WHAT CAUSES ACNE?

Genetics

The mechanics of acne are pretty much controlled by your genetics. So, don’t blame yourself for having acne-prone skin. Genetics determine how your body’s immune system responds to bacteria; one person may have only blackheads while another gets explosive red and tender nodules. Genetics also play a role in how easily your pores become plugged. For example, you may have inherited the ability to overproduce dead skin cells, and then shed them in a way that clogs your pores. Redness and pigmentation are functions of your skin color. The lighter your skin, the more redness you are likely to see, while dark pigmentation hides the red, inflammatory response. Darker skin clears with a brownish pink spot (postinflammatory hyperpigmentation) that often remains for months or even years. The bottom line is your genes are the underlying reason for your acne, as well as what type of acne you have. Other factors, which we

will discuss later, are influencers.

And genetics are unpredictable. Even in identical twins, one person may get tiny little pimples that last a week, while the other develops cysts that scar. If both of your parents had significant acne, your risk for developing acne also is very high. Because 85% of the population experiences breakouts at some point in their lifetime, you won’t be alone.

Acne and Hormones

Hormones play a huge role in acne. During puberty, everyone - boys and girls - starts to produce masculinizing hormones called androgens. In women, the hormones include testosterone, DHEA-sulfate and progesterone. In men, the hormones are testosterone, dihydroxytestosterone and androstenedione. Androgen hormones cause oil-producing glands to enlarge, stimulating oil production. When there’s more oil and less shedding of dead skin cells, pores become clogged, and there you have it - acne. That's why 80 to 85 percent of teens get acne.

Hormonal Acne – Women

The rate at which you produce oil within the oil or sebaceous glands is affected by your hormonal balance, which often fluctuates in both men and women throughout their lives. Normal variations in women's estrogen and androgen levels can cause acne. This explains why women often experience it, not only in puberty, but later in life as well, especially the week before their period. The increase in hormones during pregnancy and post partum can also wreak havoc on a woman's skin. As the years go by, during perimenopause and menopause, hormone levels become more erratic, often triggering another bout of acne. Women with abnormally high levels of androgen hormones, like those with polycystic ovarian syndrome, have a higher risk of developing acne. Another hormone, cortisol, is released from the adrenal glands during times of stress, often instigating the acne cycle too. To sum it up, hormones explain why 30-40% of women experience some form of acne in adulthood.

Hormonal Acne – Men

Men's hormone levels fluctuate too. Androgens are the male sex hormones that surge during puberty. So it's no surprise that acne in teen males is more severe and longer lasting than in females. Adult males produce about ten times as much testosterone as women do. By adulthood, the oil production in most men normalizes, making acne less of an issue with age. In fact, testosterone has the benefit of increasing the skin thickness in men, explaining why they wrinkle less with age.

Stress

Stress can trigger or worsen your acne because it causes the body to release cortisol and androgens from your adrenal glands, increasing oil production. Because women produce a greater percentage of their androgens in the adrenal gland than men, women are more prone to stress related breakouts. Some researchers believe adult acne is on the rise because of the constant stress in our society. Stress can also make your breakouts last longer. And as you well know, having acne adds to your emotional stress, perpetuating the vicious acne cycle. We recommend lowering stress levels with plenty of sleep, exercise and calming activities like meditation and mindful breathing.

Environment and Habits

Outside factors like pollution, exposure to oil and grease may clog pores and flare acne. Heat and humidity, which increase oil production, are also well-documented acne triggers.

The skin is the largest organ of the body. One of its main functions is to protect us from noxious substances. Strong environmental pollutants can result in a rare variation of acne called chloracne, which is characterized by acne like eruptions of blackheads, whiteheads, cysts and pustules. Chloracne is different from the more common acne vulgaris because it's not caused by hormones or genetics.

