Skin-Care Goodies That Will Totally Change Your Skin

Skin-care ingredients: They're just like us! They crave recognition for workplace achievements, bust their butts to acquire new skills, and network with compatible colleagues (while quietly avoiding those that rub them the wrong way). Read this report, inspired by LinkedIn, and let their connections improve your complexion.

For Acne: Salicylic Acid and Moringa Oil

Salicylic acid knows a thing or two about busting zits, and it's found a true pimple-eradicating coworker in moringa oil, graduate of the prestigious horseradish trees of India and Africa. The oil is lightweight, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial—music to the ears of anyone struggling with breakouts. It doesn't replace standard anti-acne products (probably why sal doesn't feel threatened) but, rather, complements them.

In fact, salicylic acid does a great job laying the groundwork for moringa when they're on a project together: Washing your face with sal, which exfoliates and unclogs pores, creates the perfect conditions for moringa to go in and do its thing, penetrating deeply to calm redness and kill bacteria, thanks to its sulfur and zinc properties. Just pat a couple of drops over your entire face before moisturizer and SPF.

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For Dry Skin: Hyalauronic Acid

HA, as it's known among colleagues, already has an established career as a derm-injected filler that boosts volume in the cheeks and lips and under the eyes, and as a lauded facial moisturizer that can hold 1,000 times its weight in water (meaning mega hydration for your skin). So why is this seasoned pro suddenly getting a ton of attention?

The newest OTC formulas are helping HA move up the skin-care corporate ladder. Instead of being just one of many ingredients in a cream, hyaluronic acid is taking center stage in serums: Multiple molecular weights of it are being cocktailed in a way that research shows can stimulate your own production of HA, so your skin is moisturized (and slightly plumper) from within, not just on the surface. Pros say it's particularly great for the 30-and-above crowd, because our natural hyaluronic acid production takes a nosedive when we exit our twenties.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Multivitamin Booster

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Yes, It’s Possible To Remove Your Gel Mani At Home Without Effing Up Your Nails

There are some things you KNOW you just shouldn't do: pick your zits, fail to wash your makeup brushes, or worst of all, peel your gel manis. 

The latter is a serious crime because when you man-handle your gel mani, you can actually seriously eff with your nails. You could accidentally rip away the top layer of your nails—making them thinner, weaker, and seriously busted-looking. 😬😬

And while removing a gel manicure at home is a major B, here’s how to do it safely—without resorting to a trip to the salon:

Step 1: Break the seal

Use a buffer, like Alincas 4-Way Shiny Block to gently file away any protective topcoat still lingering on your nails.

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If you have a design on your nails, Evelyn Lim, chief educator of Paintbox in NYC, says you should file through the design to the base color. “This is important to allow the acetone to penetrate to the deepest layer and speed up your removal process,” she says.

Once the nail color looks matte and powdery, you’re ready to move on to the next step. “Just be careful not to buff too much in the process—you don’t want to hit your natural nail,” says manicurist Skyy Hadley, owner of As U Wish Nail Salon in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Step 2: Wrap up your nails

To start dissolving the gel, use a 100 percent acetone polish remover, like Super Nail Pure Acetone Polish Remover.

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You’ll want to soak cotton balls in the remover, place them on your nails, and then wrap pieces of aluminum foil over the cotton balls and your nails. Let every nail soak for a good 15 minutes to soften the polish, says Hadley.

Lim adds that you should wrap your fingers extra tight. “Trapping in the heat will allow your gel to come off more rapidly, so you can opt to put your hand in a glove,” she says.

Step 3: Remove remaining color

After unwrapping your nails, most of the polish should easily come off on the acetone-soaked cotton balls. Use a wooden cuticle stick to gently scrape off any remaining bits of polish, says Hadley. “If you have trouble, soak your nails with a cotton ball for five more minutes, and try again,” she says.

Whatever you do, just be careful not to use too much pressure because your nail plate will be very soft, Lim points out. (You don’t want to scrape off parts of your nail!)

