Acne Prone Jessica Simpson & Adam Levine Plan Summer Weddings: Will They Battle Breakouts on Their Big Days?

Photo by John VanderHaagen

Jessica Simpson, like many women over the age of 20, struggles with adult acne.

Jessica Simpson and Adam Levine have a lot in common. Both plan to tie the knot with their partners this summer. Simpson will begin her marriage with a bang when she exchanges vows with former NFL pro Eric Johnson during the Fourth of July weekend, while Levine will enjoy a destination wedding in Los Cabos, Mexico, with supermodel Behati Prinsloo on July 19. 

Both celebs also suffer from lingering battles with acne. As a performer or personality--or anyone who needs to maneuver in and out of public situations--the condition can wreak havoc on your self-confidence and psychological well-being. Feeling insecure about your appearance may even lead to depression, which Levine says he dealt with in high school when his breakouts began. 

Adam Levine developed a lifelong problem with pimples in 
high school.

Acne affects people regardless of gender, race or age. However, more women than men experience the condition as adults. In fact, up to half of the female population after the age of 20 suffers from acneic skin, which can result in pimples and plugged pores--blackheads and whiteheads covering the face, neck, chest, back or shoulders. Causes include overproduction of oil by enlarged glands in the skin (often influenced by hormones) and growth of bacteria within the hair follicles, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

The AAD recommends the following tips to treat acne:

• Resist the urge to pop, squeeze or pick at your acne.

• Gently wash affected areas twice a day. 

• Use noncomedogenic cosmetics and toiletries that don't clog pores, along with oil-free makeup and sunscreens.

• Avoid alcohol-based astringents, which tend to strip your skin of natural moisture.

• Allow enough time for acne products to take effect.

No bride or groom wants to deal with acne breakouts on The Big Day. So, in honor of National Acne Awareness Month, we present the latest products to guarantee a blemish-free summer wedding. They contain tea tree oil, aloe vera leaf juice, salicylic acid, vitamin E, and licorice root and green tea extracts. These ingredients heal skin irritations and possess powerful antibacterial/anti-inflammatory benefits.

We'd also like to say a toast to the happy couples: May Levine and Prinsloo, and Simpson and Johnson enjoy clear skies and complexions on their wedding days. Congrats!

Beauty and the Beach: Wedding bells will ring for Eric Johnson and Jessica Simpson over the Fourth of July weekend near Santa Barbara, Calif.

Muy Caliente: Supermodel Behati Prinsloo and Maroon 5 Frontman Adam Levine plan to exchange "I Dos" in Mexico on July 19.

SHINE: 100% Pure Purity Skin Care Gift Set for Acne Care. BEAUTY: A face cleansing brush, Purity Cleanser, Purity Tonique and Purity Spot Treatment help to gently eliminate acne causing bacteria with tea tree oil, aloe vera leaf juice, and green and white tea leaf extracts. BEACON: Vegan, and gluten and cruelty free. Contains no detergents, synthetic chemicals, or artificial fragrances and colors. 100% recyclable.

SHINE: First Aid Beauty Deep Cleanser with Red Clay, Purifying Mask with Red Clay and Blemish Patrol Pads. BEAUTY: Green tea leaf and licorice root extracts, tea tree oil, salicylic acid and red clay help to detoxify and purify your skin, and remove excess oils. BEACON: Free of parabens, phthalates, alcohol, and artificial dyes and fragrances.

SHINE: Gunilla of Sweden Lerosett Face Wash, Facial Mask and Moisture Matte. BEAUTY: This three-part system removes impurities, and minimizes oil production and bacterial growth with salicylic acid, aloe vera leaf juice and rasul clay. BEACON: Vegan, noncomedogenic and cruelty free. Contains no benzoyl peroxide, dyes, detergents, parabens, and synthetic colors and fragrances.

SHINE: Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum. BEAUTY: Salicylic acid, aloe vera leaf juice, green and white tea leaf extracts, and vitamins B5, C and E aid in preventing breakouts and clogged pores, and evening your skin tone. BEACON: Certified organic. Free of parabens, petroleum, benzyl peroxide, alcohol, and artificial dyes and fragrances.

