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.

Primiracle Natural Soothing Moisturizing Body Wash

June 6, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Summer is already here, and it is time to go into skin-softening overdrive for skin that has been covered up all winter such as arms, shoulders and legs. With the hot air and moisture-robbing air conditioning, and the sun, sand, and pool water, the skin on my legs can use all the help they can get. I like to switch to a gentle hydrating body wash in the summer to maximize my moisturizing efforts. If that is a natural product, all the better.

Natural Soothing Moisturizing Body Wash is a hydrating cleanser that lathers enough to provide a good base for shaving my legs without excessively stripping moisture. I like that the cleansing ingredients are strong enough to clean and remove bacteria, sunscreen lotions or oils, yet there are plenty of gentle ingredients so that it can be used for even sensitive skin conditions such as eczema.

USE
The bottle recommends using the wash with use a loofah, washcloth or your hands. I also found it worked well with my Clarisonic Body Brush Head or a gentle sponge. Only a small amount of wash is needed, about the size of a quarter, and if I am also shaving my legs about a half dollar total. There is a sudsy lather, and it washes away cleanly without a residue.

SCENT
A fresh but very light scent of Tea Tree, Aloe Vera, and lemons while in use, it dries down to a not-detectible scent that does not conflict with any perfumes. The lemon scent is decidedly closer to a limoncello than an artificial Lemon Pledge. I wouldn’t mind if this scent lasted on the skin afterward but I really can’t smell it on myself after use.

INGREDIENTS
Aloe Vera: Did you have an Aloe Vera Plant in your home growing up? We did, and every time someone got a sunburn, out came a cutting of an Aloe leaf and the sticky goo from inside the leaf to soothe it. Aloe Vera hydrates the skin without making it greasy, and when combined with other ingredients, it does not leave the sticky feeling associated with a direct application. Aloe Vera increases the water content of the skin, moisturizing and plumping the skin with hydration. What I find particularly interesting about Aloe Vera is how it is useful for all skin types: it treats acne, it soothes and de-inflames eczema, it tones oily skin, it hydrates dry skin. Multi-purpose Aloe Vera has Gibberellin, which stimulates the growth of new cells. It also keeps flaky, dry skin at bay. A soothing moisturizer that keeps skin hydrated during cleansing, Aloe is a great addition to a body cleanser.

Lemons are an antioxidant cleansing agent rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C assists with collagen production. Lemons also serve as a toner for the skin. Over time, they lighten dark areas such as elbows and knees and make skin appear clear and bright.

Tea Tree Oil has multiple skin care benefits including antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which provide protection against a whole host of infections.

Eucalyptus Oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, so it heals irritation and insect bites. It also soothes and treats acne and inflammation. It has an invigorating sensation when used within a skin wash.

Lavendin Oil is an invigorating form of lavender that repels mosquitos and soothes tired, aching muscles and reduces inflammation. Unlike the lavender variant that causes one to feel sleepy, this stimulating ingredient makes for a great morning pick-me-up in the shower.

RESULTS
I like that this body wash is all natural yet still leaves my skin clean and moisturized. The fine line between a body wash that is overly harsh on the skin and one that is not robust enough to remove toxins and dirt from the beach or being outside is a delicate balance. The proper ingredients in a body wash are essential, or else you negate all your diligent moisturizing efforts. I like the combination of ingredients to both clean, protect, moisturize and invigorate, and I love the lemon scent. It is powerful enough to remove residual bug sprays and sunscreen from an outdoor picnic outing yet gentle enough not to deplete skin of natural oils. A small amount goes a long way towards soft, clean skin.

Primiracle Natural Soothing Moisturizing Body Wash

I Max Ceramide-Post Chemical Peel-Soothing and Moisturizing Cream

June 5, 2016 · Leave a Comment

I Max Ceramide-Post Chemical Peel-Soothing and Moisturizing Cream

WHY USE A CERAMIDE CREAM AFTER A PEEL?
I find Glycolic peels to be very beneficial for the skin for shrinking pores, lightening dark spots and reducing the appearance of wrinkles while leaving skin smooth and fresh. AHA’s are often more effective for people with sensitive skin or aging skin because they break up the cement-like glue that holds the dead skin together, so dead skin just melts off, revealing fresher new skin underneath. The longer you can tolerate leaving the AHA on your skin, generally 15-30 minutes, the better.

The problem is that it is easy to over-do it and leave skin red and irritated and in need of some soothing barrier to moisturize and protect the skin. Skin can also require a protective ceramide moisture barrier due to eczema or psoriasis.

This I Max Ceramide Cream is for use after a chemical peel such as any Glycolic Acid AHA peels or other at-home peels that may cause irritation and redness on the skin. It helps skin quickly recover from a peel.

HOW TO USE THIS CREAM POST-PEEL
I use this cream immediately after I do an at home Glycolic Acid Peel because this cream is effective enough to allow me to leave the acid treatment on my skin for longer time spans and get maximum benefit from the peels. After use, the redness subsides within a few hours and the next day my skin is smooth with no indication of swelling, inflammation, dryness or redness. This cream is also useful if you get any chemical peel or too much sun resulting in dryness and redness.

