With the increase in effective skincare comes the increase in complications using them.  This is a great tutorial on what, where, and how to optimize your skincare regimen. 

Amp up products’ effectiveness by applying serums, creams and treatments in the right order.

Do antioxidant serums go before acne treatments? Eye cream before moisturizer? Does it matter? Read up to see what experts had to say about your morning and evening regimens.

View order

About a year ago, my esthetician Jannae recommended taking daily flax seed supplements to prevent breakouts and improve the quality of my skin.   I also read at the Green Living website about ingesting Flax Seed Oil to combat dry skin, and used their recommendations of taking flax seed oil and/or supplements in a post called, “Winter is Here: Dealing with Dry, Cracked and Itchy Skin.”  And a few months ago, an excellent comment was made by Elena at the post called, “Supplements for the Skin, Hair, and Nails:  Price hard to swallow,” of the benefits of taking Borage Oil supplements.  (more…)

Finally, how to nip your two most agonizing skin issues in the bud.
 

Acne is bad enough during your teen years but aging beneath incessant breakouts is no fun either. While you might be thankful your hormones are still raging, keep any negative effects under control (and out of your mirror) by following these tips from top skin doctors and estheticians.

Get tips

Is the No. 1 wash from Clinique? Neutrogena? Nope!  I am feeling some Mythbuster Beauty validation because several of my favorite picks for cleansers are on the Total Beauty reader’s best list such as, Suki’s *Lemongrass Cleanser, Caudalie’s Foaming Cleanser, and *Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple! 

(*Click on the links to read Mythbuster Beauty reviews!)

A cleanser is a cleanser, right? Don’t they all do the same job? Hardly. Our readers gave us their two cents about which cleansers made their faces squeaky clean — without leaving their skin feeling like the Sahara. What product was ranked No. 1 by TotalBeauty.com members? Read on to find out.

See cleansers

Mythbuster Beauty along with Baby Quasar are enthusiastic to be part of the Total Beauty - Total Cure Campaign.  In search for a cure for Breast Cancer and to promote BCA, for today only you can enter here to get a chance to win a Baby Quasar PowerPack!

What is it?  The Baby Quasar PowerPack (which is both the Baby Quasar and the Baby Blue) are Photo Rejuvenation and Acne Clearing Devices.

How does it work?   The Baby Quasar (or BabyQ, as it’s affectionately called) is designed to deliver four light wavelengths that can enhance the skin cells’ circulation, stimulating collagen production and healing. The Baby Blue delivers only blue light and kills the bacteria that causes acne. Both devices have been favorably reviewed and are probably the most coveted photo rejuvenation items on the planet!!!

To read my very positive review of the Baby Quasar and Baby Blue, you can follow this link to: Mythbuster Beauty Review: Baby Quasar and Baby Blue.

Thank you to all who entered!   The giveaway winner is Andrea L. from the great state of Texas!  Congrats Andrea and your Baby Quasar PowerPack is on its way!!!

(more…)

“Hi, I’m Mo, and I’m an exfoliator.”

Crowd:  “Hi Mo”

“I like passive exfoliators fine enough. You know Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids and all. But I just…I can’t give up my…my…aggressive exfoliators!”

Crowd:  *Gasp* “The horror, the shock! Wait, what are we talking about? What the heck do you mean anyway?”

Everyone has their own terminology for different types of exfoliators. In my world, chemical exfoliators are “passive”, while actual scrubs that physically push away dead cells are “aggressive” exfoliators. I use both, a chemical exfoliator twice a week and a scrub two to three times a week, depending on how my skin feels. Not everyone can or should exfoliate so often, and those with thin or sensitive skin should consult a dermatologist before beginning, just for safety’s sake.  I find that a lax exfoliation schedule leads to many more breakouts for me, and exfoliating regularly lets me get by with using less acne product overall.

Most people know that an effective exfoliation doesn’t require an expensive scrub. Many of us do it inadvertently when we use a washcloth to remove our cleanser. If that’s more your speed then there are products out there that can step up your game but still fit perfectly into your regimen.

The Supracor Spacells facial sponge ($12) is unlike any “sponge” you’ve ever seen.  Naturally antifungal, antibacterial and allergen free, Spacells unique honeycomb design is an energizing experience. Used with your usual cleanser it really clears off makeup and skin cells, but also stimulates blood flow and massages your skin. Be sure to use the softer clear side for scrubbing and the more firm side for massaging and for rough skin, like elbows.  Better yet, get a bath mitt ($32) for your body and keep the sponge just for your face. This is a durable and long lasting product, just rinse after use and allow to dry. Since you can use any cleanser you like with it, all skin types would really enjoy the refreshing experience of a Supracor spacells facial sponge. Supracor’s Stimulite products range far beyond just face and body. Mattress covers, foot wear, baby and pet products, and even an equestrian line truly offer something for everyone. That bed pillow has my hot headed name all over it! (more…)

Meli recently asked a question at the Bare Escentuals VS. Drug Store brand Mineral Makeup post:

I would be happy to get your thoughts on Bare’s Get Started kit. Quality vs price? Which one of the following would the best pick?  Bare, Maybelline or Everyday Minerals? What about L’Oreal?

