Thoughts on Sponsorships, Disclosures, Product Samples, Bias etc.

Hello Lab Muffin readers! Over the last couple of years you’ve probably noticed a few changes here – the launch of my YouTube channel, the growth of Instagram, my eBook debut, the gradual transition from shorter, more frequent content to longer, more in-depth posts, and the appearance of some larger sponsored projects. I’ve had lots…

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Thoughts on Sponsorships, Disclosures, Product Samples, Bias etc. syndicated from Lab Muffin Beauty Science
October 18, 2019 at 11:36AM

The One Step Cleanser Gentle Enough For Sensitive Skin

vichy purete thermale one step cleanservichy purete thermale one step cleanser

Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser is a multitasker that acts as:

  • Cleansing milk to melt away makeup
  • Eye-makeup remover to get rid of stubborn makeup
  • Toner to leave skin feeling toned (whatever that means…)

I admit I don’t care for toners, but I’m always all over cleansers I can use both on my face and eyes. Because, why waste money on two products when the one will do?

But does this cleanser deliver? It’s made for sensitive skin after all, and this skin type can’t tolerate too much cleansing…

Key Ingredients In Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser

Mineral Oil To Cleanse And Moisturize

I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t mineral oil the devil of skincare?” Not really…

People don’t like it because it comes from petroleum (scary, huh?). What everyone ignores is that Cosmetic Grade Mineral Oil (the only type of mineral oil used in skincare products) undergoes a strict purifying process that removes all sorts of toxic impurities from it.

The resulting product is safe. And effective. In Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser, it does double duty:

  1. Cleanser: It works thanks to the like attracts like principle. Mineral oil attaches to the oils in your makeup and the excess sebum on your skin, melting them away. It’s super effective and can remove even waterproof makeup.
  2. Moisturizer: It creates a barrier on the skin that slows down water loss, helping to keep your skin hydrated for longer.

One more thing: Mineral oil itself isn’t comedogenic. It causes pimples only when it traps impurities underneath your skin. As long as you remove every last trace of makeup, you shouldn’t experience breakouts.

P.S. Mineral oil is made in a lab, so it doesn’t contain any of the fragrant components that so easily irritate sensitive skin found in most oils (think lemon peel oil and geranium oil).

Related: 5 Myths About Mineral Oil You Need To Stop Believing Right Now

Isopropyl Myristate To Soften Skin

Mineral oil is the star of Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser. It’s what does the bulk of the work, both in the cleansing and toning departments.

Isopropyl Myristate is here just to soften skin and thicken the texture. But I wanted to mention it in case it plays the same nasty trick on your skin: this thing is comedogenic.

High concentrations of Isopropyl Myristate never fail to break me out. This is why I always rinse off the cleanser, instead than leaving it on my skin like Vichy recommends.

I may miss out on the toning benefits, but those are insignificant anyway. A breakout is a worse evil…

P.S. Just because Isopropyl Myristate breaks me out, it doesn’t mean it will give you pimples, too. It’s usually oilier skin types that have a problem with it.

Related: Is Isopropyl Myristate Comedogenic?

Let’s Put It To The Test: Personal Use & Opinion

Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser has a milky, non-greasy texture that doesn’t lather.

You need to use a cotton pad with this. At first, I was applying it with bare hands and washing it off with lukewarm water. But when I followed up with exfoliating pads, I realised half of my makeup was still on my skin! Ewwwww!

Since then, I always use a cotton pad. I need at least two for my entire face and an extra one for my eyes. It does a wonderful job at removing everything but the most stubborn of makeup without too much pulling and tugging.

If you’re wearing as much makeup as a Kardashian with a big dollop of waterproof foundation, you’ll better off with an oil cleanser like Squalane oil. It’s a cleanser on steroid but still super gentle.

Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser is more for minimal makeup. You know what I’m talking about… sheer foundation, a dab of blush, non-waterproof makeup. It melts all that away while leaving skin soft and smooth.

