skincare

Cynthia Nixon Talks Rosacea and Her Secrets to Great Skin

April 30, 2012 at 11:41 am
By Fitness Magazine

She spiced up the small screen as Miranda Hobbes on the cult TV series Sex and the City, and now actress Cynthia Nixon is speaking out about her experience with the chronic inflammatory skin condition rosacea. Read on as she dishes about the foods she loves, her biggest beauty indulgence and her secrets to embracing that natural flush.

FITNESS: What made you start working with the National Rosacea Society?
Cynthia Nixon: I first started working with the National Rosacea Society because 16 million people have the condition, but not many know about it, so I wanted to raise awareness. When you have it, it can be awful to treat it yourself. The first thing you have to do is speak to a dermatologist and get a treatment plan. You can’t cure rosacea, but you can control it. I had acne in my teens and early 20s, and then developed rosacea in my 30s. So many people think of it as acne, then use scrubs and masks and don’t realize they are only making the problem worse. You need to know what to do and what to avoid. Rosacea is a condition that can cause embarrassment and discomfort.
FITNESS: What’s been your experience with rosacea, and how have you managed it?
CN: I cannot stress enough the importance of seeing a dermatologist because everybody’s skin is different. After I found out what the dermatologist recommended and he prescribed me medicine, I have managed to keep it under control.  I also got information about things that I was eating that were triggering the rosacea.
FITNESS: What specific foods trigger rosacea?
CN: Spicy foods trigger it, like tabasco and jalapeño peppers. I still eat those things, but I stay away from them when I know I have important events coming up. Other things that can trigger it are red wine and too much sun exposure.
FITNESS: What have you learned from working with the National Rosacea Society?
CN: I’ve learned that rosacea is much more common than we think. Also, if you don’t treat it, it can get worse. There are four different kinds of rosacea: redness, pimples, eye irritation and thickening of the skin. Your face gets red and blotchy and it’s not fun. You have to tend to it so it doesn’t get worse.
FITNESS: Moving on to beauty: What’s one product that never leaves your bag?
CN: Undereye cream for sure. I find myself applying some too many times per day!
FITNESS: What are your haircare, makeup and skincare routines like on a typical day?
CN: My hair tends to be oily so I wash it two to three times a week. I wake up in the morning and wash my face, then apply some toner, moisturizer with SPF, and undereye cream.
FITNESS: What are your secrets for looking great anytime, anywhere?
CN: I make sure to maintain a gentle regimen. I don’t use many products because they can be too harsh on my skin and can cause my rosacea to flare up. Also, I wear SPF all the time.
FITNESS: What’s your diet like? Are there certain foods or snacks that are your go-tos?
CN: I’m a big fan of cheese! (Editor’s note: Woman after our own heart!) I also eat a lot of salads. I keep celery, carrots and almonds in my house. I also keep protein bars around because those things can really help sustain you through the day.
FITNESS: What’s your biggest beauty indulgence? 
CN: Facial acupuncture for sure. It keeps my blood flowing.  With rosacea, my skin can get very inflamed so the circulation boost is helpful.
FITNESS: How do you stay in shape when you’re on the go?
CN: I work out mostly when I’m at home. When I’m away for a couple of days, I’ll use the hotel gym. I try to eat well; I’m a vegetarian. Also, as I mentioned, I make sure protein bars are always around.
FITNESS: What’s the best tip you’ve picked up from the makeup, hair and skincare experts you’ve worked with?
CN: I actually received the best tip while filming Sex and the City and that is “put as little foundation on as possible.” Maintain a good skincare routine. A ton of foundation only ages you!

Visit rosaceafacts.com to view Cynthia’s iPSA and take a self-screening quiz.

