Natural Oils for Beauty

The use of natural oils from different plants and nuts have been in practice for hundreds of years. Choosing to use something that is naturally derived from something that grows from the Earth offers many benefits to a person’s skin and hair. By choosing to use products that are all natural, a person can be assured that there are no synthetic fillers or by products going into their skin. Many of these products are 100% cold pressed, meaning that no heat is added to the collection of the oils. The oil is pressed directly from the nut or plant and is bottled.

There are many different natural oils to choose from. Argan oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and almond oil are just a few of the many oils that a person can find. These natural oils contain many vitamins and minerals and essential fatty acids that are good for a person’s skin and hair.

Argan oil is lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin and hair. It is a great moisturizer and can be used on all areas of a person’s body, on the ends of hair, as a hair mask, massaged into cuticles, on the bottom of dry feet, rough elbows, and more. It contains high quantities of Vitamin E. It is found only in Morocco and is harvested from nuts that grow on the argan tree.

Olive oil is best known for it’s use in cooking, but a person can use olive oil in beauty as well. It is especially beneficial to those who have dry skin. Rub some organic extra virgin olive oil into the feet, knees, cuticles, as a hair treatment on split ends or on a dry scalp. This oil contains vitamin E and vitamin A. want some great olive oil skin care products? Check out DHC (also see our DHC Review)

Coconut oil is an oil that is perfect for those with rough and dry skin. This oil is lightweight and absorbed into the skin quickly. Coconut oil is great to use as an after bath moisturizer all over the body. It is a great scalp treatment as well. Massage some extra virgin organic coconut oil into the scalp and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse well and cleanse hair as normal. It is great for cracked heels, dry elbows, lips, or anywhere extra moisture is needed.

Almond oil is mild oil that has many uses for beauty. It is a great moisturizer and can be used directly on the face and entire body. It is great to use on the hair and adds shine and luster. It is especially good for people who have dry skin and hair.

These are just a few oils as an example of what great health benefits natural oils will do for a person. There are so many other natural, great oils with many different uses that offer great skin and beauty benefits. Just remember to get them in their purest form-organic cold pressed.

These are just a sample of the health benefits and the daily uses of choosing to use natural oils in a beauty regime. A person can use oils to protect their skin from the elements. These oils contain many antioxidants and prevent free radical damage. There are many beauty uses for these oils such as hair and scalp treatments, makeup removers, body scrubs, where you mix natural oil and sugar together and apply to the skin, rinse off, and then also as a moisturizer. These oils provide many vitamins and nutrients that a person’s skin needs and requires. Plus, since they are grown and found in nature, they are bound to be good for a person as well.

Shop for Beauty Oils

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Infographic on the history of skin care provided by guest author from the website I Need Pampering.

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Photo credit: Flickr Creative commons: ppacificvancouver

The trend toward embracing things that are “green”; eco-friendly, and organic is extremely popular and growing every day. This is wonderful news as the more people who jump on board the effort to respect and care for our planet, the better we’ll all be in the long run. What was once viewed as a sort of a “fringe” or neo-hippy movement has become ever more mainstream, which is especially evident when we consider all of the beauty salons that are proclaiming their green, earth conscious status. But, what does that really mean? Let’s take a deeper look at the why’s and what-for’s of environmentally-conscious beauty.

A good place to start is with a few definitions. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) describes “natural ingredients” this way – “… extracted directly from plants or animal products as opposed to being produced synthetically.” Therefore, natural ingredients are:

Not produced synthetically
Grown, harvested, and processed in an ecological manner.
Free from petrochemicals
Extracted or processed using only natural ingredients as solvents
Not exposed to irradiation
Not genetically engineered and contain no GMOs.

Eco-Friendly is a term that means “not harmful to the environment.”

There are many excellent reasons to seek out all-natural products. For example, the chemicals found in most standard hair care products can be harmful to your health and also to the health of the planet. Their ingredients have been found to cause mild to severe skin irritations, allergies, autoimmune disorders and cancer. They also contribute to the toxification of our planet when they find their way into landfills, and from there go on to pollute the air and water.

