#i’ve heard chemical sunscreen can irritate sensitive skin

[innko]

is zinc good for acne or was chemical sunscreen irritating my skin and making me break out? 🤔

[hellsbellschime]

As someone who never has clear skin, I always find myself trying to find stuff that just clicks for my skin. And I hate reading articles, especially from Celebs detailing their routine being like a friend gave me this moisturiser before lockdown and I’ve been using it and it’s so good then a link is provided and it’s $265. I need rich folks to give poor, budget suggestions. Lol.

Actually celebs are nuts and plenty of really fantastic skincare is super inexpensive. If you’re dealing with acne then you probably want some kind of chemical exfoliant in your skincare, I personally stan all retinols because it’s the ideal anti-aging ingredient and it has added benefits of exfoliating all of your skin, so it can help clear acne while giving you anti-aging benefits for the future. 

The Ordinary has a lot of good products that are crazy inexpensive and they’re broken down into individualized ingredients, so if you’re looking to figure out what works for you and what doesn’t I’d start with something like their Niacinamide and lowest percentage retinol. You could also try something like salicylic acid, lactic acid, or some AHA’s and BHA’s, but as far a chemical exfoliants go retinol is my absolute favorite and I definitely wouldn’t double up on chemical exfoliants if you’ve never used them before. They also have their moisturizing factors + HA which I really like, if I’m being honest their products aren’t my favorite just because they don’t mesh super well with my skin personally, but their base moisturizer is crazy cheap and I do like it and at the very least using individual ingredients can give you an idea of what you want to buy or what you can skip in future skincare purchases. 

CeraVe also has some fantastic retinol products and all of their moisturizers also include ceramides which is what makes their stuff unique, any of their face and skincare stuff is really great basics that are super inexpensive and they have a little extra oomph over a brand like Neutrogena. Neutrogena is okay, like I pretty much always use their sunscreens because of the super high SPF, but I think CeraVe is a better option. Also skip Cetaphil, I know tons of people recommend it for sensitive skin but in my experience it’s shit, you might as well wash and moisturize your face with straight water.

 If you can afford a slightly more mid-range then I’ve had good results with Clinique, and I haven’t tried it myself but I bought Angie some No7 moisturizer for Christmas and she said it was fantastic and I’ve only heard good things about the brand. CosRX is another mid-range brand that is really high-end quality, Korean skincare is generally next level and CosRX is quite inexpensive. First Aid Beauty is also solid, and Mario Badescu is super popular but I am not sure why because it seems like a complete waste of time.

So if acne is your major concern, try something from CeraVe, The Ordinary, or Neutrogena, and Differin is a reliably solid acne treatment if you haven’t tried it. The retinol cream from Alpha Skin Care is probably my favorite intro retinol just because it feels very nice on my skin personally, but there are plenty of options. STAY AWAY FROM SHIT LIKE THE BODY SHOP OR LUSH, I know that they’re always popular with people and everyone loves the “natural” skincare thing but that is generally bullshit and it’s especially bullshit for someone with problematic skin, all of those “natural” ingredients are usually very irritating. Get a good gentle cleanser AND DO NOT OVER EXFOLIATE OR OVER-STRIP YOUR SKIN, that is another thing people with acne tend to do that makes their problems worse instead of better. And always use an SPF, and experiment with your diet, the amount of people that I know (including myself) who get acne from food that they eat, typically from something like sugar, wheat, or dairy, is astounding. And eating high nutrient fruits and veggies like berries, avocados, or dark vegetables can do as much if not more for your skin than any treatments you can buy. LOL, and here endeth my advice.

[artigas]

i've been trying to build a skincare regiment but i just have no idea what sources to trust or what products to use, there are so many names! how did you figure out your skincare regiment?

another anon message: pLEASE tell me how to build a skincare regiment! ;o; my face is a mess most of the time, but i still don’t want to put fucking walnuts on it

Hello!! Forgive my late response, friends!! I hope you are still around and following my blog to see this. Skincare is intensely personal and because it’s your skin and you do not want to harm it, you have to proceed cautiously. I’m no dermatologist! But I do think there are a few things I can share. First, I figured out my skincare regiment by breaking down my major concerns: I had an oily t-zone (meaning: my forehead, my nose, and my chin) and extremely dry cheeks. After I began using makeup, I would sometimes have pimples and texture. I also knew my skin was sensitive. Knowing your needs is an intrinsic part of knowing what you want to address. I will say that I have no experience with acne or with major skin problems- if what you’re hoping to address is a bit more difficult than issues like: dryness, oiliness, breakouts, fine lines, etc than you should really speak to a professional, I think! After I boiled down my issues, I did research. There’s a great app called Think Dirty that runs through the a broad range of skincare, hair, and beauty products and tells you which ingredients raise any red flags and why. Generally speaking, you should avoid skincare that contain needless fragrances as much as possible, as this can often irritate the skin and sneak in some Not So Rad ingredient into even an otherwise wonderful skincare regimen. Speaking from my experience, I find that those who have sensitive skin may esp. feel irritation from added fragrances. I personally wouldn’t suggest abrasive face washes and exfoliates, like Kylie’s Infamous Walnut Scrub, because you don’t want to cause damage to your skin through small micro-lesions, scrapes, and cuts that are caused by rubbing these materials against your skin aggressively. This is especially damaging to dry areas of the skin, pimples, etc. While exfoliation is, imo, a great way to get rid of dead skin cells, brighten up the skin, etc, I personally prefer a chemical exfoliate and find these more effective at cleaning out my skin and showing long-term results. Still, if you opt for physical exfoliate, it should be as gentle as possible- nothing involving shells, hard salts, sharp or shard-like materials of any kind! Also, make sure to read the ingredients in products like skin-peels: if you have sensitive skin, retinols especially can feel very irritating. Another quick tip: if you have oily skin, guess what? Moisturizing your skin is not your enemy. Moisturizers don’t have to be greasy. Look for a moisturizer that’s labeled non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores, and steer clear of mineral oil, cocoa butter, lanolin, and petrolatum. Alternatively, reach for moisturizers that contain ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and squalane, which won’t trap oils in your pores.Again, I can only speak for myself. My regimen looks like this: Every morning and night I wash my face with a Lush charcoal soap (charcoal can be tricky and also abrasive, so proceed with caution- I find that Lush’s formulation is both soft and non-drying, so that’s just what works for me). I then apply The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% to address oiliness and outbreaks, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 to address dryness, and Argireline Solution 10% for fine lines. After that, I slap on some face cream and sunscreen! I have found that this routine has absolutely changed my skin. On top of that, as a makeup user, I make sure to really clean my face after makeup use: never sleeping in makeup, using both a makeup removing soap, washing my face, and then using micellar cleansing water. I know this can be a lot, but my reasoning is this: If I can spend X amount of time applying makeup, I need to be willing to spend more than a minute removing it. Makeup is nice, but healthy skin is important. 

I’ve recommended The Ordinary to a few people before and so far, I’ve only ever heard good things from my friend- the beautiful, wonderful @crucifythenburn included! The Ordinary is cost-effective, but instead of selling one product with multiple uses, they essentially sell the building blocks. You have to develop your skincare regimen yourself, so you’ll often end up using several different items to target your concerns- or not! My friend simply uses The Buffet and she’s been swearing by that product alone for three years now! If you’re interested in checking them out, here are some recommended articles: (A) (B) (C).

From what I understand, you can reach out to The Ordinary for guidance. As a quick heads up, be mindful of what products should not be mixed- article B has a section on it, but I always remind people that products containing Retinol (Vitamin A) shouldn’t be mixed products with Vitamin C. Also, all skincare products should be tested first! Do a little patch test. See if you feel irritation. The idea that “if it stings, that means it’s working!” is not my mantra. There is a difference between a product giving you a tingling sensation and burning. A skincare product should never cause pain. Frankly, I don’t even play with that whole tingling shit. At the end of the day, your skincare is super individual. If you want my recommendations for skincare products from The Ordinary specifically, hit me up and I’ll try my best- but don’t forget to look up reviews on reddit, look up youtubers who might provide honest reviews (I personally adore Gothamista and I’d stay away from folks who receive a lot of PR), and just exhaust your avenues. You do wanna be careful about what you introduce to your skin, but the resources are out there- I know it might seem daunting, but you can do this! Hit me up if you need anymore help!!

