Ordinary Bar of Soap

While training to become an Aesthetician, I had a teacher once ask "Would you use the same bar of soap that you wash your butt with?" Seriously, that is exactly how she posed the question. This changed the entire way I look at skin care and the products I would use from now on.

So ask yourself, do you use the same bar of soap to cleanse your face that you use on your body? I am sure some of you reading this do. However, I like to think that most of my readers are educated enough in skin care to know this is a major no, no.

Here is why.

Your basic bar of soap even if it has added moisturizers is stripping the skin of its natural oils and moisture. Especially if you like to shower with hot water. You leave the skin dehydrated and dull from having washed away natural oils. A necessity in order to get rid of the daily grime that accumulates through out the day. This can easily be remedied by using an exfoliater like a loofah in the shower followed by a creamy moisturizer  or oil for the body. I recommend exfoliation and moisturizing all year round but you can change the thickness of your moisturizer by season or need of your skin.

However, for you face you want to be a bit more gentle. Since you technically should be washing your face at least twice a day, morning and night, you want to be careful not to dry it out. Also, the change of season needs to be factored in as well. Your basic bars of soap that are not produced for the skin can leave skin itchy and dry. So focus on buying facial cleansers that are mild and moisturizing. I recommend Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser which works well for all skin types.

If you prefer a bar of soap, then try Neutrogena® Naturals Face & Body Bar. It gently cleanses, conditions and softens your skin without over drying. This way your covered head to toe by one product. It is important to say that I do recommend that you use a loofah for your body and a gentle cleansing cloth or pad for your face. Otherwise, I just think thats gross.

Be sure to use a body oil directly after showering while skin is still damp to lock in moisture and a thicker facial cream to lock in and provide long lasting moisture through out the day. And an extra thick night cream for body and face will help your skin replenish at night. Look for one with humectants that will bring moisture directly into the skin, i.e. aloe.

Hope you all find this helpful.

As always,  Be Blessed, Be Healthy, Be Beautiful!

Winters dry skin repair routine

Well the winter is fast approaching and for many of us, that means dealing with dry dehydrated even cracked skin. It is important to avoid dry skin so that cracks don't develop. Moisturizing properly  prevents damaged dry skin, itch, infection or inflammation of other underlying skin disorders that can break out as a result like eczema.

STEP ONE:
Change your cleanser - Face
Choose a product with oils (moisturizing products)
Avoid dyes and alcohol products

STEP TWO:
Exfoliating - Face and Body
Use loofah or scrub with microbeads 2-3 times a week
Chemical exfoliation like lactic acid, once a month

Exfoliate your lips once a week as the cold air can damage the skin cells causing cracking. Follow with a moisturizing lip balm that replenishes lip moisture. I like to use olive oil followed by L'BEL Lip Moisturizer, Smith's Rosebud Lip balm or Nivea Lip balm.

STEP THREE:
Toner - Face
Witch hazel works great and is affordable toner.

STEP FOUR:
Moisturize your face with Virgin Coconut oil or a creamier moisturizer of your choice after you cleanse and tone. Try Eucerin Pro Repair for body, apply directly after showering to lock in moisture.

Remember that your skin is your first defense against unwelcomed bacteria or infection. Cracked skin is an open doorway for germs to be introduced into the body. So do your best to keep it healthy.

As always,  Be Blessed, Be Healthy, Be Beautiful!

Hurricane Sandy Recovery

NJ's devastation from Hurricane Sandy

Sorry it has been so long since I last posted. Hurricane Sandy hit town and turned lives upside down. It took us 10 days to get our power back.

My last post was preparing for the storm and disappointed over the fact that I couldn't go to a conference. I'm certainly happy that I didn't take the risk of driving to PA only to return in horrible weather. It was bad!

Since the storm, I have been busy helping family and cleaning out my storage unit that was flooded. A great deal of my aesthetic equipment was destroyed as well as clothes and photo's. Sad when all the things you thought were treasure end up on curb for trash. Though I consider myself one of the lucky ones. My home is intact,  as is my family. My brothers home was hit hard and his entire first floor was damaged. But even he was lucky because his family is okay. You can reconstruct a house but not a life once it is taken.