These reasons are why environmentally friendly spas and salons are becoming so popular all over the world. New salons are being constructed using recycled materials such as reclaimed wood, and making use of solar/wind powered energy sources

Consumers are becoming more educated and aware of the dangers related to synthetic chemicals, and the beauty industry has responded in kind. Popular brands such as Opi nail polish are offering formulas which are free from DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde. Salons are replacing traditional treatments for coloring, straightening and perming with natural and eco-friendly processes, and all-natural shampoos and conditioners as well as all manner of styling products line the shelves for retail sale.

Exclusive salon brands can be expensive, but there are more mainstream companies who have also begun to embrace the eco-friendly movement. The popular brand, Garnier has a line of hair care products which are offered for purchase in places like Target and Walmart, and Sephora, a popular cosmetics retailer, currently offers around 1,400 different products that feature natural, organic ingredients. Keeping in mind that packaging is a large piece of the puzzle, more and more companies are providing products in containers that are made from post consumer materials.

It is inspiring to see all of the ways people are becoming more aware, and taking positive action to bring about changes that will improve humanity for now, and for future generations.

This is a guest post from April Richards, who contributes for Weddingcakes.org.uk

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Ever wondered why Asian women seem to keep their youthful look longer than their Western counterparts? It seems they have the secret to slowing down aging and keeping that glow of youth forever. One such secret is bird’s nest. This product is regarded as one of the four great youth tonics in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Bird’s nest is one of the most difficult natural products to harvest and therefore is also one of the most expensive consumed by humans. This essential ingredient comes from the nest built by the male swiftlet, a kind of swallow, along the inner walls of sea caves. The swift takes thirty five days to carefully weave the nest using strands of its saliva. Harvesting these nests from cave walls requires specialized experience in caving and climbing techniques. Harvesters use bamboo poles to reach the nests and carefully scrape the nest from inside using special tools. Only a portion of the nest is taken, allowing the swiftlet to be able to rebuild the nest.

Although Hong Kong remains the bird’s nest’s main trading point, harvesting is mostly done in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, while mainland China has the most consumers. The elite of China’s ruling dynasties in the olden days were known to have bird’s nest as a part of their daily diets. The Empress Dowager Cixi of the Qing Dynasty is said to have regularly dined on seven types of bird’s nest dishes to preserve her allure and youthfulness.

Long used by the Chinese in their cuisine, bird’s nest is rich in organic nutrients, including many glyco-proteins and amino acids, and essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium. It is considered a yin tonic because of its cooling effect on the body. It provides a number of health and beauty benefits including the rejuvenation of epidermal cells to improve the elasticity and complexion of the skin, bolstering the body’s immune system to fend off disease, enhancing cardiovascular and respiratory functions, reducing fatigue and boosting libido and sexual function.

The skin benefits of bird’s nest have made it an essential ingredient in some of today’s Asian beauty products, particularly in tonics and face masks. When combined with collagen, bird’s nest can transform dull and wrinkled skin into a vision of luminosity and youthful radiance. Users swear that the skin is nourished and hydrated, softening it to keep it young-looking. Some bird’s nest beauty products also contain hyaluronic acid which aids in smoothening wrinkles and promotes skin hydration.

Facial Masks with Bird’s Nest

In the tradition of Chinese medicine, people ate bird’s nest mostly in soup to replenish the body’s yin energy, which is the primary determining factor of a person’s vitality, of which a young person has more. It comes as no surprise then that many Asian women flock to this promising elixir hoping to turn back the hand of time, or at least slow its ticking. Here are two facial masks that integrate that beauty secret. It would seem that the bird’s nest will not be Asian women’s secret for much longer.

1. Watsons Bird’s Nest Essence Whitening and Firming Neck Mask

This formulation brings the promise of minimizing the age-related appearance of lines and sagging on the face and neck.

