If you’ve been following our blog in recent months, you’ll know that we’ve been releasing the results of a series of scientific examinations of our products. Each of number of selected products have been subjected to a rigorous use test. They were given to discerning skin care product testers, who used them for a period of time. Each participant then completed a survey to assess how well the product performed.

The most recent test, and the final one in this batch, was for a product formulated to take care of the delicate skin that surrounds the eyes. This skin, because of its fineness and sensitivity, is particularly prone to show the signs of aging. It’s also the first place most people look when they see a new or familiar face — the eyes are where the soul meets the world. Keeping that skin in hydrated and toned is very important to maintaining a youthful appearance.

The product we created to fill this important role is HydroShield Eye Fix Duo. It’s a Duo product because the skin above and below the eyes requires different treatment. For the upper eye, Eye Fix contains a moisturizing cream to hydrate and firm the skin, while for the lower eye, a hydrating gel promotes the reduction of wrinkles and lines, helping the skin remain firm and youthful.

In each of the previous tests, our products were met with high praise. Eye Fix was no exception. 90% of participants reported that Eye Fix reduced the appearance of dry lines and wrinkles around the eyes. 80% found that after use, the skin surrounding both their upper and lower eyelids was hydrated and firmer.

HydroShield Eye Fix Duo is intended to be used in the evening before sleeping, but it can be used at any time of the day if a little extra hydration is needed. Because each of the products is also available separately, if you find one of the regions around your eyes needs more attention than the other and you run out of one product, you can replenish your supplies individually.

It took us many years of experimentation and development to create our products and it always makes us happy to see that what we created is helping women all over America look and feel as beautiful as they deserve.

We’ll be running more scientific studies of our products in the future, so if you want to keep up with the latest Dr. Denese news and make sure you don’t miss out on the chance of future giveaways, follow us and say “hi!” on Twitter and Facebook.

One lucky Mom is going to win everything she needs for the ultimate skincare experience.

At Dr. Denese, we understand that the stresses and strains of being a Mom can leave you feeling flat and frazzled. Finding a peaceful moment all to yourself amid the parenting whirlwind isn’t easy.

If anyone deserves a bit of pampering now and then, it’s the Moms of America, so we’ve teamed up with Makeover Momma to offer a very special giveaway to help the Moms out there look and feel as special as they are.

Dr. Adrienne Denese, a Harvard-educated specialist in anti-aging medicine, has spent many years developing the finest range of science-based skincare products available. Her expertise, and that of the many skincare scientists at Skincare Labs, is dedicated to the creation of skincare products with the most advanced, clinically proven active ingredients in precisely the right combinations to reduce the signs of visible aging and leave skin looking clear and radiant.

For the best results, Dr. Denese recommends the Six Step Program. Dr. Denese recognized that for skincare to be most effective, there are six individual aspects of skincare that should be addressed: cleansing, exfoliation, stimulation, lipid promotion, maintenance, and protection. Each Dr. Denese product is designed to play its part in the complete six step regimen.

The lucky recipient of the Dr. Denese / Makeover Momma giveaway will receive everything she needs to take part in the full Six Step program, including Hydrating Cleanser, Advanced Firming Facial Pads, Contouring Serum, HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum, HydroShield Dream Cream, and the SPF 30 Defense Day Cream.

To be in with a chance of winning all this, and much more, follow us on Twitter or Facebook, or say hi in the comments below, and then head on over to Makeover Momma to see full details of what you could win and how to win it.

Be sure to join the #BeMakeoverMomma Twitter parties on Feb 20th for a chance to win more great products.

Dr. Denese giveaways are an awesome way to promote your site and bring in lots of new traffic. If you have a beauty or skincare blog, get in touch with us here to find out how you can run your own Dr. Denese giveaway.

Over recent months, we’ve been running a series of studies into the effectiveness of our products. The science was undeniable, but we needed to know that our laboratory-tested products worked just as well for our customers in the real world.

We’re thrilled to report that our HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum aced every one of the tests in our study. Across each of the categories we measured, HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum received positive responses from 100% of participants.

That means all of the people who participated in our study saw a marked improvement in dry lines and wrinkles, a reduction in roughness and dryness, and an increase in hydration. The study results mesh brilliantly with our lab tests, which used very accurate scientific equipment to measure levels of skin hydration and found that HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum produced a 184% increase in hydration within quarter of an hour.

The serum is based on Dr. Denese’s proprietary HydroShield technology, which contains a precisely calibrated ratio of ingredients that have been proven to improve skin’s hydration levels, including skin identical lipids, ceramides, and glycolipids. These work together with the skin’s natural defense systems to strengthen the lipid barrier that keeps moisture within the skin, protecting it from being dispersed into the atmosphere by harmful environmental factors like air conditioning, dry climates, and cold weather.

