Ready, Set, Glow!

A couple of days ago I blogged about oxygen facials and promised that I'd return with commentary on exfoliation.

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin and leave your complexion looking dull. You can get really great results with medical-grade exfoliation (microdermabrasion), especially if you have mild acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, or large pores you want to minimize. (See our full story for your options at www.itkbeauty.com/digital. Also check out microdermabrasion on our Website: www.cosmeticsurgerytimes.com/microdermabrasion)

For those of you who are do-it-yourselfers or if you want to try out a product at home that will really deliver great results, I've got just the thing: Dr. Brandt's Microdermabrasion. Not your ordinary exfoliator with ground apricot seeds, but a product with magnesium oxide crystals that polish away dead skin cells, revealing fresh, pink, radiant skin.

No kidding!

I've been using this every three days for two weeks now, and I've never gotten results like this with any other exfoliator.

If you're used to using run-of-the-mill exfoliators, you may find this a little rough feeling on the skin. The problem with most exfoliators is that when you apply it to damp skin (as is usually the instruction), it becomes diluted and you really don't get much of a scrub going on. With this product, it's such a fine consistency, and one that doesn't just disappear when it gets wet, that it actually does what it's supposed to!

Have sensitive skin? Me, too. But despite the mild discomfort, I've had no other skin reactions.

$75 at Amazon, Sephora, and other online retailers.

The Oxygen Facial Mask: Show and Tell

The facial oxygen "energy" mask. Just the name brings to mind freshness, breathability, a sense of youthfulness.

And that's pretty much what it promises to do.

I've been using the Bliss Triple Oxygen Energy Mask for several months, and I admit, it feels good (meaning my facial skin feels "refreshed") when I use it after a long day. But that's about where the benefits end for me.

According to the manufacturer, the product "energizes" and "detoxifies" the skin. "Energy" I get, but detox? I'm skeptical...

Based on my experiences with a variety of products, I'd say that you're better off with a good exfoliator, which will unequivocally get your glow on and have your face looking and feeling refreshed and revitalized. (Stay tuned for my next blog in which I'll reveal your best bets!)

The Bliss Triple Oxygen Energy Mask goes for $52 (granted it'll last you a year or more!). But honestly, folks, I'm underwhelmed. Let's face it, while some of Bliss's products are to die for (body butters), this is also the same company that markets Fat Girl Slim, a body cream that claims to tighten the skin and diminish dimples. Uh-huh. We wish, we buy, we hope -- but ultimately, we may be disappointed...

Suddenly Summer Skin

Let's face it, as the bleak winter (especially here in Cleveland) days start to become longer and a little warmer, you feel compelled to buy fresh flowers, wear happy colors, brighten (or lighten) your hair, and get rid of that pasty winter skin.

Sun Safe
Just say NO to tanning beds, and instead, go sun safe this year with a great sunless tanner.

And I've got just the product.

I've used all kinds -- ranging from the no-brand cheapies to the higher quality department store buys.

The verdict?

For the most part, you get what you pay for. My favorite, and the best quality one I'm using right now? Estee Lauder's Bronze Goddess Tinted Self Tan. And at $28.50, it's not too hard to fit it into the budget (hmmm, reduced chances of skin cancer as well as the need for cosmetic corrections of sun damage to my skin down the road? Okay -- I'm convinced!).

Streak-free & Carefree
Oh, I can already hear you grumbling:

• "It's messy."
• "I don't like the smell."
• "I can't get even color."

Not so! While there is a light scent characteristic of self tanners, it's not a deal breaker. And I LOVE this product because not only is it tinted (which means I get immediate color), but it's also a nice spreadable consistency (gelee) that gives me really even color.

Don't Forget the Sunscreen
No matter what your sunless tanning choices might be, be sure to note that most of these don't include a sunscreen.

Protect, prevent and stop damaging your skin!

Great Product, Reasonable Price

I love good skin care products, but, like you, it's tough for me to spend $100+ on some of the great products out there (especially when you don't really know if they're going to deliver on their promises).

BUT, good news! I've been using BioElement's Crucial Moisture for about a week now, and it's a great product -- at a fraction of the price of some of my favorites.

First, it's not a heavy cream, so it's ideal for normal and dry skin types. And it really does a fantastic job hydrating the skin such that you have a smooth, line-free complexion (it's dryness that causes those fine lines to stand out).

While the product is scented, it's not harsh on the skin (and my skin is very sensitive!). It smells like aromatherapy for the face -- an invigorating scent that get's me up and running in the morning.

While the night cream I use (NIA 24) comes in at $135, Crucial Moisture is a deal at $31.50 (spalook.com).