Beauty
To Scrub, Slough, or Chemically Dissolve? Experts Weigh In On The Ultimate Guide To Winter Exfoliation
Get a smoother, clearer, brighter complexion with these three simple—and safe—steps…
If you’ve had a more intense urge to exfoliate your face during the pandemic you’re not alone: A recent report from NPD found that 40 percent of regular skincare users in the U.S. are slathering on more products now than a year ago—and “basic care” picks, such as cleansers, exfoliators, and scrubs, have experienced the most significant jump in demand. On a practical level, this makes sense; mask-wearing can trap sweat and bacteria on skin, and exfoliating can help unclog congested pores. And with many spas closed, regular, skin-sloughing facials are out of reach for many of us. Yet there’s also a psychological factor at play, too: as we vigorously wipe down surfaces and fiercely wage war on stealthy germs, there’s a certain mesmerizing appeal in peeling away the battle-worn outer layer of our skin to reveal the fresh, “clean” layer underneath.
But good intentions can often go awry. “It’s so easy to overdo it,” says New York-based medical esthetician Jordana Mattioli of striking the balance between featherlight- and heavy-handed exfoliation, the latter of which can lead to redness, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation, especially among women with Black or brown skin. “As a dermatologist that takes care of skin of color, I see a lot of aggressive exfoliation, and I’m often talking people down off the ledge—urging them to back off their faces,” confirms Carlos A. Charles, M.D., a Manhattan dermatologist and the founder of Derma di Colore, a medical practice that focuses on a range of different skin tones.
By design, skin naturally sheds dead cells in a 28-day cycle. Certain factors (dry, cold air; indoor heating systems; stress) can stall this process, however, so regular, mild exfoliating is crucial to increasing cellular turnover, insists Charles—especially in the winter months. The myriad ways to effectively break down the top layer of skin can be mystifying, though, and many tried-and-true solutions have gotten a bad rap of late. Physical exfoliation, the process of manually dislodging dirt and and stripping away surface cells with textured bits and grainy particles, was once the gold-standard of sloughing until popular exfoliants, such as the pulverized walnut shell pieces found in the ill-famed St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub, came under fire for being too abrasive (a class action lawsuit filed against St. Ives in 2017 claimed that its popular product damaged skin by creating microtears). Mechanical exfoliation, which leverages tech-savvy devices to buff the complexion hasn’t fared much better: In September, L’Oréal abruptly pulled the plug on Clarisonic—the decade-defining skin brush that relied on spinning bristles and sonic vibrations to clean pores—much to the relief of dermatologists and aestheticians, who found the turbocharged at-home tool often did more harm than good. Chemical exfoliators, such as alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, have emerged as some of the safest, and gentlest way to break down the bonds between skin cells and decongest pores with experts advising patch tests to rule out any irritation before use, and nighttime applications to reduce photosensitivity during the day. But knowing your mandelic acid from your glycolic acid can be overwhelming. Here, an expert-backed, three-step plan for safe, effective exfoliation to keep skin smooth, calm, and clear all winter long.
The Mechanics of Mechanical Exfoliation
If you have a thick layer of dull skin that’s mostly due to dryness and flakes, not acne, Mattioli suggests starting with a mechanical exfoliating tool, which is often more effective than relying on high-percentages of acids to break through initial buildup. Mattioli is a fan of Dermaflash Luxe, a dermaplaning device that uses a vibrating blade to ever-so-lightly “scrape away the top layer of skin,” she says; PMD Personal Microderm Classic, which combines spinning microdermabrasion discs that polish your face with “suction to pull out debris from pores,” offers a next step up, Mattioli adds. Los-Angeles-based aesthetician Shani Darden has long been wary of cleansing tools, many of which, she finds, “can be harsh on skin.” But Darden swears by the Nion Opus Luxe, which has soft, antibacterial silicone bristles that slough away dead skin “without causing irritation.”
The Chemical Reaction
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids
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Edie Yvonne shared a vibrant sound “Sometimes”
Edie Yvonne released a vibrant force, infusing her youthful spirit into the familiar strains of No Doubt’s “Sometimes.” As the Coachella buzz electrified the air and whispers of No Doubt’s reunion tantalized fans, she stepped onto the scene with a bold reinterpretation.