Personal habits, including the types of products you use, also make a significant difference. Shampoos, conditioners, pomades, hair gels and

hairspray may be blocking pores, causing acne on the forehead and around the hairline. The wrong moisturizers or makeup can also clog pores, creating blackheads and whiteheads. Looking for “noncomedogenic” or “non-pore clogging” designations on a product label is worthwhile. Additionally, oil from greasy hair may migrate to the forehead and temples, triggering small breakouts along the hairline, along with scalp acne. So if your hair is especially oily or flakey, consider shampooing more frequently with a medicated product.

Acne is often flared by friction from hats or athletic gear, which traps bacteria, increases sweating, and inflames the skin. To avoid “stewing in your own sweat,” shower and clean your equipment as soon as possible.

Small amounts of sun exposure may seem to help your acne at first because the blue band of visible light helps to sterilize the p. acnes bacteria and a tan masks redness. But prolonged sun exposure increases the shedding of dead cells on the surface of your skin, plugging your pores, eventually producing blackheads, whiteheads and small pimples. Heavy sunblocks are occlusive and can increase the temperature inside your hair follicles, creating small pimple-like bumps. These “sun bumps” are not true acne but a medical condition called miliaria, which is especially common on the torso during the hot, humid summer months. Avoidance of prolonged sun exposure, along with daily use of a lightweight, noncomedogenic sunscreen formulated for acne-prone skin, is best for protecting your skin and minimizing breakouts.

Diet and Medications

While we don't believe diet is the primary cause of acne there is more and more evidence linking certain foods to acne, in some people it may play a contributing role. Carbohydrates found in sugary, starchy, or processed foods have what is known as a high glycemic index. These types of food spike your blood sugar level and eventually create insulin resistance. When this occurs, your skin responds by releasing thick, sticky oil into the pores, which results in breakouts.

Hormones and antibiotics in dairy and meats may also contribute to acne in some people. Looking for “organic” or “hormone-free” foods may make a difference in your skin. High iodine levels in people consuming lots of seafood, seaweed, or iodized salt has also been reported to trigger breakouts.

As you can see, the link between diet and acne is being actively investigated. What can you do in the meantime? We suggest keeping a food diary. Because each of us responds differently to foods, keeping track of what you eat for several weeks may help you identify whether certain foods are flaring your skin. Your next step is to eliminate that food. However, keep in mind, that because acne starts in your pores weeks before a breakout appears on your skin, you will need to eliminate a suspected food from your diet for at least 3-4 weeks. This is the best way to determine whether or not your diet is contributing to your acne.

Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is healthy for you, but it won’t flush away acne. There’s simply no proof that water can clean the skin from the inside out.

Also watch out for certain over-the-counter and prescription medications that may have side effects that can alter your body’s chemistry and hormones, leading to an acne outbreak. Lithium is one example. Androgenic steroids, DHEA, progesterone-dominant forms of birth control, and medications containing bromides or iodides also fall into this category. Make sure to ask your doctor about any possible side effects of your prescription meds because alternative medicines may be available.

Source link: http://www.proactiv.com/

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SKIN CARE TIPS: 7 NATURAL BEAUTY REMEDIES FOR DRY SKIN

Dry skin is caused by several factors. It could be due to exposure to hot or cold weather, genetics or from using skin cleansers or household chemicals. It is an unpleasant condition that can sometimes cause itching and rough skin, scaling, peeling, and even flaking.

If you are into DIY home remedies for dry skin, you may want to out these eight natural beauty remedies using simple ingredients to help you achieve supple and soft skin.

1.) Soothe Dry and Itchy Scalp with Apple Cider Vinegar

Dry and itchy scalp is caused by many factors such as dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis, according to My Health Tips. A simple home remedy is using apple cider vinegar. Add water to the apple cider vinegar to make the mixture. To apply, soak a cotton ball and directly apply to scalp. Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties that kill off any build-up in the hair that causes itchiness.