Do any of you know anyone who was affected? I do hope you are taking out some time to help. Send a donation or lift a hand to help. Make some meals to help out those who are trying to rebuild their lives. You can visit RedCross.org to donate, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

The scenes here are straight out of a movie. It's so difficult for so many. Even the smallest gesture of kindness can help change the victims perspectives and give them hope. So I do hope that after that after a few weeks, we have not forgotten what so many will be dealing with this in the coming holidays.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!

Storm wipes out my weekend!

Haven't updated things lately because I was hoping that this weekend I would have more to share.  I was planning on attending The International Congress of Esthetics and Spa convention this Sunday.  The lovely hurricane by the name of Sandy is keeping me from getting there.

My disappointment lies in the fact that there were so many products I wanted to check out, classes to take and now I wont be able to. So my sharing new products with you and reviews will have to hold off for a while. At least for the new stuff out there.

Am looking into ordering some products soon for new reviews. In the meantime, be your own skin care advocate. Make smart choices by researching products and looking at reviews.

Will be back in touch again soon with new information.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!

Pumpkin, it's not just something to eat

It's that time of season when pumpkin is in high demand. Did you know that Pumpkin is great for your skin? It has a number of benefits ranging from wrinkle-fighting properties that help slow down the aging clock. Its rich in antioxidants and vitamins C, E, and A that cleanse, nourish and hydrate your skin.

Below is a Pinterest article on a wonderful Pumpkin Sugar scrub for the body.

http://www.tothemotherhood.com/2011/09/pumpkin-sugar-scrub-recipe.html?m=1

Also, here is a yummy Pumpkin facial mask by Bethenny Frankel. So good you'll want to eat it and the best part is that you can.

Bethenny Frankel's Pumpkin Mask

2 cups canned pumpkin

4 tablespoons Greek yogurt

4 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Combine ingredients. Smooth onto face. Rest for 10 minutes, then rinse off mask.  Follow with normal toner and moisturizer.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy, Be Beautiful!

October means the start of peel season

October has arrived and for many, Autumn is beginning to show itself with cooler temperatures, changing foliage and falling leaves. NaturalSkinShop.com is celebrating the season with their Octoberfest celebration and 20% OFF ENTIRE PURCHASE, Now - October 10th. My viewers are sure to "fall" for Natural Skin Shop's glycolic acid & salicylic acid peels that renew and revitalize the skin. NSS offers quality skin care treatment such as: vitamin C treatments, skin lightening, anti-aging formulas, Botox-alternatives, acne treatments and at-home microdermabrasion.

I want to prepare you my readers for the change of seasons by promoting Natural Skin Shop on my blog and Twitter.

Though I don't recommend you trying a harsh peel on yourself, I do recommend you try the scrubs, serums and moisturizers. See attached links for the Octoberfest promotions.

Celebrate Octoberfest at NaturalSkinShop.com by Saving 20% on Entire Purchase. No Coupon Code needed. This saving ends on October 10th.





As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy, Be Beautiful!

Move into the next season

With Fall here and Winter fast approaching, it is time to prepare your skin for the current season  and coming winter season. After a long summer of taking in the sun and lounging at the pool, one should consider repairing their skin from possible sun damage received and prepare for the coming cold season. So how does our skin benefit from the season changes and what to do to prepare your skin to move into the next season?

Fall is absolutely Exfoliation season. The leaves shouldn't be the only thing shedding, you should shed some skin too. You can exfoliate in a few ways. You can get a professional treatment that exfoliates by Microdermabrasion, Laser, DermaPlane, Chemical Peels, etc. You can make or buy your own scrubs at home which is cost effective and in some cases less evasive. Exfoliation is important because it prepares the skin to absorb serums and lotions to hydrate and repair skin by shedding old dead skin cells.

