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Beauty Products >> Beauty Articles >> Planet Beauty News: June 2009

Planet Beauty News

AOL Health names Dermalogica as best acne fighter

Adult acne is undeniably on the rise. As a result, skin care companies are offering a variety of solutions. Some give you results, and some fall short of expectations.

Readers of AOL Health recently came together to provide you with their top product picks. Who came out on top? Dermalogica's MediBac Clearing Sebum Clearing Masque!

This line is ideal for adult acne, which tends to focus around the jaw, chin and neck. MediBac Clearing products are ideal because they focus on maintaining oil and keeping skin hydrated. Many products in the line contains ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid to help with aging concerns as well. Sebum Clearing Masque, the big winner, helps clear skin and prevent future breakouts while refining texture. One reader says, "My skin started to clear up without drying effects".

Here are the top 6 AOL winners:

Dermalogica MediBac Clearing Sebum Clearing Masque

Prescriptives Acne Defense Serum

Dr. Haushcka Normalizing Day Oil

Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Correction Pads

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil

Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion

Many acne products simply dry out the skin..this gives you initial results, but over time skin will start to over-produce oil to make up for the lack of oil caused by the products! AOL readers had complaints ranging from peeling skin, to burning sensations, to labels that over-promised and under-delivered.

(Examiner)

Labels: Dermalogica, Moroccan oil, Skincare, T3 hair dryer

The Top 12 Hair Conditioners On The Market

To ensure beautiful flowing tresses all year 'round, it is necessary to find both the right shampoo and the correct conditioner. While the two don't necessarily go hand in hand, they do have a relationship with one another that can ultimately affect the health of the hair as well as how it looks, feels, and styles.

Not all conditioners are the same. There are those that are meant for use whenever you shampoo; those that are used once or twice a week; and those that are used much less often. While a lot of women automatically flock to deep conditioning products, they are not always the best choice. Too much conditioner can, in fact, weigh the hair down and make it look dull and lifeless.

Any woman who is uncertain which condition treatment is best for her should check with an expert in the field. Nearly all hairdressers are trained to determine the type of hair a customer has as well as its current condition. Type refers to the texture of the hair, which can be baby fine, fine, coarse, normal, etc. Condition of the hair refers to its current state. It may have breaks or split ends. It could be dull and lifeless. It could suffer from too much color, chlorine, or sun, etc.

Once a hairdresser has analyzed the hair, she can offer suggestions for the right conditioning product. Of course, keep in mind that she will likely promote the brands used and carried by her beauty shop. That is part of her job. But if you choose not to pay slightly to severely higher prices, that's okay too. Armed with the kind of conditioner needed, you can go shopping for one on your own.

Below are 12 of the best conditioners on the market today. Study them to see if one is right for your type of hair.

Pantene Pro-V Restorative Strengthening Spray

Pantene products speak for themselves. They often appear on many "best of" lists for several reasons. This leave-in conditioner claims to strengthen the hair from within, making it healthier and less likely to lose moisture, bend, break or fall out. Although it is slightly higher priced than many other conditioners, it is still a bargain at under $10. There's no need to use it daily; one a week is sufficient for most women.

Sunsilk Hydra TLC Conditioner

Sunsilk products are all about giving hair tender loving care (TLC). Sunsilk's Hydra TLC Conditioner does just that. Infused with nutri-keratin, ithelps to bring dry hair back to life; dull hair back to its natural sheen; and split ends a thing of the past. Hair needs moisture to look and feel good and Sunsilk's Hydra TLC gives it all that it needs all for under $5. While this conditioner can be used daily, it is recommended to begin with twice a week. If that works well, there's no need for additional applications.

Thermasilk Heat Activated Conditioner

I use this product because I style my hair with an electric styling brush. Conscious of the damage that heat can do to hair; I need a conditioner that will help to counteract that. Thermasilk Heat Activated Conditioner does just that. When the product meets a heat source it activates to provide maxium protection. It also adds shine and a silky, touchable feel. That is a lot for just around $4. Use this conditioner anytime heat activated styling is involved.

