Tag: Skincare Guides

The Very Best Body Oils That Will Leave Your Skin So Dang Glowy

Published on by Lee2 Comments

If you were to ask me a few years ago if I wanted any skincare oils in my beauty routine, I would say not. That’s because I automatically equated oils with a slimy, greasy, and uncomfortable mess. I didn’t want my skin to appear oily, thank you very much.

But I’ve come around to skincare oils in the past year after learning from experts that some of them don’t make your skin more oily. Certain ones can nourish, strengthen, and protect the skin, in addition to keeping it hydrated.

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For me, when I tried body and face oils for the first time, I was amazed at how quickly they absorbed into my skin, which meant that I felt the effects pretty quickly, too. My skin instantly felt softer, smoother, and it had a nice dewy, glow to it. What more can you ask for with results like that?

While I still turn to my moisturizers and lotions more, whenever I want to give my face and body a little more radiance, I use oil. This is especially true in the summer months with body oils, as I’m showing more skin and I want my skin to look good and glowy.

Take a look at some great body oil options below. And the bonus is that these are all lightweight, so it really will feel like you aren’t wearing any product.

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Nécessaire The Body Oil

Nécessaire The Body Oil ($35)

I’ve been reaching for this body oil a lot lately. It’s fast-absorbing and so lightweight. My skin always feels so smooth after I apply it. The formula contains omegas 6,7, and 9, plus vitamins C and E and minerals.

Neutrogena Body Oil

Neutrogena Body Oil ($15)

The main ingredient in this product is sesame oil, which moisturizes dry skin and goes on so smoothly.

Mutha Body Oil

Mutha Body Oil ($104)

The great thing about Mutha’s body oil is it has a 100% botanical formula. It contains rosehip oil to minimize the appearance of stretch marks; grape-seed oil to reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve elasticity; and apricot oil to make the skin increase suppleness.

SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Body Oil

SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Body Oil ($10)

Made with 100% virgin coconut oil, SheaMoisture’s body oil is fast-absorbing and gives the skin a natural glow. You can use it as a bath or shower oil, too.

Kayo Body Care Nourishing Body Oil

Kayo Body Care Nourishing Body Oil ($42)

Infused with cannabis seed oil, this product really targets inflammation while drawing in moisture. The formula also includes antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn oil to restore the skin’s moisture barrier.

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Versed Keep It Supple Moisturizing Body Oil

Versed Keep It Supple Moisturizing Body Oil ($15)

Versed’s body oil is non-sticky and non-greasy, so it really feels like second skin because it absorbs quickly. It’s a blend of coconut oil, sweet almond oil, ylang-ylang essential oil, calendula flower extract, and vitamin E.

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil ($26)

This might be the hardest working oil on the list. Not only does it lock in moisture, but it also improves the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone.

Avène Skin Care Oil

Avène Skin Care Oil ($26)

You can use this oil all over—from your hair to face to body. It’s a combination of hydrating thermal spring water and nourishing plant-based oils like shea, camelina, and safflower.

Tata Harper Revitalizing Anti-Aging Body Oil

Tata Harper Revitalizing Anti-Aging Body Oil ($120)

For an anti-aging treatment, take a look at this body oil. It’s enriched with antioxidants and vitamins to nourish and soften the skin so it’s absolutely glowing. Ingredients include evening primrose oil, camellia oil, and a complex of 11 vitamins, 18 nutrients, and six minerals.

Augustinus Bader The Body Oil

Augustinus Bader The Body Oil ($95)

Augustinus Bader’s body oil leaves the skin so glowy and supple, but it has added benefits, too. It also targets the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. The formula contains a complex of amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules, plus olive oil, argan oil, squalene, and vitamin E.

Osea Osea

Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil ($48)

The star ingredient in this oil is undaria algae, which is soaked in botanical oils for two months to distill the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. It’s blended with acai, babassu, and passion fruit oils. It will hydrate and firm the skin, while also reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

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Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Oil

Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Oil ($52)

For subtle shimmer, you’ll want to go with this pearlescent body oil. Stabilized vitamin C, vitamin E, magnolia bark extract, olive oil, and squalane, moisturizes and protects the skin as well. It comes in three different finishes rosé, champagne, and bronze.

L'Occitane Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Supple Skin Oil

L’Occitane Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Supple Skin Oil ($50)

With over 50% almond oil, this body product is rich in omega 6, which helps firm and moisturize the skin. It’s formulated to hydrate the skin for up to 48 hours, so it has staying power.

Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Ultra Hydration Body Oil

Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Ultra Hydration Body Oil ($36)

This coconut oil will transport you to a tropical vacation. Oh, and it will rid the skin of any dryness, too.

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil ($100)

This body oil has so much to offer—it’s smoothing, smells so good, and leaves a shimmery glow. The scent has warm and spicy notes of bergamot, cardmom, pistachio, ylang-ylang, and coco de mer accord.

Rahua Body Oil

Rahua Body Oil ($57)

Rahua’s body oil is a fine mist that’s enriched with guayusa to defend the skin; rahua to nurture and strengthen; and quinoa to promote healing and moisture retention.

RMS Beauty Beauty Body Oil

RMS Beauty Beauty Body Oil ($64)

This concentrated formula is a blend of jojoba, buriti, and organic coconut oils. It’s good for all skin types, including dry, mature, and sensitive skin.

Next: Shop the newest items from the BeautyLeeBar Shop here.

Healthy Skin: How To Treat Your Skin After Acne

Published on by Lee1 Comment

Acne can affect people of all ages at any point in their lives. Some adults need years to clear up acne completely. Unfortunately, getting rid of painful pimples and blackheads isn’t the end of the battle.

Many people have to deal with acne scars and marks. As you can understand, they don’t go away so easily when untreated.

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There is some good news, though! First of all, it’s never too late to start taking care of your skin and get rid of dark spots and acne scars. Secondly, the whole process shouldn’t take longer than three months if you do everything right.

If you are ready to start, here is what you need to know about treating your skin after acne:

Home Remedies for Acne Scars

If you only have minor acne scars and dark spots, you should try some home remedies. It goes without saying that before you start any treatment, you need to consult a dermatologist. Some remedies listed below might not be suitable for your skin type.

LEMON JUICE

Lemon juice can help you solve the problem of dark spots, but only if you use it once in a while. Regular usage of lemon juice might lead to a painful chemical burn. Also, there is no research that proves that lemon juice can help get rid of old scars.

If you want to try it out, follow safety guidelines. First of all, mix lemon juice with another ingredient such as yogurt, honey, or oatmeal. Secondly, don’t keep it on your face for too long; five minutes would be enough. It’s important to stay out of the sun the day you apply the mixture.

ALOE VERA

Some studies have shown that aloesin (a compound in aloe vera) can help lighten pigmentation. Aloe vera is safe and effective when used at home. According to PrimalHarvest.com, it can reduce inflammation, increase collagen production, and boost immune response.

Usually, people apply pure aloe vera directly onto the skin. But, you can mix it with honey and lemon juice, or buy a beauty product that contains aloesin.

If you want to incorporate pure aloe vera into your beauty routine, there is nothing to be afraid of since this natural component doesn’t cause side effects.

Using aloe vera won’t help you get rid of acne scars completely, but it will hydrate your skin and fade dark spots.

BLACK SEED OIL

Black seed oil, also known as Nigella sativa, has antiviral and antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation as well as make your scars less visible.

Moreover, this natural component can nourish your skin and slow the signs of aging thanks to Vitamin A and amino acids. It’s also worth mentioning that black seed oil can also be beneficial for patients with eczema and psoriasis.

Feel free to apply it on your skin. Test this natural ingredient on a small area of your skin to make sure it doesn’t cause irritation or experience any allergic reactions.

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In-Office Treatment for Acne Scars

If you want to see results faster, consider in-office treatments for acne scars. Before you choose any of these treatments, make sure you don’t have any active acne. It’s important to find a reliable provider who will also give recommendations on how to treat your skin after the procedure.

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LASER TREATMENT

Laser treatment is one of the easiest ways to reduce the appearance of acne scars on your face, back, neck, upper torso, and arms.

Only your dermatologist can decide whether you are ready for this procedure.

If you are the right candidate for laser treatment, plan for unexpected finances. A single procedure of laser skin resurfacing can cost about $500 per session. You should also take into account the number of procedures you will need as it’s impossible to treat all scars in one sitting.

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During the procedure, a doctor will remove the top layer of your skin with a laser. It might sound a bit scary, but there is nothing to worry about. You will not feel any pain after two hours. The only side effect is redness; it can take up to two weeks for it to subside.

Your provider will give you instructions on how to prepare for laser treatment. Two weeks prior to the procedure, you will have to quit smoking and stop using skincare products that contain retinol.

After the procedure, your scars will be less visible, and your skin will become smoother. It’s important to mention that this procedure will not help you get soft baby skin right away, and it will take time for your acne scars to disappear completely with proper care.

