Beauty Reporter.(skin care products usage)(hair care products usage)(exercise for good structure)

skin solutions

Getting Even

Not to be outshone by our Clorox-bright smiles, skin's dark spots are being lightened without harsh bleaches and acids. The Clinique Active White Lab Solutions and H2O+ Waterwhite Brightening lines rely on yeast extract to even out skin tone ("Yeast extract digests clusters of pigment to make them less visible -- it's like a Pac-Man thing," says Ken Marenus of Clinique). Kanebo Quick Radiance serum uses apricot-pulp extract, with claims of accelerating the shedding of keratin cells and pigment-causing melanin in the skin. And soy, a natural ingredient proven to lighten dark spots, is the key ingredient in both Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleansing Pads and Neutrogena Visibly Even Natural-Look Makeup. But more than over-the-counter remedies may be needed to gobble up stubborn dark areas. According to dermatologist Susan C. Taylor of Columbia University, "If you have more severe discoloration, you'll require a prescription." Bottom Line: These new products smoothed out our mild dark spots after three weeks. --

JENNY BAILLY

The Scoop

Small Hair

WHAT IT IS: Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum. WHAT IT DOES: Applied to wet hair, it "smooths even the most unruly hair types" and creates a "tighter hair diameter, which will result in shorter drying time," according to the press release. WHAT'S IN IT: A silicone microemulsion compound the company calls its Super Skinny Complex. HOW IT WORKS: The Paul Mitchell reps say the complex coats hair to make it look smoother and flatter, but unlike other silicones, it doesn't seal in moisture.