—By Wanda Rosa, beauty intern

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Miss USA Alyssa Campanella Talks Makeup Tricks, Her Favorite Workout & The Dish She Can’t Resist

March 8, 2012 at 5:07 pm
By Fitness Magazine

Earlier this week, I was lucky enough to chat with down-to-earth, stunning Miss USA Alyssa Campanella, who spilled her secrets for looking great 24-7, her workout routine while on the road— even shared one of her specialty dishes! Read on to steal her tricks.

FITNESS: As Miss USA, you’re expected to always look gorgeous. What are your haircare, makeup and skincare routines like on a typical day?
Alyssa Campanella: Since I’m constantly in the spotlight, I have to always look polished. I wash my hair the night before so that it is nice and fresh for styling, but my makeup varies. I like to have a clean face, but if I have an appearance or event, I play around with colors or makeup styles. My skincare doesn’t really change. I use a pore-refining scrub, toner and a moisturizer daily. I also use a mask every two days to exfoliate. My legs tend to be on the dry side due to the changing weather in New York and being a California girl, so I slather on Australian Gold Moisture Lock, which smells great and keeps my legs hydrated while imparting a natural glow.

FITNESS: What’s the one beauty product that never leaves your bag? 
AC: Chapstick, since my lips dry quickly. I also carry mascara for touch-ups.

FITNESS: What are your secrets for looking great no matter where you are and what you’re doing? Or does it change depending on where you are?
AC: I like to be natural. I want people to appreciate their inner natural beauty, so I try to be as natural as possible. But when the event calls for glamour, I get dolled up.

FITNESS: How do you stay in shape when you’re on the go? What are your favorite workouts?
AC: I actually do a lot of core workouts without even realizing it. Even to pick myself up I do so with my core, and I attribute that to Pilates training. I’m not really a cardio fan; I’m more into muscle building. I do quick exercises when on the go. The trainer actually taught me this exercise called the frog, and it hurts but it definitely tones your legs. You basically squat like a frog and stand up, moving up and down. I thought it was easy, but by the sixth one I started crying “oh no, not 30!”

FITNESS: What are your gym bag beauty essentials? 
AC: To work out, I carry a ponytail holder, put my hair in a bun and slick it back. Afterward, I cleanse with a face wipe, then apply powder, eyeliner, mascara, lipgloss and whatever I have to wear for the day.

FITNESS: We hear that you love to cook and bake. What is your specialty dish? 
AC: One of my best dishes I actually made on New Year’s day for breakfast, which was banana bread. I wanted to stay awake until the New Year, so to stay awake I decided to bake. My father had bananas that were ripe so I woke them up by making banana bread french toast. It was such a hit! I made it for everyone and had a lime-infused berry apple salad on the side.  I credit my mom for the inspiration— she’s a great cook!

FITNESS: What’s your diet like? Are there certain foods or snacks that are your go-tos? 
AC: I actually don’t have a diet; if it’s present in front of me I eat it! I used to eat too much sugar, so I started adding fruits and veggies to my meal. I try to limit sugar and sweets, not to lose weight but to maintain it. Your body is a safe haven and you have to protect it. Bananas, I can eat them all day every day. I also drink this acai strawberry banana smoothie that’s full of antioxidants, which helps keep me full. It’s delicious on the go. The nutritionist also provides these fiber bar chocolate brownies that hold you over in between meals. My schedule is a bit crazy so I have to make sure there are snacks at the ready.

FITNESS: Red hair is famously the most difficult to care for. How do you keep yours looking so stunning? 
AC: I wash my hair with carrot-infused shampoo. My hair is fine and I’m naturally a blonde. I dye it every four to five weeks to keep up with the roots. I also use deep treatments. Before my title, my hair was always left natural, but as Miss USA it has to be kept nice and polished.

FITNESS: In terms of beauty indulgences, is there anything you splurge on? 
AC:  I enjoy a nice foot massage. I’m constantly running around and it works out your legs, but a nice foot massage always feels great! I actually don’t like when people touch my feet, but that’s the one time I will let them. I also like to have my nails done.