[birdkoskincare]

Does facial hair removal affect the face? Regardless of how you do it, the goal is to be as hairless as posible except for the eyebrows and I was wondering if a hairless face is different. Also, thoughts on bleaching hair (in the face or body) to lighten it and the skin?

hey! it took me a while to get to this ask because i’m not very experienced in this area (i rarely ever remove any hair since mine is super thin and pale and effecively invisible/nonexistent on the face) and i wanted to inform myself before i replied.

now, a face with peach fuzz/slight facial hair isn’t much different from a hairless face, unlike an actual beard situation where the closeness and thickness of the hair and the speed of its growth create a microenvironment of higher sebum production, which promotes acne, and frequent shaving of such facial hair can cause nicks that may infect (leading to folliculitis), ingrown hairs and general irritation to the skin. this is more common with people with high testosterone levels, i.e. cis males, but for the rest of the population, hair removal (a la waxing, threading, dermaplaning, etc) is the step that can cause most complications, not the sparse hair per se.

dermaplaning, for instance, is not recommended for anyone with active breakouts; waxing also inevitably cause some trauma due to the pulling action, which becomes problematic if you have sensitive or dry skin, as well as potential inflammation. threading spares the skin a bit more, but it can still leave it somewhat sensitive afterwards.

overall, if you plan to book a hair removal appointment (always go to a qualified professional!), discontinue strong actives (especially exfoliating acids and retinoids) a week beforehand and a few days afterwards, avoid wearing makeup or sweating a lot immediately after your appointment, wear sunscreen religiously (most hair removal methods are exfoliating and so they leave your skin more vulnerable to UV), be aware of the risks (breakouts, ingrowns, etc) and expect increased sensitivity for a bit.

as for bleaching products for the face, i have heard too many stories of folks attempting to lighten their brows (even professionally) and getting chemical burns to be a fan of them. seriously, bleach itself is caustic (very alkaline or basic, aka high pH – the opposite of what our skin likes) and while most hairstyling bleaches are formulated to be safe, the facial skin is a lot more sensitive and thin than elsewhere in our bodies, and it’s generally a bad idea. you’re better off using one of the hair removal methods mentioned above if it’s very important to you to have a very hairless face. and please, do NOT attempt to use products that claim to bleach/lighten your natural skin colour itself. they are very dangerous, and it’s just an inherently colorist and crappy concept which i’ve discussed before here.

[skincarestudies-blog]

Back to the Basics:

Ever since I figured out the difference between slippers and sneakers, I’ve wanted a multi-step skin and makeup routine. I don’t know; it’s something about the elegant/cute/aesthetic packaging drawing me in, and instant gratification after application that always encouraged my unhealthy obsession with skincare products. Something about buying the next new thing and throwing it into my cupboard, always satisfied a little sense of my pride.

Fast forward a couple of years, and I have come to the realisation that less is indeed more. As years passed, and products have lived and perished on my vanity, I have come to the conclusion that no, I do not need 5 products to moisturise my skin. Shocker, right? Especially since I consider myself a young individual, I should be asking myself do I really need this anti-aging serum that just hit the market? I’ve already got a gentle cleanser in the evening, so do I really need another one for the morning? It’s these kind of questions we must be asking ourselves before we make a purchase on the new hottest toner. Because in all honesty, if we strip our skin care routine to the essentials we need cleanser, moisturiser, and protection (for the AM).

I’m aiming this post specifically towards the younger audiences and people who may just be starting to get into skincare. I understand that it’s hard to decipher all this new technology and science that companies have come out with over the recent years- now with the biggest boom of revolutionary cosmetic products since the early 2000s. Statistics have demonstrated that from 2012, the global cosmetic market have seen a shift in the consumer demographic age range from the older to younger audiences. To keep up with the change, companies have changed marketing strategies that would appeal to their new audience through strategies of all natural and readily more acne fighting products. However, encouraging a young and/or uneducated audience to buy unnecessary products can only spell more bad than good.

~

Cleanser:

Role: “A cleanser is a facial care product that is used to remove make-up*, dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and other types of pollutants from the skin of the face. This helps to unclog pores and prevent skin conditions such as acne” Cleanser - Wikipedia

It is important to understand that a cleanser’s role is not to solve all your skin’s problems. It’s role is to cleanse the uppermost part of your skin, and that because it is not left on your skin for prolonged periods of time its ingredients cannot reach far into the layers of the skin.

When looking for a cleanser, it is important to understand what your skin needs and what your skin type demands. If you’re dry-sensitive skin is breaking out, and you’ve been doing tons of research on the best acne cleansers but not taking into account your skin type you can cause more trouble than when you started.

Things to look at: pH of your cleanser (this should be in the 5.5-6.5 range), top most ingredients (this determines what ingredients that are going to mostly affect you), and the options available to you. I personally hate the idea that the more expensive a product is, the more time was taken into the formulation. While this is true in SOME cases, spending $50 on a cleanser that does the exact same thing with the exact same ingredients as a cleanser that is $15 will always boggle my balls.

Recommendations: 1. CeraVe Hydrating cleanser 2. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanse (even though it says good morning you can use it at night) 3. klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser 4. Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel 5. Ego Azclear Action Foaming wash - (what I’m using at the moment) 6. Neogen Green Tea Real Fresh Foam Cleanser

Note:

* I personally do not rely on my cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, as most of my cleansers are extremely gentle and I know the role is more to remove excess sebum and dirt not makeup. I use an oil based cleanser before my water based cleanser to remove the most upper layer of collected oil, dirt, makeup, and sunscreen.

I personally do not enjoy a cleanser completely and unnecessarily stripping my skin of its natural oils. In my opinion, a cleanser should be able to perform its role without having to compromise our natural skin barrier- this means without highly irritating ingredients, leaving a tight and dry feel, and being terribly difficult to remove.

Moisturiser:

Role: “Moisturizers or emollients are complex mixtures of chemical agents specially designed to make the external layers of the skin softer and more pliable. They increase the skin's hydration by reducing evaporation.” Moisturizer - Wikipedia

THIS IS NECESSARY GUYS. I cannot stress enough that regardless of your skin type if you are not moisturising your skin after cleansing (or in general) that your natural barrier could potentially be suffering immensely! I’m not going to go into the science of moisturisers in this post (maybe another one) but the general idea of a moisturiser is to trap the essential nutrients and moisture or restoring the lost moisture. If you are cleansing (which you should be) you are already washing away a good percentage of your natural moisture, so it is important for you to be restoring the skin’s natural moisture.

Moisturisers can also provide the skin with extra benefits with anti-aging and antioxidant properties.

It is also important to know the fine line between moisturising enough and too much. Too much moisture can unfortunately result in more acne as the thick layer of occlusives/humectants may not allow for the skin to breath. I personally have found myself crossing this line a lot.

Oils are a a quick and light way to achieve a plump and smooth texture. Looking for thin and dry oils specifically aimed towards acne prone skin can help with sebum production and provide the skin with added healing properties.

Recommendations:  1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight Moisturiser 2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Riche (heard amazing reviews about this one, it’s worth a go for those with sensitive/combo/dry-flaky skin) 3. Ego QV Skin Lotion 4. COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream 5. Aloe Vera Gel 6. Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Moisture Cushion

Sunscreen:

Role: Sunscreen, also known as sunblock and suntan lotion, is a lotion, spray, gel or other topical product that absorbs or reflects some of the sun's ultraviolet radiation and thus helps protect against sunburn. Wikipedia

I personally can’t say much about this step other than it is vital to the health and longevity of your skin. I haven’t done too much research on what can happen to you if you don’t use sunscreen, other than darkening your acne scars and skin irritation after treatments if not used. As I live in Australia, it is paramount that I use sunscreen everyday to reduce the chances of developing skin cancer (this applies to all regions of the world too). 

