Lights, Camera, Action!

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!

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

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!

1. 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.







2. 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!)

3. 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.

4. 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!

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

How awesome!

Ross

The Perfect Eyebrows!

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!

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!

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:

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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?

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!

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

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!

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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