Tag: Skincare Concern

If You Have Black or Brown Skin, Estheticians Say Your Moisturizer Needs *This*

Published on by Lee2 Comments

I’ve struggled with dark spots for as long as I can remember. If you’re Black or Brown and acne-prone, you probably feel my pain. It wasn’t until I started adding the right ingredients to my skincare routine that I started to notice a significant and lasting improvement. I learned that there’s one key product that can make or break your routine—your moisturizer. If it doesn’t have the right ingredients for melanated skin—well, let’s just say you could be hurting rather than helping your skin goals. Luckily though, I have estheticians on speed dial who are willing to give some sound advice on the matter. Below, I’m breaking down what to look for in a moisturizer if you have Black or Brown skin and the best ones to buy. Keep on scrolling.

Advertisements

“Black and Brown skin can be more prone to certain skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone,” says esthetician and Klur founder Lesley Thornton. “Look for ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, or licorice extract, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and non-aggressive acids that can exfoliate the skin without stripping or irritating.”

“Moisturizers should contain ingredients that provide and retain hydration in the skin with emollients and occlusives to help create a barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing moisture loss. Look for non-comedogenic formulas to avoid clogged pores and breakouts—these formulations are less likely to cause acne or worsen existing skin issues. Sun protection against harmful UV rays is also crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Look for moisturizers that contain broad-spectrum SPF to shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Aim for SPF 30 or higher.”

Thornton’s top moisturizer pick for Black and Brown skin is below, along with a few of our favorites.

Advertisements

Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer SPF 30

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer SPF 30

$22

Pros: Relatively inexpensive, contains skin barrier-supporting ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, suitable for sensitive skin.

Cons: Contains silicones.

“This moisturizer contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid which help to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. It is suitable for sensitive skin, very affordable and it has multiple formulations, a day version with SPF and a standard without SPF is often recommended by skin health professionals.” —Thornton

Customer Review: “This is my favorite moisturizer with SPF. I discovered this brand in a pharmacy store in Paris a few years ago and use their other products too. Hope to get to their spa one day!”

Sculpture + A Overnight Enrichment Cream

Klur Sculpture + A Overnight Enrichment Cream

$150

Pros: Contains retinol to help speed up skin cell turnover, has 19 anti-inflammatory plant ingredients, firming peptides tighten aging skin.

Cons: Expensive.

This moisturizer from Thornton’s skincare brand Klur is great for those who may struggle with acne and dark spots. It’s an overnight retinol cream that’s gentle (yet powerful) while lifting pigment and speeding up skin cell turnover. In addition to retinol, it also contains 19 anti-inflammatory plant ingredients along with peptides to firm the skin and calm redness.

Customer Review: “OBSESSED with Klur’s Sculpture + A… I use this a few nights a week, and it is truly magic in a jar. I have two young toddlers that exhaust me 24/7 and have added at least 10 years to my face in the last year. Whenever I use this product, I wake up the next morning looking a little more youthful around the eyes, and my skin looks healthier with a nice subtle glow. Grateful this product exists as it has become a new staple in my routine!”

Hydra Vizor Invisible Face Moisturizer

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Face Moisturizer

$39

Pros: Contains SPF 30, niacinamide in the formula helps fade dark spots and provides excess oil control, hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates the skin.

Cons: Contains chemical sunscreen filters.

Fenty’s invisible SPF 30 moisturizer locks in hydration, helps fade dark spots, and smooths out enlarged pores with ingredients like niacinamide, Kalahari melon, hyaluronic acid, and aloe.

Omega Water Cream Moisturizer

The Inkey List Omega Water Cream Moisturizer

$11

Pros: Budget-friendly, contains 5% niacinamide to provide oil control and fade dark spots, ceramosides and a betaine complex reduce moisture loss and hydrate the skin.

Cons: May not be hydrating enough for extra dry skin.

This lightweight water-based gel moisturizer from the Inkey List stops moisture loss in the skin with ceramosides and a betaine complex while simultaneously reducing excess oil production and fading dark spots with 5% niacinamide.

Customer Review: “This is very light and watery, a gel-like texture that feels cool and comfortable. Great for quick and simple moisturizing, but even better if you like to layer heavier creams on top of lightweight moisturizers!”

