Consumer Health News

Hollywood Trender: Skin care fast fixes that work, from serums to sun

By April MacIntyre Jan 26, 2011, 7:05 GMT

If you have acne or problem skin, this line is your go-to solution. There\'s a reason most of young Hollywood is flocking to this line and endorsing it, the blemish killing qualities are real, and the application is made easiest by this particular item, the spray on Vanishing Mist.

There are multitudes of skin care items that will address a host of issues at many different price points, but most top beauty emergencies that pro makeup artists encounter with stars seem to involve two issues: A bad breakout of blemishes, or a dull, lifeless and dead looking complexion that needs some years peeled off.

Talking to makeup artists on TV sets is part of my job. Over the years I have interviewed many members of the Local 705 MAHS makeup and hair stylists union, and they hip me to the good stuff for skin treatments, makeup and hair product.

For specific skincare fixes, the following is a hot list of go-to product that famous faces are using, and items I got to try first-hand and found to be effective: 

Skin ReBooters

Serums

Ultima-Peptide Maximum Peptide Serum | 2oz
www.epicuren.com

This highly potent skin firming, anti-aging, peptide moisturizer is for all skin types, and is a pre-moisture serum with a faint citrus scent. Oilier skins can do with it solo.  A dab will do, a dime size for the entire face, and can be used on the neck and décolleté too. Do not overuse. The pH is 5.25

This is one of Epicuren's most R&D'ed and refined skincare items, and contains matrikine peptides, antioxidants, beta-carotene, coenzyme Q10, provitamin B5, all wrapped up in organic Shea butter, lavender oil, avocado oil, aloe Vera, and rose oil.

Without all the technical jargon, it truly firms and tightens up the skin and prevents fine and deep lines.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 is in it to stimulate collagen synthesis. In human fibroblasts, this ingredient has shown excellent collagen building capacity. Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 decreases the visible effects of aging that occurs around the forehead and eyes by inhibiting the reactions that cause muscles to move or contract.  Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate is a chemical match of the Temper Viper venom, a product with muscle freezing characteristics that allow muscle relaxation to retain smoothness without hindering facial expression. Palmitoyl Oligopeptide - makes the skin grow thicker and firmer and wrinkles become smoother. The production of extracellular matrix also helps protect skin against damage caused by UV rays. Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract has all eight Vitamin E groups and a rich source of antioxidants, Cranberries help protect cellular membranes, keeping them youthful and operating at peak levels.  Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, while helping to protect against photoaging and support skin cell regeneration. Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Pulp Oil is an anti-aging antioxidant that boasts one of the highest ORAC values. Acai is rich in essential fatty acids, minerals, and anthocyanins that are essential for healthy skin.  Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract is a calming phyto-nutrient, EGCG that possesses potent antioxidant characteristics while helping to rejuvenate the skin and last but not least, this serum has Beta Glucan which bolsters the skin’s cellular immune system, allowing it to ‘clear out’ old, damaged, and sluggish cells.

Diamond Dust Skin Polisher
http://shop.clckr.com

This one is a side-winder, you don't see it coming but it truly makes an impact on skin. More for the oilier skins, this skin firming and brightening serum gel is a one or two pump max product that has a host of benefits for a younger, oilier skin.

It is a skin resurfacer that smoothes skin with some of the most precious substances such as diamond dust, hints of silver and gold. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 smoothes wrinkles from forehead to chin. Indian Gooseberry Extract is an antioxidant with flavonoids and Vitamin C. Withania Somnifera Flower Extract boosts immune function.  Phyllanthus Niruri Extract protects skin from cellular damage.  Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract boosts metabolism and improves collagen and tissue protein synthesis. Asparagus Officinalis Root Extract releases toxins.  Crocus Sativus Extract for max blood flow. Rubia Cordifolia Root Extract fights bacteria to expunge infection.  Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract helps skin against environmental pollutants and Diamond Dust polishes skin gently, to unveil a new, clearer skin. 

Meant to be worn under moisturizer.

Microdermabrasion

SKINN DermAppeal® Microdermabrasion Treatment
DermAppeal® Microdermabrasion Treatment
http://store.skinn.com/DermAppeal_Microdermabrasion_Treatment_p/fg-dma-200.htm

If there is one product anyone out there is looking for to make an immediate change in the skin, meet your new best friend. Mint fragrant and cooling, this high powered dermabrasion treatment will make your skin look unbelievable and is the most fought over item currently in my home.

The pale aqua scrub is aluminum oxide free and loaded with naturally occurring minerals from the Dead Sea that replicate a professional microdermabrasion treatment in your own home. Use once or twice a week (do not overuse) for a pore less, fabulous clean face.  Your serums and moisturizers will work better too afterwards.

Vichy Purete Thermale 2.54 Oz.
http://www.vichyusa.com

This is a work horse microdermabrasion treatment in a tube that contains antioxidant Vitamin E and perfectly rounded jojoba pearls to cleanse skin gently refine skin's texture without drying out or scratching it up.  Paraben-free. Skin pH. Non-comedogenic. Has some Salicylic Acid in it for blemish control in a Parki and Shea Butter base. Nice, easy and has that Vichy water spa fragrance.  If you are wearing lots of makeup, a cleanser should be used first. 

Eye therapy

5 in 1 Eye Cream by First Aid Beauty
http://www.firstaidbeauty.com/

Brand new product and welcome addition to their Detox eye roller. A tube of light but firming eye cream gel, this fragrance free cooling eye cream is also a sun protector and firming treatment that depuffs and moisturizes that fragile under eye skin.  Men will love this one, its non fussy packaging and effectiveness is what they look for. No Parabens, harsh Chemicals or Colorants.

