While utilizing quality skin care products and establishing a consistent self care routine is the cornerstone of any effective skincare practice, seeking out professional guidance is a must as well. Just as many of us schedule routine teeth cleanings and check-ups twice a year to take inventory of our oral health, we need to do the same for our skin.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and is the body’s first line of defense against the elements. Like any organ, it is constantly in flux and affected by age, pollution, our nutritional intake, levels of anxiety, hormones, the season and many other factors. So in addition to cleansing, using a quality serum, moisturizer, face oil when necessary, eye cream and a weekly mask, I recommend having a routine facial. At a minimum shoot for 4 times a year. To that end, we sat down with Yasmine Djerradine, renowned skin care expert and founder of Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté, to discuss her approach to skin care and why it is more important than ever to take good care of ourselves.

TB: What do you love most about what you do?

Yasmine: So many things…I love to take care of people. There is something intimate about caring for another’s skin. I like to customize each treatment.

People often call me and describe their skin over the phone and ask me to recommend a regimen for them. I always tell them that I need to see and touch their skin in order to understand their unique health and beauty needs.

TB: What is the single most important piece of skin care advice that you give your clients?

Yasmine: Please don’t overdo it! Your skin is an organ, and your body’s first line of defense against the elements. Many harsh procedures actually strip your skin of what it desperately needs to protect itself! Focus on cleansing and hydrating, and your skin will always be there to protect you.

Customization in skin care is also crucial. Everything has to be “sur mesure”, or made to order. Everyone ages differently and responds to the elements and pollution uniquely.

TB: If you had to recommend a few essential skin care products that you would encourage people to splurge on, what would they be?

Yasmine: Today people are living longer and so we need our youthful complexion to last indefinitely. It is more important than ever to take care of ourselves as we age. If you think about the adverse effects of collagen collapse, sun or wind damage, cancer, etc., all of these issues can be traced back to the various ways we have neglected our skin. We must utilize a serious moisturizer during the winter to protect ourselves from the cold and wind and the best sun protection when we are in the sun – basically all year round.

TB: What defining moment in your career had the strongest influence on you?

Yasmine: I have defining moments all the time! I am constantly discovering new products, working with new clients and experimenting with new treatment technologies. This is why, even after 30 years, I am still so passionate about skin care. It is my hope and vision for the future that each new experience will be insightful and exciting. I strive for every moment to be the next “aha” moment!

Read more about Yasmine on her Travel Beauty Expert Page.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

Biafine, otherwise known as Trolamine, is one of the most basic staples that can be found in any French, German or Israeli pharmacy. Yasmine Djerradine, skin care authority and Travel Beauty expert recommended it to me to help prevent scarring when I had surgery 16 years ago. It is a multi-tasking wonder ointment that soothes redness, irritation, inflammation and sunburns.

In Europe Biafine is mostly used to prevent and soothe diaper rash in infants, but this topical wonder offers so much more. Over the years I have incorporated Biafine into my daily regimen.

Cure for Chapped Lips

I have excruciatingly dry lips. My husband often scolds me for biting them. The truth is I don’t, my lips are just so chapped that it appears as though I do. The Fall is the worst, as the cold, dry air starts to creep in pulling a double shift. I layer Biafine under my lip gloss or lipstick for an extra boost of moisture. It coats, smoothes and soothes lips sealing in a barrier between the lips and the outside world. In my experience products like Eucerin, Vaseline and Blistex seem to suck the moisture right out of my lips.

Apply Biafine before bed too. Skin repairs itself overnight when we are sleeping; the same is true for the skin on our lips. Biafine gives your lips the extra lift they need.

Body Care

Body oil is my body care product of choice, especially in colder months. Right now I’m using Mio Skincare The Activist Firming Active Body Oil. It’s rich and smells divine (and I am not a fan of scents.) Even if you apply body oil to damp skin, mixing body oil with a creamy agent helps it to penetrate the skin more deeply and dilute the oily texture of many rich body oils. Biafine comes in handy as I am usually in a rush and don’t have time to wait for body oil to dry before pulling on a pair of trousers or jeans. Biafine cuts just enough of the oily texture without being too creamy and because it’s scent free, it won’t interfere with the scent of your favorite body oil.