Advertisements

Cloud Dew Gel Cream Moisturizer

Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel Cream Moisturizer

$45

Pros: Hyaluronic acid complex in the formula hydrates the skin, pineapple enzymes smooth out skin texture and fade dark spots, amino acids provide antioxidant protection.

Cons: May not be suitable for hypersensitive or extra dry skin.

Featuring a hyaluronic acid complex, amino acids, and pineapple enzymes, this formula from Summer Fridays aims to provide antioxidant protection to skin, deeply hydrates, and gently smooths out skin texture and dark spots. 

Customer Review: “I was so excited to [try] this and it did not disappoint. It gives my skin such a glowy look. I have fairly sensitive skin and it worked great for me. A little goes a long way and there’s a good amount of product in the jar. Will definitely buy again.”

Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer

Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer

$42

Pros: Fragrance-free, balances oil production in the skin, provides long-lasting hydration with hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid, moringa and papaya help remove impurities from the skin.

Cons: May not be hydrating enough for extra dry skin.

If you’re acne-prone this moisturizer is an absolute lifesaver. It provides just the right amount of hydration your skin needs with hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid while moringa and papaya help remove impurities from the skin and calm redness.

Customer Review: “I stumbled upon it on accident and have been so surprised by how much my skin enjoys it. My skin has been chronically dry and sensitive, and I’m amazed this doesn’t break me out. It feels greasy going on but in a light refreshing way. It is so moisturizing. New staple!”

Advertisements

Hydration Peptide Cream

Shani Darden Skin Care Hydration Peptide Cream

$58

Pros: Peptides firm skin and support healthy collagen production, squalane repairs the moisture barrier, hydrosella provides up to 72 hours of hydration.

Cons: Expensive.

Dry skin will greatly benefit from this moisture-rich cream from Shani Darden. It’s also great if you use any brightening acids in your skincare routine to lighten dark spots or even out your skin tone. Peptides support healthy collagen production in the skin while hydrosella provides up to 72 hours of hydration and squalane replenishes the skin’s moisture barrier. 

Customer Review: “Very hydrating and soothing to my skin. Rich enough but not greasy. I noticed a difference even after the second day. I have sensitive normal to dry skin, 58 years old, and I’m not expecting a miracle out of any product. Although this peptide cream made a difference. My skin looks more glowing and rejuvenated.”

Vitamin C Radiance Moisturizer

OAM by Ciara Vitamin C Radiance Moisturizer

$43

Pros: Rich in vitamin C and niacinamide, adds radiance and hydration to the skin with squalane, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.

Cons: Large amount of vitamin C may not be suitable for extra sensitive skin.

OAM’s vitamin C-rich moisturizer adds so much radiance to the skin. It can also help even out your skin tone and fade dark spots in record time with niacinamide. Additional moisture also comes from peptides, squalane, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. 

Customer Review: “This moisturizer is so velvety and smooth on my skin. I love the ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, resveratrol, it keeps my skin bright and hydrated. My skin feels so soft and glowy after applying the moisturizer. Gifted by OAM Skin.”

Advertisements

10 + 10 Moisturizer

Innbeauty Project 10 + 10 Moisturizer

$35

Pros: Contains 10% vitamin C and a 10% peptide complex, ceramides and squalane support hydration levels and reinforce the skin barrier.

Cons: Pills slightly under makeup.

With a 10% vitamin C complex and 10% peptide complex, this moisturizer is a master skin-firmer and brightens like no other. Ceramides and squalane also support hydration levels and reinforce the skin barrier.

Customer Review: “Really impressed! Super hydrating, I wake up with soft skin, and it’s a very light consistency, which I love. My face is noticeably more hydrated. Great $$ too.”

Advertisements

Peptide + Ceramide Repairing Moisturizer

Dr. Zenovia Skincare Peptide + Ceramide Repairing Moisturizer

$79

Pros: Contains barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides and peptides, contains a complex to restore health to a hormonally imbalanced complexion, features bakuchiol, a retinol alternative.

Cons: Expensive.

This barrier-enhancing cream is great for dry or mature skin since it contains a peptide complex, vitamin E, grean tea, bakuchiol, and ceramides. Bakuchiol is a great retinol alternative and is a bit gentler on the skin so it’s also great for those who are sensitive and could use an extra dose of hydration.