2.) Combat Dry Facial Skin with Avocado and Honey Mask

Mashed avocado combined with honey is perfect for dry skin. The sterolin and humectants found in the mixture can soothe and smoothen the dry skin in the face gently, according to New Health Guide. Leave the mixture for 15 minutes, rinse off, and pat gently.

3.) Get Glowing Skin with a DIY Coffee Body Scrub

Body scrubs are great for removing dead skin cells from the body. Coffee is especially great as it also helps fight cellulite. The recipe from Style Craze calls for ground coffee, sugar, extra virgin olive oil, and vitamin E capsules. The sugar works as a gentle exfoliator, the olive oil helps keep the skin supple, and vitamin E contains antioxidants help repair the skin and at the same time protect it.

4.) Ease Extremely Dry Feet with Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an amazing remedy for dry and cracked feet. It helps fight against bacterial and fungal infections. According to Top 10 Home Remedies, it is best to apply this treatment before going to sleep. Soak feet in warm water and thoroughly scrub with loofah, dry your feet and apply coconut oil generously and then put on a pair of cotton socks for the night. If coconut oil is not on hand, you can use olive oil instead.

5.) Get Rid of Painful Chapped Lips with Sugar

This recipe from Whole New Mom enables you to exfoliate your lips while nourishing it at the same time. All you need are three ingredients: honey, sugar, and oil.

6.) Tackle Scaly Elbows and Knees with Almond Powder & Yogurt

According to Home Remedy Shop, almond powder can exfoliate the skin in the elbows and knees while yogurt can naturally clean the areas. The combination of these two ingredients can also help lighten the area while leaving them soft.

7.) Moisturize the Whole Body with Olive Oil and Sugar

According to Everyday Health, olive oil and sugar can be moisturizing and exfoliating at the same time. Rubbing the scrub on to your skin will get rid of the dead skin, revealing a soft, supple skin.

Source link: http://www.latinoshealth.com/articles/5446/20150413/skin-care-tips-8-natural-beauty-remedies-dry.htm

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9 AMAZING SKINCARE TIPS WE LEARNED FROM OUR GRANDMAS

1. Don’t throw out your rice water.

Rice water is rich with minerals that are amazing for your skin and hair using the cooled water left after boiling rice is a tip passed down from Japanese geishas for centuries. It’s also rich in anti-oxidants and helps prevent hyper-pigmentation and age spots.

No rice water? There are several beauty products out there that are based in the benefits of rice, like Chaintecaille’s Rice & Geranium Foaming Cleanser and Tatcha’s Rice Enzyme Powder, which is a favorite among celebrity makeup artists.

How to use it: Soak a cotton pad in rice water and tone your face after cleansing with it, and a complex of vitamins called ‘inositol’ will promote cell growth and stimulate blood flow.

2. You can use turmeric to cure pretty much everything.

Turmeric is awesome—it works as an antiseptic and makes a great body scrub. And a little bit of turmeric mixed with water and sandalwood powder reduces acne. India and China have long used turmeric for medicinal and artistic purposes, but it’s only recently that the United States has explored the benefits of turmeric for cancer treatment.

How to use it: For home skincare, you can use it with a mixture of milk for a skin brightener or face cleanser, or even to fight poison ivy and eczema. You can also buy ready-made Turmeric Face Wash if you don’t want to DIY it yourself. The one downside is it stains — so wash your face super thoroughly afterwards.

3. No eyelash curler? No problem.

It’s disputed when the eyelash curler was invented—patents for the first pop up in 1923, 1931, 1940—but before it came about, people used spoons to curl lashes, and it’s still a trick you can use to this day. Model Miranda Kerr—who has her own pretty great skincare line—sometimes uses the trick over a regular eyelash curler. There are a few beauty tricks you can utilize a spoon for, actually. Who knew dining utensils have a space in beauty bags?

How to use it: Watch the video and be amazed!