Soothing Rosacea

I am not a dermatologist, doctor or skin care expert by way of formal education and there is currently no cure for rosacea. That said, in many cases, Biafine has been able to help lessen the symptoms of this skin condition. Though food intake and stress are some of the factors that contribute to rosacea, the bottom line is that it causes red, reactive and in some cases inflamed skin. While using gentle skin care for sensitive, reactive skin, like Cosmetics 27 Baume 27 or Sapelo Skin Care Rejuvenating Cream, that soothe and cool is essential, layering a thin layer of Biafine under these types of moisturizers adds an extra cool and calming layer of care that, much like in the case of chapped lips, provides a buffer between irritated skin and your moisturizer. On more severe days when skin is particularly reactive, Biafine can be used alone. Please note that everyone is different so before applying Biafine on your entire face, conduct a small patch test.

After Dermatological Peels and Treatments

Though I am not a proponent of chemical peels (many are purported to cause harmful chemicals to seep into the bloodstream and dehydrate skin, stripping it of many essential nutrients) many people swear them. Biafine aids in soothing the dry, seemingly sunburned shape that you will find your skin in immediately following these treatments.

Biafine to Treat Radio Dermatitis

Biafine is often prescribed to cancer patients or others receiving radiation treatment. The anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties of Biafine help bring down the inflammation and treat burned and painful irritation that can be caused by these treatments.

Biafine to Treat Cuts and Sunburn

Biafine can also be used as a wound dressing to heal minor cuts. It provides moisture to aid the skin in the healing process while protecting it from bacterial contamination. Biafine can also be applied directly to sunburns to soothe and lessen inflammation. As opposed to aloe-based sunburn ointments and gels, Biafine seeps into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave a wet gelatinous texture sitting on the surface of the skin.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

Biafine, otherwise known as Trolamine, is one of the most basic staples that can be found in any French, German or Israeli pharmacy. Yasmine Djerradine, skin care authority and Travel Beauty expert recommended it to me to help prevent scarring when I had surgery 15 years ago. It is a multi-tasking wonder ointment that soothes redness, irritation, inflammation and sunburns.

In Europe Biafine is mostly used to prevent and soothe diaper rash in infants, but this topical wonder offers so much more. Over the years I have incorporated Biafine into my daily regimen.

Cure for Chapped Lips

I have excruciatingly dry lips. My husband often scolds me for biting them. The truth is I don’t, my lips are just so chapped that it appears as though I do. The winter is the worst, as the cold dry air seems to be pulling a double shift. I layer Biafine under my lip gloss or lipstick for an extra boost of moisture. It coats, smoothes and soothes lips sealing in a barrier between the lips and the outside world. In my experience products like Eucerin, Vaseline and Blistex seem to suck the moisture right out of my lips.

Apply Biafine before bed too. Skin repairs itself overnight when we are sleeping; the same is true for the skin on our lips. Biafine gives your lips the extra lift they need.

Body Care

Body oil is my body care product of choice, especially in colder months. Right now I’m using Mio Skincare The Activist Firming Active Body Oil. It’s rich and smells divine (and I am not a fan of scents.) Even if you apply body oil to damp skin mixing body oil with a creamy agent helps it to penetrate the skin more deeply and dilute the oily texture of many rich body oils. In other words, many of us are in a rush and don’t have time to wait for body oil to dry (now we are not talking oil slick here, but even body oils that go on almost dry can leave an initial damp residue on the skin) before pulling on a pair of trousers or jeans. Biafine cuts just enough of the oily texture without being too creamy and because it’s scent free, it won’t interfere with the scent of your favorite body oil.

