Post-Summer Beauty Rehab — As Seen On CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin”

Now that fall has officially arrived, it’s time to take a hard look at any damage incurred by our strands, hair, and teeth during those steamy months we spent frolicking in the sun, splashing in the ocean, wading in the pool, and sipping on refreshing iced teas and fruity cocktails. Do our strands feel straw-like or look lackluster after being routinely exposed to chlorine? Did a fresh batch of dark spots creep up on our faces? Are our complexions feeling parched or looking dull? If so, I’ve got some great tips to help you refresh and recharge for the new season. I stopped  by CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin” and chatted with the beautiful Taylor Elison about how to do a bit of post-summer beauty rehab. Check out the segment above (or click here to view the segment on CBSAustin.com) and keep on reading for more details on all the great brands and products discussed on air!

BIOSSANCE

Given that UV rays are the primary culprit behind premature aging signs, come autumn, most of us start wondering whether we had a bit too much fun in the sun during the summertime. Did we apply enough sunscreen? Were we really as cautious as we should’ve been? I believe the best defense is a good offense so, to prevent new wrinkles from surfacing while minimizing the appearance of any existing fine lines, I recommend using the Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum ($78 at Sephora stores, Sephora.com, and Biossance.com). A top-notch clean beauty brand with a biotechnology background, Biossance developed this powerful anti-aging serum using a plant retinol alternative called Bakuchiol. Like retinol, Bakuchiol speeds up cellular turnover and increases collagen production, boosting elasticity and reducing fine lines — and it does so with none of the redness, peeling, sun sensitivity and irritation that can occur when using retinol-based products.

In addition to Bakuchiol, the formula includes mega-moisturizing, plant-derived squalane, along with hyaluronic acid, which is known to absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in moisture and bind it to skin, and niacinamide or vitamin B3, which helps to yield a more even skin tone.

You might be tempted to skimp on the sunscreen as the temperatures drop and the skies become a bit more overcast, but resist that urge! After all, if you want to keep skin youthful and supple, it’s necessary to use sunscreen like it’s your j-o-b and to do so 365 days a year). The Biossance Squalane + Mineral SPF 45 ($39 at Sephora stores, Sephora.com, and Biossance.com) is a great option because it’s mineral-based, lightweight, non-greasy, and it protects skin from UV rays and pollution. Made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, it creates a physical barrier that keeps skin safeguarded against environmental hazards. The non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested formula goes beyond protecting the skin by hydrating it with Biossance’s signature ingredient: C30H62, a plant-derived molecule that mimics the moisturizing squalane found naturally in our skin (the levels of which deplete as we age). It also contains chamomile and ginger root extract to soothe the skin and reduce redness, along with
light reflectors that give skin a luminous glow and blur any imperfections, giving the complexion a soft-focus finish.

To nourish dry and depleted skin,  you can rely on the Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream($58 at Sephora stores, Sephora.com, and Biossance.com), which is formulated with lipids that mimic those naturally found in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis — chiefly ceramides, açai berry sterols, omega fatty acids, and squalane. Together, these lipids work to repair and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, preventing further moisture loss. Recommended for all skin types, this moisturizer also contains hyaluronic acid and shea butter but, so that it gives thirsty skin a much-needed dose of hydration while plumping fine lines, giving the complexion a smoother texture, and improving radiance.

SKINBETTER

When you throw a wild house party, you’re typically left to tackle a giant mess: half-empty wine glasses and beer bottles propped atop every conceivable surface, a sink overflowing with dirty dishes, streamers and confetti scattered on the ground, sticky floors from countless spills, and more. The festivities may be epic, but the clean-up portion that ensues when the music stops and the last guests leave? Not quite as enjoyable.

Now, if we apply that same metaphor to our skin, those brown spots that pop up on the face and neck during or immediately after the summer months tend to be the not-so-pleasant aftermath of our sunbathing escapades. Limiting sun exposure and being diligent about sunscreen application are key if you want to avoid sun spots from tarnishing your complexion, but even a minor slip-up (think that time you were running late and forgot to apply SPF or that time you sweat off all your sunscreen while working out outdoors) can lead to new instances of hyperpigmentation.

To help fade those dark spots brought on by the sun, I suggest using the Skinbetter Oxygen Infusion Wash FACE ($38 at Skinbetter.com). Ideal for normal to oily skin, this cleanser delivers a burst of skin-energizing oxygen that brightens and revitalizes the complexion. It also features a blend of glycolic, lactic, and citric acids — a trio of slow-releasing Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) that gently exfoliate dull and dead surface skin cells to reveal a more even-toned and radiant complexion. In addition to exfoliating the skin and removing dirt and makeup, this cleanser effectively decongests pores thanks to its salicylic acid content, thereby preventing future breakouts. And since it contains hydrolyzed jojoba esters that enhance skin hydration, it doesn’t leave the complexion feeling dry or tight.

