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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WANT BETTER SKIN? MAKE THIS TINY CHANGE

The skin-care advice delivered to me during a facial is typically some sort of overwhelmingly large lifestyle change ("Do you consume a lot of cheese and milk? Stop." "No more spicy food, ever." "Go gluten-free." "Cut soy."). So when Carrie Lindsey, a facialist at Shen Beauty in Brooklyn, told me about a tiny tweak that could transform my skin—washing my face with cool water instead of my usual steaming-hot splashes—it seemed surprisingly manageable. I was in.

Cranking the faucet handle to the far left every morning and in the shower every night (even when outdoor-air temperatures aren't plunging) is as automatic for me as breathing. But it turns out, that's a major skin sin: As comforting as hot water feels, it saps moisture, leaving your face dry and tight. "I tell my clients to wash their faces with cool-to-lukewarm water, then rinse with cold water to seal and close the pores," says Lindsey. "Too much heat is never good for the skin."

Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner echoes this advice: "While we all love long, hot showers in the winter, they're no good for our skin. They can actually strip the skin of essential oil that protects the outer layer." It can also exacerbate other skin problems, according to dermatologist Judith Hellman. "Hot water dilates the blood vessels and can result in flare-ups of rosacea and other conditions. Washing in general, but especially with hot water, removes the protective layer of lipids over the skin," she says.

When the skin's lipids (or fats) start to wear away, moisture creeps out of the gaps in your skin's barrier. "The skin develops cracks, can't properly protect itself, and further loses water content," explains Zeichner. (And if tiny, moisture-leaking cracks in the skin weren't bad enough, dehydration causes dead skin cells to cling to the skin, rather than sloughing off, making it look drab in addition to feeling thirsty and desperate.)

Lindsey's cool-water switch is a simple, no-fail way to fight this drying, dulling process. "Treat skin like delicates in the laundry—cool wash and a cold rinse. Every now and then a little steam session or warm water won't hurt," she says, "but not very often. Once a week is my recommendation." In addition to nixing that twice-a-day hot-water habit, "look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, a humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum for hydration" advises Zeichmer (try Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel or Kaplan MD Cellular Rejuvenating Concentrate). "Ceramides help replace the fats that may have been lost and seal in cracks between skin cells” (he likes CeraVe Moisturizing Cream).

Source link: http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2015/10/cool-water-skin-care.html

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THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF CLEAR SKIN

1. KEEP IT CLEAN

Your makeup might hide zits, but it also traps free radicals against your skin, says Zoe Draelos, a professor of dermatology at Duke University. Wash your face morning, night, and after the gym with a cleanser that contains up to 2 percent salicylic acid. We like Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Purifying Gel Cleanser for sensitive skin.

2. DON'T POP YOUR ZITS

It's so hard not to, we know. But try to resist. Popping your pimples will only result in inflammation, scarring, and yes, more acne. If you're truly tempted, some experts suggest keeping your hands busy with a squeeze toy.

3. BUT IF YOU DO...

OK, what's done is done. Now disinfect the area with a 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide product such as Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatmentand dot on a salicylic acid—dermatologist Doris Day recommends Clean & Clear Advantage Popped Pimple Relief Drying Paste—to help unclog the pore

4. STICK WITH THE BASICS

There are certain ingredients that have proven themselves in clinical trials (benzoyl peroxide or glycolic or salicylic acid for acne)—use them. And give them a chance: They need at least six weeks to work. "If nothing has changed by week six, the product will never work for you," says David Bank, a professor of dermatology at Columbia University/New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Then, it's time to see a dermatologist—prescription products or in-office treatments may offer some relief.

5. TRY RETINOIDS

Retinoids aren't just for wrinkles. They also fade spots, build collagen, and prevent acne—but only when used correctly. At night, instead of your overnight acne treatment, dot a pea-size amount (we like Sadick Dermatology Group PM Reversal Serum) on your fingertips and rub it all over your face. "Using them on the skin as a whole helps with cell turnover," says Heidi A. Waldorf, director of cosmetic and laser dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City

6. TREAT EARLY

Spot-treating your pimple can reduce its lifespan by one to two days. But the real goal is a clear complexion—and early intervention is key. "You need to prevent acne from forming, and that means treating skin that's prone to pimples even if there are none present," says dermatologist Karyn Grossman. So use all acne products over your entire face.

7. BUT DON'T OVERTREAT

Overusing acne products can lead to excess drying and, in some cases, chemical burns. Apply the amount recommended on the packaging (usually enough for a thin layer), not a giant palmful. Finish with an oil-free moisturizer.

8. CALM DOWN

Easier said than done, we know. But stress hormones increase oil production, which can lead to clogged pores and whiteheads. So make an effort to relax when needed. "Anything that reduces stress in your body—tai chi, running, sex, a warm bath—will make you have less acne, less often," says Richard Fried, a dermatologist and clinical psychologist in Yardley, Pennsylvania.

