Posts Tagged ‘skin care products’

In an ideal world, every woman and man would have a customized skin care routine. However, most people don’t have the time, resources or motivation to develop a skin care regimen that is specific to their individual skin care needs. Fortunately, there are plenty of product testers (like myself), who are more than happy to try out hundreds of skin care products in order to discover which brands deliver on their promise of clearer, healthier, younger looking skin.

Although my experience as a product tester allows me to try out high-end skin care products free of charge, I can’t bring myself to recommend expensive products unless they provide really amazing results. Therefore, with the exception of a few “splurge” items, the products on the following list are generally affordable and can be found at your local discount retailer or drug store.

As I mentioned earlier, the best skin care routine is one that is customized to your individual skin care needs, which means that not all of the products mentioned below are the right fit for every skin type. These products are recommended for combination skin (because that is my skin type), but because combination skin is a mixture of oily, dry and/or sensitive areas, some of the following products could be beneficial for these skin types as well.

Before you spend your hard earned cash on expensive skin care products, read the following list of affordable products that offer some pretty amazing results.

* Best cleanser: Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash

Recommended to me by my dermatologist, Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash is the best cleanser that I have found for my combination skin. It’s hypoallergenic and soap-free so it doesn’t clog pores or dry out your skin. Purpose also lathers and cleanses better than Cetaphil, another cleanser brand commonly recommended by leading dermatologists. Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash also received Allure magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award in 2008.

Average retail price in 2009 for a pump bottle (6 fl. oz.): $6.29

* Best toner or astringent: Sea Breeze Fresh-Clean Astringent for Sensitive Skin

I have tried tons of expensive toners and astringents over the years and always find myself going back to Sea Breeze. I have found that the regular Sea Breeze formula can be too harsh for the areas of my skin that dry out easily, but the sensitive skin formula is just right for my combination skin. Simply apply a squirt to a cotton pad and smooth over a freshly cleansed

Stress, lack of sleep, and the foods we eat can cause the skin to age prematurely and break out. Not only is it important to take care of the skin on the outside but it is also essential to pay attention to what we take into our bodies. What we take into the body can affect the appearance of the skin. What can be done to prevent aging of the skin, how can premature aging and skin problems such as acne be improved?

There are many solutions for skin care in the market so it can be difficult to know what will work and what won’t. However there are some things to consider that can help in your choice of skin care products.

The first thing to consider is your skin type. There are usually four skin types: oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. This aspect of skincare is important to consider because not all products will work for certain skin types.

What is your skin type? Here are some indicators:

Oily Skin

1. Your skin becomes oily by noon even after washing it in the morning.

2. You consistently produce adult acne or other break outs. 3. Your pores are bigger and noticeable all over your face.

3. Skin is oily all year round.

Dry Skin

1. Your skin entirely dry.

2. You observe fine small lines when you look at yourself.

3. Your skin is flaky in the winter.

4. Soap causes the skin to be extremely dry.

5. Pores are barely visible.

Combination Skin

1. Skin is greasy in the T- zone, forehead, nose, and chin spots but a little dry on the cheeks.

2. Your pores are large around the nose parts but normal everywhere else.

3. Skin is dry in the winter and oily in the summer.

Sensitive Skin

1. Facial soap irritates your skin.

2. Some types of skincare products cause your skin to break out in rashes.

3. Your skin produces spotty or reddish breakouts.

What Works for Your Skin Type

Oily Skin Care

People with oily skin should look for cleansers that contain alpha and beta hydroxy acid to cleanse and unplug dirt in the skins pores. The cleanser should not be harsh or irritating. A mild skin tone bar or refining gel is best. Always use a mild toner preferably one that contains water and glycerin. Moisturizers should contain antioxidants to protect the skin.

Dry Skin Care

Those who have dry skin should choose products specially made for dry skin. Creamy cleansers that are mild and will not leave residue are best in the winter. Otherwise, use cleansing gels. (For warmer seasons) In addition avoid hot baths or showers

The Best Skin Care Products

A wide variety of quality skin care products are currently available to meet the
needs of most skin types including dry skin, oily skin, aging skin and sensitive
skin. The best skin care products in this category include: Aveeno Skin Care, Olay
Regenerist, Neutrogena, Vaseline, Vaseline Intensive Care, Nivea and Eucerin.

Aveeno Skin Care

Aveeno has been a trusted name in skin care for many years with a comprehensive
line of products formulated for dry skin, sensitive skin, acne prone skin, and aging
skin.

Products available from the Aveeno skin care line include:

- Aveeno Daily Moisturizing: Active Naturals. These moisture rich products are made
with soothing colloidal oatmeal and include a moisturizing bar, body wash, foam bath,
lotion, and creamy moisturizing oil.

- Aveeno Clear Complexion for acne prone skin. This product line is formulated with
soy to clear blemishes while gently fading discolorations for even skin tone and
smooth texture.

- Aveeno Positively Radiant: These products solve the problem of uneven skin tone,
with cleansers and moisturizers that restore radiance and smooth even skin tone with
visible results in 2 weeks.

Olay Regenerist

Olay Regenerist skin care promises to produce a more radiant looking complexion by
renewing the outer layer of skin “one cell at a time”. These antiaging products expose
newer skin cells without having to undergo the more radical medical procedure of a chemical
skin peel. It is important to note that results achieved using Olay Regenerist products
are not equal to those produced via a medical skin peel procedure.

