britt's picks // dermatologist

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A good dermatologist is crucial to any person's well being and overall skin health. I truly believe this. They aren't just there to treat annoying acne, but also check for cancerous moles and treat any problematic skin issues. So many people forget to protect their skin from the sun (I was one of them for longer than I'd like to admit), and although you may not notice the damage right away, this can cause some serious issues in the long term. I've been going to Wexler Dermatology in Manhattan for the last several months, and cannot recommend this practice enough. Whatever your skin concern may be, from rosacea to wrinkles to acne to filler, they've got you covered. I began a treatment with Dr. Eugene Wexler called Aerolase, which is a neo-laser treatment that helps with many issues including hyerpigmentation, tightening & rejuvenation, acne & scarring, collagen production, and redness/rosacea! The completely non-invasive treatment involves high-powered, short-pulse lasers, which are guided over your face and neck as they work their magic. I'll typically follow the short laser treatment with a few seconds of LED light therapy, which is great for fighting signs of aging as well. Aerolase generally needs 3-4 treatments every 3-4 weeks to be effective, and now that I've completed my 4th session, I can definitely tell a difference. My aesthetician also remarked how my skin is looking much brighter and more even overall. Success!

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During my first appointment, Dr. Patricia Wexler suggested I start using the three products above (SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Treatment, SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator & Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46) immediately, and after several months of consistent use, I'm totally sold. I'd heard about the C E Ferulic before- it has a serious cult following- and this stuff is no joke. It's a lighteight serum containing l-ascorbic acid, alpha tocopherol and ferulic acid that works to prevent signs of aging. Basically, it's the vitamin C serum of your dreams that also helps fight the environmental effects of free radicals. Any signs of photodamage or hyperpigmentation been bugging you? This stuff helps lighten and brighten as well! The HA5 Hydrator contains an impressive five forms of hyaluronic acid, our body's natural hydrator that diminishes over time, and helps keep our skin super smooth and fully hydrated. It's also oil-free, fragrance-free, and noncomedogenic, so you don't have to worry about it clogging your pores. Elta MD is known for being one of the best sunscreens out there and comes highly recommended by dermatologists alike. Their UV Clear SPF 46 uses zinc oxide to protect from the sun, and also calms sensitive skin types prone to breakouts, rosacea, or discoloration. High purity niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid promote overall healthy-looking skin. Speaking of, I need to stock up on another bottle of these, stat! Dr. Wexler also makes her own line of products, and I've been reaching for the overnight acne repair lotion whenever a pesky blemish arises. If you live in NYC, or even if you don't, and are looking for a reliable, intelligent, and helpful dermatologist, I highly recommend you seek out Wexler Dermatology! 

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

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fave products // karyng by dr. karyn grossman skincare

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When a skincare line is developed by a dermatologist, you can almost certainly count on both the integrity and efficacy of its products. Karyng Skincare, in particular, was created after Dr. Karyn Grossman found a need for products addressing inflammation, a crucial issue at the root of many skin concerns. Most importantly, she wanted her products to be founded in nature's potent, yet gentle properties, so she worked diligently to create six essential products with a 90% natural, 10% bio-engineered ingredient combination. Essentially, Karyng is harnessing the science of nature, and putting it to good use by targeting the key signs of aging. The  powerhouse ingredients used in Dr. Grossman's formulation work to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, create a more even skin tone, help with hyperpigmentation, and promote a youthful, glowing complexion. Potent antioxidants work their magic as well, by helping to stop inflammation before it begins.

During the day I've been using the Complete SPF 50, which is lightly tinted, broad spectrum daily facial moisturizer. Containing echinacea and coconut oil, this baby works great simply as an SPF shield, but can double as a makeup primer as well! Before bedtime I've been loving the Revitalizing Eye Cream. It targets all various eye concerns (think puffiness, dark circles & wrinkles) thanks to the powerful antioxidant soybean extract,  as well as nourishes the delicate skin with shea butter. The Restructuring Night Cream works wonders while you sleep, featuring keratinocyte growth factors which help increase epidermis thickness. All of Dr. Grossman's products contain Pro-Verte Technology, a naturally-based proprietary complex, that helps refine and restore damaged skin, while maximizing all anti-aging and anti-inflammatory results! Not to mention, they're free of parabens, phthalats, and synthetic fragrances, Talk about packing a punch!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

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fave products // tata harper resurfacing serum

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If I had to pick a favorite type of skincare product, it would probably be serum. I know that's not super specific, since there are so many different types these days, but they really seem do to it all. From vitamin C to anti-blemish to hydrating, there's a serum out there for everyone, no matter what your skin concern. I've been a Tata Harper fan for a while now, so when they came out with a serum version of their cult-favorite Resurfacing Mask, I knew I had to try it. Touted as your daily dose of glow, the Resurfacing Serum is packed with AHAs, BHAs, and antioxidants that work to refine and resurface your skin. It's great for evening out skin texture and dullness- the acids are essentially sloughing off those dead skin cells that can build up and cause it in the first place! Those pesky free radicals (that I've talked about before) in the environment can age your skin, causing you to look older than you are. That's where powerful antioxidants come into play, fighting off those negative effects and keeping your skin glowing as it should! It's basically your whole exfoliation process combined into one dainty bottle that leaves your skin super smooth and bright. I like to apply the serum right after my Hydrating Floral Essence, while my skin is still damp, as it really helps with the absorption process. And, since I know this isn't exactly cheap- it helps ensure a little goes a long way, making your serum last much longer! As with all Tata products, this baby is made with all-natural ingredients, many of which are organic as well, so you can feel good about using it on your face. Non-toxic and highly effective? Sign me up!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