For clients that have dry skin, I recommend microdermabrasion, mild chemical peel (Glycolic), a gentle scrub or using an exfoliation puff. The last two can be done at home daily/weekly. Reducing minor wrinkles and hyper pigmentation.

For Oily skin, I would add to the above options a Chemical peel (Salicylic/Jessner), which can be more aggressive but more effective in treating the appearance of large pores, hyper pigmentation and fine lines. As well as using at home exfoliants like a microdermabrasion scrub or exfoliating puff.

Now the second thing you want to be diligent with is moisturizing. For dry skin complexions you want to use a cream rather then a lotion. You are going to want to keep moisture in and a thicker cream can do that for you as the winter approaches and through out. For Oily skin, it is still very important to moisturize. But you want to be sure that you use an oil free lotion with oil control. Both should contain humectant ingredients that allow moisture absorption like Aloe, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E.

Lets not forget the importance of serums. They can add a boost to your skins needs that are easier absorbed into skin just after exfoliation and prior to moisturizing. There are also serums that focus on specific needs like fighting wrinkles, redness, acne or hyper pigmentation.

Speak to your skin care therapist or dermatologist for more treatments that will work best for you.


An all-star cast of the cosmetic industry's top peeling agents team up with the power of nature to create the ultimate exfoliation experience.

As Always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!

Oatmeal Fig and Papaya Mask

Here is a great mask that is super easy to make that you can make very quickly to heal dry skin, itchy skin and minor acne breakouts.

Cooked Oatmeal

Oatmeal is extremely soothing to the skin, a natural anti-inflammatory. Highly recommended for dry skin, rashed skin to soothe and exfoliate. Great for all skin types. I use it often in a warm bath for my son to keep his skin soft and refreshed.

Ripe Figs

Figs have been used both topically and as a diet supplement due to their high vitamin and fiber content. Figs also have natural Alpha-hydroxy acid properties to help refresh and brighten the skin. Fig fruit contains very high levels of phytochemicals that help fight cancer and filter UV rays, thus protecting the skin. Figs are rich in oils in both the skin and the seeds and they have some mild antioxidant properties, which of course helps reverse damage in the skin.

Papaya Seeds

The seeds of Papaya are believed to have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. It contains papain which promotes skin renewal and cell turnover. Papaya benefits skin as it is rich in vitamin A, E and C and anti-oxidants which moisturize the skin and clears it from dirt and dark spots. Papaya can be used as facial scrub for skin brightening and moisturizing or as a face mask to treat acne.

This mask is not only great for your skin but it smells so good too.


Oatmeal Fig and Papaya Mask

1/2 cup Oatmeal (cooked and cooled)
2 small Figs (crushed)
2 Tbsp Papaya Seed (Fresh)

Blend well with fork or food processor (two pulses). Brush on to clean, toned skin. Let sit for 20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water. Use a skin toner to rebalance skin and remove excess mask. Use eye serums followed by your favorite moisturizer.

Any unused mask can be refrigerated and used again with in a week. Or you can add a cup of brown sugar and use as a body scrub.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!

EJ

Laser for Hair Removal - At-Home Laser Hair Removal | Tria Beauty

Tria Beauty Hair Removal System

Get $50 off the Tria Hair Removal Laser when you buy now. The only FDA approved at home device. Enter promo code FIFTY. Expires 10/09/2012

They set up a small two question survey to see if the device will work for you. If you are a medium brown, dark brown or black complexion with medium to black hair you do not qualify and should not purchase. Most dermatologists and Estheticians would say the same in regards to laser hair removal and darker complexions.

Why don't you qualify? The laser zaps the darker pigmented areas i.e. dark hair follicles. If your skin is the same color as follicle because you have higher melanin to your skin, you are more prone to burns or injury.

Also important to note, is that it does not work on blonde, grey, white, or red body hair. These hairs, even if dyed, do not contain enough pigment to absorb the laser light. (Even professional laser hair removal systems that are used in medical clinics are not effective on these hair colors.)

Check out the link below to learn more. 

http://www.triabeauty.com/home-laser-hair-removal

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!

