Tricks for Banishing Blemishes

For those of us with acne (myself included), it can be quite frustrating when no over the counter acne fighting products seem to work.  I've tried many of them...natural, synthetic, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, retinol etc. and have yet to find a product that I can honestly say has helped fully banish my blemishes.  However, throughout my quest to clear my skin, I have discovered a few tricks that I must say have been rather effective:



1.  Try a probiotic.
I have a pretty weak stomach and found myself getting mini stomach viruses about once per

month over the past few years, which is pretty inconvenient and unpleasant.  In order to prevent these occurrences, I started taking a Country Life Dairy Free Acidophilus ($26 at Whole Foods) capsule every night.  Believe me...I'm the type of person who is hesitant to take pills, but acidophilus is a naturally occurring bacteria in the digestive system that helps keep your body clear of bacteria formed from consuming food.  The capsule simply helps replenish the body's supply as you would if you were to eat foods like yogurt that contain these live cultures (the pill just has a stronger dose of it).  It definitely has helped my stomach...no mini viruses since I started taking it!  But one surprising side effect was that it helped reduce my the occurrence of zits as well.  As we commonly hear, acne forms as a result of bacteria.  However, we often fail to hear that this includes bacteria within the body in addition to the bacteria on the skin's surface.  Since acidophilus helps control bad bacteria in the body, it can help control its manifestations such as acne as well.

2.  Don't be scared of oils.

If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, you've pretty much been programmed to look for "oil-free" products only because oil + oil = super oily and super oily = the perfect environment for pimples to form.  The truth is that certain types of oils can be irritating or clog your pores, but many of them are actually suitable for oily skin.  Specifically, many synthetic oils and mineral oils can lead to breakouts.  Baby oil is a mineral oil and can aggravate acne.  First of all, there are often scents and fillers in baby oil that can make you break out.  Secondly, these lubricating oils are heavy, aggressive, and sit on the top

of the skin (rather than penetrate it), which can clog your pores.  Steer clear of products that have mineral oil and petrolatum as an ingredient (especially if it's listed first) because they are inexpensive ingredients that artificially leave the skin feeling soft.  However, pure oils like argan oil or grape seed oil can actually help with blemishes.  Pure oils are much lighter, more delicate, and get absorbed by the skin, rather than clog pores.  Plus, they nourish and repair the skin as well as help fade acne scars.  Josie Maran even makes a 100% Pure Argan Oil Light ($48 at Sephora) with a semi-matte finish that is more ideal for those of us with oily skin.  Don't be afraid of these types of oils in your serums, moisturizers, foundation, concealer, etc. and instead, look for claims such as "free of synthetic oils" or "free of mineral oil."
For more information on pure oils:  http://beautyforlife127.blogspot.com/2013/11/battle-of-oils.html

And sometimes you have to fight oil with oil.  Cleansing oils can actually help reduce oiliness.  How?  Oils mix with other oils, so a cleansing oil can cling to sebum (oil) on the skin and pull it out of pores as it is rinsed away.  Just like regular cleansers, they lather.  Plus, they leave your skin feeling soft without any oily residue.  They do make cleansing oils that target those with dry skin as well, so just ensure that you're not using one of these types of products.  I really like the Amorepacific Treatment Cleansing Oil ($50 at Sephora).  You can also try the Boscia Tsubaki Cleansing Oil-Gel ($28 at Sephora) if you prefer an oil-gel formula instead. 

3.  Be gentle and maintain a good moisture balance.
It's our natural instinct to try and treat acne aggressively...using a blotting

tissue every hour to eliminate excess oil, washing our faces religiously, and using "strong" products.  However, practices like overwashing and overblotting can actually make skin oilier.  When your skin is stripped of its oils, it produces more, and constant oil elimination trains your skin to constantly produce oil.  Limit face washing to twice per day: morning and night, and limit oil blotting to 2-3 times per day.  Even though you have oily skin, you should be moisturizing following cleansing for the same reason.  Your skin needs a certain amount of moisture to remain supple and elastic and if you're not feeding it moisturizer to do so, your skin will produce oil to do the job.  If you feel that creams are too heavy for you, try a lighter moisturizing gel like the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel ($26 at Sephora) instead.  Harsh ingredients like sulfates can also overstrip skin of necessary oils and cause irritation, so look for labels like sulfate-free.  Sulfates are most commonly found in cleansers and are an inexpensive ingredients that act as surfactants and foaming agents.  Give gentler products such as those designed for normal or sensitive skin a try.  I must say that after switching from a traditional benzoyl peroxide acne-fighting gel cleanser to a more soothing and softening rice-bran based face cleanser, my skin was much clearer and smoother.  The calming properties of more gentle products can reduce irritation and inflammation that causes acne.
For more information on skin, oil, and moisture: http://beautyforlife127.blogspot.com/2014/03/when-should-you-be-changing-up-your_17.html

4.  Keep your skin environment clean.
As we discussed earlier, bacteria certainly allows for the formation of pimples, so it is important to keep your pores squeaky clean.  In addition to washing your face, make sure that you're washing the items that touch your face.  This includes your pillowcase.  Grease and dirt from your skin, clothes, and hair can get all over it and transfer to your face while you're sleeping.  Also, make sure to wipe your yoga mat and telephone with a little bit of alcohol or witch hazel every now and then.  Lastly, I know it's a pain, but make sure that you're washing your makeup brushes weekly.  They touch your face every day and can transfer bacteria as well as contaminate your makeup with bacteria if they're not clean.  Simply rinse them with warm water and soap and then allow them to dry...the whole process only takes a few minutes...you just need to bring yourself to actually do it.  Similarly, always wash your hands before applying makeup, especially if you're using your fingers to apply it. 