There are two types of sunscreens: physical and chemical. The latter is the one you all probably see the most in stores as it does not leave that greasy white cast that everyone hates. However, I prefer physical sunscreens over chemical ones as instead of absorbing into my skin and causing irritation they sit on top and protect my skin via ingredients that I trust more (i.e zinc and titanium dioxide). 

Recommendations:* 1. COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++ 2. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++ 3. Ego Sunsense Sensitive Invisible SPF50+ 4. L’Oreal Dermo-Expertise UV Perfect 12H Longlasting UVA/UVB Protector SPF50+/Pa+++

Note: 

*I don’t actually have a lot of recommendations, because I find that I breakout from sunscreens very easily. My experiences with both physical and chemical sunscreens have not been the best, and while I do prefer physical they still tend to lean towards the negative effects more.

~

Now I’m not gonna be some up-herself-messiah that comes raining down with knowledge while simultaneously practising everything that I speak of. No, I don’t only use 2-3 products everyday, how will I satisfy the urge to pour oil all over myself? A bit of an exaggeration, I admit, but after years of products it’s hard to go back. What I want to get across though, is that it is not impossible, and that every once in awhile it is necessary for us to give our skin a break. May it be a reaction from a new product or the seasons playing with your skin, I believe once we strip our skin care regimens down to the basics, we can restore our skin’s natural barrier.

~

TL;DR: Our skin is smart guys, give it some credit. 

[manxcattle36]

Melanotan Storage Space

How To Utilize Melanotan 2

Content

' Every Person Is Asking Me Where I Have Actually Gotten On Holiday'.

Acquire Melanotan ☀ Tanning Injections.

Melanotan 2 Uk Distributors.

Buy Tanning Injections From The Most Reliable Store.

Included Products.

Negative Effects Of Tanning Injections

What is Melanotan? This product is safe for all hair types and most importantly, it is completely natural!

Can you tan with vitiligo?

Because vitiligo spots have no melanin, they can't tan. If the skin isn't protected with sunscreen, vitiligo patches may burn or scar. Getting a tan on the rest of your body will only highlight the white patches, especially if you have light skin.

The active ingredient in most of the over-the-counter creams containing melanoma is known as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). But that doesn't explain why the cream works in the first place, or how it does so. It doesn't have to contain AHA, because it doesn't contain melanin itself. In fact, the only ingredient that really affects the production of melanin is UV light itself. Melanotans are not actually a byproduct of this process, but rather it acts as a barrier between the two, keeping the amount of melanin produced to a minimum while allowing the amount of UV light to pass through.

How long does Melanotan take to work?

In a case where the drug has an influence on sexual arousal, the person is most likely to feel the effect 1 to 3 hours after dosage. The effect mostly lasts for 2 to 4 hours. In case you don't want to experience this Melanotan 2 neutral effect, take the drug just before going to bed.

' Everyone Is Asking Me Where I'Ve Gotten On Vacation'.

The name itself is quite evasive, Melanotan is an acronym for the four different components, Melanin (from the Greek word means meaning dark), Anhydrol (from the same word as soap), Oxide (from the same word as hydrogen) and Hydroxyapatite (a mineral found naturally in the skin). Melanotan comes from the extract of a palm tree and has been used as a treatment for skin discoloration, acne, psoriasis and more. In the latest version of the product, Melanotan II, it is a combination of peptides, vitamins and minerals that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Melanotan II has a natural analogue of the hormone alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (A-MSH).

Buy Melanotan ☀ Sun Tanning Injections.

Can you take melanin pills to get tan?

Though some products claim to be “tanning pills” that can darken skin, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) say these products are not proven to be safe and effective. They may even cause serious adverse reactions, including eye damage.

What is melanoma? This is the name given to the active ingredient in the skin lightening creams that are on the market today.

A dose that might activate adverse effects in someone might have little impact on somebody else.

Taking melatonin with anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin, might enhance your risk of bleeding.

Here are 10 means to obtain a tan quicker to stay clear of extended sun direct exposure.

Drugs that reduced high blood pressure, such as calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers, might minimize your body's natural production of melatonin.

Some people are extra sensitive than others to the impacts of melatonin.

Some studies have explored the potential advantages of natural herbs as well as teas for safeguarding skin from the damages of UV rays.

Pauline O'Grady-Noonan of TVG claimed the huge concern is that the tan injections are uncontrolled.

" Purchaser acknowledges that the products have actually not been examined by distributor for security as well as efficacy in food, drug, as well as clinical gadget, cosmetic, business or any kind of other use," the disclaimer proceeds.

For some individuals, way too much melatonin can impact their blood pressure.

It has been proven that the product does not clog pores, irritate skin or cause breakage. It will not bleach or damage hair. You should never use a mask with this product because it will strip out the natural oils that protect the strands and leave your hair looking lifeless and dull.

How long does it take tanning tablets to work?

Tanning pills may technically work, but there are several caveats to their efficacy: It can take up to two weeks for the dyes to build up in your body enough to show up on your skin.

Even the most popular skin lightening product on the market today's market, AHA, has been proven to cause a lot of damage. It's also the biggest cause of the so called "age spots," as it's a drying agent. If your dermatologist recommends that you use this ingredient based on scientific research, you should avoid what is melanoma and its cousins and look elsewhere for your solution.

It's thought that the more melanomas there are on the surface of your skin, the weaker the skin's ability to control its own melanin production, since excess melanin production can lead to the overproduction of melanin, creating age spots, hyperpigmentation, and other types of skin discoloration. It's been shown that the best way to get rid of those age spots is to use a product containing melanomas.

Where do you inject Melanotan?

Melanotan is administered sub-cutaneously by injecting into the fatty layer of tissue around the belly button area. Clients inject daily until a desired colour is achieved and then continue to inject once or twice a week to maintain the colour.

Melanotan 2 Uk Suppliers.

What is melanoma? If you've been a follower of this fashion blog you will probably have heard of it; it is the latest rage in the hair care industry. It's an anti-aging shampoo and moisturizer with natural ingredients that will revitalize your hair and prevent further damage due to UV exposure.

Purchase Sun Tanning Injections From One Of The Most Respectable Shop.

Don't use Uva Ursi during the spring months when there is a lot of activity going on outdoors. You may experience sunburn and discoloration if you use this product at this time. Make sure that you wear a hat while you are out in the sun.

Melanoid II is an artificial analogue of the naturally occurring peptide hormone melanin. The body is designed such that it produces large amounts of melanin for defense against ultraviolet (UV) light and other harmful rays. But when too much of this pigment is produced, it causes age spots, darkens skin, and creates a yellow appearance. Melanotan is derived from peptides and is thought to inhibit the production of this natural hormone, which explains why it works so well.

Has anyone died from Melanotan?

A report by toxicologist Julie Evans, read to the inquest, said there has not been enough scientific research done yet to reach any conclusions about whether or not Melanotan 2 is a danger or not to humans, but it has not been linked to any fatal incident.

Included Products.

This new shampoo and moisturizer has been hyped by all the Hollywood stars who are endorsing it. They're even touting it as a cure for age spots, eczema and even cancer. It is one of the few hair care products on the market that can actually work for all of these conditions.

What is melanoma? If you're looking for a skin lightening cream, you should look elsewhere. If the cosmetics industry wants you to believe that what is melanoma is going to be the answer to your problem, chances are they will have it right. because they know that it works in the short term and are willing to keep trying to convince you that it will work long term.

When you are using Uva Ursi make sure you use a sunscreen that doesn't contain alcohol. melanotan 2 has been known to cause skin irritation. This product is also good to use if you have been diagnosed with a skin condition such as rosacea.