Skincare routine step by step

The most important thing to do when it comes to your skin is to follow basic routine. I call it Mr. C.TEMS. this acronym helps me remember the basic steps to taking good care of my skin on a daily basis.

If you can remember this acronym it will certainly help change your routine and eventually the way your skin feels and looks.

Mr. = Make-Up Remover - Part of your Evening routine.  NEVER sleep with make up on.

C = Cleansing - This should be done at least twice a day (AM & PM) depending what you are doing. Especially after a work out so you may find that you are doing it 3 times a day.

T = Tone - A simple Witch hazel will do or a presoaked pad like the one Noxema makes with 2%Salycilic Acid.

E = Exfoliate - You can use a gentle scrub with Jojoba beads. Avoid harsh scrubs for face with nuts or seeds as they can damage the skin.

M = Mask & Moisturize - Day time skip a mask but use your serum and moisturizer. At night, Use an anti-aging or hydrating mask on face.

S = Sun Protection - Clearly you only do this during the day every day, 365 days a year.

Never use hot water when washing you skin or cleansing face. Some steam is okay but too much will just dry you out especially during the winter months.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy, Be Beautiful!

Should your skin care routine hurt?

So while on Twitter, I seen a tweet that said that someones personal motto for skin care was that if it burns it's working. I was disturbed by this idea. I mean, would you have the same idea if you were talking about your vagina. Why do people treat their skin like a doormat?

I understand that some treatments can be uncomfortable,  for example lasering, waxing or even some chemical peels. And that pain tolerance varies by person to person. However, the last thing I would recommend is that you use a product that burns your skin. Definitely not on a regular!

Now granted, I don't know what context it was said in but it did make me wonder, how many people feel this way about their skin care routine? 

So you tell me, do you think that your skincare routine should involve some discomfort? Giving into the old adage, beauty is pain. Or do you believe that there's plenty of products, treatments and routines that can be just as helpful in maintaining healthy looking skin minus the pain?

You can tweet me your thoughts at @SkinYourIn or comment below. Curious to know what you all are thinking. 

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and be Beautiful!

Elizabeth J

Pure Saffron Skin Benefits

Saffron flower

Check out this news article about the benefits of Saffron and how it is now being used in skin care products. Because of it's powerful antioxidants, one company is incorporating it into their skin care line.

http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/09/20/4277278/pure-saffron-benefits-produce.html

Saffron threads after harvesting

DIY Zit Zapper

Don't pop it, zap it!

Whether you are a long time sufferer of Acne or just get the occasional blemish on your face and body this is a great recipe for you to try. It's a natural Honey Vera Tea Balm.  Easy to make and inexpensive. I found the original recipe in The Green Beauty guide and tweaked it so that it has a more powerful antibacterial effect as well as hydrating.

First I will provide you with the recipe and then provide you the reason to why I believe it works. Granted this depends on the level of Acne you have. Either way, it is worth the try before spending hundreds of dollars on other treatments. And remember, the best way to prevent acne is a cleansing routine that is consistent.

Honey Vera Tea Balm Recipe 

1 Tablespoon UMF 16+ Manuka Honey

1 Tablespoon Aloe Vera (preferably fresh Aloe juice squeezed from plant)

7 Drops of Organic Tea Tree Oil
3 Drops of Organic Wild Oregano Oil (DO NOT exceed 3 drops)
500 mg Vitamin C (as a natural preservative)

Whip them together with a fork or a hand held blender for a few seconds until well blended and place in a small container that holds up to 5 ounces. I like to use blue glass bottles for liquids and for balms plastic or tin containers. You can purchase these on amazon for just a few dollars and you can reuse once you run out.

I recently wrote an article about Manuka honey benefits to the body, especially your skin. Some go as far as saying it is nature miracle cure. See the created link to learn more. Synopsis, Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 16+ is the best for you inside and out. It is extremely healing and hydrating to the skin.

