FAQ's - Grooming

Q. Does rinsing with cold water make your hair shinier?

A. According to Christopher Mackin, the hair guru at New York City’s Elizabeth Arden Red DoorSalon and Spa, rinsing your mane in cold water after you’ve finished shampooing and conditioning will up its gleam factor. The science behind the fact: Cold water actually closes the cuticle (the shinglelike outer layer of each strand). When the cuticle is closed, it lies flat, so it reflects light and looks shiny.

Christopher recommends shampooing your hair with warm water (it opens the cuticle and helps shampoo and conditioner penetrate) before giving it an icy rinse.

Q. Fact or fiction? Brushing your hair makes it healthier.

A. Fact. Gentle brushing distributes natural oils from your scalp to the ends of your hair, making your locks shinier. It also gives your scalp a minimassage, which increases blood circulation around your hair follicles (which encourages hair growth). But don’t go overboard: Brush only dry hair (brushing wet hair can cause breakage) and use a brush that has natural, not plastic, bristles÷it’s easier on your tresses.

Q. I sometimes have acne flare-ups. What can I do?

A. Start by gentle treatment of the skin. Never squeeze pimples or perform “acne surgery” on your face! Eat a well-balanced diet, drink lots of water, and get plenty of rest. Don’t smoke. For the right combination of medications and over-the-counter acne aids for your skin type and degree of acne, see your family doctor or dermatologist. Don’t let TV or magazine ads be your doctor.

Q. How can I clear up the zits on my back and chest?

A. The key to a blemish-free bod is to treat it like your face. Since you spend a few extra minutesscrubbing your face with a medicated cleanser, why not substitute a body wash for your daily soap-and-water sha-bang in the shower?

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash is infused with salicylic acid, a proven acne buster that’ll clear your pores. During your nighttime oxy-cution routine, dab a little benzoyl peroxide cream (like Exact Vanishing Cream Spot Treatment, or Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment) on your problem spots. But, since benzoyl peroxide dyes clothing, wait a few minutes for the cream to dry before pulling a shirt on, to avoid white stains on your PJs.

For long-term body acne prevention, take a look at your daily routines. During workouts, substitute clingy Spandex for loose clothing made from natural fibers like cotton. Natural materials allow the skin to “breathe,” thereby diminishing the amount of sweat on your body. Also, certain fabric softeners have been linked to acne, so be sure you either cut out the fabric softener or pick up a “fragrance-free, sensitive skin” version of your fave brand.

If you’re caught in a time pinch (like, if your prom’s tomorrow) camouflage your body blemishes with a little makeup. Tinted acne creams (like Neutrogena On-The-Spot Tinted Acne Treatment, or Alchemy Medic Blemish Treatment Concealer) provide coverage while fighting zits. Or, try dabbing your foundation and/or concealer on your back and chest for a quick, effective solution.

Get facials!!!! Can not stress this enough! See a certified esthetician and get teen facials!!! It helps prevent acne. They are not that expensive and you feel good and your skin will glow! Call a certified esthetician and ask for a skin evaluation this way they can tell you if you have problem skin and how often you should get a facial. Make sure the evaluation is free. An esthetician can also suggest some cleansing products for skin type instead of buying off the shelf at a drugstore.

Eat leafy green vegetables and drink plenty and plenty of water!!! Stay away from greasy foods! Remove all make up at night before going to sleep. Moisturize and tone your skin! Prevention is the key! Never ever pick your zits!!! It can cause infection and irritation and it will look worse! Smile more often, be happy and have a good attitude, it all helps in prevention!

Stay away from the sun!!! Wear sun screen if you are out in the sun!

For the more-than-occasional, persistent, and painful bouts of body acne, it’s best to visit a dermatologist. He or she can prescribe the appropriate zit-zapping regime (usually an antibiotic and/or an extra-strength topical cream).