INJECT, FREEZE OR BOTH? BANISH CHIN FAT FOR GOOD!

Just three months ago we talked to Stamford, Conn., dermatologist Omar Ibrahimi about Kybella, an injectable zapping chin fat approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April, and already another option is hitting doctor’s offices to do away with double chins. Zeltiq Aesthetics, the company behind CoolSculpting, a non-surgical procedure that destroys fat by freezing it, has introduced an applicator called the CoolSculpting Mini to target small pockets of fat, including the ones that intractably cling to your craw. If you’re confused by the surplus of choices, you’re not alone. It’s great that there’s a growing repertoire of fat-busting solutions for those of us who don’t want to go under the knife, but the pace of innovation puts iPhone updates to shame. To clear up any confusion, we called up Ibrahimi again, and he generously took the time to set the record straight on the duo of double chin busters.

Q: Why are these two options to decrease double chin fat being made available now?

A: It is definitely an area where there has been an unmet need in terms of what we can offer patients. The CoolSculpting Mini is another option that makes it possible to have a non-invasive or minimally-invasive procedure that can tighten the skin there to make you look younger and have a sharper jaw line. This procedure works in a completely different way. When we freeze fat at a specific temperature, we can kill the fat cells without harming the other cells in the body. It treats the fat under the neck with a controlled protocol in which the fat cells are frozen and die over two to three months.

Q: What are the differences you’ve when using Kybella versus the CoolSculpting Mini?

A: The nice thing about the CoolSculpting Mini procedure is that there are no needles, so bruising is much less likely. Swelling is more modest. I did this procedure, and I worked the next day. With Kybella, bruising is a little more common, and the swelling is a little more prominent. However, in my experience over the few months since I’ve had Kybella is it is one of the few things that works as well as the company touts it to work. I have been really impressed with the results with Kybella. With CoolSculpting, the clinical trial data looks exciting, but it is still a wait-and-see to see how reproducible it is on the mass market. The clinical trials for Kybella were very rigorous because it was FDA approved for a medication, whereas the CoolSculpting Mini is FDA cleared as a device, so it doesn’t have to meet the same rigorous clinical trial standards that Kybella had to.

Q: How do you guide a patient toward choosing one of these options versus the other?

A: In a busy aesthetic practice like the one I have, we have a need for both options. The patient that is coming in that is concerned about downtime and may be willing to have little less efficacy, I might end up going with the CoolSculpting Mini for them. The patient that wants something that has the strongest amount of evidence behind it, but they are not looking for anything surgical and they are willing to tolerate more downtime and swelling, those would be the people that would tend to go for Kybella. I foresee that I could mix and match both techniques, too. Maybe I would treat them to start with the CoolSculpting Mini and then, when they have more time for a little bit of downtime, I could go in with Kybella and get them results that way. There might also be patients that we could start off with with the CoolSculpting Mini and, as their fat gets localized, we could pick that last little bit off with Kybella. There is a role for a combination of treatments. In reality, I would recommend someone thinking about this to consider both options.

Q: How much do the procedures themselves vary?

A: The Kybella procedure just takes a few minutes of marking the area and, then, the actual injections only take a few minutes. You are in and out in 15 minutes. The procedure takes a little bit longer with the CoolSculpting Mini. You are probably here for about an hour. It feels like your body part is exposed to the cold. It is very minimal in terms of pain. I would describe it as discomfort rather than pain. Afterward, there can be a little bit of tenderness, but probably 90 percent-plus of the time it shouldn’t stop patients from going about the activities of daily life.

Q: Is one option better than the other for long-term results? 

A: The nice thing about Kybella is that we have a tremendous wealth of clinical data. The trials were larger and were going on for almost 10 years in duration. We have  a history to speak to its permanency. The mechanism by which the CoolSculpting Mini works is similar to other applicators. We know that fat can be killed by controlled cooling, and the results are generally long lasting. I do feel comfortable and confident telling my patients that this should be a lasting result.

Q: Is there a price difference?

A: Overall, costs would probably be similar. Both of them aren’t going to be single treatments, and you are done. They are both going to be a series of treatments. For Kybella, most patients are going to need somewhere from two to four treatments. With the CoolSculpting Mini, I would say if [their problem is] extremely mild, they might be lucky and get away with one treatment, but they often might need a second treatment and, if they have a pretty extensive double chin, they are definitely going to need more than one applicator treatment.