Sincerely, thank you for your precious answers,  Meli

Hi Meli, so great to hear from you!  There are so many mineral makeup lines and so many factors to take into consideration.  Hope this information will help you make an informed decision!

Here are a few things to consider in choosing the best mineral foundation for you:

• Skin type.  Finding the right match of formula for your skin type, oily, dry, combination…
• Skin color. Is your skin tone difficult to match, or do you tend to find a compatible shade easily?  Some complain that certain mineral makeups can look ashy or orange on their skin.
• Convenience. Do you prefer to purchase this at your local drug store or do you mind ordering on-line, or going to a department store counter?
• Price. A large range of prices when it comes to mineral makeup.

Here are my feelings on the specific mineral makeup brands you listed:

1.  L’Oreal’s mineral makeup is formulated with talc, so if you have sensitive or breakout prone skin, watch out!  Not recommended.
2.  Maybelline’s mineral makeup is best for those with normal or dry skin.  This is based upon many comments from a review at the Makeup Moxie website.  Another comment was that while they love this mineral foundation, but do not like the brush that is included.  I would suggest purchasing your own kabuki brush for optimum application.  If you have oily skin it will not work well for you, but it is a great value and you can purchase it at your local drug store.
3.  Bare Minerals is the most popular of all the mineral makeup lines, and many people love it.  I think it is best suited for those with oily skin.  For individuals with drier skin, it can accentuate fine lines and look flaky.  This line is more expensive, but their starter kits offer a better value ($30), and can be purchased online, department stores, and at Target.
4.  Everyday Minerals is a wonderful line and offers different formulas for different skin types (Original Glo, Semi-Matte, Matte, and Intensive) and at very reasonable price ($12 for a large container).  Their samples are generous and allow deciding which formulas are best for your skin.  Highly recommended for both quality and value.

My personal experience with mineral makeup is mixed.  My best results have been with the Everyday Mineral line, and that could be due to my specific skin type (combination skin and sensitive to breakouts) and I have liked their Original Glo and Semi-Matte formulas.  Ideally, I still prefer a liquid foundation or a tinted moisturizer. 

My biggest complaints with SOME mineral makeup foundations are:

• The “itch” factor, my skin feels coated and slightly irritated by the mineral makeup
• Some mineral powders can accentuate fine lines on my skin, and deposit in my laugh lines
• My skin ends up looking too matte and chalky
• The powder can emphasize flaking and dry patches on my face

But I realize that with the right formula and the right skin type, your skin can look amazing while using a mineral makeup foundation.  Here are some other MBB posts on the subject of mineral makeup:

• Mineral Makeup + Prime Time = LOVE
• Drug Store Mineral Makeup: Maybe Not So Good
• Attack of the Orange Foundation
• Follow Up: Mineral Makeup Mania

Best wishes Meli, and hope to hear what you end up using and how you feel about it.  JEN

Do pre-foundation primers make a visible difference?

Pro makeup artist Molly Stern says primers are meant to serve as a layer between skin and foundation to create a more even surface. But not everyone needs them. “The best candidate for them would be someone who is very oily or has a lot of scarring from acne,” she says. But do primers actually make a difference? We had two women of different ages each test a top foundation primer geared toward their skin type. Find out if their makeup looked better … and if anyone noticed.
See primers

Every now and then you look in the mirror and feel like starting fresh. At times like these there’s only one thing you can turn to: Chemical peels. What, you expected me to say therapy and self discovery?

A typical Glycolic Acid facial in a spa can be a relaxing and refreshing experience, but there are a few drawbacks. The first is time. At 45 minutes to an hour plus transit time, you’re looking at a decent chunk of time every 2-6 months, depending on your skin and the exact results you wish to achieve. Second is the cost. At roughly $80 a piece, generally as a series of about 6 treatments, that’s a lot of fun money, at least for someone like me. If you choose to get a stronger peel from a doctor than you can expect to spend $150-$300 a session, though the length of time between sessions can be much longer, depending on your needs and results. The recovery from one of these procedures is also much more intense, often with flaking, redness, and oozing skin. Makes me want to run right out and get one, how about you?

Thankfully, there’s a third option, an home peel. Alpha Hydroxy Acid products sold to consumers must be a concentration less than 10%, so the chances of doing your skin serious damage are greatly reduced when choosing these. These products can give your skin the little extra boost you’re looking for, brightening and smoothing rough, sun-damaged skin.

I’ve been trying Murad’s Intensive Resurfacing Peel for just that purpose.

