Skin Care
Select one of the topics below to learn more about skin care.
The Truth Will Make You Beautiful
- Gently Clean Your Skin. Find a gentle, water-soluble cleanser that doesn't dry out the skin or leave it feeling greasy and that can remove most types of eye makeup without irritating the eyes.
- Even Minimal Unprotected Sun Exposure is Damaging to the Skin. There is no such thing as a careful, safe, wrinkle-free, or non-skin damaging suntan or unprotected sun exposure of any kind.
- Many Skin-Care Problems are Caused by the Skin-Care Products Sold to Prevent Them. Allergic, sensitizing, or irritating skin reactions are often caused by products that contain plant extracts, because many plant extracts, particularly fragrant ones, are inherently potent sources of skin irritants.
- Dry Skin Doesn't Wrinkle Any More Or Less Than Oily Skin- And All The Moisturizers in the World Won't Stop Wrinkling. What causes wrinkles to appear is not the dryness or oiliness of the skin. Rather wrinkles are caused by a number of factors, chiefly years of unprotected sun exposure and a person's own genetics.
- Irritation is Bad for Skin and Many Skin-Care Products Can Cause Them. Irritation is a problem for skin health. The more sources of irritation that can be eliminated, the better off your skin will be.
- Exfoliate Regularly. Regular exfoliation is beneficial for almost all skin types, particularly oily and dry skin.
- Be Wary of Skin-Care Products that Smell Nice or Have Pretty Colors. Ingredients that add HEAVY fragrance to a product, even natural fragrances, are notorious for causing allergic reactions or skin sensitivities.
- Do Not Automatically Buy Skin-Care Products based on the Notion of Age. Categorizing skin-care products by age groups is nothing more than a marketing device designed to sell products; it does not correlate at all with age-specific benefits to the skin.
- Do Not Automatically Buy Skin-Care Products Based on Your Skin Type. The intense cosmetics hype insisting that everyone needs a moisturizer is absolutely not true.
- Treat the Skin You Have Today, Not the Skin you had Last Month, Last Week, or Yesterday. Do not hold fast to the idea that your skin fits squarely into and remains only one type- it changes, and so should your skin-care routine.
- Teenagers Are Not the Only Ones Who Have Acne. Not everyone who had acne as a teenager will grow out of it, and even if you had clear skin as a teenager, you have no guarantee that you won't get it later in life. You can blame this maddening inconsistency on hormones.
- Battling Blemishes Or Acne is not a Mystery, but It Does Require Specific Types of Products and Ingredients. Battling blemishes requires experimentation to find the right combination of products, though a gentle cleanser, exfoliant, and topical disinfectant are the basics.
- There are Great Skin-Lightening Products Available That can Minimize the Appearance of Sun-Damaged Spots. When it comes to choosing the best ingredient for lightening sun-caused or hormone-induced skin discolorations, hydroquinone is the star of the show. No other skin-lightening ingredient has a more substantiated, successful track record.
- State-of-the-Art Antioxidants, Water-Binding Agents, And Anti-Irritants Have Undergone an Abundance of Research Proving Them to Be Extremely Helpful for All Skin Types. Numerous antioxidant and water-binding agents offer substantial enhancements for skin. There is no single "best" option when it comes to choosing products that contain these ingredients, so don't get caught up in the hype.
- There are No Cosmetics That Can Eliminate Wrinkles, No Matter How Awesome their Claims, How Exotic the Ingredients, Or How Expensive. Although there is some interesting research behind many popular antiaging skin-care ingredients, there is yet to be any legitimate research indicating that "the answer" or the fountain of youth has finally been found. Until this changes, the only product that can honestly call itself "anti-wrinkle" is an effective sunscreen with UVA protection that's rated at SPF 15 or above.
- Choosing a Really Great Skin-Care Routine is Not as Complicated as It Seems. Choosing a really great skin-care routine means doing what it takes to be good to your skin without wasting money or causing undue irritation, and buying only products that live up to their claims.
What Gets Rid of Blemishes?
- Gentle cleansing
- Exfoliating
- Disinfecting
- Improving Cell Production
- Absorbing or Controlling Excess Oil
Step Up to a Really Great Skin-Care Routine: The following is a realistic, viable skin-care routine that can be adapted for many skin types.
Step 1. At night, when you’re removing makeup, always wash your face with a gentle water-soluble cleanser that rinses off completely and doesn’t irritate the eyes. Your eye makeup should come off with the same water-soluble cleanser that cleans your face. If not, it may be necessary to use an eye-makeup remover.
