Travel Lightly

Traveling can be a pain these days with so many rules to follow from the TSA. And let's not forget how many airlines charge you for checking even your first bag. How awful is it to have to check a bag at the last minute or have to throw one of your favorite products out? If you're like me, there's at least one splurge item in your beauty routine and it would hurt to have to leave it behind.


I've got some easy tips for making your travel light and hassle free.

First, I started with the Makeup Matte. It's a great holder for brushes and other things like blushes, lipsticks and shadows. It rolls up and is easily thrown into your carry on bag.

Next, is shampoo and conditioner. But Brett, you say, the hotels generally have shampoo and conditioner in the rooms. And while that's true, I would rather have my own and have enough for my long hair. So I took a small travel bottle, poured my shampoo into it and gave it a label. I didn't have another bottle for conditioner, but I had lots of samples of good conditioners that I could make good use of. (Same goes for the LA Fresh makeup remover pads in the first image.)

Foundation is an easy one, because most bottles fall within the 3-4 oz allowance for carry on. I guess I'm just taking the moment to let you know how much I love Make Up For Ever's HD Foundation. (Did you know you can go to Sephora and they can match your skin with a foundation using a scanner? Pretty awesome technology).

Again, I know they have body wash and lotion, but I like the scents I use at home. So, by pulling from my travel sizes, I can continue to smell like myself no matter where I go. (Sorry guys, but this Dark Kiss from Bath & Body Works has been discontinued. Bummer.)

I know Molton Brown makes some small sizes as well and they smell delicious and luxurious. It's all about what you're used to or comfortable with.

And of course I have to brag on my all-time favorite brand of moisturizer and serum: AHAVA. The Time to Hydrate gel moisturizer is fantastic. It hydrates just enough without leaving your face all greasy. And the Dead Sea Osmotor serum has kept my face looking wrinkle free and smooth. I adore both and they're both TSA approved to go in my carry on. YAY!

 

Last, but not least, I need a sunscreen that will pass, and Goldfaden's Sun Visor is the perfect solution. It has a non aerosol spray and it's  the perfect size. (and SPF 30)
 

Don't forget to put all your liquids into a quart-sized Ziplock bag for easy inspection! And enjoy that trip!

Stop Aging Your Face Today!

Most of us know skincare basics. We understand that sun, cigarettes, and too much alcohol can contribute to premature aging. La Jolla, California board certified dermatologist Dr. Susan Stuart reveals there are lesser known “evils” that can propel the aging process.

 
Eating Too Much Sodium
Excess sodium in your diet can suck the moisture out of skin, leaving it dry and dull. To avoid this, cut back on salty treats and invest in a hydrating facial moisturizer.

Facial Expressions
Every time you move that beautiful face, your skin wrinkles a little bit. Most of the time your face bounces back and those little wrinkles disappear once new skin cells grow.
 

Central heating
Many of us spend a fortune on anti-aging skin products, yet we may regularly accelerate skin aging without even being aware of it. The central heating and air conditioning systems that many of us use at home and at work can severely dry out skin, leading to premature aging and wrinkles. To help keep skin youthful and soft, try turning down the heating and wearing more layers to stay warm. Keeping a glass of water in the room can also increase humidity, while wearing a protective face cream can help relieve dryness.

Soap
While you may think that soap is your skin’s best friend, this is actually not the case. The reason for this is that your skin has an acid mantle which is a natural protective barrier of the skin. When you wash with soap – which is generally alkaline – it can remove this protective layer of oils and dry out the skin, eventually leading to wrinkles. While it is not advisable to stop washing entirely, try swapping the soap for a PH-neutral and chemical-free cleanser, and bear in mind that there is such a thing as over-cleansing your skin.

Your pillowcase
You may think you’re indulging in a bit of beauty sleep when you hit the hay at night; however the opposite could in fact be true. If you regularly sleep with the same side of your face pressed against a cotton pillow case this may cause creases on the skin which can eventually turn to fine lines and wrinkles. To help stay youthful overnight try sleeping on your back instead, or switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to create less compression wrinkles and help maintain skin’s moisture levels.

Not Remembering Your Lips
Three-to-five cellular layers of skin rest upon your lips, so it's important that your beauty regime includes them too. Frequently having dry, chapped lips causes them to age faster. Look for lipsticks and lip balm that contain petrolatum, dimethicone, and glycerine to help keep your smackers hydrated.

Drinking from bottles and through straws
It may be hard to believe but, yes, the puckering process of drinking from a bottle or through a straw. Just like any repeated muscle motion this can lead to fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth. Face cream can help. But dermatologists tell those who are prone to fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth to avoid straws altogether.

Drinking Coffee
Caffeine is a major culprit when it comes to dry skin and the magnification of wrinkles. Quench skin by drinking lots of water. Add fruit slices like orange or lemon to enhance the flavor.

