Tag: retinol

Wednesday On The Web

Death_to_stock_communicate_hands_8

Just a friendly reminder to consider working a retinol into your skin care routine. It is usually October when I start up using my again. It can make skin more sensitive to sun, but it does a wonder for texture and appearance in my experience. Hence the annual autumn restart. Dr. Dennis Gross says it best:

“Retinoids do not thin the skin over time… otherwise they would have no purpose. They do, however, increase cell turnover, promoting even texture, firming skin and minimizing wrinkles. In fact, a good retinoid will actually thicken the skin by promoting active collagen production. Just be sure to use it at night, as retinol can increase sensitivity to light and sun.”

Read more tidbits and advice about the vitamin A treatment here. Best bet is to find a great doctor and use one with the proper strength for you while maybe limiting use to a couple times a week. And some other finds from around the web:

Don’t forget to hit up the awesome Shopbop sale (and see some of my picks here). And a new find from today – this Plaid Shirtdress.

Noting this list of 50 Netflix movies for colder winter days.

Love this fall take on a summer, white sundress.

These Mac hacks make me love my new Air even more.

This is my new favorite dry shampoo.

image via deathtothestockphoto.com

New Year’s Skin: Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe and Glow Pen Highlighter

New Year's Skin: Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe and Glow Pen Highlighter on Belle Belle Beauty

Let me say this off the bat: this is a true luxury duo with a price to match. But when I showed up to lunch sans makeup except for these two yesterday, I was met with “Your skin looks so good! So dewy!” For me, that says quite a bit when I am going relatively bare.

I am both pleasantly surprised but then again not much at all. After all, Le Metier de Beaute was one of the first lines I fell hard for as a new blogger five years ago. But slowly they fell off my radar – still adored but not quite as prevalent on my vanity. All that changed with what I sense is a bit of a revamp from the brand.

As always, they are front and center at Neiman Marcus stores. And it is a beautiful marriage – gorgeous packaging, state-of-the-art skin care and beautiful and timeless shades are all qualities of the brand. Their marquis products are from their Peau Vierge line. Peau Vierge translates to “virgin skin” – I am totally on board.

Previously packaged in a metal container with a pump, Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe is now in a friendly tube – a little less glamorous given the price tag but so much easier to use, especially for travel. This tinted moisturizer is sheer but correcting. But the bright spot is how the formula works to improve skin over the long term. It restores and tightens while providing protection with SPF 18.

For those looking for a gentle retinol, search no further. In all my testing, this formula has been the easiest to use – I avoid all that irritation and redness but still see a clarity after about a week of using. I always had an affinity for Shade Two – a neutral beige. But after using both Two and Three over the last couple of weeks, I like the golden base of Three for much needed warmth on my winter skin. Unfortunately, these shades will only work for those with fair-to-medium skin tones.

I follow up with a “new to me” product by Le Metier: the Lueur Stylo PV Glow Pen Highlighter. While highlighting pens are ubiquitous these days, I really do find this version great for brightening the under eye. It is definitely not a concealer, but the radiant finish corrects without being heavy. I prefer Shade Two while Shade One will be perfect for those with fair skin.

Talk about a New Year’s win-win: I get natural, glowy and dewy skin. Plus I am working in retinol and SPF daily while also improving my skin tone and fine lines. While the duo is a splurge and a little under the radar, my rediscovery of Le Metier proves it still has products for great skin and true pay-off.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.

Fighting Back Against Summer Sun Damage

Fighting Back Against Summer Sun Damage // Belle Belle Beauty

I started off this summer with a little irresponsibility. I hit the pool with sunscreen – but definitely not enough and in such a short time, I had my dreaded sun spots and hyper-pigmentation on my forehead and cheeks. I vowed to fight back! I knew I couldn’t be too aggressive with treatments as some make you too sensitive to any sun exposure. But I did come up with a routine that has made some pretty darn wonderful strides against those dreaded dark spots.

Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser // Belle Belle Beauty

First, I have been washing my face with my beloved Clarisonic. My cleanser of choice has been Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser. My skin is gently primed and exfoliated for application of serums and treatments, but not irritated in the least.

