BellaSugar

Take the Redness Out With an Anti-Rosacea Gel

BellaSugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:59:05 -0800

When the complexion problems get tough, the tough go to the dermatologist. After some stubborn acne started to worsen, I headed to my dermatologist (check his acne-fighting tips here) for a visit.

He prescribed Finacea, a water-based gel with azaleic acid. It's generally used to treat rosacea, but my dermatologist said it would not only reduce redness, but also treat the acne. It's expensive, about $115, but insurance can help soften the financial blow. (Or, ahem, there are always Canadian pharmacies.) In my case, it's money well spent. I am so into this gel, it's not even funny.

From the first time I applied it, I saw amazing and quick results. The redness around my nose faded overnight, and within a few days, I found that my blackheads were coming to the surface. (All the easier to eliminate with my extractor.) Two weeks into my love affair with Finacea, I've had significantly fewer clogged pores, and most of my redness is gone. Side effects are minimal; sometimes it makes my skin itchy, but usually I don't have any problems. Obviously, you should talk with a dermatologist before looking into any prescription, but Finacea is such good stuff that I just had to let you know about it.

What You Can Do About Rosacea

BellaSugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:00:32 -0700

For the millions of people who suffer from the redness, facial flushing, and even acne-like symptoms of rosacea, it's easy to feel like there is little or nothing you can do to treat your condition. While not curable, there are many ways you can manage your rosacea so that it doesn't interfere with your life. It is important to note that while some severe forms of rosacea can look like acne, traditional acne treatments will only aggravate your condition. If you suspect you have either acne or rosacea, make a quick trip to your doctor so you can treat your condition properly.

To see some treatments and behaviors that can minimize the discomfort of the condition, read more.

Go easy on your skin: Rosacea can make already-sensitive skin even more so. If you are having a bout of redness and inflammation, treat your skin like you would a baby's. Stay out of the heat (that means no steam rooms, saunas, jacuzzi... you get my drift), and especially avoid the sun. If you do have to venture outdoors, use a baby sunblock with the highest SPF that you can find, and wear a wide-brimmed hat. It can also help to avoid exercise, and moving quickly between hot and cold temperatures. Use only an alcohol-free, gentle cleanser twice a day, and steer clear of facials, microdermabrasions, etc.
Watch what goes into your body: Staying away from spicy foods, alcohol, cigarettes, and hot drinks can help avoid triggering symptoms.
Topical treatments: A topical prescription antibiotic can help reduce moderate inflammation and red bumps. Check with your dermatologist about which one is right for you. Topical Azelaic acid gel is a non-antibiotic option, but it can also only be prescribed by your doctor.
Oral Antibiotics: Severe acne rosacea can also be addressed with the oral antibiotic, Oracea. This is a low-dose, anti-inflammatory drug that has typically lower side effects than traditional antibiotics. These are typically administered for a short-course of treatment that is usually followed up with topical treatments if needed.
Retinoids: Like cystic acne, severe rosacea can be helped with retinoids, which help renew the surface of your skin. Be careful, though; this regimen will double your skin's sun sensitivity, so a high-SPF sunblock is an absolute must at all times.

If any of you have battled rosacea, I would love to hear your stories, and in particular what treatment options worked best for you. For more information on rosacea, you can go to The National Rosacea Society.

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Definition: Rosacea

BellaSugar — Tue, 15 May 2007 15:00:42 -0700

For those of you that suffer from skin disorders or skin discoloration, you understand how upsetting these problems can be. One very common skin disease that effects nearly 16 million Americans and 65 million people worldwide is called rosacea. Fair-skinned adults and especially women are specifically prone to this facial disease.

Rosacea is redness that is usually found on the nose, forehead, cheeks, and chin. Often, it starts as subtle irritations in the center of the face and can develop into severe inflammation, which may become tender. The redness is caused when blood vessels close to the skin's surface dilate, and the skin reacts by forming elevated blotches called papules.

Rosacea can be treated - though not cured - with either topical or oral antibiotics. Sunscreen should be worn at all times to reduce irritation, and doctors may also recommend specific soaps, moisturizers, and other products to help quiet your skin. To counteract the redness of rosacea, you can try to use a yellow- or green-based concealer.

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Reader Review of the Day: Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash

BellaSugar — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash ($7) has been around for years, and I always see it sitting unobtrusively on the shelf at the drugstore. It's the sort of product that has a big, loyal following, but that you don't hear much about. Reader Natalie12 decided to change all that, and she's happy to sing this unassuming cleanser's praises. She says:

"I've been using Purpose twice a day for about three years now, and I'll never change. It's not overly scented, and it's strong enough to get my makeup off at the end of the day, but not so strong and harsh that it aggravates my sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. It rinses off clean without residue, and you can't beat the price! However, I have found that it stings if I get it in my eyes, no matter what the ads say."

Is there a beauty product you can't live without and you want everyone to know? Absolutely can't stand something for which you spent your hard-earned cash? Want to see what other people think of the product you're about to buy? You need the Product Reviews page, where Bella readers can write and read all about over 50,000 beauty goodies. Check it out; there's sure to be something there for you.

