   Using your fingers, rub a gentle exfoliating scrub in a circular motion on your face. Concentrate on the areas around your nose and forehead or if you have combo skin, work harder on the areas that tend to be ‘greasy.’ Rinse your face well since exfoliating scrubs tend to be drying. Clinique makes a simple, but excellent face scrub.
3. Steam[/br] Fill your sink with warm water, dip a washcloth in and press to your face. Repeat 2-3 times.
4. The mask
   For oily skin, use a clay-based face mask. For dry skin, go for a hydrating gel or cream mask.
   Apply the mask, avoiding the areas around the eyes. Keep it on for 10-20 minutes (or, according to the directions on the product). Rinse completely. Want to go all out and make your own natural face masks? Here, I show you how.
   Jason (not a guy, but a company) makes great clay masks
   
   Here's a list of hydrating masks at all prices
5. Moisturize
   Smooth on a soothing, basic moisturizer such as Crème de La Mer Moisturizing Cream (very expensive) or the less expensive Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion.
   Tip: Stay away from strong moisturizers containing retinols or acids. These will over-exfoliate your skin.

What You Need:

• Gentle cleanser
• Exfoliating scrub
• Warm water & a washcloth
• Clay-based or cream facial mask (based on skin type)
• Basic moisturizer

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Heop! How Do I Soften the Rough Skin on My Elbows?

Thick, dark skin on elbows is one of those annoying body problems you've likely inherited from someone. To soften rough skin on elbows, try exfoliation in the shower with a scrub and bath mitt. Follow with a heavy moisturizer. At-home microdermabrasion creams can also exfoliate a few layers of dead skin. But for the hardcore alligator-skinned cases, you're best off visiting a dermatologist for a round of acid peels on the elbow (renowned dermatologist Dr. Fredric Brandt uses trichloric acid on his patients). Laser peels can also be effective, but must be administered by an MD.

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How To Get Rid of Liver Spot (Age Spots ) on Hands

s we age, our hands may develop liver spots (or "age spots"), which are blemishes typically caused by overexposure to damaging UV rays from the sun.

Liver spots can be removed by lasers in a doctor's office. To prevent liver spots, use hand creams with SPF protection. Your hands will give away your age as you get older, even if your face is as lineless as that of a 20-year-old's.

Great hand lotions with SPF protection include Ole Henriksen Hands Forward SPF 15. It contains kojic acid, which prevents brown spots.

Another great option is Kiehl's Creme de Corps, which is SPF 30.

Here's a list of hand creams with SPF from $5 to upwards of $30.

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How To Cover Spider Veins or Varicose Veins on Legs

Unsightly veins on the legs (known as "spider veins") can be camouflaged with long-lasting body makeup specially formulated to cover tattoos, spider veins, scars, stretch marks and bruises.

You'll want to choose a concealer that matches the color of the skin on your legs (this will likely be different from your face). Once applied, body makeup should be set with a powder so it won't come off on your clothes.

My hands-down favorite body makeup is Dermablend Leg and Body Cover. It can be purchased at Macy's, Dillard's, nice drugstores that specialize in skincare or online here. Not sure where to find it? Check out their store locator.

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Quick Fix For Undereye Circles?

If you suffer from undereye circles, you know what a huge pain they are to cover up. A new product that Marie Claire editor-in-chief Lesley Jane Seymour swears by (in the June 2005 issue of the magazine) is Hylexin ($95) which is billed as the first eye cream created to treat & combat undereye circles.



This cream is specially formulated to treat the problem, not cover it up (undereye circles are caused by broken capillaries, not lack of sleep, the makers say). Here's what their Website touts: 'Serious dark circles (the kind that make you look old, tired and exhausted) are about, of all things, the oxidation of hemoglobin (blood) in the capillary matrix of the peri-orbital eye area.' Huh?

Anyway, don't want to splurge on this 'miracle' cream? I show you simple, daily fixes with concealer in this article.

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What Causes Undereye Circles?

Oh if only we could take a magic pill to cause the blue veins under our eyes to recede back into our heads, or the dark circles under our eyes to magically lighten to match the rest of our skin.

Unfortunately, there is no magic pill to combat dark, undereye circles, which you were likely born with. Yes, it's true. Your parents are to blame for your dark undereye circles, according to dermatologist David J. Leffell of Yale School of Medicine, in "O" magazine.

So, now that we have them, is there any way to get rid of them?

Three Types of Undereye Circles

There are basically three types of undereye circles:

1. Hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmented undereye circles can be dark circles often found in women with darker skin tones (African, East Indian or Latin descent). This is caused by the over-abundance of melanin in skin.

2. Blue-ish veins. As we age, the skin around our eyes thins out, causing the veins underneath to show. This is typical in women with lighter skin.

3. Poor circulation. These undereye circles tend to be puffy or baggy. This is usually caused by poor blood flow or water retention under the eye. Large bags that don't recede in time are hereditary.

To determine the cause of your undereye circles, press your thumb on the shadows. If the shadows momentarily lighten, the cause is poor circulation. If they don't lighten, the cause is hyperpigmentation, according to dermatologist Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas of Yale University in the November, 2007, issue of Elle Magazine.

