Defining Skincare

Skincare Products

Skincare includes products for the skin. This includes cleansers, exfoliants, moisturizers, acne treatments, anti-aging treatments, serums for specific skin concerns, as well as sunscreen. Find Skincare product recommendations for specific skin concerns and skincare products using organic ingredients.

Skin care includes ways to care for the skin, including facial skin, throat, decolletage, and body skin. Visit the Skin Care guide section of StyleChicks for more skin care how-to information.

New York Biology Retinol Cream

October 6, 2016 · Leave a Comment

WHY USE RETINOL?
Retinol is one of the best beauty product investments for skin. Regardless of your age or skin type, retinol can make skin look more attractive. In teens and the twenties, retinol can improve the quality and texture of skin and reduce acne breakouts. In the twenties and thirties, retinol can help build collagen structures to make skin stronger and make skin glow while simultaneously addressing occasional adult acne breakouts. As skin starts to age in the late thirties and beyond, retinol can combat wrinkles and fine lines, as well as retain that earmark of youth: it gives skin a healthy, natural glow and can eradicate dullness. Retinol is particularly useful around the eyes to reduce the appearance of dark circles and crows feet. It is also very helpful on wrinkles around the lips, forehead, throat, and decolletage.

Retinol is often expensive in its’ prescription Retin-A and Renova forms, but excellent results are obtainable in commercial preparations of retinol from reputable skincare companies. One company we have come to know and trust is New York Biology. So far, I have like every product I have tried from their line, and their Retinol Cream is no exception. It is useful, gentle, moisturizing, and full of quality ingredients in a generously sized container.

ABOUT NEW YORK BIOLOGY RETINOL CREAM
New York Biology Retinol Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid is a gentle 2.5% Retinol cream that is suitable for sensitive skin due to itsâ€™ hydrating base and lack of harsh, artificial chemical ingredients. This Retinol cream includes some very effective anti-aging ingredients that are typically in far more expensive skincare creams. It also has several conditioning agent ingredients that leave skin smooth and soft. This is a big selling point to me for the New York Biology Retinol Cream because many retinol creams leave skin dry, itchy, red and flaking. Many users find this so irritating that they discontinue using retinol altogether. But New York Biology Retinol Cream leaves skin hydrated and smooth; it is gentle enough for daily or twice a day use. Another thing I like about New York Biology Retinol Cream is it is a VERY generous sized container for the price: 1.7 ounces! A prescription cost of a retinol tube that size or smaller would easily be $150-$200.

New York Biology Retinol Cream

SUPPORTING INGREDIENTS
There are lots of retinol products available, so the supporting ingredients make or break a Retinol for me. The New York Biology Retinol Cream has some quality ingredients worth considering, especially for those with sensitive skin.

This retinol contains Hyaluronic Acid, which hydrates the skin by holding a fair amount of water in the skin. This results in not only a dewy and supple look to the skin, but it plumps up wrinkles and diminishes their appearance. Hyaluronic Acid also helps active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin, which means the Retinol can work on deep skin layers, effecting a better result on more collagen production and accelerated lightening of hyperpigmentation.

There are also a few ingredients that are most often found in high-end, expensive products. These include Propolis and Cassia Angustifolia.

Cassia Angustifolia Seed is a skin conditioning agent with high polysaccharide content called Galactomannan. In lab studies, Galactomannan mimics hyaluronic acid. It also has reparative capabilities to provide long-lasting suppleness and moisture on the surface of the skin, which gives a dewy look. While Hyaluronic Acid pulls moisture deep into the skin to plump, Cassia Angustifolia Seed retains water on the skin surface for a very dewy look. It also functions as an anti-inflammatory treatment for acne.

Propolis is a product made by bees. It has an anti-viral and anti-microbial action that benefits acne prone skin and protects skin exposed to environmental pollution. It forms a barrier on the skin that serves as a nourishing layer of antioxidants and vitamins. Propolis is one of the chief ingredients in this retinol cream that enables the ability to slather retinol on sensitive areas like under eyes and throat up to twice a day without irritation.

Finally, the supporting nourishing moisturizers include Aloe Vera, Sunflower Oil, Shea Butter, Green Tea and Jojoba Oil. Each of these nourishes the skin and keep it supple. They provide a soothing buffer to help the skin tolerate the retinol without getting red, itchy, inflamed or flaky.