Even if the skin has not been exposed to harsh chemicals or peels, I find this Ceramide cream can make for a soothing and hydrating facial mask for an at-home spa treat. I slather my face with the cream and give my face and neck and decolletage good gentle massage to help the cream soak in, and I leave the cream on for 30 minutes to an hour while I watch TV. I gently remove any remaining cream with a tissue and the next day my skin is soft and supple.

APPLICATION:
This is a very thick, rich cream without notable scent. It is emollient but not sticky or slick, and once it is massaged in it is not oily or greasy. It should be massaged in well for 2-3 minutes. I apply it and add more as needed because a small amount goes a long way. It comes with a small spatula which I like.

INGREDIENTS:
A key ingredient in this cream is Ceramide, which prevents loss of water and keeps skin moist and supple. The loss of Ceramide due to aging or exposure to harsh chemicals, such as those in peels, acne medicines, and some abrasive face soaps can disrupt this layer and result in dry, dull, irritated and sometimes blotchy red skin.

Additional ingredients include Vitamin A, B’s, and C, all of which nourish and improve the skin. Since they are paired with deep moisturizing ingredients within the cream, they are not too harsh even for very sensitive skin.

RESULTS:
As an at-home spa treat for dry, lackluster skin, as a treatment to restore Ceramide balance after a peel, or as a protective barrier for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, this Ceramide-Post Chemical Peel-Soothing and Moisturizing Cream provides the important protective layer to restore much-needed moisture balance to the skin. I find that after an AHA peel that this cream reduces my “downtime” due to skin redness and irritation and lets me get the most out of my at-home peel skin care treatments.

Good price, effective and recommended product for use after at-home peels and treatments.

I Max Ceramide-Post Chemical Peel-Soothing and Moisturizing Cream

New York Biology 2.5% Active Retinol with Hyaluronic Acid

June 3, 2016 · 2 Comments

New York Biology is a gentle 2.5% Retinol cream that is suitable for sensitive skin due to its’ hydrating base and lack of harsh, artificial chemical ingredients.

I’d recommend this 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.

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 this Retinol is paired with such gentle and natural ingredients, that way I don’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.

How often should Retinols be used?
It depends on your skin care needs. Some people use them twice a day; some people only once. My 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.

APPLICATION:
It is simple to apply the cream: one pump of the container 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, but allow a few minutes of dry down before applying your eye cream. 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.

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

This retinol is paired with 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.

Supporting moisturizers include Aloe Vera, Sunflower Oil, Shea Butter, Green Tea and Jojoba Oil.

RESULTS:
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 skin.

New York Biology 2.5% Active Retinol with Hyaluronic Acid

I received this item for testing and unbiased 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!

New York Biology Eye Gel

June 3, 2016 · Leave a Comment

New York Biology Eye Gel is a generously-sized 1.7-ounce container at a very reasonable price point, especially for an eye gel. The price is particularly exceptional for an eye cream with so many ingredients that are typically found in expensive creams the come in tiny containers.

APPLICATION
I found this easy to apply with no residue; it was not greasy or oily upon dry down. Once dry, it provides a smooth and dewy surface for applying makeup, but it also can be worn on a bare face when I choose to go out without any eye makeup. After a few minutes, it reduces my mild morning eye puffiness, especially since I started keeping this eye gel in my refrigerator, which makes for a new cooling treat on the eyes. I also use it at night over my Retinol serum. One pump is enough to cover both eyes; I do another two pumps to cover my forehead, brows, and temple area.

BEST USE
I like to combine the New York Biology Eye Gel with my Vitamin C serum during the day and Retinol Serums at night to maximize my skin care routine. The ingredients in the eye gel have an excellent synergy with these serums. The gel can be used on the forehead and temples as well. The scent is light and neutral and suitable for men and women.

NOTABLE INGREDIENTS
This eye gel contains one of my favorite anti-aging ingredients, Matrixyl 3000. Matrixyl 3000 is a combination of two peptides that signal the skin to go into “repair mode.” Typically the skin goes into repair mode when there is an injury to the skin that requires the formation of new collagen and elastin; it does not go into repair mode for age-related collagen loss. Matrixyl 3000 “tricks” the skin into thinking the missing collagen is due to injury and requires replacement. The gel also has Amino Acid Complex, the protein of collagen building blocks. I pair this eye gel with my Vitamin C serum; the C supplies additional components to build collagen and elastin. More collagen means fewer wrinkles, less sagging and overall younger looking skin.

Hyaluronic Acid is another one of my favorite anti-aging ingredients because it super-hydrates the skin making it appear dewy and plump. Hyaluronic Acid absorbs moisture from the skin and air and pulls it into wrinkles and sagging skin and instantly improves their appearance by plumping them. Hyaluronic Acid also helps skin care ingredients such as Vitamin C sink deeper into the skin so they can be more efficient.

Nourishing and moisturizing ingredients soothe the skin and keep it hydrated and soft including Vitamin E, jojoba, and licorice.

OVERVIEW
Great price, pleasant scent, effective product with quality ingredients.

New York Biology Eye Gel

I received this item for testing and unbiased 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!