Sure, it’s tasty, but chocolate’s appeal goes beyond flavor — boasting some surprising skin benefits. Find out what lies beneath that silky, mouth-watering exterior.

Chocolate comes from the bean of cacao fruit. Cacao beans have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Fresh cacao beans are super-rich in antioxidants — molecules that protect skin from environmental damage — containing 10,000 milligrams of flavanol antioxidants for every 100 grams of cacao. Compared to other foods, they’re among the best sources of antioxidants.

Antioxidants 101:
Here’s how antioxidants fight free radicals and slow down damage.
•    Free radicals: Our world contains harmful pollution, radiation, smoke and other chemicals, which create unstable molecules called free radicals. These unstable molecules “steal” electrons from nearby stable molecules. As a result, the formerly-stable molecules turn into free radicals, and a chain reaction ensues. So, what’s so bad about these free radicals? They can cause wrinkles, elasticity loss, skin damage and even cancer.
•    Antioxidants: Fortunately, antioxidants save the day by donating one of their own electrons. This donation neutralizes the unhealthy chain reaction of free radicals. Even after donating an electron, antioxidants don’t become free radicals themselves. Instead, they remain stable and unaffected.

Skin benefits:
•    Might prevent signs of aging: Because antioxidants in cacao defend against free radicals, they might be able to stave off lines, wrinkles and discoloration.
•    Might offer UV protection: According to a study in The Journal of Nutrition, participants who drank a special chocolate drink every day for 12 weeks experienced “25% less skin redness in response to UV exposure and also improved their skin texture and hydration,” writes Rory Evans in Allure.

Don’t stock your shelves full of candy bars just yet. Preliminary research suggests that milk and dairy products found in candy may actually reduce antioxidant absorption. So, how can you ensure you’re getting those beneficial antioxidants?

Look for chocolate containing at least 50% cacao, and aim for three or four ounces daily, according to Allure.

Also, don’t assume that dark chocolate is less tasty than its lighter counterpart — many people actually prefer dark cacao for its intense and natural woody flavor.
Product picks

Not a big fan of dark chocolate? Want additional antioxidant protection? Then, try out these skincare products.

•    Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque by Eminence. Now, I must caution you — even though the list of ingredients reads like the kind of mousse that would be just as wonderful on a cake, as it would be on a skin, people with nut allergies should beware. It contains almond and macademia nut oils. Other than that, I can’t believe how delicious this little jar appears.

•     Chocolate Cleanser by River Organics. I am in love with River Organics chocolate line it is complete with cleansers, masques  toners and a whole lot more. What makes them a favorite is the prices are awesome….organic skin care at prices that are yummy can be a hard thing to find.

•    Raw Chocolate Face Pack by Raw Gaia. Ingredients: organic chocolate, sun-dried red clay, organic turmeric, organic  amla fruit powder (amla is an ayurvedic herb, known for great toning properties). I think Raw Gaia is a company that got its philosophy right. The best things for our skin are natural organic raw ingredients — just as nature intended. If you browse through their site, you’ll find many more delicious and healthy ideas, with or without chocolate. And maybe even ideas for trying something on your own.

Is you mouth watering after reading this or is your skin is in need of some….Chocolate help? I am now offering a decadent Chocolate Facial at Casablanca Salon and Spa. Make your appointment with me today.

The humidifier is your best friend this winter. They’re not too pricey, so get one for each room of the house that you spend a lot of time in (the bedroom being the most important). Pick up a little one to keep under your desk at work as well.

2. Guzzle Water Like a Fish:

This ubiquitous bit of advice is right on the money at any time of year. Replenishing your body with H2O gives you more energy, benefits your overall health, and will also help keep your skin from becoming dehydrated. Hot herbal tea is a great alternative when the weather turns cold.

