Natural Skin Savers

Image courtesy of: jurlique

If you are like me, it is important to use good skincare and equally important to incorporate natural products into your regime. As you probably are already aware of, everything that you put on your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream. If you eat healthy and natural, using natural skincare can be just as influential on your health. Here are a few brands that stay away from parabens, mineral oils and fillers.

Jurlique: Jurlique was discovered in a unpolluted environment in South Australia where they farm their own herbs and flowers specifically for the skincare products. Jurlique has become very popular and a top pick among many celebrities.
Top Picks: Daily exfoliating cream, intense recovery mask, rose hand cream.

Nude: nude originated the concept of probiotics in skincare. Nude activates cellular renewal and aids in slowing the aging process. I personally love alot of the Nude products. The Miracle Mask is my favorite and give my skin a "red carpet glow."
Top Picks: Miracle mask, replenishing night oil, deep cleansing mask.

Caudalie: Caudalie has so many beautiful products and I have personally used alot of them. The brand started with grap-seeds, which are rich in polyphenols--a powerful antioxidant. Caudalie offer a natural alternative to the chemical hydroquinone, which helps lighten acne scars and age spots.
Top Picks: Vinoperfect radiance serum, vinexpert firming serum, purifying concentrate.

Pumpkin Enzyme Peel

This is the season where "Pumpkin Spice Lattes" are the go-to treat, but why not treat your skin to a "Pumpkin Enzyme Peel?"

Peter Thomas Roth- Offers A detoxifying enzyme peel with a delicious pumpkin scent.
Enzyme peels are designed to easily and gently dissolve away dead surface cells while stimulting cellular turnover.

Give it a try!


Image Courtesy of: PTR.Com

CURRENT OBSESSIONS- Chunky Jewelry, and Asian Beauty Products..

I'm a HUGE fan of chunky jewelry! Lately, I've been reaching for thick chains, and wide cuffs. 

I'm also really loving this gold wishbone necklace I ordered from Ebay. Make a wish!! =) *----

I found this great NEW little asian beauty store at my local mall. I was so excited, since my usually spot is a bit of a drive. I didn't go too crazy, but I picked up a few things. =) 

I whipped out my favorite BB Cream today! BB cream is the perfect one step makeup when I want to keep my makeup minimal. It's a tad thicker than a tinted moisturizer, but contains the added benefits of skincare.

I'm really trying to narrow down my favorite products, and not use too many different items on my skin. =)

So far, these are the go-to products in my master bathroom.

♥ Let's Talk Skincare (My Top Skincare Tips) ♥

♥ What Is Retin A?? ♥

♥ My Current Obsessions (Hair, Skin, Nails) ♥

♥ Skincare Treatments Routine ♥

♥ Favorite Zit Zappers ♥

♥ My Skincare Routine ♥

♥ Super Fun Skin Tips Video With NikkiPhillippi ♥

Vitamins For Beautiful Skin

Image courtesy of readersdigest.com


Studies show that the vitamins C, E, A, K, and B can all help improve skin health and appearance.

Vitamin C: Which I have talked about before, works by reducing the damage caused by free radicals, a byproduct of sunlight, smoke, and pollution. Free radicals eat away at collagen and elastin, the fibers that support skin structure. This causes wrinkles and other signs of aging.Your diet should include plenty of vitamin-C rich foods (citrus and vegetables, among others.) You can also take vitamin C supplements internally, up to 500 to 1,000 milligrams per day.

Try a topical vitamin C cream or serum to encourage collagen production. Try using formulation that contains the L-ascorbic acid form of vitamin C which is the only one that can penetrate skin layers and do the job.

Vitamin E: Research has showed that taking 400 units of vitamin E internally everyday can reduce the risk of sun damage to cells as well as reduce the production of cancer-causing cells. Vitamin E can also help reduce wrinkles and make your skin appear and feel smoother.

Used topically in a cream, lotion, or serum form, vitamin E can help soothe dry, rough skin. When combined with vitamin C in a lotion, it's highly protective against sun damage.

Vitamin A: Topical vitamin A is the form that makes a real difference in your skin. Medical studies show a reduction in lines and wrinkles, good acne control, and other benefits from using this nutrient. The prescription treatment is called Retin A, and it's used primarily as a treatment for acne. The less potent, over-the-counter formulations are sold as retinols and used as anti-aging treatments.



