The Correct Order to Apply Your Skincare

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@15minbeauty What is the correct order to apply skincare products, ie: cleanser, anti-aging serums, moisturizers? #sleepnaked

— Erika Chilton (@pdxmom5) May 13, 2015

We all spend a lot of money on our skincare, and unfortunately if you're not using it correctly, you aren't getting your money's worth! Applying your skincare in the correct order can really affect how well it works. So, taking a few minutes to learn what order to apply in will make a big difference. I've written about this topic before, both here on 15 Minute Beauty and over on Babble. Run and check out those posts!



I thought it would be useful to go through what I'm currently using so you can see a real life example. So, here's a peek at what I'm using at night currently.

1. First, I start by removing my eye makeup. I have a lot of eye makeup removers that I like (check out my favorite eye makeup removers), but really the key seems to be a remover with oil in it and splurging on fancy cotton rounds. I use the Swisspers Exfoliating Cotton Rounds, their texture really helps remove stubborn eyeliner and waterproof mascara.

Try These:
Garnier Clean + Nourishing Cleansing Oil from Target or Drugstore.com
Swisspers Exfoliating Cotton Rounds at Drugstore.com or Walgreens

Usually removing eye makeup leaves a rim of mascara and eye liner around my face. It's great, I look like a raccoon! So, I wash the rest of my face next. I have a few cleansers that I like, and I usually use just my fingers to rub it around on my face before scrubbing a bit and rinsing off with a washcloth. I have a Clarisonic Mia3 that I use a few times a week. My face can't seem to take using it every night, so I play it by ear but it is usually about 2-3x/week.

To Try:
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser from Amazon or Target
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser from Kiehl's or Nordstrom
Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash at Sephora or Birchbox
Clarisonic Mia3 from Clarisonic or Nordstrom


2. Prescription meds are next. You want them closest to your skin to ensure that they absorb fully. Personally, I'm on Clindamycin for my Rosacea, so I spread about a pea sized amount of the gel all over my face.


3. Thin liquids are next, and water based go before oil based. For me this means that my serum comes next. I've been using Clarisonic Brightening Activator Serum, which helps to even out my skin tone and fade hyperpigmentation. If I'm dry, I'll add a few drops of Kiehl's Midnight Recovery over the serum. About twice a week I'll also add in a retinoid lotion, I like RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream.

My Picks:
Clarisonic Brightening Activator Serum from Nordstrom or Clarisonic or Sephora
Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution is a good alternative to the Clarisonic, get it at Kiehl's or Nordstrom
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery at Kiehl's or Nordstrom
RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream from Amazon or Target

Finally, thicker creams and balms, again start with thinner and move to thicker, applying water based before oil based. I apply my eye cream next, and follow it up with an all over night cream.

My Current Favorites:
iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex from DermStore or SkinStore
Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream from Kiehl's or Nordstrom


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6

Coco Loco: The Do It All Skincare Product You Should Keep In Your Medicine Cabinet

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You know how you keep seeing Coconut Oil on Pinterest? And how it apparently is amazing for everything? It removes makeup, moisturizes, makes your hair grow faster and even cleans your bathroom? Me too. And I admit that I've been a bit skeptical. I didn't really want to just head down to my local Whole Foods and just start slathering it all over my face. Especially since I had limited success with using Coconut Oil as a hair mask.

But, if someone else is willing to formulate said Coconut Oil into an easier to use version and then tell me exactly what to do with it, I will definitely try it!

Coco Loco is just that. It's Coconut Oil with added Vitamins A, C and E (that added Vitamin A makes me declare this isn't pregnancy safe, the only formulation of Vitamin A that docs say is ok to use topically during pregnancy is Beta Carotene). It comes in a 1 ounce or 3 ounce jar, and inside you'll find what just looks like solid white stuff. But it's all kinds of magical.

So, I've been using Coco Loco just as a cleanser/eye makeup remover. I wet my face down with warm water, and then rub my fingers over the solid Coco Loco. It immediately melts from the heat of my fingers and the warm water, and I'll end up with just a little liquid oil on my fingers. Then I rub that over my eyes first, making sure that I've shut them tight and that I'm rubbing gently at the lash line to get my mascara and eye liner. Once I'm done there, I'll rinse my hands briefly (otherwise I get black mascara water all over everything), and get a little more Coco Loco to rub all over my face. I rinse it all off with the help of a washcloth.

It's amazing how quickly Coco Loco removes everything, and I mean everything. Even my most stubborn waterproof liners come right off without a fight! I haven't tried it yet as a moisturizer, I have a feeling it would likely be too much for my combination skin, even in this winter weather.

Coco Loco at Etsy

2

Lip Savers: Products To Keep Your Pout Happy This Winter

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I can't be the only one out there that needs to dramatically up their lip product game as soon as the weather turns a bit cold! My lips seem to be pretty sensitive to the cold and low humidity of winter. If I'm not super vigilant about my lip balm, exfoliating and breaking out a heavy duty treatment as soon there's a sign of trouble... well, things can get painful quickly.

So, I've tried a huge array of lip products. Some good, some bad, and some amazing! I thought I'd share my favorites with you.

Scrubs

Not everyone needs a lip scrub, but I definitely do! When using a lip scrub, think of them as maintenance for your lips. You want the dry skin off so the hydrating lip balms and treatments can work right. You can use a lip scrub once or twice a week to do this, though you could just use your toothbrush on your lips and be done with it. (Let's face it, that second option isn't as much fun!)

Personally, I like a scrub once a week or so. I look for a scrub with either lots of small grit or a sugar scrub, those both work well for me. The goal is to wash your lips and have them feel well scrubbed, but not like you scrubbed off the entire top layer of your lips. If your lips are super chapped and peeling that is not the time to use a lip scrub, you'll only damage your lips more! So, only scrub healthy lips.

Here are the lip scrubs that I've tried and loved in the past, not all of them have made it to the blog.

1. Lush Bubble Gum Lip Scrub

2. Bite Beauty Whipped Cherry Lip Scrub

3. Bliss Fabulips 'Pout'-o-matic Spa Powered Lip-Perfecting System (my review)

4. e.l.f. Studio Lip Exfoliator (mentioned here)

5. Fresh Sugar Lip Polish

6. Sara Happ The Lip Scrub Brown Sugar Lip Exfoliator (my review)

7. Mally Beauty Perfect Prep Lip Scrub

Hydrators

These are my daily go-to products for hydration. I leave them on my nightstand, always have one in my purse and usually will apply one of these products at the beginning of my makeup routine. By the time my mascara is on, my lips are perfectly prepped for a lippie!