Reader Review of the Day: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

BellaSugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:01:58 -0700

Here’s a classic if I’ve ever seen one. Cetaphil’s Daily Facial Cleanser ($11) is gentle and aroma-free, perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or for those who like creamy formulations. Fifty-nine readers have reviewed this iconic product, as did CRob; and, here’s why she likes it:

I've used Cetaphil for about 12 years and it's been the perfect answer to my problematic skin. I tend to be oily in the Summer, super dry in the winter; I break out occasionally, and have been diagnosed with rosacea. All the while, Cetaphil has been the best solution for treating my cranky skin kindly.

If you have a favorite cleanser, whether it’s a cream, gel, foam, or in bar form, we want to hear what you have to say about it. Head over to the Product Review section, and check out my Cetaphil review, too.

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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The Coolest Beauty Products Ever (No, Really.)

BellaSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:00:25 -0700

For years, the aesthetic elite has been refrigerating eye creams and gels, and not just to save room in their medicine cabinets: the cold temperature is said to de-puff by contracting the tissue around the eyes, plus it feels better going on. According to Korean company EUPA, which makes a special cosmetics refrigerator, all products should be stored between 10 to 14 degrees (Celsius, presumably, which is 50 degrees Fahrenheit). Some people keep nail polish in the refrigerator, but according to "Cosmetics Cop" Paula Begoun, "Condensation and cold negatively affect nail polish, making it too thick to use reliably."

So while you shouldn't go hungry to make shelf space for your products, certain things, like melty lip glosses, mineral water sprays (genius to bring to the beach), aloe and other redness relieving gels (to soothe sunburns, rosacea, etc.) and certain organic and natural products, like Lush's face masks, are best served - er, slathered - cold. Just make sure your roommate/ significant other/ babysitter/ kids know what's edible and what's not.

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The First Must-Haves of 2008

BellaSugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:00:39 -0800

The post-holiday doldrums of January can be rough, cold, and not so pretty. That doesn't have to be the case with your beauty routine, though. This month, it's all about hydration: drinking enough water, moisturizing your skin, and avoiding drying products. I've found six items to help you do just that and more.

For a rundown of each product, just read more.

I'm really excited to try Stila Eye Shadow Duos ($20), which officially launch in February but are available to Sephora Beauty Insiders now. This is the first time that Stila has offered two colors in one pan, and the reformulated shadows are supposed to be smoother than ever.

During winter, look for a body moisturizer with shea butter in it; this will help seal in the moisture of your skin. 100% Pure body butter ($18) looks deceptively small in its packaging, but a jar of this highly-concentrated stuff lasts forever. I've tried the blood orange variety, which has a light citrus scent. Plus, it's free of parabens and chemicals, so it's an eco-friendly vegan treat.

Clinique has just launched a line called Clinique Redness Solutions ($16.50–$39). It's meant to help skin with rosacea, but the gentle formula should help anybody who deals with a ruddy complexion.

Alterna Caviar mask ($40) is an anti-aging hair mask, but I find that it treats my young hair quite nice. Again, this is a highly concentrated conditioning product, so a little goes a long way. I use it every couple of weeks, and it definitely makes my hair softer and seemingly thicker-without leaving a gross residue.

In my quest for reasonably priced tinted lip balms, I came across some by Roxie ($6.50). The vegan formulas use shea butter, cocoa butter, and mineral pigments to keep lips from chapping. Pomegranate, the ruby-tinged shade you see here, has great color, no?

Finally, although you shouldn't, like, live in the bathtub during the winter, a little soak can't hurt too much. I've always loved Claus Porto bath products because of their packaging, and this Ilyria duo of bath salts ($8) is no exception. It smells of honeysuckle, a decidedly non-wintry scent, but it's this time of year when we need flowers most.

Linda Wells Predicts Spring '08 Trends

BellaSugar — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 10:00:01 -0800

As Anna Wintour is to the fashion industry, Linda Wells is to beauty. The editor in chief of Allure doesn't just report on hair and makeup trends, she helps create them. And for 2008, she's filled with predictions. Among the things she thinks will be big:

Color will be bolder than it has been. "The colors sound intimidating - purple, orange, a peachy-yellow - but they will look really good. It'll be a sheer hint that gives you warmth," she says.

Creams, not powders, will be big. "Makeup isn't sitting on top of the face like paint. It has a more organic look to it," she explains.

Expect more caffeinated products. "It's the most prevalent ingredient in cellulite creams, and is being used more and more in eye creams, face serums, and rosacea treatments," she says.

We've already seen some of these trends , and judging by the bold, berry colors coming out, she's definitely something of a beauty prophet.

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New Product Alert: Decléor Rose D'Orient Night Balm

BellaSugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:00:25 -0700

Decléor Rose d'Orient Night Balm ($65.50) is a fantastic, rich and soothing product best suited for sensitive skin, irritated and rosacea-afflicted skin. It helps cells regenerate faster while strengthening and calming the skin-all without the use of chemical ingredients and/or preservatives.

The balms are made from essential oils and plant waxes, and Decléor prefers them for the wee hours of the night because their molecular structure is similar to the skin’s. This formulation allows skin to breathe like it would naturally and when you awaken, your face feels more supple, less red and it better balanced.

In my opinion, the texture is unbelievable too. It is creamy and it smells faintly of roses (mmm). This small-ish one-ounce jar will last about a year if you are careful-so it's definitely worth the investment if you are on the market for a calming facial night balm.