TOPICALS SEEKS TO TRANSFORM THE WAY GEN Z FEELS ABOUT SKIN

Today marks the launch of Topicals (MyTopicals.com), a revolutionary new skincare company that seeks to transform the way consumers feel about their skin by making the treatment of stigmatized skin conditions synonymous with the luxury and fun of self-care. Available online, Topicals products are also featured now through October at Pop-In@Nordstrom inside select Nordstrom locations and online at Nordstrom.com.

Founded by two dynamic young women of color, 23-year-olds Olamide Olowe and Claudia Teng, Topicals was born out of necessity. One in four Americans live with chronic skin conditions. Costly doctor visits and prescriptions are often avoided because one just “learns to live with it.” As women of color who lived conditions like severe eczema and post-barbae folliculitis, both Olamide and Claudia grew up settling for products that didn’t really serve them or represent how the condition appeared on their skin. They joined together to create effective and luxurious products that are carefully formulated to tackle skin conditions like eczema, hyperpigmentation, psoriasis, and more — but don’t break the bank.

“This is an industry that has not evolved and has used many of the same formulations over the last 30 years,” says Olamide Olowe, Topicals CEO and Co-founder. “Having lived with a serious skin condition myself, I found there were limited treatment options available, and none of the brands looked like me. I could use an over-the-counter product that didn’t address my specific needs as a Black woman with darker skin, or spend thousands on pricey prescriptions. With all of the amazing beauty products out there, I still didn’t find one that helped me with my flare-ups. I knew we could do better.”

“With my background in clinical research and dermatology, I saw firsthand the lack of access to care that existed for these types of skin conditions,” says Claudia Teng, Topicals Chief Product Officer, and Co-founder. “For me, I knew there was a serious opportunity to create something affordable, and that not only educated a broad amount of people but also made their treatment experience more enjoyable. Our mission is to make chronic skincare management synonymous with the fun and luxury of self-care, taking the focus off of perfect skin and helping our community have funner flare-ups.”

The founders of Topicals are focused on creating an inclusive community around real, positive, and authentic discussions about their skin. And since chronic skin conditions often lead to serious mental health issues because of the stigma, shame, and embarrassment often felt by those with them, Topicals is donating 1% of profits to various mental health organizations. Prior to launch, Topicals donated over $10,000 to and partnered with Sad Girls Club, Therapy for Black Girls, and Fearless Femme 100, and are partnering with the JED Foundation at launch.

Among the supporters and investors in Topicals are several high-profile Black women, including Netflix CMO Bozoma Saint John, entrepreneur and DJ Hannah Bronfman, and the Emmy-nominated stars of the hit show “Insecure” Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji. The initial investment round, led by Lerer Hippeau, also saw participation from Humble Lukanga and Mucker Capital as well as the CEOs of Warby Parker, Allbirds, Casper, Harry’s, Bombas, and Red Antler.

Topicals is launching with two signature products: Like Butter, a hydrating mask for dry, distressed, and eczema-prone skin, and Faded, a serum for discoloration and dark spots. Each and every ingredient is clinically backed, and the power-packed formulas have been tested on all skin tones. In addition, Topicals products are vegan, fragrance-free, made for all shades in mind, and carefully crafted to be eco-friendly with recyclable tubes and packaging.

Like Butter (1.7 oz) – $32

A whipped, hydrating mask that moisturizes and soothes sensitive, dry, stressed out, and eczema-prone skin.

Key ingredients:

  • Camellia Sinensis Leaf: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory; reduces itch and redness
  • Madecassoside (Centella Asiatica): accelerates wound healing, fortifies skin barrier through collagen and fibronectin production, anti-inflammatory
  • Colloidal Oatmeal: helps to soothe itch and irritation
  • Chinese Rhubarb Root: decreases levels of hyperactive immune cells, antimicrobial
  • Ginseng Root: anti-inflammatory; reduces itching, inflammation, and swelling
  • Turmeric: anti-inflammatory, shortens wound-healing time, improves collagen deposition

Faded (1.7 oz) – $36

A gel serum that combats dark spots and discoloration from sun damage, scarring, and inflammation.