8. Kiehl's Since 1851 Lip Balm #1

9. Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment

10. MAC Lip Conditioner

11. Nivea Lip Butter Raspberry Rose Kiss

12. Eve Lom 'Kiss Mix' Lip Treatment

Intensive Treatments

When your lips are acting up, you need to turn to a more intensive treatment. While I still use my hydrating products during the day, I'll turn to one of these super hydrators a few times a day as well. They also offer ingredients that will help my lips recover quickly, and they can take the place of my regular hydrating balm or they're an extra treatment.

14. Jouer Lip Enhancer Conditioning Lip Treatment

15. Clinique Superbalm Lip Treatment

16. Hourglass N° 28 Lip Treatment Oil

17. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy

18. AmorePacific Moisture Bound Lip Treatment

19. Osmia Organics Honey-Myrrh Lip Repair

20. Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask

21. Clarins Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm

Anti-Aging Products

Yes, even your lips age. Because most of us don't remember to apply sunscreen to them, along with the extra thin skin in this area, it can be one of the earliest areas to age. Luckily there are quite a few lip products that have ingredients specially formulated for reversing, or at least fighting, this process.

22. StriVectin Clinical Corrector Anti-Aging Lip Tint SPF 20

23. Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Lip Treatment

24. La Mer 'The Lip Balm'

25. Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Anti-Wrinkle Eye & Lip Cream

26. Clinique All About Lips

27. Your Best Face Define


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3

The Best At Home Peels

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1. Boots No7 Advanced Renewal Anti-Aging Glycolic Peel Kit (Boots Gentle Glycolic Peel Review)

This is a bit more intense than the other peels shown here, but it is still gentle enough for my sensitive rosacea skin! After just one use, 86% of women found their skin felt smoother.


2. StriVectinLABS Weekly Glycolic Peel

This is a 2 step process, and it includes glycolic acid to exfoliate your skin and StriVectin's NIA114, their proprietary Niacinamide derivative. It's gentle enough to use 1-2x/week.


3. Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel

It says it is a peel, but really it feels more like a hydrating mask that just happens to leave you with super smooth skin. It also has Vitamin C to help fight aging!


4. Freeze 24-7 'Skin Smoothie' Retexturizing Glycolic Pads

Very easy to use, just wipe on. I can use them about once a week without any irritation.


5. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

This is a strange green goo, that feels a little like a scrub without enough grit. I like to use it in the shower, you just need to apply a light layer, wait about 30-60 seconds, then rinse off! It is gentle enough to use a few times a week.


6. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

These are super easy to use! Just wipe over your skin at night, and your skin is gently exfoliated. The glycolic and lactic acids are released slowly overnight, so there isn't any irritation, just smooth skin.


7. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength Formula

This is an amped up version of the cult favorite Alpha Beta Peels. It has a ton of active ingredients to give you smoother and more even skin (Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Willow Bark Extract, Retinol.... there's a huge list).


8. Ellen Lange Retexturizing Skin Peel Kit (review)

This is a 10% Glycolic Acid peel, and it comes with everything you'll need for 8 peels at home, which is a pretty great deal!


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3

Basic Pregnancy Skincare: Safe Products Anyone Can Use

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Skincare during pregnancy isn't easy to get right. There are a lot of skin care ingredients that should be avoided during pregnancy. Chances are that great night cream that you've used for years, the one that gives you glowy skin? Yeah, you probably can't use that. Or the miracle gel that erases your pimples almost overnight. Your new anti-aging serum definitely has ingredients you need to avoid as well.

I've written about skin care routine adjustments for pregnancy in the past. And yes, you'll need to make a lot of them while pregnant!

My general philosophy when it comes to pregnancy safe skincare is that you need to pare down to pregnancy safe basics. A simple routine that can work throughout your pregnancy. Because your hormones are going to be shifting all over the place causing fun issues like pimples, hyperpigmentation and dryness. And sometimes all at once! So, basic products you can use the entire time, then swap in treatments for that month's fun skin issue as you need.

I put together a few routines below, as of the date that I'm writing this (October 9, 2014), the ingredient lists on either the company's website or my own product that I purchased, was pregnancy friendly and met my criteria for pregnancy safe skincare. I've given you a few options when I could in each product category, so you should be able to just pick and chose products that you know work well for you or have features that you like. Don't forget that there are more options over in my list of Pregnancy Friendly Skincare Items.


Update 1/23/2017: I have reviewed updated ingredients list and links. I've crossed out items pictured that I'm worried about for one reason or another, usually a minor change in formulation.

Drugstore Routine

Cleanser
• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (get it from ULTA or Amazon)
• CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (get it from ULTA or Amazon)
• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser (buy it from ULTA or Amazon)

Daily Moisturizer
• CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion (buy it at ULTA or Amazon)
• Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Moisturizer (get it at ULTA or Amazon)

Sunscreen
• Aveeno Active Naturals Natural Protection SPF 50 Lotion (get it at Target or Amazon)
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid, SPF 50

Eye Cream
• Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Ageless Lifting & Firming Eye Cream (get it at Amazon)
• Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Eye Cream (get it at ULTA or Amazon)
• Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 CC Eye Cream (discontinued)

Night Cream
• Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Ageless Reconditioning Night Cream (get it at Amazon)
• Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Night Cream (get it at ULTA or Amazon)
• Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Night Recovery Moisturizing Cream (get it at ULTA or Amazon)

Higher End Skincare Routine

Cleanser
• Eve Lom Cleanser (get it at Sephora or Nordstrom)
• Algenist Purifying & Replenishing Cleanser (get it at Sephora or ULTA)
• Philosophy Purity Made Simple (get it at Sephora or ULTA)
• Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash (get it at ULTA or Amazon)

Daily Moisturizer
• Eve Lom TLC Radiance Cream (get it at Birchbox or Bloomingdale's)
• SK-II Essential Power Moisturising Cream (only at SK-II)

Sunscreen
• Mario Badescu Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 17 (get it at ULTA, Amazon or Nordstrom)

Eye Cream
• Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm (get it at Sephora or Nordstrom)
• SK-II Skin Signature Eye Cream (only at SK-II)
• Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado (get it at Kiehl's or Nordstrom)

Night Cream
• Algenist Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer (get it at Sephora or Nordstrom)
• Philosophy Miracle Worker Overnight Cream (get it at Sephora or Nordstrom)
• Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream (get it at Kiehl's or Nordstrom)

Organic Skincare Routine

Cleanser
• Pangea Organics Egyptian Calendula & Blood Orange Facial Cleanser (get it at Pangea or Amazon)
• Osmia Organics Black Clay Facial Soap (get it at Osmia)
• Juice Beauty Cleansing Milk (get it at Juice Beauty, ULTA or BirchBox)

Daily Moisturizer
• Pangea Organics Italian Red Mandarin With Rose Facial Cream (get it at Amazon)
• Osmia Organics Purely Simple Face Cream (get it at Osmia)

Sunscreen
• Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer (get it here)
• Yes To Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 (get it here)

Eye Cream
• Juice Beauty Smoothing Eye Concentrate (get it here)
• Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel (get it here)

Night Cream
• Juice Beauty Nutrient Moisturizer (get it here)
• Yes to Cucumbers Calming Night Cream (get it here)


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44

Pregnancy Skin Care Advice Series

Over the years I've written a lot about pregnancy safe skin care. I get emails from readers, comments on social media and here on the blog asking about the safety of products and requests for product advice. Now that I've had my 2nd little one, I've decided to write a lot of that information down and share it in a series of weekly posts. (Just FYI, nesting instinct is a strong motivator, I've been pre-writing posts like crazy so I can have a little time off!)