MICRONEEDLING

Skin needling can help you get rid of acne scars and the first signs of aging. The science behind the procedure is simple — skin produces more collagen during the skin pricking process. Extra collagen helps increase blood flow, improve skin elasticity and texture. Micro-needling is recommended for patients with depressed acne scars.

After the procedure, you might notice some side effects such as inflammation, redness, and bruising. If you drink a lot of water, protect your skin from the sun, and follow your doctor’s recommendations, side effects will go away within a few days.

Micro-needling could also be used for sun damage, hair loss, surgical scars, and stretch marks.

One session costs around $600. Keep in mind that you might need more than one session in order to see the first results. Choose your provider carefully — only professional dermatologists can perform this procedure.

CHEMICAL PEEL

If you want to see the results faster, consider trying chemical peels. You can rejuvenate your skin by removing the top layer of your skin with this procedure. A chemical peel is also recommended in case of active acne and clogged pores.

The only challenge is to find the right type of chemical peel.

At-home chemical peels can help you get rid of fading dark spots. If you have pitted acne scars, it’s better to consult a dermatologist before you try anything on your own.

Use glycolic, lactic, salicylic, phytic, mandelic acids for at-home chemical peels. These acids are good for all skin types. Stay away from peels that contain TCA (trichloroacetic acid) since it can damage your skin if used incorrectly. Before and after the procedure, you should avoid using acne-clearing products and Retin-A.

If you do a peel without expert supervision, the results might not meet your expectations. Also, at-home peels are weaker than the ones used at the doctor’s office. An effective deep peel will require throughout skin cleansing and general anesthesia. You might need to have a chemical peel once every 4-6 weeks. But, again that depends on everything so do your research and talk to your trusted dermatologist.

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The Bottom Line

Getting rid of acne is just the first step. To win the final battle, you need to remove acne scars and dark spots. Even though it’s never too late to start this process, the earlier, the better, as getting rid of old scars can be more complicated.

Consult a dermatologist to find the best treatment for your skin. They may recommend chemical peel, microneedling, or laser treatment. You can also try different home remedies such as aloe vera, lemon juice, or black seed oil.

Remember, it is possible to get clear, smooth skin. You are halfway there! Find the right option for your skin now and enjoy the results!

PHOTO FEATURE: @jordynwoods

How to Get Rid of ACNE SCARS

Published on by Lee5 Comments

Acne scars rarely occur unless we’ve, ehem, picked at them. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, sometimes it’s avoidable but we can’t help ourselves, and sometimes, a pimple never fully comes to fruition, though the ghost of what could’ve been insisting on lingering. Those bastards! That’s because sometimes the clogged pore beneath the breakout we didn’t touch expands to the point that the follicle wall breaks.

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What we’re left with is discoloration, uneven skin, dark or red spots, and sometimes even uneven, slightly pockmarked skin. Now, a new mission is revealed—treat those scars, fast. Here are a few tricks.

Micro-needling

THE THINGS WE DO Ritual Set

This treatment can be done by a professional with a specific machine, or at home with a roller or our favorite, this stamp set. The tiny needles make micro-injuries to the skin, causing only minor, reparable damage that results in accelerated healing and increased collagen production. When skin is healing, new cells are being pushed to the top, evening out the skin tone and texture to rid even deep scarring over time.

AHAs

GOLDE Papaya Bright

Alpha hydroxy acids are exfoliating compounds in many skincare products and naturally found in fruit acids, which is why we love this papaya enzyme mask for gentle, regular exfoliation. While we don’t want to irritate the skin by over-exfoliation, fruit acids are safe for one to two times weekly. You can also use fruit puree or even yogurt from natural lactic acid (another AHA) for an easy at-home remedy, though a little messier.

Rosemary 

LIVING LIBATIONS Rosemary Reset Powder

We don’t commonly think of this herb for skincare uses, but we definitely should. This tasty aromatic increases circulation when consumed, but also when applied topically, which brings nutrient-dense blood to the point of application, speeding healing. It’s also anti-inflammatory and reduces redness. We love this powder used as a spot treatment on our scars whilst we WFH, mixed with a little healing oil of choice, like tamanu, or DewDab for good measure.

LED Light

DMH AESTHETICS LED Light Shield Mask

Light therapy is exploding right now, and for good reason. These light-emitting electrodes heat things up at different therapeutic wavelengths to boost circulation, speed healing, and combat the signs of aging. The DMH Aesthetics mask comes with three settings: red, blue, and amber. While blue prevents acne in the first place, red and amber will be best for stimulating new collagen and cell turnover, revealing fresh, even skin with regular use.