Herbal Essences Color Me Happy Conditioner for Color Treated Hair

Color treated hair requires a lot of things to make it look its best. It needs protection from the elements, strengthening agents to keep it from breaking or splitting, and moisture to restore balance. Herbal Essences' Color Me Happy Condition for Color Treated Hair does that and so much more for a price tag of around $7. Use daily, if needed, or simply one or two times a week.

Redken Color-Extend Total Recharge Hair Care

Redken has been a trusted name in hair products almost from its inception. The reason behind that is simple. Redken develops products that women need and want. Their Color-Extend Total Recharge Hair Care line is no different. It works to prevent hair color from fading too quickly, leading to recolor long before the hair is in shape for another dose. It also provides filters to protect against sun damage; silicone conditioning; and ceramide to protect the hair shaft. Its price tag is a bit more, at $16, but it may well be a small price to pay for beautiful hair. Use monthly.

Garnier Fructis Hydra Curls Conditioner

Women with natural curly hair want a conditioner that works to give definition to curls while controlling frizz. That is exactly what Garnier's Fructis Hydra Curls Conditioner is all about. With its usual fruit concentrates in conjunction with vitamin B3 and B6, Hydra Curls penetrates deep into the hair shaft to repair any damage from the inside. All that is left behind is strong, resilient hair that has sheen and touchability. That's not a bad deal for under $5. This product can be used with each shampoo; however, most women only use it once or twice a week.

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner

This conditioner can be used daily without fear of negative effects on the hair. It uses a mixture of natural ingredients to strengthen and moisturize even the most severely damaged hair. Meadowfoam seed traps moisture, absorbing it into the center of the hair shaft to work from the inside out to nourish the hair. Olive is used to help repair hair damage caused from too many perms, straighteners and over colored hair. Sweet almond then puts a barrier around the hair shaft to protect it throughout the day. It delivers a lot for its $15 price tag.

Aveda Damage Remedy Treatment

This product is made for a single treatment each week. There's no need to use it more often because it penetrates the hair shaft to nourish the hair from the inside out. It not only repairs hair damage from too much color or other types of over processing, it also works to smooth out the hair and seal it to look its most beautiful every day and night. Aveda uses plant oils and proteins that guarantee healthy, shiny hair but it comes at a higher price of around $25.

Infusium 23 Leave In Hair Treatment

Infusium is another trusted name in the hair care industry. It has earned a good reputation by keeping its promises. Infusium 23 got its name from the 23 ingredients they use to achieve beautiful, sexy, silky, shiny hair. The leave in treatment continues to work after the initial application. It strengthens the hair shaft while restoring the natural luster of the hair. That's more than a bargain for just under $8. Infusium 23 is safe for use with each shampoo.

Nexxus Humectress Moisturizing Hair Conditioner

Nexus is one of the first hair care lines to use microsphere technology to repair hair and give it back its natural texture, sheen, and control. It penetrates the hair shaft to deliver the lipids that hair needs to retain moisture and the emollients needed to remain healthy and shiny. It also uses polysaccharides as well as triglycerides to improve the elasticity to prevent breakage and split end. Ceramide is also used to replenish any vital nutrients that have been lost, as well as to provide protection against the elements and the sun's UV rays. That is a lot for a price tag of around $10. The product can be used once a week.

Ojon Rare Harvest Tawaka Ancient Tribal Rejuvenating Conditioner

This product is 98% natural, infused with the Ojon oil that Central American women have used for centuries. It is packed with antioxidants and other plant oils to replenish what the hair has lost. It is also different in that this conditioner is especially made for the shower. Ojon uses no chemical fillers, just Mother Nature to moisturize, condition, and strengthen the hair while leaving it silky smooth, shiny, and soft. This product isnt cheap, but considering it only needs to be used once a month, it's not unreasonable at around $30.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle

Any woman who hasn't heard of Aussie 3-Minute Miracle must be from another planet. The name always crops up on the "best of" lists every single year. That's because its mixture of botanical extracts, along with precious oils, actually does appear to work miracles for the hair. No matter the hair's texture or condition, Aussie 3-Minute Miracle works. Not many other conditioners can claim the same. For just under $5 that is, indeed, a miracle.

