The Nitty Gritty: Razor Burn and Bumps

Last week we discussed some common summer skincare issues.  This week, we'd like to get a little nitty gritty with these embarrassing issues: Razor Burn and Razor Bumps.  Let's face it, no one feels comfortable in shorts or a bikini when suffering with razor burn or bumps.

What's the difference?  While both can be painful, itchy, annoying and hard to heal, learn the difference so you can treat it correctly.  Razor burn is a mild or moderate rash that occurs after shaving.  Razor bumps, also referred to as ingrown hairs, often resemble a pimple.  When the hair grew back, it curled under the skin's surface creating a bump.  Here are a few tips for treating each issue and how to prevent them in the future.

How to treat:
Razor burn, bumps and ingrown hairs are often associated with swelling, redness and irritation.  Continuing to shave over these areas will only cause further irritation and new bumps.  To calm razor burn, you can first apply ice, then apply a soothing product with hydrocortisone.  To treat an inflamed ingrown hair, you'll want to disinfect and unclog the follicle.  Products containing salicylic or glycolic acid with help exfoliate the area while deeply cleaning the follicle.  

How to prevent:
Before shaving, prep the area with a exfoliant or scrub.  Exfoliating away dead skin cells and surface oils will promote a closer shave and will help prevent clogging the blade.  Always use a shave lubricant to aid in shaving.  Dry shaving will definitely irritate your skin!  Choose a formula that is best suited for your skin too.  Plain soaps can actually increase irritation, while shaving creams are great for dry skin.  Make sure your razor is in good shape.  A dull blade will hinder your shave and you got it - increase the chance of razor burn or bumps.  When you're shaving, you should glide the razor along your skin.  Pressing too hard can increase friction, and skin irritation.

We recommend:

• gloTherapeutics Healing Gel:  With 1% Hydrocortisone, this soothing gel with calm your razor burn and any other skin inflammations, including sunburn.  It's a go-to in our beauty and medicine cabinet.
• Tend Skin Solution:  This one is popular among men and women for its effectiveness in treating razor burn, bumps and ingrown hairs.  It works great on your legs, underarms, bikini area and face.
• Relax & Wax Get the Bump Outta Here!:  This convenient formula is applied by a roll on, and helps to treat and prevent skin issues associated with hair removal, whether it's shaving, waxing, tweezing or laser hair removal.
• Avene Dermo-K:  Another product loved by both men and women, this treatment contains the soothing power of Avene Thermal Spring Water.  It prevents and treats ingrown hairs, while protecting skin from bacterial risks.

Are you suffering from any summer-related beauty issues?  Let us know what we can do to help!

Until next time... stay tuned and stay beautiful!

Add a Little Mud to Your Beauty Routine

There's just something about a good, thick face mask that I love.  It makes me feel like I'm really treating my skin to something special.  For these hot summer months, you may see some extra oil, blemishes or sun damage showing up on your skin.  Add some mud or clay to your beauty routine and you're sure to get back to your naturally flawless face.

For acne:

With the power of Bentonite Clay and Salicylic Acid, Pur Minerals Dirty Girl Detoxifying Mudd Masque unclogs your pores and eliminates excess oil.  Use as a spot treatment on blemishes to provide extra healing power.  After rinsing, follow with Pur Minerals Miracle Mist (one of my faves!) for even better results.

For inflamed skin or sunburn:
Repair and soothe skin with Osmosis Skincare Repair Healing Mud.  Not only will it help calm post-procedure skin or a sunburn, but it also encourages collagen, promoting overall healthy skin.  You can even customize your results by using this "mud" as either a serum, mask or overnight treatment.

For uneven skin tone and texture:
If the results of this masque are as good as its ingredients, you're in for a treat!  Glytone Essentials Deep Cleansing Masque is full of beneficial ingredients like Bentonite, Kaolin, Glycolic Acid, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin C and Lactic Acid.  So, what can you expect?  Clear and minimized pores, softer, smoother skin, reduced oil, improved tone and texture for an all over brighter glow.

For an all in one treatment:
Utilizing clarifying ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Kaolin, combined with the soothing and hydrating properties of Aloe, Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid, Jan Marini Retinol Plus Mask is your go-to for reducing fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, sun damage AND acne!  Oh, did we mention it also has a high concentration of all-trans-retinol?  You better believe this mask will powerfully resurface your skin and minimize your pores.  You also don't have to worry about irritation because its unique formula will soothe and calm your skin.

Not sure how to apply your mask?  Check out Beauty 101 for an easy to follow video on How to Apply a Face Mask.

Until next time...stay tuned and stay beautiful!

Spotlight On: Cosmedix Affirm

Every now and then we find a product that we can recommend for every skin type.  Cosmedix Affirm is one of those products.  This antioxidant firming serum contains over 10 antioxidants that work hard to fight off free radical and environmental damage which cause premature aging, sun damage and wrinkles.  So whether you currently have sun damage or want to avoid it, this potent little serum is both preventative and corrective.

Besides providing protection, Affirm also firms the skin (of course!), reduces fine line and wrinkles, and gives your complexion a healthy glow.  Like all Cosmedix products, it contains some seriously beneficial and pure ingredients.  Have you ever heard of Spin Trap?  This "smart" antioxidant aids in protection by actually spinning around oxygen to trap it, then delivering it to cells that convert it for cellular respiration... pretty awesome, if you ask us!

Don't just take our word for it.  Affirm has stellar reviews:

"I was looking for products to help prevent aging, and possibly brighten my skin tone without irritating it. I use this serum every morning after cleansing and toning and love the results. My usually dull skin has more of a glow and is also smoother. A little bit goes a long way too so the bottle has lasted awhile."

"I have used this product for about 2 months now and it has really made a difference in the texture and appearance of my skin."

FREE GIFT!!!  Right now you can get a free travel size Affirm with the purchase of select Cosmedix products.  It will be perfect to carry along on your summer travels!

Until next time...stay tuned and stay beautiful!