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Showing posts with label skin care. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

The Best Facial Toners for More Beautiful, Younger Looking Skin

Facial toners and mists are a crucial, yet sometimes overlooked, part of an effective skincare routine. Far from just a secondary cleansing step, the right toner or mist can address a wide range of skin concerns—hydration, inflammation, redness, acne, and more—by delivering active ingredients that prepare the skin for serums and moisturizers.

With proper use, toners and mists can balance the skin’s pH levels, tighten pores, and enhance the absorption of subsequent skincare products. In this review, I will explore how toners can target specific skin concerns and recommend products that can help treat each issue as part of an at-home anti-aging skincare routine.

I have chosen effective, clinical-grade products that can be ordered online easily without requiring an expensive trip to a dermatologist's or esthetician's office or clinic. As of this post's publication, most cost between $18 and $35, which is a great price range for professional-grade skincare with proven clinical results.

The Best Facial Toners for More Beautiful, Younger-Looking Skin

Using Facial Toners and Mists to Target Specific Skin Issues and Goals: A Detailed Guide

The Role of Toners in Skincare

In skincare, toners act as a bridge between cleansing and moisturizing, ensuring the skin is properly prepped for active treatments, and mists help serums penetrate and keep skin hydrated.

While traditional toners were mainly alcohol-based and often stripping, modern formulas focus on hydration, balancing, and enhancing the skin barrier. Today, dermatologists and estheticians recommend toners and mists with carefully selected active ingredients to address specific skin needs. Let’s dive into the most common skin issues and goals, and how specific toners can help you achieve glowing, healthy skin.

Toners for Hydrating, Firming, and Reducing the Appearance of Fine Lines

As we age, our skin loses its natural moisture and elasticity, leading to dryness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides, marine algae, and botanical extracts are excellent ingredients to look for in toners, as they help to firm the skin, stimulate collagen production, and deeply hydrate.

How They Work:

• Peptides: Short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin, essential for skin firmness. Studies show peptides improve skin barrier function and reduce wrinkles by promoting collagen synthesis.

• Marine Algae: Known for its rich nutrient content, marine algae is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help to hydrate and firm the skin, as well as protect against environmental damage.

• Botanical Extracts: Plants like chamomile, green tea, and ginseng have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe the skin and promote repair.

Product Recommendation: Le Mieux Essence Toner

This peptide-packed toner is formulated with marine algae and botanical extracts, offering a combination of hydration, firming, and anti-aging benefits. It provides essential moisture and nutrients to the skin, helping to improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Regular use results in a more youthful, plump complexion, making this an excellent choice for women over 50 looking to combat visible signs of aging.

Soothing and Calming Toners: Relief for Inflammation, Irritation, Redness, and Rosacea

Sensitive skin conditions such as rosacea, inflammation, or redness require toners that can calm and soothe the skin without causing further irritation. Ingredients such as rose water, hyaluronic acid, and advanced recovery solutions are vital for reducing redness, hydrating the skin, and promoting healing.

How They Work:

• Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it essential for soothing and hydrating inflamed skin. According to clinical studies, hyaluronic acid also aids in skin repair by improving hydration and reducing trans-epidermal water loss.

• Rose Water: Known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties, rose water helps to reduce redness and irritation. It also balances the skin’s pH levels, making it ideal for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.

Product Recommendations:

Le Mieux Iso-Cell Recovery Solution

Perfect for sensitive and irritated skin, this recovery solution offers immediate relief for inflammation and redness. It’s designed to soothe rosacea-prone skin, calm irritation, and provide hydration—making it an ideal choice for those with reactive skin. In fact, it's often used in clinical settings to treat sensitive or compromised skin.

Le Mieux Iso-Rose Hydrating Mist

This hydrating mist offers the calming benefits of rose water while delivering a refreshing burst of hydration. Perfect for post-sun exposure or irritated skin, it cools and calms the skin, reducing redness and promoting healing. It’s gentle enough for daily use and can be applied throughout the day for a cooling effect. It's the perfect partner to the Le Mieux Iso-Cell Recovery Solution.

Exfoliating, Pore-Minimizing, and Brightening Toners

Exfoliating toners are excellent for those dealing with dull skin, large pores, or uneven texture. By removing dead skin cells, these toners reveal brighter, smoother skin. Active ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), and probiotics can help resurface the skin, minimize the appearance of pores, and improve overall skin tone.

