History shows us that the ancient Egyptians were the first to implement rituals intended to improve skin’s appearance. Of course, Cleopatra’s skin care formulations were not composed of synthetic ingredients created in a laboratory but rather, plant extracts like olive oil and aloe vera, along with milk and honey. While she would likely be pleased to see that many of those same ingredients continue to…

Botanicals, flowers, and herbs have been used for centuries to calm, repair, and beautify skin. The infusion of the cannabis sativa plant into balms, oils, and tinctures dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, and it is said that even the queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, extracted the essence of the plant into elixirs for her daily bathing and grooming rituals. Cannabis is one of…

From rapid wrinkle regenerating cream to intense hydration overnight cream and antiaging day lotion, the variety of facial skin care options can be overwhelming. Many dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and medical spas now sell their own private label options, not to mention the choices bombarding clients in drug stores, department stores, and beauty retailers. It is easy to assume that either all these products are critical…

Toners may be the secret to skin care success. Toners, toning lotions, and astringents are liquid formulations that accompany the cleansing process. However, are they a necessity for proper cleansing? While toners vary greatly in quality and benefits depending on the manufacturer and their purpose, some contain alcohol (to impart a tightening effect and make skin feel fresh and cool) and concerns of long-term skin…