Key ingredients:

  • Tranexamic Acid: prevents melanocyte tyrosinase activation, and excess vascular development (which can cause melasma)
  • Kojic Acid: inhibits melanocyte tyrosinase function
  • Azelaic Acid: prevents tyrosine conversion to melanin; scavenges free radicals
  • Licorice Root: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, melanin-degrading, and tyrosinase-inhibiting capability
  • Centella Asiatica: anti-inflammatory, scavenges free radicals
  • Niacinamide: limits melanocyte stimulation, scavenges free radicals
  • Melatonin: anti-inflammatory, inhibits melanocyte activity

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas with Josie Maran Cosmetic Kits and Dr. Whitney Bowe New Book: The Beauty of Dirty Skin

Mother’s Day is almost here, but there’s no need to stress – just yet. If you haven’t found the perfect gift, we have you covered with ideas below from NYC celebrity dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe and Josie Maran, providing mom with the gift of gorgeous, glowing skin…because what Mom doesn’t want that?!
Revive, nourish and hydrate skin for an all-day poreless-looking glow with these multi-tasking, argan-infused gift sets from Josie Maran
Josie Maran Argan Beauty Canvas ($45.00 at josiemarancosmetics.com)
Josie Maran Argan Nourishing Kit ($100 at josiemarancosmetics)
The Beauty of Dirty Skin by Dr. Whitney Bowe ($23.00 at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com)
In The Beauty of Dirty Skin, Celebrity NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe shows readers that skin health is so much more than skin deep. With simple explanations of science, DIY practical at-home tricks and tweaks to make to your diet and beauty routine, and a life-changing 21-day program, this book is your roadmap to glowing skin from the inside out and the outside in.

Belli Beauty Fresh Start Pre-Treatment Scrub: Beauty Product Review

Let’s start by saying I am a mom.  Like most women who have given birth, I have suffered from skin changes.  This ranges from dryness to a few unforeseen stretch marks.  Thank goodness we live in a new day and time that celebrates all facets of being a woman!

Belli Beauty is a company that specializes in providing luxurious skincare solutions for all ages.  The company creates a variety of products to help with tired eyes, tightening pores, and sunscreen.  I received the Fresh Start Pre-Treatment Scrub to share and provide a review.

If you’re an avid reader of this site (and viewer of lifestyle segments) you know that I adore multi-tasking products because they save time.  The Belli Beauty Fresh Start Pre-Treatment Scrub can be used on the face and body to prevent anti-aging.

Hello.  I am here for all of this!  I used the product during my shower and applied lotion immediately afterward.  My skin appeared brighter and more nourished.  I suggest this product to new moms or anyone that’s seeking healthy skin.

Visit the site to learn more:  belliskincare.com

5 Simple Tips to Maintain Healthy, Glowing Skin this Fall/Winter

With chilly temps on the way the battle for healthy, glowing skin officially begins. To beat winter beauty woes like dryness and a lack luster complexion, your skincare routine will require some extra TLC and loads of hydration.

1.SHORTEN YOUR SHOWER

A hot, steamy shower can leave your mind peaceful but your body parched. Instead of stripping away natural oils limit it to five minutes, and suds up with a body wash; then, seal with an oil infused lotion. Try The Mane Choice Heavenly Halo Oil+Lotion and Body Wash set ($14.99 each; Target.com). Infused with soy and multivitamins to restore and hydrate skin by protecting against moisture loss.

2.EXFOLIATE ONCE A WEEK

Proper exfoliation prevents the skin from developing a dull appearance – Especially during the colder seasons. Using an exfoliator once a week can provide an instantly rejuvenated skin tone. Try the Dear by Renée® Gentle Facial Scrub ($49.95, DearByRenee.com) This gentle gel-based scrub contains Jojoba microbeads which sweeps away dead skin cells, refines surface texture and helps decongest skin.

3.SHINE ON

Bring a little magic to your complexion by dabbing a shimmery cream highlighter onto the cheekbones, inner corners of your eyes, and brow bones. To draw out the warmer tones in darker skin, opt for a gold shade. If you’re fair, pink tones will impart a natural glow. Try Arbonne Starlight Glow Palette ($75, Arbonne.com) which contains an array of warm to cool powder pigments or Arbonne Sheer Glow Highlight Stick ($50, Arbonne.com) a multi-purpose highlight stick containing a Pearl shade to highlight and Bronze to give an effortless glow.

