Skin Care with Ross

Product Pick of the Week!

2012-02-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

These are a few of my favorite thingsssssssssssssssss!

This is a fun topic! Once per week I will blog about my "Product Pick of the Week" but I'm not designating a day because you know I'm not THAT good! This way I'll always have a topic to blog about in the event that I draw a blank. The products I choose to share with all you wonderful readers will be amongst my favorites, skin care related or not! Of course I will explain why it earns the lofty "Pick of the Week" title and where you can get it (most likely Amazon.com because its the easiest for everyone!). Lets get started!

This week I picked: Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum, Fragrance Free

Guys and Gals, seriously, this stuff is AMAZING! If you have never used a serum before or have no idea what a serum is, here is the low down:

A serum is generally a concentrated moisturizer that targets the anti-aging aspect of skin care. A good serum will have high levels of active antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients, superior moisturizers, and provide skin with a silky-smooth finish.

In my opinion, this serum by Olay hits the nail on the head! I randomly bought it on sale once without even realizing that it had an incredible formulation and an impeccable finish that leaves skin feeling smoother than a baby's bottom!

So what is so good about this product?
First off, this serum is fragrance free. We know that practically ALL fragrances in skin care products are irritating to the skin. Irritation impairs the healing process and delays collagen production, at all cost, do your best to avoid fragrant skin care products. Keep in mind, this serum is also available WITH fragrance, so if you have a choice be sure to choose the "fragrance free" version.

The serum contains Niacinamide, a vitamin that improves moisture levels in skin and evens out skin tone (reduces acne scars too!). It also contains antioxidants Vitamin E and Green Tea Extract, two amazing ingredients that are excellent for skin!

Finally, this serum is silicone based. Silicone is a silky skin protectant that gives this product its amazing finish. Silicone will fill in pores and fines lines giving your skin an even surface that is perfect for makeup application. Even if you do not apply makeup on top on this product, your skin will appear even, smooth, and wonderful!

I recommend applying this serum onto clean, bare skin, but you can also apply it on top of a moisturizer! Check it out below available in 1.7 oz & 3.4 oz.

I hope you try this one out, I know you will love it!

Ross

What Does Ross Think Of....

2012-02-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

ProActiv Solution?

Well....where do I start? I give ProActiv 4 out of 5 stars. Overall, this sentence sums up my thoughts: "ProActiv is effective for controlling (not curing) mild to moderate acne ALTHOUGH it is overpriced, gimicky, and a relatively standard treatment for acne." I will elaborate on this thought below, so please continue on if you would like more details!

So you have seen the cheesy, overly positive infomercials and honestly, they are just ridiculous. Literally, as I am writing this, a ProActiv commercial comes on and now Justin Beiber is their newest spokesperson! Am I really supposed to believe that Justin Beiber uses this stuff? Not to mention Jessica Simpson, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, I mean isn't it just OBVIOUS that they use celebrities as sales people? Let's be honest, celebrities get Accutane, that way acne is never a problem...period. More on Accutane later. The fact of the matter is that ProActiv is more about marketing than skin care. Yes, the 3-step system is effective, but truly there isn't anything all that special about it!

The system is based off of Benzoyl Peroxide, a topical antibacterial agent that kills the acne-causing bacteria in the pore. There are many, many products that utilize benzoyl peroxide that are equally as effective, less expensive, and readily available (unlike ProActiv). The system is accessorized by specialty treatments to enhance acne-prone skin such as masks, BHA exfoliants, and oil absorbing items that warrant a try. What ProActiv DOES DO right, is make it easy to follow a decent skin care routine with a step system that is available as a package.

The stand out products by ProActiv include the "Repairing Treatment" (benzoyl peroxide) and "Clarifying Night Cream" (1% BHA) for their superb formulations. Forget their new "Medicated Cleansing Bar", all bar soaps are irritating to skin and this one in particular has a lot of fragrance that just adds to the problem!

Basically, if you do not have the desire to seek out well-formulated acne treatments on your own, ProActiv is a quick and easy solution. Otherwise, if you want to save some money, try creating your own skin care regimen by mixing and matching products from multiple brands! Checkout my videos on YouTube for information on other, very effective products!