How to Treat Undereye Circles

Dark circles from hyperpigmentation can be treated with lasers in a doctor's office. However, Alexiades-Armenakas warns that lasers don't always work well on darker skin. "The laser may turn on melanocytes to produce more pigment," she says in Elle Magazine. For dark skin, she prefers topical solutions made with kojic acid, such as Skinceuticals Phyto+ gel. Creams with hydroquinone are also commonly used to treat undereye circles. Both kojic acid and hydroquinone brighten hyperpigmented skin, according to "Getting Gorgeous," a book by the editors of InStyle magazine.

If you suffer from puffy eye bags, sleep on your back with your head propped up. You can also treat puffiness with black tea bags. Chill steeped tea bags in the fridge first. Place chilled bags over the eyes. The tannins in black tea help reduce bloat, according to "Confessions of a Beauty Editor," a book written by the editors of Allure magazine.

If bags are constant and never go away, see a doctor for treatment options.

Camouflage Undereye Circles With Makeup

To cosmetically camouflage dark undereye circles, use eye creams that contain mica or other light-diffusing particles. For darker circles, you'll want to use a creamy concealer.

To apply concealer, first prep eye with an eye gel. Dot concealer over the blue veins or dark circles and tap, never rub, concealer into the area surrounding the eye.

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How to Fix Puffy Eyes

Woke up with puffy eyes? While a washcloth soaked in chamomile tea works great, as does the teabag itself applied to puffy bags, I find a bag of frozen vegetables does the trick in less time. Simply place the bag (Real Simple Magazine suggests corn or peas -- I prefer peas)over eyes for a couple minutes and watch the puffiness disappear.

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What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are at best, fine pink lines that appear around the fourth month of pregnancy. They can appear on the arms, thighs, buttocks, breasts and most commonly the abdomen.

They occur in 50 to 90% of women for a variety of reason and can range from the silvery pink color mentioned above to bright red or purple lines.

*So what causes them to form in the first place? The weight gain is stretching the dermal collagen and elastin beyond breaking point and what you see are the scars formed as the fibres separate.

*As I mentioned above, stretch marks are forming deep within the skin, so massaging the skin with oils and creams will make you feel better, but unfortunately, you can't prevent them from occurring.

*Actually, the amount of stretch marks you will have is genetically decided for you. If your mother and grandmother had stretch marks, chances are, you will too.

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Hot Mama ! Beauty Tips for Expectant Moms

How to fight stretch marks, undereye circles & problem skin

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful times in a woman's life, however, you might not feel so gorgeous when you're battling a few of motherhood's downfalls, including stretch marks, undereye circles and problem skin. Here we run down a few solutions to typical pregnancy problems.

Problem #1: Stretch marks

If you are genetically prone to stretch marks, there's not much you can do to prevent them. Stretch marks occur when skin grows too fast for its fibers to handle. These can tear, leaving violet-colored marks. To help improve your skin's elasticity, you can rub your belly several times a day in a circular motion with creams or oils that contain cocoa butter, vitamin E or sweet almond oil. (A big fave with pregnant celebs is Bellamama cocoa butter, bellamama.com.)
Once the baby is born, you can treat stretch marks with StriVectin-SD, perhaps the most well-known product for marks. .

Problem #2: Brown spots

Pregnant women are susceptible to splotchy pigmentation. These brown spots are caused by hormones and sun exposure and are aggravated by the sun. To prevent brown spots, use a sunscreen with at least 15 SPF. To lighten dark patches you can try topical vitamin C serum under moisturizer. Trish McEvoy makes an amazing vitamin C product.

Problem #3: Lifeless Hair Color

While it's true hormonal changes during pregnancy will make hair stronger and shinier than ever, hair benefits usually kick in after the first trimester, according to Marie Claire's, "Hair & Makeup" book. In the first three months, oil can be oily due to overactive sebaceous glands. To battle oily hair, Marie Claire suggests washing hair daily with a mild shampoo. Some women experience dry hair during pregnancy. Using a moisturizer daily and a deep conditioning treatment weekly will help.

Many pregnant women avoid getting their hair colored during pregnancy, however, medical experts agree it's safe to color your hair after your first trimester. Consider highlights over a full color. Many women opt for vegetable dyes during pregnancy. The fewer chemicals to touch your scalp, the better.

Problem #4: Dry skin and acne

These problems are also effects of hormones. The only thing you can really do is moisturize nd exfoliate daily. For a lists of great moisturizers for all body types see this article. Keep in mind that this is NOT the time to use products like Retin-A, salicyclic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

Problem #5: Dark undereye circles

There's no real way to fix undereye circles, however, there are 3 options available to you for covering them up.

Problem #6: Sore muscles

Prenatal massages are great for expectant moms but wait until after the first trimester. Massages relax both mom and baby. You can expect work on your lower back.

Problem #7: Varicose veins

The American Institute of Preventive Medicine offers these suggestions to help prevent them from forming: wear elastic support stockings, elevate legs when resting and take long or short walks every 45 minutes during long flights or car rides. Avoid standing for long periods and don't cross legs when sitting (like you can do this when heavily pregnant!).

Problem #8: Aching legs and feet

To ease foot soreness, soak feet in a cool bath sprinkled with a capful of Epsom salts, then follow with a foot cream with menthol. You might also invest in special medical socks that keep fluid from buiding up. See supportsockshop.com for more information.

