May 28, 2012

CeraVe cleansing Products

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
This is a staple Gel cleanser for me when I have been wearing a Physical sunscreen. First I remove the Physical SS using the oil cleansing method followed by CeraVe Foaming Cleanser and my skin always feels so fresh and clean afterwards.
It states that this is for Normal to Oily skin and even though I have Normal skin with the occasional dry patch I find it works extremely well for me.
The majority of foaming cleansers I have tried in the past have left my skin feeling extremely parched of moisture but this is not the case with CeraVe Foaming Cleanser.

Pro's: 
Removes all traces of oil cleanser.
Does NOT dry my skin out.
Supposedly excellent for those suffering with acne (however I cannot vouch for this as I do not suffer with acne).
Fragrance free.
Leaves skin feeling very clean without feeling dry and 'stripped'.
Does not 'over' foam (which I prefer).
Rinses off easily.
Con's:
Low foaming (this is only a negative if you want a high foaming product).
Could be drying so I would not recommend this for those who have suffer with excessive dry skin.
CeraVe® Foaming Facial Cleanser Ingredient List:
Purified Water
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Glycerin
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Terastearate and PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
Niacinamide
Propylene Glycol
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Ceramide 3
Ceramide 6-II
Ceramide I
Hyaluronic Acid
Cholesterol
Sodium Chloride
Phytosphingosine
Citric Acid
Edetate Disodium, Dihydrate
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Methylparaben
Propylparaben
Carbomer
Xanthan Gum
                                  


CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
This is another cleanser by CeraVe which I highly recommend trying. Unlike the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser this is a very hydrating product which leaves my skin feeling silky and clean. I do intend to favor this product if I have not worn a physical sunscreen as I find it much more hydrating than the foam version. This is a very gentle cleanser so much so that when I first tested this product I was concerned as to if it was actually 'cleansing' my skin and therefore decided to swipe my face with an alcohol toner to make sure that it was doing its job. I can safely say that it does as my cotton pad was totally clean and residue free. So even though this cleanser may feel too gentle and soft to be doing a good job I can assure you it does. However this is not for you if you prefer a product that produces 'sud's' or 'foam' as this is in lotion form.  
Pro's:
Excellent for dry/sensitive skin
Fragrance free
Leaves skin feeling clean not tight
Con's:
Probably not advisable for those who have excessively oily skin or for acne prone skins
CeraVe® Hydrating Cleanser Ingredient List:
Purified Water
Glycerin
Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol
Stearyl Alcohol
Glyceryl Monostearate
Hyaluronic Acid
Ceramide 1
Ceramide 3
Ceramide 6-II
Cholesterol
Phytosphingosine
Potassium Phosphate
Dipotassium Phosphate
Methylparaben
Propylparaben
Disodium EDTA
Polyoxyl stearate
Polysorbate 20
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Carbomer
Xanthan Gum

May 17, 2012

Topical Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Toner

I have been using my Vit C Serum for over a year and have had wonderful results in regards to overall skin luminosity with moderate lightening of sunspots and after much research I decided to add Niacinamide to my current routine. Being constantly concerned as to the quality and stability of the products I place on my skin I decided to go the DIY route and make my own Niacinamide Toner and so far I am very pleased with the results.
Vitamin B3, also know as Niacin, is found in foods such as fish, milk, meat, grains, beans and yeast. However when in the form of Niacinamide it can be applied topically.
Niacinamide Toner along with Vit C Serum, Retin A and the Obagi Blender LINK have transformed my skin and this has all happened in a matter of 4 weeks.
Niacinamide Toner when used alongside Retin A, Vit C and AHA is not for the 'faint hearted' as this baby stings...and I do not mean stings a little this stuff 'REALLY' stings but oh so worth it. However, when used minus any exfoliation products there is no discomfort at all.
Benefits of Niacinamide in skin care products: 
Niacinamide has many quite impressive effects, and it can be used by anyone at any age of adult skin. Topical niacinamide helps to protect your skin's immune function. Skin contains cells called Langerhans cells, and these are responsible for triggering your body's responses to skin immune abnormalities. Langerhans cells can detect abnormalities including precancerous lesions and microbial activity. But when the skin is exposed to Ultra Violet light, Langerhans cell activity is suppressed, making it more difficult for the cells to protect the skin's immunity. Niacinamide in topical form has been demonstrated to help those cells maintain their function throughout the day, resulting in more viable, healthier skin. 
Visible Benefits of Topical Niacinamide 
Niacinamide can be used on all skin types including sensitive skin. It treats acne, rosacea, wrinkles, sunspots, hyper-pigmentation and lightening of the skin. The beneficial effects on rosacea, a skin condition that can cause deeply red pigmentation and inflammation on the complexion works by helping to alleviate skin sensitivity, and thus reduces the reactivity of the skin to irritants of rosacea sufferers. One of niacinamide most powerful benefits is its ability to get rid of acne spots, and fade acne scars.
Tips:
Like Vitamin C Serum make this fresh or purchase from someone who makes it to order so as you can be sure of the quality of the product.
Pro's:
All the benefits are listed above. This is a product I highly recommend including in your daily skincare routine.
Con's:
There really is no down side to using this product just keep in mind that when using it with Retin A and AHA it will sting on application but this does not mean anything is wrong, to the contrary it actually means it is doing its job.
If you have any questions in regards to Niacinamide Toner please feel free to email or place a comment in the comment box.
To purchase click BUY HERE