BellaSugar

5 Great Cleansers to Soothe Your Sensitive Skin

BellaSugar — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:00:00 -0800

Whether you've got itching, redness, burning, and/or stinging, one thing is for sure: sensitive skin needs a little extra TLC. I've searched all over, including our Product Reviews pages, to find five of the highest rated cleansers best suited for the sensitive-prone. Best of all, they're all just $20 and under.

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Product Review: Maria Galland Gentle Soothing Cream

BellaSugar — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 10:00:08 -0800

I had never heard of Maria Galland skin-care products until I went to the Thalazur Thallasothèrapie & Spa in France. It was there where I was introduced to her Gentle Soothing Cream that has significantly changed the overall tone of my skin. For those of you with sensitive skin, I know you can relate to having redness and irritation on your face from just about anything. Having sensitive skin means that the natural defense that your skin has is in a weakened condition and if it's not cared for properly, it will continue to become more reactive.

I love that this cream is quite light in texture, and it absorbs quickly. As soon as I apply it to my face, I feel like it's working to soothe, soften, and protect (yes, it contains SPF)!

Also, it has really light, kind of old-school pharmacy scent to it that I don't have much of an adversity toward, although my special someone told me that I smelled like his grandmother and I don't think that's a compliment. Barring the old-fogey smell and the cost (it's $126 for 50ml), I think this sensitive skin cream is aces.

Life-Saver Shavers For Sensitive Skin

BellaSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 06:00:00 -0800

For those of you who have sensitive skin, most likely your face isn't the only part of your body that suffers from redness and reactions. I find that if I'm not careful about changing my razor blade frequently, or if I don't use ample amounts of lubrication such as shaving cream or moisturizing body washes, my legs, underarms and even bikini area often burned and become pink and swollen. Here are a few of my favorite sensitive skin shavers that have helped tremendously reduce inflammation and irritation - hopefully they'll be able to help you too.

Gillette Venus Divine ($9.99) has blades that are coated with aloe and plant oil infused moisture strips so that they will glide over your skin easily. The blades are also positioned so that each one cuts lower than the next. This results in fewer missed hairs and a closer shave.

The razor also features an ergonomic no-slip grip, a finger rest for better control, a wall hanger for in-shower wall storage and shower-safe refills (how convenient).

For two more sensitive skin shavers for females, read more

Bic Soleil Twilight Triple Blade Shavers for Women with Sensitive Skin ($5.79) comes with triple blades that are lubricated with aloe and vitamin E to help moisturize and soothe sensitive skin. It also comes with a curvy no-slip handle in fun pink and purple colors.

But best of all is that there is a lavender scent infused into the shaver handle for a more enjoyable and relaxing experience.

Schick Intuition Plus Shaving Kit for Sensitive Skin ($9.49) is a triple blade razor surrounded by a skin conditioning soap made with aloe, cocoa butter, shea butter and vitamin E so that you can lather and shave at the same time! Just wet the shaver and keep both your skin and the razor wet as you shave. This ensures that your skin is lubricated so that you have fewer nicks, a closer shave and wind up with less irritation. Also, I appreciate the indicator on the unit that tells you when you need to replace your blades.

New Product Alert: Mario Badescu Anti-Redness Kit

BellaSugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:00:15 -0800

New from skin care expert Mario Badescu is an Anti-Redness Skin Care Kit ($48). Although it is totally suitable for all skin types, it is especially helpful for those with sensitive skin who suffer from redness, blotchiness, irritation and unbalanced and flaky skin.

Inside you'll find a cream soap, a calming mask and a cult-favorite Control Cream (it's a moisturizer) to help soothe any redness on the face. This kit is perfect for winter, when skin irritation is heightened because of the extreme weather. To find out about each of the products in the kit, read more

Cream Soap: is a gentle cleanser that effectively washes away dirt, makeup and grease leaving the skin clean, moisturized and soft.
Calma Mask: helps deep clean and tighten up your pores as well as calm irritation. The result is an even, radiant and unclogged complexion.
Control Cream: is a rich, oil-free moisturizer that contains seaweed and balsam Peru - two natural healing ingredients. Apply to the face day and night and apply a thicker layer to red, irritated areas.

New Product Alert: Decléor Rose D'Orient Night Balm

BellaSugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:00:25 -0700

Decléor Rose d'Orient Night Balm ($65.50) is a fantastic, rich and soothing product best suited for sensitive skin, irritated and rosacea-afflicted skin. It helps cells regenerate faster while strengthening and calming the skin-all without the use of chemical ingredients and/or preservatives.

The balms are made from essential oils and plant waxes, and Decléor prefers them for the wee hours of the night because their molecular structure is similar to the skin’s. This formulation allows skin to breathe like it would naturally and when you awaken, your face feels more supple, less red and it better balanced.

In my opinion, the texture is unbelievable too. It is creamy and it smells faintly of roses (mmm). This small-ish one-ounce jar will last about a year if you are careful-so it's definitely worth the investment if you are on the market for a calming facial night balm.

SPF For Your Skin Type: Sensitive Skin

BellaSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 09:02:10 -0700

Welcome back to part three of SPF For Your Skin Type. In this installment, we take a closer look at sunscreen for sensitive skin. Many sunscreens tend to clog pores, and they often contain parabens, fragrances and oils that can aggravate sensitive skin. Throw some sweat and strong sunshine into the mix, and you could be faced with an unpleasant reaction. Here are a few sunscreens that block out harmful sun rays but are so gentle that they can even be used on babies and children.

