A New York City Health and Beauty Blog

Review: Badger Damascus Rose SPF 16 Face Sunscreen Lotion

Badger Balm Damascus Rose SPF 16 Face Sunscreen Lotion

Although I know that sunscreen in a necessary evil in order to protect our skin from harmful UVA & UVB rays. but I just can’t stand the thick consistency. I have oily skin already and adding another product to my beauty regime is not something that I look forward to because I literally feel the product on my face. So I opt for a moisturizer that includes SPF so that I’m not adding another product on my face. But I just tried a sunscreen that changed my mind, Badger Damascus Rose SPF 16 Face Sunscreen Lotion.

Badger is a family run business in rural New Hampshire, they use natural and certified organic ingredients and none of their products are tested on animals. Their sunscreen contains antioxidants and nutrient-rich extracts like aloe, lavender oil, chamomile and rosehip extract.

This sunscreen lotion is a lightweight cream with a subtle scent of roses and lavender which smells wonderful. Another bonus is the rich blend of anti-aging compounds like Calendula and Seabuckthorn. The sunscreen applies smoothly like a moisturizer and doesn’t leave traces of white behind like some sunscreens do. It provides SPF 16 protection and can be used alone or under makeup. After applying the sunscreen I didn’t even feel it and it didn’t irritate my sensitive skin even after putting on my makeup.

Badger Damascus Rose SPF 16 Face Sunscreen Lotion, $17.99

Disclosure: The product featured in this review was provided for editorial consideration. Receipt of this product did not guarantee review and all opinions are my own.

Beauty Food: Blueberry Hyaluronic Acid Liquid

NeoCell Hyaluronic Acid Blueberry liquid supplement

For a while I’ve wanted to try a Hyaluronic Acid (HA) supplements, I’ve used skin care products that contain HA but I’ve heard quite a bit about the skin care benefits of oral supplements.

Almost 50% of the Hyaluronic Acid in our body is found in the skin, the rest is found in almost every cell in the body. What is does is quite miraculous –  with the help of water HA lubricates movable parts of the body, such as joints, eyes and muscles improving joint condition. HA binds to water creating a gel-like substance that hydrates tissue and keeps the collagen nourished and healthy, resulting in firm skin. And since Hyaluronic acid moisturizes skin from the inside it smooths out wrinkles making it the perfect natural anti-aging ingredient.

From the NeoCell website:

“Hyaluronic Acid Blueberry Liquid™ with the added benefits of powerful antioxidants from pomegranate and green tea, is an all-natural dietary supplement that counteracts the effects of aging in a more effective way than topical HA application alone. By nourishing and moisturizing the skin and connective tissue from the inside, it is like creating a more youthful, healthy inner environment overall. With green tea in the mix, the health benefits include: anti-inflammatory effects, potential delay or prevention of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases as well as assistance in lowering LDL cholesterol, increased fat metabolism, and diabetes prevention. Made with organic agave nectar, this natural sweetener has a lower glycemic index. It also has blueberries and pomegranates which are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and other health supporting benefits.”

NeoCell Blueberry Hyaluronic Acid Liquid

The problem is as we get older we tend to produce less and less HA in our bodies. So supplements are a great option to add more HA to our bodies to keep our bodies working well and keeping our skin plump and smooth. So I decided to give these supplements a try and for almost three weeks I’ve been taking NeoCell Hyaluronic Acid Blueberry Liquid™. This liquid supplement can taken by the spoonful or mixed in water or juice. I prefer to just take the tablespoon because it tasted really good, its a perfect blend of sweetness and tartness mixed together. Since I workout quite a bit I’ve noticed some joint stiffness, especially in the past year but lately I haven’t had a problem with hearing my joints “crack” which is great because honestly who wants to hear that and be reminded that they’re getting older! My skin also feels plumper but alas I still have a few fine lines. So I’ll keep taking the supplement in hopes that there will be some improvement in this area. Overall I really love how easy and pleasant it is to take Hyaluronic Acid as well as the multitude of long term health benefits that it offers.

Have you tried any Hyaluronic Acid supplements?

NeoCell Hyaluronic Acid Blueberry Liquid™, $19.99

Disclosure: The products featured in this review were provided for editorial consideration. Receipt of this product did not guarantee review and all opinions are my own.

Seven Super-Strong Anti-Aging Botox Alternatives

Did you see the story released over the weekend about Botox and its possible link to decreased ability to empathize? Excessive Botox has long been linked with an expressionless face, but it turns out that inability to physically express emotion (through frowning or other facial gestures) might actually inhibit your ability to feel empathy toward people. It seems when humans can’t mimic the facial expressions of others, the ability to actually feel those emotions could be reduced.

As an anti-aging skincare strategies go, Botox is also prohibitive both financially and as a time-investment. In addition to a high price-tag, the treatments need to be touched up fairly often to remain effective. (But they are really effective.) If you don’t have a trust fund or are terrified of needles, here are five skin treatments that don’t require a trip to the dermatologist.

1.) DDF Wrinkle Relax: Doctor’s Dermatologic Formula- also known as DDF- is a popular, dermatologist-style line due to their simple, effective products. DDF Wrinkle Relax is rich in water-binding sodium hyaluronate, and contains lipopeptide Matrixyl to plump and reduce fine lines. Acetyl Hexapeptide is also among the reparative ingredients in this skin serum.