Skin care companies know this, and this is why some of their formulas include Retinol, which is a derivative of vitamin A. Retinoids do not have to be absorbed by the skin to be effective, so they have a better chance of being able to penetrate deep into the dermis and do their jobs. They also tend to have a longer half-life than retinoids, which means that they will still be active for a longer period of time before they lose their effectiveness.

Now, it would be nice to think that all of these natural ingredients in products like what is melanoma were working in harmony, since that would help explain the long term benefits of these creams. But there are several problems with that theory, including the fact that they don't always work at all in the way that their creators claim.

In order for you to experience the benefits of this product, you must make sure that you follow the instructions provided with the bottle. Otherwise, you may find yourself spending more money on another product to restore the hair you lost.

In some cases, the reason a skin lightening cream is ineffective in treating discoloration is that the melanin content within the formula is not high enough, and there is too much of another pigment, called tyrosine in the formula. These are some of the reasons that you should always talk with your doctor before using any kind of skin lightening cream.

Does Melanotan give you cancer?

For some, a suntan is so socially desirable that they'll do anything to get one. Many expose themselves to heavy doses of sunlight, to the point of burning, and some use sunbeds as well. Both can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Melanotan was found to be ineffective in one study. When test subjects applied some of the creams containing this ingredient to their skin, they saw a slight increase in production. And this is because the levels of melanin were actually too low. for the skin to be able to absorb them. In other studies, the results were almost nil, but there were improvements when a topical product containing a chemical called hydroquinone was used.

Course To Improved Health.

Will Melanotan ever be legal?

Melanotan is not legal. It has not undergone the stringent safety and effectiveness testing that all medicines have to undergo before they can be licensed for use. https://ourdoings.com/headnewspoltorch2/ means that the side effects of this treatment are not known.

What Not To Take With Melatonin.

Hair growth is stimulated because it allows nutrients to get to your hair follicles and re-distribute them throughout your scalp. The ingredients in Melanotan also promote healthy circulation of blood and oxygen to the scalp, helping it to absorb more moisture, preventing scalp dryness and making your hair shine. This shampoo and moisturizer are so similar to human sebum, that it is almost impossible to tell the difference.

melanotan ?"/>

Companies know that people want to believe in the effectiveness of their products. So many companies have become known for offering products that simply don't work. And when we have something that doesn't work or doesn't work well, there tends to be lots of hype about how great it is, and why it can't be possible for us to try it.

What is Melanotan used for?

Melanotan is commonly used for skin tanning. It is also used to produce erections in men with erectile dysfunction (ED), for rosacea, for fibromyalgia, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Do your research before you start using it and use a sunscreen that is designed for use during the winter months. You will notice that people who use this product during the summer will see much better results. because the sun isn't as harsh on them.

[harry8673-blog]

Turns Out CBD Beauty Products Might Be A Lie

A fun fact about me: I once worked for a medical marijuana dispensary. It’s something that usually surprises anyone I tell—“Wow! I never would have guessed you were into that!”—but also something I feel pretty passionately about and am decently educated on. I qualify for a medical card in New York, and cannabis is something that helps me manage pain so I can function. It’s great, it works, but you can't get it everywhere—most states haven’t legalized marijuana. Another plant from the cannabis family is legal, though, and that’s hemp. Hemp is at most just .3-percent THC, the psychoactive element in cannabis that gets you stoned. While low in THC, hemp is high in CBD, the soothing, anti-inflammatory compound causing a completely legal buzz all over the country.

So, do CBD beauty products work? Let’s start with this: Most products boasting CBD properties only list cannabis Sativa oil (another name—confusingly!—for hemp seed oil) as an active ingredient. Hemp seed oil actually contains no CBD. That’s right—you heard me. For a little clarity, I called up my old team at Knox Medical and spoke to their Manufacturing and Controls Director, Nikolas. “If you do the correct collection method from pure hemp seeds, it actually has no CBD. Or, if it does it’s below the detectable level—it’s very, very low.” Pure hemp seed oil is still a nice, light, non-comedogenic oil—but not much else. Even if there was CBD, there’s still little research to support that CBD applied topically (without transdermal technology) will do what beauty brands say they will do. “[Brands] just like to use the name ‘cannabis’ so people buy it,” Nikolas confirmed.

So right about now you might be feeling paranoid... Which makes it a perfect time to down to check in on your favorite CBD product. If it's already rocking your world, I’m here to guarantee that the ingredient you’re actually loving is definitely not CBD.

If you love Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil… …it’s because of vitamin E. Tocopherol, another name for vitamin E, is the third ingredient in this oil—that means it’s present in relatively high quantities. As an antioxidant, Vitamin E is calming and anti-inflammatory. It also slows down signs of aging by neutralizing free radicals and makes your SPF work better. It’s a hero ingredient, but you knew that already.

If you love Lord Jones CBD Body Lotion… …it’s because of menthol. It’s really no surprise that this relieving lotion shares its active ingredient with Icy Hot.

If you love Herbivore Emerald… …it’s because of squalane. Because squalene oil is naturally produced by your skin, chemically related squalane (note the e-to-a switcheroo) mimics your sebum and balances oil production. It’s a light, non-comedogenic oil that sinks in quickly and is suitable for all skin types.

If you love Peter Thomas Roth Green Relief Sleep Cream… …it’s because of melatonin. Melatonin has similar properties to CBD when ingested, and it’s also likely the power ingredient in this Peter Thomas Roth cream. Recent studies have shown that applied topically, melatonin is an effective antioxidant to reduce and prevent photodamage (you know, sun spots and fine lines...).

If you love CBD For Life Eye Cream… …it’s because of caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and retinol. This eye cream is the only product on this list with cannabinoid extract, but it packs a punch for other reasons: hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while caffeine from paullinia cupana (AKA guarana) extract depuffs undereye bags. Add in retinol, and you’ve got a holy grail level eye cream—with CBD or without.

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Finished by Laura D'Angelo, Marketing Insights Manager “Over time, my skincare (and overall life) motto has evolved into: the simpler, the better. After years of struggling to find a mild cleanser that wouldn't irritate my sensitive, eczema-prone skin, yet would also be able to take off my eye makeup at night, I've finally found my holy grail in Vanicream. It's a no-frills, unscented cleanser that gets the job done without being drying or harsh and, after trying everything from Cetaphil to Clinique to Chanel, I've come to appreciate the simplicity and gentleness of the formula. It may not be the prettiest bottle around, and smells like, well, soap, but at under $10, it's quickly become a staple in my routine.”

Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask Finished by Samantha Addison, gTeam Editor “First of all, I would probably continue to use this for the name alone. It evokes a feeling of having fresh-squeezed orange juice on a beach in Greece instead of sitting crammed in a middle seat on a four-hour flight. This is my ride-or-die product for flights or anywhere I feel my skin gets dry or stressed. It goes on clear so you don’t look “like your skin is coming off” as my partner lovingly says about sheet masks (yay to not scaring your in-flight seat buddy!), and it works as a shield from all the angry, recycled air. I usually don’t even have to rinse it off because my skin absorbs it so well! Extra perk, it’s 90mL, aka TSA-approved.”

Biologique Recherche Lait U Finished by Emily Ferber, Editorial Director “My skin has a lot of needs right now. I need to keep breakouts on my forehead at bay, address some latent rosacea on my cheeks, all the while handle what appears to be an eczema explosion on my jawline and neck. A lot of conflicting priorities all fighting for top billing. Lait U is gracefully handling all of these issues while keeping my skin clean. It’s my security blanket cleanser. When all else fails, fall into its soothing, milky embrace like a newborn babe. Nothing can hurt you now.”

Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak Finished by Roya Shariat, Communications Manager “My thick, curly locks are always in need of some love—when left to their own devices, they tend to get dry and frizzy. I came across Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak when scouring ITG for articles on deep conditioning and bought it after reading endless positive reviews. It has a consistency somewhere between Greek yogurt (side note: I've been known to make hair + face masks with Chobani) and marshmallow fluff, which is extremely satisfying to dunk your hand into. I use it as a hair mask once a week before a cycling class—I think the heat and sweat makes it more effective, but I have no scientific proof. I primarily put it on my hair at the mid-shaft and ends, with a smidge on the roots, then twist my hair into a braid or high bun for my workout. Even after one use, the Pak makes my hair smoother, less frizzy, and seemingly more resilient and shiny, especially when I use heat tools. It smells heavenly, never leaves my hair feeling weighed down, and and works wonderfully as a quick, in-shower conditioner when my hair needs extra TLC.”

Pharmacy Honey Potion Finished by Nicholas Kim, Planning Manager “Every winter, the name of the game is hydration, and (for me) moisturizers are simply not enough. I use this mask after walking around the city on the weekends, and it has been incredibly hydrating. The combination of humectants and the warming effect feels like it is literally locking in the moisture and my open-pored skin just drinks it all in. Needless to say, I upgraded to the four-ounce bottle as soon as I finished the first.”

Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum Finished by Kata Knezovic, Paid Search and Affiliates Manager “This serum was introduced to me when I was getting a "Spotless Reputation" facial at Face Haus in LA. It felt magical as the esthetician cooled my face with ice globes and then applied this gel-like strawberry lemonade smelling serum. It doesn't smell artificial though. I bought it immediately after and have squeezed out every last drop. It penetrates my skin quickly and does more for me than my past hyraulonic serums. I love the plump glow it leaves me with and it seals in the moisture that I needed this winter. It truly feels like the dessert to my skincare routine and might even taste like it too!”

L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Eye Balm Finished by Kelsey Fernandez, Recruiting Coordinator “I came across the Immortelle Precious Eye Balm while casually browsing a L'Occitane store with a friend. The lady working there that day was honestly wonderful (shout out to amazing customer service!) and really was able to dig in to what I might need. I've always had an issue with dark undereyes—I'm sure they’re from being exhausted all of the time, and probably from genetics, too. This is the first product that truly made a difference for me, and quickly too (within a week or so)! The consistency is ridiculously smooth, and I love that it has no fragrance. While I've never been a big fan of products that come in pots, I give this one an easy pass due to how well it works, and how affordable it is. Highly recommended, and because you need such a small amount, it'll last you a long time! I always look forward to this with my nightly routine.”

Mondo Mondo Perfume Oil in Hysteria Finished by Colleen Kelsey, Copywriter “I’m very picky about fragrance! It’s always been a challenge to find one that really feels like me. Mondo Mondo has a really interesting lineup of perfumes, and now I’ve finally ticked off the “find signature scent” box on my to-do list with Hysteria. The blend of tuberose, jasmine, palo santo, coconut, sunscreen, and musk notes is heady and intense, but also fresh. The oil feels close to the skin, lingers beautifully, and the rollerball vial fits comfortably in whatever tiny bag I'm taking out for the day. A roll on the throat, nape of the neck, and inner wrists and I’m good to go.”

Boscia Clear Complexion Cleanser Finished by Lindsay DelGrosso, Executive Assistant "There is literally no better feeling than a clean face, especially after a day of existing in New York City. I have oily skin, so in the morning after a long slumber, in the evening after a days work, and after doing just about anything... I yearn for the freshly cleansed face feeling. I am a skincare fanatic and have tried most anything anyone has suggested I use, but Boscia Clear Complexion Cleanser is the one thing that has stood the test of time in my routine. It’s like no other, fragrance-free, does not strip my face, keeps my complexion clear, it's not even a bad price point. Is it too good to be true? I think so, but I hope it never changes. Pro tip: pair it with the konjac sponge for an even deeper cleanse. Goodbye, I am going home to cleanse my face just thinking about it..."

Violets Are Blue White Tea and Evening Primrose Facial Cleanser Finished by Maura O’Neill, Project Manager “My many other 'gentle' cleansers tend to leave my skin feeling stripped, so I was pretty surprised when this one kept me soft and smooth. After a month of using it, I noticed (and started to receive compliments on) how much my skin cleared up—with acne, with dryness, and with redness. It's now the only product I will never substitute and I always make sure I have a backup bottle...just in case. I also just love that Violets Are Blue was started by a cancer survivor, and that the brand donates a set of their products to women beginning chemotherapy for breast cancer at Mount Sinai hospital here in NYC.”

Susanne Kaufmann Body Butter Finished by Emily Ferber, Editorial Director “I am a lover of a luxuriously packaged body product. The statelier the better. I want it to sit on my counter with majesty and heft. But of course, that makes it a bitch to travel with. Which is why, before my big move this month, I had to finish my Susanne Kaufmann Body Butter. It’s incredibly rich and buttery, perfect for winter. But it also smells a bit like a mango parfait—perfect for summer! A luxurious body cream for all seasons. Use it up!”

Clarins Gentle Care Skin Beauty Repair Concentrate Finished by Mary Martha Stasinopoulos, Consumer Insights “My skin is easily irritated, prone to overreacting, and hates change. To be fair, I could be describing any native New Yorker. I used to treat any sensitization/irritation with a firehose of thick calming cream...which would then clog my pores...so I’d apply a strong exfoliant or spot treatment...and start the angry reaction all over again. Only the Clarins Skin Beauty Repair Concentrate broke this irritating cycle. It's a tiny bottle of thin, runny oil that tells my skin to calm the hell down and get its shit together—without clogging pores or interfering with other steps in my routine. It's my solution for everything from irritation, to angry spots, to rosacea flare-ups, to 'my skin looks upset and I don't know why.' I slather it everywhere when I'm on a plane, put it on sensitized skin under my eyes before I sweat in the sauna or in SoulCycle, mix a pump into my favorite moisturizer to give it a boost, and even use it to thin out foundation. My husband swears by it for razor burn and dry hands. It’s a tinnnyyy bottle for the price, but it seems to last forever. I’m still using the bottle I bought six months ago to soothe a late summer sunburn, but already have a spares in my medicine cabinet—and my desk drawer, if anyone at Glossier needs some!”

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++ Finished by Ariel Herman, Engineer "I wear sunscreen every day on my face and neck, so I am constantly using my Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++ to the last drop. I get it off Amazon in packs of two so that I always have some on deck at home and in my travel toiletry kit. My complexion is medium-dark (Perfecting Skin Tint G6 for reference) and my skin is combination with an oily t-zone. I used to use La Roche-Posay Anthelios but found it too oily. So I switched to this Japanese sunscreen and it's the only one I've found that doesn't leave the dreaded white cast on my skin and isn't oily. The formulation is a light cream with an oh-so-subtle, barely-there hint of citrus scent. I use the Fenty Pro Filtr foundation most days and it sits well under that without causing my skin to get extra oily, even on a muggy New York summer day. If this sunscreen were actually mattyfying it would truly be my end-all-be-all.”

[glowingangel]

what's wrong with the glossier sun cream?

there’s been a bit of backlash about it because it’s a chemical sunscreen containing some kind of orange oil (???) or something that is very irritating to the skin and can cause burning. i’ve heard great things about many glossier products but maybe give that one a miss, especially if you have sensitive skin. though i can’t really give an opinion on it, since i haven’t tried it and won’t be able to any time soon x

[dawnasiler]

What’s Ensulizole And Why Is It In My Sunscreen?

Chances are you’ve never heard of Ensulizole. But what if I told you it’s in almost every chemical sunscreen you’ve ever used in your life?

Truth bomb: the safest, hardest-working ingredients are often the ones that don’t get any press. Time to fix that, don’t you think?

Here’s all you need to know about Ensulizole in sunscreen:

What The Heck Is Ensulizole?

Ensulizole is the nickname for Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, a chemical UV filter.