Skin loses its resilience as it ages. Over time it becomes less able to maintain the radiance, tone, and clarity that are key factors in retaining a healthy appearance. It is less able to rebound from the daily environmental assault each exposed skin cell is subject to. HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum gives the skin’s own barriers a boost, helping them to retain essential moisture.

HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum produces supple, soft, and lustrous skin that lasts for hours. Used as part of our carefully designed total skincare program, the serum will help skin to remain youthful, combating the signs of visible aging by ensuring that skin cells have the moisture they need, avoiding the dessication that occurs throughout the day.

We’re always extremely gratified when customers in their daily lives find our products as effective as we expect them to be. If reaffirms our confidence in the years of scientific investigation that contributed to the creation of every one of our skincare products.

Over the years, many of our valued customers have written to us to talk about the difference our products have made to their skin. We love to hear about your experiences; it’s what drives us to strive for continuous innovation and improvement.
When we decided to put our products to the test, we were certain our customer’s reports would be borne out by the science. We couldn’t have been more pleased by the results.

One of the products tested in our clinical survey is our Firming Facial Age Corrector Cream, a night cream we developed to help combat the visible signs of aging with an overnight facial. Our goal was to have everyone who used this product wake up the next morning with a younger and healthier looking face. Firming Facial Age Corrector Cream uses the same skincare technology as our popular Advanced Firming Facial Pads. The formulation of our Actizone Firming Factor allows this unique night cream to work its magic while you sleep.

Every person who tested this product reported noticeable improvements in their skin’s firmness and elasticity, factors that are closely linked to the appearance of aging. Furthermore, 100% of participants saw improvements in the radiance, tone, and clarity that are key indicators of skin health. Nine out of ten participants also reported significant reductions in both lines and wrinkles.

We love what we do. Helping women face the world with confidence in the condition and appearance of their skin is a mission that’s close to our hearts. This scientific validation of our success is hugely important to us, and it inspires us to go on creating the products that make a difference to the lives of our customers all over the world.
We’re going to be unveiling more results over the coming months, so be sure to follow our blog to find out the results for your favorite Dr. Denese product.

The major culprit is sebum. Everyone produces sebum. It’s part of the skin’s natural defences and helps to protect it against bacteria and stay hydrated. This is one of the reasons that using a harsh cleanser that strips away the sebum and other oils on the face is a bad idea. Sebum is a necessary part of healthy skin.

However, sebum production is regulated by a complex mechanism that can be upset by a variety of factors, including hormone changes, age, genetics, the environment, diet, among many others. Hormone levels are especially important. That’s why women get spots at particular points in the menstrual cycle. Contrary to commonly held beliefs, eating fatty foods does not cause acne, but general health does affect hormone levels.

Acne is also not a sign of uncleanliness. Even the cleanest people can get acne, and overuse of some cleansing products can actually increase sebum levels and make it worse. Washing away surface oils does nothing to prevent acne because the problem is deeper down.

Too much sebum leads to facial pores being blocked by sebum plugs, which create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. These bacteria, combined with the body’s immune response to them, are what causes the visual manifestation of acne.

Don’t be tempted to squeeze or pick at spots. With the exception of very serious outbreaks, which should be treated by a dermatologist, pimples will clear up by themselves with a little help. Squeezing or popping them can lead to scarring.

Makeup

Makeup can sometimes aggravate or cause acne, so if pimples appear after you use a new product, it’s a good idea to use something different to see if your skin clears up.

For some women, acne is very embarrassing, and the natural response is to cover it with a heavy layer of makeup. Unfortunately, too much makeup can interfere with the healing process and make things worse, so go easy on the concealer.

There are many products available that are specially designed to help with acne. Choose oil-free makeup and creams, especially those containing salycilic acid, glycolic acid, or hydroquinone that will lighten the appearance of pimples and scars, and help remove dead skin.

Topical Treatments

Over-the-counter preparations containing retinol can have a positive impact on acne. Retinol breaks down into a chemical called retinoid, which is similar to vitamin A, and is one of the ways that the body regulates sebum production.

Prescription creams are available that contain retenoid itself. These are very effective at reducing the appearance of pimples by limiting the production of sebum.

Some essential oils, like Rose Hip Seed Oil also contain retenoids.