3. Moisturize, and Then Moisturize Some More:

Stick to pure, unadulterated moisturizers like jojoba oil and Shea butter and steer clear of commercial lotions, many of which actually contain moisture-depleting alcohol – talk about counterproductive. Apply liberally and often all over your body. Slather it on as soon as you get out of the shower in the morning, and keep a small bottle with you during the day to re-apply to your hands after washing, or any other part of the body that dries out quickly. For both facial and body moisturizers, you may want to switch to a richer formula during the winter months.

4. Don’t Forget to Exfoliate:

Keep a gentle body scrub and a less abrasive facial exfoliant in the shower and remember to use them both once or twice a week. This gets rid built-up dead skin cells and exposes a fresh layer of skin ready to suck up all the moisturizer you’re going to apply when you step out of the tub.

5. Supplement with Flaxseed Oil Daily:

It’s not the best-tasting stuff, but flaxseed oil could be a useful supplement for essentially moisturizing your body from within. What’s more, flaxseed is purported to have numerous overall health benefits because it’s rich in essential fatty acids. The refrigerated kind generally has a milder, fresher taste than un-chilled oil. If you can’t stand the thought of swallowing one to two tablespoons of straight oil every day, you can also pick it up in capsule form. Just about any Whole Foods or health food store should carry both kinds.. (Note: Check with your doctor before taking any supplements, particularly if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any existing health conditions.)

6. Take Oil-Infused Baths Instead of Hot Showers:

This may not be practical advice for rushed mornings when you’re on your way to work, but a soak in a warm bath amply infused with sweet almond or jojoba oil is a soothing and skin-nourishing way to end the day. Add an essential oil such as lavender or ylang ylang for an even more relaxing treat (Note: Essential oils should always be diluted with a base oil such as sweet almond or jojoba to avoid irritating the skin).

7. Don’t Skip the Sunblock:

Just because the sun isn’t shining as brightly or as often as it did during the summer doesn’t mean it won’t still burn (and prematurely age) your skin. Applying sunblock, preferably SPF 25 or higher, should be a part of your daily skin care routine all year long. Look for barrier blocks (as opposed to those containing chemical ingredients) that list zinc or titanium oxide as the first ingredient. Remember to apply to all parts of your body that will be exposed during the day: face, arms, neck, etc.

8. Skip the Blow-Dry:

If you normally blow-dry your hair, consider alternative styles for the winter months. With the right products, you can still have great-looking air-dried hair – perhaps opt for a tousled, wavy style, or a loose bun. Your hair and skin will both be healthier if you skip the 10- to 20-minute blast of hot air every morning.

9. Wear Soft, Natural-Fiber Clothing:

Synthetic fabrics and scratchy wool can be irritating to dry skin, so opt for soft cotton, hemp or bamboo fabrics instead. If you need to wear wool to keep warm, wear a long-sleeved cotton shirt or turtleneck underneath to provide a buffer.

10. Stop Licking Your Lips:

We’ve all been guilty of this assault on our kissers: When our lips feel dry, we lick them. Of course, this only leaves them more chapped. Keep a tube or jar of lip balm with you at all times, and apply every time you get the temptation to lick those dry lips. In a pinch, you can also apply the balm to chapped hands and irritated, over-blown noses.

Let me know in the comment box below which one of these tips you tried and more importantly did it work.

2. Berries:
Blueberries, blackcurrants, raspberries, cranberries and strawberries are all beneficial for your skin.It is even better if you can consume the exotic Acai berries which come from the Amazonian forests in Brazil. Acai berries have the most potent antioxidant content among any other fruits in the world, which is the reason why it is called a ‘superfood‘. When you load up on foods which are rich in antioxidants, the effect on your body is that free radicals will be neutralized.

These free radicals are the culprit behind premature skin aging and cell damage.In addition, berries are a great source of vitamins C and E, Riboflavin and fibers.
More importantly, these tiny fruits have a natural ingredient which helps the body manufacture collagen – which makes the skin supple and smooth. Not bad for really small fruits, right?

