Skincare Products + Skin Care Techniques

Skin Products & Devices

Skincare products & skin care techniques for skin problems. How to apply Retinol & Vitamin C. Anti-aging skincare. How to treat acne, brown spots, dry skin, wrinkles, Keratosis Pilaris. Skincare ingredient list. Skincare research. Skin care techniques, news, products, tutorials.

How to use anti-aging devices such as NuFace and Revive light therapy devices. Details on dermaplaning and cleansing devices. News of the latest skin care products.

CURRENT SKIN CARE OBSESSIONS: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid.

How to Best Use Mandelic Acid for Acne to Aging

July 1, 2019 · 5 Comments

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, and no acne treatment would be complete without Mandelic Acid.

Retinol is still the gold standard for acne. But peeling acids are more common in acne and acne scar treatment. And Mandelic Acid is an ingredient worthy of your attention. It gets the results of a robust acid but with little to no skin irritation.

WHAT IS MANDELIC ACID?

Mandelic acid is a natural ingredient that comes from bitter almonds

Mandelic acid is a natural ingredient that is extracted from bitter almonds

Mandelic acid is a very gentle AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid).

It penetrates the skin slowly, making it suitable for even sensitive skin.

While it is an “acid” it is very gentle and rarely causes skin irritation.

It is natural, clean, green, and skin-friendly.

It is useful in organic and clean beauty skin care product formulations.

HOW MANDELIC ACID WORKS: ACNE TO ANTI-AGING

It works by accelerating cell turnover by dissolving the tiny bonds that hold skin cells together. This microexfoliation accomplishes several skincare objectives.

ACNE

It is an exceptionally effective acne treatment.

It removes bacteria-trapping dead skin, which contributes to acne formation. Dead skin also dulls the complexion and makes fine lines look worse. Removing dead skin cells brightens skin.

It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory. If you have adult acne, products with Mandelic acid in their formulations is ideal to treat both acne and signs of skin aging. (1)

ANTI-AGING

It has excellent anti-aging properties.

It is helpful for:

smoothing mesh-like pattern wrinkles
promotes collagen production. More collagen increases skin’s elasticity and youthful appearance. Collagen counteracts sun damage by smoothing and refining the skin surface. Sun damage is the largest cause of visible signs of aging.
reducing hyperpigmentation. It lightens acne scars, sun damage, and age spots.

MANDELIC ACID VS GLYCOLIC ACID

Both acids are highly effective at causing rapid cell turnover.
Both reveal younger, smoother, brighter skin.
Both acids dissolve the “glue” holding dead skin cells.
Both remove dead skin cells without forceful scrubbing.
Both are ideal for skin unable to tolerate harsh exfoliants.

A difference between the acids is that Mandelic acid has a larger molecular structure than glycolic acid. Smaller molecular structures penetrate the skin faster and deeper. (2)

If the skin can tolerate glycolic, that’s great. But if the skin gets irritated by Glycolic acid, Mandelic acid is an ideal option.

It’s larger molecular structure gets the job done, albeit a tad slower. But you won’t have to skip a day due to irritation like sometimes occurs with retinol.

Mandelic is kinder to the skin. There is little to no irritation and redness with regular use. (3)

Read How to Use Glycolic Acid (aHA) for better skin

MANDELIC ACID TIPS FOR BEST USE

Skin using any AHA is more sensitive to light. Always wear sunscreen
To avoid irritation, choose products with 10% or less Mandelic Acid concentrations

HYPERPIGMENTATION

Some hyperpigmentation fading ingredients work best on pink undertone skin.

Mandelic Acid works on the hyperpigmentation of all skin tone types.

It inhibits melanin production in existing scars, age spots, and acne marks. (4) This reduces hyperpigmentation of all types on all skin tones.

Mandelic Acid: A Holy Grail Ingredient

A “Holy Grail Ingredient”!

It reduces sun damage, acne, and hyperpigmentation. It gently exfoliates and improves skin texture. It works on all skin tones and textures, including mature and sensitive skin.

It is natural and suitable for organic product formulations.

A Style Chicks skincare superstar! ??

