Monthly Archives: August 2015

The 5 Best Anti-Aging Creams

Over time, your skin will naturally begin to show the signs of aging, which can appear in the form of wrinkles, loss of firmness, dullness, and dehydration. If you’d like to maintain your youthful skin for as long as possible, then anti-aging creams are a must for any woman or man.

While most people don’t begin on an anti-aging regimen until their 40s, it is never too early to start. By using anti-aging creams early on, you can help prevent some of the common signs of aging, such as saggy skin, wrinkles, dark spots, under-eye circles, and more. Some anti-aging creams claim to provide an alternative to plastic surgery or Botox injections, but there is no guarantee that they will work as well as they claim. We have compiled a list of some of the best anti-aging creams that have produced the most noticeable results for users to help you find the right one for your skin.

What Is Anti-Aging Cream?

Anti-aging creams can help prevent and reduce the signs of aging on the skin. Some creams even promise to reduce redness and ensure a better texture to the skin. There are certain ingredients that have specific anti-aging properties that you should like for, such as retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, peptides, vitamin C, sunscreens, antioxidants, and natural ingredients like tea extracts and grape seed extract.

Anti-aging creams can be used everyday on their own, or in conjunction with other anti-aging products, such as serums, under-eye treatment, toners, and more. Make sure to apply the cream on a clean face and neck, as the neck is the first area of the body to show signs of aging. It is also important to choose a cream with UV protection, or apply a sunscreen over your anti-aging cream to further protect your skin from sun damage and the aging effects it brings.

Top 5 Anti-Aging Creams

OZ Naturals 2.5% Retinol Moisturizing Cream

As Amazon’s #1 best seller in facial retinol peels, the OZ Naturals 2.5% Retinol Moisturizing Cream can be used anytime: in the morning, at night, or under makeup. This all-natural Retinol cream does not contain any harmful alcohol, fillers, fragrance, dyes, parabens, or sulfates.

The clinical strength cream can eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, fade hyperpigmentation, and reduce the signs of aging, while softening and smoothing your skin with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, vitamin B5, vitamin A, green tea, antioxidants, and some of the most potent natural ingredients available. The vegan and 71% organic formula is safe for all skin types (including acne prone skin) and can help supercharge collagen production to leave you with radiant, healthy skin. It is backed by outstanding online reviews. In fact, many people experienced visible results after only a few uses and compared the effectiveness to upscale products that are three times the price.

Currently $27.49 on Amazon

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream is a nightly moisturizing cream with Retinol and multivitamins, clinically proven to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and age spots. It promises to show visible results in as little as one week, providing healthier, smoother, softer, younger-looking skin. It uses Retinol, the purest form of vitamin A, to work deep within the skin’s surface where wrinkles develop.

It also contains Pro-Vitamin B5, vitamin E, and special moisturizers, which work with the skin’s natural mechanisms to even out skin tone and build moisture levels. The lightweight cream is dermatologist recommended, oil-free, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and won’t clog your pores. It is backed by outstanding reviews online and topped the list of the best anti-aging products for a number of independent review sites, such as ConsumerSearch.

Currently $11.07 on Amazon

Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Daily Moisturizer

The Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Daily Moisturizer is an all-in-one moisturizer that can visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, minimize the appearance of pores, even skin tone, even texture, cure dryness and flaky skin, restore firmness to your skin, and reduce dullness and age spots. Infused with VitaNiacin complex, containing vitamin E, Pro-vitamin B5, and Niacinamide (vitamin B3), this lotion is also oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores. It combines humectants and skin conditioners to help keep skin hydrated.

The powerful vitamins and antioxidants help reduce the look of age spots, minimize the appearance of pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Ideal for all skin types, this daily facial moisturizer provides seven anti-aging therapies in one formula and will leave you with a radiant, healthy glow. Olay is a trusted name in anti-aging products and can provide you with incredible results without spending too much. This daily moisturizer is backed by outstanding reviews online and topped the list of the best anti-aging products for a number of independent review sites.

Currently $15.00 on Amazon

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair SPF 30 can visibly fade the look of stubborn wrinkles and crow’s feet, brighten skin tone, smooth fine lines and texture, and protect the skin from the sun’s damaging rays with SPF 30. It combines Accelerated Retinol SA with hyaluronic acid and glucose complex, an exclusive booster that delivers pure stabilized retinol into the skin’s surface, leaving skin smoother and younger-looking.