Q: Previously, you said your patients who received Kybella treatments were quite satisfied with the results. Are patients who chose the CoolSculpting Mini satisfied as well?

A: Our patient satisfaction is very high with CoolSculpting. At the time of consultation, we try to set realistic expectations. This is not a way to lose weight. This is not a way to become healthier. This is not going to give you a surgical result without surgery. It is really modest improvement in stubborn pockets of fat. My ideal candidates for CoolSculpting are patients close to their body weights that have stubborn pockets of fat because they are older or they have had a baby. No matter how much they are in the gym, they just can’t take care of those stubborn pockets of fat.

Q: Given how quickly it seems new procedures arrive at doctor’s offices, is it better for people with concerns about their double chins to wait to evaluate what’s coming down the pike or take the plunge now with Kybella or the CoolSculpting Mini?

A: There are going to be other alternatives coming down the line, some of them are going to be other molecules [like Kybella] that can be injected to kill fat. Other sources of energy are also going to be looked at. Even though it was FDA approved in April and is new to the U.S., Kybella is something that we have a lot of experience with, and we know it works really well. I think it is going to be hard to beat the results that one can get with Kybella with some of the other things that might be in development. If it [chin fat] is something that bothers you, you should feel comfortable getting a consultation with your board certified physician, dermatologist or plastic surgeon and discussing the treatment options. I do not think there is going to be anything radically better in the next few years.

POSTING A SELFIE COULD SOLVE YOUR ACNE PROBLEMS

If you think selfies are just for social media posts, think again. Curology, a service offering customized acne and anti-aging prescriptions, uses your selfies to help you shoot even better selfies by evaluating your skin care problems based on them and issuing treatments designed to address those problems. Formerly called PocketDerm, Curology is at the forefront of telehealth, a wave of advancements in medical care that’s linking patients with doctors through computers, iPads and smartphones. Curology’s technology allows dermatologist David Lortscher, its cofounder and chief executive officer, to be a modern-day version of the old school family doctor, who made house calls and knew his or her patients personally. Lortscher cares for patients across the country without putting miles on his car. He took time out of his packed schedule of seeing them to talk to us about Curology and the benefits of virtual dermatology. While we had an acne expert on the phone, we seized upon the opportunity to lob a few questions at Lortscher about adult acne, and he gamely supplied informative answers.

BBTA: Why did you start Curology?

DL: I was practicing for a year as a dermatologist in New Mexico. The moment I opened my practice, I was booked out two months end to end. I realized how impossible it is for a lot of people across the country to access a dermatologist. My initial inspiration was that we needed technology to solve this problem. There are 9,000 dermatologists active in the United States, and there are nowhere near enough. Acne is so easy to treat, and people get left behind. I created PocketDerm to help treat people with acne without having them have to wait two months and drive two hours, which is what my patients were doing in New Mexico.

BBTA: What has happened since you launched Curology as PocketDerm in March of last year?

DL: People who didn’t have acne were using it because they wanted to get Retin-A for wrinkles. Where it started as a way to connect people with a dermatologist, it became a brand that stood for much more than that. They thought, “This is amazing. I have a dermatologist that listens to me. I can ping them at any time and have a medication custom made for me.” We evolved to be way more than a software program that connects people with a dermatologist. Today, we have six dermatology professionals, and we have patients around the country. We are a medical practice and also a cosmetics brand.

BBTA: Have you discovered that people who are in cities or towns without many dermatologists are indeed using Curology?

DL: Yes, but a lot of are patients  from cities where they do have dermatologists near them like New York or L.A. or San Francisco. These patients can message back and forth with me. They are people that say, “I never really thought about going to a dermatologist to make my skin pretty. I thought that was for stuck-up people, but this is only $20, so I signed up.” I think people have this assumption that a dermatologist is for rich, stuck-up people.

BBTA: How does Curology work?

DL: Our philosophy from the beginning was to make it as simple as possible. For people that sign up, you log onto your account, you are introduced to your doctor, and you upload high-resolution photos. We don’t allow doctors to communicate via email. You have to interact through the secure site. Within 12 hours, your derm will get back to you to give you an assessment. Dermatology is really unique because a high-resolution photo can be as good as your eye. It’s really amazing how well it works. The big difference is the ease of communication, meaning my patients don’t have to wait two months to see me and ask for a question. They can ping me, and I answer the next day. Our patients feel like this is better than coming into an office.

BBTA: Are there limits to what can be done with dermatology telehealth?

