Tag: primp tip

Pros Agree That Jade Roller Benefits Go Far Beyond De-Puffing Your Face

Published on by Lee2 Comments

These days, it’s near impossible to scroll through your social media feed without coming across a beautifully-styled photo of a jade roller. But according to skin-care pros, jade roller benefits extend far beyond solely making for a pretty picture.

Jade face rollers for beauty facial massage therapy. Flat lay on marble background

Jade rolling has long been a practice in traditional Chinese medicine. The stone is believed to have healing properties and be a sign of power and immortality. Over the last few years, the tool has made its way into beauty stores (and onto Instagram feeds) in the Western world, thanks in large part to its de-puffing abilities. ” In the simplest terms, a jade roller is a facial massage tool,” says Jessica Briggs, the VP of marketing for Ecotools. “What makes it special is that it’s made from natural jade stone which has both spiritual and physical benefits, and is known for its purifying and detoxifying qualities.” And pros say that jade roller benefits include things like lymphatic drainage and improved circulation. Here’s what you need to know.

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Jade roller benefits

1. Detoxifies and reduces puffiness

“Lymphatic drainage” is one of the buzziest wellness terms of 2020 (we called it in our Trends!), and jade rolling is one of the easiest ways to do it at home. Using the tool to massage your face can help reduce some of the fluid buildup, doing away with puffiness. Roll the massager toward your lymph nodes—which are located in your neck, slightly behind your ears—to help stimulate lymph movement.

2. Brightens and firms skin

Jade rollers massage the superficial layer of the skin, and if you pop them in the freezer to cool them down they can “calm irritation, tighten pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Miami-based board-certified dermatologist Stacy Chimento, MD. There are some claims that jade rollers can help your skin absorb topical ingredients more effectively, but there isn’t enough research to fully support this theory.

3. Relaxes facial tension

If you’re a big-time jaw clencher, treating yourself to a DIY jade roller massage can help do away with some of the tension the habit leaves behind. “By putting gentle pressure on your face and neck it helps reduce tension,” says Briggs. Use the smaller end of the roller to gently massage along your jaw line, and you’ll feel an immediate release of whatever stress you’re holding in the area.

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4. De-puffs your under eyes

After a long night of crying, drinking, or eating salt, if you ever wind up with your eyes puffy, a simple jade-rolling routine can help. Massaging the area with the smaller end of the tool can help even out some of the fluid, and it will work double-duty if it’s fresh out of the freezer, since cold temperatures help to constrict blood vessels, which helps to prevent the flow of fluid into the tissues.

How to use a jade roller

In order to reap the most of your jade roller benefits, you’ll want to be sure you’re using it the right way. “In terms of technique, make sure you aren’t applying undue pressure and pulling the skin, this goes double for downward strokes,” says Dr. Chimento. “You can start with the nose and eyes and gently and thoroughly cover the face with the massage tool emphasizing the forehead and cheekbones.” Briggs adds that you can use the tool with or without skin care, focusing on an outward, rolling motion on your face and neck, which helps push tension and swelling away from the center of your face and encourage circulation.

Most jade rollers come with a larger end and a smaller one, each of which serve different purposes. The larger one is great for use on your cheeks, forehead, and jawline, and the smaller one can be used under your eyes and around your nose. Some also have a textured side as well as a smooth side, which Dr. Chimento is a fan of using for light physical exfoliation (just be sure to limit yourself to a few times a week with it so you don’t over exfoliate).

A few other pro tips, depending on what you’re looking for? “If you want to really gain the maximum benefit out of the jade roller, I suggest placing your tool in the freezer or fridge overnight and massaging your face in the morning,” says Dr. Chimento. “The combination of massage and cool application will help not only break up fluids from overnight, but also tighten your pores, and calm the skin from minor irritations or puffiness.” Briggs also suggests warming the tool with water, which will help open your pores for improved skin-care absorption.

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And one more thing? “Always make sure to clean your tools before the next use,” says Briggs. The best way to do it is by washing with a gentle soap and patting dry.

Our favorite jade rollers

1. Herbivore Jade De-Puffing Facial Roller, $30

Photo: Herbivore

2. EcoTools Jade Roller Duo, $19

Photo: EcoTools

3. Bullex 100% Natural Jade Face Roller, $7

Photo: Amazon

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Do You Pick Your Skin? Here’s Why And When To Stop

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Whether it’s an old scab on our shin, that bit of dandruff on our scalp, or popping a zit that popped, it’s safe to say that we all – to some degree – pick at our skin. The question is why? What is it about the whole thing that satisfies us, and why is it that sometimes a seemingly harmless habit can go sideways? Curious for the answer, we hit up a psychodermatologist and dermatologist.

