BellaSugar

Hyaluronic Acid: Treatment For Thirsty Skin

BellaSugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:00:33 -0800

You ask, Bella delivers! Last week we talked about Hyaluronic Acid, a component in your skin that can absorb up to 1000 times its weight in water. It helps the skin stay plump and smooth until our early twenties, when the moisture level begins to gradually deplete. Luckily, many skin care lines have recognized the potential of hyaluronic acid and are including it in their products. Here are three topical options you might like to try.

Cellex C's Hydra B-5 Complex ($73) feels like water on your face and it works to maximize your skin's hydration without clogging your pores. Although the cost is a little steep, I can attest that it's definitely worth the splurge for anyone with sensitive, oily or really dry skin.

To see two other options for hyaluronic acid-based skin quenchers, read more.

A slightly more affordable option is this Acne Treatment Clarifying Hydrator by PH Advantage ($35). It packs a one-two punch: it delivers the benefit of the hyaluronic acid, plus salicylic acid to help kill acne bacteria, making it a great option for those of you with acne-prone skin.

Avalon Organics Daily Moisturizer ($16.99) contains not only hyaluronic acid, but also lavender to calm redness in your skin. However, it's not oil-free, so for those of you with oily skin, be warned.

Definition: Hyaluronic Acid

BellaSugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 07:00:22 -0800

Hyaluronic Acid is a natural and essential moisture component of your skin. It lies within your connective tissue layers and acts as a support to your collagen and elastin fibers. It helps your skin stay plump and smooth because of its ability to absorb up to 1000 times its weight in water.

Starting at around age 20, our skin progressively loses its ability to retain moisture and we start to see the formation of fine lines. Using skin care products that contain hyaluronic acid can help your skin absorb moisture more effectively. In fact, the injectable wrinkle-filler Restalyne, is comprised of mostly hyaluronic acid.

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Bella Brand: Zelens Skin Science

BellaSugar — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 07:03:52 -0800

If the thought of animal-friendly cosmetics conjures up patchouli-scented granola creams, you may want to rethink things. Zelens Skin Science takes them to a level of luxury that's more along the lines of Barneys Co-Op than a bulk food co-op. Designed by plastic surgeon Dr. Marko Lens, the skin care line aims to reduce signs of aging by dosing skin with a blend of 14 antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and other good-for-skin plant-derived ingredients. Those ingredients are delivered through liposomes that mimic the skin's cellular structure, so they replace damaged phospholipids - which in turn helps skin cells reconstruct themselves.

Zelens sent me a few creams to try, and I've become a fan of the Intensive Triple Action Eye Cream. "Cream" isn't the right word, really; it's more of a thick gel. Just a little bit goes a long way in reducing puffiness, and I've seen a definite reduction in the tiny milia since using it. The only drawback? At $160 for the eye cream, luxury doesn't come cheap.

Product Review: Nars Skin Potent EFA Cream

BellaSugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:00:40 -0700

About a month ago, Nars released a new, highly concentrated, skin-restoring face moisturizer called Lipid Support Potent EFA Cream ($70 for 1.7 oz). This thick, lightly scented lotion is formulated with lipids (Omega-3 fatty acids and ceramides), acai and hyaluronic acid to replenish your skin and to create a more hydrated texture. In turn, this helps aid in skin-cell regeneration and decrease wrinkles and create an overall more supple appearance.

Now, I don't know if you're aware of this, but some ingredients can break down when exposed to the air - and that means your skin isn't getting all of the ingredients it should. I like this container aesthetically, but I love how the airtight seal protects the cream's active ingredients from overexposure to sunlight, germs, and oxygen.

I really like the cream, especially for nighttime, but the one drawback is that has a slightly heavy and greasy texture. It claims to be suitable for all skin types, but due to its intensely hydrating formula, I would suggest it for those with dry skin.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

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Product Review: Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask

BellaSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:00:11 -0700

Would you ever consider spreading mashed potatoes on your face? That's exactly what the Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask ($85) from Fresh feels like. But, alas, starch it is not. It's actually made from cucumber, black tea, sake, lychee seed, jicama root juice, and hyaluronic acid, the big guns when it comes to cell hydration.

My favorite parts are twofold. The first is the light and fresh natural tea and cucumber aroma that is both calming and refreshing. The second part is that it never dries so you don't have to deal with that uncomfortable cracking and stiff sensation. It just sort of absorbs and looks shiny.

It's recommended to leave on for at least five-to-eight minutes, but after speaking with Lev Glazman (one of the co-creators of Fresh), he recommends leaving it on overnight two-to-three times a week for an enhanced effect.

When you wash it off, your face has a glowy and smooth look. My biggest beef with the product, besides the slightly funny feeling that occurs when you rub it in, is the price tag. But, if you've got the extra cash lying around, I recommend giving it a whirl.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

Bella Brand: Dr. Susan Taylor's RX for Brown Skin

BellaSugar — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 11:58:50 -0700

There isn't one specific skincare regimen that works for everyone, and many product lines don't tackle the specific needs of women of color, such as hyperpigmentation. A new one, however, aims to change that. Dr. Susan Taylor's Rx for Brown Skin is a new line of skin care for light, medium and dark shades of brown skin (think everyone from Lucy Liu to Jennifer Lopez to Eve to Queen Latifah). It was developed by Dr. Susan Taylor, a Harvard-trained dermatologist and the director of the Skin of Color Center in New York City.

