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.

Toner vs. Astringent

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:   

• Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion ($15 at Ulta) for acne-prone skin.  It uses natural cucumber and the acne-fighting ingredient, sulfur, to remove bacteria and dirt deep within pores without irritating skin.
• Thayers Original Witch Hazel With Organic Aloe Vera Formula Astringent ($8 on drugstore.com) is a natural witch hazel with moisturizing aloe to prevent over-drying.  A great way to instantly calm and clean your complexion!  I especially like the refreshing cooling effect.
  

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? 

What Does My Beauty Routine Look Like?

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:

• AHAVA Purifying Mud Soap ($10 at Ulta) as a gentle face cleanser.
• Caudalie Pulpe Vitaminee Anti-Wrinkle Serum ($62 at Sephora)
  to fight wrinkles and provide an antioxidant protection shield against free radicals and pollutants as I go through the day.
• Ole Henriksen Total Truth Vitamin C Eye Creme SPF 15 ($45 at Sephora) It's one of the very few natural eye creams that I can find with SPF, and it happens to feel really nice :)
• Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer SPF 15 Sensitive Skin ($9 at Ulta)

Makeup

• Smashbox Primer Photo Finish Lid Primer ($20 at Sephora)

• Almay Intense I-Color Smoky-I Kit for Brown Eyes ($7 at Ulta)
• Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Liner in Chocolate Shimmer ($23 at department stores)
• Eylure Naturalites Voluminous Eyelashes 020 ($6 in drugstores)
• Too Faced Liquif-Eye Eyeliner ($18 on toofaced.com) as an extra clear seal over eyeliner to ensure that it doesn't budge all day long.
• Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes ($19 at Sephora) on the bottom lashes (the falsies go on the top)
• Bobbi Brown Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($44 in department stores)
• Alison Raffaele Face Forward Primer SPF 15 - Acne Response ($46 on dermstore.com)
• Almay Smart Shade Mousse Makeup ($14 at Ulta)
• Alison Raffaele Incandescent Luminizer in Yellow ($28 on beauty.com) as an under eye concealer. The lighter color helps mask dark circles and highlight eye makeup.
• Alison Raffaele True Concealer ($25 on dermstore.com)

• Bobbi Brown Blush in Sand Pink ($26 in department stores)
• Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in Warm Natural ($37 in department stores)
• Alison Raffaele Transparent Finish Powder ($28 on beauty.com)
• Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Rose Petal ($25 in department store) lipsticks often look more natural than lip glosses for everyday wear since they aren't as shiny.
• Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray ($29 at Sephora) to solidify your makeup on your face for the rest of the day.

Shower

• Jason Pure Natural Body Wash in Invigorating Rosewater ($12 on drugstore.com)
• Lily of the Desert Aloe Gelly ($10 at Whole Body)  is more natural and light-weight than a regular lotion and keeps skin soft and supple enough.  Afterwards, I also like to nourish skin by spritzing with:
• Solar Recover Save Your Skin Spray ($12 at Whole Body)
• Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($9 at drugstores) on my hands and feet right before I sleep followed by covering my feet with:
• Yu-Be Heel & Elbow Moisturizing Socks ($13 on beauty.com) when I sleep.

Evening Skincare

• Bertolli Classic Olive Oil ($10 at grocery stores) as a makeup remover because it's more natural and better for your skin than baby oil
• JUARA Rice Facial Scrub ($29 on skinstore.com)
• JUARA Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner ($29 on dermstore.com)
• Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Eye Cream ($44 at Sephora)
• Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum ($79 at Sephora)
• Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil ($46 at Ulta) as a brightening vitamin C moisturizer in the fall/winter or Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil ($48 at Sephora) as a vitamin E moisturizer to help fight against sun damage in the spring/summer.  The have vitamins that are more potent than those found in creams.
• EOS Organic Lip Balm Sphere in Sweet Mint ($3 at Target)
• JUARA Rose & Willowbark Blemish Free Mask ($35 on skinstore.com) as a spot treatment for zits, white heads, and black heads (it works just as well as toothpaste doesn't leave skin red and over-dried)

Weekly Rituals 

• On Sunday nights, I give myself a face some extra attention to brighten up for the week ahead.  I wash my face with my Clarisonic Mia in Pink ($125 at Ulta) and use a JUARA Turmeric Antioxidant Radiance Mask ($35 on skinstore.com) before applying my serums and moisturizers.  I also give the rest of my body some extra attention by swapping my aloe and essential oil spray for something more intensively hydrating, the Tree Hut Shea Body Butter in Coconut Lime ($7.50 at Ulta).  

Healthy Holiday Gift Ideas

'Tis the season!  The holidays are here, and many of us are on the look-out for the perfect gifts for our friends and family members.  Cosmetics a huge driver of holiday sales, and most beauty brands have their holiday gift sets ready to go! 

Here are a few of my favorite healthy holiday items that make for great gifts this season:

1.  Lush Snow Fairy Sparkle Massage Bar ($8 at Lush)

Lush stores are a really fun place.  They have tons of soaps and bath bombs that are sweet smelling, colorful, and fun...making them loveable gifts.  My only complaint about Lush is that many of their products do contain parabens and/or sulfates.  But, their massage bars are free of both and can be really unique and enjoyable gifts.  You simply rub the bar over your skin in the shower as, it works a moisturizer to soften your skin.  Perfect for this dry winter weather!  It's available in different shapes and scents, but the Snow Fairy Sparkle one is definitely the most festive. 

