Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Extra Strength Alpha Beta Face Peel

Ok, so it’s been a little too long since I’ve taken the time to do some beauty product reviews.  (I’m not really sure why it’s taken me so long either because I certainly haven’t stopped using beauty products….at all!)  Regardless, here comes one and hopefully more to follow in the near future.

I have always wanted to have a chemical peel done but can never actually bring myself to have one done because I don’t want to deal with the downtime of having a red, flaky, peeling face for a couple of days afterwards and the thought of them kind of freaks me out…just a little.  My skin can be very temperamental…I have periods where it’s great and periods where it’s anything but great.  I also tend to have acne spots that last long after the pimple is gone (I guess it’s an annoying and pesky way of reminding me of what used to be there.)  So, when I stumbled upon these little facial wipes I was definitely tempted to try them being that they aren’t as invasive as an actual chemical peel and have no downtime.

These wipes are available in two different strengths, regular and extra strength.  I dove right into the extra strength wipes and didn’t even try the regular strength ones because I was dead-set on getting results and thought that the extra strength ones stood a better chance at giving me my desired results.  If you have sensitive skin, I would highly suggest starting out with the regular strength wipes first.

Another great thing about these wipes is that they are available in different quantities which is great for someone who is just looking to try them out.  These treatment wipes are available in the following quantities: 5, 30 or 60.  Packs of 5 retail for $15.00, packs of 30 retail for $82.00 and packs of 60 retail for $145.00.  (For my first time using them, I obviously went for the 5 pack.) They also have them available in a package deal called the “14 Day Challenge with Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution” which retails for $45.00. (This is also a great deal, which I’ve also purchased….more than once.)

We’ll start with the 5 pack, which is what I tried first.  Each treatment consists of two conjoined pouches which each contain a wipe (so two wipes per treatment).  Wipe 1 is to be used first (but I’m sure that is obvious to everyone) on a clean face.  You simply rub your skin in circular motions until the wipe is no longer moist.  Then you wait two minutes before using wipe 2.  After the two minutes are up, use wipe 2 the same way that you used wipe 1.   That’s it.  It’s quick and easy but I will say that I did (and still do) notice a burning sensation when using wipe 1 so be aware of that and don’t be surprised if you notice it too.

I noticed a subtle glow to my skin immediately after using these but really noticed it after using them for a couple of days consecutively.  I noticed an even better glow after trying the 14 day challenge treatment with the brightening solution.  The 14 day challenge works the exact same way as the 5 pack of pads does except there are enough treatment packs for 14 days and there is the brightening serum.  The brightening serum is applied after you use both wipes and I think that this serum is really beneficial and just gives your skin that much more of a healthy glow.

I will say though that I would not do this treatment after doing a face mask of any kind prior (speaking from experience.)  It could have been something in the face mask I did prior to using this treatment or my face could have just been feeling sensitive but it was not a pleasant experience!  The burning sensation was a lot worse than ever before and my face was left looking patchy and red….so don’t follow in my footsteps there!

Overall, I like this product and like the results.  My skin always looks like it has a nice natural glow after doing these treatments and it also helps reduce my acne spots in a significant way.  (I notice the most dramatic results and lighter/faded acne spots after using these for multiple consecutive days.)

What I like:

• Gives skin a natural glow
• Reduces and fades acne spots
• Evens out skin tone
• Noticeable results….quickly

What I don’t like:

• Burning sensation
• Results seem to fade if this isn’t used on a regular basis

DIY Almond and Mandarin Face Scrub

Gently exfoliate and nourish skin with this easy to make at home facial scrub!

What you need:

• 2 tsp. honey
• 4 tsp. almond meal
• 1 – 1 1/2 tsp. mandarin juice

What you do:

• In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well
• Apply mixture to face and gently massage into skin for a few minutes
• Rinse thoroughly with water and pat skin dry

Softening Chocolate Face Mask

Treat your face to this delicious chocolate facial mask!  Not only does it smell amazing but it also will do wonders for softening your skin!

 

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup cocoa
• 4 tbsp. cream
• 3 tsp. cottage cheese (plain only)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 4 tsp. oatmeal

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients together; mix well
• Apply to a clean face and let sit 10-15 minutes
• Rinse with warm water

Soothing Lettuce Cleanser

Treat irritated skin to a soothing and gentle lettuce cleanser!

 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 head lettuce
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 tsp. benzoin

 

Directions:

• Place the water in a saucepan and add the lettuce
• Bring the water to a boil; once boiling reduce heat to a simmer
• Let simmer for 1 hour
• Remove from heat and let cool
• Once cool, carefully strain the mixture and add the benzoin; mix well
• Transfer the mixture to a container for storage
• Apply to skin and use as you would a cleanser
• Rinse with water

The Lowdown on Sunscreens

Summertime is here!  That means plenty of picnics, pool parties, trips to the beach, and outdoor activities!  It’s important to remember that despite all the fun in the sun that you’re having you still need to take care of your skin and be smart by protecting it from the sun by using a sunscreen each and every time you venture outside.