Products available from the Olay Regenerist skin care line include:

14 Day Skin Intervention, Daily Regenerating Serum, Daily Thermal Mini Peel, Microdermabrasion
& Peel System, Night Recovery Moisturizing Treatment

Neutrogena

Neutrogena is a full line of dermatologist recommended products for the face and body.
The Neutrogena line includes products specially formulated for acne and oily skin care,
dry skin care, and antiaging skin care and are well known for their effectiveness.

Products available from the Neutrogena skin care line include:
Advanced Solutions Complete Acne Therapy System, Oil Free Acne Daily Scrub, Oil Free Acne
Moisturizer, Healthy Skin Anti Wrinkle Cream

Vaseline, Vaseline Intensive Care

Vaseline offers a variety of moisturizing skin care products in addition to its
popular brand of petroleum jelly. Vaseline petroleum jelly, a mixture of mineral oil,
paraffin and other ingredients forms a

When it comes to purchasing beauty products, no place comes close to Sally Beauty Supply. They are one of the few stores that stock products that fit the needs of women and men of all ethnicities. Not only do they stock a number of products, but unlike salons, they offer reasonable price ranges. It’s hard to narrow down the best beauty products; however, there is a brand found at Sally’s that lives up to its promises.

Sally’s sells a line of products calls Dr. Miracle’s. The full line included hair care products as well as skin care products. I personally have used the hair care products on myself and my daughter. The products work on any hair type, but they are especially good for African Americans whether they wear their hair natural or relax it.

Dr. Miracle’s 2 in 1 Conditioning Shampoo works as soon as it hits your head. Your scalp tingles as it lathers up. It feels like it’s massaging your head as it cleans. Unlike a lot of shampoos, it doesn’t leave a residue on the hair that makes it look dull. The only drawback of the tingling sensation is, when I first used it on my daughter’s head, she wasn’t too crazy about it. Eventually, she grew accustomed to the feeling and actually enjoyed the feeling.

Another Dr. Miracle product sold at Sally Beauty Supply is the Damaged Hair Medicated Treatment. When we first moved to Arizona, my daughter spent a lot of time in pools because it’s sunny most of the year. Because she was in water more, her hair was suffering. I don’t chemically treat her hair since she’s so young, but I needed to use something to stop the breakage. My mother actually bought the Damaged Hair Medicated Treatment for me. In less than a week, her hair was manageable and started thickening again.

The final product that I will profile is the Anti-Breakage Strengthening Creme by the same company. This product reinforces the affects of the Damaged Hair Medicated Treatment. I primarily use this one because I experiment with my hair a lot, including wearing wigs. Wearing wigs, in particular, wears the hair out. So, using the Anti-Breakage Crme and letting my hair breathe counteracts the affects of constant hair changes.

I’m not sure of other Sally’s store, but the ones that I frequent do not keep the Dr. Miracle’s products on the shelves. They keep a display box and the actual products are in the back of the store. It’s a lot cheaper to purchase them at the store as opposed to purchasing them online because you don’t have to pay shipping. The cost of the products ranges from $4.00 to $10.00.

Sally Beauty Supply had a number of other products, but these are the ones I buy the most.

If you suffer from oily skin, herbal beauty treatments come in very handy for reducing shine, while still caring for you delicate facial skin.

Oily skin needs attention and care so that you are less prone to breakouts and spots. The advantage of having oily skin is that it ages more slowly than if you had dry skin, so although it can be a nuisance having a shiny nose when you want to look your best, take heart and be comforted by the thought that you will be less susceptible to wrinkles.

The secret of caring for oily skin is scrupulous attention to cleanliness. Avoid soap if possible, as this initially dries your skin, but will then stimulate it to produce more oil, exacerbating the problem. Mix some fine oatmeal with warm water to make a paste and use this instead of soap; it will cleanse your skin thoroughly, get rid of any blackheads and leave your skin soft. It is worth remembering that even oily skin still needs a gentle moisturizer.

There are several factors that tend to cause oily skin. It can be hereditary; this is an easy cause to pin down as you need only look at other female members of your family to see whether they suffer from the same problem.

Hormonal changes, such as puberty and pregnancy, can also adversely affect your skin, as can birth-control pills. A mild adverse reaction to certain cosmetics or skin care products is another common cause.

Oily sin can be radically worsened by eating an inadequate diet, so plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables are essential in resolving the problem and keeping the balance. You skin is an organ or respiration, so try not to eat too much junk food that leaves you feeling sluggish.

By reducing the amount of toxins in your body, your skin won’t need to work as hard to remove them, resulting in skin that looks healthy and feels soft and supple. You should also drink plenty of water each day to flush your system through to keep it hydrated and working well.

A combination of herbs can be very effective in fighting the causes of oily skin and making sure that you remain fresh and glowing for the whole day.

Vervain

Taken as a tincture, vervain helps to relax you and eases the symptoms of stress and depression that commonly cause the delicate balance of the skin to change. Your skin is a powerful barometer for your emotions.

Chamomile

Chamomile is soothing for all types of skin and is particularly useful if your skin is sensitive. You can make a spritzer, as with