Sensitive Dry Skin

I was thinking about skin sensitivity for those with dry skin and here is what I want you to try. It may not be the products you use, so much as your regimen. 

1st drink plenty of water. Your entire body benefits from it, especially  your skin. You probably don't drink enough anyway, most people don't. 

2. Sleep with a cool mist humidifier so that the mist falls in the direction of your face. Not directly but in the vacinity. Use distilled water as it keeps the machine from getting corroded and reduces impurities in the air.

3. Cleanse & moisturize twice a day. Use an extra creamy moisturizer around smile lines, eyes & forehead at night. Include the serums that you like. Hyloronic serums are great or fesh aloe is a great hydrater and healer for the skin

4. Exfoliate once a week. Doesn't have to be anything fancy. Baking soda and honey works well. Light upward motions from décolleté to forehead. 

5. For a calming mask try oatmeal and yogurt or chamomile and milk. Leave on for ten minutes after exfoliation especially. Gently wash away with Luke warm water. Removing with gentle upwards circular motion.

6. For an at home peel once a month that is safe and easy, try Apple Cider Vinegar. Apply to cotton then face in upward motions, working from outside in. Apply up to three coats two minutes apart. Let sit for ten minutes then rinse with ice cold water. 

I think sometimes that with sensitive skin the best way is the most natural way. Be sure to take short  warm showers. The warmer the warmer and the longer you are in the shower increases your potential for increased dry skin as you are stripping away the natural defense oils from your body. This can leave skin feeling irritated, itchy and ironically feeling dehydrated, as there are no natural oils (sebum) to keep moisture locked in. That's why a good moisturizer or oil helps keep skin calm and hydrated, preventing the skin from loosing more of its water and natural oils. 

Let me know if you have any questions or need some product suggestions. 

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

Product Review: Pineapple Facial Enzyme Mask

While wandering the product aisles, I have often seen these little pouches for facial masks but never grabbed one to try them out. Since I had some time, I grabbed one and new that at one point I could try it prior to jumping into the shower. Considering that now a days shower time is the only alone time I get anymore, I try to fit in a quick pampering session in.

Their claims:

 - Restores radiant skin

 - Contains natural ingredients

Made with natural, botanical ingredients, Freeman Feeling Beautiful products help you look and feel your best. This enzyme mask, with Pineapple extract and AHA's gently exfoliates while lightly moisturizing, leaving your skin soft, supple and younger-looking. 

Key Ingredients:

Pineapple Extract  - Contains the enzyme bromelain, which can break down the connecting layers between skin cells to exfoliate skin. However, bromelain used alone is a more effective source of exfoliation, and does not have the irritating properties of the pineapple.

 

Sea Kelp - Rich iodine, mineral, anti-oxidant and natural anti-inflammatory aspects, kelp is believed to moisturize, soften and help skin retain its moisture.  Kelp also contains elements that help remove toxins, soothe and can easily penetrate the skin for instant hydration. It also aids in keeping skin smooth. This nourishing extract has no adverse side effects and works well with other antioxidants and vitamins such as Vitamin C and E.

 

Alpha Hydroxy Acid - Similar to microdermabrasion - erasing fine lines and giving the skin a smoother appearance
Note: It is important to note that the effects depends on the percentage of AHA used. The higher the percentage the better and longer the effects last. Consumers use an AHA of ten percent or less. Trained professionals, Dermatologist or Estheticians can give a AHA treatment like a Glycolic peel ranging from fifty to seventy percent.

The Freeman Beauty lab is a familiar name in home beauty products that has been developing products for over 30 years. With that much time in the business you know they must be doing something right. Right?

The packet I chose was the Freeman Beauty Feeling Beautiful Pineapple Facial Enzyme Mask in the travel size for $1.99. This is a great way to try out a product before committing yourself to a large tube or tub. Following the instructions I cleansed my skin then while my skin was damp I gently scrubbed the mask into my skin and let stand for a few minutes before washing it off.

My final thoughts:
I have to say that I liked it. The product gives you a gentle exfoliation, slight tingle and it does leave your skin feeling refreshed and prepped for serums, gels or lotions. I don't think it left my skin glowing but I did feel refreshed. By refreshed I mean that it did the job of scrubbing away the dead skin cells on my face and neck. There by allowing my skin to absorb my Vitamin E serum afterwards much faster.

So if you are looking to fit in a Microdermabrasion like treatment, I suggest you try this. One packet can be used 3 times. I would use this every other day and I say it works for all skin types except for skin with extreme acne or lesions. Be sure to gently rub skin in upward circular motion from decolletage to forehead. Trust me it matters. Scrubbing up and down harshly can lead to damaged skin and scarring.