DL: We only treat acne and anti-aging. I would not feel comfortable trying to diagnose skin cancer this way.

BBTA: What is the most common concern of Curology patients?

DL: The most common is acne lesions. The second most common is hyperpigmentation left behind from acne or from the sun. The third would be wrinkles. Our patient’s average age is 24. We have a lot of people in their teens and Twenties, but then we have people in their Thirties, Forties and Fifties as well.

BBTA: What do you think is the biggest misconception about adult acne?

DL: I’m always surprised that doctors don’t tell their patients how a method of birth control can affect acne. Every patient we see, we find out what type of birth control they are on, and we find out how that is affecting their acne. A Mirena IUD can make their acne worse. A copper IUD generally wouldn’t affect it. There are so many different types of birth control pills with different types of hormones. Some can be helpful [for acne] and some are not. Regardless of what doctor prescribes the birth control, they have much more important concerns than how it affects their skin, so they don’t discuss it with the patient.

BBTA: How do you deal with a patient whose acne might be affected by their birth control choice?

DL: We don’t prescribe birth control. What I will sometimes do is that, if I see somebody who has acne in a hormonal pattern, I will ask them about their preexisting hormonal issues. Then, I will tell them that, in my experience, this is a birth control that will make acne worse, if they are on one that does, and these are birth control options that could help with acne. A lot of times people will tell me it makes a huge difference. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is associated with improving acne. Another example would be YAZ.

BBTA: Besides birth control, what is another common factor in adult acne?

DL: Diet is really important. Then, we ask patients about their [skin care] regimen. A lot of people have super complex regimens. Especially for teenagers, over-scrubbing and irritating is an issue. People tend to grow out of that. Overall, we have a population that has been sold by cosmetics companies on the benefits of scrubbing, cleaning and exfoliating, and that tends to cause inflammation that makes things worse.

BBTA: How do you suggest adult acne sufferers change their diet to alleviate acne?

DL: If people stop drinking milk, their acne can improve 50 percent. Milk has hormones that are similar to the hormones that cause acne. Also, they should consider shifting to a lower glycemic index diet. Avoiding simple sugars can help a lot.

BBTA: Beyond birth control switches and diet modifications, what do you recommend to tackle acne?

DL: Topical prescription creams work well for acne, and they are so safe. They’ve been around for 40 years. Ingredients like tretinoin are still really expensive, though, when you buy them from a pharmacy. In the United States, they are prescription only, and the fact that our patients get a prescription cream sent to them makes a big difference.

BBTA: What do you think of Proactiv?

DL: Consumer Reports looked at it from an objective point of view and found that it helped 30 to 35 percent of people. Proactiv didn’t work that well for people that come to us. There is a good one-third of the population that it works very well for. It’s not a question of severity. At any given severity, it may work for some people and not for others.

BBTA: Do the prescription creams work for a wide swath of people?

DL: They work for a ton of people. It’s really amazing. With a prescription treatment, we can get almost anyone’s skin beautiful. When you are using Proactiv, it’s benzoyl peroxide, one ingredient that basically kills anything that touches it. That’s it’s job. We have the ability to select from 10 different ingredients that all have slightly different actions. Our prescriptions come in little bottles each with three different ingredients. You apply just a few pumps that you rub all over your face. It works while you’re sleeping. It is very simple. It doesn’t require these weird regimens that have evolved. It works pretty darn fast. We have a lot of patients that will see improvement in the first week.

BBTA: What do you think of treating acne with antibiotics?

DL: All dermatologists are trying to move away from prescribing antibiotics. We try to get people clear on just topical treatments. It is important to use a combination of topical treatments. When you are using Retin-A, you might need something else as well. In the past, they might have prescribed Retin-A with an antibiotic. Now, they will prescribe a couple of different creams. We do prescribe antibiotics, but under 10 percent of our patients are on pills. If they need them, we get them on the lowest dose possible.

BBTA: Is there a pimple spot treatment that you prefer?

DL: I recommend something called a hydrocolloid bandage. It covers it up and sucks it up. Most people wear it overnight, though you can wear it in the daytime. We found they work really well for spot treatments.

BBTA: What is the future of Curology and of telehealth more generally?

DL: Not many people in the large scheme of things have really heard of us. The main goal [for Curology] is scaling. It’s inevitable that almost all medicine is going to be much more connected and online. I think about how easy it was for people to switch from travel agents to Expedia. It’s just better.