A-TEAM // Belle Belle Beauty

Second up, I knew I wanted to work in a retinol, but also new my beloved Rx Retin-A would be too strong for my pool-heavy summer. So I turned to mybody. This line, now available online, has wooed me with gentle and effective products and the most fun packaging and names. A-TEAM provides 0.3% Retinol that you can use in the AM and PM safely. Also in the formula, mySBP 189, Actiwhite and Chromabright can help tighten and recondition skin. So, say goodbye to rough patches and redness.

MELAMIX // Belle Belle Beauty

Next up, one of my skin care staples, albeit a controversial one: Hydroquinone. Banned in certain types of the world, many find it to be unsafe. But I trust my doctors here that say it is really the only effective way to reverse sun damage. While there are versions of this skin lightener in the drugstores, they are usually at 2% or below. So turn to your doctor for a 4% version. I use ZO Skin Health MELAMIX from Gabriel Horn at Dr. Joey Manduano’s office here in Tulsa (Gabe truly is the Tulsa Skin Guru if you are local). I use this both morning and night. During the day, not only does it correct dark spots, but it also works to prevent formation of new ones.

Super Nourishing Cream SPF 50 from Zensation // Belle Belle Beauty

Lastly, I am all about extreme sun protection. I used to dally around with a SPF 15 or 20, but for those blazing summer days, especially when you are outdoors, make sure to up the ante. Super Nourishing Cream SPF 50 from Zensation has been a summer favorite. On the richer side for my dry skin, it is perfect for those with aging skin or craving hydration. And I love the high sun protection. It is creamy, soft and absorbs well. It also works beautifully under makeup.

Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+ // Belle Belle Beauty

Another favorite is Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+. It is totally lightweight, non-irritating and even works as a wonderful primer.

So that is the story! If you are like me and paying for some summer sins, try these steps to get that skin looking more even.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

image here

Taking Skincare Up a Notch – Interview with Gabriel Horn

Taking Skincare Up a Notch - Interview with Gabriel Horn // Belle Belle Beauty

So many times, when asked about the most important skin care product, I rattle off that most everyone should be using a retinoid. I’ve said it until I am blue in the face. But to be honest, this often requires taking a medical approach to skin. So, today, I’ve asked my skin guru and friend to talk a little about the medical approach to skin care.

My fight against hyperpigmentation and early signs of aging just stepped up big time. I’ve already done one peel with Gabriel and will be blogging about my journey as it continues over the next couple of months (more on that later). But today, we have a little introduction about taking skin care up another notch. Take it away, Gabe!

1. What kinds of problems require a medical approach to skin care?

Most people find themselves in my chair when they have exhausted most all other options. As collagen depletes and the effects of sun exposure [earlier in life] start to appear, we get restless. We begin searching for what works…. and what works is what we want. Often what leads people to increase strength in their skincare is the awareness that what they have been doing isn’t keeping up with the pace of aging.

There are many wonderful products on the market for all skin types… they clean, hydrate, nourish and protect the skin as much as they are able. But the environment, in which we live, is drastically changing and not for the better. The UV rays are stronger, the air we breathe is full of toxins and pollution, that not only our bodies have to filter… but our skin as well.

Hyper-pigmentation (sun spots) are, in my opinion, one of the most noticeable (and usually the first) signs of the aging process… much like a banana peel, we start to show pigment with “ripening”….LOL. Lets call it “ripening” hence forth, shall we? Secondly, the weight of excess dead tissue causes crevassing/wrinkling in the skin, which tend to appear more quickly in thinner tissue… around the eyes in particular. These issues require ingredients, or should we say “strength of ingredients” that you won’t find in over-the-counter products. THAT is when we should seek a medical approach to skin care.