So, once a week for the next 7 weeks (today counts as week #1) there will be a pregnancy skincare post. Topics like basic skincare, some advice from dermatologists and how I usually recommend to handle pregnancy related acne.

Check out all of my pregnancy skin care posts!
• 8 Pregnancy Friendly Skincare Lines over on Babble
• Skin care ingredients that should be avoided during pregnancy
• Skin care routine adjustments for pregnancy
• My criteria for pregnancy safe skincare
• Giant List of Pregnancy Safe Skin Care Products

1

Makeup Wars: The Best Face Masks

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Today for Makeup Wars we're showcasing our favorite face masks, a topic that is right up my alley! I'm a big fan of skin care, and actually, quite a few of these products were featured in my favorite skin care savers post (and the follow up, the best drugstore skin care products).

1. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate (my Midnight Recovery Review): Ok, yes, this is not a face mask. But I've yet to find a hydrating face mask that works anywhere near as well as this one, so I had to include it in the post! I only need a few drops on my face at night and I'll wake up glowy!

2. L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Glow Renewal Facial Oil: This is the L'Oreal dupe of the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate. The oils are different, but they work the same way, except this one feels a little bit heavier on my skin. Super glowy results!

3. Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque (my original Rare Earth Mask Review): Yes, there are cheaper clay face masks out there (and I'll be recommending one in a moment), but now that I have rosacea and I'm pregnant, I've been reaching for this one over any other. It pulls everything out of my pores, doesn't get that "so tight it hurts" feeling as it dries, and it doesn't irritate my skin. Definitely worth the extra money if your skin is at all sensitive!

4. Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque: Depending on where you get it, this mask is usually in the $3-5 range, which is pretty tough to beat! It does a great job of pulling everything out of your pores, and I used it multiple times a week during my first (rosacea-free) pregnancy to help keep the hormonal blemishes at bay. However, my skin seems extra sensitive during this pregnancy, so this mask can be a bit irritating (hence, I'm using the Kiehl's), but I'm hoping that I'll be able to use this one again after I deliver.

5. Bliss Multi-‘Face’-Eted All-In-One Anti-Aging Clay Mask: This mask was just released by Bliss, and because it isn't pregnancy friendly I'm staring at it longingly on my countertop! It's yet another clay mask (I love cleaning out my pores, can you tell?), but this one has a few anti-aging extras. In particular, it has 10% Glycolic Acid, which really will help to exfoliate your skin and clean out your pores even more. There's also Jojoba Oil to help add moisture and plump up your skin and Kojic Acid to help with discoloration.

6. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask (my Instant Oatmeal Mask review): This mask is hydrating and it can be a bit exfoliating (there's oatmeal in it, you can use it like a scrub as you remove it), but mostly it is just really soothing. If my skin is red and irritated at all, this is the mask I reach for. In no time my skin feels more comfortable, it adds some nice hydration and my redness is gone. And did I mention it smells like cookies? It does.

7. Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Hydration Mask: Yes, I know this mask says hydration, and it is hydrating (though not quite as hydrating as a few drops of that Kiehl's Midnight Recovery). But, really this creamy mask is similar in effect to the First Aid Beauty Oatmeal Mask. It adds some moisture and calms down irritation. But, it doesn't smell like cookies.


What are your favorite masks? Do any of them smell like cookies too?

An InLinkz Link-up

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14

Murad Skin Smoothing Polish Review

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I don't feature very many facial scrubs on 15 Minute Beauty. I'm super picky about them, have you noticed? I used to loooooove to scrub my face with a scrub, almost any face scrub would do. I'd rub until I was red and smooth, I loved it!

Then, one day in medical school (during our 2 week dermatology component), the doctor threw a very close up picture of skin up onto the screen. The skin had big ruts in it. They were cuts in the skin from sharp facial scrub. They mentioned the name of the scrub used (you know, the Apricot one everyone uses at some point? Yes, that one.) I went home and threw away 2 tubes of that same scrub.

Since that time, I've been incredibly picky about scrubs. I usually opt for a peel over a scrub (at least, when I'm not pregnant), and if I do let a scrub near my face, I have a lot of criteria. First, the scrub must have evenly shaped grit, that is round and not at all sharp. There needs to be quite a bit of grit, I want to know that I'm exfoliating evenly. And I want to be able to rinse it off easily.

So, it probably comes as no surprise that I've probably recommended about 5 facial scrubs total, some of which are no longer made. Well, here is number 6!

Murad's new scrub (well, Skin Smoothing Polish) is pretty great. It has just the right amount of grit, you can exfoliate evenly but the scrub is still loose enough to easily spread on your face. The grit is small, not at all sharp and very evenly sized. It's pretty much perfect. There is a little bit of a smell, but it is pleasant and it is so mild that I can't even really describe it to you. It just isn't completely unscented.

For me, this is a great scrub! It is gentle and the exfoliation is even and doesn't damage my skin when I use it. I think when using a scrub like this you still need to be careful. The goal isn't pink/red skin, it is to gently wash your face and just lightly exfoliate it. This scrub is perfect for that.

Murad Skin Smoothing Polish
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1

How To Wash Your Face (AKA- Do You Need a Clarisonic?)

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We all do it. I know I do. We get lazy and just rub some cleanser on our face using our fingers. That definitely happens at my house. While this lazy cleaning is definitely better than nothing, it isn't great to wake up and find mascara marks on your pillowcase or to have chin breakouts after a few days. I've been getting a lot of questions from readers recently about deep cleaning brushes as well. Should you use them every night? Do you have to use a Clarisonic, or are there cheaper options that are acceptable? (Check out my review and comparison of deep cleaning cleaning facial brushes) What about that sonic action of the Clarisonic, does is really make a big difference?