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Quick Fix for Dry Skin? Skip Your Cleanser

f you suffer from dry skin, consider this remedy: Skip the cleanser (which can be drying) and opt for a bit of Omega-3 oil or Pure Almond Oil (you can find these in any health food store or shop online below). Put a few drop in your palm, mix with warm water (never wash your face in hot water) and then massage into your face & neck. Let sit for a couple minutes then gently wipe face clean with a damp washcloth. (Tip: Never use a washcloth more than two days in a row, they are a breeding ground for bacteria). Follow up with a moisturizer.

Here, you'll find Omega-3 oils:


And here, see pure almond oils:

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Best Bath Oils

f you're a bath lover & you've progressed beyond Mr. Bubble, you should forgo the bath salts for bath oils on occasion. We love the way the make skin silky & smelling gorgeous. Pick your perfect scents.

Products we love:

Jo Malone Bath Oils Jo Malone is a favorite of several celebrities. Her Red Roses oil was named by Jennifer Lopez as a favorite.

Fresh bath oils: Fresh is known for its soaps & bath products. Their oils are second-to-none.

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What Causes White Bumps on the Backs of My Arms?

Are you plagued by this in winter? So were we. So we checked out what causes the little white bumps & how to get rid of them.

A. Those little white bumps are actually very common & the result of clogged pores in the hair follicles. You'll notice them mainly in winter because of the low humidity in the air. Common spots include arms, buttocks & the backs of legs. So how to get rid of these suckers (actual name is is keratosis pilaris, better know as 'chicken skin')? Exfoliate. Try a loofah or washcloth in the shower or do like our friend Janine and opt for a professional scrub (we went to a Korean spa here in NY and Janine's keratosis totally disappeared).

Products to try: L'Oreal ReFinish Chest, Arms & Hands MicroDermabrasion Kit & Dermadoctor KP Double Duty

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How To Make Yourself a Homemade Salt Scrub

Winter is a harsh time for skin. Excessively cold air coupled with lack of humidity in indoor spaces caused by heating can leave skin dehydrated, scaly & patchy. Head to a posh spa & you can treat yourself (for a mere $100-$300) to an all-over body salt scrub. Or why not do-it-yourself for next to nothing? All you need is liquid body soap, a coarse salt & a nice, warm bath.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 10 minutes

Here's How:

1. Run a warm bath & soak for a good 10 minutes (you can also skip the bath & do this in the shower)
2. Put on loofah mitts (the softer, the better)
3. sprinkle a palmful of sea salt on a mitt
4. mix in liquid body soap
5. rub mitts together so the salt & soap are mixed together
6. rub the mixture all over your body, rubbing in a circular motion. Rub harder on tougher areas such as the bottom of your feet, elbows & knees. Avoid your face.
7. Rinse thoroughly
8. Follow with a thick moisturizer (we like Shea butter). Avoid alpha hydroxy products.

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How Much Should I Exfoliate?

Women should exfoliate using a scrub once or twice a week. You want to be sure not to overexfoliate or use a product with granules that can tear at the skin (I'm thinking of those hard, rocklike exfoliators you can buy over the counter, avoid those at all costs). Rub the product in a circular motion for 30 seconds & then wash off. If you have oily skin, large pores or acne-prone skin, you can try an at-home microdermabrasion system.

Try: L'Oreal Paris Dermo-Expertise Scrub Cleanser (under $6) or or Lancome Resurface-C Microdermabrasion Kit ($85)

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Loofahs-- Are They Good for You?

To Loofah or Not to Loofah

Ok, so that's the question. And the answer from the experts is mixed. Once a loofah is used it becomes loaded with bacteria buildup, says New York City-based makeup artist, Keiko Takagi in Elle Magazine. Others claim as long as you regularly clean your shower exfoliators in the washing machine or the dishwasher once a week you should be good to go. Loofahs don't hold up well in a washing machine, but you could keep them clean via the dishwasher.

Opt instead for a mesh shower sponge, which can last a long time as long as you wash it once a week. (I suggest throwing it in the washing machine when you wash your sheets once a week). The same goes for my preferred shower exfoliator: The gloves. Throw them in the washer or dishwasher once a week and you don't have to worry about bacteria.

Not a fan of those mesh sponges (I'm not) opt instead for one of those huge brushes meant for use OUTSIDE of the shower. Use it to give your body a great 'dry scrub.' This way you don't compete with the shower stream & your brush stays bacteria-free.

Another secret of the trade, courtesy of Takagi: Take shorter showers. "If you do like to linger, coat your body in oil before you get in to avoid stripping your natural moisture.

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What Causes Cellulite and How Can I Get Rid of It?

Ugggh, what is it with getting older? Cottage cheese pops up first on the backs of thighs, shows up later on the arms and eventually even on the calves (we saw a picture a couple years ago in US Weekly of Uma Thurman's cellulite calves!). So what is cellulite and how to get rid of it?

Contrary to popular belief, cellulite is not caused by excess weight. It's all in your genes, which explains why even skinny women can have it (hello Uma!). Cellulite is caused by clumps of fat cells that push up against surrounding fibrous connective tissue. "The inherent thinning of skin's support structure makes fat cells more obvious," according to *David J. Goldberg, MD, in the September, 2007, issue of Elle Magazine. This is what gives you dimples and what appears to be clumps of fat under your skin.