Not Drinking Enough Water
Hydrating yourself daily will not only help to fight off aging, but also give your skin a healthy glow. Skip the water and you’ll be stuck with rough and 'shrunken' skin.

Slouching at work
How often do you find yourself slumped over your desk, hand propped beneath your chin? If the answer is a lot, decreased back and neck pain aren’t the only reasons to sit up straight. “Extreme extension or flexing of the neck from leaning on your chin can stretch the skin there, leading to wrinkling and sagging,” says Dr. Stuart. Looking down for prolonged periods of time while texting or reading may cause or worsen the same damage.




About Susan Stuart 

www.lajollaskin.com
Dr. Stuart is co-founder of La Jolla Plastic Surgery Dermatology.
 
Susan Stuart, M.D. received her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. She completed a highly competitive one year internship at Mercy Hospital Medical Center in San Diego followed by a residency at Emory University, one of the most highly respected dermatology training programs in the U.S. She also completed a one year postgraduate dermatology fellowship in pediatric dermatology at Stanford University Medical Center.
Dr. Stuart's career began with her undergraduate education where she received her B.A. degree from Duke University and was elected into Phi Beta Kappa, elite academic honor bestowed upon a small percentage of undergraduates who have achieved the highest standards of scholarship in the U.S. In addition, Dr. Stuart is the founder and past president of a nationally recognized organization for children with physical and emotional disorders at Duke University.
After completing 8 years of postgraduate medical education, Dr. Stuart began offering San Diego skin care services and has remained in the area ever since. She has worked with several internationally respected dermatologists and laser experts while continuing her academic endeavors as a faculty member at UCSD Medical Center, where she has instructed interns and residents. She maintains active staff privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla.
Dr. Stuart is considered one of San Diego's leading experts in dermatology and lasers and has been selected as one of American's top physicians in dermatology. She has been featured regularly on news shows including NBC, ABC, and KUSI for her expertise on a variety of dermatology topics and procedures, including San Diego Fraxel® laser skin rejuvenation and BOTOX® Cosmetic.

December Favorites - A List from Mimi

Mimi at 98

Yikes! I got really off track with my blog after my grandmother Mimi passed. It was a sad time for our family, as we had collectively decided Mimi would live forever. It just wasn't meant to be.

In honor of her, I will dedicate my December favorites to the things that Mimi taught me about beauty and skin care.

1. Drink Water
Yep, good ol' H2O does wonders for your skin. Keeps it hydrated, fends off wrinkles - all the things we want. How much water? Mimi always said drink 8 glasses a day.

Her skin looked great into her 90's, so how can I argue with that? There's nothing better than a dewy, fresh complexion, and hydration is the way to get there.

She would say to drink it plain,but I might need to add a squeeze of citrus juice in it. 

2. Wear SPF
Protect that delicate skin with an SPF. I cannot recall how many times Mimi would "get on me" about using sunscreen. So many times! I usually listened, but not all the time, which now I wish I had! Today it's easier than ever to include in your daily routine. Many moisturizers, foundations and other products made specifically for the face contain SPF, so it's not necessary to add an extra step.  The one I'm using now is Dr. Lewinn's BB Cream. It contains an SPF 15. If you have very fair skin, you might want to use a higher SPF.

3. Moisturize
Mimi always said she used Pond's on her skin every night before bed. While Pond's may be a little old school, her message was clear. Keep skin moisturized overnight. A night cream is a great way to do this - a night cream called a "sleeping mask" just sounds better. Good thing it works. Peter Thomas Roth's Camu Camu Sleeping Mask is packed full of Vitamin C and other nutrients to replenish your skin while you snooze. Just apply a thin layer before bedtime and rinse off in the morning. No worries, it's not greasy at all.

4. Add Some Color
Everyone looks healthier, therefore prettier in a little color. Mimi always wore jewel-toned tops and for special occasions, she'd add a bit of Revlon's Fire and Ice lipstick. It always made her look vibrant and put together. A little lipstick goes a long way. You don't have to go dramatic and choose red - any pink or peach shade you like will do. I've been enjoying the Palladio lip liner in Rockin' Red, topped with a gloss. It always gives me a little perk and polishes off my look.


I hope these tips prove useful in your life, as they were in my Mimi's and the rest of our family. Here's to the start of some great new habits and a wonderful 2014!

Summertime Dos and Don'ts

This is some great information with fun solutions to summer wardrobe conundrums. My friends at Fresh Produce and I have some super savvy advice when it comes to beating the heat, in style. You can thank us now...

1.    Don’t commit accessory blunders

Put those suede boots back in the closet! Make sure accessories are appropriate by paying attention to color, weight and style. Remember to keep it light, airy and fun. (Take the time to get a proper pedicure to start the season off right - take your manicurist your own polish and then touch ups at home will be easy!)