Step 4: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

Your nails and cuticles will likely be dry post-removal, so after you’re done taking your polish off, wash your hands and apply a hydrating cuticle oil, like Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Oil to both the nail and cuticle, says Hadley. “This will rehydrate your nails after using acetone on them to keep them strong and healthy between polishes,” she says.

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Consider taking a week off to give your nails a break from the harsh effects of acetone. And if you can’t go without color but don’t want to wreck your nails, try the OPI Gel Break Treatment System .

The three-step kit is packed with vitamins to heal and protect nails, and tops them off with a pretty sheer shade to hide any damage.

What if my gel manicure refuses to come off?

Even if you follow the directions to the T, sometimes you'll have a stubborn mani that just will. Not. Budge. (The worst!)

Again, do NOT pick at your nails. In extreme cases like these where it feels like your polish was basically welded onto your nails, head to a salon for professional help. A manicurist there will help get the color off, and ensure your nails are in tip top shape for the next #ManiMonday.

The Best Protein Powders For Weight Loss

If you think protein powder is something only CrossFit addicts and guys who grunt at the gym use to make #gains, you’re seriously missing out on a potent ingredient that could help you lose weight.

"Protein plays a big role in weight loss because it keeps us full and satisfied so that we make it to our next meal without snacking in between," says Brigitte Zeitlin, R.D. Extra protein in your diet can also help fend off food cravings, she adds.

But, while added protein can help with weight loss, it can also help you increase and maintain muscle mass—something necessary to burn fat, even when you're not working out, says Zeitlin. It also plays a big role in building and maintains that muscle, which in turn torches cals.

There's just one small problem: With so many protein powders out there, it can be hard to choose the healthiest option. Zeitlin's main suggestion? Focus on the unsweetened kinds. "They won't add in sneaky sugars that could actually be sabotaging you." Here, Zeitlin, along with other top registered dietitians, share the best protein powders for weight loss.

1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

This is "one of the better-tasting protein powders, says Lisa Moskovitz, R.D., CEO of The NY Nutrition Group, a private New York City-based nutrition practice. "Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard has 24 grams of high-quality whey protein isolates per scoop and only two grams of sugar," she adds. 

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2. Power Crunch Proto Whey

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“Power Crunch comes in a variety of delicious flavors, from cookies and cream to café mocha," says Moskovitz. She also adds that it's easier on the digestive system than many other protein powders.

3. Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein

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“Ascent uses only natural ingredients, and it has 25 grams of protein for only 110 to 130 calories, depending on the flavor," says Collingwood. "It’s also an excellent source of all essential amino acids.”

4. Naked Nutrition Egg White Protein

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“Naked Nutrition uses clean ingredients and non-GMO eggs, and the only other ingredient is sunflower lecithin," says Collingwood. "It doesn’t have any added sweeteners or colors, and it packs 25 grams of protein for 110 calories.”

5. Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein

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"Garden of Life is a trusted brand, and their plant-based variety of protein powder doesn’t have a significant aftertaste like many others do," says Collingwood.

6. Navitas Organics Cacao & Greens Essential Blend

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"This is a great blend that consists of pea, pumpkin seed, sunflower seeds, flax, and hemp," says Lauren Antonucci, R.D. She also adds that it has added greens for fiber, as well as probiotics for gut health, which solidifies its place on the list of best protein powders for weight loss.

7. Naked Nutrition Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder

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“Naked Nutrition Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder has just one ingredient: whey protein!” says Sharp. “That means there are no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors added.”

8. Tera's Whey Protein

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“TERA’s Whey Protein is one of my go-to choices because it doesn’t contain the myriad of artificial ingredients found in many protein powder products,” says Edwina Clark, R.D., head of nutrition and wellness at Yummly.

9. Kura Grass-Fed Dairy Protein

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“Kura blends have added fiber and probiotics, which offer additional benefits like digestive health, satiety, immunity, and cholesterol control,” says Clark.

10. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

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“Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is completely tasteless, so it makes a great addition to any dish if you’re trying to increase the protein content of the meal, like in a soup or stew,” says Brigitte Zeitlin, R.D. 