2. How do peels work and what kind of results can patients/clients expect over the course of treatment?

Chemical peels originated in burn centers… when patients recovered from a “burn”, their skin would repair itself by sending collagen and elastin to the area rebuilding what had been damaged. Unlike sun damage, a “burn” not caused by UV exposure, can be healing in the long run. It caught on… they knew if they could control the level of “burn” to the skin, they could induce collagen production and basically help rebuild the damaged tissue.

The process of “peeling” skin doesn’t always involve a physical peel. That’s a common misconception. There is only so much dead tissue to remove, at any given time. We use acidic compounds that are designed to affect certain portions of the skin. We can target pigment at different levels of the skin. We can cause collagen production that not only replenishes the healthy skin but also removes the tired, grey, lifeless tissue as well if the skin is in need of deep exfoliation. The collagen building is the MOST important part. The flaking and peeling of the skin becomes less and less with regular treatment and attention. Home care is a vital part of this process.

The best news is that in the over 20 years I’ve been in this field….. the way we utilize these agents has changed. More and more, patients/clients having seen people go through “Samantha from Sex and the City” responses to strong chemicals, want to treat the skin issues as they arise… people are much more aware of what healthy skin looks like, so they are starting sooner.

If you pay attention to small changes.. they are much easier to reverse than years of neglect and over exposed skin left to try and protect itself. The skins’ only choice in prevention is melanin… Melanin is the brown pigment we see popping up as we age. Uneven tone and texture = less attractive skin.

The Peel experience depends on several components… the issue(s) being treated, the pre-conditioning of the skin prior to treatment, the level of treatment necessary and the patients compliance in regard to aftercare. Now a days, you can effectively rectify most “ripening” issues with peels that will fit into your life without much “downtime.”

Downtime is a very individual experience. Some people consider flaking “downtime” while others think nothing of that. It depends on your daily activities during the time of “healing.” The healing of procedures range from just pink, flushed tissue to rather inflamed and “burnt looking” skin that usually takes a week to peel away. All of these factors, mixed with the condition of the skin on each patient, make it hard to make a blanket statement in regard to “downtime.”

Some of these treatments will induce a collagen production that will take a couple of months to see the result, others work by speeding up the cellular turnover and exfoliating dead cells revealing a much more healthy glow to the skin. All of that being said, you should consult with someone when embarking on this journey. It’s important to get to know them and how they approach your issues. If it sounds too good to be true… it probably is. Tragically cliché… but true.

3. Why is using an at-home retinol so important? And at what age should we start using one? Do you always recommend a prescription version?

You know, there are new reports coming out constantly about retinoids and their place in skincare. It’s super exciting to a skin geek like myself but the effects of just about any level of retinoid in your routine, are positive.

Basically, in order to correct damaged tissue, we use full strength Retin-A, sometimes, depending on the patient and the doctors recommendation, there may not be a need to discontinue use. Retin-A is, to my knowledge, the most effective collagen producing product on the market and should have a place in your routine. Again, inquire with a medical skin professional to determine what level is most appropriate for you.

4. What is your approach to treating hyper pigmentation?

There are a few different methods of treating hyper pigmentation, my favorite is the use of a “pulse therapy” method of using Retinoids and Hydroquinone at 4% twice daily until the pigment is suppressed and the skin has evened in tone and texture. Once we achieve that level of correction (usually about 6 months), there isn’t a need for continual hydroquinone use.

As long as you protect the skin (faithfully), and avoid sun exposure you can maintain that even tone with regular skin maintenance and continual retinoid use. If you become hyper pigmented because of over exposure or hormonal imbalances etc., the use of hydroquinone can easily be brought back in. Chemical peels assist this process by keeping the skin exfoliated and collagen production flowing, allowing the skin to remain healthy and vibrant for years to come. Unnecessary pigment is such an individual, case by case, issue… consultation and medical direction are paramount, in my opinion, to ensure a safe and effective treatment.