Use only tepid to slightly warm water. Hot water burns the skin, and cold water shocks it. Repeated use of hot water, saunas, or Jacuzzis can cause broken capillaries to surface on the nose and cheeks, while also causing unwanted irritation that not only damages skin but also damages the skin’s healing ability.
If you are wearing an ultra-matte foundation, you may need to use a washcloth to remove makeup. This is the exception to the rule, but it may be necessary for these long-wearing, stubborn foundations that are very effective for oily skin types.
Step 2. Exfoliating the skin helps to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells, which benefits both dry and oily skin. There are two ways to exfoliate: with a mechanical exfoliant such as a scrub or with a chemical exfoliant such as AHAs or BHA. Many skin types need only one of these two types of exfoliant. Over-exfoliating with scrubs and AHA or BHA products is overkill. Too much exfoliation can cause damage and negatively impact any of the positive effects you were hoping for. You can use a scrub after the face is cleansed or it can be used as your cleanser for Step 1.
Scrubs are a way to mechanically exfoliate the skin and are a great option for some skin types, particularly those that tend to break out. However, mechanical scrubs must be used sparingly if you are also using an effective AHA or BHA because over-exfoliating is not helpful and can cause problems with irritation or a breakout. Additionally, there is research showing that topical scrubs are not recommended for moderate to severe cases of acne. Mechanical exfoliation should be performed after you use your cleanser. The mechanic exfoliant can be a cosmetic cleanser that contains abrasive particles, but a plane washcloth (a clean one every time) also works very well as a topical scrub. A very reliable scrub is baking soda mixed with a gentle, water-soluble cleanser. While your face is still wet, pour a scant handful of baking soda into the palm of your hand. For a simple scrub, add a small amount of water to create a paste, gently massaging your entire face, and then rinsing generously with tepid water. You can also mix 1 or 2 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 or 2 tablespoons of a good, water-soluble cleanser such as Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, an alternative that is good for any skin type. How often you should exfoliate depends on your skin type.
Step 3. Toners are a step that follows the cleanser and scrub. Depending on your skin type and the product you choose, a toner can remove the last traces of makeup, soothe the skin, and add water-binding agents and antioxidants to the skin. For someone with normal to oily skin, a toner can substitute as a moisturizer and can be the only “moisturizer” needed. For someone with normal to dry skin, a toner can bean essential addition to your regular moisturizer. If you have acne or blemish-prone skin, the toner used must be soothing or must contain an effective disinfectant to kill blemish-causing bacteria.
When your face is completely rinsed and dried, take a cotton ball and apply the appropriate toner for your skin type. Keep in mind that toners (as well as any skin-care product that touches your face or body) must be as irritant-free as possible. There are many irritant-free toners, but the more expensive ones are absolutely not cost-effective, especially when you consider that the basic ingredients are inevitably the same as those in the cheaper versions.
Step 4. This is the time to apply an AHA or BHA product. AHA (preferably in the form of glycolic acid or lactic acid and BHA (in the form of salicylic acid) are the most thoroughly researched of all the exfoliants sold currently for skin care, so we know the most about their risks and performance requirements. AHAs are most effective in concentrations of 5% to 10% in a base with a pH of 3 to4. BHA is most effective in concentrations of 1%- 2% in a pH of 3 to 4. (AHA and BHA products with an emollient base can double as moisturizers, or can be the only product your skin needs other than a cleanser and sunscreen).
If you are using a topical retinoid such as Retin-A or Renova, apply it either by itself, or after the AHA or BHA is applied. The same hold true if you are using MetroGel, MetroCream, or MetroLotion.
Step 5. If you are breaking out, this would be the time to apply a topical disinfectant such as a 2.5%, 5%, or 10% benzoyl peroxide product. Note: If you are using Retin-A, Renova, or any topical retinoid, benzoyl peroxide should not be applied at the same time.
Step 6. Each day, 365 days per year, it is essential to wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 with UVA protection. You must ensure that the product you choose contains one of the following in the list of active ingredients: Avobenzone (also called Parsol 1789 or butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane), zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide. If you have normal to dry skin, wear a sunscreen that comes in a moisturizing base (actually, most sunscreens come in a moisturizing base). If you have normal to oily skin, you do not need a moisturizer, but you still must wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 that provides UVA protection. In this instance, you can choose a matte foundation that includes an effective sunscreen. If you are using several skin-care products, sunscreen must be the last product you apply. It’s that important.