See this link to learn more about the great benefits of Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis). I have become such a great believer of the power of Aloe that I started to grow the plant myself. I am even planting new ones an contemplating selling them to friends and clients for use. It is a must have in the home for treatments inside and out. Especially in the kitchen when we often get those little burns.

Check out the Tea tree oil article to learn more about this great essential oil. It is antibacterial, anti-fungal so it is great for cleansing the skin. Often used for acne and dry scalp issues. Avoid use if you are pregnant, nursing or on male children.

See link for Wild Oregano oil for more information. With Oregano, preferably Wild Oregano oil as it qualities are better have a anti-fungal, antibacterial, anthelmintic, antiseptic and antioxidant component that is great for the cleaning the skin of acne blemishes and excessive sebum (oil). 

I hope that some of you take the time to try this out for yourselves. Please let me know how it works for you. If you have your own tweaks and would like to share them, please do.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!

        

Tea Tree Oil benefits against Acne

The leaves and the twigs are
distilled to create the essential oil.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca oil) is an essential oil created from the Melaleuca alternifolia leaves. Native to Australia. Originally used as inhalation medication to treat colds, coughs and topically to treat wounds by the indigenous Bundjalung people of Australia. Today, it is used on the skin as an herbal remedy used as an antiseptic and was found to help those with mild acne.

Tea tree oil can be used in its full strength or diluted in creams, lotions, ointments and soap. As a natural anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-infection it works well against many skin ailments like acne, boils, dandruff, insect bites and athlete's foot to name a few.

In a comparative study reported on PubMed (Case Study ID # 2145499) they compared Tea tree oil versus Benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne. Results showed that both 5% tea tree oil had a significant effect by reducing the number of inflamed and non-inflamed lesions. It was slower then the benzoyl peroxide but less damaging and with fewer side effects to skin. That to me is an absolute benefit to trying Organic Tea tree oil.

It is important to note that The New England Journal of Medicine reported that Tea tree oil is linked to Prepubertal Gynecomastia  (abnormal development of large mammary glands in males resulting in breasts) after repeated topical exposure. That is why it is Not recommended for children or women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. It should NEVER be taken internally as it is considered toxic internally.

Recently, I was getting my haircut and had a Tea tree oil treatment done to my hair and scalp. I was surprised that the hairstylist didn't know the warnings that come with use of this essential oil and its by products. There she was pitching it to customers with no real understanding. Not totally her fault, training staff and keeping them knowledgeable is important. However, I was even more surprised that she couldn't really tell me the benefits either. Instead, I had to tell her about the benefits and the hazard warnings for pregnant, nursing mothers or young boys. That's why I write these short articles. It's important that you the consumer are educated on the products and treatments offered out there. Be smart, ask questions and if you don't feel confident in the answers given, do your own research and make a smart decision.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!

  

All time favorite yogurt

My Favorite Yummie Yogurt by FAGE!

As they say, it's best to nourish the body inside and out. So this ins't a skin tip but it's a great food tip if you haven't heard of it or tried it yet. And is serves as dual purpose from the inside out.

The product is a yogurt by FAGE (fa-yeh) and it is officially my all time favorite yogurt and flavor. It is the Mango Guanabana flavor. I'm telling you, this is so good I could eat them all day. I also like the Strawberry Goji. My wish now is that they will make a frozen yogurt in these yummie flavors to indulge without the guilt.

It's jammed packed with probiotics, great source of calcium and is only 120 calories. Did I mention ZERO fat. Woohoo! The best part is my son loves it too. So though I am not keen on sharing, I know that it is something I can with him. As he often attacks me when he sees his mommy eating something. 

With that said, I am really hoping that no one comes along and burst my bubble here. I am thinking this is a good go-to-food for all to enjoy. Hope Dr. Oz doesn't come out saying something otherwise. LOL! I don't see how since Greek yogurt is all the rave now. 

Plain is great when you add fresh fruit.