5.  Reconsider what other products you're using.
Just remember that your face comes in contact with more than what you directly put on your face.  Any body mists, hairsprays, shampoo, or conditioners that you apply can get onto your face and clog your pores.  Cleansing products like shampoos may have irritating sulfates that allow for breakouts, while thick conditioners contain fats that sit on the skin and clog your pores.  The solution is simple.  Make sure to wash your face after washing or conditioning your hair or simply sweep away impurities with a cotton ball and toner after spraying body spray or hairspray especially if you're planning on putting on makeup afterwards.

6.  Add some charcoal to your skincare regiment.
One of my favorite new products to recently hit the market is the Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge with Bamboo Charcoal ($18 at Sephora).  Charcoal is becoming a hot ingredient in skincare because it acts as a magnet that draws out impurities and detoxifies pores.  The Boscia sponge made a great addition to my routine.  In addition to naturally antibacterial bamboo charcoal, konjac root also works to fight impurities and softens.  Since the sponge is super soften, it is gentle enough to use even around the eye area and provides the extremely mild exfoliation that is appropriate for daily use.  The Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores ($24 at Sephora) also contains charcoal and is a great weekly treat for your pores.

These measures don't necessarily replace the need for using some type of acne treatment whether it is prescription or over the counter.  Instead, it can work with these treatments in helping you reduce blemishes.  For example, I use a prescription retinoid acne treatment that helped significantly reduce but not eliminate my blemishes, and taking a probiotic helped to reduce them further.  And of course remember to practice other good skincare habits such as removing makeup before sleeping, exfoliating regularly, etc. that help ward off acne.
For more information on treating acne with natural products:  http://beautyforlife127.blogspot.com/2013/09/treating-acne-holistically-is-it.html

When you have acne, the focus of your skincare regiment tends to be on getting rid of it, and you often forget about taking measures to prevent aging.  However, it is important to be doing so since eventually acne will become less of a concern and aging will begin to accelerate.  First, using an eye and lip cream daily should not interfere with any acne products that you're using.  I really like the Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Anti-Wrinkle Eye & Lip Cream ($49 at Sephora).  These two areas are the most delicate and susceptible to wrinkle formation and are not common areas for pimple formation as a result.  Additionally, antioxidants provide good protection against stressors like pollution and the sun that can age your skin, and it is very easy to find acne products that also contain antioxidants.  Try the bliss Steep Clean Mattifying Toner Pads ($38 at Sephora), which help refine pores, regulate sebum production, and eliminate bacteria from the skin's surface while providing antioxidant protection against aging.

For those of you who have struggled with acne, hope this helps!  What tricks to you use to keep your skin clear?

**All product recommendations are toxin-free.

Tips For Summer Beauty

Yay!  Summer is on its way, and it's certainly getting warmer.  What does that mean for your skin?  Since there's more moisture in the air, it's probably feel less parched than it did in January.  In addition, your makeup may feel a little heavy and sticky in the heat.  Check out these tips for summer beauty:

Tip #1:  Swap your moisturizing creams for moisturizing gels. 
I don't know about you, but I can't stand the feeling of moisturizer on my body on a hot summer day.  So one of my favorite beauty products of all time is the L'Occitane Citrus Verbena Sorbet Body Cream ($36 in department stores).  It's a non-sticky, gel-like body cream that melts into your skin, provides hydration, and cools skin.  Plus, the light lemon scent is perfect for the summer.  Another refreshing summer product is cooling gels, which provide just enough hydration for your face in the midst of summer heat.  Use the Boscia Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel ($38 at Sephora) as your evening summer moisturizer.  This gel disappears into skin, but keeps moisture sealed in, brightens, and minimizes pores.  And it's much more light-weight than a traditional moisturizer. 

Tip #2:  Boost the SPF
SPF 15 for daily wear is okay for the winter, but kick it up to SPF 30 during the summer when rays are more intense.  Remember that mineral sunblocks are ideal for sun protection.  Just dab a generous amount of bareMinerals Advanced Protection SPF 20 Moisturizer ($30 at Sephora) on your face every morning.  It hydrates and provides mineral-based sun protection.  And don't leave the skin on the rest of your body defenseless against the sun!  You may not care about wrinkles on your arms, but you can certainly get skin cancer there.  Rub some Vaseline Aloe Fresh Body Lotion SPF 15 ($8 at drugstores) on any exposed skin - neck, shoulders, arms, hands - before you go about your day.  I like this Vaseline product a lot because it's affordable, easy to find, and most importantly, healthy.  For more information on SPF, mineral sunblock, and sun protection for the beach, check out: http://beautyforlife127.blogspot.com/2013/06/summertime-means-sunscreen-time.html

Tip #3:  Rethink your coverage 

Heavy foundations can feel and look worse in hot weather.  Increased oilyness, perspiration, and humidity can make your makeup feel sticky on your face and cake more easily.  I know my foundation looks like a mess at the end of a 90 degree day...liquid foundations can sometimes feel as if they're melting off your face.  Stick with a BB/CC/DD cream or tinted moisturizer if you can.  They are a little bit lighter than an actual foundation and get absorbed by skin more easily.  The Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel ($28 at Sephora) is a BB gel that is light and ideal for summer weather.  If you really prefer fuller coverage, try a mineral makeup like the Becca Perfect Skin Mineral Powder Foundation ($40 at Sephora), which often stays better through perspiration and heat.  The powder foundation type will also help control humidity-induced shine. 


