Self-tanners have come a long way. Gone are the stinky, sticky, pore-clogging products we suffered through in our attempts to bronze. The new generation of tanners isn't actually tanners at all: They're amazing skin care lotions -- and the glow-ifying ingredients are a bonus.
While your face may still be priority number one, there are many new products targeting the rest of your skin. "A lot more patients are coming in complaining about body aging," says New York City dermatologist Doris Day, MD. "The older you get -- especially after 30 -- the longer it takes for something to heal. Even a mosquito bite could take a year go away." Day recommends AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion, $14.99, (it was recently reformulated) to help increase your skin's barrier function. "When the barrier is healthy, your skin can do so much more to repair itself," she says.
If you're concerned about uneven tone, there are body products that can help. Yes To Grapefruit Spot Correcting Body Cr�me, 9.99, contains vitamin C, lycopene, and fruit extracts that can brighten dark spots and give your skin an all-over glow in four weeks. With summer right around the corner, I'm slathering it on daily.
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Exotic oils
There's been an oil revolution in recent years — face, body, and hair products are being packed with exotic oils. First, it was Argan oil — led by Josie Maran Cosmetics and Moroccanoil. And now, the latest oil to steal the spotlight is Marula, which is extracted from the nuts of Marula trees in Africa. The oil is high in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, making it fantastic for your skin.
We're all so busy -- who has time to spend a week in hiding after an aggressive laser treatment? And doesn't a facelift sound so � extreme? New York City dermatologist Ron Shelton, MD, says non-invasive treatments are on the rise. "Women are taking better care of their skin, so they don't necessarily need the facelift," he explains. Instead, he recommends minimal-pain, "lunch break" procedures like Pelleve. "It's a radiofrequency device that tightens skin," he says. "I'm impressed with the results."
Every month, I go to dozens of breakfasts, lunches, and cocktail parties where brands launch their new beauty products. And without fail, I get a serious case of D�j� vu. Many products -- even from very different companies -- seem incredibly similar. The same way fashion designers all send the It color down the runway each season, beauty is all about trends. And skin care trends are often the most obvious. Ingredients, delivery systems, and even packaging all change in waves.
But where do these trends come from? Most experts will tell you the answer is Asia. "For years, we looked to Europe for skin care trends and innovations," says Dana Nicolette, national aesthetician for Amore Pacific. "Now, everyone is focused on Asia." Nicolette points out that the average Korean woman's skin care regimen is 22 steps (and I thought my eight-product ritual was elaborate!), which may explain why Americans are so fascinated by Asian skin care.
Take BB creams, for example: These do-it-all beauty balms have been wildly popular in Asia for years, and now the U.S. market is saturated with them. There are even trends within the BB category (read on to find out what they are).
Whether skin care trends originated in Asia or dermatologists' offices (another important sphere of influence), trendy skin care products all have two things in common: They're multitasking and -- for the most part -- they're effective. Ready to see the best of the best?