4.KEEP UP YOUR DAILY SPF HABITS

It might be tempting to stash your sunscreen away until next summer, but it’s necessary to wear year-round if you want your complexion to look its best. Slather on the SPF 365 days a year for skin that’s healthy enough to glow naturally! Try Arbonne RE9 Advanced Restorative Cream SPF 20 Sunscreen ($66, Arbonne.com) The concentrated formula protects against UVA/UVB rays and contains collagen-supporting ingredients!

5.DON’T FEAR THE MASK

Hydration masks are a key to giving your skin the nutrients it craves in order to reveal an enviable glow! Try Dear by Renée® Pomegranate Hydrating Mask ($49.95, DearByRenee.com) the unique gel-based formulation leaves skin super moisturized and glowing with Aloe Vera Leaf and Mushroom Extracts to nourish and soften skin.

 

NYFW Essentials for Flawless Skin To Complete Runway Looks

Let skincare take center stage on the New York Fashion Week catwalk this year. It comes with model territory to take great care of their skin, in order to provide a flawless canvas to complete the runway looks.

Featured Photo from ElleUK

With beauty essentials from Aveeno®, Clean & Clear®, Neutrogena®, Lubriderm® and RoC® Skincare, you can walk among the models this season with skin that rivals theirs.

 

 

Get healthy-looking skin to help show off your runway look. Nourish skin from head to toe with Lubriderm® Daily Moisture Lotion that will absorb in seconds and moisturize for 24 hours. Apply once a day for soft and smooth skin all week long. 

      

Achieve a runway-ready glow and prepare your skin for flawless makeup application with Aveeno® Positively Radiant® 60 Second In-Shower Facial and Overnight Hydrating Facial. Bonus: both products deliver a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home so you can wind down with a #MomentForMe after a hectic day at NYFW.

 

 

 

Fake a full night’s rest with RoC® Skincare Retinol Correxion® Eye Cream that will visibly reduce the signs of aging around the eye area including wrinkles, crow’s feet, dark circles and puffiness.

 

 

Make lips look instantly beautiful, plump and soft with Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Treatment. It instantly infuses lips with intense conditioning and helps to lock in hydration for improved texture.

 

 

Instantly soak up excess oil in between NYFW shows with Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets. These handy sheets remove shine from your face, without smudging makeup or leaving behind powder.

 

At the end of the day, rid your skin of all the chaos from NYFW with Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. These wipes effectively dissolve 99.3% of your most stubborn makeup (even waterproof mascara) for clean, fresh looking skin in just one simple step.

How to Fix Summer Skin Issues by Board Certified Dermatologist

As we head into the cooler months the weather change impacts our skin. We may notice changes to texture, tone, perhaps some breakouts and over all ruddiness and damage from being outside enjoying the summer. Here are some of the most common post summer skin issues I see in my practice along with some solutions for them.

  1. Sunspots and wrinkles.

Days at the beach or pool can lead to sunspots even if you apply sunscreen. We cannot reach every spot and sometimes we forget to reapply after swimming. Also, even when wearing polarized sunglasses, we may put them on our heads; temporarily squinting leading to crow’s feet.

If you’re noticing some new spots, freckles and wrinkles reach for a retinoid. Your dermatologist can offer prescription strength creams. Deeper wrinkles like the ones between the eyes usually require something like Botox but, you can minimize the appearance with creams that feature glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acid. These are wonder vitamins for the skin stimulate skin shedding and cellular turn over. A serum used at night will help; but be patient and use it regularly to see a gradual change. Chemical peels and intense light treatments (IPL) can handle any discoloration.

  2. Clogged pores and dullness.

During the summertime, we perspire plus we are exposed to daily pollution in the air. When you combine these factors plus daily use of make-up, pores get clogged. Beneath the skin are our sebaceous glands which secrete an oil called sebum. Sebum sticks to dead skin cells like glue and funnels these dead skin cells through the pores. This is a process that is supposed to help you maintain healthy skin. The problem is when the weather and elements speed up the process pores become clogged. The dead skin cells get trapped along with bacteria and this leads to dull, ruddy skin with breakouts. An exfoliating face wash with glycolic acid or salicylic acid helps tremendously. Your dermatologist can create a skin care regimen based on your specific skin type and issues so you don’t deregulate pH levels in the skin which will only make things worse leading to…

