Dermalogica or SkinCeuticals? Part Two.

It has been a little over two weeks now since I received and began using my new SkinCeuticals skincare products. So, what’s the verdict, you ask? Here it goes… Read more

Preventing Pregnancy Stretch Marks

One of the many first thoughts to cross the mind of a newly pregnant woman is, “OMG, I don’t want stretch marks!”. Read more

Block Magazine Wordpress Theme Contest

There is a Wordpress theme contest going on at BloggingMix. The Block Magazine Wordpress Theme (the prize) is the ideal theme for Sharnell’s Skincare blog!This theme works well for lots of great content – like a magazine type blog. The front page of this blog Wordpress theme also highlights more articles giving the reader access to more articles. This theme was created by Adii.

I especially like the Domtab that is integrated into the sidebar to display Recent Articles, Popular Articles, or Most Commented Articles. This great features saves “real estate” space in the sidebar while providing all the necessary links.

The sub-page layouts for single post, archives, and static pages give you lots of different ways to display content on the blog too.

I like the 300 x 250 Advertisement Spot below the sidebar too. It’s a perfect spot. The split sidebar also gives more possibilities for ads and other information you may want to display in the sidebar.

I would love to win the Block Magazine Wordpress theme to give Sharnell’s Skincare blog a face-lift for 2008! Do you agree?

Join in the fun! Anyone can enter the contest (ends Jan 28, 08.) Thanks to Blogging Mix for holding this contest. I hope I win the theme!

Is Proactive Acne Treatment Right for You?

Many people of all ages struggle with embarrassing and unattractive acne. Acne starts with a hair follicle that is full of dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil. These materials collect overtime, invisible to the naked eye, and as they collect the area becomes inflamed. This is the cause of a pimple or open comedo. Proactive Solution Skincare is an excellent way to help eliminate, prevent, and heal acne. Proactive is an innovative acne treatment that helps millions of people. With Proactive acne treatment, most all acne-related problems can be easily solved.How Does Proactive Solution Skincare Work?

Proactive uses a form of combination therapy that attacks and disposes of acne. The combination therapy includes the Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and Repair Lotion. With the introduction of these three skincare products to your skin, acne stands little chance of reappearing on your face ever again. The Renewing Cleanser exfoliates your skin and opens up the pores to help the Benzoyl Peroxide, a key ingredient to fighting acne, to penetrate your skin. The Revitalizing Toner helps to remove the accumulation of dead skin cells in your pores, providing further deep cleansing of your skin. Finally, the Renewing Lotion, also containing Benzoyl Peroxide, continues to destroy acne causing bacteria while offering your skin the comfort of moisturization.

Proactive Solution Skincare also offers other great acne treatment products. The Refining Mask assists the skin in balancing the production of sebum. This will help to prevent the formation of blemishes. The Proactive Oil Control Lotion partnered up with any of the other Proactive Solution Skincare products will help to ensure that your skin will stay shine-free. The Proactive Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner and Repair Lotion are recommended to be used twice a day, morning and night. The Refining Mask need only be applied when a breakout occurs or to help absorb excessive oiliness of the skin.Consistent use of Proactive skincare will help to ensure that your skin is able to fight off acne quickly and efficiently.

How Do You Know if Proactive Solution Skincare is for You?

Acne can occur at any age. Some people believe that acne is only battled by teenagers going through puberty. Although it is true that a large percentage of people with acne are teenagers, there is

The Proactive acne treatment is effective and can work for anyone battling acne. My husband used Proactive for a very long time. During that time, his skin was as clear as ever, with his acne under strict control. However, with extended use, his skin did also become very sensitized and dehydrated. The somewhat aggressive nature of the ingredients used to zap the acne caused redness and flakiness of his skin. If you should find the same thing happening to you, rest assured that there is an easy fix. You do not have to stop using Proactive. Simply add into your skincare regimen an additional toner that will help to hydrate your skin and reduce the sensitivity. The Dermalogica Soothing Protection Spray is a great product to use in this case. You can also consider adding an oil-free, hydrating serum or weekly hydrating Mask to assist in hydrating your skin.

philosophy Shelter Tinted SPF 30

As we all know, sunscreen is a must. But did you know that sunscreen is necessary for all seasons, including the winter? It is so important to protect your skin at all times, even when the weather conditions don’t seem to pose a threat. The truth is, UV rays are always present and will pass through the clouds down onto your skin even in cold temperatures. Furthermore, in areas where it snows, the snow can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s rays and cause sunburn and damage to your skin just as severe as would the hot sun in the summer.So what’s my point? You can switch up your sunscreen to better accommodate your skin throughout the year. That’s how philosophy Shelter Tinted SPF 30 came into my life. I have done a lot of research on philosophy products, but have never actually used any of their product. While shopping for my new skincare last week, I came across this sunscreen and thought I’d give it a try. I am so happy that I did because I absolutely LOVE IT! Here’s why:

1. The texture is perfect for in the winter. You get the protection of SPF 30 with a boost of moisturization, which is always welcomed in the cold and dry months.
2. Your skin is left with a beautiful sheer coverage that is just enough to give you a smooth and balanced look.
3. It is lightweight and has a soothing and gentle lavender fragrance. I love the touch of aromatherapy!
4. A little goes a long way, so one tube can last a very long time.

