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.

I-Max SerumCeuticals Beta Glucan Nourishing & Moisturizing Cream

April 30, 2016 · Leave a Comment

This cream is a cold pressed cream meaning while the cream is made, it uses a process that the ingredients are not excessively heated so that they retain maximum potency. I didn’t know what to expect with this cream, it can be worn daily as a protectant barrier but it says it can be effective if worn for as little as 45 minutes as a mask. Using it as a mask is a nice skin treatment, especially if you mix it with other oils and serums geared toward your specific skin concerns.

APPLICATION
It feels like any other thick cream but the directions say to massage gently into the skin for 2-3 minutes. It didn’t quite feel hot but it did feel notably warm, not stinging or burning, but it could definitely be felt. There is a very light pleasant smell when it is applied that dissipates on dry down and it dries smooth so it is not at all greasy, sticky or tacky. It makes a good base for applying makeup over it as skin is smooth and even. It feels thicker like an eye cream, but avoid use around the eyes.

MY RESULTS
There was some gentle exfoliation from this process and the skin on my face and beck felt very soft. In the hour or so after application, I could still feel it on my skin, sort of warm and very lightly tingling at times, but not tight. A bright red pimple on my cheek dried a bit and looked less red and angry very quickly. Sometimes when I eat spicy foods my lips get dry or cracked so I applied this on the sides of my lips and it resolved quickly. My skin looked more even overall and skin takes on a nice radiance after a few days use.

I have had good results mixing this with serums and oils so far. My preferred for daytime is Vitamin C serum since this cream promotes collagen production, it seemed logical to mix the cream with some Vitamin C. It is recommended that one can add some serums or oils to the cream, but it works pretty good alone as well.

Some other reviews mention others experiences when their skin has been damaged or made too raw or irritated in some way such as they have gotten too much sun or windburn, used a chemical peel, razor burn from shaving. When I first tried this cream, I had over-done it with an exfoliating sponge and some retinol serum in the days before, so my skin was red and irritated. This happens to me sometimes when I over-do it with at-home peels or anti-aging serums or adult acne products. It is unique in that it doesn’t just help as a moisturizer but serves as a protective barrier for the skin when it is more sensitive for a few days after a peel or unintentional skin product overdose. Yet unlike other barrier creams I have tried, it doesn’t leave a weird waxy film on the skin and allows for healing from minor skin irritations such as razor burn or major skin issues such as scarring and some types of burns.

This comes with a small travel jar and a spatula to scoop and pack into said jar. This is nice to have on hand even in my handbag in case my lips or face get sunburned or cracked when the occasion arises.

Very useful product that I will re-order in the future.

I-Max SerumCeuticals Beta Glucan Nourishing & Moisturizing Cream

Derma Nu Anti-Aging Facial System

April 24, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Want an anti-aging program but don’t know where to start? Then this is a good kit because it has almost all of the heavy hitter anti-aging ingredients amongst the three products. These ingredients address puffiness and dryness immediately, lighten brown spots and acne scars quickly, and since topical Vitamin C increases collagen production, they reduce wrinkles and sagging over time (1-3 months). Sometimes wrinkles look worse due to lack of moisture or darkness within the wrinkle crevice, these issues may improve faster if these issues impact your wrinkles.

A veteran of anti-aging will also like the combination of ingredients that work in tandem to address multiple skincare issues.

This trio of anti-aging products is to be used together: a Vitamin C serum, the moisturizer that goes over the serum and an eye cream. I like that everything I need is together in one set since a good anti-aging program needs all three of these items.

NOTE: The moisturizer does have nut derivatives including Macadamia Oil, Coconut Oil, and Cocoa Butter

THE PRODUCTS IN THIS KIT
Vitamin C Serum: Hyaluronic Acid holds moisture so skin looks dewy and plump. It also helps the Vitamin C reach deeper into the skin. On application, skin feels tighter until it dries. Allow several minutes between applying the serum and the moisturizer to allow both to set properly. Does not sting, no real scent to it.

Youth Regenerating Moisturizing Cream
Vitamin C can be drying, so a good moisturizer on top is helpful, especially when Vitamin C is worn during the day. This moisturizer is semi-thick, (not liquid but not Nivea creme solid) and only a small amount with do the trick, I over-applied the first time. If you have ever used Creme de la Mer, you are familiar with the technique to hold the cream between the thumb and forefinger to allow it to warm up a bit and it will be easier to apply, I found this technique helpful in the application. There is cocoa butter in this and it has a semi-butter-like consistency. It took a while to dry down, so give it some time before applying your makeup. I generally apply it and do my hair, then my makeup to give it time to sink in and set.

Lots of good moisturizing ingredients packed into this including a Who’s Who of softening moisturizing oils including Grapeseed, Macadamia Nut, Flax Seed, Jojoba, Primrose, Rose Hip, Palm, Sunflower, Coconut, Avocado, and Borage Oils. Other ingredients include Co-Q-10 (Coenzyme Q-10), Vitamin B5 (a moisturizer and acne fighter), Aloe (to soothe redness), Arnica (for swelling and inflammation), and Cocoa Butter.

