Results tagged “Facial Cleanser” from Style Flavors

In this installment of Style Flavors' Skin Care Guide, I will be diving into targeted treatments from acne to oil control to whitening.

Using a specific product for your specific skin type and problem will help solve the skin issues you face quicker and more effectively.


Anti-Acne:

I used to have problematic skin in high school and all throughout junior and senior year, I was plagued with horrible teenage acne. I still have to deal with regular zits constantly and I have somehow accepted it as just one of the few bumps in my existence. Keeping your skin clean and balanced is all the more important if you're dealing with acne.

I especially like University Medical AcneFree Clear Skin System (US$19.49) - I first came across this at Costco 3 years ago and it just so happened I ran out of products and so I just threw it in the cart and didn't think much of it. After 2 weeks of daily use, I was hooked.

My skin was clearer and looked healthier and breakouts were reduced visibly. I especially love the University Medical AcneFree Sensitive Acne & Blackhead Terminator Medicated Spot Control Gel (1oz/28g) (US$5.99) [a combination of Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide] - it dries up zits and peels the top layer of the inflamed skin off to quickly combat persistent zits. I brought a few kits back with me when I left the US and gave them to my brother and my brother-in-law who both now swear by it.

I also like Avene Cleanance K Oil-Control Lotion (1.35oz/41g) (US$18). This AHA & BHA (Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids) formula works to gently exfoliate skin daily while clearing up blemishes and blackheads. I love how the high concentration of Avene Spring Water as it helps soothe and hydrate my skin as it clears it up. I passed this product on to my sister and a few of my friends who now use this religiously.

I like Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel Acne Treatment(1.4oz/40g) (US$13.99). Acne and persistent zits leave behind physical reminders that they were once on our faces by means of dark post-inflammatory spots. This masks works to exfoliate dead skin cells while treating acne; removing signs that they were once there. My marks faded with regular use of this and breakouts appeared less frequent. And at such a great price, it's worth a shot.

 


Oil Control:

Oily skin individuals, like myself, are less prone to wrinkles and fine lines but enlarged pores, shiny skin and regular breakouts are just some of the main issues that we have to deal with. There is no physical way to alter the size of your pores; they are pretty much determined by genetics but you can improve the appearance of your pores by regulating oil production and regular exfoliation.

I like Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector #01 Invisible Light 15ml/0.5oz US$25 from Strawberrynet.com. This perfector works to deshines and mattify your skin while reducing the look of your pores. My complexion looked smoother with less visible pores, so much so that people actually think I use makeup. And this isn't makeup. What I like is how it helps resist humidity and sweat making this perfect for tropical climates.

I like Shiseido Men Anti Shine Refresher 30ml/1oz US$37 from Strawberrynet.com. This is one of my current skin staples and I have been using this for a long, long time. This cool gel works to refresh your skin while instantly mattifying it. This keeps my skin looking less shiny for hours. My pores looked smaller and my skin smoother and fresh. So much so that my brother's girlfriend demanded to know what I was using and then went to the store the next day to look for this.

I like Dr. Brandt Pores No More (1oz/30ml) (US$45). This oil absorber works to minimize the look of pores while keeping my skin less shiny for hours. Look forward to a matte, refined complexion.

Whitening:

Besides zits, dark spots are the other bane of my skin existence; especially the dark spots left behind by said inconvenient zits. Dark spots or hyperpigmentation are caused by various factors. The dark spots left behind by acne and pimples are known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that result from trauma to the skin - eg. acne.

UV light is a major cause of dark spots. The naturally occuring pigment in your skin is combination of sun damage and a decline in the hormones that regulate the production of melanin. When your skin is exposured to sun, the UV rays can easily break down the collagen and elastin and as a result the skin may become rougher and cause formation of brown, reddish spots due to the excess melanin.

Prolonged sun exposure causes the skin cells to produce more melanin and cause surface pigment changes. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to the skin and hair. It helps protect the skin from the harmful sun's rays but increased amount of melanin pigment often result in formation of dark, brown spots.

I like Shiseido Bio Performance Advanced Super Revitalizer (Cream) Whitening Formula 50ml/1.7oz US$98 from Strawberrynet.com. This rich, luxourious cream reverses the signs of past damage done by the sun. My uneven and dull skin looked brighter and more radiant after only a few days of usage. The extra smooth slate that my skin attainted was a wonderful bonus. Sure, it's a tad costly but it's worth the price tag.

I like Lancome Blanc Expert NeuroWhite X3 Ultimate Whitening Hydrating Emulsion 75ml/2.5oz US$73.50 from Strawberrynet.com. This oil-free moisturizer works to intensively hydrate your skin while reducing dark spots and combating melanin production. My skin had a uniformed glow and a healthier appearance. Spots caused by sun exposure were faded and my skin texture refined by the gentle exfoliants.