Hormone Treatments

Because sebum production is directly influenced by hormones, altering the levels of those hormones can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

Androgens, which are male sex hormones, promote the production of sebum, and estrogens, female sex hormones, can inhibit that production. The contraceptive pill, which contains androgen blockers and estrogens, can help regulate the balance of hormones and reduce periodic acne outbreaks.

There are also specifically designed androgen blockers available from physicians which have the same effect.

Accutane

Accutane(isotretinoin) is a retinoid treatment that is taken orally in pill form, rather than in creams. It is a very effective treatment for acne, but, because of the serious and sometimes permanent side effects that it can cause, its use is heavily regulated. Accutane should only be considered in the case of serious and long-lasting acne.

Have our suggestions worked for you in the past? Or do you have another acne fighting strategy? Feel free to share your advice and experiences in the comments

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First a word about what these dreaded dark circles are. For those with darker skin, one of the main causes periorbital hyperpigmentation, which just means that there is more pigmentation around the eyes than the rest of the face. The skin around the eyes is some of thinnest in the whole body, and for lighter-skinned people, when the skin is pale because of tiredness, illness, or because they inherited especially thin skin from their parents, these blood vessels will show through the skin a bit like a bruise. As we age, our skin also becomes thinner, so older people are more likely to have dark rings than younger people.

Cover Up With Concealer

Both concealer and liquid foundation will do the trick, but not all concealers are appropriate. Cream concealers work best. The skin around the eyes is a highly mobile and expressive area, so a dry product will be prone to cracking.

The concealer should be applied after foundation and eye makeup, and it should be applied sparingly. Too much concealer, over too wide an area, will not create a desirable look. Carefully cover the dark areas, and then blend the concealer outwards.

Use A Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to the area around the eye may reduce the appearance of dark circles. Because the circles are caused, in many cases, by blood vessels that are visible beneath the skin, and applying a cold compress causes those tiny blood vessels to constrict, the flow of blood and the coloration it causes is reduced.

There are various natural remedies that have a similar effect. Applying cold cucumbers to the eyes for 15 minutes may help to reduce darkness and puffiness, as will a cold teabag or ice-cube wrapped in a cloth. Some people use a frozen spoon, although you should take care with this method — too cold and it’s possible to cause serious damage to your eyes and the skin around them.

Seek Medical Help

In some cases, where dark circles are caused by excess pigmentation or hereditary skin thinness, you might want to consult your physician for a more permanent solution. Both chemical peels and laser treatments can help reduce dark circles, and there are injectable fillers that can work to prevent shadows.

Lifestyle Changes

Not sleeping properly is the major cause of temporary dark shadows under the eyes. An adequate sleep schedule is one of the most effective ways to improve general well-being and appearance.

Smoking has an effect on the vascular system, making blood vessels appear more prominent. In addition to the other reasons to stop smoking, it may help reduce dark shadows and it will certainly help to keep your skin looking youthful for longer.

We’re sure you have your own tips and tricks for reducing the appearance of dark rings. Don’t hesitate to share them with us the comments, and let us know how our advice is working out for you

Image credit: KnockOut_Photographs

It’s not all bad news though, oily skin types are actually less prone to the signs of aging, because oils work to keep moisture trapped within the epidermis. That, however, is cold comfort to those of us who have to live with skin that looks slick and greasy no matter how much it’s cleaned.

Oils are a necessary part of our skin’s protective mechanisms, so we have to find a balance between removing the excess, and overdoing it, which can lead to dry skin. Unfortunately, using harsher skin treatments, which will strip away the oil, will also cause the body to start producing more oil to compensate and can make the problem worse over the long term.

Oily skin is a common problem, and there are many products designed especially to reduce the appearance of shiny patches.

Cleansers

Our first line of defense against overproduction of skin oils is cleansers. They will remove the worst of the problem, but it’s important not to wash too often. You may be tempted to wash your face several times during the day to reduce its shine, but excessive cleansing can cause skin to become unhealthy, produce even more oils, and may be the cause of acne breakouts. It’s far better to limit cleanser use to the morning after you wake up, and in the evening before you go to bed.

Occasionally using a cleanser more often, when you are going out in the evening, for example, won’t do much damage, so long as you don’t do it every day.

Many dermatologists recommend that people with oily skin avoid cleansers containing detergent, which, although effective for oil removal, may be too harsh for those with sensitive skin.

When you’re choosing a cleanser, keep an eye out for those that contain salicylic acid or glycolic acid. If you go for a medicated cleanser designed for people with acne, it will also help reduce the amount of oil.

As with all skincare products, you should experiment to find the one that works best for you.

If you feel your skin is oily during the day, you can use medicated cleansing pads to remove the excess, but a better solution can be to use medicated blotting paper, which is designed to soak up oils without exposing the skin to harsh products more often than necessary.

