Spices are not just for cooking, many skincare companies utilize spices, or the oils obtained from them, in the formulation of their products. Here are just a few with notable skincare benefits.
• Fennel – Fennel’s ability to decrease irritation and redness make it a great ingredient for sensitive skin. It also has the capability to tone and tighten making it a useful tool for mature skin and a great addition to an eye cream. The Obagi Nu-Derm Eye Cream contains fennel. With its ability to stimulate lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness, Fennel is a useful firming agent.
• Cloves – These little evergreen tree buds have been used all over the world for centuries. Clove oil is an effective antimicrobial agent and is often added to acne treatment products such as the Boscia Clear Complexion Treatment. Additionally, cloves are rich in Vitamins A and C, two very effective antioxidants.
• Cinnamon – Individuals with oily or acne-prone skin will benefit from this yummy ingredient due to its antibacterial and naturally astringent properties. Korres Cinnamon and Natural Clay Deep Cleansing Mask is a great product that makes use of its benefits. Cinnamon is also well known for its warming effect and is commonly found in body products such as soaks and scrubs to help boost circulation. Melvita Cinnamon Orange Cream Soap and Kings and Queens Queen Isabella Cinnamon Orange Body Scrub are some of our favorites.
• Pepper – Pepper is a popular ingredient in body products due to its ability to boost circulation. Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Sugar Scrub also have analgesic properties and can be used to soothe muscle aches. Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Gel is another great muscle soother.
• Turmeric – This is a popular ingredient because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is also a powerful antioxidant and can help with the lightening of hyperpigmentation. For a more in-depth look on Turmeric, see our previous blog. [“Hot Ingredient – Turmeric”]
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For those of you wanting the benefit of microdermabrasion without all the cost involved we have some excellent choices for you. But what exactly is the definition of this fancy word? Dermabrasion is the use of a physical exfoliant to remove or rub off the top layer of dead skin cells. The result is a fresh layer of newer skin cells revealing a more glowing, healthy skin, less fine lines and wrinkles, and fewer sun spots or hyperpigmentation.
Microdermabrasion is usually done at either a dermatologist’s office or estheticians salon or spa. The “micro” part comes with the use of micro aluminum oxide crystals that are blasted onto the skin with air pressure and immediately vacuumed off the skin. Microdermabrasion has little if any down time.
SkinStore has some wonderful at home tools that provide you the opportunity to get similar results to microdermabrasion without the office or spa appointments, or the associated cost.
If you prefer a tool instead of a product you can use this by itself:
The Personal Microderm Tool Kit
Removes the thin layer of dead skin cells so that rejuvenation creams and serums can sink deeper into the skin and work more effectively…Greatly enhances poor, dull skin texture by gently resurfacing the superficial skin layers…Polishes and reduces fine, crêpe lines on the cheeks generally caused by aging and sun damage…DVD and written directions included.
If you prefer a product instead of a tool you can use one of the following by themselves:
ZO Skin Health Offects Exfoliating Polish
Round magnesium crystals exfoliate dead skin cells, increase epidermal turnover and create a clearer, smoother, more even-toned complexion.
Lierac Paris Micro Abrasion Exfoliating Smoothing Cream This stimulating smoothing cream contains alumina crystals for deep-down exfoliation and urea for optimum comfort, giving an immediate radiance-boosting effect, refined skin texture and diminishes the appearance of fine lines.
Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion
Magnesium oxide crystals polish away dead skin cells leaving skin radiant. These diamond shaped crystals exfoliate evenly without scratching or irritating the skin while smoothing fine lines and wrinkles and improving the overall texture of the skin. Helps clear acne prone skin and improves scars. Ideal for the face, arms, hands and neck.
As with any skin resurfacing product, either chemical or physical, it is imperative to use an SPF of 20 or higher after having a resurfacing done. Not protecting your newly revealed skin cells can cause damage from UVA/UVB rays and cause your skin to rapidly age. SkinMedica TNS Ultimate Daily Moisturizer SPF 20 is a great choice.
