BellaSugar

Three Things To Do Today To Save Your Skin Tomorrow

BellaSugar — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:00:46 -0800

These days the market is flooded with anti-aging products from serums to sprays to pills, so it can be a daunting task to figure out which treatments are necessary to ward off the early signs of aging. But there are three basic, simple things you can start doing today to keep your skin healthy.

Moisturize Since a lot of women struggle with occasional bouts of acne, we often overdry our skin when preventing and treating breakouts. But you can hydrate your skin without clogging your pores. Keep your skin as hydrated as possible by using an oil-free moisturizer with an SPF in the morning, and then a moisturizing gel or hyaluronic acid serum in the evening to lock in as much moisture as possible while you sleep.

To see two more ways to start preventing the early signs of aging, read more.

Exfoliate If you aren't exfoliating, you're not putting your best face forward. Removing the superficial layer of dead skin cells from your face can help with everything from acne to fine lines. A highly effective choice is an at-home microdermabrasion treatment done once a week.
Sunscreen You already know that wearing sunscreen keeps your skin healthy. But for you sun worshippers out there, I want to remind you what the sun really does to your skin. A suntan is your body's response to injury caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays. This exposure irreversibly alters the structure of the DNA in your skin cells. When this happens, the injured cells can mutate and divide uncontrollably, which is how skin cancer forms. Protecting your skin from the sun is as much about your health as it is about beauty. Almost every moisturizer on the market these days contains some sort of SPF, so no more excuses! If you're on a budget, try the L'Oreal Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 15 ($10).

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Beauty Marked! An Anti-Aging Eye Cream

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 17:20:44 -0800

Ever since I realized my tried and true Shiseido Skincare Eye Revitalizer, $37, lost its effect on my aging eyes, I've been on the hunt for something heavier! Thank you to all of you who responded to my Beauty Mark It! post and shared all of your super powered age defying eye creams! To see all of the anti-aging eye creams that you have chosen for me click here.

Beauty Mark #1 found by Musewings, is an Essential Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 15 With Antioxidants for Normal to Dry Skin made by Paula's Choice, $12.95. It is a fragrance free lotion that helps to hydrate dry skin as well as protect it from the sun. It's not just an eye cream, it's so moisturizing that if you apply it liberally to your orbital bone, it should do the trick!

For more anti-aging eye creams, read more

Beauty Mark #2 found by zeldaf, is the Lancome HIGH RESOLUTION with COLLASER - Deep Collagen Anti-Wrinkle Serum, $62 for one ounce and $92 for 1.7 ounces. In just 48 hours it is said to help renew the deteriorating collagen in the sensitive area around your eyes.

It was inspired by professional laser therapy, which also helps to promote collagen production and thus reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Beauty Mark #3 found by sigmaration, is the latest anti-wrinkle cream from Bliss called Wrinkle Twinkle, $42. This fast-acting line eraser is a topical "muscle relaxer" for your wrinkles! It fills in the fine wrinkles around your eyes and then relaxes and regenerates the muscles. Over a few month period, it should also help reduce the look of dark under eye circles. Wowsers!

Oh Man: Anthony Logistics Self Tanner with Anti-Aging Complex

BellaSugar — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 06:00:31 -0700

Anthony Logistics Self Tanner with Anti-Aging Complex ($28) is technically made for men, and with my sensitive skin, I'm often wary of trying products for guys. However, I have been using this self tanner on my face for months, and I couldn't be happier with it.

The face lotion has a light, citrusy smell, and it has never turned me even a little bit orange. Even better, it works quickly: You'll notice results within an hour of applying.

Anthony Logistics Self Tanner contains an alpha-hydroxy blend that helps to get rid of dead skin cells, so it leaves your face brighter and smoother. It's categorized as an anti-aging product because it contains green tea, an antioxidant that could help slow the visible signs of aging. To learn how to use it, read more

After exfoliating, cleansing, and toning your skin, apply this lotion to your face and neck. The more often you apply, the deeper your tan will become. You can use it morning and night, although I suggest alternating it with your moisturizer once daily. Also, don't forget to wash your hands when you are finished; you don't want any evidence that your "natural" glow came out of a tube.

Product Review: Freeze 24-7 Anti-Aging Eye Serum

BellaSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:00:55 -0700

Last month I notified you that Freeze 24-7 was having an unbelievable friends and family sale in which everything was half off. Therefore, I couldn't help but get my hands on some of the products that I'd been clamoring to try out. Case in point: the Anti-Aging Eye Serum ($115). I'd heard great things about the serum - mainly that it was like topical Botox - and really, it should be for that price.