Check out the attached link to the Freeman website where they currently have a promo code for 25% off on their products. Happy shopping!

As always, Be Blessed, Be Happy, Be Beautiful! 

Diaper ouchies!

Motherhood once again has taken over. The birth of the twins hasn't allotted me much free time to write or research any new products. Mostly all baby, all the time.

However, I did get to try a variety of diaper rash ointments recently on the twins and I have the best one I found to treat the rash once it rears it's ugly head (get it, rears?).

So my newest of two babies developed a diaper rash while using a "prevention" cream. I was using a popular product called Butt Paste. I normally find that this works very well, however, this time around,  it wasn't and the rash got worse. Rashes are bad enough on infants but even worse with preemies. So off I went to the store to find a better product.

 

If you ask a mom, what A&D ointment is, she is sure to respond "butt cream" or "rash ointment". The original A&D is for prevention of diaper rash. I don't use it because it creates heat on the skin which I find unnecessary. My son was past the point of prevention. His diaper rash had small spots of raw skin and I knew the original A&D wouldn't help this situation. I purchased Triple Paste but that didn't help either and dried out the skin on my fingers from application. They used it at the hospital but it didn't seem to work for him at all.

When I can, I prefer to use the most natural products I can find. In my search for a cream to heal what ailed my son, I came across an A&D product, Treat cream, that I was not familiar with. It was new to me. Two of the ingredients listed were Aloe and Zinc Oxide. We know that aloe is great for helping repair damaged/injured skin.  Zinc oxide is a skin protectant often found in creams, lotions and ointments used to prevent or treat minor skin burns and irritation. So I purchased it because I felt the Aloe alone would be effective.

Final review:

A&D Treat cream works and works well! My sons rash was bad and in one days use, it was almost gone. By morning, it had completely disappeared. I can't say enough about it. Should I see their skin getting the slightest pink, I use it for a quick fix. Neither of the babies have had a rash since that second week after they were born. 

Other rash preventatives:

This may sound crazy but for me it works and if you can deal with the clean up, Ido recommend. When cleaning the babies up, I stopped using wipes and went back to using cotton balls or rounds to cleanse skin with simple water. Then I follow with a dry wash cloth to dry skin prior to putting another diaper on. There has been no need for ointment and they are doing very well. Also, I don't always use disposable diapers. Using cloth diapers more often helps the skin breathe better. My only issue is that you have to change these diapers more often and wash them regularly with a special detergent.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Happy, Be Beautiful! 

 

 

Sunblock, Why reapply?

We all have heard the importance of wearing sunblock but still so many of us don't adhere to the rules to prevent sunburn or the potential risk of skin  cancer. 

Recently, my sister was on vacation and came home to tell me about a women hanging out at the pool. She applied sunblock to her kids and then proceeded to lather herself up with baby oil. My sister stated that she wanted to grab the woman and knock some sense into her. I would have to agree. I'm often baffled by how people seemingly know better but still make bad choices. She knew enough to take care of her children but not herself. Don't people like this wonder, "If mommy/daddy dies of skin cancer, what happens to my kids?"

So here I am again pleading with anyone who will listen. Sun protection  is a great way to prevent sunburn and potential future skin cancer. Apply sunblock often, every day to areas that will be exposed to sun. That includes the winter months as well. Use protective clothing, eyewear and hats.

Not convinced, here is a great article by SkinCancer.org that breaks down the importance of sunscreen for you.

Still not convinced? The  American Cancer Society has reported "Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. More than 3.5 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed in this country each year. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for more than 76,600 cases of skin cancer in 2013." SkinCancer.org reports "An estimated 3,170 deaths from non-melanoma skin cancers will occur in the US in 2013. An estimated 9,480 people will die of melanoma in 2013" These are alarming numbers. 

So why are so many of us still going to the beach/pool/ tanning beds with out a thought or care to what will happen long term. When you wake up in the morning and give thanks for that day. Also remember to protect that in which you are grateful for, your life. It may seem silly but a simple lotion applied regularly can keep your entire family protected from at least this preventable illness.

To the lady or ladies, even dads, like the mom at the pool lathering up with oil, does your family not deserve you in their life for as long as they can have you? That should be the question you ask yourself before deciding to put on that suntan oil. Or if I had a choice, would I want to die from skin cancer when it could be prevented?