Toners

We’re often told to avoid astringent products that contain alcohol, however, when it comes to toners, low-alcohol content products will do little to help with oily skin.

The best products are those with a higher quantity of alcohol; they will help to reduce the amount of oil on the skin surface, while also providing a humectant to keep it hydrated.

Everyone’s skin is different though, so if you experience excessive drying when using a product with a lot of alcohol, experiment with a less astringent product until you find the perfect combination of ingredients.

Witch Hazel is a great, natural product for toning oily skin.

Moisturizers

Moisturizers designed for normal and dry skin can have a negative impact on oily skin. However, even with oily skin, dermatologists recommend that you moisturize. You will probably be using products that remove much of the skin’s protective barrier, and moisturizing helps replace and retain moisture.

Avoid oil-based moisturizers for obvious reasons. Choose an oil-free product that will hydrate and protect without increasing shininess.

See A Dermatologist

For most people, maintaining a skincare regimen using the products we’ve recommended will be enough to reduce oiliness to an acceptable level, but if you are finding it difficult to manage your oily skin, talk to your dermatologist. They are experts, and can provide you with personalized advice and product recommendations based on a thorough evaluation of your skin.

Do you have any recommendations or tips you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below.

Image credit: studio.es

Among the 5 products tested was our HydroShield Hydrating Dream Cream. We created the HydroShield line of products to increase moisture retention, smooth and reduce the appearance of dry lines and wrinkles, rejuvenate dry skin, and deliver advanced hydration for a more youthful appearance. The secret is our innovative Intelligent Hydration Technology, which is able to actually locate dry patches and deliver hydration specifically to those targeted areas. Sounds great on paper, right? But how did this technology really stand up when it was tested in real life?

Of the 10 people who tested the Dream Cream, 9 of them reported seeing fewer wrinkles. That alone is pretty amazing. Even more incredibly, every single one of the study participants declared that they saw a significant reduction in dry lines and rough skin, with an improvement in the overall hydration and moisture retention of their skin. That’s 100% positive results!

HydroShield Hydrating Dream Cream was developed and designed to work in conjunction with our HydroShield Face Serum to prevent moisture loss and dramatically rehydrate the skin. It’s perfect for anyone who has dry, parched skin, skin that is lined and wrinkled, or skin that feels tight and dehydrated from a lack of proper moisture balance. As the participants of this study discovered, in just one application, our innovative HydroShield products deliver the perfect balance of moisture and effectively tackle fine lines and wrinkles for a more hydrated, youthful appearance.

Want to learn more about how our other best-selling products fared? Stay tuned for more results from our clinical study! We’re sure you won’t be disappointed.

However, much of the benefit of using moisturizer depends on choosing one with a formulation that is designed to work best with your skin’s type and condition. Applying the wrong formulation can lead to a less than ideal appearance, and in some cases can exacerbate skin conditions like acne and shininess.

Know Your Skin Type

The most important part of choosing the right moisturizer is to be aware of your skin type. Skin is a complex organ that differs between people. A friend may report that they had a fabulous experience with a particular product, but that doesn’t mean that it’s right for you.

Help Your Face’s Natural Defenses.

Skin has evolved with a degree of natural protection in the form of oils that create a protective barrier against the elements, preventing moisture from being lost. People with naturally dry skin, or those who find that using facial cleansers strips away those oils and leaves the face feeling raw and exposed need to choose an oil-based moisturizer to replace the skin’s natural oils.

On the other hand, if you are prone to oily and shiny skin, using a oil-based product is going to exacerbate the problem, and so you should choose a water-based, non-greasy product.

Sensitive Skin?

Often, the skin can react badly to particular chemicals. For many people this isn’t a problem, and the chemicals that reputable companies put their products are carefully selected to give the best possible results. Natural products are great, but scientifically formulated moisturizers take the best of nature and improve on it.

That being said, some people’s skin will have an adverse reaction to a particular chemical. If your skin is very sensitive, or you have an allergy, then choose a moisturizer that doesn’t contain dyes or perfumes.

Age Matters.

As we age our skin becomes less elastic and more permeable. This means that it is not able to retain so much moisture naturally. Older people should select a thicker product that will form a barrier that prevents the loss of water and keep the skin hydrated.

Choose A Product Designed For Your Environment

In addition to skin-type and age, the conditions your skin is exposed to should be taken into consideration. During the summer months, much of the damage is caused by ultraviolet light from the sun. Getting a tan is great, but it’s not great for your skin’s health. If you plan on basking in the summer sun or working outdoors, choose a product that contains some degree of protection against the sun’s rays, preferably with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) greater than 30. If you don’t want to forgo the tanned look, there are tanning and tinting products available.