If you’ve got sensitive skin and a compromised skincare barrier, a full face of makeup isn’t recommended, anyway. This cleanser will suit you fine.

Unless your skin is oily, you don’t have to wash it off. The cleanser will do a better job at moisturizing your skin if you leave it on.

Me, I need to get it off my skin. If your sebaceous glands pump out a bit too much oil here and there, this cleanser has the potential to break you out.

Overall, it’s a great option for women with sensitive skin who are looking for a gentle cleanser that removes the little makeup they have without pulling, tugging, and irritation.

Other skin types may find it wanting. But then, it’s wasn’t made with them in mind.

Available at: $19.50/£12.00 at Dermstore, Escentuals and Feel Unique

Have you tried Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser? Share your experience in the comments below.

Ingredients: Water, Mineral Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Potassium Phosphate, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Dipotassium Phosphate, Disodium Edta, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Myrtrimonium Bromide, Butylene Glycol,  Butyrospermum Parkii Seedcake Extract, Fragrance.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Screenshot from 2017 04 30 11 51 35Screenshot from 2017 04 30 11 51 35

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

The One Step Cleanser Gentle Enough For Sensitive Skin syndicated from Beautiful With Brains
October 18, 2019 at 08:15AM

Maui Maternity Shoot

Maternity Shoot

We made a little trip out to Maui (see my previous travel guide for Maui here) for my college roommate’s wedding in September, and we happened to take advantage of the setting to do a little maternity shoot with the amazing Jess. I wanted to share some of these photographs because the setting was stunning, […] Read more…

The post Maui Maternity Shoot appeared first on Tea with MD: A Dermatologist's Guide to Skin and Beauty.

Maui Maternity Shoot
Originally posted here: https://www.teawithmd.com/2019/10/maui-maternity-shoot/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=maui-maternity-shoot

What Are The Best Herbivore Skincare Products?

best herbivore botanicals skincare productsbest herbivore botanicals skincare products

What are the best Herbivore skincare products?

The indie brand took the skincare world by storm thanks to its natural approach and beautiful packaging. How pretty do these bottles look on your vanity?

Sadly, the sleek packaging is also Herbivore’s downfall. Antioxidants are fickle: they degrade (and lose their effectiveness) a little every time they’re exposed to light and air. See-through bottles and jars aren’t the best way to house them. Just saying…

If you want to try them anyway, remember to keep your precious bottles in a dark drawer and close those jar lids fast. That’ll slow down the degradation process enough so you can finish your oils and creams before they go bad.

All clear? Good. Here are the best Herbivore skincare products:

Best For Anti-Aging: Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum ($54.00)

Bakuchiol is a natural ingredient derived from the Babchi plant that works like retinol: it decreases “wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation, with no statistical difference [with retinol]. The retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging.” If your skin can’t tolerate retinol, or you’re looking for a natural alternative, Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum is worth checking out. It also has a bunch of exfoliating acids to get rid of dead cells, glycerin to hydrate skin and antioxidants to slow down premature aging. Just don’t keep the bottle under direct sunlight or its anti-aging benefits will evaporate into thin air.

Available at: Cult Beauty and Sephora

Related: All Retinol Side Effects And How To Deal With Them

Best For Dry Skin: Herbivore Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil ($48.00)

Herbivore Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil is my fave oil from the brand. Why? For starters, it has no fragranced oils that can irritate sensitive skin. Instead, it uses a blend of moisturising oils, like hemp and sunflower, that are rich in moisturising fatty acids. They strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, keep skin hydrated, and protect it from the onslaught of harsh weather and germs. Plus, a lot of these oils are loaded with antioxidants that help slow down premature aging.