Vitamin B Complex: When it comes to the skin, the most important B vitamin is biotin, a nutrient that forms the basis of skin, nail, and hair cells. This nutrient is in many foods, including bananas, eggs, oatmeal, and rice. Niacin, a specific B vitamin, helps skin retain moisture, so your complexion looks more plump and younger looking in as little as six days. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe dry, irritated skin. In higher concentrations it can work as a lightening agent to even out blotchy skin tone.

Vitamin K: Won't do much for your skin from the inside, but studies show topical vitamin K does work well to reduce under eye circles as well as bruises. When combined with vitamin A in a cream or serum, vitamin K can be even more effective for dark circles.
*I am not a Physician. Always check with your personal Physician before taking any internal supplements.

Parts of this post courtesy of Medicinenet.com

Secrets to glowing skin

Glowing skin is a sign of youth and vitality, and the desire of virtually every woman.
You can achieve glowing skin with a few basic steps.

1. Exfoliate- Use a combination of physical and chemical exfoliation. Physical exfoliation is most commonly granules. Chemical is a type of acid that is applied to the skin and left on for ten to fifteen minutes. I use a grain once or twice and week, and a glycolic gel once a week.

2. Hydrate- Hydrate with a serum that contains hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid hydrates at a deeper level. It plumps and deeply hydrates the skin, leaving it looking glowy and healthy looking. You can use a moisturizer over your serum if needed.

3. Use retinol- Retinol increases cell turnover in the skin and promotes collagen. Use a retinol every night before your moisturizer.


4. Protect- Stay out of the sun, and tanning salons. Protect your skin daily from the sun.

5. Supplement- Take Omega fatty acids, and collagen supplements. You can also take hyaluronic acid vitamins internally.

6. Avoid powders- With the exception of Jane Iredale powder, all other powders leave the skin looking dull, and often contain Talic which irritates most skin types. Opt for a liquid foundation, or spot conceal if you can.


Image courtesy of: kimgray.co.za

How To Get Rid Of Acne Breakouts

How To Get Rid Of Acne Scars & Marks

Tips To Reducing Dark Circles

Dark circles can have multiple causes, but one cause is blood that pools in the vessels that lie close to the skin’s surface. Additionally, sun exposure can aggravate under-eye darkness, as can allergies, since they can cause the blood vessels to become congested and enlarged. Here are a few tips to help reduce dark circles around the eyes


1. Vitamin K- Loading up on vitamin K, both internally and with products topically, strengthens and clots blood vessels to stop the pooling that can cause the darkness.

2. SPF- Sun exposure intensifies dark circles, so always wear a SPF eye cream during the daytime.

3. Antihistamines- If you think your circles might be a result of allergies, speak with your doctor about an appropriate antihistamine.


Image Courtesy Of: skin-care.womendiary.net

BEST SUMMER BEAUTY TIPS

1. Don't Forget Your Lips- Protect your face and body while exposed to any sun rays, but
don't neglect your pout. Keep lip wrinkles at bay with a lip balm that contains SPF.

2. Spritz & Cool Off- I always carry rose water in my purse, and in the summer it can be
really refreshing during the middle of a hot day. Not only will it freshen your face, it will set your makeup.

3. Don't Forget Your Scalp- Believe it or not, your scalp can get pretty badly burnt during the summer months. Don't forget to protect your scalp. Try Nioxin Scalp Guard Sunblock SPF20.

4. Wear A Wide Brim Hat- Find a wide brim hat, instead of a baseball hat (which doesn't protect your skin very much). Try to find one that has UV filters already build into it. Try looking up "SPF hat" on ebay, and see what you find.

5. Eat Melon- Facialist Kate Somerville, whose clients include Katy Perry, Jessica Alba, Katherine Heigl, likes watermelon in the summer months. “It can actually boost your SPF by several factors,” she says.

Image Courtesy Of: GreatSkinTips.com

5 Skin tricks you can find in your fridge

1. Apple Juice- Use an ice cube tray to create apple juice ice cubes. The malic acid in the juice is a natural alpha hydroxy acid that is anti-aging. Glide the ice cube over your skin. The skin is instantly tighter and firmer.

2. Strawberries- Strawberries are rich in salicylic acid, which is a common ingredient found in most acne creams. Strawberries also help lighten pigmentation on the skin overtime. Cut a strawberries in half and poke it with a small fork. Glide the strawberry over cleansed skin twice a week and leave the juice on your skin for 20 min.

