They say two heads are better than one– well, in skin care, often times two products used together can be even more powerful in getting you results for your skin.

All of the following power product combinations came directly from our clients- and our clients know better than anyone what works for their skin.

FINE LINES AND WRINKLES: Idebenone + Hyaluronic C Serum.

• In the evening apply idebenone cream and then Hyaluronic C serum. Let the products set for 5 minutes and then apply a damp warm towel to your face for 15 minutes. This will increase the penetration of the products and give you even more dramatic results.

STUBBORN PIMPLE: Ice Zit + Kiss Zit Goodbye + Benzoclear 5 + Reveal 10.

• This is our ultimate pimple fighting combination and will annihilate any problem area in 1-2 days. First, wash your face with Foaming Cleanser and ice the area using our Ice Zit tool or an ice cube for 3 full minutes – this will decrease the inflammation and allow for better product absorption. Then, apply Reveal 10 and Benzoclear 5. Let this set for 5 minutes to penetrate and then cover with Kizz Zit Goodbye and leave on overnight.

OILY SKIN: Exfoliating Cleanser + Reveal 10.

• This is one of our favorite skin tricks. Apply your exfoliating cleanser by rubbing a quarter size amount over your face in gentle circular motions. Don’t rinse – leaving the cleanser on your skin apply Reveal 10 to your face. Next, place a warm damp towel over your face and let set for 15 minutes. Then rinse off your skin with warm water. You will be amazed by how soft and oil free your skin is!

DRY SKIN: Healing Serum + Supermoist or Day 25.

• Whether your skin is peeling, you’re experiencing harsh weather conditions or you just have extremely dry skin, this combination will kick your moisturizer up several notches. Take a nickel size amount of either Day 25 (daytime) or Supermoist (PM) and add 3-6 drops of healing serum. Mix together and then apply to your skin. The ultra concentrated Healing Serum will mix well with your moisturizer to increase the penetration and hydration delivered to your skin.

DULL SKIN: Foundation + Day Glow.

• With this combo, you are guaranteed to get compliments on your skin. In the AM, apply your skin care as usual then apply your foundation (we recommend youngblood or Vasseur’s non-pore clogging custom foundations). Let set for one minute and then apply your Day Glow cream. Day Glow contains a gentle shimmer that when applied on top of your make up will give you a tangible glow.

EYE AND MOUTH WRINKLES: Gold Serum + Eye Q Gel.

• Your eye area and mouth area are different from the rest of your skin – the skin is thinner and contain less oil glands and thus these areas need special treatment. To get started, prepare some chamomile tea and then take the used tea bags and put them in the freezer for 30 minutes. When these are ready, apply Gold Serum, let set and then add your Eye Q Gel on top (this also works on the mouth area, don’t be fooled by the name!). Wait 3 minutes and then apply the cool tea bags to the eye area for 15 minutes, this will both decrease any puffiness and soothe the area.

Do you have any other Vasseur power combo’s that work for you? Please share below!

Would you go months without working out and expect to be in your best shape? Would you gorge on junk food and expect to feel good and healthy? Such is the case with your skin. If you don’t maintain it with regular facials and good skin care, your skin is not going to look it’s best – period.

Over the years I have come to realize that most see facials as a rare indulgence—something for special occasions only. While we respect that this may always be the case for some, we want to spread awareness about the importance of facials as necessary maintenance in your health and beauty regime.

Think of it this way – while you may rather spend money on shoes, clothes or lattes, nothing about you is more important or visible than your face. You can’t change your face, or really even cover it up (foundation tends to emphasize imperfections rather than mask them—and nobody looks good in a ski mask). If your eyes are the windows to your soul, then your complexion is the window to your health and beauty. We want that window to be flawless and glowing! Here’s why regular facials are the best way to do that:

• Expertise:  Through exfoliation, deep-cleansing of the pores, stimulating improved circulation, and use of professional-strength products and equipment, your esthetician can make a lot of progress towards improving your skin in a single session. Much like a personal trainer, she has experience, techniques, products and equipment that cannot be replicated at home.