Step 7. Moisturizing is the skin-care step most women obsess over, and the cosmetics industry is certainly glad they do. Loading up on moisturizers and anti-wrinkle potions is big business. Yet, in truth, you only need to use a moisturizer if you have dry skin. In short, not everyone needs a moisturizer. The biggest myth you’ve been sold by the cosmetics industry is that there are wrinkle creams and moisturizers out there that will undo or prevent wrinkles. It just isn’t true. Every month hosts of new anti-wrinkle creams are launched with more promises and supposedly newfangled formulation. And every few months our hope is renewed-until the next round of misleading claims are thrown at us. Hundreds of great moisturizers in all price ranges are out there for skin, as well as poorly formulated ones- and you may be shocked, after reading the reviews, to find that some of the worst are the most expensive. Keep in mind, though, that using even the best-formulated moisturizer is meaningless if you are not diligent about sun protection.
Products can be shipped anywhere in the US, $6.00 S & H
Deep Pore Clarifying Cleanser
Blended with Green, Red, and White Tea
This non-foaming facial cleanser formulated for combination/oily skin types, penetrates deep into pores while reducing surface bacteria. A unique blend of anti-oxidants (Green, Red, and White Teas) helps protect the skin from free radicals and other environmental pollutants.
Directions: Wet face and massage in a circular motion. Rinse Well. Follow with moisturizer.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Decyl Oleate, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Triclosan, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bar Extract, Diazolidinly Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.
Size: 6.5 oz
Price: $14.00
Oil-Free Moisturizer
Blended with Ginseng and Grape Seed Extracts
A lightweight, oil free moisturizer formulated for oily/combination skin types. Enriched with Grape Seed Extract and Ginseng to soothe and moisturize.
Directions: Massage gently over face and neck. Use daily after cleanser.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Isopropyl Myristate, Propylene Glycol, Emulsifying Wax NF, PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate, Stearic Acid, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Sorbitan Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium PCA, Methylparaben, Triethanolamine, Carbopol, Propylparaben, Allantoin, Ethlhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Soluble Collagen, Fragrance (Parfum), Yellow 6 (15985)
Size: 5 oz
Price: $14.00
Cucumber Refining Scrub
with Jojoba Beads and Botanical Nutrients for all skin types.
A mild scrub that removes dead surface skin and dulling impurities. Jojoba beads gently exfoliate without abrasion or irritation while softening the skin. Soothing cucumber and chamomile refresh the skin for a smooth, clear complexion.
Directions: Apply a small amount to the face and massage with fingertips in small circular motions. Rinse well.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Propylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Laureth-4, Jojoba Esters, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Fragrance (Parfum), Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben
Size: 2.7 oz
Price: $14.00
Mint Clay Masque
Absorbs oil, tightens pores, and removes impurities.
The invigorating clay masque tightens pores and dries up excess oil, resulting in a clean and refreshed complexion.
Directions: Cleanse skin thoroughly prior to application. Apply a thin layer all over face avoiding lip and eye area. Allow masque to dry for 5-10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water. Follow with moisturizer.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Bentonite (77004), Propylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (77891), Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Diazolidinyl Urea, Yellow 5 (19140), Blue 1 (42090), Fragrance (Parfum)
Net Weight: 3oz.
Price: $14.00
Sensitive Skin Cleanser
Blended with Aloe Vera and Chamomile
A mild, non-irritating and non-drying facial cleanser formulated for normal/sensitive skin types. Aloe Vera and Chamomile work together to heal, protect, and calm the skin.
Directions: Wet face and massage in a circular motion. Rinse well. Follow with toner and moisturizer.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Isopropyl Palmitate, Stearic Acid Isopropyl Myristate, Lanolin, Cetyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ozokerite. Triethanolamine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60 , Chamomillia Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Bisabolol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum)
Size: 6.5 oz
Price: $12.00
Hydrating Cream Cleanser
Subheading: Enriched with Olive Oil & Anti-Oxidants
This gentle, hydrating cleanser helps restore and maintain skin’s vital moisture barrier. Pure Olive Oil and Yucca Vera blended with Vitamins A& E provide nourishment and improves hydration while leaving skin soft and luminous. Perfect for dry and sensitive skin types.
Directions: Wet face. Massage in a circular motion. Rinse well. To use as a make-up remover, tissue off and follow with toner and moisturizer. Use twice a day.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Emulsifying Wax NF, Sorbitol, Stearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Glycerin, Stevia Rebaudiana Extract, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Tocopherol Acetate, Olea Europea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Yucca Vera Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance
Size: 6.5 oz.
