Dr. Joel Schlessinger talks to BeautyHigh.com about how to wear bronzer the right way

Bronzer may be a staple in your makeup routine, but are you wearing the best product for you and using the proper application technique? Recently, Dr. Joel Schlessinger spoke with BeautyHigh.com in an article called, “The Worst Mistakes You Can Make with Bronzer—And How to Avoid Them” about achieving your best summer glow.

Choosing the right formula is key, explains Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

For a natural finish, choose a mineral powder. Powders are the easiest to apply and the easiest to customize for your skin tone and coverage preferences. Plus mineral powders typically contain hypoallergenic ingredients and are suitable for sensitive skin types.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger likes jane iredale Rose Dawn Bronzer for its beautiful, natural results and high-grade formula. This product won’t clog pores and it allows you to achieve a luminous glow without the risk of sun damage. The best part is that with its four shades, it’s a bronzer, blush and highlighter all in one. You can blend the colors or use them separately to customize the perfect look.

You’ll want to steer clear of glitter. Shimmery bronzers may advertise a sun-kissed sparkle, but too much overall shine can make your complexion look oily.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger says to apply a highlighter to give your face more dimension.

It’s important not to cake on the color if you’re going for a bronzed appearance. Dr. Schlessinger and other experts agree that sweeping bronzer in a “3” shape across the forehead, around the cheekbone, and down the jawline is the best way to achieve a natural look.

To avoid a muddy skin tone that’s static and too dark for your complexion, Dr. Schlessinger recommends, “apply[ing] a highlighter across your cheekbones and your brow bone, which will give your face more dimension.”

jane iredale So-Bronze is a soft mineral powder made with antioxidants to protect your skin from UV damage. Just a touch of this bronzer-highlighter duo across the brow, cheekbones and chin will instantly create all-day radiance and a natural glow.

Do you have a question for Dr. Schlessinger about choosing the right bronzer? Ask us in the comments below.

Joel Schlessinger, MD and his son, Daniel, awarded patent for FixMySkin balm

Joel Schlessinger, MD and his son, Daniel, were recently awarded a patent for their FixMySkin balms, a series of products designed to not just moisturize dry lips and skin, but to heal them. In “LovelySkin.com Awarded Patent for Skin Care Product Designed to Heal While Moisturizing Dry Lips and Skin,” DermWire featured their story and asked Dr. Schlessinger some questions about the invention process.

Joel Schlessinger, MD says, “Daniel was my inspiration.”

In the winter of 2007, 12-year-old Daniel Schlessinger was experiencing dry, chapped hands and lips and no products were helping. He decided to try putting lip balm on his fingertips to soothe the dryness and cracking, and he noticed that the salve relieved his dry skin more effectively than hand lotion. Joel Schlessinger, MD recognized the benefits of a portable balm that healed dry skin. Using Daniel’s interest as inspiration, he began to search for similar products. Realizing that no such product existed, he and Daniel set out to create a product of their own.

1% hydrocortisone is the active ingredient in FixMySkin products, developed by Joel Schlessinger, MD.

Dr. Schlessinger and Daniel’s mission was to make a compact, heat-resistant product containing hydrocortisone. The product needed to have the ability to heal skin, but it also needed to taste good enough to use on the lips. The pair began working with chemists, manufacturers and distributors to launch their FixMySkin line containing 1% hydrocortisone. Though he was in high school at the time, balancing extracurricular activities and college applications, Daniel worked through the FDA-approval process, set up meetings, developed packaging and worked with an attorney on the patent application. Dr. Schlessinger says, “The best part of the process was seeing my son, Daniel, progress to learn so much from start to finish.”

FixMySkin, created by Joel Schlessinger, MD and Daniel Schlessinger is available on LovelySkin.com.

FixMySkin balms are available for purchase in several different varieties and packages on LovelySkin.com. FixMySkin Healing Body Balm Unscented with 1% Hydrocortisone is a powerful balm that banishes multiple irritating skin symptoms. 1% hydrocortisone penetrates deeply into cells to heal skin irritation while moisturizing and replenishing. Hydrating ingredients such as shea butter and cocoa butter hydrate for relief from dryness and itchiness. FixMySkin is FDA-approved for healing symptoms caused by eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and allergic reactions. It’s also a wonderful solution for relieving irritation caused by insect bites, poison ivy and other rashes. FixMySkin balms come in three sizes. There are .15 ounce and .50 ounce sticks available for the lips and body, plus a .25 ounce tub available for facial application. All products come in either unscented or vanilla. Do you have questions or comments for Dr. Schlessinger about his FixMySkin products? Let us know in the comments section.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger discusses how to look and feel your best during allergy season

We may be looking forward to warm weather more than ever after the harsh winter months, but spring harbors its own tough realities: allergens. Those April showers may have spread pollen particles, causing you sneezing attacks, congestion and red, watery eyes. And of course May flowers make it worse still. The article “Beauty Tips to Help Mask Allergies” at Daily Makeover.com features expert advice from Dr. Joel Schlessinger on how to beat your allergies and look your best this month.

