beautygrind

Archive for the ‘skincare’ Category

, , , , , , , , ,

These 8 Skin Care Trends Will Be Popular in 2023

In beauty, skincare on January 27, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Image Courtesy of Cottonbro via Pexels

Every year a new skin care ingredient or trend will pop up all over our social media feeds sparking curiosity and prompting a full on investigation. “Do I need it?” “Which celeb and influencer is raving about it?” “Where can I get it?” “How much is it?” “Is it really that good?” You then jump on your laptop (or phone) to research said new ingredients and trends to see what the tea is. After evaluating your current skincare needs and personal inventory, what usually comes next is a trip to your favorite beauty store or website for a purchase.

The following skincare ingredients and trends are no different to the investigative and purchasing process that we often find ourselves in. Keep in mind that many of these ingredients have been around however they are having their time in the spotlight and are getting more attention than before. As science, beauty, skincare and personal awareness continue to intersect, we will see more brands fine tune existing products as well as create more efficacious products to meet consumer need. Continue reading to find out what these ingredients and trends are and if you need to add them to your daily routine.

Niacinamide. Although glycolic acid will always have it’s place in many skincare routines when it comes to treating skin concerns such as acne, oiliness and hyperpigmentation, Niacinamide continues to stake its claim in the skincare space and pique many beauty enthusiasts’ attention. A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is known for many of it’s reparative and soothing properties. It is water soluble meaning it dissolves in water making it easily absorbed into the skin. It works for most skin types, partners well with other ingredients in your skincare such as AHA/BHA and vitamin C. Niacinamide can help with acne, discoloration and pores and can be used am and pm. It can also help with dehydration because it helps the skin to produce ceramides which is a lipid that guards against moisture loss.

Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum

Verso Hydration Serum

Allies of Skin Tranexamic and Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum

Refillable Products/Sustainability. Once upon a time, there wasn’t much thought given to how our favorite beauty products were packaged. We bought what we wanted, used the product and threw out the packaging only to repeat the process over and over again without much thought to how this could negatively impact the environment. These days companies and consumers alike have a greater awareness on how packaging has a major impact on the environment. New/emerging brands are making sustainability part of their mission from the start while brands like Caudalie that have been around for some time are focused on changing/updating ingredients and packaging to be planet safe within a certain timeframe.

Soshe G.L.A.M. Refillable Mascara

Hourglass Curated by Hourglass 5 Pan Palette

By Rosie Jane Leila Lou Everyday Body Wash

Microbiome Skincare. Often referred to when discussing gut health, the microbiome (or skin flora) also relates to skin. What exactly is the microbiome? It is the community, environment or collection of mainly bacteria, viruses and fungi (microbes) that live on the skin. Now before you freak out from the mere thought of these organisms living on your skin, please know that these are the good bacteria you want on your skin to keep it healthy. When your skin barrier becomes compromised, it can lead to a myriad of skin issues including acne, folliculitis, eczema, psoriasis and dandruff. Some things that can compromise the skin microbiome are over-exfoliation, medication, stripping the skin with things like extremely hot showers, as well as lifestyle choices such as poor diet and excessive drinking. Microbiome skincare, which contains pre and pro biotics will help to restore and balance the skin when you need a little extra help.

Paula’s Choice Rescue and Repair Intensive Moisturizer

Galinee Prebiotic Face Oil

The Nue Co Barrier Culture Cleanser

Dark Spot Correctors. Before you consider going under a laser, consider a dark spot corrector. Dark spot correctors are definitely not new however more brands are including these types of product in their lineups. We all know that discoloration can occur after a breakout, injury or inflammation and can be annoying to look at. Dark spot correctors work topically and just beneath the first layer of skin to help hyperpigmentation issues go away. Correctors can take the form of a serum or a toner and can include ingredients such as kojic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, azelic acid, and licorice root. To increase the long term benefits of correcting hyperpigmentation, be sure to use sunscreen and don’t pick at blemishes.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Ole Henriksen Glow 2OH Dark Spot Toner

Faded Brightening & Clearing Gel

Body Care. There has always been a strong focus on facial skin care to address many concerns such as acne, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles. Oftentimes however, the skin below the neck is completely ignored. So much so that one may have amazing skin on their face but from the neck down that skin is looking like a weathered oak tree. And for those who do pay attention to the skin on their body, body care might only include using a body wash that wont strip the skin, occasional moisturizer when time permits and the additional body scrub or exfoliator whenever you think about it. That’s perfectly fine but now body care is becoming just as targeted as facial skincare with serums, masks, sculpting tools and devices that will address aging, loss of elasticity, moisture and discoloration. Focusing on body care also gives you the opportunity to slow down, pamper yourself and to also make sure your skin glows all over. Now just imagine how amazing you will look from head to toe.

Agent Nateur Holi Oil Youth Body Serum

Margaret Dabbs Yellow Leg Masque

Byredo De Los Santos Body Lotion

LED Light Therapy. If you are looking for a way to get high level skincare treatments to zap stubborn discoloration, zits, fine lines and wrinkles without going under a doctor’s knife or laser, consider a LED (light emitting diode) therapy device. At home LED therapy is usually less invasive with little to no downtime and range from full face masks to portable hand held devices. While there are many different light wavelengths that devices can emit, the most common is red and blue light. Red light therapy addresses the outermost layer of the skin and stimulates collagen production which is very important in the structure of the skin as we age. Red also helps to reduces inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Blue light targets acne and the bacteria associated with it. To find out more about the benefits of LED therapy, read this.

NuLife Beauty Ultrasonic Fat & Cellulite Burner

Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Spectralite FaceWare Pro

SolaWave Advanced Skincare Wand with Red Light

Retinol. No matter what new ingredients come on the scene, retinol will always reign supreme. It is the OG, the gold standard in skincare/anti-aging because it will change your skin for the better. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol, which was originally prescribed for acne, actually helps your skin to act and look younger. It helps skin to produce collagen while helping with cell turnover, exfoliation, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, pores and clarity in the skin. Retinol is also anti-inflammatory. With that said, retinol does have a reputation for causing skin irritation, particularly with new users. Today’s formulations contain ingredients that act as a buffer such as manuka honey to help soothe and comfort the skin. Many of today’s formulas are also time released meaning that the retinol is released in small doses over a longer period of time to help reduce irritation.

Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinol Serum

Kiehl’s Micro Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum With Ceramides And Peptides

RoC Retinol Correxion Smoothing Night Serum Capsules

Bakuchiol. Often touted as a natural, less irritating alternative to retinol, bakuchiol can yield similar results to retinol. Found in the seeds and leaves babchi plant (Psoralea Corylifolia), bakuchiol is central to ancient Ayurvedic practices and Chinese skincare. Bakuchiol is vegan and contains antioxidants and can help with discoloration, texture issues and free radical damage. It is more tolerated on various skin types and can be an alternative for pregnant women. In addition, bakuchiol and retinol can be used together.

Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum

Innbeauty Project Slushy Serum Moisturizer Crush

Whish Beauty Botanical Primer With Bakuchiol

Loved this post?  Comment down below and subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with industry researched and professionally experienced resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox. 

For business inquiries regarding Beautygrind.com, email me at khalilah@beautygrind.com or info@khalilahneals.com

Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com  and fill out the “work with me” form.

Shop My Closet https://poshmark.com/closet/khalilahneals

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What Is Bakuchiol And Is It Worth The Hype?

In beauty, skincare on September 5, 2022 at 12:00 pm

Growing older is inevitable. We know this. And there is nothing wrong with making adjustments to ensure that this process is smoother, and more graceful instead of throwing caution to the wind and letting life have its way with our health, well-being and even our looks.

Retinol has always been and will most likely remain the gold standard in skincare when it comes to preventing and softening the signs of aging. Derived from Vitamin A, retinol works on a cellular level to push newer cells to the surface. It instructs skin to produce collagen which is responsible for firm, plump skin. Retinol is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial and can actually help with breakouts as opposed to or in addition to ingredients such as salicylic acid. As a matter of fact, Retin A from which retinol is derived was initially prescribed for acne. Patients who used it for acne noticed that their skin was more clear with less hyperpigmentation in addition to having fewer acne/breakouts.

But retinol can propose a downside for some users. Retinol can be extremely harsh on the skin. It can cause irritation, redness, peeling and drying. Not a good look for something that is supposed to be so helpful.

Enter bakuchiol. Ba-ku-chi-who? Bakuchiol (pronunced ba koo chee yol). Bakuchiol comes from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant (psoralea corylifolia). It is native to countries India and Sri Lanka and is used in ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic skin treatments. Although bakuchiol is not new, it is gaining popularity as an effective skin care ingredient. So why the comparison to retinol? For starters although they are molecularly different, they have similar qualities. Bakuchiol is 100% plant derived and retinol comes from Vitamin A and is usually synthetically produced. They both help with brightening, firming, collagen production and hyperpigmentation. Bakuchiol, however, is perfect for sensitive skin and can be tolerated on eczema, psoriasis prone or active skin (breakouts). In these cases, retinol may not be as beginner friendly. Although it is probably best to use bakuchiol at night, some will use bakuchiol am and pm whereas retinol should be used in the evening followed by sunscreen in the morning. Bakuchiol is vegan friendly and is safe for pregnant and nursing women. On the other hand, it is recommended to refrain from retinol use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Overall there is no side effect with bakuchiol. With retinol it is suggested to gradually increase application and make sure you are using a moisturizer to counteract any side effects such as drying, peeling and redness. In addition, bakuchiol is good for mixing with other ingredients that could otherwise not be tolerated in some skin. The combination of retinol and AHA, BHA, and Vitamin can be too active or potent for more sensitive skin and can spell disaster.

When it comes to choosing bakuchiol or retinol, you would need to consider your skin type and whether are you sensitive or not. Do you prefer products that are vegan? Do you have certain views on the use of synthetics in skincare ingredients or does it matter?

There has been extensive research on the efficacy of retinol whereas the research on bakuchiol and its long term effects and uses is not as extensive as of yet. Read the directions on the product that you choose whether it is bakuchiol or retinol. Also, keep in mind that just because a product is natural doesn’t mean you wont have an adverse reaction to it.

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Dual Phase Bakuchiol Serum $19.99. This serum is dual phase product that is rich in powerful antioxidants and hydration as well as anti-aging support in the form of plant based bakuchiol.

Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum $54. Perfect for the most sensitive skin, this serum will help smooth look of fine lines as well as help to retexturize and brighten the skin.

The Inky List Retinol Alternative Moisturizer $11.49. This cruelty free lightweight cream will help to moisturize will it softens fine lines, wrinkles, dullness and uneven texture.

Credo Beauty 1% Bakuchiol + Olive Squalane Oil Booster $10. This booster is made without a number of questionable ingredient and makes it easy to incorporate into your existing skincare routine. Bakuchiol will help with fine lines and wrinkles while squalane will boost hydration. Mix with your current moisturizer or serum or use by itself.

Paula’s Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment $56. This treatment harnesses the power of retinol, bakuchiol and peptides to help fight wrinkles. dullness and loss of firmness and elasticity. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly into the skin.

Loved this post?  Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox. 

For business inquiries regarding Beautygrind.com, email me at khalilah@beautygrind.com

Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com and fill out the “work with me” form.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

15 Skincare And Makeup Mistakes To Stop Making Now

In beauty, makeup, skincare on June 27, 2022 at 12:00 pm

From the harshness of unblended highlight and contour to using dirty makeup brushes, chances are you have at some point or are currently making some major beauty faux pas.

Image courtesy of George Milton via Pexels

We all have our go to make up routines which includes our favorite tips, tricks and tools. But it is definitely possible that our go to make up habits could be doing more harm than good to our skin, tools and overall look. That’s ok because below is a list of 15 common beauty blunders that you might not be aware of and the solution to help fix said faux pas.