(Examiner)

Labels: Aveda, Dermalogica, Moroccan oil, Ojon Hair, T3 hair dryer

Hair Care For Mixed Children

Summer has come and the children are finally out of school. The last three weeks have been, for most students, a waste of time, a struggle every morning to push the kids out the door fighting with clothes and hair. Final grades were calculated weeks ago for most teachers, and cumulative folders were moved to new schools.

With summer comes peace and tranquility, only until about 8AM instead of 6AM at many homes, no more shouting to get out of bed, no more fighting to finish up homework, and no more arguments about clothes choices, until about 8.

In a biracial household, the hair seems to cause the biggest, loudest arguments and screams in the mornings. With mixed race children, the hair is a mixture in itself, sometimes kinky, sometimes curly, sometimes dry, sometimes oily, sometimes bone straight, but always different, then comes puberty and an easy to manage head of hair changes to the head of medusa. It becomes a chore fighting the hair in the morning, although, once it is finally done and in place, biracial hair is beautiful. This is what is recommended.

After a shower or bath at night, try to moisturize the hair and then wrap it tight in a silk cloth. This will ease the pain in the early mornings as the nighttime tangles are combed out. In the morning use a wide toothed comb to detangle the hair. A few products are then applied to help manage and tame the hair. All of these products can be found at Sally's Beauty Supplies in Virginia Beach.

There is a three step process in our morning hair system.

Apply Soft and Beautiful Just for me detangler. This is combed through the hair.

Apply an Olive Oil Wrap/Set mousse.

For special occasions, a lye free protein styling gel is applied to hold it in place and to reduce the frizzing that occurs in biracial children.

Do not use a brush; it will tear the hair. Only use a wide tooth comb, God's gift to thick hair.

There are other products out on the market that also can help. Mixed Chicks products are very popular and can be found online. Also found at Sally's, a product called Smooth'n Shine styling mouse will hold down the frizzing. All of these products work well.

Just remember that the hair of a mixed child is mixed, a unique blend of cultures from all over the world, and that there will need to be a little more time set aside in the mornings. If you see a mixed child wearing a cap, dad tried to do their hair that morning and failed.

(Examiner)

Labels: Dermalogica, Frederic fekkai, Moroccan oil, Murad

Dermalogica Launches ChromaWhite TRx

Dermalogica has launched ChromaWhite TRx, a newskin brightening system designed to lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation in as little as four weeks.

The primary mission of the new product line: to target current pigmentation while protecting skin against further development of hyperpigmentation.

Uneven skin tone has been determined to add 10 to 12 years to a woman's perceived age, according to a 2006 study conducted at Vienna's Ludwig-Boltzmann Institute for Urban Ecology, with findings published in the scientific journal Evolution and Human Behavior. "The study pointed out that wrinkles aren’t the only visual cue to a woman's age," says Dermalogica founder Jane Wurwand. "Skin tone and luminosity have generally been overlooked as indicators of skin health, when in fact these are very significant measurements of skin condition."

The line introduces seven new products to the internationally respected Dermalogica brand, both professional and retail. Dermalogica enlisted an Asian pharmaceutical company to produce high tech ingredients that have not yet been used in brightening products. In particular, the ChromaWhite TRx system introduces the use of Algae extracts to help control the cellular messenger systems that direct the cells to make pigmentation. The incorporation of Vitamin C and its derivatives such as MAP (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Niacinamide and Ascorbyl Glucoside contribute to the effect of brightening the skin without impairing skin health.

Ingredients include the peptide that controls melanin formation, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit ferment, Papain, Salicylic and Lactic Acids to exfoliate and stimulate cell renewal and cell turnover, plus Phytic Acid and Zinc Glycinate to inhibit the Tyrosinase enzyme which plays a critical role in melanin formation. Moisturizing ingredients including Shea Butter and Hyaluronic Acid .

In the United States, skin brightening is a growing trend, with the market increasing by 24 per cent last year according to Crain's New York Business.