The powerful ingredients can penetrate the skin’s surface to hydrate, replenish, and rejuvenate the skin. The exclusive sustained action works to continuously moisturize and renew the look of skin throughout the day, helping to smooth wrinkles fast and diminish the look of age spots. It is enhanced by UVA/UVB SPF 30 (in line with American Academy of Dermatology guidelines) for daily sun protection. It promises to produce visible results in just one week.

It is backed by outstanding reviews online and was a Gold Winner for the best anti-aging creams, according to Good Housekeeping’s 2013 anti-aging awards. In an independent test conducted testing 84 products, this wrinkle repair cream trumped the competition, producing way more noticeable results, in less time.

Currently $14.21 on Amazon

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Anti-Aging BB Cream

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Anti-Aging BB Cream offers a range of benefits, all in one little tube. It can help fight the signs of aging, while perfecting the appearance of your skin now. Available in light/medium and medium/deep tones, this powerhouse cream can be used up to two times daily. The all-in-one anti-aging cream can provide instant perfection, while reducing wrinkles, pores, and lines, firming and smoothing the skin, evening and brightening the skin tone, and hydrating the face and neck for 24 hours. It combines Pro-Xylane™ and mineral pigments with Broad Spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. It can help you conceal and maintain, while ensuring your skin looks more youthful both now and in the future. It is silky and hydrating, so you won’t need to wear another cream underneath.

According to Garnier, after only one use, 94% of users in a clinical test saw a healthier glow, 90% saw more even skin tone, and 86% saw smoother skin. It is ideal for all skin types, including dry skin. BB cream delivers a healthy color to make your skin look flawless and can double over as light foundation, makeup, or a tinted moisturizer. It is also ideal for all ages, including mature skin, and was even a top pick by the American Grandparents Association. This cream is backed by outstanding reviews online and is an Allure pick for the top anti-aging products under $20.

 

The 5 Best Face Washes

We all know it’s important to wash your face twice a day, but you may not realize just how important your cleanser really is. Your cleanser can actually help improve the health and appearance of your skin, both immediately and over time. There are face washes designed specifically for each skin type and condition, so it may take some time to find the perfect one for your skin.

What Is Face Wash?

Face wash, or facial cleanser, is a product designed to clean your skin and remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other harmful pollutants from the skin’s surface. Along with cleansing your skin, they can also help to unclog pores, prevent acne, and leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed. It is important to use a quality face wash every morning and night, as a part of your daily skin care regimen.

Top 5 Face Washes

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is an Amazon bestseller and is also one of the “Most Wished For” items because this fan favorite has received rave reviews from both beauty experts and consumers alike. Developed with dermatologists, the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser helps repair the skin’s protective skin barrier and is perfect for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin, because it is gentle, free of fragrances, and is formulated with highly beneficial ingredients. It will remove all traces of dirt, oil, and makeup, including stubborn eye makeup. It will repair and restore the skin barrier, reduce skin redness, and help produce more natural ceramides in the skin.

This non-comedogenic, non-drying, non-irritating foaming facial cleanser won’t dry out your skin, but instead will leave it feeling soft and smooth. It feels like you are washing with a lotion and your skin will feel hydrated immediately after each use. This can be used twice per day, everyday, because it won’t disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier.

TotalBeauty selected this as one of the best facial cleansers and it is backed by unmatched online reviews. You can’t go wrong with CeraVe’s scent-free products. In fact, their hydrating cleanser and moisturizers also top the list of best skin care items for Amazon and several independent review sites. If you need something more hydrating or have sensitive skin, ConsumerSearch, Real Simple, and TotalBeauty recommends the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.

Currently $14.50 on Amazon

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is ideal for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin, and softens as it cleans. The mild, non-irritating, soap-free, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formula gently cleanses the skin and removes dirt, oil, and makeup (even stubborn eye makeup). There are no harmful chemicals, perfumes, or ingredients in Cetaphil products, so it is gentle on the skin and helps skin retain its moisture.

The creamy cleanser was originally formulated for dermatologists and is commonly recommended by dermatologists and pediatricians because the baby-mild product won’t damage or irritate even the most sensitive skin. It is even gentle enough for use on skin with conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, acne, eczema, diaper rash, and severe dryness. The gentle formula rinses easily and will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, like you washed with a lotion. In fact, the daily cleanser can be used with or without water. It can also be used on the hands and body, or on a baby’s delicate skin.

This highly effective cleanser was chosen as one of the best facial washes by Elle Magazine and Good Housekeeping. This drugstore must-have needs to be tried to be believed. You can also pair this with the award-winning Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion for optimal results.