BEAUTY TRENDS THAT WILL SIZZLE OR SURGE IN 2016

Between kisses and sips of champagne this past New Year’s, we bid farewell to several beauty trends that were everywhere in 2105 and opened the door to a bunch of new makeup, hair, nail and skin care developments that will shape our faces, hair, hands, bodies and social media feeds over the next year. I have a ideas for trends that should get the heave-ho (see: the Kylie lip challenge and rampant ageism) and ones we’d be better for if they were big in 2016 (body positivity and the brown lip shades that bring back junior high memories of dancing to Debbie Gibson and Tiffany). To add expertise to BBTA’s beauty prognostication, I asked a few of our favorite beauty authorities to share their thoughts on the beauty crazes that should have expired on Dec. 31 and those that began their ascent on Jan. 1. If their predictions are correct, be prepared for a fascinating year ahead on the beauty front.

Sayonara To These Beauty Fads That Sizzled In 2015

Justin Tyme, makeup artist: “Contour palettes! For some reason – we can safely say reality TV and social media – the old ways of feminizing men for theatre (a.k.a., modern drag make-up) became a beauty trend that has spawned unlimited products meant to sculpt the face to be camera-ready with cheekbones that can be seen from space. The problem with this trend is it makes it seem as though there is only one faceof beauty. If this trend makes you feel your most authentic and beautiful, that’s fantastic! It’s a fun look. However, the makeup-wearing population should know there is beauty to be found in every face that can be accentuated with makeup. If you’re not on television or having your photo taken, complementing your natural features is much less time consuming and looks beautiful.”

Paz Stark, founder of Stark Waxing Studio and Stark Frontier: “The beauty trend I would not be sad to see fade away is spray tanning. I love to see skin that is pale, freckled, flawed and natural. Let nature take her course and don’t clog your pores with an unnecessary amount of colors and chemicals.”

Amy Nadine, celebrity makeup artist, cofounder of The Beauty Department and a member of Beauty’s Most Wanted’s beauty roster: “I’d love to see over-stenciled ‘Instagram’ brows retire. There’s nothing feminine about them, and I’d love to see them replaced with a feathered brow where you can see the skin beneath the hairs.”

Stephen Dimmick, celebrity makeup artist and cofounder of GlossiGirl: “Thankfully, contour is the trend that will be leaving us in 2016. What started out as a trusted old school technique saw new heights of ridiculousness in 2015. Aside from the time consuming aspect of contouring, women are seeking truth in their own beauty and what enhances that beauty or what can be fun.”

Christin Powell, vice president of product development at EVER Skincare: “Traditional foundations. Today’s consumer wants her natural glow to shine through. She knows that great skin is the most beautiful makeup. Traditional opaque foundations create an unnatural look that covers a woman’s natural skin color. Thus, women are leaving traditional foundations behind in favor of multi-functional tinted moisturizers that include SPF protection, skincare benefits and luminizing benefits. EVER’s DAYLIGHT Tinted is the solution for women wanting 5 solutions in one product: light coverage, color correction, moisture, SPF and a hint of luminosity.”

Salutations To These Beauty Trends Set To Surge In 2016

Justin Tyme, makeup artist: “My trend prediction for 2016 is liquid lipsticks. Not that the product itself is new, but, over the last few years, we’ve seen that cosmetic lines are coming out with liquid lip products more and more. I think the instant gratification of the hydration and intense color gives a lip the feel of a lipstick/lip stain/lipgloss in one product. As a makeup artist, I can tell you when you’re doing a press junket or filming often there isn’t time to touch up every with every product. You need one that you know you can depend on. Recently, I was doing a press junket for the movie ‘Joy’ with Virginia Madsen, I usedbliss color’s bold over liquified lipstick in ‘mauve-in on up.’ It gave her lips the high pigment of a lipstick, the shine of a gloss and the long wear of a stain, all while keeping her lips immensely hydrated. She barely needed touch up and, when I did, it was simply applying one fantastic product! I think as consumers and artists alike leave behind the 30-step daily beauty regimen that was so popular this year, they’ll adopt a liquid lipstick to save both time and money.”

Paz Stark, founder of Stark Waxing Studio and Stark Frontier: “The beauty trend I welcome with open arms is any combination of face and body oils. I love the Stark Body Oil that is made with almond skin oil and scented with essential oils. It’s nourishing, hydrating, and it smells great. I am also a huge fan of the Malin & Goetz Facial Cleansing Oil for removing make up and just clean off the accumulated grime from the day.”