Price: $14.00
Age Defying Milky Cleanser
Blended with Pure Essential Oils & Anti-Oxidants
The luxurious milky cleanser gently washes away dirt, oil, and make-up without stripping skin’s vital moisture. Pure essential oils of Safflower, Sweet Almond, Yucca Vera, Lavender, Sage and Bergamot blended with Vitamins A & E leaves skin feeling refreshed, toned, and comfortably pampered. A perfect solution for dry and sensitive skin types.
Directions: Wet face and massage in a circular motion. Rinse well. To use as a make-up remover, tissue off and follow with toner and moisturizer.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Emulsifying Wax NF, Carthamus Tinctoris (Safflower) Seed Oil, Sorbitol, Stearic Acid, Sodium PCA, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Yucca Vera Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.
Size: 6.5oz.
Price: $14.00
Super Hydrating Moisture Lotion
Blended with White Tea
A rich super-hydrating lotion locks in moisture using Hyaluronic Acid and White Tea while protecting Skin from environmental pollutants.
Directions: Apply with fingertips to face and body in an upward motion. Use daily after cleanser and toner.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propylene Glycol Dipelargonate, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Hyaluronic Acid, Echinacin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium PCA, Camellia Sinensis Leaf extract, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea.
Size: 5oz.
Price: $14.00
Vitamin E Crème
with Aloe Vera and Sesame Seed Oil
Exceptionally rich crème that soothes, heals, and protects the skin.
Directions: Apply daily to face and neck after cleansing and toning. Also use for spot treatment on problem areas such as elbows, hands, knees and feet.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Stearic Acid, Myristal Myristate, Sorbitol, Glyceryl Stearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 80, Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Disodium EDTA, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Phospholipids, Retinyl Palmitate, Cholecalciferol, Cholesterol, Phyonadione, Thiamine Nitrate, Calcium Panthothenate, Pyridoxine, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin, Fragrance (Parfum)
Size: 3.5 oz.
Price: $12.00
Age Defying Eye Cream
Intense Line Smoothing Therapy
This rich cream provides moisture to the delicate tissue surrounding the eye area, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by replenishing levels of Hyaluronic Acid that have been lost due to aging process. Hyaluronic Acid is a super molecule that hydrates the skin resulting in a more youthful appearance.
Directions: Apply a small quantity around the eye area. Tap gently until absorbed.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Petrolatum, Isocetyl Stearate, Polyacrylamide, Glycerin, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Cetyl Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Cetyl Palmitate, Hyaluronic Acid, Echinacin, Dimethicone, Squalane, Bisabolol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Laureth-7, Fragrance (Parfum)
Size: .5 oz.
Price: $14.00
Eye Renewal Cream
with Collagen Boosters and Soothing Cucumber Extract
Daily use of eye cream is essential in preventing and slowing the signs of skin’s aging. Eye Renewal Cream helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This cream is lightweight and absorbed quickly.
Directions: Apply a small quantity around the eye area. Tap gently until absorbed.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cyclomethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Propylene glycol, Glycerin, PEG-20, Palmitic acid, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Cerearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Butylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (77891), Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Polysorbate 20, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3, Xantham Gum, Blue1 (42090), Yellow 5 (19140), Fragrance (Parfum)
Size: .5 oz.
Price: $14.00
Moisturizer w/SPF 15
Infused with Vitamins A & E
This hydrating lotion is formulated with ingredients known to restore skin’s essential moisture, help prevent pre-mature skin damage and provide full protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Vitamins A & E protect skin from free radicals and environmental damage. Recommended for all skin types.
Directions: Smooth on clean face and neck every day prior to sun exposure.
Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 6.5%, Avobenzone 2.5% Other Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Octyldodecanol, PEG-40 Stearate, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Oleate, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, DMDM Hydantoin, Retinol, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Protein, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Symphytum Officinale Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben Propylparaben
Size: 1 oz.
Price: $18.00
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Blended with Natural Plant Extracts
A foaming facial cleanser formulated to gently and effectively remove dirt and oil from oily/combination skin types. White Willow Bark and Licorice Extracts are both effective anti-inflammatories that aid in the reduction of blemishes. Skin is left feeling clean and soft.
Directions: Wet face and massage in a circular motion. Rinse well. Follow with toner and moisturizer.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Myristic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid, Palm Acid, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, PEG 7 Glyceryl Cocoate Cocamide DEA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hammamelis Virginiana Flower Water, Polyquarternium-7, Triclosan, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium EDTA, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Glycyrrhiza (Licorice) Root Extract, Propylene Glycol, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum)
Size: 5.5 oz.
Price: $14.00
(314) 580-2051
5224 N Winthrop Ave
Chicago, IL 60640
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