Restore that youthful healthy glow to your skin and have everyone wondering how you did it!
Which do you prefer: “in office” microdermabrasion or “at home” microdermabrasion? Leave us a comment below!
Do you wish there were just one product that provided antioxidants, sunscreen, and active ingredients to treat acne and clear the pores, while smoothing your skin texture and concealing ruddiness, hyperpigmentation and lines? I’m sure! Everyone would love to have this type of a product in their daily regimen. Boy! Do I have good news for you!
Meet ColoreScience Let Me Be Clear Primer. This formula contains 1% salicylic acid that will work to correct the appearance of blemishes and clogged pores. It will also smooth the skin’s texture and improve skin tone. It works as a great base for foundation, or can be used alone for a flawless finish. It’s great for men too because it’s undetectable on the skin. Let Me Be Clear Primer is infused with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide natural sunscreen protection. It also contains anti-inflammatory essential oils to reduce redness and swelling associated with acne and even rosacea.
Give this a try- and if you love it, you’ll love the powder too! Colorescience Let Me Be Clear Brush comes in three different shades to choose from; Fair Play, Middle Ground, and Deep Cover to suit all skin types. Just like the primer it contains salicylic acid, and has added rice starch to mattify the skin, so it’s great for keeping the skin looking matte and fresh all day long.
What is your skin like? My skin is a real trouble maker. It’s oily… everywhere, but it’s also dehydrated. It breaks out…..everywhere. And there is sun damage…..everywhere. Oh, and it doesn’t appreciate frequent use uses of aggressive products. I have tried this approach but it retaliates with redness and dry, irritated areas. I have to coerce it into behaving properly with a balancing/ juggling act that I have choreographed over the years. To top it off, I am trying to ward off signs of aging, so I have added a couple new products to my routine.
What is your main concern? All of the above.
What does your skincare regimen consist of? See below.
Treatment #1:SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum – This is like 3 serums in one. An anti-aging serum full of peptides and growth factors, an antioxidant serum to prevent and repair free radical damage, and a hydrating serum with sodium hyaluronate. I could go on and on.
Treat – Dark spots are a major set back when glowing, radiant skin is your goal. Treat them safely and effectively with SkinCeuticals Pigment Regulator am and pm.
Glow – Try adding a touch of bronzer to the areas of your face that light naturally hits. Too Faced Caribbean in a Compact – Sun Bunny lets you create versatile looks from a subtle glow or go for a bronzed beauty look, or anything in between.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your makeup. Try different looks for different occasion or even moods!
If you have blemish prone or problematic skin, then you know that finding the best acne products suited towards your skin is key! There are many products available, ranging from over the counter to doctor prescribed medications. They can be oral or topical and use numerous different ingredients to achieve desired results. This is a run down of the key acne fighting ingredients used in the most popular prevention and treatment products available on the market to date. We will start off with the most commonly known ingredients; Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid.
Benzoyl Peroxide has been proven as one of the most effective over the counter antibacterial medications used to treat acne. It draws oxygen to the skin making it difficult for bacteria to thrive. It also can help to rid the follicle of excess dead skin cells. This in turn will decrease pore blockage or the clogging that can occur in your pores.
Salicylic Acid is another ingredient found in common acne treatment products. Its main function is to kill off bacteria and also help to clear out congested pores. The acid is a beta hydroxy acid and is also used in different exfoliating products as it assists to shed off dead skin and offers anti-inflammatory properties. Also look for products containing Willow Bark Extract which is the natural form of salicylic acid.
Zinc is used in different acne products due to its assistance with regulating the production of oils and helping in keeping the pores clear. It also has properties which assist to help fight the bacteria that causes acne.
Glycolic Acid is another well know ingredient used in skin care products, it penetrates deep beneath the damaged upper layers of the skin to release the bond which holds the dead skin to the surface. In short, this ingredient is used to exfoliate the skin, help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone.
