Category: skin-care

Fighting Back Against Summer Sun Damage

I started off this summer with a little irresponsibility. I hit the pool with sunscreen – but definitely not enough and in such a short time, I had my dreaded sun spots and hyper-pigmentation on my forehead and cheeks. I vowed to fight back! I knew I couldn’t be too aggressive with treatments as some make you too sensitive to any sun exposure. But I did come up with a routine that has made some pretty darn wonderful strides against those dreaded dark spots.

First, I have been washing my face with my beloved Clarisonic. My cleanser of choice has been Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser. My skin is gently primed and exfoliated for application of serums and treatments, but not irritated in the least.

Second up, I knew I wanted to work in a retinol, but also new my beloved Rx Retin-A would be too strong for my pool-heavy summer. So I turned to mybody. This line, now available online, has wooed me with gentle and effective products and the most fun packaging and names. A-TEAM provides 0.3% Retinol that you can use in the AM and PM safely. Also in the formula, mySBP 189, Actiwhite and Chromabright can help tighten and recondition skin. So, say goodbye to rough patches and redness.

Next up, one of my skin care staples, albeit a controversial one: Hydroquinone. Banned in certain types of the world, many find it to be unsafe. But I trust my doctors here that say it is really the only effective way to reverse sun damage. While there are versions of this skin lightener in the drugstores, they are usually at 2% or below. So turn to your doctor for a 4% version. I use ZO Skin Health MELAMIX from Gabriel Horn at Dr. Joey Manduano’s office here in Tulsa (Gabe truly is the Tulsa Skin Guru if you are local). I use this both morning and night. During the day, not only does it correct dark spots, but it also works to prevent formation of new ones.

Lastly, I am all about extreme sun protection. I used to dally around with a SPF 15 or 20, but for those blazing summer days, especially when you are outdoors, make sure to up the ante. Super Nourishing Cream SPF 50 from Zensation has been a summer favorite. On the richer side for my dry skin, it is perfect for those with aging skin or craving hydration. And I love the high sun protection. It is creamy, soft and absorbs well. It also works beautifully under makeup.

Another favorite is Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+. It is totally lightweight, non-irritating and even works as a wonderful primer.

So that is the story! If you are like me and paying for some summer sins, try these steps to get that skin looking more even.

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COOLA Mineral Face Sunscreen

I’ve found a new favorite face SPF in COOLA’s new mineral collection. They are formulated with my beloved physical sunblockers, yet have the most transparent application and beautiful finish! These three formulas are all slightly different, each suited for preferences and skin type. And I love that it is a feel-good product; all formulas are vegan friendly, cruelty-free and organic.

First up is the Mineral SPF 30 Cucumber Matte Finish which has a light and natural cucumber scent. The lotion is white but applies transparent. The finish is silky, matte and works well under makeup. It is also made with organic Rose Hip Oil, rich in free radical fighting Vitamin C. Shea Butter smooths and hydrates skin. This is my pick for those who have oilier skin or those who need a gluten-free formula.

COOLA’s Mineral SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint has the same abundant organic ingredients as the Cucumber Matte Finish, but has a very slight tint. Also well suited for oilier skin, this could be worn on its own for very very light coverage. And if you are sensitive to or prefer no scent, this is right up your alley! This one is also gluten-free.

Mineral SPF 20 Rose Essence Tint is my personal favorite. Most like a true CC Cream, this formula provides a little bit of coverage and much needed hydration. Rose, usually not my favorite scent, is very light and actually pleasant – likely because of its organic nature. This one is also zinc-free for those who are sensitive to that ingredient. Organic Acai Oil contains vitamins and Omaga-3s, providing defense against aging. Organic Sunflower Seed Extract and Linseed Oil help with elasticity and redness. And Cucumber Extract helps calm my easily irritated skin.

From transparent to tinted, unscented to roses, you can’t go wrong with these from COOLA. Take your pick at coolasuncare.com.

Simple Skincare Giveaway Just In Time For Back To School

Ready to turn over a new leaf? Get that skin care routine finally in order? Well, now’s your chance! I’ve teamed up with the folks at Simple Skincare and we are giving away the entire range of Simple’s offerings! That’s right, you’ll have wipes for cleansing, a great lightweight SPF, and a richer Vital Vitamin for those drier days coming up. One of everything. Just enter using the widget below. US Only and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

Brand Spotlight: YON-KA Skin Care

Yon-Ka is one of those brands I had seen and respected from afar. But I have never really had a chance to dive into their world. After learning about the brand and trying out some of their products, I have become a tried and true fan. The focus on aromatherapy and beautiful packaging make these workhorses and joy to use. The heavy glass bottles are truly luxe and all the dispensers are flawless. But first, a little about the brand.

Laboratories Multaler was founded in 1954 by pioneers in aromatherapy, Cécile, Ernst and Charles Muhlethaler. They focused on botanicals and essential oils and were able to achieve a breakthrough with the discover of “Quintessence” a unique combination of 5 essential oils from the Mediterranean which became the cornerstone of their future skin care line.

They continue their research, blending oils and plants to find other synergies and skin care breakthroughs. Around 1967, the brand took on its mysterious and symbolic name, YON-KA.

Françoise Muhlethaler, a biochemist, and Catherine Muhlethaler, an aesthetician, daughters and nieces of the founders take over leadership of the company in 1968. Under their reign, YON-KA is grows commercially and enters the USA in 1987 and UK and Switzerland in 2000. The new factory is in a filtered air environment with the highest manufacturing standards. Teams of pharmacists, chemist engineers, biologists, bacteriologists, aestheticians work in the Paris campus. Today, YON-KA products can be found in 50 countries and 5000 resorts and spas. Below is l’eSPAce YON-KA, the flagship spa in the heart of Paris.

