BellaSugar

Double Duty: Zit-Zapping Concealers

Jaime Richards — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 07:00:00 PDT

When it comes to covering up pimples, there are a few tricks to keep in mind: use a concealer in a shade that matches your foundation, apply the product with a small precision brush (like Smashbox's #5 ($20), and lightly stipple around the edges to blend.

But if your concealer can pull a double duty and conceal and heal, to quote Ina Garten, "How good is that?" Formulated with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, sulfur, or tea tree oil, here are a few zit-zapping concealers to put pimples in their place.

http://www.bellasugar.com/How--Cover-Up-Your-Acne-804134

Make Your Own Soothing Acne-Fighting Gel

BellaSugar — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:00:36 PDT

Gone are the days when splotchy white zit cream was the cure for the pimple blues. Gone also is the notion that you have to sacrifice using natural ingredients for chemicals in order to get the acne-zapping job done. In Sophie Uliano's new book, Do It Gorgeously, the eco expert has lots to say about how we can go DIY. Her soothing acne gel recipe is perfect for calming inflammation and preventing breakouts. It includes marigolds (which contain natural acne-blasting salicylic acid), bacteria-fighting tea tree oil, and just a dash of vodka. Get the instructions when you read more.

Know the Facts to Ward Off Warts

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:30:11 PDT

People have many misconceptions about warts that go far beyond the whole "kiss a toad" thing. Even if you understand that the toad caveat is a myth, some other facts and fictions about warts may surprise you.

Most types of warts are relatively painless and harmless, with the exception of genital warts, which are a sexually transmitted disease (read more about genital warts here). All warts (yes, even the genital kind) are caused by a virus known as the human papillomavirus (HPV), of which there are more than 100 types.

So-called common warts are most often found on the hands, while flat warts can surface on the face or backs of hands. A bit more painful and uncomfortable, plantar warts are warts found on the soles of your feet.

So what's the deal with all sorts of warts?

Benzoyl Peroxide vs. Salicylic Acid: Which One Is Better For You?

BellaSugar — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:00:36 PST

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are both excellent acne fighters, and definitely the most affordable treatments on the market. Almost any drugstore acne treatment is going to have one or the other. But it's impossible to tell from the bottle which product is going to help clear up your specific acne. If you end up with the wrong one, it can actually make things worse. To help you determine which product you actually need, I've put together a quick comparison. Ready to know which one you need once and for all? Then just keep reading.

Before You Stain Another Set of 800 Thread Count Sheets...

BellaSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:00:25 PDT

The problem: You have a pimple. You dab some spot treatment on it, go to bed, and wake up with two problems: the pimple's still there and your beloved designer sheets have streaks of telltale orange from your acne product. Blast! Resolved to never have this happen to me again, I consulted New York City dermatologist Dr. Doris J. Day for some answers.

"At any concentration, even 2.5%, benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabric," she says. "Even if you use a benzoyl peroxide cleanser and don't rinse well enough, it'll bleach your towel and sheets (but it doesn't bleach your skin). Retin-A can also stain because it has a preservative in it, but generally, if you're getting stains from using a retinol product, chances are you're using too much." To find out what Dr. Day thinks is more effective for spots than benzoyl peroxide anyway,

read more. What's the alternative to using benzoyl peroxide? I actually like salicylic acid better for a spot treatment because it's more of an exfoliant. I actually even like it better than glycolic acid. By the time a pimple has formed, your body has already reacted to it. It's figured out there's something going on there and done it's own attack. Benzoyl peroxide will help control or kill bacteria that causes acne, so it can be useful for prevention. Do all-natural products stain? Just because something is a plant extract doesn't mean something won't stain. Grass stains! And many dyes are made from natural materials. It's a good idea to test any product on a piece of fabric if you are worried about stains. P.S. Dr. Day works with GoodSkin, and she promises their spot treatment won't ruin your bedding. Source

How To Treat Mild Acne Vulgaris

BellaSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:00:46 PDT

I kicked off my series on acne by helping you identify your acne type with this quiz. Now that you know what ails you, it's time to talk about what you can do to help clear up your skin.

Keep in mind, no matter how severe you think your acne is, the best way to start treating it is with the mildest products, working your way gradually towards stronger ones until you find what your skin responds to the best. No need to jump right into retinoids when a gentle cleanser will do!

First up are product and treatment options for those of you with mild acne vulgaris. As a reminder, this is the most mild form of acne, consisting of mostly non-inflamed lesions such as blackheads and small whiteheads. These can pop up anywhere, but they are typically found on your nose, forehead, and chin. If this describes your acne,

Favorite Excuse for Not Working Out: Sweating Makes Me Breakout

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:30:00 PDT

Part of getting a good workout means that I sweat a lot. I don't necessarily need to be sopping wet like when I take a Bikram yoga class, but a little sweat makes me feel like I pushed myself.

The bad thing about sweating when you workout is that it can lead to breakouts, and not just on your face. Blemishes can appear on your back, neck and chest, but they don't have to.

