Summertime–And We’re Back! [PRODUCT REVIEW]

After shlepping around for months in sweat pants, using no makeup and very little skin care, I am finally seeing and meeting other vaccinated people for civilized visits and yes, even lunch.

So as part of my return to the world, I started to use the DERMAFLASH LUXE, which is powered by Sonic Edge Technology and offers the benefits of a professional derma-planing spa treatment at home. It features 2 speeds. Speed 1 is for a gentle exfoliation, which is where I am right now. Speed 2 will give me a more invigorating experience. Both remove the oldest layer of skin cells, built-up debris and that annoying peach fuzz.

After the treatment, my skin looks fresher and smoother and just drinks up serums and moisturizers. The promise is that after a month, I’ll see a reduction of the fine lines and wrinkles that seemed to have crept up during the months of isolation. Fingers crossed.

Along with lines and wrinkles, puffy eyes followed months of skincare neglect. A heavy duty solution was needed: The A Method Collagen Boost Peptide Eye Cream, created by Dermatologist Tina Alster, MD.

This non-comedogenic, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, vegan treatment is a blend of three key peptides which enhance collagen production and reduce puffiness and under-eye darkness. The antioxidant blend containing astaxanthin, coenzyme Q10, and two types of Vitamin E helps prevent skin aging, due to free radicals, while a low concentration of non-irritating glycolic acid helps improve skin texture.

After a long, long hiatus, I have started to do home facials again. One of my new favorites is the Boscia Luminizing Charcoal Mask. It’s a detoxifying mask packed with Activated Charcoal and Vitamin C and does the job of banishing blackheads and minimizing pores. After it’s peeled off, it leaves my skin feeling smooth and fresh.

I have always (sometimes reluctantly) used a clarifying shampoo every month or so to get rid of product buildup on my hair. I say “reluctantly” because the “cleaning” process also tends to strip hair of protective oils, etc. So I was really pleased to discover a children’s product that could do the job without the after-effects. It’s Fairy Tales Lifeguard Clarifying Shampoo, which is sulfate free, paraben free, phthalate free, gluten free, soy free, dairy free and nut-free. In other words, it contains no harsh chemicals or toxins. Added bonus: After a day at the beach or pool, it removes chlorine “green,” sea salts and the minerals that can dry out summertime hair.

For a day at the beach, I’ve added a couple more kids’ products, for the same reason I often buy kids’ products: because often they are simply better and “healthier” than adult versions. I especially like the Rubber Ducky sunscreen, which has the motto “just like water off a duck’s back” and has been cruelty-free since 1984 and chemical-free since 2013. It’s formulated and made in the USA, is eight hours water resistant—you can actually see the water bead up and not soak in. Equally important, it won’t “sweat” in my eyes,  avoiding that painful irritation caused by some other sunscreens. It’s priced at a modest $5.99 Available on Amazon.

A grown-up product that provides SPF 15 protection and can be used under lipstick is the Nu Skin Sunright Lip Balm. It’s free of petrolatum, which ends up drying lips and instead supplements collagen and elastin, glides on smoothly, is long lasting and protects and moisturizes. Nu skin power lips.

When real statement lips are wanted, a good choice is the unstoppable color and high-impact shine of Powerlips Polish Duo Lip Shine by NuSkin. The one handy applicator gives your lips a dose of sleek color drenched in a brilliant high shine, all without fading or smudging. It’s formulated with a Tea Rose Complex that contains ingredients that keep lips smooth and hydrated. Plus, it leaves a comfortable featherweight finish. 

Maybe it was the months of tension, of hunching over the keyboard, but I greeted summer with shoulder and neck sore muscles. Arnica creams help, but a high-tech light technology known as DNA Vibe does the job in a professional way. The DNA Vibe has harnessed the same kind of light therapy technology used by top medical institutions and streamlined it into a targeted and affordable option.

It relieves pain and pressure by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow and oxygenation–and also enhances cellular energy to speed up recovery. DNA Vibe is flexible enough to use on shoulders, necks, backs, ankles, knees, elbows and wrists. The flexible design keeps the light where it’s need. The four proprietary modes are: red light, near-infrared, magnetic, and micro-vibration.

Maybe we loved my grand-dog too much; we certainly pampered him a lot, in special appreciation of all the fun and affection he gave during the COVID-19 shutdown. The result: “He’s fat,” the vet decreed at his last checkup.  So we tried Jinx –a new superfood brand that caters to the nutritional needs of the modern dog with delicious, healthy recipes that include ingredients such as salmon, avocado, sweet potato, brown rice and more. It’s offered by subscription with two options: the  kibble and the treat . Subscription orders save 40% as well as 5% on repeat orders. The usual delivery is is every three weeks, but is customizable based on needs. Pricing starts at $24 for a kibble subscription and $6 for the treat subscription.

Feature Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash