Yaspan Tech, Computers, Gadgets, Reviews, News and Analysis
By Anna Redman And Rachel Debling
A longtime contributor to skin-centric publications such as Elevate and current editor-in-chief of TheSkiny.com, Helen Vong has learned from the best of the best in the industry. Her reporting has guided thousands of Canadian women through the tough-to-navigate minefield of dermatological issues.
1. Deflate Puffy Eyes. Whether you’ve been crying or have just woken up, swelling around the eyes happens to many women on a regular basis. “The key to reducing the unwanted puffiness is having something cool applied to them for five to 10 minutes,” Helen says. Even better than a bag of peas? “Try cold spoons or cool tea bags, which contain tannins that will help to reduce swelling.”
2. Soothe a Sunburn. Nothing looks more painful than a lobster-like complexion. There’s a lot you can do to quell it, but don’t go hopping in the shower! “Instead, take a cool bath, with the water being just below lukewarm, and relax for 15 minutes,” Helen recommends. “The cool water will ease the pain and stop your skin from becoming as irritated.”
3. Tame The Acne Beast. Tempting though it may be, don’t pop that sucker — treat it instead. Helen suggests using an over-the-counter 5-per cent benzoyl peroxide treatment, applied directly to the spot with a cotton swab (not your finger). And be sure to look on the label, as she notes the concentration does matter: “A 2.5 per cent is too low, and 10 per cent is too high and can lead to skin irritation.”
4. Don’t Be a Flake. Nothing looks and feels worse than lipstick or gloss applied smack on top of chapped lips. Before applying lip product, try this trick from Helen: pat lips with petroleum jelly and remove dead skin cells by gently brushing in circles with a soft toothbrush.
5. Banish Body Odour. Lifting ladies know that BO is just a workout away from rearing its ugly head. Keeping your underarms clean and dry will discourage bacteria buildup, says Helen, but here’s a nifty locker-room tip: “To ensure your pits are dry before applying deodorant or antiperspirant, use a blow dryer set on ‘cool’ to blow it dry, and then do it again after application to make sure it’s no longer wet.”
