Deciphering Skin Care Labels

It is important to read the label — on the food you eat AND on the things you put on your body. A lot of products make a lot of claims… but what do they all mean? According to the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, there are no standard definitions for terms like “hypoallergenic” or “fragrance free”. Each company is allowed to interpret (and use) label terminology as they like. Dermatologist tested generally means that a skin specialist has tested the product. However, the test itself can vary. The dermatologist may have asked employees to try the product. The dermatologist … Continue reading

Shrink Your Pores

Large pores aren’t harmful — they’re just annoying. When your pores get clogged with dead skin cells and skin oil (sebum), they start to stretch and sag. If the pores fill up with sebum, the oil can oxidize and turn dark, which makes the pores more visible. Large pores can happen just about anywhere, but you may see them in places where your skin is oilier than others; I tend to get large pores on my nose. If you don’t like the way large pores look, here are some tips to shrink them a bit. Keep your skin clean! If … Continue reading