You can pair the cleanser with the SkinBetter Even Tone Correcting Serum FACE ($140 at Skinbetter.com), which features an exclusive b.r.y.t. complex that reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation while also combatting its underlying causes. This innovative serum contains no retinol or hydroquinone that could potentially irritate the skin. Instead, it features ingredients like: diglucosyl gallic acid, a bioactivated ingredient that improves the look of uneven skin tone resulting from UV exposure; kakadu plum extract, the richest known source of vitamin C in the planet and hence a great ingredient for skin brightening; arginine PCA, an amino acid complex that corrects age-related yellowing of the skin; and hexylresorcinol, a hydroquinone alternative that breaks up pigment clusters, minimizing the appearance of dark spots, while also supporting collagen and offering antioxidant protection. Not only does this serum yield a more even skin tone, but it also helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles and improve the skin’s overall texture.

SILK’N

We rely on technology to simplify our lives, so why not use it to quickly and effectively achieve our beauty goals? With the Silk’n TITAN ($269 at Silkn.com), your wish to attain more supple, taut, bouncy, youthful-looking skin will be granted. This a groundbreaking skin-tightening device that uses three harmonized forms of energy — infrared heat energy, red spectrum LED light energy, and bi-polar radio frequency energy — to boost circulation, stimulate collagen production, and strengthen elastin fibers. This, in turn, results in sagging skin being tightened and lifted, facial contours appearing more defines, rough and leather-y skin appearing smoother and softer, wrinkle depth being reduced, and fine lines becoming less visible. The TITAN also works to minimize the appearance of dark spots, so it’s great for repairing sun-damaged skin.

The Silk’n TITAN can be used on the forehead, upper and lower cheeks, and the neck area. To use, you just apply a coat of the Slider Gel to the treatment area, turn on your TITAN and select the desired intensity, then glide the handheld  device over the skin, spending 10-15 minutes on each treatment zone.

NANNETTE DE GASPE 

Traditional pre-moistened sheet masks can feel like a pampering treat, but there’s no denying that even they can be too drippy or worse, they can leave a gooey and sticky residue on the skin that seems to linger there forever, even after you press the leftover serum onto your skin in hopes of achieving complete absorption. So what if you could enjoy the indulgent aspect of a wearable masque without any messiness? Enter Nannette de Gaspé, a Canadian-based, luxury skincare brand known for its proprietary dry masks which employ a never-before-seen waterless technology.

Unveiled earlier this month, the Vitality Revealed collection is latest iteration of Bio-Stimulant TechStile Infusing Dry Masques. The collection is comprised of three targeted treatments: Vitality Revealed Neck ($100 at NannettedeGaspe.com and in store at Barneys New York and Neiman Marcus), Vitality Revealed Face ($120 at NannettedeGaspe.com and in store at Barneys New York and Neiman Marcus), and Vitality Revealed Decolleté ($100 at$100 at NannettedeGaspe.com and in store at Barneys New York and Neiman Marcus). Each one comes in a stunning box featuring a resealable sachet containing a patterned mask in a unique shape meant to perfectly adapt to the contours of the region it’s treating.

When you first unfold the mask inside each sachet, you’ll notice it’s 100% dry to the touch and that’s because the active ingredients are actually embedded into the fabric. So whereas water is the main ingredient in many sheet masks, with these Nannette de Gaspé  treatments, there’s no water being used as filler and that means each mask contains 81% active ingredients that are being infused into the skin. It should come as no surprise, then, that these treatments were inspired by Mesotherapy treatments whereby plant extracts, vitamins, and homeopathic remedies are injected into the skin — except, of course, these luxurious masques are a non-invasive and needle-free way to infuse the skin with nutrients.

The Vitality Revealed masques are infused with hyaluronic acid to moisturize and plump the skin; a blend of minerals like copper, zinc and magnesium to reduce the appearance of sagging skin; and glutathione, an antioxidant tri-peptide that boosts skin radiance.

To activate each mask, you just place it atop the skin (making sure the patterned side faces outward and using the clever ear slots to secure it in place), then you gently massage the fabric as the formula will be triggered by your body temperature and pH. You can then kick back for 15 minutes and, after your treatment, your skin will appear hydrated and re-energized. And here’s another amazing detail: you can use each treatment up to 5 times!

ARTISTRY BY AMWAY

There’s a growing interest in bespoke skincare, and Artistry by Amway is setting the bar really high with its new Artistry Signature Select Personalized Serum, which allows you to customize your skincare experience to address your specific concerns.

Here’s how it works: you start with a Base Serum made with 100% phyto-infused water that blends 5 Nutralite botanicals: acerola cherry, black currant, green tea, pomegranate, and spinach. Not only is this base serum rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, but it also increases Amplifier penetration by 137%. What’s an Amplifier, you ask?