• Deep and Thorough Cleaning: There are over 20,000 pores on your face alone- these pores are being bombarded with dirt and grime from not one, but two directions. Since your skin is an eliminating organ, toxins from sweat purge from the skin and linger there and external debris (dirt, pollution, bacteria from your hands) also get trapped and lodged into your pores. Not only does this contribute to dull looking, sallow complexion, for those who are acne prone, this bacteria lingering in your skin is the feeding ground for pimples. This is where a facial comes in. Your esthetician will perform extractions to remove the lodged in dirt and grime from your skin. During a facial, the skin is prepped and softened using concentrated steam from distilled water. This breaks up the dirt making it easier to purge. At this point, it needs a little push in order to come out. If it is not pushed out, then some will slough off naturally, but the deepest, most lodged in dirt will remain- this is why extractions are necessary to truly clean the skin. Be careful – if extractions are not performed by a professional they can damage your skin and make the problem worse. Learn more about the benefits of extractions here: Extractions 101.

• Guidance: Finding the right skincare products can be both confusing and expensive.  Getting a professional facial cuts down on that mystery and provides you with invaluable guidance. The esthetician will analyze your skin and then customize the products they use during the facial according to your particular skin type and concerns. Without the training and knowledge of a licensed esthetician, it can be extremely difficult (and sometimes futile) endeavor finding the right products for your skin.  Your esthetician not only will use great products on your skin during the facial, they will also recommend the right products for your skin type for home use so that you can maintain your results at home.

• Stress Relief: The stress of our hectic daily lives shows up in our skin so taking an hour to relax and be pampered will help you out both physically and emotionally.  Massage is a big part of a professional facial.  It helps you to relax and reduces the stress hormone cortisol. If cortisol is left to run amuck in the body it will only hurt you over time, and additionally massage releases oxytocin, which is one of the body’s main “feel good” hormones.

With all of that being said, we recommend you get regular facials monthly or bi-monthly (at Vasseur, we have a monthly facial program to make it more affordable). You will be amazed by what a difference this will make in your skin.

1) Wake Your Skin Up: Lack of sleep interferes with proper blood flow to the skin making the complexion sallow. There’s nothing better to wake up your skin than splashing your face with very cold water; the cold water will give a quick boost of circulation and instantly get your skin looking fresh.

2) Get Your Blood Flowing: Dull and tired skin is often times caused by lack of proper blood flow to the skin. Here’s a simple trick: Immediately after applying your products at night, close your (clean) hand to make a fist and use your knuckles to massage the skin in small circular motions for two minutes. This helps to gently stimulate blood flow to the skin to bring new nutrients to the skin cells—and a glow.

3) Give Your Skin a Dose of Vitamin C: the benefits of using topical Vitamin C are endless. Skin brightening, skin lightening, collagen-building, anti-aging, antioxidant-delivering, and the list goes on and on. So we recommend adding a high potency topical Vitamin C serum to you daily skin care routine (like Vasseur Skincare’s Ester C Cream or Hyaluronic C Serum).

Learn More Below: Everything you need to know about Vitamin C in skin care

 Vitamin C in Skin Care

It is critical to be able to distinguish the Vitamin C-based products that work from the synthetic fluff. Especially with this type of skin care product, all are not created equal. Here is what to look for:

1) Oxidation. When oxidized, Vitamin C loses it’s skin benefits and actually can contribute to the formation of free radicals. Many Vitamin C skin care products become oxidized during the manufacturing process by being exposed to air for long periods of time before being packed and sealed. When using Vitamin C products, it’s also critical that you limit it’s exposure to air when applying the product to your skin (this means opening and closing the container as quickly as possible). You can also help retain the quality of the product by putting it in the refrigerator.

To avoid purchasing products that are already oxidized, you should look for high quality manufactures and for your product to be white of off white in color, not dark yellow. In general, the more yellow the product, the more it has been oxidized. Vasseur takes special care while we make our products to avoid exposing the active ingredients to air- we will also be switching to all airless containers in Fall 2011 to prevent oxidation while applying the product.

2) Concentration. Vitamin C products have very little effect on the skin if they are not in a concentration of 10% or higher. When in doubt, ask the company the percentage of active Vitamin C in the product that you are considering. Vasseur products containing Vitamin C have a concentration of 15%.

