The Best Retinol For Sensitive Skin, Because the Tingling Isn’t For Everyone

When it comes to a tried-and-true active ingredient that actually yields visible results and is backed by years of clinical research confirming its arguably unrivaled efficacy, retinoids are undoubtedly the gold standard. Touted by dermatologists and estheticians for both its anti-aging and anti-acne magical powers, this chemical compound (derived from Vitamin A) helps accelerate cell turnover to reveal a new layer of younger-looking, brighter skin.

In other words, it’s a powerful and effective chemical exfoliant that essentially works by sloughing away dead skin cells on the skin’s surface to reveal a new layer underneath. This exfoliating process has several skin-enhancing benefits, including helping soften the look of fine lines, fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, combat dullness and texture, and unclog de-congested pores.

Retinol was first introduced to the mainstream skincare market as an acne treatment and was later found (by accident) to have anti-aging benefits as well. While retinoids won’t work to treat cystic acne, they’re a trusted remedy for blasting away blackheads due to clogged pores, and can also help to erase the aftermath of an acne battle by fading scarring and red marks left behind from your teenage years.

While the “shedding” process has some serious transformative effects when it comes to the appearance of our skin, the downside is naturally, well exactly that. The dead skin cells, unfortunately, don’t dissipate into thin air after they turn over, which leads to skin peeling, redness, and ultra dry skin. Because retinoids are an exfoliating active, peeling and some degree of irritation is to be expected for all skin types (even oily) if you actually want to see some results.

In fact, it’s common for those just beginning a retinoid skincare routine to feel like their skin actually looks worse for a few weeks before seeing an improvement. Of course, it’s always recommended to start slow and gradually when introducing any form of retinol into your skincare routine (and really, do not forget to use SPF), but for those with extra sensitive skin or rosacea, sometimes the slow-and-steady approach is still not enough to avoid the unpleasant (and rather, unsightly) side effects that come along with a daily — or even weekly retinol regimen.

However, for those with sensitive skin this “transitional period” of extreme dryness, painful (and un-concealable) skin-cracking, and the relentless burning sensation on the skin can be downright unbearable and impossible to hide — even the most hydrating and highest coverage of foundations. If you’ve ever felt utterly defeated after trying your best to get in on the retinol wagon, but ended your journey red and defeated because your dullness and dark spots look better than the flakes of dead skin and red patches, you may simply want to consider using a different form of the Vitamin A derivative.

There are a few different “strains” of retinoids (retinoic acid, retinaldehyde, retinol, and retinyl palmitate), which vary in level of exfoliating intensity from the most potent prescription strength Retonic Acid (most commonly under the names Retin-A and Tretinoin) to the most gentle form in the retinoid family, Retinyl palmitate. If you’ve tried using over-the-counter retinol (the second weakest form) serums to no avail, choosing a product with Retinul palmitate is going to be your best bet as a starting point. When and if you feel that your skin has adjusted to the active, you can graduate to products containing retinol — but we suggest using them every other evening or twice a week initially. Here are some of the best-reviewed retinoid serums for sensitive and ultra dry skin types.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale

3 Mindset Shift Strategies to Help Any Extrovert Settle in the Time of Coronavirus

I am
a writer and I am an extrovert – not the usual trait combination. Most of my
writer friends are introverts. When we go to a gathering of any kind, I look
out into the crowd, think “new friends,” and plunge in with joy and gusto. They
look for a quiet corner and begin to plan their escape.

It
is not that I don’t also enjoy being alone; I do. Every writer needs long
periods of solitude to get the work done, but I savor the energy of a crowd and
come away fueled with ideas to explore during those quiet times.

A Writer’s Confession

So,
while we are advised to practice social distancing, my introverted colleagues
are in their happy place. I am feeling isolated in a not-so-happy way. I miss
being in public places where I can practice a trick every writer uses for
inspiration: eavesdropping!

In
lines, restaurants, grocery stores, on public transportation, well everywhere
really, people talk to one another and say the juiciest things! I always have
my phone and a small notebook with me to either dictate a voice memo or jot
down what I overheard.

Then
I use these as prompts to inspire the muse when stuck or as the basis for the
story triggered in my mind. For example, “As soon as I met his mother, I knew
why he needed fixing.” Plenty to build on there! I miss that inspiration.

Video
chats, Facebook, Netflix, and hugging my dogs helps but after a week of
seclusion I am starting to feel not
myself and my productivity is plummeting. What to do?

Time
for a mindset shift! I realized I need to change the way I perceive this
isolation. So, I did a little self-coaching and came up with these three tips to
shift my thinking.

See the Love

This
isolation is an act of love. All around the world people are staying in their
homes with the sole purpose of stopping the spread of the virus. That is
beautiful! A literal global circle of people united for one purpose.

I am
leaning into the energy of that!

