Belle Belle Beauty

Summertime Medical Skin Care

Yesterday marked the moment of truth. While I have been on a quest to finally nip this hyper-pigmentation, I have come to the realization that I am a bit of a pool bunny. While I wear SPF 50 at least and reapply every hour, my forehead is just really prone to these dark spots. So, I visited my favorite Tulsa Skin Guru, Gabriel Horn, and we made a plan on action.

I already knew that summertime required a bit of a different approach to skin care. I have set aside my beloved retinol because, primarily, it makes us more susceptible to the sun. I, along with Gabe, will return to the heavy duty retinol/hydroquinone 1-2 punch in the fall. But all is not lost for these months I might spend a little more time by the pool.

First, don’t give up on your hydroquinone. It still helps block the body’s ability to make more melanin, preventing some of those dark spots. In fact, I learned today that it is often used post peel or procedure to keep that melanin suppressed. But as a note, results have shown it takes a 4% dose, twice daily. And for that, you need to see your doctor. Over the counter hydroquinone is at most 2%.

So, that’s what to do on the home front. During my office visit, we went after things in a more medical and aggressive format. But fear not: the biggest bonus of Gabriel’s DNA Reparative Brightening Treatment is you are left with glowy, healthy looking skin. No down time. (Tulsa folks, get more info here).

First, we cleaned things up with a eyebrow tweeze and extractions. Apparently, I was looking “bushy”. Ha, not anymore. Next, we did my favorite, microdermabrasion. The microdermabrasion clears out pores and gives skin a fresh start. Next, Gabriel applied ZO Skin Health ‘Ossential’ Growth Factor Serum.

Growth Factor Serum contains lab-developed growth factor that works to replicate healthy skin cells and repair damage or anything that ails the skin. The water-free gel was soothing and left my skin insanely soft. Over the Growth Factor Serum, Gabriel applied the Ossential Skin Brightening Sheet Masque (found only at doctor’s offices). This deposited much needed antioxidants, stabilized Vitamin C and a mega-dose of hydroquinone to brighten the skin.

After 15 minutes of mask time, my skin was revealed to be softer, brighter and glowing. While I still have to work on my sun damage in a couple months, the DNA Reparative Brightening Treatment is a great way to go after tired and dull skin in the summer.

Lastly, Gabriel applied with Dr. Obagi calls “the one product every patient has to have”. (note: Dr. Obagi left his namesake line, Obagi, to start ZO Skin Health). ZO Skin Health™ ‘Ossential™’ Daily Power Defense is a DNA repair lotion that also protects cells from future damage. Stimulating cellular activity, skin cells are encouraged to rejuvinate. This second line of defense is used under SPF.

Tulsa folks, I highly encourage you to stop by for Gabriel’s DNA Reparative Brightening Treatment. You can reach his office at 918.749.5522 or find more information on his Facebook page. Also, make sure to follow him on Twitter. And alert French Bulldog fans: his Instagram cannot be missed.

ZO Medical and ZO Skin Health products can be found at a dermatologist’s office near you. Find your closest here. ZO Skin Health products can be found at Nordstrom as well.

Shop my favorite ZO Skin Health products here:

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Laura Mercier ‘Matte Radiance’ Baked Powder

I have always been pleased with Laura Mercier’s baked powders – there is something confection-like about them. Not to mention, the generous amount of product in a compact makes them a great buy. So when they launched a new version that is matte, but still adds radiance, I was dead set on getting my hands on some.

With the bit of summer color I’ve already picked up, I’ve been using foundation/BB Creams with less coverage. I’ve found that a little bronzer gives me the natural look and camouflages flaws better than any heavier makeup. Plus, I don’t have to worry about a perfect match while my skin tone changes shades. (note: yes, I am wearing loads of sunscreen.. I am just prone to picking up color)

Laura Mercier ‘Matte Radiance’ Baked Powder has a natural color – not too orange or brown – and is designed to give that ‘bonne mine’ glow Laura is known for. Bonne mine means “healthy glow” in French. The matte finish is designed for just a bit of warmth without the festive shimmer that just doesn’t fit this time of year.

The Laura Mercier ‘Matte Radiance’ Baked Powder is available in five shades: four bronzes and one highlighter. I’ve been using Bronze-03 which works well on my light-medium skin tone. They shades are buildable, so I would probably be okay with Bronze-02 as well. The initial dusting is a sheer, luminous layer without any dryness. I get quite a bit of wear on this – throughout the day. And the color stays true as you wear it.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Oklahoma Tornado Tragedy – How You Can Help

I’m still stunned by the tragedy my home state of Oklahoma experienced yesterday. While we were safe and sound in Tulsa, my friends in Oklahoma City were not. The destruction and loss of life in Moore is heartbreaking. So instead of beauty today, I’d like to share some ways to help.

