Archive | best & worst

The Best Face Moisturizer: Is There Such a Thing?

By Canoe Group on October 27, 2023 in best & worst

It all depends on your skin type.

Have you seen a moisturizer advertised as “the best”? Tread carefully. Skincare products are highly subjective to your skin type. And we’re not talking just Dry or Oily. When choosing our skincare, we should also consider our age, our skin tendencies, our personal skincare goals, our habits, our activities, etc. As always, we highly recommend being self-aware and thinking critically about what you need, not just what looks good in the advertisements or what works for this person or that person. But to get you started, we’ve compiled some guidelines for the basic skin types.

Dry

Those 3pm dry itches don’t lie. If you have dry skin, you need a moisturizer that lasts. But short of lathering yourself up like a grease ball, is there such a moisturizer? There is! Obagi Hydrate Luxe Moisture-Rich Cream is ideal for dry skin that craves moisture.

Oily

Do people with oily skin need a moisturizer? Yes, not as often, but oily (especially acne-prone) skin still needs a moisturizer because as you apply drying products to combat acne (face wash, toner, acne cleansers), your body might try to actually rev up oil production. You need a light moisturizer to keep the oil production in your skin balanced without adding to it. Hyaluronic Marine Moisture Cushion by Dr. Dennis Gross hydrates skin while controlling oil and shine. Look for Noncomedogenic labels on moisturizers, or non-pore clogging. That will be crucial!

Combination

Are you prone to oiliness on your forehead, nose, and chin while the rest of your face runs dry? You probably have combination skin. Similar to oily skin, you should use a light moisturizer. Unlike oily skin, opt for a cleanser that won’t dry out your face with strong amounts of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser, a cleanser that controls the oiliest parts of your skin will leave you with a matte, shine-free finish.

Sensitive

Sensitive skin prone to redness and flare-ups needs a moisturizer to calm the skin. Ideally, a moisturizer with soothing ingredients without any added irritants. NeoStrata Ulta Moisturizing Face Cream moisturizes and gently exfoliates while creating a protective barrier for sensitive skin.

Mature Skin

Age means a decline in our oil production. Sounds great, right? The upside may mean fewer blemishes (although I do know women in their sixties who still get breakouts) but the downside is dryer skin and the wrinkling of our skin (those women in their sixties getting breakouts may grumble, but their skin is still supple and beautiful!). Keep skin ultra-hydrated and use an oil-based moisturizer like Eminence Coconut Age Corrector Moisturizer to help combat wrinkles and signs of aging. Filled with electrolytes, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, this anti-aging moisturizer will help to restore suppleness.

Our skin changes over time. What worked for you a decade ago may not work now. Finding the right products for your skin may seem overwhelming, but finding the best product FOR YOU is possible. Know your own skin.

Know Your City, Know Your Skin

By Canoe Group on October 20, 2023 in best & worst

The best and worst cities for healthy skin.

Where we live matters to our skin. Is the water where we live particularly hard? Are the UV rays higher than average? Is there air pollution? Is the weather humid or dry?

If you’ve traveled around, you might have noticed that your skin slightly, or drastically, changes according to your location. I grew up in New Jersey. When I moved down to Florida, my skin changed drastically. In some good ways, and some bad ways. The increase in humidity helped keep my naturally dry skin well-hydrated. The increase in my water consumption (due to it being hot as flames down here) helped with skin hydration as well. The downside to the move meant that my skin was starting off dryer than it had ever been in New Jersey thanks to the hard water coming through the taps of my new home. It meant some adaption to my skincare routine. I used a stronger moisturizer, the NeoCutis Prism + Defense Cream with an SPF 43. The UV index is also generally higher for longer stretches of time in Florida; I knew I needed a cream with that added protection. On a trip back up to New York one winter, my skin, though happy with the softer water, went into shock over the dryness of the air. Thankfully, my aunt rescued my cracking skin with Topix Replenix Pure Hydration Moisture Balm. It was my elixir for that trip, giving me a dewy finish in less than forgiving conditions.

Knowing the rhythms of the environment in which you live is important to planning out your skincare routine. Because, let’s be honest, most of us probably are not in a position to make a move based on our skin care needs. We can, however, adjust our skincare routine to meet our current environment with much more ease. Wonder how your city ranks in skin health?

