There’s no rest for the beauty savvy – it’s time to draw the line between skin care fact and fiction.

Myth: I don’t need a separate sunscreen – my foundation includes SPF!

They can’t hurt – you can never get too much SPF – but powders and foundation alone simply don’t provide sufficient sun protection. It is almost impossible to apply enough makeup to get the necessary SPF coverage (you’d go through about a bottle of foundation a week if you did!). There are many great makeup products that include SPF, but remember to always use them on top of – and not instead of – sunscreen.

Don't skip the suncreen!

Myth: Ingredients that end in “acid” are all unnatural chemicals and should be avoided.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are actually naturally occurring organic acids (although they may also be produced synthetically). Glycolic and lactic acids, for example, are derived from sugar cane and sour milk respectively. (In fact, Cleopatra is said to have washed her face with sour milk, an early antecedent of today’s lactic acid peels. How’s that for staying power?)

Salicylic acid, which is sometimes called beta hydroxy acid, can be derived from willow tree bark, but is generally produced synthetically. There is no reason to avoid any of these ingredients (although pregnant and breast-feeding women should not use salicylic acid) – in fact, they’re some of the most effective in the skin care arsenal!

Myth: Popping a pimple will make it go away faster.

Not necessarily! I always tell my patients that the safest thing to do is apply blemish spot treatments that contain salicylic acid to the affected area – that will dry the pimple out quickly, without the risk of scarring that comes with popping. Some of my favorite products are Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Spot Treatment, and Bobbi Brown Overnight Blemish Paste.

If you do consider popping a pimple, it must be one with a clearly defined area of pus in the middle; don’t just try to squeeze a red bump, which will only worsen the inflammation. If your skin tends to stay darkly pigmented long after a scrape or bug bite heels, however, popping a pimple is never a good idea.

Myth: My moisturizer is an anti-wrinkle miracle – I’ve noticed fewer fine lines since I started using it.

Depends on what you mean by “anti-wrinkle.” If you like the way your skin looks after using a certain product, that’s certainly enough reason to love it – but be aware that the skin care industry has been known to tout products as more of a “miracle” than they really are.

The humectant ingredients (glycerin, sorbitol, sodium hyaluronate, urea, propylene glycol, and alpha hydroxy acids, for example) of many moisturizers draw water into the skin, causing slight plumping that gives the perception of smoother skin with fewer wrinkles.

That short-term effect, however, does not mean that you’re fighting wrinkles in the long term. Furthermore, some companies cite in-house studies proving their product’s ability to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles – but in many cases, participants don’t use moisturizer for several days before those studies begin. Naturally, after several days of moisturizing their parched skin, participants’ “baseline” fine lines appear much smoother.

As I’ve said in the past, the only topical ingredients proven to diminish existing lines and wrinkles are retinoids. Ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, and copper peptide can stimulate the skin to produce more collagen and appear tighter.

And antioxidants (both oral and topical) effectively fight some of the external assaults on your skin that lead to wrinkles. Other ingredients may temporarily leave your skin smoother and more radiant, but be aware that they are probably not having a long-term anti-aging effect.

Myth: Letting oil anywhere near your skin is always bad.

It’s true that oily, acne-prone skin types should avoid oil-based products, but natural oils can help dry skin types replace the fatty acids their skin so desperately needs. I love Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturizer, for example, which contains borage oil and avocado oil in addition to super-hydrating glycerin.

Products known as “cleansing oil,” a great option for dry, sensitive types, have been popular in Asia for years. And any skin type can benefit from a dab or two of vitamin E oil on their lips – they don’t produce oil naturally, and need help to stay hydrated and fight external damage.

Bottom line: Know your skin type, and don’t automatically shy away from products with “oil” in their ingredient lists!

Wishing you great skin!

Skin care issues are unavoidable for most of us these days — between emotional stress, environmental hazards, lack of sleep, improper hormonal balances… and a myriad of other factors, we find ourselves battling acne, wrinkles, discoloration, sensitivity… and it goes on and on. What’s worse is the endless number of skin care brands, each claiming to be better than the last for your specific issues.  

Unfortunately, most cosmetics never quite live up to their promises.

So how do you know where to turn? What really works, and what doesn’t? What’s worth the investment… and what’s nothing but a waste of money and time?

Natural or Medical?

Natural product lines are everywhere these days… are they superior to the more medical, chemical approach? Could be, but not necessarily — especially not when you’re suffering with serious skin care concerns, such as cystic acne, incessant break outs that don’t seem to quit, or discoloration — one condition that no natural cosmetic will reverse.

There are times when a more “hardcore” approach is essential. And this is where brands like DDF come in.

DDF takes a medical approach to skin care that’s unlike that of just about any other skin care brand. If you’re experiencing complexion issues that just don’t seem to respond to anything you’ve tried, then DDF may be a brand worth looking into.

Below are descriptions of some of their more popular products, along with my personal reviews. I’ve categorized them by skin concerns so you can have an easier time figuring out which products would suit you best.

Sensitive Skin with Redness

DDF Enhancing Sun Protection SPF 30

You know that all skin types should be protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays with sunscreen, right? Of course you do!

Well, if you have sensitive skin that’s prone to redness, uneaven skin tone, blotchiness, or even rosacea, this sun screen will be your new best friend. Not only will it protect your skin from the sun, it’ll also safeguard it against irritation, cancel out any redness with its counteractive color, even out your skin tone (without looking like foundation at all!), but it’s also a pleasure to wear — completely sinking in within seconds of application!

Most physical sunblocks that have been created for sensitive skin types will just sit on the surface of your skin. This is the opposite of that — it’ll leave your skin looking smooth, even-toned, and fresh.

If you’d like more information, you can read more reviews here: DDF Enhancing Sun Screen.

DDF Silky C Serum

Oftentimes, skin that’s extra sensitive is also skin that’s in need of resurfacing and anti-wrinkle or anti-blemish treatments. Here’s the tricky part: How do you treat skin that flares up the moment you apply something as minimal as an antioxidant serum onto it?

This is where the Silky C Serum comes in. This product was created to resurface the skin using retinols while nourishing it and protecting it with antioxidants — all formulated in a way that’ll prevent any kind of inflammation or aggravation from occurring.

Your skin will feel and look incredibly smooth after initial application… and this stuff is actually gentle enough to use around the eye area!

For more information and reviews, check this page: Silky C Serum.

Discoloration, Acne Scars, Uneven Skin Tone

DDF Discoloration Reversal Pod

Skin discoloration, such as acne scars, age spots, sunspots, freckles, and melasma are very difficult to treat. The majority of cosmetics that claim to make all the difference in the world, unfortunately, do absolutely nothing — or worse — they aggravate even normal skin types, making them sensitive, and accomplishing nothing positive as a result.