  1. Using Makeup Wipes To Clean Your Face. I’m not sure when using wipes as the only way to sufficiently cleanse your face became ok but stop it. So you’ve had a long night out and you are too inebriated and too tired to actually cleanse your face – a makeup wipe can help you out until you get yourself together. But please don’t make this a habit – the most a makeup cleansing wipe can do for you is superficially wipe the day off of your face. It will not ever deep clean the surface of your skin let alone get deep down into your pores after a day of wearing sunscreen and makeup and being exposed to the environmental aggressors of dirt, debris and smog. Do your current and your future skin a favor and use a cleansing balm or oil followed by an actual cleanser for your skin type. If you prefer using a makeup wipe, use it a part of your pre-cleanse.
  2. Tugging On The Eye Area To Remove/Apply Eye Makeup And Skincare. We’ve all been there: you stretch/pull at the corner of your your eyes to apply your eye liner, roughly rub your eyes to take off your eye makeup or pull and rub on your under eye area to apply eye cream or concealer. Stop it! The under eye area is the most delicate area of the face. Think of it like this: your face is like construction paper and your under eye area is delicate like tissue paper. The under eye area shows the first signs of aging and rough and tumble pulling and tugging can help accelerate the process. When it comes to removing eye makeup, use a cotton round with a makeup remover. Apply to the eye area and hold for about 10 seconds to loosen any eye makeup and gently swipe away. When it comes to applying eye liner, apply in sections across the lid and be sure to use a formula that glides on smoothly. Don’t pull on the corner of your eyes. When applying under eye concealer and eye cream, use a brush and/or your ring finger and gently press/tap into the skin.
  3. Not Treating The Under Eye Area With Eye Cream/Serum Before Concealer. At this point, eye creams/serums should be a part of your skin care routine. If not, no judgement. Just start now. By prepping with skin care, you will find that your concealer will lay better on your skin. It also prevents your makeup from looking dry and cakey and you won’t have to apply tons to look even and highlighted under the eyes.
  4. Not Using Color Corrector. Have you ever applied under eye concealer or even foundation and found that the shade and tone wasn’t sufficient? As a matter of fact, some areas looked gray? That’s because you most likely need to color correct first. Color correcting helps to neutralize blue, purple and brown undertones in the skin so that your actual complexion product will read more accurately. It all goes back to understanding color theory where opposite colors on the color wheel are not only complementary but those same complementary colors also cancel each other out. For instance, if you are experiencing redness, you would use green to color correct before applying your concealer or foundation. If you have blue tones under your eyes, you would use a corrector in the pink/peach/apricot spectrum, depending on your complexion range, to neutralize those tones before applying concealer or foundation.
  5. Not Cleaning Makeup Brushes Regularly. Have you ever gone so long with not cleaning your brushes that your brushes feel hard and somewhat stiff? When your brushes are dirty they don’t even perform the same and your make up doesn’t look as good as it could. More importantly, not cleaning your brushes is a great way to spread bacteria on the face. Can we say pimples? Anyway, using a brush cleaner like this one or this one not only cleans your brushes but helps to keep the bristles conditioned and is oftentimes anti-bacterial.
  6. Putting On Concealer Before Foundation. Foundation is just that – foundation. A base. It’s the building block for all of the other makeup you put on your face – well aside from good skin care. When you apply concealer first, as you apply the actual foundation, you actually wipe concealer away from the very place you were trying to conceal. Instead, apply foundation first then stipple/bounce concealer on top wherever the discoloration is. You may also find that you won’t need as much concealer when you apply foundation first. When it comes to the under eye, this can be particularly helpful as applying foundation first can help balance and perhaps color correct tones before you apply concealer.
  7. Not Blending Your Harsh Highlight And Contour. Chances are you aren’t on stage but in real life – at work, school or the grocery store. The somewhat extreme highlighting and contouring that we see on our social media feeds works better for stage and maybe television with various lighting conditions but those harsh, unblended lines of demarcation can be quite unappealing in real life. Consider blending more thoroughly for a softer, more complementary look.
  8. Using Too Much Product To Mark Out Highlight And Contour. Or using too much foundation in general. Bottom line – it’s TOO MUCH PRODUCT and takes unnecessary amounts off time and effort to blend. Instead of plastering your face with foundation, highlight and contour shades in intricate designs, try applying your foundation first. Then apply your highlight color (1-2 shades lighter, maybe 3 shades if you know how to blend) in the right undertone then blend. Then go in with your contour color and blend. Apply an illuminator/highlighter if you so choose. Blend that as well. Then take a brush and lightly blend the entire face. This way you will look soft, blended and radiant. Not a colorful ashy mess. *note* Applying your highlight first will actually expose the areas that naturally recede for contour. It is also easier to blend a contour (darker color) into a highlight as opposed to the other way around.
  9. Not Using A Moisturizer Because You Are Oily. Not using at lease an oil free (controls oil production) or mattifying (prevents appearance of oil, makes skin more matte) moisturizer is actually making you more oily. That is your skin overcompensating for the lack of actual moisture in the skin. The oil in the skin is not a moisturizer and the skin becomes more unbalanced when you don’t use a moisturizer to balance and protect your moisture barrier.
  10. Over-Washing Your Face. It is quite tempting to want to wash your face multiple times a day especially when you are oily and/or acne prone. However, just like not using a moisturizer when you are oily can have an adverse affect on your skin, over-washing your face can strip your skin, causing it to be dry, flaky and painfully irritated. You might also find that acne can get worse. When washing your face twice a day, consider using a mild low lather or creamy/oil cleanser like this or this for the morning and a cleanser for deeper cleanse for the evening to wash the day away like this one.
  11. Keeping Expired Makeup. Sure you may love the many items in your make up collection but it is very important to make sure that what you are putting on your face is not expired. Not paying attention to expiration dates can not only cause lack of performance of your favorite items but can also be a breeding ground for skin irritation and possible infection. Learn more about makeup shelf life and expiration dates here.
  12. Over-Filling Your Eyebrows. Good eyebrows are one of the most important features in giving good face. Well groomed brows bring shape and structure to the face. When you have neatly and beautifully shaped brows, you don’t necessarily need too much of anything else to look polished. It is recommended that you seek a professional too groom your brows. It’s one thing to have a natural full brow however filling in the brow too dark and over the natural shape can spell disaster. When filling in your brows, be sure to follow the natural shape of the brow and fill in only the sparse areas.
  13. Not Adjusting Your Foundation As You Age. It’s no secret that your body changes as you get older. This includes changes to your skin. What worked for you in your 20’s (i.e. powder foundation) may not work for you as you get older. Consider using liquid or serum based formulations that address dullness, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration and dryness.
  14. Putting Makeup On Dry Skin. Not prepping the skin before makeup application. Your makeup reflects back to you what is going with your skin. If your skin is dry, your makeup will look dry and cakey. You will also find that your makeup doesn’t glide and apply very smoothly to your skin. Be sure to prep with a good moisturizer and hydrating primer before applying your foundation.
  15. Putting Too Much Emphasis On Both Eyes And Lips. How you choose to wear your makeup is entirely up to you. However, consider focusing on one feature such as the eyes and let your other features play a supporting role with complementary tones, textures and finishes. Doing so prevents your look from becoming too under or overwhelming. It also brings balance to the features.

