scents of summer

What better way to start summer than with a fresh new scent? Hubert and Isabelle d'Ornano recently introduced a trio of fragrances that represent fantasy, lightness and elegant simplicity. Each is reminiscent of a different type of summer dress. Eau de Sisley 1 represents a sunkissed dress with hints of the garden, Eau de Sisley 2 exemplifies a white summer dress dotted with green notes and Eau de Sisley 3 pays homage to a seductive dress adorned with red rubies. I was lucky enough to try Eau de Sisley 1, a scent that hints of rays of sunshine, fresh cut grass, wild flowers and all things summer. Its top notes include green mandarin, grapefruit, pink berries and spices. The middle notes are water jasmine, green tea and juniper berries and the base is made up of patchouli and musks. It starts out crisp and fresh and ends with a soft, clean scent that lingers on the skin. Plus, it's light enough for summer while having a definite personality of its own. To try one or all three ($165 each), go to www.neimanmarcus.com.

total revival

It seems like such a basic concept: skin care products that speed up the natural action of your skin. In your twenties, skin regenerates itself every two or three weeks but, as we age, skin regeneration slows down to every eight or nine weeks which means dead skin cells gather on the surface leaving skin looking dry and dull. Dr. Greg Brown, a plastic surgeon who was growing frustrated with the limits of his trade, created the ReVive Skincare System to bring the enviable glow of youth back to his patients. I've been using two of the products for the past couple of weeks and I LOVE the results! Great for normal to dry and sensitive skin, the Sensitif Cellular Repair Cream, a reparative day cream with SPF 15 for designed for sensitive skin, boosts cellular turnover and reduces signs of premature aging and overexposure to the sun. The Revive Moisturizing Renewal Cream, a perfecting night cream with Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), the Nobel Prize winning ingredient exclusive to ReVive, gently exfoliates, retexturizes and renews facial skin. Perfect for all skin types, it's goal is to diminish imperfections and the appearance of fine lines for fresher, glowing skin. Both products feel silky smooth when you apply them, absorb quickly and smell nice. After trying so many products that promise to do so much for your skin, I was relieved to feel that ReVive products felt so natural. They didn't feel annoyingly tingly or tightening the way some of the other products do so you feel better about using them. In addition, the company created a beautiful brochure that not only explains each of the products and how to use them but explains the technology behind them and provides a glossary of skincare definitions. To learn more about ReVive products or to order, visit www.baysbeautyboutique.com.

expert advice: peel appeal with Dr. Jennifer Linder

Sometimes I find myself looking in the mirror and wishing I could turn back the clock a bit. I would love to be able to erase all the results of late night partying, excessive sunbathing and summers as a lifeguard at some of the most chlorinated pools in town. What I really need is to start with a clean slate--in other words, give my skin a fresh perspective. So I turned to Dr. Jennifer Linder, M.D., a dermatologist and Chief Scientific Officer for PCA Skin, a company known for its skin peels, to ask for her beauty advice. "There is no reason to be afraid of chemical peels, especially superficial chemical peels," says Linder. "If done correctly, they are not only incredibly safe but also affective with minimal downtime. There are several different kind of peels from superficial chemical that trigger only mild flaking with minimal downtime to deeper chemical peels that result in more redness, peeling and therefore may require some downtime. Many people do not realize that there is a huge difference between these two types of chemical peels. The superficial chemical peels can be very effective--especially when performed in a series--and are, therefore, my favorite peels to recommend. In contrast, the peels that patients are more commonly nervous about are the deeper chemical peels that trigger more peeling and redness. Patients still get a nice result but they need to be prepared for some downtime with deeper peels. The word chemical can sound scary as well but it is important to realize that many of the chemicals that are used for peeling are the same ones that are found in natural foods we eat like citrus, sugar and milk.