REFERENCES

Debowska, Renata & Kaszuba, Aleksandra & Michalak, Iwona & Dzwiga‚owska, Agata & Cieciska, Czanita & Jakimiuk, Elbieta & Zieli„ska, Joanna & Kaszuba, Andrzej. (2015). Evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of mandelic acid-containing cosmetic formulations for acne skin care. Dermatology Review. 4. 316-321. 10.5114/dr.2015.53419.
Garg VK, Sinha S, Sarkar R. Glycolic acid peels versus salicylic-mandelic acid peels in active acne vulgaris and post-acne scarring and hyperpigmentation: A comparative study. Dermatol Surg 2009;35:59-65.
Taylor MB. Summary of mandelic acid for the improvement of skin conditions. Cosmet Dermatol 1999;12:26-8
Kessler E, Flanagan K, Chia C, Rogers C, Glaser DA. Comparison of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid chemical peels in the treatment of mild to moderately severe facial acne vulgaris. Dermatol Surg 2008;34:45-50.

Osmotics Cream Extreme Intensive Repair

June 25, 2019 · 8 Comments

Retinol, Alpha-hydroxy acids, and Vitamin C have a common side effect: before beautiful skin, there’s often irritation, redness, dehydration, and peeling. If your go-to exfoliator, peel, or serum leaves skin cranky, don’t forsake them just yet. Try Osmotics Cream Extreme Intensive Repair to calm the irritation while promoting younger-looking skin that’s dewy and soft.

Osmotics Cosmeceuticals Cream Extreme Intensive Repair treats skin affected by harsh weather conditions and drying topical treatments

ABOUT THIS CREAM: HOW IT FEELS

Just a bit of this thick cream goes a long way. It goes on like a decadent masque but in a few minutes dries down smooth and not the least bit sticky.

Creamy texture

STANDOUT FEATURE

Its’ standout feature is BRT, or Barrier Repair Technology, a patented combination of epidermal lipids clinically proven to restore and maintain a healthy skin barrier. And while BRT protects the skin from further harm, the combination of vitamins and antioxidants repair, soothe, and refine skin texture. This results in healthier, younger-looking skin.

Supporting Ingredients

Vitamin E: Vitamin E softens skin texture and reduces acne scars. Vitamin E makes old acne scars softer and more pliable. Vitamin E makes rough, sunburned, scarred, or otherwise damaged skin soft and pliable. Once the skin is pliable, other treating ingredients can work their magic.

Linoleic acid: Linoleic acid (Vitamin F) is an omega-6 fatty acid with skin barrier-strengthening, healing, hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties.

Lavender Oil: Lavender Oil softens and conditions the skin. Lavender’s anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties keep skin healthy. It has soothing properties to calm any imbalances such as inflammation or dry skin flaking. The linalyl acetate in lavender enhances cell growth in the skin.

Ceramides: Ceramides are the fatty acids that help to hold cells together and protect the epidermis. Natural ceramides deplete with age or due to excessive stripping of the natural skin oils.

Orange Oil: Orange Oil is an antioxidant that reduces inflammation. It improves collagen production resulting in the reduction of dark spots and wrinkles.

WHAT Cream Extreme DOES BEST & HOW IT DOES IT

This BRT and vitamin combination cream gives protection from environmental pollutants and harsh weather that can make even normal skin act overly sensitive. Whether you’re a beach bunny or ski slope siren, Osmotics Cream Extreme Intensive Repair keeps skin protected and hydrated in both hot, dry weather or cold and windy environments.

It’s also ideal for getting the skin to a glowing, dewy baseline after the red, peeling aftermath of a laser or dermal skin procedure or at-home Glycolic peel or over-aggressive acne creams.

Osmotics Cream Extreme Intensive Repair

MY FAVORITE WAY TO USE THIS PRODUCT

My favorite use for Cream Extreme so far is when I accidentally overdo my Retinol and wake up to a red, irritated face: Osmotics Cream Extreme Intensive Repair is amazing for getting the skin back on track, quelling tightness and irritation and leaving skin dewy and soft.

WHO IS IT GOOD FOR?