So, I decided to ask the experts. I posed those exact questions to dermatologists, and here's what they had to say! Don't forget to check out Dermatologist's Favorite Facial Cleansers!


Are women washing their face wrong? Should we always be using a Clarisonic, a wash cloth, are our cleansers to harsh or should we (or should we not) be using toner? What are your thoughts on how to properly wash the face, and what to avoid?

• I like washing once per day at night. It is really each person's preference on using a home classing device, a soft wash cloth or just hand washing.
• Best is to avoid using a classing agent that is too harsh or being too aggressive with a home cleansing device or washcloth. I like to first rinse with warm water then use a mild cleanser to remove any dirt and make up and then rinse again with warm water, pat dry and use appropriate skin care products after cleansing.
- Brian Zelickson, MD is the founder of MD Complete Skincare


• Sonic cleansers are proven to remove dirt and makeup more effectively than washing by hand. But that doesn’t necessary mean every woman needs to go out and buy a Clarisonic. If washing your face by hand and exfoliating a few times a week gives you a great complexion, then keep doing what works for you.
• Toners are meant to balance pH levels after a thorough cleansing. Be mindful of what toner you use though. Some are alcohol based and strip skin of natural oils even further.
• Avoid over exfoliating. Although exfoliating is necessary to remove dead skin cells, over exfoliating can leave skin flaky and sensitive.
• Know your skin type and choose a cleanser accordingly. For example, if you have oily, sensitive skin, don’t reach for a cream cleanser. Research skin care products for any harmful ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin, before purchasing.
- David Bank, MD is a Dermatologist at The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, NY


• It’s important to use a clean washcloth every time we cleanse our face, so as to avoid introducing any bacteria into the skin from the previous time you washed your face.
• Always use tepid water, not hot, when cleansing the face. If your skin is dry or sensitive, a gentle cleanser is the way to go.
- Eric Schweiger, MD is a Dermatologist at Clear Clinic Acne Treatment Center in New York City


• It is safe for all skin types to gently cleanse without a spinning brushing, using a simple gentle cleanser like Cetaphil.
• The spinning brushes are helpful to exfoliate if they're used with an exfoliating cleanser, but should be cleansed properly between uses and may occasionally irritate or flare-up the skin.
- Karen Stolman, MD is a Dermatologist in Salt Lake City and she writes Skinality


• Most people wash their face wrong because they wash it with their fingertips and there's bacteria under the fingernails.
• I'm a big fan of sonic cleansing systems so I like the Clarisonic. If you choose not to use this then use a washcloth and change it every time you wash your face. Otherwise wash your face with a cotton pad.
• I like mild cleansers unless you have very oily skin and then you should use an exfoliating cleanser.
• You should only use a toner on an oily t-zone.
- Debra Jaliman, MD is a Dermatologist in New York City


• You want to use something to help loosen up your dirt and makeup, that's why Clarisonics are all the rage now. Be sure to use luke warm water and rub up and out in circular motions if not using a Clarisonic.
- Haley Kulow is a makeup artist and esthetician in New York City



Is a Clarisonic necessary or is any deep cleansing brush ok? Does the sonic action (rather than rotation) make a big difference in cleaning the skin or in anti-aging?


• Clarisonic is just one of many sonic cleansing brushes. There are various powerful, deep cleaning brushes that work just as well.
• The sonic action is what takes off layers of dead skin to allow new skin through. It is more effective in cleansing compared to hand washing but everyday use may be excessive for sensitive skin. However it does remove dirt, makeup and pollutants that may cause skin to age more rapidly.
- David Bank, MD is a Dermatologist at The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, NY


• The spinning/moving brushes are meant to assist in exfoliation, and simulate in-office or spa microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion both in-office with a stronger device and the home versions both have a handful of studies to support that they help exfoliate.
• Exfoliation is helpful for acne, brown spots, melasma, wrinkles, and dry skin.
- Karen Stolman, MD is a Dermatologist in Salt Lake City and she writes Skinality


• I'm a big fan of the Clarisonic because of the sonic technology. It also offers a choice of different brush heads for different skin types. The Foreo is another small handheld option which does not require brush heads.
• Sonic cleansing is superior to a washcloth. There is also research that it helps exfoliate the skin so antiaging products penetrate better.
- Debra Jaliman, MD is a Dermatologist in New York City


• It's debatable, the important thing is to get all the dirt, makeup and sweat dislodged and off your face so your skin can breath properly.
- Haley Kulow is a makeup artist and esthetician in New York City

3

The Best Drugstore Skin Savers

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Yesterday I posted about my favorite skin saving products for Makeup Wars. Except, I had a problem. There were a lot of skin issues I wanted to cover, and I had a lot of products that I've loved over the years for those issues! I split the post into high end (yesterday) and drugstore (today). These are products that I've tried and had great results with, and recommend to friends, family and people who email me with questions!

Pimples

1. Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask: I love that this is both a cleanser and a mask. It pulls some stuff out of your pores, feels cooling, exfoliates... It's a great multi-tasker and I've had a few dermatologists recommend it to me recently for Babble posts.

2. Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10: Persa-Gel is what I was taught to recommend as a spot treatment in all of my peds training. Yes, general pediatricians treat a lot of acne. And it turns out there's a reason they recommend this stuff, it really does get in there and work. You need to use it with caution, it will bleach fabrics (hello, new duvet cover!) and it can dry out your face and make it more sensitive to the sun.

Clogged Pores

3. Alba Botanica Hawaiian Facial Mask, Pore-fecting Papaya Enzyme: Another fun mask. It has a lot of fruit extracts and really clears stuff out of pores while exfoliating your skin. Definitely the answer to dull, clogged up skin.

4. Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque: When I want to really suck things out of my pores, this is what I reach for. It can feel a bit tight/hurt when it dries, so use in moderation.

Dry Skin

5. L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Glow Renewal Facial Oil: This is the L'Oreal dupe of the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate. The oils are different, but they work the same way, except this one feels a little bit heavier on my skin. Super glowy results!

6. Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Hydration Mask: This is a great mask for when you want to pamper your skin and include a hydrating mask in your at home facial. It does really hydrate and plump up the skin, but it doesn't seem to be "too much" resulting in shine or blemishes.

Chapped Lips

7. Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment: This is super hydrating and gentle on lips that are already irritated. I like to use it in the morning when I apply my moisturizer, it helps prep my lips for lippies later on.

Irritated Skin

8. Derma-e Soothing Facial Treatment Oil (see my review of Derma-e Facial Oils): This hydrates but also calms down irritate skin. I actually use it pretty frequently on my hands for eczema flares. My eczema doesn't like the anti-bacterial foam we use in my ICU, so after a few days at work I can start to get rashy. If I apply a few drops of this at night to the back of my hands, then all is well with the world.

Dark Spots

9. Aveeno Positively Radiant Tone Corrector: Rather than working with hydroquinone, this targeted treatment uses Soy and increases cell turnover with a retinoid (not pregnancy safe).

Puffy Eyes

10. Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller: This is somehow the only eye product that I've ever used and really seen an immediate difference in my puffy eyes. I use it when I'm having allergy issues (again, not pregnancy safe).

Wrinkles

11. RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Eye Cream and 12. RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream are both retinoid creams, but they've altered the release of the retinoid, so it is slower. You'll get more results and less irritation that way. Did you notice I didn't have a high end retinoid product to recommend yesterday? That's because these ones are much better than any I've used that are more expensive. Buy the RoC. (Again, not pregnancy safe.)


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3

Makeup Wars: My Favorite Skin Savers

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Today for Makeup Wars we're sharing our favorite skin savers, products that we reach for when we need to solve a skin issue. I ran into a bit of a problem when writing today's post. I had too many skin care products to recommend! So while I've divided products into the problems they solve, I've also decided to split everything into 2 posts. Today, the "high end" products (I don't really use truly luxury brands, so the highest I get is Kiehl's and products from Sephora/ULTA). Tomorrow, I'll repeat this post with my favorite drugstore problems solvers, some of which are near dupes for products on this list!

Dry Skin

1. Kiehl's 'Midnight Recovery Concentrate' Elixir: To say that I'm obsessed with the Midnight Recovery Concentrate is probably an understatement. Since my original Midnight Recovery review I've declared it one of the best products in my first 5 years of blogging (which was, wow, 2 1/2 years ago already?) and a travel beauty essential product. I won't get on a plane without it! If my face is feeling at all dry, I just apply a few drops of this product to my skin before bed, and in the morning I'm glowy and dewy again. It's a miracle!

2. Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve: This hand cream was reviewed on my blog all the way back on February 2, 2007. Which was my first week of blogging. It's one of my go-to products to save my hands in the middle of winter. Working in a Peds ICU means I wash (or anti-bacterial foam) my hands before and after each patient, and in the winter I do that again pretty much any available moment. Add on lower humidity, heated air, cold air outside... I need a heavy duty hand cream! So, this one lives in the pocket of my white coat. I even featured it in my best winter hand creams post.

3. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream (my review of Ultra Repair Cream): In the winter I definitely go all out trying to keep my skin hydrated. We keep a tub of this cream right next to our kitchen sink for easy use, and I have a second tub up in the bathroom to use on any trouble dry spots. A few applications of Ultra Repair Cream on any dry areas (usually on my legs) can really keep my eczema flares away.

Chapped Lips

When my lips get chapped or a bit painful, I pull out these two products. 5. Osmia Organics Honey-Myrrh Lip Repair is a balm that was actually developed to help heal cheilitis, that horrible irritation you get in the corner of your mouth. 6. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy is more of a liquidy ointment, and I think it is easier to wear under things. So, I use the Ultra Repair Lip Therapy throughout the day, and at night I layer the Osmia Lip Repair over it.

Clogged Pores

4. Ellen Lange Retexturizing Peel Kit (see my Retexturizing Peel Kit review): This is a great, gentle peel that even my Rosacea sensitive skin can handle. It evens out texture and pigmentation and helps clogged pores.

7. Kiehl's 'Rare Earth' Deep Pore Cleansing Masque: This is my favorite "higher end" mud mask. It does a great job of pulling everything out but it doesn't feel tight or hurt when it dries. This is another one of my first reviews on 15 Minute Beauty, this one about 2 weeks after I started the blog.

8. Clarisonic Mia2: There are a lot of deep cleansing brushes, and I use a Clarisonic Plus. The Mia2 is the one I most often recommend to buy, it is very sturdy and a bit smaller (and easier for travel) than my plus.

9. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment: This green goo takes under a minute in the shower, but leaves your skin smooth and glowy. Check out my ExfoliKate review.

Dark Spots

10. Kiehl's 'Clearly Corrective' Dark Spot Solution: I like this stuff so much I actually have an entire Clearly Corrective Review Series. What I like about it is that it doesn't really lighten/bleach dark spots (which is a problem because you always get a bit of the surrounding area, which turns ultra light and makes the dark spot seem even more obvious). Instead, you can use it all over your face and it helps speed up cell turnover, prevents melanin from going crazy and creating dark spots and has a great side effect of fighting aging.

Pimples

11. Murad Acne Spot Fast Fix: This spot treatment has Benzoyl Peroxide in a gel delivery, and I swear it gets into my blemishes faster.

12. Tanda Zap Power: This is a slightly smaller (and rechargeable) version of my Tanda Zap, which I really do think helps my blemishes. I've been using it since my review, I don't even know how many times I've replaced the battery.

Wrinkles

13. Tria Age-Defying Laser: If you read my Age-Defying Laser post you know that I was happy with the results I was getting, with minimal irritation. I had to stop using it due to my pregnancy, but I plan to restart after I deliver this baby girl.

Irritated Skin

14. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask (my Instant Oatmeal Mask review): This is perfect whether your problem is a sunburn or windburn. And it smells like a cookie.

Stay tuned for a drugstore version of this list tomorrow!

An InLinkz Link-up

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9

Getting Rid of Crow's Feet: What Actually Works?

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I'm pretty lucky. Thanks to good genes, daily sunscreen since my teens and lots of big sunglasses (I hate squinting, I will wear sunglasses outside at any possible moment), my eyes are relatively wrinkle free for my age. But that doesn't mean I ignore that area! I'm all about eye creams (check out dermatologists' favorite eye creams if you need a good one) and I loved my Tria Age Defying Laser (an at home non-ablative laser, similar to what is mentioned below), I'll start using it again once I have baby #2!

But if you really want to see results when treating your crow's feet, rather than just preventing them from appearing (like me), what should you do? I asked a few dermatologists for their favorites to actually treat crow's feet.


At Home

Eric Schweiger, MD is a Dermatologist at Clear Clinic Acne Treatment Center in New York City
Daily use of an eye cream to plump up the skin around the eyes will also help. Wearing sunglasses will also help prevent more crow’s feet from forming.

Karen Stolman, MD is a Dermatologist in Salt Lake City and she writes Skinality
For at home, I recommend topicals containing retinoids and growth factors.

Debra Jaliman, MD is a Dermatologist in New York City
For crows feet it's good to use retinol at night but be sure to uses a sunscreen in the morning. You can also use peptides which stimulates collagen production.