Have you made any of the mistakes listed above or do you make mistakes that weren’t even listed above? Leave a comment down below.

Loved this post?  Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox. 

For business inquiries regarding Beautygrind.com, email me at khalilah@beautygrind.com

Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com  and fill out the “work with me” form.

, , , , , , ,

Should You Apply Face Oil Before Or After Your Moisturizer?

In beauty, skincare on February 2, 2022 at 12:00 pm

If you know anything about skin care then you have most likely have heard about facial oils. While they are not a new concept, incorporating facial oils into one’s skin care has become more mainstream over the past few years. Facial oils have many benefits and can be a great way to treat various skin concerns based on the oil you choose. In addition, these oils can be used by themselves as well as with other skincare and makeup products (like foundation) and can also help give your skin that much sought after glow.

So now that your interest has been piqued and you’re thinking about incorporating a facial oil into your skin care routine, where do you start? Because oils, like serums, can address multiple concerns, you will first have to decide what your concern is and what ingredients you prefer and need. Do you want something to help with anti-aging, redness, irritation, oiliness or hydration? You would then, of course, select your formula accordingly.

About That Hydration Thing…

Keep in mind that oils should not replace your moisturizer. Technically, oils don’t replenish and bind moisture to the various layers of skin like moisturizers do. As a matter of fact, oils don’t penetrate the skin and should be the last step in your routine – applied on top of your moisturizer.

But Wait…

If a facial oil has several ingredients for multiple benefits such as hydration, wouldn’t you want some of those ingredients closer to your skin? So then what part of your routine should your oil go – before or after your moisturizer?

There are different thoughts on this topic. The leading thought is that, as previously stated, oils should be the last step in one’s routine – they go on top of moisturizer to seal everything in. This is because oils are an occlusive and they lock everything in. But what about all of the beneficial ingredients that many of these oils have? Perhaps you would want some of those ingredients in more direct contact with your skin to at least do some topical reparative work. If that’s the case, layer or mix (cocktail) your oils with your serum and/or moisturizer to boost the effectiveness of those products. Otherwise put your oil on last.

How Often Should You Use A Facial Oil?

Oils don’t have to be used daily and can be used on an as needed basis. With oils that address specific concerns, you may find that you only need to apply to certain areas. Daytime use of an oil with sunscreen however can break down the effectiveness of the sunscreen so be mindful when adding oil to daytime skin care.

To Press Or Rub – The Million Dollar Question

There is some debate as to whether you should press or rub oils (or any skin care for that matter) into the skin. The general rule of thumb for oils is that you warm them up in your hands and and press into the skin. You can also use a facial roller when applying oils and serums to the skin. Pressing oils and serums into the skin does lend itself to better absorption. Regardless of whether you press or rub, be gentle with your skin and follow the directions on the bottle.

Reminder – When applying creams to the eye area, always pat product in using the ring finger. The skin under the eye is extremely delicate and the ring finger does the least amount of tugging which can help accelerate the aging process in the undereye area.

Biossance 100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil $32. Lightweight and multitasking, this oil can be used anywhere on the body including hair. It is perfect for mixing into foundation or skincare as well as under and on top of your moisturizer.

Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra Hydrating Facial Oil $48. Buckwheat Honey and Sea Buckthorn Oil are the key ingredients in this facial oil to help with concerns of fine lines, wrinkles and dryness. It is non-comedogenic and perfect for wearing alone or mixing with your moisturizer or foundation.

Vitner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum $195. This exquisite face oil contains a blend of nutritive botanicals, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omegas to balance and strengthen the skin. Perfect for all skin types including acne prone and mature.

Herbivore Orchid Antioxidant Beauty Face Oil $66. A lightweight, floral scented oil that has antioxidant properties to protect against the signs of aging. Key ingredients include squalane (protects moisture barrier), camelia oil (omega 3 & 6) and jasmine sambac oil (elasticity)to hydrate and give skin a glow.

Darphin Niaouli Essential Oil $75. This oil is perfect for those with oily combo skin as it helps to purify and detoxify while balancing the skin.

Verso Super Facial Oil With Retinol 8 $125. Rejuvenating and nourishing, this facial oil is quick absorbing and helps with firming and tightening gives the skin a healthy glow.

Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil $36-$72. Power-packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids 6 and 9, this vegan, cruelty free facial oil helps with dullness and uneven texture while boosting radiance. Vitamins A and C help to strengthen and brighten the skin.

Loved this post?  Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox.
Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.

, , , , , , , , ,

Do You Really Need A Neck Cream?

In beauty, skincare on January 19, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Image Courtesy of Pexels

How many times have you done your skin care routine and completely skipped your neck? If that’s what you’ve been doing, then listen up. First of all, your face, jawline, neck and decolletage all go together -literally – and should be cared for as one. Your neck, like your hands and under eye area, shows the first signs of ageing so it important to apply your skincare there too. In addition, your neck has fewer oil glands so it is more prone to dryness and sagging. Also with the repeated actions of our heads hovering over our computers and cell phones, crepiness, fine lines and even tech neck is inevitable. Suffice it to say that what you put on your face should be brought down to your neck and chest to keep skin smooth and glowing and to address concerns that you may be having. Ageing is a part of life but it can be done gracefully. Start taking care of your neck now so you won’t have to continuously hide behind turtlenecks and scarves later.