APPLICATION:
It is simple to apply the cream: one pump of the container top should cover your face, two to three pumps if you are doing your throat and decolletage. I use any leftover I have to the top of my hands, focusing on my knuckles and cuticles and my hands appear much younger. It is not wet or sticky after application; you can apply an eye cream immediately if desired. There is already moisturizers in this Retinol cream, so unless you live in a very arid climate, you do not need to add a moisturizer atop your Retinol, as is the case with some Retinol creams. I that this Retinol contains a moisturizer because it is less effort at night to use it compared to some Retinols. I like the design of the top; it keeps my fingers out of the product itself which makes it more sanitary.

New York Biology Retinol Cream

MY RETINOL REGIMEN
I like doing a Vitamin C serum during the day and a Retinol cream at night to maximize my anti-aging program. This combo increases my collagen production, lightens my dark spots and hyperpigmentation, reduces fine wrinkles. I have sensitive skin, so I like that the New York Biology Retinol Cream contains such gentle and natural ingredients, that way I donâ€™t have to skip a night of use due to dryness or irritation on my skin. I like that this Retinol is effective, and my skin is clearer after use, yet I can use it every night without any dryness, irritation, flaky skin or redness.

Upon initial use, I did have some very light peeling, but it was not red, dry or flaky and easily exfoliated smooth and clear with a washcloth, glycolic face wash, or Clarisonic facial brush. This is normal, especially if you are new to retinol.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD RETINOLS BE USED?
It depends on your skin care needs. Some people use them twice a day; some people only once.

Our advice is if you are under 30, twice a day Retinol is great if your skin can tolerate it. It addresses acne, lightens acne scars, reduces pores, and builds collagen reserves. And blackheads just seem to want to flee off your face they purge so fast with twice a day Retinol use.

But if you are over 30, consider a Vitamin C during the day and Retinol at night program. This way, you maximize your anti-aging benefits while still addressing the occasional pimple and wrinkle that manage to crop up at the same time. As a side note, even on once a day, I notice blackheads purging with this Retinol; it just took a little longer.

If your skin is sensitive or you are new to Retinols, for the first 30 days, only use it once a day or apply it every other day until you find what works for you.

New York Biology Retinol Cream

RESULTS:
I have been using New York Biology Retinol Cream on my face, eye area including crows feet and under eye bags, throat, and decolletage, as well as on my hands. Being able to use a Retinol every night is a real boon in my skin care regimen, so having a Retinol suitable for sensitive skin gives me faster results to having clear, smooth, radiant skin.

Iâ€™d recommend New York Biology Retinol Cream as a solid retinol product for those who have used retinol for years as well as for those with sensitive skin that may not have been able to tolerate other retinoids in the past. It is also an excellent price point if you are just starting out using retinol creams and want to give one a try to see what all the hype is about for yourself. If you use expensive prescription Retinol such as Renova or Retin-A which are not covered by insurance, you may want to give New York Biology Retinol Cream a try as the results are, in our opinion, comparable.

Purchase it here.

New York Biology Retinol Cream

I received this item for testing and review purposes. If you have any questions about my experience with it, leave it in the comments section below, and Iâ€™ll do my best to answer it!

How to Drink More Water: THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE

October 4, 2016 · Leave a Comment

BEAUTY & WATER:
One of the best beauty-enhancing daily habits you can have is to drink lots of water. It keeps your skin glowing and unclogged of toxins; it gives you energy, and it helps manage weight gain. You really can’t beat the dewy glow from being well-hydrated. This is not news by any means, but it is worth discussing because accomplishing this basic beauty habit is easier said than done: guzzling your daily water intake can seem unappealing when compared to drinking delicious coffee and sugary beverages.

But it is a worthwhile beauty goal. According to a recent study, 20% of women that drank 1.5 liters of water daily saw a reduction in wrinkles after six weeks. In another study, people reported clearer skin and less acne within a week of drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day. So how much water should you drink and what can help make that water appealing enough to meet your water consumption goal?

HOW MUCH WATER TO DRINK?
There are various opinions on how much water one should consume daily. For the sake of your skin, it is typically 4-5 glasses a day. This is the amount needed for your organs to function properly and remove toxins from your body, including the skin. This amount also helps with clearing acne. The amount of water required varies a bit from person to person based on your weight and other health issues. As a general guide, you are hydrated enough if your urine is a light wheat color. If not, you are dehydrated, whether you feel thirsty or not.

To avoid dehydration, keep sipping water throughout the day.

THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE: HOW TO MAKE IT A DAILY WATER DRINKING HABIT APPEALING
Some people like to add a slice of lemon or infuse their water with fruit. This is helpful to make your daily water intake taste more appealing. But the biggest aid to making daily water consumption easier is often the temperature of the water: chilled water is energizing and refreshing, especially after a workout or on a hot day. Cold water is just easier to drink. It is also helpful for burning extra calories: your body burns more calories with cold water than drinking tepid, warm or hot water.

The Coldest Water Bottle is an easily portable water that keeps water at a cold temperature, providing access to icy-cold water that stays at an even cold temperature all day. It is not just a water bottle with an ice core center insert that keeps the water cooler inside the bottle. The Coldest Water Bottle keeps water at a constant ICE COLD temperature for up to 25 hours, and any ice in the bottle stays in ice form during that time.

THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE

CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN
Made of stainless steel, it is a long-lasting, quality water bottle that does not need to be frequently replaced like plastic bottles. It uses double wall insulation with materials designed to keep water cold for more than 25 hours with no sweating. It floats in oceans and pools and its 99% of cup holders, so you have no excuse NOT to get your daily water intake. BPA and toxin free, it is safer than other water bottles that can quickly harbor bacteria (and odor) within its’ plastic walls.

It is made for athletes but is suitable for any environmentally conscious person who wants to carry cold water with them throughout the day or for a late-day workout. The Coldest Water bottle is intended for lifetime use.

PUTTING COLDEST WATER BOTTLE TO THE TEST
THE PROBLEM: The gym I belong to has ice-cold bottled water chilled in a vending machine for $2.50 a bottle, and each pilates class or gym session I would typically need two of these 12-ounce bottles. And sometimes after a particularly busy class, the vending machine runs out of water entirely. I tried to bring my bottled water, but I wanted the *COLD* water during and after my workout. The problem is, I go to the gym after work, so if I bring water from home, it would have to stay cold for about 11 hours by the time I get to the gym.

TESTING THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE: Turns out, the Coldest Water Bottle keeps water cold for a very long time, it keeps water cold all day and keeps a full bottle cold for a late-day workout. The ice cubes stay as ice cubes; they don’t substantially melt. I filled the bottle with ice cubes and cold water from the tap at around 7 A.M. Ten hours later the ice was still in ice cube form with no melting or “sweating.” In the meantime, the bottle sat in the warm car without the benefit of air conditioning. When I drank my water at the gym, almost twelve hours later, it was still ice cold! Pretty impressive. The leftover ice stayed unmelted afterward until I dumped it out when I got home that night, a few hours after my workout, probably hour 16 at that point. Very nice!

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaymAIT94uw[/embedyt]

CONCLUSION: A sturdy, well-constructed water bottle, just fill it with water and ice and go. Carrying a Coldest Water Bottle will remind you to drink water and keep track of how much you are drinking. It is the perfect bottle for athletes, Mom’s with thirsty kids, campers, beach-goers, or anyone who wants to have access to cold water during the day. I also find it useful for keeping some cold water in a car during the summer to stay hydrated in the case of unexpected delays or emergencies.

The Coldest Water Bottle is an environmentally friendly, cost-effective choice, saving you from buying repeated plastic water bottles. The stainless steel is sturdy without being too heavy to carry in my bag. Since I have had the bottle, I have remembered to bring water with me each day, and it stays ice cold in my bag while I am in transit. The bottle does not leak, so it is safe to put in your backpack or briefcase. The stainless steel naturally is bacteria resistant, which feels cleaner to transport around places like the gym. Since I have had the Coldest Water Bottle, I stay hydrated at the gym, at work, and I haven’t had to buy chilled plastic bottled water when I am out. A very worthwhile investment that saves both the environment and saves money on bottled water costs.

Find this great bottle at TheColdestWater.com

THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Skincare: Aurora Cure Ultimate 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum Professional Strength

September 23, 2016 · Leave a Comment

SUMMARY of Aurora Cure Ultimate 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum: It only takes a few drops to make my skin look like I have a secret Instagram filter for real life. It quickly plumps skin so that all the fine wrinkles and not-so-fine-lines fill in, as if you used a filler, but it looks natural. It deflects the appearance of imperfections so that your skin looks like you, but smoother, softer, dewy, and firm. Very little Aurora Cure serum does the entire face without being sticky.

