Friday, June 10, 2016

Can Micellar Water Replace Your Whole Skincare Routine? And what exactly is it, anyway? One editor investigates.


My mother and I are over four decades apart, and over the years we've butted heads on everything from school to dating. But on one thing we've always agreed: the importance of a great skincare routine. Growing up, she told me never to forget to wash my face, to slather on SPF, and to let my skin "breathe" with a few makeup-free days (mind you, this was long before the no-makeup makeup trend became a thing). And I listened. While I'll happily use dry shampoo to get out the door faster in the morning, I've never rushed my skincare regimen.
To wit, I've done my fair share of experimenting with products and I've learned there are plenty of skincare labels out there that don't live up to their expectations. They don't clear up your zits while you sleep, or make your under-eye bags disappear in a matter of a minutes. So when I was first introduced to micellar water, which is meant to be the magical, no-rinse cure-all that could replace your cleanser and moisturizer in a single step, I had a healthy dose of skepticism. Despite the fact that models swear by the French pharmacie staple and nearly every makeup artist totes a bottle in his or her kit, to me, it sounded like a lazy girl's solution to makeup removal (what do you mean you don't have to rinse it off?). It also sounded like a beauty recipe for a breakout. Fast-forward a month later, and I've officially ditched my face wash and cream in favor of micellar water.
Turns out micellar water has been around for over a hundred years, first gaining momentum in France, where it was designed to help Parisians deal with the region's infamously harsh water supply. The formula is made of micelles, which are tiny oil molecules suspended in soft water. "The technology of it is actually quite old, dating back from research at the University of Bristol in 1913," says dermatologist and Simple skincare expert Dr. Debra Luftman. "Micelles are attracted to dirt, grime, and oil, and they draw out impurities without drying out your skin," she explains. Rather than containing a foamy solution that strips your skin and leaves behind harsh chemicals, micelles cling on to the dirt and makeup on your skin and dissolve them while leaving behind a glowy, hydrated finish.
This all means that even after my extensive nighttime routine of makeup remover wipes, double cleansing, exfoliation, and toner, micellar water still picks up residue that none of my other products could. Unlike a traditional pre-soaked makeup remover wipe, it's designed to be swept away with a completely clean cotton pad, so it doesn't just smear your makeup around your face like those wipes can do. And unlike toner, the solution doesn't contain alcohol and never stings, meaning you can use it around the sensitive eye area.
"Considering the fact that it requires absolutely no rinsing and is suited for all skin types—especially super dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin—the water is a serious game changer," says Dr. Luftman. "It's great for travel when you don't have access to your full toiletry bag, too," she adds.
Overseas, the luxury brand Bioderma is an industry favorite, but now with the launch of stateside versions like Simple's much-anticipated one, the French import has some stiff competition. I'm a month deep into using Simple's new micellar water to wipe off my daily layers of tinted moisturizer, blush, and bronzer, and though sometimes the product falls short of removing really stubborn eye makeup, ("You might still need a separate eye makeup remover, especially for the waterproof kind," Dr. Luftman advises), it's streamlined things for sure. I've certainly pared down the use of multiple products. And best of all? My skin's never looked better.

Monday, June 6, 2016

Step up your summer beauty regimen with help from expert dermatologists



Step up your summer beauty regimen with help from expert dermatologists

(BPT) - While magazines make summer beauty look simple, in reality it's anything but. From bloat to breakouts, summer is wrought with beauty challenges.
The experts at the Mayo Clinic offer advice on eight of the most common beauty and health concerns of summer.
1. Maintaining a healthy (natural) glow
While tanning beds offer a quick-fix to achieving a golden glow, they also cause exposure to damaging UV radiation which can cause premature aging as well as increase the risk of skin cancer. If you'd like a sun-kissed glow without the risk, consider using a sunless tanning product. Whether in the form of a lotion, spray or done as a professional service at a salon, sunless tanning offers a safe alternative to both tanning beds and sunbathing.
2. Ingrown hairs
Swimsuit season often means shaving more frequently, which can result in painful and unsightly ingrown hairs. These hairs grow out of the skin slightly and then curl back underneath the skin. To avoid ingrown hair, use a lubricating shave gel followed by a sharp, single-blade razor. Shave in the direction of hair growth and avoid pulling the skin taut.
3. Sunburn
It's easy to get lost in the fun of the summer sun. Avoid sunburn by dressing in light layers and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Remember, sunscreen generally stays at original strength for three years. If you do get sunburn, take a cool bath or apply a clean towel dampened with cool tap water. Then apply moisturizer, aloe vera lotion or gel or a low-dose hydrocortisone cream.
4. Bloat
Ice cream, hot dogs and fried goodies are cornerstones of traditional summer festivals. Unfortunately, too much of these types of foods can leave you feeling bloated and sluggish. Fight bloat by eating fresh foods grown locally, such as carrots, tomatoes, melons and berries. Want a healthier cool treat? Try freezing grapes for a no-guilt sweet dessert.
5. Cracked nails
Pool chemicals, hot sun, gardening and building sand castles can all cause cracked nails. To protect nails, keep fingernails dry, clean and rub moisturizer into the nail beds and cuticles. Consider applying a nail hardener to add a protective layer against summer elements. If brittle nails persist, ask your doctor about biotin, a nutritional supplement that may help strengthen weak fingernails.
6. Healthy, hydrated skin
Staying hydrated is a summer must, but skin hydration isn't as simple as drinking water. Dehydrated skin feels rough and loses elasticity. To maintain proper hydration, avoid prolonged exposure to dry air or chlorinated water. When bathing, use a gentle cleanser instead of soap and avoid using skin care products that contain alcohol. Moisturize immediately after cleansing. Also try incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into your diet such as spinach, blueberries or salmon.
7. Acne
Sunshine and heat can cause the body to sweat. This combo clogs pores and can lead to acne. Some chemical treatments can leave the skin more sun-sensitive, so natural treatments such as tea tree oil, azelaic acid and even green tea extract are a smart choice in reducing inflammation. Another potential cause for acne can be outdated cosmetics. Make sure the products you use are kept clean to avoid bacterial buildup and avoid using them past their expiration date - six months is a good rule of thumb.
8. Beautiful legs
From swimsuits to shorts, summer is the time most people show off their legs. This can be uncomfortable for some when faced with common leg woes such as spider veins and varicose veins. Several options are available to combat these issues which range from sclerotherapy and laser surgery, to more advanced techniques such as vein-stripping. To learn more, visit mayoclinic.org to find out what treatment is best for you.
To discuss these and any other persistent skin or summer-related health concerns, make an appointment with Mayo Clinic Dermatology today.