Amy Nadine, celebrity makeup artist, cofounder of The Beauty Department and a member of Beauty’s Most Wanted’s beauty roster: “I think a lacquered lip will be big in 2016 as the pendulum swings away from a dry matte lip.”

Stephen Dimmick, celebrity makeup artist and cofounder of GlossiGirl: “Bold neutrals like gold and chocolate. What I love about gold is that it really plays up so many different eye colors from brown to blue to green. [Try] deep chocolate and caramels for lips. Yes, even in summer!”

Stephanie Stone, celebrity makeup artist and creative director of Nailing Hollywood: “Extravagant nail art trends are always going to come and go in waves, but, for 2016, it’s going to be more on the quiet side. Women now know all that’s capable when it comes to nail art – essentially anything!! – but are looking for simple, chic and more everyday wearable looks to sport on their tips. We’re going to be seeing a lot of graphic nail art with unexpected color contrasts that pop. Metallics, the often-forgotten category of nail polish, are also going to be in the spotlight in 2016. Matte/shiny contrasts in ways other than the French tip will also be a fun go to nail look for nail artists.”

Hillary Peterson, chief executive officer and founder of True Nature Botanicals: “In 2016, beauty will continue to evolve toward more thoughtful and effective skincare solutions. I expect to see completely useless and harmful ingredients like plastic miocrobeads discontinued, even in states that have not yet banned them, and replaced by equally affective alternatives such as adzuki bean powder. In the realm of skin lightening actives, I expect that increasingly active forms of vitamin c will replace concerning ingredients such as hydroquinone that have been banned in other countries. Natural and biomemetic solutions will continue to gain steam as they are most definitely the safest and most effective choice.”

Elisa Hills and Erika McKellar, cofounders of BLNDN: “2015 was crazy fun with wild braids, purples, blues, greens, and everything in between. Hair is all about expressing yourself, and that’s why we love our industry. 2016 will also be about self-expression, but in a more natural, ‘what your mama gave ya’ type of way…back to basics, natural textures, lowlights, classic low bun twists, and effortless styles.”

Christin Powell, vice president of product development at EVER Skincare: “Micro-algae. As opposed to macro-algae [or] seaweed and kelp, micro-algae are single cell creatures that have multi-functional benefits for the skin: they hydrate, can help stimulate collagen, protect the skin from environmental aggressors and can provide instant firming effects. As we rely less on petrochemicals [such as] mineral oil, parabens and propylene glycol, and lean towards sustainable options, micro-algae from the sea is ideal for helping the skin stay protected from air that is drier, warmer and more susceptible to sun damage. EVER’s REVIVE contains a micro-algae complex that helps to fill in skin furrows and fine lines around the eyes and tighten and firm skin quickly while providing long term smoothing effects, whileYOUTHFUL contains a red algae that can help reduce visible redness.”

THIS SINGLE TREATMENT BANISHES ARMPIT HAIR & SWEAT FOR GOOD

We humans have millions of hairs covering our bodies. Frankly, we could do with fewer. Shaving helps. Laser hair removal helps even more. And now there’s a new treatment using microwaves to zap hair follicles that could be even better. Called miraSmooth, it is designed to eradicate 70 percent of your armpit hair over the course of about an hour in a physician’s office. And there’s a bonus: it simultaneously reduces around 82 percent of your armpits’ sweat secretions. “It’s total armpit victory,” exclaims Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Sheila Nazarian. “Not only are you getting rid of sweat, you are getting rid of odor and hair. Everything that bothers you about your armpits, you are conquering.”

Before Nazarian performs miraSmooth on her patients, she advises them not to shave for a few days. Once they arrive for the treatment, grid-like fake tattoos are affixed to their armpits to guide the placement of the miraSmooth device, and they receive an injection of saline, lidocaine and epinephrine to numb the area and diminish bruising. After that, the armpits are ready to be microwaved. Explaining how miraSmooth works, Nazarian says, “When you take food and put it in the microwave with a little water, the water molecules go back and forth, back and forth and heat up the food. Sweat glands are filled with water and, when the microwave is applied to them, they heat up and are eliminated.”