Aurora Cure Ultimate 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum Professional Strength

HYALURONIC ACID
If you are a regular reader here at StyleChicks, you have heard us tout the wonder of Hyaluronic Acid. It is hands-down my favorite supporting ingredient in many skincare products. So we were pretty excited when we found such a high quality, 100% professional grade Hyaluronic Acid from Aurora Cure. More about that in a bit, because if you are not familiar with Hyaluronic Acid, it is time to become acquainted with this beauty powerhouse and what it can do for your skin.

WHAT MAKE HYALURONIC ACID SO SPECIAL
First, Hyaluronic is a moisture magnet. It holds one-thousand times its’ weight in water, which is so much moisture that when applied to the skin, wrinkles and fine lines just plump up like a temporary filler and skin imperfections seem to disappear within minutes. Unlike a filler, skin retains its’ natural expression; it is just soft, supple, dewy and so plump with moisture that the face (or neck or decolletage) appears lifted. If you have chronically lined, wrinkled lips like me, a dab of Hyaluronic smooths them right out, plumping lips more naturally or evenly than a plumping lip gloss.

Second, this same moisture drawing capability helps other active ingredients get deeper into the skin than they could absorb on their own. Vitamin C for example, cannot reach too far beyond the surface skin layers alone. But Hyaluronic Acid is like having VIP access. It can get into deep crevices and layers of skin and takes treating ingredients such as Vitamin C, B, MSM, Horsetail, Gotu Kola, Stem Cells, and more to the layers that can affect real skin transformation: deep dermal layers where skin scaffolding structure exists, where deep wrinkles or scars are formed, and where much more collagen is needed to uphold skin and supporting tissue. Whatever skin treatment product you use, whether serums or Retinol, Hyaluronic can deliver those treating ingredients deeper into the skin.

Hyaluronic also has many skin benefits on its’ own. Our body makes less natural Hyaluronic Acid as we age, but the topical replacement of this acid is very effective. But there is some variety in cost and quality amongst Hyaluronic Acids, so finding the best cost-effective Hyaluronic Acid means you can afford to use it daily and derive the most benefit.

ABOUT AURORA CURE ULTIMATE PROFESSIONAL STRENGTH 100% PURE HYALURONIC ACID SERUM

As the title says, it is 100% Hyaluronic Acid, which is unusual for a Hyaluronic Acid serum. Many Hyaluronic Acid serums and creams are not pure Hyaluronic, rather, they contain some Hyaluronic Acid and are primarily various fillers ranging from helpful (Aloe Vera) to not so helpful (potentially irritating chemicals). Pure Hyaluronic Acid avoids unnecessary chemicals or fillers, meaning less irritation and more powerful product. A small amount goes a long way; this is a longer-term investment bottle.

Of note, the other two listed ingredients are a preservative (Phenoxyethanol) and Ethylhexylglycerin – a glycerin (preservative/skin conditioner) to give the serum base to the acid form.

Aurora Cure Ultimate 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum Professional Strength

USE & APPLICATION

It just takes a few drops of Aurora Cure Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum to smooth the face and a few more drops for the neck. I apply a drop at a time, starting on my forehead, then my jaw line, then I pat it on my cheekbones, browbone, the nose, and all around the undereye area. I use a few more drops on my throat. I follow up with my moisturizer afterward. Most days, I put my Vitamin C Serum on before my Hyaluronic Acid in the morning.

Alternatively, a few drops of Hyaluronic Acid can be added directly into your moisturizer before application; this helps distribute it evenly. I like that this Hyaluronic is not sticky so that I can leave the house without looking greasy.

Since Hyaluronic Acid immediately starts attracting moisture to the skin upon application, it is important to add a moisturizer over the Hyaluronic Acid. This is especially important if you are in a very arid climate or a high-pollution area because Hyaluronic will draw moisture from the ambient air if needed. I don’t need as much moisturizer since my skin is already plump and smooth, but I do use enough to coat the face, and the Hyaluronic quickly absorbs it into the skin.

TIP: If you use Hyaluronic Acid and your skin seems dryer for it, you aren’t giving your skin enough moisturizer for the Hyaluronic to pull into the skin. If you over moisturize, which is hard to do, allow a few extra minutes and blot down the excess.

RESULTS

While I love Hyaluronic Acid, the additives in several brands leaves me either sticky, too greasy to wear makeup over it, or a bit irritated from the excess chemicals. The Aurora Cure Hyaluronic Acid did not cause an irritation when I pair it with Vitamin C or retinol. The Aurora Cure left no residue and was not irritating, even around the delicate eye area. Being able to use it around the eye would be reason enough for me to buy this brand in the future.

