Happy Me Skincare
Skin Consultation- The Natural Alternative to Proactiv® and AcneFree®
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The Skincare Rules that Should Never Be Broken
Do you have oily, combination, dry, acneic, aging, or sensitive skin? Depending on your answer, your skincare regimen will need to be different. Clear skin is like a balancing act; if you don’t have the proper regimen in place, you can easily throw your skin out of whack. That’s why the first step in implementing a proper regimen is understanding your particular skin type.
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TeachMe: The Allopathic vs. Homeopathic Approach to Breakouts
When it comes to treating acne, there are two main schools of thought: allopathic (traditional medicine) and homeopathic (natural medicine). Deciding on which approach to take can be confusing, especially if you are not well educated on the subject.
DIY Valentine’s Day Skin Treatments
Indulge this Valentine’s Day with two super sweet skin treatments that will surely leave you glowing.
First, try a super hydrating and detoxifying strawberry facial mask. All you need is a couple fresh strawberries, pure dark honey, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil (we like ultra-calming and skin clearing Lavender Oil).
The Lifecycle of a Pimple
Did you know the lifecycle of a pimple will likely last eight weeks? Not to mention the additional time it can take for a post-blemish dark spot to heal. This is why it is so important to keep to a skincare regimen that will treat, but more importantly protect and prevent against new blemishes.
Let’s Get Clear About Natural Acne Cures
While HappyMe does believe that natural products are always a smarter choice than chemical ones, we still need to be careful about which natural products to use. We’ve researched some popular at home remedies and have the scoop on what works and what to avoid.
What to Do When Pimples Leave There Mark
Blemishes tend to leave a lasting impression… literally. That dark, stubborn post-acne spot lingers long after your pimple is healed. Why does this happen? For starters, hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase of melanin at the affected area. Melanin is responsible for adding pigment or color to our skin, which is why individuals with darker skin tones (and more melanin) are more prone to discoloration.
The Real Cause of Acne
We know the basics: pimples are brought on by clogged pores that often result in inflammation. We also know that adhering to a natural cleansing regimen can help balance and cleanse acne-prone skin. But what many of us do not know is the actual cause of those blemish-causing blocked pores. Here’s a hint: it is not a result of poor hygiene. While taking the necessary measures to properly treat and support skin will certainly improve your complexion and assist in clearing it, there is actually a much deeper cause of acne.
3 Skincare Resolutions You Can Stick to
Let’s make a promise and resolve to have clearer, healthier skin in the new year. At the same time, let’s make this doable. Instead of implementing a long list of new products, regimens, and systems, HappyMe Skincare has 3 simple new year skincare resolutions that you won’t have trouble sticking with.
5 Tips to Lookin’ Pretty Christmas Morning
Let’s face it; most of us don’t arise from bed fresh as a daisy. Come Christmas morning, many will wake early, still in pajamas, bed-head and all. However, just because we’ve decided to go au natural doesn’t mean the cameras won’t be rolling. Take after take and picture after picture, your morning look will be cemented in family history. HappyMe Skincare has 5 easy tips that will help you wake refreshed and fresh.
Blemish-causing culprits
Wash, treat, moisturize; the basics of a clear skin routine are nothing new. But what about those who are still experiencing breakouts even after adhering to a strict 3-step regimen? Considering you are using the right ingredients for your acne, there may be a less obvious culprit causing those bumps. Here are several less obvious ways to combat breakouts.
Countdown to New Year’s-Ready Skin
While the weather outside is frightful, your skin need not be. Got an important holiday party to attend? Well, don’t worry; HappyMe has some super festive skincare tips that will have your skin clear and glowing come New Year’s. Consider this your New Year’s countdown to clear, happy skin.
Retaining Your Summer Glow Throughout the Winter Months
As the weather transitions between seasons, so does our skin. The winter months can be tough on our skin, making skin rough and dry. When skin becomes dry, our sebaceous glands are likely to act up in an effort to overcompensate. This overproduction of sebum can cause skin to become oily, and in turn, causes breakouts. And it isn’t just our faces that feel the effects of winter; our hands, neck, nails, and any other exposed body parts are also vulnerable during these months. That is why it is important to adhere to a full body skincare routine that will leave you with that summer glow, no matter how frosty you may feel.