  1. Acne flare ups.

Consistent heat and humidity combined with cell phone use and touching our faces after touching dirty surfaces, leads to a post-summer breakout. These breakouts can be cystic which means bigger, deeper, more painful pimples. It also can lead to a cycle of breakouts that include, treat, pick, peel, scar, and heal only to see another pimple and another. Over the counter acne treatments such as face washes with sulfur, black charcoal masks and soaps, spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide can certainly help. However, when the breakouts are consistent a dermatologist can assess your skin and present solutions that may even involve nutritional changes, vitamins and light therapy for mild or moderate acne.

  1. Dry lips.

We all know about winter time lip chapping. In the summer lips can get incredibly dry. Using a lip balm with SPF is very helpful but unless we are applying it regularly while at the beach, pool, or working out outdoors, one swipe under lip gloss isn’t enough. Drinking water, and keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum helps keep us hydrated. When we are dehydrated, we see it on our lips. Pay close attention to any freckles or discoloration to the lips after prolonged sun exposure. If you see any odd changes, see your dermatologist.

  1. Ashy, flaky, itchy, skin.

If you are often in chlorine or salt water you’ll find your skin to feel rough and dry almost as if it is shedding. Also, going from extreme heat to cool air conditioning leads to skin going from perspiration to goosebumps. This rapid drop in temperature affects skin. Taking luke-warm showers and using a gentle exfoliating skin wash followed by a hydrating moisturizer keeps skin supple. Add a few drops of vitamin E to your lotion for added nourishment.

When it comes to the face, peeling foreheads and noses points to sun damage. Oftentimes people wait until something is visible to them or when an is followed by a dry patch. Dermatologists can look at things with a more discerning eye plus magnifiers that enable them to flag something that could escalate into something more. If everyone put October on their calendars as the month to see a dermatologist for a skin check we would see many skin conditions be solved quicker. This includes melanomas.

About the expert:

Dr. Margarita Lolis, M.D. is a board-certified cosmetic, medical dermatologist and a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon with over 20 years of experience. In her practice, she addresses common skin concerns such as acne prevention and treatment in both teens and adults, sun-damage, skin discoloration, wrinkles, changes to skin texture and loss of volume. On the medical side, she is a trusted expert in melanoma and over-all skin health. Dr. Lolis prides herself in honoring facial symmetry to deliver a natural look to her clients. She always recommends a healthy skin care regimen plus lifestyle habits that are aligned with her holistic approach to beauty.

As an anti-aging, functional medicine physician, Dr. Lolis masterfully addresses age management, starting with internal issues, such as hormone and gut health, nutrition, and detoxification leading to a vibrant appearance from the inside out.

A graduate of Yale University and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Dr. Lolis has authored numerous book chapters and medical articles in leading dermatology journals, and completed a melanoma research fellowship prior to residency.

Dr. Lolis is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, and the American Society of Anti-aging. Her practice, Skin, Laser, and Surgery Specialists is in New York City and Bergen Country, New Jersey.

How To: Glowing Skin with a Positive Mindset

Skin care probably gives us more anxiety than any other part of our body! Which makes perfect sense, of course – it’s covering us and constantly showing to some degree. Those who have skin problems will often have issues with self-esteem and even moodiness. If you want to tackle your skin anxieties, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s some advice that you should take on-board.

Featured Photo from Instagram

Change your mindset

A negative mindset isn’t going to help your anxieties. Well, duh, right? But how does that help you when it comes to skin problems? A lot of people would argue that a skin problem such as acne gives someone the right to be negative or self-conscious. But again, you might need a change in mindset. You can read more at mind-sets.com. It seems that you may be assuming the worst in people without taking into account that most people, at some point, will encounter these sorts of problems. People are more empathetic than you might think.

The fact is that the vast majority of people don’t care all that much; they may notice you have a problem, but they’re not going to be disgusted by it in the way that you think. Other people aren’t going to sit there and stare at your flaws. Think about it: do you pay attention to someone’s skin problems? Has it stopped you spend time with them or even dating them? Probably not. Try to keep this in mind; it will soothe a lot of your anxiety.