I like Biotherm White Detox Biotanic[a] Lyzer Stubborn Spots Intense Shooter 15ml/0.5oz US$50 from Strawberrynet.com. This effective spot treatment targets dark spots at the source, eliminating melanin formation and dark particles that settle on surface cells. My dark spots from acne and sun exposure looked lighter after 2 weeks of use. This eraser also contains natural exfoliants that work to shed dead skin cells while promoting the growth of even, healthier looking skin.


I like Clarins White Plus HP Protective Whitening Day Lotion SPF20 50ml/1.7oz US$57 from Strawberrynet.com. This oil free moisturizer works to inhibit melanin production while protecting your skin against the sun and external aggressions. My skin is instantly hydrated after every use with a visible improvement in the apperance of my skin tone. Age spots and post inflammatory spots look lighter.

I like Shiseido White Lucent Concentrated Brightening Serum N 30ml/1oz for US$114.50 at Strawberrynet.com. This concentrated serum works to effectively target dark spots and banish them. While enhancing the moisture level of skin leaving you with a radiant, glowing complexion. I had a bunch of post-inflammatory dark spots left by zits and this helped visibly lighten them while improving the tone of my skin.

I also like Lancome Blanc Expert GN-White Generating New Whiteness Spot Eraser 30ml/1oz US$90 from Strawberrynet.com. This spot treatment targets melanin production at its source while promoting the renewal of dull skin. My sun spots and past breakout marks were visibly lightened while my skin tone received a glowing boost.


Keep checking back for the next installment of Style Flavors' Skin Care Guide, where I will be diving into self-tanners and products for sensitive skin. 

Your skin is the largest living organ you have so taking good care of it isn't so much about vanity but more of ensuring you have a better quality of life. You take care of your heart, your joints, your lungs so why shouldn't you take care of your skin?

Adopting a basic skin care regimen should be a prerequisite for every modern man. The old soap and water habit just doesn't cut it anymore so if you're stuck and wonder how to go about keeping your skin in prime condition, look no further. Here is Style Flavors' guide to putting your best face forward. 


Cleansing:

The first step to great skin is to ensure you start with a clean, fresh slate twice a day. Using a facial cleanser suited to your particular skin type is essential to removing daily grime, oil and cellular debris.

Individuals with pimple-prone, oily skin will benefit from skin clearing ingredients like Salicylic Acid. Salicylic Acid is essential a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) which works as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and pore-clogging debris. It reaches into the follicle to shed dead skin cells; keeping pores clear and hence, reducing breakouts.

I like Patricia Wexler's Dual Forming Cleanser (US$16, 5.1oz/150ml). Its dual effect keeps pores clear, reducing the frequency of breakouts while fighting the signs over aging. This foaming cleanser goes a long way and I like how it visibly reduces the size of my pores and keep zits at bay while helping to reverse signs of prolong sun exposure. 

For skin prone to breakouts, I like SkinCeuticals Clarifying Cleanser US$29 from Beauty.com. With Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid, this cleanser works to remove dead skin cells gently daily while promoting clearer pores and an even complexion. I like how this quickly clears up my skin. I remember once having a zit on my chin and after 3 washes, the zit was reduced in size. Gives me a clean feeling without all the uncomfortable tightness.

For a clean, fresh feeling without any hints of tightness, I like Lab Series Multi-Action Face Wash (US$16). Cleans and soothes all in one wash. I like how it gives me a clean slate while maintaining softness. 


Exfoliation:

Exfoliation is key to even-toned, softer and clearer skin. There are a multide of products on the market today cater to every exfoliation needs. Ingredients such as rice grains, polyethene beads and acids - Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) and Glycolic Acids, work to slog off dead skin cells, speed up cellular renewal and pave the way for a smoother shave. You have a bunch of options when it comes to exfoliators. There are daily exfoliators and weekly exfoliators that can be easily incorporated into your routine.

Daily exfoliators come in various forms. There are cleanser/exfoliator options (so you only have to use on product) and exfoliator pads that work to both tone and exfoliate (so again, you only have to use one product). 

I like St. Ives Apricot Scrub, Renew & Firm (US$3.99). It is cheap, effective and gentle enough to be used everyday. With AHA & BHA, this scrub works daily to remove signs of fine lines and sun damage. I use this in between my weekly exfoliators and like how it helps fine lines and uneven skin tone.

Another favorite product of mine is the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, Power-Clear Scrub (US$7.99). This creamy scrub not only smells good, it clears breakouts from the source while providing daily exfoliation minus the irritation and dryness. The fresh cucumber scent relaxes me while my skin looks cleaner and healthier after every use. 

