BellaSugar

Get Glowing with a Glycolic Acid Wash

BellaSugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 07:00:26 PDT

I'm a little obsessive when it comes to having healthy skin, and although Differin has cleared up most of my acne, I still didn't have that glow that I've been seeking. So on Saturday, I went to a med-spa to discuss my options. After looking at my skin, the esthetician suggested Jan Marini Bioglycolic cleanser (about $30). Now, normally I'd never spend this much for a cleanser, but because I don't currently have a glycolic acid product in my daily regimen, I decided to give it a whirl.

After just a few days, I'm hooked. This is already making a difference. I'm starting to have that shiny-but-not-oily glow that I covet, and my skin feels soft and smooth. And even though it doesn't irritate my skin, know that this is serious stuff: the cleanser contains 12% glycolic acid, which is a pretty hefty concentration. To use the cleanser, you put a small amount on dry skin - it can't be wet - and massage it into skin for about a minute before rinsing.

I was worried that a glycolic product would be too harsh for my skin, especially considering my Differin use, but it's been great so far. If you're dealing with dull skin and regular exfoliants aren't doing much for you, I would definitely try this cleanser. Or for a more affordable version, try Aqua Glycolic Facial Cleanser ($14.49). Although I haven't used it, the ingredient list is nearly identical, with only a slightly less potent percentage of glycolic acid. Give either of these a try; I'm almost positive you'll have great results!

Vitamin C Skin Care Part IV: Eye Treatments

BellaSugar — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:56:27 PDT

Welcome back to part four of my Vitamin C Skin Care Series. As we all know, eye creams are important for toning, firming and tightening up the sensitive orbital area of your eye. That's where you first begin to see fine lines and signs of aging. Here are three vitamin C-infused eye creams that help to stunt the aging process and keep your eyes looking taut and smooth.

Jan Marini C-ESTA Eye Repair Concentrate ($77) is a medically tested eye treatment to help significantly slow down the signs of aging around the thin-skinned areas of your eyes.

It is suitable for all skin types and contains a high concentration of vitamin C. Apply just a little bit to your lower and upper eye area, stopping at the crease.

For two more vitamin C eye creams,

read more Rejuvenal-C Orange Eye Pads ($4) are infused with orange, vitamin c, ginkgo biloba, green tea, and chamomile to tighten, calm and reduce puffiness in your eyes. The package contains five pairs of eye pads that are safe for all skin types. It is recommended to take out contacts before use. Simply place a pair of pads over your eyes and relax for anywhere from ten to thirty minutes while "the C" works its magic. For a treat, try chilling the pads-it's refreshing and enjoyable.
N.V. Perricone M.D. Cosmeceuticals Vitamin C Ester Eye Area Therapy ($50) is an eye serum that nourishes and restores balance to your delicate eye area. Use in the morning and at night for maximum benefits. After a week or so, you should begin to notice a change in tone and texture in your skin.

SPF For Your Skin Type: Combination Skin

BellaSugar — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 09:44:00 PDT

Welcome to the final installment of SPF For Your Skin Type. For the culmination of this series, I've isolated a few sunscreens that work best for combination skin. This is skin that most commonly has an oily T-Zone, yet has patches of dry skin on the areas of the face as well. Ideally, two types of sunscreens would work best on this skin type, but not only is that unrealistic, but you can't risk missing a spot by complicating the application! For the rest of you who don't have combination skin, you can find the best sunscreen for your skin type here.

MD Skincare Auto-Balancing Moisture Sunscreen SPF 10 ($42) is a moisturizer that also includes SPF. What's special about this sunscreen is its ability to adjust the level of hydration on certain areas of your skin, making it great for normal to oily or combination skin. The non-greasy formula also firms and tightens skin.

For two more sunscreens for combination skin,

read more Jan Marini Skin Research Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30 ($49.50) is a powerful sunscreen that provides all-day protection for your skin. It is also waterproof, sweaproof and it will never leave your face feeling oily. Since it has invisible microscopic sponges, it hydrates the skin as it absorbs grease, and it leaves your skin with a beautuful matte finish now that's pretty fantastic!
Kiehl's Ultra Protection Water-Based Sunscreen SPF 25 ($27) is a great sunscreen for combination, since it is water-based. Not only is it super light, it's also a great primer for under makeup since it absorbs quickly and easily.

Eyelash Intervention

FabSugar — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 15:49:44 PDT

We think Carmen Electra's eyelashes are off the hook!

Eyelash curlers will help enhance what you already have, and fake lashes may be okay for special occasions, but how do you solve the problem of small, thin or non-existent lashes? From what I hear, Jan Marini's Age Intervention Eyelash product just might do the trick!

Instead of lengthening what's already there, the Age Intervention product actually contains enzymes to stimulate hair growth in your eyelash folicles. From Jan Marini's website, "Age Intervention Eyelash goes beyond lash extensions and delivers eyelashes that are truly remarkable. Regardless of how thin, sparse or short your lashes are, and even if you are completely missing sections of your lashes, you can achieve amazing looking eyelashes."

Longer growing lashes are apparently noticeable in about 1-3 weeks. I just purchased mine this weekend, so I'll give you an update in a few weeks and let you know how it works!

Jan Marini products are available online here or at your local spa retailer.