Masks are an advanced part of anyone's beauty regime. Often overlooked by novices or the time-strapped, masks can be viewed as a "booster shot" for your skin - especially during the times where you are stressed and the skin pumps out extra oil and increases skin cell turnover to compensate.

Masks can perform a variety of services that benefit your skin. For instance, some masks might be used to exfoliate the layer of dead skin to clear your pores, and then will attach itself to any blackheads underneath that you may already have. Once you roll the gel off your face, it will help pull these blackheads out of your pores and voila! Your blackheads have been dissolved, leaving you with clear, smooth skin.

These kinds of masks clean deeper than just a regular facial cleanser would normally go, which is merely scrubbing the top surface layer of the skin - fine for some purposes, but when you're talking about a deep clean that scrubs out the pore impurities that cause blackheads, a surface cleanser just won't do. Tea tree is an important element in these masks because it helps to liquify the waxy buildup that can leads to the formation of a blackhead.

Masks can also come in a clay base. Once applied, the mask dries on the skin, and once washed off, removes all of the dry skin cells with it. This enables your skin to "breathe" again.

Masks should be applied on a consistent weekly or bi-weekly (twice a week) basis in order to keep your skin clear of the daily impurities that can build up in your pores. If you have sensitive skin, however you need to be wary of using a mask too often, as it can irritate skin that is prone to irritation. Mask users must also take note if they see an increase in oil production, as over-usage of a mask can over-stimulate pores into producing more oil.

We carry masks like our SRG Super Removal Gel which has tea tree oil infused in it, and our clay-based Controlling Mask.

Acne is an annoying condition that teenagers and adults of all ages alike experience, and it may not necessarily occur on the face. This skin condition can show up anywhere, especially if there is over production of oil, which can clog up a skin pore, leading to infection and inflammation. One way we regularly try to reduce acne is to exfoliate, or scrub the skin to clear up any clogged pores.
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However, skin which has over active sebaceous glands from scrubbing too hard may lead to an increase in acne by stimulati­­­­­ng your pores to produce more oil.

Another way that we can reduce the amount of acne that appears is to use a good, quality cleanser. It must be oil free, but not drying. A cleanser that is drying can lead to a flaky, scaly skin appearance around the afflicted area. Additionally, a drying product will stimulate the skin to produce more oil, therefore increasing your chances for even more acne. The skin should be washed regularly, at night and in the morning, to clean off the debris accumulated while you sleep and as you go about your day. Learn more about Doctor D. Schwab Soft Foam Deep Cleanse Here

Use a deep cleansing mask a couple times per week in order to really allow the skin care ingredients to penetrate and clean all the layers of skin. Be sure to look for a mask that is clay-based in order to reap the most benefits. Learn more about Doctor D. Schwab Controlling Mask With Tea Tree Oil Here

Tea tree oil is a popular ingredient in skin-clearing masks, as this oil is known for its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic qualities. It also has beneficial cosmetic properties. In fact, this type of essential oil has been shown to stand shoulder to shoulder with an equal amount of benzoyl peroxide when it comes to treating acne breakouts.

Finally, those of you who are concerned about acne should use a moisturizer after you clean in order to keep the skin soft and to restore the skin’s youthful look and feel. Learn more about Doctor D. Schwab Controlling Balm With Tea Tree Oil Here

To many men, skin is the last thing on your minds. That is, until a little slip in the shower or at the sink causes one too many bumps and nicks on your neck. Or you wake up in the morning and realize your face resembles that of a pug’s.

True, men don’t worry as much about their epidermis as women do, what with all the lotions, potions, and tools out there wrapped in pretty pastel boxes. But men should pay attention to their skin and care for it well; unless you walk around in a smoking jacket and have the initials H.H., most women will pass up a wrinkly face for a smoother one any day of the week.

A few simple rules will help keep your skin looking like it did back in your frat house days:

First off,be sure to shave with a non-soapy shave lotion.This prevents razor bumps and ingrown hair. No girl wants to kiss a guy who looks like he just cuddled with a porcupine…and you probably won’t want her lips on your neck either when it feels like it’s on fire.

Secondly, exfoliate regularly with a bamboo cream peel. Before you worry this will force you into embracing your feminine side, know that everyone should exfoliate. This isn’t some girly step you should skip. This will help clean off the crusty old skin cells and reveal younger looking skin.

Third, avoid aftershaves that contain alcohol, as this can irritate the skin – especially men who have sensitive skin. Actually, for those of you who have sensitive skin, you need to avoid any skincare product that contains alcohol.