Seriously though, if you enjoy eating yogurt, especially a greek base yogurt, I just know you'll love it. If you don't, you could always make a yogurt mask for your face.The lactic Acid found in yogurt is great for the skin as it exfoliates and brightens. So there is no waste and no harm in trying. I also read in the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) that dairy items like yogurt with probiotics is easier digested by the lactose intolerant. Bonus!  They have plenty of other flavors to that you can try out too. Check it out, try it out and I do hope you enjoy it like I did. 

Below is the index information of FAGE Mango Guanabana yogurt.  

Happy Healthy eating! 

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!

Serving Size: 1 Container 5.3oz (150g)
Servings per Container 1

Calories	120
Calories from fat	0
Total fat	0g
% DV Total fat	0%
Saturated fat	0g
% DV Saturated fat	0%
Trans fat	0g
Cholesterol	0mg
% DV Cholesterol	0%
Sodium	45mg
% DV Sodium	2%
Total carbohydrates	18g
% DV carbohydrates	6%
Dietary fiber	0g
% DV fiber	0%
Sugars	17g
Protein	13g
% DV Protein	26%
Vitamin A	0%
Vitamin C	0%
Calcium	15%
Iron	0%

Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

• Ingredients:
STRAINED YOGURT: Grade A Pasteurized Skimmed Milk, Live Active Yogurt Cultures (L. Bulgaricus, S. Thermophilus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Casei). MANGO-GUANABANA FRUIT PREPARATION (20%): Sugar, Mangos, Water, Guanabana Puree, Corn Starch, Contains 2% or less of: Lemon Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavors, Xanthan Gum.

• Appropriate for:
• Gluten-Free
• Vegetarians

 

  

UMF Manuka Honey benefits

U.M.F. Manuka Honey works wonders!!

The most important thing you need to know about Manuka Honey is that not all Manuka honeys are created equal. When purchasing Manuka Honey you want to be sure it is U.M.F. (Unique Manuka Factor) graded. U.M.F. Active Manuka Honey, also known as MediHoney is found in New Zealand and Australia.

The grading system was created buy Dr. Peter Molan of the University of Waikato. He was examining honey for its peroxide and antiseptic properties and discovered that Manuka Honey had a powerful more stable antibacterial property. Laboratory testing determined that NOT ALL honey or Manuka Honey is "Active" or active at the same levels.  Their are variances in the honey so a standardized measure of its antibacterial strengths was developed. The rating system goes form a minimum level of 10 (table honey) to 16+, which is considered superior with very high activity.

Dark Amber color

U.M.F. Manuka honey / MediHoney has been found to have healing properties. Some on the internet are calling it a miraculous natural remedy. In relation to skin care, it is impressive. It contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hydrating and soothing properties. These properties alone would make it great for those suffering from Acne, Rosacea and Eczema. Because U.M.F. Manuka honey has the ability to penetrate skin tissue and treat infections beneath the skin surface it is highly recommend and used in skin care industry, as well as in the medical community. Clinically proven to cure wounds, infections, ulcers and other skin conditions. See University of Waikato for research information.

Has a thicker consistency
 then regular honey.

With that said, I recommend U.M.F. Manuka Honey as a treatment after extractions or for those who tend to have red inflamed or acne prone skin. I use it under a rubber mask so that it absorbs and really penetrates the skin. At home it can be done with just a very small amount. And the great things is you don't have to worry about getting it in your mouth, it's delicious. It is super important to note to be sure to NEVER double dip as you don't want to invite germs into your honey. No one likes a double dipper.

You can purchase it at your local Health Food store or online I like to buy the highest rating I can find which generally is U.M.F. 15+ or medically sterilized honey (Super Pricey).

Don't be alarmed buy the cost. It is expensive. Especially when you're thinking just honey. However, remind yourself that this is not the same honey you get in the bear shaped bottle. It is so much better! Not all Manuka honey's are created equal, so look for the U.M.F rating on the jar and that it is a product from New Zealand.

I hope you all take the time to try it out. Enjoy a relaxing cup of tea while you let the honey soak in. Add a small scoop to your tea for a healthier in and out effect.

A small thanks to the Manuka Honey bee that works so hard for creating pure and natural perfection.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!