It
is helped by the videos of people singing from their balconies in Italy, the
thunder of clapping at 8 PM in Spain every night to thank and encourage the
health care providers, by the dolphins back in the canals in Venice, by the
pollution reduction in large USA cities, and by the thousands of ways people
are stepping up to make masks, set up phone calls for people living alone, and switching
Tiny Libraries to Tiny Food Banks.

So
much love! I am grateful and inspired. With this shift, my mood lifts and my
creativity surges.

Savor the Silence

I replace
the eavesdropping with attention to silence. I’m turning off the television, the
radio, and the computer, even my play lists. Now, I listen. What I used to
believe was silence, is not. I hear the birds singing outside my window and I am
reminded that spring is here, the time of rebirth and renewal.

I
hear sounds in my home that I do not usually process. I am aware of my furnace
and the reassuring sound of warm air being gently pumped into every room. I
hear one of my dogs whimper softly and look up to see her paws moving. She is dreaming.

Those
soft sounds remind me of her devoted companionship and unconditional love. She
is always at my feet as I write. I hear a truck in my cul-de-sac and know mail
and deliveries are still happening. I am not alone. Living creatures surround
me, and I am safe and warm. My home is my atelier.

Change One Word

This
is one of the simplest mindset strategies yet one of the most powerful. Change
just one word, change have to get. When you make that substitution,
the thought that follows shifts. Here are a few of my changes:

“I have
to stay home because of forced isolation
policies.”

became

“I get
to stay home and help stop the spread of
the virus.”

“I have
to cancel all my outside appointments.”

became

“I get
to reschedule all my outside appointments
and now have huge blocks of time for
my writing.”

“I have
to stop eating out with my friends.”

became

“I get
to order delivery and support my favorite
restaurants.”

We
can’t pretend there is not a worldwide pandemic. We can’t change that our lives
are altered. We can’t deny that it will take time to recover.

But we
can choose how we think about it, how we frame it, what our mindset is. And in
choice there is power. I am choosing to see the love, savor the silence, and
change one word to open the door to the muse, beckon her in, and write.

How
about you? What mindset shifts are you choosing? How do they affect you? Please
share your thoughts with our community.

The Best ACV Shampoo Because You’re Probably Skipping Some Wash Days

It’s long been known that apple cider vinegar can be magic for your hair, balancing out its natural PH, and closing up the cuticles resulting in serious shine. You can DIY a hair mask at home, or you can shop the best apple cider vinegar shampoo out there because really, it’s a lot easier. Not that we don’t have some time on our hands to concoct a kitchen experiment. But you may not be able to get to the store to grab apple cider vinegar, at all. And this way, you can trust there’s the perfect amount of the stuff in each bottle to revive your strands.

Apple cider vinegar has even been known to reduce excess sebum on the scalp and you know what that means: less oil, fewer flakes and less allover itchiness. Any hair type or color can use it but if you’re especially dry or color-treated, look for a gentle formula that also contains soothing ingredients such as oats and avocado oil. These will leave your strands smooth while allowing the apple cider vinegar to work its magic on the scalp.

There’s a good chance while at home you’re washing your hair less and maybe using dry shampoo a little bit more. Use an apple cider vinegar shampoo every few times you wash your hair to remove all the products from the scalp, reinvigorating hair follicles. This has even been known to help reduce hair loss and the damaging effects of overdoing dry shampoo. There are a ton to choose from, including both drugstore and higher-end choices. Shop some of our current favorites, below.

Image: dpHue.

dpHue Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Fans of this clarifying rinse love the way it removes impurities without stripping the natural oils.

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse $35

buy it

Iamge: Wow.

Wow Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner Set + Hair Revitalizer

This ACV shampoo is so popular, it’s sold out online but we found this set that also includes a coconut oil-infused conditioner plus leave-in treatment. The shampoo has been know to nourish and strengthen hair, while even reducing flakes and dandruff.

Shampoo and Conditioner Set $36.95

buy it

Image: Aveeno.

Aveeno Scalp Soothing Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo

This affordable ACV shampoo doesn’t skimp on quality. It’s a gentle cleanser that’s free of sulfates, dyes and parabens so it’s great for all hair types.

Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo $6.97

buy it

Image: R+Co.

R+Co Acid Wash Apple Cider Vinegar Cleansing Rinse

Remove days of dry shampoo and soft the hair and scalp. Use this in place of a shampoo or before it.

Apple Cider Vinegar Cleansing Rinse $32

buy it

Image: John Masters Organics.

John Masters Organics Herbal Cider Hair Clarifier & Color Sealer

This shampoo works by reducing excess sebum and build-up on the scalp for a healthy, fresh feeling.

Herbal Cider Hair Clarifier $17

buy it

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Just 50 Photos of Tantalizing Bubble Baths to Inspire Self-Care

Even if the majority of your days are spent working from home, any attempts at relaxation can feel like a side hustle. First, you have to rearrange the space in a way that separates work from play. Next, you have to create a daily schedule that keeps one task from running into the other. And finally (after the many to-dos I probably failed to mention), you have to declutter your mind of whatever is making it difficult to slow down. Thankfully, when all else fails, something as simple as a gang of relaxing bath products (and many, many bubbles) remind us to pencil in some self-care too.

