Falling into my life

Well what can I say but that it's a challenge getting things typed up and out into the world when you have kids and up until now I had no computer. Mine met its maker a few months back and I had been using my smart phone. However, my smart phone has little to no memory left with all the apps so I am limited. I'm going to possibly over share in a bit so bare with.

Here is the latest on...

My skin regimen for the season.

Since Fall has arrived, I have given myself two skin (chemical) peels to remove minor hyper pigmentation from this summer and prior. I am working on a small spot that has a few dark marks from sun exposure. I am using gentle peels because I am in no rush to remove and I want to avoid  damaging my skin. Slow and steady since it is minor. I have no obvious wrinkles to speak of so I am good on that front for now. The peels are an added bonus. Preventative when it comes to the wrinkles.

My skin is dry and itchy at the moment, so I have been using aloe to calm my skin through out the day.  PCA Moisturizer with SPF25 to protect from sun. Hydrate and moisturize is all I can say in regards to keeping wrinkles at bay. When it comes to wrinkles, genetics plays a part so I am glad I take after my mom in that sense, she looks younger then she is. So if you look at your parents you know what to expect. If you don't have good genes and a poor skin regimen, you can only make it worse or speed up the aging process. So I recommend a strong skin regimen at any age but especially starting in your late 20's, early 30's.

Now on a personal note,...

My family life is great. The kids are all healthy thank goodness and my husband is with us once again. I am truly blessed when it comes to my family. We are stronger for what we have been through as a couple and as parents.

My eldest son is super happy to have his daddy home and the twins are adjusting as if he was never out of their lives. Seeing them all light up when they see their dad is an awesome feeling. I know that I could have had a different life, a life with out kids and I would have been okay. But having fought to have all three was well worth it. My heart is full on a daily basis. For that I am so grateful and blessed.

My youngest son had his surgery and came out just fine. He was medicated for the first few days and then he was back to his usual self. A scary experience when you are sitting waiting for an outcome of surgery. My sister was with me as she always is. She has been by their side from the moment they entered the world and always comes to their aide whenever we need her. She rocks!(M if your reading this, "I'm boasting about you but thats because you really do rock. Love you.")

The twins celebrated their first birthdays with family and friends. Little E started walking at ten and a half months and Little El started walking just days before their First birthday. So it was great to see them walking about at their little party. It was nice to be surrounded by people that love them and were so willing to come from a far to be with them. We have the best people in our lives. Celebrating them was a big deal because two years ago I was told having them wasn't even possible. Not at all possible and here they are.

Those that know me well know I struggled over not having anymore kids. Everyone said "at least you have the one", "Consider yourself lucky and move on" and so on. I was grateful for all those reasons, but I wanted my son to have a sibling. To have someone to grow up with, to love and be loved by after I am long gone from this earth. I didn't want to take no for an answer. Another one of my personal characteristics. And to end up having two, well, that was the biggest gift from above. I'm glad that I didn't let the diagnosis of P.O.I. stop me from seeing that goal come to be. Had I, we wouldn't have them. And they are the definition of joy.

So overall, I am in a good place with my family. Another added blessing is that the people that matter in my life are apart of it on a regular. Those that choose to be anyway.


NOTE: This was supposed to have been posted three months ago but for some reason, it didn't.


June 2014

Having three kids under three has definitely made life a challenge. I absolutely love them and wouldn't change a thing about them. However, I would love 20 minutes to myself from time to time. I mean, I can't even go to the bathroom without interruptions. This is the first time I get a chance to write in a while and that's because I'm at the doctors waiting to be seen while kids are at home with my folks. Since they take up 90% of my day and 100% of my life right now, I thought I'd share some of my life with you.

I'm dealing with one of the twins needing surgery tomorrow. It's crazy but my "sapito" (Little frog) has a hernia. If someone told me that motherhood meant that I might have to one day push my kids intestines back in through his testicles, I would say not me. Yet, here I am checking him constantly and adjusting him when needed. I feel terrible for him because it looks painful. At-least, uncomfortable. He loves to jump. I mean all the time and he doesn't walk, he lunges forward. So I am concerned how the recovery time will go for a little boy that doesn't sit still. Guess we shall see.

