Tag: Skincare Tips

10 Acne Myths DEBUNKED

Published on by Lee1 Comment

From why we break out in certain areas and how to treat the different types of pesky bumps to the foods that can cause pimples and products to help heal post-picking scars, when it comes to acne, there are many factors to consider. We all know clear skin doesn’t appear overnight, and breakouts are something most people deal with in waves during their life. To debunk common acne myths, we tapped board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Shereene Idriss, to set the blemished record straight.

The skin expert explains the first four myths, and the BeautyLeeBar team added more knowledge on the topic with the rest of the list.

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Myth 1: Blackheads are due to your pores being clogged with dirt.
Truth: Blackheads are caused by pores being filled with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. They appear black if they are exposed to air and oxidize in the process.

Myth 2: Tanning clears acne.
Truth: Although tanning helps hide the appearance of acne, it can make your condition worse in the long run. The UV rays are damaging to your skin and can make scarring appear worse due to lingering hyperpigmentation. They can also increase your risk of skin cancer.

Myth 3: Acne only affects teenagers.
Truth: Acne can occur in adulthood, affecting up to 15% of women.

Myth 4: Acne just affects the skin.
Truth: Although primarily a skin disorder, acne can take a big toll on one’s mental health. Studies have linked acne to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

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Myth 5: Acne clears faster with a facial scrub.
Truth: Scrubbing acne can actually move the bacteria around and cause more breakouts, worsen inflammation, and potentially lead to scarring.

Myth 6: Makeup always worsens acne.
Truth: Yes, some makeup can clog your pores, but not all. Certain makeup can help clear your skin, like powder-based mineral foundations with ingredients like zinc oxide and silica, which can absorb the oils clogging your pores. Lee likes this foundation, which works double time by concealing and healing blemishes.

Myth 7: The most expensive products work the best.
Truth: Many individuals tend to think that the most expensive products are the most effective at treating acne. Although more expensive products often contain more natural and higher-quality ingredients, these components are not necessarily the best treatment for each person’s skin. Here are our picks for skincare products under $20.

Myth 8: Acne on all areas of the face is caused by the same factors.
Truth: Acne can appear and feel differently depending on what area of your face it is occurring. Acne often arises on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin, and treatments differ depending on where the outbreak is. Recognizing where the infection is occurring is an essential step to determine how to treat it. Our acne mapping guide can help you get to the root of what’s causing your acne.

Myth 9: Washing your face as much as possible is the best way to get rid of acne.
Truth: It’s common for people who begin to feel a breakout coming to try to vigorously wash their face in order to halt its growth. However, increasing the amount you wash your face doesn’t necessarily cure acne and can make it even worse (see myth 5). Excessive washing can strip your skin’s natural oils and lead to dryness or increased sensitivity. Depending on skin type and products used, people should usually wash their face twice a day to get rid of bacteria accumulated throughout the day as well as prevent pimples. Here is our guide on HOW TO PROPERLY INTRODUCE NEW SKINCARE INGREDIENTS.

Myth 10: Creams, washes, patches, and spot treatments are the only way to prevent and heal acne.
Truth: Light therapy is a great way to get your breakouts under control. If you haven’t tried the DMH Aesthetics LED Light Shield Mask yet, let today be the day you add it to your skincare routine. It has three light settings, but the blue light is best for acne-prone skin and existing, active breakouts because it targets the sebaceous oil glands and destroys acne-causing bacteria. It can also help decrease scarring from breakouts you’ve picked.