SHINE: Murad Clarifying Body Spray, Acne Clearing Solution, Acne Treatment Concealer and Acne Spot Fast Fix. BEAUTY: Clear your pores, manage oil production and discourage future breakouts with tea tree leaf oil, green tea leaf extract, salicylic acid, and vitamins A, C and E. BEACON: No animal testing. 

SHINE: Phytomer Acnipur Blemish Solution Fluid. BEAUTY: Marine sugar, vitamins B3 and E, and hazel seed oil help to keep oily skin and blemishes at bay with this noncomedogenic formula. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens.

SHINE: Sanítas Skincare Tea Tree Mask. BEAUTY: Detoxify your skin, dissolve sebum and reduce inflammation with green tea leaf extract, lactic and salicylic acids, and tea tree and eucalyptus oils. BEACON: No animal testing, and free of parabens. Supports the Cinderella Foundation.

National Grapefruit Month: 9 Skincare Sensations Celebrate Citrusy Goodness for Your Face & Body

Photo by John Steven Fernandez

I developed my love for grapefruits from my paternal grandmother. She ate them for breakfast with her oatmeal and as snacks during the day. Not only did she possess youthful skin as she aged, but she ended up living a long, healthy life. I'm convinced that her obsession with the fruit had a lot to do with her radiant complexion and longevity.

Named after grapes since they grow in clusters, grapefruits have a distinctive citrusy taste--sweet, sour and sumptuous. They contain lots of minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients, which help reduce the production of cholesterol, and promote better digestion, weight loss and overall health. 

The pulp, oil and juice from these large globes of goodness also nourish and protect the skin. Grapefruit seed extract serves as an effective antibacterial ingredient, so it's commonly utilized in cleansers, masks and scrubs to refresh your face and body. Plus, its deeply moisturizing effects enhance the suppleness of your skin.

In honor of National Grapefruit Month, we present the following creams, clarifiers and cleansers. They utilize all aspects of the fruit to brighten and beautify your complexion. Enjoy the celebration!

SHINE: 100% Pure Pink Grapefruit Nourishing Body Cream, Pink Grapefruit Hydrating Body Wash and Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub. BEAUTY: Soften your skin and give it a healthy glow with pink grapefruit peel oil, and goji berry and pomegranate fruit extracts. BEACON: Vegan, and gluten and cruelty free. Also contains no detergents, synthetic chemicals, or artificial fragrances or colors.

SHINE: Éminence Organic Skin Care Pink Grapefruit Clarifying Masque. BEAUTY: Pink grapefruit juice, pulp and peel, kaolin clay, alpha lipoic acid, and vitamins A, C and E help rebalance your skin and banish blemishes. BEACON: No animal testing. The company plants one tree for each product sold through its Forests For the Future program.

SHINE (clockwise): LATHER Pink Grapefruit & Ginger Illuminating Creme, Manuka Body Butter with Grapefruit & Juniper, and Pink Grapefruit & Ginger Sugar Scrub. BEAUTY: Lock in moisture and smooth your skin with grapefruit peel oil, aloe vera leaf juice and shea butter. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of sulfates and parabens. Also utilizes eco-friendly packaging.

SHINE: Veria Innerdosha Sheer Delivery Hand & Body Lotion, and Clarity Found Body Wash. BEAUTY: Grapefruit and orange oils, aloe vera leaf juice and neem seed oil aid in hydrating your skin without any heaviness to leave it feeling refresh and revitalized. BEACON: Vegan and cruelty-free. Contains no parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, artificial colors or GMOs.

New Year, New You: Get the Radiant Skin Look of Birthday Gal Kate Middleton

Photo by Pat Pilon

Light the royal birthday candles! The Duchess of Cambridge, wife of Prince William, turns 32 today. 

This British beautynista, formerly known as Kate Middleton, usually gets a lot of attention for her luscious long locks. And, rightfully so. Her smoothed out brunette strands glisten with peek-a-boo honey highlights and cascade softly below her shoulders into loose, luxurious curls. 