Fayne L. Frey, MD is a Dermatologist in West Nyack, NY and the founder of Fry Face, a product selection tool
As moisturizers, anti-wrinkle creams increase hydration of the skin temporarily reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles! The most effective way to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including crows feet around the eyes, is to moisturize the skin in the morning and evening. Apply sunscreen daily, scientifically proven to be the most effective over the counter anti-aging preventative on the market today.

Dr. Goldfaden
At home you can use any types of eye creams. Look for ingredients such as Arnica, hyaluronic acid, rice bran extract and soy peptides. These help to remove darkness, puffiness and wrinkles. Our Bright Eyes targets darkness, puffiness and fine lines and wrinkles.



In The Doctor's Office

Eric Schweiger, MD is a Dermatologist at Clear Clinic Acne Treatment Center in New York City
For in-office, Botox is hands down the best option for crow’s feet. It has the ability to erase them in a single treatment. It just received FDA-approval for crow’s feet last year.

Karen Stolman, MD is a Dermatologist in Salt Lake City and she writes Skinality
My favorite in-office crow's feet and periorbital wrinkle treatment are in order from short-term to longer term are: Botox, fillers, radio-frequency tightening, laser resurfacing.

Debra Jaliman, MD is a Dermatologist in New York City
As a dermatologist I offer Botox injections for the crows feet. I also perform non-ablative laser procedures. The genesis laser is very effective for crows feet as is the Medlite laser. It take a series of 4-6 lasers performed 2 weeks apart.

Fayne L. Frey, MD is a Dermatologist in West Nyack, NY and the founder of Fry Face, a product selection tool
Dermatologists can offer an array of treatments that can improve the appearance of aging. Prescription strength retinoids, vitamin A derivatives, can have a beneficial effect. Chemical peels, laser treatments, injectables like BOTOX and fillers can all be utilized to minimize the appearance of the aging face.

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Dermatologist's Favorite Facial Cleansers

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David Bank, MD is a Dermatologist at The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, NY
1. CeraVe makes a cleanser (CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser) that is effective in taking off bacteria and makeup, yet gentle enough to not dry out skin.

2. Many makeup removers tend to be too harsh, so it’s important to find one that removes waterproof makeup yet doesn’t strip skin of natural oils such as Ole Henricksen The Clean Truth Cleansing Cloths.

3. Try a cleansing oil to remove makeup, dirt and bacteria from skin in one fell swoop such as Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil.


Karen Stolman, MD is a Dermatologist in Salt Lake City and she writes Skinality
4. I like the eye makeup remover made by Aveda (Pure Comfort Eye Makeup Remover) because it is refreshing, gentle and minus the additives.

5. I love using a simple gentle cleanser like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.


Debra Jaliman, MD is a Dermatologist in New York City
6. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is gentle and moisturizing. It contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid and also ceramides. Great for even the most sensitive skin.

7. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser, Pink Grapefruit. It's got a great scent and contains salicylic acid. Great for oily, acne prone skin.

8. Clinique Naturally Gentle Eye Make up Remover. Great for very sensitive eyes, doesn't irritate and actually removes the eye makeup.


Dr. Goldfaden
9. I always recommend our Pure Start Cleanser. Appropriate for all skin types and very safe for sensitive types, Rosacea and Eczema.

10. Tatcha Oil Cleanser is very nice and a bit more hydrating while still being natural. Both of these remove eye makeup as well!

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0

Not Just Sunscreen: Skin Tips For Out In the Sun

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I'm a big advocate of sunscreen. This pale girl doesn't do much beyond freckle when I'm outside, not a look I'm fond of for me. I also have a mom that's avoided the sun most of her life, and now you can really see a big difference in her looks when you compare her to some friends that worshipped the sun. My goal is to be my mom, younger looking than my friends, and to avoid the clumps of freckles.

I've written a lot about sunscreen. I have a whole Sunscreen 101 series, a ton of sunscreen reviews and I even obsess over whether a product is actual full UV spectrum coverage or just broad spectrum. (And yes, it does make a difference!)

But, there's a lot of things you should be doing to protect your skin all summer long, not just wearing sunscreen. So, I asked a few of my favorite dermatologists what their advice is for a day out in the sun. Do they recommend using anti-oxidant creams after sun exposure, any hydrating lotions, etc?


Brian Zelickson, MD is the founder of MD Complete Skincare
"Physical protection, hats with brims, sunglasses, lip balm, etc. I do really like adding anti-oxidants as well both before and after sun exposure and retionoids after exposure. Hydration is key as well so best to use products that also have good moisturizers in them like MD Complete."


David Bank, MD is a Dermatologist at The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, NY
"Try to stay in the shade if possible and always reapply sunscreen at least every two hours. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect sensitive areas and constantly rehydrate.
After sun exposure, apply a lightweight moisturizer with soothing aloe. Lighter lotions tend to be absorbed into the skin faster than heavy creams.
Using antioxidant products will help fight age lines and free radical damage from the environment."


Eric Schweiger, MD is a Dermatologist at Clear Clinic Acne Treatment Center in New York City
"Besides sunscreen, I would recommend using an antioxidant serum containing vitamin C to help combat free radicals and provide a secondary line of protection against UV rays."


Karen Stolman, MD is a Dermatologist in Salt Lake City and she writes Skinality
"Yes, I like the anti-oxidant serums for before and after sun exposure. In addition, the oral supplement called Heliocare can be taken prior to sun exposure."


Debra Jaliman, MD is a Dermatologist in New York City
"Wraparound sunglasses, hat, sun protective clothing. After the sun, moisturize with antioxidants."


Haley Kulow is a makeup artist and esthetician in New York City
"Drink tons of water, avoid hot showers after, aloe is the best after a day in the sun since it naturally cools your skin.
Apply moisturizer directly after washing your face to lock in hydration."


Dr. Goldfaden
"Protective clothing and hats area must! Having an umbrella can help as well. After sun always hydrate your skin with a serum . Look for one that is anti-inflammatory (Red Tea), hydrating (hyaluronic acid) and soothing (aloe, camomile or oatmeal)."

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Dermatologists and their Favorite Herbal and Botanical Skincare Ingredients

I obviously write a lot about skincare, both here and over on Babble. I'm not a dermatologist, instead I'm someone with a medical background that can understand a lot of what she reads about dermatology, but I don't have the clinical experience of a dermatologist (I spend my days treating super sick kids, rashes don't come up that often!)

I recently decided to ask a lot of dermatologists (and 1 esthetician) for their favorite herbal and botanical skincare ingredients. There isn't a great resource for me to read about these ingredients, and I'm always curious which natural skincare ingredients they think are truly worth the hype!


