Friday, December 11, 2009

4 Secrets to Amazing Skin

Has too much fun in the sun left your skin looking more beach bum than beach babe? Lisa Airan, a top N.Y.C. dermatologist, offers tips to save face (and your body!)

1. Layer Your Moisturizer
Sun, chlorine and saltwater can take a toll on skin, leaving your body dry and itchy. Instead of slathering on a heavy cream, which sounds as appealing as wearing a wool sweater to the beach, Airan suggests rehydrating in the shower (Olay's body wash contains vitamins E, B3 and B5 to help reduce water loss), then applying a lightweight lotion to damp skin.

Olay In-Shower body lotion, $7; drugstore.com.

Brian Henn/Time Inc. Digital Studio

Brian Henn/Time Inc. Digital Studio

2. Slough and Brighten
"A dull complexion is the biggest complaint I hear after beach season," says Airan. Her solution: Wash with a mild soap and face-cleansing brush to remove dead skin, then dust on a light-reflecting powder throughout the day. "I keep an extra compact in my desk for when I need a boost," she says.

Clarisonic Plus brush, $225; clarisonic.com. Clé de Peau Beauté highlighting powders, $30 each; at Neiman Marcus.

3. Spots Be Gone
Freckles, sun splotches -- as far as this porcelain-skinned derm is concerned, they both need attention. While prescription-strength bleaching creams help, these formulas also cause sun hypersensitivity, so wait until the fall to start using one. For stubborn spots, Airan uses the YAG laser (about $350 per spot) to zap away pigmentation.

Tri-Luma cream; by prescription only.

4. Take Vitamins
"We're constantly telling our patients to minimize sun exposure," says Airan. "But UV rays actually trigger vitamin D synthesis, which studies have found to help prevent osteoporosis." If you aren't getting at least 10 minutes of direct sunlight three times a week, consider taking a daily supplement.

Lisa Airan vitamin D drops, $16; 212-400-0999.

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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 13
  • Wendy's Avatar
    Posted by Wendy Sat Aug 22, 2009 8:51am PDT

    this article said nothing to me...

    Report Abuse
  • Judy's Avatar
    Posted by Judy Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:39pm PDT

    ...more i say is that just take good care of skin!!! to prevent skin problems

    Report Abuse
  • Jen_14's Avatar
    Posted by Jen_14 Wed Oct 14, 2009 9:36am PDT

    I love how they push these products.... just fyi... Oil of Olay is a Proctor & Gamble product and they test on animals. Check everything in your house from your laundry detergent to stuff in your bathroom, kitchen, food etc... I bet 90% is P&G. I stopped using them 20 years ago and haven't missed them. I've seen what they do to animals and you would have nightmares for years. GREAT PRODUCTS HUH?

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Comments 1-10 of 13

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