The other two are fine thank God. Growing fast, to fast. My oldest is just so smart and testing his waters every possible moment. That's what everyone says "he's testing his waters." I think he's just testing me. I can't be doing all bad because he thinks I'm the best. Which is awesome to hear from him because I often think I could be doing better. Then he goes and tells me he loves me or "your the best mama" which melts my heart. I know I'm bound to screw them up some how but I am glad I haven't as of yet. Or at least, it doesn't seem I have to him and that's fine for now.

My little girl is taking her first steps. She's very careful when she let's go and I see her thinking her first steps through. Very cool! She is almost always smiling and has such a strong personality already. Can't wait to see as it develops more. She's tough and I love that. I think all women should be, especially in the world she is growing up in today. A woman needs to stand up on her own two feet and I can see already that she has that spirit in her.

Guess I am just a proud gushing mom. Forgive me for that but it's the first time I share so much with you all. I just love them so and sometimes you really do just want to tell the world.

In any case, I hope that your lives are going well and that you are sticking to healthy life choices. Choosing to be happy each day and working on the things that need improving be it personally or physically. Whatever leads you to personal peace and happiness.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and 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!

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.

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!

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!

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

Summer Drying Your Skin Out?

While visiting some family these past few weeks, I ran out of my moisturizer. I went a few days without any and wow was my skin totally reacting to the lack of extra moisture. With no time to place an order for L'Bel USA, I decided to do some product hunting and share the results with you.

A local beauty supply store, Sally's Beauty Supply Store, had a variety of skin products all claiming to do many things. My skin is normally dry but it is super dry from the climate and the water here. I have been scratching at it and rubbing trying to find relief.

I tried using fresh Aloe to calm and hydrate my skin but that didn't take care of it all. It reduced a majority of the redness and bumps from inflammation I had developing on my skin but I was still dry and itchy.

So while at the store, my eyes focused in on one product and its straight to the point label "face fix mix: Hydrating Skin Quencher" by Claudia Stevens. Nothing fancy about the packaging and no major promises of turning back time. Just a simple facial moisturizer. Fix my face indeed! For approximately $6, I was willing to try it out.

I applied it on my clean, damp skin and felt my skin gobble it up very quickly. I reapplied throughout the day as needed. After two nights, I felt the itch starting to calm as well as the redness from scratching my skin. This cream works really well with Vitamin E oil which I put on prior.

A week has passed now and my skin is back to its healthy self. With the face fix mix, Vitamin E and plenty of water to drink, my skin is back where I want it to be. For $6, I couldn't be happier with the product. As a humectant, it refreshes the skin without any harsh oils and blends well with extracts or oils. I would recommend it to clients for sure. Face Fix Mix has other products available as well but I haven't yet tested those out. You can order online or pick it up at your local Sally's Beauty Supply Store and to try it out for yourself.

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

At Home Skin Mask that Helps Dull Skin

Being a Esthetician, I subscribe to many newsletters and magazines regarding the skin care industry. With that, I received lots of information and ideas on skin care. 

Recently a friend discussed with me how she was unhappy with her skin and that she wanted to start a new skin regimen and would like to know what I recommend. I provided her with some L'BelUSA recommendations as well as some natural treatments. This is great for dull, lifeless skin. So I wanted to share another at home recipe for you all that like to try your own hand at making your own skin care items naturally. As for my friend, you know who you are and this is definitely for you to try.

Here is a recipe that I received from Rena Levi Skin Care in which she calls it her "Secret Homemade Mask". If it's a secret it must be good, right? Well it is. 

Here's why I know it helps.