2. Sasatinnie Swallow’s Nest Rejuvenation Mask

The bird’s nest ingredient stimulates the epidermal cell growth factor keeping the face fresh-looking.

3. Yen Bird’s Nest Beauty Mask

Bird’s nest essence deeply moisturizes the skin to slow down ageing. It also contains chitosan to enhance the cell’s ability to absorb the beautifying nutrients.

Aishwarya Vohra from Escentual.com believes in healthy and balanced living. She writes on health, fitness and beauty related topics.

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Spa Destinations

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: F. Montino

Want to get away from it all and face the New Year with renewed energy and focus? Looking for the ultimate spa retreat for a post-holiday pound reduction? Are you tired of the hamster wheel of life and the never-ending cycle of holiday parties?

Magnificently Mexican

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: ShellVacationsHospitality

The best way to face the New Year may be nestling on the pristine beaches of Puerto Vallarta. The Casa Velas Hotel Boutique is an adults-only spa and retreat, offering personalised spa treatments in Zen tranquillity. Separate women and men’s treatment areas. Vitamin treatments, massage, chakra balancing and even electromagnetic mud massage using diamond dust to remove all forms of electromagnetic pollution from your body. The focus is on rejuvenation, and refreshing holistic treatments and personal service. Visitors return every year for a break and a chance to unwind.

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: Moosealope

Holistic Hong Kong

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: Skyseeker

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental combines modern elegance and exotic Eastern healing techniques. The spa caters to people who are on the go, and want the chance to relax, unwind and indulge in the sensual secrets of the east with an emphasis on using heat, water and the most up to date techniques and methods of treatment. Try Ashtanga Yoga or the deeply relaxing relaxation lounge for a truly remarkable experience. “Cool, calm and chic……. It is where the tired, travelled-out, over-shopped and overworked go for respite. Beautifully understated design”. Vanity Fair on Travel, April 2010

Brazilian Beauty

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: Karla Vidal

In Brazil, the emphasis is on feeling and looking great all the time. Everyone knows Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, but one of the best spas in Brazil is the Salinas Beach and Spa Resort, in Bahia. This is the perfect destination if you want to focus on beauty treatments, sunshine and some sexy samba in Salvador. People rave about the treatments, the personal attention and the attention to everything beautiful.

Tempting Thailand

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: Michael Malz

Thailand has a worldwide reputation for spa resorts. For a traditional experience that takes you away from the tourist beaches of Phuket and into the world of true wellness and diet detox, the Kamalaya Koh Samui Wellness Sanctuary is the very best in individual detox programmes and diet advice. A Buddhist monk cave for true contemplation or an energetic fitness plan. The focus of this Thai spa is on the individual and setting up a wellness programme that will last your whole life. With specialised treatments for adrenal burnout and lectures from visiting wellness gurus, this spa is rated by visitors as one of the best in the world.

Snake Spa

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: AntoniO BovinO

Rejuvenation and not a small portion of courage are needed to handle the Snake Spa in Israel. Lie in silence while non-venomous snakes softly smooth away the stresses and strains of modern life.

Intensely Indian

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: SouthAsiaGolf

Spas in India combine western traditional spa treatments with the chance to really discover your inner sanctuary. Whether it’s a traditional Ashram or a modern holistic wellness treatment, you’ll find the Ananda Spa resort close to Haridwar and Rishikesh, which is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Offering pampering and silent meditation, including Ayurvedic massage and consultations. This is a destination that places you into solitude and makes sure that you get away from everything you know, allowing you to embrace your inner beauty to emerge completely rejuvenated.

“Thank you for a week of healing and bliss ! Even in the monsoon, a most magical place in this world!”

Ssssh! I’m at a Spa Retreat

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: zzclef

The Banjaran Hotsprings retreat in Ipoh has a strict no-talking policy. You can check you BlackBerry at the door and forget about Wi-Fi access. If you want to get away, you need to go within to reveal the secrets of silence.

