Results tagged “Patricia Wexler” from Style Flavors

Moisturizers work essentially to replenish lost moisture from the cleansing and exfoliation process while repairing the damage done in the past by sun exposure, external aggressions, free radicals and stress while you work and sleep.

In the day, they should offer UV protection and essential antioxidant and vitamins to reverse the signs of aging, acne and lack of sleep. At night, they should hydrate optimally while fostering the growth of new skin cells and aiding in the recovery process happening while you sleep. 


Day Moisturizer:

SPF protection is crucial everyday, no matter the weather. The rays of the sun can be reflected through the windows in your office and your car so protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is important even if you're indoors. With daily use of a sunscreen, you can prevent wrinkles, age spots and premature skin aging. 

Some would say that using a separate sun block on top of your daily moisturizer provides the widest spectrum of protection. I don't disagree with that. However, I find slapping another layer of sunblock just makes my oily skin greasier. So I like using a day moisturizer with SPF - that just means one less product to deal with.

 

Speaking of oily skin from slapping on too many products, I like Dermalogica Solar Defense Oil Free Matte Block SPF20 50ml/1.7oz US$56.50 from Strawberrynet.com. This mattifying moisturizer keeps oil at bay with its Microsponge technology - my skin looked matte for a few hours longer than it normally would while Green Tea extracts helps to soothe skin cause by acne breakouts.

I like Lancome's Bienfait Multi-Vital Glow SPF15 (1.7oz/50ml) (US$46). This oil-free moisturizer is packed with multi-vitamins, minerals and fatty acids to hydrate and protect your skin while 2.5% DHA leaves skin with a hint of color. I use this on days where I feel I could use some glow on my complexion and getting a few compliments on my complexion now and then doesn't hurt either.

I like Clinique Superdefense Age Defense Moisturizer SPF 25 ( Combination Oily to Oily ) 50ml/1.7oz for US$53.50 at Strawberrynet.com. and this Clinique Superdefense Age Defense Moisturizer SPF 25 ( Dry Combination ) 50ml/1.7oz for US$39.50 at Strawberrynet.com. and this Clinique Superdefense Age Defense Moisturizer SPF 25 ( Very Dry To Dry ) 50ml/1.7oz for US$53.50 at Strawberrynet.com.  This award-winning moisturizer works to deal with with the signs of both environmental and emotional effects on skin. With antioxidants and protective sun screen formula, this moisturizers helps combat the signs of aging - fine lines, wrinkles, dullness while building up skin's natural moisture barrier. I use this on days when my skin gets dried up by the sun and acne products and it helps replenish moisture while undoing the signs of stress.

I also like Patricia Wexler's Skin Brightening Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 (1.7oz/50ml) (US$39.50). This moisturizer not only brighten my skin but also treats signs of aging while protecting against future damage in the day. I like the texture and the feel on my skin and also how goes to make my complexion look more refined.
 

Night Moisturizers:

Sleep is the period where your body and cells undergo repair. This applies to your skin too. Hence quality sleep results in better skin. But we all know that having a good night's sleep every night of your life is just not possible. Thus, the importance of night moisturizers. They pack a potent dose of antioxidants, moisture retaining ingredients and they all work to help reverse the signs of aging and promote the growth of healthier skin cells.

Point to remember: Always go to bed with a clean face.

I like Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Lotion (1.7oz/50ml) (US$61). This soothing moisturizer is chock-full of botanical goodness harvested from mushrooms. The scent is an acquired taste but the benefits far exceed the possibility of having to get used to the natural, woody scent. After regular use, my skin looks fuller, smoother, healthier and younger. Dried out skin became moist and supple again - my sun-raped skin was rescued by this moisturizer on two different occasions and I will always have this in my bathroom.   

I like Patricia Wexler's Intensive Night Reversal & Repair Cream (1.7oz/50ml) (US$42.50). This orange cream goes on to instantly hydrate and with regular use, my skin because brighter, healthier and smoother. Vitamin C works to combact free-radical damage and even skin tone while patented peptides repair past damage and encourage the growth of new cells while you sleep.

I like Shiseido Bio Performance Super Restoring Cream 50ml/1.7oz US$100 from Strawberrynet.com. This super-rich cream works to intensively hydrate and fight against the scars of aging - wrinkles, fine lines, dullness. My skin looked younger, firmer and completely compensated after 2 weeks of usage. This is a great pick-me up for when your skin needs an intensive boost.

