Category: skin-care

The Quest For Even Skin

Ever since this interview with Gabriel Horn, I knew I wanted to up my game battling this stubborn hyperpigmentation. I’ve confessed to indulging in the sun this summer (obviously safely, always with sunscreen), so my sun damage and dark spots have gotten even worse. Even with my SPF 50 on my face, my hyperpigmentation-prone skin was affected.

Now that the cooler days have arrived, I knew I could safely go after the damage with strong, medical grade formulas. I stopped in to see my favorite Tulsa Skincare Guru, Gabriel Horn. He has recommended incorporating Tretinoin (aka Retin-A) along with hydraquinone (at 4% strength). I’ve been loyal to that combo since early September. And I have made tremendous progress against those darn spots. But I knew I needed more to eradicate them totally.

Last week, I went in to see Gabriel for a peel. While it can sound scary, my prep work actually made it much less traumatic. Skin that is used to and being treated with Tretinoin can handle chemical peels much better. I have had a peel with Gabriel before, so I knew what to expect. We started with acetone (which sounds gross and scary), but it helps for effective and even absorption of the chemicals. He then applied a modified Jessner peel with a formula developed by Dr. Manduano (the doctor he works with). This usually consists of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. From what I understand, it is a very gentle peel alone but can work in conjunction with other peels to raise efficacy. Gabriel then upped the game and spot treated the really dark spots with Trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This is a much more aggressive type of peel.

Next up was a Retinoic acid peel applied all over the face. This is deeper than a Glycolic acid, Alpha hydroxy acid or Beta hydroxy acid peels, but not as strong as the TCA. Along with pigmentation, Retinoic acid also works against scars and wrinkles. While there was a tingle and discomfort but it certainly wasn’t intense pain. I held a fan in front of my face for about 10 minutes which provided a lot of relief.

The areas that Gabriel spot treated got very dark and then peeled for a full week. But gosh darn it… those dark spots are GONE. My face peeled on Friday (approximately 48 hours after my peel). Other than the spot-treated areas, I was done with peeling by Sunday evening. I had no pain after the actual application of the peel. And my skin looks radiant, healthier and more even. I am going to follow up with more peels and will be keeping you posted on my progress!

If you are in the Tulsa area, I highly recommend Gabriel. He works out of Dr. Joey Manduano’s office (also highly recommended) at 2219 East 21st Street. Their phone number is: 918.749.5522.

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Caudalie Beauty Elixir Limited Edition by L’Wren Scott

It is amazing when a good thing gets even better. This time, your vanity will thank you as a classic is being updated with a beautiful vessel from L’Wren Scott. Caudalie’s best selling Beauty Elixir spray is inspired by Queen Isabella of Hungary who charmed the King of Poland thirty-five years her junior. This serum/toner hybrid works to add radiance to any skin type. Ingredients include:

Rosemary Essential Oil to purify
Lemon Balm to calm
Peppermint to stimulate
Orange Blossom to soften
Rose for radiance
Grape Pulp for moisture

The limited edition bottle is inspired by L’Wren Scott’s 2013 fall/winter collection and Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. The mosaics and female silhouette also incorporate vine shoots in honor of Caudalie’s roots.

Beauty Elixir can be used as a primer under makeup and also throughout the day over makeup. It also makes for a great after-shave for the guys.

Available November 1^st at US.Caudalie.com, Caudalie NYC Boutiques (315 Bleecker St. and 1031 Lexington Avenue) and the Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa at The Plaza Hotel.

Live Twitter Chat with Allison Williams and Simple Skincare

I don’t usually fawn over particular celebrities, but Allison Williams is definitely my girl crush. Her style is impeccable – see this post about her look at this year’s Emmy’s. So you can imagine my excitement when I found out she also works with Simple Skincare. As an ambassador, we both have been incorporating Simple Skincare’s products into our routine. I know it has made a tremendous difference in my sensitive skin.

On Thursday, we will have the chance to hear how Allison has been using Simple Skincare and tips from her new life. She’ll be sharing fall fashion and beauty trends and how she manages her schedule while maintaining healthy, natural-looking skin. It is our chance to ask her all about her routine from fitness to diet to skincare!

The details: live Twitter Q&A with Simple ambassador, actress Allison Williams, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. EST on Thursday October 10th. Follow @SimpleSkincare on Twitter and tweet with the #AllisonWilliams hashtag to keep up with the conversation. And a bonus! By chatting, you’ll also be entered to win some of Allison’s favorite Simple products!

This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Influencer in the Simple® Skincare Program. Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.

SkinCeuticals Eye Cream

Those dreaded wrinkles around your eyes when you smile. You know those? I hate to report that I am getting to know them all too well. Needless to say, I am stepping up my eye cream game. I turned to skin care powerhouse line, SkinCeuticals. While some of their products are way to active for my sensitive skin, I’ve found that this eye cream plays nicely with my easily irritated skin.