"Green tea is a great botanical ingredient it is high in antioxidant properties. I'm also a big fan of pomegranate flower. It is found in Lierac Magnificence Red Serum. It is very high in antioxidants."
~ Debra Jaliman, MD is a board certified dermatologist with a private practice in New York City.

"Avocado, which nourishes the skin with a rich supply of Omega 3, 6 and 9. Green Tea is an antioxidant which also has anti-inflammatory properties to heal and calm the skin. Concord Grape, another powerful antioxidant, is rich in polyphenols that neutralizes free radicals to help the skin avoid the signs of premature aging. There are two organic skin care lines- GM Collins BioOrganique and Dr. Hauschka skin care, both use these ingredients."
~ Avery Kuflik, MD is a board certified dermatologist with a private practice in New Jersey.

"There are many different botanical ingredients used in skin care now a days. A really good one is cucumber extract which has calming and cooling properties that are beneficial to all skin types. Green tea extract is really rich in antioxidants and vitamins so it makes it beneficial for all skin types."
~ David E. Bank, MD from The Center for Dermatology in Mt. Kisco, NY

"Soy is great especially for people with dark spots and those who want youthful skin. One word of caution in those women with active breast cancer: there is conflicting evidence as to whether the phytoestrogenic effects in soy may help fight or worsen breast cancer. Best to discuss with your oncologist if this situation applies to you."
~ Rahat Azfar, MD of Vanguard Dermatology in New York City.

"Aloe vera for any inflamed skin eruption from acne to eczema."
~ Karen Stolman, MD is a Dermatologist in Salt Lake City and she writes Skinality

"Tea Tree Oil is a natural anti-bacteria, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory ingredient."
~ Haley Kulow is a makeup artist and esthetician in New York City

0

The Best Order to Apply Your Skincare

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Did you know that you could be missing some of the benefits of your expensive skincare? Simply because you put things on in the wrong order? Skincare needs to be absorbed to work. If it can't get to the right location in your skin, it just can't do its job.

Over in the May 2014 issue of Martha Stewart Living there's a great beauty article about applying skincare in the right order, and they recommend the same things I do (here's my Babble article on skincare order).

I modified the image from the article a bit to show it off here (so, go buy the issue and you'll see what products their derm experts recommended and why), but I thought it was probably time to have a post on 15 Minute Beauty going over skincare application order.

Here's the order you should be applying your expensive skincare?

1. Cleanser
This is obvious, wash before applying expensive products.

2. Toner
This step is optional. Old school toners had a lot of alcohol or even acetone (!! Yes!) to help them evaporate off of your skin quickly. This was drying and obviously is the cause of toner's bad rap. There are new formulations out now, they're gentle on your skin and many include anti-aging ingredients like anti-oxidants and peptides. If you have dry or sensitive skin, skipping this step is probably a good idea.

3. Eyes
If you are worried about anti-aging, you definitely should be using an eye cream! Check out do you need an eye cream and the favorite eye creams of dermatologists.

4. Treatment
This is where things start to get a bit tricky. I usually recommend sticking to one treatment product to make things a bit easier, but you could certainly add additional products, especially if there are products that you're only using every 2 or 3 nights.

You should always start with any prescription medications. Those are the most important, you need them to absorb and do their job. Next, apply the lightest treatment product and work your way up to anything greasy or thicker. Those thicker, oil based products prevent lighter products from being absorbed into your skin.

5. Boost/Serums
I like to recommend a lightweight and gentle serum for every night. Look for ingredients like anti-oxidants and peptides that will help prevent aging but are non-irritating and you will be able to use them every night. If I'm using a night cream with these ingredients, this step can become optional.

6. Moisturize
I use a heavier moisturizer at night, and I like to use a lighter weight moisturizer with SPF 15 or 30 during the day.

7. Protect/Sunscreen
If my morning moisturizer doesn't have a sunscreen or I'll be spending quite a bit of time outside, I add an extra layer of a lightweight sunscreen on top of everything.

In general, you do need to allow a few minutes in between each product to let it sink into your skin, but you shouldn't need a lot of time. I'll usually wash my face, apply eye cream and my first treatment product (Clindamycin prescription for my Rosacea) at the same time, because they go on different areas of my face. I brush my teeth while those sink in, and then depending on what product I'm using for a review, I either apply another treatment, serum or my night cream. I usually have about 1-2 minutes between products, but that's about all you'll need.

Martha Stewart

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January Labs Skincare Review: Reveal Your Glow

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It's finally spring, and I can't tell you how glad I am to have warm weather! With any change of weather, I need to change things up a bit. Especially skin care. The super hydrating products I was using all winter are too heavy for spring, and suddenly I feel the need to extra clean everything up. Luckily I've been using the perfect skin care line for this time of year!

January Labs is based out of Southern California (very close to where I used to live in Orange County). Their philosophy is that less is more, so they make the most of their active ingredients. They pair active ingredients that work well together and put everything in the right environment to make that ingredient as active as possible. For example, Vitamin C has to be in an acidic pH environment. It seems simple, but not every skin care line is formulated that way.


Retexturizing Night Cream
The Night Cream is more of a lotion packed full of active ingredients that love an acidic environment. Because of this, it was difficult for my Rosacea. I did have a bit of tingling after application, but the next day my face was red. Stupid Rosacea! I did retry a few weeks later, applying a very light layer under a basic moisturizer and my skin could handle the lotion roughly every 3 nights or so. I think this was all due to my sensitivity from Rosacea, someone else would be able to tolerate using this product every night.

The lotion sinks in pretty quickly, and while it is hydrating it isn't super hydrating. It doesn't leave behind a residue and is pretty light, you could easily layer something else over it.



A few ingredients in this formulation:
• Lactic Acid: This is a 9% Lactic Acid product, which is quite high. This will help
• Verbena Extract: Applied topically, it can help wound healing.
• Beta Glucan: This is a sugar that can penetrate down into the skin. It helps with wound healing, and helps calm irritation.
• Niacinamide: The same active ingredient as StriVectin (though StriVectin has modified the molecule for their own products), you can learn all about why it is kind of amazing in this post.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Not really an acid, this is a very large molecule that can hold on to a lot of moisture and super hydrate your skin.
• Vitamin C: I have a whole post about how Vitamin C works in skin care, it's great stuff!
• Vitamin E: Great for healing and anti-oxidant activity.


Revitalizing Day Cream
Due to my sensitivity to the Night Cream, the Day Cream became my go-to product. This product is also more of a lotion than a cream, it sinks in quickly and has light hydration. I found that it works great under makeup.