I also like Clinique Total Turnaround Cream - Very Dry to Dry Combination 50ml/1.7oz US$53.50 from Strawberrynet.com. This grainy cream works to encourage micro-circulation and exfoliation which leads to the growth of new, fresh skin cells. All while soothing fine lines, softening skin and promoting an even complexion. I take this on beach vacations and it helps prolong the glow from being out in the sun while giving me a radiant complexion that garners compliments.

Keep checking back for the next installment of Style Flavors' Skin Care Guide where I'll be zooming in on targeted skin treatments. 

Part 1 of Style Flavors' Skin Care Guide covered cleansing, exfoliation and toning. Part 2 will cover eye care and serums.

Eyes take the hit of late nights, stress and the lack of sleep. As such, it's always better late than never to start taking care of the skin around your eyes.

Eye-Care:

Your eyes show the first signs of aging and tiredness. The delicate eye area is thin and fragile hence it does help to take extra care of this specific area. Dark eye circles are caused by various factors like heredity, allergies, age and fatigue.

Dark circles are an inherited trait - when blood passes through the veins under the eye area, a dark tint is produced and the transparency of the skin around your eye determines how visible the dark tint appears.

Constant rubbing and scratching your eyes will cause dilation of blood vessels and will lead to more visible dark circles. So refrain from rubbing your eyes just like you would refrain from touching your face or popping your zits.

Although there aren't any permanent solution to reducing and removing dark circles, there are products that will help improve the appearance of dark eye circles.caused by burst blood vessels and thin, worn out skin. Fine lines are caused by various factors like dehydration and sun exposure. Using a eye cream/gel twice a day will help reduce fine lines, puffiness and the appearance of dark circles.

I like Patricia Wexler's Instant De-Puff Eye Gel (0.5oz/ US$19.50). This works best cold so I store this in the fridge for a hit of refreshment. This reduces puffiness visibly while reducing the appearance of fine lines.

I like SK II Signs Eye Cream 15g/0.5oz US$99 at Strawberrynet.com. This rich cream works to combat the signs of aging - lines, wrinkles and bags. Its rich formula ensures optimal hydration throughout the day; great for winter vacations. The area around my eyes look brighter, softer and healthier. I take this whenever I travel.

I like Nuxe Contour des Yeux Prodigieux Anti-Aging Eye Cream (US$27). This anti-aging eye cream provides optimal moisturization and works to reduce puffiness and signs of aging. I like how this easily absorbs to soothe and protect the delicate eye area. 

 

I also like Lancome Blanc Expert NeuroWhite X3 Anti-Dark Circle Eye Treatment 15ml/0.5oz US$60.50 at Strawberrynet.com. This rich yet lightweight whitening treatment works deep to lighten eye bags and dark circles while promoting hydration and soothing the thin skin around your eyes. The lightening effect can be seen in 2 weeks of usage and a smoother, healthier eye area is your outcome.

I like Kiehls' Abyssine Eye Cream (0.5oz/14ml) (US$32). This marine extract eye cream helps to reduce fine lines and prevent the signs of aging. I like how easy this goes into my skin to hydrate and encourage healthier, fresher looking eyes.  

  


Serums:

Serums pack a higher dose of nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins as compared to day/night moisturizers. Hence, serums are skin-savers that work effectively to regenerate skin cells, promote healthy skin growth, even out skin tone, banish zits and blackheads, intensively hydrate and prevent signs of aging. They go after your toner and before your moisturizer. 

Ingredients such as stabilized Vitamin C work to prevent and combat free radical damage. Salicylic Acid works deep into pores to prevent breakouts and blackheads. Potent exfoliators like Glycolic Acid work to reveal fresh, radiant skin while you sleep.

  I like DERMAdoctor Ain't Misbehavin' Intensive Medicated Blackhead Treatment(1oz/30ml) (US$42). This serum penetrates the pores to remove clogging blackheads, kills bacteria and trapped dirt all while minimizing the appearance of pores. Blackheads appeared less frequently and my skin looked cleared and my pores more refined. I also like how this keeps zits at bay. 

 

I like Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer 30ml/1oz US$54 from Straweberrynet.com. This time-released serum works to gently exfoliate and speeds up the cell renewal process revealing a brighter, fresher complexion with an even glow. I like how radiant my skin looks after this and how it evens out my complexion to remove traces of dullness.

I like Patricia Wexler's MMPi.20™ Skin Regenerating Serum (3.4oz/150ml) (US$150). This pink gel instantly hydrates while soothing fine lines and reversing the signs of aging to give you a healthy, glowing complexion. This also helps tame unruly brows so if you have them, just sweep a little over your brows and this serum will work like hair gel to keep your brows in place.

