Tag: Exfoliating

Categories
Health

Herbivore Prism Glow Potion Is the Best Natural Exfoliating Serum


It seems a little shameful to share this in the age of clean beauty and wellness, but I’ve always been skeptical of natural products. I have pretty strong thoughts on brands using “clean” as their number one selling point that we can save for another time, but most of my reluctance toward the category comes from the fact that a lot of it just doesn’t work for me. I have finicky skin, so I’ve generally stuck to more clinical-grade skin care, and in the past have always thought of natural products as heavily scented, homemade, and something you would pick up from Whole Foods along with your quinoa.

One of the first brands to change this perception for me is the incredibly chic Herbivore Botanicals. The brand was founded in 2011, but really blew up on Instagram a few years ago. As soon as I saw the brand’s minimalist packaging and whimsical names cross my feed, I was sold. There’s nothing about the products that bring to mind crunchy granola, both the packaging and the formulas are super sophisticated, like something you would see in a chic Brooklynite’s bathroom, not a farmer’s market. And most importantly, they are effective. After dipping my toes in with the Blue Tansy mask, I’ve been steadily adding to my collection.

I’m not alone in my obsession. The brand’s had so many great launches in the past year, it was nearly impossible to narrow down which one should win a Glamour Beauty Award. But a decision had to be made, and once we tallied votes, there was a clear standout: the Prism Exfoliating Glow Potion.

Honestly, its win couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but whenever the seasons change my skin tends to go a bit bonkers. My face gets flaky to the point that it looks like sandpaper if I put foundation on top, plus I’m treated to a huge, under the skin breakout. Fun!

But the Prism Glow Potion corrects all that. The power is in the formula: the hydrating serum contains fruit acids, include lactic and glycolic, to gently slough off dead skin cells, which helps with both dry patches and acne. The acids also help even skin tone—after a few weeks of use, I already saw a difference in my hyperpigmentation. This could also be attributed to the inclusion of Kakadu Plum extract, a popular natural ingredient that’s rich in vitamin C and nourishes skin. Aloe is the first ingredient on the label, which accounts for a lot of the soothing properties, as well as the serge of moisture and bouncy skin I get from applying the serum.

Another plus: the serum is lightweight but not sticky. I find it incredibly gentle and experienced no stinging, but if you’re not used to acids you may be a bit sensitive. When I use a new acid product I tend to experience purging (meaning that my skin breaks out while it gets accustomed to the new formula), but I haven’t had that happen with Prism. In fact, the opposite happened, it helped calm my acne after about a week of use. I’m not mad at the well-rested glow it gives me either.

Because my skin is so dry, I pair it with a pure hyaluronic acid serum for extra moisture, but if you have normal or oily skin it’s probably hydrating enough to use on its own.

I’m not saying my bathroom cabinet has transformed into Goop, but thanks to Herbivore it’s looking a little greener. And my skin’s more radiant than ever.



Source link

Categories
Health

The Best Exfoliating Pads for Radiant, Glowy Skin


Peel pads changed my life. I’m not exaggerating. They’re so good that anytime someone complains to me about their acne, I basically toss an acid-soaked disc at them. I used to have very stubborn breakouts, relatively mild in severity but still enough that I’d have to excuse myself during dates to dab on more concealer in the bathroom. I dropped a ton of money on charcoal masks and spot treatments and all the salicylic acid in the land, and I now have so many half-empty bottles of benzoyl peroxide cleanser that I could bleach the contents of my closet with it.

Once I swapped in exfoliating pads for my old, not-so-effective acne-fighting products, though, my skin did a 180. I now go outside without makeup. I haven’t touched concealer in months. And, sure, I still get zits from time to time—inevitable, since my oil glands produce more grease than a dollar slice of pizza—but they have a shorter life span and are way less noticeable.

Peel pads are one of the most effective skin care products out there, but you don’t even have to take my anecdotal word for it. Its efficacy is by design. “The pad itself helps to further the exfoliation process,” says Craig Austin, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. “It gently lifts dead skin cells while wiping your skin’s surface clean from debris and makeup.” Using your fingertips just doesn’t have that same exfoliating effect as the pad, and some pads are actually built to maximize that difference with a mesh or nubby texture.

Glycolic acid—my acid of choice—is the most popular ingredient in peel pads since it clears out pores, hydrates, brightens, and smooths out texture. But you don’t have to stop at acid. Exfoliating pads can be infused with reparative antioxidants, soothing aloe vera, and skin-firming peptides, which can guide you through the daunting task of figuring out which works best for you.

Another perk: They’re idiot-proof. “It’s unlikely to ‘screw up’ when using a peel pad or disc,” says David Colbert, M.D., a dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group in NYC. “Make sure the disc is moist and apply light pressure in a circular motion.” Still, a word to the wise: Read the directions. While some peel pads involve just a swipe and nothing more, others need to be rinsed off. Use it after you cleanse and give it a minute or two to work its magic before applying your serum or moisturizer (or both).

This exfoliating power may be the reason behind peel pads’ bad rap in the skin care world. The claim: They’re too harsh and irritating for sensitive skin. But unless you’re piling on eight different acids, peel pads are totally fine for all skin types. When you first start using a exfoliating pad, “make sure that you’re choosing an acid that is lower concentration, such as a 10 percent peel,” says Dr. Austin. Like other powerful ingredients (looking at you, retinoids), your skin may need a few weeks to adjust, so start by using pads every other night, only working your way up to every night once your skin becomes acclimated to it. (Once you notice less tingling, you can ramp up your usage.) If you notice any kind of irritation or pain and need relief stat, just splash water on your face. “This will stop the acid from continuing to penetrate your skin until you work up more of a tolerance,” Austin says.

And no matter your skin type, slow your roll with other types of exfoliation. “The biggest mistake people make when using peel pads is either overexfoliation with a facial cleansing brush, like Clarisonic or other abrasive cleansers,” says Dr. Austin. Also, follow up any type of peel pad with a high SPF. Since the acids remove dead skin cells—exposing new skin and leaving it more sensitive to light—go with at least SPF 50.

My only regret concerning peel pads is that nobody told me about them sooner. Try them for yourself and feel free to @ me. I’m that sure of them.



Source link

Categories
Health

Best Exfoliating Body Scrubs and Body Wash for Your Skin


It doesn’t matter how many body lotions you slather on in the winter, if you’re not exfoliating, you’re destined for rough, dry skin from now all the way through March. Blame the dry air and blasting radiator—they’re the biggest culprits of dry skin in the winter. But since we have about as much control over the weather as we do the office thermostat (it’s almost comical how off it always is), that’s where the best body scrubs can make all the difference. Not only will they slough away dead skin cells—especially on places prone to rough patches, like your elbows and knees—they’ll make your moisturizers even more effective. There are even plenty of exfoliating body scrubs with hydrating ingredients in them, like these 12 favorites our editors swear by. Trust us when we say we’ve done our research.



Source link