In the form of free acid, ensulizole (phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid) is poorly soluble in water. That means it’s a pain to formulate with so no one uses it.

In your sunscreens, you’re more likely to find one of its salts forms. Soluble in water, this form of Ensulizole retains all its photo protective properties but feels lighter and non-greasy even on oily skin. Win win.

Ensulizole Benefits: What Does It Do For Skin?

I’ve kinda given this away already. You know Ensulizole is an UV filter. But how well does it protect you from the sun?

Ensulizole is mainly a UVB filter. It does a great job at neutralising them before they can wreak havoc on your skin.

With UVA rays, things get a little trickier. Ensulizole protects skin from short UVA (UVA-2) but not long UVA (UVA-1) rays.

You know what that means? You can’t use Ensulizole alone. You need to add at least one other UVA filter, like Avobenzone or Zinc Oxide, to the sunscreen to give it broad spectrum protection.

Related: Is Zinc Oxide The Best UV filter ever?

SHOP SUNSCREENS

Is Ensulizole Stable?

The problem with most chemical UV filters? They’re super unstable and degrade quickly when exposed to sunlight.

Take Avobenzone, for instance. After a couple of hours under the sun, it becomes totally useless. That’s why you need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours…

Ensulizole fares better than most UV filters here. The little research on it shows it doesn’t degrade much. Best of all, it may even help other UV filters (hello Avobenzone!) from degrading so fast, too!

Related: Is Avobenzone In Sunscreen Dangerous?

Does Ensulizole Have Any Side Effects?

Good news: Ensulizole has a good safety profile. Sure, like any other ingredient out there, it can cause irritations in some people. But these cases are very rare.

This is an UV filter you can use safely – even if you have sensitive skin.

Related: Why Mineral Sunscreen Is Better For Sensitive Skin

What Are The Best Sunscreens With Ensulizole?

The Bottom Line

Ensulizole is a common, stable UV filter with a good safety profile. In other words, proof that not all chemical UV filters are bad for you. But you can’t use it alone. Make sure your sunscreen has at least another UVA filter.

Do you use sunscreens with Ensulizole? Share your experience with this UV filter below.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams - even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

What’s Ensulizole And Why Is It In My Sunscreen? syndicated from Beautiful With Brains

[lindyhunt]

16 Great Dupes For Your Favourite Glossier Products

We have a lot to thank social media for (memes, product reviews, keeping us connected with friends and family around the globe, more memes) but one thing that often gets overlooked is dupe culture. (Yes, it’s a culture.)

The Instagram account @DupeThat has 1.2 million followers, and is 100% dedicated to finding testing, swatching and finding the best beauty product dupes on the market. Our own Kylie Lip Kits dupes story is consistently one of our most popular pieces on our website—and has been for over two years.

Mega-popular subreddit, MakeupAddiction, created a “Dupes List” four years ago, that has hundreds of comments. And that’s just one example. There’s also “Accidental Dupes,” drugstore dupes that are better than the original, skincare dupes, and so much more.

So when Twitter user @saintdyana (whose real name is Erin), a former Glossier rep, posted a complete list of Glossier dupes on her website, it unsurprisingly went viral.

I’ve created a Glossier dupe masterpost that’s detailed and you can actually trust because I’m a former Glossier Rep and I know what I’m talking about 😌 enjoy! https://t.co/NSoTex2cMV pic.twitter.com/pRJC7PdjTC

— Ida B. Welp (@saintdyana) April 6, 2018

“While they do have some good products, they’re not totally unique,” she writes. “And I’m telling you that as someone that was a Glossier Rep for a while, I’ve tried every single one of their products (except Super Pure).”

Below, we’ve compiled a gallery of Erin’s Glossier dupes suggestions, as well as her explanation of each one.

The following opinions do not necessarily represent our own. While we haven’t tried every dupe mentioned, we can say there are some great, accurate and affordable dupes in the gallery below.

1/25

Glossier dupes

Glossier Balm Dot Com

($15, glossier)

Buy Now

2/25

Glossier dupes

Vaseline Cocoa Butter Lip Therapy

($4, Walmart)

“It’s Vaseline. It’s literally Vaseline,” says Erin. “The first ingredient of balm dotcom is petroleum with a bunch of other ingredients sprinkled in. This lip balm is more of a quick fix personally than an actual solution as far as chapped lips go because once it wears off, my lips are back to being dry again. And I suppose that has to do with the fact that petroleum is an occlusive ingredient, meaning it acts as a thick layer to lock everything in, not to moisturize.

That’s why I recommended the cocoa butter vaseline because that one in particular actually nourishes my lips and once it wears off, my lips feel great. So if you get vaseline, I’d suggest to at least get the cocoa butter one. Otherwise find a good quality lip balm of your choice, one that actually absorbs into your lips, then seal it in with vaseline. OR you can wet your lips, apply hyaluronic acid, then lock it in with vaseline if they’re feeling super dry.”

Buy Now

3/25

Glossier dupes

Glossier Boy Brow

($20, glossier)

Buy Now

4/25

Glossier dupes

AOA Go Brow Mascara

($1, Miss A)

Erin says, “Yes, one god damn dollar. I bought this after a follower recommended this to me and said it worked just as good as Boy Brow and wasn’t as ashy, and she did not lie. Granted the texture of the brow gel isn’t as waxy as Boy Brow but the brush is still tiny and the formula will still give your brows that natural hairy look while holding them in place.”

Buy Now

5/25

Glossier dupes

Glossier Soothing Face Mist

($22, glossier)

Buy Now

6/25

Glossier dupes

Heritage Store Rosewater

($12, Amazon)

“That mist is overpriced and makes your eyes burn. I don’t know what’s in it but it is demonic. Literally anything besides that would be better.”

Buy Now

7/25

Glossier dupes

Glossier Skin Tint

($32, glossier)

Buy Now

8/25

Glossier dupes

Hylamide Photography Foundation

($20, Hylamide)

“According to Hylamide, this is a, ‘next-generation ‘transparent’ foundation designed specifically to make the skin look better for the camera lens while blurring away imperfections in real life,'” says Erin. “Just like the Skin Tint, it’s a filter with light/damn near nonexistent coverage in a bottle. I’m curious to see how this wears because it comes in 3 shades: Transparent, Golden Tan, and Dark Tan. Based on the swatches and reviews I’ve seen, this will provide a tint that’ll give you a warmer glow. This can be applied over, under, or mixed with foundation. We love a multitasking queen.”

Buy Now

9/25

Glossier dupes

M.A.C Studio Face and Body Foundation

($30, MAC Cosmetics)

Another option is M.A.C Studio Face and Body Foundation. “I know the FAB is $3 more but it goes like dis: The skin tint is literally that, a skin tint. On a scale of 1-10 the coverage is a 1. For $26? Nah. For $26 you get 1 oz/30 mL of product. But with the FAB you get 1.7 oz/50 mL of product for $29. Not to mention the FAB foundation is a similar concept to the Skin Tint. You get that same natural, glory, dewy, skin-like finish but you actually get some coverage with this. I haven’t personally tried it though I’ve been dying to, but the general consensus is that it has a light-medium coverage.”

Buy Now

10/25

Glossier dupes

The Ordinary Serum Foundation

($7, The Ordinary)

“Granted it’s an actual foundation BUT it is quite liquid-y, weightless, and has medium coverage,” she explains. “You can also sheer it out to give yourself lighter coverage, but the finish is definitely natural either way.”

Buy Now

11/25

Glossier dupes

Glossier Solution

($29, glossier)

Buy Now

12/25

Glossier dupes

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

($9, The Ordinary)

Glycolic Acid

“I actually really like this toner after putting it back in my routine since I stopped using it for like a year. A few days after using it again may skin was glowing. Right after I apply this my skin just feels really smooth and hydrated, so don’t be afraid if you think it’s going to dehydrate your skin. It’s a mild solution that has other ingredients like Tasmanian Pepperberry (shez exotic), aloe vera, ginseng, etc. to help avoid any irritation and soothe the skin.”

