Tag: SHOP

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

I’ve struggled with redness and an oily complexion since puberty, and ever since getting pregnant, the unpredictability of blemishes and inflammation has me feeling like I’m sixteen again (thanks, hormones and probably also the steady diet of French fries and baked ziti). Some days, I feel so blotchy, I just want to go into my hidey-hole instead of trying to deal with the issue — but sadly, I have in-person and Zoom meetings I have to take, and showing my face is a requirement. 🙁

Luckily, there’s a new product on the market that combats these exact skin problems: Peace Out Redness + Clarifying Mist.

While there are plenty of formulas on the market that target redness, dryness, and excessive oil production, they normally don’t all simultaneously combat those issues — but this multitasking product actually claims it can.

Peace Out, Redness + Clarifying Mist

Key ingredients: Hypochlorous acid blend, zinc, arnica, bentonite, kaolin and montmorillonite clay

A Dermatologist Breaks Down the Ingredients

I asked  board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, Omer Ibrahim, MD, FAAD, what makes this formula be able to target all skin types and treat redness as well and excess oil. Here’s his explanation, as well as a breakdown for what the ingredients actually do and target.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl)

This “naturally occurring substance in the body produced by white blood cells to combat bacteria and inflammation,” and when used in formulas, it can treat dry skin due to antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (this creates a more balanced complexion). Plus, it provides moisture to the skin. “Hypochlorous acid helps hydrate the skin by attracting and retaining moisture, which can alleviate the dryness and tightness often associated with dry skin,” Ibrahim says.

Zinc

Zinc is an ingredients that can help with inflammation as well. “Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm and reduce redness by decreasing inflammation in the skin,” Ibrahim explains.

Zinc also helps combat oiliness. “Zinc can help regulate sebum production in the skin, which may aid in reducing redness associated with acne or oily skin conditions,” he says.

Arnica

Another natural anti-inflammatory ingredient, arnica “contains helenalin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and calm irritated skin.” It also “can help improve blood circulation in the skin, which may aid in reducing redness and promoting a more even skin tone.”

Bentonite, kaolin, and montmorillonite clays

The reason why clay masks are so efficient at clearing up blemishes, is that they absorb oil, unclog pores, and generally exfoliate skin. “Bentonite clay acts as a magnet for toxins, dirt, and impurities in the skin, helping to detoxify and purify the pores for a clearer complexion. Kaolin clay can provide mild exfoliation to slough off dead skin cells, revealing a brighter and more radiant complexion. Montmorillonite clay helps draw out impurities and toxins from the skin, promoting a clearer and healthier complexion,” says Ibrahim.

My Honest Thoughts

I’ve had nearly a week with the Redness + Clarifying Mist, and am so impressed with the formula so far. Instead of using my regular toner before applying my serum and moisturizer, I spritzed this on my face morning and night. The first morning after using it in the evening, I noticed that my complexion was already a lot less oily, and looked more balanced. After three days of use, I noticed not only a decrease in oiliness, but that I had to use far less foundation than I normally would — my skin was already a lot more even and far less blotchy. (I even gave Elf Halo Glow, a viral-y foundation known for offering super light coverage, a whirl and found I didn’t need to supplement with concealer).

Application is easy, you just shake well before use and (very fine) mist this spray all over your face. I like to use at least 5 spritzes to really coat my canvas. It smells like lavender essential oil and is subtle enough to not be too potent, yet is pleasant enough to remind me of the spa. It’s honestly a nice way to start and end the day!

According to the brand and reviewers, you can use this spray throughout the day, and it won’t make your makeup smear or budge. “This mist has to come with me everywhere! The scent is so soothing and the mist truly refreshes you. I took it with me to a camping festival and it was a life saver after spending time in the hot weather. It made me feel cooler and didn’t ruin my makeup,” one customer says.

Another says it’s a great product for dealing with rosacea, writing, “…As someone who struggles with rosacea, this mist is like a breath of fresh air for my skin. It’s super refreshing and leaves you feeling instantly revitalized. I’ve been using it morning and night, and I can already see a difference in my skin’s texture and overall glow.

Who Is This Best For?

According to Dr. Ibrahim, it’s safe for all skin types. “This can be used on any skin type, however those with sensitive skin should patch test this first on their neck, to see if they develop a reaction. If not reaction occurs, then proceed with trying on just a single area on the face for a few days. If no irritation occurs, then proceed to the rest of the face,” he explains.

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. Peace Out Skincare is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Even though my hair is pretty thick and I can’t visually notice less density when I look in the mirror, I’ve recently been ALARMED by the amount of hair that’s falling out in my shower and collecting at the bottom of my drain. In the past, I’ve used growth haircare and tools, but have let my routine go to the wayside this past year. And as a result, I began to suffer the consequences.