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Why We Pick, Pop, and Scratch

The reason why we pick isn’t exactly straightforward, but we can try to simplify. Dr. Stacy Chimento, a board-certified dermatologist for Riverchase Dermatology in Miami, Fla., breaks down skin-picking into three categories:

Mild / Minor Picking Habits: “This category refers to people who pick at their skin when they see that there is a stubborn blemish that they are not used to on their face. Usually, people that fall into this category don’t fixate on picking at their skin,” she says. Think: a few minutes to address the issue, then moving on.

Intermediate Picking Habits: “This level of picking refers to those who pick at their skin if they see anything abnormal, from a change of texture, dry patch, or raised bump on the skin’s surface. These patients tend to also pick at their scalp if they notice any flakes or rough textures,” says Dr. Chimento. Think: turning skin-picking into a pastime.

Severe Picking Habits: “At this point, patients are picking at their skin incessantly even when nothing unusual is present. Patients who develop severe picking habits can often find themselves probing their skin in search of anything to pick, whether that be a scratch, a blackhead, or a scab,” she says. People in this category pick so much it can cause damage or impact their day-to-day life.

Mild skin-picking is understandable and normal; we want to look and feel our best and eliminate anything “weird” or “different” from our bodies. For some, however, picking becomes a slippery slope.

“[Severe] skin picking is often used to help regulate emotions; it can be a coping mechanism to relieve emotional discomfort, physical discomfort, or a blend of the two. If [a severe skin picker] is stressed or anxious, skin picking allows temporary relief,” explains Matthew Traube, a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in the field of psychodermatology.

This behavior actually has a name – “Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior” (BFRB). It is defined as repetitive self-grooming behavior, including skin picking or even pulling hair from your body. In addition to soothing during times of stress or discomfort, Dr. Chimento says that skin picking can also provide a sense of “control” or can even be done out of sheer boredom.

“Picking can occur both consciously or unconsciously,” adds Traube. “Ultimately, the underlying issues do not get addressed and generally people feel awful about it afterward.”

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The Dangers of Skin Picking

Carefully addressing a singular zit (or two), futzing with a scab, examining a new bump or patch, or occasionally scratching at dandruff are all within the realm of normal picking. It’s okay and healthy to pay attention to our bodies and groom ourselves.

The line is drawn when skin picking becomes compulsory and/or excessive – to the point you’re inflicting real damage or pain versus trying to quickly address a skin issue. This damage can range from mild to extreme. Dr. Chimento says that bleeding, bruising, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), secondary infections, and permanent scarring are not uncommon.

In addition to physical damage, severe picking can also impact your life and wellbeing. Compulsory skin pickers can spend hours obsessing in front of a mirror and still feel like they must keep going. Like other addictions, it can distract them from important things in life, such as work, relationships, exercise, and social engagement.

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How to Curb a Picking Habit That’s Gone Too Far

To cease the picking, it’s important to take thoughtful action in order to set yourself up for success.

“In the early stages of trying to ‘quit’, try wearing gloves when your hands are not occupied. If you are at work, keep a squeezable ball on your desk. Each time you experience urges to pick, will yourself to resist for longer durations,” suggests Dr. Chimento. “Sometimes the urge to pick is manifested by skin conditions such as dry, cracked skin, or oily skin that produces acne. Instead of picking at it, treat the problem instead.”

If you’re working through a skin-picking addition and experience breakouts, it’s also better to visit your dermatologist for a facial or cleanup to prevent you from slipping down that slope. Another way to help is to keep your nails trimmed, which makes it harder to pick. And while you’re at it, toss those tempting instruments, such as tweezers, small manicure scissors, and anything else you use to pick your skin.

Traube adds, “It’s common for people to pick more when they’re alone, so I might suggest creating a weekly social schedule to assure that you are more often engaged with others. Social support can make a significant impact on skin picking.”

If small steps fail, even when aware of the issue and attempting to address it, consult a licensed therapist. A therapist can talk you through the process and help you understand the root of what is causing and magnifying the disorder.

“Professional help usually involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, habit reversal training, mindfulness, and psychodynamic therapy,” says Traube, “We want to address both the act of skin picking and the deeper emotional issues that can provoke it.”

Bottom Line: To a degree, we all pick at our skin, and in the mildest cases, it’s perfectly normal. If you sense yourself slipping or feel like you’re losing control of the situation, tackle the underlying issue and set yourself up for success by following the above advice. If you do find yourself picking to an extreme degree and are struggling to gain control, you’re not alone. A professional can help guide you to the other end.

BEAUTYLEEBAR does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

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SPF APPLICATION: You’ve Probably Been Doing It Wrong

Published on by Lee1 Comment

To give us all some credit, we’re sure a lot of us SPF enthusiasts are doing it correctly. Maybe even overdoing it. Which to us, is correct. One can never have too much sun protection! But there are many of us out there haphazardly slapping on the SPF sparingly, here and there, just to say we did it. Most often, that’s like not doing it at all.