Nazarian has had miraSmooth done on her pits, and she reports the pain is minimal. Immediately following the treatment, sweaty armpits cease. “Then, the hair grows, falls out and doesn’t come back,” details Nazarian. Fifteen years ago, she resorted to laser hair removal to address thick, dark hair under her arms. The results didn’t compare to miraSmooth’s. “I was a dancer and, even when I shaved, you could still see the hair under my skin. Laser hair removal thinned the hair, but it didn’t remove it. I still had hair growth,” she reveals. Post-miraSmooth, Nazarian says a coin-sized dollop of sweat under her arms is the most she’ll experience in sweltering heat, and she forgets to shave because she has almost no underarm hairs.

Unlike laser hair removal, which is ineffective for blonde hair and not advised for people with darker skin tones, miraSmooth is suitable for a vast range of skin and hair colors. For patients choosing between Botox and miraSmooth – or miraDry, another name for the treatment – to abolish sweat, Nazarian underscores miraSmooth is generally cheaper than Botox injections. She charges slightly less than $2,000 for a single miraSmooth treatment, and the majority of patients only require one treatment, while Botox injections for the same purpose are typically $1,000 and have to be repeated every three to six months. “And that doesn’t even address the hair,” adds Nazarian.

BEFORE MIRASMOOTH

AFTER MIRASMOOTH

Four to six people undergo miraSmooth weekly at Nazarian’s office, and they aren’t disappointed by it. “They are so happy,” she declares. Many seek out miraSmooth to stop excessive sweating or the need to wear deodorant. “There are yoga instructors that never want to wear chemicals again, and there are socialites who don’t want to ruin their designer dresses,” says Nazarian. Luckily for socialites, yoga instructors and the rest of us, miraSmooth may be available in the future for body parts beyond armpits. Hands are most likely up next. “It is in the plans to have different applications for more areas of the body,” says Nazarian. “They are targeting the palms right now because they think there will be a big patient base. Some people will show me their hands, and the sweat drips from them onto the floor, and people in business don’t want to have clammy hands when they get nervous.” If miraSmooth can deliver on good handshakes and hairless pits, it seems like a winner to us.

SHEET MASKS UNMASKED BY THE FOUNDERS OF GLOW RECIPE

When beauty brands sense a trend is rising, they can really pounce. Two years ago, we might have thought sheet masks were parts of ghostly Halloween costumes. Today, we can’t browse a beauty store without crossing them. There are no fewer than 20 varieties at Sephora, Ulta and Glow Recipe, an online destination bursting with thin beauty gauzes from Korean brands. And more American brands everyday are riding the sheet mask tsunami that started abroad: Estee Lauder, Colbert MD and Peter Thomas Rothare among the latest to release versions of the skin care sheaths. Not that we’re protesting. We’re fans of the instantaneous tautness sheet masks deliver as well as their promises of long-term radiance. But the proliferation of sheet masks has left us confused about how to best distinguish between them and apply them appropriately. To unmask sheet masks, we sought guidance from the sheet mask intelligentsia in the form of Glow Recipe founders Christine Chang and Sarah Lee. Here are four of their top sheet mask suggestions:

Consider Sheet Masks That Aren’t Cotton  

Chang and Lee explain, “The material that a sheet mask is made from makes all the difference. We love the next generation materials utilized by Korean women such as hydrogel sheet masks and the super organic sea kelp sheet mask. What’s so great about masks like these is the fact that the material that is force-feeding your skin hydration and nutrients is also composed of skin-loving ingredients that adhere to and conform to the unique contours of the face while also driving that nourishment in in a harsh-free, intensive way.”

Pick The Proper Ingredients

Chang and Lee effuse, “We love sea kelp masks or any products containing niacinamide for their brightening and nourishing effects. The antioxidants in the ingredients work to not only nourish the skin, but also protect it from further damage and irritation by creating a protective barrier.”

Be Wary Of The Wrong Ingredients

Chang and Lee warn, “It’s not only about the ingredients that work well, but ingredients that should be avoided considering this treatment is wrapping the skin for 20-plus minutes. Any sheet masks containing parabens, alcohol, artificial dyes or fragrances can strip and deplete the skin. So while a mask’s intentions may be good, their ingredients make all of the difference in the delivery and outcome of the treatment.”

Watch The Clock

Chang and Lee state, “The beauty of sheet masks is the convenient, quick treatment process. Sheet masks treatment time ranges any where from 20 to 30 minutes. For added nourishment without added time, we recommend taking any left over serum from the sheet mask packet and applying to the skin following nourishment. Most importantly one must remember never to leave a sheet mask on for extended periods of time, or sleep with a sheet mask. While it may seem like this would just be extra doses of nourishment, this can actually dry the skin leaving it depleted and dehydrated.”