3. Dark Chocolate:
Surprisingly enough, the oh-so-sinful dark chocolates do have a high antioxidant content which helps improve the flow of blood to the skin. It also gets rid of the rough feel to your skin while at the same time protecting it from sun damage.

4. Green Tea:
If there’s one food item in our list which is also considered as the ultimate health drink, it is none other than green tea. This beverage is considered to be healthier than water and when it comes to the health of your skin, it is the one to beat.
Did you know that green tea is even used as a natural remedy for acne? Green tea is also a potent antioxidant. When you drink green tea regularly, you will get the daily dose of vitamins C, D and K that the body needs.

As you can see, there are numerous benefits that you will get to enjoy by drinking green tea while also improving the quality of your skin – so ditch the caffeine and substitute it with a cup or two of green tea now.

5. Mackerel, Salmon, Sardines & Fresh Tuna:
You may notice how all of these fish variants are on the oily side. Don’t think that just because they’re oily, it already means that they will not contribute to the health of your skin at all. These types of fish actually contain the healthy and essential fatty acids in the form of Omega-3 oils.

What it does for the health of your skin is to decrease the chances of your skin clogging up while at the same time improving its elasticity. All in all, aside from the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids to your health, it also generally improves the quality of your skin – making it suppler and younger-looking.

6. Oysters:
Although they are popular as aphrodisiacs, oysters actually are an excellent source of zinc. What this does for your skin is to help renew and revitalize it, while assisting with the production of collagen at the same time.

7. Pomegranate Fruits & Pomegranate Juice:
Just like Acai berries, pomegranate is also considered to be a super food because of its high antioxidant content. Whether it’s the pure juice form or the fruit itself that you will eat, you will get to enjoy a unique benefit to your skin – which is to prevent the appearance of varicose veins. This is due to the fact that pomegranate contains Anthocyanins which help strengthen the walls of the tiny blood vessels which in turn supply the skin with the nutrients that it needs.

8. Spinach:
Popeye’s power veggie is something which you should also be eating a lot of.
Spinach is rich in alpha-lipoic acid and lutein – these two compounds work great against skin aging and also have anti-inflammatory benefits.

9. Tomatoes:
Plump, red and juicy tomatoes are a great source of lycopene.
This does not just work well as an antioxidant to benefit your skin, but lycopene helps prevent the occurrence of certain cancers as well.

10. Walnuts:
Just like fish oils, walnuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. The result when you feed your skin with this is that you will have smoother skin, and your body will be more able to battle inflammatory diseases.

Make sure to fill your grocery cart with these items the next time that you go shopping and watch nature work wonders on your skin! Do you eat something specific to help your skin stay healthy? If it’s not on the list above then share it with me in the comment box below.

The researchers also found an association between perceived age and physical and mental functioning. Common genetic factors that influence both survival and perceived age may help explain their findings.

Let me know in the comment box below if you agree or disagree with this research and why or why not.

Audrey Kunin is an MD, dermatologist and author of The DERMAdoctor Skinstruction Manual has this to say about the benefits of a good workout…

It’s no secret that exercise has important benefits for the entire body. But what many people don’t realize is that our skin is the largest organ of our body, and thus, the benefits can be enormous.

Among them is increased circulation and delivery of nutrients to skin cells, whooshing away potentially damaging toxins. Another is giving skin the optimum conditions for making collagen, the support fibers that help keep wrinkles and lines at bay.

But perhaps the most dramatic effects of exercise are on acne-prone skin. Doctors say working out provides many benefits that can help clear the skin. How? Exercise mediates the production of testosterone-related hormones such as DHEA and DHT.

According to dermatologist David Goldberg, MD at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City explains how regular exercise will increases sweating, which in turn can unclog pores and have a positive effect on breakouts…

In the long run, people who exercise have a better complexion overall. If they have acne, it’s better controlled, and if they have occasional breakouts they are definitely less severe, and clear quicker and easier.