Buy Now

13/25

Glossier dupes

Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic

($20, Pixi Beauty)

“You have to live under a rock if you haven’t heard about this toner and the never-ending praise it receives,” says Erin. “This comes in different sizes so it comes at different price points which is cool, it also comes in pad form where you have pre-soaked cotton rounds that you can just swipe on your face which is $18. This has 5% glyolic acid so it’s not too low but not too high either. I think this is a great product to try if you’re starting out with acids since it’s a mild percentage.”

Buy Now

14/25

Glossier dupes

Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

($31, COSRX)

BHA

“My bitch! Y’all know I love this and I prefer it over the Paula’s Choice BHA, and it’s cheaper and so hydrating. It contains 4% BHA as opposed to the 0.5% BHA that’s in the Solution and will work a heck of a lot quicker and better in my opinion. I always see results with this within 2-3 days.”

Buy Now

15/25

Glossier dupes

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

($6, The Ordinary)

“It’s $5 (USD) sis. Cinco.”

Buy Now

16/25

Glossier dupes

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA

($7, The Ordinary)

Lactic Acid

“This is also another great acid to try if you’re a beginner with acids or if you just have sensitive skin. I tried this myself and was pleased at how much it hydrated and softened my skin, but I stopped using it because I personally wasn’t seeing much difference as far as my dark spots disappearing. I’m almost positive it’s because lactic acid is super gentle by nature and this is only 5% (also comes in 10%). My skin has grown tolerant to acids far stronger than this so don’t let my experience steer you away because I’d literally add this back into my routine just for it’s ability to gently exfoliate and soften my skin alone.”

Buy Now

17/25

Glossier dupes

COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream

($25, SokoGlam)

PHA

“This cream contains 3% PHA and is designed to mildly exfoliate the skin while also giving your skin the ability to retain moisture at the same time, as chemical exfoliation can often lead to dryness and dehydration. It also has 50% coconut fruit extract for hydration and 2% niacinamide for brightening purposes. This cream may also be good for you if you’re interested in exfoliation and have dry or sensitive skin.”

Buy Now

18/25

Glossier dupes

Glossier Invisible Shield

(, glossier)

Buy Now

19/25

Glossier dupes

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 50

($16, Neutrogena)

“Glossier definitely jumped on the K-Beauty train when they decided to make this and it was an absolute flop in my opinion. The texture and finish of it is wonderful as it’s clear, leaves no cast, and leaves a dewy finish. But for a while they charged $34 for 1oz of product. That’s not a good ratio when there’s a certain amount of SPF you need to use in order for it to be effective, you’d need to use a couple of pumps PER use when applying this. The bottle wouldn’t last long with daily use at all,” she says.

“They’ve recently lowered the price to $25 but I don’t think it’s even worth $25, there’s other SPF moisturizers from higher end brands and K-Beauty brands from the same price or lower that are better formulated and will probably give you more product.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost seemed to be the most common sensical dupe since it’s way cheaper, you get more product, and I’ve heard it gives a very similar, dewy finish.”

Buy Now

20/25

Glossier dupes

Glossier Super Bounce

($35, glossier)

Buy Now

21/25

Glossier dupes

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

($7, The Ordinary)

“Super Bounce is nothing but hyaluronic acid. I’ve tried this as well specifically during times when my skin was dehydrated from overcleansing or over exfoliating and again, it did absolutely nothing. For $28, of course I would expect a likkle magic. I deserved! With The Ordinary’s products, I’ve yet to hear anything bad. Like literally.”

Buy Now

22/25

Glossier dupes

Glossier Super Glow

($35, glossier)

Buy Now

23/25

Glossier dupes

COSRX Triple C Lightning Liquid

($27, SokoGlam)

“I literally said “LMFAOOOO” out loud when I realized how much you get for Super Glow. Like all the letters. L M F A O. For $28 you get 0.5 oz of product,” says Erin. “I’ve tried Super Glow and it didn’t do a thing for my skin and felt like water, not the usual stickiness I get from a good vitamin c serum. What’s even more suspect is that Glossier doesn’t give out percentages of actives because it’s “top secret” which is code for “we don’t put enough actives in our products to actually be effective but we can’t let the girls know!” but you didn’t hear it from me. So there’s no telling how much Vitamin C is actually in here. This product also has plenty of bad reviews on Glossier’s website to backup my claim, but again, you didn’t hear it from me.

For $27, yes $1 less, you get 1 oz of product and the percentage is 20.5% of vitamin c *chef’s kiss*. Like there’s no competition here at all. I’m on my second bottle of the Lightning Liquid and I looove it. My only pet peeve is that it absolutely needs to be kept in the fridge if you want to preserve it for as long as possible. But other than that? This is one of the most effective and affordable vitamin c serums you can buy.”

Buy Now

24/25

Glossier dupes

Glossier Super Pure

($35, glossier)

Buy Now

25/25

Glossier dupes

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

($6, The Ordinary)

“Super Pure is a niacinamide serum with zinc PCA that claims to clear the skin of breakouts and sooth redness. I never bothered to try this one because my skin is relatively clear so I don’t need it, but also after trying Super Bounce and Super Glow I didnt’t feel like wasting my money and being disappointed for a third time, so that’s that on that. Again, I’ve heard nothing but good things about this serum from The Ordinary as well and for $6 (USD) you don’t have much to lose!”

Buy Now

[dawnasiler]

Sensitive Skin: What It Looks Like, What Can Cause It and What You Can Do to Make It Stop

If you had to describe your skin type, would "sensitive" come to mind?

If so, you're not alone. According to a report in Contact Dermatitis, the majority of women across the U.S., Europe and Japan now believe they have sensitive skin—and the numbers are on the rise.

But is sensitive skin an actual diagnosis? How do you know if you have it? And most importantly, is there anything you can do to make your skin more tolerant?

In this tutorial, you will learn:

The symptoms of sensitive skin

The two most common causes

How to go on a "product elimination diet"

Which irritants sensitive types should always avoid

What to include in a sensitive skincare routine

What is Sensitive Skin?

Most women identify as having sensitive skin. (Photo: @makeupandmedicine.dk)

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As you know, countless beauty brands market their products towards sensitive skin, using terms like "dermatologist-tested" and "hypoallergenic." 

So it would be easy to assume that sensitive skin is a disease with an official, clinical diagnosis.

It's not. Sensitive skin simply means that your skin is more easily irritated than most people's, and reacts when it comes in contact with certain triggers.

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Sensitive skin is most common in Caucasian women, although it can happen to men, too, and any ethnicity.��Typically, it will manifest as...

Redness

Tightness

Stinging

Burning

Itching

Dry patches

Inflammation

Soreness

Rashes

But on the whole, you can think of sensitive skin as a symptom of another problem—not as a disease in and of itself.

What Causes Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin can be a symptom of a medical condition or a damaged skin barrier. (Photo: @matsandroses)

So, if sensitive skin is a just a symptom, what's actually behind it?

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, irritation can be caused by genetic conditions, immune system disorders, medications, infections and allergens. Some people are also sensitive to environmental factors, such as heat, cold, humidity, wind, sun exposure and pollution, notes a 2017 paper in Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia.

But those triggers tend to be rare, says Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, author of Beyond Soap. In her clinical experience, she finds that there are two common pathways for most cases of sensitive skin:

"[Approximately] 80 percent of the sensitive-skin cases I see stem from pre-existing skin conditions and invisible irritation. And each one of those problems originates with a compromised barrier function."

Pre-Existing Skin Conditions

Sensitive skin can indicate a medical condition such as rosacea. (Photo: @talontedlex)

If you suffer from ongoing and/or severe sensitivity, it can be an indication of an underlying medical condition. 

