Retrodivas Beauty: make up, tips, cosmetic tutorials, hairstyles, and everything you need to be beautiful » skincare

Summer skin savers with Dr. David Colbert, NYC dermatologist

meredith — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:00:00 +0000

I don’t know about you, but summer can really be a big detriment to my skin. Accidental sunburns, razor burn, bug bites, greasy sunblocks – you name it, it can make a huge mess. Dr. David Colbert, a practicing New York City dermatologist and author, shares some of his favorite picks for getting your summer-damaged skin back into shape. Dry, Cracked Feet: A big problem for me, since I’ve been running around in flippy floppies all summer. Who doesn’t want a pretty pedicure for the summer season? Sometimes dry, cracked feet are just too hard to avoid. This is very common. Dr. Colbert suggests over the counter AmLactin Foot Cream Therapy to soften the feet. Also Aquaphor Healing Ointment at night with a pair of throw away cotton socks. Do this a few times a week.

Acne: We all know the problems sweat can cause with acne. Even those of us who are usually blemish-free can find a whopper in the summer due to all the heat and humidity. If you do get a blemish or two, Dr. Colbert recommends the Zeno Hot Spot Blemish Clearing Device for a quick fix.

Razor Burn: For every bikini bod there is the problem of razor burn. Laser hair removal is of course an option, but if that’s not in the budget and you end up with razor bumps here’s a quick fix: Dr. Colbert suggests applying a thin layer of Colbert MD Heal and Soothe Night Cream along with a 1% hydrocortisone cream. Also BEFORE you shave prepare by using a shave gel and always a fresh razor or blade.

Sun Damage: Dr. Colbert’s cardinal rules for safe sun are always apply at least an SPF15 for regular daywear and SPF30 for any extended outdoor wear. ALWAYS REAPPLY. Every 3-4 hours, especially if you are being active. For sunsports, always use a SPF45 or a SPF60. Pick a waterproof block that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Apply in front of a mirror BEFORE you leave the house to make certain you have covered all areas.

Sunspots: Avoiding unprotected sun exposure is the best way to minimize sunspots. To help treat spots you already have, you can try Ahava Lightening Hand Cream SPF 12.

Hair Protection: You might not be able to feel it, but hair hurts too from the sun! The sun is incredibly drying for hair, not to mention it will fade color and deplete shine. Always use a UV shield like Oscar Blandi Capri Sun Shield Spray.

© 2010, Retrodivas Beauty: make up, tips, cosmetic tutorials, hairstyles, and everything you need to be beautiful. Some rights reserved. Retrodiva’s Beauty Blog by Meredith Edwards-Cornwall is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Based on a work at www.retrodivasbeauty.com.

New hope for oily skin: Origins releases new saw palmetto and mint line to control oil

meredith — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:24:19 +0000

I mention it all the time, but my skin can get pretty oily and breakout prone, especially this time of year when the humidity is at 1502% and the temperature is 98 degrees. Keeping shine down is a constant battle, and eventually you just get sick of it and give up. But what if there was a way to get some of that shine to go away just by your usual cleansing routine? I haven’t tried the line yet, but when I do, I’ll be sure to report.

On counter this month, Origins offers nature’s regimen for refreshing, long-lasting oil control. The NEW Zero Oil™ Collection with Saw Palmetto and Mint features a cleanser, toner, moisturizer and instant matte that, when used as a regimen, are clinically proven to immediately unclog pores while also providing skin with clarity and moisture. In fact, after four weeks, the NEW Zero Oil™ Collection is clinically proven to reduce oil and the appearance of pore size and improve smoothness and tone.

The Zero Oil Collection with Saw Palmetto and Mint incorporates some of nature’s most powerful oil controlling ingredients including the potent, plant-based Saw Palmetto and Laminaria Saccharina (Kelp).

Saw Palmetto, indigenous to the southeastern Unites States, produces small berries that have been used for thousands of years by the Seminole Indians of Florida as medicine and are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, Seminole medicine men are known to harvest the berries and use them to treat various ailments, including inflammation.

Laminaria Saccharina (Kelp), a yellow-brown plant common to the shores of the United Kingdom, is the most abundantly produced genus of all algae. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including some trace elements, Laminaria Sacchara provides multiple health benefits.

Together, Saw Palmetto and Laminaria Saccharina work to inhibit excess oil production thereby helping to reduce the potential for problematic breakouts. Additionally, Salicylic Acid stimulates exfoliation at skin’s surface helping to minimize and unclog pores. Aloe Leaf Juice and Glycerin help to soothe and calm skin.

There are four products in the line currently: Origins Zero Oil™ Deep pore cleanser with Saw Palmetto & Mint, Origins Zero Oil Pore purifying toner with Saw Palmetto & Mint, Origins Zero Oil Oil-free lotion with Saw Palmetto & Mint, and Origins Zero Oil Instant Matte Finish for shiny areas which has already been introduced.