11. Huel Powder

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“I recently tried Huel and I really liked the nutrition lineup and plant protein source (it’s vegan),” says Sharon Palmer, R.D. The ingredients, which include oats, brown rice protein, and pea protein, have been “carefully planned by dietitians to meet nutrient needs," she adds. 

12. Vega Protein & Greens

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“I like Vega because it includes many nutrients that I’m interested in,” such as pea protein, brown rice protein, and organic kale powder, says Palmer. “As a vegan that’s something I’m really looking for.” 

The Best Eye Creams For Puffy Bags And Dark Circles

Blame your late-night binge of Evil Genius on Netflix, that dude buying you shots at the bar, or your wailing baby: Your eyes are puffy as hell.

Enter, ALL the eye cream. Right?

But seriously, while you might have 20 different types stashed in your cabinets, you really only need one.

Look no further than this derm-approved list of the best eye creams for your specific concerns:

Best for puffiness: NeoCutis Lumiere Bio-Restorative Eye Cream

Carrying an extra set of luggage on your face? Enter this luxe eye cream, which is packed with caffeine to help stimulate the skin and reduce puffiness, says Debra Jaliman, M.D., a NYC-based dermatologist. It also contains a proprietary blend of growth factors and antioxidants to make skin look healthier.

Plus, Jaliman says the formula is hydrating and increases firmness around the eyes—always clutch when you're dealing with puffy bags. Basically, you're getting a LOT for the high price tag.

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For dryness: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

The classic drugstore brand is your BFF if you've got dry skin around your eyes. “It has antioxidants, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba—which all have moisturizing properties," says Jaliman. Plus, it's hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and it won't clog your pores, making it a safe, hydrating bet for all skin types.

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For sensitive skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream

Your eye skin is some of the most delicate, sensitive skin on your face, so the last thing you want is something that could cause a freakout—especially if you already have touchy skin.

Enter Neutrogena's Hydro Boost eye cream, which Jaliman recommends for sensitive types. "It is at an affordable price point and has a lot of hyaluronic acid that is very hydrating. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and absorbs quickly," she says. 

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The Best Moisturizers With Sunscreen

I used to associate sunscreen with the gloppy, heavy white goo my mom would make me slather on every time I stepped out of the house in the summer.

Little did I know I could get the sun protection I needed without putting a heavy cream all over my face—thanks to moisturizers with SPF.

But not just any moisturizer with SPF will do. You need to find a formula with at least broad-spectrum SPF 30 to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays, says Sejal Shah, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology. (Most moisturizers come with just 15 to 20 SPF, which she emphasizes isn't enough.)

These are the best moisturizers with SPF for every skin type:

Best overall: Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen

This bestselling, oil-free, water-resistant formula is first and foremost a sunscreen, though its ultra-hydrating effects are damn impressive. Made with natural citrus and basil extracts, you can expect a head-to-toe solution to hydration and sun care that won’t smell like your traditional sun block.

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Best for oily, acne-prone skin: CeraVe Ultra-Light Face Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

         Designed to keep oily skin at bay, this oil-free SPF 30 moisturizer works to help repair the protective skin barrier. In the process of locking in long-lasting moisture, it works double-time to mattify any oily areas for a shine-free face that’s protected from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

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Best for people who live in cities: Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30

All that polluted air can damage your skin's collagen, making you look older. To help combat premature wrinkles, this power-packed sunscreen serum works to hydrate, repair, protect, and defend against not only UVA and UVB rays, but against environmental damage, too.

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Best anti-ager: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer With Sunscreen

In addition to deeply hydrating and protecting skin from environmental aggressors and daily wear and tear, this SPF 30 moisturizer is formulated to visibly fade fine lines and wrinkles thanks to anti-aging powerhouse retinol.