Different methods of chemical peeling have been used for centuries, starting with Cleopatra who used lactic acid peels to keep her famous face looking fresh. Fortunately, we now have truly identified the most beneficial solutions for topical use. Some of the deeper peels can be aggressive and these have lead to the fears surrounding chemical peel treatments. These concerns were only heightened when Samantha on Sex and the City had a deep chemical peel. These deeper treatments can create a significant amount of discomfort, redness, downtime and visible flaking. Because of possible side effects of the deeper peeling solutions, these treatments should only be administered by a physician. In most circumstances this type of aggressive treatment is not necessary. On the plus side, there are superficial and medium depth peel options out there that do not create this effect. In general, I recommend superficial chemical peels especially if you are skeptical of or nervous about peels. I recommend asking for superficial peels that are blended with other beneficial ingredients such as skin brighteners (to reduce discolorations), hydrating ingredients and skin-strengthening antioxidants. These added ingredients will increase the outcomes and decrease the risk of side effects. I personally recommend PCA SKIN’s comprehensive line of chemical peels. They truly are the gold standard for peels and there are multiple options for the technician to choose from so you will get a treatment catered to your specific skin concerns.

PCA requires all skincare professionals to take training before purchasing the treatments so you know you are receiving the treatment from someone who knows exactly how to administer it for the safest, most dramatic results. You will still get the exfoliation benefits of a typical chemical peel without the downtime. These types of treatments allow you to return to daily life immediately following their application and the result is healthy, beautiful skin. I personally have a PCA Peel once a month because it leaves my skin healthier and more glowing. There is absolutely no reason to be afraid of superficial chemical peels. Superficial peels can be used to treat all types of skin conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation, visible aging and even rosacea and sensitive skin. Anyone with normal skin is also a candidate for preventative treatments to help prevent early onset of visible aging. Superfical peels can also be use to maintain results once a skin condition has been cleared.
The deeper, more invasive treatments I referred to are typically only necessary for those with severe textural scarring and very deep wrinkling. I personally prefer injectable fillers for these types of issues over these more aggressive peels because of the possible side effects. In general, superficial chemical peels, especially the PCA peels are beneficial for all skin types and ethnicities. One can be absolutely confident that they will have beneficial outcome that results in healthier more beautiful skin." If you're still hesitant about trying a skin peel but would love to learn more about PCA Skin products, try the newest product in the collection--just launched last month. PCA Perfecting Face & Body Hydrator SPF 30 is a UVA/UVB moisturizer with pigment control. Loaded with five melanogenesis inhibitors--bearberry, licorice root extract, kojic acid, mulberry root extract and lactic acid--it works to reduce existing skin discoloration while preventing future hyper pigmentation.

PCA SKIN daily care products are available through physicians and licensed skin care professionals throughout the United States and on www.skinstore.com. For a referral to a clinical practice that carries PCA SKIN products and professional treatments including PCA Peels, call 1.877.PCA.SKIN (722.7546).

feet first

With summer just around the corner, you might be stocking up with sunscreen, bug spray and a collection of your favorite colored flip flops. But you're probably forgetting about a very important accessory for warmer weather. Relief for your feet! I know, it's not the first thing on your list...but think about it: It gets hot out there, your feet sweat (as gross as it sounds, it's true!) and they might even smell a bit. Not to mention all the calluses and blisters you get from trekking around town in wedges, platforms and your favorite sandals all day long. To the rescue: FootWorks, a collection of footcare products you can't live without, from Avon. Start with the Green Tea & Mint Exfoliating Scrub ($3.99) to retexturize skin and leave it feeling softer and smoother. The tiny granules are gentle on your skin but really get the job done. Then try the Green Tea & Mint Cooling Moisture Lotion ($4.99), a cooling foot lotion with green tea extract that moisturizes skin and dries super-fast! Plus, it really cools as it works and leaves your feet smelling minty fresh (sounds like a toothpaste commercial, but it's better than smelling sweaty!). If you don't have time for this elaborate footcare routine, just spritz feet with the Green Tea & Mint Invigorating Spray ($4.99) for quick, cooling relief! Check out www.avon.com to make your purchase.