Youth Activating Eye Gel
Specifically addressing eye area needs including increased collagen production needs on the delicate undereye skin and the reduction of puffiness around the eye. This is via the Peptide Complex paired with Hyaluronic Acid to drive the Peptide Complex deeper into the skin. The Peptide Complex is a combination of proteins including MSM and L-arginine. MSM is used for connective tissue and collagen production which help the skin around the eye not sag. L-arginine is a reparative building block of skin that repairs burns and sun damage. There was no smell and it was not sticky to apply. Wait awhile before applying makeup on top of the gel. One pump should cover both eyes but you can apply it to the browbone as well.

SOMETHING I DON’T LIKE
Don’t like that the silver decorative line on the clear cap starts to wear off and ends up as little glitter sparkles that transfer onto my fingers and end up on my face when applying the product. To deal with this I just put some scotch tape on the silver ring.

And as much as I love a powerhouse of ingredients, I do have a some minor skin reaction to the daily use of the nut products, so I alternate this set off with other products during the week. If you don’t have this issue, then this is a great daily anti-aging set.

CONCLUSION
Good set with quality ingredients for both anti-aging beginners and veterans. It really hits all the anti-aging and moisturizing bases.

The only other thing you may wish to add to your regimen is a Retinol Serum at night, but using twice a day Vitamin C Serum is effective as well especially for jump-starting collagen production.

Find it at Amazon.com.

Derma Nu Anti-Aging Facial System

I received this kit for testing and review purposes. If you have any questions about my experience with the product, leave me a comment below and Iâ€™ll get back to you!

Gear Ultimate Infused Water Pitcher

April 21, 2016 · 1 Comment

This is the second Gear Ultimate Infuser Iâ€™ve tried, the first being the Infused Water Bottle. The Gear Ultimate Infused Water Pitcher has many of the same excellent qualities as the bottle, in a larger 93oz size. If you are looking to drink more water for health or beauty purposes, then this is a great product for you.

First of all, the infuser is far better than other fruit infusers I have tried in the past. The infuser has small enough holes that seeds and leaves do not get into the water. It is a generous sized infuser in the pitcher, and a lot of fruit can go into the infuser, which is nice. It also allows for infusion â€œrecipesâ€ of ingredients: you can include more than one kind of fruit/vegetable/herb. I tried out Mint and Strawberry and the result was wonderful. No calories, no sugar or artificial sweeteners, and the water is so crisp and refreshing. The packaging comes with recipes that go beyond your standard one fruit infusion: adding something like strawberries or mint to the typical cucumber spa water really makes it enjoyable. I have a whole Pinterest board of spa waters, but the booklet had some mixtures that I hadnâ€™t seen before.

Once you have infused your water, you can take the infuser out and replace it with the freezable and reusable ice core to keep the liquid cold. This is great for outdoor gatherings or just keeping your beverage cold during the day. Itâ€™s great for keeping at your desk at work. I read an article recently that a top derm was saying that it takes two liters a day of water to hydrate your skin. This gives you a little extra, and may end up replacing some not great for you beverages like soft drinks or sugary drinks.

One thing I donâ€™t like is that the lid slips off easily when pouring, even when you hold it in place. I found this out the hard way. However, if you are mindful of that it isnâ€™t that big of a deal.

Gear Ultimate Water Infuser Pitcher

Gear Ultimate Infuser Water Bottle

April 21, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Iâ€™ve been on a bit of a hydration kick lately. This is due to the fact that I have been feeling a bit dehydrated lately (the fact that it is allergy season doesnâ€™t help), and a renewed fascination with spa waters. So for on the go and at the gym, I really like the Gear Ultimate Infuser Water Bottle.

It is made of BPA-free Tritan material, so no worries about chemicals leaking into your otherwise healthy water. The cap seals tightly so I donâ€™t have to worry about it leaking into my gym bag (I have had some disasters of the sort.)

The infuser is made of two parts: the generous sized infuser tube and a cap. The infuser cap allows you to pour the liquid out without the fruit getting loose. The holes in the infuser are relatively small but that is a good thing as it keeps seeds etc from getting into the water.

I decided to test it out with some strawberries we have in the house. I sliced each large berry into 4-6 pieces. I was surprised that it didnâ€™t take too many slices to fill the infuser â€“ maybe 1-2 berries worth. I then filled the bottle with tap water and put in the infuser.

This next part is important: be sure to shake the bottle a few times in order to get the full flavor to infuse into your water. Since you are using cold water, this isnâ€™t steeping the fruit like a tea in hot water. So the infusion needs a little movement to mix.

Since I planned on using it during the day, I left it in the refrigerator overnight. When I tasted the water this morning I was amazed: it was incredibly sweet. You would never guess that this was not artificially sweetened, just fruit sweetened. I drank it and then refilled it. Obviously the second batch wasnâ€™t as flavored, but it was still a good, crisp taste. In the future I will probably bring along some extra fruit during the day to make extra infusions and keep my hydration momentum going.

The package comes with a little booklet that gives some ideas for infusion recipes, which I found interesting. The spa water staple, cucumber, can be made more interesting by adding strawberries or mint. Iâ€™m looking forward to trying some different fruit mixes.

The pieces all wash out clean and donâ€™t retain taste, which is impressive since I infused it overnight.

Iâ€™m really excited to find a travel fruit infuser bottle that keeps the fruit and seeds out of the water and makes such tasty water!

Gear Ultimate Infuser Water Bottle