The first thing that I noticed was how much product was dispensed with each pump - definitely much more than what is needed for both eyes. Unfortunately when I've tried to pump less I've failed; it's definitely an all-or-nothing affair. Since there's no way to get the excess back into the bottle, I applied half of the serum to each eye. Once applied I noticed a slight tingling sensation. It's not uncomfortable in a Lip Venom type of way, but there's a certain tightening feeling. "Oh, it's working its magic," I thought to myself. What I didn't expect was that the white cream would harden, leaving a slightly dry paste on my face. (You know what it looks like when your skin peels after a bad sunburn? Ugh.) So although it's something that I wouldn't recommend for the day, I use it at night before I go to bed in hopes that it's keeping wrinkles at bay.

New Product Alert: Caviar Anti-Aging Hair Masque

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 08:00:37 -0800

With the season changing at warp speed, hair is at serious risk of moisture loss. This can lead to dull strands and brittle split ends. Now is a good time to start giving yourself a hair treatment anywhere from once to twice a week, depending on the condition of your hair. If you are looking for a new product to try, Alterna has just come out with a Caviar Anti-Aging Hair Masque ($40).

This color-safe treatment is made with seasilk, a patented group of marine botanicals. Together, they promise to prevent breakage and combat dryness by delivering moisture to your hair and scalp. I've used it once already, but I want to give it one more whirl before sharing my review. So stay tuned, because I'll have plenty to say about it soon!

Relaxed vs. Natural Hair vs. Weaves vs. Dreads

OnSugar Blog — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:02:21 -0800

Here are highlights from OnSugar blog Krissy's One Stop Beauty Spot.

Women, especially black women, have the ability to change hairstyles like underwear. I support you ladies no matter what you do - just do it right and take care of your hair. For the most part we all practice the same principles when it comes to proper hair care (co-washing, ACV rinse, trims, deep conditioning, etc.). I'm always willing to help people with hair questions and concerns, or at least point them in the right direction. I know plenty of people in that area.

Where I stand on a lot of hair issues:

I'm anti kiddie perms and kiddie dreadlocks on children if they're at an age where they can't make that choice for themselves (unless, of course, it's part of your religion). It's not about the chemicals, it's about the fact that it's a permanent hairstyle on a child. What if your child decides they want to wear their natural hair? You'll have to either cut their hair to transition them to natural hair. Yes, you can remove dreads but unless someone can find me a "safe" method that doesn't damage the hair, then I won't be changing my mind about this.
I'm pro weaves and braids as long as it's done right and your hair is still being kept healthy. If your hair is being done too tight and coming out, it's time to find a new stylist.
I'm pro curly and natural hairstyles within corporate America. I hear a lot of natural haired beauties bragging about self-acceptance and mainstreaming natural hair, but they still search for corporate hairstyles because of their natural hair. A bun will always be conservative no matter what type of hair you have.
I've always encouraged hair dialogue among women of different nationalities. You'll be surprised by the things we all have in common. If your non-black friend is telling you about a great hair balm that she pays $15 for, take her on a trip to a local beauty supply store and show her where to buy it for $5.

Read the entire post here. Want to see more? Start following OnSugar blog Krissy's One Stop Beauty Spot or start your own OnSugar blog. Maybe your stories will be featured on BellaSugar.

Dr. Obagi: Moisturizers Make You Age

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 07:01:07 -0700

When it comes to skin, we're all aging - whether we like it or not. Recently, I interviewed dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi of ZO Skin Health. I asked him a few questions regarding his specialty, anti-aging skin care, and he had plenty to say. Here's a bit; more to come!

How is it that pimples and wrinkles can occur at the same time? Talk about a double whammy!
The two problems may occur at the same time, but they have different causes. Pimples are related to oil gland activity, the amount of sebum produced, and pores. Oil glands are hyperactive in some individuals (hormones, genetic factors), resulting in acne and rosacea when pores become clogged. Acne has nothing to do with age. Wrinkles are due to loss and destruction of collagen without replacement, due to cell inactivity. Both problems can and do, sometimes, occur at the same time.

What products/techniques can actually do the reverse, causing premature aging and/or wrinkling?
Moisturizers, when used daily as part of a skin care program, will accelerate aging and wrinkling of the skin, as they reduce cellular activity, causing the cells to become lazy and sensitive. Repeated AHA use, IPL [Intense Pulsed Light], and photo-rejuvenation treatments without cell stimulation, will reduce the skin's ability to regenerate healthy functioning cells.

Come back later this week for more of Dr. Obagi's thoughts on healthy aging and skin care.
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Dr. Obagi's Anti-Moisturizer Theory Explained

BellaSugar — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 07:01:43 -0700

Who knew that moisturizer could create such a stir? Recently, I interviewed Dr. Zein Obagi of ZO Skin Health regarding anti-aging skin care, his area of expertise. As we learned, Dr. Obagi is not an advocate of moisturizers, claiming that they can actually accelerate the aging process. As promised, here's further explanation.