Soothing Rosacea

I am not a dermatologist, doctor or skin care expert by way of formal education and there is currently no cure for rosacea. That said, in many cases, Biafine has been able to help lessen the symptoms of this skin condition. Though food intake and stress are some of the factors that contribute to rosacea, the bottom line is that it causes red, reactive and in some cases inflamed skin. While using gentle skin care for sensitive, reactive skin, like Cosmetics 27 Baume 27 or B. Kamins Laboratories Nutrient Replacement Cream Kx, that soothe and cool is essential, layering a thin layer of Biafine under these types of moisturizers adds an extra cool and calming layer of care that, much like in the case of chapped lips, provides a buffer between irritated skin and your moisturizer. On more severe days when skin is particularly reactive, Biafine can be used alone. Please note that everyone is different so before applying Biafine on your entire face, conduct a small patch test.

After Dermatological Peels and Treatments

Though I am not a proponent of chemical peels (many are purported to cause harmful chemicals to seep into the bloodstream and dehydrate skin, stripping it of many essential nutrients) many people swear them. Biafine aids in soothing the dry, seemingly sunburned shape that you will find your skin in immediately following these treatments.

Biafine to Treat Radio Dermatitis

Biafine is often prescribed to cancer patients or others receiving radiation treatment. The anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties of Biafine help bring down the inflammation and treat burned and painful irritation that can be caused by these treatments.

Biafine to Treat Cuts and Sunburn

Biafine can also be used as a wound dressing to heal minor cuts. It provides moisture to aid the skin in the healing process while protecting it from bacterial contamination. Biafine can also be applied directly to sunburns to soothe and lessen inflammation. As opposed to aloe-based sunburn ointments and gels, Biafine seeps into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave a wet gelatinous texture sitting on the surface of the skin.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

As part of the new Travel Beauty/New York Social Diary partnership, NYSD has tapped a host of writers to create some compelling beauty content – that we feel compelled to share with you! Here is a roundup of beauty news and reviews from Delia Von Neuschatz for NYSD:

What is semi-permanent makeup, who is it right for and where is the best place to go for a consultation and treatment?

Semi-permanent Make-up: How to Wake Up Looking Good

Want to look bright eyed and bushy-tailed first thing in the morning? Want to wake up looking “naturally” pretty and then remain that way no matter what the day throws at you? Guys — want to give the impression of a full head of hair? Then, semi-permanent makeup may be for you. Read more…

An exclusive interview with celebrity facialist and creator of her own eponymous skin care line, Emma Hardie:

Emma Hardie: Beauty is Muscle Deep

I was lucky enough on a recent trip to London to get a facial from Emma Hardie, skin care guru who counts Sophie Dahl, Angelica Houston, Mel B. of the Spice Girls and many other celebs among her clients. I don’t normally go for facials…Read more.

 
Did you know that you can get skin care customized to your own genetic code that affects your skin’s aging process? 

Bespoke Beauty

On London’s Bond Street, famed mecca of luxury, you will find many coveted items enticingly proffered by the likes of Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Cartier and so many more temples to the good life. But did you know that you will also find something much more elusive…Read more. 

Hungry for more? Discover NYSD Beauty.

We’ve published a number of articles that discuss the latest trends in plastic surgery and how these procedures are not only becoming more mainstream but are no longer a shameful topic that one has to suffer through in secrecy praying that no one is the wiser.

It’s one thing to talk about a general trend of patients coming out of the plastic surgery closet and quite another to give a first hand account of a personal experience, so I thought I’d share my brush with plastic surgery.

In My Twenties

I was an actress and stand-up comedian. One day I was in my weekly meeting with my manager and she suddenly asked me, in a very matter of fact way, if I had a drinking problem.

Lots of Baggage

I was 22 and had bags under my eyes that were too much for even Louis Vuitton to carry. It looked like I was exhausted and routinely partied all night drinking and drugging. My manager was concerned that film directors would be hesitant to hire me to work on $50 million budget films (that was a lot of money 17 years ago) out of fear that I would not be able to make it to work in the morning. The truth was people always told me that I looked tired, so much so that I felt tired. My manager suggested that I consult a plastic surgeon to explore a lower lid procedure.

Ask Yasmine

That night I discussed the possibility of having the surgery with my mother. She thought I was completely nuts – I was only 22 and she had never heard of such a thing! She suggested that I consult Yasmine Djerradine, founder of Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté in New York City. (Yes, I have known Yasmine for 17 years.) Yasmine suggested that I see an allergist. She felt that I was so young that surgery should only be considered as a last option.