Here are some tips on preventing exercise-related pimples:

Wash your face before working out to get all the oil and makeup off. Then apply a facial moisturizer that's made for acne-prone skin such as Neutrogena's Oil-Free Anti-Acne Moisturizer.
Always wear clean workout clothes. Choose a sports bra and tank top that has over-the-shoulder sleeves instead of a racerback or t-shirt that covers your back. Wear the least amount of clothes while still feeling comfortable, since the more your skin is covered, the hotter you'll feel and the more you'll sweat.
Wear clothes made of breathable fabric. Many sports bras and tops are made of wicking material that pulls sweat off the skin.

There are more tips. To see them

If you like to do weight training or stretching after your sweaty cardio routine, dry yourself off in between and then change into a dry bra and top.
Shower immediately after exercising to prevent body acne. Not only does it rinse the sweat and pimple-causing bacteria off your skin, but the water also helps to cool your body temperature down so you don't continue sweating once you get out. If you can't shower, definitely wash your face and peel off those sweaty clothes. Completely dry off and put on clean, dry clothes. Then hit the shower as soon as you can.
Exfoliate your skin. I like to use loofah gloves in the shower (My fave are from The Body Shop, $7). They're gentle enough to use everyday, on your face and the rest of your body. Use the gloves with an antibacterial cleanser such as Cetaphil, or soaps that have acne medicine in them, such as salicylic acid. Gently scrub your skin to unclog pores and slough off dead skin cells.

Fit's Tips: Whatever you do, don't stop working out. If acne is still a problem after trying out these tips, seeing a dermatologist is a great idea.

Definition: Salicylic Acid

BellaSugar — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:00:18 PDT

The term salicylic acid gets thrown around here a lot on BellaSugar, because it's a common ingredient used in acne-fighting products such as cleansers, toners and especially spot treatments.

It is a topical anti-inflammatory and a beta hydroxy acid. It slows down the shedding of skin cells inside your hair follicles, which clog your pores and often lead to acne.

It is used to treat blemishes, blackheads, whiteheads and even dandruff, psoriasis, calluses, corns and warts in some cases. The drawback of using salicylic acid is that it can be very drying and irritating on sensitive skin. Overall it is highly effective and safe-which is why it's so popular in over-the-counter products targeted at clearing up blemished complexions.

Source

Zit Creams: Which One Works?

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 02:30:00 PST

When I get stressed out, it's inevitable that my face will break out. It happens to everyone, but that doesn't make me feel better. When pimples show up, I want them to disappear ASAP.

At the drug store, there are tons of acne treatments, so what really works? There are 2 main ingredients that you'll see listed on zit creams.

Benzoyl Peroxide - It comes in gels or creams with 2.5%, 5%, or 10% concentration. Research suggests that the 5% and 10% formulas don't work better, and the 2.5% is better tolerated by the skin. It commonly causes dryness and irritation. Some people may be more sensitive to it, and suffer from burning, itching, peeling, or swelling.

Salicylic Acid - Blemishes are formed when skin cells inside hair follicles shed too fast and clump together, which plug up the follicle. Salicylic Acid treats acne by causing skin cells to slough off more readily, preventing pores from clogging up. Use a lotion or pad with this ingredient daily to prevent possible break outs.

Fit's Tips: I recommend trying them both out. Our complexions are so different, and one ingredient may work better for you. They both are meant to dry up the offensive area, so if you notice your skin peeling excessively, cut down on your use.

What We're Sweet On: A Primer That Deslicks Acne-Prone Skin

Jaime Richards — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:05:17 PST

Most primers succeed at smoothing out skin at a basic level, a few stand above the rest. If you have oily- or acne-prone skin, you might want to give Murad's Skin Perfecting Primer Acne and Shine Control ($35) a try. Formulated with salicylic acid to help keep pores clear, this matte-finish multitasker helps reduce and prevent breakouts. (Although it's not a substitute for your regular skin care regimen.) And because it's universal in color, it will match your skin tone to a T; you can even get away with wearing it with very little concealer or foundation on top. Oh, and if you're someone who gets oil slicks so major you've considered alerting the EPA, you'll love the way this primer helps put a stop to excess shine.

Almay Clear Complexion Concealer, Light - $7.99	Clinique 'Acne Solutions' Clearing Concealer - Sold Out
Murad Acne Treatment Concealer - Sold Out	NEUTROGENA® SkinClearing® Blemish Concealer - Medium (0.05 oz) - Sold Out
Dr. Brandt Dr Brandt Blemishes No More Spot Blotter and Concealer 0.35oz - Sold Out	E.L.F. Beauty SOS - Sold Out
DuWop Sub-Surface - Sold Out	by Harmony Concealer - $26.19
Dermalogica Concealing Spot Treatment - Sold Out	Dr.Hauschka Skin Care Pure Care Coverstick, Beige 02 - $21.95
Bare Escentuals Blemish Therapy - $18.00	SEPHORA COLLECTION Lasting and Perfecting Corrector - $15.00
Judith August EraseZit Antiseptic Concealer Neutral Light - Sold Out	TheBalm Liquid TimeBalm Spot Concealer - $20.00