Can you clarify why moisturizers accelerate aging?
"It seems antithetical - a moisturizer was probably the first product that you used on your skin - and the one you trusted and used most frequently. . . With young and healthy skin, the cells in the dermis collect water from the food we eat and water we drink, and deliver that water to the surface of the skin. But, when you apply a moisturizer to hydrate and plump the skin, the skin cells in the epidermis send a message to the cells in the dermis: slow down, we’re fat and happy up here. That causes the cells in the dermis to become lazy, go dormant, and the skin becomes drier, thinner, and less elastic."

To hear what Dr. Obagi told me about why he sells creams and what conditions make it OK to use a moisturizer, read more.

Why do you sell two different crèmes, and what makes them different?
"I’m not a fan of moisturizers that plump and smooth the skin, and work only at the surface. The products need to work at the cellular level. The Daily Renewal Crème ($95) and Overnight Recovery Crème ($95) do have moisturizing properties, but that’s not all that they do. So unlike traditional moisturizers, these two products contain retinol (to activate and stimulate the skin) as well as anti-irritants and herbal extracts to calm and soothe the skin. So do they moisturize? Yes. But labeling them as moisturizers would be an understatement."

What conditions would make it OK to use moisturizers?
"Moisturizers are OK under certain conditions:

. . . We want to keep skin cells functioning - that’s what keeps [them] awake and vital. If you activate and stimulate your skin, and use a product that moisturizes your skin, that’s OK.
After medical procedures (lasers or peels) that may be desirable or necessary.
When you’re traveling to an arid climate - such as Palm Springs or Las Vegas, where the air is very dry.
When you’re traveling in an airplane, where the cabin air may dehydrate your skin."

Do you think Dr. Obagi's explanation makes sense?

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New Product Alert: Alterna Caviar Seasilk Shampoo and Conditioner

BellaSugar — Fri, 18 May 2007 07:33:27 -0700

I love Alterna products, and the hair-care brand's newest invention sounds especially luxe. Called Caviar Anti-Aging Seasilk Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner, this combo contains caviar extract, vitamin C, and seasilk, an ingredient previously available only in skincare products. It's an anti-aging agent that increases elasticity and shine while also hydrating and nourishing unbalanced or dry hair.

Yes, hair does age. Not only does it get thinner as the years ago by, but hair follicles also suffer from environmental, sun, and chemical damage. This shampoo ($30) and conditioner ($32) duo, which comes in volumizing and moisturizing varieties, shields hair from further damage, helps to refine the texture of damaged hair strands, and protects color from oxidization and fading.

I haven't tried it out on my locks yet, but I have taken a whiff of the substantial green tea and bergamot aroma, and it's quite nice. Want to try it yourself? You can buy the Caviar line at any salon that carries Alterna products; call 1-888-4-ALTERNA for details.

All About Eye Creams

BellaSugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 07:00:50 -0700

After reading this Beauty Product Junkies post and informally talking with a few friends, one thing is clear: Few people are clear on what eye creams do and whether you need them. So here are a few FAQs about eye cream. (If you have other questions, just leave a comment.)

Do I really need an eye cream?
Yes; to protect the delicate area around your eyes, you need to apply moisturizer every day.

Can't I just use my normal face cream?
Sure - it's up to you. The skin around your eyes isn't inherently different from the skin on, say, your cheeks. If you like your moisturizer, there's no reason not to use it near your eyes. Depending on your skin type, you may prefer (as I do) to use a separate eye cream. If you have oily skin, for instance, you may want a hydrating eye cream but a mattifying face lotion. But there's nothing holding you back from using the same moisturizer all over your skin.

To find out whether eye creams can eliminate your wrinkles, read more.

Eye creams can get rid of wrinkles, right?
Nope. No cream can actually eliminate existing wrinkles. If that were the case, people wouldn't try Botox, would they?

Crud. Well, what can they do, then?
A good eye cream keeps your skin moist, which minimizes the look of wrinkles and can hydrate skin - which, in turn, can reduce puffiness and prevent your skin from forming more wrinkles. An eye cream with glycolic acid can help exfoliate your skin, which will make crow's feet look less deep. Emollient creams with silicones or glycerin can create a smoother surface on the skin, which minimizes the look of wrinkles.

Also, keep an eye out for creams that brighten your skin superficially. Olay Definity Intense Hydrating Cream ($29.99) isn't just for the eyes (see? I told you!) but along with anti-aging amino acids, it contains mica particles that reflect light. It's just a cosmetic change, but it makes an immediate improvement in your appearance.

What else do I need to know?
A daytime eye cream - or any daytime facial moisturizer, for that matter - is worthless if it doesn't contain a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. The best way to prevent wrinkles from forming around your eyes is to wear SPF 15 or 30 day in, day out. You can pile on a $300 eye cream each night, but if you're not using sunscreen in conjunction with it, you're throwing away your money.

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