So how to get rid of it? Unfortunately, there's not much you can do ... for now. Much research is currently underway on laser therapies, but none of have proven completely viable (or we'd be lining up at our local dermatologists, with me heading up the line).

Until a "cure" is found, there are some options which some swear are minimally successful:

1. Exercise. Some personal trainers claim exercise can cut down on cellulite. Others suggest building up the muscles in the back of the leg and in the buttocks can mask cellulite.

2. Caffeine. Caffeine, the active ingredient in many cellulite creams, works by pushing water out of fat cells, temporarily reducing the apearance of dimples.

3. Treatments. Some people have found minimal success with Endermologie (not cheap at about $100 a session). This spa treatment rolls and suctions the skin breaking up fat tissue. The results can be significant, according to InStyle Magazine, but short-term.

4. Camouflage. Hide dimples with a fake tan. Self tanner darkens skin, effectively camouflaging dimples.

*Goldberg is clinical professor of dermatology and the director of laser research at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in NYC.

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Do You Need A Dermatologist?

The first thing you need to know about picking a dermatologist is that you may not actually need a dermatologist. In fact, there are several types of health care providers who can take care of basic skin conditions.

Types of Providers

The following are descriptions of the different levels of health care providers:

• Nurse Practitioner - A registered nurse (RN) who has further training in diagnosing and treating patients. s a general rule, NP's are very interested in patient education.
• Physician Assistant - PA's have a 2-year training program instead of a 4-year medical school. Many specialize in certain fields just like doctors.
• Primary Care Doctor - An MD or DO who specializes in internal medicine, family practice, or pediatrics.
• Physician Specialist - Examples of specialists who take care of skin conditions include dermatologists, surgeons and allergists.
• Subspecialist - These specialties are the most narrow and require the most training. Examples are plastic surgery, dermatopathology, and Moh's micrographic surgery.

Communicating with Your Provider

With all of these choices, where do you start? Most importantly, you should find a provider you can trust and communicate with comfortably. Communication is easier with someone who fits your personality and takes you seriously. If you're not sure whether your current provider can take care of your skin condition - ask. Here are some examples of questions to ask your provider:

• Do you take care of patients with this type of skin condition?
• What information can you give me about my rash?
• When do you refer patients with rashes to another provider?
• Who would you refer me to?

When to See Your Primary Care Provider

Generally, if you have a new rash, you should see your regular provider. Many skin conditions don't require a specialist to diagnose and treat. Some rashes are chronic, or long-term, requiring regular check-ups to keep them under control. You should consider seeing a dermatologist if your regular regimen is not working.

When to See a Dermatologist

Some conditions are pretty exclusively treated by a dermatologist. These include severe forms of common diseases such as acne, atopic dermatitis, and rosacea. Also included are uncommon diseases such as pemphigus, porphyria, and cutaneous lupus. Finally, most skin cancers are treated by a dermatologist, sometimes in conjunction with a surgeon.

Finding a Provider

To find a qualified provider in your area, most specialties have websites that list board-certified doctors in that specialty. You can call your state's medical board to see if a specific provider has had any complaints against him or her. Finally, ask your friends, people from the place of worship you attend, or community organizations you are involved in if they have recommendations. The good providers are usually well known.

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Adult Acne Facts & How to Get Rid of It

If you noticed the acne you had when you were 15 has returned in your 30s, rest assured, you're in good company. One in five women between the ages of 25 and 40 suffer from adult acne. Here are a few facts about adult acne and how to rid your skin of it:

Fact #1: Acne usually begins with blackheads Blackheads are not dirt, they're actually the result of oil and dead cells getting trapped in a pore where they block the duct and mix with bacteria. They then turn black when exposed to air. Red pimples develop when blackheads become inflamed and they spread when touched with dirty hands. When the pimple becomes infected, it develops a whitehead or pustule. These can break and cause scars.

So how to banish blackheads? Gently, according to San Francisco Seth Matarasso to InStyle Magazine. People tend to scrub too hard which causes inflammation, he says. Instead of a grainy scrub, Matarasso suggests trying an exfoliant with alpha-hydroxy acids. A good one is Lancome Pure Focus Deep Pore Refining Scrub. You can also use a salicylic acid cleanser like Bliss Steep Clean Cleansing Milk. These chemical products clean out pores better than scrubs. For a great quick fix, Biore Pore Perfect Strips will get rid of your blackheads.

Fact #2: There are several causes of adult acne These are: Stress, bad cosmetics, hormones and birth control pills. Stress causes your oil glands to overcompensate. Bad cosmetics lead to bacteria-laden pores. Hormones cause the sebacuous glands to overact and birth control pills with androgen in them can cause breakouts.

To keep breakouts at bay, look for oil-free, non-acnegenic products like Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. We also hear great things about Olay Daily Facials Intensives Deep Cleansing Clay Mask.

Fact #3: Cheese and chocolate have nothing to do with your acne Your skin, however, WILL benefit from a good facial. Why? Because acne is not a disease, rather it is a condition of the skin and a good facialist knows exactly what your skin needs: Sulfur, zinc and camphor masks, exfoliation, blackhead extractions and at-home follow-up.

