BellaSugar

Bella Quiz: Do You Know Where Your Spots Stem From?

BellaSugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 08:00:22 -0800

Before I began my facial at The Vaishaly Clinic, owner, Vaishaly Patel inquired about my health, what foods I eat and my menstrual cycle. I was experiencing quite a bad breakout at the time, and she explained how through research and experience, she has come to understand how the effects of stress, hormones and digestion directly affect the condition of your skin.

She can even correlate which problems affect which part of the face. I found this conversation riveting and wanted to ask if you know where your spots stem from? Take this quiz to test yourself!

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Quick Quiz: Can Stress Really Cause Blemishes?

BellaSugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:00:46 -0800

I've often heard that blemishes can bloom from diet changes, hormonal fluctuation, and from changing skincare products. All of these factors may contribute in some way to the outbreak of spots, but one thing I know for sure is that when I am stressed, I always suffer a breakout.

I decided to do a little bit of research to find out why, if in fact it is stress that is such a traumatic trigger for my skin. Who better to turn to for advice than to the Aveda Research Team. After all, they've just spent tons of time developing a line of Ayurvedic products called Outer Peace, which are designed to achieve clear and balanced skin. Take this quick quiz to find out if stress is really a cause of blemishes, or if it's all in your head.

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Goodbye Old Friend: La Prairie Blemish Control Gel

BellaSugar — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:00:10 -0700

During a stay at a Beverly Hills hotel, I decided to treat my severely broken-out skin to a facial. The spa at the hotel used La Prairie products and I was really impressed with how clean and tingly my face felt when I was finished. The facialist told me that if there was one product I should splurge on (this brand is quite pricey), it should be the La Prairie Cellular Purifying System Blemish Control Gel ($70).

I bought it and within a few days I could not believe how dramatically my face had calmed down and cleared up. From that day on, every time I've gotten a doozy of a zit, my La Prairie Blemish Gel has been my go-to product. While of course I have tried many less expensive spot treatments this one always seems to do the job for the really painful, disastrous, cystic kinds of pimples.

What makes it so awesome is that you can feel the gel stinging, almost burning your skin. It's made with such a high concentration of salicylic acid that you can only use it for a few days or it will make your skin peel. Don't make me feel like I am some sicko for enjoying this sensation-you know as well as I do that when you've got a blemish to blast, you're counting down the minutes until it's gone.

Unfortunately, six months ago, I went to replenish my stock and was told it had been discontinued. I have since been able to find more bottles on the online grey markets, but I'm definitely bugging out thinking that my supply is eventually going to get cut off. Do you have any other amazing zit creams you can recommend?

Tools of the Trade: Blemish Extractor

BellaSugar — Tue, 15 May 2007 07:14:29 -0700

When I mentioned blemish extractors in my recent post about the Biore Self-Heating Mask, many readers wondered what a blemish extractor was, and some of you were horrified when I explained it. But don't be afraid of this handy little tool: In my opinion, it's one of the beauty junkie's best weapons against clogged pores and blackheads. Extractors are also a must-have for anyone with oily skin.

I currently use the Sephora Double-Ended Blemish Extractor ($16), though I haven't found much difference between the different brands. Most all of them feature two loops: a thin wire for whiteheads and a thick, flat loop for blackheads. However, I almost always use the small loop to squeeze out all types of tiny blemishes. For all of the gory details about using a blemish extractor, read more

First of all, your mom probably told you not to squeeze your pimples, and that is still true. The blemish extractor is meant only for removing clogged pores, which start out tiny and white and often develop into larger, oily blackheads. Don't even think about using a blemish extractor on a real pimple, though.

Start by steaming your face with a warm, wet cloth, or do your pore unclogging after a hot shower or warm mask. To use, select the end with the appropriate size loop and surround the blemish with the loop. Press firmly and slowly slide the loop over the blemish until the clog comes out. If you do it right, it should be quick and easy and highly satisfying!

Superior Spot Treatments, Part I

BellaSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 08:13:33 -0700

Let's face it, everybody gets a pimple here and there and they always come at the most inopportune times. Who saw My Big Fat Greek Wedding? When you get a blemish that's red, swollen and sore, you look and feel pretty terrible. Here are a few of my favorite zit zappers that can help blast those gnarly blemishes! Be sure and stay tuned for part two of superior spot treatments later this week!

Origins Spot Remover, $10, is a clear acne blemish treatment gel that tingles upon contact. Just a teensy bit goes a long way. It is made with salicylic acid that helps dry up your trouble areas, prevent new pimples from forming and also helps calm redness.

Stop using as often if your skin becomes dry or irritated but because it is created for sensitive skin, it shouldn't provoke any tenderness. Use as needed, one to three times a day and apply a thin layer to the area and let it dry. Suitable for all skin types.

For two more ways to blast blemishes, read more

SkinCeuticals Blemish Control Gel, $32, is an ultra light acne treatment that helps combat, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts and other acne related issues. It also helps to kill the bacteria on your skin that causes new breakouts to form. Active ingredients include purifying agents and salicylic acid (one per cent)!

This gel will also help exfoliate the dead skin around the pimple and unclog your pores. This is one super strong sucker, but not to worry; it won't leave you dry, red or irritated.

Murad Acne Spot Treatment, $17, is a sure fire way to banish your blemishes! This powerful formula is made from: sulfur (to minimize breakouts), salicylic acid (to dry up and kill bacteria), zinc oxide (to reduce swelling), licorice extract and allantoin (to calm irritated skin), hydrolyzed oat flour (to fight flaking and over-drying) and lastly Vitamins E and C (to keep skin protected). This is my buddy FabSugar's pick, what's yours?

Bella Brand: Aveda Outer Peace

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 13:00:50 -0800

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, read more

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 -0700

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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Sunday Giveaway! RareMinerals Blemish Therapy and Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips

BellaSugar — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 23:30:00 -0700

Whether it's a pimple here or there or you experience consistent problems with acne, Sephora's got your back. Each day this week, we're giving away products that will not only help clear your complexion and plump your pout, but boost your confidence, too.

From now until Sunday, you could be the lucky winner of these appearance-enhancing prizes from Bare Escentuals. They include RareMinerals Blemish Therapy, an ultra-concentrated acne formula that can be used as an overnight spot treatment or under makeup during the day, and Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips in Starr, a mineral-infused high-shine plumping gloss that creates the look of fuller lips.

To enter, just take the quiz by 5 p.m. PDT today, and one winner will be selected at random. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just on taking the quiz after you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member to enter. So if you're not already one, register for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Prizes can be shipped to US destinations only. Remember: You must be logged in to TeamSugar for your entry to count. For the complete rules, click here. Good luck!

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Saturday Giveaway! RareMinerals Blemish Therapy and Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips

BellaSugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:30:00 -0700

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Friday Giveaway! RareMinerals Blemish Therapy and Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips

BellaSugar — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:30:00 -0700

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