FITNESS: What’s the best tip you’ve picked up from the makeup, hair, and skincare experts you’ve worked with? 
AC: Since my hair is naturally thin and fine, it can be lifeless. At a photo shoot in California, the hairstylist taught me to add a little bit of mousse or foam when you’re trying to tease your hair— it gives it body and volume. We call it Texas pageant hair. It gives your hair life! A makeup tip: Line your eyes with a liquid liner first, but finish with a layer of black powder to keep it in place and polish the look.  Also, when using concealer, go for something that matches your skin or is one shade lighter. It really makes a difference when taking photos.

—By Wanda Rosa, beauty intern

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Fresh Fruit— For Your Face

January 31, 2012 at 12:32 pm
By April Franzino

The beauty brand Lush is known for their freshly-mixed products using natural ingredients, but even we were surprised when they revealed just how many fruits and veggies go into making their skin and hair helpers each year. The juicy scoop:

• 415 pounds of cantaloupe, with strand-nourishing enzymes
• 550 pineapples, for their brightening alpha hydroxy acids
• 11,000 bananas, to soften skin
• 17,000 limes, which have complexion-toning effects
• 20,000 avocados, for their moisturizing properties
• 27,000 oranges, rich in vitamin C and a natural astringent

Tell us: Have you tried making any fresh fruit or veggie-based beauty treatments at home?

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Beauty Intern Leah Gets Her First-Ever Facial!

January 23, 2012 at 12:38 pm
By Fitness Magazine

Our first manicure, hair color, time wearing makeup: There are many beauty firsts that we never forget. One of mine is my first facial ever at the Mario Badescu Spa this past weekend! I’ve always struggled to find the right skin care regimen, and after talking to my facialist, I realized it was because I didn’t know my skin type. I thought my skin type was oily, which was incorrect! My t-zone is always very oily and my cheeks are usually a little dry. My skin type diagnosis: combination. After solving that puzzle, I asked about my pores. I’ve always had enlarged pores and longed for a matte complexion. My facialist said that I have medium-sized pores, and suggested a glycolic acid peel to help them appear smaller. My pores are noticeably less visible! I asked if there was a product I could use at home to help reduce the size of my pores and she suggested Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser, with the same active exfoliating acid as the peel. The cleanser reduces discoloration, minimizes scars and leaves skin radiant and smooth. After an informative consultation and relaxing facial, I left the spa with tousled hair, twinkly eyes, and best of all, glowing skin!

—By Leah Cayson, beauty intern

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3 Pro Skin Secrets for Your Sweat Sessions

January 12, 2012 at 10:15 am
By Fitness Magazine

While you’re focused on getting your body into top shape— or keeping it that way— it’s easy to forget about your skin. Jasmina Aganovic, creator of the anti-aging skincare line Stages of Beauty, has some quick tips for keeping your skin in as good condition as your bod— before, during and after your workouts.

BEFORE
Your face could touch a mat (crawling with bacteria!) during crunches, yoga, Pilates, or push-ups, and bacteria can cause breakouts. Before working out, wipe down the surface with sanitizing wipe. You can also bring a clean towel to lay on top of the mat prior to your sweat session.

DURING
While working out, you want your skin to be able to breath to avoid clogged pores. Wearing makeup or cosmetic products that are heavy can cause complexion congestion: Specifically, avoid anything that contains occlusive silicone or petrochemicals, like petrolatum, mineral oil and propylene glycol.

AFTER
There are three skincare essentials no gym bag should be without: makeup remover wipes or pads for pre-workout, cleanser and toner. If you have time, do a full facial cleanse to get rid of sweat and grime after you exercise. In a hurry, swipe a clarifying or balancing toner over your face to sweep away dirt and freshen your face.