Day Moisture

5 in 1 Face Cream SPF 30
http://www.firstaidbeauty.com/

Right off the bat, you will love the hygienic easy to use pump, my well-documented favorite way to get lotions, creams and cleansers dispensed. Add to that the no nonsense lightweight SPF 30 moisturizing, anti-aging moisturizer for all (sensitive too) but all the driest skins.

This light-weight formula brightens and corrects uneven skin tone as it filters harmful UVA/UVB rays and protects against photo-aging. No Parabens, harsh Chemicals or Colorants.

Oil Slick Preventors

SKINN Orchid Gel Mattefying Day Treatment
http://store.skinn.com

Purple haze love for the oil slicksters; this shine control dry gel is trippy feeling, and it works. Skinn's Orchid Gel Mattefying Day Treatment Seal will seal moisture and treatments in your skin all day long.

Orchid Gel will keep your foundation from breaking up and separating on the skin.  If you need a no-shine, under-makeup anchor, this is your baby.  You can even apply it over foundation to mattify and perfect in a pinch.  Weightless, dry feeling and a dab will do, do not overuse.

Face Wash

Lily B. Rosehip Infused Cleanse 4 oz.
http://www.lilybskincare.com/

Big plus: Pump dispenser that doles out fluffy lightly scented rosehip cleanser that cuts through my heaviest makeup with ease.  Made for all skin types including sensitive skin, this fun, fast and effective cleanser hit the right notes for me.

Ingredients include Sodium Olivate for mild exfoliation and skin renewal properties. Rose Hip for calming, restorative and astringent properties. Eriobotrya Japonica to improve skin tone and texture

This cleanser is sulfate-free, and you will need 1 to 2 pumps of the foam into hands after wetting face. Massage all over as you would do, and then rinse thoroughly with warm water.  No feel of residue afterwards.  Gentle to use, especially if you wash frequently, more than twice a day.

Mustela Facial Cleansing Cloths
25 Cloths
http://www.mustelausa.com

Baby wipes for the face? One of the hottest items seen in makeup trailers of late for the ultra sensitive skin ladies. 

These are good for baby, good for mama.  Especially a mama who just had some injectibles or a chemical peel.

Disposable, one-step cleansing in a soft, smooth textured wipe, leaved your face clean, moisturized* and soothed.

Does not sting eyes and is alcohol-free. So gentle and given the thumbs up by dermatologists and made with ophthalmological supervision
Re-sealable pack of 25 wipes. Loved these for traveling, and for after workouts too. Fast and thorough.

Acne Banishers

ClickR No More Derma Drama Line
The Boyfriend Kit
Vanishing Mist and Acne face Treatment
http://www.clckr.com/

If you have acne or problem skin, this skincare line is your go-to solution.  There's a reason most of young Hollywood is flocking to ClickR and endorsing it, the blemish killing qualities are real, and the application is made easiest by this particular duo item, the spray-on Vanishing Mist, and the Acne Face treatment. 

This one two punch of breakout-fighting products makes managing cystic and hard-to-fight acne so much easier, as the Vanishing mist contains Salicylic Acid that kills bacteria without side effects. Also it is infused with Aloe Leaf Juice to repair, along with Cucumber Fruit Extract to calm inflamed skin, reduces puffy eyes, and brightens dark circles.  Larrea Divaicata Extract counters the damage from sun, and Allantoin decreases inflammation and increases cell growth.

Skin Masks

Hot Face Mask
http://www.clckr.com/

Use on wet skin, this creamy pore cleansing mask is perfect for young skin, as it detoxifies clogged pores and brightens complexions. This is perfect skin maintenance and should be used one to three times a week depending on your oil production.  You can spot treat problem areas too.

Free of Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Petrochemicals and Phthalates and never tested on animals.

All of ClickR products work beautifully together to fight acne and improve overall skin texture and appearance. Smart packaging too.

Freeman Facial Detoxifying Mask
Chocolate and Strawberry
http://www.freemanbeauty.com

Bang for the buck, there is no cheaper or better quickie face mask that makes skin feel deep cleansed.

Made with strawberry and chocolate and packaged in an easy to go tube, the strawberry extract is said to help restore tone to the skin and reduce the size of pores. There are also moisturizing ingredients like Shea and Cocoa butter in the mask. This mask is for oily t-zones, for normal and dry skin types, though I will say drier skins probably do not want to use this and may opt for a more hydrating masque.  Smells like chocolate, not so much strawberry, colored like a mocha shake, it’s an inexpensive addition to a skincare regimen that can be used by the whole family.

Sun Care

Australian Gold SPF 8 Spray Gel with Instant Bronzer
http://www.australiangold.com

For the sun bunnies who like to brown, but not burn or look like Magda from "Something About Mary." Aussie Gold SPF 8 with Instant Bronzer formula sprays on with a pretty golden bronzer brownish tan color. Formulated with UVA/UVB Protection, it is waterproof, PABA-Free, loaded with Aloe, Vitamin E and free of Mineral Oil inside recyclable Packaging.  Smells great too. Ladies who lay out will love this formula.

Tan Towel SPF 30+ UVA and UVB Spray
http://www.tantowel.com

Easy breezy and beloved by film crews for the odorless, fast application and overall ease of use, this no-nonsense SPF 30 spray gets it done.

TanTowel SPF Mist 30+ Sunscreen is non-greasy, water-resistant, will not clog pores and is PABA-free. It protects against skin aging UVA and burning UVB rays with advanced broad-spectrum sunscreens. Loaded with antioxidants to fight damaging free radicals caused by sun exposure. This is a must-have sun protector. Great for kids on the go.