John

Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher

Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher: ($48.50/$76 for 1 oz/1.7 oz) Positives: There are high amounts of the monosaccharide N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG), which is a substrate precursor to hyaluronic acid (HA). In vitro, it has been demonstrated to enhance the proliferation and collagen expression of fibroblasts as well as upregulate HA production. Furthermore, in vitro studies have shown that NAG inhibits melanin production by upregulating epidermal … Continue reading →

How do you avoid or treat flaky skin that accentuates foundation?

I use a gentle chemical exfoliant, preferably a 5-10% glycolic acid liquid treatment every 2-3 days to avoid this problem. I use the 5% more often since it’s not as harsh and irritating, but still efficacious. The 10% is reserved for weekly use. When applying foundation, I make sure to use a good primer (I actually use … Continue reading →

Which series are you most excited to read about?

When is the price right?

Although I had promised readers that I wouldn’t be writing any new posts until January, a recent discussion compelled me to do an additional post on this: How much does price affect the efficacy and quality of skin care products? With the holiday shopping season upon us, you may be thinking about picking up that expensive cream or … Continue reading →

Attention-Vacation Time? I wish.

Hey everyone! I hope everyone is doing great. Now, I have some bad and good news. The bad news is that for the next roughly one month, I will be writing and completing my college applications to return back to school to pursue my goal of becoming a dermatologist. So that means I’ll be visiting … Continue reading →

Kate Somerville True Lash Lash Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover

Kate Somerville True Lash Lash Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover: ($35 for 1.7 oz)  Positives: At first glance, the ingredient list looks more like one for a well-formulated toner rather than one for an eye makeup remover. However, on closer inspection, there are some mild detergents squeezed into there like isohexadecane and polysorbate 20. Other than those two ingredients, … Continue reading →

John’s Journey to Fight Acne

Here is the link for my first ever full-length Temptalia post! http://www.temptalia.com/johns-journey-to-fight-acne Enjoy! Although… most of you probably found my blog through Temptalia, instead of the other way around. Oh well, I guess this is more of like a scrapbook for me then. :]

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief: ($34/$46.50 for 1.7 oz/2.5 oz) Positives: This contains high amounts of the humectant glycerin, which will serve to attract water to the epidermis. This also contains high amounts of the antioxidants birch extract, silymarin-rich lady’s thistle, and polyphenol-rich green tea. There are moderate amounts of several water-binding agents such as urea, sorbitol, lecithin, sodium hyaluronate, aloe vera, … Continue reading →

Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief

Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief: ($20 for 4.2 oz) Positives: This contains high amounts of the humectant and water-binding agent glycerin. There are also moderate to high amounts of the anti-inflammatories, Asiatic pennywort and aloe vera. There are moderate amounts of two forms of yeast. Whether or not their inclusion is beneficial in skin care, is unknown. Yeasts … Continue reading →

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate: ($43/$68 for 1.0 oz/1.7 oz) Positives: This contains high amounts of several fantastic emollients and humectants such as squalane, and the jojoba, rose hip and evening primose oils, the latter two of which respectively, also function as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. Although, rose hip oil has only demonstrated this when taken orally, but it still functions an emollient regardless. There are also moderate amounts … Continue reading →