Skin Care

Bella

Au Naturel: 8 Beauty Treatments to Get Naked For

We do a lot in the name of beauty, whether it's waxing, plucking, or sitting under a hair dryer for an hour and a half.

We do a lot in the name of beauty, whether it's waxing, plucking, or sitting under a hair dryer for an hour and a half. But there is one thing that some of us are a little less comfortable doing, and that's stripping down. Modesty tends to get the best of us from time to time, but there are a handful of treatments that are worth letting the girls out for.

Spray tan
Unless you're willing to ruin a perfectly good bra, it's best to check your unmentionables at the door. A lot of spray tan technicians will request that you take your bra off, but your knickers can stay on. Slip into a thong that's a bit past its prime to avoid any garish tan lines.

Massage
Getting all your kinks worked out is best done when there's little between you and your massage therapist. Aside from the uncomfortable chafing that can come from a bra strap being brushed against your skin (ouch!), it can sometimes be difficult for a therapist to, well, rub you the right way. You'll be tucked safely and modestly under a sheet, and a trained professional will know how to tuck and flip your blanket so you're never fully exposed.

Sea salt flotation
This relaxing treatment allows you to float in a bath of warm water that has been completely immersed with Epsom salts, making the water so dense that you actually are weightless on top of it. An experience this relaxing could be enjoyed with a swimming costume, but many spas suggest bathing in the buff to get the full benefits of relaxation. Bonus tip: an hour floatation is said to be as detoxifying as a three-day juice cleanse!

See more treatments to strip down for when you keep reading.

Bella

If You're Going to Lie Out . . . Here's How to Do It Safely

It's understandable: basking in the sun is one of the best parts about Summer.

It's understandable: basking in the sun is one of the best parts about Summer. But putting yourself at risk for skin cancer and premature aging is not quite as relaxing. Whether you're heading to the pool or beach over the next few weeks or chilling on your back lawn, get a few key tips on the right way to enjoy the heat without risking your skin's health.

If you're going to lie out, do . . .

  • Apply broad-spectrum sun cream with SPF 30+ about 30 minutes before you go out because it takes time for the active ingredients to take effect.
  • Set a timer on your phone to reapply sun cream every two hours (or 40 to 80 minutes if you're swimming, depending on your product's labeling).
  • Take a floppy hat and sunglasses that will protect your face and neck. Opt for a long-sleeved cover-up to get even more defense from harmful UV rays.
  • Bring an umbrella. While it might seem obvious, the more time you can spend under the shade, the less likely you'll be to get burned or dehydrated.
  • Limit your time in the sun. If you have fair skin and go out without sun cream, then you could get a sunburn in 30 minutes or less. For darker skin tones, the unprotected time limit could reach up to an hour. To be on the safe side, keep the sun cream on hand.

If you're going to lie out, don't . . .

  • Overload on liquor or sweet snacks. Sugary drinks and alcohol can aide in dehydration. When you plan to spend hours in the sand, it's better to stick to water.
  • Head outdoors when the sun is at its highest intensity, which ranges from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Forget to apply protection to the areas that are easily forgotten: upper ears, hairline, your hair part, underarms, tops of feet, eyelids, and under straps.
  • Slather on baby oil. Enough said.
Bella

What Is Causing My Acne? We Have the Answers

Acne: the word gets thrown around a lot, but do you know exactly what it means?

Acne: the word gets thrown around a lot, but do you know exactly what it means? "Acne is a common skin condition commonly found in young adults," dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank says. "It is a disease of the hair follicle and the pores that lead them to the skin."

More than just the typical pimple, the word "acne" encompasses everything from whiteheads to blackheads to inflamed cysts. That's right — even though you may not suffer from huge zits dotting your forehead, those blackheads that plague you also count as acne. Get all of Dr. Frank's tips when you keep reading.

Bella

Skin Care 101: Eye Cream

When you already have a moisturiser for your face, it can feel a little redundant to have an eye cream, too.

When you already have a moisturiser for your face, it can feel a little redundant to have an eye cream, too. But the delicate skin around your eyes deserves a little extra TLC. See the many benefits of eye cream, along with a few product recommendations, when you keep reading.