Currently $15.89 on Amazon

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser is an award-winning fragrance-free daily cleanser formulated to gently cleanse, tone, and hydrate the skin. It is ideal for all skin types, even dry and sensitive skin, and offers a one-step process to simplify your morning routine. It can thoroughly remove any dirt, oil, and makeup (even stubborn eye makeup), while leaving your skin soft, smooth, and moisturized. The natural oil extracts help condition the skin, so you will feel like you washed with a lotion. The gently-scented cleanser can be used twice a day, everyday, and will continue to provide great results over time.

This creamy natural cleanser tops the list for the best facial cleansers for About.com, is a Readers Choice Winner for Allure, and is one of the most popular cleansers on Amazon and Sephora. There are a number of award-winning Philosophy facial cleansers to choose from, so you can find the one that best suits your skin. In fact, the Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash has also topped the list of facial cleansers for several independent review sites, including ConsumerSearch.

Currently $33.33 on Amazon

Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub

Coming from the same brand that makes the wildly popular Biore blackhead strips, this Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub can penetrate deep where blemishes start to help treat current breakout and prevent future problems from forming. It can diminish pores and leave your skin feeling clean and soft, after the very first use. It also contains salicylic acid to help fight acne blemishes and blackheads. The spherical beads can gently scrub away impurities, leaving you with softer, smoother skin after every use. It is gentle enough to use daily and is ideal for all skin types, particularly acne-prone skin.

Chosen as one of the best drugstore acne products by TotalBeauty, this oil-free scrub will deep clean your skin to remove every bit of dirt, oil, makeup, and sunblock. Biore offers a number of products to help keep skin clear and healthy, such as the warming anti-blackhead cleanser, charcoal cleanser, and heating one-minute mask. Using these products together can help you create your most beautiful skin.

Currently $4.74 on Amazon

Neutrogena Men Invigorating Face Wash

As Amazon’s #1 best seller in facial cleansing washes, the dermatologist tested, oil-free, non-comedogenicNeutrogena Men Invigorating Face Wash is more than just a great face wash for men; it is the best face wash for men. Not many cleansers target men, which makes this specially designed face wash even more unique. The affordable cleanser for men can deep clean pores and invigorate the skin without over-drying. The cooling lather penetrates deep into the skin to remove excess oil and dirt and can refresh the skin early in the morning. It also has an invigorating scent to leave your skin smelling fresh.

This affordable cleanser is backed by outstanding reviews online and comes from the trusted Neutrogena brand. Consider the Neutrogena Men’s Skin Clearing Acne Wash if you have combination or acne prone skin.

Make These 9 Health Moves Now or You’ll Regret It in 20 Years

You’ve heard that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and nowhere is it more true than with your health. The health habits you form now will be the foundation of your well-being for the next 20 years. If you start being proactive now, you have much better chances of being healthy as you age. The following nine health moves are things that you can easily do now, for years of benefit later.

1. Stay on Top of Your Dental Health

You only have one set of adult teeth, so take care of them. That means flossing, brushing, and making regular visits to your dentist for exams, cleanings, and repairs. Getting sealants on your teeth can also help prevent future decay. In addition, cut out the soft drinks, which can eat away at your enamel.

2. Live an Active Lifestyle

The longer you wait, the harder it’ll be to start, so make a habit of exercising now while you’re still in relatively good shape. Regular exercise will help you maintain your flexibility and your weight, reducing the wear and tear on your body and keeping your blood sugar down. Even if you’re not an athletic person, a brisk, 30-minute daily walk will do wonders for your energy levels and long-term health.

Exercise doesn’t have to mean going to the gym, either. Just getting up off your couch, cleaning the house, and taking your kids (or friends’ kids) to the park gets you up and moving, so make an active lifestyle the norm, rather than the exception.

To illustrate my point: My husband’s 92-year old grandmother walks two miles every morning with her walking buddies. She has done this since her forties, and credits it for being one of the reasons she is still in good health at her age.

3. Take Care of Your Joints

Take care of your knees and other joints now, while you still have the possibility of preventing or reversing damage. Knee and joint problems will make you more sedentary as you age, with all of the accompanying negatives.

Get orthotics if you have flat feet or misalignments — your feet are the foundation of your body and can cause more problems than you think. Consult a chiropractor or physiotherapist to fix chronic posture problems that can result in fused vertebrae and other injuries as you age. Do some gentle yoga or pilates (with proper instruction) to strengthen your core, increase flexibility, and prevent putting undue stress on your spine and joints. And make sure you’re working in an ergonomic environment to prevent repetitive injuries.