Do match your accessories to the season

Summer scarves like the Island Floral Scarf ($29) by Echo make great headbands to keep flyaway hairs at bay. They even dress up casual skirts or shorts when worn as a belt or sash.  Summer is also a great time for fun and whimsical accessories like the Silver Starfish Necklace ($24), Crystal Starfish Bracelet ($19), and the Blue fish Pendant Necklace ($24).

2.    Don’t let the heat determine your hemline

Hotter temperatures shouldn’t automatically mean less clothing. Let your summer outfit choices reflect your personality with color and patterns. If "daisy dukes" aren't for you, don't wear them! Try a pretty printed maxi dress or versatile and lightweight roll-up pants. (And this is where a nice faux glow will come in handy)

Do wear clothes that make you look and feel fabulous

If short shorts aren’t for you, try something that’s back in style this summer: the Bermuda short! The Gigi Pedal Pusher ($69) comes in an exclusive palette of bright colors and is a great active short for summer fun. Skorts are back on the “what to wear” list, too. The City Skort ($54) feels like casual wear, but looks like a great all-occasion summer skirt, making it our go-to choice this summer.  

3.    Don’t let wardrobe malfunctions cramp your summer style

The biggest summer-fashion mishap on our list: the peak-a-boo bra strap. Too many summer tanks and dresses leave room for unwelcome strap appearances. (And while it may look good on models or actresses, trust me; no one at your kids camp or the grocery store is interested in what kind of bra you're wearing today.)

Do choose summer items with considerate details

Tanks like the Horizon Cowlneck Tank ($39) and Layering Tank ($34) are cute to prevent the dreaded “strap slide.” Even the flattering Dragonfly Impromptu Dress ($89) with its open back is cut to be “no fuss, all style.”

4.    Don’t get a sunburn

Not only is sunburn the leading cause of skin cancer, but it also ages your skin. Never leave the house without your SPF and lightweight clothes that shield your skin. (See, it's not just me saying this! There are so many gels, lotions and sprays out there - no excuses!)

Do use clothing and accessories to protect your skin

A hat like the Ginger Poly Braid ($38) from Wallaroo has a wide brim to give you added protection from the sun. Plus, a loose-fitting top in a breathable, 100% cotton fabric blend is a great way to cover and protect shoulders. Both the Twin Peaks Top ($55) and Fringe Poncho ($59) have open sleeves and hang loosely, making each top the perfect, light layer to shield you from the sun’s rays.

  

TLC for skin during travel

Traveling isn't easy on your skin, but there are some easy steps you can take to keep your skin looking its best during long flights so you land looking refreshed! Dr. Peredo, M.D., F.A.A.D has compiled some easy ways to take care of your skin in even the most cramped of quarters.

Take care of your skin during flight!

Long Flights in Coach: 

• Keep your skin hydrated by drinking lots of water. It also helps with fatigue, dizziness and light-headedness. 
• Bring a travel sized moisturizer for your face and hands to prevent skin from drying, accentuating fine lines, wrinkles and tiredness due to low humidity and cabin pressure.
• Swipe on a hydrating lip balm. Recirculated air tends to dry out lips. 
• Take along a travel size illuminating eye cream to camouflage under eye circles, darkness and puffiness.
• Avoid salty snacks and alcohol which retain water and cause further dehydration. 
• Try not to wear mascara - the dryness causes the mascara to flake and can irritate your eyes. 

Long Flights in First Class:

• Same as above, plus:
• Ask for a cool wet cloth to lie over your face before you moisturize.  Moisturizing while your face is damp will help to lock in hydration.
• Avoid lowering your seat all the way back.  Fluid may retain in your eyes, causing bags to develop. Instead, sleep with your head elevated on a pillow.
  

Caring for skin in humid weather:

Unlike the havoc humidity wreaks on our hair, it is great for the skin, delivering tons of hydration. Skip heavy moisturizers and opt for a lightweight lotion. Always keep skin protected in hot, humid weather – be sure to slather on SPF, especially when exposed to the sun.

Caring for skin in cold weather:

Use an exfoliating cleanser to slough off dead skin cells that are created when your skin is dry and brittle. Wear a heavier moisturizer with a sunscreen to protect your skin from cold winds.

About Dr. Marina Peredo

Dr. Peredo, M.D., F.A.A.D, is a nationally recognized board certified dermatologist with over 20 years of experience.  Dr. Peredo has successfully treated patients with skin-related conditions and is also regarded as one of the leading dermatologic experts for non-invasive/minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.  She participates in many key professional organizations, conducts numerous clinical studies, is a national trainer, speaker and educator for prestigious dermatologic companies and does pro-bono work for beyond our borders.  www.marinaperedomd.com