While we don’t often think of exercise as having any specific anti-aging effects on skin, experts say it most definitely does.

One is by influencing the natural production of collagen, a kind of connective tissue that plumps your skin and gives your face the bloom of youth.

And when it comes to looking good, Audrey Kunin  says certain exercises can even help break up pockets of cellulite — that cottage cheese-like skin on the buttocks, backs of thighs, and upper arms. This forms, she says, when fibrous connections in skin are pulled tighter, leading to puckering in pockets of fat.

David Goldberg went on to tell WebMD…

Initially exercise helps tone and tightens muscles but a muscle that is well toned is also more pliable, meaning that it is holding less tension. When you exercise your whole body tends to relax, including the muscles in your face. Eventually crow’s feet and anger expression lines are going to soften up. Certainly you will prevent new ones from forming. So in this respect regular exercise can help you to look younger longer.

Beyond helping your muscles relax, doctors say most aerobic exercise, such as walking or bicycling, also offer a “cleansing” effect on skin. This helps remove toxins that assault the skin –like cigarette smoke, air pollution, even chemicals commonly found in grooming products such as hair spray, deodorant, and shower gels.

What can help your skin even more: Hydrating your body before and after exercise.

If you are properly hydrating yourself during exercise you will get better blood flow to the skin, which in turn encourages the elimination of toxins that would otherwise accumulate in the skin cells. This is particularly true for those who overindulge in alcohol, drugs, or even junk food.

Their experts also agree that facial exercises, movements designed specifically to tone the muscles of the face, aren’t likely to help your skin. Often done with progressive resistance devices held in the mouth or with “beauty calisthenics” using specific movements of the facial muscles, the effects are temporary at best.

Let me know in the comment box below what your favorite form of exercise is and why. Walking, running, riding a bike or working out at the gym?

Get Face Mapped. This is a complimentary service offered at the Dermalogica on Montana concept space in Santa Monica with no appointment necessary! A licensed skin therapist analyzes your skin from forehead to collarbone, identifying potential problems, unique needs, and how to treat them professionally. They will also tell you what type of products you should be looking for and how to use them correctly. Why?
Because many consumers have bathroom cabinets full of products they don’t ever use, as they are not correct for their skin condition, don’t get results or might actually irritate their skin. The majority of today’s consumers are mystified about their own skin type and condition which leads to wrong purchases therefore wasting money on products that don’t work or make them breakout.

Try before you buy! Another tip is to try the prescribed (after being Face Mapped) products directly on your skin at a skin bar. Many spas, salons and specialty retail stores offer this great service to shoppers. Under the watchful eye and guidance of a skin therapist you can sit at the bar and try all the products that have been recommended to you on your skin and learn tips on how to correctly use them at the same time. This also teaches you how much or little to use, techniques for getting the most of your products and how to remove cleansers, etc. If you haven’t got time to sit and try, then ask for samples to try at home. Collect samples of your favorite products and use them for travel.

Invest in multipurpose products, products that double up for a few functions! For example, a clay-based cleanser for oily skin can also be used as a 3 minute mini masque that’s absorbs oil, leaves the skin matte and deep cleanses the follicles (pores). A spritz toner for the face will also work on taming frizzy hair and hydrating the skin on the body. A nourishing lip balm is also excellent for dry cuticles, shoes that pinch on the heels and smoothing eyebrow hairs. Look for a tinted moisturizer with SPF – this helps you save as it’s a 3 in 1 product: you get coverage, moisturizer and sun protection. Buy a cleanser with hydroxyl acids that also doubles as an exfoliant, or use a facial brush with your cleanser to get that exfoliating action. A soothing repairing face masque can also be used on insect bites, rashes and sunburn. A hydrating serum that boosts moisture levels can ensure that you don’t have to change up your moisturizer through the changing seasons just boost the moisturizer with the amount of extra hydration you need in the summer, fall and winter. Apply directly to the eye area versus using an eye cream. Add your spf to your Moisturizer or foundation to get sun protection instead of having to invest in several sunscreen products – simply customize your favorite moisturizer with your spf.