3. Sour Cream- Twice a week apply a tablespoon of sour cream to sensitive skin for 20 min. It will nourish the skin and the natural lactic acid gently smooths skin texture.

4. Avocado- smash an avocado and apply to skin for 15 min once a week as a hydrating mask.

5. Olive Oil- Olive oil is a great moisturizer. Apply a pea size amount to cleansed skin and follow with moisturzer. Avoid this if you are acne prone.

5 Unhealthy Habits That Cause "Bad Skin"

1. The Sun- The sun is a huge contributor to bad skin. Consistent exposure to the rays of the sun, weakens collagen and elastin in the skin, promoting wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

2. Smoking- Smoking is extremely damaging to the skin. It depletes the body of vitamin C and restricts oxygen flow to the skin.

3. Dehydration- When the body is deficient in water, the organs (including the skin) become dehydrated. Be sure you are drinking plenty of water.

4. Lack of Exercise- Exercise brings oxygen flow to the cells of the body and the skin, along with stimulating the lymphatic system. Proper blood flow is essential to healthy skin.

5. Diet- What you eat directly affects the health of your skin. Proper vitamin and mineral intake will keep your skin fresh and glowing. Be sure to eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Avoid refined sugars and flour.

Image Courtesy Of: EverydayHealth.com

How To Treat Hyperpigmenation (Sun Damage)

Retinol or Retin-A- Retinol is very important because it sheds the top layer of skin and strengthens it from inside out. This should be applied to clean skin at night!

Antioxidants & Sun Protection- - Green tea and vitamins C and E, along with SPF 30 will help safeguard the skin from future damage. The antioxidants should be applied every morning in serum form, with a sunscreen applied on top.

Lightening Creams & Gels- Ingredients like Kojic Acid, Vitamin C, Arbutin, and Hydroquinone have proven to yield great results in diminishing sun spots, when applied to the spots over time.

Chemical Peels- Chemical peels can greatly reduce the appearance of sun spots, but must be performed by a professional. This is not the time to save pennies. Sun screen becomes even more essential while conducting regular face peels, as they buffer the skin, making it more sensitive to the sun.

IPL Light Treatments- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). IPL can help eliminate brown and red spots on the face and body. IPL will also help to rejuvenate the skin so that it looks younger and more fresh.

My Top 5 FAQ About Beauty

1. What is the best acne spot treatment?- Kate Somerville Eradicate is the best spot treatment for a zit. I personally like Sulfur based spot treatments, and this product contains that. I also apply a dab of Neosporin on any zits, because it is an antibiotic and scar preventer. It works wonders!!

2. How can you make hair grow faster?- On average, hair grows at a rate of 6 inches per year, if you are maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Besides that, you can take supplements like Biotin, Niacin, or basic hair supplements available at most health food stores. Also, I do a scalp treatment on occasion, 6-9 drop of eucalyptus oil massaged into the scalp and left on over night. You can feel it tingle, and the Australian women believe it stimulates hair growth!

3. Whats your favorite foundation?- I typically don't wear foundation, but occasionally I will. I really love Stila One Step Makeup (primer, foundation and powder in one.) I also really love Chanel Vitalumiere foundation, which gives my skin flawless coverage and a beautiful glow.

4. How can I get rid of acne scars?- It depends on whether they are pitted scars or hyperpigmentation. If they are pitted scars, you will need to get regular peels and microdermabrasion treatments from your dermatologists or local skin clinic. If your scars are more severe, you may need to consider more intense facial laser treatments.

If your scars are reddish or purple, this is typically a bruising that hyperpigments due to sun exposure. Be sure you are wearing SPF 30 everyday, exfoliating 3 times and week, and using at home facial peels once a week. Creams that contain ingredients like Kojic Acid, Arbutin, or Vitamin C can help fade the scarring. If the red spot is relatively new, you can treat it with Arnica Cream (available at Jurlique.com.) Arnica cream is said to relieve bruising, and is typically reccomended for post surgery clients. If scarring is more significant, you can have your doctor prescribe Hydroquinone, which when applied, over time to the pigmentated areas, will bleach them.

5. How can I get rid of blackheads- Blackheads typically occur on the nose and chin area, and occasionally on the cheeks. Using a Retinol or Retin-A at night before bed will help clean out your pores, among its many other benefits. Proper cleansing and regular exfoliation will also help clean out the pores. Try using the Clarisonic Mia, every night before bed. This sonic cleansing system will effectively erradicate blackheads.