By taking a look at the air pollution, UV levels, and the water hardness of each city, HouseFresh, air quality experts whose studies have been featured in Newsweek, Los Angeles Times, and New York Post among other publications, awarded each city with a rating that ranked the worst and the best.

If you find yourself living in one of the harsher cities like Corona, California, or McAllen, Texas — fret not. Of course, you’ll want to settle on a high-quality SPF, but don’t forget your lips. Elta MD UV Lip Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 36 will do the trick.

Protecting your skin against the elements is your number one concern in these harsh atmospheres. If you can swing it, wash your face with bottled distilled water, or at least purified water from a filter. It’s as simple as keeping a gallon-sized jug on hand, about $2 at the grocery store. No, we’re not suggesting you water log yourself every morning and night like Flashdance.

Tried that, and my partner promptly Googled a gif of Miss Piggy a la Flashdance.

I couldn’t disagree with him when I saw the comparison.

You’ll actually save water (if you avoid doing the Flashdance water scene), as the habit to leave the faucet running while washing the face is a common one. Pour the water into a glass spray bottle to keep in your bathroom vanity. Spritz generously morning and night; your skin will thank you. It’s a bougie indulgence that’s actually really cheap and protects your skin from hard water. Unfortunately, we can’t bottle up good atmosphere to use while we’re out and about (though you might consider using an air filtration system at home), but we can use a protectant. Revision Intellishade Clear SPF 50 is the jack of all trades. Not only will it moisturize your skin, but it also contains a strong blend of antioxidants to fight against the toxins in the air while protecting your skin from the sun and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That’s a win in my book. But even after all of that, because our skin could always use a little more health, if you’re living in the worst of the worst cities (I’m lookin’ at you, Scottsdale) calm and restore your skin at the end of the day a few days a week with Skin Ceuticals Photo Corrective Masque.

For you lucky duckies living in one of the best skin cities, you’re not exactly off the hook. Keep up with a good skincare routine, regardless. Good skincare is nature and nurture.

Sources:

Danny Ashton. (2023, January 12). The best and worst U.S. cities for Your skin. HouseFresh. https://housefresh.com/best-and-worst-u-s-cities-for-your-skin/

The Best Under-the-Radar Natural Skincare Brand

By Canoe Group on October 6, 2023 in best & worst, Celebrities

This under-the-radar skincare brand has been around for nearly 50 years!

In 2018, the then-newly-minted royal, Meghan Markle, suddenly came under extreme scrutiny but dazzled the world with her radiant skin. Eminence, was her reply. We know, the thought that Meghan loves Eminence Organic Skincare will likely predispose you to either hate or love the brand, but either way you lean: Eminence Organics works.

Natural Is Better?

“I’m a mutant! I’m a mutant!”

When I think of holistic medicine, skincare, or anything touted as “natural”, I can’t help but think back to “The Heart Attack” episode of the 90s sitcom, Seinfeld. Hypochondriac George, believing to have had a heart attack checks into the hospital only to find out he needs his tonsils removed. Unwilling to pay the high cost of surgery, Kramer offers another solution and the two friends, together with Jerry (who’s strictly there for the material), visit a holistic doctor. George drinks some concoction, turns purple, and is rushed to the hospital screaming, “I’m a mutant!”

Though comical, the episode brings to light many concerns we collectively seem to share about holistic or natural care. Is it regulated? Is it safe? Young Living Oils, the well-known essential oil company, has come under heat for claiming their natural products to be “therapeutic grade”3 though they lack the scientific backing to prove it, and have suffered many complaints about the purity and usability of their products without any regulation1. Just because a product is “natural” doesn’t mean it will be safe; it might even be harmful to you, specifically, causing allergic reactions or discomfort.

No one can quite agree on what “natural” actually entails. Because of this, companies get away with slapping on a label and appealing to an uneducated population. But skin care products with “natural” ingredients should be made to endure the FDA’s scrutiny to ensure quality and purity, and, at the least, include disclaimers. And thankfully, some are, following the due process and gaining consumer confidence.

