Ermis Labs Uses 2-Pronged Attack On Acne With Special Bottom Of The Sea Ingredient

Acne. It's a word that makes most of us cringe. And it's a condition that can instantly crush one's self-esteem. But as we look forward to new beauty possibilities in 2011, we find hope for clear skin with Ermis Labs.

And in this company's new 2-pronged attack on acne, we also discover a special ingredient at the bottom of the sea. It's sea whip coral, and yes, it plays a key role in the acne treatment program of CoralActives.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Chris Billis, co-founder of Ermis Labs, and trying the CoralActives system. And we wanted to know right away, what's up with the coral?

"The ultimate 'stand out' is Sea Whip Extract," Chris says. "It's an extremely expensive ingredient and difficult to harvest but it addresses the redness, irritation and inflammation of acne that every other product chooses to ignore."

Chris Billis and his partner Paul Tuffy, both have extensive backgrounds in the pharmaceutical business, namely in the field of dermatology. Chris is an acne expert and Paul is extremely knowledgable about inflammation. And both gentlemen saw plenty of over-the-counter acne medications that just didn't have the power to stop the break-outs. So, the two developed their own system, and CoralActives was born. And no, you don't need a prescription.

There are 2 simple steps:
1. Wash your face with CoralActives Retinol Exfoliating Cleanser ($22) .
2. Treat your skin with CoralActives Penetrating Acne Gel Serum ($28).

And Chris Billis says his treatment attacks acne differently, than other systems like Proactiv.

"The key differentiator are the ingredients," Chris explains. "I chose 6% benzoyl peroxide (serum gel), Proactiv uses 2.5%. 6% is the highest clinical efficacy, i.e. 7%, 8%, 9%, 10% do no better than 6 - they do however run the risk of irritation at higher doses. Most would consider 6% high, but if you take the time a formulate a vehicle that is extremely moisturizing and has the proper elements to break benzoyl peroxide down to its smallest particle you can avoid irritation. I added ingredients that would attract moisture from the air and keep it on the skin. And bet of all it's light, the serum goes one so easily.".

We fell in love with the Retinol Exfoliating Cleanser, too. It's powerful but kind to skin, and like the acne gel serum, it is formulated with sea whip coral, as well as encapsulated retinol.

"That means it stays absolutely pure until you start to wash your face," Chris explains. "From production, to manufacturing, filling, shipping and in your bathroom nothing touches the retinol. For the 20-30 seconds you wash your face you are getting an incredible rush of retinol, but because of the short contact you can avoid the usual side effects. The cleanser also contains very fine micro beads for exfoliation.".

We believe that the new CoralActives acne treatment system by Ermis Labs is a skin care line and company to watch in 2011. Chris Billis and Paul Tuffy have the beauty and clinical science to back up their 2-step attack on break-outs and pimples.

Take a look at their website. It is very educational about acne and how to treat this problem that affects some 20 million people in the US between the ages of 12-24, every year.

You can order the cleanser and gel serum here.

Kourtney Kardashian Stealing Spotlight Away From Kim With Skinny Post-Baby Body

At 31, Kourtney Kardashiam has never looked lovelier. There she is last evening at the Golden Globes Award show, rockin' a gold, strapless sparkling mini. And the reality star momma is also gracing the cover of OK magazine, one year after giving birth to cutie-pie son, Mason.

A sexy, blue bikini and oh-so-flat belly, and a whopping post-baby weight loss of 45 pounds!! She now tips the scales at 95 pounds. And no surgery was involved in her gorgeous transformation.

Kourtney is the oldest and shortest of the Kardashian sisters. She has often said, that if she walks alone down a crowded street, hardly anyone recognizes the dark-haired beauty. Well.....not anymore. Kourtney is definitely stealing the spotlight from curvy sister Kim.

"I love my new body," the 31-year-old tells OK. "They say that it takes a full year to really get your body back [after giving birth] and I believe that."

Kourtney has some sensible skinny post-baby body tips for OK magazine readers:

1. If you can, Nurse Your Baby. Kourtney says this works. "Because I’m nursing, I have to eat constantly. So when we’re filming I tell everyone, ‘Remind me that I’m hungry.’ And if it’s a snack, I try to make healthier choices." She also mentions in the Kardashian sisters' new book, 'Kardashian Konfidential,' that, "Breastfeeding takes a lot of the weight off, so I lost a lot of it easily, not changing anything."

2. Move Your Body. Kourtney did not get those amazing abs by just watching the fat melt away. Her advice---head to the gym for some strengthening exercises, and don't sit still. "I’d take him on walks when he was a baby and do squats while holding him…"

3. Adopt A Sound Diet Plan. Kourtney doesn't believe in depriving oneself of a few naughty foods, but after having had a baby, she has learned to eat small, and healthy but more often. The petite reality star adds "healthy choices with a few splurges," to her diet.

Kourtney Kardashian admits that it wasn't easy taking off the post-baby weight. But she also wants new moms out there to know, that it can be done in a very healthy and sensible way. And she hopes to inspire these women in 2011.

Check out Kourtney's blog and read the entire OK mag interview, packed with her skinny post-baby body tips.

Dull Rough Frizzy Hair Needs Paul Mitchell Gloss Drops

Too many chemical processes, constant blow-drying, and plain old exposure to the dry, frigid winter elements, and your hair has lost its shine.

Look in the mirror these days. The long, cold January days and nights have cursed us all. Dull, rough, frizzy locks Yuck!

That's why we have turned to the hair master himself, Paul Mitchell. And he's got a super product to bring back the high wattage shine. It's called Gloss Drops ($20, 3.4 0z).

It's a light-weight silicone gloss that really smoothes the surface and leaves hair soft and silky. And a little goes a long way. Gloss Drops by Paul Mitchell features jojoba oil, chamomile, and henna, to produce a healthy, huge shine---hair with depth.

What we like about the product, is its versatility. All you have to do, is add 1 or 2 drops, to your favorite leave-in conditioner, apply to hair and blow-dry. Or you can use Gloss Drops by itself, and watch your beautiful mane return.

Anyone who dyes hair, perms, straightens, blow-drys, flat irons, and so forth, will lose shine. Even celebrities face hair challenges because of all the primping in between. It's the products we use after these harsh treatments, that make a world of difference.

For more information on Paul Mitchell Gloss Drops and where to buy this frizz-free polish, click here.