4. Charcoal was the original Crest. (Maybe.)

If your family ever suggests for you to brush your teeth with charcoal, they’re probably not trying to poison you—so long as they’re suggesting activated charcoal. Activated charcoal treats tannins, which is what stains your teeth when you drink coffee and tea. Over time after brushing your teeth with activated charcoal—don’t swallow it—the tannins will be absorbed by the charcoal. This is one of those family myths turned Pinterest sensations that there isn’t actual, formal research to back up. Some dentists say it has the potential to work, but it doesn’t replace professional whitening and regular checkups. I think maybe we’ll stick to Crest White Strips.

How to use it: Dip your toothbrush into powdered charcoal and brush in small circles for two minutes. Remember to spit carefully and rinse extremely well (you really don’t wanna swallow any of this stuff).

5. Beer can make beautiful hair.

Washing your hair in beer adds volume and shine to heat-damaged hair. Experts suggest you use traditionally brewed beer that’s rich in hops to get the most out of your beer treatment.

6. Koreans do it (face-washing) better.

Face wash commercials can give you the impression that washing your face should only take five seconds, but this isn’t actually the case. Ask Korean skin-care brand Soko Glam (or your local, ageless Korean grandmother): the ideal face wash method takes time, and sometimes 10 steps worth of products.

How to do it: Follow these dedicated instructions.

7. Food makes a fabulous (and cheap) face mask.

Oatmeal? Face mask. Yogurt? Face mask. Cucumbers? Face mask. Honey? Face mask. Tea bags? Put ‘em on your eye bags. But please, don’t do any of this while you’re hungry, because you’ll probably eat your face mask half-way through and feel vaguely cannibalistic about it. All of these products do have clinically proven positive results on skincare and they are the basis of many effective skincare products on the market.

8. Oil up.

Coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil—there are a million oils that work wonders on the skin—but many of them are prohibitively expensive. If you can’t afford to throw down for a super pricey bottle, head to Whole Foods or another health food store where you can grab an unblended bottle for a fraction of the price.

How to use it: Coconut oil in particular has multiple uses: moisturizer, hair mask, makeup remover, shaving cream… not to mention baking ingredient.

9. And when life hands you lemons….

Your mom, your grandma, your Pinterest followers—they might all suggest sugar and lemon scrubs or toner, but do not listen to them. Listen to estheticians and skincare professionals. Lemon juice on your skin—especially on open wounds like acne—it can exacerbate the problem more than help. Listen to this no-nonsense lady right here. Your skin will thank you for it.

How to use it: DON’T. No way!

Source link: http://www.buzzfeed.com/letsbeninjas/our-grandmothers-our-skincare-gurus-xrfx#.kr1RoG8pM

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6 SKIN SECRETS FROM A CELEBRITY FACIALIST

1. Give up potato chips.

"All processed foods can cause inflammation in the body, leading to conditions such as rosacea, arthritis, fibromyalgia, pancreatitis, gall stones, fatty liver, yellowing or grayish whites of your eyes, and cellulite," says Ciminelli, who gives clients a list of skin-healthy foods after each appointment. "Fiber-rich foods are essential for clear skin: Think apples, prunes and, my favorite underdog, seaweed — it's an anti-inflammatory that fights redness and pimples." On the top of her list of foods to cut out: Potato chips. "They have no goodness whatsoever."

2. Try reflexology.

In a perfect world, money and time concerns aside, Ciminelli recommends getting a deep pore cleansing, hydrating facial and reflexology treatment on a regular basis. "In my opinion, reflexology is essential for a healthy body and good skin. The ancient foot treatment really helps improve overall health and well-being while contributing to radiant skin on happy relaxed faces."

3. Double-cleanse at night.

"Cleansing at night needs to be very thorough — I use two different cleansers at night and only one in the morning. Using a washcloth is important when you cleanse, as is washing with warm water and rinsing with cool."

