Acne-prone skin? It might be the alcohol in your routine

If you’re still suffering from acne and dry skin past your early twenties, consider getting rid of all your skincare products that contain denatured alcohol, especially your toner. It’s the one skincare trick that I stand by. Since I eliminated denatured alcohol from my routine years ago, my other products work better on my skin.

Denatured alcohol is quite common in drugstore toners, if not the main ingredient. It’s also in some acne spot treatments. A few micellar water formulations also contain a bit of it too. That’s why it’s hard to defeat acne with these products. It’s also hard to believe that something so common in the beauty industry is creating more problems. But that’s the thing with skincare: it is different for every person and it can take a lot of trial-and-error to find something tailor-made to your needs.

A small disclaimer, though: I have encountered people who say that these denatured alcohol products do help them. And denatured alcohol’s prevalence proves that it works for most, given its anti-bacterial power. But if you’re someone like me, who never misses out on doing their nightly routine yet still sees bumps, you may need to go the alcohol free-route.

Pixi by Petra Glow Peel Pads 

A purchase I made last minute at the cashier, this product has rightfully earned its cult status. Not only did it keep my skin acne-free, it also helps lighten the dark spots caused by old pimples. Most skincare fanatics prefer the one which contains 20 percent glycolic acid. But if you’re just starting out, try first the 5 percent one and see how it goes.

Always Sunday Pink Punch BHA Clarifying Toner

This toner is from one of my favorite homegrown brands. It contains beta hydroxyl acid which makes pores smaller and unclogs them. The acid is balanced out by the calming effects of bearberry and tomato extracts.

Kiehl’s  Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner

If your skin is particularly sensitive, this is one sure choice. I like how this feels like water on the skin yet still keeps my skin clear with calendula, burdock root and allantoin. All these plant-derived substances make for a gentle but effective way to reduce oil production.

T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel 100% Natural Astringent 

If you’re not yet sure whether the cause of your pimples is indeed denatured alcohol, try using this one for a month. It’s what I did when I initially tested my theory. Buy a small bottle and if your skin is like mine, you’ll see no new spots plus reduced redness, damage and blemishes.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

The hype over this product from this social media brand is real. There’s a bit of a sting to this formula so I would only recommend this if you’re certain that you can take the glycolic acid. If the witch hazel proves that you and denatured alcohol don’t get along, move on to this one to quickly exfoliate all the blemishes  and old acne marks.  JB

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Japanese brand is more than just makeup base

Japanese skincare and makeup brand Kanebo is all set to launch a brand new look and marketing campaign to mark its 80th anniversary this year. At the sneak preview in Tokyo last May, company officials discussed its three-pronged approach to market its skincare line consisting of products that “transcend function alone by appealing to the senses.”

First, Kanebo will encourage women to “enjoy their beauty” by accepting their differences. Next, beauty consultants are trained to provide personalized counseling based on a woman’s daily, weekly, monthly and yearlong needs—a new development the company calls “Chrono Beauty,” where the changing needs of women as they mature are addressed using the corresponding product.

Lastly, it promises to provide women a total sensory experience with products that smell good and are easy to apply. A bonus is the sleek, tactile containers that call to mind flowing water and were designed by Gwenael Nicolas.

The eight-item skincare range includes a day cream with SPF 15, night lipid wear, “The First Serum,” two types of lotion, two types of emulsion, a cleansing cream, cleansing oil and creamy wash.

Brand manager Robby da Silva said that Kanebo is focusing on the line’s day cream, night lipid wear and First Serum.

“The last is a unique item that draws the moisture from subsequent products which is essential in increasing skin moisture,” he said.

Last collection

Lunasol, the skincare brand from Kanebo, will eventually be phased out—the last collection is the current autumn range. In its place, a Kanebo-branded range consisting of 16 items and 34 SKU (stock keeping units) will be introduced.

Makeup fans can look forward to everything from Full Radiance foundation, Glow Primer and eyeshadows to Moisture Rouge, dual eyeliners and eyebrow pencils.

Long-time customers who had the chance to check out the products in a private selling event, however, zeroed in on the base products: foundation, primer and loose powder. For them, Kanebo has always been synonymous to foundation that provides perfectly sheer or full coverage.

Fronting the company’s new look and marketing campaign is American model Arizona Muse, whose easygoing beauty is hoped to attract a younger market.

The new skincare and makeup from Kanebo will be available this month at Rustans Makati, Shangri-La Plaza and Cebu.

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net