Switch from Chemical to Natural in 3 Easy Steps
Are your facial products at war with one another? Let’s face it; pimples are a pain and most of us would take on just about anything to be free of them forever. However, drenching your skin in various chemical combinations may be doing more harm than good. Harsh chemicals can be drying and potentially dangerous to our bodies. Many of their ingredients have not been time-tested for results. Furthermore, there are many natural skincare alternatives that can produce equal if not better results. For instance, Willow Bark Extract is a natural alternative to Salicylic Acid that many researchers believe absorbs even better than its chemical counterpart. So, how do we make the switch to a more natural skincare regimen?
Say Know to Pimples
How well do you know your pimples? Are you aware that there are several different types of acne? For instance, do you know the difference between a whitehead and a blackhead? The saying goes: “know your enemy” and the same applies to your acne. Having an understanding of the types of pimples on your skin will make you more able to treat them effectively. Here are the four main types of blemishes and how they can be handled:
Post-Halloween Detox
Candy, late nights and heavy face paint is sure to do a number on your complexion. After a weekend of Halloween celebrations, your skin is probably looking a little ghoulish. Detoxify your skin with these post-Halloween skincare tips that will scare potential blemishes right out of their pores:
The Diet to Keep Acne Flare-Ups Quiet
Acne and food have a not-so-stable “on again, off again” relationship. For years, dermatologists and researchers have gone back and forth on whether or not diet can actually affect complexions. While for the most part it has been declared that there is no relationship between the two, a new study from the American Academy of Dermatology suggests otherwise.
Skincare for Your Skin Type
Do you have oily, combination, dry, acneic, aging, or sensitive skin? Depending on your answer, your skincare regimen will need to be different. Clear skin is like a balancing act; if you don’t have the proper regimen in place, you can easily throw your skin out of whack. That’s why the first step in implementing a proper regimen is understanding your particular skin type.
The Skincare Rules that Should Never Be Broken
Like it or not, there is an order to things. Whether it is gym, tan, laundry, or wash, treat, hydrate, protect, these systems are in place for a reason… albeit, some are more crucial than others. Nonetheless, when it comes to your skincare regimen, it is best to keeps things consistent and in the right order. For instance, it wouldn’t make much sense to apply your moisturizer and then wash your face, would it? To receive the full effectiveness of a product, we must be sure we are not diluting it with what we put on before it.
Fall For This Season’s Skincare Musts
Change is in the air, and saying goodbye to summer means saying hello to a new skincare regimen. In those hot summer months, we are more likely to sweat and produce oils. As a result, many of us switch to a lighter skincare regimen. However, as the heat turns to cool in these autumn months, our skin is more susceptible to dryness and irritation. Fall is the season of change, and HappyMe has the inside tips on keeping your skin forever fresh, no matter the season.
The 3 Natural Acne Fighting Ingredients to Look For
When it comes to clear skin, there is no reason to get complicated. Many of us turn to harsh chemicals or cheap synthetics to clear skin, when the truth is there are several all natural miracle workers that are ideal for smooth skin with no irritating side-effects.
Here are the top 3 all natural skin smoothing, blemish blasting, complexion perfecting ingredients to look for:
You’ve Popped a Pimple… Now What?
You’ve committed the ultimate skincare sin: you’ve popped a pimple. Now, your skin is inflamed and irritated. Even worse, you may have created a post-blemish mark that can take years to heal. But instead of preaching why you should never pop a pimple yourself, HappyMe Skincare is going to bestow some tips on what to do to recover skin once you’ve succumbed to pimple popping temptation.
First, let’s clear up some myths about blemishes. When they say you should never pop a pimple, they mean just that: You. However, this does not mean a dermatologist, aesthetician, or trained professional shouldn’t. In fact, dermatologists often perform extractions on their patients.
Exfoliation Confusion
It makes no difference whether you are getting advice from a dermatologist or a beauty blogger, a clear skin routine always incorporates exfoliation. However, advice for how to exfoliate tends to vary from source to source. Some opt for textured scrubs, others suggest peels or masks, and still others recommend a natural exfoliate. So how do we know which method is right for us? First, it helps to know why experts agree that exfoliation is an important part of any skincare regimen.