Origins Zero Oil™ Deep pore cleanser with Saw Palmetto & Mint cleanses pores thoroughly and works deep to remove excess oil, makeup and impurities. Leaving skin essentially shine- free, Zero Oil Deep pore cleanser with Saw Palmetto and Mint gently exfoliates dead skin cells that clog pores and cause breakouts. Use twice per day, morning and evening.

Origins Zero Oil Pore purifying toner with Saw Palmetto & Mint controls oil all day when used with the Deep pore cleanser and Oil-free moisture lotion. Pores appear tightened and refined, leaving skin comfortable, refreshed and matte. Use twice per day after cleansing with Deep pore cleanser.

Origins Zero Oil Oil-free lotion with Saw Palmetto & Mint provides all day oil control, while leaving skin shine-free when used with Deep Pore cleanser and Pore purifying toner. Lightweight in texture and fast absorbing, the Oil-free moisture lotion ensures that skin receives the proper amount of hydration. Use twice per day after toning with the Pore purifying toner. A common misconception is that those with oily skin should avoid using a moisturizer because it will only make skin oilier. The opposite is quite true, however. Oil and moisture are not the same. Oil in the skin will seal in existing moisture, but it will not replace moisture that is lost, especially with age. The older you are, the more important it is to use a moisturizer, even when skin is oily.

Origins Zero Oil Instant matte finish for shiny places creates a smooth, visible finish that stays shine-free throughout the day. This spot surface treatment helps with oil control in specifically shiny places. Apply over cleansed skin, either under or over makeup.

Glytone releases Enhance Night Renewal Cream

meredith — Tue, 11 May 2010 22:42:38 +0000

All good things are supposed to happen when you are sleeping, and we’ve all heard about that elusive “beauty sleep”. Now you can help Mother Nature along a little bit with Glytone’s new Enhance Night Renewal Cream.

The NEW Glytone Enhance Night Renewal Cream helps reduce the signs of aging including age spots, sun damage and wrinkles, while providing skin with the hydration and nourishment it needs. The exclusive formulation features parent company Pierre Fabre’s patented Rentinaldehyde, one of the most effective and non-irritating forms of Vitamin A. Retinaldehyde helps stimulate cellular turnover, which increases the collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother complexion. The night cream also includes Free Glycolic Acid, to ensure bioavailability, which allows for the maximum amount of glycolic acid to be delivered to the skin. This results in a deeper exfoliation and stimulation of the collagen and elastin, while helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Apply Glytone Enhance Night Renewal nightly to a cleansed face and get some rest while your skin is at work.

Available anywhere Glytone is sold, and retails for $68.

Needing hydration? Estee Lauder launches two new skincare products

meredith — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:45:47 +0000

Skin feeling a bit parched? No worries – Estee Lauder has two new highly moisturizing products to help your skin recover and look gorgeous and glowing by the time summer rolls around.

Estee Lauder ‘Hydrationist’ Maximum Moisture Lotion and Cremes immediately replenish dehydrated skin and infuse moisture that lasts 24 hours to keep skin quenched and glowing. Over time, skin retains and sustains its own natural moisture for a younger, healthier look. Available in four formulas, there is now a hydration solution for everyone…

Crème for Dry Skin
Crème for Normal/Combination Skin
Lotion for Normal/Combination Skin
Crème for Normal/Combination Skin with SPF 15

All the Hydrationist items retail for $38/each.

Also in the lineup is Estee Lauder ‘Perfectionist’ Wrinkle Filler. This tiny, pen-like tube holds a concentrated treatment that instantlyreduces the look of smile lines, crows feet and deep creases around the forehead, brows, and eyes and dramatically blurs the appearance of lip lines to hold back lipstick feathering for up to 8 hours. With continued use, skin becomes firmer, lines are blurred and deep wrinkles appear less noticeable for a younger and smoother look. Estee Lauder ‘Perfectionist’ Wrinkle Filler also features a unique precision-accurate applicator to provide gentle and controlled dispensing directly to your skin where you need it the most. And its convenient portable package is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups whenever and wherever you need it. The Wrinkle Filler retails for $39.50.

Available now at all Estee Lauder counters or EsteeLauder.com.

A one-two punch for blemishes: Zeno Hot Spot and Mario Badescu’s Drying Cream

meredith — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:36:58 +0000

It seems as if I’m always fighting a battle against the occasional blemish. Honestly, at this age, I shouldn’t have to even think about blemishes, but apparently that is the trade off for not having much in the way of wrinkles, if the older generation in my family is any indication. So while I don’t have to be aggressive with the anti-aging, I am diligent in the ways of battling blemishes. My kung fu is indeed strong. So, here are my two latest weapons in the epic battle.