With a nod to her roots in the City of Angels, this 15-year-old singer-songwriter imbues “Sometimes” with a fresh energy that resonates beyond generations. What begins as a tribute to her mother’s era morphs into something entirely her own, a fusion of funk-infused rhythms, pulsating drums, and intricate guitar licks that propel the listener into a whirlwind of sound.
Above all, her voice soars, effortlessly capturing the essence of youthful exuberance and raw emotion. Her seamless transition from her original compositions to this inspired cover demonstrates her talent and versatility as an artist.
Edie Yvonne is a beacon of sincerity and innovation in a world where authenticity sometimes feels elusive. Her rendition of “Sometimes” covers a bold statement, a declaration of her artistic prowess, and a promise of what’s to come.
For fans old and new, “Sometimes” is a rediscovery of a beloved classic through the lens of a rising star. With its infectious groove and undeniable charm, this track will find a home in playlists everywhere.
Beauty
Eva Zuk: Striking Beauty and Charismatic Influencer on Every Glossy Page
In the glimmering world of fashion, Eva Zuk is a name that needs no introduction. A model, an influencer, a woman whose ethereal beauty and awe-inspiring journey captivates everyone who comes across her story. She is not just a pretty face; she embodies grit, tenacity, and unbounded ambition.
Eva’s foray into modeling commenced when she was a wide-eyed teenager. She began her career with Fashion TV in France, a starting point that would soon lead her on a path of renown. With her exceptional talent and striking features, she quickly garnered attention from elite agencies, leading to collaborations that allowed her to shine in TV advertisements and films.
After some time, her career led her to London where she joined forces with Premier Model Management, widely recognized as one of the most reputable modeling agencies globally. With an exceptional platform at her disposal, Eva stepped into the world of high fashion, a realm where her beauty would be forever immortalized on glossy magazine pages.
Her dazzling beauty, a harmonious blend of delicate features, and statuesque physique made her an undeniable choice for multiple magazine cover appearances. Forbes, Vogue, and Golden Wings, FHM, L’Officiel, and New York Fashion Magazine have all been graced by her captivating visage, further solidifying her status in the industry.
However, the runway and the glossy pages were just the beginning for Eva. A passion for business and an entrepreneurial spirit carried her to the luxurious city of Dubai. It was here, in the heart of the Middle East, that Eva’s career underwent a dynamic shift, expanding from successful modeling to influencer marketing and business ventures.
As an influencer, Eva is nothing short of a sensation. She has become a beacon of luxury fashion, using her extensive following to promote brands and inspire her audience. With over a million followers on Instagram, Eva’s sphere of influence is truly remarkable. Her followers greatly admire her impeccable fashion sense, as well as her keen eye for luxury. They are particularly impressed by her ability to make a statement with her bold and distinct style.
Eva’s transition to an influencer wasn’t a serendipitous accident; it was a calculated move reflecting her savvy business acumen. Eva has leveraged the power of social media and the influence of digital marketing to establish a strong personal brand. Her brand not only connects with her followers but also serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring models.
Her influential status isn’t limited to her modeling and influencing endeavors. Eva’s allure extends to her successful business ventures in Dubai, specifically in the diamond trade and real estate sectors. With these ventures, she has shown that beauty and brains are an irresistible combination, an inspiration for women everywhere.
Women across the world can look at Eva and see more than just a beautiful woman; they see a role model, an icon. They see a woman who harnessed her beauty and intelligence to make a name for herself, a woman who carved her own path in a world that often prefers to mold women to their liking.
Eva Zuk is not just a successful model, a distinguished cover model, or an influential social media personality. She is a woman who embodies the essence of self-confidence, determination, and resilience, traits that inspire and empower other women. She is a reminder that beauty is a powerful tool when wielded with intelligence and ambition.
In essence, beauty is more than skin deep, and success requires more than just good looks. It requires passion, ambition, and resilience, traits that Eva embodies with grace and elegance. Her story exemplifies the true essence of success for women in the fashion and influencing industry. Eva’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to all women who aspire to make a significant impact in the world. It sends a clear message that with ambition and determination, there are no limits to what can be achieved.