These pods have been proven to actually even out skin texture and color, when associated with the conditions listed above. Just about everyone I know who’s tried these has seen an improvement in their areas of concern.

What I love most is the fact that these are so easy to apply precisely where you need them — great packaging, great product.

More reviews may be found here: Discoloration Reversal Pod

DDF Intensive Holistic Lightener cosmetics

This all natural product is formulated with high concentrations of natural acids to lighten dark spots without the usual irritation brought on by the use of hydroquinone (the usual chemical of choice for skin lighteners across the board).

It’s actually “approved” for use by the most sensitive skin types, so if you have acne scars or sun spots and can’t tolerate acids, you may want to give this product a try, as it’ll produce visible results without any unnecessary side effects.

One bottle of this product will probably last you a lifetime — you need a tiny dab of it to see results, so don’t go overboard.

For more feedback, check out this page: Intensive Holistic Lightener.

Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Loss of Elasticity

DDF Mesojection Healthy Cell Serum

If you’re just starting to notice signs of aging — or are in your early-mid twenties, you should make an antioxidant serum a part of your daily routine. Now, if that serum also renews cell turnover and encourages skin renewal, it gets a huge thumbs up from me!

That’s exactly what this product does. It’s recommended for prevention of wrinkles, loss of firmness, discoloration, while encouraging a healthy glow and an overall healthier appearance.

This product is perfect whether you’re dry, combination, oily, or normal If you live in a dry climate and are looking for hydration while preventing those tattletale signs of aging, this will be your new best friend.

It’s meant to be applied sparingly as it is highly concentrated, so again, a little bit of it will go a very long way… leaving you with enough product to spare for quite a while.

To read additional reviews and take a look at its ingredients, see: Mesojection Healthy Cell Serum.

DDF Glycolic 10% Exfoliating Moisturizer

This moisturizer will not only replenish your skin’s hydration levels, it’ll actually refine its texture, resulting in a smooth, tight appearance while doing so!

There aren’t a lot of products out there that can aid in cell turnover and actually help cell turnover while moisturizing the skin down to the deeper levels. This product does that.

If your skin is dry or even extremely dry, and you haven’t been able to use acids due to irritation issues, you’ll like this product. If you’re oily, on the other hand, you’ll want to take it easy, as it my result in excessive oil production — and none of us are fans of that.

This product is also great for those of us breaking out, so it’s perfect for people who are beginning to see signs of aging while still getting breakouts now and then.

For more information and reviews, see product page here: Glycolic 10% Exfoliating Moisturizer.

DDF Savings

I know that’s quite a few products, but those happen to all be my personal favorites. DDF makes many more wonderful creams and serums, so I suggest you check out their stuff in depth.

If you decide to try any of the above, you can save 20% by shopping with SkinCareRx.com, and entering code DDFBRAND20 at checkout.

Have your own favorite cosmetics or skin care brands? Share your thoughts below!

Want flawless skin? Of course you do, who doesn’t?

Want the best products money can buy, to achieve it? Sure, why the heck not?

But can you allow yourself to spend thousands upon thousands of dollars on creams and serums? Maybe you can… but many of us can’t.

So what’s a girl to do?!

Well, I’ve decided to put together an article with some of my favorite diy masks, using simple ingredients that you most likely have in your kitchen right now. The best part is, they’re highly effective — and many of these recipes are actually used at some high-end spas!

Take the time to indulge yourself in a few hours dedicated to beauty. It’s not only terrific for your skin, but it’s great for overall relaxation, as well.

The Prep

Proper preparation is important here, as we want all those wonderful nutrients to penetrate the skin. So prior to applying any mask onto the skin, you’ll want to cleanse well with your favorite cleanser, then relax your skin and open up those pores by applying a clean towel soaked in a bowl of herbal tea (chamomile works great!).

Keep the towel on your face until it’s cooled, then remove, and apply any of the following masks…

Cucumber and Aloe Mask for Oily Skin

1 Cucumber
2 tablespoons Oats
2 tablespoon Aloe gel or 1 teaspoon fresh Aloe juice
1 Egg white

Peel the cucumber, cut it up, and blend it into a smooth puree. Add the oats, and blend into a paste. Then add the egg white and the aloe, and combine well.

Apply to face and neck, and let sit on the skin for up to 20 minutes (or until dry). Rinse with warm water.

Banana Mask for Acne-Prone Skin

1 banana
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Mash the banana and combine it with the honey and lemon juice. Apply to face for 10-15 minutes, rinse with cool water.

Strawberry Mask for Oily Skin

3 strawberries
1 teaspoon plain, full fat yogurt

Mash the strawberries and combine them with the yogurt. Apply to skin for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Avocado Mask for Dry Skin

1/2 avocado
1 teaspoon honey

Mash the avocado combine it with the honey and apply to skin. Leave on for up to 20 minutes and rinse face with warm water.

Rosewater Mask for Delicate or Irritated Skin

2 tablespoons of Rosewater
4 tablespoons of Honey
1 tablespoon of Jojoba Oil
2 drops of Rose Essential Oil

Stir the oils into the honey, gradually. Once combined, stir in the rosewater. When mixture looks smooth, apply to face and leave on for up to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Got your own mask recipes? Share them below!

Not Fair!

Kelley Ellis, a 32-year-old structural engineer in Sugar Land, Texas, wanted suggestions for an easy skin care regimen that battles aging skin and breakouts. Read on to learn what Mary Ruth Buchness, MD (a medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologist in New York City) and Laurie Polis, MD (director of Dermatologic Services at the SoHo Skin and Laser Dermatology Group, also in Manhattan) had to say about this not-so-unusual dilemma.

Question: I’m in my 30s and want to use anti-aging products. I also need to treat breakouts, but don’t want a complicated regimen. Help!

Answer: Buchness says:

Your 30s mark the beginning of your skin’s indecisive years — you’ll get oilier and drier. The oil glands on the face actually become larger with age, which leads to large pores. But no matter how oily your complexion seems, your skin loses the ability to retain water in your 30s.

A moisturizing cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser ($12) gently rinses away dirt and oil while delivering lipids, the essential fats the skin needs to retain water and keep skin cells healthy.

Daily sunscreen is the most effective tool for fighting the signs of aging. A broad spectrum formula (that blocks both UVA and UVB rays) like Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion, SPF 30 ($9.49) uses the physical sunscreen titanium dioxide, which tends to deflect a wider range of UV rays and be less irritating than chemical versions. Back up your sun protection with a powder like Bare Minerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen ($28) for touch-ups during the day.