Rosacea appears as redness, flushing and enlarged blood vessels

Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) can give you an itchy, inflamed rash

Psoriasis is characterized by bumpy, scaly patches

Seborrheic dermatitis can manifest as dandruff on the scalp or as scaly patches on the face

These problems are all associated with abnormal skin barrier function—meaning the outer layer of skin isn't giving enough protection to the skin's deeper layers. So irritants are able to permeate through it, causing reactions.

If you suspect that a medical condition is causing your sensitivity, talk to your doctor.

Invisible Irritation

Sensitive skin can be triggered by irritating topical products. (Photo: @baby.ana.mama)

Invisible irritation and inflammation is something we do to ourselves. We can make our skin act sensitive by treating it the wrong way.

"My theory is that this one arises because we're washing too often, using too many different products and using those products too frequently," says Dr. Skotnicki. 

Most people use nine products each day, with 126 different ingredients, according to the Environmental Working Group. And 25 percent of women use 15 or more products daily. Cumulatively, there's a huge potential for irritation.

"[Beauty products] are the main triggering factors of sensitive skin, especially in women, due to overuse and sometimes inappropriate use," states this report. "Presence of potentially irritating substances... increases the possibility of symptoms."

The Product Elimination Diet

A "product elimination diet" can help to calm a sensitive skin reaction. (Photo: @chronicbeautystyle)

No matter what may be causing your sensitive skin—whether you have a medical condition or it is self-induced—your first line of defence should be a "product elimination diet."

You've heard of food elimination diets for food sensitivities, right? Well, this is the same thing, but with your skincare products. I've been suggesting this idea for a while and happily discovered that it is exactly what Dr. Skotnicki recommends.

Here's the gist. You temporarily quit your usual skincare and switch to bland, fragrance-free, soap-free, botanical-free products until the reaction clears up. (If you've been diagnosed with rosacea, eczema, etc., you should still continue to use any medications your doctor has prescribed.)

Once your skin is back to normal, you can re-introduce your old products—but at a rate of only one per week. That way, it will be easy to pinpoint anything that causes a problem.

The Worst Irritants for Sensitive Skin

My recent sensitive skin reaction, triggered by witch hazel. 

I also want to give you some general guidelines, so you can easily identify problem ingredients before you invest in a new product.

These are the worst irritants for sensitive skin:

Fragrance: Did you know that "fragrance" or "parfum" on a label can actually be a blend of dozens of chemicals, all of which can cause irritation? Even so-called "unscented" products can contain fragrance, to mask unpleasant chemical odours.

Essential oils: It's not just synthetic fragrance that is a problem. Many essential oils (such as the citrus, tea tree, mint, lavender and rose families) and their components (such as linalool and limonene) can cause reactions.

Detergents: Sulfates, usually found in cleansers, are foaming agents that strip the skin's natural oils and can lead to a weakened barrier. You'll want to avoid them in your face wash, body wash and shampoo.

Alcohol: Denatured alcohol (alcohol denat.), ethanol, isopropyl alcohol and methanol are too drying for sensitive skin and leave it vulnerable to irritants. If you can't avoid them altogether, at least make sure they're not in the first five ingredients (which, on average, compose 80 percent of the product). Fatty alcohols, such as stearyl, cetyl and cetearyl alcohol, are non-drying.

Witch hazel: Similar to alcohol, witch hazel is very drying. ("It rips your barrier to shreds," says Dr. Mona Gohara in an interview with Well+Good.) Above, you can see what happened to my face after using The Ordinary's salicylic acid, which is high in witch hazel. 

Alpha-hydroxy acids: Glycolic, lactic, citric, malic, mandelic and tartaric acids are all alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which exfoliate by breaking down the "glue" between skin cells. Glycolic acid tends to be the most irritating because of its small molecule size. However, at high concentrations and a low pH, any acid can be irritating. 

Retinoids: Both over-the-counter retinol and prescription retinoids are well known for causing dryness and irritation. That said, some derms, like Dr. Dendy Engelman, believe it's possible to build up a tolerance. "Even sensitive skin can be trained to tolerate vitamin A derivatives," she told Harper's Bazaar.

Sunscreen: Oxybenzone and avobenzone are the two usual culprits behind sunscreen irritation, which is more common than sunscreen allergy, says Dr. Skotnicki. 

Brushes and scrubs: Anything too abrasive is bad news for sensitive skin. So you'll want to avoid Clarisonic brushes (or similar tools) and gritty exfoliating products with ground-up particles.

Water: Yes, water can be an irritant—especially hot water. Spend too long in the bath or shower, and it can dissolve the protective oils in our skin's outer layer, leading to dryness and irritation. 

Keep in mind that these are the most common irritants. There are also allergens, which can lead to allergic contact dermatitis. Dr. Skotnicki says that "allergic reactions to beauty products turn out to be relatively uncommon." Some of the ingredients that can provoke allergies include preservatives, chemical sunscreens, fragrances, detergents and botanicals. (So it is possible for something to be both an irritant and an allergen.)

What to Include in a Sensitive Skincare Routine

If you have sensitive skin, follow a minimalist skincare routine for best results. (Photo: @ohbaby25)

Now that you know what to avoid, let's talk about what to include in a sensitive skincare routine.

In general, the fewer products and ingredients, the better. The less stuff you put on your face (and hair, and body), the less it has to react to!

Here are my suggestions:

Bioderma Sensibio H2O

Cleansers: Consider cleansing with only water in the mornings, so you don't dry out your skin. At night, remove the day's grime, oil and makeup with a micellar water and/or a mild, sulfate-free cleanser. Both Bioderma Sensibio H2O and Graydon Face Foam are fragrance-free.

Foreo Luna 2 for Sensitive Skin

Exfoliators: The oil-and-cloth method is one of the gentlest ways to exfoliate your skin—see my tutorial here. If you prefer the ease of a gadget, the best one is the Foreo Luna 2 for Sensitive Skin (its bristles are non-abrasive). If you must use an acid, BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids or salicylic acid) will be less irritating than AHAs. Juice Beauty, COSRX and La Roche-Posay have low-dose BHAs under one percent, but all include some potential irritants. If you find any good alternatives, let me know!

Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique Soothing B3 Serum

Serums: If you saw my niacinamide tutorial, then you know it's a fantastic ingredient for sensitive skin because it helps to reduce redness and dryness and strengthens the skin barrier. Two of the best formulas are Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique Soothing B3 Serum and Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster. Bonus: Niacinamide acts as an antioxidant, so it can replace your vitamin C serum!

Dr Roebuck's Nuddy Ultra Hydrating and Repair Creme

Moisturizers: The job of your hydrators is to maintain your skin's barrier and to protect your skin from water loss. As I explained in my moisturizer tutorial, you want to look for products with a combination of emollients, humectants and occlusives. My favourites for sensitive skin include Dr Roebuck's Nuddy Ultra Hydrating and Repair Creme and Derma E Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Cream. A layer of an oil you tolerate, such as jojoba or marula, can add additional barrier protection on top.

Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

Sunscreen: Mineral-based sunscreens are not only safer, they also help to block out irritating pollutants while calming the skin. Follow my sunscreen ingredients tutorial to know what look for. Two of the best zinc oxide SPFs are Drunk Elephant's Umbra Sheer and Umbra Tinte.

Shani Darden Texture Reform Gentle Resurfacing Serum

Treatments: If you want to add another anti-aging ingredient besides the niacinamide, retinol esters are an option—they're the gentlest type of retinoid. You'll find them in Shani Darden Texture Reform Gentle Resurfacing Serum, a treatment designed specifically for sensitive skin. Also consider copper peptides, which are unlikely to cause irritation. Derms like Dr. Ellen Marmur believe they are "just as important as retinol... in fighting the signs of aging" (according to an interview in Self). The NuFace Collagen Booster Copper Complex is said to be so gentle, it's even suitable on post-procedural skin.

Let me know if these tips help your sensitive skin!

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Sensitive Skin: What It Looks Like, What Can Cause It and What You Can Do to Make It Stop syndicated from The Skincare Edit