It was a nasty, rainy, windy, tree knocking over weekend here in New York City, but I couldn’t be contained in the house on Saturday. I hightailed it to my favorite salon, Aveda Natural Look, and got my brows threaded and tried their Botanical Skin Resurfacing facial. I wasn’t too keen on forking over $80 since my debit card had already taken a beating last weekend (ok–and this one, too), but after seeing how Ruby (the esthetician) but her foot in my skin (a phrase of extreme delight and awe in how my skin looked, not to be taken literally), it was $80 well spent. For about an hour and a half, I indulged in this relaxing facial. I got a bit too relaxed–I feel asleep and forgot where I was so when at one point when Ruby put some cream on my face, I jumped up. Ruby also claims I was snoring, but I’m too much of a lady to snore, thankyouverymuch.

OK, so I was snoring.

Anyway, I don’t remember what she did to my skin (other than extracting the pores in my nose) because I was literally knocked out cold, but I’ll give you a break down as per their services menu:

Nature’s answer to harsh microdermabrasion. Aveda’s Botanical Skin Resurfacing treatment helps smooth skin; reduces visible pores; renews skin with exfoliation; enhance skin’s radiance and glow. Intensive moisturizers leave skin hydrated and illuminated while protecting it with vitamins and antioxidants.

My skin feels smooth like a baby’s bottom and its appearance is brighter. Perfect!

I also picked up my second bottle of Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer while at Macy’s. Seriously, if the winter has dulled your skin and you’re ready to break it out looking, well–renewed–grab this stuff. I believe Clinique is doing a gift with purchase in a few weeks so you can reserve your purchases now to be eligible for the gift later.

And while I’ve kicked my clothing habit a few years back, I cannot shake my shoe and makeup habit. I picked up MAC Liberty of London Lipstick in Petals & Peacocks, a beautiful bright fuchsia that looks great on practically every skin tone. I’m so glad bright lips are all the rage this season because it means more lovely colors for me to add to my collection. Check out a swatch of Petals & Peacocks over at Temptalia.

Then I picked up Steve Madden Caryssa shoes at Macy’s. Can I say how much I LOVE these shoes? They’re a blush colored 5 inch heel with a 1 inch platform. They would be nude for lighter skin chicas but also look great on darker skin babes like me. I can’t wait to wear these out!

More Clothing…

I tweeted that all Rx for Brown Skin products are 50% off at Sephora online and in-store. The products were all sold out online last I checked, but I stopped by my local store and picked up the Bright and Even Regimen for $27.50 (comes with the Bright and Even Cleanser, Bright and Even Toner, Bright and Even Moisturizer, and Advanced Botanical Brightener)–originally $58. I also picked up their eye cream. Grab what you can because even the Sephora reps at my store weren’t sure if Rx for Brown Skin’s line was being pulled from their stores or not. Follow me on Twitter for exclusive sales (and other random stuff) that I don’t always post on the site.

More Phyto…

And last I picked up Phyto Huile d’Ales Pre-Shampoo Intense Hydrating Oil Treatment and a second container of Phytospecific Vital Force Creme Bath. I love how the Vital Force Creme Bath makes my hair shiny and bouncy and makes it look so healthy. I almost cried when I ran out of my first container some time back. But the Phyto Huile d’Ales Pre-Shampoo Intense Hydrating Oil Treatment? I saw no difference in my hair from using it and the little vials (that you pour into a small spray bottle provided) were too little for one application on my hair (and my hair is not even long). And for $28, who wants to only be able to get only 2 uses out of the 5 vials it comes with when you need to use two vials for your entire head? I love Phyto, but back it goes.

Even about me—what did you do this weekend?

People are fundamentally the same—but their skin isn’t. As a renowned dermatologist and leading authority on the treatment of skin of color, Dr. Susan C. Taylor created Rx for Brown Skin to treat the concerns unique to darker skin, including African American, Latin, and South Asian skintones. The irritant-free solutions target sensitivity, irritation, dullness, and hyperpigmentation, which can result in dark marks and blemishes.