Carrot Juice

- has Vitamin A, which is essential for tissue growth in the body

- has Vitamin C, which helps with collagen production in the body

- fights sun damage

- helpful for treating uneven skin tones due to pigmentation

- helps in eliminating and preventing acne

Lemon Juice

- Vitamin C - see above

- Citric acid, a peeling and exfoliating agent great with dark spots and acne

- B Vitamins, slow down the signs of aging and provide added moisture to skin

Beer Yeast

- rich source of B complex vitamins

- brewer's yeast can improve acne

p.s.- "Holistic Online.com notes that when these deficiencies are added to the diet as with brewer's yeast, the symptoms of eczema and dermatitis have gone away."

Yogurt

- Lactic Acid, Lactic acid helps to eliminate germs, toxins and dead cells from the skin s surface

- helps to maintain the skin's pH level.

- B Vitamins, See above

Olive Oil

- Vitamin E, improves the elasticity of the skin.

- Oleic acid, helps to soften the skin

Here is the mask for you to try. Enjoy!

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

Home Mask for Healthy Skin that Glows:

2 teaspoons carrot juice

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon beer yeast

1 tablespoon yogurt

1 teaspoon olive oil (do not use if your skin is oily)

Mix together and apply generously to cleansed skin; leave on

for 10-20 minutes then rinse with cool, clear water. Allow to air dry.

   

Natural Exfoliating Wash

Pure and Natural Vanilla Seeds and Mango Butter Body Wash is just that, pure an natural. I recently used this on a vacation an fell in love with it. However, it is hard to find.

This gentle exfoliator is great for summer dry skin because it contains mango butter to moisturize your skin as well. I love that they use vanilla beans to gently exfoliate instead of some of these other exfoliates that use apricot or other nuts to scrubs skin (WE NOW KNOW MICROBEADS ARE UNACCEPTABLE TO ENVIRONMENT). Jojoba beads are the only exfoliator I use but the vanilla seeds is now on my personal list for acceptable exfoliator. In addition, the calming scent is wonderful. If you can image yourself in a tropical place, this is the wash for you.

This natural body wash is Hypoallergenic and made in the USA. Thats always an incentive.
It cost about $6. Attached is their web link so you can find where to purchase near you. Click for where to buy. I am sure you can always find it on Amazon. Pure and Natural has other body wash alternatives as well.

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

Jessner Peel Day 7 - Moisturizing Mask

Since I did the peel, my skin has been feeling really itchy and dry. There was flaking but very minimal since I only did one application to test. So to help prepare my skin for the full blown peel that I intend to do next week, I gave myself a moisturizing mask.

The moisturizing mask was made with items I already had in my cupboard.  It's really great for dry or sensitive skin types. Here is a list of what you will need with a helpful image to see exactly what I used. I followed the 1 for 1 rule for the exception of the lemon juice, as it is very acidic.

1 Tablespoon of Natural Organic Amber Honey

1 Tablespoon of  Raw Manuka Honey (Can't say enough about this honey, Great stuff!!)

1 Tablespoon of  Organic Virgin Coconut Oil 

1 Tablespoon of Pure Glycerin

1 Tablespoon of Distilled water (not shown)

1 Teaspoon of Lemon Juice

And a small container to store in refrigerator.

To combine I used a small spatula. The mixture will be a bit separated because of the Coconut Oil and water. That's okay. If you want it creamier, just don't add water. Perfectly fine. I just like the gliding effect of the water and oil. Plus the Glycerin is a humectant to it will take the water right into your skin.

Then take a small about of mixture, and begin to glide over your face working from the décolleté up to your forehead. Work in gentle, small circles over the skin, always in the up direction. Around the eyes going from outside in and over. Tap the skin gently as if you were playing piano on your face, this motion is called tapotement. The skin will start to feel warm and flush. Now let your skin rest with moisturizer on for about 2-3 minutes. 

With a gently cleanser, wash face with lukewarm water. Your skin may feel a bit slick still after cleansing. This is okay. Gently pat dry. No need to tone skin unless you have oily skin to start with. Then you should follow with a oil free moisturizer. Otherwise, leave as is. Sunblock if you are going out and that's it.

The mixture should last about 4 weeks in refrigerator. If you have really dry skin I would do this once a week until you see some changes in skin. If you have oily skin, once a month. As a side note,  it's is a super affordable way to take care of you skin and the products can be used for so many other things so it's not wasteful to purchase. 