Tip #4:  Repack your purse

There are three items that you should add to your purse during the summer.  First, remember to pack your sunglasses.  Not only do they protect your eyes against developing cataracts, but they also protect the area around your eyes from wrinkles from the sun.  Second, I find myself brushing some Alison Raffaele Transparent Finish Powder To-Go ($46 on dermstore.com) on my face at some point during the middle of the day.  It's a weight-less, clear powder that absorbs excess oil and sets makeup.  This to-go version comes with the brush and mirror attached to the powder.  The powder dispenses into the brush for easy application and storage in your bag.  Lastly, keep some Evian Mineral Water Spray Duo To Go ($14 at Sephora) handy to spritz your face throughout the day.  The cold mist will feel so cool and refreshing on a hot day.  The water formula also sets makeup, restores hydration, and helps remove sweat.

Tip #5:  More vitamin E, less mineral oil
As I mentioned, you have an added sun stressor on your skin during the summer.  In

addition to protecting your skin from the sun during the day with SPF, it is also important to

assist with repairing any damage related to sun exposure during the night.  Using a vitamin E treatment can help with the recovery process, provide antioxidant protection against the sun, and soothe sunburned skin.  The Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light ($48 at Sephora) is a summer must-have.  This product is a pure oil, and argan oil is rich in natural vitamin E.  You may be thinking that the oil may feel too greasy in the summer, but Josie Maran makes a "light" version that is fast absorbing and super lightweight.  On the other hand, mineral oils (baby oil, petroleum jelly) attract sunlight and can cause burns.  Remember in the 1970's when people used baby oil to tan?  So make sure you're not using mineral oil or products that list mineral oil (or derivatives of it) as an ingredient in the morning.

Tip #6:  Tone down the deeps and have fun with brights.

Put those deep shades away.  Dark eye and lip makeup can get magnified by sunlight and often looks too heavy during the summer.  Ditch the ruby lipstick for a more natural looking shimmery peach lip gloss like the Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Amber ($19 at Sephora).  Shimmer is nice in the summer because it reflects the sunlight and gives off a pretty glow.  Another part of summer fun is bright nail colors.  The brightest pinks, oranges, blues seem more "acceptable" in the summer so take advantage of it!  I personally love the new Sally Hansen Triple Shine in Pixie Slicks ($5 in drugstores), an ultra shiny bright pink color with a hint of coral...super fun and pretty for summer!

Enjoy the warm weather everyone!

**All product recommendations are toxin-free

My Favorite Things 2013

Hope everyone had a wonderful 2013!  It was certainly a great year for the beauty industry.  Some really innovative cosmetics launched in 2013.  Here are some of my some of my favorite hot and healthy new products from this year:

1.  DERMAdoctor DD Cream 15-Benefits-In-1 Dermatologically Defining BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($38 at Sephora)  
DD creams have been getting more and more beauty buzz everyday.  If you were impressed by the multi-tasking abilities of BB and CC creams, you'll love DD creams.  They combine the best of both worlds...the anti-aging qualities of BB creams with the color correction of CC creams.  And of course, they still have the protection, hydration, and coverage of both products.  I think we'll be seeing tons of DD displays at Sephora and Ulta pretty soon, but the first major DD to hit the market is made by DERMAdoctor and launched a few months ago.  It provides good coverage and has mineral-derived SPF (always a plus!). 

2.  Murad Essential-C Sun Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++ ($25 at Sephora)  

The first rule in skincare is sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!  Unlike traditional drugstore sunscreen sticks, the Murad Sun Balm is really light-weight and non-greasy.  It also contains vitamin C, which provides antioxidant protection against the sun and evens skin tone as you're wearing it.  Plus, the vitamin C gives the balm a refreshing citrus smell, rather than the heavy sunscreen smell that you find with a lot of drugstore sunscreen sticks.  For days on the beach, stick to sun products that are lotions with physical sunblocks for optimal protection against the sun.  However, the Murad Sun Balm's convenient size and application makes it great for throwing in your purse...perfect for retouching your sunscreen on a sunny day or applying sunscreen on the go. 

3.  Philosophy Total Matteness Oil-Free Mattefying Pore Eraser ($40 at Sephora)
One way to make skin look firmer and more even is by minimizing pores.  In addition to your toner, the Philosophy Pore Eraser can help!  Natural bamboo extracts help mattify excess oil, and lentil seed extract helps refine pores.  Overall, it's tough to find a good mattifying product that isn't necessarily geared for those with acne, but the Pore Eraser seems to do the trick.  Additionally, this product is unique from other oily-skin treatments because it does not dry out skin and will even leave it soft to the touch.


4.  Ole Henriksen Perfect Truth CC Eye Creme Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($26 at Sephora)
Most CC products available are for your face, but Ole Henriksen makes a CC creme for your eyes too.  Like a typical eye creme, it works to firm, hydrate, brighten, and depuff.  It also contains SPF and pigments to provide coverage around the eye area, making it ideal for day wear.  In fact, every woman should be wearing an eye cream - morning and night - in order to most effectively protect the delicate eye area.  And a little under eye concealer goes a long way, making your entire complexion appear more even, awake, and radiant.  Definitely a daily makeup must!  So, now you can combine applying your eye creme and your under eye concealer into one, easy step.  