2.) Peter Thomas Roth Firmx Growth Factor Extreme Neuropeptide Serum: “Peptide” is a word you hear a lot in relation to damage-repairing and age-defying creams, and PTR’s Firmx Growth Factor Extreme Neuropeptide Serum. Ingredients like  NEURO-BLOKKTM seem a bit- well, unscientific- but the product is designed to increase skin elasticity and hamper the muscle contraction that causes fine lines. At $150, it’s nearly a drugstore bargain in the realm of high-impact creams and treatments.

3.) Natura Bisse Diamond Drops: This top-shelf cream contains a skin-protecting ingredient called “Marine DNA.” Marine extracts are very popular in skincare, largely because in order for plants to thrive under water, they need highly concentrated nourishment. Diamond Drops isn’t a moisturizer- it goes on over your cream to protect and repair skin. In addition to its high tech ingredients, it also contains soothing lavender oil to calm skin and reparative grapeseed extract.

4.) Dior ‘L’Or de Vie’ La Crème: This fancy gold container houses an antioxidant-packed cream that is focused on renewing and repairing age and environmental damage skin has sustained. Dior ‘L’Or de Vie’ La Crème contains ingredients from a French vineyard that are put through a “17-step purification process (that) extracts every drop of the vines’ essence.” Hydroin, ectoin and hydroxyectoin are among the ingredients cited in this thick, skin-smoothing cream.

5.) Erno Lazlo ThranspHuse pHixation: Sometimes you need some on the spot, same-day results. Billed as a “surgiceutical” product, this lip-gloss like container proffers a “cooling, concentrated formula” with “Marine filling spheres” to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid draws and holds water, and a green tint masks redness.

Signs of aging aren’t necessarily the enemy, but a luxe, high-tech cream feels pampering and effective in your skincare routine. Have you found any high-impact creams or treatments that reduce damage? What’s your biggest skincare splurge?

Review: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence & Facial Treatment Mask

SK-II Facial Treatment mask and SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Now I must admit that I am a newbie to the SK-II brand so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I received a sample of it. I decided to take a closer look at SK-II to find out what make it so different from other treatment products. SK-II is made from a naturally derived liquid called Pitera which is is a yeast ferment filtrate of sake. Pitera contains a wealth of vitamins, amino acids, proteins and organic acids which help to maintain the PH balance of skin, smooth texture, even skin tone and help to restore the skins renewal process.

SK-II FACIAL TREATMENT ESSENCE – The treatment essence is applied after cleansing the face and is suitable for all skin types. The formula is made almost entirely from Pitera (approximately 90%) so it’s very concentrated. The treatment essence is a moisture booster that restores skin’s natural 28-day renewal cycle. With daily use the Facial Treatment Essence is said to improve skin hydration, clarity and smoothness. The treatment is very lightweight, absorbs easily and does not leave any residue. It takes up tow 28-days to see the full renewal but within two weeks there was a noticeable improvement in clarity.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

SK-II FACIAL TREATMENT MASK – The facial treatment mask is a single use form fitting mask that can be used right out of the packet. Not only is this a super-hydrating mask but it’s the best fitting mask that I’ve tried! Most single use masks simply cut out holes for the eyes, nose and mouth areas but SK-II took the extra step of  cutting out wedges in the cotton cloth that perfectly overlap to ensure that your entire face is covered by the mask. Genius. If you’re looking for  quick moisturizing mask that leaves your skin radiant you may want to give it a try. After the first application my skin was not only hydrated but my spouse asked what I had done because my face looked “brighter”.

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask

Overall I’d have to say that the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence was rather impressive. I found the treatment essence  to be a great moisture booster on the normal areas of my face while still being able to balance my oily t-zone. The facial treatment is mask on the other hand is an intensive moisture boosting treatment that delivers a skin pick me up in less than 20 minutes. The mask comes in a box of 6 and costs about $90, the treatment essence starts at about $100 depending on the size. Now while the products are not cheap by any means but if your skin is in need of some serious hydration you may want to give SK-II a try.

Have you tried any products from SK-II?

Plump Up Fine Lines with Kinerase!

I have been a fanatic about my skin care ever since I can remember, so when I spotted my first  laugh line believe me it was no laughing matter. I was showing signs of aging! Honestly I was really surprised that at my age my skin was showing signs of damage (but being a former smoker I’m sure that didn’t help). I considered getting cosmetic fillers like Juvederm to help recover some of the smoothness that I was losing but that’s an investment that I was not quite ready to make. Besides I was a little terrified that it would hurt too much!

I’d tried a multitude of products but none of them seemed to reverse the damage…that is until I tried Kinerase Advanced Repair Serum. This product states that it will dramatically reduce the depth of wrinkles in 30-days – well ladies I started seeing results within a week!  I am usually skeptical about products that make such dramatic claims but I am happy to say this anti-aging product DOES deliver.

The serum also claims to help reduce blotchiness and discoloration but I have not yet seen results in those two areas. I mainly started using the serum around my “parentheses” so that’s where my focus was, the fine lines that I was starting to develop.

Kinerase is known to use plant extracts; this particular product uses Zeatin (a powerful plant-derived antioxidant). Studies have shown that Zeatin has helped to improve skin roughness, texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

The cost of this product certainly ain’t cheap, for a .5 fl oz bottle it’s going to cost you around $115. But I’ve seen this product on Amazon for approximately $80 but on most skin care sites its in the $100+ price range. Even though this product is very expensive, it’s certainly less expensive than getting a cosmetic filler. So would I recommend this product Absolutely…great skin is no luxury!

Have you tried any Kinerase products?