Fact #4: Don't treat adult acne like the teen kind The products you used as a teenager won't work on adult skin. Here's a 2-step program for cleansing and treating your blemished skin:

Step 1: Pick the right cleanser. Look for medicated cleansers with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. A good choice is Biore Shine Control Cream Cleanser

Step 2: Exfoliate with a salicylic acid treatment like L'Oreal AcneResponse Intensive Adult Acne Peel, which will clean out pores. Just don't exfoliate too much or scrub too hard (see the blackhead section above). Two to 3 times a week is perfect.

Fact #5: Treatment systems have completely cleared up skin on many people Proactiv Solution 3-step System ($40 at proactiv.com) is a classic kit that has worked wonders on many. L'Oreal Acne Response Daily Adult Acne Regimen is a 3-step program that is highly recommended.

Fact #6: The dermatologist will clear your skin up fast Too many women wait to see a doctor for their skin problems. If you have basic acne, over-the-counter treatments with salicylic acid (there's that magic word again) to unclog pores and benzoyl peroxide to reduce bacteria on skin should do you, but for serious acne, a dermatologist has an arsenal of products to clear up your skin. Retinoids, antibiotics, azelaic acid and birth control pills are all options usually covered by insurance. You might consider laser treatments, but these are more costly (about $500-$2,400). Severe cases are best cleared up by Accutane, which is a 5-month course that is considered the most effective treatment available. It can, however, cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Fact #7: Yes, those new machines that target acne do work We were surprised to hear this as well, but the reports are out on machines like Zeno Acne Clearing Device and they are good. They won't help blackheads or deep cystic acne, but they do work for your general run-of-the-mill pimples, according to the April, 2006, issue of Glamour.

So how do they work? The Zeno, which is a handheld machine that looks like an iPod, works by driving heat through a pimple. The heat kills the bacteria and supposedly improves blood circulation to the affected area so it heals faster. Clinical trials show 90% of pimples treated with Zeno disappeared or were significantly reduced within 24 hours.

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Best Way to Cover Blemishes

When you go to cover up a pimple, choose a concealer that perfectly matches your skin. Then use your finger, not the wand. (You don't want to contaminate the product with bacteria from your pimple). Blend in then dust loose powder over the area. Voila!

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New Product to Battle Adult Acne

Adult acne is very different from teen acne. Instead of getting pimples on your forehead & cheeks, adult acne sufferers tend to get acne on their chin & around the mouth. See this WebMD article on the difference between adult & teen acne

So how to fight it? We've done the research & found the best 'tried & true' acne products that will help dry up your pimples.

Try a spot treatment If you have a just a couple pimples that you want to dry up fast, your best bet might be a spot treatment. These products work by delivering a concentrated dose of medicine to your pimple and the best ones contain moisturizing agents that won't dry up the area you're treating.

The best products are: Proactiv Advanced Blemish Treatment (call 800-950-4695)

Sonya Dakar's drying potion (call 800-72-SONYA).

Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel

Benefit Boo Boo Zap Acne Medication

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Gel

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Treat the entire area A new product just out on the market, IS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum ($110 at isclinical.com), helps battle aging (by urging on collagen production) while preventing breakouts. Ingredients include a potent mix of vitamin E, vitamin C, retinol & olive-leaf extract. Proactiv Solution 3-step System ($40 at proactiv.com) is a classic kit that has worked wonders on many. L'Oreal Acne Response Daily Adult Acne Regimen is a 3-step program that is also highly recommended.

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Why Do I Get Back Acne?

‘Bacne’ is another term for back acne or body acne. It tends to form on the back and the buttocks and can take several forms: pimples, blackheads, pustules and cysts, which are painful and form deep under the skin's surface.

What Causes Bacne?

There is no scientific evidence for what causes back acne.

According to this article on the Acne Resource Center back acne tends to occur around puberty when the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, start functioning. When too much sebum is produced pores and hair follicles can become clogged attracting bacteria. This can lead to acne.

Stress, oily or fatty foods, excessive sweating and even heredity do not seem to play a role in the causes of back acne, according to the Acne Resource Center. There is also no proof back acne is developed from tight clothing, excessive sweating and heavy backpacks (although it is possible 'bacne' is exacerbated by this).

How to Treat Back acne?

For milder versions of back or body acne a topical 10 percent benzoyl peroxide cream or gel will suffice. Cysts should be treated by a dermatologist.

To treat mild back acne:

Step 1 Wash the back with an anti-bacterial cleanser formulated for the face, such as Cetaphil. Stay away from regular soap. Let skin dry.

Step 2 Follow with a 10 percent benzoyl peroxide gel or cream. These are available over-the-counter or via prescription. Check out these options here. Let dry.

Step 3 (optional) Some experts suggest using the benzoyl peroxide in tandem with an alpha hydroxy treatment such as Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion is optimal. Check outother options.

For severe back acne, consult a dermatologist for prescription treatment. Cysts can be treated in the office.

How to Prevent Back Acne

Exfoliation is a great way to get rid of dead skin cells that tend to build up on the back, buttocks and back of the arms. Use a sugar scrub (milder than salt scrubs) in the shower on a weekly basis.

For more comprehensive information on back acne, try this article from the Acne Resource Center.