4. Change your pillowcase often.

"Your skin needs to be nourished and deeply hydrated during the night when it's rubbing against a cotton pillowcase and your pillowcase should be changed every couple of days to prevent breakouts."

5. Ditch tinted moisturizers.

"I'm against them," says Ciminelli. "I think the skin absorbs the pigments, which is not good for your body. Your liver has enough problems trying to neutralize the toxins you are breathing in and ingesting."

6. Get rid of pimples with herbs.

To clear up a breakout quickly, Ciminelli recommends cleansing your face thoroughly, then steaming your pores with water infused with rosemary, thyme, and oregano. "After a few minutes, with impeccably clean hands, wrap tissue around your index fingers and very gently press out the impurities. Cleanse again and then use a good antiseptic toner or my Seawater." Don't stop there, though: Drink a large glass of water with one tablespoon of Bragg's apple cider vinegar infused into it (then rinse to protect tooth enamel) followed by a cup of Smooth Move Tea by Traditional Medicine. "A blocked colon is one of the major causes of breakouts," she says.

Source link: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/a34760/susan-ciminelli-facialist-skin-tips/

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15 THINGS WOMEN WITH PERFECT SKIN DO EVERY DAY

Everyone knows at least one woman with seemingly perfect skin. Every time you

see her glowing face, you think, seriously, how does she do it? What kind of magical procedures is she getting? Which expensive creams is she using? Here's the thing: Her secret is simple — she has flawless skin because she's nailed the best daily routine. Another secret? So can you.

1. She uses the correct cleanser for her skin type.

"For oily or acne prone skin, a salycylic gel or benzoyl peroxide wash works great," says Dr. Ava Shamban, a dermatologist in Santa Monica. "For dry mature skin, use either a moisturizing glycolic or milky cleanser. For skin with brown spots or melasma, use a brightening wash, such as an alpha hydroxy acid cleanser."

2. She drinks the right liquids.

Though it's tempting to grab a coffee the minute you wake up, Joanna Vargas, a skincare facialist in NYC, says choosing the right beverages can be a game changer. "Drink a shot of chlorophyll every morning to brighten, oxygenate, and hydrate your skin. Drinking chlorophyll also helps drain puffiness by stimulating the lymphatic system, so it's also good for cellulite."

If you're not keen on downing a shot of the stuff, chlorophyll supplements can be found at many drugstores and health food stores. She also advised drinking green juices with lots of veggies in them: "It will transform your skin in a matter of days — and it helps oxygenate the skin and stimulates lymphatic drainage, so it's de-puffing, too."

3. She maintains a healthy diet.

"Your skin has a natural barrier to retain moisture, and essential to that is omega-3 fatty acid," Joanna Vargas advises. "Flax seeds on your salad or even walnuts will be an instant boost to your omega-3, thus increasing your skin's ability to hold onto moisture." And be sure to eat a diet low in foods with a high glycemic index (simple and complex carbohydrates).

4. She moisturizes every day and night.

"The best times to moisturize are right after you get out of the shower and right before you go to bed," explained Dr. Janet Prystowsky MD, an NYC-based dermatologist. Avoid lotions with heavy fragrances and be make sure you find a moisturizer gentle enough for every day use with zero irritation.

5. Her fingers never touch her face.

Dr. Julia Tzu, an NYC-based dermatologist, says this is very important. It doesn't just spread bacteria and cause breakouts — it can lead to scarring, an increase in wrinkles, and even the flu.

6. She doesn't use too many products.

Using more than one or two all at once is a big no-no, says Dr. Tzu. It can be harsh on the skin, resulting in more breakouts and clogged pores.

7. She wears sunscreen 365 days a year — rain or shine.

"Many people feel they only need to protect themselves on sunny days or when visiting the beach," says Dr. Debbie Palmer, a New York dermatologist. "But the truth is that we need to protect our skin even when we're driving a car, flying in an airplane, or running errands. It's the daily UV exposure that contributes to the visible signs of aging." What kind of sunscreen is best? Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or greater — and remember that it needs to be reapplied every 2 hours.

