It’s been a year. Salons, spas and clinics closed long enough for us to miss them. Here’s products and tips from neighborhood experts for a fresh 2021.

“Maskne” is the skincare issue no one saw coming. According to Dr. Kejal Shah, a preventive and cosmetic dermatologist at Cooper Clinic Dermatology, it is a form of acne mechanica, caused by the combination of rubbing from the mask, which irritates the skin, increasing oil production and causing clogging of the ducts with bacteria.

She recommends washing your face and applying an oil-free moisturizer before using a mask, to protect the skin. Avoid wearing makeup under the mask. After taking off your mask, wash your face with a cleanser containing salicylic acid and use an oil-free moisturizer to hydrate and restore the skin barrier.

Beauty store CosBar manager Shanna Miller is noticing that people are using more skincare, eye makeup (4) and changing their foundation (3).

“A lot of people are having to change their foundation that they wear because the face mask is changing their skin,” Miller says. “Normally, I didn’t sell a lot of eye makeup. I sold more like brighter lips, because it’s so hot here. But now it’s definitely a lot more eye products, because that’s what you see and literally just lip balm because lips are chapped.”

Miller recommends Slip masks (2), which are made of silk. What hasn’t change though, is neighborhood’s love of Augustinus Bader (1).

“Even if you’re 18 years old, even if you’re 68 years old, is good for men and for women,” Miller says.

What the Experts Say…

Nutrition

Products to use: Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, Calcium Citrate, Vitamin B12 (6)

2021 Trends: Antioxidant herbs and spices will continue to trend, such as turmeric and garlic. More emphasis from indigenous, Ayurvedic and Chinese- traditional medicine-based food practices. More food industry influences will come from African American and other racial minority communities. A more holistic and integrative health and wellness approach will continue to trend, including stress management, sleep hygiene and physical fitness.

Thoughts on personalized nutritional solutions in 2021: There is an expectation that people will continue to look for nutrition approaches that are personalized to their health concerns, versus general healthy eating guidelines. In addition, eating for disease prevention, stress reduction and immunity enhancement will continue to trend upward.

Advice for the new year: “Food is always the best way to get nutrients, but supplementation may be needed. Make sure to get your COVID vaccine. Exercise outside. Eat more fresh, whole foods, and prepare more meals at home. Support your local food bank and community gardens.”

– Ginny Ives, RDN,,Director of Nutrition, Cooper Clinic Nutrition

Dermatology

Products to use: Optimize your skin care routine by using daily mineral based sunscreen with 30+ SPF and using antioxidants such as a topical Vitamin C, peptides, retinoids and hyaluronic acid.

2021 Trends: Masseter Botox for treating TMJ and jawline slimming is becoming increasingly popular, along with Botox to the neck area to treat platysmal band and neck line creases.

The best thing to do at home if you have stress-related skin issues: 2020 has been a roller coaster and so many of us are experiencing high stress levels. Supercharge your skin while working from home. Optimize your skin care routine by using daily mineral based sunscreen with 30+ SPF and using antioxidants such as a topical Vitamin C, peptides, retinoids and hyaluronic acid.

Advice for the new year: “ Invest in yourself. Be more focused on proactive and preventive measures, and building healthy habits. “

– Dr.Kejal Shah, a preventive and cosmetic dermatologist at Cooper Clinic Dermatology

Spa Treatments

Products to use: SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight (5) to keep your skin fresh. Two favorite oils for daily use are the Eminence Organic Skin Care Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil (7) and Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil

2021 Trends: Cooper Spa launched dermaplaning in January. Dermaplaning provides a safe and effective exfoliation treatment, allows for deeper product penetration, minimizes pores and reduces acne scars, wrinkles and a dull appearance.

What products to have on hand: My favorite product is SkinCeuticals GLYCOLIC 10 RENEW OVERNIGHT. This will keep your skin fresh and glowing in between services.

What to do between spa visits: “Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize daily and ALWAYS wear sunscreen.“

– Lisa Boyle, Cooper Spa General Manager