How They Work:

• AHAs and BHAs: AHAs, like glycolic and lactic acid, exfoliate the surface of the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, and brighten the complexion. BHAs, such as salicylic acid, penetrate deeper into the pores, helping to reduce oiliness and treat acne.

• Probiotics: Known for their skin-balancing properties, probiotics help to maintain a healthy skin microbiome, which can reduce inflammation and protect against environmental stressors.

Product Recommendations:

Glowbiotics MD Probiotic Brightening + Refining Layering Solution

This multi-functional toner combines probiotics with exfoliating ingredients to help brighten, refine, and even out skin tone. Its layered formulation gently exfoliates while supporting a healthy skin barrier. It’s a fantastic choice for mature skin that needs regular exfoliation without irritation.

Replenix Soothing Antioxidant Mist

Great for all skin types and formulated with witch hazel, chamomile extract, and green and white tea, this soothing antioxidant mist helps refine pores, control excess oil, and brighten tired, dull skin. Its powerful antioxidant formula makes it perfect for those looking to boost radiance while minimizing pores and excess shine.

Clarifying and Balancing Toners for Oily Skin

For those with oily skin, using a toner that balances oil production while providing hydration is key. Look for ingredients that clarify the skin without stripping it of essential moisture, such as witch hazel, niacinamide, or salicylic acid.

How They Work:

• Witch Hazel: A natural astringent, witch hazel helps to reduce excess oil, tighten pores, and clarify the skin. Unlike alcohol-based toners, witch hazel soothes while controlling oil production.

• Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is praised for its ability to reduce excess oil production, improve the skin barrier, and minimize pores.

Product Recommendation: Epionce Balancing Toner

Formulated with balancing ingredients, this toner is designed to control oil production while hydrating the skin. It clarifies the complexion, reduces excess shine, and leaves the skin feeling refreshed without the drying effect of harsh toners. It’s ideal for those with oily or combination skin.

Clarifying and Hydrating Toners for Blemish-Prone Skin

Acne-prone skin often needs a delicate balance of clarifying and hydrating ingredients. Harsh toners can over-strip the skin, leading to more oil production and breakouts, so it’s crucial to find a formula that fights acne without causing dryness.

How They Work:

• Salicylic Acid: This BHA is a well-known acne-fighter, helping to clear clogged pores and reduce acne. Its oil-soluble nature allows it to penetrate deeply into pores, dissolving oil and dead skin cells.

• Aloe Vera: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera helps to soothe irritated or inflamed skin while providing light hydration, making it perfect for blemish-prone skin.

Product Recommendation: Epionce Purifying Toner

This purifying toner is designed for blemish-prone skin, helping to clarify clogged pores and reduce breakouts. It provides hydration while keeping acne at bay, making it ideal for those who need both purification and soothing in their skincare routine.

An Underrated Step in Any Skincare Routine

Facial toners are an essential, often underrated part of an effective skincare routine. Whether you’re targeting hydration, brightening, pore-minimizing, or calming irritated skin, there’s a toner specifically designed to address your skin’s needs. By incorporating the right toner into your routine, you can enhance the effectiveness of your other skincare products and enjoy healthier, more radiant skin.

With clinical backing and the right active ingredients, toners like those from Le Mieux, Glowbiotics, Replenix, and Epionce can offer profound benefits for mature, sensitive, or blemish-prone skin. Don’t underestimate the power of these versatile skincare heroes in your routine!

Le Mieux Essence Toner - Serum-Infused Moisturizing Facial Toner Spray with Peptides, Enzymes & Marine Algae, Hyaluronic Face Spray for Sensitive Skin (6 oz / 180 ml)

Le Mieux Iso-Cell Recovery Solution Facial Toner - Soothing Face Mist, Hydrating Amino Acid & Mineral Spray to Help Calm Post-Treatment Skin, No Parabens or Sulfates (6 oz / 180 ml)

Le Mieux Skincare Iso Rose Hydrating Mist - Hydrating Face Mist with Minerals & Bulgarian Rose Water - Soothing Facial Spray for Calming & Hydrating Irritated, Dry Skin (4 oz / 120 ml)

Glowbiotics Probiotic Brightening + Refining Layering Solution: Advanced Tone Correction, Enhances Natural Collagen, With Hyaluronic, Azelaic & Lactic Acids, 3.3 Fl Oz