Customer Review: “After using Dr. Zenovia Skincare Peptide and Ceramide repairing moisturizer over the past few weeks, I can say I have noticed a positive difference in the quality of my skin. My skin feels firmer and looks brighter. The aroma and the texture of the produce is light but very pleasant. I experienced no negatives from this product. As I’m approaching 30, I really appreciate products like this that help me keep my skin looking youthful.”

How To Make a Honey Face Mask + 4 Extra Recipes for Clear, Glowing Skin

Published on by Lee3 Comments

If there’s one natural ingredient to stock on your beauty shelf, it is honey. You can find the bee sap in anything from a hair mask, face wash, even an all-natural moisturizer—is there nothing the golden goop can’t do?

Consider honey the ultimate DIY superstar, one that you can add to virtually any treatment. But let’s start with the simplest out there: a single-ingredient honey face mask. Easy to make, and the benefits are just as sweet.

Advertisements

What is Honey?

Honey has centuries-long credibility as a respected ingredient beyond kitchen use. Chief among the benefits is the antimicrobial activity of many honey varieties—it kills bacteria living on the skin. This effect probably explains how honey came to be used traditionally as a wound-healing agent in many different cultures. The sweet substance is produced by plant matter, enzyme activity, and live bacteria. According to these research scientists Howe and Marisa Plescia, what honey contains will depend in large part on what plant source the bees who are making it are using.

Honey is what’s called a natural humectant (draws moisture into the skin). If your skin needs a hydrating boost, this is the perfect ingredient. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and acts as an anti-viral/anti-fungal.

Benefits of Honey for Skin

As Shamban describes, it is full of flavonoids, hydrogen peroxide, and phenolic acid dermal benefits. Raw, unpasteurized honey is one of Mother Nature’s power players you want to have on your A-team to get the job done when needed.

  • Cleanses pores: good news: Honey is naturally antibacterial, one of the reasons it makes for a great face wash. Remove dirt and debris with nothing more than a little raw honey—just add water.
  • Treat Acne: You can use honey as a cleanser to help prevent certain types of breakouts because of its anti-fungal properties. For a more potent effect, honey can be left on breakouts to help them heal faster.
  • Exfoliate Skin: Honey on its works better as a cleanser as opposed to an exfoliator because of its smooth consistency. You generally won’t find honey, even in its purest form, to be particularly granular.
  • Fade Scars: Honey contains trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide. This might give it mild lightning properties, which is particularly helpful when it comes to resolving pesky post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation.
  • Hydrates Skin: Honey draws moisture into the skin from the air. Applying honey on the face is a great way to keep your skin hydrated, glowing, fresh, and supple at all times.
  • Helps Skin Conditions: Howe shares, “One researcher has shown it to treat seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.” Raw honey can also soothe eczema.
Advertisements

How to make a honey face mask

A honey face mask is as simple as it sounds: Snag some raw/unfiltered honey from your favorite grocery store, and you’ve got yourself a spa-grade mask in a snap. Using honey by itself is an effective skin clearing, nourishing, and revitalizing treatment. That’s because honey, especially of the Manuka variety, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that calm the skin and keep breakouts at bay.

With all the benefits honey has to offer, no surprise you can invest in a jar of the straight-up goop and slather on. Here’s how to do it right: 

  1. Apply an even layer of raw/unfiltered or Manuka honey on damp skin after your face wash routine.
  2. Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse off with cold water. It rinses off much more easily than you might expect! It’s hardly sticky at all when you add water.
  3. After rinsing, apply warm water to face towel and gently dap the hot face towel on face for a minute. Then, follow with a cream or oil to seal in the moisture. 

Primp Tip: If you have a blemish you’d like to nix, try dabbing a little raw honey directly on as a spot treatment. “It can be particularly beneficial for acne or blemish-prone skin. There have been clinical studies proving positive results both in lessening size and duration of blemishes,” says Shamban.

Advertisements

In terms of how often you should mask, we recommend sticking to a couple of times per week. While it certainly won’t hurt to slather on every single day, it’s not necessary to reap all the benefits mentioned above. Just 20 minutes 2x a week is plenty: It will still provide all those skin-boosting benefits.

With that being said, it’s also not necessary to leave the treatment on overnight; while you certainly can if you feel so inclined, know that you’re not providing your skin with any extra benefits. Remember, honey is thick and has a sticky texture so that might be messy when you wake up unless you’re able to sleep on your back through the night.