Ross

Music Monday! Hey!

2012-02-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

Oh yeahhhh, it's time to DANCE! Here is a track titled "Round and Round" by Mischa Daniels. Based out of Amsterdam, Mischa creates dance/house/electro music that puts me in the mood to groooove! I hope this gets your blood pumping!

Ross

Happy Hump Day!

2012-02-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hump day is a Bi*ch! Actually, Monday is pretty sucky, but when Wednesday rolls around, and you realize you still have a WHOLE half-week to go, the feeling is pretty disheartening. So, in celebration of hump day, here is a video that will surely brighten your day! (at the expense of this funny, little girl....I'm sure she's okay with it by now...)

OMG....I die EVERYTIME! LOL

Happy Hump Day! Have a good one!

Ross

P.S. - This is the original video from her channel, TheChanningShow, just to give her proper credit since you know, I'm a YouTuber too!

DIY: Make Your Own Facial Toner!

2012-02-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Do you use a toner in your skin care routine? If not, here is a creative and cost-effective way to try it out!

A toner is a water-based liquid that will help remove the last traces of dirt & makeup and infuse skin with beneficial ingredients that help repair, replenish, and brighten. Apply toner to clean skin with a cotton ball or cotton round, and allow the solution to absorb. You can follow-up with a moisturizer to help minimize water loss and provide more vitamins and skin-identical ingredients. All these ingredients like antioxidants will enhance the repair process and reduce inflammation to promote healthier skin! Follow the directions below and make your own toner!

You Need:

French Press
2 Cups Distilled Water
10 tsp. Chopped Green Tea and/or White Tea Leaves (loose leaves are best!)
1 Tbsp. Pure Aloe Vera Gel
6 Drops Rose Hip Oil
2 Vitamin C capsules
Small (clean!) Spray Bottle (if its new, most likely its clean as can be!)

Instructions:

Place chopped green tea and/or white tea leaves in a french press. If you do not own a french press, I suggest you buy one. ...LOL, just kidding, you can always boil the leaves in a small pot and use cheese cloth to drain, but really, a french press makes the most amazing coffee!
Boil distilled water in a separate pot. Once the distilled water reaches a rolling boil, pour it over the herbs.
Stir the mixture, cap the french press, and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Plunge and allow the solution to cool to room temperature.
Pour aloe vera gel, vitamin E capsule contents, and rose hip oil into your clean spray bottle. Fill spray bottle with contents of the french press and shake well! Shake it baby! Shake it!
Spray the toner directly on clean, dry skin. Allow it to dry on its own, or apply a moisturizer while it is still damp to really lock in the moisture! Use it whenever you need a little pick me up for an energizing boost.
Store your new, homemade toner in the refrigerator. Remember it doesn't contain any preservatives like alcohol or parabens, so it won't last forever! It's hard to put an exact expiration date on it, but I would say no longer than 1.5 - 2 months. Regardless, spraying this cool toner on your face will not only be refreshing, but will shrink pores and be amazing for your skin!

Oh yeah, this toner is best applied at night, vitamin C doesn't stand up well to sunlight! But if you do use it in the morning, a moisturizer with SPF of 15+ should help. I mean, you ARE already using a daily moisturizer with SPF 15+ because I taught you that....right?!?!

Enjoy!

Ross

Music Monday!

2012-02-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Music makes me happy. I am not a musician, but I do believe in the power of music in that it can be inspirational, therapeutic, and even life changing. Every Monday, I will be sharing some of my favorite artists, individual tracks, and/or music videos that I love. You will notice that my taste in music varies from dance to alternative within the realm of "Popular" music. So, without further ado, here is my first "Music Monday" post!

I could listen to Florence + The Machine all day, everyday. Her music is artful, uplifting, and incredibly unique. Here are a few of my favorites that I would like to share.

"Shake It Out" from album "Ceremonials"

"Between Two Lungs" (live) from album "Lungs"

Just amazing, her music is the best whether I am studying, cleaning, or for background music while friends are over. If you are interested, her are the albums on Amazon Music.

