World renowned dermatologist, Patricia Wexler, most noted for her innovative skincare consultations and tough-love approach to adult acne, has recently produced a complete daily acne system, ‘Acnescription’- a ground-breaking approach to treating, healing, and preventing future breakouts for mature skin. In a recent press release, Wexler noted that the secret to a blemish free complexion is consistency. “To completely and efficiently treat acne, you must follow a regimen that doesn’t over-treat the problem but truly target-treats all of the factors that contribute to a troubled and blemished skin.” BeautyStat couldn’t agree more.

The ‘Acnescription’ line targets blemishes and addresses the skin’s anti-aging needs through Wexler’s patented MMPi technology and Niacyl – a delivery system that ultimately strengthens the complexion to produce a look and feeling of youthful skin. Included in the set is the Exfoliating Glycolic Peel system – which provides daily exfoliation for optimal cell-turnover on the skins surface. The MMPi-20 Anti Aging Acne Serum is also great for not only preventing acne breakouts, but it also serves to firm the skin while visibly minimizing the appearance of fine lines and pigmented spots left from previous breakouts. Sound like a winning combination? Trust me; it’s one of the best systems on the market.

The Acnescription line can be purchase exclusively at Bath & Body Works or online.

If you have a friend who gets breakouts, email her this post and give this post a LIKE.. thanks!

- Nicole L. Townsend

The serum packs cationic conditioners, protein, ceramide, and shea butter to hydrate, then smooth the hair cuticle, temporarily reducing volume derived from frizz and dryness. The company directs the user to apply the serum to damp hair and blow-dry, then reapply the serum for added smoothing, depending on how badly it’s needed. I found that the serum does its job a little too well – I over-applied the first time and ended up with limp locks. For the next go-round, I kept the product on the last two inches of my hair, and it worked perfectly to seal off my split ends. Depending on your level of damage (and by ‘your,’ this time I actually mean ‘your’) you can customize the level of treatment – anything to preserve sanity in those harrowing weeks before a much needed haircut.

Got a friend that could use this tip? Why don’t you share it with them and give this post a LIKE? Thanks!

- Katharine McKenzie

Many of us know all too well that stretch marks work their way into being during times of quick weight gain, such as pregnancy. As the holistic plastic surgeon Dr. Shirley Madere explains, the stretch marks are better prevented than treated, since no treatment, not even surgery, can completely remove the unsightly lines.

To that end, the gel ($33) contains a 35% concentration of their patented alchemilla, ivy, and horsetail to prevent stretch marks from forming, while the Phytolastil Solution ($39) uses an 80% concentration of the same formula to fade existing marks.

In some countries (not ours) health insurance plans cover Phytolastil because it’s considered the best treatment for stretch marks in existence – its potent concoction of flavenoids and tannins smooth and tighten the affected skin like no other. So here’s to 35th years of stress-free bathing suits and low cut blouses. With Phytolastil, women afflicted by stretch marks can diminish them into near-nothingness. Phytolastil is available in select Duane Reade’s, CVS stores, and at www.lierac-usa.com.

White Caviar Illuminating Cream drenches the skin with moisture as it provides lifting and firming benefits. Pearlescent powders in the cream give immediate illumination, while a complex of brightening ingredients works to control age spots and discoloration on the skin’s surface. Continued use promotes brighter, younger-looking skin as dark spots are prevented, and the skin is firmed and protected from environmental damage.

White Caviar Illuminating Serum interrupts the cycle that creates age spots, stopping discoloration before it begins. As existing spots fade, firmness, hydration and anti-oxidant protection are increased. This lightweight fluid may be added under any moisturizer to help prevent future discoloration and keep the skin looking its best.
White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum is a high-performing antidote to under-eye darkness. It causes the skin in this area to appear lighter and brighter for a more wide-awake and energized look. In addition, puffiness is reduced and the skin is lifted, firmed and smoothed with wrinkle-reducers. This formula adds power to any eye cream worn over it, increasing hydration and protection benefits.

Typical of products from La Prairie, this system combines premium ingredients with serious science, so expect serious price tags to match. White Caviar Illuminating Cream retails at $450/ 1.7 oz.; White Caviar Illuminating Serum at $450/ 1.0 oz.; and White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum at $250/0.5 oz. As a luxurious touch, the White Caviar Illuminating Système is housed in substantial white pearlescent jars with silver caviar beads around the cap.

On-counters now, La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Système is available at Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and www.laprairie.com.

Vitamin A has been shown to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and even out skin tone. This serum contains the most effective yet mildest for of Vitamin A – it easily penetrates skin without stinging. Vitamin C improves the production of collagen and can prevent damage caused by free radicals. Another key ingredient in this serum is Grape Fruit Peel Oil which helps to detoxify and tone the skin.