Zeno Hot Spot in Pink

When I feel a blemish brewing , instead of rushing to futz with it, I now have this amazing tool that satisfies my need to do-something-about-it-right-then-before-it-gets-worse.

The Zeno Hot Spot Blemish Clearing Device is a really fabulous little tool that zaps just the right amount of heat on your blemish to kill the offending bacteria that is brewing inside. It doesn’t hurt, and there is a zero chance of scarring (unlike lancing or picking).

Using it is very simple: Take the top off, and push the power button. You will hear a power-up beep, and then a short series of beeps as it charges itself up. Place the metal tip against your blemish, but there is no need for excessive pressure. Just touch it to the offender and hold there. The total treatment cycle lasts 2 and 1/2 minutes, and you will hear a reassuring beep every thirty seconds to let you know it’s working.

Apparently this little gizmo is smart: the company says there is a small computer inside that controls the heat on the treatment tip. It adjusts itself automatically to deliver just the right amount of heat to kill the bacteria. It’s not hot, although you will feel it. Most blemishes need more than one treatment to completely disappear, but I personally have never had to treat a blemish more than twice. Once in the morning, and once again at night.

Mario Badescu Drying Cream

After I hit it with my Zeno Hot Spot, it’s time to medicate. And while I have much love for Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, it’s not something that I can sport during the day. For daytime use (and some night time use as well), I have found that Mario Badescu’s Drying Cream does just as good of a job on my pesky spots as my long-standing favorite. The Drying Cream is invisible and quickly dries up the problem without leaving a mess of dry patchy skin behind.

I’ve always had good luck with my Mario Badescu, and this product is no exception. It has turned into quite the staple in my cosmetics closet, along with the rest of the regimen.

I’m interested in what you use for your epic battles with blemishes. Tell me, is your kung fu strong too? Share!

Ode to Mario: The Master is back with some powerful pink goop

meredith — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:08:00 +0000

As all of my fellow ladies know, I have long-since been a struggler of acne. Recently, I professed my undying love and devotion to Mario Badescu for his magical glycolic foaming cleanser and amazing drying mask. Although I have seen the light and the way through Mario, I still get my once-a-weekers. You know, the one that pops up right when you’re glowing from a clear complexion. She’s a bitch. Enter the laundry list of “acne spot treatments” I’ve used in the past:

Toothpaste (old school crest with no whitening)
Hemmorhoid cream (If it can tame a hemmorhoid, why couldn’t it tame one of my little monsters??)
Rubbing Alcohol (I made matters worse by lancing first. Yowza!!)
Pure Aloe (Yeah, not sure why I thought this would work.)
Mud (I’m totally serious. But I’m a hippie, so wouldn’t you expect this?)
a myriad of over-the-counter drugstore brands (Clean & Clear, Noxema, Stridex, ZapZit, Clearisil, Neutrogena, etc.)

After those failing experiments, I lost hope…or so I thought. Yet again, enter my Italian hero Mario with my new favorite product: Drying Lotion. Funny story, I remember seeing this little pink bottle in the back of Cosmopolitan and Glamour with all of the mail-order ads. Ha. This amazing little bottle of pink goo was advertised with a cream that promised to enhance my breast size and a pill for hair growth. No more!! I am here to shout from the mountaintops, sing to the masses, “I have found it!! The TRUE on-the-spot acne treatment!” Serious, ladies.

I was not convinced by appearances at first. It is a tiny glass bottle, 1 ounce to be exact, with a solid substance on the bottom of the bottle that filled it about an inch and a murky, oil-like fluid topping it off to the brim. With isopropyl alcohol, calamine, colloidal sulfur and salicylic acid all coming to the game, it’s no surprise this pink goop packs a punch. It’s actually quite interesting to use as well. You DO NOT BY ANY MEANS shake it up. It ruins the properties of the ingredients and affects the way it interacts with your skin. SO, you take the top off, dip a q-tip down into the pink solid goop at the bottom and pull it back out. Proceed to dot this magical pink substance on one or all of your rude spots before bed and let it do the work while you sleep. Wake up. Rinse off. Voila. I kid you not. This stuff is incredible. I am convinced that this Mario Badescu guy heard every single one of my prayers, thoughts, rants and sob-fests over my acne. Mr. Badescu, if you’re listening now, YOU KICK ASS.

Snatch it up quick at mariobadescu.com for $17.00 and watch the magic.

© 2009, Retrodivas Beauty: make up, tips, cosmetic tutorials, hairstyles, and everything you need to be beautiful. Some rights reserved. Retrodiva’s Beauty Blog by Meredith Edwards-Cornwall is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Based on a work at www.retrodivasbeauty.com.