4 honey face masks for clear, glowing skin

Sure, a honey face mask is a simple, one-ingredient mask, but that’s not to say you can’t include some add-ons if you’re feeling fancy. Here are four ways to upgrade your honey mask, for any skincare concern you’ve got:

  • Brightening turmeric, honey, and lemon mask 

Turmeric and lemon are amazing for skin-brightening: Turmeric (and its active ingredient, curcumin) has antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from free-radical damage, while lemon has a fair share of vitamin C—perfect for fading dark spots.

To make this mask, combine 1 tbsp. of raw or Manuka honey, 1 tsp. of ground turmeric, and ½ tsp. of lemon juice. Slather on and leave for 10 minutes or until the mask starts to harden, then wash off with warm water. 

  • Moisturizing honey and olive oil mask

This nourishing mask feels downright luxurious: Adding a natural oil to your honey mask can not only help with the stickiness and application of the honey, but natural oils are emollients that contain high levels of fatty acids, which moisturize and soothe the skin. The result? A lightweight mask chock-full of skin-healthy antioxidants. Feel free to choose any oil here (coconut, jojoba, argan—the list goes on.) We use olive oil because olive oil work wonders on dry skin and contains many antioxidants, such as vitamin E. Simply mix the two until combined, then leave on for 20 minutes. 

Advertisements
  • Exfoliating yogurt and honey mask

Yogurt is jam-packed with lactic acid—a sensitive-skin-approved chemical exfoliator—which gently sloughs dead skin cells with ease. When you add honey to the mix, it becomes even more gentle and hydrating: Simply combine 1 tbsp. of finely ground oatmeal, 1 tsp. of raw or Manuka honey, and 1 tsp. of full-fat dairy or nondairy yogurt. Stir until it forms a paste, then slather on and leave for 15 minutes.

  • Skin-soothing mint, honey, and aloe mask 

If you’re looking for a fun, summery option reminiscent of a poolside cocktail, this refreshing mask is practically screaming your name. Both aloe and rosewater are great skin-soothing and -balancing ingredients, bound to tame any inflammation you’ve got (it feels especially lovely post-sun). Try this mixture during your next impromptu spa night: Mash 2 to 4 mint leaves, and mix with 2 parts honey, 2 parts aloe gel, and a few sprays of rosewater. Leave it on for up to 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. 

Advertisements

The takeaway. 

With all the skin-health benefits the goop has to offer, no surprise honey reigns supreme as a DIY-friendly ingredient. Of course, remember to do a patch test before applying honey to your face, especially if you’re new to DIY: Even if you consume honey all the time, your skin might have an unexpected reaction to it as a topical treatment. If you have any bee or pollen allergies, you may want to steer clear entirely, as raw honey might contain trace amounts of bee pollen or other tree pollens.

Other than that, feel free to slather on the star of DIY. A single jar of honey can have you glowing in no time.

BeautyLeeBar takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

This Mask Is Like a Virgin Mojito for Your Face

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Living in Florida feels like summer is here all year round especially when it is hot, humid, and cool like it has been lately. One of the best ways to enjoy summer, which is its own special season according to traditional Chinese medicine, is to embrace the mix of warm and cool weather that’s to come. If you find yourself wishing you were on vacation, use it as an excuse to give yourself an at-home spa day.

This mask was formulated for warmer days to bring a cool, calming energy to the skin. Use it on mild sunburns, as a weekly hydration treatment, and/or when it’s too damn hot to do anything else. Here is a simple beauty solution that can make your skin glow.

DIY Mint & Aloe Face Mask

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons raw local honey
  • 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
  • a spray or a few drops of a rosewater toner
  • organic fresh mint leaves (2 to 4 leaves is all you need)

Directions

  1. Bruise and mash up the mint with a mortar and pestle to release the essential oils.
  2. Stir everything together.
  3. Apply it all to your face.
  4. Leave the mask on for 10 to 20 minutes.

Disclaimer: This article is completely based on research, experiments and data available on the internet. However, it is always advised to consult a dermatologist before following any remedy or making changes in your regime.

How To Use Rose Water For Dry Skin

Published on by LeeLeave a comment

Come winter, and all those skin issues start peeping out again. Don’t you think your skin needs to be prepared for winter’s arrival? That is why you need to incorporate rose water for dry skin in your skincare regimen. Yes, to prepare your skin to face the harsh winter, you need to give it extra care and protection.