Use less product or make your product go further! Most people use way too much product and need to replenish before its necessary. So knowing how much to dispense will help you to make your products stretch further. A foaming gel cleanser requires just a pea size amount and goes a long way when mixed with water. Higher grade products are more concentrated and may cost more initially but you will use far less due to the higher quality formula and concentration. Use a woven body or buffing cloth for your shower gel or wash, apply a little of the product to that versus directly on your body and see how far it goes – you will use 50% less guaranteed.

It’s not about pretty packaging! Think about the packaging and store products correctly. Most skin products contain water, fats and waxes in the formula (anything that’s a gel, lotion or cream) and should therefore be kept away from direct sunlight and preferably stored in a cool, dark environment. Keep in mind that tubs and jars require you to open a lid and dip in a finger or spatula and taking the lid off alone subjects the product to airborne bacteria (think about the type of bacteria in a bathroom too). Look for contamination hygienic packaging like pumps and tubes that dispense exactly what you need and you’ll use less, won’t need to throw it out and have safer product to use. Even some of the most expensive $400 creams still have this type of easy to contaminate packaging! No amount of preservatives (and fragrance that masks rancidity) can cope with a dirty finger being plunged into it every day and it will turn quickly and you will have to throw it out or you can keep using it and get an eye infection! Total waste of your hard earned dollars.

For more complimentary skin care advice from me just stop by Casablanca Day Spa and Salon in Auburn, CA or post your specific skin care question in the comment box below.

Generally, an adult will need to sleep for at least 8 hours each night. However, very often we survive on much less. The average adult sleeps for about 6 to 7 hours each night. The effects of lack of sleep are cumulative.

Overcoming Sleep Deprivation:

The sleeping environment is your most important consideration if you want to overcome the problem of lack of sleep in your life. Create a pleasant and warm environment in your bedroom by doing the following:

Watch Your Intake:

What you eat may have an effect on your ability to sleep, contributing to your lack of sleep. Here are some pointers.

• While alcohol does help you to fall asleep, it will also wake you up during the night. Avoid alcohol before sleeping. Anyway, too much alcohol is bad for your skin.
• Nicotine is a stimulant that increases blood pressure, heart beats and brain wave activity. You should resist the urge to have a puff before bedtime. If possible, totally quit smoking. It is bad for health and for your skin.
• Do not try to sleep with an empty stomach or one that is too full. If you have the habit of taking snacks at night, do it early and take a light one.
• Watch your intake of caffeinated laden drinks and food such as coffee, tea, coke and even chocolate. The effects of caffeine can last up to 12 hours. Too much caffeine has a drying effect on the skin.
• Trytophan, a natural substance found in milk has been thought to help induce sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, try drinking a warm glass of milk.

Some Other Tips:

• Before you go to bed, take a relaxing bath. It will help to relax and induce sleep.
• Do not exercise just before going to bed. However exercising regularly during the day does help you to sleep better.
• Do not engage in activities that increase your anxiety levels. Such activities could include considering and discussing financial matters or other serious problems.
• Keep a notepad beside your bed. If you have the habit of fretting or thinking of things that you need to attend to the next day, jot it down so that you can deal with it the next morning.
• If time permits, take quick daytime nap of about 20 to 30 minutes. It can have positive physiological benefits. However, avoid prolonged naps. It will have a negative impact on your sleep at night and may cause insomnia.
• If you are experiencing insomnia, get up and engage yourself in another activity such as reading for a short while. Then try to sleep again.

How To Know If You’ve been Sleeping Well:

• Ask yourself the following questions:
• Do you often sleep through and rarely wake up at night?
• Even if you wake up during the night, do you fall back to sleep easily?
• Are you able to wake without an alarm and at the same time each morning?
• Do you feel alert throughout the day and don’t have a need for daytime nap?
• Do you fall asleep easily at night?

