If you've ever experienced time-of-the-month breakouts, you know all too well about the close relationship between hormones and skin. What you probably didn't realize, however, is that you have your cycle to thank when your skin looks good, too.
What is it about laying down on a facialist's table that makes you feel so vulnerable? Maybe it's because you're inches away from your esthetician's face, with your pores, pimples, and lines hanging under a seriously bright light? Or maybe it's because the facialist always happens to have the clearest, most flawless skin?
There's something about getting a spa treatment that's transcendent. The entire ritual -- from the exhilarating moment you enter the sanctuary to the melancholy phase of checking out -- is indulgent and exhilarating. Especially when you're at a top-notch destination like the ones featured in this story. These award-winning spas are some of the best in the United States -- and for good reason. They're not only breathtaking to behold, but offer signature spa treatments steeped in either ancient methodologies, new wave thinkings or a combo of both -- all guaranteed to cure what ails you, and feel (mostly) heavenly in the process.
Ok, first it needs to be stated that we do not endorse, support, or approve of purposeful skin care neglect. We do however understand, sympathize for, and commiserate with the woman who has too much on her metaphorical plate. Squeezing in facials and obsessing over a strict anti-aging routine takes serious amounts of "me"-time. Who's got that? Truth is, many of us don't.
Nothing has us running for the hills more than the idea of doing a skin care treatment like a bikini wax at home -- cue horror movie soundtrack. There are some things you can do safely and easily at home, but then there are certainly hair care and skin care treatments that should be left to trusted professionals. Case in point: Loving the trendy lob (aka long bob) is one thing, but deciding to do it yourself by plopping a fruit bowl on your head (visions of the Jack in the Box commercials are running through our minds) is definitely not recommended, and will most likely demand a trip to the hair salon afterwards anyway. So leave the scissors to the pros by going in for a haircut. On the other hand, something like a deep conditioning treatment you can do at home by simply using your fave conditioner and a shower cap. Doing this once a week will help maintain shiny, healthy hair.
Does your tight budget make even drugstore beauty products a luxury? Don't fret. You can still have beautiful skin and hair without buying a ton of (or even any!) products. These bargain beauty tips will show you how to turn kitchen leftovers and more into everything you need to look great. Bonus: these tips all use natural ingredients -- good for you, good for the earth!
Before blowing your next paycheck at the derm's office or on pricey skin care products, take a closer look at the place you call home. We looked at pollution levels, sunshine and humidity averages, skin cancer, smoking rates, and even tanning salons per capita to determine which U.S. locales could be disastrous for your skin. Did your city make the list?
Celebrities have some of the best skin gurus in the country at their disposal, and plenty of cash to splurge on skin-perfecting treatments. But why then do some of them have less than perfect skin? Could it be the late-night partying? Too much fun in the sun? Read on to find out — you may just learn a thing or two about how to take better care of your own skin.
Who has the money or the time to head to the spa or beauty salon these days? Not us. That's why we searched around for gadgets and products that would give us spa-worthy results at home. Check them out and be on your way to clearer, smoother skin, glossy hair and more, without making a huge dent in your bank account.
Razor burn. Ingrown hairs. Those ouchy little nicks you get on your kneecaps. Does hair removal have to be such, like, medieval torture? Turns out no. So here's our guide to getting better results with shaving and alternative hair removal, with help from industry experts Cindy Barshop, owner of Completely Bare Spas, Janette Barredo, brand manager for The Art of Shaving and Kristina Vanoosthuyze, senior scientist for Procter and Gamble.
We followed a panel of women as they tried the latest and most popular non-surgical treatments to address their biggest skin concerns: sun damage, acne scars, wrinkles, sagging skin and redness. Read their feedback and determine which treatments might be worth your money and time.
Our two-minute guide to what you shouldn't pick at, as well as pro regimens on improving true skin emergencies, with advice from derms Dr. Kenneth Beer, Dr. Jeanine B. Downie and Dr. Kathryn Frew.
