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.
We often hear the terms toner and astringent used interchangeably. But do they mean the same thing? Which one is best for you?
Well...
The two products are in fact very similar. They both refine/tighten pores and help remove excess oil, dirt, makeup, and residue. There are a few slight differences though:
Astringents often have antiseptic properties that help clean bacteria from skin's surface and unclogs pores. In addition, they generally have an alcohol content that mattifies oil. Thus, astringents are ideal for younger women, oily skin types, and blemish-prone skin. Natural astringents include witch hazel and cucumber.
Product recommendations:
Toners tend to be alcohol-free and more gentle than astringents. They are often better for balancing and softening skin. For example, aloe and rosewater are natural toners. Women with mature skin, combination/normal/dry skin types, or sensitive skin should choose a toner rather than an astringent.
Product recommendations
- Caudalie Beauty Elixir ($18 at Sephora) for mature skin. Like all Caudalie products, this elixir has grapes for powerful antioxidant protection against aging. With nourishing essential oils, it is a part toner, part serum that leaves skin feeling moisturized.
- Origins United State Balancing Tonic for combination skin. This product keeps the skin's pH balance in check...reducing excess shine in the T-zone and softening dry areas of the face.
- Murad Hydrating Toner ($27 at Sephora) for dry skin. The toner helps restore hydration to the skin with lecithin to keep skin supple. And vitamins C and E provide antioxidant protection.
- Korres Pomegranate Toner ($20 at Sephora) for normal skin. Pomegranate extract is a natural nutrient-rich ingredient that will condition and rejuvenate your skin to reveal a radiant glow.
- Avene Gentle Toner ($20 on dermstore.com) for sensitive skin is formulated with softening and soothing spring water. This toner is hypoallergenic and so gentle that it is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
Should you be using a toner or astringent? Yes! Most toners and astringents say to use them day and night. You should definitely be using one at night after cleansing and before treatments and moisturizers to clean up anything your cleanser may have left behind. Also, tightening your pores will keep dirt and toxins out as well as make your complexion look and feel smooth and refreshed. I like to use a cotton ball to help sweep away residue and toxins from my skin, but you can totally spritz toner/astringent if you prefer (though it may not clean your skin as thoroughly). Whether or not you use it in the morning is up to you...it's not as big of a deal if you don't because it's not as essential for your skin to be squeaky clean. Using an astringent in the morning will help reduce oil during the day if you tend to get shiny. And tightening your pores in the morning can improve the appearance of your skin throughout the day. Personally, I use a moisturizing toner in the mornings more for its smoothing and softening effects so that my makeup holds better during the day.
Do you use a toner or an astringent?
My birthday is right around the corner. Like a true beauty addict, I can't help but think about my beauty routine as a 21-year-old, as I reflect back through the past year. I figured I would share my daily beauty routine and the products that I use with you.
[Disclaimer: don't be alarmed by how many products I use on a daily basis]
Morning Skincare:
Makeup
Shower
Evening Skincare
Weekly Rituals
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.
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.
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!
How many times do you find yourself torn between what feels good and what does good for your body? Well luckily, there are a few skin care rituals that do both:
1. Take a warm bath.
Not only will the warmth and aromatherapy relax your mind, but your skin will thank you too. All you have to do is soak in a lukewarm water...make sure it isn't too hot because hot water can strip your skin of good oils. Warm water will help lock in moisture while opening your pores. Don't forget to pour in some some bath salts like the Ahava Honey Herbal Bath Salt ($22 at Ulta). Bath salts can help detoxify by ridding your skin of impurities. I especially like the Ahava one because it is formulated with honey, herbs, and minerals from the dead sea to help condition and nourish the skin. You can also add some essential oils like the Dr. Hauschka Moor Lavender Bath Essence ($30 at Whole Body) to further boost hydration. In addition to the fact that is smells great, the Dr. Hauschka lavender oil has great calming and protective properties. Simply allow your skin to marinate in the bath for 15-20 minutes to get that long lasting fresh scent. Like a body wrap that you would get in a spa, a bath will leave your skin will feel soft, soothed, and purified...and not to mention that it helps soothe sore muscles...for barely a fraction of the cost. Just grab a good book or continue a round of Candy Crush for perfect ending to a stressful day!
2. Exfoliate.
Brighten up your complexion by shedding those dead skin cells. Use a gentle facial brush (move it in a circular motion) with your face cleanser or a gentle facial scrub to mechanically slough off residue as well as dead cells. Women of every age should exfoliate regularly. For young women, it will help tame acne by preventing particles on your face from clogging pores. For older women, it will polish your skin and leave you with a more youthful glow. Exfoliating also helps scars and dark spots fade more quickly. When you're done, you'll be left with fresh skin that feels super soft. You'll see the results as your makeup goes on more smoothly and your skincare absorbs more efficiently. The best part? The gentle scratching of the exfoliating beads or brush feels great too! Try the Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator ($35 at Sephora) for your face. It not only exfoliates and cleanses but it's also hydrating and packed with powerful grape-derived antioxidants. And don't forget about your body! The Pacifica Kona Coffee & Sugar Detox Whole Body Scrub ($28 at Ulta) is healthy, smoothing, and smells delicious.
3. Give your face a nice massage.
Each morning, give your skin a little one-minute wake-up massage. After sleeping, your face is tense, so it's a great way to loosen up the muscles in your face. Gently pat your face and tap your fingertips all over. Apply a little bit of pressure by pressing down on pressure points such as your temples and the sides of the bottom of your nose. You can also slide your fingers in upward motions (downward motions promote sagging) away from the center of your face along your bones. Do it when you're washing or moisturizing your face (when your face is lubricated) and avoid kneading or pulling to prevent wrinkles. Martha Stewart Living gives a great DIY face massage with visuals. By removing dead skin cells and stimulating circulation, your face will appear more radiant and feel energized.
4. Steam on a cold day... or spritz on a hot one.
We all know how good a facial steam feels...especially on a cold day. All you have to do is
microwave or boil some water so that it is steaming. Afterwards, hover over the steam and allow it to open your pores (a good opportunity to follow up with cleansing or extracting impurities) and add moisture to your skin. Alternatively, in the summers, I love to keep some Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray ($18 on drugstore.com) in my purse. It's a refreshing spray that helps calm and soften skin. Plus, it will cool you off on a hot day with a few spritzes. The nice thing about water sprays is that you can even use them over makeup.