I like Olay Total Effects Age Defying Cleansing Cloths. They work great after a shower to tone and exfoliate or for in-between face washes and quick face pick-ups on the go (after the gym, meeting, etc) all while improving skin texture, radiance and signs of aging.

Weekly exfoliators provide optimal results when used twice or thrice weekly. Exfoliating before a shave also helps soften facial hair and make way for a closer, smoother shave.

I like Origins Modern Friction Nature's Gentle Dermabrasion 125ml/4oz (US$36.50). Using skin refining rice starch, this creamy exfoliator gently removes dead skin cells, brightens skin tone and refines pores without irritation or dryness. The light citrus scent is fresh while the warming effect of the rice grains feels good on your skin. Use this 2-3 times a week for best results.

I like Lab Series Skincare for Men Treat - Skin Refinisher (US$30). The thermal action heats up your skin to gently but effectively remove grime, oil, dirt and dead skin cells, paving the way for clearer, smoother skin. I like the warming action and how clean my skin feels after each use.

I also like Shiseido Men Deep Cleansing Scrub 125ml/4.2oz US$30 from Strawberrynet.com. This creamy scrub works hard to remove dead skin cells, blackheads and grime. My skin is left feeling squeaky clean without any tightness and the refreshing hit of freshness from the Menthol makes this a good pick-me-up in the mornings. 

Do avoid the delicate eye area when you're exfoliating and be gentle because rubbing too hard and being too aggressive will only damage your skin and cause redness.


Toning:

Toning is the often skipped step in the everyday skincare regimen. So much so that skincare companies forgo toners when creating product lines targeted at men. However, I recommend incorporating a toner into your routine. Toning after cleansing helps to remove traces of cleanser, oil and dirt that occasionally stay on the skin. It also helps to remove dead skin cells, soothe and calm skin after shaving.

I like Kiehl's Alcohol Free Herbal Toner (US$19). Chock full of skin healing herbs that work to soothe and calm irritated, inflamed skin, this toner cools and refreshes your skin. I like how this calms my skin after every shave and the fresh menthol gives a cool feeling that works as a good pick-me-up.

I also like Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner, Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Formula (US$7.99). I know people who swear by this. This AHA & BHA toner sweeps off dead skin cells to refine skin tone, clear pores and speed up cell renewal.

I like Clinique Skin Supplies For Men: Scruffing Lotion 2-1/2 200ml/6.7oz US$20 from Strawberrynet.com. This toner works hard to unclog pores while promoting skin renewal. I like how it gives my skin a clean slate while removing traces of cleanser and dead skin cells.

I also like Biotherm Biopur SOS Normalizer Normalizing Exfoliating Lotion 200ml/6.76oz US$30 at Strawberrynet.com. This toner works to gently exfoliate while purifying your skin to prevent future breakouts and help clear existing ones. I like how it clarifies my skin leaving it clean and shine-free while reducing the appearance of my pores.  

Cleansing is the first step in your grooming routine; it's also the step that a lot of men don't pay much attention to. Using a cleanser best suited for your particular skin type is a fundamental must. Do not use body soap or hand wash (yes, I know some individuals who do that) on your face - they are way too harsh and will strip your skin of essential oils and moisture, leading to tightness, discomfort and fine lines.

I recently picked up this cleanser and it's one of my current favorites. I get the occasional breakouts, what with stress, lack of sleep and the usual causes. Plus given my extremely oily skin, I needed a cleanser that would gently exfoliate, kill bacteria without drying out my skin.

This cleanser contains tiny microbeads that gently work to resurface your skin; removing dead skin cells that clog pores. A potent combination of Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Mandelic Acid work to combat zit-causing bacteria, even skin tone and promote the growth of healthy new ones.

My skin felt smoother, clean and fresh after every wash. The Glycolic Acid helped to lighten post acne marks and overall skin tone which I really appreciated. The microbeads were soft and did a good job of removing dirt and grime without damaging surface skin. All in all, a great cleanser if you have breakout prone skin. Plus, a 150ml bottle will go a long way - it's been 2 weeks and from the looks of it, my bottle will last me another couple of weeks! 

Get the Skin Ceuticals Clarifying Cleanser 150ml/5oz for US$22 at Strawberry.net.  

My skin occasionally gets on a pendulum where it goes back and forth between extremely oily and combination. Daily stress, lack of sleep, dehydration from all the travel and time spent under the sun gets my skin confused and I end up with oily and dry, flaky areas. 

I had to find a remedy for it and I came across this cleanser from Origins. It's got a creamy texture that forms easily to rid your skin of the daily grime and oil while balancing and protecting the drier areas. 