Get expert advice

You can speak with someone about these kinds of worries. They may point you in the direction of a dermatologist. (A “skin doctor”, in layman’s terms!) Dermatologists will always help you explore non-surgical options, but there are loads of businesses out there, such as belcarahealth.com, that will help you explore both non-invasive dermatology and cosmetic surgery. (And no, you shouldn’t be afraid to look into such treatment if there’s a good chance it will really improve your situation.)

Dermatologists, or even your regular physician, may even be able to recommend you specific products and lifestyle changes based on your particular skin structure. Don’t be afraid to look into medical treatments they may suggest, like microdermabrasion. Something like that can be done at home or with a doctor.

The skin-friendly lifestyle

Changing your mindset is one part of adopting a skin-friendly lifestyle; when you’re less negative, you stress out a lot less – and stress can aggravate skin problems in ways you may never have thought possible. Stress is just one part of an unhealthy lifestyle that you need to avoid.

It’s true that those with skin problems like acne may be, in a sense, “doomed” to have the problem to some degree, at least in the short term. But most people aggravate the problem by not drinking enough water, not getting enough sleep, and neglecting exercise. You can read more at experiencelife.com. These things aren’t guaranteed to cure skin problems, the way some people make out. But they can go a long way towards improving your skin tremendously.

Sponsored Post

Eavara Botanical Facial Cleanser and Pure Paradise Day Cream | Beauty Review

Most women want to appear naturally beautiful without the dependence of makeup.  On this site, I am always an advocate for glowing skin because it’s the foundation (or the base) of cosmetics application.

Eavara has a new Botanical Facial Cleanser and Day Cream.  The company’s philosophy is organic and natural skin care.  This means, there’s no chemical ingredients that could potentially irritate the skin.  

I had the opportunity to review the product line.  My first impression was the botanical scent and soft texture of the cleanser.  This particular product can be used both day and night, which is the proper skin care regimen.

After washing my face and patting dry with a towel, I applied the Pure Paradise Day Cream.  The directions on the bottle states use after cleansing and before makeup.  

After using the product (for a week) my skin had a natural, radiant appearance and received fewer breakouts due to the climate change.  To learn more about the product for yourself visit Eavara.com 

Beterre Skin+Care founder Gina Maisano and BCRF

With breast cancer awareness month coming up in October, Beterre Skin+Care founder and two-time breast cancer survivor, Gina Maisano hopes to encourage awareness of those affected by breast cancer not only in October, but year-round.

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Gina was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 and while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she was in need of products that would help ease the side effects she was experiencing. As a former chef, known for her innovative cuisine, she was well versed in finding and blending beautiful ingredients to maximize their potential.  She consulted with the two physicians from Northwell Health who performed her reconstructive surgery after her double mastectomy, who became an integral part of the development of Bétèrre, and for three years she worked alongside a botanical chemist to create what has now become Bétèrre Skin+Care, a non-toxic beauty line that is suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

Made from garden grown ingredients including shea butter, jojoba oil, lavender, soy, marigold, chamomile and more, Bétèrre Skin+Care is comprised of 12 skin and hair care products. The line ranges from $12-$54 and for the month of October Bétèrre will donate 10% of their profits to the Cold Spring Harbor Breast Cancer Research Center.

Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula – Product Review

Palmer’s has a new formula for skin care enthusiast!  They’ve expanded beyond the cocoa butter ingredient and infused a new product line with coconut oil.

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There are so many benefits to using coconut oil such as anti-aging and anti-viral properties.  This natural ingredient smells great and works on all skin-types.  I decided to review the new Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula due to my personal use of the oil substance.  My results are below:

Product Review – 

  1. The Coconut Oil Formula smells amazing!
  2. My face, hands, legs, and feet received an instant natural glow.
  3. The texture blends nicely on the skin’s surface.  This is not a greasy substance!
  4. After application, the formula doesn’t easily stain other objects.
  5. Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula gives an appearance of skin rejuvenation through the it’s natural agents.

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula

The product line also come in various sizes (and quantities) which helps small skin care touch-ups.  For example, I keep the Coconut Oil Hand Cream in my purse to moisturizer the cuticles.  It’s also stated to have No Dyes, Sulfates, Mineral Oil, Parabens, and Gluten.

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On a scale of one to ten, I give the Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula a TEN and suggest everyone try this product for their summer beauty regimen!