Some of us prefer the hypnotizing sound of ASMR videos. I, on the other hand, live for copious amounts of bubble bath photos. Though making my teeny tub look like a spa-level oasis is le struggle, there are Instagrammers who clearly know how to set a scene and lean into their best angles. If you also need help getting in the mood for a steamy dip, take in a satisfying wave of bubble bath inspo and pick up a couple relaxing bath products for yourself along the way.

Unclench that jaw, relax those shoulders, take a deep breath and dive in.

Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram

Bath & Body Works Linen and Lavender Candle

Bath and Body Works Linen and Lavender Candle

Bath & Body Works.

Lavender is the best smell to take in when you need a “woosah” moment or want to ease yourself into sleep. One of Bath and Body Works’s newest candles combines this scent with essential oils meant to evoke a fresh breeze and clean linen.

Bath & Body Works Linen and Lavender… $24.50

buy it

Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram

Lush Twilight Bath Bomb

Lush Cosmetics.

What’s an Instagrammable bath tub scene without a dreamy bath bomb from Lush? One of its top-sellers is this fizzy ball infused with lavender oil and tonka.

Lush Twilight Bath Bomb $7.95

buy it

Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram

L’Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath

L’Occitane.

Obviously, a bubble bath needs bubbles. L’Occitane’s lavender-infused bath formula will leave your skin feeling soft and supple with just a hint of fragrance.

L’Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath $39

buy it

Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram

Haven Teak Bathtub Caddy

Haven.

Need your book and cellphone nearby? You might as well set it on a conveniently-placed bath tub caddy where you can also hold snacks and a glass of wine.

Haven Teak Bathtub Caddy $39.99

buy it

Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram

This Works Deep Sleep Bath Soak

This Works.

This sleep-inducing bath soak is a combo of lavender and chamomile that will leave you so relaxed, you’ll barely want to do your skincare routine after draining the tub.

This Works Deep Sleep Bath Soak $33

buy it

Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram

Lexon MINO X Floating Bluetooth^® Speaker

Lexon.

If you need to pump the jams to get into a relaxing mood, this small Bluetooth speaker is waterproof so you can let it float in the water next to you.

Lexon MINO X Floating Bluetooth® Speaker $39.90

buy it

Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram

Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salts and Bath Bombs

Dr. Teal’s.

Sore from a workout earlier in the day? Douse your bath water with plenty of these soothing bath salts to calm muscle fatigue.

Buy: Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salts and Bath Bombs $16.95

Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram

Philosophy Fresh Cream Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath

Philosophy.

Nothing kills a bubble bath vibe more than having to reach for three different products as you try to relax. This all-in-one formula means you can get everything you need for a head-to-toe cleanse in a few dollops.

Philosophy Fresh Cream Shampoo, Shower… $18

buy it

Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram

Epica Luxury Spa Bath Pillow

Epica.

Don’t injure yourself in the name of self-care. Keep a pillow on deck to support your neck and back.

Buy: Epica Luxury Spa Bath Pillow $13.50

Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram

The Astor Shhhowercap

Shhhowercap.

If your hair needs to stay dry, your shower cap might as well have a cute design. You never know when the urge for a selfie will call.

The Astor Shhhowercap $43

buy it

Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Bath Body & Massage Oil

SheaMoisture.

Pour this into your bath or slather your skin in it immediately after–the choice is yours.

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Bath… $11.99

buy it

Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

17 Replay-Worthy Beauty ASMR Videos That Hypnotize and Satisfy

In times like these, even the smallest breaks from reality, like beauty ASMR videos, are a godsend. ASMR, short for “Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response,” refers to the tingly feeling that travels from the head down the spine in response to certain sounds, feelings or descriptions. And even if it’s a mere 15-second video, the opportunity to turn your brain off and focus on something inexplicably satisfying shouldn’t be missed.

While there are the classic ASMR videos of nails clicking against a microphone or slime being stretched and smushed, we’re partial to the beauty-centric ones. Makeup application in itself can be so satisfying—we’re talking precise lipstick application, the sweep of a highlighter brush onto a cheekbone, painting glossy eyeshadow onto a lid, swatching glittery pigments; the list goes on.

Of course, we can’t discount some of the more creative ways people have been creating ASMR content using beauty products, like mixing lipstick shades or pouring out bottles of nail polish to create swirls of color and glitter. Are you salivating just from reading this? Because I definitely am.

And then there’s the most obvious example of ASMR that we never knew we had in front of us all along: manicures. How many of us sit and watch, mesmerized by the perfect strokes of polish onto our nails during a trip to the salon? Whether it’s a classic manicure or a fancy work of nail art, there’s no denying nail polish application might be the most satisfying beauty ASMR moment of all.

So take a little break from your day and get ready to be hypnotized and relaxed by some of our favorite beauty ASMR videos below.