The serum has the consistency of a gel yet is oil like at the same time. It takes a few minutes to absorb into skin and after absorbed leaves skin silky. This serum is best for combination and normal to dry skin. Clinical results show that 82% of testers showed an improvement in skin texture and 79% saw a decrease in deep lines and wrinkles after 30 days of use.

We love that it is so light and the texture is such that it glides on your skin effortlessly. We did notice a decrease in our wrinkles and lines after just a few days of use. What we love about Lisa Hoffman’s skincare line is that it never compromises quality. We’ll toast to that!

Find it at lisahoffmanskincare.com $95.00.

Disclosure: We received a bottle of this product to review for editorial purposes.

Origins Brighter By Nature Skin Tone Correcting Serum gives you an alternative to costly chemical peels and resurfacing and significantly reduces dark spots and discolorations.

In scientific testing, patients saw 73# instant improvement in skin clarity and a 42% visible reduction in dark spots.

So what magic ingredients are at work here?

It looks like the suspects of Japanese Basil Leaf, cucumber and naturally-derived Vitamin C are a great combination and helps prevent future spotting. Best of all is the price tag: $39.50 is really a steal compared to other major age spot reducing names.

I tried this serum for three days and already saw a distinct improvement in skin clarity. Also most of my spots were well faded by day 3. How’s that for speed?

Wexler Intensive Serum

The Daily Defense Anti-Oxidant Tinted Moisturizer is perfect for the summer because it has SPF 30 that protects against UVA/UVB rays. It perfects as it protects through an exclusive MMPI-20 technology that inhibits the production of all known harmful MMPs (the enzymes responsible for complexion damage…this includes fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and blemishes).

Wexler Daily Defense Anti-Oxidant Tinted Moisturizer

The term MMP stands for Matrix metalloproteinases, for those of you who are curious. These are the enzymes which are responsible for breaking down proteins into recyclable fragments. The smoothness of your skin depends to a large degree on the condition of its matrix.

I love how sheer, lightweight yet deeply hydrating the moisturizer is. For those of you who are in need of a good tint this summer but hate that greasy feeling on your skin, opt for this multi-tasking product. And it’s only $29.50, a value you cannot beat. Nothing like covering imperfections and fighting wrinkles at the same time, is there?

Wexler Skin Brightening & Pore Refining Serum

For those of you who have large pores (and who doesn’t, unless you’re Natalie Portman or ScarJo?), try the highly effective MMPi 20 Skin Brightening & Pore Refining Serum ($55) . In a few days my pores shrunk noticeably and I didn’t have the typical breakout. So it’s perfect for oilier skins too.

The MMPi20 Intensive 3 in 1 Serum promises – and delivers—firmer skin in just a week. It also fights wrinkles and improves elasticity with its Pepha-Tight marine extract. This is an excellent product for more mature skin that tends to sag a little and needs that TLC quotient for firming and tightening. It retails for $60.

All products are available at www.bathandbodyworks.com

- Charu Suri

If you’ve always wanted to try Estee Lauder’s NEW Advanced Night Repair but were afraid to shell out the cash, then you’re in luck.

The company is hosting its largest sampling program to date  on Thursday, July 23^rd. Called “America’s Night to Repair” this program starts from 5pm and lasts until 9pm at ALL Estee Lauder counters and department stores nationwide.

There will be a total of 250,000 10-day samples of ANR distributed nationwide and Estee Lauder Beauty Advisors will be giving away one product per customer while supplies last. Visit http://www.esteelauder.com/AdvancedNightRepair/ for more information.

Come early because we expect it to be packed!

Advanced Night Repair: a Pioneer

Today, almost every woman repairs skin at night. But this concept of “night recovery” was pretty foreign until 1982 when Estee Lauder introduced this little brown bottle that turned back the clock on skin although birthday candles were doing just the opposite.

The first Night Repair targeted damaged skin and helped restore it while sleeping. The new Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex provides a more optimized night-time repair with Chronolux Technology that supports the natural sync of skin’s repair at exactly the right time.

There’s also a new patented technology that helps repair the damage caused from smoke and pollution (city dwellers, take note).

Ever Heard of Clock Genes?

Well, neither had we. But apparently your skin is like a finely tuned Swiss watch, and repairs at night through a symphony of precisely timed repair responses based on the body’s natural circadian cycle.

These responses are actually synchronized by a specific family of genes called clock genes. Until recently, it was thought all cellular synchronization occurred through one “master clock.” New research now shows that each skin cell contains its own clock genes which help each cell maximize its own DNA repair. With age and repeated exposure to environmental stresses, these clock genes can become out of sync, causing cellular repair and protective process to slow down, thus compromising DNA repair.

Well, guess what product helps repair this irregularity?

You will see decreased signs of aging, including lines, dehydration and discoloration by using Advanced Night Repair. It also helps repair past damage caused by pollution, UV rays and even stress.

This is all so overwhelming for us because we’re so used to “over promise, under deliver” products but this one hits a home run.

-       Charu Suri- BeautyStat.com