How to & Tips

Like Barbie, I too go into shock when I see a pimple. OK – a little dramatic, but as a sufferer of acne in my teen years (and more recently, a bout of it) and though my condition has never passed the ‘severe’ level, I know how heartbreaking it can be.

Acne is a hormonal problem, so when your acne seems to be worse than others, it usually cannot be cured by simple over-the-counter treatments – it’s best to go to the source. Here are some options for those with severe acne. And remember – I am not a doctor or a dermatologist, so remember to ask your doctor about these options before you try them, as they are can be extremely dangerous.

Retinoid Creams

A prescription strength retinoid product like Differin or Retin-A Cream can help bring out the dirt and eventually, reveal soft, smooth, acne-free skin. The only ‘con’ is that this will first bring out all the acne, dirt and oil, so you can expect a few weeks of acne (or months if you’re unlucky, due to the severity of your skin) before it clears up. I can personally vouch for Differin, which I am currently using as a zit cream, and it is fantastic.

Aesthetic Treatments

Lasers and chemical peels are done in a dermatologists’s office and are usually expensive and painful. However, they are worth a try. But expect to see results after several sessions, which can cost hundreds of dollars.

Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills can help level the hormones and keep them balanced, which means it can prevent breakouts.

The trick, though, is to find the right one for you, and there is always the chance of gaining weight (which some woman refuse to risk.)

Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics such as Tetracycline can help kill the acne-causing bacteria in the hair follicle, as well as reduce swelling and redness. A lot of my friends are on medication for acne, and my Mom has been on Tetracycline in her teens. While they work very well, the con, of course, is that you are putting powerful drugs in your body.

Accutane

Yes, Accutane, known as the monster drug. This drug is extremely dangerous and should be supervised by a trusted professional at all times. Accutane is a powerful Vitamin A-derivative that stops your oil glands from producing oil, and is mostly used for those with severe cystic acne. There are many serious, dangerous side effects to this medication and should be the seen as the absolute last resort. (And if you have a history of depression, are pregnant or can get pregnant, stay far away from this drug.)

Does anyone here take some kind of treatment for severe acne? How do they work for you? And for those who have tried several options, which method did you find to be the best?

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Moisturizing your skin daily; morning and night, can reap tons of benefit to your skin: it is vital for preventing signs of aging, and keep skin looking smooth and soft. However, there’s more to just slapping it on and calling it a day. Here are 3 ways to get the most out of your product.

1. Apply your moisturizer to freshly washed skin that is still a bit damp. So after you’ve taken a shower, try to apply it within a minute! This will allow the moisturizer to seal in any extra moisture that is already there.
2. Massage your moisturizer into your face in circular motions to boost circulation.
3. Remember to screw the top of your moisturizer securely after each use, as this will prevent oxidation that could decrease the benefits of some of the ingredients. After that, the best place is to keep your moisturizer is in a cool place, out of heat and sunlight. (The best place? Your fridge!)

Hope these tips have helped! How do you normally apply your moisturizer - do you do anything special?

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One of my ultimate beauty pet peeves are over plucked eyebrows, but unfortunately, as we age, we will start to lose our eyebrow from the outside in. This creates sparse looking, shorter brows, so keep this in mind when that horrifying day comes: The longer the brow, the younger and more youthful – and fresh! – you’ll look. Pencils work best for a more intense look, but if you want to keep it natural, apply some brow powder. Just remember to elongate your brows rather than fill them in.

How do you fill in your brows? Oh, can we please talk about this model, she who has the perfect brows and the cutest freckles? Who is this stunning woman?!

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Sunglasses are without a doubt my favorite accessory… OK I lie. It’s my favorite after handbags. Still, it’s such a staple for me and there’s something so cool about them… they are so mysterious and have such attitude – I love it. Oh yeah, and the best bit, they protect your precious eyes! However, oil can build up on that nose piece after a long day out and about in the sun, and this can lead to blackheads, clogged pores and – ew! – zits.

To prevent this, remember to rinse the oil and bacteria off your sunglasses every few days and dry thoroughly. Or, if you’re a germ freak like me, give it a gentle wash after every use.

If you’re planning to ignore my advice, let me tell you a little story.

Last summer, I was enjoying myself in Europe eating pizza, shopping and looking at hot Italian boys in Milan and Rome. Because of the blazing hot weather, I was wearing sunglasses pretty much all day, everyday, and didn’t think to wash my greasy, disgusting glasses once I got back to the hotel every night. By the end of the trip, about 2 weeks later, I got the baddest zit slash volcanic lump I’ve ever seen at the corner of my nose bridge. Not pretty. And it took ages for it to disappear… I’m warning you, clean your glasses!

Do you clean your sunglasses regularly? What do you think of this week’s tip – have you ever experienced any blemishes from your sunglasses?

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Ah, hair in unwanted places. Joy. Whether it’s on your legs, arms, bikini line, or (gasp!) your upper lip, I think it’s safe to say we want it gone, pronto. If you’re having problems with unwanted hair or are looking to try something new, here’s the lowdown on different hair techniques, as well as information about it so you can find the best method for you.

Tweezing/Plucking

Best for: Eyebrows, armpits, extra fuzz in small areas.

What is it? Pulling hair out one by one with a pair of tweezers.

Cost: Very cheap – all you need is a pair of tweezers that cost a few dollars.

Pros: You do it yourself, so no one has to know and it costs next to nothing.

Cons: For some, it really hurts, though the pain is temporary.

Trimming

Best for: Eyebrows, bikini line.

What is it? Snipping off unwanted hair using scissors.

Cost: All you need is a pair of scissors, which again, costs a few dollars.

Pros: You can do it yourself, and it doesn’t hurt one bit.

Cons: It reduces the length of hair, but doesn’t necessarily get rid of it. Also, you need to have a very steady hand, incase you accidently hurt yourself.

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It’s no surprise by now that tons of beauty products can actually double up and be used for more than their original purpose. For example, we have blush used as lipstick, hairspray and a toothbrush for an at-home eyebrow gel, and even eyeshadow used to cover up hair roots. Isn’t beauty fun?!

This week, I have a semi-anti aging tip for you, concerning your lips. Skin care specialists actually say that eye cream can be used around your lips to prevent fine lines from forming. Sweet!

I also read somewhere in a magazine whose name I can’t remember (would anyone know which magazine I’m talking about?) that eye cream is so moisturizing and filled with great anti-aging ingredients, that it can also double up as a night time lip balm – so you get super soft and youthful looking lips. I personally haven’t tried it before, so I can’t vouch if it works or is safe – but do this at your own risk and consult your doctor first. But eye cream can most definitely be used around the lips as a moisturizer, I’ve tried it before!

What do you think of this week’s tip – have you ever tried this before?

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