Best Avene Products for Acne Prone Skin

Cleanance K - Helps eliminate spots, blackheads and various imperfections. The gel like creme has glycolic acid, salicylic acid and extract of pumpkin to help properly exfoliate the top layer of the skin. The formula is non-comedogenic, but unfortunately it does sting quite a bit if applied to an open pimple, however it does do its job. Using this AM/PM my skin has acquired a rosy glow. If using this under makeup I suggest you wait 10-15 min before applying foundation, by that time the redness from you face will be gone. If you have dry skin this should be used in conjunction with a lightweight moisturizer.

Diacneal - This creme should not be applied to the entire face but to problematic areas only. The formula contains .1% Retinaldehyde (a derivative of Vitamin A) regulates keratinization and 6% Glycolic Acid, which is quite a powerful combination. Like cleanance its job is to peel away rough spots blackheads and pimples. The creme is VERY strong so do not abuse it however it is also very effective. It can be used AM and PM.

Cleanance Purifying Lotion - To gently ged rid of any remains of cleanser this is a great product. Contains 2.5% salicylic acid in order to properly exfoliate. Also contains absorbent materials that mattify your face throughout the day. Very gentle and pleasant to use if you have also sensitive and dry skin. Read full article »

Chapped Lips and What to Do about them

Its that time of the year folks as winter rolls by our skin will become drier and drier and drier. My lips have been driving me crazy these past weeks and after trying out many products I have come up with a very original approach. To begin with, in the winter you MUST drink water, many people assume that drinking lots of water is a summer thing, and while this is partially true due to excessive sweating, water keeps you skin very hydrated and winter months suck out all the moisture. When I drink 6 glasses a day my skin is more hydrated and I generally feel better. Secondly Burt's Bees has a wonderful little product that I love, Burt's Bees Medicated Lip-balm,and it is a life saver. When I put it on it feels tingly and very soothing. If you are prone to cold sores, this in conjunction with your anti-viral medication will be very beneficial. The ingredients are natural and great, this little wonder contains Shea butter, eucalyptus oil, black currant, extract calendula extract as well as many other wonderful ingredients ALL for the price of 3.50. Lastly, "plumping lip glosses" usually get rid of any dryness or flakiness on your lips. Its strange but the other product I need if my lips are chapped and in horrible condition is Victoria Secret's Extreme Lip Plumping Gloss. It deep conditions so well that by the end of the day my lips feel as god as new. Read full article »

Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen

Today we will discuss sunscreen, its importance and the one brand I use and adore. Many of you love tanning, I myself was tanorexic in high-school and would throw a hissy fit leaving the house with that "glow". Sadly a year ago my fellow tanee needed for large moles removed on her back due to a change in shape and diameter. When asked if she tanned, she casually responded "all the time" to which the doctor announced that the moles were cancerous and needed to be surgically removed at once. For me this was a reality check, although I love the look of a nice tan, I questioned the necessity of it. Finally I went back to my pasty self and got comfortable with the idea that pale is also beautiful. Which brings me to the product I will discuss today. Blue Lizard Sunscreen is pretty darn wonderful. Although it is annoying to apply due to its thick consistency, and if you don't rub it in it will leave a white residue. Its main ingredients are zinc oxide(10%) and titanium dioxide (5%), which is a non irritating UVA/UVB blocking agent. The sunscreen has SPF 30 and comes in 3 different varieties, Sport, Sensitive and Regular. Personally I love the Sensitive because its fragrance free and the smells in most sunscreens usually scream strawberry daiquiri or pina colada (which irritates me). Sport has a mild floral fragrance and Regular is coconut scented. Blue Lizard does a fantastic job at protecting me from burns, and if I spend a day in the sun I get some color. Sadly I cant use this for my face, due to some pore clogging ingredients, however my tinted moisturizer has SPF 30 so Im fine. Blue Lizard can be bought in most drug stores and is great for people who are sensitive to various chemical sunscreen ingredients. Read full article »