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fave products // w3ll people narcissist foundation cream

Considering the fact that our skin absorbs 80% of what we put on it, I'd say it's pretty important to know the quality of ingredients in our skincare products. W3ll People uses none of the artificial chemicals that can be so harmful to our complexions, but instead only 100% natural ingredients that deliver flawless coverage and soothing protection. Enter W3ll People Narcissist Foundation, a creamy formula that melts instantly into the skin, giving it a fresh, healthy glow. I find it works great at balancing my skin tone while diminishing the appearance of imperfections, and I love its weightless, satiny finish. Not to mention, the stick design makes it easy to toss in your bag for on-the-go application. You can use it simply as a spot treatment and to cover redness, or over the entire face, creating buildable coverage as needed. I can safely say Narcissist is one of my fave new go-to's in my makeup bag, and I definitely recommend you try it out for yourself!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

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fave products // lilah b. multipurpose makeup palettes

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Y'all know I'm a sucker for clean beauty. Meaning skincare and makeup brands that are made from natural ingredients, with no crazy chemicals or fragrances. Lilah b. is just that, and their goal is to make beauty simple by offering a minimalistic collection of multi-purpose products that give you a finished look with less. I mean, couldn't practically everyone benefit from a movement to declutter, minimalize, and simplify? I know I could! You'll find ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, and agar in their products, which work to soothe and hydrate the skin while adding any coverage or color you may want. Their palettes come in beautiful, sleek and modern stone compacts, and are an ideal addition for those looking to streamline their morning routine!

Lilah b.'s All You Need Discovery Set really is all you need to give you a simple, but beautiful look thanks to their three multi-tasking best-sellers. I'm not typically one to wear foundation, but The Flawless Finish Foundation is more of a silky, weightless powder that doesn't feel heavy or leave you with that caked-on makeup look. Although it's buildable for those seeking more coverage, it still gives my skin that naturally luminous glow I crave. It also comes in a variety of shades, so there's something for every skin tone. The Palette Perfection Eye Quad in b.stunning is the perfect combination of neutral shades, giving you multiple options for eye looks whether you're looking for something more natural or more dramatic. I even like using it as a bronzer or contour if I want a little more golden glow! The Divine Duo Lip & Cheek palette in b.lovely is great for adding a little pop of color to your look. It's creamy, but with a matte finish, so it won't leave you looking too shiny. I found the blendable color to also be super long-lasting, which is key. Thanks to lilah b., you really can be more, with less!

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fave products // tata harper clarifying cleanser & moisturizer

I love me some Tata Harper. The brand is known for its use of potent, highly effective ingredients, while also remaining completely free of toxins. The perfect combination in my opinion! Their clarifying line of products in particular is great for those with blemish-prone skin, and I find myself reaching for these whenever my skin gets a bit irritated or hormonal. The Clarifying Cleanser and Clarifying Moisturizer provide a powerful one-two punch that target blemish-causing impurities while providing key hydration and moisture for your skin. As with all Tata's cleansers, you're instructed to apply a few pumps to dry skin, massaging it into a lather, then rinse with warm water. I love the cooling effect it has from mint extract, and sometimes will even leave it on for a few minutes as a flash cooling mask! Active ingredients like prickly pear flower enzymes create an exfoliating effect to help clear buildup and also promote cell renewal. Wild-crafted juniper fruit helps balance oil and sebum, while chlorella soothes redness and calms irritation. 

Once cleansed, I like to apply a few spritzes of Tata Harper's Hydrating Floral Essence before moving onto a serum and moisturizer. The Clarifying Moisturizer makes my skin feel nicely balanced and hydrated, without being too greasy, thanks to plumping hyaluronic acid as well as a clarifying mineral blend of copper, magnesium, and zinc. These natural astringents help remove buildup from the surface of your skin and aide in soothing. A super fruit healing blend including elderberry, sandalwood seed, sea buckthorn, tazman pepper, and palmetto berry works to minimize the effects of free radicals, while also calming redness and promoting healthy, radiant skin. Equally as important, sea fern helps reduce the appearance of any skin discoloration you may have leftover post-blemish, as well. I'll be honest, these products aren't cheap. But what I can tell you is they are made from the highest quality ingredients with absolutely none of the harsh or irritating chemicals. I'm willing to pay more for something that I know works and makes my skin look and feel its best- so if you're considering trying out Tata Harper, I highly suggest you do!

* This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

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