So about that neck cream. Does it matter if you use one or not? What will this extra cream do that your other serums and creams aren’t already doing? The fist thing you should determine is if you are even paying attention to and caring for your neck in the first place. If you aren’t, then a new potion won’t help you. Consistency is the key so start there. Next is to consider the ingredients. Do the ingredients in your current skincare routine address preventative as well as ageing neck concerns? This skin is very delicate – thinner than the skin on your face (similar to the skin under the eyes) so a good blend of ingredients that are gentle yet effective is necessary. With all of that said, a dedicated neck cream can be a good thing because it is formulated specifically for the area. The choice is yours.

Ahead are several creams consider…

Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus + Neck & Chest SPF 25 $89 Perricone MD has always been synonymous with effective skincare and this cream is no different. Key ingredients include Vitamin C Ester, Vitamin B3 and peptides to address dullness, discoloration, sun damage and loss of elasticity.

Strivectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus $95 This neck cream has a lifting complex that will also address the delicate needs of the decolletage. Key ingredients include peptides, a brightening complex and Gravitite-CF lifting complex to help diminish fine lines, sagging and loss of elasticity.

iS Clinical NeckPerfect Complex $95 is Clinical neck perfect complex is also formulated for the jawline and chest area to help with firmness and elasticity. It also contains antioxidants to help with free radical damage and gently exfoliates to help reveal smoother brighter skin.

Skinceuticls AGE Interrupter $162 This alcohol and dye free formula helps to restore hydration as it improves the appearance of texture, fine lines and wrinkles.

IT Cosmetics Confidence In A Neck Cream $54 iT Cosmetics has a straightforward approach to skincare and this neck cream proves just that. It contains shea butter, elastin, and collagen for a smoother, firmer, more supple appearance.

Estee Lauder Resilience Multi Effect Tri – Peptide Face And Neck Cream $98 Resilience Multi Effect is a rich night cream that helps skin to look more youthful, firmer, radiant with more volume and can also be used as a weekly mask.

Loved this post?  Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox.
Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.

, , , ,

5 Reasons Why You Should Use Cleansing Balms And Oils

In skincare on December 1, 2021 at 12:00 pm

So much is involved when it comes to adulting. There are many repetitive mundane tasks and responsibilities to tend to on the regular: wake up, brush your teeth, get dressed, walk the kids, take the dogs to school, go to work. BLAH BLAH BLAH REPEAT. Adulting can be overwhelming. And just think, at some point during your day, you have to DO YOUR SKIN CARE. Case in point: cleansing your face, especially in the evening. It’s one of many necessary steps in your skin care routine to ensure clear, smooth, beautiful skin. There are endless options when it comes to face wash and regardless of the formula you use (foam, cream, gel, wipes) you want to make sure it cleanses without stripping your face and is the right choice for your skin type and lifestyle.

In addition to the traditional cleansers previously mentioned, an option that is popular and continues to grow in prominence is cleansing balms and oils. Balms and oils can be partnered with your existing cleanser and is perfect because to get the cleanest skin possible it is important to double cleanse, especially if you wear heavy makeup, sunscreen, etc.

5 More Reasons Why You Should Consider Using A Cleansing Balm or Oil:

1. Ensures complete, thorough cleansing. Balms and oils will break down dirt, oil, makeup, and sunscreen before you even get to your regular cleanser. And because your skin is properly cleansed, the rest of your skin care products will work more effectively. If you are wearing (heavy) eye makeup it is still advised to use a separate waterproof eye makeup remover.

2. It can keep skin hydrated regardless of skin type but especially if you are dry and sensitive. Balms and oils are very emollient and contain ingredients that hydrate, nourish and protect the skin.

3. A little goes a long way. You only need a dime sized amount to get the job done. You will also use less of your regular cleanser.

4. It’s great for oily skin. “Hold up!” you might say because your skin is an everlasting greaseball. Trust me when I say that oil attracts oil and cleanses everything off of your face. And even though you are oily, you don’t need to strip your skin because that will actually cause your skin to become more unbalanced which then leads to more oiliness. Hydration and protection for combo/oily skin and everlasting greaseballs like you and me is still important.

5. It can be relaxing because you have to take the time to thoroughly massage it in. This is one of those times of the day where you have to stop and take a moment for yourself. To take the time to care for yourself is quite rejuvenating and can be something to look forward to after a long day.

How To Use A Cleansing Balm Or Oil

Scoop/pour a small amount to hands and apply to dry face.

Massage slowly and thoroughly, avoiding the eye area. Take your time. Breathe deeply. Thank me later.

Rinse off with warm water or wipe off with a cloth.

Follow up with regular cleanser and remaining skin care.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm. This balm is power packed with ingredients that not only cleanses but makes your skin better. Green Clean turns into a milky texture once it comes in contact with water. Key ingredients include papaya enyzmes for gentle exfoliation and tumeric for antioxidants and brightening. Perfect for all skin types and great for removing eye makeup as well.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover. This non drying formula which turns into an oil when mixed with water will remove even the most stubborn makeup without stripping the skin and without leaving residue. It is also effective for removing eye makeup

Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup Melting Butter Cleanser. Removes all dirt and makeup and addresses concerns of redness and dullness. Slaai turns from oil to milk and contains a wonderful combination of fruit extracts and fruit oils including blueberry, strawberry, acai fruit oil and cranberry seed oil for nourishing, brightening and comfort. Slaai comes with a handy spatula that is magnetic and stays on the lid for easy, mess free scooping of the product.

Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil. A beautifully packaged product that will adorn many a vanity, this cleansing oil will gently melt all makeup, dirt and impurities away. The Camelia Oil is great for all skin types and addresses the main concern of dryness. It also contains Japanese camelia oil which is rich in omegas and vitamins. And like all Tatcha products, this cleansing oil contians the hadesei- 3 complex of rice (exfoliation and moisture), green tea (antioxidant protection) and algae (antioxidant protection and soothing).

Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil. This cleansing oil is antioxidant rich and contains squalane that is derived from sugarcane. It also contains various oils to ensure moisture, radiance and smooth skin with effective cleansing. Not only addresses dryness but also dullness and uneven skin texture.

