True, but plenty of beauty junkies are still in the dark when it comes to what’s up with them. What’s the difference between a serum and a cream? Why are they so expensive? And most importantly, have you considered trying one? Here are some reasons why you might want to consider making serums a weapon in your skincare arsenal.
You have a serious skin challenge.
Cosmetic chemists and derms maintain that serums tend to be more efficacious than plain old-school moisturizers due to the method of delivery: Serums are more concentrated so they’re able to penetrate more deeply than creams, according to Ni’Kita Wilson, YouBeauty Cosmetic Chemistry Expert. That makes these products ideal for troubleshooting specific problems such as redness, acne and hyperpigmentation. For example, rosacea sufferers might try a serum that contains azulene, which can help calm irritated skin.
You have ultra oily skin.
Oily skin types tend to avoid rich, heavy oil-based creams like the plague since they can clog pores and bring on breakouts. But skimping on a moisturizer means losing out on potential anti-aging benefits. What’s more, drying out your skin can actually result in increased oil production. Luckily, most serums are water-based and lightweight enough to slather on sans an oily aftermath. Bonus: Formulas that contain vitamin C or luminizers tend to impart a gorgeous glow, leaving skin looking hydrated and healthy—not sweaty. Top off with an oil-free, gel-based sunscreen.
You have super dry days.
Wintertime is notorious for causing your skin to turn dry and flaky—and even the creamiest, richest moisturizer isn’t always enough. Many serums are formulated to act as boosters to heavier creams by providing a crucial layer of vitamins and essential oils that the cream effectively “seals” into skin. Think of a serum as a strong foundation and cream as a protective barrier. Look for serums that contain super-hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Belladerm carries some amazing serums like iS Clinical and we’d love to explain their benefits to you and help you decide which one suits your needs best. Drop by to chat with us or learn more about our products here.

What would your vote be? Yes or no?
We found a thought-provoking article put out by Psychology Today that confirms those of you who’d vote YES.  It is true–your love life does affect your health!
Consider how closely your heart health (and more) is related to your love life when you read this excerpt:
The tone of your love nest factors into your medical status, too. Women in marriages full of hostility have more coronary artery disease than those in warmer relationships, while men in more controlling relationships (whether they are the dominator or the one getting bossed around) have more coronary artery disease than those in egalitarian marriages. Both situations likely activate stress responses, which are known to contribute to, if not cause, an array of ailments.
Soul mates can even develop the same afflictions over time—a condition in one spouse often places the other at increased risk for the same disorder. This may be true for cancer, stroke, arthritis, hypertension, asthma, depression, and peptic ulcer disease. One study shows that a person’s hypertension risk doubles when their spouse is diagnosed as hypertensive.
That’s probably because commitment typically leads to shared meals, activity patterns, financial resources, and social networks. Couples may also find themselves true partners in health by means of social control, in which one spouse tries to keep the other wholesome, and mood contagion, where one partner’s anxiety washes over the other and even takes a toll on his or her body: Men whose wives are upset by their work are nearly three times more likely to develop heart disease.
Communication is one of the most basic and important parts of any relationship.  When we pair up in a relationship, we often end up with one person being more expressive and the other being more prone to keeping feelings inside.  There is a benefit for those couples who learn to meet in the middle and communicate openly in a way that makes both people feel comfortable.  Consider what the article has to say about bottling up feelings inside and how that affects health:
…women who “self-silence” during arguments with their spouses are four times more likely to die over a 10-year period than their peers who express themselves. These women (23 percent of the wives studied!) may be bottling up anger out of fear of the husband’s reaction. But suppressing feelings clearly has a negative effect on physiology, probably akin to stress damage, though the exact pathway isn’t yet known.
Bet you didn’t know just HOW much that bottling up those emotions could affect you and your health! These insights (and the changes you might make in response to them) could dramatically impact your life and even your longevity.  If you’ve been ignoring poor communication for a long time, this Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to make a step in the right direction! For your happiness AND your health! If you are reading this as a single person, use this new info to choose wisely when you do find that special someone for keeps. Research shows that their habits, lifestyle and communication with you will ultimately affect your health.
Here’s to healthy bodies and love lives!
Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Belladerm!
To send your significant other a little hint about what you’re REALLY hoping for this Valentine’s Day, click here and fill in the form! Make it easy for them and get something you really want! It’s a win-win! 

We want to wish all of our blog readers a very Happy New Year! Here’s to a prosperous, beautiful new year!

We’ve had a pretty mild winter so far, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun to escape the cold temps and head somewhere for a vacation in the next few months. Have you made plans? Don’t forget to also plan ahead for your beauty treatments to get your bod ready for the beach and pack your sunscreen! Remember, we also carry UVB accessories like hats and sunglasses!
If you are taking your family on a trip, these are some great places to consider besides the ever-popular Florida destination:

•  Turks and Caicos:  Nestled in the beautiful, exotic Caribbean islands, Turks & Caicos is a top contender in popularity  for families with children of all ages.   There are so many opportunities for families to unite, have fun together and explore a piece of paradise.    A fun, unique attraction is the Conch Farm  which is the only farm that raises conchs,  tour the Turks & Caicos Museum, go whale watching for the giant humpback whale, relaxing together on the white-sand beaches, swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving  as well as bird watching and enjoying beach barbecues.  Lots of fun in the sun!
• Bahamas:  As this popular family vacation destination is just a few short hours from the coast of Florida, your vacation travel budget can go far enabling you and your family to enjoy more fun together.  There are so many tours and activities available.  Some examples include dolphin encounters and swims, jet-ski adventures, kayaking trips, stingray encounters, parasailing, sunset cruises, snorkeling and scuba diving, native shows, biking tours, jeep tours, sub tours and glass bottom boat rides, fishing, sea lion encounters.  White-sand beaches, turquoise waters, ethnic cuisine and beautiful exotic flowers and warm climate all make this destination a fun and relaxing location to visit.
• Dominican Republic:  With at least 800 miles of coastline along the azure waters of the Caribbean sea located at the east end of the island of Hispaniola, Dominican Republic welcomes families who will find that the many all-inclusive resorts in the country are ideal for vacations.  Of course beach activities abound  with water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, river rafting, wake-boarding, water skiing, surfing and kite-boarding as well as day trips to visit the local national park, Ocean World Adventure Park for close-up encounters with dolphins, sharks and tigers,  horseback-riding and whale watching during the months of January through Mid-April.
• Kauai, Hawaii:  Kauai is the garden island in the Hawaiian chain.  You and your family will find an abundance of activities  that are family friendly.  There is so much to explore and do, for instance Hawaii Movie Tours, Captain Andy’s Sailing Adventures, the South Pacific Dinner Show, Kauai Zip Line Adventure, dinner cruise, helicopter rides, Kauai Children’s Discovery Museum, Koke’e Natural History Museum, visit some of Kauaii’s nine amazing and varied state parks.  Hawaii’s temperate climate draws families to vacation there year-round.
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico:  Many exciting opportunities are available for your family to make memories together that will last a lifetime.  This area is one of Mexico’s most popular destinations where you can participate in a wealth of activities including day cruises, canopy tours,  relaxing on the warm beaches, horseback riding, sailing, mountain biking, hovercraft riding, an evening experiencing a true Mexican Fiesta, sea turtle encounter, sea kayaking, swimming with dolphins or sea lions, deep sea fishing or whale-watching.

Oh, and here’s a 2012 vacation fashion tip–bright hues are popular for those getaways right now.  Think clear, vibrant orange hues and striking bright pink shades. They will look beautiful with your sunless tan that you apply before you take off! Bon voyage!