When people talk about her sense of style, they usually refer to her effortless look. She often recycles outfits and shoes while fulfilling her royal duties, wears a minimal amount of makeup and stretches out visits to her hair stylist--allowing a few gray roots to occasionally grow out. 

Kate Middleton leaves the hospital with Prince William following the birth of their son Prince George.

Following the birth of her son Prince George last summer, her complexion began making headlines. Call it the new mom glow, but her skin seemingly appears more radiant as she settles into married life. Her face and smile shine as bright as a diamond studded tiara as she beams with pride while holding her new bundle of joy.

Now that a new year has arrived, you may be thinking more about your health and appearance. Maybe you want to eat better, start an exercise routine, try a new hairstyle or brighten your complexion. To get a fresh-faced, flawless look like the Duchess of Cambridge, we've assembled the latest cleansing creams and tools, masks, peels, serums and SPFs. They're designed to balance your skin tone, keep you blemish-free and give you the dewy skin you desire without looking like an oil slick.

Happy birthday Duchess Kate! And, for the rest of us, here's to a new year and new you.

SHINE: Avalon Organics Lavender Luminosity Exfoliating Enzyme Scrub. BEAUTY: Smooth and soften your complexion by gently removing dull, flakey skin with finely ground walnut shells, aloe vera leaf juice and coconut oil. BEACON: NSF/ANSI 305 Standard certified. Contains no synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, formaldehyde donors, phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, mineral oil, propylene glycol or sulfates.

SHINE: Beauty Without Cruelty Purifying Clay Mask. BEAUTY: Witch

hazel extract, jojoba oil, and chamomile and lavender extracts renew lackluster skin and deeply cleanse clogged pores. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of parabens, SLS/SLES and synthetic fragrances. 

SHINE: CellCeuticals PhotoDefense Color Radiance SPF 55+ (Medium). BEAUTY: Achieve an even toned complexion and protect your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays with oxybenzone, green tea leaf extract, hyaluronic acid, pear fruit extract and peptides. BEACON: No animal testing and vegan. Free of artificial colorants and fragrances, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates and parabens.

SHINE: Conair True Glow Sonic Skincare Solution Cleansing Brush. BEAUTY: Gently cleanse and clear clogged pores using three speeds at 300 oscillations per second with a timer that tells you when to move to another area of your face every 10 seconds. BEACON: Supports American Red Cross, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Ballet Theatre and National Dance Institute. 

SHINE: ilike Sour Cherry Gel Mask. BEAUTY: Sour cherry and blackthorn berry extracts boost circulation to revitalize your complexion, while salicylic acid exfoliates dead skin cells. BEACON: Vegan, and no animal testing. Free of parabens and artificial colorants. 

SHINE: MyBody BRIGHTAMIN-C Vitamin C Age Repair Serum. BEAUTY: Maximize hydration, natural brilliance and collagen production with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and bearberry leaf extract. BEACON: Free of gluten, parabens, phthalates, sulfates and dyes. 

SHINE: MyChelle Dermaceuticals Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser and Tropical Skin Smoother. BEAUTY: The cleanser purifies your skin with pumpkin extract, and clove and cinnamon leaf oils, while the smoother helps dull skin renew itself with bamboo stem powder and lactic acid. BEACON: Cruelty free. Contains no gluten, parabens, phthalates, ureas, petroleum-based chemicals or artificial colorants. Utilizes 100% post-consumer paper in its packaging.

SHINE: Sanitas Skincare Glycolic Citrus Cleanser. BEAUTY: Glycolic acid, algae extract and citrus oil stimulate cell growth, and help remove excess dirt, oil and impurities. BEACON: Contains no parabens or preservatives. Sanitas supports the Cinderella Foundation. 

SHINE: Vie Collection Night Peel Progressive Resurfacing Cream. BEAUTY:  Brighten and tighten your skin, as glycolic acid, algae extract and vitamin E offer progressive and controlled exfoliation during the night to remove dead skin cells, and diminish signs of fine lines and wrinkles in the morning. BEACON: No animal testing.