Labels: Dermalogica Active Moist, Moisturizing

Achieve beachy summer waves without leaving the city

OK, so it's hot and humid, you're doing everything in your power to keep hair frizz-free and silky smooth that is as long as you're following "Frizz-be-gone 101:your how to guide on achieving shiny, smooth, & frizz-free hair," a previous article I wrote in May, if you missed it, divas, what are you waiting for? Check it out! Put down the flat iron, no, I'm not talking about embracing frizz...eww, I'm talking about letting your hair be more natural and not so perfect.

Maintaining perfectly glossed tresses is hard work, especially during the incredibly humid days that take over our city streets. Beauty divas think sexy chic beach waves and thanks to the beauty gods, you no longer have to be chilling at the beach to achieve summer cool waves. If possible, unplug the flat iron, put away the frizz-ease hair serum for the summer months and embrace your natural waves....think Boho summer chic!

Who doesn't love sexy, full, volumous, and textured hair? Sea-salted air and ocean water transform hair, you don't have to do a thing, expect go for a swim, check, and hang out at the beach all day, but with Frederic Fekkai's, Marine Summer Hair Beach Waves, it brings the beach to you! It's formulated with marine waters, which create surf-sexy texture and sea kelp to hydrate and block moisture loss, it helps hydrate moisture-thirsty hair and the UV shield helps prevent fading, perfect for those of you who color your hair!

Hair will have a healthy shine, texture, and style that lasts all day! Simply spritz and work through hair for a fabulously easy solution to suffering through the hot and humid days of summer! There are many different brands who carry "beachy" hair products, but Frederic Fekkai's is my favorite, however, for the beauty diva on a budget, hit your local drugstore and score Sunsilk Waves of Envy, Sea Mist for only $3.99! At that price, there's no reason why your hair shouldn't look beachy-keen! Leave the flat iron behind and hit the streets, looking like you just came from the beach!

(Examiner)

Labels: Dermalogica, Frederic fekkai, Rene furterer, Revitalash

A softer makeup look for Adam Lambert

Another season of American Idol has come and gone, but Adam Lambert's rock star makeup is an inspiration to hordes of screaming girls (and guys) across the nation.

The Idol runner up sported a style all his own from the beginning of the season to the end. His look was edgy, creative, and glam rock inspired. Lambert didn't veer far from his trademark smokey eyeliner, bronzed skin and lip-balmed lips. However, Idol makeup artist Mezhgan Hussainy had the opportunity to soften his look during disco week. The final result: he looked polished, smart and very handsome. Sometimes less is definitely more.

Hussainy revealed her makeup staples for this softer look on the American Idol blog:

Moisturize - Dermalogica Active Moisture hydrated the skin and smoothed out any rough patches.

Primer - Luminous {me} by Mezhgan primer helped the foundation stay in place.

Foundation - Bronze Espesial foundation by Gerda Spillman was the key to evening out Lambert’s skin tone.

Concealer - Dermacolor concealer helped hide any remaining scars or blemishes. Under eye circles were hidden with Amazing Cosmetics concealer in Tan.

Set - Temptu silicone foundation was airbrushed over the face to smooth out the skin and add contouring (a darker shade was used for contouring).

Powder - Makeup Forever HD powder set the entire look and eliminated shine.

Bronzer- Mezhgan bronzer was dusted all over the face to warm up the skin.

Eyes - Curled lashes and black mascara opened the eye. Eyes were lined with NARS Bali Taupe shadow and a thin angled eyeshadow brush.

Lips - Kiehl's tinted lip balm moisturized and added a hint of color.

And there you have it - the best way to get the look of one of your favorite rising rock stars.

(Examiner.com)

Labels: Dermalogica Active Moist, Makeup, Revitalash, Skincare

Best Perfume and Cologne Top Women's Perfume In 2009

Wonderful scents and perfumes are now easily available in toiletries and body perfumes although the costs are relatively high, particularly products based on purely natural oils. This demand has increased with the growth of new professions such as aromatherapy which depends upon products untainted by chemicals in order to offer healing and give clients relief from suffering. Aromas provide a very pleasant and effective therapy. We have experienced a fascinating development in the use of aromatics and the emerging science of osmics.