With extracts of Broad Leaf Kelp Extract to tone down oil production and Tourmaline to enhance the bond between water to ensure greater removal of sticky grime and dirt; this facial wash cleanses effectively and yet seals in moisture for the comfort of your skin. 

My skin felt clean and fresh and gone was the tightness and the uncomfortable feeling of dryness. This makes for a good in-between when your skin is in its in-between phase. 

Get this for US$17.50 (5oz/150ml) at Target.   

Despite having extremely oily skin, my skin still gets dried out occasionally by certain cleansers. You know how it is, the tight uncomfortable dry feeling after every wash. That's usually a sign that your cleanser is too harsh.

This foaming cleanser from Patricia Wexler effectively removes dirt, grime, oil and in the process refines the look of your pores without over-drying skin at all. It also fights the first signs of aging, leaving you with a brighter, healthier slate.

I've been using this for 2 weeks now and I like how it keeps the zits at bay while enhancing my skin's defense against fine lines and sun damage. I just love dual purpose products. Give it a good shake before every use to ensure the ingredients get mixed up well.

Get this for US$16 (5.1oz/150ml) at Bath & Body Works.  

My skin gets a little dry and flaky occasionally from the use of acne products. There is a constant feeling of tightness and discomfort during those periods and my skin (glands) produces even more oil to compensate for the dryness.

I stay away from harsher cleansers during those times and I use this non-drying cleansing gel till my skin returns to normal. The blue-green gel has a fresh, pine-like smell and it works to gently remove daily grime, oil and dirt while toning your skin.

Its oil free, light texture and soap-free formulation ensures that I still get clean skin without the dehydration. I also like using this during the colder months of the year because my skin is already dried out by the icy winds and I don't need further aggravation from my skin products.

Get this for US$35.03 (5.07oz/150ml) at Cosmetic Mall.com.  

I take this with me on every trip and I count on this to remove oil, dirt and pesty blackheads in-between showers. It's extremely handy if you're going somewhere checking out ancient sites, finding the best hole in the wall place or camping in the middle of the desert where water is scarce.

Just pop them out and wipe across your face for instant refreshment and a semi-clean slate until your next bath/shower. With 0.2% Salicylic Acid, this helps keeps pores clean, bacteria free and with a patented formula to help get rid of blackheads.

I, personally like looking at the pads to check out the grime and the blackheads that were seconds ago, on my face. It's a combination of disgust and accomplishment the sort of feeling you get after dropping your biggest kids in the pool. Like ''I can't believe how dirty my face is and 'Man, I'm glad I glad rid of those!''

At US$5.59, a hole in your pocket will never be an excuse to go to bed (or in your tent) with a dirty face! Get this at Drugstore.com .  

Derek Lam, creative director of Tod's, has teamed up with Kiehl's to create this limited edition travel kit. Filled with Derek's favorite items from Kiehl's, this is a perfect accessory to a jet-setting lifestyle.

With all the security regulations and checks, getting in and out of the airport and on a plane isn't as fun as it used to be. But a boy's gotta do what a boy's gotta do. So this kit with essentials like Crème de Corps, Amino Acid Shampoo, Crème de Corps Nurturing Body Washing Cream, and Conditioner & Grooming Aid "Formula 133"; not forgetting the #1 Lip Balm tucked inside a specially built pocket! With all that, you don't have to fret and make a list of all the grooming products you need each time you fly. Just zip up and go!

You can take your empty bottles and have them refilled at Kiehl's and go about the rest of your travel itinerary! That would reduce a fraction of your carbon footprint and ensure glowing, healthy skin.

Find out more about the collaboration here and you can get this limited edition kit for US$225 at Kiehl's.

I am always searching for a cleanser that will reduce the look of my pores, remove oil and dirt, buff my skin, promote regeneration and remove uneven patches. I know, I sound greedy but this multi-purpose cleanser from Anthony Logistics will cleanse, buff and promote healing. With 4.9% Glycolic Acid; dead skin cells, fine lines and discolorations will be eased away with every wash. With extracts of aloe vera to moisturize and stimulate healing, vitamin A to soften and prevent degeneration of collagen, vitamin C to protect the skin while increasing elasticity, vitamin E to nourish the skin while improving moisture capacity and mandarin extracts to lessen scarring and marks and to tone skin.

It does what it says and it comes in a clean, handy bottle that won't look too out of place when you're on the road with your pals and if you find the cleanser being depleted at a faster than normal rate, you know who to look for!

I searched a few store and most places were selling this for US$20 (8oz - 237ml) but you can buy this for US$18 (8oz -237ml) at Details For Men.

PS: Here at Style Flavors, we don't believe in paying extra unnecessarily.