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How to Get Rid of Deodorant Stains

You did it again. Applied the deodorant before you pulled on your tight t-shirt, the one that hugs your curves just right and now has two rather hideous deodorant schmears running along the front of it. So what to do?

A. Here's a tried-but-true fix-it tip I got from an actress (courtesy of a fashion magazine): Reach into your sock drawer, grab a sock -- preferably a cotton sock -- and rub out the schmear.

I tried this recently in a Theory store while trying on the cutest, swingingest little black dress they had. I got deodorant on it and thank goodness I had a sock with me (rarely do I have socks with me) and the deodorant came right off. I was very pleased as I did not want to deliver said dress back to nice salesperson with a Degree schmear.

Don't have a sock? Rub any fabric along the schmear. It doesn't work as well as a cotton sock, but should do the trick. Whatever you do, do not try to wipe off schmear with paper towels dunked in water. I tried this twice and got bits of paper towel all over my shirt. Water never works with deodorant stains, while the stain appears to have disappeared at first, once the water dries the deodorant shows up again.

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Is It Safe to Whiten Teeth at Home?

Teeth whitening is one of those quick beauty fixes that can totally change your look while knocking out your pocketbook. Many dentists have jumped on the trend & offer teeth whitening in their offices, or you can splurge at a whitening spa such as BriteSmile (which will offer you a 2 for 1 deal if you bring a friend). But while nothing will work as fast as a professional laser whitening procedure, the over-the-counter remedies will give you great results, according to New York dentist Dr. Jennifer Salzer in the September 2005 issue of Lucky Magazine.

Here are some options to try:
1. The strips. Crest Whitestrips Premium Plus actually work & are quite affordable.

2. GoSmile System. This bleaching tray system is a bit pricier than the strips but they work great and are easier on sensitive teeth.

3. Whitening toothpaste. The toothpaste is actually better for maintaining your white smile after you've lightened. So use #1 or #2 and then invest in some toothpaste. Just remember to drink your tooth-staining coffee & dark sodas from a straw.

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Whats the Difference Between a Sunscreen and a Sunblock?

Sunscreens are the most popular at the moment. Available in creams, lotions and gels, they contain chemicals that absorb UV rays. They are also inconspicous on the skin. The chemicals that are most often found in sunscreens include PABA, Benzophenones, Cinnamates, Salicylates,

Sunblocks instead of absorbing UV rays, reflect them. At one time sunblocks could be spotted by the opaque white film, but new technology has created sunblocks with particles so tiny, that the opaque film in no longer noticeable. Chemicals most common in sunblocks include Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

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Top 9 Best Sunscreens

Many people incorrectly assume dry skin leads to wrinkles and that moisturizers can prevent them. Not true. Research shows 90 percent of wrinkles are caused by the sun's UVA light and sun damage is the #1 cause of premature aging in women and men.

Why are UVA rays so bad? Even at low-level exposures, UVA light breaks down collagen, which causes wrinkles. Even worse, scientists have found that UVA is the main culprit for many melanomas because it reaches deep into the underlying support structure of the skin.

Your options for sun protection are SPF moisturizers, basic sunscreens or tinted moisturizers.

1. The Best Sunscreen in the World -- La Roche Posay Anthelios

This is arguable, of course. But even dermatologists we've read tout La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Lait SPF is the best sunscreen in the world. Why does this sunscreen work so well? Because of the chemical "Mexoryl," well-known all over the world to protect skin from wrinkle-causing UVA rays. (Most sunscreens only protect against UVB rays).

How good is Mexoryl? "It produces a product which gives us almost perfect protection against sunshine," said Dr. Vincent DeLeo, chairman of dermatology at Columbia University to ABC News.

2. An A+ Sunscreen for Your Face -- Kiehl's

I've used Kiehl's Ultra Protection Water-Based Sunscreen Lotion SPF 15 for years. I used to slather it on every day under my moisturizer and foundation. It goes on smoothly and a bit sticky and you have to cover the resulting shininess with powder.

To protect yourself on a daily basis, we suggest using a 2-finger scoop sunscreen of at least 15 SPF on your face and neck every day no matter the weather. Why? Getting into a routine means you won't miss a day. You need skin protection even if the day is cloudy (the sun's rays easily penetrate clouds).

3. Best Body Sunscreen -- Bull Frog Superblock

We told you about the best sunscreens for the face. But what about the body? Experts swear by Bull Frog Superblock Sun Block. Its long-lasting lotion protects even the fairest of skin types.

Extra tip: Sunscreen isn't only for the face. We read in O magazine that dermatologists report seeing too many women with hands, necks and chests that looked 20 years older than their faces. These women were diligent to keep their faces out of the sun but forgot to protect their hands, necks and chests as well.

4. Best Facial Moisturizer with SPF for Dry Skin -- Eucerin

Want your sunscreen combined in with your moisturizer? If you have dry skin, Eucerin Extra Protective moisture lotion SPF 30 is a solid bet. It contains the "gold standards" of skin protection -- microfine zinc and titanium oxides. This will guard skin again aging UVA rays and skin-cancer causing UVB rays. My father (he's 65-plus) uses it and raves to his peers that it smoothes his wrinkles. No word on whether he's won over any converts, but I'll keep you posted.