Throughout the day, our skin is constantly producing new skin cells, while other cells are dying. In fact, “an average adult can shed up to 50,000 dead cells every minute”. These dead cells can not only cause complexions to look dull, but they also may clog pores, causing acne.
The HappyMe Challenge: What’s In Your Acne Treatment?
In a perfect world, blemishes and breakouts would be nonexistent. The spotty reality is, over 17 million people in the U.S. battle acne. While a large arsenal of skincare products is available to help treat acne, many people forget that beautiful skin is much more than just clear skin. Although commonly used acne products like proactiv® and AcneFree® have been proven to help clear skin, they are also filled with harsh chemicals that can result in more negatives than positives. Here are a few things to watch out for the next time you stock up on acne-clearing products.
A Supermodel’s Secret to Looking Young
If you’re looking for beauty advice, why not take it from the best. Legendary supermodel, Cindy Crawford recently bestowed this valuable advice: "Women forget to take care of their décolletage, and it shows their age." For this age-defying icon, beauty is much more than a flawless face.
Though the importance of sunscreen is nothing new, many of us still seem to neglect the neck down. The body, particularly our décolletage (neck, chest, shoulders, and back), is extremely vulnerable to sun damage and premature aging. In fact, according to AgingSkinNet, "between 90 and 95 percent of all wrinkles, lines and discolorations on the body are caused by sun exposure." What does this mean? Well, it means that the majority of aging of the chest and neck is completely preventable.
Doing What Comes Naturally
Hollywood is buzzing about a new trend. Everyone from Jessica Simpson to Kim Kardashian are going “au naturale.” With unretouched photos and makeup-free magazine spreads, Hollywood’s new leading lady must be naturally beautiful.
While sticking to a proper skincare regimen is absolutely essential to looking great in the buff, for some of us, cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF just aren’t enough to make us ditch the makeup. What about dark under eye circles and large pores? Well, we’re taking the top 5 reasons people wear makeup and giving some alternative solutions that will help you look great, the natural way.
Beauty on a Budget
Your beauty routine shouldn’t break the bank. However, comparing high-priced serums to lower priced products can be tough. Savvy consumers want the best bang for their buck, while still getting the best results possible. So how do we begin to uncover the best possible skincare solutions and still have some money left for rent? Here are some tips to keep in mind...
Wedding Season Skin Countdown
Whether you’re a bride-to-be, a blushing bridesmaid, or a happy guest, wedding season is here. And when that photographer comes your way, you’ll want your skin to appear radiant and fresh. After all, that wedding album is sure to last a lifetime. To ensure it is only clear skin and not a pimple to be cemented in wedding album history, HappyMe Skincare has some pre-wedding tips to get you ready for your close-up.
Start a comprehensive skin regimen that will clear and nourish skin from the inside out. Ingredients are important; your body will absorb what you put on your skin, so steer clear of harmful toxins that may pollute your body. It isn’t just about clear skin; it is about glowing, healthy skin too.
Summer Skin Essentials
As the seasons change, so must our skin regimen. Weather shifts can cause changes in our oil production, which in turn makes us more prone to breakouts. With the summer months approaching, it is important to have a skincare regimen that soothes, protects, and helps our skin glow, not shine.
First, it is important to stay hydrated and moisturized. All that summer fun can do a number on your complexion. Chlorine from pools and ocean salt water can have a drying effect on skin. When skin becomes dry, it often overcompensates by producing more oil, which often leads to breakouts.
Free Radicals: A High Price to Pay
“Free radicals” -- the term is used quite often in skincare, but what does it really mean? Think of free radicals as thieves. These tiny but harmful molecules steal electrons from proteins, DNA and cell membranes because they’re missing one. In turn, the newly unstable particles take electrons from others, continuing a damaging cycle. Although everyday body processes naturally produce free radicals, environmental factors, including pollution and UV radiation, escalate the problem. So what does this mean? It means a whole lot of trouble for our skin. Free radicals accelerate skin aging, creating wrinkles, lines and uneven skin tone. Some studies suggest they may even cause heart damage, cancer, cataracts, and a weak immune system.