And you lucky The Style and Beauty Doctor readers have the opportunity to have your skin care questions answered by Anne Thomas, CMO, Rx For Brown Skin!

The Style and Beauty Doctor reader Rogenna writes in to ask: “How do I minimize/fade darks spots from ingrown hairs? Or, how can I prevent them AND fade the appearance of the spots as the hairs grow back?”

Answer: Dark marks from old ingrown hairs will probably need dermatologist intervention. Regular exfoliation will help to prevent in-grown hairs. We recommend our Absolute Radiance Intensive Exfoliating Serum. For existing marks you may try a Hydroquinone product. 2% concentrations are available over the counter. Rx for Brown Skin offers a botanical alternative – Naturally Flawless Advanced Botanical Brightener.

If you have a skin concern you’d like answered by Rx for Brown Skin, contact me.

For our last giveaway, I asked you to tell me your skin concerns and guess what? The good folks at Rx for Brown Skin want to answer YOUR questions about your skin!

If you have a skin concern, contact me with your question. I will forward your question to Rx for Brown Skin and your question will be answered in our new bi-weekly skincare segment!

And guess what else for those of you who already posted a skincare concern? I have answers straight from Anne Thomas, CMO, Rx For Brown Skin!

Miss K Strong says: “As a teen, I suffered from bouts of acne. After pretty drastically changing my diet, becoming more active, and becoming a vegetarian, my skin has cleared up A LOT. However, I still have a bit of discoloration from before. SO ANNOYING!”

Anne Thomas answers: “Hyperpigmentation that has lasted several years is likely in the deeper layers of the skin. Unfortunately topical skin care treatments won’t be able to address this discoloration. The best bet is to visit a dermatologist who specializes in skin of color (there is a list on Dr. Taylor’s www.brownskin.net site). You may need laser treatment to resolve this discoloration.

Vanessa says: “I am of Indian descent and have always had a hard time finding products that cater to my skin. I am in my early 20′s, and combating acne. I have tried cutting out oily foods from my diet, and it has helped a bit, but my biggest concern is the acne scarring. All over my cheeks, I have scars. I don’t want to wear makeup to cover them up because most makeup, even it’s oil free, makes me break out. My skin feels really greasy if I wear makeup for too long. If I do wear foundation or concealer, I usually wash it off because it feels too heavy. I think I need a better face wash. Maybe Rx for Brown Skin might work?”

Anne Thomas answers: Rx for Brown Skin’s Bright & Clear collection will help address the oily skin and acne inflammation that is leading to the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). To treat PIH after the fact, we recommend our “Power Pack” – Absolute Radiance Intensive Exfoliating Serum and Naturally Flawless Advanced Botanical Brightener. Absolute Radiance should be used 2-3 times per week in the evening. It will lift of the outer layer of dull, dry, pigment-containing skin. This will accelerate the removal of the dark areas and help you return to your natural, even skin tone. Clinical studies show that it will improve the appearance of dark marks and discolorations in 30 days. Naturally Flawless is used every day morning and evening. It contains a blend of 7 botanical brightening ingredients including Kojic Acid, Bearberry, Licorice and others. It also contains 4 potent anti-oxidants which provide beneficial protection to your skin. Lastly, you must use a sunscreen daily or the dark areas will take longer to resolve. We offer Protect and Defend in our line.

Common concern posted by many of you: Hyperpigmentation

Anne Thomas answers: The hyperpigmentation is usually the result of some irritation or inflammation. A key tenet of the Rx for Brown Skin philosophy is to prevent the irritation and inflammation in the first place, which is why the products are free of many potentially irritating ingredients such as alcohol, fragrance, dye, lanolin. Secondly, our Bright Skin Complex helps to minimize the appearance of dark marks on the surface of the skin. Antioxidants help to calm and soothe skin while soy has been show to help block the transfer of the melanin into the outer layers of the skin.

P.S. Don’t forget to enter in the Rx for Brown Skin Ultra Gentle Virtual Peel Giveaway! Entries must be in by 11:59 P.M. EST on Friday, April 24th!