Author Archives: futurederm

Incredible for Oily Skin: Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser

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If there’s one word that’s on everyone’s lips at the start of a new year, it’s “detox.”  From our diets to our closets, it seems people everywhere can’t get enough of a fresh start.  So it’s no wonder that Boscia just released their new Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser ($28.00).  It’s definitely a potent one, with what I estimate to be approximately 1% glycolic acid and charcoal extract.  Here’s why I recommend it primarily for oily and acne-prone skin: Charcoal For hundreds of... read more

My New Obsession: Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Balm

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Happy 2012!  To kick off this year, I thought I’d start out with one of the season’s hottest launches, Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Balm ($25.00).  The balm is one of the most advanced of its kind, with a whopping eight different kinds of hydrating oils.  Leading the pack is jojoba oil, which Native Americans have used to protect skin against the elements for thousands of years.  Jojoba oil forms a lipid layer on the skin that is partially absorbed by the skin, granting both protective and softening effects (Gale... read more

Likewise Facial Moisturizer Plus Sun Protectant SPF 50 for Normal to Oily Skin Review

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In the harsh Pittsburgh winter, I often find myself needing to layer a moisturizer under my usual sunscreen.  Luckily, a company recently sent me Likewise Facial Moisturizer Plus Sun Protectant for Normal to Dry Skin ($34.99) for possible review.   The moisturizer is truly a dream:  it hydrates very well, glides on smooth, and, of course, has an array of proven anti-aging ingredients.  These include: Star #1:  Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a water-soluble component of the vitamin B complex group.... read more

The Best Cyber Monday Beauty Deals of 2011

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Hurray – it’s Cyber Monday!   This year, I’m trying to make 90+% of my purchases online, for both convenience and to avoid the dreaded wallet crunch of buying more than I intend to when I hit the stores.  Here are some of the best buys in beauty today: Amazon:  Amazon is offering Cyber deals all day today, including Lightning Deals available for a limited time only on this page. Bath & Body Works:  25% off any purchase with code CYBERMONDAY25OFF, 11/28 through 11/29.  Get an additional 10% cash back if you sign... read more

Salon Review: Verve 360 Degrees of Wellness Pittsburgh

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If you’re more Gwen Stefani than Gwyneth Paltrow, and happen to be in Pittsburgh, then Verve 360 Degrees of Wellness Pittsburgh is the salon for you.  It’s a cross between modern hipster and trendy sophisticate, with brick-walled interior, urban lighting, and upscale yet unpretentious services and products.  For instance, the nail polish offered is not the typical OPI or Essie, but the very modern indie brand Zoya.  Even the music played is for a woman of taste – not stuck-up, but definitely hip, well-versed and... read more

What is Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), and Why is it in Beauty Products?

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Every time you turn around, it seems there’s a new hot ingredient appearing in the world of cosmetic chemistry.  One such ingredient is polymethyl methacrylate, or PMMA.  Long used by orthopaedic surgeons in bone cement for joint replacement or to replace a skull bone defect, PMMA got its start in cosmetics as an injectable in Artecoll® (PMMA suspended in bovine collagen) and MetaCrill® (PMMA suspended in a chemical colloid).  As an injectable, it is used to treat an array of conditions for 1-3 months per treatment, ranging from... read more

Does Dior Capture Totale Eyes Essential Eye Boosting Serum Really Boost the Effectiveness of Your Skin Care?

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Rodan + Fields designed a roller.  Clarisonic has the Opal.  Everywhere you look, it seems new products are emerging to increase the efficacy of your skin care.  Yet Dior was the first major company to design a cream that is supposed to increase the efficacy of other creams.  Called Dior Capture Totale Eyes Essential Eye Boosting Serum ($95.00, Amazon.com), the serum claims to increase the efficacy of any skin care cream up to 4x, as well as to leave the eye area appearing “well-rested” and... read more