If you’d like to learn more about Gabriel, please check out his Facebook page here. I encourage everyone in Tulsa to go see him for a consultation!

image here

Skin Care Mixology: 4 Boosters from Intraceuticals

Intraceuticals + Boosters // Belle Belle Beauty

I’m like a mixologist when it comes to skin care. Other than my tried and true retinol, I’ll change it up on a day to day basis: some days I’ll add a little Vitamin C and others a little Antioxidant. A little of this… a little of that. Intraceuticals had exactly this approach in mind when they developed their Boosters, designed to be mixed with your daily serum or used on their own. They come in handy when you are trying to spot treat certain areas (for instance, Vitamin C on my hyper-pigmentation on my cheeks). Here are the details on the four “flavors” if you will. I think they all come in pretty handy!

VITAMIN C+3 BOOSTER contains three forms of Vitamin C to fight premature aging, irregular tone and sun damage. The Vitamin C acts to fight free radical damage while protecting skin. It also works in collagen synthesis to improve skin texture. I mostly grab for this stuff because it can brighten and correct hyper-pigmentation. This booster should be primarily used in the morning and plays well with the Collagen+ Booster. If you are really going after hyper-pigmentation, use this with the Vitamin A+ Booster at night as well.

COLLAGEN+ BOOSTER is packed with peptides to renew and rejuvinate skin, plumping volume and tightening. It really can target fine lines and wrinkles while hydrating and adding radiance. Because this has such a beautiful immediate effect, I like using it in the morning under makeup. It also works well at night while skin is working hard to regenerate skin. You can add this to the Vitamin C+3 Booster in the morning, and Vitamin A+ Booster in the evening.

ANTIOXIDANT+ BOOSTER targets dull skin by revitalizing and detoxing. Perfect for after late nights or travel, it can improve dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. And the natural antioxidants sourced from the Australian Rainforest can give the complexion a more radiant and even look. Antioxidant+ Booster is designed to be used in the morning.

VITAMIN A+ BOOSTER, my most beloved skin care ingredients, does it all. Vitamin A can treat blemishes, visible pores, sun damage, uneven texture or deep wrinkles. This Booster is formulated with a “release on demand” form of Vitamin A to increase potency while reducing irritation. Vitamin A + Booster is should be used at night. It works particularly well with the Collagen+ Booster. Make sure to use twice a week, then gradually increase frequency to every other night. Vitamin A can cause irritation in those who have never used it.

Confused yet? If so, I found this chart so very helpful – create your cocktail of booster based on what skin issue you are dealing with:

Screen Shot 2013-03-05 at 1.17.23 PM

You can find your closest Intraceuticals clinic here.

Kate Somerville RetAsphere 2-in-1 Retinol Night Cream

Kate Somerville RetAsphere 2-in-1 Retinol Night Cream // Belle Belle Beauty

I recognize that I sound like a broken record, always always singing the praises of Retinol. But just face the fact: Retinol is one of the few ingredients out there that is proven to prevent premature aging. And for those with acne, Retinol can help with exfoliation, removing pore-clogging dead skin cells. But more than that – it can actually improve the texture of your skin. So even if you don’t have those dreaded fine wrinkles yet or suffer from acne, it can help with hyper-pigmentation and pore size.

The one complaint I hear readers voice about Retinols is they can often irritate sensitive skin. Enter Kate Somerville’s RetAsphere 2-in-1 Retinol Night Cream. Formulated with a patented Carrier System, the Retinol is packaged in a lip shell. The rich cream melts the pure Retinol evenly into the epidermis. Then a bio-derived hyaluronic acid (another ingredient I won’t shut up about) locks in hydration, preventing that annoying Retinol side effect – dried out skin.

After a couple weeks of use, I have no hesitation in recommending this to those who have had irritation with Retinol or haven’t yet added it to their routine. The rich consistency and hydration factor immediately makes my skin look supple and brighter. And on its own, the RetAsphere provides enough moisture for my drier skin. Gone are the days of flaking, red skin when introducing a Retinol product.

Make sure to use this only at night – sun doesn’t play nice with Retinol. And make sure you have a SPF on during the day – Retinol use makes skin more sensitive to the UV rays. I didn’t have any sensitivity, but you can use every other day if you find you have irritation.

Kate Somerville is available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Sephora, and KateSomerville.com.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.