4. Learn to Cook

It goes without saying that cleaning up your diet will have positive repercussions in the long run, but one of the best things you can do for your diet is to learn to cook. Learn to make delicious meals from scratch and you’ll be able to avoid the worst of the processed foods. Perhaps you’ll also discover a fun hobby that will give you hours of therapeutic

5. Go to Therapy

It can be hard, but if you feel down, anxious, apathetic, or stressed a lot, try to drag yourself to see a therapist. Learning to cope with life’s stressors now will serve you well in the long run, and enable you to enjoy the next 20 years. Don’t put it off if you can feel better now.

In addition, therapy can aid with your relationship and communication skills, helping you to make the most of your relationships now and in the future. Don’t neglect your mental and emotional health — they can have a huge impact on your quality of life and your physical health as well.

6. Get in Control of Your Metabolism

Within the next 20 years, your body’s metabolism will likely change drastically. You may even be seeing changes now. Stay ahead of any potential problems by getting your thyroid and blood sugar tested and monitored if there are any small problems that might potentially escalate into large ones several years down the road.

Get your exercise and diet on the right track to maintain a healthy weight. Being obese puts you at risk for a plethora of health problems as you age, including diabetes, certain cancers, heart disease, and more.

7. Wear Sunscreen

Prevent skin cancer from rearing its ugly head by wearing sunscreen consistently. Also, I feel like a broken record because I say this so much, but the sun accounts for 80% of visible skin aging, so the best anti-aging treatment you can do is to prevent sun damage.

8. Quit Smoking

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health; and the sooner you do it, the better. Smokers have over triple the risk of dying early compared to non-smokers. So quit smoking. You’ll be healthier and so will all the other people who live with you.

9. Make Lifelong Learning a Priority

You don’t have to become worse at learning as you get older — it’s really a matter of whether you’re willing to put in the effort to learn something new. Make learning a habit to keep your brain in shape as you age — learn a new language, take up a new hobby, or take some professional development courses. Remember, use it or lose it!

The 5 Best Acne Treatments

Acne can affect anyone, at any stage of his or her life. Acne usually appears on the face, and is also commonly found on the body, such as on the neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Blemishes, blackheads, and enlarged pores can be embarrassing, frustrating issues to deal with. Fortunately, there are acne treatments available to help combat these common problems.

What Is Acne Treatment?

Acne treatment, or acne medication, is designed to fight acne, prevent future breakouts, and may even help with acne scarring. There are different acne treatments available, depending on your skin type, acne severity, and several other factors. Most treatments include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or some combination of the two. These over-the-counter products can be used on their own, or in combination with other acne medications and a healthier lifestyle.

Top 5 Acne Treatments

AcneFree Clear Skin System

If you’re tired of waiting for results with other acne treatments, then the fast-actingAcneFree Clear Skin System is the perfect solution for you. The new advanced formula kills 99% of active bacteria and promises to provide results in only one to three days. It uses advanced micro-benzoyl peroxide to continuously treat all stages of acne 24 hours a day. The non-irritating acne clearing system contains a purifying cleanser, renewing toner, and repair lotion to thoroughly treat your skin.

When used regularly, the system can balance your skin, exfoliate dead skin cells, remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin, and keep pores clean and acne free. The dermatologist-preferred three-step system is ideal for all skin types and should be used twice a day, everyday, even after your acne has cleared.

As the #1 new release in facial skin care sets and kits and America’s bestselling acne treatment in stores, AcneFree Clear Skin System, 3-Step Kit has offered visible results for users in no time. It is used and trusted by millions of people and has convincing online reviews. While Proactiv is one of the most popular acne treatments on the market, AcneFree has been proven to provide better results, in less time, based on a double-blind clinical study. In fact, Consumer Reports agrees that AcneFree performs better than Proactiv, at a fraction of the cost.

Currently $13.96 on Amazon

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment

The La Roche-Posay Effaclar duo action treatment features several blemish fighters, which work together to quickly, effectively reduce the appearance of pimples in only three days. This 5.5% benzoyl peroxide acne medication is fast absorbing, will leave your skin soft and smooth, and has minimal irritation. The nondrying, non-comedogenic, oil-free, fragrance-free treatment is suitable for all skin types and can quickly fight pimples, no matter how severe your acne may be. Micronized benzoyl peroxide works quickly to penetrate clogged pores, clear blackheads and whiteheads, and kill bacteria. Lipo-hydroxy acid exfoliates the dead skin cells, which can lead to acne.