Here are few expert opinions on how we should be applying sunscreen, day in and day out.

Reapply

People really need to understand the importance of re-application of your sunscreen, every day. Because that’s not just a thing our moms like to say to annoy us. SPF is only protectively active for so long, so if we never reapply, it’s literally not working hours later—we might as well have none on. FDA recommends that you reapply every two to three hours, and more often if you plan on engaging in high-intensity activities.

Make sure lips and eyes are covered

Lately, us beauties have been using an SPF mist as our go-to for full face, neck, and chest sunscreen every day because it’s great over makeup. It’s a personal preference whether or not one needs a different sunscreen for lips and eyes, but it’s super important if your eye area is extra sensitive, and many people’s are. What is crucial is that you stay covered, so if you’re avoiding sunscreen on your lips or eyes due to sensitivities, certainly get products just for that area.

Don’t forget the décolletage

You definitely want to remember sunscreen on the décolletage as well to avoid wrinkles and dark spots over time. I use it anywhere and everywhere my skin is constantly exposed—so that absolutely includes this gorgeous area of the body. The skin here is not as delicate as the face, but definitely more delicate and wrinkle-prone than other areas of the body, so don’t skimp on the neck and chest.

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The tops of your hands, too

Especially while you’re driving, your hands are always exposed to the sun, which can often lead to skin damage. Some say our hands are the first to tell our true age, and that’s because they are so prone to wrinkling and sunspots. It’s easy to forget the hands, which arguably take the most beating over any other part of the body, and they are almost never unexposed.

If you sit in traffic often …

And if you live in Miami, you just might. When you’re driving, your entire upper body is exposed to the sun, and UV rays can definitely penetrate through the windows onto the skin. I highly recommend applying and reapplying sunscreen on your face, neck, chest, and arms even if you’re sitting in the car all day.

When things get wet

Swimming, versus just sweating? Not every day is going to be a wet and wild pool or beach day, but hot summer days have an effect on your level of protection as well. According to the FDA, there’s no such thing as waterproof sunscreen. So yes, sweating can lift your sun protection up from the skin through your pores, and any material that wipes or wicks sweeps it away along with the sweat. When I know I’m going to sweat a lot or plan on swimming, I make sure to reapply my sunscreen more often.

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6 Cream Makeup Products for Luminous Skin

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I very recently discovered the beauty of cream makeup products, and now that I have, I’m completely obsessed. I find that cream formulas are way more forgiving in application. Whether I’m using a brush, a beauty sponge or my fingers, the creamy texture offers a subtle, luminous sheen that I live for, and it’s way more hydrating than powder. Due to my newfound unconditional love for cream formulas, I made a list of some of my favorite products that I know you’ll want to wear today, tomorrow and every day after once you try them. From foundation to eyeshadow, keep reading for six cream makeup products that will make you a cream convert and give you beautiful-looking skin.

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Maybelline New York Cheek Heat

For cheeks that are perfectly flushed and have a lovely glowing sheen to them, try the Maybelline New York Cheek Heat. This gel-to-cream formula is super lightweight and blendable, so whether you’re someone who loves a good blush moment or a person who prefers a softer flush, you can customize the finish to your liking.

Uoma Beauty Double Take Contour Stick

best-cream-makeup

This dual-ended stick makes contouring and highlighting a breeze. The contouring side creates a smooth definition with a soft matte finish that doesn’t budge, while the highlighting end offers a luminous, lit-from-within glow. Not to mention, the creamy formula melts onto your skin and hydrates your complexion, thanks to the formula infused with lychee fruit extract. 

Maybelline New York Color Strike Cream-to-Powder Eyeshadow Makeup Pen

When it comes to cream eyeshadow, it’s important to find a formula that doesn’t crease. Luckily, this cream-to-powder eyeshadow pen is crease-resistant, fade-resistant and smudge-resistant. Available in six matte and four metallic shades, the cushion tip glides across the lid for precise application and deposits a rich, pigmented layer of color that last for up to 12 hours. 

IMAN Cosmetics Luxury Highlighter 

Whether you want to shine bright like a diamond or are looking for that I’m-not-wearing-any-makeup-I’m-just-naturally-radiant glow, this luxury highlighter is perfect for you. Available in three shades to suit women of all skin tones, this multi-use highlighting stick illuminates the skin and can be used on the face, eyes and lips.

Juvia’s Place Shade Sticks

Cream foundation is great if you’re someone who loves fuller coverage. We like this one from Juvia’s Place because it’s formulated to feel like skin for a more comfortable wear. The formula is also infused with shea butter to offer a radiant finish and oil-controlling ingredients to help reduce unwanted shine.

NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream

This cult-favorite lippie should be a staple in every makeup kit due to its affordable price and velvety smooth formula that dries matte and lasts all day. Available in 22 shades, you’ll want to buy one for every occasion.

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