We all know the benefits of drinking water, right?

It has been proven that drinking 8 – 8 oz glasses of water  hydrates the body and promotes a healthy glow to your skin. 

In addition to healthier looking skin, did you know drinking the right amount of water can also reduce tension in your body AND help fight depression?

Another interesting note about water is that it can shrink your pores. That’s right, before applying your morning face, splash it with cold water first. This easy little gesture shrinks pores naturally and leaves the foundation of your choice look and feel even smoother. And for the men, who doesn’t want smaller pores? Do the same thing, just minus the foundation part.

How else can mere water help the skin you’re in? Well, for all of you out there struggling with acne here is another tip. try drinking hot lemon water as soon as you wake up in the morning. Its natural healing properties reduces internal bacteria, lessening the outbreak of acne.

Another great acne fighter is using a high quality face wash that contains 2 % of salicylic acid. If possible, search for a foam wash, as it leaves the smallest amount of residue on the skin. 

After all, the skin is the largest organ in the body. Together we can take care of ourselves and one another!

More than 500 years before the birth of Christ, the benefits of white willow bark had been discovered and were in use by peoples as diverse as the biblical Hebrews and the American Cherokee Indians.

As early as the Greek philosopher and scientist Hippocrates (who gave us the “Hippocratic Oath”), folk remedies referred to the healing powers of white willow bark as a remedy.

We now know the active ingredient in white willow bark is salicylic acid.

Even its name remembers were it came from: the word “salicylic” is derived from the Latin word “salix,” meaning “willow tree,” the bark of which has given us a number of significant cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical wonder products, including aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid , originally also derived from the bark of the white willow) and FōHM by SOHM!Salicylic acid is a type of phenolic beta hydroxy acid. Just as everyone from the ancient Greeks to the American Indians recognized the usefulness of white oak bark to treat a number of problems, pharmacological standardization would turn the ancient discovery into a modern and tremendously effective treatment of acne, blackheads and whiteheads.

And now all the afternoon TV Talk Shows are buzzing about the benefits of salicylic acid to reduce the signs of aging skin.Whoever you are, whatever your face, however young or old, FōHM by SOHM is for you!

When applied morning and evening, FōHM by SOHM delivers an optimal 2% dose of salicylic acid for the purpose of treating acne and diminishing the occurrence of blackheads and whiteheads.

And now we also know that salicylic acid is effective in diminishing signs of aging such as dry, lusterless skin and the appearance of fine lines.

One more reason that morning and evening, the best way to begin and end your day is FōHM by SOHM! Check it out at www.fohmbysohm.com.

Most of us have heard about the amazing results achieved when Salicylic Acid is used to treat acne. Some folks are surprised to know that it can also be used to treat warts. Many people, however, are completely unaware of Salicylic Acid’s use as a treatment for fine lines and wrinkles.

Due to this compounds ability to peel away layers of skin, effectively ridding the skin of damaged cells at the same time, it’s efficacy as a cosmeceutical is as noteworthy as its unparalleled usefulness at fighting acne. The fact that Salicylic Acid fights wrinkles, age spots and uneven skin is very exciting in the world of beauty, and the compound can now be found in many makeup products, and face washes.

Because Salicylic Acid is a Beta Hydroxy (it comes from the Willow Bark Tree), it doesn’t actually penetrate the skin but stays on the surface. In this way, it gently burns away the top layers of skin. This not only results in wrinkle reduction and a more even complexion, but it also softens and smoothes the skins surface, creating a more radiant complexion.

Last but not least, Salicylic Acid is considered to be extremely safe and is highly recommended for wrinkle reduction and complexion care by some of the world’s top dermatologists. If you are one of the many people looking for a safe, effective way to keep wrinkles at bay, you may want to give this wonder-Hydroxy a try! For use in treating wrinkles, make sure to get a percentage of 1 to 2 percent for your best skin ever!

People use to believe a variety of myths pertaining to acne. It was commonly believed at one point that acne was strictly reserved for teenagers, young boys going through puberty, or even a direct result of eating oily, fried foods such as potato chips. Granted, incorporating a healthy diet into your overall health regime is a strong benefit for your skin.

There is still a bit of a mystery to some people in regards to the different types of acne. For example, do you know the difference between blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples? Don’t feel bad if you don’t. If you are anything like me you’re just hoping you don’t get any of the above!. The bottom line in all three is that they result from clogged pores. So, there’s a first step.

However, understanding the difference between blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples will allow you to better identify your skin and its type of breakouts. Oce you are familiar with the landscape of your skin and how and where pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads occur, the easier it is to treat your skin and find ways to prevent future break outs.

Let’s start with the more common word, pimple or “zit”. They are actually one in the same. A pimple is merely another form of acne. A pimple typically occurs when a whitehead or a blackhead has become infected. A tell tale sign of a pimple is that one or more of your pores are inflamed, and are often red. As with any part of our body that has ben introduced to an infection, our immune system immediately takes over and pumps excess blood to that area.