So when I got the chance to test out the ever-viral Rene Furterer Head Spa Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Concentrate scalp oil, I jumped at the opportunity to get back on a haircare regimen and see if I could revive my mane. Spoiler alert: This stuff really did work.

How Rene Furterer Head Spa Scalp Oil Works: An Ingredient Breakdown

There are three stand-out oils packed into this product: castor, orange, and lavender. We reached out to hair restoration surgeon and overall hair growth expert Ross Kopelman, MD, to find out what these oils actually do when they interact with your scalp.

Castor oil for shinier hair

Castor oil doesn’t necessarily “fix” your hair, but it does fake the look of thicker, healthier hair. “Castor oil is often praised for its benefits to hair, particularly in creating the illusion of thicker, healthier hair,” explains Dr. Kopelman. “While it is rich in ricinoleic acid and known for increasing blood circulation to the scalp, there’s no clinical evidence to suggest it directly promotes hair growth. Instead, its thick, viscous consistency coats the hair shafts, making them appear fuller and more robust. This can give the impression of increased hair growth,” he adds.

Orange oil for an optimal hair growth environment

The key hair and scalp-loving nutrient here? Vitamin C. “Orange oil, derived from the peels of oranges, is loaded with vitamin C and a variety of antioxidants that are beneficial for hair health,” says Dr. Kopelman. “Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the production of collagen, a protein that is essential for maintaining strong and healthy hair strands. The antioxidants in orange oil help protect the hair and scalp from environmental damage and oxidative stress, which can lead to hair thinning and dullness.” Basically, orange oil naturally cleanses the scalp and helps reduce excess oils and dandruff on the scalp’s surface.

Lavender oil for preventing infections

Lavender helps combat and prevent any kind of inflammation that happens at the scalp level. “This essential oil has antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities, which help maintain a healthy scalp by preventing common issues such as dandruff and infections,” says Dr. Kopelman. “Improved scalp health directly contributes to healthier hair growth. Lavender oil also enhances blood circulation in the scalp, ensuring that hair follicles receive adequate nutrients and oxygen,” he adds.

My Honest Review of Head Spa Complexe 5

Let’s start with the basics. I tried this oil for about one month, using it after washing my hair about twice a week. When reading up on the product, there was a warning that it could cause “a warming sensation,” so I was preparing for that as I applied the product to my scalp. Here’s the shocking amount of hair I was losing before starting this head spa regimen. I know, it’s so gross! Apologies in advance.

The bottle comes with a more pointed attachment, that, in theory, lets you target the product exactly where you want it. But since the bottle itself comes with a cap that keeps the product mostly contained (think small, eyelet opening where you have to shake the product for it to come out of the bottle), I skipped it and just shook out the product to get it onto my scalp.

I shook out a few drops on my middle part hairline, then combed the hair over to hit the sides of my scalp and the back. I didn’t notice any kind of tingling, burning, or stinging whatsoever, which was a relief. Using the oil was pretty easy and fast. Once I had a few drops all over my head, I massaged the product in and waited five minutes. Then, in the shower, I made sure to thoroughly wash the product out.

After using it for two weeks, I noticed a dramatic decrease in hair shedding. I mean, seriously, the hair in my tub after my shower doesn’t lie.

That handful has like 50 percent less hair than the original photo before I started! I was seriously so impressed. Plus, since I didn’t experience any stinging or tingling, using the oil before a shower felt like an easy, manageable step that I could handle.

How to Use

I followed the instructions to a T from the website. It says to apply product section by section around the entire scalp, and that you should only use once or twice per week. Since I only wash my hair a few times a week anyway, I used it whenever I washed my hair.

It goes on to say you should leave the oil on for just five to 10 minutes, which is what I did. The fact that it didn’t call for a 20 minute sit time made this product much more approachable, in my opinion.

In the shower, Rene Furterer’s website notes that you should wash your hair twice to make sure to get all of the oil out of your hair so it won’t cause your hair to appear greasy once you’re out of the shower. Since I deal with mega grease-overload hair anyway, I’m used to double cleansing. I found that washing my hair twice left no product residue once I was out of the shower. Here’s an important note from the website: “Avoid use for two days before and two days after in-salon chemical services. Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.”

All in all, I think this oil is a great addition to my scalp care. Hopefully since it only has to sit on the head for five minutes, I won’t fall off the routine the way I usually fall off others. If you’re looking to reduce hair shedding, that’s exactly what the product delivered for me. However! It can also help with growing shinier, stronger hair, which I’ll keep testing for to confirm. So far, I’m really impressed with the initial results after just four weeks — that’s a big win in my book.

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. Rene Furterer is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.