I realized this sounds grim but I have seen what cancer in general can do to a family with members of my own family. The pain it causes not only the person dealing with the illness but the family and friends as well. My best friend once had a friend, D,  who loved to worship all things sun especially the tanning salon. The woman was always tanned or red. When she became pregnant with if I recall correctly her third child, she was diagnosed with cancer. She only lived long enough to hold her baby in her arms for a few short months and died shortly after her birth. That child, was robbed of ever knowing her mother as well as the other siblings and could have been prevented. Her husband and family members robbed of her presence.

If this doesn't work, let me appeal to your vanity. To much sun exposure can lead to early wrinkle, skin spots and hardened skin. That skin that looks like a leather strap. Why would you want to look like a piece of suede?

Let me leave off by saying this, skin cancer can be prevented. You don't have to become a statistic. Empower yourself with knowledge and do your best to protect yourself and your loved ones. It's the simplest of cancers to prevent but lethal if not. Don't fear the sun, just protect yourself from it.

I like to recommend Aveeno Baby SPF 55 for kids 2+ , Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 50  and No-Ad or Panama Jack SPF 35+ for body. Always look for where it says UVA/UVB protection. Enjoy the sun but please, don't forget to read the directions and reapply regularly.

Here are some helpful links below to enlighten you.
 

Link:

http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts

Informational links:

http://m.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/sunanduvexposure/skin-cancer-facts

http://www.skincancer.org/

http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/q---t/skin-cancer

http://www.melanomaprevention.org/

As always, Be Blessed, Be Happy, Be Beautiful!

 

Pregnancy and skin concerns

When your pregnant some things are a given.
1. You will gain at least a few more pounds i.e. baby weight, water retention / basic body fluids
2. You will be hormonally driven at times. i.e. Cry, laugh, scream or in some case all 3 at once.
3. Your skin will either react kindly or unkindly to the hormonal changes occurring. i.e. "The Glow", breakouts, Melasma, stretch marks etc.

Really, I could go on with a few more but these are the most common and why bore you or scare you with the other stuff. Since I focus on skin majority of the time, I will focus on point number three. Your skins response to being pregnant.

Keratosis Pilaris "Chicken Skin"

So far I have been lucky in the sense that my face hasn't had to many breakouts or Melasma a.k.a. "The Pregnancy Mask." Yet, I am not exactly giving "The Glow" either. What I am dealing with is the makings of stretch Marks on my belly and Keratosis Pilaris (K.P.)  a.k.a. "Chicken Skin" on my upper arms. When I was pregnant the first time around I only developed a small amount of stretch marks on my hips and they are light. After I gave birth, some exfoliation and peels, I managed to keep them from getting worse. For the K.P. I used a topical cream, Urea, prescribed by my Dermatologist which helped a great deal.  However, now pregnant with TWINS!! I know, right. They have both returned with a vengeance. I'm stretching to maximum capacity and my arms are plagued with K.P.

With that said, I have taken a different approach this time. Since I can't use peels or Vitamin A capsules or even Urea, I exfoliate my arms regularly with either an Almond scrub or Baking Soda (1 tsp) and Honey  (1 Tbsp) mix. Any scrub will do really. You just want to be able to scrub away the dry skin that develops over the trapped hair follicle. Then you want to follow up with a moisturizer to keep it from getting rough and bumpy again. It won't go away completely but it helps minimize the appearance.

The added bonus is that the same lotion I use to moisturize my arms, I use on my belly for the stretch marks. Now for the stretch marks, I have accepted that I will have some more added to my war stories of motherhood. But it does help to moisturize and to do it often. I apply about 3-4 times a day, minimum. You could very gently exfoliate the belly with Baking soda and honey as well to try help the skin regenerate while it stretches but I am not sure how well that works. I have done it a few times but I wont know the real results until post-partum. Note: If you scrub to hard you could actually make it worse because skin is so delicate while pregnant. So not to hard. My hope is that they wont be super noticeable like the first time around. If so, I may consider Fraction Laser treatments for the stretch marks.

In any case, I want to share one of the recipes I use to make my own body lotion. Through my many web surfing searches for skin care recipes and books, I found this one. I regret, I don't remember where I found it but I am using it and I love it.

Here is the recipe:

Coconut Whipped Body Butter

What you need:

1 cup coconut oil
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)
a few drops of your favorite essential oils for fragrance (optional) I skip it. Pregnancy makes oders stronger for some. I'm one of the some. 

What to do:

1. Put all ingredients into a mixing bowl. (You do not have to melt the coconut oil first.)

2. Mix on high speed with a wire whisk for 6-7 minutes or until whipped into a light, airy consistency.

3. Spoon the whipped coconut oil body butter into a glass jar and cover tightly. Store at room temperature, or in the refrigerator if your house is so warm it melts the oil.

