Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Question: AHAs - What Are AHAs and Should I Use Them In My Skin Care Regime

I read online that AHA's are a better alternative than a regular face scrub, but I'm not really sure I know what AHAs really are? Are they for everyone?

Answer:

AHAs, or Alpha Hydroxy Acids are becoming quite common in beauty products. If you've heard of a chemical peel, you've heard of AHAs.

They are certainly not new to skin care, but it wasn't until fairly recently that they became so widely available in over the counter beauty products. What AHAs are actually molecules found in fruit and milk. Your regular facial scrub exfoliates your skin manually by little particles you can feel with your fingers. This is a widely common way to exfoliate your skin, but many people like the ease and the uniformed exfoliation that comes with using AHAs. You are unable to feel any exfoliating bits, but you will definitely notice your softer smoother skin after use. Another added benefit of using AHAs is that they are known in helping with fine lines and wrinkles, as well as lightening darken spots on your skin, such as sun spots and freckles.

Another thing to remember when you are using AHAs is that your sensitivity to sun is greatly increased. Not only for the day you used the product, but for up to a week after you use it. So of course, using sunscreen is very important when using AHAs, but reapplying during the day is just as important.

Today, you can find AHAs in everything from cleansers to moisturizers, and of course exfoliators. I'd recommend finding a moisturizer or exfoliator with Alpha Hydroxy Acid to reap the most benefits. Men do great with AHAs in their moisturizers to help fight against ingrown hairs from shaving. I have been using Clarins: Bright Plus HP Brightening Peel with great results (read my review) (buy direct)

People with sensitive skin need to be especially careful when using Alpha Hydroxy Acids, as their skin could possibly react in a negative way

View the original article here

3 Products I Can't Live Without

Sometimes it's fun to hear what products other people love and just keep buying no matter what new product comes their way.? For me, there are three products that I just keep buying because they work so well.? And because I have a closet full of products, this is saying something. (I'm sure my husband would prefer I reach in the stash rather than buy new!)

Come see what three products I can't live without and share your favorite product in the comments. I am always looking to see what I might be missing!

View the original article here

Braun Cruzer 6 Body

Thirty years ago it would have been hard to imagine the average guy thinking about how to get rid of or groom his body hair. But now you'll find countless products and advice on how to do just that quickly and easily.

Braun Cruzer 6 Body is one of these products. But it is a bit different than most men's groomers. It has both a trimmer and manual razor, which are made to be used separately or together, by trimming hair down so that it can be shaved easily.

My assistant Nicole and her husband put this product to the test- in many ways. She even dropped in on the floor purposely to see if it would still work. Here's how they thought it performed and find out if it's still usable in: Braun Cruzer 6 Body Review.

Image Courtesy Proctor & Gamble

View the original article here

Parissa Chamomile Body Sugar

The Bottom Line

Parissa Chamomile Body Sugar is a wonderful, affordable option for hair removal at home using natural ingredients. Chamomile infused into their formula, and azulene oil for post-care brings softer and less irritated skin.

" class="cp"/>

Pros

• Natural hair removal. Ingredients are: Sugar, water, chamomile and lemon juice
• Real sugaring formula, no wax or chemicals added
• Gentle on skin, especially compared to waxing
• Strips are washable

Cons

• Can’t be used in a regular wax warmer
• Have to reheat the gel for removing hair on large areas

Description

• Manufacturer: Parissa Labs
• Kit Contains: 5 oz sugar gel, azulene oil, 20 washable strips, spatulas, instructions and precautions
• Average Price: $8.60

Guide Review - Parissa Chamomile Body Sugar

Without a microwave, I tried heating up the gel in a tub of warm water although that wasn’t a suggested option in the instructions. Trying some gel on my leg, the consistency was still too thick, and it broke a lot of hairs. I knew that I would have to try it the right way, somewhere where I could use a microwave. My brother’s home and back was volunteered.

The funny part is that I told my brother that I was going to sugar his back, he thought it was some kind of natural way to dissolve his hair. Ha! He didn’t know I would be pulling it out.

Heating up the sugaring gel in the microwave, it came out to be a nice fluid consistency. Easy to work with, the gel spread smoothly and was much less messy and sticky than wax. Most of the hair came off, but there was a bit of breakage in some places.

Once or twice I had to heat up the gel for a couple seconds because it was getting too cool. To me, that’s a pain because I'm so used to a warmer that keeps sugar or wax at a constant consistent temperature.

In the instructions it says nothing about applying powder on the skin before putting on the sugaring gel. Putting on some powder helps the product stick to the skin less, resulting in less pain. I didn’t use any powder because I wanted to give you the results using the product as recommended by Parissa. He said the sugaring hurt. But then again, he’s never had any type of sugaring or wax, so he has nothing to compare it to.

His skin was pink, but nothing out of the ordinary for when you get hair pulled out of the root. The gel is water soluble, so right after he took his shower there was no stickiness and I applied the azulene oil which further helped to soothe his skin.