Wearing an antioxidant serum such as Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Ageless Rejuvenating Serum ($19.99) under your sun protection helps minimize age spots. Antioxidants also add another layer of protection from UV rays because they deflect damage and offer backup for sunblock.

Polis says:

The good news for women who are battling the unfair combination of breakouts and wrinkles is that many anti-aging ingredients also fight acne. For example, a serum like L’Oréal Skin Genesis Pore Minimizing Skin Re-Smoother ($19.99) exfoliates dead cells while also absorbing excess oil, which helps prevent breakouts. I’d wear this under moisturizer and makeup.

You can’t prevent wrinkles without sunscreen. Use a product like Proactiv Solution Oil Free Moisture with SPF 15 ($24.95) daily under makeup to keep skin moisturized and free of breakouts. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Clear Skin Cream ($12.99) combines retinol with salicylic acid to keep skin younger-looking and free of acne. This is a great night treatment for breakouts, fine lines, and uneven tone.

Keeping your face clean is key. Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Purifying Gel Cleanser ($9.99) balances oil control with plant oils like evening primrose, so your skin feels clean, not dried out or stripped after washing. In a pinch, keep premoistened cloths such as Olay Regenerist Micro-Exfoliating Wet Cleansing Cloths ($7.99) next to your bed to wipe away grime and gently sweep away the surface skin cells that can clog pores.

More Advanced Solutions for Acne, Wrinkles

Want more serious treatment for acne and wrinkles? Sumayah Jamal, MD, PhD, assistant professor of clinical dermatology at New York University School of Medicine, has the following suggestions:

“I can’t think of anything better for fighting aging and acne than a retinoid,” he says. “Prescription creams such as Retin-A, Renova, and Avage stimulate collagen production to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, exfoliate surface skin, and fade brown spots.”

“And just like the other experts, I can’t stress the importance of sun protection enough. But almost as important: Back up your sun protection with antioxidants — the chemicals that give fruits and vegetables their bright colors — to help your body fight off damage from stress, aging, and the environment. As your skin ages, it’s not able to repair itself as well.

“To make sure you’re getting of plenty of antioxidants start with your diet. Eating plenty of berries, green leafy vegetables ensures you get plenty of vitamins C and E for support from within to heal and defend the skin.

You can also use a topical antioxidant serum to help prevent damage from exposure to environmental toxins like pollution and UV rays and help fight redness and uneven pigmentation. My favorite is Revaleskin Intense Recovery Treatment ($130, skincarerx.com), which contains coffee-berry extract, one of the most potent antioxidants available. A few drops every morning before your moisturizer and sunscreen help fend skin damage to keep you looking younger longer.”

You’re walking contradiction. You’re strong, powerful, tight, and lean — yet your muscular curves are feminine. You’re driven, tough, and motivated in the gym — yet you’re as humble as they come, and are always willing to lend support and guidance to anyone asking for it.

You take every trip to the gym — and every meal seriously. You’re proud of those callouses on your hands, they’re a testament to your hard work — but you take care of your skin, your hair… your body. You’re a woman, and you enjoy being one.

Sound familiar?

Shouldn’t your gym bag reflect this contradicting personality of yours? I know mine does!

Sure, you’ve got your straps, your gloves, your chalk and BCAAs… but after that kick-ass workout, after setting those new PRs… you’ll remain a woman. Why not be the most beautiful, feminine, confident woman you can be by taking care of some beauty basics?

Why not be hardcore AND sexy?

I’ve put together a list of items I found exceptionally helpful to have at the gym, and I’ve decided to share them with you. I’ve included links to whichever products I personally use, just to make it easy for you girls to know what I’m talking about.

Let’s dive right in!

• 1. Makeup Removing Facial Wipes

You know that makeup can cause breakouts, right? Well, so can leaving your face sweaty with all that nasty bacteria all over it after a workout! And if you train after work, with makeup on your face… this especially applies to you: Always, always remove your makeup thoroughly as soon as possible after training.

My personal favorites are the Klorane ones. They’re perfect for sensitive skin, and take every bit of makeup off, if you wear any.

• 2. Dry Shampoo

I don’t know about you, but my hair gets pretty grimy by the end of my workout. It’s sweaty, and just looks like a mess — which is a good thing, it means I worked hard, right? Sure, but that doesn’t mean I want to leave the gym looking like someone gave me a swirly!

I have two solutions to this problem. The first, is dry shampoo. All I do is grab my hair out of the pony tail, apply the spray to the roots, and blow dry it upside down, for 30 seconds. The second solution is…

• 3. Hair Styling Sheets

These are truly an amazing discovery. They seem to awaken whatever styling products I had in my hair prior to getting all sweaty and frizzy. They tame my hair, improve its health, and make it look — and smell absolutely amazing! I get the Ted Gibson Hairsheets. They’re tiny and super easy to use!

• 4. Tinted Moisturizer with SPF

You know how damaging those UV rays are, and I know you don’t want wrinkles — or skin cancer, for that matter. This means you should protect your skin at all times, even during those short walks from the gym to your car… and wherever else you’re going after the gym.

And while you’re applying SPF, why not even out your skin tone and accentuate that “after-heavy-squats” glow? I always use a tinted moisturizer with SPF, and my current favorite is The Balm’s BalmShelter SPF 18 Tinted Moisturizer.

• 5. Travel-Sized Gentle, Delicious-Smelling Body Wash

I always take a quick rinse after hitting the gym to avoid any breakouts on my body by delaying getting all that grime off. Besides, why be stinky when you can smell amazing walking (or limping — depending on whether it was leg day or not) out of the gym?!

My favorite body wash for the gym is LoLLIA’s shower gel. It smells incredible, and makes my skin feel amazing.

• 6. Deodorant

Pretty self-explanatory, right? Smell good all over! My pick at the moment is Dove’s Clinical Protection.

• 7. Portable Mouthwash Packets

I can honestly say that I have no idea what I did before I discovered these convenient little things! Sure, there are the travel-sized mouthwash bottles… but nothing works quite as well as the Supersmile Fluoride Mouthwash Packets.

This entire line has whitened my teeth dramatically since I started using it two months ago, and I’m sure that these little packets had something to do with it, too. They take up virtually no room in my gym bag, and all I have to do to use them, is add a bit of water, swirl it around to dissolve the powder, and rinse. Dispose of the packet, and be on your way with a fresh breath and clean, smooth teeth.

• 8. Body Spray

Another self-explanatory item. I’ve been loving The Body Shop‘s body sprays lately — can’t beat their sales, either!