Caudalie Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil. Antioxidant enriched and non-comedogenic, this oil contains several oils to insure the ultimate gentle clean including sweet almond oil (softening, strengthening), grape seed oil (nourishment and antioxidant) sunflower and castor oil (dissolves makeup).

Loved this post? Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox.
Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.

, ,

Body Care Is Just As Important As Facial Skin Care

In beauty, skincare on July 12, 2021 at 12:00 pm
Image Courtesy of Sora Shimazaki via Pexels

At this point we all know that it’s a good idea to have an appropriate skincare routine for our faces. It’s also most likely safe to say that many people have a good (or at least decent) routine in place and are experiencing some payoff from the effort. Wonderful. But then there is the rest of the skin on the body which oftentimes gets neglected.

If you are anything like me, this can be the case more than I care to admit. With a power packed schedule, I, of course, do my am/pm skin care routines but for the rest of my body I might only pay attention to what is exposed: an elbow, an ankle, a toe. Throw in the fact that I suffer from EXTREMELY dry, patchy winter skin, particularly on my legs/thighs. which leaves my skin itchy, flaky and blotchy. This is a problem for me when spring and summer rolls around because of the shorter, more revealing clothes I like to wear. My consistent body care neglect then leaves me scrambling to fix the aftermath of my neglect. If only I would take extra time to care for my body skin as much as I do my face. Anywho, in an effort to fix my skin, I have to pull out the most aggressive tactics and artillery to rid myself of this blotchy lizard skin. But sometimes no matter how many concoctions i apply to my skin, it doesn’t alleviate me of what ails me. On top of that, all that harsh and aggressive scrubbing can do more harm than good. I know – I must do better.

So what products and tools have I been using lately on a more intentional and consistent basis to help correct, smooth and even out my skin making it soft, smooth and radiant? Keep reading.

Olay Cleansing & Renewing Night Time Body Wash With Retinol.

If you know anything about me, i will always sing the praises of retinol. It is one of the most powerful anti-aging, skincare renewal ingredients that one can use on their skin. I had been seeing advertisements for this body wash but never got around to making the purchase. Then a friend gave me a bottle and I couldn’t wait to get home to use it. Now let me say that I usually try to stay away from skincare that is fragranced but this body wash smells quite exquisite. I have been using this every night for the past 3 weeks and I must say that my skin – especially on my legs/thighs – is smoother and more even in tone than it’s been in quite some time.

Bathing/Exfoliating Gloves.

I believe in the power of a good body exfoliator but many times I don’t feel like taking that extra step in the shower after cleansing. So instead I use exfoliating gloves because they cleanse and exfoliate at the same time. That in addition to using my gloves with my Olay Cleansing & Renewing Night Time Body Wash With Retinol makes for very beautiful skin that I’m always eager to show off.

Dry Brushing

I’ve read numerous articles about celebrities using this particular technique on the regular so I felt it was necessary to do some research and possibly go shopping for a new tool.

Dry brushing is a type of medicine of ayurvedic origin what has been around for centuries. It is an exfoliation technique that is believed to exfoliate dead dry skin so that the body can eliminate toxins through the pores. There isn’t much scientific evidence/research to support dry brushing HOWEVER possible benefits (with the obvious/most noticeable being the first two) (may) include:

  • exfoliate the skin
  • boost energy and circulation
  • eliminate toxins
  • help break down cellulite
  • help with lymphatic drainage (open pores/sweat)

Now I don’t know about the break down of cellulite, lymphatic drainage or even the elimination of toxins but what I do like is the invigorating and energetic feeling that I experience. Even more important is that I see the dead skin being lifted that I didn’t realize was there. This is the one thing I do in the morning on dry skin to help prep for my shower. For more info on dry brushing, tools and best practices, go here and here.

Nivea Essentially Enriched Body Lotion Deep with Nourishing Serum and Almond Oil

When it comes to body (or hand) lotion, I always look for something unscented (for fragrance layering), rich, emollient and leaves my skin radiant and glowy (maybe slightly greasy) and this body lotion fits the bill. I use it am and pm and when used consistently, the skin on my body looks very beautiful and healthy.

Do you have any body care best practices or is that something you need to add to your current skincare routine?

Loved this post?  Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox.
Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.

, ,

9 Clear Skin MVP’s To Help Banish Acne

In beauty, skincare on February 10, 2021 at 8:30 am
Sora Shimazaki via Pexels

Having a acne is never fun.  Whether it is occasional or a regular occurrence, acne is inconvenient and annoying. And yes, acne is terrible when you are an awkward teenager but what about when you are an adult?  In your career.  On the dating scene.  Advancing toward the next milestone of your life.  In a perfect world, adulting would never include fighting acne.

But it’s not a perfect world and adult acne is a real thing. While some people may think focusing on physical appearance is vain and self centered, those struggling with adult acne know better.  Oftentimes, there is an embarrassment and isolation as well as physical and emotional scarring that is overlooked.

To cope, some adult acne sufferers may chalk it up to breakouts being their lot in life.  Depending on the severity, some may suffer depression and find it difficult to leave the house while others will spend time and money undergoing treatment.  The latter is always an option in treating acne but there are also over the counter (OTC) options that can help banish acne. When going with OTC options, it’s important to know about the various ingredients and what they do for the skin. As with any skin care routine and treatment, if you want to see results, you have to be consistent. Continue reading to get the 411 on these popular acne fighting ingredients.

Niacinamide. Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide has multiple skin benefits such as helping with the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps to fight whiteheads and blackheads, brightens the skin and helps to reduce redness. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.

Glycolic Acid. This popular AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) which is derived from sugar cane is the master at exfoliation and skin clearing. Having the smallest molecule, it is able to penetrate deeper into the skin to help clear up acne, dullness, scarring, fine lines and wrinkles to reveal smoother, brighter skin. Rodial Glycolic Booster Drops.