Mandelic Acid is an ingredient becoming more popular to current acne treatment products. This ingredient uses a slower, more even penetration into the skin which can be gentler for people with delicate skin or sensitive skin conditions. Mandelic acid is a very powerful alpha hydroxy acid which smooths away dry skin and offers anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as antibacterial benefits. This ingredient is also used to reduce fine lines or wrinkles and can help lighten different pigmentation issues.
Sulfur has been used for a very long time in acne products. It’s been recorded that it has been used to treat different skin concerns such as dandruff, warts and even dermatitis. When applying this ingredient to the skin, it causes the skins surface to dry and peel. It will help reduce oil production, prevent pore blockage, and assist in healing properties.
Hopefully this key ingredient list will help aid you in your search for acne treatment products beneficial to you!
From the ingenious minds of leading cosmetic and skincare specialists, Cover FX was born. Conceived with the intention of becoming the foundation authority, Lee Graff, the co-creator and President of Cover FX developed a makeup that effectively camouflages major skin imperfections with added therapeutic benefits.
Graff has been a corrective makeup specialist for over 20 years at a leading Canadian CosMedic Clinic, working exclusively with rosacea, acne, scars, and vitiligo patients. Cover FX was created to match a variety of skin tones, be tolerated by even the most sensitive skin, affordable to the everyday consumer, and have a beautiful naturally looking finish.
Makeup experts agree that every foundation application should start with a great primer. Skin Prep FX Nourishing Foundation Primer and Anti-Aging Serum is a smoothing, hydrating foundation primer that reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and large pores. It is enriched with peptides, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid to help combat the signs of aging.
One of the biggest dilemmas we face with foundation is finding the perfect color. Whose skin really matches a pre-made color straight from the bottle? It’s either too light or too dark or the wrong tone. Or when you’ve finally found the perfect shade, it’s soon to be discontinued entirely. Cover FX addresses this issue, The Big Cover Up kit includes 3 coordinating shades to blend together for the perfect match.
Cover FX Total Coverage Cream Foundation is a 2-in-1 concealer and foundation. It provides full coverage for hard to conceal imperfections like sun damage, acne, and redness. The foundation is suitable for all skin types and imparts a natural dewy finish. It’s also non-comedogenic and has a zero skin irritancy score for skin sensitivity.
The finishing touch of the 3 step essentials is Cover FX Loose Mineral Setting Powder. To set your makeup, simply dust on a touch of translucent setting powder. This imparts a flawless finish with light defusing pigments. Your skin will appear smoother and more radiant. It also helps to prevent color and foundation transfer. A setting powder extends the wear of your makeup and locks makeup in place all day.
If you’ve struggled to find the perfect foundation for years to no avail, your search is over! Cover FX will give you the confidence of a beautiful even complexion.
Vitamin A is a powerful little thing. It’s necessary for healthy eye function; our retina simply can not do without vitamin A. When vitamin A is converted into retinoic acid it functions like a growth factor for our cells. Vitamin A is also commonly known as retinol in dermatological use. Vitamin A is converted into a few different byproducts, and is commonly produced as retinyl acetate or palmitate.
Vitamin A is naturally found in many foods. Liver, carrots, broccoli, sweet potato, pumpkin, eggs, milk, and many other foods are rich sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A, once absorbed by our body, is converted into the appropriate form and utilized by our bodily functions. Vitamin A plays a role in eye health, immune system health, gene transcription, antioxidant activity, and of course, skin health.
Vitamin A is very beneficial to the skin, so a diet rich in vitamin A abundant sources provides for healthy skin that’s firm, clear, radiant and resilient. Vitamin A, when applied topically (in retinol form) is very beneficial to the skin as well. Retinol is often used in the treatment of acne as it dramatically reduces the size and secretion of the sebaceous glands. It also helps to reduce inflammation and induces collagen production. As retinol induces collagen production it helps to firm and tone the skin, so aged skin will become more resistant to drooping and sagging. Retinol is an outstanding treatment for acne, enlarged or clogged pores, as well as prematurely aged skin. As retinol induces exfoliation and cell renewal it also assists in lightening hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration.