Now, let’s talk about whiteheads. When a pore becomes completely clogged with an oily type substance called sebum, or simply totally closed on the surface of the skin, it is referred to as a whitehead. One of the obvious signs of whiteheads, hence the name, is that literally it can appear as a small white bubble on your face. For “poppers”, (people obsessed with picking at their acne), are known for  commonly  popping or busting the whiteheads the moment it forms on the skin’s surface. There are several reasons why this compulsion is not a good idea. First and foremost, the bacteria released from the whitehead will simply infect your surrounding pores and cause new forms of acne. Secondly, extracting your own whiteheads inevitably leads to scarring and let’s face it, nobody wants that either. So, for all you poppers out there, try and practice restraint. I assure you it will pay off in the long run.

Now for those aggravating little blackheads! Where do they come from and why on earth are they black? One thing that separates a blackhead from a whitehead is that a blackhead’s pore is only partially closed or clogged, rather than completely. Because it is partially closed, therefore partially open, the oily substance we referred to as sebum becomes trapped. As the sebum becomes trapped it slowly drains into the skin and its pores. The oxygen in the air therefore reacts to the unhappy, exposed pore resulting in a black color.

Either way you slice it, acne is no picnic and something that we all want to avoid, regardless of our age. Using a quality cleanser or foam that contains a high percentage of Salicylic Acid is a great place to start. I always suggest washing twice a day, in the morning and again in the evening. Follow up with a natural toner such as Witch Hazel and hydrate your skin with a good moisturizer. If you have tend to have oily skin, look for products that read “Oil-Free”

I hope this clears up any questions!

When it comes to skin, men really are less sensitive than women! According to Dee Anna Glaser, MD, professor of Dermatology at Saint Louis University, “Men’s facial skin is typically thicker than women’s and less likely to be sensitive to ingredients in facial cleansers and moisturizers.” Men’s skin care routine will generally be significantly more simple than women’s as well, as they do not typically where cosmetics.

Shaving? That’s a different story. For men with heavy beards or curly or kinky hair, irritation and razor burn or bumps can be an ongoing issue. Here’s the good news: Proper skin care can make those things of the past!

While most men seem to prefer bar soap to liquid cleansers, if you have normal or oily skin (and really for all skin types), bar soap dries out your skin. “Try switching to a liquid cleanser,” says Glaser.

Most men experience acne at some point in their lives. Acne is caused by excess oil production that clogs pores and causes inflammation. When this troublesome skin issue “pops” up make sure to use a cleanser that contains Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, or Benzyl Peroxide. All three of these agents will exfoliate by removing the upper layers of dead skin and allowing for a deeper clean of the pores.

Salicylic Acid is much less drying than Benzyl Peroxide and can have less chance of irritation than Glycolic Acid. Find the one that’s right for you. All three of them also have antibacterial properties to help acne breakouts!

As far as moisturizing for men, loads and loads of moisturizers promise to both moisturize your face and keep it looking young. Unfortunately, not all of them actually deliver. In theory, antioxidants should help your skin when included in a moisturizer… in theory.

Sunlight and pollution will cause oxidation and damage to the skin. So far, however, we don’t have any science behind antioxidants helping one way or the other at the level they are contained in skin products. They can’t hurt, but the real must have in any moisturizer is a broad spectrum SPF.

Remember the days when your father would wash his face with a bar of soap and at very most splash on a little after-shave? Well, men’s skin care has come a long way from those times. These days, there are an overwhelming number of products formulated to meet the needs of the male epidermis. It shouldn’t be overwhelming to navigate your way through all of the grooming products though. Better skin can be achieved in a simple process of 3 important steps.

1- Cleanse

If you don’t do another thing, cleansing is the single most important thing a man can do for his face. It should be the basis of your skin care regimen, but that DOES NOT mean reaching for a bar of bath soap! Regular soap is very drying and will leave your skin too dry. Men typically have larger pores and active sebaceous glands. These glands are critical for keeping skin moist, but they can also produce too much sebum. This will leave your skin feeling (and looking) greasy.

2- Exfoliate

Even if you always use a face wash, most men’s skin will still feel bumpy, or course. Exfoliation must make an appearance in your skin care routine. There are some innovative new products that will both wash and exfoliate your face. Most of these contain Salicylic Acid, which gently exfoliates as well as prevents and clears acne, among other beneficial aspects. These are a great option to save time in the bathroom mirror!

Moisturize

For most men, skin care starts and stops with that old bar of bath soap mentioned earlier. There’s just one more, simple step you need to add after getting rid of that bar of soap and beginning to cleanse and exfoliate routinely!  A light moisturizer after washing and exfoliating can work wonders. Moisturizing helps replenish the skin’s moisture content and also will help prevent razor burn! Try a moisturizer with sunscreen, another way to multi-task.