• 9. Moisturizing Lip Gloss

So you probably won’t want to put on a ton of makeup at the gym — I sure don’t! But a bit of gloss can go a long way, especially when your lips are feeling a little chapped after all that heavy breathing you’ve been doing for an hour.

My gloss pick is Neutrogena’s MoistureGloss Lip Soother with SPF 20. I love it for how moisturizing and soothing it is to chapped lips, all while looking making me look polished without ANY effort.

Tinted moisturizer and a gloss are all you need to look hot!

• 10. Rich, Fast Absorbing Hand Cream in a Travel Size

Your palms are calloused for a reason! That skin on your palms is fragile, the least you can do is sooth it after lifting heavy weights for an hour straight!

My pick? Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream. I love its clean scent, how quickly it absorbs, and how soothing it feels.

Got gym bag beauty items you can’t live without? Share them with us, below!

Do you have naturally flawless skin? Or are you one of the lucky ladies who has to put some effort into creating it?

We’re all beautiful, delicate, and strong — all at once. But we still have to work on protecting our beauty from breakouts, clogged pores.. and most of all, wrinkles.

Below are just a few quick basics each one of us can incorporate into our daily routines in order to not only preserve our beauty, but also improve the long-term health and integrity of our skin.

Skin Type

The first thing you’ll need to do, is have a thorough understanding of your skin type. No single anti-aging treatment can work wonders for every skin type. If it works for a girl with dry skin, then it most likely will be completely inappropriate for someone oily — so before even looking into any specific products or treatment ideas, learn more about your skin type!

If you’re dry, hydration becomes a priority, and oils found in products will often be your friend. If you’re oily, you’ll want to look for gel-based moisturizers, as heavy products will often clog your pores and result in breakouts (and being that many anti-aging moisturizers are heavy, you’ll want to pay special attention to product ingredients and the way it feels going on your skin).

Anti-Aging Must-Knows

One of the most depressing skin problems is the appearance of wrinkles. Lines can appear on any skin type, and ladies in their early 20s will often start seeing them on their foreheads.

While your specific skin type will dictate the exact treatment you’ll want to seek out, the following tips are ones that should be take into consideration — no matter what your skin type (or age, for that matter).

• Quit smoking forever.

Yes, I realize you’re fitness nuts around here, but even second-hand smoke can clog your pores and damage the outermost layer of your skin! So, stay away from not only cigarettes, but anyone holding them as well!

• A good sunscreen with SPF is essential for us all.

Skin care is incomplete without a product that will block out most of those damaging UV rays. Got sunscreen in your foundation? Great, but you’ll STILL need a sunscreen underneath!! It’s only effective when applied liberally, so don’t make the mistake of going over your face with a tiny dab — that’s nothing more than a waste!

• One product that works miracles for all the skin types is water.

Drink at least six to eight glasses of plain water daily for nourishing your skin. Women take this little tip for granted until they start to actually follow it — once they see the difference hydration makes in their skin, they’re seen carrying that water bottle no matter where they go!

Water moisturizes from the inside out — so those of you with dry or dehydrated skin take note! You have no right to complain about the condition of your skin until this simple requirement is fulfilled.

• Look for antioxidants in all you put into your body, and onto your skin.

Colorful veggies, fruits, and berries are brimming with antioxidants your body needs for optimal health. Guess what? Your skin depends on these nutrients too!

Low carbing? That’s no excuse — colorful veggies are aplenty, so don’t skip ‘em!

Vitamins that are especially important for skin health are E, C, A and K. Vitamin E protects the skin from the harmful free radicals that are present everywhere in the air, and this one in particular is present in most skin care products, as well.

Smart Shopping

If you’re planning to buy an anti-wrinkle cream, then you must cross check first that the cream you are purchasing has the following skin care ingredients.

• Babassu

For any skin care product or an anti wrinkle cream the presence of this skin care ingredient is useful in gaining that flawless, dewy look to the skin. This ingredient is a natural wax (no, it won’t clog your pores!), and is used for softening and soothing the skin. It is very efficient in creating a barrier of moisture around the skin so that no germs and dirt can attack the skin and the skin remains soft for a long period of time.

• Alpha Tocopherol

As mentioned above, vitamin E is another ingredient which must be present in the skin care product. It’ll be present in the form of alpha tocopherol, so keep an eye out for it.

Your skin is precious; it’s worth the extra effort. Take the simple steps above and you’ll be on your way to healthy, younger-looking skin in just a few short months.

Stay tuned; specific product and treatment recommendations to come!

Lancome, Clinique, MAC, Nars, Yves Saint Laurent, MUFE, Becca, Estee Lauder, Vincent Longo, Christian Dior, Chanel, and the list goes on…

Ahh… designer makeup. We all want to be able to shop at Sephora and all those high-end department store beauty counters, but unfortunately, with today’s economy and salaries, that’s not always possible. Yet we all want to look good!

Well, you do have options! You can look beautiful without spending a fortune on your makeup, and I’m here to tell you how.

You see, I’ve been using Avon products for some time now, and have tried just about their entire line at this point. Some products have completely failed, while others have pleasantly surprised me by carrying out their promises while maintaining their affordability.

Knowing that you’re probably on the lookout for effective skin care and makeup that won’t leave you with an empty wallet, I figured I’d share what I’ve learned. So here I am, giving you the good, the bad, and the ugly on Avon Products.

The Basics: Moisturizers

My personal favorites are the Solutions Total Radiance A.M and P.M creams. Not only are these creams effective, but they’re also available for just $11.99 — for both. Plus, there’s currently a special that gives you the Solutions Plus Eye Gel for free!

The Total Radiance creams are full of vitamin E, which helps to minimize the scarring left behind by blemishes and the sun. The day cream also has SPF 15, and in this day and age of the depleted ozone layer, that’s definitely a plus! The night cream is meant for dry skin and contains Wild Pansy Extract for optimum hydration — the key to maintaining a smooth, wrinkle-free complexion.

Foundations

Every girl can use a bit of evening out, and who doesn’t want flawless skin?!

I’m partial to the Avon Mineral Foundation. It’s comparable to Bare Minerals Foundations, which sell for $25.00 for .3 ounces. Avon sells .20 oz of a very similar product for $11.00. That’s almost half the price! I don’t know about you, but I’m all for more product for less money.

Avon Mineral Foundation

These powders are talc, oil, and fragrance-free, and they seem to be the best thing for the acne scars on my forehead. They’re also so light on my face that I don’t feel like I am wearing a mask of makeup, and I don’t look cracked or creased by the end of the day.

Blush

Avon also makes a mineral blush that comes in many different tones and brings the same benefits as the mineral foundation does. It’s free of anything that’s damaging to the skin and doesn’t crack or crease the way some other, non-mineral products can.