If we’re choosing to include natural products into our skincare regimen, aside from the pantry staples like coconut and olive oil, we need products that are backed by medical professionals and have undergone a series of checks and balances to ensure quality and usability. With many of their products FDA approved2 others FDA compliant, and their open-door policy with consumers on business practices and ingredients used, Eminence Skin Care is one of the best organic skincare care lines backed by dermatologists. All of their products are free from parabens, phthalates, sodium laurel sulfate, mineral oils, petroleum, propylene glycol, harmful colorants, and any other harsh chemicals. Instead, the decades-old Hungarian company uses ingredients found in common foods we eat, naturally produced oils and extracts, and more.

Ingredients We Can Pronounce, Mostly

Eminence Rosehip Triple C + E Firming Oil

Rosehip Oil: Rich in Vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, and essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids improve skin’s moisture, tone, and texture as well as the look of pigmentation

Jojoba Oil: Helps in issues with sebum and soothes dry skin

Seabuckthorn Oil: A superfruit packed full of powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids promote skin hydration and elasticity and also help problem skin

Rosemary Leaf Extract: Conditions and smooths the skin

Milk Thistle: Contains silymarin, a polyphenol. Milk thistle helps maintain hydration in skin and prevents the signs of aging

Calm Skin Chamomile Cleanser (1 fl. oz.)

Chamomile: Revitalizes, calms and balances the appearance of skin

Calendula Oil: Antioxidant, essential oil

Sunflower Oil: Protective; rich in vitamins A, D and E

Arnica Extract: Cleanser

Grape Leaf Extract: Antioxidant; rich in polyphenols

Rosemary: Antioxidant, rejuvenating and soothing

Biocomplex2™: A booster of antioxidants that restores the look of radiance, vitality and strength; a targeted blend of nutrients ensuring visible, long-lasting results

We also recommend the Eminence Calm Skin Starter Set. Each product comes in a handy size perfect for use during travel or for first-time users.

Remember, It’s Not “Duty” Free

“It’s natural!” So is opium. And whiskey. And cane sugar. And tobacco. Shall I go on? So it’s labeled “organic” or “natural”; this should not excuse us to shirk and avoid our due diligence, right and duty as consumers to exercise caution. Something about the organic or natural label makes us think we can kick up our feet and be careless. Nope! Even with natural ingredients, follow the recommendation of patch testing on one small area like your wrist before slathering your face. Everybody is different and certain ingredients might react differently on your skin than mine.

Citations:

Andrews, N. (2014, October 3). FDA cracks down on sellers touting ebola treatments. The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/fda-cracks-down-on-sellers-touting-ebola-treatments-1412304777
Eminence Organic Skin Care. Eminence Organic Skin Care FDA Filings. (n.d.). https://fda.report/Company/Eminence-Organic-Skin-Care
NAD recommends that young living essential oils discontinue claims. BBBPrograms. (2022, July 22). https://bbbprograms.org/media-center/dd/nad-young-living-essential-oils-claims

The Best Topical Antioxidants

By Skinmedix on March 15, 2013 in anti-aging, best & worst

The Best Topical Antioxidants

With hundreds of different antioxidant products out there, finding one that works with your skin and targets your concerns can be a challenge. These antioxidants have a proven track record and come recommended by skin health and beauty experts everywhere. Continue Reading →

FEATURE FRIDAY: Neocutis Lumière Bio-Restorative Eye Cream

By Skinmedix on September 21, 2012 in beauty, Beauty News, best & worst, Uncategorized

NEOCUTIS - InStyleBeauty Award Winner!

Neocutis Lumière Bio-Restorative Eye Cream is the closest you can get to auto-fixing puffiness and dark circles. (Few formulas target both so effectively.) Dermatologic surgeon Mitchel Goldman in San Diego says then fragrance-free cream is a triple threat—hyaluronic acid plumps skin, protein growth factors promote new collagen, and caffeine tightens and restricts blood vessels. —InStyle Magazine

This Award winning, intensive line smoothing eye cream with PSP® helps improve signs of skin in the delicate eye area.

Formulated with 30% more PSP®, a complete protein blend of Human Growth Factors, Cytokines and Interleukins available to smooth and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

PSP® and hyaluronic acid help firm and hydrate the delicate skin under and around the eyes.
Helps reduce the appearance of under eye darkness.
Smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Caffeine helps alleviate signs of skin puffiness.
Soothes and refreshes the delicate eye area to help minimize signs of fatigue.