Trip to The Allergist

I went to three sessions where I was poked and prodded with dust mites, mold and all types of god knows what. Bottom line: I was not allergic to any of it.

Remodeling Facials

In tandem, I also had some microcurrent facial sessions that solely focused attention on my under eye area. While it delivered minor results the day of, it really didn’t make a dent.

I’ll Try Anything

I was so desperate, I started applying Preparation H (yes the hemorrhoid cream) under my eyes, after all, it shrinks tissue! Right?! And even began taking juniper berry supplements that rid the body of any natural water retention. Oh and did I mention that I also iced my under eye in the morning for 10 minutes prior to showering? Nothing worked. There was also not enough concealer on earth to hide my puffy lower lids.

Time For a Consultation

I returned for a visit to Yasmine and gave her a full report. She gave me a look that I was not prepared for. Alyssa, you should go for a consultation with Dr. David Hidalgo – he specializes in face and breast procedures and is pioneering a new method that requires no incisions or stitches, so you won’t have any scarring. Unlike most MDs, he also believes in homeopathic remedies and you won’t have any bruising.

My mother hesitantly agreed for me to go for a consultation…

Meet Dr. Hidalgo

I walked into the waiting room and was the youngest person by at least 20 years. The receptionist asked if I was looking for my mother. I was finally called in to meet Dr. Hidalgo. He asked me what he could do for me and I told him that I had serious bags under my eyes and that I was an actress and having a hard time booking jobs with all this baggage. The truth was I was just tired of people telling me how tired I looked. It was wearing on me mentally and physically.

The Verdict

Dr. Hidalgo told me that I had lipid deposits under my eyes and that it is a genetic disposition. In fact, I was a perfect candidate for the surgery. REALLY! I’m not too young? I was shocked. Will the fat cells come back? (maybe in 15 years on my rear end?) No, he said, in fact you will heal much faster because you are young and resilient and the longer you wait, the worse it will get. If you wait, the skin around the lower lid will stretch out and I’ll have to tighten and remodel that skin as well. It’s much like a liposuction, I make a small incision, above your lower lash line, stick a tiny vacuum in, suck out the lipid and voila (he didn’t really say voila.) No stitches, no scaring and he even had a private operating room – I could have the surgery on Friday, go home that day and be back to work on Monday.

My mother was floored but the rationale did make sense to both of us and she saw how much it meant to me. Acting or no acting career, the bags were getting in my way physically and now mentally.

Surgery Prep

Not only did Dr. Hidalgo have a kind demeanor but I was very impressed with his recommended pre surgery prep. Starting a week before the procedure I was to take Arnica Montana 30 ml (cute little sugar flavored pellets that dissolve under the tongue) and Bromelain 500 mg every day and continue it for two weeks after the surgery.

I grew up eating a macrobiotic diet and taking homeopathic remedies long before they were trendy and mainstream and was always mortified by the fact that this was the regimen my mother subjected my brother and I to. This prep felt familiar to me and in fact a little like home.

A Life Changing Difference

I went through with the procedure and have recommended Dr. Hidalgo to many friends and acquaintances over the years. 17 years later, I think I may still be the youngest patient to have had the surgery and my before and after pictures are still on the coffee table. (which I secretly take pride in) And, you would never know that I have had the procedure. Best of all, the effect that it has had on my self-esteem is remarkable.

Which Eye Cream Do You Recommend For the Bags Under My Eyes?

To this day when people ask what eye cream they should use to get rid of the bags under their eyes I am always a little sad to relay the news, but the truth is that there is no eye cream that will. Much of the time people have the same lipid deposits that I had to lesser or greater degrees (you can see my before and after pictures up top) and when I tell them my story, I can see the “oh no, I don’t have that issue” brewing in their eyes. In the society we live in where no one can be thin enough, the thought of having liposuction, even if it’s under your eyes, is a horrific thought. Concealer will only cover darkness under the eyes, but if you are not willing to carry those bags around forever, you just may need to go under the knife.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie