BellaSugar

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,

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.
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Coming Soon: Darphin's Designer Zit-Zapping Duo

BellaSugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:50 PDT

Due in stores this fall are two new sebum-controlling skin-care products from Darphin called Purifying Targeted Gel ($50) and Overnight Refining Lotion ($50).

The clear, fast-drying gel can be applied to the affected area as often as necessary. The lotion acts as an astringent to kill bacteria and reduce oil production and shine, especially to your t-zone -all without drying out your face like so many other spot treatments are prone to do.

The products contain essential oils, which are blended together with salicylic acid, lemon, Vitamin C, and isolutrol (a balancing agent) to help purify the skin, control sebum production, stimulate skin renewal, soothe, irritated skin and reduce the look of large pores. The treatments are gentle enough not to irritate the skin, yet are strong enough to fight off persistent pimples. And did I mention how great the smell is?

I've been using this combo for three days and so far I haven't experienced any flaking or unusual dryness - yippee!

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Back to Basics: The Best Zit Zappers

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:00:24 PDT

I've never been one to have consistently gorgeous, glowy skin. It's always either a little bit dry, kind-of blotchy and almost always oily on the nose. Oh, and around that time of the month, you can bank on being able to play a fierce game of connect-the-dots. Having been a connoisseur of spot treatments since puberty, these are three of my go-to products that help pacify my pimples without causing dry patches or added aggravation. Which is your all-time favorite topical zit zapper?

Clearasil Tinted Acne Treatment Cream ($5.79) can be found at most drugstores. It doesn't sting or make you teary-eyed from the strong scent when you have to apply it to your face. The best part about using the tinted version is that it really helps cover up the red without having to pile on potentially bacteria-infested concealer.

Origins Spot Remover ($10) is a minty-smelling, transparent spot treatment gel that contains salicylic acid to dry out sebum and help kill old and new bacteria. It tingles just a touch upon contact, but it's nothing you can't handle. It stays clear and won't dry to an embarrassing flaky finish. Also, the tiny bottle is sure to last you through all twelve bouts of PMS per year, since all you need is a super-small amount.

For one more tried-and-true spot treatment that's slightly pricier,

YonKa Juvenil Purifying Concentrate for Problem Skin ($37.95) is the product I use when my skin is red and irritated all over. I use it if I have excessive swelling and sensitivity since it's so calming and gentle. It contains five essential oils that ward off bacteria, heal, sooth and restore your skin to a calm and balanced state. Also, it has a heavenly botanical smell and doesn't sting in the slightest.

Product Review: Espa Essential Tea Tree Oil

BellaSugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:00:12 PDT

For someone like me who is constantly battling erratic pesky pimples, I've gotten to know the spot treatment market fairly well. And the newest product that I've tried and liked is called Espa Essential Tea Tree Gel ($33). This gentle botanical gel contains lemon (to detoxify), thyme (to soothe), evening primrose (to balance) and tea tree oil which helps attack bacteria and banish blemishes - all without drying out your skin.

Additionally, it is formulated with a blend of fragrant essential oils which calm break-out prone and hormonally imbalanced (aka premenstrual) skin.

I heard about ESPA from a friend and was really excited when I saw that a .54 oz travel size ($18) is available. This size is ideal since all you need is a small amount to get the job done. Simply dot a thin coat on the blemish, and you can either apply a mask over it or just let the gel dry for a few minutes before putting on your makeup. You'll notice a slightly cooling feeling and in time you'll see that area is less red and puffy and more even-toned. I've been using it for a week and I am very happy with the results. I also hear it's great for ingrown hairs, so I am going to test it out and see how it rivals my Arezoo Cream.

Best of 2007: Acne Fighter

BellaSugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 05:36:29 PST

One of my New Year's resolutions is to stop obsessing over the flaws in my skin. I've already admitted to excessive picking and taking photographs of my pores, and now it's time to choose a spot treatment, stick with it and walk away from the mirror!

I know that everybody has a pimple product of choice. Personally, I like when they sting a little bit so I know it's really taking action. Vote below to share your favorite acne fighter. If it's not one of the options listed, share your fave in a comment.

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Bella Brand: Aveda Outer Peace

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 13:00:50 PST

Launched earlier this year, Aveda's latest skin care collection is called Outer Peace. This four-step skin care line uses modern Ayurvedic botanicals to achieve balanced, clear skin. Some key ingredients in these products include salicylic acid, the anti-irritant saw palmetto, ambla (a popular Ayurvedic berry that helps heal) and a blend of organic essential oils such as lemon, tea tree and rose geranium.