9. PROTECT YOUR SKIN

Acne products can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage, so be sure to use SPF 30 or higher. Look for formulas labeled noncomedogenic, which won't clog pores. We love Coppertone Oil Free Faces Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30.

10. FADE SCARS

Just because the pimple's gone doesn't mean it disappeared. Use a scar treatment with salicylic acid and licorice-root extract, likeClearasil Ultra Acne + Marks Spot Lotion, on dark spots to fade them over time.

Source link: http://www.allure.com/skin-care/2012/10-commandments-clear-skin

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10 WINTER SKIN CARE TIPS

For many people, the cold clear days of winter bring more than just a rosy glow to the cheeks. They also bring uncomfortable dryness to the skin of the face, hands, and feet. For some people, the problem is worse than just a general tight, dry feeling: They get skin so dry it results in flaking, cracking, even eczema (in which the skin becomes inflamed).

"As soon as you turn the heat on indoors, the skin starts to dry out," Bonnie LaPlante, an esthetician with the Canyon Ranch resort in Lenox, Mass., tells WebMD. "It doesn't matter if you heat your home using oil, wood, or electricity. The skin gets dry."

Sound familiar? Read on to get WebMD's top 10 tips for boosting your winter skin care regimen, so that your skin stays moist and healthy through the winter months.

1. Seek a Specialist

If you go to your local drugstore, you'll be hard put to find a salesperson who can give you good advice. That's why going to an esthetician or dermatologist even once is a good investment. Such a specialist can analyze your skin type, troubleshoot your current skin care regimen, and give you advice on the skin care products you should be using.

But that doesn't mean you'll be stuck buying high-end products. "Inexpensive products work just as well as high-end ones," says David Voron, MD, a dermatologist in Arcadia, Calif. "In fact, the extra price you pay for the expensive stuff is often just for packaging and marketing. What's most important is how your skin responds to the product -- and how you like its feel, not how much money you paid for it."

2. Moisturize More continued

You may have found a moisturizer that works just fine in spring and summer. But as weather conditions change, so, too, should your skin care routine. Find an "ointment" moisturizer that's oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. (Hint: Many lotions labeled as "night creams" are oil-based.)

3. Slather on the Sunscreen

No, sunscreen isn't just for summertime. Winter sun combined with snow glare can still damage your skin. Try applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and your hands (if they're exposed) about 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply frequently if you stay outside a long time.

4. Give Your Hands a Hand

The skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands. That means it's harder to keep your hands moist, especially in cold, dry weather. This can lead to itchiness and cracking. Wear gloves when you go outside; if you need to wear wool to keep your hands warm, slip on a thin cotton glove first, to avoid any irritation the wool might cause.

5. Avoid Wet Gloves and Socks

Wet socks and gloves can irritate your skin and cause itching, cracking, sores, or even a flare-up of eczema.

6. Hook Up the Humidifier

Central heating systems (as well as space heaters) blast hot dry air throughout our homes and offices. Humidifiers get more moisture in the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out. Place several small humidifiers throughout your home; they help disperse the moisture more evenly.

7. Hydrate for Your Health, Not for Your Skin

If you've heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times: Drinking water helps your skin stay young looking. In fact, it's a myth. Water is good for your overall health and "the skin of someone who is severely dehydrated will benefit from fluids. But the average person's skin does not reflect the amount of water being drunk," Kenneth Bielinski, MD, a dermatologist in Oak Lawn, Ill., tells WebMD "It's a very common misconception."

LaPlante agrees. "I see clients at the spa who drink their 10 to 12 glasses of water a day and still have superdry skin. It just doesn't do that much."

8. Grease Up Your Feet

Yes, those minty foot lotions are lovely in the hot summer months, but during the winter, your feet need stronger stuff. Try finding lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerine instead. And use exfoliants to get the dead skin off periodically; that helps any moisturizers you use to sink in faster and deeper.

9. Pace the Peels

If your facial skin is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Instead, find a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, a toner with no alcohol, and masks that are "deeply hydrating," rather than clay-based, which tends to draw moisture out of the face. And use them a little less often.

10. Ban Superhot Baths

Sure, soaking in a burning-hot bath feels great after frolicking out in the cold. But the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. "You're better off with just warm water," LaPlante advises, "and staying in the water a shorter amount of time."

A lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda, can help relieve skin that is so dry it has become itchy, Bielinski notes. So, too, can periodically reapplying your moisturizer. If those techniques don't work, go see a dermatologist. "You may need a prescription lotion to combat the dry skin," Bielinski says. "Or you may have a condition that isn't simply dry skin and that requires different treatment."

Source link: http://www.webmd.com/beauty/skin/ten-winter-skin-care-tips?page=1

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