Ross

LUV this moisturizer!

2012-02-12T15:45:00.000-05:00

Of course I am always keeping an eye out for new products that are worthy of the @SkinCareWhiz seal of approval...JK... Anyways, I happened to come across a moisturizer that will forever be a part on my skin care routine! Actually, I don't know how I lived without it previously!

CeraVe has a line of outstanding moisturizers but their CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Lotion PMis literally amazing! During the night your skin (and entire body) goes into recovery and healing mode, that's why using a well-formulated moisturizer at night is SO important! A good moisturizer will aid in the recovery process and promote clearer, brighter, healthier skin. Not only does this facial lotion have a light texture that absorbs quickly, it contains niacinamide (Vitamin B3) which is a cell-communicating ingredient that enhances skins barrier function, improve elasticity, and help even skin tone, INCLUDING ACNE SCARS! It also contains hyaluronic acid, a skin-identical ingredient that boosts skins moisture content.

Did I forget to mention that it only costs $11.49 on Amazon? Whats not to LUV? Check it out!

The AM version also contains niacinamide, but has SPF 30! The only place both lotions are lacking is in the antioxidant department, but for the price, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better product!

Ross

Lights, Camera, Action!

2012-01-29T12:00:00.000-05:00

Behind the scenes at Men's Skin Care with Ross! You'd be surprised how much work I put into my videos. Its all for you guys, and its fun!

I was working on new videos today, specifically product reviews. They will be up soon!

Ross

Easy, Photo-Ready Skin!

2012-01-28T18:22:00.001-05:00

There are few products that cannot be duplicated and this is one in particular fits the bill! When I first used this product from L'Oreal I wasn't super impressed UNTIL I saw a picture of myself when I had used it. Now I know face powder is considered makeup, but come on people, this stuff is seriously awesome!!!

L'Oreal Translucide Naturally Luminous Loose Powder is available in Translucent, Light, Medium, and Deep. Basically, it is a very fine powder that evens out your skin tone, and has tiny particles that reflect light perfectly! Not to mention that it reduces shine and just makes your skin look great! In flash photography, this powder will make you skin look great!!

Translucent is good for ALL skin tones, but you are best off choosing between light, medium, or deep, because it will match better. It comes with a puff to apply the powder, but using a brush will ensure even coverage without overdoing it.

Check them out on Amazon :)

These are in order: Translucent, Light, Medium, Deep

Here's a photo in which I had used Translucide Medium:

See "the glow"? Lol

Enjoy!

Ross

Skin Care from the Inside Out

2012-01-21T20:02:00.000-05:00

The big, international skin care and cosmetic brands want you to believe that good skin care is all about what you put ON your skin. Putting huge emphasis on miraculous products that will give you younger, tighter, clearer, plumper, gorgeous, glowing, super model skin that you simply cannot live without!!! Right!?!?! I mean $60 is worth it for 1oz of product that will do all that! WRONG!!!

Let's be honest, we've all fallen for the bait at one time or another, hoping to get the same beautiful skin as the model in the ad, only to be let down...yet again! These money hungry companies are more ruthless than the Nigerian love scammers! (and yes, I knew someone who fell for that one, lost about $15,000...poor guy!) The ridiculous claims these companies make have turned skin care into a competition to see who can make the most money off a usually lackluster product in a pretty bottle. Don't get me wrong, there are some incredible products with amazing formulations that have the potential to dramatically improve skin but it does not require years of research, rare and exotic plant extracts, and a $100 price tag!!

Let's discuss something you'll never see an advertisement for.... skin care from the inside out! Here are some things YOU can do to improve your skin without the use of products!

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!


I'm not even going into detail on this because I KNOW you've heard it before! Drink more water, not Crystal Light, not Gatorade, WATER! 8oz per hour! Approximately 3 Liters for men and 2.2 Liters for women each day (according to the Mayo Clinic). Just do it, your skin AND body will thank you.