The line is divided into products for dry, acne-prone and dull skin types:

Bright and Healthy: A fragrance- and alcohol-free cleanser, toner and moisturizer for sensitive and dry skin
Bright and Clear: An acne-fighting trio infused with soy (to even out skin tone) and salicylic acid (to fight pimples)
Bright and Even: A cleanser, toner, moisturizer and serum with hyaluronic acid (to smooth skin) and glycolic acid (to remove dead skin)

The cleansers, lotions and serums range from $18 to $36, and if you need help figuring out which product collection is right for you, this survey will send you on your way. And if you're looking for a makeup line for brown skin, check out Big Girl Cosmetics, which has tons of options for women of color.

Product Review: Omorovicza Plumping Cream

BellaSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:00:27 -0700

Everyone has days when work feels like a labor of love, but then there are the days when I come home to a shiny package filled with a jar of Omorovicza Plumping Cream ($260) - and suddenly I remember how lucky I am! I first informed you about the amazing wonders of Hungarian skin care products in December and about a month ago, I talked to you in more detail about the Budapest-based brand Omorovicza.

After using the cream for almost a month straight, I am grateful to find something that has noticeably improved the overall tone of my skin. Maybe it's the hyaluronic acid, omega-6 ceramides, the elastins, or the special Hungarian healing minerals, but my skin feels smooth, hydrated, and far less blotchy.

Just a small dab for your entire face and neck will do ya, which I think is great since it's so expensive. The ultrathick cream has a soothing and subtle rosy, lavender scent. It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling hydrated, smooth, and even a little bit brighter. And here's a tip for those of you who don't have almost $300 to burn: ask for a sample. It will last you over a week and you can see for yourself if you think it's worth the investment.

Coming Soon: Lola Cosmetics Firming Sensation Tinted Eye Balm

BellaSugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:00:21 -0700

Due out in stores this Summer is the newest concealer launch from Lola Cosmetics called Firming Sensation Tinted Eye Balm ($22). What makes this concealer different from the rest is that it's designed to moisturize, brighten, cover dark circles and it even helps heal blemishes - all without the use of oils, fragrances, or parabens.

They call it a refining concealer because it contains hyaluronic acid to keep skin moist throughout the day. It is also enhanced with redness-reducing chamomile, firming sesame protein, smoothing sesaflash, and anti-inflammatory ginseng.

It's weightless, spreads easily, and the best part of all is that it won't get caught up in those little fine lines around your eyes making you look older than you are.

It will be available in dark, medium, and light shades. I love how the container is filled right to the top without any smoke and mirrors that make you think you're getting a ton of product when really it's all packaging. I guess I'll have to compare and see if it gives my favorite new Philosophy Concealer a run for the money -that's the real test!

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Product Review: Shiseido The Makeup Dual Balancing Foundation

BellaSugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:00:07 -0700

Last weekend I went on a foundation quest at Sephora. After about 45 minutes, and arms streaked up to my elbows in a beigey rainbow of colors, I swiped a dollop of the Shiseido The Makeup Dual Balancing Foundation ($36) on my wrist. Hmmm. This actually matches my skin quite perfectly, I thought to myself. Let's try it on the face. I managed to find a make-up free patch of skin around my chin area (yes, I was looking slightly ridiculous by this point), and sponged some of this stuff on. It literally disappeared into my skin. Done. I grabbed one of the packaged bottles in my color, and got out of there (finally!).

I've been using this foundation every day for the past week, and so far, so good. It really does match my skin tone perfectly, but I realize that might not be the case with everyone. The best part is the way it blends right into my skin, without leaving any dusty, chalky telltale traces behind. It is a solid medium-coverage, so this would not be for those of you looking for super sheer, light coverage. The color I chose has yellow undertones, which I have a hard time finding in a foundation, and it neutralizes the pinks and reds in my skin very nicely.

I also like that this foundation is fragrance and oil-free, and it contains hyaluronic acid, which helps my skin hold in moisture so the foundation doesn't feel dry or flaky by the end of the day. Overall, I would highly recommend this foundation if you have combination skin like me, and are looking for a product with solid, medium coverage.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

Product Review: La Mer Body Cream

BellaSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:00:17 -0700

Talk about at-home spa treatments. This La Mer Body Cream is so unbelievably thick and creamy, the folks at La Mer HQ call it a "seaweed wrap in a jar." Lucky for me, I was sent a sample because $195 for body cream is holy outrageous, Batman!

The lotion comes packaged in a pale green celery jar and smells exactly like the face cream and the hand treatment. That's probably because it contains all kinds of ingredients from the sea along with four kinds of algae, omega 3, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Funny enough, it doesn't contain the company's most famous Miracle Broth, which I thought was their secret weapon.

I'll level with you: If this became your guilty pleasure, you'd need to take another mortgage out on your house, but for anyone who's got some cash to burn, I'd put this at the top of my list. It really is that fabulous. The cream comforts and seriously moisturizes dry, damaged skin. For everybody else who is looking for a less expensive option, check out my drugstore pick for body lotion.