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How to Properly Introduce New SKINCARE INGREDIENTS

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Why Keeping Your Skin Hydrated Is SO Important

When it comes to skin goals, one keyword that’s often overlooked is hydration. We’re often so busy trying to get rid of fine lines, minimize our pores, and get rid of hormonal pimples, that sometimes keeping our skin hydrated gets left behind. But the truth is, keeping your skin hydrated is one of the best things…

How to Use and Clean Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

Published on by Lee3 Comments

If you use micellar water, toner or any kind of makeup remover in your routine, you probably go through a lot of makeup-removing pads. While these cotton rounds might seem better for the environment than makeup wipes (which are often made of non-biodegradable materials such as polyester), filling your trash with so many single-use pads can have a negative environmental impact, too. This is why we love using reusable makeup pads. Not only are they eco-friendly, but also they help you save money in the long run. 

Garnier has made reusable rounds even more accessible with its launch of the Micellar Cleansing Eco Pads. The rounds, which come in packs of three and cost less than $10, are made of soft microfiber. Each pad can last up to 1,000 washes and help effectively and gently remove makeup and impurities without leaving any residue behind. We’re obsessed! Here’s how to use one in your routine. 

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STEP 1: Saturate the Pad 

Apply your makeup remover or toner of choice directly onto the pad. Our current go-to makeup remover and morning cleanser are the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water with Vitamin C. 

STEP 2: Swipe on Skin

Gently sweep the pad over your skin (it’s safe to use the pads over your eyes) until all makeup is removed or you’ve saturated your skin with your toner. 

STEP 3: Clean Your Pad

After each use, hand wash the pad with soap and water until clean. You can give it a deeper clean once a week by tossing it into the laundry. Lay the pad flat to dry. We like to store them in a soap dish or a small mesh laundry bag to keep them dry and hygienic. 

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How to Properly Introduce New SKINCARE INGREDIENTS

Published on by Lee5 Comments

It can be tempting to totally renovate our skincare routine when our skin is not behaving. And for some of us skincare junkies, the arrival of a new active ingredient or miracle treatment can have us rushing to the online checkout and slathering our mugs with the latest buzzworthy potion. But we need to slow our roll. 

Our skin needs time to acclimate to new ingredients, especially intense, effective actives. Otherwise, we risk reactions like dermatitis, peeling, dryness, redness, and breakouts. Here’s how we should go about doing that.

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Read product reviews.

Ok, this may sound either boring or like duh to some, but there is some value to be found in reviews. Look for specifics, like if it made a rash appear, if it did nothing at all, if someone suffered a reaction. Some reviewers will share personal information about their skin so that we can compare. And to the people who do this, thank you so much. Sincerely.

Patch test.

If the product we’re trying out has intense, clinical actives in it, we want to make sure our face isn’t going to explode. Try it on an extra-porous area like the T-zone (opt for chin, near the nose, or on the forehead). This should give an idea, in at least 48 hours, whether the product is a major no-no for us. We can likely skip this step with most super-simple, natural, clean products unless we’re sensitive. In that case, always patch test.

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One thing at a time.

There comes a time when we get fed up and want to try everything, right now. We want to try the new tincture, herbal supplement, face mask, cleanser, and serum all at once. Sometimes, the results are amazing! But other times, we suffer some consequences. In order to understand which products are helping and which are causing problems, we need to pare down how many new products we are using. Just stick to one at a time, and give it at least two weeks of consistent use (unless there is an immediate reaction; then stop immediately).

Don’t do it before a big event.

Just in case our skin will not be pleased with the latest active ingredients we have our sights on, it’s best we don’t get too excited before a date night or big event. The last thing we want is a rash or the beginnings of an inflammatory purge breakout just when we’d hoped to look our very best.

Always ice.

On the occasions that our skin simply is not loving our latest product, of course, stop using it right away, and rinse with cool water. We want to cleanse thoroughly and ice the area to keep inflammation down. When in doubt, always ice. Stay away from steams and hot water, which can make the reaction worse.

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Tried Glossier’s Best Sellers. Here’s What I Think.

Published on by LeeLeave a comment

Did they defy my expectations? Let’s find out.