Consume more Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are type of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) which are GOOD FATS! Omega-3 works to remove bad fat from your blood vessels, improve cardiac health, and improve skin! Omega-3 is found naturally in walnuts, canola oil, and fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna, anchovies) and helps reduce damaging inflammation and dryness. Personally, I find it easiest to get my Omega-3 from fish oil capsules, which are readily available at the drugstore. Take it everyday! (Make sure you buy a high quality, "no-burb" brand otherwise you'll be tasting fish...gross!)

Take Vitamins A,C,E

Vitamins A, C, & E are the triad known to improve skin. Personally, I take a "Hair, Skin, and Nails" vitamin that contains A,C,E and other vitamins that benefit skin but you can also take each vitamin separately. These three vitamins are antioxidants and all improve skin in their own way, here are foods that are rich in each: Vitamin A: Orange veggies like sweet potatoes and carrots. Vitamin C: Kiwis, strawberries, oranges and bell peppers. Vitamin E: Broccoli, almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach and olives.

Sweat it out!


Our bodies remove up to 30% of toxins through sweating. Your skin has the amazing ability to assist in the toxin elimination process all through your pores! Try getting involved in physical activity that works up a sweat, just remember to wear a clean outfit each time! You don't want your body to reabsorb toxins that have already been eliminated. You can also visit a sauna to promote sweating too. It usually takes a series of sessions per week to truly benefit from sweating. REMEMBER, you must increase your water intake when partaking in physical activity or using the sauna!

Alright everyone, these are easy things you can do. Leave your comments below!

Ross

I just HAVE to share this!

2012-01-18T13:32:00.000-05:00

This is pure genius, just listen and you will know why! Thanks to YourGayBFF for sharing!

How awesome!

Ross

The Perfect Eyebrows!

2012-01-17T13:49:00.000-05:00

Oddly enough, my most-viewed video isn't even about skin care! WTH! Well, I have been considering re-shooting the video because I have new tips and tricks that I want to share about tweezing eyebrows BUT in the mean time here are some AMAZING Tweezers that you should consider purchasing if you don't have a good pair yet!

I received the "Point Tweezers" (above in Red) for Christmas last year and they have been incredible! However, these things can be LETHAL! They are pointy and sharp, but ridiculously precise! If you prefer tweezers that are not as precise, try the "Slant Tweezers" (above in Black), they are a nice alternative!

Here is the "How To" video if you haven't seen it yet! :)

Ross

One of my Favorite Videos!

2012-01-17T13:27:00.000-05:00

I had thought about creating a time-lapse video for a while and then one random night I just decided to hit record! It turned out pretty good and the song is just fun! Not to mention that you can learn from it too.

I think I'll do another one soon!

Ross

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is your Friend!

2012-01-16T13:48:00.000-05:00

If you watch my videos, you know that I mention Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) ALL. THE. TIME! BHA is more commonly known as Salicylic Acid in the world of anti-acne products but this skin care ingredient is beneficial for everybody! Lets discuss a few important things (stay with me, I tend to get a little technical):

What is BHA?
BHA is a chemical, inner-pore exfoliant. This means that has the ability to travel INTO the pore, clear out any junk that might be stuck in there (cellular debris, sebum, etc.) and also assist in removing dead skin cells on the surface of our skin to improve "cellular turnover". Basically it keeps your pore clear and improves the overall appearance of our skin.

Why should I use a product with BHA?
Regardless of whether you have blemish-prone skin or not, BHA will, no-doubt, improve the look of your skin. Everyone can benefit from BHA because of its exfoliant properties. Regular exfoliation improves skin tone and texture, promotes collagen generation (which helps diminish fine lines), and PREVENTS CLOGGED PORES AND BLEMISHES! Hello?!?!?! need I say more?

How do I know which BHA/salicylic acid products are the best?
Good question! By now I hope you realize that all skin care products are not made equally, furthermore, many skin care and cosmetic companies are just downright deceptive! BHA is a very special skin care ingredient because it must be formulated at a specific pH value, meaning most products contain BHA but not at the proper pH to be effective. Unfortunately, I am aware of only a few BHA products that are known to have the proper formulation, see them below!