" class="cp"/>

View the original article here

Dry Skin Brushing

Dry skin brushing is a great way to get your skin in good condition. It exfoliates, tightens, encourages blood flow and even is thought by some to reduce cellulite.

Read on to learn about dry skin brushing, how to dry brush and what kind of skin brush to use at home.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 15 Minutes or Less

Here's How:

1. Dry skin brushing is as easy as it sounds. All you'll need is a dry skin brush like the one pictured. Using a soft-bristled natural brush is ideal for your skin. (compare styles and prices) The brush you use on your hair is probably not what you'll want to pick. Many hair brushes have synthetic bristles that are too sharp for your skin.
2. The best time to dry brush is right before your bath or shower while you're completely undressed.
3. Start at your feet and move up. Rub the brushes bristles over your body using gentle, slow circular motions. We do not recommend you dry brush your face. Either use a gentle washcloth in the shower or use your facial exfoliator.
4. Take your time and pay careful attention as to not miss an area. Dry skin brushing should not be painful in the least, so if it is feeling painful, lighten your touch. You'll be surprised at how little pressure you need to get results.
5. When completely finished, hop in the shower and give your skin a good washing to get rid of the dry skin cells that you brushed off.
6. Don't forget to moisturize after your shower.

Tips:

1. Use a long handled brush so that you can reach all parts of your body.
2. Applying a light body oil while your skin is still damp from the shower will give your skin the perfect amount of hydration without feeling heavy.
3. It is safe to do this every day, but watch your skin and if you feel that every day is too much, step it back to every other or every third day.
4. Some areas of your body might still benefit from a stronger exfoliator once a week. Areas such as your feet, knees and elbows.

What You Need

• A dry brush for skin.
• Time for a shower after your treatment.
• A moisturizer.

View the original article here

Kalo Hair Inhibitor

The Bottom Line

Kalo Hair Inhibitor is not guaranteed to give you permanent hair removal. But it could be a permanent staple in your beauty repertoire. I have to say thanks to this company for giving us a product that works at keeping hair from growing as fast it usually does.

" class="cp"/>

Pros

• Easy to use
• Slows the re-growth of hair

Cons

Description

• Manufacturer: Nisim International
• Usage: Hair removal inhibitor
• Average price: $82.75
• Kit includes: 2 pack (1-2oz. lotion and 1- 4 oz. spray)
• Options: Lotion and spray can be bought separately

Guide Review - Kalo Hair Inhibitor Review

I received Kalo a few months ago and decided I would leave this one to a client. Karen was pretty excited about trying the product since I regularly visited her for monthly back waxings. Now, I must say that I had her permission to use her name and her story since back waxing is a little bit embarrassing for some.

Karen was more embarrassed by her "furry back" (as she would say) than the actual waxing. So the first time Karen used Kalo, I waxed her lower back and began the process. It was very easy. I sprayed the solution to her freshly waxed back and sent her on her way with the spray as well as the lotion. She did not feel any burning or tingling. It did not really have any odor either! She agreed to use it religiously as directed by the manufacturer.

The Process

All that is required is to apply it three times a day for the first two days after waxing, tweezing, sugaring or any other method of hair removal that pulls the hair out from the follicle. She used it three times a day for the first two days, and on the third application, she used the lotion as recommended.

Results: After a Month

Karen returned about a month later and I noticed that her hair appeared to be a little bit finer and it was much faster to complete the service. Now, I wasn't sure if this was wishful thinking on my part or if it there was less hair. Again, I sprayed her freshly waxed back and off she went.

Kalo Hair Inhibitor: Good for Karen, Bad for Me

At her next appointment, I actually had to tell her we needed to wait for about two weeks because her hair was not even close to what it usually was. I was shocked, disappointed and ecstatic all at the same time!

I was shocked to see that Karen was not as "furry" as she usually was. I was disappointed because I gave Karen the product that was keeping me from making money. I was ecstatic because I love the fact that the product did exactly what it was supposed to do.

Karen used it for about five months (six times total) and there was a significant difference. I would say the hair was reduced by about 30 percent. The company states that eventually the hair reduction is permanent with proper application. It might depend on your hair type as to how long it will take, but Karen definitely saw a noticeable difference.

I just hope that Karen does not start trying this product on her legs and bikini because I probably will lose some money!

" class="cp"/>

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

View the original article here

Strawberries for your Skin

Strawberries anyone?? Strawberries are great for your skin because they are a natural source of AHA's - Alpha Hydroxy Acids.? AHA's exfoliate your skin, dissolving the dead skin cells and leaving your skin fresh and renewed.

Strawberries also have a high antioxidant level. Antioxidants help fight against free radicals, which are responsible for causing early aging signs.

Looking for ways to use strawberries on your skin? Check out these three ways.

1. Hit the farmer's market and head to your kitchen with the help of Beautylish's 3 Strawberry Face Mask recipes.
2. Head over to Etsy.com and pick up a natural strawberry face mask from one of the many small skin care companies.
3. Not a face mask, but grab your credit card and pick from one of many strawberry products at 100% Pure.

Your skin will thank you!

Getty Images/Photographers Choice

View the original article here