This dermatologist favorite is frequently featured in magazines and publications, and has rave online reviews from users. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment received the Allure Breakthrough Award in 2011 and has continued to gain popularity ever since. Daily Makeover also chose this as one of the best acne skin care products because it actually works the way it promises to.

Currently $25.37 on Amazon

Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment

Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment is a cult classic. It is a favorite with celebrities, makeup artists, and consumers alike. It is also one of the highest rated items on TotalBeauty. It is very strong and can clear up large pimples in a matter of days and dramatically reduce acne swelling overnight. If you are feeling self-conscious about a pimple, simply apply a drop of this acne treatment using a cotton swab at night and by the next morning, the pimple will be gone or easy to conceal.

Using sulfur to dry out any blemishes, the specially formulated solution can effectively heal acne, reduce associated redness, and prevent future breakouts in no time. The on-the-spot treatment is very drying, so it’s important to wear a hydrating moisturizer the day after using this. It only needs to be applied to the actual blemish itself, so only the spot will be dried out, rather than your whole face (which is a common problem with other acne treatments).

While this is more expensive than most acne treatments, it has been shown to provide better results than the competition and many people suffering from acne call this their miracle product. In fact, it can even provide drastic results for people with sensitive skin or severe cystic acne.

Currently $24.00 on Amazon

Neutrogena All-in-1 Acne Control Treatment

Neutrogena All-in-1 Acne Control Treatment is an effective salicylic acid treatment that can continuously clear and hydrate your skin by attacking acne at all three phases of a breakout. The multi-tasking treatment (which comes in a pack of three) fades the appearance of acne scars, clears acne, and helps prevent future breakouts all at once. It uses a powerful blend of ingredients, including naturally derived soy and pure vitamin A, to leave skin clearer and smoother than ever. It can be applied up to three times daily to clean, dry skin. If you feel a pimple or breakout coming on, then you can even use this treatment to stop acne in its tracks, before it ever makes its way to the skin’s surface.

TotalBeauty selected the Acne Stress Control line as one of the best drugstore acne products available, so you can’t go wrong with the Neutrogena Acne Control and Acne Stress Control lines. Neutrogena offers face washes, daily scrubs, toners, moisturizers, treatments, cleansing pads, and more to fight acne and prevent future breakouts, which is why they are some of the most popular drug store choices.

Currently $44.00 on Amazon

THE BEST Dead Sea Mud Mask

As Amazon’s #1 best seller in facial masks, thisDead Sea Mud Mask can produce noticeable results on both the face and body. The mask is rich in natural minerals and nourishing oils that are known to treat, detoxify, cleanse, and hydrate the skin. After each use, the mask can minimize pores and blackheads, reduce wrinkles, fight acne, remove dead skin cells, stimulate circulation, absorb excess oil and toxins, and moisturize the skin. Your skin will feel softer, smoother, and cleaner than ever, with a more even texture and tone. The premium spa quality mask can even help reduce the appearance of acne scarring on the face, as well as cellulite on the body. It can also treat other conditions of the skin, besides acne and acne scarring, and can even provide incredible anti-aging benefits.

Once the mask is dry, it will draw the toxins out of your skin. It can also remove dead skin cells, stimulate blood circulation, and thoroughly cleanse the skin. It will leave your skin soft and smooth, while making it appear tighter, brighter, and more youthful. It will also blur the appearance of acne, fine lines, wrinkles, blackheads, and enlarged pores. Because this can be used on both face and body acne, and for a number of other conditions, this is a great buy that can last you a long time. It is also a great natural exfoliator, so you will have a reduction in redness and acne scars as well. It is backed by unmatched online reviews and a risk-free money back lifetime guarantee.

Dead sea mud masks are one of the best treatments for acne because they can achieve significant results for teens and adults who suffer from acne, both immediately and over time. You will achieve spa quality results at home, for only a fraction of the cost. This can be used on its own, or in combination with other acne treatments for even faster, more noticeable results. You can use this mask once per week by simply applying a thin layer to clean skin and leaving it for about 10-15 minutes until dry. Then, gently remove the mask using warm water and soft circular motions, and pat dry with a soft cloth. It can also be applied to the body to combat body acne. It should not dry out your skin, but it’s always a good idea to use plenty of moisturizer after using a mask.