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For a detailed list of each of the products and their prices,

STEP 1: Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser ($24) is a mild cleanser. Use morning and night.
STEP 2: Outer Peace Anti Blemish Relief Pads ($30) are gentle exfoliating pads. Think of them like a grown-up version of Clearasil pads. While they similarly provide a post-cleansing punch to blackheads, they don't sting. Plus, they smell slightly woodsy and fresh.
STEP 3: Outer Peace Spot Relief ($28) is a spot treatment that can be dabbed on pimples.
STEP 4: Outer Peace Anti Blemish Relief Lotion ($38) is a lightweight lotion that helps to clear blemishes, control oil and minimize the appearance of pores.

Beauty Blooper: Once a Picker, Always a Picker

BellaSugar — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:00:25 PDT

Ever get a pimple - the really, really big kind that hurt? You know better than to poke or probe it, but it's too hard to sit there and do nothing. This happened to a friend of mine the other day and instead of leaving well enough alone, she squeezed and squeezed it. Since nothing came out to relieve her of the pain and pressure, she decided to sterilize a needle and puncture it at the root.

However, what came out wasn't sebum, it was blood. What was once a manageable red bump was now a bleeding puffy and bright red mess. She knew that an infection was bound to occur, so she ran over to the dermatologist for a cortisone injection to manage the swelling and kill off the bacteria. Two days later it scabbed and thankfully a week later it's almost 100% healed.

Lesson Learned C'mon gals-You know better than to mess with cystic blemishes. Next time, soak the heck out of it and then apply a mask overnight to dry it up and bring it to a head. Wash your face, apply a spot treatment and then cover it up with some makeup. Leave the needles to the M.D.'s please!

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Beauty Mark It Results: Acne Spot Treatments

BellaSugar — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:32:53 PDT

The results of last week's Beauty Mark It challenge are in, and thanks to you readers, there are lots of suggestions for pimple-stopping spot treatments.

Melanie1022 suggests MyChelle Clear Skin Serum ($29.98). "I love all MyChelle products," she says. "You can order samples for just about $2.00." After browsing the available samples, I might do just that-especially because the products are non-toxic and cruelty-free.

Another highlight is Jenlusi's suggestion, Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17). It has salicylic acid to zap the zit, and calamine to calm the inflamed skin.

Want to see everybody's suggestions? Just browse this widget and you'll have tons of shopping options!

Beauty Mark It! Acne Spot Treatments

BellaSugar — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 17:29:36 PDT

Even the healthiest skin is prone to getting pimples. Usually, they sprout just in time for an important event like a job interview or first date. Nice, huh? During such times, I rely on a spot treatment to beat those zits into submission. Most of them, like Leaf and Rusher Acne Serum Tx, contain salicylic acid, and you dab them only on the blemish-not on your entire face. (For more on salicylic acid's uses, read on.)

For this week's Beauty Mark It challenge, I'd like to find out which acne spot treatments you like best. You can share your suggestions by tagging your choices with the phrase "acne spot." I'll feature the readers' favorites on BellaSugar next Tuesday, October 16.

To learn about Beauty Mark It Challenges and to see how to add your picks, click here. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores,

Saks Beauty Place
Victoria's Secret Beauty
Sephora
Drugstore.com
Fred Segal Beauty
Folica
Strawberrynet.com
Nordstrom
Bergdorf Goodman
Beauty.com

Tea Tree Oil Products, Part I: Face Care

BellaSugar — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:00:08 PDT

After learning about the many many first-aid and household uses for tea tree oil, I decided to do a little bit of research to see what kinds of beauty products exist with this ingredient. I found out that there are way too many to count, so I've decided to create a three-part series highlighting some of my favorite brands that use this fabulous essential oil in their hair, face and skin care products. I can't wait to hear what you think - and of course if you have any tea tree-infused products of your own to share, please leave a comment.

Liz Earle Spot On Roller Ball (around $15) is an amazing treatment for blemishes bites and cuts. It's made from pure tea tree oil, melissa and lavender (it's got that really strong tea tree oil smell). I've been using it for about a week now on my pimples and it's been extremely effective in fighting off bacteria.

I love the easy roller-ball application, and it doesn't sting like many other spot treatments often do. Unfortunately right now it's only available in the UK, but-shh!-there are tons of gray markets online that will deliver overseas.

For two more tea tree oil products for your skin,

Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Face Mask ($14) is a fantastic weekly treatment to help draw out impurities that reside on the surface of your skin. It refines skin, absorbs excess oil, and deep cleans. Plus it's got a great, natural and invigorating scent.

Aveda Tea Tree Oil ($12) is an amazing multi-purpose skin care product to have at home. It makes you feel exhilarated and revived and refreshed. This product is labeled as a natural fragrance, yet it is also extremely beneficial to use on your face after a shower to help ward off bacteria, fungi and blemishes as well as helping to purify oily skin. Once you try it, I know you'll love it!