Buy Direct

5. Best Facial Moisturizer with SPF for Oily Skin -- Aveda

Don't like those heavy creams for your face? Try an oil-free, noncomedogenic sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. We hear good things about Dual Nature Face Protection SPF15 Skincare by Aveda 1.7oz.

Buy Direct

6. Best Facial Moisturizer with SPF for All Skin Types -- L'Occitane

Moisturizers with SPF protection are great time savers. A great bet is L'Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Moisturizing Day Care SPF 15.

But be careful, it's very thick. Another great bet is Clarins Hydration-Plus Moisture Lotion SPF 15, which combines sunscreen with Clarins' all-time bestselling moisturizers. A top favorite of dermatologists is Olay Total Effects UV Protection .

7. Best Tinted Moisturizers With SPF -- Laura Mercier

Tinted moisturizer is lighter than your average foundation but provides a soft coverage. It's great for women with almost flawless skin because it evens out skin tone without "cake face," otherwise known as "pancake makeup."

Foundations or tinted moisturizers with SPF ensures you are getting not only great coverage, but SPF as well. Hands down the best tinted moisturizer with SPF on the market is Laura Mercier.

8. Best Organic Sunscreen: Dr. Hauschka Skincare Sunscreen

For you "green girls," you won't find a better organics company than Dr. Hauschka. This sunscreen is a favorite of Jade Jagger's and is comes in a variety of SPFs.

9. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock

The reviewers over at Makeupalley.com rave about Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock. It goes on lightly, doesn't turn an oily face into a greasepit and best yet, it won't cast "ghost glow," the annoying white cast that some sunblocks give.

Neutrogena products are now made with Helioplex, which, like Mexoryl, offers ultra protection from the sun's UVA rays. Most sunscreens on the market only offer protection from UVB rays, but it's the UVA rays that can wreak havoc deep within the epidermis and causing some bad skin cancers.

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Top Spas in Miami

Delano Hotel
In South Beach Miami - Rooftop Bath House Spa and Solarium.

Dezerland Hotel & Spa
In Miami Beach - 20,000 sf Nirvana Spa: 4 steam rooms (all-cedar Russian, Turkish Hamam, Lavendar Aromatherapy, Finnish Sauna), communal ozonated Jacuzzi, Swiss showers, coldwater plunge, gym. Massage, Alpha massage capsule, body treatments, hyperbaric O2 chamber, chiropractic, tanning, waxing, personal training, synergy yoga, New Life Clinic, spiritual healing, salon, Pilates, cafe and water bar.

Spa Site Guest Article - Nirvana at Dezerland Hotel & Spa

Doral Golf Resort and Spa
In Miami - 148,000 sq. ft. spa. Fitness, nutrition, stress relief and beauty programs, gourmet spa restaurant, 44 treatment rooms.

Spa Guide Review - Doral Golf Resort & Spa

Eden Roc Resort and Spa
In Miami Beach - Oceanfront spa offering 7 types of massage, unique body treatments, and invigorating fitness programs. Features S. Fla's only indoor rock-climbing facility.

Spa Guide Review - Eden Roc

Travel Lady Review - Eden Roc

Fontainebleau Hilton Resort
In Miami Beach - Newly renovated full-service, state-of-the-art facility offering the latest cardiovascular equipment, as well as an array of health, beauty and fitness options.

Four Seasons Hotel Miami
In Miami - 25,000 sf Spa & Fitness Club has 10 treatment rooms (including wet with Vichy showers & couple’s) & men’s & women’s change rooms, each with sauna and steam. Full-service salon provides hairstyling, nail care, grooming & cosmetic services. The Fitness Club offers classes, personal trainers & the latest weight-training & cardiovascular equipment, with individual TVs & headsets.

Mandarin Oriental, Miami
In Miami - 15,000-square-foot spa with 17 private treatment rooms offers E'SPA treatments including Time Ritual, ayurvedic holistic body treatment , Thai massage, Mandarin hot stone massage, jet lag reviver aromatherapy, Balinese synchronized massage, aromatherapy facial, optimal release and much, much more.

Spa Guide Review - The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami

Ocean Point Resort & Club
In Sunny Isles - The Spa at Ocean Point features 5 treatment rooms, beach, fully equipped gym, sauna, steam room, showers, lockers, juice bar. Services: Massage (Swedish, Shiatsu, poolside, for newborn babies, pregnancy, aromatherapy, reflexology), Watsu, reiki, herbal wraps, facials. Sunrise Tai-Chi classes on the beach, yoga, more.

The Pritikin Longevity Center
In Miami Beach - Take control of your own health by learning how to make the behavior changes that can prevent, treat and even reverse many diseases. Nutrition, exercise, stress management.

The Shore Club
In South Beach - Rooftop spa offers massage from the terrace overlooking the ocean, poolside or in the privacy of your room. A full complement of spa services are available: massage (multi-media, sea rock, sports and stretch, target treatment), body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures.

Trump International Sonesta Beach Resort
In Sunny Isles Beach - Opening late 2002 with a European Spa and Fitness Center.

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Best Spas In Las Vegas, Nevada

For sheer size and extravagance, Las Vegas is one of the great spa destinations in the United States. The spa facilities are as flashy and lavish as the hotels they’re in. But it's not all show -- the city attracts excellent therapists. Here’s a list of the best spas in Las Vegas, with some of the facilities and treatments they provide.