Here are some outstanding products that contain retinol and address acne and aging concerns:
Are you looking for an effective lightening product that does not contain hydroquinone, but has proven to be just as effective? The new SkinCeuticals Pigment Regulator is effective in treating hyper pigmentation, blotchiness, and brightening your skin tone. It also helps to prevent future discolorations for a healthier skin tone, and is safe to use everyday. This product is a great alternative for people that do not want to use bleaching agents on their skin.
So what is in this miracle product you ask? The pigment regulator uses a powerful patent pending combination with Emblica, which is an Indian gooseberry known to soften deep wrinkles and lines. It also contains a 10% exfoliating blend and 2% Kojic Acid to naturally improve the condition of your skin. This will help to diminish frekles, melasma, photo damage, and post acne scarring.
Apply this product twice daily to face, neck, and chest for best results. While using this product, it is recommended to use a broad spectrum sunscreen, and limit sun exposure. A great sunscreen to try is the SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30. This formula is oil and fragrance free, and works great for all skin types. Anyone can incorporate the pigment regulator into their daily routine. For optimum results, use the pigment regulator in conjunction with SkinCeuticals antioxidant treatments..
Vitiligo is a rare skin condition characterized by patchy depigmentation of the skin. The patches are most often small and found on the extremities of the body. The loss of pigment is due to abnormal melanocyte function. Melanocytes are found deep within the skin and regulate pigment. Vitiligo is a genetic condition and is sometimes associated with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as thyroid disorders.
For fair skin individuals, the condition is less apparent when avoiding sun exposure and the tanning of unaffected skin. However for darker skins, exposure to sunlight may stimulate melanocytes, allowing pigmentation to restore its original color. There are many costly prescription medicines and surgical procedures that can help treat vitiligo, such as topical steroid therapies and photo therapy procedures.
Although there is no cure for vitiligo, there are many ways to camouflage the appearance without aggressive treatments. In mild cases, the patches can be effectively concealed with makeup. Dermablend Cover Crème is a great full coverage concealing foundation for skin imperfections, such as vitiligo, birthmarks, rosacea, pigmentation disorders, post-operative bruising, scars, burns, and tattoos. Cover Crème is an opaque, highly pigmented foundation that provides 12 hour wear and a flawless complexion in a variety of shades to match your skin tone.
Application is critical to achieve optimum results. Make sure to warm and soften the product in circular motions on the back of your hand until the texture is soft and creamy. Apply directly to the desired area by tapping, pressing into the skin for maximum coverage and blend outward. To finish off the look we recommend using Dermablend Loose Setting Powder. Pat the powder gently in to the skin, over the foundation to set the look.
Spices are not just for cooking, many skincare companies utilize spices, or the oils obtained from them, in the formulation of their products. Here are just a few with notable skincare benefits.
• Pepper – Pepper is a popular ingredient in body products due to its ability to boost circulation. Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Sugar Scrub also have analgesic properties and can be used to soothe muscle aches. Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Gel is another great muscle soother.
What is your skin like? My skin is a real trouble maker. It’s oily… everywhere, but it’s also dehydrated. It breaks out…..everywhere. And there is sun damage…..everywhere. Oh, and it doesn’t appreciate frequent use uses of aggressive products. I have tried this approach but it retaliates with redness and dry, irritated areas. I have to coerce it into behaving properly with a balancing/ juggling act that I have choreographed over the years. To top it off, I am trying to ward off signs of aging, so I have added a couple new products to my routine.
If you have blemish prone or problematic skin, then you know that finding the best acne products suited towards your skin is key! There are many products available, ranging from over the counter to doctor prescribed medications. They can be oral or topical and use numerous different ingredients to achieve desired results. This is a run down of the key acne fighting ingredients used in the most popular prevention and treatment products available on the market to date. We will start off with the most commonly known ingredients; Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid.
Graff has been a corrective makeup specialist for over 20 years at a leading Canadian CosMedic Clinic, working exclusively with rosacea, acne, scars, and vitiligo patients. Cover FX was created to match a variety of skin tones, be tolerated by even the most sensitive skin, affordable to the everyday consumer, and have a beautiful naturally looking finish.
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