5.  Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge ($18 at Sephora) 
It's not only about what cleanser you use to wash your face, but also how you wash your face.  Clarisonic brushes have gotten popular recently, but sometimes they are a little too harsh to use every day.  Instead, try pumping your face wash onto Boscia's new cleansing sponge.  It is super soft and gentle enough to use daily, even around the eye area.  At the same time, it provides very mild exfoliation.  Infused with Japanese konjac root, this sponge will help detoxify, soften, and brighten as it cleanses.  Much more effective than your average drugstore sponge!

Those are some of my favorite things from 2013.  I'm super excited to see the products to come in 2014.  Happy New Year everyone!

Travel Light With These Beauty Products

Whether you're going to see family or flying off to a relaxing getaway, the holidays can definitely mean traveling for a lot of Americans.  Bringing all of your moisturizers, hair sprays, foundations, etc. can take up a lot of room and add weight to your luggage.  Check out some of these tips for efficiently bringing your essential beauty products with you wherever you go:


1.  Opt for 2-in-1 products.

The best way to pack light is to bring products that serve multiple purposes.  For example, the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact in Pink Quartz ($42 at department stores) contains adjacent rows of shimmery pinkish and bronze shades.  Swirl your kabuki brush over the entire brick, and sweep it over your face to add a warm, bronzed glow.  Alternatively, you can use the individual colors on the brick as eyeshadow shades.  And don't forget that you can you can use the individual pink shades as a blush and the lighter shades as a highlighter.  This product comes in several different color combinations, but my personal favorite is this lovely and naturally looking Pink Quartz Shimmer Brick. 


You can't talk about 2-in-1's without mentioning BB, CC, and DD creams.  For your complexion cosmetics, leave your daily moisturizer, tinted moisturizer, primer, and foundation at home, and bring one of these 4-in-1's.  They will provide the hydration, SPF protection, and coverage that you need for the day in one easy step.  Try the travel-size Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm ($18 at Sephora).  Boscia also makes a travel sized BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF PA 27++ ($18 at Sephora), if you prefer an oil-free product.  Both have physical sunblocks as well as other great skin beneficial ingredients.

2.  Swap your cleanser for cleansing wipes.

If you're flying, remember that most airlines have a policy regarding transporting liquids.  You are permitted to take a quart-sized Ziploc bag full of clear 3 oz. or less containers.  So, try makeup removing and cleansing wipes rather than a liquid makeup remover and a liquid face cleanser.  They're just as effective, and you don't have to worry about spills in your luggage or getting the product past airline security.  I really like the Ole Henriksen Truth To Go Vitamin C Wipes ($15 at Sephora).  They cleanse while soothing and moisturizing skin.  The vitamin C brightens and firms your complexion and gives the wipes a refreshing citrus smell.  Plus, this product comes in a convenient to-go pack that's perfect for traveling.


 
3.  Pick up some smart travel containers.

You can also try transporting your products in these clear, stackable travel containers ($6 at Amazon).  They are pretty spill-proof, clear, and light-weight, and you can stack as many as you need together.  I've spooned everything from loose powder to serums to toner to tinted moisturizer into these containers.  It's also a great way to keep your products organized! 


4.  Invest in a travel brush set.

Makeup brushes are long, bulky, and delicate.  To lighten up your load, bring along a travel brush set like the Sephora Collection Face & Eye Travel Tool Kit ($32 at Sephora).  There are tons of these types of products on the market today.  Sephora as well as companies like Bobbi Brown make variations of these sets, so you can choose the ones with the right combination of brushes for you.  This particular kit contains a mini powder/blush brush, eye shadow blending brush, eye shadow smudge brush, eye shadow crease brush, and an angled brow/liner brush.  The kit also comes with a small, compact case that fits nicely into luggage and protects your brushes from germs and damage.


5.  Save your samples for a rainy day.

Many of the large beauty retailers like Sephora, Ulta, and Blue Mercury as well as large department stores give you samples with every purchase that give you 2-3 uses.  You can also ask for samples of your favorite products at these stores.  I like to save mine and stash them away into a reserve that I tap into when I travel.  You get your very own free travel sized products! 


Wishing everyone safe travels this holiday season!

The Power of Tea

Now that the weather is getting chilly, I am all about a nice, hot cup of tea.  Tea is great...it's

cheap, easily accessible, and offers a variety of powerful health benefits.  In fact, different types of tea contain different amounts of polyphenols, which have antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.  But did you know that tea is great for your skin too?

Skin Benefits of Tea:

• Antioxidant activity of tea is more potent than that found in 22 fruits and vegetables including orange juice, carrots, and broccoli (USDA).  Antioxidants strengthen your skin's immune system by helping to fight against aging and skin cancer related to sun damage and free radicals in the air.  This means that all teas are anti-aging.
• Teas are super hydrating, despite any caffeine content.
• Their composition of natural ingredients = they are toxin-free. 
• They are soothing and calming, which means that they are super gentle and non-irritating.
• Every skin type can reap multiple benefits from almost every type of tea. 

There are a few major types of tea.  Check out the benefits of some popular ones:

Black

What it is:  As the name implies, black teas like assam and darjeeling (my person fave!) are dark in color because they are fully oxidized and more processed than other types of teas.  Oxidation also allows for a caffeine content in black teas.   

Why it's great:  Black teas are rich in vitamins C and E, which along with polyphenols and tannin, help promote cell turnover and repair.  The caffeine in black teas helps stimulate circulation to boost radiance.  It's especially great in eye creams because it helps de-puff around the eye area.  And don't forget that black tea helps fight blemish-causing bacteria. The fact that it tackles the 3 major skin issues - aging, brightening, and acne - makes black tea idea for normal skin types or those of you, who want to target all 3 of these issues.

