January Round-Up: Top 5 Skincare & Beauty Posts for January 2010
With February coming to a close (and the first hints of Spring teasing the air), I've decided it's the perfect time to reflect on where 2010 has taken us so far in the realm of beauty. Here's a brief review of some of January's blog highlights, with tips on everything from choosing the right exfoliant and sunscreen to breaking worn-out beauty rules.
1. Out with the old: Exfoliation 101. Confused about the best method for exfoliating your skin? Exfoliation - the process of sloughing off dead skin cells - is essential for a healthy, radiant complexion. In addition to revealing newer skin cells beneath the skin’s surface, exfoliating allows the skin to better absorb active ingredients from other products. But using the wrong scrub for your skin type can lead to dryness, irritation and even breakouts. Check out this comprehensive guide to understand the different types of exfoliants, which products are right for you and how often to exfoliate depending on your skin type.
2. Rules are meant to be broken (or bent). It’s easy to get stuck in an outdated beauty routine, following makeup standards that no longer apply, or relying on skincare practices that aren’t right for your skin type. While it may feel like you’re playing it safe, the truth is that some beauty rules are better off broken. Here are five rules worth re-evaluating, and how to adjust them to breathe freshness into your routine.
3. Battle of the Bumps: Keratosis Pilaris (KP). Plagued by rough skin or acne-like bumps? KP is a common skin condition that can be caused by blocked follicles, external triggers and/or hormones and genetics. While there's no known cure for KP, proper skincare can treat a flare-up and smooth away the bumps. Check out this post for tips on treatment, and get others' input for what's worked for them.
4. Top 10 Reasons Why Your Products Aren't Working. If you’ve ever been disappointed by a new product that delivered lackluster results, or felt bewildered when a favorite product stopped working, one of these 10 reasons might be to blame. It’s possible that your skin type has changed, the products have expired or you aren’t following directions. Rather than waste time and money on formulas that fall short, get the lowdown on what you can do to boost your products’ effectiveness.
5. The return of the sun!..and sunscreens that save your skin & wallet. Just because the sun is playing hide-and-seek in the winter doesn't mean you can skimp on sunscreen. Exposure to UVA and UVB rays can cause skin damage, aging and cancer -- more than enough reason to make SPF daily habit. Learn how to protect yourself with UVA and UVB-absorbing ingredients, plus money-saving tips for choosing the best products.
Do you have a favorite post from the past two months? A topic you'd like to see covered? Beauty resolutions you need help keeping? What has 2010 brought you so far in your own skincare & beauty routine?
1. Out with the old: Exfoliation 101. Confused about the best method for exfoliating your skin? Exfoliation - the process of sloughing off dead skin cells - is essential for a healthy, radiant complexion. In addition to revealing newer skin cells beneath the skin’s surface, exfoliating allows the skin to better absorb active ingredients from other products. But using the wrong scrub for your skin type can lead to dryness, irritation and even breakouts. Check out this comprehensive guide to understand the different types of exfoliants, which products are right for you and how often to exfoliate depending on your skin type.
2. Rules are meant to be broken (or bent). It’s easy to get stuck in an outdated beauty routine, following makeup standards that no longer apply, or relying on skincare practices that aren’t right for your skin type. While it may feel like you’re playing it safe, the truth is that some beauty rules are better off broken. Here are five rules worth re-evaluating, and how to adjust them to breathe freshness into your routine.
3. Battle of the Bumps: Keratosis Pilaris (KP). Plagued by rough skin or acne-like bumps? KP is a common skin condition that can be caused by blocked follicles, external triggers and/or hormones and genetics. While there's no known cure for KP, proper skincare can treat a flare-up and smooth away the bumps. Check out this post for tips on treatment, and get others' input for what's worked for them.
4. Top 10 Reasons Why Your Products Aren't Working. If you’ve ever been disappointed by a new product that delivered lackluster results, or felt bewildered when a favorite product stopped working, one of these 10 reasons might be to blame. It’s possible that your skin type has changed, the products have expired or you aren’t following directions. Rather than waste time and money on formulas that fall short, get the lowdown on what you can do to boost your products’ effectiveness.
5. The return of the sun!..and sunscreens that save your skin & wallet. Just because the sun is playing hide-and-seek in the winter doesn't mean you can skimp on sunscreen. Exposure to UVA and UVB rays can cause skin damage, aging and cancer -- more than enough reason to make SPF daily habit. Learn how to protect yourself with UVA and UVB-absorbing ingredients, plus money-saving tips for choosing the best products.
Do you have a favorite post from the past two months? A topic you'd like to see covered? Beauty resolutions you need help keeping? What has 2010 brought you so far in your own skincare & beauty routine?