3) Type of Vitamin C. Look at the ingredient list and ensure that your Vitamin C products are made with Ascorbyl palmate rather than L absorbic acid. L absorbic acid is a cheaper alternative with a higher PH (more acidic) and oxidizes much faster. Ascorbyl palmate, by contrast, is faster to penetrate the skin, has a lower PH and is more stable. Based on empirical observation, we have seen that about 75% of Vitamin C skin care products on the market contain L absorbic acid.

Vasseur Skincare’s concentrated Vitamin C product is called Ester C and is made with high potency Ascorbyl palmate. You can learn more about it here: http://www.vasseurskincare.com/products/Ester-C-Cream.html

In recent years, airless packaging has become wildly popular. This is because airless packaging has three distinct benefits when compared to products that come in a jar:

• Airless Packaging Keeps Skin Care Products Fresh Longer. Because the products have zero exposure to air, they can stay fresh almost three times longer! In addition, the ingredients are preserved and remain active and at their highest concentration. As a comparison — this is similar to vacuum sealing food before putting it in the freezer; the lack of air preserves the food longer.
• Airless Packaging Prevents Contamination. With skin care products in a jar, you have to put your fingers in the jar to apply the product. This causes the bacteria and germs from our fingers to penetrate the product, which can compromise it over time. With airless containers, your fingers can not contaminate the products.
• Airless Packaging Prevents Spills. Airless packaging is leak proof and tamper proof. This makes it much easier to ship and travel with.

At Vasseur, freshness and quality are our core values. We’re happy to announce that starting next week Vasseur Skincare will be introducing beautiful, airless packing for all of our skin care treatment products. 

If you are a woman over the age of 18, there is an 80-90% chance you have at least some cellulite. So, it’s not surprising that we have many clients ask us about the best ways to treat it. Below please find a very comprehensive article written by doctor and cellulite expert Audrey Kunin, that explains exactly what cellulite is and what does and does not work in treating it.

“Between 80 and 90 percent of women will develop cellulite after the age of 18. Few men will develop cellulite. Hardly fair, the causes of cellulite are thought to be due to a combination of factors including hormonal, aging, genetics and possibly a female difference in fat layer architecture. Cellulite may not be curable but you can improve unsightly puckering by understanding cellulite and how to take control.

What exactly is cellulite?

Cellulite is the unsightly dimpling and puckering of the skin most often involving the thighs and buttocks. While most women carry their weight gain in these areas, you don’t have to be overweight to have cellulite. As we age, collagen and elastin bundles break down, weakening the dermis. We are all familiar with what the end result is upon our face… wrinkles. But on the legs and buttocks, in response to this loss of dermal elasticity, the fat can become displaced upwards into the lower dermis. Fibrous bands that are supposed to tether the skin down start to trap this displaced fat creating the lumpy bumpy appearance of cellulite. Think of a quilted mattress (the fat) with the buttons as the tether points (the fibrous bands) and you quicky get the idea.

So how do you get rid of that cottage cheese sitting on your thighs?

Seems like there are cellulite “cures” advertised in every magazine you pick up or every infomercial you watch. So far, the FDA has only approved a nonsurgical form of deep massage called endermologie for temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite. Endermologie came to us from France where it has been used for at least 10 years.

In February of 1999, Vanderbilt University published a widely publicized medical journal article that showed that this procedure did indeed help improve the structure of the skin and disperse the trapped fat. An endermologie machine rolls and sucks the skin in a vacuum-like manner. A form of deep massage, it aims to loosen or break down some of these fibrous bands and disperse the lumps of fat into a smooth layer. Endermologie is performed as a weekly series of treatments. Typically anywhere from 12 or more treatments are performed to achieve whatever the maximum effects will be and then you undergo periodic maintenance therapy.

While no treatment is a guarantee, endermologie combined with a good diet, adequate daily water intake and exercise can help many women improve the look of their cellulite. Unfortunately a single “emergency” treatment for a special occasion is unlikely to do much for your cellulite. Cost for a series of endermologie treatments tends to run over $1000.