Ideal for those with Hypersensitive skin, acne-prone skin, oily skin, dry skin, combination skin, normal skin, sensitive skin, and mature skin. If your face or neck skin has reason to be dry, irritated, or dehydrated, whether the weather, forced indoor heating or cooling, pollution exposure, or if it is irritated due to topical treatments for acne, wrinkles, or skin texture, Osmotics Creme Extreme Intense Repair can help with its soothing combination of Vitamin E, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, and Antioxidants.

A worthy go-to hydration and repair tool in your skin beauty arsenal!

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find Osmotics Cream Extreme Intensive Repair at Osmotics.com, Neiman Marcus, and DermStore

ABOUT OSMOTICS Cosmeceuticals

Osmotics skincare

The founder of Osmotics Cosmeceuticals, Francine, had sensitive skin since age 14. This made finding effective skincare products difficult.

Osmotics products respect delicate and sensitive skin and contain only what is necessary to gain meaningful results with the least risk of skin irritation. To do this, they use clinically proven, state of the art ingredients without the common fillers found in many products. The rationale is fewer chemicals within a product reduces the risk of interactions and irritation.

Osmotics has a full line of eye, face, neck, and body treatment products, cleansers and moisturizers, as well as makeup products.

As of summer, 2019, Osmotics added a hair treatment line to their range.

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

Have any questions about Osmotics Cream Extreme Intensive Repair?

The Style Chicks are here to answer them.

ABOUT THIS POST

Osmotics Cream Extreme Intensive Repair was submitted to StyleChicks for consideration purposes. All opinions and experiences are 100% our own.

Osmotics Cream Extreme Intensive Repair How to Best Use

June 25, 2019 · 8 Comments

How to Best Use Osmotics Cream Extreme Intensive Repair, updated June 2025

Retinol, Alpha-hydroxy acids, and Vitamin C have a common side effect: before beautiful skin, there’s often irritation, redness, dehydration, and peeling. If your go-to exfoliator, peel, or serum leaves skin cranky, don’t forsake them just yet. Try Osmotics Cream Extreme Intensive Repair to calm the irritation while promoting younger-looking skin that’s dewy and soft.

Osmotics Cosmeceuticals Cream Extreme Intensive Repair treats skin affected by harsh weather conditions and drying topical treatments

ABOUT THIS CREAM: HOW IT FEELS

Just a bit of this thick cream goes a long way. It goes on like a decadent masque but in a few minutes dries down smooth and not the least bit sticky.

Creamy texture

STANDOUT FEATURE

Its’ standout feature is BRT, or Barrier Repair Technology, a patented combination of epidermal lipids clinically proven to restore and maintain a healthy skin barrier.

And while BRT protects the skin from further harm, the combination of vitamins and antioxidants repair, soothe, and refine skin texture. This results in healthier, younger-looking skin.

Supporting Ingredients

Vitamin E: Vitamin E softens skin texture and reduces acne scars.Vitamin E makes old acne scars softer and more pliable. Vitamin E makes rough, sunburned, scarred, or otherwise damaged skin soft and pliable. Once the skin is pliable, other treating ingredients can work their magic.

Linoleic acid: Linoleic acid (Vitamin F) is an omega-6 fatty acid with skin barrier-strengthening, healing, hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties.

Lavender Oil: Lavender Oil softens and conditions the skin. Lavender’s anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties keep skin healthy. It has soothing properties to calm any imbalances such as inflammation or dry skin flaking. The linalyl acetate in lavender enhances cell growth in the skin.

Ceramides: Ceramides are the fatty acids that help to hold cells together and protect the epidermis. Natural ceramides deplete with age or due to excessive stripping of the natural skin oils.

Orange Oil: Orange Oil is an antioxidant that reduces inflammation. It improves collagen production resulting in the reduction of dark spots and wrinkles.

WHAT Cream Extreme DOES BEST & HOW IT DOES IT

It’s also ideal for getting the skin to a glowing, dewy baseline after the red, peeling aftermath of a laser or dermal skin procedure or at-home Glycolic peel or over-aggressive acne creams.

Osmotics Cream Extreme Intensive Repair

MY FAVORITE WAY TO USE THIS PRODUCT

WHO IS IT GOOD FOR?

A worthy go-to hydration and repair tool in your skin beauty arsenal!

