Ask an Expert - Exfoliating Agents, Achieving Curls and Pairing Your Polish

What is the difference between retinol, glycolic acid and salicylic acid?

While retinol, glycolic acid and salicylic acid all serve to exfoliate your skin, each individual ingredient has its own beauty benefits and can serve to address different dilemmas. Understanding their uses can help you hone in on which product is best for you.

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A, which has countless health benefits. In the form of retinol, it serves to even out skin tone and combat signs of aging such as fine lines and winkles. As an antioxidant, it is known to stimulate collagen production for a more youthful, exuberant appearance. One of the most beneficial aspects of retinol is its acne-fighting abilities: by stimulating cell turnover, it unclogs pores and clears trouble areas quickly.

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that is found naturally in sugar. It is beneficial in any skincare regimen because it is easily absorbed into pores for fast results. It is most effective when used to exfoliate and rejuvenate skin. In addition to clearer skin, glycolic acid serves to reverse damage, correct hyper pigmentation and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid derived from willow tree bark. Like alpha hydroxy products, beta hydroxy acts as an exfoliating agent but contains the added benefits of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it unsuitable for those with aspirin allergies. Salicylic acid is one of the most popular acne-fighting ingredients on the market due to its ability to combat oil and acne-causing bacteria. Its anti-inflammatory agents promote healing and skin reparation.

My hair is straight and never holds a curl, even with hairspray. What can I do?

With the right products, even the most straight-laced locks can curl with ease. Bellus suggests prepping just-washed hair with a mousse or curl-promoting product to get you on your way to a sensational style. Sebastian’s Mousse Forte contains thermal and UV protection ingredients to help you beat the heat while protecting your color. The line’s Reshaper serves as a brushable, medium-hold hairspray with anti-humectant properties to help fight humidity and prevent frizz fiascos, especially during the summer months.

Curl your hair as you normally would with curlers or an iron. After you finish with each lock of hair, use small setting clips to roll the hair up and better set the curl. Once curls are cool, remove clips and brush lightly through hair with a wide-tooth comb. Mist lightly with hairspray and head out for a night on the town will a killer ‘do!

Is it in bad taste to have a different color on my fingernails than on my toenails?

Contrary to popular belief, matching your manicure to your pedicure is not necessary. Plus, with so many fun shades on the market today, it’d be a shame to stick with just one! Color-blocking is one of the hottest trends on runways today and you can easily achieve the same look on your fingers and toes.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try a tantalizing turquoise paired with a tasty tangerine tone. For a more conventional combination, try matching a cheery coral shade with a pretty purple. And for those who like to stay on the safe side, pair a ravishing red with a nude hue or pastel pink. Remember, with all of the options out there, you can change your polish as often as you change your outfit!

Bellus Academy has been revolutionizing beauty and wellness education since its founding in 1993. For more information, call (858)748-1490 or visit www.bellusacademy.edu. Do you have a burning beauty question? Submit it to amy@altstrategies.com.