Moving on to my favorite part of the makeup routine…

Eye Shadows and Liners

My personal favorites from the Avon eye makeup line are the Glimmer Sticks Liners and the 12 in 1 Eyeshadow Palette. Personally, I can’t handle liquid liners. I end up looking like cat woman after any and all attempts to use them, so I find these Self Sharpening Glimmersticks to be the perfect compromise between regular pencils and liquid liners.

Currently, my favorite colors are Emerald, Midnight Blue, and Smokey Grey. The run at only $6.00 a piece, and last for quite a while. They also have good staying power, so I’d recommend them for stage or photography use, too.

Glimmersticks

The 12 in 1 palette fits into any bag and is very versatile, since the colors range from dark blue and green with shimmers, to the more neutral tones like beige and brown. They all blend well together and work with any of the eyeliner colors I’m in the mood for that day. The 12 in 1 palette is $20.00, which is roughly just $1.66 a color!

Just a quick trick before we move on: Due to the powdery consistency of these shadows, I suggest using an eye shadow brush instead of the applicators that come in the package.

Mascara

I use Avon’s Supershock mascara in black, and a few of my co-workers have purchased The Superful and Astonishing Lengths Mascaras in black and brown.

We all love what they do for our lashes and would definitely recommend them, especially now that they’re on a special, at 2 for $7.99. Regularly, each one costs $8.99 — so you’re getting two for less than the price of one. Can’t beat that!

The Fails

There are a few items that I would not recommend, even though the price seems right. Avon shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and deodorants all fall in this category.

Pass!

I find that the hair products have a high alcohol content and make my hair feel like straw. Same thing goes for the body washes, which tend to be very drying. As for their deodorants, I just don’t feel like they’re strong enough for us. They don’t last through my work day; never mind the gym!

Get Gorgeous, Save Some Cash

I hope that my experiences help you all look like the smart, beautiful, and powerful women that you strive to be every day — all without breaking the bank. In the end, looking amazing and feeling your best add up to creating the confidence that everyone, regardless of her budget, should be able to attain.

For more information about the Avon products mentioned here, check out Avon.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Olicious Life beauty article library for everything from eye makeup tips to flawless skin ideas.

About Jenn

Jenn is an eighth grade English teacher in Florida, who grew up in the Northeast. She is a novice figure competitor, who currently holds a brown belt in Bruce Lee’s martial art of Jeet Kune Do. She strives to live her life for herself and no one else.

I’d personally tried quite a few of the products mentioned by the ladies in this piece, and they’ve all been fantastic, so I know you’ll enjoy reading this as much as I did!

Here are a Few of Your Favorite Things

By Donna Kato
Mercury News
Posted: 01/27/2008 01:50:27 AM PST
Updated: 05/20/2009 04:39:34 PM PDT

Silicon Valley women love their beauty products.

They’re passionate about their mascara and brand-loyal to their skin-care line. They experiment with eye shadows and lip glosses and are just as likely to shop on drugstore aisles as they are the cosmetics counters of department stores.

A few weeks ago, I shared a list of my favorite beauty and grooming products with readers and asked for their own can’t-live-without-it list. Dozens of e-mails flooded my “in” box. Many of the notes had detailed descriptions of color, price and how the products were used.

The one item that was talked about with great intensity was mascara. It seems I’m not the only one hooked on its transformational nature. And almost everyone agreed: The Shu Uemura eyelash curler is the best beauty invention of the century.

The earnestness and enthusiasm of the responses made me smile. Lots of readers are as crazy about cosmetics as I am.

Surprisingly, there were more than a few products I wasn’t familiar with and others that I hadn’t thought to try. We might even give them a go in a future “The Bottom Line,” Style’s road-test feature.

For now, we’re spreading the wealth by sharing readers’ favorites with other readers. Here and online, 20 readers’ comments.

“I love St. Ives apricot face scrub, any Jo Malone fragrance – my favorite currently is White Jasmine and Mint cologne. Any Neutrogena moisturizers – especially ones that have SPF in them. In the summer, Healthy Defense with SPF 30 is perfect. Keratase Elasto Curl – great for gals with wavy hair.”

Margaret Hulgrave, Los Gatos

Kerastase Elasto Curl

“I’m with you on that Shu Uemura eyelash curler. I love that thing – it really gives my stubby Asian lashes a nice curl. My favorite mascara is Shiseido Lasting Lift Mascara, which keeps my eyelashes curled for pretty much the entire day. I also like L’Oreal Le Kohl eyeliner in black, which goes on smoothly and doesn’t smudge.

“For my skin, I really like L’Occitane Brightening Cleansing foam. It leaves my face feeling soft and smooth. I also like the L’Occitane Very Precious Eye Serum. After using it just a few weeks, it softened the wrinkles around my eyes and left that area feeling very hydrated.”

Khanh Nguyen, San Jose

“I have to say my FAVORITE, can’t-live-without product is L’Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara. It is the best! I have tried all sorts of mascaras, ranging from expensive to cheap, and this one is hands-downs my favorite. It goes on smooth, makes my lasher longer, fuller and separates them. I have blond eyelashes, and this mascara makes my eyes pop! (I use the brownish-black color.) Everyone should try it. Check it out, if you haven’t already.”

Shelley Lautenslager, San Jose

“My must-have product is Blinc Kiss Me Mascara. I have sensitive eyes, and allergy season always finds me a teary mess, but this mascara does not budge and doesn’t flake off or smudge at all. Other hypo-allergenic mascaras bug my eyes still; this mascara is the only one that didn’t bother me toward the end of the day. It takes some effort to get this product off by rubbing my eyes with a wet washcloth, but it’s a small price I’m willing to pay.”

Mercedes Roy, Sunnyvale

“BeneFit Hoola Bronzer: blends well and doesn’t give an obvious fake-and-bake look. Natural and good for medium Asian skin-tones. Maybelline Define-A-Lash mascara: I’ve tried expensive mascaras, and this one is THE BEST.

Glamour magazine has also picked it as one of the best mascaras out there – it lengthens and doesn’t clump, EVER! Shu Uemura eyelash curler: I’m totally with you on this one. Must be replaced after one year of usage! Urban Decay Eyeshadow: especially in Midnight Cowboy Rides Again, a glittery gold shade and also one of their top-selling shadows.

“Urban Decay eye-shadows have a dramatic edge but blend smoothly and easily. They last all night. Lorac Showstopper Palette: includes four eye-shadows and a blush, $35 and perfect for gift-giving without breaking the bank. Comes in cute black sparkly packaging with a rhinestone buckle. Lorac shadows, like Urban Decay and Nars, last all day. BeneFit Lip Plump: nude color gloss that works great under colored glosses. Helps lips appear fuller and more lush. Tingles, too!”