Well, that brings us to the next portion of this innovative launch! There are 5 Artistry Signature Select Amplifiers ($34 to $47 each at Amway.com) that can potentially be blended with the serum, each one serving a unique purpose: Hydration, which features a Hydro-Probiotic Technology to repair and protect the skin’s moisture barrier; Anti-Wrinkle, which boasts a Line Diminishing Technology that smooths out fine lines as well as deep-set wrinkles and creases; Firming, designed to improve the skin’s elasticity and resilience; Anti-Spot, which features a vitamin C technology to fade dark spots; and Brightening, which features a star lily blend and AA2G Skin-Brightening Technology to boost luminosity.

Customers can visit Amway.com and choose from the following options: Artistry Signature Select Hydration Amplifier and Base Serum ($74), Artistry Signature Select Brightening Amplifier and Base Serum ($80), Artistry Signature Select Firming Amplifier and Base Serum ($87), Artistry Signature Select Anti-Spot Amplifier and Base Serum ($87), and Artistry Signature Select Anti-Wrinkle Amplifier and Base Serum ($87). They can then add up to two additional Amplifiers to create a truly personalized skincare formula.

WEN HAIR & BODY CARE BY CHAZ DEAN

After exposing your strands to harsh UV rays — not to mention chlorine and salt water during all those summer pool parties and beach days, respectively — it’s time to give that hair some TLC. The new Fall Fresh Apple Collection from WEN Hair & Body Care by Chaz Dean is ideal for reviving and replenishing dehydrated, stressed, and damaged strands. All the products in the collection feature an antioxidant-rich Four Tea Complex (comprised of white tea leaf extract, black tea leaf extract, Rooibos red tea extract, and green tea leaf extract) as well as strengthening amino acids blended with Macintosh apple, mandarin orange peel, vanilla and amber extracts. This limited edition seasonal collection captures the essence of fall — after all, it’s prime apple-picking season!

To repair damaged strands, you can start by using the sulfate-free Fall Fresh Apple Cleansing Conditioner ($72 for 34 oz. at ChazDean.com) to gently cleanse strands without stripping them of moisture, using the Saw Cut Shower Comb ($15 at ChazDean.com) to evenly distribute the product through hair.

For an indulgent spa-like treatment, you can apply the Fall Fresh Apple ReMoist Hydrating Hair Mask ($80 for 4 oz. at ChazDean.com), which helps bring hair back to optimal health, leaving it soft and lustrous. The mask contains a plethora of nutrient-dense ingredients: sea buckthorn oil, which is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E; antioxidant-packed açai and goji berry extracts; coconut water, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and amino acids; and much more. To use, you apply a tablespoon-sized dollop to wet and clean strands, working the product in, and then wait 30-45 minutes before rinsing off.

You can complete your quest for healthy strands with the Fall Fresh Apple Treatment Oil ($72 for 4 oz. at ChazDean.com), which contains jojoba seed, argan, and Abyssinian oils. This concentrated treatment and which can be used as a leave-in, to polish dry and styled strands, as an overnight scalp treatment, or even as a skin conditioner!

HELLO PRODUCTS

If your teeth are looking a little yellow after sipping on iced tea and iced coffee all summer — not to mention vodka and cranberry cocktails, sangria, and pomegranate mimosas — you can brighten that smile with the Hello Products Activated Charcoal Collection. Hello “Naturally-Friendly” Oral Care is the fastest growing toothpaste brand in the US, and the company specializes in 100% vegan, gluten-free, sulfate- and paraben-free oral care products that contain no yucky chemicals and artificial dyes or sweeteners.  Its charcoal collection, then, offers consumers a way to brighten their smiles using the detoxifying powers of bamboo charcoal, which is known to effectively remove surface stains and dislodge plaque and tartar — all without causing any sensitivity or damaging the enamel.

Because it’s formulated with bamboo charcoal, the fluoride-free Activated Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste (5.99 at Target, Walmart, and Hello-Products.com) is naturally black in color, which makes brushing messy and fun in the best possible way. In addition to bamboo charcoal, this toothpaste features contains coconut oil, which has antibacterial properties, and breath-freshening mint. To prevent plaque build-up and keep that breath minty fresh, you can then rinse with the Activated Charcoal Whitening Mouthwash ($6.99 at Target, Walmart, and Hello-Products.com), which is alcohol-free and also contains bamboo charcoal as well as soothing coconut oil and tea tree oil (and yes, it’s also a black hue!).

You can even go the extra step and get the Hello Products BPA-Free Charcoal Bristle Toothbrush ($3.99 at Target, Walmart, and Hello-Products.com), an eco-friendly and teeth-friendly addition to your bathroom tabletop. This sleek toothbrush  features an ergonomic handle made from 70% plant-based materials and precision-tapered soft bristles made with activated bamboo charcoal.