My horizontal forehead crinkles disappear and my eleven lines appear much softer, they are still there, but not noticeable. Pores fill in and appear non-existent, very similar to an airbrushed look without seeming fake like a filler or cakey like a thick foundation.

I love the Aurora Care Hyaluronic on the undereye bags and crows feet as it gives such as soft, dewy look to the skin without irritating the eyes. The eye area looks so much younger, and the top of the cheekbone gains a nice natural highlight and plumpness. There is a “lifting” around the eye area due to the plump result of the Hyaluronic in this area is very youthifying.

The overall surface of the skin on the neck, chest, lips has such a smooth surface. Aurora Cure Hyaluronic makes your skin look like it does after your done filtering it for Instagram.

As for the ability for Hyaluronic Acid to enhance other active ingredient products such as Vitamin C serum or Retinol, I use the Hyaluronic with my evening Retinol and my morning Vitamin C Serum. The ability to enhance the Vitamin C production at a deep layer makes the most of my skin care routine.

TIP: For a good Vitamin C Serum recommendation, read our review of Aurora Cure Professional Grade Vitamin C serum. It is a serum chock full of anti-aging ingredients that make the most of the collagen production. I like to use these two Aurora Cure products together since they work great in tandem, and neither of them are sticky or leave a residue, so I can apply my makeup over them without getting greasy or flaky.

Aurora Cure Ultimate 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum Professional Strength

CONCLUSION: High-quality, concentrated, pure Hyaluronic Acid with no excess fillers or chemicals to irritate the skin, Aurora Pure Ultimate 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum provides a dewy, smooth alternative to naturally filling wrinkles and pores to provide an airbrush yet natural finish. It also enhances your existing skin care program to aid Vitamin C and Retinol to sink deep into the skin without dryness or redness. An excellent product!

Find this amazing serum at Aurora Cure.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wz3vctc9Ko[/embedyt]

Skincare: ESARORA Ice Roller

September 23, 2016 · 1 Comment

We’ve all heard that ice is good for your skin. Supermodels dunk their faces in ice cold water first thing in the morning to shrink pores. A standard pimple-reduction technique is to pop two ibuprofen and ice down a pimple, and it will disappear. Ice your eyes and undereye bags will vanish.

Yeah, none of those ever worked for me.

Nonetheless, I thought I would give the ESARORA Ice Roller a try, and I’m thrilled that I did. The results are impressive.

ESARORA Ice Roller

First, prep is easy. Take the roller and put it in the freezer. That’s it. It will be ready in 15 minutes, but it doesn’t hurt to keep it in the freezer when not in use, so it is always ready.

Second, using it is easy. For beauty purposes, I like to run it over my face in the morning when I’m making my coffee. It takes less than a minute to slowly roll over my entire face, eye area, and throat, and it instantly depuffs my face and especially my undereye bags. It shrinks pores and gives skin a wide awake look.

The most impressive result is on acne. I woke up Tuesday to a profoundly painful pimple on my otherwise clear skin. I figured I would try the Ice Roller on it since it was so inflamed. Beyond the pimple itself, the inflammation was nearly the size of a dime. I knew that even if I put my go-to cream on the blemish that it would have a hard time penetrating the inflammation. I rolled the Ice Roller over it for about two minutes, and not only was the peripheral redness gone, but the pimple itself shrank and was far less red. I was able to apply medicine and then easily cover it with concealer when I did my makeup. That was a quick rescue and worth the very reasonable price just for that use!

I’m not quite sure what the difference is between this device and a standard ice cube or cold pack, but I have some theories. First, the pressure of the roller is very mild. I have tried many devices that attempt to take care of puffiness by micro-vibrations, but a few of those (including a high-end one) leaves my skin irritated due to the level of pressure. Conversely, the Ice Roller is the lightest of pressure, just enough to make sure the cold penetrates the skin. Second, the metal roller isn’t meant to stay in one spot too long, so the body doesn’t adversely react like if you put an ice cube on a spot and just held it there.

I’m thrilled to have a great item like this to quickly depuff in the morning!

Find this great gadget here.

I received this product for testing and review purposes. If you have any questions about my experience with it, leave it in the comments section below, and Iâ€™ll do my best to answer it!