Sold as a set of 12 ampoules, Intensive Resurface Peel covers the needs of many skin types with both Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids(BHA). AHAs work mainly as an exfoliant, sloughing off dead skin cells and making room for regrowth of new skin. Alpha hydroxy acids are reported to improve wrinkling, roughness, and uneven skin tone of sun-damaged skin and may even stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. BHA (salicylic acid) is able to penetrate into pores which contain sebum and exfoliate the dead skin cells that are built up inside the pore. BHA is better used on oily skin with blackheads and whiteheads, while AHAs are better used on thickened, sun-damaged skin. Containing both glycolic acid and salicylic acid, Intensive Resurfacing Peel covers all the bases.

A few moments after applying you start to feel a tingle. Some people with more sensitive skin might even call it a slight sting. Any broken skin or irritated blemishes will definitely sting if you apply this over them. First you cleanse and tone, then apply the peel all over your face/neck. After 10 minutes, or less if you find it too irritating, you simply rinse your face with warm water and continue your typical regimen. I first got a hold of this product as a deluxe sample from Sephora, but after that one use I just HAD to try the full cycle. The 12 ampoules are meant to be used 3 times a week, giving you a month’s worth in one package, though it is entirely possible to squeeze extra uses from each ampoule without altering the effectiveness. My skin felt so smooth and supple after using this, I just about fell over from the sheer joy of it. Over the month I used this I saw improvement in some old scarring from chicken pox, though it wasn’t quite as drastic as I’d hoped.  My serums and moisturizer certainly felt as though they absorbed faster and better after use.

The bamboo beads included in the formula are sparse and are more puzzling than effective. Something else that I found incredibly annoying was the poor design of the packaging. Perhaps there’s something I’m missing, not being privy to research and all, but it is impossible to extract all of the product from this bottle without prying off the top and using a cotton swab. With a product that costs as much as this ($165 a set) I would expect to be able to get my money’s worth without playing MacGuyver to scoop it out. The price is a deterrent as well, since your instinct is to use as little as possible due to the cost, which could reduce the effectiveness. Also, you MUST remember to use a sunscreen when you’re using AHA or BHA products, since they make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Ironic, isn’t it, that the product which can repair your skin’s sun damage also makes it more susceptible to sun damage?

Overall I loved this, but I’m just not sure I’m quite ready for something so intense yet. My skin is still fairly young and in pretty good shape, and the proper use of cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen is really all I need for the moment. If you feel like you need a little more for your skin, you know where to find a fast, easy, effective home peel, Murad’s Intensive Resurface Peel.

The other day, Rachelle the fabulous author of Fashionably Foodie and contributor to the Posh Mama site asked a question about starting on Retin-A at the post, “All About Retinoids:  Considering Retin-A.”

jen,
so i turned the big 3-0 this summer and i am ready to do something. (guess i need to adopt marilyn’s “Start aging, and shut up!” mantra still.)  i live in mexico and can buy retin a and renova over the counter. soooo- how do i use them?  like moisturizer, after cleansing?  instead of moisturizer or over it?  how much do i use?  and do you know if i use it while i’m nursing? (guess i could google it.) TIA!

hope your beans are delish~
rachelle

First and foremost, the beans I made using the recipe that Rachelle posted on the Posh Mama site were delish, and my family totally stuffed themselves last night.  I served them with rice and homemade salsa, very yum!

Lucky you to get Retin-A OTC!  And I am not a Doctor, so I can give you some advice, but would strongly recommend you work with a licensed Dermatologist.  I have heard that the lowest concentration is where you should start (.025%) or possibly .05%, and you should research the topic of using retinoids while nursing.  I surmise that some will say okay, and some will say nay.  I tend to side with how young is your baby and how often do you nurse?  Retin-A is simply a concentrated form of Vitamin A and a minimal amount is absorbed into your bloodstream.

In the PM, after cleansing and allowing your skin to dry, dab a pea-sized amount around face (a little bit goes a long way and this is strong stuff)!  You can then proceed with your moisturizer.  You should only use this every other night until your skin adjusts to the retin-A (which will take a few weeks), then gradually build up to using it every night.  If you notice peeling or irritation, stop using Retin-A for a few days.

If you are using any creams or lotions containing peptides, specifically copper peptides, you will not want to use a retinoid, AHA, or vitamin C cream within 2 hours of use, or rotate using one every other day.  I am not a chemist either, but I have read that the copper peptides are not effective if combined with these acidic ingredients. 

And most importantly you will need to take particular precautions to protect your skin during the day while using Retin-A.  Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and avoiding going outside during the peak sun hours.

For treating acne, Retin A will take 6+ weeks of use to notice the benefits.  For treating wrinkles, Retin A will take 6+ months to see improvements, and will produce optimal results after a year of continual use.

Best wishes for some great skin and enjoy those 30’s, you are really in your prime!  Jen