Product Recommendation: The JUARA Sweet Black Tea Eye Creme ($38 on dermstore.com) is one of my favorite eye products because it's light and absorbs quickly.  The black tea in this product and in many other black tea beauty products is kombucha, or fermented black tea.  Although kombucha has a very strong and distinctive taste, the fact that it's fermented makes it an even stronger health tonic and skin-saver.  In fact, kombucha is a key ingredient in many of JUARA's products.  The kombucha in eye cream helps tighten and smooth fine lines, and the caffeine helps reduce puffiness.  The JUARA product also incorporates rice bran and avocado oils for extra moisture, protection, and elasticity.

Green

What it is:  Green teas are generally brewed the same day that they are gathered.  Since they are not as oxidized and processed as black teas are, they have a very low caffeine content and a weaker taste.  This also means that green teas retain a lot of the plant properties such as the green color.  And luckily for your skin, they retain a lot of their vitamins and minerals as well. 

Why it's great:  When it comes to tea and skincare, green teas have definitely gotten most of the attention primarily because they offer such power anti-aging benefits.  Compared to black teas, green teas have a higher content of the catechin polyphenols that give teas antioxidant power.  In addition to assisting in warding off early signs of aging, its anti-inflammatory and purifying properties and ability to help regulate sebum (oil) product

make it a great ingredient for those with acne-prone skin too.  Thus, many popular acne-fighting products like Proactive contain green tea.  

Product Recommendation:  For those of you with oily skin, the Boscia Green Tea Oil-Control Mask ($34 at Sephora) will help control shine.  Boscia is a really effective brand that blends the best of botanicals and science (hence the name).  With the help of cucumber and burdock root, the green tea in this gentle peel-off mask will work to mattefy, nourish, and smooth your skin.  


White

What it is:  White teas, including silver needle and white peony, are even less processed than green teas and are grown mainly in China.  Thus, of all teas, they have the lowest caffeine content and the lightest taste.

Why it's great:  White teas offer similar anti-aging benefits to green tea.  They have a comparable amount of catechin polyphenols to green teas, but a different composition of them.  Since it has less caffeine than green tea, it is even more hydrating and helps lock moisture into your skin.  White teas also help detoxify skin to keep your pores clean and give your complexion a natural glow...ideal for dry or dull complexions.

Product Recommendation:  The 100% Pure Mint White Tea Tonique ($19 on dermstore.com) is a really nice balancing toner.  It soothes skin, replenishes moisture, and removes impurities to help clear skin.  The mint also works to tighten pores and offers a slight and refreshing tingling feeling.  Perfect for oily/combination skin types!  You can also try an oil-free, light day-time moisturizer like the Origins A Perfect World SPF 25 ($41 at Sephora) for strong protection against aging.

Herbal

What it is:  Unlike other teas, herbal teas aren't produced from leaves.  Instead, the actual plant leaves from herbs, flowers, fruits, and vegetables are brewed.  Many of them are often blended with other types of teas.  There are 3 main types of herbal teas:  herbal infusions, rooibos, and mate.  You are probably most familiar with herbal infusions such as chamomile, hibiscus, rose, and ginger.  

Why it's great:  Certain herbal teas are especially nourishing for your skin.  But different types of herbal teas can offer very different benefits.  For example, chamomile tea is an herbal infusion that has useful healing properties.  You can use it to help heal acne scars, soothe minor irritation and sunburn, and brighten to even your complexion.  Herbal infusions are ideal if you have sensitive skin or any skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.  In addition, the discovery of African red teas, which are a part of the rooibos tea family, has been a great breakthrough in skincare.  Why?  Well believe it or not, these teas have an antioxidant power that is 50 times that of green tea.  They also contain an enzyme called superoxide dismutase, which also fights free radicals and helps with cell regeneration.  Overall, rooibos teas offer optimal protection in the fight against aging.  Plus, they lack bitter tannins, so they have a nice, sweet taste too!

 

Product Recommendation: The Juice Beauty Simply Pure Chamomile Cleanser ($22 at Ulta) is a very delicate cleanser that softens as it cleanses.  In addition to chamomile, it contains other natural skin-protecting and soothing ingredients like aloe, white tea, and grape seed oil.  One of my favorite skincare brands, Ole Henriksen, produces an "Age Control" line of products featuring African Red Tea.  The Ole Henriksen African Red Tea See the Difference Serum ($48 at Sephora) has a great non-greasy feel.  Apply it morning and night to create a virtually impenetrable barrier against the free radicals and sun exposure you may encounter during the day.

So, there are a lot of different teas out there that offer a variety of different skin benefits.  Luckily, many beauty brands have recognized the benefits of tea and produce healthy skincare products containing tea (all of the product recommendations above at 100% healthy).  Hopefully, this post will help you pick the products that are best for your unique skin needs :)

Working tea into your life is just as simple as swapping 1 glass of water for a cup of tea every day.  You can even just wet a tea bag and rub it over your face at night or in the morning as a refreshing toner.  

Whether you drink tea or apply it topically, you skin will thank you!  For more on teas, visit:  http://theteaspot.com/about-tea.html.

What's your favorite type of tea?

Battle of the Oils

One of the latest trends in beauty products has been pure oils.  If you haven't tried them yet, you're definitely missing out!  I'm not talking about the serum oils, cleansing oils, or moisturizing oil treatments (like the Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil) that have been around for a while...I'm referring to plain, old pure oils. 

