December 2011 Beauty Round-Up ‘Must Haves’

By April MacIntyre Dec 11, 2011, 0:11 GMT

Skin freaked out easier when the humidity plummets and forced heat takes its toll. Add to that freezing cold wind and your skincare routine needs to change up and get more serious about hydration.

If you have sensitive skin, rosacea issues or need some hydrating gentle products, our Beauty Report for December has a short list of good tried and true products in a wide price range for all to consider.

Winter beauty is all about keeping that protective skin barrier layer intact as we use products that may have caustic effect, such as glycolics and other fruit acids with peeling properties.

Skin freaked out easier when the humidity plummets and forced heat takes its toll. Add to that freezing cold wind and your skincare routine needs to change up and get more serious about hydration.

Sensitive skin affects millions of people, but according to most leading dermatologists, the exact definition varies depending on who you ask. Some even state that 50 percent of patients have some form of sensitive skin - which includes: acne, rosacea, burning/stinging and contact dermatitis.

M&C tried the products below and found them all to be effective at helping sensitive skin cope. Some were very expensive, and others you could find at Wal-Mart.  Whatever your pocketbook, have a look and consider these for your winter skin regimen.

Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase

http://drlewinnbykinerase.com/

HydraBalance Foaming Cleanser is fragrance-free and creamy gel like consistency, it dissolved makeup and cleans skin effectively. This affordable line from Kinerase is easily found in Wal-Mart, and is packed with clinical strength kinetin - a super-antioxidant - to help your skin hold onto moisture, rebalancing and controlling excessive oil production.

Made in USA.

Instant Dermal Wrinkle Filler 

Interesting product. I was dubious at first, as most of these are a waste of time, but this one I used during the day under the eyes, and it absorbed nicely and smoothed out dry fine lines. Caveat: Use it as directed, do not overuse. The applicator tip is beveled and gentle under the eyes. I liked this one very much.

Made in USA.

Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Collection

http://www.perriconemd.com/

This is now in department store price territory, but after using two of the products, the nourishing moisturizer and the eye cream, I really appreciated the hydrating qualities.  If you get peels or use heavy duty glycolics, this is the line to have on hand post-op or post-peel.

Perricone's new line has therapeutic benefits of olive polyphenols, deigned for sensitive skin that's dry, dull or damaged as it firms.  No Parabens or Sulfates, and a highly recommended cream for the Rosacea people who breakout easily.

Tested were the Nourishing Moisturizer, a hydrating moisturizer formulated with collagen-boosting Neuropeptides, Tocotrienols and Ceramides.  The emollient rich cream helps prevent future wrinkles, repairs the skin barrier and helps it maintain a natural, supple elasticity. $75
Firming Eye Cream, for fine lines, loss of firmness, crow’s feet, dryness and dark circles.  Packed with Hyaluronic Acid, it’s a surge of moisture that keeps skin feeling hydrated all day long. $65

All Made in USA.

Sonya Dakar Skincare Ultraluxe-9 Age Control Complex 

http://www.sonyadakar.com/ 

Okay, this $185 gel creme is for the money crowd, but the lightweight cream lotion is fabulous for the oilier sensitive skins that break out like mad, or the Rosacea people who really need hydration without weight.

An incredible, anti-aging formula for normal to oily skin with nourishing essential oils and oil-inhibitors that do battle on fine lines, expression lines and deep wrinkles.I used this for a week without break, and liked how my skin looked in the morning. It has a warming sensation when applied, but disppears quickly, leaving no "night cream" residue feel.

Nonaplex, a technology that includes nine potent anti-aging complexes, restores tone and texture to the skin, while sweet almond extract, and jasmine, mandarin, orange peel and rosemary essential oils nourish and hydrate the skin, plumping the cells for a smoother look and feel.  This product felt great on the skin. My wallet, not so much.

Made in USA.