8. She hydrates — in every way possible.

Every skin expert we spoke to emphasized the importance of hydration. "A lack of water means less radiance and more sag," says Dr. Mona Gohara, a dermatologist in Connecticut. She suggests choosing products (cleansing, moisturizing, and anti-aging) that have hydrating formulas. And, of course, drink around eight glasses of water a day.

9. She avoids direct heat exposure.

Don't just watch out for the sun — getting too close to heaters and fireplaces can also wreak havoc on your skin. "It causes inflammation \and collagen breakdown. I recommend staying at least ten feet away," explains Dr. Palmer. So next time you're roasting chestnuts or s'mores over an open fire, take a step back.

10. She exfoliates a couple times per week.

"We lose 50 million skin cells a day, and without a little extra nudge, they may hang around leaving the skin looking sullen," says Dr. Gohara. To fight this, you should "choose a product that is pH neutral so it doesn't dry as it exfoliates." And don't just stop with your face — the skin on your body needs exfoliation, too.

11. She doesn't just eat her vitamins.

A balanced diet is important, but there's more than one way to give your skin vitamins. There's also topical antioxidants, which are serums and creams that contain ingredients that nourish the skin. "These can really help to repair the skin from sun damage and they also have natural sunscreen properties," says Dr. Palmer. Not sure how to use them? The best time to apply them is right after cleansing, or they can be layered under your sunscreen for added protection.

12. She cleans her makeup brushes regularly.

To fight infection and clogged pores, Dr. Prystowsky recommends washing concealer and foundation brushes once a week. For brushes you use around your eyes, she recommends twice per month, and for any other brushes, once a month is fine.

Here's how: Put a drop of a mild shampoo into the palm of your hand. Wet the bristles with lukewarm water. Then, massage the bristles into your palm to distribute the shampoo into the brush. Avoid getting the metal part of the brush wet/or the base of the brush hairs because the glue could soften and the bristles could fall out. Rinse the shampoo out and squeeze out the water with a towel. Lay the brushes on their side with the bristles hanging off the edge of the counter to dry.

13. She knows that protection doesn't stop at sunscreen.

We're talking SPF makeup, sunglasses, and broad-brimmed hats. "Preventing sun damage is a million times better for your skin than treating it after the fact," says Dr. Prystowsky.

14. Her skincare routine is easy to follow.

"Fad products and fancy ingredients are fun to try, and sometimes they work well," says Dr. Prystowsky, "but usually they're off the shelves just as quickly as they're on them." Find a cleanser and moisturizer that you know work for you, and keep them at the core of your routine.

15. She sleeps well.

It's not just about getting eight hours a night. Skin will also benefit from regularly using clean silk pillowcases. "The material glides easily and prevents creasing and wrinkles,"says Jesleen Ahluwalia, M.D., a dermatologist from Spring Street Dermatology in New York City."Silk is also easier on hair — it helps avoid tangles and breakage." Better hair and skin while you sleep? Yes, please.

Source link: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/a34301/best-skin-care-tips/

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INSIDE A BEAUTY EDITOR'S INSANE SKIN-CARE ROUTINE

I once dedicated a solid 45 minutes each morning to my beauty routine, and that was a problem. So when I finally cut my embarrassingly elaborate skin-care routine down to ten minutes this summer, it was a point of pride. My goal: perfect, luminous skin.

I begin my streamlined morning lineup with a few pumps of Phace's Detoxifying Cleanser, a non-foaming cleanser specifically enhanced with a pH slightly lower than our skin's natural pH. I learned about Phace when the brand's Harvard-trained founder paid the Cut a visit last year. There are a few very nerdy reasons why you want a cleaner with a low pH. At the top of the list: hydrated skin, and fewer blemishes and wrinkles down the road. It's a bit of a mystery why the low pH helps protect skin better, but one plausible theory is since skin that stays in the low-pH range is more acidic, it naturally fights acne-causing bacteria while preserving the face's native moisture barrier.