The natural sensory enjoyment of perfumes out in the garden provides us with delightful olfactory experiences when we are out in the open air. However, through the sophisticated art of the perfumier we are now able to enjoy perfumes at any time we choose.

Perfume represents a special cultural refinement and almost a personal necessity for women, but there are also many scents and essential oils available for men to use and enjoy. As consumers, we are offered a bewildering range of different perfume labels from which to choose. For decision making we must rely upon our intuitive reaction to a product and in its use, remind ourselves that subtlety is best. Incense sticks provide a means of perfuming through fumes arising from burning aromatic material. This is where our word for perfume originated.

In a variety of ways we seek to indulge our sense of olfactory as we continue to increase the use of perfumes in our lives. And of course, regardless of personal wealth, we all share the freedom to enjoy the perfumes in nature in our walks in the wild, in our enjoyment of our garden, or in the delicate scent of a rose.

We live in the developed countries with a general affluence beyond any previously known era in history and which allows us choices in utilising products that were once luxury items. This applies particularly to our use of perfume both as a means of sensory satisfaction as well as for more practical purposes. Perfume continues as a subject of fascination today.The simplest method of enjoyment is through awareness of deeper respiration.

Aromatherapy or the science of Osmics is proving immensely popular when applied in self help or in professional healing. It is a delightful way to employ natural perfumes to assist mood and mind states and is particularly helpful as an adjunct to relaxation techniques and stress relief.

As important as the absorption of natural essential oils through massaging into the skin is the vital intake of energy through olfaction and direct absorption to the brain with inhalation. Whereas the popular concept of aromatherapy is associated with massage and relaxation, inhalation of perfumes offers exciting extended possibilities of affecting and benefiting the whole psyche - our mind, moods and nervous system. The subtlest affect is upon our spiritual faculty of inspiration which is so closely related to the respiratory action of inspiring.

Perfumes, music, gemstones and other subtle healing methods have a rightful place alongside the more regularly employed techniques used in naturopathic treatment and spiritual healing.

There are three primary reasons why people where cologne (1) hide other scents, (2) pheromones, and (3) because it smells nice. People will wear perfume or cologne to cover scents such as body odor, cigarette smoke, and other scents considered to be fowl. Pheromones are a chemical that increase your attractiveness and do not really have a scent to them. The third reason is self-explanatory; many people just like to have a sweet or masculine scent to them.

The manufacturing process - of perfume and cologne - and what goes into it is extremely complicated. The chemicals alone interact with our bodily chemicals and our skin. This interaction is what causes perfumes and colognes to smell differently on different people. (Additionally, this interaction is so complex that the foods you eat can even cause your perfume to smell differently.)

Even though this is a complicated and detailed process, which we will not get into, it is very important in the purchase of your perfumes and colognes. The sampler cards, for testing a perfumes' scent, are a nice touch. However, they do not let you experience what that perfume will actually smell like on you or the person you are buying it for. The only way to know - for sure - what that perfume will smell like on you is to test it on your skin.

Putting all of the manufacturing details aside, people wear cologne and perfume to smell nicer, get attention, or to mask other odors. The ironic thing is that perfume and cologne will actually make you feel more confident about yourself. Additionally, it has a positive effect on those around you as well.

For years, it has been easier, and more accepted, for women to purchase and wear perfume. Women are the sex that does everything they can to look good, from manicures, to waxing, and even wearing sexy perfumes. Men; however, have always been accepted for who they are, almost a stereotype. Because of this, many men do not wear cologne, and are ashamed to buy it.

Cologne will actually increase a man's confidence level, which on its own will increase his attractiveness. Additionally, the chemicals in the cologne - even without pheromones - increase a woman's interest in you. While the details are unknown, there is a psychological effect that perfume and cologne has on those around you. It could be as simple as knowing that person takes care of himself or herself, or it could be as complicated as the chemicals within the perfumes and colognes. Point is it happens. People - men and women alike - become more confident and attractive with the use of perfume and cologne.