Essential Oils: Why so Essential?
Do you read the word “oil” and immediately see red? For many us, oil simply means pimple. But it is time we clear up this messy association. True, there are some types of oils, like coconut and wheat germ oil that are highly comedogenic, meaning they clog pores. However, many “essential oils” are actually completely safe for skin. In fact, several essential oils, such as lavender and tea tree oil, can actually help fight against acne and other skin problems.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils come from various glands and pores of plants, herbs and flowers.
6 Simple Tips to Prevent Acne
Acne. Usually, acne problems show up around ages 10-13 and clear out by the mid-20s.
But for others, getting rid of acne is a never-ending battle. Whether you’re 15 or 30, acne is nobody’s friend. Luckily, we’ve got six skin-clearing secrets to cease acne at any age. Here’s to making a clear complexion your greatest conquest yet.
1. Stay hydrated. We know many people would rather choose soda or coffee over water. But if you want a clear complexion, drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water a day can have a major impact on skin. In fact, drinking water is one of the best ways to naturally detox your body. Flushing out toxins means wiping out acne. Plus, water helps keep the skin retain moisture, creating a healthy glow.
The Scoop on Sulfates
"Sulfate" has become a buzz word in the world of beauty products. More and more, hair and skincare lines are advertising the removal of sulfates; but what does this mean? Simply put, sulfates are salts containing sulfur. They are also a powerful cleansing agent used in industrial cleaning. Doesn’t sound so bad, right? Think again. You wouldn’t wash your face with the same product you use to clean your car’s engine, would you? Well, if you are using a sulfate-containing cleanser, you are not too far off.
One sulfate commonly found lurking in most facial cleansers is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, or SLS.
Aromatherapy: Smell your way to stress-free skin
Whether it is finals week, work deadlines, or the unfulfilling finale of your favorite television series, we have all experienced stress. And let’s face it, stress shows on our skin: whether in the form of dark under-eye circles, unsightly breakouts, or even premature aging, stress has no mercy. It is time to fight back.
When the body experiences stress it releases a certain hormone known as Cortisol. Cortisol adversely affects the immune system and eventually leads to a higher degree of inflammation, which often leads to "stress acne." As if pimples aren’t bad enough, scientists have recently found a link to stress and aging.
The Three-Step Home Spa Experience
Having a luxurious spa experience doesn’t always have to cause a major dent in your wallet. In fact, many of the most effective skincare treatments are available right in your kitchen. That’s right; got an apple, avocado, and some honey? Then you’re on your way to hydrated, clear, glowing skin.
There are tons perks to creating your own at-home spa experience. For one thing, it is cost effective. Second, it is easier to be mindful of what you are using. Many spas and even drugstore treatments are packed with mysterious chemicals and preservatives. Just like you would be conscious of the ingredients you put into your body, it is also important to be aware of what you put on it. Creating your own mask, scrub, or toner gives you the power to know exactly what is going on your skin. Lastly, many of these at home treatments are incredibly versatile.
Poof! Pimples Be Gone
While we do our best to prevent pimples, sometimes there is no stopping a blaring blemish emergency. When a last minute pimple rears its ugly head, it can be tempting to pick, squeeze, and douse it with chemicals. However, these tactics are sure to leave skin with the blues… or, more accurately, the reds.
Squeezing and picking will not only cause greater redness and irritation, but it can also leave behind a scar. Plus, our fingers carry all sorts of bacteria which may contribute to the clogged pore and inflammation. Alternatively, dousing blemishes with harsh chemical treatments, such as Benzoyl Peroxide, may only cause a secondary problem of dryness and irritation.
Simple Skincare Essentials
There are millions of products on the market, not to mention new fads and expensive medical procedures all claiming to beautify our skin. Chances are most of us don’t have the time or money to spend on all of these media-hyped regimens. Fortunately, HappyMe takes the stress out of skincare with these easy tips for happy skin that are pure, simple, and won’t clog up your pores (or your day).
First, it is important to cleanse! Rinsing away dirt and oils both morning and night will not only leave skin feeling fresh and clean, it will also help protect against breakouts and irritation… that is, if you are washing with the proper cleanser. Choosing a proper facial cleanser is just as important as washing in general. Look at the ingredients.