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find Osmotics Cream Extreme Intensive Repair at Osmotics.com, Neiman Marcus, and DermStore

ABOUT OSMOTICS Cosmeceuticals

Osmotics skincare

The founder of Osmotics Cosmeceuticals, Francine, had sensitive skin since age 14. This made finding effective skincare products difficult.

Osmotics has a full line of eye, face, neck, and body treatment products, cleansers and moisturizers, as well as makeup products.

As of summer, 2019, Osmotics added a hair treatment line to their range.

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

Have any questions about Osmotics Cream Extreme Intensive Repair?

The Style Chicks are here to answer them.

ABOUT THIS POST

Osmotics Cream Extreme Intensive Repair was submitted to StyleChicks for consideration purposes. All opinions and experiences are 100% our own.

5 Things You Should Know Vitamin K + Dark Undereye Circles

June 24, 2019 · 6 Comments

Vitamin K INGREDIENT GUIDE is an overview of treating dark circles with Phytonadione.

Why K Works for Dark Undereye Circles

Vitamin K, is popular in under-eye creams because it can lighten infraorbital darkness, AKA under eye circles.

Vitamin K is also called Phytonadione on ingredient listings.

Phytonadione is most beneficial for dark circles with a blue or brown undertone.

This kind of dark under eye circle has a vascular component. They are known as “vascular dark circles” because leaking capillaries.

The trapped blood pools in the skin tissues and appears blue or purple once trapped. Over time, as it absorbs and settles, it appears a mid to dark reddish brown, like a bruise.

5 Things You Should Know about Vitamin K

Vitamin K reverses the calcium deposits in elastin fibers. These deposits harden and cause wrinkles.
Phytonadione helps with blood coagulation and circulation.
Some dark circles are caused by weak vessels that allow blood near the surface of your skin. These circles have a blue, purple or brown undertone.
Topical application of Phytonadione cream prior to an in-office procedure strengthens blood vessels. Stronger blood vessels means less bruising after surgical or laser treatments.
As we age, we tend to get more broken capillaries. Vitamin K strengthens these capillaries so they are more resistant to breakage.

What to look for in a Vitamin K Topical

Vitamin K is most effective as part of a team instead of a standalone K cream or gel.

A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed topical Vitamin K works best when paired with retinol, Vitamins C, E, and the Bs. (1)

What to Know About Vitamin K and Retinol

If you use prescription retinol, apply the retinol first and then the topical K product.

What Percentage of Vitamin K is Most Effective?

In order to get Vitamin K benefits, choose a product with enough Phytonadione in the formula to be effective.

The study mentioned above used a 2% Phytonadione concentration when used with retinol, Vitamin C, and similar actives to treat dark circles.

The study showed good effect on strengthening blood vessels to stop future leaking and darkening. But it did not address existing discoloration.

Another study used a 5% concentration paired with other actives and focused on allevating brusing [2].

Recommended Phytonadione Products

Watercress contains Vitamin K along with C, E and copper. One Watercress products we like is Watercress Eye Gel.

Farmaesthetics Watercress Eye Gel

This Farmaesthetics Watercress Eye Gel contains Watercress and certified organic herbs, flowers, and oils from American family farms. An ideal combo to restore, revitalize and refresh.

We love using products with watercress on the delicate eye area skin

Peter Thomas Roth

Peter Thomas Roth POWER K EYE RESCUE combines Phytonadione with several treating ingredients to fix the underlying problem and address existing discoloration.

More UnderEye Dark Circle Options

It is often difficult to conceal dark circles and may be best to keep the skin hydrated and dewy to refract the light.

Another option is brighten around the orbital eye area instead.

Some helpful brightening options we love:

How to Best use Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat
YSL Touche Eclat High Cover Concealer
Why Chantecaille Eye Shade is the Best Brightener (we love shades Peony and Ginger to lighten and brighten the eye area)

REFERENCES

1. Mitsuishi, T. , Shimoda, T. , Mitsui, Y. , Kuriyama, Y. and Kawana, S. (2004), The effects of topical application of phytonadione, retinol and vitamins C and E on infraorbital dark circles and wrinkles of the lower eyelids. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3: 73-75. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00070.x

2. BAUMANN L. & al. The effects of topical vitamin K on bruising after laser treatment. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2002).