There are many great benefits to using a light layer of oil underneath or instead of your moisturizer.  Why?

• Since these oils are derived from natural substances, you know they're healthy.  
• They're gentle, soothing, and great for even the most sensitive skin types.
• They're more potent than moisturizers, which means that your skin gets a stronger dose of beneficial ingredients.  Moisturizers that "contain vitamin C" for example also contain a lot of fillers that dilute the ingredient.
• They offer benefits to all skin types.
• Save time and money.  These 2-in-1 products are treatment + moisturizers.
• Believe it or not, they often feel less greasy (they absorb pretty fast) than traditional moisturizers.  And they smell pretty nice too :)
• You can use them anywhere on your body - try them as a hair treatment, makeup remover, or cuticle moisturizer too.

A lot people are hesitant to use oils though because some myths have given them a bad rep.  


Myth #1:  Oil = sun sensitivity   
Many of us have probably heard of people using baby oil to tan because it draws sunlight to react with your skin.  The truth is that certain oils, primarily citrus-based oils, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.  Many pure oils, however, will not.  Just be sure to check the packaging of an oil to make sure that it won't make your skin sensitive to sunlight.  In fact, you can use products like the Josie Maran argan oil and the Boscia tsubaki oil both day and night.

Myth: Oil = acne
Some oils such as mineral oil (baby oil) can aggravate acne.  First of all, there are often scents and fillers in baby oil that can make you break out.  Secondly, these lubricating oils are heavy, aggressive, and sit on the top of the skin (rather than penetrate it), which can clog your pores.  Pure oils are much lighter, more delicate, and get absorbed by the skin, so all skin types - even those with acne - can use them.

That being said...here are the four most popular and commercialized pure oils on the market today:

1.  Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil ($48 at Sephora)
Winner:  Repairing/Replenishing 
You've probably heard about argan oil by now, since it's been one of the hottest new beauty products in the past few years for everything from skin to hair to cuticles to even stretch marks.  Argan oil comes from Moroccan Argan trees and is rich in both vitamin E and fatty acids.  Thus, it offers some really great skin benefits including repairing, nourishing, and conditioning and is really great for all skin types including acne-prone skin. Josie Maran is the queen of argan oil, which is featured in all of her products.  She even makes a "light" argan oil for those of you, who want an extra light-weight product.   

2.  Marula Pure Marula Face Oil ($78 at Sephora)

Winner:  Soothing/Softening
Marula oil comes from marula nuts in East Africa.  Why is it a super skin-saver?  In addition to its protecting, and rejuventating properties, marula oil is loaded with omega acids that smooth and firm skin to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Antioxidants also work to slow aging and fight free radical damage.  Overall, the oil offers great soothing and softening qualities for all skin types and is especially useful for people with skin conditions, dry skin, or sensitive skin.  Plus you can even add it to other facial products to increase efficacy.

3.  Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil ($46 at Sephora)

Winner:  Brightening/Radiance
Extracted from superfruits of the Amazon, maracuja oil is a great natural brightener.  Rich in vitamin C, which helps your skin cells with the natural turnover process, this product will rejuvenate your skin and leave your complexion with a radiant glow.  It also contains essential fatty acids that you're skin can't produce naturally, but help keep your skin supple and hydrated.  For those of you with dull skin or dark spots, this is the oil for you.  And don't forget that maracuja is a great anti-inflammatory too!  Just one thing to keep in mind is that this product may make your skin photo-sensitive, so limit your usage to night-time skincare.

4.  Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil ($46 at Sephora)

Winner:  Anti-Aging
The Japanese have always been pioneers in skincare.  Boscia's Tsubaki Beauty Oil features Japanese ingredients that will keep your skin flawless for years.  First, tsubaki or camellia oil (from camellia plants in Japan) is a great source of fatty and omega 3 acids to fight signs of aging and protect against free radical damage.  This product also includes wakame, or Japanese sea kelp, to replenish protein and assist in collagen product as well as rice bran oil to boost radiance and increase microcirculation.  Great for all skin types and ideal for mature skin!

Personally, I am a huge fan of pure oils because they feel great, and I generally see results faster than I do when I use other moisturizers or treatments.  I have tried all four of these products and absolutely can't say a bad thing about any of them.  However, since I have oily skin with blemishes and acne scars, I use argan oil in the spring and summer (vitamin E helps repair sun damage too) to treat the former and then switch the maracuja oil in the fall and winter to treat the latter.  Different oils offer differ benefits, so you have to look for the one that's best for you.  Usually, I put it under my moisturizer at night and sometimes, I use it in the morning too as extra hydration to lock in moisture on extra cold days when the air is dry or to keep my makeup in tact if I have a long day ahead of me.

You may see other cheaper brands of these oils in stores like Whole Foods.  Just make sure that they're pure, meaning that no stabilizers, scents, preservatives have been added, and that they're cold pressed, which minimizes the loss of nutrients during the oil extraction process. 