After months of eyeing Glossier’s line-up of products, I decided to do a haul in hopes that their best sellers were as good as they appeared to be. Known for their minimalist approach to beauty, makeup, and skincare, the Emily Weiss-founded cosmetics company has long since been a favorite of minimalists and maximalists alike. For beauty lovers who gravitate towards “no-makeup” makeup looks, Glossier holds the keys to the kingdom, while makeup afficianados who are more about that beat-face life have their favorite tried and true beauty finds from the brand (Boy Brow, we’re looking at you).

As far as my own personal adventure into Glossier Land, I decided to add their cleanser, serums, and moisturizers as well as a few of their top-selling makeup offerings. Keep reading for a quick rundown of my buys and why I cannot get enough of the magic Glossier is selling.

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Skincare First

As I have matured, skincare has become top priority. Products that make me glow like I am well-loved and stress-free will always be a fave of mine. Glossier gets this right with a full line of products that take my glow to next-level heights. I use a three-part system that leaves me so radiant, makeup isn’t a necessity.

Milky Jelly Cleanser, $9+

What it is: A gentle-yet-effective creamy gel face wash for all skin types

For starters, I wash my face with Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser. The subtle rosy scent of this cleanser immediately makes me smile but, more than that, the creamy texture infuses my skin with moisture from the onset. With five skin conditioners included, it’s no wonder this product is so soothing and nourishing. It is one of few cleansers that doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry after it is rinsed away. “Rejuvenating” best describes this one.

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After rinsing away the Milk Jelly Cleanser, I move right along to the Super Duo. It consists of two top-rated serums infused with vitamins. This combo works together to hydrate and brighten skin. Super Bounce is just what the doctor ordered for soothing moisture that hydrates with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin b5. Although the name speaks for itself, I can confirm that Super Glow indeed brightens skin with its powerful combination of Vitamin C and magnesium.

I follow up with a moisturizer and then jump into Futuredew.

If I had to choose only one Glossier product to live by, Futuredew would be it. You know that dewy fresh face look you get directly after using a good moisturizer or finishing up a facial? Futuredew creates this look with all-day staying power, and I cannot get enough of it. This serum is made of oils and light-reflecting minerals that will leave you looking glorious.

The Super Pack, $65

What it is: Three daily, vitamin-packed serums that deliver hydration, more even tone, and clarity

I could stop here and be over the moon, but when I’m feeling really ambitious, I use the following makeup products for a “no-makeup” look:

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Makeup Second

Glossier describes its makeup line as “Products that give you options but never cover you up, turn you into someone else, or over-complicate your routine.” And I cannot find a single lie. On days where I want to look fresh and lightly done, I go with Glossier all the way.

Starting with Cloud Paint cheek color, I set the tone. It’s literally a gel-cream blush you can’t mess up. This buildable color blends naturally and is easy to use. No brushes required. Simply dab a bit on your cheeks and use your finger to tap it into your skin. The end results? A slightly flushed look that makes it look like you’re truly blushing a bit from the inside out. It’s that simple.

Cloud Paint, $18

What it is: A seamless, buildable gel-cream blush that’s fun and easy to wear

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Next, I like to follow up with Haloscope in “Moonshine”. This crystal-infused highlighter enhances the dewy effect with a barely-there look that is irresistible. It’s my second fave product. The moment I FaceTimed my person and he said, “You look so beautiful. Don’t put on makeup today,” I KNEW Haloscope would forever hold a special place in my heart.

Haloscope, $22

What it is: A crystal-infused highlighter with skin conditioning benefits

I add a hint of color to my lips by using Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick for a casual “I didn’t try” look. Although a matte finish, it’s packed with moisture and is the cherry on top of my “Yassssss, fresh face” look.

Glossier Pulled Up

Before going all-in on the dopeness of Glossier, I was sure to visit @pullupforchange to see Glossier’s diversity numbers. I was pleased to see the company’s commitment to diversity as well as its recent release of a new grant for black-owned beauty businesses. I am happy to report that we can shop Glossier guilt-free. That’s good news we can use.

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