Kristen Sato, San Jose

“I have used La Prairie products for 30 years. My all-time favorite is Cellular Night Cream, Cellular Day Cream and the hand cream. Over the years I have tried less expensive brands, but always go back to the La Prairie as it goes on smoothly, vanishes into the skin – leaving a lovely glow – and does the job it is supposed to do: keeping the skin soft and smooth.

“I am a regular user of Cetaphil products, too. I use the lotion for washing my face in the shower and use the moisturizing cream for arms and legs. This is a wonderful product for dry, sensitive skin.”

Ida Wool, Los Gatos

“I used to be a Definicils (Lancôme mascara) groupie until I discovered Diorshow Unlimited from Dior. I’m afflicted by the same short, straight eyelashes that many Asian women have, and the Diorshow Unlimited gives my lashes a bit of curl, thanks to the curved applicator brush, as well as superb lengthening – all without any clumping! My husband and kids even say they notice a difference (they’re a pretty tough crowd.)”

Robin Lyons, San Jose

“My four sisters and I have been giving each other our favorite things at Christmas for a few years. Here are some of our favorite things:

“Tweezerman lash comb. You don’t realize how great this is until you get one! The best! Crystal nail file. It smooths the roughest feet! Eucerin Calming Creme. Put on after shower and it really hydrates dry skin. Gal Pal deodorant remover pads. Removes deodorant marks from shirts like magic!

Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser. Clinique eyeliner in #105 Chocolate Lustre. Bare Escentuals brow powder in pale/ash blonde. I have dark brown hair and a light complexion. This is the perfect shade. Benefit Ooh La Lift under-eye de-puffer.”

Jill Schlageter, Morgan Hill

“Here are my favorites: Benefit Eye Bright – this stuff is magic on my dark under-eye circles and the shadows between my eye and the bridge of my nose. Finally people have stopped asking me if I’m feeling well! Neutrogena Hand Cream – just a teeny bit moisturizes my dry hands and my ashy legs. Shu Uemura eyelash curler – I totally agree with you; it’s really the best one out there.”

Marcella Peek, Belmont

“Here are my must-haves: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer with SPF 15. I don’t know why I didn’t look at this brand sooner. This is the best primer I’ve ever tried, and sometimes I actually go out without my tinted moisturizer wearing just the primer.

“Smashbox Backdrop Cooling Tint color No 1. I’ve been using Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer for years, but took a chance and bought this a couple of months ago and have been pleasantly surprised. I think I may stay with this. It’s every bit as a good and is $10 less!

“Smashbox Brow Tech (taupe). Having over-zealously plucked and shaved (yes, shaved!) my brows in high school many moons ago, I am left with very skimpy brows that are now getting gray! I’ve tried many, many, many products, but this is the best by far. The color is perfectly neutral and sticks to the hairs all day long. I tend to rub my face, and my brows are intact at the end of the day. This is a winner!

Smashbox Brow Tech

Jo Malone Cologne (Lime Basil & Mandarin). I still love and wear Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey, but I find myself wearing this almost every day. It’s so easy and comfortable to wear and doesn’t scream, ‘Notice me!!!’ Laura Mercier Secret Concealer color No. 1. This is so creamy and glides on smoothly, and doesn’t settle or cake.

“Christian Dior Diorshow Mascara in black. 2007 must have been my year for making changes, because I’d been using Lancôme since high school. I love the shorter wand (great for those of us who must almost kiss the mirror to apply makeup) and fat brush. The other big plus, no flaking. Fresh Body Lotion (Sugar Lemon). Fresh IS fresh, and this lotion leaves me feeling smooth and pampered.

Carole Daniel, Union City

“My newest discovery is Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion. It comes in a purplish tube that looks like a genie’s bottle, and it makes your eye makeup last ALL DAY without touch-ups, even through workouts.

“My other favorite is Shu Uemura’s basic black mascara. I have stick-straight eyelashes, and this is the only mascara that is dry enough to not straighten my eyelashes after I’ve used a curler on them. It’s also nicely plumping and doesn’t flake.

Also, if you’re looking for non-fancy products that truly work, I swear by Cetaphil’s moisturizing cream (comes in a tub, available at drugstores – I buy two at a time at Costco). It’s super-thick and emollient, and I use it all over my body and on my feet. No more cracked heels!”

Stacy McMullen, Pleasanton

“I am really into skin-care products and pretty much obsessed with eye creams. I have used Shiseido, La Mer and La Prairie eye cream products. The one I found works best is Cle de Peau eye cream (serum pour les yeux). It is very moisturizing and lasts all day. I can see and feel the difference.

I found a new one when I traveled to Japan last month from a brand called Ginza. It is supposedly the top line from the same beauty product family and is only sold in Japan. I bought the eye cream but have not opened the package (still waiting to finish my current Cle de Peau eye cream).”

Joanna Liu, Los Altos

No room for undereye wrinkles or bags here!

“My favorite products: Shiseido sun protection liquid foundation – lightweight but with good coverage and SPF 42. Benefit Dallas blusher – on me, this is a beautiful neutral tone. Shiseido eyelash curler – I’ve used both this and the Shu Uemura one, but have found that the Shiseido one fits my eye shape better.

Origins’ A Perfect World line of skin care – I love everything I’ve tried (and I think I’ve tried it all). Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protection Stick in Plum – I love the color and the feel.”

Kathi Guerrant, Mountain View

“First of all, you need to get rid of the dead surface skin cells. Borghese Pelle Rinnovo Skin Renewal Polish is the best one I’ve come across. I’ve been using it twice a week for years. The polishing beads in this creamy, non-greasy formula are very small, almost sand-like, and do a very nice job of getting rid of the dead skin cells to reveal the new, soft skin underneath.

This not only feels wonderful, it makes my skin look wonderful, too. Have a little bit of breakout? No problem, polish it away! It even smooths out fine lines and wrinkles, softening them up so they are less noticeable. I also use this on my neck. You can find it at Bloomingdale’s for about $50.

“L’Oreal Dermo-Expertise Transformance Skin Perfecting Solution. This lightweight foundation primer makes my foundation go on smoothly and evenly and provides the right amount of moisture throughout the day. Perfect! Long’s drugstore, about $20.

“Oil of Olay Regenerist Night Continuous Recovery Moisturizing Treatment. This night cream is non-greasy, and when I wake up in the morning, my skin is so soft and smooth – I feel like I am touching new skin every morning. I use this every night without fail! Long’s or Walgreen’s, about $20.