Replenix Soothing Antioxidant Mist, Calming Facial Spray, Dermatologist Developed for All Skin Types, Oil Free, Paraban Free, Non-comedogenic (2.7 oz)

Epionce Balancing Toner - Facial Toner, Dirt & Makeup Remover Toner for Face, Gentle Face Cleanser, Hydrating Toner, Body & Face Mist, Facial Spray

Epionce Purifying Toner - Facial Toner, Dirt & Makeup Remover Toner for Face, Gentle Face Cleanser, Hydrating Toner, Body & Face Mist, Facial Spray

Have you used a clinical-grade facial toner yet? If so, what skin issues are you targeting and what differences have you seen? Let me know your experience in the comments below.

The Best Facial Toners for More Beautiful, Younger Looking Skin by Margaret Schindel

Sunday, June 14, 2020

An Affordable & Amazing Concealer - Check This Out

An Amazing and Affordable Concealer

My make-up routine is specific, fast, inexpensive, and extremely basic. It consists of a bit of eye shadow, mascara, blush, concealer, and lip gloss. Yep, I've mastered the five-minute face.

We all have health issues of some sort or another, however, problem skin has never been one of mine. The good skin gene has allowed me to be more liberal with my make-up choices.

I've never had to buy products for sensitive skin - and for that reason, I've had the good fortune of trying out just about every cheap make-up product out there!

After decades of trying different things, and enjoying the changes, I've discovered one product I'll no longer switch-up: I love e.l.f. Camo Concealer.

No Foundation Ever - Just a Bit of Concealer

e.l.f 16hr Camo Concealer - on Amazon

Foundation isn't something I choose to or need to wear. However, I do like a good concealer for under my eyes. Long hours, and those sleepless nights lead to tired-looking eyes - yuk - me no likey.

Also, in my opinion, tired, dark eyes make me look older. A good concealer is a great facial pick-me-up; it makes my eyes look brighter.

I've run my own not-so-double-blind-study: Without concealer, hubby will almost always say, "you look a bit tired today" - with it, hubby has been heard saying "oh, you slept well." Can't argue with wife-science?

I've tried umpteen concealers, and until e.l.f. Camo Concealer, I would switch products like underwear. I was never committed to a concealer, until this one.

Why I Like e.l.f Concealer

First, it's the price. It's not expensive. It's under $10 most of the time. Second, I can buy it at my local grocery store in the drugstore section. For any Canadians reading this, I buy mine at our local Superstore. Of course, you can find it on Amazon as well.

Skin Discoloration Cover-Up

As mentioned above, I don't have problem skin, however, a medication I take has a side-affect - skin discoloration.

Fortunately, it's only two spots on my neck. I get two reddish/brownish narrow blotches in the middle of my neck. Weird, I know. Unfortunately, they look like hickies (lol).

This concealer covers the two marks perfectly. I don't use very much, and I don't have to cake it on. By the end of the day, it's pretty much worn off.

How I Apply e.l.f. Camo Concealer

They give it that name for a reason - it's pretty thick. So you'll want to use it sparingly to determine how much you need. I use just a dab - the end of a fingertip - on each of the spots on my neck, then rub it in. I then put a dab under each eye, and on the eyelid of each eye, and gently rub it in. It's quick and easy to apply.

It Comes in Different Shades

Probably one of the hardest things to figure out with concealer is what shade/tone matches our skin. As you can see from my photo below, my skin is fair.

In the past, I always selected an Ivory shade. However, with e.l.f. Concealer I decided to try 'Light Peach' - Turns out, that's a better choice than ivory for me. The specific shade I use is "85845 Light Peach 9H02FH."

Can People With Sensitive Skin Use e.l.f Concealer?

Truth is, I have no idea. It may very well be fine, however, you'd have to do your own research on that front. My skin is normal, and this review is written with that in mind.

Make-up choices for our skin are often trial and error - e.l.f Concealer gets two thumbs up after my trial. I've been using e.l.f. Camo Concealer for about a year, and plan to continue with it.

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Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Marlowe Extra Moisturizing Body Lotion Reviewed

Relief For Dry Skin

Baby soft skin image from Pixabay.com

Aging skin is often difficult to keep moisturized. I recently discovered Marlowe Extra Moisturizing Body Lotion to help my skin feel more like the silky softness of a baby's foot. Well, not quite that soft but my skin is looking and feeling much better.

