Featured here are the skin tips and products featured on my segment for The Today Show. Bring on the clear skin!
Yes To Cucumbers Facial Towelettes ($2.99-$5.99)
One of the biggest misconceptions about sweat is that people think it makes you break out. It's not the sweat itself that is the problem, it's when sweat mixes with dirt and bacteria on the skin's surface that causes your pores to clog. So *before* you workout, bike, hike, lay on the beach - or do anything else that induces sweat - cleanse acne-prone areas like youre forehead, chest and back with convenient towelettes like these delicious cucumber scented wipes from Yes To Cucumbers. Ingredients like cucumber and green tea gently astringe skin, while aloe vera soothes and balances. They're easily portable - throw them into your workout or beach bag for easy access!
No!No! Skin ($180)
When you get that surprise big, red zit, all you want to do is make it go away, ASAP! No!No! Skin is a device that pulses heat and light technology into the pimple with the press of a button, to go deep inside the pore and kill the bacteria that is feeding the zit. The brand claims up to an 81 percent improvement within 24 hours, which I've personally found to be accurate. There's no pain - just a slight warmth. Bonus: it also works just as well on those embarrassing body zits that may crop up on your chest and back. I've never used anything that works faster, and you won't catch me without this now!
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting BHA Collection ($18.95 each)
For persistent breakouts, one of the most effective things you can do is add a salicylic acid product to your routine. Salicylic acid speeds up cell turnover, preventing pores from clogging. It's also one of the most gentle and easily tolerated acne-fighting ingredients available today. What I like about this collection from Paula's Chohice is that you can customize it to your skin type. Select either a gentle one percent or stronger two percent salicylic acid, and also choose from a liquid, gel or lotion for full customization to your skin type.
A highly effective treatment to add to your routine once or twice a week is a mask that contains sulfur, which sucks up excess oil and sanitizes your skin with its naturally anti-bacterial properties. But anyone who has used sulfur knows that it can stink - like eggs! I searched high and low to find a non-stinky option, and Olay Professional's new sulfur mask blends 10 percent sulfur with sweet almond oil, which truly neutralizes the scent. Spread the mask on skin and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off.
When you're out in the steamy heat for hours, spraying a toning mist on your face and body can help keep your skin clear. It's also a great option if you've been wearing makeup all day and want to cleanse your skin without removing your "face." This John Masters Organics mist is a great choice for acne prone skin because bearberry extract helps reduce the sebum production that clogs pores, while astringents absorb dirt and oil. It also balances your pH level, which tightens your pores, making you less likely to break out. And if natural beauty is important to you, this is an all-natural product with no parabens, sulfates or chemicals.
This is the time of year when you want to be especially diligent about wearing sunscreen, but most formulas are too goopy and heavy for the face, and are a primer trigger for breakouts. Instead, look for an oil-free fluid formula like Lancôme's Bienfait UV, which is quickly and completely absorbed into a matte finish. This version also has full UVA and UVB protection with a high SPF of 50, so you have the best anti-aging defense on the market, too. Another bonus? The matte finish means it won't interfere with your makeup application.
Two of the biggest causes of acne breakouts are your very own hands! You're likely not even aware of it, but the average person touches their face dozens of times a day. Hands sop up oil and bacteria like a sponge. You then transfer that acne-causing dirt and oil to your skin whenever you touch your face. Break the cycle by carrying and using portable hand sanitizer throughout the day - especially before you do a makeup touch up, or if you're sitting in front of the computer with your face resting in your hands. These fun Bath & Body Works gel sanitizers are a great deal, since you get all five. They contain Tahitian Palm Milk so that your hands are left conditioned, and not dried out from repeat use. And they smell and look delicious!