In addition to these more commercialized oil products, there are also some other oils that are great for your skin.  Some may be slightly less potent than the pure oils I just discussed.  But, they're still nourishing ingredients for your skin and only a fraction of the cost.  In particular, there are a few types of oil that can be power products for your complexion:

• Coconut oil provides deep hydration by gently removing rough and dry excess skin cells and locking in moisture.  It's also great for hydrated, shiny hair.  Plus, it provides antioxidant protection.
• Avocado oil is not only rich in free-radical fighting antioxidants, but it is also rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and omega-3 oil.  You get skin that is moisturized, soothed, protected, nourished, and more supple.
• Grape seed oil comes from grapes and offers anti-inflammatory properties to fight acne, an astringent to tighten pores, antioxidant protection, and fatty acids to help stimulate cell regeneration.
• Jojoba oil from seeds of the jojoba plant is actually a liquid wax.  Interestingly, it can be great in treating a variety of skin conditions.  In particular, it helps dissolve oil that can clog your pores, which controls blemishes, even out your complexion, and soften fine lines and wrinkles.  As an antibacterial anti-inflammatory, it helps soothe skin irritation related to conditions like eczema and sunburn.
• Sweet almond oil is a great skin softener (rather than moisturizer) to keep your skin feeling supple and elastic...and not to mention that it is packed with soothing, turnover promoting, and anti-aging vitamins A, D, and E.
• Rosehip oil has been growing in popularity, especially amongst celebs like Miranda Kerr and Victoria Beckham.  Why?  It contains the big three - vitamin A to fight wrinkles, vitamin C to fight dark spots, and vitamin E to fight damage - along with antioxidants and inflammation fighters. 

All of these oils are 100% healthy and can be conveniently found at Whole Foods and other grocery stores.  Like pure oils, you can simply use a few drops under or in lieu of your moisturizer at night. 

Now what about essential oils?  Essentials oils are highly concentrated oils that are derived from plants.  Many of them are good for your skin.  For instance, lavender oil offer soothing and antiseptic properties.  Since essential oils are so concentrated and can be quite fragrant, try to use them more cautiously and sparingly if you incorporate them into your skincare regiment.  In other words, rather than using a few drops of them each night as a moisturizer, mix a few drops into your jar of moisturizer.  This will dilute the oil a bit and keep it from irritating your skin.  And keep them away from your eyes!  I personally prefer to save essential oils for my baths. 

Overall, oils can be a rewarding addition to your beauty routine.  Just make sure that you are using the right types of oil and oils that will suit your specific skincare needs.

What types of oil do you use?

Ways You Age

There are tons of environmental factors and behaviors that theoretically can age us.  But which ones really do age us and why?

A few case studies have revealed evidence for several behaviors that are thought to expedite the onset of signs of aging.  Check it out:

Culprit #1:  Not washing your face

Evidence:  A woman didn't wash her face for 30 days (left: before, right: after).  A dermatologist estimated that it aged her skin by about 10 years.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2380419/What-sleeping-make-does-skin-Our-shocking-experiment-exposes-happens.html

Why?  Aside from allowing for skin irritation and acne-forming oil and bacteria to develop on her skin, not washing her makeup off every night definitely contributed to the aging process.  Your skin needs a certain amount of oxygen and moisture to repair and regenerate properly when you sleep, which is tough to do with makeup sitting on your skin.  In addition, pollutants and free radicals in the air get on our skin from simply walking around outside every day.  You need to cleanse your face to not only remove oil, germs, and makeup, but also to remove free radicals, which accelerate the skin aging process.

Solution:  Wash your face each night before you go to bed.  If you have oily/combination skin, try a gel-based cleanser like the Boscia Detoxifying Black Mask ($28 at Sephora).  For normal or dryer skin types, try a creamier formula like the Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus with Antioxidant Complex Moisturizing Cleanser ($22 on amazon.com).


Culprit #2:  Sun Exposure

Evidence:  A 69-year-old man, who spent 28 years as a truck driver, had much more pronounced signs of aging on the left side of his face, which had been exposed to the sun as he was driving, than the right side of this face.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57446898-10391704/trucker-accumulates-skin-damage-on-left-side-of-his-face-after-28-years-on-the-road/ 

Why?  The UV radiation that is emitted from the sun is extremely hot and so powerful that it can penetrate glass (like car windows).  Our bodies in general were not made to be able to tolerate this heat for prolonged periods of time.  For example, in addition to feeling tired or dehydrated, the sun can play a part in the formation of cataracts.  While exposure to short-term, intense sunlight (like at the beach) can burn us, prolonged and consistent exposure to any sunlight can help in the formation of both sunspots and wrinkles.  

Solution:  Wear a heavy, physical sunblock like the Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Sunscreen SPF 40 Face Cream ($28 at Sephora) during your days at the beach.  Don't forget that the sun is out every day, so it's important to apply a moisturizer with SPF like the bareMinerals Advanced Protection SPF 20 Moisturizer ($30 at Sephora) every morning.  And for those times, you end up exposing yourself to more sunlight than you intended (driving on a sunny day), whip the Murad Essential-C Sun Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 35 ($25 at Sephora) out of purse and quickly glide the stick formula over your skin. 


Culprit #3:  Not Moisturizing Adequately

Evidence:  A woman's wrinkles diminished and skin tone evened around the eye area after using an eye cream for a few weeks (absolutely no retouching involved!).

Why?  First, your skin needs hydration to retain a natural moisture balance that allows it to appear healthy and undergo processes such as cell regeneration.  So when you moisturize, you are allowing your skin to function at its best.  Moisturizing also makes your skin more supple and elastic, which can make it more resilient to stretching when you rub it, laugh, etc.  Specifically, the skin around the eye area is particularly fragile and thin, so wrinkles can really easily develop there.  Lines around the eye and lip can get further exaggerated as we laugh and smile.  Eye and lip creams, in particular, can provide a better level of hydration and richer nutrients to prevent wrinkles in this area.