raise the bar

When's the last time you showered with a bar of soap? Can't remember? Well, put down your fancy cleanser or shower gel and pick up these individually wrapped Molton Brown soaps. Known for its luxurious soaps when it first opened its doors in 1973, Molton Brown has brought back two of its most popular formulas. I tried the Exfoliating Oatmeal and Milk Cleansebar ($22 per set of four) made with ingredients that have been used for centuries to soften and comfort skin. I really liked the creamy lather, designed to soften, smooth and rebalance as it cleans. I'm not sure about the exfoliating properties, though, as the oatmeal specs in the bar make you feel like you're getting smooth but I didn't really feel them. Maybe that's why it works so well! Also in stores is the Ultrapure Milk Cleansebar ($22 per set of four) which contains natural skin conditioners plus Vitamin A and D to improve texture and give skin a glowing appearance. It definitely felt smooth even while rubbing it all over my skin. Try them both or buy one for a friend; they'll make great houseguest gifts this summer! Available at Molton Brown emporia, select department stores and at www.moltonbrown.com.

give the gift of caring with Curél

I know about dry skin. In fact, I douse myself in ultra-thick moisturizing creams religiously as part of my nighttime beauty regimen. I am constantly trying to soothe and smooth rough elbows, knees, hands and feet. So when Curél came out with limited-edition Continuous Comfort Moisture Lotion for Dry Skin with time-released moisturizers ($8 at drugstores nationwide--it features the iconic Red Cross symbol), I just had to have some. Designed to hydrate and relieve skin for 24 hours, the non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, doesn't clog pores and is dermatologist recommended. Plus, it smells great!

Through its ongoing support of the American Red Cross, Curél goes beyond skin’s surface to nurture the people who need care the most, donating funds to the organization that helps heal communities in times of crisis. Collaborating for the second time, Cynthia Nixon and Curél are proud to launch the “Share the Gift of Caring” campaign in support of the American Red Cross. Log on to www.curel.com to dedicate a portion of Curél’s donation to someone you love, then encourage them to share the gift of caring by doing the same!

The American Red Cross has donated $250,000 and plans to donate $10,000 more. And you can click on the website to donate $1 of that $10,000 in a friend’s name. Your friend will receive a message from Curél letting her know that you care, and she will be invited to share the gift of sharing with someone else—creating a chain of donations from the Curél brand on behalf of real people across the United States.

A great gift and an amazing product for a superb cause--plus you get silky, smooth skin in the process!

a healthy diet for your skin

The next time you head for the salad bar, shake some salt on your dinner or pass on the onions, keep this advice from Kimberly Snyder in mind. Not only has she created an innovative product line called Envision to provide cutting edge skin care but she knows how to treat skin from the inside out. Here, she shares five simple tips to great looking skin through healthy eating. Bon appetit!

1. Max out on raw greens. The living enzymes in uncooked greens and vegetables assist digestion, detoxification and rebuilding, thus free up enzymes that can be used on repairing and rebuilding your skin. But these valuable enzymes, proteins and vitamins can be destroyed when they're heated up so you don't get the same benefits when you cook them. Sp pack as many green salads, veggies, sprouts and herbs into your diet as you can. Try my favorite Green Smoothie recipe on www.kimberlysnyder.net.
2. Switch to Celtic sea salt. Its sun-dried so its 70 minerals, trace elements, enzymes and marine microorganisms stay intact. Other salts are kiln-dried which allows valuable minerals and other nutrients to evaporate. Normal table salt is the worst of all, as it is composed of irradiated and denatured sodium chloride. It has no nutritional benefit and depletes skin of its natural hydration. 3. Eat more onions! It has a considerable amount of sulfur to cleanse skin and liver, and rebuild connective tissues like collagen. Onions are also a good source of usable quercetin which helps eliminate free radicals, protect and regenerate crucial vitamin E and decrease capillary fragility. 4. Add sea vegetables to your diet. They're 12 times richer in minerals than average vegetables and a good source of iodine which helps regulate metabolism, iron, B6, B12, magnesium, which opens up about 300 different pathways of detoxification. Throw dulse, hijiki and arame in salads or make nori wraps stuffed with salad (all available at your local health food store). 5. Snack on figs. They're an excellent blood purifier. Blood transports nutrients to the cells throughout the body and face, so the cleaner the blood, the more beautiful your skin. Pus, the tiny seeds in figs are packed with nutrients and draw out and dissolve waste, mucus and toxins from the intestinal tract.