Related: 5 Beauty Lessons From Paris Fashion Week

After I cleanse, I rub on the most aptly named product in existence: Good Genes. The serum by Sunday Riley is fueled by lactic acid and makes my skin instantly glow. It has a pungent, spicy smell that turns off many, but surprisingly, not me. Maybe all you need to know is that Helen Mirren is a fan.

I usually let Good Genes marinate on my skin for a few minutes. Then, if I'm feeling undermoisturized, I give a few blots of Pestle and Mortar's Hyaluronic Acid Serumaround my chin and hairline, where I sometimes become uncharacteristically dry (my skin is generally oily). Pestle and Mortar is the brainchild of an Irish biochemist, her skin-care guru sister, and her photographer husband, who wanted to help people look Photoshopped IRL. So far, my experience looks promising.

For my eyes, I've most recently turned to a gnarly skin-care brand that employs technology used on astronauts in outer space. Skin Space Defence Bright Eye Lift Gelis a clear solution that loses its semi-solid shape as soon as it touches my skin. It melts and becomes oily, like cold bacon fat thrown in a frying pan. The story behind the brand goes something like this: A British plastic surgeon teamed up with space scientists to create a healing salve for post-op patients in his practice. The space scientists tapped into their knowledge of skin-care ingredients astronauts use when exposed to the age-accelerating elements of space, and before long, a beauty brand was born. I can't say for sure why I use this product (my eyes don't need a "lift" just yet), but if I'm being honest, there's an amusement factor when I think about a bunch of rocket scientists huddled together to launch a cosmetic product.

Related: The World's Easiest Way to Highlight Your Face

Right after I tend to my eyes, I slap on Philosophy's Renewed Hope in a Jar SPF 30mixed with a dab of every makeup artist's (and Kardashian's) holy-grail product,Kevyn Aucoin's Sensual Skin Enhancer, which completes my morning ritual.

Nighttime is a much more complicated story. First, I remove my makeup with some sort of wipe. Recently, that's been makeup artist Lauren Napier's individually packaged and guaranteed-to-never-dry-out wipes. Lauren's worked with the likes of Zoë Kravitz, Anne Hathaway, and Lady Gaga, so you could say she knows a thing or several about cutting through serious face paint. She's also worked with Drake, even though everyone knows that Aubrey is naturally beautiful.

I typically wash my face again with Phace. As soon as I pat dry, I swipe Pixi's Glow Tonic over my face with a cotton round. Glow Tonic is new to the States, but in its native England, it's a bit of a rock star. The glycolic acid in the formula gently smooths over rough spots and the occasional dark mark over time. It's basically the budget version of Biologique Recherche's P-50. A delightfully named Skin Perfecting Liquid from Paula's Choice completes my acid application for the night. In there, you can find a watery concentration of 2 percent salicylic acid, which ensures that my pores stay clear and my blemishes remain buried.

It's a waiting game of 30 minutes before I move to the next step. Though, truthfully, some nights, this is where the train ends. But if I'm being diligent, I follow the salicylic acid with Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Aging 1% Retinol Booster. The 30-minute waiting period nullifies any irritation that might arise when using an acid and a retinol at the same time. It's a method I've tested through trial and error because it will sting a bit if I don't wait. I don't use retinols all the time, but I try to sometimes, if only because it's one of the best products a person can use to avoid wrinkles later in life.

Related: How to Look Amazing in Under 10 Minutes

Immediately after the retinol, I dab on 111 Skin's Celestial Black Diamond Contour Gel. Slightly thicker than the eye gel I use in the morning, it's supposed to help stimulate the production of collagen, which, in return, will help diminish the appearance of dark circles. I've only just started to use the gel, but here's to wishful thinking.

