Aries Magazine December 2013 / January 2014 Issue

Ask Sabrina Arie’s beauty director Sabrina Alcasas answers your most burning Q’s Q. I want to shave my legs but not sure how to go about it. Any suggestions? Q. What is the best kind of acne treatment that won’t leave my face raw and red? I’ve tried everything. —Logan M. A. Many people attempt to battle acne with a strong astringent, which usually has an extremely high alcohol content, causing irritation and dryness. Astringents also tend to strip away so much moisture, your skin creates more oil to compensate, fueling the acne problem. Try a three-step system, comprised of a cleanser, toner and moisturizer, and use it consistently. It sounds like a lot of work, but once you get the hang of it, it only takes a few minutes out of your day… and will be absolutely worth it. Since most products specify they are for “normal”, “dry”, or “oily” skin, first determine which skin type you have. Try this test…first thing when you wake up, firmly wipe your face with a tissue…if your skin feels tight and irritated, it is most likely “dry”, if the tissue shows signs of residual oil, your skin is “oily”. If your face feels just fine and looks supple but not shiny, you have “normal” skin. Once you determine your skin type, you can customize your skincare routine. The Proactive® systems, made by Guthy-Renker, work very well and are fairly affordable- the original three-step starter kit is about $20.00, and all products can also be purchased separately. Find them online (www.proactive. com) or at a kiosk-there is one inside Meadowood Mall. Another excellent option is the Burt’s Bees® product line, available at most drugstores and Ulta Beauty stores. Prices range from approximately $4.00 to $25.00 for various products. Whatever you do, stay away from those harsh astringents, especially in these skin-drying winter months. DEC 2013 & JAN 2014 / ARIES 81 —Hector P. A. Spend a few minutes in the shower or bathtub prior to starting…the warmth will open pores… and always exfoliate before lathering up with a shave gel or cream. Exfoliating will remove dead skin cells, ensuring a closer shave and preventing ingrown hairs. Use a shave gel or cream, as regular soap is too drying and often leaves a film on your skin. A shave gel is the smoothest option, and one containing Vitamin E or aloe vera will moisturize your skin as well. A disposable razor will be lighter and easier to maneuver than a heavier metal model, and choose one that has at least three blades-the more blades, the less you’ll need to go over an area- and a lubricating strip along the top. Gillette® and Skintimate®, both drugstore brands, make decent shave gels, usually priced $2.00 to $4.00 a can, and Gillette® and Mitchum® both make excellent razors, $12.00-$15.00 per pack. Use your favorite body lotion afterwards on slightly damp skin to lock in moisture. Q. Body odor is an enemy of mine. I sweat more than average. Help! —Keven E. A. There is a difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Deodorants mask odor caused by the combination of bacteria and moisture, while antiperspirants gently clog sweat ducts, preventing moisture in the first place. If you sweat profusely, this is the best choice…the less moisture bacteria has to react with, the less odor. There are also combination deodorant/antiperspirants out there, such as Mitchum® Power Gel Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant, approx. $5.00, and Secret® Clinical Strength Antiperspirant/Deodorant, $6.00-$8.00, which can be found at drugstores. A good idea is to battle body odor by starting in the shower…try using a body wash such as Gillette® Odor Shield All Day Body Wash, approx. $7.00, available at drugstores. 82 ARIES / DEC 2013 & JAN 2014

Aries Magazine December 2013 / January 2014 Issue | Page 82