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9 Things Dermatologists Are Dying to Tell You About Your Skin

They say beauty is only skin deep. Only?! Skin is our body's largest organ, and when it's clear, hydrated, and radiant, it signals wellness on the inside too. The secrets top M.D.'s share with their favorite people will make you look younger and feel healthier.
Start Anti-Ageing Now
"When someone asks, 'When do I deal with this line between my eyes?' I'm tempted to say, 'It was time to deal with it when you first noticed it!' I can be blunt like that with family, so when my cousins asked, I told them my philosophy: Clean up your room before it gets too dirty. If you begin with small amounts of Botox or filler in your early 30s when lines start forming, the muscle movement that creates wrinkles is restricted sooner, so you likely won't develop deeper ones. That said, it's okay if you've put it off. Botox, Fraxel, and fillers work into your 40s and beyond; you'll just need somewhat higher doses since the damage will be greater. Most people have it backward: They're worried about overdoing it by coming in too frequently. But if they came earlier and more often, I wouldn't need to do much, so it would cost less and look more natural." —Paul Jarrod Frank, M.D., director of 5th Avenue Dermatology Surgery and Laser Center and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai in New York City

Made a Change? Your Skin Knows
"A friend called me about an itchy rash on her face. When I saw her red, swollen bumps, I realized it was rosacea. So many things can trigger rosacea, even if you've never had it before: coffee, milk and cheese, chocolate, red wine, spices. I could have put her on antibiotics, but instead I asked her what had changed in her diet — I knew she was a healthy eater and didn't drink alcohol but loved coffee. Turns out, she had recently started taking it with cream. She stopped, and the inflammation disappeared within a week. If you're having a problem, it helps to think about anything that's new, even if it seems small. Your doctor might make a connection that can get you relief." —Valerie Goldburt, M.D., cosmetic dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery and assistant clinical professor at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City

Don't Do What You Always Do

"One close friend of mine told me that she sleeps with makeup on — in fact, she's been doing it for decades without any problems. But now that she's in her mid- 40s, she's started to see cystic acne. She tried numerous medications to treat it and nothing worked. When she stopped wearing makeup to bed, it vanished. The moral of the story isn't to wash your face at night; that's a given. It's that what worked for your skin years ago — or even six months ago — can change. Good skin care means being attuned to your skin's needs. So don't resist mixing up a routine that's always worked for you if it no longer does." —Paul Jarrod Frank, M.D.
Magnifying Mirrors Are Like Fun-House Mirrors

"Those 20x magnifying makeup mirrors just kill me. All you can see in them are flaws! Nobody should look at you that closely except dermatologists, since that's our job. To the untrained eye, seeing your skin magnified that much encourages picking at otherwise imperceptible blemishes. Plus, it contributes to a poor sense of self because it literally magnifies your imperfections. My mother is in love with them; her excuse is 'I can't see to put my makeup on.' She won't listen to me! I tell everyone I know that if they really can't apply makeup without glasses, find a mirror with magnification of just 5x to 8x that only corrects for nearsightedness." —Dendy Engelman, M.D., associate dermatologic surgeon at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York City
Stop Touching Already!

"The vast majority of my acne patients touch or squeeze their spots. It's called skin picking, and actually, many dermatologists do it too! So I don't get on people about it. Sometimes you don't realize you're doing it; I have patients who are literally picking in front of me, and when I'm like, 'Are you picking?' They say no! You can't just tell someone — or yourself — to stop, so you need to focus that anxious energy on something else. When one of my girlfriends found herself constantly picking, we discovered that if she wore a rubber band on her wrist and snapped it whenever the impulse arose, it worked to stop her picking. If you want to try something less dramatic first, I tell people to try squeezing a stress ball, or even just go out for a little walk." —Dendy Engelman, M.D.
Spend More Time Between the Sheets

"At lunch recently, a friend was saying that she took care of her skin but still felt like it was missing that youthful glow, so I told her to have more sex. Obviously, it's good for your relationship — but it also gives your skin radiance. Sex releases anti-inflammatory hormones and endorphins that help combat stress and aging and boost immunity. All that gives you a healthy, postcoital flush. When women are more sexually active, their estrogen levels go up, which improves skin overall by increasing moisture and promoting collagen production. So I encouraged my friend to start having sex more often than whatever she currently was having. We had a giggle about it, and she seemed happy to follow my advice!" —Debbie Palmer, D.O., cofounder and medical director at Dermatology Associates of New York in Harrison, NY, and Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, CT
Good Skin Needs a Schedule