Available at: Cult Beauty, Nordstrom, Revolve, Sephora and SpaceNK

Related: The Complete Guide To Facial Oils In Skincare

Best Moisturiser: Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Cream ($48.00)

Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Cream has a luxe, oil-to-cream texture that blends like a dream and is a pleasure to use. It’s enriched with moisturizing natural oils and butters – think coconut, shea, and sunflower – to keep your skin soft and supple even in the harshest of weathers. These oils strengthen your skin’s protective barrier, so that moisture stays in and germs stay out. Herbivore sprinkled a few antioxidants in for good measure, but the jar packaging won’t keep them effective for too long. Close that lid quickly! P.S. Herbivore says the cream is suitable for all skin types, but I don’t agree. It’s too rich for oily skin.

Available at: Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Nordstrom, Sephora and SpaceNK

Related: Why Shea Butter Is A Godsend For Dry Skin

What do you think are the best Herbivore skincare products? Share your picks in the comments below.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Screenshot from 2017 04 30 11 51 35Screenshot from 2017 04 30 11 51 35

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

What Are The Best Herbivore Skincare Products? syndicated from Beautiful With Brains
October 16, 2019 at 08:19AM

The Limited Edition Liz Earle Bergamot & Basil Collection

Limited Edition Liz Earle Bergamot & Basil Collection

Liz Earle skincare – particularly the ever iconic Cleanse & Polish – has had pride of place in my bathroom since I began beauty blogging 8 years ago. It is one of those few brands that I fully trust and tend to splurge on frequently, especially should the product be and exciting which leads me to the new and very much limited edition Liz Earle Bergamot & Basil Collection; a range of 4 products that should you act now, will not only come in a beautiful gift box but also at a heavily discounted price.

Limited Edition Liz Earle Bergamot & Basil Collection
Limited Edition Liz Earle Bergamot & Basil Collection

The best way to describe the limited edition Liz Earle Bergamot & Basil fragrance is zesty and uplifting. It is a fresh combination of Egyptian Basil and Italian Bergamot which fuse together to create an invigorating blend that is perfect for perking up even the darkest of winter nights and days – or you of course could squirrel this particular launch away for next Summer should you wish. I can’t quite make up my mind if it is the power of suggestion at play, thanks to the cute illustrations on the packaging but at times, the limited edition Liz Earle Bergamot & Basil scent does have a certain "lime" like note which I personally rather enjoy.

Limited Edition Liz Earle Bergamot & Basil Collection

The limited edition Liz Earle Bergamot & Basil Collection contains a few fan favourites all complete with the beautiful new fragrance; the aforementioned skincare staple that is Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish (150ml), as well as Liz Earle Skin Tonic (200ml) are decorated both with the new scent and packaging – both of which I find are great for all skin types and needs. For the body there is the Liz Earle Botanical Body Cream (200ml) and the Liz Earle Hand Repair (50ml), again scented with Bergamot and Basil and presented in freshly adorned packaging.

Limited Edition Liz Earle Bergamot & Basil Collection
Limited Edition Liz Earle Bergamot & Basil Collection

Now if you are currently planning ahead and perhaps not adverse to stocking up on Christmas presents a little earlier than most, the good news is that the limited edition Liz Earle Bergamot & Basil Collection is available via QVC and not only features the above products but also: the original Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish (200ml), two Liz Earle Cleansing Cloths and Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser (50ml), all neatly presented in a gift box and for the rather impressive price of just £52.96 (contents worth over £126).
You can find the Liz Earle Bergamot & Basil Botanicals Gift Set here – link. 

The Limited Edition Liz Earle Bergamot & Basil Collection syndicated from The Sunday Girl
October 15, 2019 at 09:57AM

Residency Interview Attire Style Guide

Residency Interview Attire

  It’s already that time – fourth year medical students are getting ready to interview at programs across the country, and residency interview and pre-interview attire is again a hot topic! I posted about residency interview attire in the past but I wanted to give my old post a facelift by sharing some new links to […] Read more…

The post Residency Interview Attire Style Guide appeared first on Tea with MD: A Dermatologist's Guide to Skin and Beauty.