Salicylic Acid.  This BHA (beta hydroxy acid), salicylic acid is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that treats whiteheads and blackheads.  Performing like Drain-o, salicylic acid dives past oil and gunk to get down to the pores to clear them out and dissolves the “glue” that holds the sticky cells together.  Although salicylic acid is found in most acne treatments, it does not kill bacteria.  Zitsticka Killa Kit.

Benzoyl Peroxide. An old school acne fighting ingredient, benzoyl peroxide, which is perfect for whiteheads, kills the bacteria that causes acne and keeps pores from being blocked. Found in concentrations between 2.5% and 10%, it is best when used on a continual basis. Proceed with caution because it can be drying to the skin and cause redness. Paula’s Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment.

Sulfur.  Another ingredient that kills the bacteria that causes acne, sulfur can be used to treat mild cases.  It is keratolyic – meaning it dries the skin and makes the epidermis thinner.  Sulfur helps to reduce oil and has anti-microbial properties and helps diminish whiteheads and blackheads. Clearogen Sensitive Skin Acne Lotion.

Retinoids. If you are looking for a product with an ingredient that addresses multiple concerns, retinol might be for you. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is anti-aging in that it helps with fine lines and wrinkles. As an exfoliator, it helps refine skin texture and pores as well as helps to speed up cell turnover to reveal new skin. Retinol is also an anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce oil production. You may experience drying if you have dry skin. Use at retinol products night and use a sunscreen during the day. Treats whiteheads and blackheads. Differin Gel.

Hyaluronic Acid. Usually when people have acne, their skin might be more oily than dry. And those with oily skin may skip the hydration piece of their skin care routine because they feel they don’t need it. This could not be further from the truth. As a matter of fact, not moisturizing your skin can leave your skin unbalanced and unprotected – think dryness and bacteria. This can lead to more breakouts. Technically, hyaluronic acid is not an acne fighting ingredient but keep skin balanced which supports skin health and can lead to a reduction in acne. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel.

Kaolin Clay. This particular clay has multiple uses including cleansing the hair and teeth but is most popular for skin care. As one of the most gentle clays, kaolin is neutral in ph and is used for many cosmetic purposes. Not only does kaolin clay exfoliate the skin, it also draws out oil dirt and other impurities to help purify the skin. Although it works for all skin types, it is very mild and can work for dry and sensitive skin. Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Pore Refining Clay Mask.

Light Therapy. This kind of treatment uses different colors (blue and red) of visible light to treat acne. Red light, which stimulates collagen, not only treats anti-aging but helps with inflammation and helps to reduce oil production. Blue light is anti-bacterial and helps to reduce the appearance of pores and active breakouts. Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment.

Loved this post?  Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox.
Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

6 Beauty Trends To Keep Your Eye On In 2021

In beauty, how to, makeup, makeup artist tools, skincare on January 8, 2021 at 8:30 am

It’s no secret that 2020 was a year filled with many unexpected twist and turns. Daily life was upended and most people were confined to their homes. If you did leave the house, you had to have a mask on.

If you didn’t already work in an industry where a mask was required (surgeon, auto mechanic, etc.) chances are the mask may have wrecked havoc on your entire beauty routine. From maskne to not needing to apply the usual highlight, contour and favorite lip, some beauty routines became less important while learning to navigate what was quickly becoming the new norm. And, with all of the extra time that many had on their hands, increased beauty experiments and online shopping became a form of entertainment to cope. Increased DIY also became a part of the new norm as many tried to figure out how to maintain their skin, hair and nails since everything was shut down. Endless zoom calls required you to take what you learned from your Instagram feed and YouTube and apply them to yourself.

Now that the new year has begun, it will be interesting to see what is new, what is re-invented what will remain the same as time progresses. Continue reading to discover 6 beauty trends to keep your eye on throughout the upcoming season.

Glowy Skin. Skin that radiates is a goal that everyone has. In times past the quickest way to achieve that enviable glow was with various forms of highlighters and luminizers. This method of topical glow is perfectly fine and will not go away. I do find however that many people desire the health of their skin to be the source of their glow. This can be achieved many different ways, particularly with a regular routine of cleansing, exfoliation, and a healthy lifestyle. To get that added boost, add in a serum that targets radiance and correction specifically and apply your moisturizer after.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum

OKO Skincare Glow Hydrating Serum

Pixi Skintreats Overnight Glow Serum

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum

Foundation Hybrids. Long gone are the days of heavy foundations that clog your pores and assault your skin. Think of foundation hybrids as a relationship between foundation and skincare. These new formulations have a combination of pigments, SPF as well as ingredients to help improve the skin such as antioxidants, kombucha, and peptides. Foundation hybrids allow breathability and flexibility on the skin as well as various levels of coverage when you switch your tool and technique.

Live Tinted Huestick

Urban Decay Hydromaniac Tinted Glow Hydrator

Kosas Tinted Face Oil Foundation

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Colorful eyes. Because of masks, now is the time more than ever to flex your makeup skills and play up your eyes. And what better way to accentuate your eyes than with this season’s trend of colorful eyes with colored mascaras, liners and eyeshadows. The wonderful thing about these bright colorful eye trends is that you can keep it minimal or monochromatic with just a liner or mascara or go all out with creating a glamorous look with a colorful smoky or spotlight eye.

ColourPop BFF Mascara

YSL Beaute Vinyl Couture Mascara

Limecrime Astronomical Mascara

L’oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

NYX Professional Makeup Vivid Brights Eyeliner

Shany Cosmetics Indelible Gel Liner

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

Juvia’s Place Warrior 3 Palette

Violet Voss Mini Forget Me Not Palette

Limecrime Venus 3 Eyeshadow Palette

Bushy Full Brows. Eyebrows are extremely important as they are the architecture of your face. If your brows are not on point, why bother with anything else? As of late we have seen a lot more of a relaxed yet well structured brow as opposed to the highly stylized bold Insta brow. Brows styles have a specific microbladed look for natural effect. And fear not – if you naturally have minimal to sparse brows, you can still fake it with many of the brow markers that more brands are creating.