More on the Pore
We’ve all had our bouts with pores: we’ve exfoliated them, we’ve blotted them, we’ve even squeezed them, but they still remain somewhat of a mystery. It’s high time we got down to the core of the pore.
Our pores play a leading role in the overall appearance and condition of our skin. Consider the pore as a kitchen sink where crumbs and food particles may collect. Overtime, if they are not removed, the sink can become clogged. Similarly, dead skin cells and oil builds up around the pore and if they are not properly cleaned away, they can cause the pore to become blocked and contaminated by bacteria. This results in inflammation and before you know it, you have a blemish. These blemishes or blackheads caused by blocked pores can eventually cause the follicle to enlarge.
Top 5 Reasons to Use Natural Skincare Products
Our skin is the largest organ of our body, so it’s important to treat it right. Just like we remain aware of the foods we put in our body, it is equally important to keep conscious of what we put on our bodies as well. Here are the top 5 reason why natural skincare is the only skincare.
How To Prevent Wrinkles
Wrinkles: no one wants ‘em. And if you get ‘em, they can be difficult to get rid of. The best way to avoid developing wrinkles is to take preventive measures early on. Here's a few simple tips that can greatly reduce the development of wrinkles on your skin.
UV damage is the number one cause of wrinkles. Wear sun screen daily, not only in the summer but all year round.
Red Carpet Skin
With awards season well on its way, all the top Hollywood skincare clinics are busy with stars coming in doing whatever they can to look red carpet ready. Spending thousands of dollars might be an option for some, but for the rest of us how do we look like a Hollywood starlet without spending the big bucks. Believe it or not there are some red carpet secrets we can do on a budget to ensure we have (or can fake) that glamorous face that is photo flash ready.
Common Causes of Pimples
Pimples are never convenient. In fact, they usually show up at the most inopportune times and disrupt your day to day life almost taunting you to pick and pick till you can’t pick anymore. But why? Where did it come from? I haven’t been eating chocolate or any greasy foods lately, why the random bouts of acne, and how do I prevent them from ruining the big weekend I had planned?
Acne vs. Pimples
Over the years, we have worked with countless men and women suffering from a variety of skin issues. One thing we've noticed is that there are many misconceptions about skin conditions. In particular, the distinction between acne and pimples is often overlooked or misunderstood. Below, we will shed some light on the technical distinctions between acne and pimples.
New Year's Eve Skincare Tips
Every woman wants to looks nothing less than flawless on New Year's Eve. In fact we spend days prepping for it. Whether it's a new outfit, scheduling a hair appointment, making sure your mani/pedi looks perfect, and of course having the right place to go. Don't let any skin or makeup faux pas get in the way of an amazing night. Here are five helpful tips to attain that flawless face on New Years without having to use too much makeup.
All I want for Christmas...
All I wanted for Christmas was a stress free day of cooking and laughing and enjoyment with my family. Funny how sometimes the littlest things can throw a wrench in your plans. Seeing as how my husband and I are newlyweds we decided to host our families annual holiday party at our new home this year. So here I am, cooking, organizing and preparing a dinner celebration for 50 of our closest family and friends pretty happy because things were actually moving along very smoothly. Aside from the few typical stresses everything seemed ok, so I put my head down to rest with full confidence that all is going to be amazing on Christmas Eve. All...but the unexpected gift that Santa decided to leave me on my face.
Scrub-Scrub to Radiant Winter Skin
Although we may have to say good-bye to our summer glow during these winter months, we don't have to say hello to dry and flaky skin. Exfoliating is the key to avoid this winter curse.
Sunglasses are the new Botox
An ounce of prevention is worth $500 in Botox treatments every 3-4 months. Pick up a cheap pair of sunglasses and you could save a fortune on getting rid of crow's feet later in life. You know- those nasty little lines next to your eyes that make you look (gasp) old.
Sebum - A love / hate story
Most of us either struggle to get rid of sebum completely or we crave it desperately. Sebum is a light yellow, oily fluid produced by microscopic glands to moisturize your skin and hair.