Residency Interview Attire Style Guide
Originally posted here: https://www.teawithmd.com/2019/10/residency-interview-attire-style-guide-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=residency-interview-attire-style-guide-2

Retinoid vs Retinol: What’s the Difference (and How to Choose the Right One for Your Skin)

Anyone dabbling with anti-aging skincare products is bound to hear about two active ingredients again and again:

Retinoid and retinol.

They sound similar, and if you guessed that they’re both forms of vitamin A, you’d be right.

But is there actually a difference between them? And most importantly, what can they do for your skin?

In this tutorial, you will learn:

  • What is a retinoid and what is retinol
  • All the types of over-the-counter retinoids 
  • All the types of prescription retinoids 
  • Which skin concerns they’re best for, plus my product suggestions

Plus, I’ve got a free cheat sheet for you to download at the end of this article!

Retinoid vs Retinol

Retinoid vs retinol

Lixirskin Night Switch Retinol 1% and Retin-A Cream.

Retinoid vs Retinol: What’s the Difference (and How to Choose the Right One for Your Skin) syndicated from The Skincare Edit
October 15, 2019 at 12:31AM

What Makes One Skincare Ingredient Better Than Another (And How To Pick The Right One For You)?

how to choose the best skincare ingredients for your needshow to choose the best skincare ingredients for your needs

Is rosehip oil better than marula oil?

Is lactic acid better than glycolic acid?

Is seaweed better than green tea?

I could go on and on. But you get the gist. I get asked what makes one skincare ingredient better than another all the time.

It’s a question that’s impossible to answer. You know why? Because “better than” doesn’t mean anything. Or better yet, it means whatever you want it to mean.

If you’re into natural skincare, you believe than plant extracts are better than anything made in a lab – no matter how many studies proving the opposite I show you.

If you’ve got oily skin, you’ll think hyaluronic acid is a better moisturiser than coconut oil because it doesn’t break you out – and yet, for someone else, coconut oil is the best moisturiser ever.

If you’re looking for instant results, you’ll think silicones are better than retinol because they reduce the look of your wrinkles straight away and without the irritation – even though once you wash them off, your wrinkles are still as deep a before.

In other words, what makes a skincare ingredient better than another is the wrong question to ask. The right one is, “What skincare ingredient is better for YOUR unique skin type and needs?”

The answer depends on a mix of science and personal preference:

Effectiveness

The main criteria I use when deciding what skincare products to buy is effectiveness. Does the ingredient do what you want it to do and are there studies to prove it?

Let’s say you want to reduce wrinkles. Retinol is your best bet. There are thousands of studies showing it can slowly fade away wrinkles. It works by boosting collagen, fighting free radicals and speeding up the skin’s natural exfoliating process.

But silicones reduce wrinkles, too, in their own way. They work by falling into your fine lines, filling them in so they look smaller. Unlike retinol, their effect is only temporary.

So, which one is better: retinol or silicones? You could argue that retinol is the better one because it works long-term, but the answer isn’t so clear cut.

If you’re looking for a quick fix for your friend’s wedding, retinol won’t cut it. If you expect silicones to fade away your wrinkles for good, you’ll be disappointed.

Instead than comparing ingredients, ask yourself what results you want to achieve? Then, look for ingredients that can deliver that.

P.S. I personally believe that reducing wrinkles for good is better than masking them. But I know that takes time. So, I use both.

Related: The Complete Guide To Retinol: What It Is, What It Does & How To Use It

Skin Type

Just because a skincare ingredients can do something, it doesn’t mean it’s right for your skin type. Exfoliating acids are the perfect example here.

Both glycolic acid and lactic acid dissolve the glue that holds skin cells together, so they can slough off and reveal the brighter and smoother skin underneath.

Glycolic acid is a smaller molecule, meaning it does the exfoliating job better and faster than lactic acid. It follow that glycolic acid is better than lactic acid, right?