Solution:  Moisturize both day and night, so your skin is hydrated 24/7.  While your daily moisturizer should be a little lighter and contain SPF, your evening moisturizer should be a little bit heavier because your skin loses moisture as you sleep.  Additionally, your evening moisturizer should be packed with nutrients to best assist your skin in the rejuvenation process that occurs during your slumber.  For your eye and lip areas, try a more heavy duty product like the Caudalie Pulpe Vitaminee Eye and Lip Cream ($49 at Sephora). 

Culprit #4:  Smoking

Evidence:  The picture below shows identical twin sisters.  The one of the left is a non-smoker, and the one of the right has been smoking for 29 years.

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/smoking/see-how-smoking-prematurely-ages-your-skin

Why?  As many of us know, smoking is detrimental to your overall health.  The damage that it does to your organs and systems will be reflected in your skin through sagging around the eyes and nose and discoloration of certain areas of the face.  In addition, facial gestures during smoking can lead to wrinkles around the mouth and chin areas faster than you would hope.

Solution:  Stop smoking!


Culprit #5:  Dehydration

Evidence:  A woman, who was drinking less than the recommended water intake, began to drink 3 liters of water per day.  Just 4 weeks later, her skin looked noticeably healthier and more youthful.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2480491/How-drinking-litres-water-day-took-years-face.html

Why?  Afterall, our bodies are composed of about 70% water, which is vital to our functioning.  In terms of skincare, water helps flush out toxins that make us more prone to blemishes.  The natural glow and reduced appearance of wrinkles in the right-hand photo can be explained by the fact that water helps maintain the moisture balance that keeps skin soft, making our skin more supple and elastic.

Solution:  It is recommended that we drink at least 8 cups of water per day.  Many of us don't actually keep track of how much water we're drinking.  So to make sure that you're drinking enough, set aside at least 4 pint-sized water bottles each morning to finish by the end of the day.  


In addition, there are a few correlates with aging that haven't been proved with concrete photos like the ones mentioned above.  However, there are scientific explanations for them. 

Culprit #6:  Poor Diet

Explanation:  Like the rest of your organs, your skin needs vitamins and nutrients.  The foods that are good for your skin are the foods that are good for you in general.  Eating tons of fruits and vegetables will help protect your skin and the rest of your body with antioxidants.  Specifically, foods like oranges that contain vitamin C can promote skin cell turnover, and foods like turmeric, a part of the ginger family, work to brighten your complexion.  Working to incorporate them into your diet as well as into your skincare products can bring on a multi-pronged attacked against aging. 

Solution:  Sometimes, it can be hard or unappealing to eat these foods in place of others or as snacks in addition to regular meals.  The easiest way to work skin-healthy ingredients into your diet is by subtly adding them to your meals.  If you're cooking pasta, simply throw in some extra green veggies, add some turmeric powder to your sauce, or squeeze a citrus fruit into your drink.



Culprit #7:  Lack of Exercise

Explanation:  Mild to moderate aerobic exercise (super rigorous exercise can put a lot of pressure on your skin) can help prevent wrinkle formation by helping maintain a healthy balance of moisture and oil to keep your skin supple and elastic.  It also promotes circulation and stimulates new cell growth, which give your complexion a nice, natural glow.  Sweating while you work out can help flush your skin of toxins...just remember to cleanse afterwards to prevent acne and odor.   

Solution:  Exercise doesn't have to mean buying a gym membership or finding an extra hour in the day to jog.  Simply take the long walking route to work in the morning or swap the elevator for the stairs :)


Culprit #8:  Not Enough Sleep

Explanation:  In general, the PM is a night for your body to regroup and recharge for the next day.  As a part of this process, your skin is regenerating skin and drying to recover from the damage of the day.  If you're not getting efficient and enough sleep, you're denying your skin this opportunity.  

Solution:  It's definitely hard to squeeze more hours of sleep in with our busy schedules.  So, instead try to work on getting quality sleep.  Soothing pre-bed routines such as a taking warm bath, drinking herbal tea, or reading a good book can help calm the mind and prepare your body for optimal sleep mode.  Also, remember to avoid caffeine in the evenings and staring a at computer screen too late at night (the stimulating lights keep you awake).


Lastly, there is one proposed correlation with aging that has received rather mixed results:

Culprit #9:  Pulling

Theory:  Some people speculate that consistent stretching on the skin can promote wrinkles.  For example, we often hear that it is best to sleep on your back with a silk pillowcase to prevent crease lines and tugging that occurs when your face is on a pillow.  There really hasn't been any "evidence" or scientific explanation for this assertion (because it's pretty tough to measure), though many hypothesize that the link exists.  In my opinion, it makes sense that constant pulling can stretch the skin, and it's better to avoid it just in case.

Solution:  Only use gentle, upward motions when massaging your face or applying products.  In addition, use your ring finger to apply cream around delicate areas like the eyes and lips.  Your ring finger gives you the least amount of control, so you exert less pressure on it when you smooth cream into your skin.  As for pillow wrinkles, you can try a silk pillowcase.  The Pond's Institute even recently came out with an Illuminage Skin Rejuvenating Pillowcase with Copper Oxide ($60 at Bergdorf Goodman).  Copper is a mineral that helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and is embedded in the fibers of this

pillowcase.  Not to mention that it's super soft too.  If anyone tries it, let me know what you think!



The takeaways?  There are multiple factors that contribute to aging, though we don't necessarily know which ones contribute more.  The best way to prevent wrinkles and sunspots is to approach the aging process holistically, paying extra attention to "proven" causes of aging like sun exposure and proper skincare.  Just remember that fighting aging is about good wrinkle creams AND good general health behaviors.

**All product recommendations are healthy!