The Red Cross said the best way to assist families is to make a donation to www.redcross.org/okc or www.redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. To ensure your Red Cross donations go to those in the affected area check out, http://www.redcross.org/ok/oklahoma-city/about/chapters/central-oklahoma
Donations to the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Disaster Relief Fund may be made online at www.unitedwayokc.org
Text FOOD to 32333 for a $10 donation the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.
Text STORM to 80888 for a $10 Salvation Army relief donation.
United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Disaster Relief Fund is open. Donations may be made online at www.unitedwayokc.org or by mail to United Way of Central Oklahoma, P.O. Box 837, Oklahoma City, OK 73101 with notation for May Tornado Relief.
Contributions to the Moore & Shawnee Tornado Relief Fund can be made securely online at www.TulsaCF.org. Donations can also be mailed to TCF offices at 7030 S. Yale, Suite 600, Tulsa, OK, 74136.
Donate funds to the Central Oklahoma Humane Society at www.okhumane.org/donate
Donate funds to the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation at www.searchdogfoundation.org

mybody Calm After The Storm Soothing + De-Puffing Eye Cream

I fell hard for a little skin care company called mybody last summer. Their thoughtful collection of skin care products spoke to the science nerd in me. mybody was founded by a makeup artist, the founder of Philosophy and an experienced retail maven. Their pedigree is balanced with a heavy focus on technology, and the scientific focus shines through in their products.

Calm After the Storm is just what the doctor ordered. With the change in seasons, I am welcoming the most annoying of allergies. With that comes the dreaded puffy eyes. Calm After the Storm offers a gentle and hydrating cream that goes after circles and puffiness with a legion of active ingredients.

The highlight for me is the cooling applicator that in itself can improve the look on my eyes. I work in the cream for a good 10-20 seconds and then use a clean finger to smooth in any excess until absorbed. It is so gentle, I don’t hesitate using it on my eyelids as well. Here’s the lineup of key ingredients – told you this line was science oriented!

These products are available at dermatologist offices. You can find your nearest physician here.

Nutrisystem Week 25

This week, I lost 0.6 pounds for a total weight loss of 32.0 pounds. I’ve discovered the last pounds come off a little slower than before. But that is okay. I feel stronger and more healthy each day. In fact, I just bought my first bikini in about 10 years. But the real highlight of the week was some amazing news on the family front.

If you have been following my journey, you know my father has also joined me on this Nutrisystem adventure. And he went for his first check up since starting the program around the end of November. The doctor’s report was nothing less than astounding.

First, he landed himself a solid victory in his office’s annual “Biggest Loser” contest. Since Thanksgiving, he’s lost 37.4 pounds. As a side note, my uncle, father and myself have lost over a hundred pounds combined. But here’s the real juice. My father’s BMI has dropped from 31 to 26. His blood pressure fell from 132/92 to a picturesque 120/82. His triglycerides fell so far, he was able to go off a medication that costs a whopping $3500 a year. (Nutrisystem basically pays for itself). And the doctor reported, he’s likely to go off cholesterol medication if he keeps it up.

I’m bragging on my dad… only because he’s such an inspiration to me. I am so glad we’ve embarked on this journey together. And when I hear news like this… it makes me realize how impactful this lifestyle can be. Not only are we all happier, but healthier.

Check out last week’s Nutrisystem post here.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting Nutrisystem.

Disclosure: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with complementary meals in exchange for my honest thoughts on the Nutrisystem plan. The opinions expressed in my posts are strictly my own. No other compensation is being given.

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Kate Somerville ‘Somerville 360°’ Tan Maximizer

This time Kate has come up with something I never thought I needed, but now I’m not sure I could live without! You know that dreaded feeling when a little summer glow just disappears – poof – after a couple days? Well, Kate Somerville’s new Tan Maximizer can make it last longer whether it be a faux or real tan.

Just replace your usual lotion with the Tan Maximizer and a specialized peptide-and-lipid complex works to keep that bronze. Get a touch too much sun? Black snakeroot soothes skin, replenishing skin with moisture and preventing peeling. I love the beachy, fresh scent and can see myself reaching for this all year round.