Tag: Skincare

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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5 Beauty Accessories That’ll Make Your Routine Easier AND More Effective

Published on by Lee2 Comments

If you’re looking to take your skincare regimen to the next level without adding an extra hour to your daily routine, sometimes a simple beauty accessory is an easy solution. Often, it’s the simplest additions that make the most impact. From a skincare fridge to maximize the benefits of your product formulas to a headband that just makes your routine so much easier (and cuter), these five accessories will boost your routine.

1. To Make Your Routine Easier: Skincare Headband

During the lockdown, Influencers have given us a sneak peek into their skincare routine, and one thing they all can’t get enough of is undoubtedly a skincare headband. They make your routine easier as you no longer have to worry about getting product or water in your hair or trying to move random bits of hair out off your freshly moisturized face! We’re obsessed with these cute kitty ear headbands that come in a pack of ten for $9 – plus they look major for the ‘gram!

2. To Increase Product Absorption and Tone: A Jade Roller

If you ask any supermodel what’s inside their beauty bag, they’ll most likely mention some form of crystal skincare tool – and for good reason! By using a jade roller daily, you’ll help boost blood circulation, and reduce swelling and morning puffiness. Not to mention, they help encourage product absorption so your skincare formulas can reach their full potential.

Our fave jade roller is the Pro Tools Jade Gua Sha Complete Facial Care Stone Massager and Roller, $14 – it’s perfect for the face and neck as the smaller crystal allows you to massage those hard-to-reach areas around your eyes! Use your jade roller as part of your morning and nighttime routine, after you’ve applied your serum and moisturizer. For an added cooling effect, stash your roller in your fridge for the ultimate refreshing wakeup call.

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3. To Maximize your Cleansing Routine: A Cleansing Tool

Cleansing is a fundamental part of any skincare routine. It helps remove makeup, dirt, and any lingering bacteria from your pores, leaving you with clean, fresh skin that’s prepped for the rest of your skincare routine. By adding an effective cleansing tool to your routine, you can maximize this time to get a deeper clean.

However, be mindful of which tool you choose, as some tools may be too intense for your skin type (if you have acne or sensitive skin, cleansing tools may be too intense). Avoid abrasives plastic bristles, and instead look for gentle tools like the Foreo Foreo Luna 3, $159. It uses soft, silicone bristles combined with T-sonic pulsations to help dislodge debris in pores and clean deeply – most importantly, without damaging your skin! The bristles are also made with silicone and therefore don’t harbor any bacteria. It’s definitely an investment, but a good tool will last you years and your skin will thank you for it.

4. To Get Rid of Every Last Bit of Makeup: A Face Halo

The Face Halo Original, $22 for three, has to be one of our fave beauty discoveries of all time – it revolutionized our nighttime routine! With just a splash of water, the double-sided cleansing cloth removes every ounce of makeup with ease.

The cloth uses special fibers that are 100 times finer than a human hair, which are able to trap makeup and dirt, successfully removing it from your skin. It’ll remove everything from foundation and liquid lipstick to mascara and eyeliner. It’s also much better for the environment than using makeup wipes and it feels more gentle on your skin.

So even though we’re double cleansing addicts, we love to use this once we’ve rinsed off our first oil cleanse to remove the last traces of makeup from around our hairline, neck, ears and just to thoroughly remove any last traces of makeup or dirt before our final cleanse with a water-based cleanser. We recommend getting the white version because it’s so satisfying to see what comes off on them!

5. To Enhance Your Product Formulas: A Skincare Fridge

Skincare fridges are a hot commodity in the beauty world. Not only do they make for a great shelfie but they can boost the efficacy of your favorite formulas. The lower temperature does add a nice calming effect to certain products such as face masks, moisturizers, and creams, which are especially helpful when treating irritated or reactive skin. Refrigerating serums to help with inflamed acne, and aloe-based products for a refreshing and soothing feel is recommended. We love The Cosmetics Fridge collection, which has some seriously cute designs, including these marble versions, which can fit all your skincare must-haves.

For more skincare tips, check out 4 REASONS YOU SHOULD ADD APPLE CIDER VINEGAR TO YOUR NEXT BATH.

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