What to know about the products above:

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Hydrating Treatment
- 2% BHA
- Silicone base
- Contains antioxidants and anti-irritants! YAY!
- Great for normal to oily skin
- Available online or in-store
Proactiv Solution Clarifying Night Cream

1% BHA (more gentle)

Available in a regular (1oz) or jumbo (2.5oz)

Contains antioxidants and retinol

Good for normal to dry skin

Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid - MY PICK!

Choose 1% or 2%

Available in a Lotion, Gel, or Liquid

Contains green tea extract, an amazing anti-inflammatory ingredient!

MUCH CHEAPER if you buy it directly from paulaschoice.com
Works like a charm!

Well, that was A LOT of information! I hope I was able to help you better understand how useful BHA is in skin care, and I hope you get a chance to try some of the products above!

Good luck!

Ross

Does Winter weather bring you down?

2012-01-16T13:43:00.000-05:00

When the Winter months come around do you feel sluggish, tired, and moody? If so, you are not alone! MANY people experience loss of energy, weight gain, a "heavy" leaden feeling in arms and legs, and oversleeping during the less sunny months of the year. In the world of medicine, these are symptoms of The Winter Blues aka Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a common type of depression that occurs at the same time, every year.

It is thought that the lack sunlight during the late Fall, Winter, and early Spring may disrupt your body's internal clock, called Circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms tell your body when you should be awake or asleep and this disruption may lead to the symptoms of the Winter Blues. Disruption of the body's circadian rhythms is also linked to the symptoms of jet-lag, night shift work, and seasonal time changes.

Even if you do not experience these symptoms, everyone can benefit from the mood and energy boosting effects of PHOTOTHERAPY! Phototherapy is a natural and effective way to get your daily dose of SUNSHINE and boost your body's sense of well being! UV-free lights with high LUX levels emit natural-spectrum daylight to help alleviate all the symptoms associated with the disruption of circadian rhythms. Check out these therapeutic lights by Verilux below! (I especially love the Rise and Shine alarm clock light!)

I am a HUGE-FAN of homeopathic and alternative medicine, so when I learn about things like phototherapy, I tend to get a little excited, not to mention that the concept just makes sense! I have found the Verilux Phototherapy lights are the highest quality when compared to other brands. All you need is 30-60 minutes of exposure a couple times per week!

Here is an excellent source for information: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195

Enjoy!

Ross

So HOT right now!

2012-01-16T12:15:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I get bored talking about skin care..... Let's switch it up!

Here are some songs that I just can't get out of my head, what do you all think?

I LOVE Kaskade, Luciana, Erika Jayne, and David Guetta! ACTUALLY, I highly recommend you buy his album, EVERY song is a hit!

BTW- amazon.com's music is cheaper than iTunes!

Can you guys tell I like dance music? :)

Ross

Facial Cleanser: Product Recommendation

2012-01-15T20:21:00.000-05:00

A good facial cleanser is hard to find! I always recommend using a gentle, water-based cleanser for use on your face. There are VERY few products that contain all the qualities of a good cleanser and I have finally found the perfect cleanser that is available to everyone!

I've talked about this facial cleanser in multiple videos and I cannot stress enough how amazing it is! It's gentle, effective, and CHEAP! What's not to love?

My recommendation: Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

You can buy TWO bottles for only $8.46 below!

Note: The original "oil-free" formula contains an antibacterial agent that may cause dryness. You may find it suitable for blemish-prone skin, but I personally do not find the antibacterial ingredient necessary.

I know you will love it!

Ross

Welcome to my new Blog!

2012-01-14T23:02:00.000-05:00

Hey guys! I'm super excited to introduce my new blog to everyone!

It is titled "Skin Care with Ross" because I have made the executive decision to drop the "Men's" and include our female counterparts, welcome Ladies! (but really, it was YOU GUYS who helped me decide via a Facebook Poll, Thanks!)

Of course it is a work in progress, but here I will be able to post links to my favorite products, skin care news, and general updates! Thanks for checking it out, and stay tuned for new posts soon!!!

Got requests?!? Post them below :) I'm really excited to see how this all goes!

Ross

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