acne

Banish blemishes overnight? Sign me up. With Dr. Dennis Gross Clarifying Colloidal Sulfur Mask ($42), it's possible. And to answer your burning questions: yes, there is a slight sulfur scent, but nothing too potent. And no, it won't stain your pillowcase.

This oil-absorbing mask comes in an easy-to-use press pump, making it easy to apply. The five percent sulfur sucks up any excess oil, all while minimizing breakouts. Prickly pear exfoliates, willow bark extract treats acne, and retinol helps to smooth out skin. After one use, trouble spots are dried and T-zone shine is minimized. You can also use this mask for 10 quick minutes if you prefer not to sleep in it, or even as a spot treatment. It's the perfect thing to add to your weekend arsenal.

What do shrimp, crab, and other shellfish have to do with clearing up acne? Apparently, quite a bit. A study was recently published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology marking the antiacne capabilities of certain nanoparticles derived from crustaceans. Nanotechnology sounds like something from an epic science-fiction blockbuster, but soon these minuscule particles could make a big difference in the treatment of acne.

Scientists created nanoparticles made of chitosan, which is found in the shells of crustaceans, that destroy the bacteria P. acnes and help reduce inflammation. Chitosan is already used as a preservative in the food industry because of its natural antimicrobial properties, but the study shows this particular nanotechnology can be used in conjunction with other common acne treatments to increase topical efficiency. "We encapsulated benzoyl peroxide in our chitosan-alginate nanoparticles for the purpose of improving both its activity and importantly, tolerability, as an antiacne agent," study author Adam Friedman told Nanowerk. Be advised to leave the fishing to the lab technicians, but we'll take two dozen orders of this acne technology on the half shell, please.

If you have oily skin, the last thing you want to put on your face is more oil, right? Think again. Using the right oils can actually help moisturize acne-prone skin and balance your sebum production. "Plant and nut oils are ideal for moisturizing an oily skin type," explains Annet King, director of global education for Dermalogica. "Essential oils from plants, roots, and flowers also have the added benefits of calming and soothing skin, while maintaining antibacterial and aromatherapy properties." In turn, botanically derived oils help to replenish barrier lipids that get stripped away during the Winter. And because they're lighter in texture, these antioxidant-packed types of oils won't clog follicles. See more tips on using facial oils on oily skin when you read more.

Winter can be a harsh season that leaves acne-prone skin extra dry, flaky, and still full of blemishes. If you have oily, acne-prone skin, you still need to find a moisturizer that works for you. Annet King, director of global education for Dermalogica, gives us her tips on how to keep oily skin hydrated.

Miranda Kerr strutted her long limbs on the streets of NYC wearing sheer black tights with black leather minishorts. Up top the model sported a green Acne sweater ($306) and a black double-breasted Givenchy coat, then finished off her nighttime look with her black Givenchy bag and these Tabitha Simmons lace-up studded booties ($1,249). Next time you hit the town, mimic Miranda by pairing black sheer tights with your black leather shorts, then finishing off with a green sweater and a cozy black coat.

Figuring out the cause of your acne is only half the battle. It's important to also know what to look for in an effective acne treatment, whether it's from the drugstore or from the department store counter. Find out all the effective over-the-counter acne ingredients and how they work, when you read more.

Rihanna may have been on hand to switch on the Westfield Stratford City Christmas lights and spread holiday cheer in London, but it was her blue striped pantsuit that had us cheering. The trendsetter layered a blue and gray striped top and matching trousers from Acne's men's Spring 2013 collection over a crisp white button-down, then slid on a men's cobalt Raf Simons coat and gray suede pumps for extra texture. As if her borrowed-from-the-boys style wasn't chic enough, the brunette beauty completed her eye-catching look with brilliant blue cat-eye shades, a bevy of gold rings, and a bright red lip. Get inspired by Rihanna's fashion-forward style and pair a two-toned striped top with matching pants and neutral suede pumps for a night out with the girls.