Best Spas in Las Vegas

1) Spa Bellagio at The Bellagio, Las Vegas

Spa Bellagio recently had a makeover that doubled its size to 55,000 square feet and 54 treatments rooms. One signature treatment is watsu where a therapist cradles you in a special pool of water heated to your body temperature. The hotel is styled after a Tuscan town, with an extravagant fountain timed to music out front a colorful Dale Chihuly sculpture in the lobby. www.bellagio.com

2)Canyon Ranch SpaClub At The Venetian, Las Vegas

Even in the heart of Las Vegas there’s a true spa retreat where you can eat a healthy meal, scale a 40 foot rock-climbing wall, hear lectures on nutrition AND get a great massage, Canyon Ranch style. The hotel has an indoor shopping area modeled after Venice, complete with canals and gondolas, and restaurants by top chefs like Emeril Lagasse.

3) Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas The Four Seasons is an elegant oasis on the upper floors of the Mandalay Bay building, and guests have full use of those facilities. The Four Seasons has its own spa with 16 treatments rooms and a large steam room facility. Its specialty is JAMU, a meditative massage that combines Hindu, Chinese and European techniques. Choose your own exotic oils – Island Fruits, Island Spice or Island Flowers. www.fourseasons.com

4) Spa Vita di Lago, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas This 30,000 square-foot spa has 24 treatment rooms and is known for its “Spa 101” package, a four-treatment sampler and gentle spa-going tutorial for the “spa shy.” It also offers guided programs in stargazing, hiking and mountain biking. It is the only spa in the U.S. with "La Culla” a multi-sensory steam cocoon treatment. www.ritzcarlton.com

5) The Spa at Wynn Las Vegas, Las Vegas

6) Aquae Sulis Spa at JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa, Las Vegas

If you want gambling AND golf, try this lavish resort that’s 20 minutes from the Strip. The 40,0000 square-foot Aquae Sulis Spa has a water theme, with an outdoor warm water Jacuzzi so big you can swim in it. The Aquae Sulis Signature Massage and Facial both start with a soothing foot bath. Read the review of JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa or visit the website at www.jwmarriottlv.com

7)Spa Mandalay at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

Mandalay Bay has an opulent Indian theme, and Spa Mandalay specializes in Ayurvedic body treatments like Shirodhara. But you can also get all your favorites at the 30,000 square-foot spa – Swedish, hot stone, and salt glows. Filled with aquariums, this resort is perfect for water lovers. Four swimming pools (including a wave pool) and 11-acre beach are out back. www.mandalaybay.com

8) Paris Spa by Mandara at The Paris, Las Vegas The theme here is, you guessed it, French. Check out the reproductions of the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower, as well as in-house parfumerie. The 25,500 square foot Paris Spa specializes in treatments based on Balinese therapies. In warm weather you can have a massage in one of the cabanas by the hotel’s huge rooftop pool. The French caviar facial is a signature treatment here. www.paris-lv.com

9)MGM Grand Spa at MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas

Taking its inspiration from Hollywood, the MGM Grand has 45-foot-tall brass lions out front – and real ones inside. The 30,000 square foot spa is a soothing oasis with some interesting treatments, including an Ayurvedic massage called Nirvana and the Morning After Arabica -- a body scrub with ground coffee, peppermint and rosemary oils. www.mgmgrand.com

10 Spa Moulay at Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas Resort, Spa & Casino Situated on the shores of Lake Las Vegas just 17 miles from the Strip, this resort has gambling, spa and golf – and a kid’s camp. Spa Moulay is inspired by Morocco, and signature treatment Harem's Blend Wrap features fresh spices, citrus, oatmeal and essential oils. Poolside massage in cabanas lakelasvegas.hyatt.com

11) Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Caesars was the first of the mega-resorts and still one of the most popular. The theme is ancient Rome, with statuary, fountains and the odd centurion. Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars is a new 50,000 sq. foot spa with Roman baths. www.caesars.com/Caesars/LasVegas

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3 Soaps to Skip

Funny thing happens when you stand in the soap aisle. You get overwhelmed. And then you go to the boutiques & the department stores & they are filled with $20 bars of soap & $30 bottles of bath gel. So really then, do women who bath with $80 bath bars have better skin than someone who rubs on the, oh, say Ivory? (We do hate that smell, by the way). No really. But then again if they can afford $80 bath bars, they probably pay for $200 monthly facials & body scrubs as well. Sigh.

Ok, ok, we'll get down to the real nitty gritty. The truth is the best body cleansers are pure & simple. Plain works just as well as fancy. Here's the rundown:

1. Deodorant soap These soaps actually contain bacteria-killing chemicals that can dry out your skin. Regular soap will get rid of odors just as well. We like French-milled soap. But yes, Ivory or Dove work fine.
2. Anti-bacterial soap The only people who really need this special soap are doctors, elementary school teachers and those with bad back acne. Normal soap (again, Ivory, Dove or any other typical bath bar found just about anywhere) will keep you just as clean and bacteria-free.
3. Shower & bath gels Most bath & shower gels contain sodium laurel sulfate, a chemical that can be drying to your skin. Who knew? Yep. Might as well keep them for your guests only or for special occasions. They are fun to use after all. One great body wash bet that's non-irritating is Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash.
   
   So what soaps should you

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