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Manuka Honey

MANUKAGUARD Honey Dew Manuka Honey

Not only is this sweet treat powerfully antimicrobial to prevent breakouts to begin with, but it’s got soothing, anti-inflammatory properties to boot. Apply a light layer as a mask as often as you like, or go for a spot treatment a few times a week.

Aloe Vera

HOLIKA HOLIKA Aloe 99% Soothing Gel

You have some DIY options here. Buy a convenient bottle of the concentrated stuff, or whack off a leaf at the source, slicing off the spikes on the side and fileting out the goo to apply directly onto the face. Aloe is super hydrating, repairing, and soothing, reducing the appearance of scars by nourishing the area. You can even apply a little slab of the clear aloe plant innards onto a scar like a Band-aid spot treatment while working from home to let it work its magic for as long as possible. Don’t overdo it though—aloe, like most other fruits and veggies, has some natural acids in it, making it mildly exfoliating. Overuse can actually cause dryness and irritation, so no need to do this twice a day, every day.

I’m Treating Myself To The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Date Night

Published on by LeeLeave a comment

I used to be one of those people who would wince at the thought of being single for Valentine’s Day. However, after years of doing exactly that, I now see Feb. 14 as an opportunity to shower myself with love, as opposed to wallowing in disappointment that I’m not getting it from someone else. Now don’t get me wrong, I love to be wined and dined for the holiday and doing what lovers do. But, unless a significant other drop magically out of the sky, I’ll be sailing through this Valentine’s Day alone. And I’m not bummed about it.

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Considering the year we’ve all had, I’ve made the conscious decision to be my romantic partner this year. I’ve scheduled a spa day for myself, complete with a fresh Pedi, my favorite facial, and deep tissue massage. I’m taking myself to one of my favorite restaurants (socially distanced and outdoors, of course), have booked myself a hotel room for the night, and have arranged a masterfully curated self-care kit that I’ll be indulging in throughout the evening.

Now, to some that may seem extra, but to me, there’s no such thing as extra when it comes to self-love. And, to be frank, I deserve it. That’s why I spent quite a bit of time nailing down the details of my Valentine’s Day self-care kit this year. It includes carefully selected products that I can indulge in for my hotel stay and beyond. Each item is practical yet luxurious and reminds me that, with or without a companion, I deserve all the love and all the gifts. Check out what made the cut, ahead.

Buttah Skin Charcoal Detox Mask, $24

There will never come a day when I’m not completely obsessed with a great detoxifying mask. This one, with charcoal, argan oil, and shea butter is one of my favorites. At the beginning of the evening, I’ll let this sit on my skin for 10 minutes and enjoy a glowing complexion for the rest of the night.

Forvr Mood Sweet Spot Candle, $35

Is it really a romantic night in without a candle burning? My pick this year is an aromatic blend of orange, jasmine, and musk, that’s equal parts sweet and masculine.

Before BedHeadz Stardust Pretty in Pink, $29.99

Usually, when it comes to the silk scarves that protect my hair at night, I don’t get too picky with my choices. However, this isn’t any ordinary night. I’ll be protecting these edges with this decadent, 100%-silk scarf. 2021 is all about Living, Loving, and Flourishing!

Margot Elena This Moment Bubble Bath, $56

This year, I’ve resolved to bask more in the moment and appreciate the little things. This bubble bath is a reminder of that promise to myself. With the tranquil aroma of lily and sun blossoms, my hour-long bath session is guaranteed to leave me feeling relaxed and appreciative.

McBride Sisters Be Mine Pair, $59

One of my most recent obsessions has been the McBride Sisters wine. The Black-owned, sister-led company out of Monterey, California, makes some of the most incredible wine I’ve ever tasted. Luckily, they’ve put two of my favorite offerings, the rosé and merlot, together in a box set that I’ll surely be indulging in this year.

Savage Fenty Puff Daisy Xtra VIP Box, $59.95

Savage Fenty Savage Not Sorry Lace Bodysuit, NEW VIP OFFER – 50% Off $29.98

I firmly believe that lingerie isn’t about another person. It should be about making the wearer feel sexy.

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Valentine might be different this year because of Covid-19, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop loving ourselves and doing things that make us feel sexy. All because we are quarantine ( well we all should be – THAT MEANS YOU TOO CELEBRITIES) doesn’t mean enjoying our life has to stop. It just means to get more creative and smart with it.

How are you spending your Valentine’s Day?