Even though many of the intricate details are unknown, wearing perfume and cologne boost your confidence and the way other people see you. Simple improvements that we make for ourselves change our outlook and overall life experiences. Something as simple as wearing perfume or cologne could open a new door for people. Even if it does not, your overall confidence level will rise - not a bad trade off for trying something new.

Labels: Perfume, Skin care

Beauty tips on how to look good in credit crunch

LOOKING good on a budget can be a tough task.

Hair and beauty treatments can quickly add up, and even home treatments can put pressure on stretched finances.

However, your Chronicle is here to help. We have teamed up with award-winning hair and beauty salon Hair Mechanics, in Thornton Street, Newcastle, to give you some top tips on budget beauty.

Here owner, Jesko Wilson-Gielnik gives readers some style pointers:

On beauty products, Jesko said: "Get your skin professionally assessed so you can find out exactly which products are right for you. Then, invest in some quality products specifically recommended for your skin - top brands such as Dermalogica will mean you only need use a small amount and you'll also be reassured that what you are using is right for you. And what's more, some hair and beauty salons offer free skin-mapping so it won't cost you a penny and you'll get free samples into the bargain."

There are also a number of simple tips and quick-fix remedies that you can do at home when your skin needs a boost.

Facial Steamer: Steaming your face takes just a few minutes but can unclog the skin, speed up the renewal of skin cells and generally brighten your skin's appearance.

Face Massage: When applying your moisturiser, give your face a quick massage. Start at your chin and move your fingers upwards and outwards in a circular motion up the face. This will also help to rejuvenate the skin's appearance.

Simple Sparkle: Relax for 10 minutes with two slices of cold cucumber over your eyes to reduce puffiness under the eyes and add sparkle, simple but effective. And if you really want to make your eyes stand out, buy some false eyelashes or get your own eye lashes permed. Alternatively, invest in an eye-lash curler and good quality mascara.

Hair: Let it shine: A shine spray will add gloss to dull hair and revive the colour when it starts to fade.

Define: Definition products such as hair paste, putty or wax can hide grown out dead ends when applied to the ends of your hair and will buy you a couple of extra weeks when booking your next hair appointment.

Grown-out colour and the dreaded roots? Alternate your appointments. Get a full head of highlights done, then on the next just get some highlights put down the parting of your hair. This means you can save money by paying for a full set of highlights approximately every 12 weeks instead of every six.

Another alternative is to have a diffused and not a defined parting. This will work wonders at hiding grown out roots - as will one of the trendy, brightly coloured thick headbands which are proving popular at the moment and can be picked up for very little cost in most high-street accessory shops.

Esquire men's hairdressers in St Ronan's Road, Monkseaton, has frozen an April price rise until September this year. Owner Mick Carr said he made the move to help his customers offset the recession.

Labels: Dermalogica, Moroccan oil, Revitalash

DR. MIRACLES SAVES HAIR AND LIVES: Popular black owned hair care company relishes in service to its consumers

The Dr. Miracles brand has been saving hair-damsels in distress for five successful years, and now it's stretching its helpful hand in improving the infant mortality rate.

Brand Educator Kathleen Johnson breaks down what sets them apart from other black hair care companies, and why community service is their number one priority.

"(We) wanted to come up with a product that was really going to make a difference," said Johnson, to RadioScope/EURweb reporter LaRita Shelby, in reference to why the Miracles brand joined the very competitive hair care market.

Johnson also said that they felt the market was at a dry point, so they developed a product, which produced results that clients could not only see but also feel. With that idea, begat the birth of The Dr. Miracles Feel It Formula.

"The Feel It Formula that's our exclusive thermaceutical formulation, and the purpose of this formulation is so that when a person applies it to their scalp ... they can feel it tingling on their scalp," explained Johnson. She also adds that the tingling feeling promotes circulation down from the scalp to the root of the hair, which in turn produces healthy shiny hair.

Dr. Miracle's products promise to help its clients achieve beautiful healthy hair, but the main key to its affectability lies within the user.

"It all really begins with you, it begins with the inside ... you have to take the initiative, to take care of your own health," professed Johnson. She says your hair is a direct reflection of your heath.