With a recent study from Vanderbilt in 2001 published in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery showing that deep mechanical massage can indeed help improve the appearance of cellulite (although highly dependent upon the skill of the masseuse), there has been great interest in home massage. A variety of massage tools with rubber tips, wooden balls and even motorized massage heads are sold with claims of helping improve the appearance of cellulite. These devices tend to be inexpensive, often less than $10.00 for the simple wooden tools. From a practical standpoint I think you may increase your chances by having someone else administer the home massage as they can apply a more direct pressure upon the skin. I take a realistic view of these. While I don’t think they’ll harm you, provided you’re not massaging to the point of bruising, I think they will provide limited improvement. Still, a modicum of improvement if it happens is better than none at all.

Spas have taken deep massage one step further and offer a Japanese version of cellulite treatment known as body brushing. In this technique, a plant based bristle brush (often coconut husk or other fiber) is roughly moved across the skin’s surface trying to exfoliate away the outer most portions of the epidermis. The theory: increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage thus removing toxins from the skin and improving cellulite. The reality: makes absolutely no physiological sense. While you may experience a nice glowing appearance to the skin similar to what you’d see after a microdermabrasion treatment, neither increased blood flow nor lymphatic drainage have any bearing at all upon the cause or cure of cellulite. Enjoy the treatment for what it is but don’t plan to get rid of those lumpy legs.

A litany of cellulite creams are out there. Many of the “older” versions of these products contained the active ingredient theophylline best known for its use as an asthma medication. The topical application of theophylline does not cure cellulite but rather temporarily plumps up the skin for a few hours creating a smoother texture.

One of the reasons that so many of us are suddenly confronted by cellulite in our 40′s is that as we age, the levels of enzymes we need to breakdown stored fat as well as prevent fat deposition go down. Combined with a loss of dermal collagen, the appearance of cellulite is worsened.

If we could strengthen the dermis which thins with age and contributes to the formation of cellulite we could theorhetically prevent or improve cellulite. Furthermore, if we could speed up eliminating some of that misplaced fat, then our dimples could be more effectively smoothed away.

If you have a strong predisposition for developing cellulite you should consider the following factors that tend to have a significant impact:

• Junk food, alcohol, fried food & sugar overwhelm the body
• Poor blood circulation due to lack of exercise
• Changes in estrogen levels which dictate how much fat your body stores or releases

The underlying physiology of the body can contribute the following factors:

• Capillary walls become excessively permeable causing localized accumulation of fluid
• Inadequate lymphatic drainage slows the removal of excess fluid
• The changes in blood flow, lymphatic drainage, fat, and connective tissue result in cellulite – a bumpy or dimpled appearance of the skin

Studies have shown that the use of topical L-Ascorbic acid helps promote the formation of collagen bundles by stimulating fibroblast activity within the dermis. In combination with deep massage or endermologie, your diet and exercise you may at least help make the skin look smoother and supple.

Pills have absolutely no effect upon cellulite. Cellasene has not been proven in medical literature to improve the appearance of cellulite or take off inches.

In some way it is comforting to know that almost all women get some degree of cellulite. It seems to be one of those sisterhood things. It is equally comforting to know that there are some steps we can take to help improve its appearance.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this important information. I hope you have found this article informative.”

–Audrey Kunin, M.D.

It’s no secret that some people place more value on taking care of their skin than others. For some, washing their face is the most effort they are willing to put in, while others (like our Vasseur Platinum clients) receive multiple advanced facial treatments a month. But, when it comes to looking your best longer and preventing wrinkles, some actions matter more than others. If you do nothing else to take care of your skin, make sure to do this:

1) Sleep on your back or use a Beauty Pillow.

Most people don’t realize that when you sleep on the side of your face, you spend literally thousands of hours ironing in a crease to the skin. In fact, I can tell side sleepers right away because after age 40 most have notably more wrinkles on one side of their face.

This is because when your face is pressed against a pillow for hours at a time, every single night, it wears down the elastin on your face and the wrinkles pressed in to your skin become permanent over time.

But beyond sleep wrinkles, sleeping on your side also exposes your skin to the bacteria, dirt and grime that is living on your pillowcase. Even if your pillowcase is clean, it has chemical residue from your washing detergent, which can also be irritating to the skin and cause redness and breakouts.