Benefit Microfilling Brow Pen

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pen

Ardell Stroke A Brow Feathering Pen

MAC Shape + Shade Brow Tint

Patrick Ta Major Brow Shaping Wax

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Primer

Makeup Revolution Soap Brow

Red/Red Orange Lips. A red lip never goes out of style. Regardless of the season or what other popular lip trends there may be, a red lip – particularly matte – is forever classy and an essential item for your makeup collection. And yes it is normal and ok to several favorite red lips. When wearing a red lip, always remember to exfoliate, prep and line before applying your red lip.

Nars Cosmetics Lipstick (Heatwave)

Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick (999 Matte)

Buxom Cosmetics Full Force Plumping Lipstick (Powerhouse)

Nars Cosmetics Powermatte Lip Pigment (Light My Fire)

Too Faced Melted Matte Liquified Long Wear Lipstick (Lady Balls)

Lashes. Daily application of false lashes will never go out of style. While this may be true, many are seeking other alternatives to this daily process to make their eyes pop. Lash extensions may be an option for some if they are comfortable with going to a salon. For those who don’t mind taking their beauty into their own hands, there are less expensive at home options such as lashes that last for 7-10 days without having to remove and reapply daily.

Lashify

Moitie Cosmetics

Loved this post?  Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox.
Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com

,

8 Popular Beauty Myths You Should Stop Believing

In beauty, hair, makeup, skincare on September 29, 2020 at 10:26 am

When it comes to things like beauty, everyone has an opinion, a trick, and a solution for every beauty need and desire. Whether it’s information that has been passed down from your grandmother, tips and tricks from your friend, or your favorite beauty guru, there are many beauty routines and regimens that we have committed to for years that keep us looking our best. Or so it seems. This is because there are many beauty schools of thought that may actually be a myth.

Now if you feel that what you are doing on a regular basis is working for you don’t change. However, it’s still good to examine our thought process and approach to many of the things that we accept as fact. Below are 8 very popular beauty concepts that we have accepted through the ages that are actually myths.

You Can Make Pores Smaller/Go Away. I totally hate to be the bearer of bad news but pores don’t get smaller or go away. EVER. Also, I really wish that skin care and makeup companies would stop lying to those of us who have enlarged pores with empty promises of their magic pore shrinking lotions and potions. Now, everyone has pores. Everyone. It’s just that some people, usually those with oily, acne prone skin, have larger, more visible pores. Furthermore, pore size is determined genetically. For pores that “look” larger, they can be stretched when clogged with dirt and sebum. This is where appropriate skincare plays a role. Daily cleansing, gentle exfoliation, as well as using a detoxifying mask and things like peel pads can help pores look more refined. As far as makeup is concerned, there are certain primers have blurring effects that can also make pores look more refined. But again, pores don’t get smaller or go away. EVER.

Skin Adapts to Skin Care Products So You Have To Switch To Something New. Skin, which is our largest organ, is ever changing and evolving. What your skin needed 3 months ago may not be what your skin needs today. Think about why you bought a particular item for your skin, maybe to help with a particular concern that you had. Do you have that concern now? Not necessarily because the major skin changes might have already taken place so the results won’t seem as dramatic although the product is working the same way it always has. If you want to switch up your skincare, that’s totally fine but just know you don’t have to switch to a new product because your skin is “used” to your current products.

Wearing Makeup Daily Is Bad For Your Skin. Granted there are some makeup formulations that can irritate your skin, causing inflammation and breakouts. But makeup isn’t inherently bad for your skin. Also, skin doesn’t need to breathe because skin is not made up of tiny lungs. Now clogged pores – that’s another issue. Pores are tiny openings in the skin that release oils and sweat – not oxygen. Be sure to cleanse your face thoroughly on a daily basis and use the proper skincare formulation for your skin type. If you feel like you want to take a break from wearing makeup, that is never a bad thing. Have at it.

You Can Repair Split Ends. This is simply not true. You can use products to help improve their appearance but you will ultimately have to clip your ends and be mindful of things like heat styling, having a hair care routine in place and using the proper products for your hair on a regular basis. Also hair doesn’t grow faster when you cut it. Hair growth comes from the root. Not the ends. Snip Snip.

Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer. The oil in one’s skin is not a moisturizer, which is something ALL skin types need. When someone with oily skin does not wear a moisturizer, the skin actually overcompensates for a lack of moisture by over-producing sebum, thus making you more oily and shiny. And even with all of that extra oil, your skin is still dry. It is best to use an oil free or mattifying moisturizer to help with shine as well as moisture.

Dry Skin Causes Wrinkles. Dry skin does not cause wrinkles. Overexposure to UV rays and other elements (aging, poor diet, genetics, smoking/drinking, etc) as well as the breakdown of collagen contribute to wrinkles. Dry skin can accentuate wrinkles but is not the culprit of said wrinkles.

Cellulite Can Go Away. Well not really but sort of through – measures like surgery. Anyway, although fairly harmless, cellulite can be an annoying occurrence that appears on places such as thighs, belly and breasts. It is more common in women than in men and can become more prevalent in aging, pregnancy as well as weight gain. Even those who are fit or slender may actually have cellulite. Cellulite is caused by fat deposits pushing toward of the surface of the skin. The use of creams, depending on ingredients, can offer a temporary reduction in appearance of cellulite. There are some things you can do to improve the appearance of cellulite such as: hydrate, exercise/eat a healthy well balanced diet and possibly dry brushing. When you stay hydrated, you are helping to flush toxins and keep skin looking healthy. When you are dehydrated, skin can appear more dull and cellulite can appear more visible. Exercising can help build lean muscle and burn fat which can help cellulite appear less visible. Eating a well balanced diet with healthy fats and lean protein can help you maintain your personal healthy weight. Dry brushing is thought to help with lymphatic drainage as well as helps with the appearance of skin.

Black Skin Doesn’t Need Sunscreen. Melanin is wonderful and all but it doesn’t protect against the UV rays that lead to aging (UVA) and burning which can lead to skin cancer (UVB). Also – ALL. SKIN. BURNS. For example, if you put white bread, wheat bread and pumpernickel bread into the oven and leave it in too long, all of the bread will burn. You just won’t see the damage on the pumpernickel as well as you would the white bread. But all the bread is damaged. Same with skin. So please, EVERYONE, wear your sunscreen.

Loved this post?  Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox.

Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.