Apply AM/PM or as directed by physician for visibly younger looking eyes!

CLINICALLY PROVEN RESULTS
Neocutis Lumiere Eye Cream available at SkinMedix.com

Recently, a large clinical study with LUMIÈRE Bio-restorative Eye Cream was completed. The study demonstrated that LUMIÈRE helps to significantly reduce the signs of aged and stressed skin around the eye after six weeks of twice daily use. The results of this study were published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, July 2007, Volume 6, Issue 7, Pages 725-729.

See detailed study results by clicking on link below!

Neocutis LUMIÈRE Study

Looking to target the most stubborn signs of skin aging on more than just your eyes? All Neocutis products are formulated with a blend of science and Swiss technology to enhance skin’s natural beauty. Click here to discover the entire Neocutis line at SkinMedix.com!

Neocutis Lumiere Eye Cream
skinmedix.com

Foods for Healthy Skin

By Skinmedix on August 31, 2012 in beauty, best & worst, Tips

Food. It’s the giver of life, the bread to your literal butter. You need it. But just in the same way that certain foods can ruin your figure, some foods will ruin your skin.

Your skin is functioning exactly the way it should according to the way you eat. If you eat a diet of un-healthy processed foods, then your skin will function in an un-healthy manner. If you eat a healthy diet of natural,un-processed foods, and full of fruits and veggies, then your skin will function accordingly…period. In this case, you really are what you eat and it shows up on your skin. Your skin can be tall tale sign of how healthy you really are.

So, what foods are the best for healthy skin? To answer our question, we look to MayoClinic dermatologist, Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.. He explains that even though research on the best foods for healthy skin is limited, “antioxidant-rich foods still seem to have a protective effect for the skin”.

Consider these skin-friendly foods:

Carrots, apricots, and other yellow and orange fruits and vegetables
Spinach and other green leafy vegetables
Tomatoes
Blueberries
Beans, peas and lentils
Salmon, mackerel and other fatty fish
Nuts

“On the flip side, some foods seem to be associated with skin damage,” adds Dr. Gibson. “For example, some research suggests that a diet high in processed or refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats promotes skin aging.”

Remember, many of the best foods for healthy skin also promote good health overall. Rather than focusing on specific foods for healthy skin, concentrate on a healthy diet in general. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Include nuts, seeds and beans in your favorite meals. Opt for whole-grain breads and pasta. Limit sweets. Strive for variety as you’re making healthy choices. Apply these tips in conjunction with your favorite SkinMedix products, and your skin will be the envy of all the town! 😉

What foods have you found affect your skin for better/worse?

Talk soon! XO

Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin

By Skinmedix on August 3, 2012 in beauty, best & worst

Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin

What are the best moisturizers for oily, acne prone and combination skin? Here are some of my faves!

1. Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion – A hydrating, oil-free featherlight lotion containing oil-absorbers to help skin maintain an all-day matte finish. Active sebum regulating complex helps control oil production while Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract helps reduce oily shine.

2. Skin Medica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer – This light, oil-free formula effectively hydrates skin while antioxidant vitamins C and E protect against free radical damage.

3. Cellex-C Silk Oil Free Moisturizer – s a soft sea-foam colored moisturizer containing a rich medley of sea botanical extracts—Omega plankton, marine algae, aquatic vegetable protein, DMAE complex, watercress extract and seaweed biopeptides—designed to achieve the ultimate, light-weight, oil-free moisturizer.

4. Murad Correcting Moisturizer SPF 15 – This soothing moisturizer provides all-day hydration and UVA/UVB protection for easily irritated skin. Goji berry and licorice extracts neutralize irritants and provide anti-inflammatory benefits to ease flushing while the color-correcting tint further minimizes redness.

5. Skinceuticals Daily Moisturizer– SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture is a lightweight pore-minimizing moisturizer for normal or oily skin. Daily Moisture hydrates, nourishes, and helps reduce the appearance of pore size with an exclusive combination of natural extracts. High levels of pure vitamin E heal and protect while Brazilian sea algae deliver proteins, amino acids, and essential minerals to the skin. Helps reduce pore size without leaving the skin feeling greasy.

What are your favorite moisturizers for oily and combo skin?

Talk soon! XO