I am extremely pleased with this tinted SPF and I’m eager to expand my collection of philosophy products. I plan on continuing use of the philosophy Shelter Tinted SPF 30 throughout winter and spring. I am so excited about my new discovery!

What are your experiences with the philosophy brand? Do you have any favorites that you can recommend??

Safe and Effective Acne Treatment in Pregnancy

The new year has already brought many new and exciting things into my life. I am thrilled to announce that I am now pregnant with my second child! Needless to say, you will begin to notice many new post topics relating to pregnancy. I have decided to start off with a topic in which many pregnant women can relate to, acne during pregnancy and how to safely treat it. Unlike my first pregnancy, I am experiencing some of the less than ideal symptoms, with (very mild) acne being one of them!

Acne is a skin condition that usually affects individuals who are experiencing puberty. The reason why acne usually occurs during puberty is because this is the time that we experience hormonal imbalance due to the changes in our bodies. There is also another time in life when women in particular experience hormonal imbalance and this is during pregnancy. A pregnant woman’s hormones will continuously fluctuate throughout pregnancy in order to accommodate the new change in her body. Unfortunately, acne can be one of the results of this hormone imbalance.

Acne During Pregnancy

Many women feel different kinds of emotions during pregnancy. The hormonal imbalance often makes women prone to mood swings and highly sensitive senses (i.e, smells, etc.). Having acne during pregnancy is stressful for all women, but especially those who are already experiencing insecurities due to the changes in their body.

Acne treatment in pregnancy may not always be necessary, but it would definitely benefit the pregnant woman if she could control and manage the outbreak. Treating acne during pregnancy must be done with caution. There are many medications as well as over the counter remedies that can be dangerous to the fetus. Mild acne may only need topical applications of acne cream or spot treatments. While severe acne may require an oral acne medication prescribed by a dermatologist.

Topical solutions containing salicylic acids are not recommended for pregnant women who wish to treat their acne. Instead, medical practitioners and dermatologists recommend the use of Benzoyl Peroxide, which is an effective acne fighting ingredient that is not harmful to the fetus or Mother. The only downside to using Benzoyl Peroxide for treatment of acne is that it often works slowly and the benefits may not be seen immediately. Accutane, Retin-A and Tetracycline are all completely safe for non-pregnant women, but in pregnancy, these prescription acne drugs have side effects on a fetus. There are also possible side effects associated with women who are trying to get pregnant. If you are trying to become pregnant, or find out that you already are, it is crucial to inform your dermatologist before continuing use of any of these acne medications.

Some safe and effective acne treatments with the use of Benzoyl Peroxide that are safe for use during pregnancy are the Proactive Refining Mask, which can be used as a treatment mask or spot treatment, Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment, Vanishing Formula, and Desert Essence Blemish Touch Stick with Eco-Harvest Tea Tree Oil. Keep in mind that every pregnancy is unique, even for the same person. It is best to always seek the advice of your Dermatologist or Esthetician about your skincare options, especially while you are pregnant.

 

“Soy”ful Skin

 

As women begin to reach mid-age, most will find that their skin will become dull and uneven as a result of the damaging effects from sun exposure and natural aging. There are a number of ways to combat these skin conditions. Of course, the number one way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays is to apply a sunscreen everyday. However, to further enhance your skin’s protection, it is quite beneficial to incorporate antioxidant-rich skincare products, as well as food into your diet. Soy is one of the most favorable supplements in this regard.

Soybean oil, which is high in fatty acids, makes it an essential for our skin. When used as a topical treatment, soy delivers extraordinary results in reducing the appearance of not only fine lines and wrinkles, but also redness and discoloration of the skin caused by acne and sun exposure. It helps to even out skin tone and improve our skin’s texture, resulting in a brighter complexion and more radiant appearance. In addition to being loaded with antioxidants like Vitamin E and Vitamin B complex, soy also contains high-quality proteins. These unique characteristics all play an important role in prevention of premature aging of the skin. Fortunately, studies have shown little to no known irritation caused by soy, which makes soy-based skincare products an excellent addition to skincare regimens for all skin types.