—By Leah Cayson, beauty intern

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The #1 Workout Mistake That Could Sabotage Your Skin

December 7, 2011 at 6:41 am
By Fitness Magazine

Naturally, we’re huge proponents of working up a sweat, whether you’re mastering the elliptical or letting out stress in your cardio kickboxing class. But excess sweat that dries on skin can leave behind salt and toxins, which contribute to acne and red bumps on the skin, according to Dr. Alex Fazeli, M.D., president of skincare brand Sebamed . Here, three ways to keep workout-induced breakouts at bay:

1. Ditch the sweatbands and tight clothing, which can drive bacteria even deeper into the skin, causing blemishes. Choose exercise apparel made of moisture-wicking fabrics, which are breathable and help prevent pores from getting clogged.
2. Avoid touching your face or blemish-prone areas with your hands or used towel, which can spread bacteria.
3. Cleanse your skin immediately after working out with a hydrating wash like the Sebamed Liquid Face & Body Wash to help restore your skin’s barrier and remoisturize, which will prevent further toxins from penetrating.

—By Jaclyn Smock, beauty intern

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Talking Breakouts & Bobsledding with Olympic Hopeful Megan Hilll

November 21, 2011 at 12:03 pm
By Fitness Magazine

Although U.S. National Bobsled Team Member and Olympic hopeful Megan Hill has rocketed to the top of the athletics world, there was still something standing in the way of her confidence: acne. Determined to find a solution, Hill started using Proactiv and through her success with the line, became their newest spokesperson. We chatted with Megan about her battle with acne, her beauty routine and training for the 2012 Olympics.

FITNESS: What made you want to team up with Proactiv?
Megan Hill: Acne is something I’ve really struggled with. When I found Proactiv, not only did my skin begin to clear up, but my confidence was boosted, and I started to step out of my comfort zone and grow as a person as well as an athlete. Not very many people talk about it because, well, its acne and it’s embarrassing, but I know there are so many other girls out there who struggle the way I did.
FITNESS: What’s your beauty routine before a competition? In everyday life?
MH: I begin by washing my face with the Proactiv 3 Step System and then I apply sunscreen. Sometimes I will put on a little bit up of makeup, usually Bare Escentuals, mascara and lip-gloss. For competition, I pull my hair back into a low ponytail or bun so my helmet fits nicely. My beauty routine for everyday life is pretty much the same.
FITNESS: What are your go-to beauty products for post-workout and when you’re on the go?
MH: After a workout, my go-to product is Proactiv Clear Zone Body Pads. They’re perfect for when I have somewhere to be right after my workout and they fit in my gym bag.
FITNESS: Since your skin is constantly exposed to the elements, how do you care for it, both to prevent and repair damage?
MH: When it’s bobsled season I am in very dry and cold climates so moisturizer is a must!  My favorite is Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer. I also wear sunscreen every day to help prevent damage from the sun.
FITNESS: What types of workouts do you do to prepare for competition?
MH: My pre-competition workouts involve intense and explosive movements to get the neuromuscular pathways firing. I do sprints, plyometrics, medicine ball throws, squats and power cleans.

FITNESS: Where is your favorite track to do runs? What is your favorite aspect of doing runs?
MH: I am still trying to figure out which track is my favorite.  The only tracks I have driven so far are Lake Placid and Park City.  They are so different and I enjoy them both. I can’t wait to learn other tracks. My next stop is Calgary in Alberta, Canada. As a brakeman my favorite track was St. Moritz, Switzerland. The best part of doing a run is the feeling you get when you’re at top speed on the track. It’s like time stops for a minute and you are so in the moment. There’s nothing out there like it!
FITNESS: What’s your proudest fitness-related achievement? Why?
MH: Each year we do a combine test at the beginning of the season. The events on the combine are sprints, a standing long jump, shot put toss, squats, and a power clean. My proudest fitness-related achievement was the personal records I set on the combine this year. All of the hard work I did over the offseason paid off.  Improving my speed and strength motivated me to keep training as hard as I did and continue to improve.