Not so fast. Glycolic acid may be more effective, but it’s also harsher. If you’ve got sensitive skin, it can irritate it real bad. How does that make glycolic acid better?!

It’s not just how well an ingredient performs. It’s how well your skin can tolerate it. Some ingredients are too harsh or comedogenic for certain skin types. Get to know yours, so you can avoid what it doesn’t like.

Related: How To Figure Out Your Skin Type (+ Free Test!)

Price

If it’s expensive it’s better, right? Case in point, mineral oil vs Argan oil.

Argan oil is rare because it’s extremely expensive and time-consuming to produce. The price reflects that.

Mineral oil, on the other hand, is derived from petroleum. Even though it undergoes a strict purifying process to remove all toxic impurities, it’s still super cheap to produce.

That’s why you’ll find mineral oil instead than Argan oil in most moisturisers at the drugstore. But is one really better than the other?

If you’re on a budget and in need of a moisturizer for your dry skin, mineral oil will do the job just fine. Heck, it’s one of the most moisturizing substances on this planet!

If you can afford to splurge on a bottle of pure argan oil, go ahead. But don’t fool yourself – you’ll get the same results.

Expensive doesn’t equal better. Cheap ingredients can perform wonders, too.

Related: Are Drusgtore Skincare Products As Effective As High-End Products?

Personal Preference

Sometimes, which skincare ingredient is better than another simply comes down to personal preference.

Maybe you don’t want to use ingredients that are derived from animals. Or you’re trying to be more eco-conscious and prefer to stick to natural ingredients. Or you simply may find certain oils and waxes too greasy for your tastes.

That’s totally fine. You shouldn’t compromise your values and preferences to take proper care of your skin. But that doesn’t mean the ingredients you like to use are better than the ones you avoid – they’re just better for YOU.

Related: 5 Myths About Skincare Products You Need To Stop Believing Right Now

What Makes One Skincare Ingredient Better Than Another?

So, how do you figure out which skincare ingredients are better for your own needs? Here’s a quick checklist:

  1. Effectiveness: Does the ingredient does what you want it to do and are there studies to prove it?
  2. Skin type: Is this ingredient suitable for your skin type?
  3. Price: Is this ingredient affordable or should you look for a cheaper alternative that works just as well?
  4. Personal preference: Do I feel good about using this ingredient?

If you can say yes to all these questions, that skincare ingredient is better than another. FOR YOU.

How do you choose which skincare ingredients are better for your needs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Screenshot from 2017 04 30 11 51 35Screenshot from 2017 04 30 11 51 35

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

What Makes One Skincare Ingredient Better Than Another (And How To Pick The Right One For You)? syndicated from Beautiful With Brains
October 14, 2019 at 08:09AM

Fireweed – A Potential Powerhouse

This attractive plant has gorgeous pink flowers and would probably look great in a bouquet, but I’m guessing you won’t find it in any florist shops. This pretty slice of nature just happens to be categorized as a weed.

Like most weeds, Epilobium Angustifolium, (also Chamaenerion Angustifolium and Chamerion Angustifolium) is a hardy plant that is real good at surviving without any special prodding or pampering from humans.

The common name: Fireweed.

Read more »

Fireweed – A Potential Powerhouse syndicated from LisaLise Blog – Natural Skin Care
October 14, 2019 at 03:00AM

3 Reasons To Use Retinoids For Brighter, Younger-Looking Skin

Do you ever wish you could go back in time, when your skin was flawless and glowy, without a wrinkle in sight? Retinoids are the fairy godmothers that can grant…

The post 3 Reasons To Use Retinoids For Brighter, Younger-Looking Skin appeared first on Beautiful With Brains.

3 Reasons To Use Retinoids For Brighter, Younger-Looking Skin syndicated from Beautiful With Brains
October 13, 2019 at 03:27AM