Tip: An electric hand mixer will work, I used my Kitchen Aid mixer. It whips it up like egg whites.

Note: Your whipped coconut oil should stay relatively soft, even at colder temperatures. I noticed mine beaded into a froth of tiny coconut oil pearls that melt right into my skin.
Also try, 1/2 cup Virgin Coconut oil with 1/2 cup Natural Shea butter for a thicker consistency.

You'll notice that it may become a bit liquid with sweat like beads. That is fine. The liquid oil will soak right into your skin and the beads will melt right in as well. Trust me, this is so great for the skin. It goes on feeling greasy but after your skin eats it up you'll be impressed. I do hope that you try it out and like it as much as I do. Either way, let me know.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Happy, Be Beautiful! 

Looking for ideas and products to review

Since I am now pregnant, I am cautious with which products I use that aren't otherwise considered to be "Natural". Recently, I posted about a Shea butter that I tried out and am still using. Now that I am on bed rest, I am wondering what products I can try that are actually in the house.

Placed on bed rest, they recommended that I occasionally drink Milk of Magnesia. Magnesium is known to reduce or prevent premature labor as well as help the body expel faster. Gross, I know but then I remembered reading something about Milk of Magnesia for oily skin in one of the natural skincare books I've read. After some research, I discovered that my pregnancy brain hasn't forgotten everything. I was correct in thinking that you could use Milk of Magnesia on your skin, not just as a stimulant/laxative. Yes, I know gross. It is useful for anyone with oily, acneic skin problems or seborrheic dermatitis.

*It is important to note that if you have an allergy to Magnesium this is not the skin care product for you.

How it works:

To understand why it works, I think we should look at the active ingredient in this case Magnesium. Some contain Zinc as well which is also great on the skin. It is important to mention that you want to use a sugar free, flavor free Milk of Magnesia. Flavored brands have added mineral oils that can be contradictory for someone trying to manage oily skin. Magnesium is great for detoxification of the body so theoretically, it would work well for the skin. And that is just what it does. It absorbs all the excess oil from the skin and dries out pustules (pimples) much like a clay mask would do, drawing out all the impurities while also calming skin. Great on sensitive skin because you don't have to rub as hard to get the mask off, therefor not aggravating the skin. Suggested use of this mask is no more than one to two times a week as you do not want to over dry your skin.

D.I.Y. Milk of Magnesium Mask:

1. Shake bottle to make sure all of the ingredients are mixed together.
2. Pour about 1 tbs of Milk of Magnesia into a small container.
3. Apply to face (chest, back, upper arms) with a cotton pad or a facial brush.
4. Leave on for 20 minutes and remove using lukewarm water and a soft washcloth.
5. Follow up with a oil free moisturizer.

*This mask is only recommend for oily/acneic skin. Do NOT use if you have dry skin. Do NOT use if you are allergic to Magnesium or Zinc.

Surfing the web, I seen that some people use it as a skin toner or a make up primer. If you suffer from oily skin or acne, it is worth trying so long as you place a very light amount on. It is chalky and leaves a white film. As a toner, you can rinse gently after a minute. For make up use, I would suggest you use an extremely light amount using your finger or cotton ball.

A reminder that I have not used this mask. I do not suffer from oily skin as my skin tends to be on the drier side. I only have read about it. I will do my best to try it tonight on my mom and update with her comments. Reminder, I'm on bed rest with limited mobility, so it may not happen tonight. If you try this out, please share your thoughts.

I'll do my best to try more products out, find more ideas or suggestions for all that are reading. Feedback and ideas are always welcome.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Happy, Be Beautiful!

Product Review: Now Solutions Shea butter

During the winter we all suffered from slightly drier skin. In an effort to deal with the remaining dry skin from this past winter, and prepare for Spring, I purchased Now Solutions Shea Butter. Now I currently have a product I love to use but it isn't 100% natural. With my current state, pregnant with twins, I wanted to look for something natural and affordable.

Here is what they claim:

From the Manufacturer's Label:

Condition: Dry, cracked or chapped skin in need of intense repair, especially on tougher areas such as the elbows, knees and feet.

Solution: Natural Shea Butter has a rich, luxurious texture that penetrates deep to condition and moisturize every type of skin. As a natural derivative of the karite trees that grow in Western and Central Africa, Shea Butter is a wonderful emollient that's perfect for daily use. Can also be used as a scalp moisturizer.