In addition to helping black women achieve healthy hair, the Dr. Miracles brand is all about community service. The hair tingling brand has donated products to church health fairs, family reunions and other community events, as a way of giving their customers one on one care.

"We are the sole corporate sponsor of The Birthing Project USA," said Johnson, as she begins to list the Dr. Miracles corporation's community outreach projects.

"The birthing project is a grassroots community outreach, based upon the desire to reduce the infant immortality rate, which is 2.5% higher in African Americans, which we think is an outrage," Johnson adds. She also notes that their The Birthing project commitment is number one on their community outreach priority list.

Dr. Miracles is a family owned company, where everyone from Mr. and Ms. Johnson to their children and friends has a direct hand in promoting the business. Ollie Johnson is the mysterious voice in all the hilarious, yet relatable commercials, and his wife Kathleen Johnson is the educator for the consumers.

Seven Skin Care Secrets for Summer 2009

What's the secret to amazing summer skin? Celebs, models and socialites seem to know. Even though you may not have the paparazzi following you around this summer, you deserve to look like a star and can do so with a few simple, cost-effective steps.

"Women in the know have made econo-chic the hot trend in skin care," said Celeste Hilling, host of the popular internet radio show 'Skin Health TODAY' and founder of the must-have skin care line Skin Authority. "Today's busy woman is demanding products that are convenient, cost-effective and have multiple uses. The seven skin care secrets capitalize on the econo-chic trend and will help you look radiant at the beach, pool or ballpark, while also protecting your skin for summers to come." Hilling has spent more than 15 years researching and designing products in the quest to help people build and maintain radiant skin. She's tried out all of the skin care secrets and passes on her best advice to you:

1. Get Below the Surface - To get your skin summer ready, it's very important to exfoliate. Your body accumulates dead skin cells every day. If you don't get rid of them, your skin will look so dull and dry that lotion won't make a difference. Skin Authority offers two AHA-based cleansers for the face that offer proper exfoliating and resurfacing action. The Daily Cleanser incorporates glycolic acid to stimulate resurfacing, plus it is lightweight and excellent at removing make-up. The Exfoliating Cleanser, with three percent glycolic acid and micro-fine pumice offers additional gentle exfoliation. For the body, Skin Authority offers its Purifying Energy Stimulation Scrub which combines bamboo with crushed almond and corn husk for an all-over exfoliating experience

2. Calming Cellulite - With itty-bitty bikinis in your future, you'll want to smooth those bumpy patches. The appearance of cellulite can be reduced by using a body scrub with large exfoliators such as ground coffee beans, pumice or bamboo shoots to stimulate circulation. It's also smart to use a scrub that incorporates caffeine to detoxify or release water from the surface layers of fat to make cellulite look smoother

3. Safe Summer Glow - Glow safely this summer without the unsafe and aging worries that come along with the sun or tanning beds. Look for a fragrance free (for a better smell) self-tanner formulation that incorporates an AHA for better penetration. For face, alternate your regular moisturizer and a self-tanner every other night for a natural glow. For the body, be careful to avoid elbows, knees and heels so you look natural and the tanner doesn't darken the folds.

4. Last Season's Sunscreen is so Passe - The active ingredients in sunscreens deteriorate over time, so purchase a new one. Reapply every one to two hours that you are in the sun to ensure a summer full of safe, sun fun. Make sure you have full UVA and UVB protection. That means you need more than an SPF of 15, which only measures UVB protection

5. When it Comes to Sunscreen, Look for the Stars - A four-star rating system isn't just for the movies. The Food and Drug Administration will soon use stars to rate sunscreens. The rating pertains to ultraviolet A rays (UVA), which are associated with serious, long-term skin damage

6. Fancy Feet - Even if you are strutting in Louboutins, no one will know that you saved money by getting a pedicure at a local beauty school or by giving yourself one at home. Apply a 20 percent concentration of glycolic acid nightly to get rid of those calluses or deep layers of dead skin. While in the shower, scrub your feet three times a week with a pumice stone to keep the skin soft.

7. Great Skin Care on the GO! - From the ballpark to the beach, you will be on the go a lot this summer.

(healthnewsdigest.com)