You should also limit your skincare usage to three items, the final step being a rich moisturizer. Think of it as a refreshing drink for your skin.

Fifth, get enough sleep! Most people need 7-9 hours nightly. This time allows your skin to produce new skin cells and repair daily damage.

Sixth, Sunscreen isn’t just for kids. Did you know that skin cancer is caused by the sun? You do now. Wear sunscreen with a SPF of 15-30.

Seventh and lastly, drinking 8-9 glasses of water daily will help to hydrate your skin from the inside out. And no, beer doesn’t count.

Men's skin care doesn't have to be that hard. Just follow these basic steps, and your skin can look smooth, healthy, and young.

You are what you eat. But you look like what you eat too. Okay, maybe not so literally, but the food you eat can affect your skin quality.

As you age, your metabolism slows down and it becomes harder for your cells to regenerate. Your digestive system also slows, making it harder for your body to break down the foods that you eat. Therefore, you will need to re-evaluate your diet and make a few changes for the better in order to keep your body running at optimal levels.

Eating unhealthily will also show up, not only in your shape, but on your skin too, as your body tries to rid itself of unclean toxins. On the skin, these toxins will be evident in the form of blackheads, pimples, and a dull skin tone. But if you eat healthy foods, your skin can also look more healthy and free of nasty blemishes.

Your body is a machine: if you start with a good base, you’ll have a good product, like healthy, radiant skin. If you start with a poor base, such as junk food, you will end up with a sallow complexion and a bumpy exterior. You truly are what you eat.

Here are a few eating tips for you to keep your skin healthy.

• When choosing foods for your daily consumption, choose a rainbow of local, organic fruits and vegetables that are in season, and be sure to add a handful of nuts now and then for healthy fats; olive oil also works well a healthy fat source.

• Limit your consumption of alcohol, as it causes inflammation and dehydration.

• Drink enough water so that your body stays hydrated. Do you know how you feel when it’s 100 degrees out, you’re pushing your physical self to the limit with exercise, and you really need a glass of water? Now, imagine that every organ in your body feels that way too. Drink 8-9 glasses of water a day, and more if you plan on being physically active or there is a high heat index.

• Also, eat a balanced breakfast to start the day off in a positive direction. This will give you strength and energy to start your busy day.

• Don’t forget to chew your food and enjoy what goes into your mouth. This will help your body digest the food and break it down into essential nutrients.

Remember, your face is your body’s mirror. Your face will give you a good indication of your health, as well as every person who sees you. And you always want to put your best face forward.

Razor bumps are those annoying little bumps that happen on a man's

skin when they shave. They're really ingrown hairs that could be prevented, or at least reduced, with the proper shaving techniques and products.

Razor bump tends to show up more in African-American men than white men, because African-American men have curly beard hair that grows out in a curly-cue form. Before the hair grows out, it will curl around and grow back inside. This causes blackheads, ingrown hairs, and irritation.

But this isn't just limited to African-American men. Every man has faced this problem (pardon the pun) at least once. Every man has to rush through their morning routine once in a while, hurriedly running a razor over skin that hasn’t been properly prepped, only to experience the itchy red bumps later in the day.

The solution to this dastardly problem? A natural, organic skincare product which helps to soften the skin and the hair. This type of lotion will give you a smoother shave with less irritation, which will result in less redness later. If you can keep the follicles open, you will avoid razor bumps. However, note that it can take time before you start to see results, because the body will, at first, continue to produce the same type of hair. Keep up your routine, and you’ll be sure to see results.

Don’t forget to use a moisturizer and a sunscreen as well. Always use a clean blade when shaving with a razor. After three uses, throw away the razor and grab a new one. For those of you who use an electric razor, replace the rotary blades or foil every few months. Those of you who shave daily may have to replace the blades sooner.

Handheld razor users will need to shave in the direction of skin growth, and don’t stretch the skin. Shaving against the grain is one of the main causes of ingrown hairs, and pulling at the cheeks, chin, or neck when shaving can cause discoloration of underlying skin tissue.

Stay away from alcohol-based products which can irritate the skin and cause a burning feeling on sensitive, open hair follicles. This means avoiding aftershaves that contain alcohol, especially if you have sensitive skin. You’ll want to find another way of scenting your neck. Investigate essential oils, which can have a nice, musky smell without the irritating alcohol.

If all else fails, give up and grow a beard. David Beckham, Hugh Jackman, Sean Connery, George Clooney, and Johnny Depp are all bearded men who keep women swooning.