HOW TO BUY THE RIGHT FRAGRANCE FOR SOMEONE ELSE

No pressure or anything, but Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. If you’re like us, you haven’t quite sorted out a surprise for your sweetie. But we’re not panicking, and neither should you. We’ve put our beauty thinking caps on and are contemplating picking out a first-rate fragrance to celebrate the lovers’ holiday. When correctly selected, perfume is an ideal Valentine’s Day present because it’s thoughtful, personal and intimate. It can definitely miss the mark, though. Usher, Sean Jean or David Beckham colognes could be too conventional for your unique someone and make it seem as if you didn’t put a ton of consideration into the purchase. “By taking time to explore outside the mainstream, you’re sending a romantic message that this special person deserves a special scent,” says Antonia Kohl, owner of San Francisco scent haven Tigerlily Perfumery. Exploring multitudes of unfamiliar fragrances, however, can be challenging. To land on the best choice for your companion, we asked Kohl and Rachel Ten Brink, cofounder and chief marketing officer of fragrance subscription service and online retailerScentbird, to help us narrow down the fragrance field. Here are their sage suggestions:

Embark On A Bit Of Scent Snooping

Ten Brink recommends scouting your partners perfume stash. “Find out what they wear already or what kind of scents they like,” she says. “See if they like floral, fruity, spicy, fresh [or] sweet scents or even a particular note like vanilla or jasmine.” Going even deeper, Kohl counsels, “Consider personal style and the smells he or she loves out in the world. Remember when you were hiking, and he raved about the smell of the sugar pines or how the scent of orange blossoms reminds her of a favorite vacation on the Italian coast.”

Trust Yourself

If you swoon when smelling a scent, there’s a good chance you’re partner may too. At the very least, you’ll be pleased when he or she wears it. “It’s a much easier sell if you actually like the fragrance,” says Ten Brink, who adds, “It’s always best to try a scent before investing in a full bottle. Give yourself a little time to try it even if you’re in a store. Smell it right away but also wait 15 to 20 minutes to see what it smells like once it’s dried down.”

Seek Out An Expert

Shops such as Tigerlily Perfumery have knowledgeable specialists to guide you through the scents you’ve been thinking about. Once you’re at a perfumery, Kohl’s tip is to inquire about the in-store specialists’ favorite fragrances. If you can’t find a shop in your area, she notes, “There are online stores that focus on niche fragrance, have great product descriptions and include sample programs so you can try before you buy.” Scentbird, Luckyscent and Aedes Perfumery are three of the leading online destinations for extensive scent assortments.

Be Aware Of The Backstory

Many scents have fascinating histories that could appeal to your significant other. “Learn about the makers behind the scents you’re considering,” proposes Kohl. Specifically, she elaborates, “Great [fragrance] houses to look up include Andy Tauer, Kerosene and Imaginary Authors. Sometimes a hard choice between two equally beautiful smells can be made easier when you find an affinity between the maker and the person you’re choosing for.”

Look For New Launches

Ten Brink advises, “Find out what are the newest scents on the market. If the person you’re buying for already uses a certain brand, they may enjoy other scents from that same brand.” If you’re not up to date on the latest fragrances, you can solicit ideas from friends, family members or colleagues who might have their fingers on the pulse of perfumes.

Sample Before You Splurge

Fragrance retailers understand that pinning down a perfect perfume is difficult, and they often provide samples to simplify the process. In addition, Kohl points out that many shops allow gifts to be exchanged if the perfume packaging is unopened. “This way your giftee can try the sample and exchange it if skin chemistry gets in the way. It [can] happen to the best of us,” says Kohl. “You will most likely pick a hit but, if not, your valentine will be touched by the thought you put into it and will have fun picking out something perfect.”

Gift Sets Or Cards Are BBTA Approved

Acknowledging scent shopping can be complicated, Ten Brink states don’t be afraid to settle on a gift scent subscription or gift card. That way, she emphasizes, “They can choose their own scent.” Gift sets can also be excellent options. Kohl says, “Niche and artisan perfumers usually offer offer gift sets that give wearers the opportunity to try the whole line before deciding which scent is perfect on their skin.