Getting away to a spa is not just about dieting and detox programs. Modern spas take a holistic approach to healing, sanctuary and letting you make healthy, and long-lasting changes to your lifestyle.

This guide was carefully put together on behalf of Hotel Club; where you can find and book relaxing hotels in Hong Kong.

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One of skin’s biggest enemies is dry air.  Your skin needs moisture to retain its suppleness and smoothness.  It is often said that English lasses have that lovely dewy complexion because of the constantly drizzly weather in the British Isles, so at least there is a compensation for having to deal with so many cloudy days.  If you travel a lot, you fly a lot, and are bound to subject your complexion to the parched, unnatural air that is found in airplanes.  You need to find some easy to use and easy to transport travel tips to take care of your skin when you are traveling.

Keep it Moist

In the most literal sense, your skin should be kept moist when you are traveling by plane, and the simplest way to do that is to carry a small spritzer with distilled or bottled water in it.  Just a light mist on your face from time to time, either on the plane or just before or after boarding to refresh your skin (and your spirit) and replenish that all important H2O will work wonders for your complexion.  To hold that moisture in, make sure you use a moisturizer that contains humectants.  This is an ingredient that works to hold the water in the skin, which is so easily evaporated in the dry atmosphere of a plane.  If you feel compelled to replace your makeup after you have spritzed and moisturized, make sure you use a moisturizing makeup.

Keep it Clean

Even if you do not travel in back roads and jungles during your adventures, your skin will be exposed to more dirt and grit than usual when you travel.  Just think about how many more people you are exposed to in an airport, a big city or any tourist attraction, and you will realize how much more contaminants your skin has to face.  It is a good idea to supplement your normal morning and evening cleansing routine with additional light cleansings (followed of course, by a moisturizer) during the day, especially if you have been involved in any sweaty or dirty activities.

Keep it Protected

It can not be emphasized enough.  Public enemy number one for your skin is the sun.  We especially love the sun when we are on vacation, and many of us probably even spend most of our vacations chasing it.  But the sun dries, damages and can even cause cancer to the skin, so exposing your skin to it is the worst thing you can possibly do.  Wear sunscreen with the proper paba factor for the amount of time you will be in the sun, and if you have to be in the sun for any extended length of time, wear a hat with a brim as well.  Always wear sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around the eyes.  If you are worried that nobody at the office will even know you were on a beautiful tropical island unless you come home totally bronzed, there is always sunless tanning lotions.

Everyone wants to enjoy themselves when they travel, but dry, wrinkled skin will stay with you long after the memory of the vacation has faded, so take good care of your skin and you can have both.

Are you looking for an easy but effective way on how to take care of your skin? Check out http://www.findermind.com so you can discover the secret behind this beauty regime.

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Does acne have you down? What about adult acne? Personally, I have battled adult acne on and off for yeas and tried a number of options. My current favorites happen to be the Claro Treatment Device, Home LED Light Therapy, and Peter Thomas Roth Acne Sport Treatment.

The article below, which is syndicated from Total Beauty, looks at the best and worst acne treatment products based on their reader’s reviews. In the worst category, I agree with the raw minerals rating. Murad’s items were on that list and I am OK with those, although there are items that I like better. Also on the worst list is a 10% benzoyl peroxide product and, while I haven’t tried that particular one, I wouldn’t recommend that strength of benzoyl peroxide to anyone. There are better items that won’t dry out your skin so much-something that just usually leads to rebound oil production anyway.  There is also a Neutrogena wash on the list that I have sitting here waiting to be tried. Now I am having second thoughts! The surprise item on the worst list is one very popular seen on TV product.

On the good list, there is a DDF mask that I adore, and a Peter Thomas Roth item that I like. But the M2 product that is very high on the list did nothing for me.  Can’t win them all I guess!

Overall, this is a nice and useful list of products. To see all of the best and the worst  acne treatment products, click on through below.