A few ingredients in this formulation:
• Verbena Extract
• Beta Glucan
• Niacinamide
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Vitamin E
• A lot of extracts such as Green Tea which have anti-oxidant activity and help soothe the skin.


Glow and Go Power Peel Exfoliant
This is probably my favorite of the January Labs products. This is a mask, but also kind of a facial peel, but it is very gentle while it reveals glowing skin!

The product looks like honey, and has a similar, but non-sticky, consistency. When you apply it to your face it does smell a bit like a chemical (almost like lactic acid, but that isn't in the product). After about 30 seconds the smell goes away. It dries on your face over about 10-15 minutes. It feels a bit like dried plastic on your face, and the drying process doesn't hurt or feel like anything is happening really. I wash it off in the shower, it does take a little scrubbing with your hands just because you're rehydrating it and washing it off.

Once the mask is off my face looks great! My pores look smaller, things feels smoother and more importantly, not at all red and irritated. I just look glowy!




Restorative Tonic Mist
This is the product I used only a few times, I full admit that I'm not used to misting things onto my face! I just would forget about it, but I did really like it. The mist is light and refreshing, you can apply it before your skin care or just randomly throughout the day.


Overall, I really have liked using January Labs. I'm impressed with how many ingredients they pack into each product (I've only highlighted a fraction of what is in each product, it was quite the list!) and this spring my skin has really loved this line! I'm pretty glowy and my pores look great thanks to the lactic acid every few days in the night cream and the Glow and Go Power Peel.


January Labs
Product Sent for Review

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The Amazing Skin Diet: A Dermatologist Reveals What You Should Eat For Great Skin!

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I can't tell you how many times I've been asked for a post exactly like this, but I just haven't had the time to pull one together. Today, Dr. David E. Bank is sharing his knowledge on what foods you should be including in your diet for amazing skin! Dr. Bank is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Founder & Director of The Center For Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery in Mt. Kisco, NY.



Green Tea
There have been a number of encouraging studies showing the skin benefits of green tea. Animal studies showed protection from skin cancer. Both animal and human studies have credibly demonstrated that topical green tea formulations reduce sun damage. Green tea appears to exert sun damage protection by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation rather than by blocking UV rays. Therefore, green tea may synergistically enhance sun protection when used in addition to a sunscreen.


Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a skin-friendly ingredient that helps keeping your skin healthy, glowing and just flawless. Dark chocolate hosts a range of potent antioxidants. These antioxidants protect your skin from free radical damage; keeping it soft, supple and juvenile for long. With great sun protection properties, it shields your skin against detrimental UV rays and thus helps preventing conditions like sunburns and skin cancer. Regular consumption of dark chocolate helps you achieve a smooth, problem free complexion. It also keeps your skin moist and well nourished. Stress is a huge beauty bummer. If not checked, it can ruin your entire personality. Dark chocolate boasts wonderful stress-relieving qualities and work wonders in getting you a glowing skin by reducing elevated stress hormones.


Almond Milk
Almond milk is an excellent source of vitamin E, a known antioxidant. Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals alter cell genetic code, resulting to mutated proteins. When mutation happens, cancer may develop. Free radicals often cause irreversible damage to the skin; it contributes to collagen and elastin depletion. Collagen and elastin are important substances that give the skin its elasticity and firmness. The collagen and elastin supply of the skin are depleted after prolonged exposure to free radicals. As you get older, your body is unable to replenish the depleted supply; this is the primary cause of wrinkles, fine lines and other skin blemishes. Vitamin E, present in almond milk, protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals; this makes the skin healthy and younger-looking. Almond Milk Hydrates the Skin Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin is found in abundance in almond milk. It helps the tissues of the skin, hair and nails to use oxygen. Riboflavin also assists in synthesizing tryptophan—an amino acid—and producing niacin in the process. Niacin, also referred to as vitamin B3, aids in circulation. The skin benefits greatly from proper circulation. Niacin also helps in hydrating the skin by trapping moisture in the cells.


Water
Drinking plenty of water is great for your skin. If you don't drink enough water, you'll suffer from dry skin, and you'll be likely to use more creams and lotions to moisturize. However, creams and lotions don't strike at the root of the problem. Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin moisturized and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.


Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and essential fatty acids. Which can help retain water and stay moisturized.


Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in vitamins. Vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin K, alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene are all within tomatoes. These are great antioxidants and help the skin maintain healthy collagen.


Pumpkin
The vibrant orange color of this squash indicates that it’s loaded with beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant. This gets converted to Vitamin A which helps prevent wrinkles and keep your skin youthful and moisturized. This is the perfect food if you are experiencing dry skin because of the cold weather. Pumpkin is also loaded with Vitamin C, another antioxidant that protects collagen and boosts our immune systems.


Carrot
Carrots are not only good for your eyes but that are also amazing for smooth skin. Our skin is up against a lot of environmental factors every day like sun radiation and toxins, which combined with stress, leads to weakened defense against damaging free radicals that attack our skin. Carotenoids, found in carrots, are your protection from these everyday pollutants and will prevent wrinkles.


Olive Oil
Olive oil contains four major antioxidants which allow it to work as a cleanser and moisturizer. Among these antioxidants are Vitamin A and Vitamin E, Vitamin E accounts for anti- aging benefits because it helps restore skin elasticity.


Red Wine
Everyone would wish to have a healthy glowing skin and this magic is one of the many benefits of drinking red wine. The red wine benefits for skin is because the antioxidants that protects your skin and prevents it from ageing. Red wine contains polyphenol. The antioxidant called resveratrol has anti-inflammatory properties which can protect the body from various diseases caused by inflammation. Apart from this, it also boosts the brain by providing brain – health, memory power and preventing diseases like dementia.


Sweet Potato
In just one sweet potato you will find more than 200% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for having amazing skin, because it promotes the growth of new skin cells and increases the rate at which this happens, which leaves you with vibrant skin. Also, from a sweet potato, you’ll get three grams of fiber which keeps your digestive tract healthy and functioning properly during the season of eating. A healthy and functioning digestive track can help keep your breakouts to a minimum.


Kale
This green veggie is the top of the list when it comes to beauty foods. Kale is full of antioxidants that are a great way of reducing wrinkles because they slow down the ageing process. Kale also contains Vitamin A which is essential for the health of your skin. It has been proven to be helpful in averting a host of skin diseases as well.


Dr. David E. Bank is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Founder & Director of The Center For Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery in Mt. Kisco, NY. Dr. Bank received his Bachelor's degree with honors from Yale University and he received his medical degree from Columbia University. He interned in internal medicine at Montefiore Hospital and returned to Columbia University Presbyterian Hospital for his dermatology training and has remained on the faculty since that time.

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