IF YOU WORKOUT YOU SHOULD READ THIS

SKIN

The Broncos may have been the Super Bowl victors last Sunday, but I was blown away by the power, stamina and grit of the players on both teams (not to mention Beyoncé). I can’t even imagine the amount of preparation and perspiration that went into achieving peak performance on the big day. I was totally inspired to put down the chips, get off the couch and raise my heart rate. While I’m far, far, far from being a professional athlete, I’m trying to squeeze in workouts in between job and parenting duties. I’ve committed to weekly yoga sessions and added a circuit class to my schedule. Increasing my activity level feels great with two caveats: bigger laundry loads and the occasional breakout. My fitness accomplishments will definitely be diminished if push-ups, burpies, bicep curls, downward dogs, steps and strides wreak havoc on my complexion. To make sure that doesn’t happen, I asked skin care experts Celeste Hilling, chief executive officer of the brand Skin Authority, and celebrity aestheticians Nerida Joy and Geri Giagnorio for some advice on how to sweat without sacrificing my skin. Their recommendations can help you stay healthy and save your face, too.

Before Workouts

Skin prep depends on the workout, whether it’s outside or inside, and intense or moderate. No matter the type of workout, though, Giagnorio thinks a light moisturizer such as squalene oil is a good idea. “Its lipid layers are similar to our skin in that it gives just enough hydration to the skin to prevent dehydration before, during and after a good sweat,” she says. “Bonus: you don’t have to worry about it clogging your pores.” When headed outside, Hilling suggests applying a multi-purpose sunscreen, a vitamin C serum under sunscreen, facial oil and lip balm, and wearing sunglasses. “You’ll want to add plenty of moisture to make up for the hydration you will lose by sweating,” she said, singling out Skin Authority’s Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 30, Age Defying Moisturizer SPF 18, and Super-C Serum for sun and photo-aging protection, and hydration. Makeup doesn’t have to be removed prior to a workout. Joy notes mineral makeup actually has a natural SPF that shields skin from the sun and the weather in general. “If you are inclined to breakouts, mineral makeup is healing and will not clog your pores when you sweat,” she says. Joy’s go-to mineral makeup brands are Colorescience, La Bella Donna and Jane Iredale.

During Workouts

Don’t be afraid to sweat. “The skin loves it when you sweat,” asserts Giagnorio. “Working out to the point of breaking a good sweat triggers the body to start purging toxins through the skin.” Sweat, however, mixes with bacteria and clogs pores to often cause breakouts. A few simple adjustments can assist in staving off those breakouts. Joy instructs hair should be worn away from the face during workouts, and sweatbands and hats should be avoided. To wipe off excess sweat, Joy and Giagnorio agree that clean towels, not hands, should be used. Giagnorio says those towels  – and all workout gear – should be washed in gentle detergents without harsh ingredients. “When you sweat, that moisture can activate harsh ingredients that come in contact with your skin,” she explains. “This can cause a PH imbalance on the skin, not good for delicate skin tissue.”

After Workouts

No dilly-dallying post-Pilates. Skin must be washed immediately following a workout. “That is a must, no matter what,” insists Giagnorio. “Don’t wait until you get home if you’re at a gym or workout studio. If you’re outside or away from home and know that you will have a significant delay [until you] wash your skin, use disposable facial wash cloths.” Joy emphasizes the importance of rinsing with lukewarm water. “Cold water is not good for hot, sensitive, ruddy skin after a workout. The consistent hot face, cold water [clash] over time will damage little blood vessels,” she warns. To keep breakouts at bay, Giagnorio says swipe your skin with a Clearasil pad or a similar remedy with mild salicylic acid. She cautions, “Don’t go crazy with abrading or exfoliating your skin after or before a workout. That will aggravate the PH balance and cause premature damage and aging to the skin.” Before jumping into the shower, Giagnorio is a fan of dry brushing the body for a soft lymphatic massage. For the face, a brush with natural bristles deepens the cleanse. In the shower, Hilling recommends exfoliating from head to toe to slough off layers of dead skin. Once the shower is over, slather on a rich moisturizer. “I love products containing shea butter and olive oil,” mentions Hilling. Her favorite exfoliating and moisturizing products include Skin Authority’s Bamboo Ginseng Scrub, Coffee Almond Scrub and Olive Fig Shea Butter Body Cream. Lastly, self-adulation for kicking ass doesn’t hurt. “Remember, a workout is something that the body wants daily,” says Giagnorio. “It’s how it recharges itself, detoxes itself and moves waste naturally out, and allows for a new day of working like a well-oiled machine.”