“Last but not least – the best beauty pick is staying out of the sun and no smoking!”

Toni Martinez, Sunnyvale

“My fave product is Kiehl’s Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub. I use it daily in the shower. It exfoliates and keeps my skin bright. And besides, everyone enjoys a tropical feeling in the morning!”

Nancy Novak, Los Altos

“I am a forty-something with skin that needs saving. I have been transformed with Philosophy products. Purity Made Simple One Step Facial Cleanser can take off my strongest armor, including my mascara smear. It leaves my face clean and refreshed. You don’t need a toner is the claim.

I have very dry skin and have had problems with most heavy face creams, but Philosophy’s When Hope Is Not Enough Replenishing Cream works well in my daily routine. Although it is a heavy cream, my face loves it. Other heavy lotions/creams have caused irritation and redness. So I can’t live without these two products. I also use the Supernatural mineral face makeup.

Valerie Trovato, San Jose

“My favorite product is Lorac Front of the Line waterproof eyeliner. I originally just bought it for the applicator – like a felt-tip pen – which makes application so easy. The consistency of the actual eyeliner is great, too! It’s not too thick or too watery and the pigment is nice and dark.”

Rowena Wegner, San Jose

“Here are my favorites:

“1. Shu Uemura eyelash curler. This is the first curler that I used that didn’t pinch or bend my eyelashes in a weird way.

“2. Stila convertible eye color. I just tried this and really like it, even though I don’t spend a lot of time on eye makeup (usually just the eyelash curler and done.) This has liner, a firm sponge tip for blending and shadow on a soft sponge. I have it in teak, which can be dramatic or subtle.

“3. Balm Shelter tinted moisturizer. I had used Stila tinted moisturizer for years but read about this product in the Merc recently and decided to try it. It goes on really smooth, has good coverage and I like the higher SPF.

“4. Nars Blush and Bronzer duo in orgasm and laguna. Laguna is a bronzer, and orgasm is a pink, peachy color that looks good always! Sometimes I use the bronzer as eye shadow.

Nars Blush and Bronzer Duo in Orgasm and Laguna

“5. Sephora Professional Perfection makeup base. I don’t use primer or makeup base too often – I work at a high school! – but when I do, I really like this house brand from Sephora. It is very smooth and has a hint of illumination in it.

“6. Stila Illuminating Liquid Foundation in 40 watts. I am a big fan of Stila products, and I’ve used this foundation for a number of years. My skin seems to break out with many brands of foundation, but not this one.”

Mary Connolly, Santa Clara

“My favorite lash liner is Laura Mercier eye liner in black ebony. You apply underneath the upper lashes, just along the line, with her flat liner brush. It really makes your eyes stand out, and the whites look whiter. Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer is my foundation, and I love it. Sheer color that just evens out skin.

I also LOVE Clinique’s gloss in black honey. I’ve been wearing this color for about 25 years, when it was first out in a pot. Now it’s in tube form. Though very dark in the tube, it goes on to look very natural. I don’t know what I’ll do if they ever discontinue it. I always know I can apply it whether using a mirror or not. The foundation primer from Leeza Gibbons’ Sheer Cover line helps to keep makeup looking flawless.”

Kathy Shannon, San Jose

“I have several items that I’ve found to be fabulous products: Vincent Longo Water Canvas Base Primer and Water Canvas Creme-to-Powder Foundation. Also, Matrix Sleek Look Smoothing Serum (Step 4 in their four-step product line). It’s a perfect finish to any hairstyle, and you can seal the dry ends of your hair and make it look super-healthy.”

Maureen Wong, Mountain View

Share your beauty tips in the comments section below!

by Olesya Novik

I want to get flawless skin so I’m making my rounds at an incredibly packed flawless skin cosmetics store, browsing through shelf upon shelf of ridiculously expensive creams and gels, all packaged in colorful tiny containers — each prettier than the next, all vying for my attention.

Good thing I’m familiar with skincare! If I weren’t, I would’ve had to leave my skin’s fate in the hands of that inexplicably attitudinal saleslady, the one who’s wearing entirely too much makeup and hairspray while pretending to look interested in that poor girls’ skin woes.

“…I’m allergic to moisturizer, but my skin’s very, very dry! Plus, I don’t stop breaking out! I’ve tried all of the anti-acne products I could think of, but now I have wrinkles…and any time I use something anti-aging, I end up getting terrible zits…”

I don’t know if you have been in her frustrating situation …but I do know that most people have skin care concerns. I probably get asked for skin care advice at least as often as I do for diet and fitness tips! I know, you’re probably wondering why someone would ask me those things.

Flawless skin means fewer makeup worries, so dive in that pool and don't worry about any meltdowns!

Let me explain…

Appearance has always mattered to me. Ever since I was a little girl, I promised myself that I would always try my hardest to look my very best regardless of any other circumstances. This is partly why fitness has always been important to me, and definitely the reason I went to school to study skincare and makeup artistry, ultimately graduating as a licensed esthetician and makeup artist.

There’s little doubt in my mind that most of you have some concerns or questions when it comes to basic skincare — I know I did! Since I’m well qualified to help, I’ve decided to do just that with this article.

I’ll go over some fundamentals; you all can feel free to ask any questions at the end of the article, in the comments section — I’ll be sure to address them as they come in! Makeup, competition makeup and tanning, along with more specific skincare concerns, will be discussed in future beauty articles.

Just think about it; we expend a great deal of energy on training and following proper nutrition to ensure that our bodies look their absolute best! There’s all that cardio we do for our heart and cardiovascular system, the weight training for our musculature, the minerals we take to maintain our bones…but what about the largest organ of the body, our skin.

Shouldn’t we be at least as concerned with its appearance and health as the rest of our body?

Let’s dig in!

Your Skin Type

Before you even begin to think of approaching that La Prairie counter to grab their latest miracle cream, you’ll need to establish your skin type. The best product in the universe will result in nothing short of a complexion disaster if it isn’t formulated for your specific skin type. A slightly different approach is necessary to ensure optimal health and flawless skin, whether it’s oily, dry and sensitive, combination, or normal.

Just in case you aren’t sure exactly which type of skin you have, we’ll begin by taking a look at the characteristics of each.

Oily

If you have oily skin, chances are, you’re well aware of that by now! It’s usually shiny with enlarged pores and a predisposition to blackheads. While it can be quite frustrating dealing with this skin type, the good news is that it is much slower to show wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration.

Who said shiny skin can't look good?!