There are countless different sunscreens available to purchase each with different options so if you are wondering which one is right for you it’s best to first know the basics:

Just like we all have our own preferences when it comes to the types of makeup we like and what it does to our skin, sunscreen is no different.  What works on one persons skin may cause breakouts on another person and so on and so on.  Below is a breakdown of the types of sunscreen you should look for depending on your specific skin type as well as examples of sunscreens that are most suitable for you.

 

Dry Skin

• Creams/lotions with extra hydrating ingredients (aloe and glycerin)
• Steer clear of spray or gel sunscreens that contain aloe (they’ll just dry out your skin that much more)

Try

Murad Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 15

L’Oreal Dermo-Expertise Futur-E SPF 15

 

Oily Skin

• Oil-free sunscreen
• Non-comedogenic sunscreen (won’t clog pores)
• Water or gel based sunscreens are most commonly oil-free

Try

Ocean Potion Anti-Aging Sunblock SPF 50

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 45

 

Acne Prone Skin

• Light and/or oil-free lotions
• Sunscreens that contain the chemicals avobenzone and oxybenzone
• Non-comedogenic sunscreen (won’t clog pores)
• Fragrance free sunscreen

Try

Hawaiian Tropic Oil Free Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50

Murad Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30

 

Sensitive Skin

• Paba free sunscreen (this is very common)
• Oil-free sunscreen
• Fragrance free sunscreen
• Chemical free sunscreen
• Hypoallergenic sunscreen
• Mineral based sunscreen

Try

Aveeno Active Naturals Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion for Face

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion SPF 60

 

Active/Outdoor Skin (for those that spend a lot of time being active outdoors; sports/swimming)

• Water-resistant or waterproof sunscreen
• Highest SPF sunscreen available

Try

Coppertone Sport Sunblock Spray SPF 30

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock with Helioplex SPF 70

Relaxing Pumpkin Pedicure Foot Wrap

Treat your feet to this delicious pumpkin foot wrap!

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. honey

 

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients; mix well
• Apply mixture to clean feet
• Wrap feet with saran wrap
• Let sit for 30 minutes (sit back and relax since you won’t be able to walk around)
• Rinse with water

Grapefruit Facial Mask

Leave your skin looking and feeling healthy and glowing after using this face mask!

 

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp. grapefruit juice
• 2 tsp. carrot juice
• 3 tbsp. plain yogurt

 

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients; mix well
• Apply to a clean face (avoid the eye area)
• Let sit for 15 minutes
• Rinse with warm water

Victoria’s Secret Perfect Body Perfectly Polished Cucumber Extract Warming Foot Scrub

This was another item I purchased from Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual sale.  I normally like their beauty products and always like a good foot scrub so I decided to give this one a try.  (The warming part of the name was appealing too!)

I gave it a try in the shower and enjoyed it.

It’s a pink color with small scrubbing and polishing beads in it. It’s more a thick gel-like consistency than a creamy lathery one.  The scrubbing and polishing beads in it are noticeable but are not abrasive.  I usually like a “rougher” exfoliating scrub because I feel like they normally do a better exfoliating job for me.  I would say this is more of a gentle exfoliator yet it gets the job done.

The warming part of the title was alluring to me but I was skeptical of if it would really warm when I used it.  It actually did warm up though as I scrubbed my feet with it.  It’s not a very warm feeling but a mild and gentle pleasant one.

After rinsing off the scrub and drying off my feet felt nice and smooth.  I like it!

 

 

Pros:

• Gently exfoliates
• Nice warming feeling
• A little goes a long way
• Left feet feeling smooth and soft

Cons:

• Not a deep exfoliating scrub

Gentle Herbal Facial Cleanser

Gently cleanse skin with this herbal facial cleanser!

 

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup dried chamomile
• 1/3 cup dried rose petals
• 2/3 oat flour
• water

 

Directions:

• Combine dried chamomile and rose petals and grind until fine
• Combine oat flour with grinded mix; mix well
• Add a tablespoon of water to the mixture at a time; stirring after each tablespoon is added until a creamy paste forms
• Place the mixture in a saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes (this will create a creamier consistency)
• Remove from heat and let mixture cool
• Once cooled, apply the mixture to skin (avoid the eye area)
• Gently massage into skin
• Rinse with warm water

Basil Blemish Gentle Facial Tonic

Calm and tone distressed skin with this gentle tonic!

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 handful fresh basil leaves

 

Directions:

• Bring water to a boil over heat; add basil leaves
• Let steep in water for 15 minutes
• Carefully strain the leaves from the mixture and discard
• Let the basil water cool
• Apply to problem areas using a cotton ball or soft tissue

 

*Store in the fridge until water becomes cloudy/murky.  Discard at this point.