Teen Acne Solutions.

I'm not sure if you have told you that I am pretty lucky to have pretty good skin. I have not really had an issue with acne. Hey, I do get a pimple every now and then, but I don't think I have ever had more than two at a time and once they are gone, I am blemish free for weeks. When I have a pimple though, it seems like that is all everyone looks at, doesn't it? I can't even imagine having to deal with blemishes on a daily basis. 

My brothers actually get more break outs than me. Joey gets them on his chin but only when wearing his chin strap for football.  With all that sweat and dirt in there, no wonder he has started to get a few pimples. Justin and Johnny get them on their forehead, and I swear it is because they wear hats a lot. Of course, being a little wiser, I would probably just stop wearing the baseball hats all the time and give the skin a chance to breathe! They never listen to me though, so I asked them to help me put a few products to the test.

We found the following acne products to really work!

Alba Botanica® Natural ACNEdote Clean 'n Treat Towelettes - $5.99
Give zits the one-two punch! This two-in-one medicated cleanser is infused with natural Willow Bark Extract that naturally sweeps up dirt, sweat, makeup and grime then deposits maximum strength 2% Salicylic Acid acne medication deep into pores to stop pimples where they start. Skin is cleansed without a trace of excess oil or dryness caused by over-irritation. I've had Joey use these as soon as he comes in from football and it is really helping to clean and clear his skin.

L’Oréal Paris Go 360˚ Clean Anti-Breakout - $6.99
Go 360˚ Clean Anti-Breakout is an anti-acne formula that’s clinically-proven to help eliminate blemishes, pimples and blackheads while cleansing It is specially formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid to exfoliate, open clogged pores and remove bacteria, and Glycerin to hydrate the skin so it doesn't get too dry. The signature Scrublet™ helps to apply, which really works so much better than just hands. It's a soft, flexible disc that applies a rich lather that goes deep – unclogging pores and gently removing traces of dirt, oil and makeup. I've been using this at night and Johnny & Joey have a bottle in their shower to use every day too.  I think it is really great to treat the skin while getting it as clean as it can be.

bliss no ‘zit’ sherlock breakout-busting rubberizing mask - $38.00 for 6 masks
My brothers wouldn't dare try this, but I wish this would because it has done such a great job at shrinking my pores. Small, clear pores = clear skin. It's a totally cool mask that has a rubber texture! It is designed to temporarily take over the skin’s surface to purge pores and absorb impurities and allows the mask’s key ingredients to be optimally absorbed by the skin. This mask is packed with pore-de-clogging, oil-absorbing, super-soothing ingredients like tea tree, willow and menthol extracts and nourishing, detoxifying seaweed. Ultimately, it helps control oil, prevent future break outs and even helps to fade break outs. This weekly seaweed mask is a must.

Proactiv 3-Step System - $19.95
These three daily products which make up three steps, are made to transform acne-prone skin.

• Step 1: Renewing Cleanser - This cleanser contains prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide (2.5%), with advanced micro crystals that quickly penetrate pores to start killing acne-causing bacteria on contact. At the same time, chamomile extract and other soothing ingredients help keep skin balanced and hydrated.
• Step 2: Revitalizing Toner - Glycolic acid (5%), a botanical-rich blend of chamomile, aloe and panthenol combine to remove dead skin cells while hydrating and soothing to help achieve an even-toned complexion.
• Step 3: Repairing Treatment - This medicated lotion absorbs deep into pores and contains prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide (2.5%), with ultra fine micro-crystals, that go quickly into cleansed, open pores to start killing acne-causing bacteria on contact.

Justin has been using all three products and has seen a huge improvement in the acne on his forehead.  The rest of us are just using the repairing treatment to spot treat our pimple prone areas.

Now, if you have severe acne, you need to tell your parents that you need to see your doctor.  There are a some really great prescription products that can help in addition to the over the counter products I recommended.

Be Fearlessly Fresh with Secret Mean Stinks.

Last year I told you about this amazing stand against bullying from Secret called Mean Stinks. This year, they are taking it a bit further with a larger campaign, a new product and some really fun ways to get involved to take a stand against bullying.

The latest U.S. Department of Justice report shows 30% of female students grades 6 – 12 were bullied at school or cyberbullied during the 2009 – 2010 school year, and Mean Stinks is committed to being part of the solution.

Secret wants to help bring an end to girl-to-girl bullying by inspiring girls to “gang up” around acts of good.  As I talked about last year, kids are mean, girls in particular.  I don't think a week goes by that I don't witness this horrific behavior happening, either right in front of me or on the internet. With so many things like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, there is so much "mean" in front of me all the time.

Simply put, we need to change our thoughts and behavior. Secret is helping lead the way. Not only do they want to get the message across, they have taken one of their great products, Clinical Strength Deodorant, and made a new version for Mean Stinks. Secret Mean Stinks gives us a Clinical Strength product to help protect against the ‘stink’ caused by wetness and odor, while providing a way to ‘stick-up’ against what really stinks – BEING MEAN.  Secret will be donating $1 (up to $150,000) from the purchases of this new Mean Stinks Clinical Strength sold to Girls on the Run®, to fund their girl empowerment programming and help prevent mean behavior before it starts.

A super easy and fun way to get involved and bring awareness to the problem and the campaign is to take the Mean Stinks Pinky Swear. To take the Pinky Swear, just paint your pinky nail blue in a show of peace & solidarity to keep mean out of your group of friends before heading back to school. I have been wearing mine and everyone asks me about it. Already, a few of my friends are now sporting blue pinky nails too.

To find out even more and get involved in the Secret Mean Stinks campaign, join them over on the Mean Stinks Facebook page.

You can get Fearlessly Fresh right now on the P&G e-store or at your favorite drugstore starting next month.

6 Beach Bag Beauty Essentials!

I have been to the beach a few times already this summer. While you are reading this, I am actually on my way to the beautiful island of Nantucket with my family. I went last year and it is one of my most favorite places I have ever been. I actually convinced my parents that we had to spend some time together there this year so I am super excited to be on my way! Yay!!! Next week, I will be going to the Connecticut shoreline for a few days with my bff and then we'll be heading for another week on Cape Cod with our other bff. I. Love. Summer. And yes, I. Love. The. Beach.

My beach bag, a really cute peach striped one from J.Crew, is filled with my beach bag beauty essentials.

1. Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray - I spray this in my hair after I come out of the water before I brush. I helps to detangle my hair a bit, but it helps it dry to that beachy wave look I like at the beach.
2. Secret Outlast Clear Gel Deodorant - This deodorant goes on clear, dries in seconds and lasts up to 48 hours, but I like to reapply after a day at the beach before I get dressed. I'd never chance being stinky!
3. U by Kotex Tampons - These are a necessity, well, just in case. You never know when you or a friend will need one, so a box is always in my bag. When needed, they are easy to insert and super comfy to wear.
4. Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Stick - I know I'm not a baby, but I love this super gentle sunscreen on my face. It protects with SPF 60 and has never made me break out.
5. Kiehl's Lip Balm SPF 15 - Of course I need to protect lips from a long day in the sun. This lip balm is super soft and keeps lips smooth and protected from the sun.
6. Banana Boat Protective Tanning Dry Oil Spray - This sprays on, leaving a light oiled look that doesn't feel overly greasy. I use SPF 15 because I am pretty dark skinned already and this lets me get a bit of a tan. It does comes in higher SPF ratings too.

Happy beaching!