 Holding chilled spoons over the eyes can soothe puffiness, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

Allergies are a leading cause of conjunctivitis, or pinkeye. Not only is the burning, watering and stinging uncomfortable, it can make you look run down, and it can make wearing your favorite eye makeup next to impossible.

If your eyes are red and swollen, there’s a tried and true household fix. Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends erasing under-eye bags by “holding chilled spoons over your eyes until they return to room temperature.” This will help improve circulation and sooth unsightly puffiness. You can also apply eye drops to help moisturize, and you’ll want to avoid waterproof products, which could prove drying.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains how to eliminate allergens at night.

They don’t call it beauty rest for nothing. Taking preventative measures to combat allergies at bedtime can help you sleep better and ease daytime discomfort. A great place to start is to close your window and invest in a humidifier. “This will break up congestion and help you breathe easier,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

Dr. Schlessinger also suggests changing your sheets, pillowcase and pajamas on a regular basis to reduce the allergens around you. And if you’re still stuffed up in the morning, “the steam from a warm shower will help clear your sinuses,” he points out.

What are your favorite springtime allergy beauty fixes? Tell us about them in the comments below.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger discusses new rosacea treatments with Beauty in the Bag

In a recent Beauty in the Bag article titled “Royal Flush: Rosacea Remedies,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger shares the latest advancements in the treatment of rosacea. Recent advancements in cosmeceuticals have made it easier than ever to minimize redness and soothe irritation.

This skin condition is commonly misunderstood, explains Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

Rosacea affects more than 16 million Americans and most of them don’t even know it. While there’s no known cause for this chronic redness, there are a number of factors that could contribute to its appearance. These factors include sun exposure, temperature changes, wind, alcohol, fragrances and spicy food. There are a number of over-the-counter treatments to minimize redness and inflammation. A dermatologist can also help you create a customized treatment plan to suit your needs.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends his favorite treatments for rosacea.

Dermatologists like Dr. Joel Schlessinger have been recommending tried and true rosacea treatments for years. La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense is one go-to product that helps reduce redness, irritation and discomfort. Additionally, SkinMedica Redness Relief CalmPlex has an award-winning formula that calms redness and inflammation while replenishing lost moisture.

There are also a few new rosacea treatments on the market. Exuviance AntiRedness Calming Serum instantly reduces facial redness while helping to prevent future flushing. Dr. Joel Schlessinger also recommends CLn Facial Cleanser to gently cleanse sensitive skin without affecting the moisture balance.

To camouflage redness, many dermatologists suggest mineral makeup like jane iredale. Dr. Joel Schlessinger also suggests the new Phytomer CC Crème Skin Perfecting Cream. This multitasking cream corrects skin tone and texture while protecting, moisturizing and brightening the complexion.

Do you have a question for Dr. Joel Schlessinger? Share with us in the comments.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger discusses birth control and acne on Yahoo! Shine

Years ago, when birth control pills first hit the market, it didn’t take long for women to notice that they had an appealing side effect—clearer skin. Today, many women take the pill solely to achieve an acne-free complexion, and the FDA has even approved certain brands for this express purpose. However, the hormone fluctuations that the pill induces could prove damaging to skin in the long run. In the recent article for Yahoo! Shine, “What the Pill is Actually Doing to Your Skin,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger expresses his concerns about using birth control as a method for treating breakouts.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger talks about the connection between estrogen and acne.

Birth control pills themselves don’t actually have an effect on the skin, but they do regulate hormone levels in the body. This is what ultimately makes them effective when it comes to curing hormonal acne. Dr. Joel Schlessinger says, “Birth control pills give your body extra estrogen, which can stop hormones called androgens from producing excess oil.” Since oil is often the culprit for acne, stopping oil production in its tracks could lead to fewer breakouts.

Don’t stay on birth control for the benefit of acne treatment alone, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

Watching breakouts disappear fast may seem like an attractive possibility, but what happens when you stop taking birth control? Often, acne returns. Hormone levels shift once again, your skin produces excess oil and you’re right back where you started. “As bad as this may sound, acne is no excuse to stay on birth control if you’re ready to quit, “Dr. Schlessinger explains. “This post-pill acne is easily treatable with a good skin care regimen.”

If you’re looking to treat acne alone, you’ll want to pay a visit to your dermatologist before you see your general practitioner or gynecologist. They’ll be able to help you customize a treatment plan for long term results.

Try LovelySkin Acne Care developed by Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

To jumpstart your acne care regimen, try LovelySkin acne care. This line of products was developed by Dr. Schlessinger exclusively for LovelySkin.com. Powerful ingredients like amino fruit acids and vitamin C penetrate deeply into the pores to remove excess oil and impurities, giving you accelerated results without over-drying the skin.

Do you have a question or comment for Dr. Schlessinger about acne care? Let us know in the comments below.