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The 18 Best and Worst Acne Treatment Products

Are you still dealing with acne even though your youthful high school days are well behind you? Try one of the acne treatment products that readers say works wonders, while skipping the duds

This is a TotalBeauty.com acne article So much for saying “so long” to acne: Even adults are plagued by what was once though to be a teenage woe. As we get older, the spot treatments of our youth are less effective. If you are in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, seek a product that will address your skin’s unique needs. Don’t know where to start? Check out our reader favorites and flops here. Read reviews

The Worst No. 10: Clinique Acne Solutions Post Blemish Formula, $14

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.8

“This product caused one reader to break out again and didn’t even lighten the prior spots. Overall, readers saw 0 percent improvement after using the product on their red, post-acne marks.”

The Worst No. 9: Bare Escentuals RareMinerals Blemish Therapy, $18

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.6

“The product doesn’t stay on the pimple, and the color is so light that it makes my pimple more obvious and it’s four shades lighter than my skin tone so it doesn’t blend.”

The Worst No. 8: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Foam Wash, $7.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.5

“This cleanser aggravated what was already problematic on my face, and dried out whatever clear skin remained to the point of flakiness.”

Want to see which one was the worst (and which were the best)? Click here!

Do you have a favorite acne treatment product? What didn’t work for you? Share in the comments here or provide your own comments and rakings on Total Beauty after you browse through the list!

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Here we are again at the end of the year, which means it is time for the best of the year posts! Below are Beauty and Fashion Tech’s best beauty product for 2011. The list includes the best makeup, best skin care, hair care, and best beauty gadgets that we tried this year. The items are in no particular order, although I tried to keep absolute favorites near the top. There are also a few items at the end of the list that I tried in 2011, but have not written the review of the item yet.

Best Beauty Products of 2011

(1) Ott Lite Makeup Mirror: This is a great makeup mirror that provides natural light in a highly adjustable and attractive package. Forget the cheap drugstore lighted mirrors an get the real deal with this one! I adore mine. Learn more in our initial review here: OttLite Makeup Mirror Review .

(2) Lancome Bi-Facil: When your dog eats a hot pink lipstick on the carpet, you will be glad if you have have some of this around. Oh, and it removes makeup from your eyes and face very well too! For more and for the story of the lipstick eating corgi, look here: Lancome Bi-Facil Review

(3) Skinsonic: The Skinsonic is a sonic skin cleansing system, similar to the popular Clarisonic, but much cheaper. Sonic cleansing is great for overall skin care and exfoliation. You can read more in our at home microdermabrasion guide.

(4) Iswas Handbag organizer: This is the best purse organizer on the market and it comes in several nice shades. Read our report: Iswas Handbag Report

(5) Sedu Revolution 4000i: Sedu makes great products, and the Revolution 4000i dryer is no exception. Learn more about the top hair dryers here: Best Hair Dryers

(6) Verseo eGlide: The Verseo eGlide is an interesting permanent hair removal device that uses a galvanic current instead of a lasers, which makes it great for those with darker skin or who want to remove facial hair, since a laser is not safe for either of those. I personally prefer my Tria Laser, but the eGlide did work for me to remove some facial hair. For more on the eGlide, see our Verseo eGlide review or our laser hair removal at home guide.

(7) Tokidoki Soda Shop Palette: This limited edition item is getting hard to find, but if you look at Sephora, there are multiple Tokidoki palettes and all are packed full of really well pigmented makeup. Learn more here:  Tokidoki Soda Shop Swatches and Review

(8) Hot Tools Pink Titanium Curling Iron: Hot tools makes a number of great curling irons. To learn more see our report: Best Curling Irons

(9) MAC Me Over Fall Collection: MAC’s fall collection was particularly impressive this year. See more here:  MAC Me Over Swatches

(10) MAC Bloggers Obsessions: the MAC Blogger’s Obsessions colelction was really fun because fellow beauty bloggers designed it! You can see photos here:  MAC Bloggers Obsessions Photos

(11) Sedu Pro Ionic Ceramic Tourmaline Flat Iron: I love Sedu irons and this one it right up there at the top.  Learn about the top Flat Irons here: The Best Flat Irons

(12) Laura Mercier Luxe Colour Palette:  Laura Mercier has been putting out a number of neat palettes lately and this set is particularly nice.