SkinCeuticals Eye Cream targets all concerns for the eye area – puffiness, fine lines and dark circles. And it does it well. I’ve found after a month of use, my skin around my eyes is brighter, more even and not the least bit puffy. All sorts of ingredients work together to make this multi-tasker perform. First up, Centella asiatica, a botanical extract, boosts collagen production. Ectoin protects skin while allowing it to repair itself. And Peptides fight against puffiness and dark circles.

I carefully rub a pea sized amount around my eyes, making sure to skip the eyelid area. This is pretty active stuff, but like I said, not irritating on my sensitive skin. The first couple of days, I got just the slightest tingle but it didn’t last long. Expect to see results fairly quickly. Even though I am a month in, I saw more even skin in as little as a week. This guy is definitely in my permanent skin care rotation.

And a little fashion PSA: ASOS (savings automatically added in your cart) and Piperlime (use code FALL) are both having great sales. Here’s what’s on my wish list:

Rich Moisturizers For Dry Skin

I’m drawn towards luxurious rich creams no matter the season. My parched skin drinks up heavy doses of moisture. If I have been diligent (or indulgent) in hydration, I can really see an increased radiance in my skin. While I use these richer moisturizers year round, I know some of you might be rotating in a winter-friendly heavier cream. If you are in the market, here are my six favorite rich moisturizers for dry skin:

Kate Somerville Age Arrest Anti-Wrinkle Cream

Not only does this cream cure dry skin, but it also works against aging with a revolutionary technology. Based on scientific research into telomeres, it is proven to effectively reduce the appearance of wrinkles, increase skin firmness and elasticity and improve the appearance of skin discoloration. It also plays well with sensitive skin. Use morning and night.

Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream

This Japanese brand, wildly popular in Asia, is now available at Ulta and drugstores here in the US. With a compelling price point, this formula focuses on a super-charged Hyaluronic Acid. While it has a gel-like texture, don’t underestimate its hydration power. It contains the highest concentration of Hyaluronic Acid out of the entire product line. Skin is left plumped and soft, but not greasy. Fragrance free and non-irritating. Use morning and night.

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer

Another rich moisturizer with anti-aging benefits, Juice Beauty’s version uses fruit stem cells to infuse the formula with vitamin C and resveratrol. This blend repairs damage to the skin on a DNA level. Plant oils provide hydration. Juice Beauty products are free of loads of nasty ingredients like parabens, petroluem, sulphates, GMO, silicones, pesticides and artificial dyes. Use morning and night.

L’Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector Day & Night Cream

Youth Code targets women with younger skin but I was happy to discover this formula packs a moisture punch. Crafted to improve pores, texture and fine lines, this cream has a silky texture. It absorbs quickly with a velvet finish. Plus, you can’t beat the drugstore price point.

myHERO™ Ultra Rich Anti-Aging Growth Factor Cream

myHERO is particularly formulated for dry, mature and sensitive skin. It also targets redness along with other signs of aging. Ingredients stimulate collagen production while comforting irritated skin. Over time, this can help boost skin’s immunity. Use in the evening.

Kiehl’s Since 1851 Super Multi-Corrective Cream

The long-standing skin care powerhouse, Kiehl’s, designed their newest cream to reduce signs of aging with beech tree extract and jasmonic and hyaluronic acids. The formula is also friendly towards sensitive skin. The rich cream has an element of gel texture, allowing for quick absorption. Paraben and fragrance-free. Use in the morning and evening.

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mybody available at lovemybody.com.

Natural Body Care For Fall From JĀSÖN

I am stunned… literally stunned that today is October 1st. Where in the world did September go? At least it means the arrival of rich cozy scents and lots of football – two of my favorite things! And there is something rejuvenating about a change of seasons. For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been particularly focused on taking care of myself and striving for excellence on this blog. Along with that, I am trying to be more mindful of including natural products into my routine. These two products from one of my favorite natural brands, JĀSÖN, are the perfect ticket for my fall resolutions.

JĀSÖN® Antioxidant Cranberry Body Wash has a rich, nourishing formula packed with Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5. The Cranberry acts as an anti-oxidant and Aloe Vera can help soothe irritated dry skin in the cooler months. Not to mention it smells so festive.

JĀSÖN® Balancing Wild Yam Crème has the super-hydrating properties we need in the fall months. And if you have combination skin, this moisturizer can actually help balance your complexion. Ginseng and Wild Yam helps skin stay hydrated. And licorice works to even skin tone and boost radiance. Use it on your face and/or body.

Both products are free of parabens, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, petrolatum, artificial colors and phthalates. Available at natural food stores, Whole Foods Market and jason-personalcare.com