The solution? Sleep on your back or invest in a Beauty Pillow. The Beauty Pillow has a satin case and special shape that allows you to sleep on your side with your face gently hanging off the pillow, thus preventing creasing (see photo above).

2) Wear Sunscreen 365 days a year, rain or shine.

The #1 cause of premature wrinkles is sun exposure. And you don’t just need sunscreen on beach days, you also are getting UV damage when you’re driving in your car, working in an office near windows, and walking down the street (in fact, 78% of sun damage is from incidental exposure!). So, it’s critical that you wear a SPF moisturizer 365 days a year, rain or shine, inside or out. And the earlier you start, the better! Our Day 25 is great because no only does it provide sun protection, but hydrates your skin, infuses it with antioxidants, and contains natural papaya enzymes that fight free radical damage (and gives it its trademark papaya smell!)

Want to know how Vasseur Skincare founder Melanie Vasseur keeps her skin looking young and vibrant? Read about her daily skin care routine. 

Is your skin starting to feel tight and dry as winter approaches? Then follow my 5 quick tips below to keep your skin feeling soft and supple this winter season

#1: Use a Humidifier. Low humidity is one of the top causes of dry skin. In the colder months, not only is the outside air dryer, but heaters also emit hot dry air, thus constantly exposing your skin to dry air. That’s why it’s a good idea invest in a humidifier (typically range from $30-$100); this will inject natural moisture into the air to help prevent dry skin. TIP* you can add a few drops of essential oil into your humidifier to enhance the experience and gently scent the air. We like adding organic lavender oil.

#2: Exfoliate. Exfoliating has a number of skin benefits: it will remove any dry, peeling skin, give you fresher, brighter looking skin, and will help your skin care penetrate better. It’s especially important to exfoliate using a gentle exfoliating cleanser twice a week in dry months. Read our article Exfolation 101 here.

#3: Don’t Wash with Hot Water. We know it feels good to shower and wash your face with hot water, but this actually causes your skin to become drier. So, resist the urge and rinse with tepid/lukewarm water. Also, after washing your face, leave it damp and apply your skin care products directly to damp skin.

#4: Consume Essential Fatty Acids – we are big fans of krill oil. Krill oil contains nutrients that can help reduce skin redness and itching and make skin feel softer and more hydrated (and has many other benefits including improving cardiovascular health and mood). In addition, the antioxidants present in krill oil are believed to be effective in fighting the effects of free radicals in the body. This can lead to improved skin texture and a reduction in wrinkles, stronger nails and healthier, thicker hair. Make sure you invest in high quality krill oil, as not all supplements are created equal.

#5: Moisturize! And of course, make sure to use a highly emollient night cream or moisturizer before going to sleep each night and use a sunscreen with moisturizer during the daytime.

Do your lips get chapped in the winter? Read our post on preventing and healing chapped lips. 

Many clients that I meet are unsure as to whether they should be using toner as a part of their skin care regime and how it actually benefits the skin. So, to answer these questions once and for all, here are the 5 main benefits of using toner:

1. Toner gives your skin a dose of moisture before applying your other skin care products

Make sure to only use an alcohol-free toner. Toners that contain alcohol are extremely drying to the skin and should never be used. See Vasseur Skincare’s line of freshly made, alcohol free toners.

2. Toner kills blemish-causing bacteria on the skin

The witch hazel in toner has an inherent disinfectant property, which helps kill bacteria and prevents inflammation that causes acne.

3. Toner supports your skin’s protective barrier

By supplying the skin with essential hydration and nutrients, you repair the skin’s protective barrier making it less sensitive and resistant to environmental damage.

4. Toner enhances the results of your skin care program

Depending on the ingredients used in the toner, they can help calm, control oil, stimulate blood circulation, destroy acne-causing bacteria, provide antioxidant benefits and more.

5. Toner removes drying chlorines and minerals found in tap water

Many chlorine and chemicals are put into tap water to destroy harmful bacteria but they can be dehydrating to the skin. A good toner can remove these harsh chemicals from the skin.