I hope these tips help you get a good night of sleep. If you have other tips for a good nights rest please feel free to share them in the comment box below.

A more mottled complexion (a.k.a. hyperpigmentation) is usually payback for years of sun-drenched vacations and SPF-less commutes. All that UV exposure throws dark-pigment-producing melanocyte cells into overdrive, and the melanin they make clusters into brown spots.

How to hide your age spots:

Neutralize darkness. Gregory Arlt, a makeup artist for M.A.C. in Los Angeles says…

Peach tones help cancel out brown.

Cover individual spots with a peachy concealer before applying your foundation. Concealers housed in a pot are often thicker and contain more pigment; try Bobbi Brown Corrector ($22, department stores), which comes in four peach-based shades. Use a flat makeup brush to apply, then pat with your finger to blend. For more diffuse pigmentation, choose a primer like Pür Minerals Colour Correcting Primer in Peach ($29.50, Ulta). Use both concealer and primer sparingly, and top with foundation. Then determine if any unevenness or spots still show through. If so, dab on a lightweight, skin-matching concealer (like the one you use under your eyes).

How to heal your age spots:

Spot-treat with hydroquinone. Ellen Marmur, M.D., chief of dermatologic and cosmetic surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City says…

It’s the only FDA-approved ingredient for bleaching pigmentation.

She asserts that despite some prior concerns about the chemical’s link to ochronosis, a rare skin disorder, HQ levels of up to 4% (the standard Rx concentration) are safe — a position also held by the American Academy of Dermatology. You’ll find up to 2% HQ in over-the-counter formulas like La Roche-Posay Mela-D Skin Lightening Daily Lotion ($45, laroche-posay.us). Dermatologists recommend you apply HQ only to dark areas, and discontinue use once they lighten. Dabbed on daily, it could take four to eight months to fade spots, sometimes up to a year, says Kansas City, MO, dermatologist Audrey G. Kunin, M.D., creator of the Dermadoctor skin-care line. An OTC exfoliator with glycolic acid, such as C. Booth Glycolic Acid Skin Resurfacing Solution ($15, Rite Aid) or light chemical peels from your dermatologist can help speed up the sloughing of pigmented cells — and the results. Just don’t skimp on broad-spectrum sun protection; UV light switches on melanin production, undoing HQ’s benefits. Try Burt’s Bees Radiance Day Lotion SPF 15 ($18, Target).

Enlarged Pores:

As you age, cell turnover lags and the top layer of skin thickens. In oily skin, excess sebum can also fill and stretch pores.

How to hide enlarged pores:

Prep with primer. Foundation can pool in pores, making them look more pronounced and compromising your coverage. But if you apply a makeup primer first, ingredients like dimethicone form an invisible, silky barrier between skin and makeup. Primer also holds foundation like Velcro, Arlt says. Try Sally Hansen Luminizing Face Primer ($10, drugstores). If skin tends to get greasy, look for one that contains oil absorbers, too, like Cover FX Clearprep FX Matte Foundation Primer & Anti-Acne Treatment ($39, sephora.com).

How to heal enlarged pores:

Exfoliate. Although OTC products won’t actually shrink pores, they may help them appear less noticeable. Try a serum or peel with salicylic acid — which chemically clears out dirt, oil, and cell buildup — and glycolic or lactic acid to slough and soften the surface. It could take several weeks to see results, so if you’re in a hurry, opt for a dermatologist-strength peel ($100 to $300). One no-downtime glycolic-acid treatment yields more even-toned skin, though you typically need several sessions with your doctor to see dramatic results.

Redness:

Over time, UV radiation thins skin and dilates superficial blood vessels,” Dr. Herschthal says, which is why skin often looks redder as you age. Sun exposure and aging can also exacerbate the symptoms of rosacea, a hereditary inflammatory skin condition characterized by persistent flushing and pimple-like bumps.