There is credible research indicating that soy consumption can help to support the appearance of healthier skin. Thankfully, we are no longer limited to just tofu. Today there are a wide variety of food products made from soy such as soy flour, soy protein, sprouts, milk, yogurt and cheese. Soy flour is one of the more commonly used products made from soybeans and is actually more nutritious than wheat flour. When soy is consumed on a regular basis in the form of milk curd, it is exceptionally helpful in slowing down the aging process. Soy can also be used as a natural remedy towards eczema. A diet very high in soy can quickly ease the itching associated with eczema. Soy protein helps to strengthen and treat the skin by providing a sufficient amount of amino acids to replace damaged tissue fibers. Another reason soy is an asset to the skin is it’s ability to lower cholesterol levels and aid in weight loss, which allows increased blood flow and nutrition to the skin. The result is a beautiful and healthy glow.

I have actually found a liking for many soy food products. I particularly love to snack on soybeans. These pods are also known as “edamame”. Most people, such as myself, became acquainted with edamame while engaging in a sushi dinner. Now, you can purchase bags of frozen soybeans and prepare them at home in less than five minutes. Not only are soybeans a yummy snack, but they are obviously extremely healthy. Even my toddler son prefers soy milk over regular milk. As an alternative to flavored milk, we will sometimes give him some chocolate or vanilla soy milk, which he finds delightful treat. These are just a few examples of delicious soy foods that can be added to your diet. There are just so many options, it is inevitable that you will find a soy food that you’ll love. Give it a try and enjoy the benefits of beautiful skin, from the inside out!

Dermalogica or SkinCeuticals? Part One.

Since the start of my career, I have remained dedicated to the Dermalogica skin care line. While having many opportunities to use other product lines, I always find myself going back Dermalogica. Dermalogica continues to produce quality and effective skincare products that never cease to amaze me both professionally and personally. However, with the new year, I thought I might venture out a bit and try something new. Since my stock of skincare is in dire need of replenishment, my quest for some new product couldn’t have come at a better time.Where else to begin my search but with skinstore.com? This website offers a variety of “top notch” skincare products at a great price with everyday free shipping! During my search, I came across a skincare line called SkinCeuticals. While reading up on their line of cleansers, I noticed that their ingredients were very similar to the Dermalogica brand. One of the reasons I am so devoted to Dermalogica is because they use very natural and pure ingredients. SkinCeuticals is formulated with the same type of natural ingredients. Also like Dermalogica, SkinCeutical conveniently lists ingredients on their product with both the cosmeceutical term as well as the more familiar or “consumer-friendly” term.

For example, the cosmeceutical term Santalum Album Wood is also listed as Sandlewood Extract, a term we are all more familiar with. In addition to the two product lines sharing similar ingredients, their sizes and prices are comparable. The Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution, which is my all-time favorite cream cleanser, is sold for $29.50 in an 8.4oz bottle, while the SkinCeuticals Cleansing Cream costs $26.00 for an 8oz bottle. The only difference I did find between the two lines is that Dermalogica offers most of their products in two sizes, either eight or sixteen ounce bottles, while SkinCeuticals is only offered in the eight ounce size. I can deal with that!

So after discovering the many similarities between Dermalogica and SkinCeuticals, I thought why not give SkinCeuticals a shot. I ended up ordering just “a few items”, the SkinCeuticals Cleansing Cream, SkinCeuticals Revitalizing Toner and SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture. I am eager to receive my new skincare products and can’t wait to tell you all about them! As with all new skincare, I will use them consistently for at least two weeks before forming my final opinion. Has my beloved Dermalogica found it’s match?

Stay tuned to find out!!

Five Easy Resolutions to Great Skin in 2008

Be H20 Happy: Keep your body and skin hydrated by making it a habit to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. In addition to plump skin, drinking this recommended daily dose of water will help your body to eliminate waste more efficiently, resulting in less skin congestion and irritation.

Get Your Beauty Sleep: Allow yourself to get a minimum of eight hours of uninterrupted (if possible) sleep a night. Not only will you feel more energized overall, but getting enough rest will prevent dark circles and puffiness around your eyes as well as keep your skin from becoming listless and dull.

Eat Right and Get Physical: Scratch “Diet” off of your New Year’s resolution list and make your life easier by just following a healthy and well-balanced diet consisting primarily of vitamin and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Maximize your new healthy diet with some moderate exercise. A brisk walk outdoors everyday is enough to keep the oxygen in your cells flowing, which in turn gives your skin a beautiful glow. Your skin is an organ – working to repair and maintain it’s health starts from the inside, out.

Skin Care Routine: Keep the surface of your skin clean and polished by following a daily skincare regimen. At the very least, do your skin a favor by consistently cleansing and moisturizing twice a day. Going to bed with clean skin will give you a more comfortable rest, while waking up and starting your day with cleansed, toned and moisturized skin will help to create the perfect canvas for flawless makeup.

Sun Protection: Whether you use moisturizer with SPF, tinted SPF, mineral SPF or any other various form of sunscreen and sunblock, you must shield your skin from the sun. We all know that sun damage is the number one factor in premature aging, skin discoloration and even worse, skin cancer. So don’t skimp out on the sunscreen or sunblock and find the one that best fits your skin type. Just do it!

Cheers to healthy and beautiful skin in 2008!