The fall and winter months can also be harsh on delicate skin. Cold, wind, and central heating will all cause skin loose hydration, so at this time of year, using a thicker formula that will protect the skin from the elements is advisable.

If you’re unsure of which products will work well with your skin, then check with a dermatologist. They will assess your skin’s condition and type and advise you of the best moisturizing product to keep it looking and feeling fantastic.

If you have any advice you’d like to share about choosing skincare products, please feel free to make a comment and join the conversation.

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In the modern world, sweet and fatty food is all too common, so we seek to satisfy our evolved cravings and end up indulging to excess in just those foods that are the least good for us.

The skin is our largest organ, and it’s an extremely complex system that can easily be affected by our diet. In many cases, it’s exactly the foods we desire the most that can have a harmful effect on the skin’s health and appearance.

The Good

That’s not to say that the foods that are good for our skin are not appetizing. It just takes a bit of knowledge and self-control to find the tasty treats that will both make our skin look great and contribute to a healthy diet overall.

Vitamins

Vitamins A, B, C, and E are particularly good for the skin.

Vitamin A is essential for maintaining a healthy skin. It’s a necessary nutrient for forming the epithelial cells that are found in the skin and other parts of the body. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from harmful the free radicals that contribute to aging.

Vitamin B is actually a collection of related vitamins, many of which are essential to keeping the skin in tip-top condition. Biotin (B7) is an essential vitamin for the production of many of the elements of the skin. B2 helps maintain the skin’s chemical balance. B6 prevents puffiness, and B12 controls cell aging and growth.

Vitamins E and C are also crucial nutrients for proper skin formation and protection against the elements.

A healthy diet contains all of these vitamins. However, so long as a person has a healthy diet and no health problems that lead to vitamin deficiencies, it’s not necessary to take vitamin supplements. Eat well, and your skin will get more than enough of what it needs. In fact, taking too many high-dose vitamin supplements can lead to hypervitaminosis, which can seriously harm your body.

Antioxidants

In addition to vitamins, there are various other antioxidants to be found in food. Both polyphenol and lycopene are antioxidants that are readily found in fresh fruits and vegetables, and can reduce the visible signs of aging.

Essential Fatty Acids

These are the good fats: fats that are a necessary part of the diet and cannot be manufactured by the body (that’s what essential means). They are responsible for keeping skin cells plump and hydrated, helping reduce the incidence of acne breakouts, and may help improve the appearance of cellulite.

The Bad

Sugars

Excess sugars are responsible for a process known as glycation, in which they react with the proteins and fats in the body, forming chemicals that can do a great deal of damage and contribute to increased aging of the skin.

Dairy

Dairy products contain elements that can promote inflammation and aging. Milk contains lots of good nutrients as well, but those can also be found in other foods that don’t have the negative impact that dairy can have.

Dairy foods have also been linked to worsening existing acne issues.

Fats and Oils

Not all fats are harmful, and some are essential. Cutting fat out of a diet altogether is very unhealthy. In fact, it’s possible to eat a diet of completely lean meats and vegetables, and still starve because of a lack of the necessary monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats coupled with excess protein (known as rabbit starvation).

The fats to avoid are saturated fats and trans fats, which are found in fatty meats, dairy products, and baked goods.

Best Foods for the Skin

Dark Chocolate

This may come as a welcome surprise, but dark chocolate with high cocoa levels contains lots of antioxidant flavanols, which help combat free radicals. Unfortunately, milk chocolate and white chocolate are not nearly so beneficial.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are full of the anti-aging antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene, can help the skin to remain youthful, fresh, and glowing.

Spinach

Most leafy vegetable are a great addition to the diet, but spinach is especially good for the skin. It’s full of Vitamins B and C, as well as lutein, which is a great promoter of skin hydration (and helps keep eyes healthy).

Salmon

Salmon — preferably wild rather than farmed — has a host of nutrients that help maintain the skin in peak condition, including vitamin D, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Canned Tuna

Like salmon, this inexpensive source of protein is packed with selenium, which helps to keep the skin tight and smooth.

Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins A and B.

Green Tea

Green tea contains the antioxidant catechin, which has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Walnuts

Walnuts, and some other nuts, are an excellent way to increase the amount of fatty acids in a diet. They also contain a lot of Vitamin B, which helps prevent skin disorders

What are your favorite foods for keeping your skin looking good and feeling healthy? Feel free to share with us in the comments.

Image credit: studio.es