So, now that we know a little bit about this established and classic skin care company, I’ll share with you a bit about the products I’ve been trying out.

Lotion YON-KA for normal to oily skin sounds like something I wouldn’t like given I am prone to dryness. But I admit, I am becoming quite the toner devotee and this alcohol-free version soothes and refreshes. I love having a second step of cleansing and it preps and evens the texture of my skin. The aromatherapy is a bonus: Geranium flower oil can reduce the appearance of pores while Rosemary oil helps reduce excess oil production for a balanced complexion.

Emulsion Pure has been a god-send these summer months. Have I mentioned I can get super irritated and even have violent allergies to some bug bites? This soother cools and comforts. You can use it both on the face and body for relief from acne, insect bites, waxing treatments and superficial burns. Lavender oil provides antiseptic benefits to reduce bacteria and help heal burns. Cypress oil evens out the skin tone to minimize the blotches. Rosemary oil increases blood circulation, moisturizes and treats sun-damaged skin. I’ve also found it super helpful against my recent psoriasis flare up.

Masque 105 has all the characteristics of a classic clay mask but it doesn’t leave my skin tight and dry. Not as thick as some other versions, the application is silkier and more hydrating. Specially designed for dry, sensitive, acne-prone skin, the mask works to detoxify and refine. I’m left with clear and glowing skin, and my tone is more even thanks to anti-inflammatory and calming Lavender oil. Geranium oil firms the skin.

Yon-ka is available at dermstore.com or find your local retailer here.

images from www.yonkausa.com

Look Effortless With Seventh Generation Skin Serum

The best kind of makeup in my book is makeup that doesn’t look made up. Effortless and natural are keywords. In honor of the Seventh Generation Skin Serum I’ve been using, I wanted to share some tips on getting the non-made-up effect while still looking polished.

Starting with a healthy canvas is first and foremost. I like to clean my face with a gentle cleanser. And then, thanks to my dry skin, make sure I get nourishing hydration so there is no flaky mess. Seventh Generation Skin Hydrating Boost is the perfect formula to give me long lasting moisture with Jojoba, Acai and Passion flower. Other boost options include Soothing, Firming, Revitalizing, Protecting and Clearing).

Just a couple silky drops and my skin is primed and prepped for the day. The texture isn’t oily or greasy and there is only a very faint scent. Every boost is a plant-based serum free of harsh preservatives parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. They are also hypoallergenic and won’t clog pores. Last skin care step: the ever crucial SPF. I like a lightweight sunscreen lotion that works well under makeup.

Next up, I like to apply a tinted moisturizer or BB Cream with a wet sponge. I find I get the lightest, yet most even application this way. Start in the middle of your face and blend outwards, using as little product as possible. Using the tips of my fingers, I use a little cream blush on the apples of my cheeks. The pinkier rather than rosier looks more natural on me, and I prefer a little bit of radiance to add that outdoor glow. A neutral cream shadow in light taupe goes on my lids, heavier from lashes to crease and then lightly blended up to brows. Some days I am going au natural, I just curl my lashes. For a little extra boost, look for a mascara that focuses on length, not volume to separate and extend lashes. Brush down any wild eye brow hairs and add a swipe of nude lip gloss and done! Project Effortless Beauty accomplished.

Seventh Generation Boosts are available at Walgreens.com.

#AllNaturalStyleSecrets

I received a free sample of this product from Lucky and Seventh Generation for use in connection with this blog.

Back To School Beauty Favorites on FOX 23’s Great Day Green Country

So excited to be back on FOX 23’s Great Day Green Country this morning to talk all about Back to School beauty. These picks are perfect for a natural but fun look for teenagers. But they are equally favorites for my own use as the seasons change. I’m getting my hair back in tip top shape, keeping skin clear and letting that last bit of summer glow shine through. Here are the products I’ll be chatting about (Tulsa folks, tune in at 10AM!).

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

Truly one of her iconic products, Laura Mercier just does tinted moisturizer right. There are a couple different formulas but the oil free version is buildable and works on all skin types. The lightweight formula controls oil while still hydrating and providing that crucial sun protection.

eos Smooth Lip Balm Sphere Fruit Basket 4 Flavor Multi-Pack

These adorable, spherical lip balms are scattered all over my house and car (the SPF version is a pool time must have for me). This new set has the same great nourishing formula in four fruity, juicy flavors:

Fresh Watermelon
Strawberry Sorbet
Summer Fruit
Pomegranate Raspberry

eos Smooth Lip Balm Spheres are natural, organic and gluten-free.

New Limited Edition Maybelline Great Lash Colored Mascara (at your local drug stores)

The same classic mascara is out in six new limited edition shades. They might sound daunting but actually can accentuate eye color and bring a fun pop for a new fresh look. Available colors:

Wink of Pink
So Very Berry
Green with Envy
I See Blue
Teal Appeal
Vision in Violet

I’ve been loving the Violet, which looks almost black, but at the same time brings out the green in my hazel eyes.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Foaming Daily Cleanser

Even acne and oil-prone skin can get irritated and it is crucial that we control moisture while treating breakouts. This new cleanser from Neutrogena will clean pores without stripping. It leaves no pore clogging residue and gets rid of makeup in a cinch.

Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Collection

My hair is seriously fried from sun and heat styling. To get it back to healthy and shiny, I love the new nourishing set from Suave. Using argan oil, I get conditioning and shine without any greasiness. The color care collection is great for those rocking a new shade for the fall.