To minimize the negative effects of oily skin, establishing a good routine is absolutely crucial! While this specifics will be highly individual, here are a few fundamentals to get you started:

Try to stay away from soap and alcohol-based cleansers. These are drying and can strip the skin of its moisture, which paradoxically will cause it to produce more oil — thus resulting in overactive sebaceous glands, and a never-ending vicious cycle!

Using a proper moisturizing lotion is essential for the same reason — it’ll prevent moisture loss, thereby reducing oil production. Be sure all of your products are labeled “noncomedogenic,” which means they won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

If lotions seem too heavy or greasy, there’s an array of gel moisturizers especially formulated for oily skin — some even containing ingredients such as witch hazel and tea tree oil, meant to shrink enlarged pores and minimize oil production while maintaining the skin’s natural balance.

A clarifying astringent toner can be a good addition to your daily skincare regime, as well. Used after cleansing and prior to moisturizer application, it’ll help to clear out your pores while calming the skin. Look for ingredients like salicylic or alpha hydroxy acid in a toner if you decide to add one to your routine.

Dry

While those of us with excess oil are trying to get rid of it, people with dry skin are wishing they had our problems! As fantastic as it must be to have no worries about breakouts, dry and sensitive skin types are both quite prone to sun damage and early signs of aging.

To minimize damage to your dry or sensitive skin, be sure to avoid any soap-based and even foaming cleansers, choosing moisturizing and fragrance-free ones instead. Look for milky cleansers containing soothing ingredients such as chamomile, cucumber, lavender, olive leaf, and aloe vera extracts.

Don’t be afraid of essential oils in your products, which should include a moisturizing, alcohol-free toner, an eye cream, and of course, a good moisturizer to be applied to damp skin twice daily. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, petrolatum, lanolin or silicone derivatives will all improve skin’s elasticity by increasing its moisture levels.

These types of skin will also benefit from nourishing weekly treatments and masks more than any other. Something as simple as an egg yolk, a teaspoon of honey, and half a teaspoon of olive oil, combined and left on the skin for ten to fifteen minutes will noticeably improve its condition!

Combination

People with combination and normal skin types are often best off treating their skin with neutral products, simply ensuring proper cleansing (again, with a soap-free product), and moisturizing. A weekly routine of exfoliating and a mask is a great idea as well, as this will prevent clogged pores, thereby maintaining a clear complexion.

Exfoliation

Speaking of exfoliation, it’s the one step most people skip in their weekly skincare routine, which is too bad since this is a fantastic way to help any skin type along with its renewal process, helping it remain youthful for years longer! In fact, it’s been shown in a number of studies that one of the reasons men’s skin looks more youthful than women’s is because men tend to exfoliate daily when they shave.

There are several ways to exfoliate the skin, scrubs and retinoids being most popular for home use. Scrubs work by gently removing the dead skin cells that will otherwise dull your complexion. It’s crucial to ensure that the scrub of your choice is composed of uniform, round grains, as some cheaper scrubs will tear the skin and cause more damage than benefit!

Exfoliate your entire body twice weekly to keep your skin soft and youthful, from head to toe.

Retinoids work in a similar manner, by removing the top layer of skin cells, except they go a step further by helping to generate collagen in the skin. The most popular retinoid on the market today is Retin-A, initially known as an acne fighting product and later as an anti-wrinkle miracle.

If your skin tends to be on the sensitive side at all, I would highly recommend staying away from these products as they’re notorious for increasing dryness and sensitivity to sun in all skin types, which means sunscreen is a must for anyone considering adding a retinoid to their regime.

This brings us to the next basic necessity for youthful, healthy skin: sunscreen. It’s the one product every dermatologist and esthetician will insist you use.

Sunscreen

After hundreds upon hundreds of studies, it’s been proven time and time again that the primary cause of age related skin problems (including age spots and wrinkles!) is sun damage. In addition to aesthetic damage to our skin, we run the risk of getting melanoma, a type of skin cancer, by exposing our skin to UV light without any protection.

Worth the risk for a tan? Not in my opinion.

I choose to prevent the damage by utilizing a good sunscreen, or at least a daily moisturizer containing titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or avobenzene as one of its “active ingredients.” If you happen to have acne-prone skin, make certain that your sunscreen is oil-free and noncomedogenic, as a lot of them are on the “heavy” side and will cause breakouts unless formulated for problematic skin.

Nutrition and Skin

As fitness nuts, we’re all aware of the major impact nutrition has on all areas of our existence. Not surprisingly, this includes the appearance of our skin. Just as important as those carbs in your post-workout meal, are the antioxidants and essential fatty acids to your skin’s optimal health.

A sound nutrition plan (which we’re all already following, right?) has been proven to keep the skin looking not only healthy, but also years younger!

Like berries? So does your complexion!

Include plenty of vitamins C and E in your diet, as these will help reduce the damage caused by free radicals, a harmful byproduct of sunlight, smoke, and pollution. Free radicals gobble up collagen and elastin, the fibers that support skin structure, causing wrinkles and other signs of aging. Vitamin A is also a great addition to your daily supplement intake, as it’s been proven to be necessary for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue.

Another nutrient of significant importance is biotin, a member of the B vitamin family. It forms the basis of skin, nail, and hair cells, and even a mild deficiency causes symptoms such as dermatitis (an itchy, scaly skin reaction) or even hair loss.

Speaking of the B’s, niacin is yet another gem with plenty of anti-inflammatory properties to soothe sensitive, irritated skin. I’ve also seen it used topically as a lightening agent in higher concentrations, most often used to even out blotchy skin tone.

Enough with the ABC’s…let’s move on to the D’s — well, the DMAE’s, to be exact. This amazing nutrient has one of the strongest appetites for free radicals. It works by neutralizing their power to damage skin cells while also strengthening cell walls so that assaults from sun damage and cigarette smoke are reduced.

We’ve got the ABC’s and D’s covered, moving right along to E’s — that would be the EFA’s. If your skin is prone to inflammation, too dry, OR too oily and frequently breaking out, you may be lacking essential fatty acids. These are absolutely vital to the production of skin’s natural oil barrier. Without an adequate supply of EFAs, the skin produces a more irritating form of sebum and oil, which can result in substantial complexion woes.

One last addition to this guide to fundamental skin care is hydration. We all know that it aids in our ability to flush fat, toxins, and any other unwanted substance from our bodies. Well, it helps in the reduction of wrinkling and improves the overall texture of our skin, too! Be sure to get those gallons of water through your system and you’ll be rewarded with glowing skin.

Alright ladies, that’s it for your flawless skin tips. Keep in mind; this is a highly inconclusive, very basic and oversimplified guide. If any of you have questions pertaining to your specific case, please feel free to ask and I will do my best to help you resolve your individual issues.