Hexane-Free

COST: $8 - $10 online

SKIN BENEFITS:

Shea Butter nourishes the skin with Vitamins A, E and F. Vitamins A and E help maintain the skin and keep it clear and healthy. Particularly helpful for sun damaged skin. Vitamin F acts as a skin protector and rejuvenator.

Daily skin moisturizer (face and body)
Dry skin relief
Dry scalp
Skin rash- including diaper rash
Skin peeling, after tanning
Blemishes and wrinkles
Itching skin due to dryness
Sunburn
Skin cracks
Soften tough skin on feet (especially heels)
Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy
Eczema
Sun and wind protection
Reduce blemishes and scarring
Helps restore elasticity to skin

These are only some of the benefits for skin, it can also be used on scalp, hair, to treat minor burns and more.

They make note on label that it is a Hexane-Free product. So I started researching from there. Here is what I learned. "Hexane is a solvent widely used as an industrial cleaner and degreaser and is an ingredient in many consumer products. Easily inhaled or absorbed through the skin, hexane has been recognized for more than 40 years to cause long-lasting and even permanent nerve damage in feet, legs, hands, and arms." See direct link to learn more. Needless to say, I was happy this product didn't contain it. Industrial cleaner and degreaser, why would anyone w . ant that on their face?

REVIEW:

So I purchased the product from Amazon. Immediately started to use it. The product cold is very thick and grainy but does melt into skin rather quickly. I found that my skin remains well moisturized through out the day. Any redness from dry skin and itch was relieved. It also gave my skin a nice healthy glow without a greasy feel.

Though I do like the product and believe in its benefits there was one negative for me. If you don't heat it up it leaves a crumbly feeling on your skin. Kind of like you ate toast in bed. So it didn't feel so luxurious to me, as claimed. Heating it up in a separate glass bowl helps but isn't always practical.

The benefits to me still out way the small negative so I would absolutely recommend this product. Hope you will try it for yourselves and let me know what you think.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Happy, Be Beautiful!

Winter Lip Blues

Is the winters cold affecting your lips texture? Dried, dehydrated and possibly cracked lips are usually a tell tale sign.

Weather exposure can cause your lips to dry out (cold weather) or become dehydrated (hot weather). If your the outdoors type in the winter, Sun exposure can affect lips as well. Just as the rest of your skin can be damaged by the sun, so can your lips. Leaving your lips unprotected in a strong wind can cause damage too. A major cause of most dry or cracked lips is simple dehydration. If the body does not have enough water the extremities, including the lips, will show that lack first.

So what can you do if you find yourself licking your lips just to keep them momentarily moist? Here are some simple home and store bought solutions.

Try gently exfoliating dry lips with a sugar scrub or toothbrush. Followed by a drop of Almond oil or Olive oil to lock in moisture and heal lips. Also, try using a lip balm that doesn't contain perfume or dyes. These elements can sometimes have an adverse reaction and continue to dry out lips.

LUSH has a Bubble Gum lip scrub that can gently exfoliate your lips. Follow that up with their None of Your Beeswax lip balm or try EOS lip balm to seal in moisture.

If your going to be out exposed to the sun, add a lip balm with sun protection SPF 15 or more if you can find it. Reapply often.

The most important thing to do is drink plenty of water. As this helps hydrate your entire body, especially your lips since they often show the first visible signs of dehydration. Reapply your lip balm regularly and exfoliate once a week depending on need.

Hope this is useful to some of you dealing with the harsh winter cold.

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

Homemade body oil spray

Moisten skin after shower

With the winter fast approaching my skin has been starting to dry out at bit. Plus, I am super guilty of taking the occasionally long hot shower. I know its horrible for my skin but sometimes my muscles are just screaming for it.

In any case, I like to lather on Coco or Shea butter or both sometimes. In addition to my normal routine, I wanted to use something while still in the shower or just after the water gets turned off. So I made my own oil body spray. It works great and is made with natural ingredients. Only problem is that it has a short shelf life. I remedied that by placing the product in a smaller spray bottle. The kind you use for the air travel. Only make small batches at a time.

1 part Glycerin
4 parts Grape seed oil
and 2-3 drops of any essential oil of your choice.
4 oz travel size spray bottle

Pour directly into bottle while making. You can eye ball really since it is only 4 oz or if you like to be precise, you can use a measuring cup to be exact.

Shake and spray directly on your body after showering or taking a bath. Or apply to hands and rub in to avoid the slippery tub. Pat skin dry. Moisturize as normal. It's just an added layer of moisture for your skin. It is really great to do especially after exfoliating using a scrub or luffa.

NOTE: Spray tub with a tub cleaner after spraying in shower otherwise, it can be slippery for the next person who has to use the shower/tub.