Vow Beauty University

  Cleanse, Exfoliate, Moisturize!   Beta Hydroxy Acids- namely Salicylic Acid at a concentration of 2%- has been proven to be a game changer for oily, acne-prone skin. Salicylic Acid is a chemical exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin, blackheads, white heads and clears pores. Due to its potential irritating effects, it is best used alone and not in combination with other leave-on exfoliants....

Photo Credit: Tommy Bordonaro Hooked on the sweet, bubbly stuff? A can of Coca Cola contains 39 grams of sugar. When sugar is consumed, a sugar molecule attaches itself to other molecules in the body (like collagen!) causing those molecules to become stiff. This natural process is known as glycation. Excessive glycation occus when high amounts of sugar are ingested- leading to collagen and...

Ascorbic Acid is the purest and most widely researched form of Vitamin C. It is well-known for triggering collagen synthesis, neutralizing free radicals and brightening the skin- fighting hyperpigmentation, blemishes/dark marks, photo-aging and uneven skin tone, among other benefits. When combined with Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E its efficacy is increased 8 fold.  Due to its concentrated nature, it becomes unstable when exposed to...

Witch Hazel. Are you a good witch or a bad witch? Witch Hazel is a plant-derived, skin soothing antioxidant and astringent that clarifies pores, enhances the appearance of dry, damaged skin and restores skin suppleness. It is often used to control excessive oil production- which is great for oily, acne-prone skin. In recent years this natural ingredient has gotten a bad wrap from skincare...

Skin high in melanin is often Vitamin D deficient. Why? Because large amounts of melanin reduce the skin's ability to absorb sunlight. This is key because a major source of Vitamin D is exposure to natural sunlight and dark skin requires at least 3-5 times longer sun exposure to make the same amount of Vitamin D produced by an individual with light skin. Vitamin...