Luzern La Defense SPF 30 ($38) is a gentle and 100% mineral sunscreen created for those with sensitive or rosacea-afflicted skin. But what makes this sunscreen even more special is that it protects the collagen in your skin from breaking down-a common activity from sun exposure that leads to lines, wrinkles and age spots.

Apply before sun exposure, and allow 20 seconds for it to dry before you apply any other products to your face or body.

For two more sunscreens for sensitive skin read more

Jason Natural Sunbrellas Mineral Based Physical Sunblock SPF 30+ ($14.91) is a mild botanical, hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free and paraben-free mineral based sunblock safe enough for even the most highly sensitive skin. It is formulated with chamomile and marigold extracts to both protect skin from the sun as well as soothe and calm sensitive, irritated skin.

Lancome UV Expert SPF 20 Sunscreen ($35) has Mexoryl SX, the first new filter that has been approved by the FDA in more than 18 years. It protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays and it is gentle enough so that it won't even the most sensitive skin.

Fantastic Facial Creams, Part III: Sensitive Skin

BellaSugar — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 11:44:36 -0700

For the third installment of my five-part Fantastic Facial Creams series, we'll be looking at the best lotions for soothing sensitive skin. Those of you with sensitive skin know that it tends to be reactive and break out easily, and taming redness, blotchiness, or skin conditions like rosacea can be a constant battle. Here are three picks for sensitive-skin facial creams.

Complete All Day Moisture Lotion/Cream UV Defense by Oil of Olay ($9.61) came out in 2003, and it's still one of the best buys around. The mild moisturizing lotion contains SPF 15, vitamin E, and aloe to soothe redness. It's also free of fragrances, which can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.

For two more fantastic facial creams for sensitive skin, read more

Corn Ceresal Cream by Phytobiodermie ($44) is a light moisturizing cream formulated to balance, calm, and cool skin for an overall even and healthy skin tone. Made with corn-seed oil, lavender, and marjoram, it's especially great for Summer skin that's under stress from heat, sun, and sweat.

Skin Brightening Day Time Cream by Nefeli ($80) is a mineral- and herb-enriched cream that helps brighten your face by lightening age spots and blotchiness. It also calms irritated skin and is a terrific base for makeup application.

Red Red Go Away!

BellaSugar — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:29:55 -0700

Redness in the face can come from many different sources such as sensitive skin, sun exposure, environmental agents that irritate your skin, allergies to a product, rosacea and even foods. If you have ever turned red after eating a specific food, you should immediately eliminate it. Foods to cut out entirely until the redness stops are: alcohol, spicy foods, sugar and caffeine. Here's a little do it yourself chamomile face wash remedy to help soothe redness as well as two of my favorite gentle calming cremes.

Steep chamomile tea in hot water for ten minutes.
Let it cool and then use it as a face wash twice a day for two days.
Refrigerate the tea in between washings

Dr. Weil for Origins Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Face Cream, $60, is not only a mouthful to say, but it's a fab new product containing chaga mushrooms which is an anti-inflammatory ingredient. Dr. Weil believes that many illnesses and damage to the skin are caused by inflammation.

This product benefits the skin in addition to improving its appearance. I haven't tried it yet, so I am anxious to hear your reviews.

For one more anti-redness cream, read more

YonKa Creme 11, $42, is a night treatment creme that helps sooth and calm irritated skin. It is suitable for all skin types and it helps repair traumatized, sunburned or chapped skin. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps to heal on contact.

Keep in mind, that creme 11 isn't something that you want to use everyday. After a couple of consecutive uses, I've found that it can become a little drying. After washing your face apply a toner and then apply creme 11 in the evening in a thick layer.

Beauty Mark It! A Gentle Exfoliator for The Red Carpet!

BellaSugar — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 11:33:33 -0800

With the Oscars red carpet quickly approaching celebs have already visited their dermatologists, and other "doctors," in anticipation of the ultimate scrutinizing. Now it's time to zero in on the ensemble, get a massage, or two, and refresh the skin so it is glowing on Sunday.

I have just squeezed out the very last drop of my Sweep by Remede facial exfoliator. I keep it in the shower and use a nickel sized amount twice a week on my face. Call me sick, but I like how you can really feel the little particles scrubbing away your dead/dry skin. The best part about this is that it's light and doesn't irritate - this is key since seasoned celebs know better than to experiment this close to the big day.

Since I am such a beauty junkie, I simply refuse to buy another tube. I'd really like to try something different, something that will gently exfoliate me so I shine on Sunday! Let's all go beauty marking to help me find a new facial exfoliator for sensitive skin. Be sure to come back and tell me when your Beauty Marks are up. Tag your choices with gentle exfoliator so I can find them. To learn what a Beauty Mark is and how to make one, click here.

To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more

Saks Beauty Place
Strawberrynet.com
Nordstrom
Sephora
Beauty.com
Drugstore.com
Fred Segal Beauty

Exfoliation 101: What You Need to Know

BellaSugar — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:00:48 -0700

Earlier this month, facialist Marc Edward told us that scrubs actually make your skin worse. Exfoliation, though, is important for keeping your skin clear, your pores small, and your cell turnover high. So what's a woman to do? There are actually tons of different ways to slough skin gently and effectively, and different varieties work for different ages and skin types. To get the lowdown on what different exfoliants do and to find out which one is the best match for your needs, just keep reading.