How to hide redness:

Boost your coverage. Kimara Ahnert, a makeup artist in New York City says…

Women often prefer sheer foundation, but it doesn’t cover redness very well.

Instead, pick a more opaque, oil-free foundation. Use a flat-bristle brush — try Essence of Beauty Concealer Brush ($4.49, CVS) — to spread the base; it will deliver more pigment, especially to redness hot spots like the sides of the nose. Then blend with a damp makeup sponge to get a more lightweight look and feel.

How to heal redness:

Extinguish inflammation. Calming ingredients such as white and green tea extracts, both found in Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream ($40, department stores), provide immediate improvement for aging-and rosacea-related redness.

Adult Acne:

Thanks to stress and fluctuating hormones, pimples can surface even after your kids have outgrown their teenage zits. More than a quarter of 40-something women and 15% of those 50 and older report having had adult acne, according to a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

How to hide adult acne:

Hydrate first. Counter the drying effects of pimple medications by rubbing on a noncomedogenic, oil-free lotion or an eye gel (which tends to be non-oily) before concealing. Give the moisturizer about a minute to sink in, then apply concealer with a small brush or clean finger. Those with salicylic acid, such as Physicians Formula Blemish Rx ($9, drugstores), help fight inflammation and keep pores clear during healing. Brush on a little at a time to get plenty of coverage without cakiness.

How to heal adult acne:

Multitask. To form, acne requires a perfect storm of clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation. You’ll get the best treatment results if you attack it on all fronts, Dr. Kunin says. A regimen to consider: Twice a day, unblock pores with a 2% salicylic acid cleanser such as Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Cream Wash ($8, drugstores). Kill bacteria and sop up oil with a 10 percent benzoyl peroxide spot treatment like Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Treatment Cream ($10, drugstores). And apply a sulfur mask a few times a week to draw out excess oil; try Proactiv Clear Purifying Mask ($20, proactiv.com), an odor-free, sulfur-based face mask. Once skin calms down, maintain results with easy-to-use salicylic acid pads such as Dr. Brandt Blemishes No More Cleansing Pads ($25 for 60, Sephora).

See your M.D. Adult acne can be persistent — and resistant to treatment. So if an at-home regimen doesn’t clear up skin within a few months (or you want to skip a few steps), talk to a dermatologist about Rx retinoids. Along with building collagen to smooth wrinkles, these multitaskers exfoliate skin to keep your complexion clear. Prescription retinoids can be irritating, but you can tailor their use — applying the solution every other night instead of nightly, for example. Expect to see results within a few months.

Did you find these tips for hiding skin tone imperfections to be helpful? If I missed a skin tone imperfection that your trying to correct let me know in the comment box below on how I can help.

The University of Michigan researchers explain it this way…
Known as microdermabrasion, skin buffing has become a popular way to improve the appearance of wrinkles, acne scars, skin discoloration and other signs of aging skin. The procedure involves buffing the skin with grains of diamond or another hard substance such as aluminum oxide crystals.

study leader Darius J. Karimipour, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology at Michigan said…

Laser resurfacing is considered the gold standard for removing wrinkles, acne scars and skin discoloration, but it requires a long healing period after treatment and can sometimes leave the skin damaged. But with microdermabrasion,  the skin heals quickly. Someone could have a treatment at lunchtime and return to work with only a little redness. We came up with the idea of a more aggressive approach. If we treated the skin more aggressively with microdermabrasion, we could generate more collagen.

Earlier studies had found that aluminum oxide microdermabrasion does not always stimulate collagen production, that’s why I use diamond tips for my microdermabrasion treatments.

To find out, Karimipour’s team took skin samples from the arms of 40 people with sun-damaged skin. Samples were taken before and after the participants had microdermabrasion with either a coarse- or medium-grit, diamond-studded wand. The researchers found that the course-grit diamond increased the production of compounds associated with wound healing and skin remodeling. These included cytokeratin 16, which helps skin heal after injury.