(13) Brazilian Peel: This 30% glycolic peel works wonders for dull and acne prone skin. I used it weekly for four weeks with excellent results!

(14) Stila Dream in Color Palette: The best makeup palette of the holiday season. Get a large number of Stila shades in a single pretty palette!

Interested in the best products from past years? Look here:

Best Beauty Products of 2010

Best of 2009

Best of 2008

Best of 2007

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Beauty technology has come a long way, particularly over the past few decades. Women now use pulsed light and lasers to treat skin conditions and prevent wrinkles, hair color no longer leaves hair looking fake and frizzy, and gel nails can be cured under UV light for weeks of chip free wear. What is next? Several dermatologists and professionals in the beauty industry gave their opinion on the next big thing beauty. Here are the top five responses:

Non-Invasive Fat Removal

The ability to freeze fat with a painless and non-invasive procedure already exists, and multiple dermatologists predicted that it will become the next big beauty fad, with advances toward home fat removal machines. Using Coolsculpting by Zeltiq, patients spend one to four hours with a non-invasive cooling device on an area of fat that they want to eliminate. A few months following the treatment, the fat disappears. Debra Jaliman, a New York Board Certified Dermatologist and author of the upcoming book, Skin Rules: Trade Secrets From a Top New York Dermatologist, notes that the product is expected to be available in a hand piece soon, with the ability to treat the arms and thighs, while Kathleen Stegman, Founder of Midwest Medical Aesthetics, predicts that home machines will be developed to accomplish the same effect.

Collagen Renewal With Radiofrequency

Jailman predicts that the next big development in skin care will be from Thermage CPT, which uses radiofrequency to stimulate the body’s natural renewal of collagen. According to Jailman, it can work to tighten any area, such as the face, eyes, arms and legs. It is safe, effective, has no downtime, and patients can expect to see up to 10% tightening within 6 months.

Additional Increases in Needleless Technology

Aside from noninvsive fat removal and the use of radiofrequency devices, Dermatologists on the whole tend to predict large increases in other forms of non-invasive needleless technology. Dr. Shirely Madhere, of Soho Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery expects to see increases in light based technology and the use of stem cells to develop various non-invasive treatments that will produce surgical results without the surgery.  Stegman also predicts that stem cell technology will continue to rise in importance.

Affordable Injections and Fillers

Multiple Dermatologists and beauty professionals observed that injections and fillers such as Botox, Juvederm, and Artfill have become more and more affordable. But products with multiple uses that will both relax wrinkles and fill lines are just around the corner and are expected to be rather affordable. What were once products reserved for those with extra money to spend will become standard for many women.

Healthy Hair Care

Mikayla DeSomer, a hair stylist in Naperville, IL, observes that hair care has entered a “green era” in which products have become increasingly healthier. For example, there now are products that are vegan and gluten free, as well as low ammonia, and organic products. Straighteners have evolved from relaxers that contain lye, to silky keratin treatments. Even in the short time that keratin treatments have been around, they have evolved from controversial unhealthy services, to formaldehyde free.

With respect to the next big thing in the beauty industry, De Somer feels that the clients dictate the future of hair and beauty. She notes that the upper class will always have access to more expensive, exclusive treatments, which sends companies into a frenzy to come up with a less expensive way to do the same thing. More often than not, that process cheapens the product and gives less of a perfect result. However, De Somer believes that this process is about to change with  low maintenance, green products and services as the wave of the future. She notes, “as glam gets bigger, we want it faster and cheaper. If we can create a keratin treatment that will do the job, and have no trace of formaldehyde, etc., that will boost these treatments into being just as popular as the perm in the 80′s.”