 

I like Clarins Double Serum Generation 6 Extra-Firming Botanical Intensive Care 2x15ml US$92 from Strawberrynet.com. This plant based serum is chock full of botanical benefits. The unique formula contains an oil and a water based serum that works together to bind essential moisture to hydrate and repair skin. Fine lines, wrinkles and dullness are erased. With regular use, my skin became softer, firmer and looked healthier. I take this to beach vacations where I slater this on twice daily after time spent in the sun. I know it sounds a tad passive-aggressive but this does help.

I also like Lancome High Resolution Collaser-48 Deep Collagen Anti-Wrinkle Serum 30ml/1oz US$45 from Strawberrynet.com. This rich anti-aging serum works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while plumping up skin to reveal younger, fuller looking skin. By stimulating collagen synthesis, this serum actively repairs and restores firmness and tone. I like how this instantly smoothes and hydrates, giving a healthy sheen. With regular use, my skin is firmer and healthier with reduction in lines.


I like Biotherm Line Peel Crystalescent Bio-Cellular Serum 30ml/1oz US$59 at Strawberrynet.com. This serum works to gently peel off surface layers of skin, promoting renewal and an even, healthier slate without fine lines and wrinkles. I like the glow I get from using this and the overall freshness and radiance this leaves me. 

 

Keep checking back for the next installment of Style Flavors' Skin Care Guide where we'll dive into moisturizers.  

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.  

Zits always seem to have the worst sense of time - they pop up when you least expect them to; just when you think you won't have to deal with them for a while, one appears, threatening to have a field day.

That was what happened to me last week and there was no better time to give this spot treatment a shot; I bought this thinking I might need it someday when I was stocking up on products and it turns out that I really did need it.

This spot treatment has a drier texture that I was expecting but it only takes a few seconds of massaging it into the zit for it to be absorbed into the problem area. I reapplied this twice a day and after 2 days, my zit disappeared. I was quite pleased. 

With 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, this is not something you apply all over your face as it can be quite drying if you have normal/sensitive skin. But I didn't have a problem with dryness mainly because of the extreme oiliness of my skin. 

But whatever it is, this is one spot treatment that I will be purchasing again; it works and its small compact size makes it easy for traveling or for throwing into your day bag. 

Get this for US$15 (0.35oz/15g) at Bath & Body Works.    

Serums are a step in the skin care routine that should be given more attention to. They pack a higher dose and a more concentrated form of the moisture, vitamins, antioxidants that your moisturizer has. They go on after your toner and before your moisturizer.

I've been reading about this serum for a while now and have been meaning to give this a shot. When it came time for me to do my usual product shopping round weeks ago, I thought 'what a great time to give this a shot', so I picked up 2 tubs of this and I glad I did.

The pink gel glides on to give your skin an instant smoothness and a blanket of hydration. I used this twice daily and it helped reverse the dryness that came with acne treatments and air conditioning. This handy serum is made for all skin types, so it doesn't matter if you have oily or dry or combination skin, this works for all. I've got extremely oily skin but I've discovered that not only does it not add to my shine problem like some serums do, it also helps balance the moisture level of my skin.

In a week, my skin looked healthier, smoother, softer and more plumped. Chock full of Dr Wexler's MMPi.20™, this serum reverses the signs of aging and stimulates the renewal of fresh skin cells. Use this after time spent in the sun or after harsh skin treatments to bring your skin back to prime condition.

On a completely separate note, my sister commented on how great my skin looked and how my brows stayed in place and wondered if I was using some sort of brow gel. I realized that because of the gel texture of this serum, you can also use this to tame unruly brows.

This serum comes in 2 sizes; 1oz/30ml for US$55 and 3.4oz/100ml for US$150. Get them both at Bath & Body Works.  

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.  

This night cream is one of my favorites. It hydrates effectively, diminishes lines and firms up environmentally abused skin. I take this along on vacations where I spend most days doing absolutely nothing but read, drink and soak up the sun. I store it in the fridge for an added hit of coolness and slater it on before bed. With continuous use, I wake up with radiant, soft, repaired skin.

This cream contains maximum concentrates of NIACYL™ that are combined with MMPi.20™ line-smoothing peptides, and skin-brightening Vitamin C Complex that work hard to reverse the signs of damage as you sleep. MMPi20 is a Dr Wexler's innovation that actually stimulates collagen which is the essential building block for younger-looking, refined skin.

For a skin treat, use this on your body and focus on the rough areas (like the knees and hands and elbows). Another great thing about this cream is the price. At US$42.50(1.7oz/50ml), you don't have to break the bank for great skin! Get this at Bath & Body Works.