So you won’t be prancing down the red carpet at the Oscars or making small chat with George Clooney this Oscar season? That doesn’t mean you can’t look the part! Gilded and glowing as those movie stars are, beauty experts are saying (shhhh) it’s actually not that difficult to get the “red carpet glow”… if you know what works.

·     First and foremost, you must start off with being diligent about your daily skin care regime. Gently exfoliating using a product with Salicylic or Glycolic Acid and moisturizing are the foundation for your red carpet skin.

·     Then comes “the latest buzz on the lips of Hollywood’s most famous glamour dolls” according to Adrien Arpel, who now conducts the “worlds largest beauty classroom” seen regularly on the Home Shopping Network and HSN.com, primers-as I skin primers. Primers are mostly silicone-based and go under your face make-up. They can turn a tired face that’s been up all night long into a fresh, dewy complexion again.

“It’s like spackle for the face. These products cover everything by putting a thin layer of nontoxic silicone between your skin and the makeup. It creates the look of a totally flawless complexion.” Says Arpel.

Another bonus? Experts say that with silicone primers you can wave goodbye to those pesky enlarged pores and acne scars. Even fine lines and wrinkles can be camouflaged beautifully.

·     Last but not least, perhaps nothing says Oscar glamour more than achieving that “Hollywood glow”. Everyone is looking for a luminous complexion such as stars like Michelle Williams, Charlize Theron, or the queen of glow, J-Lo. That glow can be yours with products called skin illuminators, say experts.

“These products were a breakthrough in makeup technology because by reflecting the light they make the skin smoother and younger,” says New York City celebrity makeup artist Laura Geller. The result of using a skin illuminator as part of your red carpet regimen completes that Red Carpet Glow!

Red Carpet Season is under way and the Oscars are just around the corner! Not all of us will be walking the red carpet for the Oscars, but there isn’t any reason we can’t all have red carpet skin! Here are some tips to get your face gorgeous and glowy, weather you will be on the red carpet, or not!

According to Beverly Hills dermatologist Stuart Kaplan, M.D., this is the recipe to get your skin in shape for any major event:

One week before the big event:

·     Continue to use a good skin care regimen. Do not try a brand new skin care product to avoid possible irritation or skin allergy!

·     Acne extractions of blackheads and whiteheads can be done at this point with enough time to allow complete healing. Do not try to do your own extractions, or pick at pimples and blemishes. If extractions are needed, see a professional.

·     Now is an excellent time to get a facial! A good facial can help the skin look fresh and rested. Remember not to try new ingredients while receiving your facial though. Reactions are rare, but possible.

The day of the event-

·     Some people experience a minor rash or hives before big events due to a hectic schedule and nervousness. Try a relaxing warm bath with a soothing bath treatment.

·     Drink loads of water. Many people remember to stay hydrated up until the day of the event, and then neglect hydration on the day itself. Staying hydrated with plenty of purified water or herbal tea the day of the event will not only keep your skin from looking dehydrated, but will help your energy levels throughout the day and night!

·     Don’t drink too much alcohol since it can make your face appear flushed!

·     Now that you have the tips you’ll need to keep your skin movie star gorgeous, head off to the Red Carpet (or just look like you are)!

In the past, acne was a thing to be ashamed of and hide. Consequently, pimples were often “popped” and picked at with the results of 1. Produce deeper and more infected tissue and, 2. Leads to the scaring that will often stay with you forever. Thankfully, times have changed and young Hollywood today does not allow acne to define them or keep them from being public figures.

In increasing numbers, today’s teens (in Hollywood and beyond) acknowledge the problem of acne openly. This allows them to take whatever action they can in order to deal with it! In fact, Hollywood has actually helped a lot by so often incorporating the issue of acne into their series and films. Now when one of our current teen stars experiences a breakout in real life, it is often incorporated into the theme of the show.

So now, lets talk what many dermatologists that treat Hollywood actors do to treat acne and lessen the severity of outbreaks.

Rule #1- Dirt doesn’t cause acne, so DON’T over wash your face or body, or use harsh scrubs. Two gentle washings a day is sufficient. Anything more can leave healthy skin dry and irritated. This actually triggers glands to produce even more oil with the result being more acne.

Rule #2- Don’t use alcohol based products. People always think they clean more deeply, or “sanitize” and kill bacteria that is causing the blemish, but the truth is that alcohol merely strips the top layer of skin. Once again, this only causes excessive dryness and irritation.

Because blemishes are caused by dead skin cells that haven’t sloughed off, the most important part of treating and preventing acne is exfoliation. Exfoliation is typically thought of as being harsh and rough, like sandpaper, but that will actually only damage the skin. Keep your exfoliation practice consistent and gentle!

Finally, since the over all idea is to keep skin exfoliated in order to be properly treated, it makes no sense to load it up the next morning with animal fat-based and chemical-derivative cosmetics. It cannot be emphasized enough the importance of using natural, balanced cosmetics on the skin to lessen the chances and severity of acne!