The itch is gone, my skin is glowing and super refreshed. Try it out, I think you will love it.

P.S. - Add Raw Brown sugar/Sea salt  to make a great body scrub for shower.

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

Ease that ashy skin

Looking for a way to recover your skin from a harsh cold winter? Is your skin dull and ashy? Here is a great product that I have been using on my body and I have to say, I really like it. From the company of Nivea it's Essentially ENRICHED daily lotion for very dry and rough skin.

HERE IS WHAT THEY CLAIM:

"Indulge in rich, nourishing moisture. Specifically formulated for very dry to rough skin, Essentially Enriched Lotion gives your skin the intensive moisture it needs. Within two weeks, Essentially Enriched Lotion transforms very dry skin into healthier, more nourished, hydrated skin."

HOW IT WORKS:

Enriched with natural sea minerals, Vitamin E and Almond Oil and NIVEA’s exclusive Hydra IQ technology supports skin’s own hydration network to unleash deep, non-stop moisture that lasts more than 24 hours.

WHAT THAT MEANS TO ME:

- Sea minerals - i.e. Sea Salt, as they improve circulation, stimulate cell growth, exfoliate dead skin, reduce swelling and itching.
- Vitamin E - Vitamin E is one of the most powerful antioxidants, but your body can't produce it, which means you have to make sure you're getting enough of this valuable nutrient in your diet. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular damage from occurring.
- Almond Oil - an excellent emollient (softening and soothing to the skin) and also helps the skin to balance water loss and absorption of moisture. Is suitable for all skin types, but is especially good for dry or irritated skin.
- Hydra IQ is a Technology they developed that allows the lotion to replenish skin throughout the day. Look at it like a time release pill capsule.

OVERALL:

I am happy with the results. And I highly recommend that you try this product. It's affordable and it works! Approximately $6 for 13.5 fl oz.

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

 

Excessively dry skin, easy natural fix

If you're suffering from excessively dry skin and can't get to the spa for microderm or a peel, I have a natural affordable treatment you can try.

If you find that you are shedding excessive amounts of skin on your face and body try using a body scrub to remove unwanted dead skin cells.

Face: use 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 1 teaspoon cold pressed Grape Seed Oil and gently rub areas affected in small circles (do NOT rub for more than an 2 minutes). This will brighten and moisturize skin.

Body: use 2 tablespoons sea salt with 4 tablespoons cold pressed Grape Seed Oil and rub on affected area/(s) while taking a warm shower. Taking care not to slip in shower, I usually sit on edge of tub for this. To maintain moisture after shower, I use a bit more oil on my entire body.

As for a daily moisturizer, I personally use 3-4 eye dropper drops of organic cold pressed Grape Seed oil. It is a great natural way to moisturize and help repair damage to skin cells. It's used in many lotions, creams and sunblocks.

Grape Seed Oil is a great source of polyphenols - flavonoids, Essential Fatty Acid - linoleic acid, vitamin E and vitamin C. It is believed through studies that Grape Seed Oil and its Extract constitute anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-histamine, anti-aging, anti-allergic, antimicrobial, and adaptogenic activity. Adaptogenic meaning (in herbal medicine) a natural substance considered to help the body adapt to stress. Impressive right! So it's great for all skin types ranging from acne, dermatitis, eczema, overly dry skin, age spots and wrinkles to name a few. As well as other physical ailments.

Grape Seed Oil can be used from the inside out through ingestion of extract supplements. With your doctors okay, can be used to help with diabetes, high blood pressure and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Always talk to your physician before starting a supplement of any kind. And if you have grape allergies, do not use. You can substitute with olive oil.

I also like to dab a small amount around the eyes just before I go to bed to help with dehydration, wrinkles and inflammation.

You can pick it up at a local health food or organic food store. I use La Tourangelle Grape Seed Oil but there are other options.  Try it out and let me know if your hooked on this powerful oil and helpful tid bit. Maybe you have a skin question, feel free to ask me by posting a comment.