—By Jaclyn Smock, beauty intern

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Feet First

October 31, 2011 at 12:35 pm
By Fitness Magazine

Now that summer’s warmth is a distant memory and everyone’s sandals have been shelved, footcare often falls to the bottom of the beauty priority list. But even though your feet aren’t on display in winter, they can still take a beating. We asked Mary Lupo, M.D., a dermatologist in New Orleans, for advice on how to keep your feet in top shape through the cold-weather months— until it’s time for them to see the light again:

Feet aren’t usually exposed in winter, so what causes them to become cracked and damaged?
Heaters easily dehydrate the skin, and the hotter bath and shower temperatures people seem to like in winter can also be harmful to skin. There are fewer oil glands in the feet to protect them from drying out.

What is the best way to get rid of cracks and calluses?
Hands down: Theraplex FT Exfoliating Emollient. It’s a game changer! It contains salicylic acid to exfoliate the dead, dried skin cells, hydrators for deep nourishment, and even a little menthol to deodorize.

How should we care for our feet on a daily basis now that the weather is cooler? Apply a skin-sloughing foot cream with glycolic or salicylic acid, then slip on a pair of socks on for at least 15 minutes. Even better, wear your socks overnight or do this routine right after you shower before stepping out for the day. It’s so easy and will keep your feet baby soft all year!

—By Jaclyn Smock, beauty intern

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Staffer Beauty Snoop: Associate Art Director Lauren Kukafka

October 20, 2011 at 7:21 am
By Fitness Magazine

Next up in our Staffer Beauty Snoop series, Associate Art Director Lauren Kukafka shares her keep-it-simple beauty philosophy and secrets:

Describe your beauty style in three words or less: Less is more!
What are the three beauty products you can’t live without? Aveeno Cleansing Pads, DDF Aloe Toner and moisturizer.
What’s your beauty routine in the morning? The three products above I use in the morning and night. I never switch it up! If it works, why change it?
Post-workout? I usually let my hair air dry after working in a bit of anti-frizz cream.
What beauty product or treatment instantly makes you feel good?  Washing up before bed. I am known to take a really long time. I love to feel really clean before bed, so I wash my face for like 20 minutes!
What’s the best beauty tip you’ve ever received (or thought of yourself)? I have seriously sensitive skin, and I used to try lots of new stuff, just for fun. I would always be allergic to it, however, which is no fun! Now I know just to use what works.

—By Jaclyn Smock, beauty intern

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Revamp Your Skin

January 11, 2011 at 10:04 am
By April Franzino

It’s a new year—the perfect time to get your skincare habits on the right track. We got advice from Kate Somerville, celebrity aesthetician and founder of Kate Somerville Skin Care, on how to get your best skin (and body!) ever in 2011:

• Do a detox. “With a new year, it’s time for a new game plan: Detoxify through exercise, nutrition, steaming and massage. When you detoxify, you’re getting rid of toxins and impurities, giving you more energy than you’ve ever had before, and leaving your skin looking luminous.”

• Cleanse, exfoliate, pamper, repeat. “You can externally detoxify three ways. The first is to cleanse daily – morning and night – with a cleanser that’s right for your skin type.  Exfoliating is another form of detoxifying.  I suggest using an exfoliant on your face two or three times a week, which leaves the healthy cells on the surface and helps keep pores free of impurities.  The third way to detoxify is with facials: I recommend having them monthly, whether at a skin-care salon or doing them at home.”

• Look inward. “Cleansing internally is equally important, and can be easily done with certain drinks and foods.  You can get a really effective cleanse by cutting out caffeine, alcohol, sugar, added salt, meat and processed food from your diet for just three days.  Drink only water, juice or herbal tea; and load up on a variety of raw, fresh produce.  The fiber in the fruits and vegetables acts like a brush throughout your intestinal system, sweeping away all the junk as it goes through.  This kind of detox will not only cleanse your body, but it will also recalibrate your taste buds.”

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