As beauty technology evolves, we have much to look forward to. The future of beauty looks brighter than ever!

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Beautiful skin is always in style and one of the best ways to get there is by regular exfoliation of your skin. Exfoliation is the process of sloughing off the dead skin cells on the top layer of your epidermis to allow newer, younger skin to surface. Performing this type of cleaning on a semi regular basis will dramatically improve the performance of your skin care products. Without a thick layer of dead cells to try and penetrate through, your products will be able reach deeper layers of your epidermis. The end result is more vibrant and healthier skin!

As a licensed esthetician the question I most commonly receive from my skin care clients is “Which exfoliant is right for me?” There are countless choices on the market, but the basic two are physical exfoliants and chemical exfoliants. Let’s take a closer look at what classifies an exfoliant as one or the other and which is best for certain skin types.

Physical exfoliation is the actual buffing or scrubbing of the skin to remove dead cells. People with large pores and oily skin (not acne-prone) will benefit the most from physical exfoliation. This can be accomplished in many ways. Shaving and using a washcloth or loofa during cleansing are two of the more common forms. Facial exfoliating products, usually called scrubs, contain different types of abrasive ingredients that manually slough off dead cells. Synthetic beads are gentle on the skin but not so good for the environment. Natural ingredients such as almond, walnut, or apricot pieces are too aggressive and can actually scratch the skin causing irritation and the spread of bacteria. That is not to say that all natural scrubs are bad. Ground adzuki beans, oatmeal, and baking soda are all wonderful exfoliants that safely buff the skin without causing damage. When choosing your physical exfoliation tool try to avoid substances with excessive oils. These oils may act like a glue and hold the dead cells on the surface of the skin leading to clogged pores. Some of my favorite products are Bobbi Brown’s Buffing Grains which can be added to any cleanser, Laura Mercier’s Face Polish, or a nice pinch of baking soda in my favorite creamy cleanser. FYI, baking soda can be added to your shampoo as a safe exfoliant for your hair to remove product buildup!

Chemical exfoliation dissolves the bonds that hold skin cells together making it easy for them to be shed. Chemical exfoliants can be broken down into a couple sub-groups, AHA (alpha hydroxyl acid) and BHA (beta hydroxyl acid). AHA’s include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and a few others. These are water soluble exfoliants and can be applied at different strengths to create a more superficial or deep peel. They are wonderful for dry, sun damaged, mature skin that needs a faster rate of cell turnover as well as sebum stimulation. Deeper chemical peels can be preformed by professionals at medical spa’s, dermatologist office, and even some plastic surgeons offices. NeoStrata brand makes an entire collection of AHA based skin care that is highly recommended by doctors. I also love SkinCeuticals Retexturizing Activator. BHA is salicylic acid, derived from the willow bark tree, (so is aspirin) it is oil soluble and works wonders for acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid can break down the oils that clog pores and reduce inflammation, a powerful treatment combination against acne. Skin care professionals offer many BHA treatments that are much stronger than what can be purchased over the counter, but everyday treatment of acne is important. Some products I like are Neutrogena’s Rapid 2-in1 Fight and Fade Gel and Philosophy’s On a Clear Day Oil Free Acne Spot Treatment.

Chemical exfoliants tend to be less aggressive than physical exfoliants but overuse of either may irritate your skin. Normally it is best to choose one or the other as your choice of exfoliation. Remember to exfoliate no more than 3 times weekly depending on your skin’s needs. There are some cases where using both chemical and physical exfoliation could be beneficial. However, it is best to discuss such a special type of treatment plan with your dermatologists prior to beginning it. Taking care of your skin is the best way to preserve it and make sure that your best accessory is in tip top shape.

* Hollie Jean is a Savannah Makeup Artist and licensed esthetician. As a health and well being enthusiast she believes in keeping things simple. You can find Hollie Jean on twitter @holliejean *

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