Bella

How to Pop a Pimple . . . If You Must

Not popping a pimple is one of those cardinal beauty rules that is often broken, but there are things you can do to lessen the damage if you do choose to squeeze.

Not popping a pimple is one of those cardinal beauty rules that is often broken, but there are things you can do to lessen the damage if you do choose to squeeze. Your best bet is to leave your extractions to the pros. But if you can't resist the urge, take some advice from celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau. "If you are going to squeeze a zit or blemish, make sure you aren't making it worse and creating further damage to the skin," she says. "The issue isn't just the blemish itself, but the red, dark, or purple mark left over from picking can linger for months. So the goal is to get the infection out of the skin in the least invasive way." Learn how to do that when you follow these steps.

Bella

The Ultimate Skin Care Diet For Brides

When it comes to wedding prep, bridal detox diets are commonplace for looking healthy and radiant in your gorgeous gown.

When it comes to wedding prep, bridal detox diets are commonplace for looking healthy and radiant in your gorgeous gown. But what about another part of your body that will be on full display on the big day? Yes, we're talking about your skin. If you feel like your complexion needs a little help before your trip down the aisle, try incorporating some of these skin-beautifying foods into your diet. You'll look back on your wedding day photos with awe:

Food How much Benefit
Green tea At least one cup daily Antioxidants like EGCG help fight redness and inflammation
Steel-cut oatmeal At least a cup daily Keeps your blood sugar stable, which helps prevent wrinkles
Soy (beans or milk) A cup daily Contains minerals and proteins that fight hyperpigmentation
Kidney beans At least a four-ounce serving They're high in zinc, which can help fight acne
Sunflower seeds A handful daily They're chock-full of vitamin E, which helps protect your skin from the sun
Red, green, and yellow peppers Two cups daily Helps fight crow's-feet and decreases skin's sensitivity to the sun
Walnuts A handful a day Full of omega-3 fatty acids to improve skin's elasticity, as well as copper to improve skin's texture
Pomegranate One a day, or a few glasses of the juice daily Packed with polyphenol antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and improve skin's blood flow, giving you that bridal glow
Greek yogurt One serving daily The protein helps firm up your skin, so it's more resistant to lines
70 percent cacao dark chocolate A couple squares a day Contains flavonols, which hydrate your skin, making it firmer and more supple
Skin Care

What Do You Really Know About Cellulite?

Cellulite strikes the supermodel and the graduate student alike, and there's a world full of potions and procedures designed to get rid of the stuff.

Cellulite strikes the supermodel and the graduate student alike, and there's a world full of potions and procedures designed to get rid of the stuff. So what, exactly, is cellulite, and why does it want to get its dimples onto you? Find out if you have all the facts now.

Take the Quiz
Acne

Your Acne Questions Answered: The Lightning Round With Dr. Murad

If there's anyone we want acne advice from, it's Dr. Howard Murad.

If there's anyone we want acne advice from, it's Dr. Howard Murad. With his own spa and line of blemish-fighting products, he always has an answer when it comes to clearing breakouts. So when we played a rapid-fire beauty game with him, he proved why he's a favourite when it comes to skin care survival.

Bella

What You Should Know About Vitamin C's Antiaging Benefits

Meandering down the skin care aisle, you probably noticed a central theme in the star antiaging products: vitamin C.

Meandering down the skin care aisle, you probably noticed a central theme in the star antiaging products: vitamin C. But what exactly does this ingredient do for your complexion, and should you be rubbing oranges on your skin? Find out more about the powerful nutrient and shop our favorite vitamin C-packed products when you keep reading.

Bella

The 30-Something Guide to Gorgeous Skin

Transitioning from your 20s to your 30s means focusing on those areas you probably skip during your usual skin care regimen: your lips and your eyes.

Transitioning from your 20s to your 30s means focusing on those areas you probably skip during your usual skin care regimen: your lips and your eyes. Kate Somerville tells us the tricks to maintaining a youthful glow as a 30-something, plus she tells us what products we need to get rid of ASAP. On Kirbie: Bebe dress, Kendra Scott earrings.

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