Your skin hydration plays a crucial role in achieving fresh and healthy skin. If you have dry skin, you need to be extra careful with the products you choose and how you care for your skin. A balanced skincare routine is all you need to be tension-free during the winter. Wondering how to use rose water for your dry skin? Well, we can help you. This article discusses the benefits of rose water and how you can use it. Keep reading.

Advertisements

Is Rose Water Good for Dry Skin?

Rosewater by itself is not going to do wonders for your skin, but in combination with other moisturizing ingredients, it helps keep your skin feeling hydrated for longer while also improving its texture. The reason this fragrant liquid suits dry skin is because of how efficiently it refines your pores without drying your skin out. Rosewater is usually used as an additive in skin care treatments. It can be used by itself as a toner or in combination with other moisturizing ingredients for dry skin. Here, I’ve put together 4 rose water treatments that are keeping my skin feeling great this winter.

Advertisements

1. Rose Water for Dry Skin

You Will Need

  • 1 tbsp pure rose water
  • Cotton pad
  • Towel
  • Facial cleanser
  • Moisturizer

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

5 minutes

Method

  1. Wash your face with a facial cleanser and pat dry.
  2. Saturate a cotton pad with the rose water and dab it onto your face.
  3. Let it dry.
  4. Once dry, moisturize your face.
Advertisements

How Often?

Twice a day.

Why This Works

Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing your face is an essential part of any skincare routine. This rose water toner, unlike most toners available on the market, is extremely gentle on your skin. It helps get rid of residual dirt and grime without drying out your skin. It leaves your skin feeling fresh and hydrated.

Advertisements

2. Glycerin, Lemon, And Rose Water for Dry Skin

You Will Need

  • 3 tbsp glycerin
  • 3 tbsp pure rose water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Clean bottle for storage
  • Facial cleanser
  • Towel

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

2 minutes

Method

  1. Combine the glycerin, rose water, and lemon juice and pour the mixture into a clean bottle so that it can be stored. (Store the mixture in your refrigerator.)
  2. Take a coin-sized amount of the mixture and apply this to your face and neck.
  3. Ensure that your hands are clean during application.
  4. Gently massage your skin in circular motions until the lotion is completely absorbed.
Advertisements

How Often?

Every night.

Why This Works

Glycerin helps hydrate your face and leaves your skin feeling extremely supple. The ingredient is easily absorbed and provides your skin with non-greasy, long-lasting hydration. Lemon, on the other hand, gives your skin a vitamin C boost and also helps fade any marks or scars with its bleaching properties.

Advertisements

3. Multani Mitti, Milk, And Rose Water for Dry Skin

You Will Need

  • 2 tbsp Multani mitti
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 1 tbsp pure rose water
  • Facial cleanser
  • Towel

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

20 minutes

Method

  1. Wash your face with a facial cleanser and pat dry.
  2. Combine the Multani mitti, milk, and rose water until you get a smooth paste.
  3. Apply this paste onto your face.
  4. Wait for 20 minutes and then proceed to wash the mixture off of your face with cool water.
Advertisements

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

Why This Works

While Multani mitti is generally used to treat oily skin, this face mask contains the goodness of milk and rose water to help treat dryness. Milk contains lactic acid, which helps soften your skin while fading blemishes. The mask helps exfoliate, nourish, and soften your skin.

Advertisements

4. Sandalwood and Rose Water for Dry Skin

You Will Need

  • 1 tbsp sandalwood powder
  • ½ tsp coconut oil
  • ½ tsp almond oil
  • 1 tsp pure rose water
  • Facial cleanser
  • Towel

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

20 minutes

Method

  1. Wash your face with a facial cleanser and pat dry.
  2. Combine the sandalwood powder, oils, and rose water until you get a smooth paste.
  3. Apply this mixture onto your face as you would a face pack.
  4. Leave it on for 20 minutes or until it is completely dry.
  5. Wash your face with cool water and pat dry.
Advertisements

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

Why This Works

Sandalwood helps mildly exfoliate your skin while nourishing it. When combined with the oils and rose water, it creates an excellent face pack for intense hydration. This face pack will help nourish your skin and get rid of dryness.

Rosewater is an amazing ingredient to incorporate into your skincare routine. With that said, I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a balanced skincare routine that varies according to skin type and changes according to the weather. Have you ever used rose water for your skin? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.

How To Add Rosewater into Your Skincare + The Benefits