"So many friends ask me for product recommendations, and when they do, I remind them that applying formulas at the right time is as important as choosing the right ones. The rule is: Daytime is for protection and nighttime is about repair. Smooth on an antioxidant serum in the morning to neutralize free radicals, which are harmful molecules created when you're exposed to UV light and pollution. They contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin — that's what leads to wrinkles and dark spots. At night, there's no UV to block, so that's a good time to apply moisturizer or serum that contains peptides or retinol; those are proven to stimulate collagen, which'll reduce existing wrinkles and spots and prevent new ones from forming." —Mary Lupo, M.D., director of Tulane University Resident Cosmetic Clinic and clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans
Beware the Margarita Sunburn

"A good friend came back from vacation with a strange-looking rash on his forearm that looked like someone had dripped brown paint on it. I asked if he had been drinking margaritas, and he looked at me like I was psychic. The reason is that psoralen, an organic compound found in lemons and limes, makes skin supersensitive to UV light, causing a chemical burn called phytophotodermatitis. It's so common that it's jokingly called 'margarita sunburn.' He treated it like any other sunburn, with a moisturizer containing aloe vera or soy, and it faded away." —Rebecca Kazin, M.D., associate director at Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, DC
You Can't Scrub Away Chicken Skin

"I live in South Florida, where we wear sleeveless shirts and tanks year round. My best friend constantly had small, reddish bumps on the back of her arms. That's usually keratosis pilaris (KP), which is an excess of keratin, the main protein that makes up hair, nails, and the skin's outer layer. When keratin clogs the hair follicles, you get KP, which people commonly mistake for rough skin that they think they can exfoliate away with a scrub mitt or loofah mitt or loofah. That's what my friend was doing, but friction was only making it worse. I told her to apply an over-the-counter steroid cream until the redness subsided, followed by a moisturizer that contains glycolic acid, which will dissolve the excess keratin that's plugging up pores. Scrubbing won't do anything but irritate your skin!" —S. Manjula Jegasothy, M.D., founder and cosmetic dermatologist at Miami Skin Institute and associate professor of dermatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Your Sunburn Cure Has Been in Your Fridge All Along: It's Cold Milk!

It's the first warm day of the year and you finally get to ditch the jacket and soak up the sunshine. Life is good ... until a bright red sunburn shows up. While your best bet is always sunscreen and shade, it's all too easy to overdo it on your beach days. That's why this DIY soother comes in handy the next time you forget to lotion up the back of your neck.

A cold milk compress can actually speed the healing of your burn, according to board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, medical director of Mudgil Dermatology in Manhattan and Long Island, New York.

First things first, sunburns are more than just tenderness and peeling. "In a sunburn, your DNA gets damaged by UV light, which can cause a skin cell to die," Dr. Mudgil explains. "This in turn leads to the release of pro-inflammatory proteins which cause redness, inflammation, swelling, and pain."

Most of us reach for moisturizer to help soothe the sting, but your fridge actually contains a powerful home remedy that's better than any regular ice pack. Next time, try soaking a washcloth in some skim milk and using it as a cold compress.

"The cool milk helps pull heat away from the skin," Dr. Mudgil explains. "Vitamin A and D in milk are antioxidants, which can help assist healing the skin. The lactic acid in milk can help exfoliate some of the dead skin cells away."

Out of milk? That's not the only pantry item that can help. Yogurt provides a similar effect, and antioxidant-packed black tea or soothing oatmeal baths can also help counteract inflammation.

Then there's good ol' aloe, which may promote the healing of first- and second-degree burns, according to the Mayo Clinic. (You can even grow your own supply at home!) OTC pain relievers like Motrin, Advil, or Aleve can also take away some of the discomfort.
While all of these items can provide relief, the one thing you should absolutely not do is pick at any scales or blisters that form. If a blister does break, gently wash it with soap and water and cover it with antibiotic ointment and a bandage.

And before you forget, stock up on the top sunscreens tested by the Beauty Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. These formulas checked off every box in our test and can help you avoid future misery. (Just don't forget to apply some on your back!)