2.  Hollywood Fashion Secrets Emergency Kit ($15 at Ulta)

Every girl should keep one of these kits in her purse.  It is a very small, compact cosmetics case that contains anything you would need in a fashion emergency...Hollywood fashion tape, a deodorant-removing sponge, lint-removing sheets, a sewing kit, a stain wipe, an earring back, an instant button, a hair band, a nail file, a blister pad, and a shoe-shine sponge.  It's one of those items that you would never think of buying, but will appreciate once you do!

3.  L'Occitane Hand Indulgence Set ($28 at Sephora)

Not to be totally unoriginal, but I really do love the L'Occitane hand creams.  As with every holiday season, you will see gift sets of them available everywhere.  Everyone can use some hand cream.  The L'Occitane ones are infused with shea butter to lock in moisture.  I like them because they absorb nicely and have a light, floral scent.  This set is a classic beauty gift that women of all ages can enjoy.

4.  Origins Ginger Treats Set ($40 at Sephora)

Origins makes some of my favorite skincare products.  This holiday season, they're offering a festive ginger scented trio that includes a Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream, Incredible Spreadable Smoothing Ginger Body Scrub, and Ginger Float Cream.  You will definitely feel calm and refreshed as these products work to soften and nourish your skin.

5.  DIY Spa Kit

What's cuter and more creative than making your spa kit?  Gifts that encourage people to pamper themselves are the best kinds of gifts.  Here are some ideas for this DIY kit:

Bellaboo Sweet Sin Chocolate Face Mask ($10 at Ulta) 
This delicious mask is the perfect mask for relaxation time.  By cleansing and hydrating, the chocolate will leave your face smooth to the touch.  And don't forget that it will help provide antioxidant protection and nourishment to keep your complexion looking youthful and healthy.
          
Earth Therapeutics Recover-E Cucumber Eye Pads ($7 at Ulta) 
While you have your mask on your face, put these pads over your eyes.  The cucumber, green tea, aloe, chamomile, and vitamin E will help soothe the eye area.  Your eyes will appear fresh and awake.  These pads are also useful for those mornings when you wake up with puffy or red eyes.

 
Earth Therapeutics Aloe Socks ($8 at Ulta)
And don't forget to throw in some comfy socks to top off the experience.  These socks are not only super soft, but are also infused with natural aloe to moisturize your feet as you wear them.

In general, people can be picky about their skincare products, so stay away from kits with serums, eye creams, etc.  For gifts for those you don't know as well or those who don't use cosmetics, opt for general personal care products (like the ones mentioned above) that all women can use.     

...but for those makeup wearers, try these fun and fashionable products:

6.  Sephora Collection 5 Shade Tinted Balm Wand ($12 at Sephora)

This stackable wand contains tinted lip balms in five core shades (beiges, pinks, reds).  To change shades, you simply remove the shade at the top, move it to the bottom, and push it up.  A super cute stocking stuffer!  

  

7.  Sephora Party Starter Brush Set ($16 at Sephora)

This travel brush set contains a flat powder brush, concealer brush, shadow brush, and angled liner brush...everything you need for a touch-up on a night out or to apply your makeup on vacation.  Plus, the brushes are a pretty sparkly pink color and come in a stylish, sparkly case that fits conveniently in your purse.

8.  Bobbi Brown Everyday Lip & Eye Palette ($30 at department stores)

Bobbi Brown always makes gorgeous palettes around the holiday season.  As the name implies, this palette has colors that everyday women can wear every day.  It has neutral taupe, white, and black eye shadow shades and neutral pink lip shades.  All of these shades come in a small compact so you can throw it in your purse for touch-ups during the day.

9.  Tarte Stop & Stare Eyeliner & Lash Set ($39 at Ulta) 

The Tarte pencil liners are pretty efficacious.  They have a nice creamy formula that allows you to move and blend the color really easily.  After a few seconds, it dries so that it stays in place all day long.  This particular set comes with beautiful onyx, purple garnet, azurite green, new taupe, and rose gold shades.  And don't forget that it comes with their signature Lights, Camera, Flashes Statement mascara that uses a precise brush to sweep color onto lashes and boost volume.

10.  DIY Nail Set

Bring the nail salon to your girlfriends!  They make for fun and original gifts.  Putting a kit together yourself can allow you to incorporate all of your favorite products and shades that you know your friends will love.  
 

Sephora Collection Instant Nail Polish Remover ($10 at Sephora)
My cousin got this for me last Christmas, and I absolutely love it.  Inside of the bottle is a foam ring filled with remover.  You stick your finger in the middle of the ring as the solution dissolves your nail polish instantly.  No cotton ball necessary and no work for you!

Sephora Collection Set of 5 Color Hit Nail Set ($12 at Sephora)
This collection from Sephora is a set of mini nail polishes.  Sometimes, it's hard to say which shades different people will like, but this kit contains neutral shades like reds, pinks, and beiges, which everyone can use at some point.   

Sephora Collection Colorful Nail File ($3 at Sephora)
To top it off, add a fun nail file to shape your nails before you paint them.

This holiday season, if you're looking for gift ideas, check the beauty aisle.  After all, you can't go wrong with products that make you look and feel great.  Even if your friends and family members aren't beauty fanatics, there are some great products in stores right now that they will really enjoy.

Happy Holidays everyone :)

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?