When to Use Toner

• In the morning and at night, after washing your face
• Before flying
• After working out at the gym or running (kills the bacteria/toxins from your sweat)
• During work to freshen up

The Proper Way to Use Toner

After washing your face, pat it dry and then lightly spray toner over your entire face. Let the toner set – don’t wipe or rub off. Apply your skin care products directly to your damp skin – this will help infuse the moisture into your skin and increase the effectiveness of your skin care products.

Vasseur Skincare Chamimille Toner

Vasseur Skincare Papaya Enzyme Toner

We get many clients who contact us after having an adverse reaction to products containing retinoids. We are never surprised. As we wrote in a blog post last year – retinoids are a controversial ingredient in the skin care world: they are known to cause chronic inflammation and thin the skin over time, which can lead to long term damage.

After much consideration and research, Vasseur decided to instead use the safer, natural alternative to retinoids — alpha hydroxy acids. We put the most effective alpha hydroxy acids (lactic, glycolic and mandelic) in a potent cocktail called Reveal 10. Reveal 10 is one of our most powerful products that is effective in treating fine lines, acne, and pigmentation.

Here is how alpha hydroxy acids work:

Alpha hydroxy acids are highly effective chemical exfoliants. They cause dead skin cells in the epidermis to separate from one another, allowing new skin cells to resurface. Studies have shown that alpha hydroxy acids also encourage elastin and collagen production, two components that contribute to firm, smooth and toned skin. Skin benefits associated with alpha hydroxy acids include wrinkle reduction, increased smoothness, reduction in skin discoloration and sun damage. Though benefits will be noticeable within 2 weeks of use, best results are obtained over the course of several months.

Please note that becuase Reveal 10 is a very powerful product it can cause initial tingling when applied. This is normal and will fade within 2-5 uses. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend our Mandelic Acid Serum – a gentler alternative.

On Monday night I was watching the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (yes, I admit it!) when I noticed something – the otherwise gorgeous and young-looking Kyle Richards has a glaring issue: her hands are wrinkled and covered with age spots. While her face, hair and style are young and glamorous – her hands tell a different story. As I’ve said in previous posts: your hands, neck and eye area show your age first. So, you need to protect them. Here are some simple tips for preventing wrinkles before they form:

#1 – Wear a SPF 25 every day, rain or shine on your face, neck, chest and hands (and any other exposed area of the skin). And please note – the SPF in your makeup is not enough! Although your makeup may be SPF 15+, the quantity that you would need to apply to get true UV protection would make you look like a clown. Most sunscreens in makeup are chemical SPFs, which for the most part, not only aren’t great UVA protectors, but break down when exposed to UV.

#2 — Sleep on your back or on a Beauty Pillow. On a normal pillow, you sleep with your face area crushed into the pillow for 6-8 hours a night, which over time wears down the elastin in the area and the wrinkles become permanent. By sleeping on a back or a Beauty Pillow, you will keep your face off of the pillow and prevent the development of wrinkles while you sleep (read more about sleep wrinkles).

#3 – Wear driving gloves. Yes, you might think it’s ridiculous but we get most of our sun exposure from driving and our hands are sitting on the steering wheel in the blaring sun. Wearing chic sun gloves while driving will protect your delicate hand skin from sun damage and age spots.

#4 — Avoid squinting: Squinting creates motion wrinkles known as crow’s feet. Many people squint without knowing it. Ask people who see you every day to let you know when you’re squinting (I did this and I was shocked by how much I was squinting without realizing it). Squinting is common among people who are nearsighted and either do not wear glasses or have insufficiently strong ones. You also may be squinting when you’re outside and not wearing sunglasses – even when its not particularly bright out.

#5 — Don’t drink out or straws or water bottles and don’t smoke. The repeated expression of pursing the lips (most commonly done when drinking through straws or water bottles and smoking) contributes to wrinkles forming around the area. Be aware of your lip pursing and always drink out of a glass rather than a straw or water bottle.

#6 — Use a good moisturizer around the eyes and on the hands and neck in the PM. These areas do not have as many oil glands as your face and needs additional moisture to stay plump and wrinkle free. We recommend using Night Cream or Copper Peptide Serum before bed.