Finally, I finish off the night with La Prairie's Skin Caviar Luxe Cream Sheer. Yes, it's expensive, and yes, if you agree with Kathleen, the Cut's senior beauty editor, it might smell like granny cream, but I love that it makes my skin feel really soft and plump in the morning. When I'm not being completely overindulgent, I'll use Laneige's Water Sleeping Mask instead.

And speaking of masks, lately Dr. Jart's Deep Hydration sheet mask is what I like every now and then, when my skin feels especially parched. I actually swear by sheet masks for hydration. Unlike traditional masks, the cloth in a sheet mask traps moisture so skin feels especially supple.

But will I keep this routine going throughout the fall? Who knows? Maybe I'll Kondo more to add some simplicity to my life.

Source link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/thecut/inside-a-beauty-editors-i_b_8317096.html?utm_hp_ref=skincare-tips

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SKIN-CARE TIPS FOR EVERY SKIN TYPE

If You Have Normal Skin...

Your skin is neither too oily nor too dry, and you rarely break out or experience redness. Your pores are small (practically invisible), and though an occasional blemish may surface, it’s usually tied to your period.

The Best Regimen

• Cleanse and moisturize daily with gentle, basic products. Look for those with antioxidants, which fight free-radical damage and stave off the signs of aging.
• You might also consider adding retinoids or vitamin C to your routine several times a week to boost collagen production, says Ava Shamban, a dermatologist in Santa Monica.
• Finally, don’t forget moisturizer―one with sunscreen for the day and one without SPF at night.

If You Have Dry Skin...

Blame the flakiness―along with the redness and itchiness―on your skin’s barrier layer, which doesn’t retain natural oils or water as well as it should.

The Best Regimen

• To keep your complexion quenched and healthy, use cleansers and creams with emollient ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
• Skip foaming face washes, since they strip away lipids, and avoid anything containing harsh retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids, says Fran Cook-Bolden, a dermatologist in New York City.
• If your skin is very flaky or peeling, try a face oil under your moisturizer―it will smooth out your skin.

If You Have Oily Skin...

Soon after you wash your skin, it looks shiny. You may suffer from blackheads and breakouts that aren’t tied to your monthly cycle, and your pores are medium to large.

The Best Regimen

• Help keep your pores unclogged by sloughing away dead skin cells daily with products that contain salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids.
• And, logic to the contrary, it’s important to moisturize: If your skin’s surface gets dehydrated, your sebaceous glands, which produce oil, will kick in to action (brace yourself!).
• Use oil-free lotions and sunscreens, which won’t exacerbate acne, says Leslie Baumann, the author of The Skin Type Solution ($16, amazon.com).

If You Have Sensitive Skin...

Almost any new product, especially one that contains fragrance or preservatives provokes a response―usually in the form of redness or stinging.

The Best Regimen

• A daily dose of gentle products is the way to go.
• Avoid anything with an added scent, says New York City dermatologist Doris Day, and pass up eye creams, which can be irritating.
• Calm itchiness and redness with products that contain anti-inflammatory ingredients, like green tea and licorice-root extract.

And don’t skimp on sun protection: Just choose products with gentle UVA-blocking ingredients, like zinc oxide and Mexoryl.

If You Have Mature Skin...

As you enter perimenopause and estrogen levels begin to drop, you experience a slowdown in both oil and skin-cell renewal. The result: skin that lacks elasticity and looks dull. You may also start noticing fine lines, brown spots, and rough patches as past sun damage (oh, misguided youth!) manifests itself.

The Best Regimen

• Get your youthful glow back with products that contain antioxidants and retinoids. The former fight the free-radical damage that ages skin, and the latter boost collagen production to keep it firm.
• Since your skin is slow to slough off dead cells, dermatologists recommend using a weekly at-home peel to help it along.

Source link: http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/ultimate-skin-care-guide

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