I absolutely love this product for my skin! It helps to hydrate while nourishing and restoring my skin to a more youthful look and feel. One of the ingredients that helps with this is deep sea algae extract. The algae extract gives relief to sensitive or inflamed skin without causing more irritation. My skin can be so sensitive at times that some body lotions actually worsen the condition instead of helping.

Marlowe body lotion uses passionflower fruit extract which is high in vitamin C and iron. This aides in skin restoration and moisturizing. Green tea extract is another ingredient which is rich in antioxidants to help fuel repair of skin cells and to protect our skin from environmental stresses. Another ingredient that helps with reduction of inflammation and irritation of the skin is willow bark extract. All of these work together to give a soothing, moisturizing and pleasant treatment to our skin.

Marlowe Body Lotion

What is not in this body lotion is paraben or phthalate! It is not tested on animals, either. Another selling point for me when I was considering purchasing this lotion was that it is made in the United States. An additional bonus was to find out that the company distributes soap to people at risk for hygiene-related illnesses for every product that is sold.

I have been using this lotion for a couple of weeks now and I am very pleased. My skin looks and feels better than it has in years. Another bonus was that the scent is not overpowering or too feminine so my husband doesn't mind using it, too. In the long run it turns out to be a money saver because I don't have to purchase a brand for him to use and a brand for me to use. We are both very pleased with how soft and moist our skin feels. There is no greasy residue after application and my skin feels a cool sensation when I apply the lotion.

If you have dry, sensitive skin or are starting to see the effects of aging in your skin; I highly recommend giving Marlowe Extra Moisturizing Body Lotion a try. I do not think that you will be disappointed.

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Thursday, September 1, 2016

Home Remedy for Wart Removal

Reviewing How to Remove Warts With Duct Tape

One of the most frustrating of all skin conditions is the common wart. Though many of us were raised to believe warts are caused by handling frogs or toads, the truth is that warts are caused by viruses that get into the skin. They're especially common in children, though they can occur at any age.

Warts commonly occur on the fingers or on elbows and knees. Warts on the bottom of the foot are called plantar warts and can be painful when walking.

Common warts are harmless, but they can be very annoying and unsightly. Wart removal can be an uncomfortable process consisting of burning, freezing, use of acid, or cutting and paring.

Instead of paying for these painful and sometimes expensive treatments, try this home remedy for wart removal using something you probably already have in your home, duct tape. While not guaranteed, this method is easy, painless, and often suggested by medical doctors.

Worth a try? Having suffered from warts as a child, I'd say definitely so.

Here's what you'll need:

A roll of duct (or duck) tape
Scissors
An emery board or pumice stone

Here's how to do it:

Cut a piece of duct tape just larger than the wart. Apply the tape to the wart. Wait six days. If the tape comes off during the six days, replace it with another piece.
After six days, remove the duct tape. Use an emery board to gently and painlessly smooth down the spot.
Repeat the process with another piece of duct tape for another six days. Often, when it comes time to remove the tape the second time, the wart will come off with the tape. If not, repeat again. Note that plantar warts can be deep and often take longer to remove, but be patient and watch for progress.

Tips:

You can buy duct tape at the local discount or hardware store.
For reluctant kids, use colorful duct tape cut in fun shapes to cover the wart.

Caveat:

I am not a doctor and this home remedy recommendation is not to be taken as medical advice. There is, however, plenty of anecdotal evidence that the duct tape method does work to remove common warts and I learned this from a medical doctor.
The duct tape method is for use with warts, not moles or skin tags. See a physician for an expert opinion on the status of moles and for simple removal of most skin tags.
If after a reasonable period of time the wart remains or is painful or bleeds, seek a medical opinion.

How do you feel about home remedies for common problems such as warts? Think this method will work?

If you'd like to read more about natural home remedies, you might want to start with this bestseller, The People's Pharmacy Quick and Handy Home Remedies: Q&A's For Your Common Ailments. If you can remove warts with duct tape, just think of all the other natural possibilities out there!

More Related Reading:

~Susan

Read more of my reviews.

Frog photo from Wikimedia Commons

Posted by Susan Deppner

About the Author

Susan Deppner is a baby boomer, a cancer survivor, and a Southerner who believes in the Golden Rule. She enjoys writing about food, faith, and fitness; health, home, and holidays; people, places, pets, and patriotism, and more. Follow Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.