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! 

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!

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!

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