In addition, the coarse-grit buffing produced antimicrobial peptides that fight infection and substances that break down the skin’s structural proteins to let the skin rebuild. The researchers also found that skin produced other substances that induce collagen production. These changes were not seen in skin treated with the medium-grit device, they noted.

Karimipour talked about his findings that are published in the October issue of Archives of Dermatology…

This research gives us the basis to believe that aggressive microdermabrasion abrasion could potentially result in beneficial effects like we see in other more aggressive procedures, like laser resurfacing. However, he predicted that aggressive microdermabrasion would not replace laser resurfacing. Microdermabrasion is not for the most severe cases but rather for fine-line wrinkles and shallow acne scars.

Jeffrey Salomon, MD, an assistant clinical professor of plastic surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, said,

The more damage induced to the skin, by whatever mechanism, the stronger the body’s repair response.

Treating the skin first with chemical peeling agents can reduce the amount of grit needed to get a skin-repair response equivalent to that of a coarser-grit wand, Salomon went on to say…

So there are a variety of parameters that can be manipulated to achieve equivalent results, independent of the coarseness of the grit. In the end, you do need to induce an injury to the skin to get objective evidence of skin rejuvenation.

Have you ever had a microdermabrasion treatment? If so, let us know how it went in the comment box below. If not, contact me today for more information or to book your first microdermabrasion treatment.

2. Tomatoes:
Lycopene-loaded tomatoes reduce your risk of sunburn and skin cancer. And while it’s tempting just to slice and eat these juicy fruits, the biggest lycopene bang comes from cooked tomatoes. So make room on your summer menu for whole-wheat pizza topped with lots of tomato sauce, room-temp pasta salads tossed with a fragrant blend of cooked tomatoes and basil, or this Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta.

3. Black raspberries:
If bramble-like black raspberries are growing wild around your yard, don’t complain if the pesky vines try to take over your garden. Instead, eat every dark-purple berry you can (freeze those you can’t). While all berries are good cancer fighters, black raspberries are all-stars. They’re so good at preventing the Big C on the cellular level (eat more, eat more!) that in the lab, scientists have also made them into a skin gel that takes the sting out of sunburn, slows the growth of squamous cell skin cancer, and squelches inflammation from UVB rays. Toss fresh or thawed frozen berries into everything from salads and smoothies, or just eat them right off the vine. You can’t do your body anything but good.

4. Pomegranates:
Not that this fruit needs more good press, but those brilliant red (and flavanoid-rich) pomegranate seeds have proven their sun-strength in the lab: They too can shield skin cells from inflammation and UVB damage. Try topping grilled salmon with this super-easy pomegranate-avocado salsa. Just toss together lots of lime juice, onion, sliced avocado, and pomegranate seeds to taste. Spoon over salmon. Devour. (And if you’re ambitious enough to extract your own seeds from the fruit, not a jar, make it much easier by breaking open the pomegranate beneath the water’s surface in a deep bowl. The seeds will float free of the white pith.)

5. Dark chocolate:
This is another food with an already-great health rep: Its happy effect on taste buds makes your brain release feel-good endorphins, plus it improves blood flow (good for your skin as well as the rest of you), and may be the only thing that gets many women through PMS. But can chocolate help your skin? You bet your dark-fudge sundae it can. It can take the red out of sunburn. It boasts more cancer-fighting chemicals than green tea and red wine. And in a study that thrilled chocolate lovers, women who drank a daily cup of cocoa made from 3 ounces of good dark chocolate (70% or more cacao) had thicker, moister, smoother skin that was also more resistant to sun damage . . . in just three months, thanks to chocolate’s potent flavonols. Sweet.

Your body needs some sunlight — about 15 minutes a day — to make vitamin D. Safely getting enough sun can make your RealAge as much as 1.7 years younger. But if you get more than enough, give me a call to book your next facial and I’ll help you get your skin back on track.