Oatmeal...It's not just for your belly

Oats (Avena Sativa) 

We all think about food as a source of sustenance that we intake to survive. We eat because we have to  and because we enjoy it,  some foods more then others. I love food and am willing to try all ethnic types of food at least once. Food keeps us strong from the outside in providing the body with much needed nutrients and vitamins. When done right, your bod can thrive, becoming strong and healthy from inside out. However, did do you know that you can nourish your body, particularly your skin from the outside in with food?

Yes, it is true. Certain foods when placed on the skin can aide in healing, rebuilding and nourishing it. If you have been reading my blog long enough, you know this already. If you're new to the blog, (Welcome!)here you can benefit from some of the DIY remedies and treatments that I have posted for skincare.

Food is an amazing thing and elements of nature can absolutely help the skin from the outside in. Sunburn? Everyone knows that Aloe is great for soothing sunburn. They even use it in hospitals for burn victims. It's that powerful. From inside out, it's great for those dealing with stomach issues among other things. 

Oatmeal is a great way to nourish yourself at breakfast because it fills you with less for a longer period of time, proven to help lower cholesterol and aid in increasing lactation for breastfeeding mothers. However this grain isn't just for eating. It is used in many skin care products, from your soaps to lotions and more. It's scientific name is Avena Sativa or colloidal oatmeal. "Colloidal Oatmeal is finely ground oatmeal. It is often used to relieve minor skin irritation and itching due to poison ivy or insect bites. It can also be used as a soak, compress or wet dressing. When oatmeal is used in cosmetic and personal care products (rather than OTC skin protectant drug products), it may be called Avena Sativa (Oat) " Learn more click here 

Popular brands that use Avena Sativa in their products, Aveeno (Most known for using Oatmeal), Kheils, Dove. JĀSÖN and way more. Why do they use it? What is it that they know about Oatmeal for skin care that more of us are learning or already know?

Well here are some of the top reasons:

it has anti-inflammatory properties, helpful for even the most sensitive skin types

contains saponins, a cleansing agent, and can therefore be used as a mild soap

is moisturizing and helps remove dead skin cells. i.e. skin scrub (exfoliant)

it can help treat acne, eczema, rosacea and rashes

After all this, are you still not convinced? Well here is a DIY recipe that you can try to see just how wonderful oatmeal on your skin can work. 

Oatmeal Olive Oil Mask

2 Tbsp Organic Oatmeal  (Ground into fine powder. I use my coffee grinder.)
1 Tbsp Organic Olive Oil  

Combine into a paste and brush a think coat onto skin in upwards motion
Let dry completely and rinse with Luke warm water. You can use a cloth if having trouble taking mask off. Just rub off with gentle upwards circles.
Follow with your favorite skin toner & moisturizer.

Even before you put your moisturizer on, you will notice your skin softer and brighter. Any redness you had prior should be less noticeable or gone. This mask can be used daily to ease dryness or inflammation on face. This winter has done its best to dry out my skin but I have been combating it with masks like this one. If you are worried about your skin being to greasy from Olive Oil, you can substitute with Plain yogurt. However, I find that the Olive oil works well especially when followed with the skin toner afterwards. 

Alternative mask check out past post Oatmeal Fig and Papaya Mask

Hope you try it out and let me know what you think. Have an issue with your skin? Drop me a line with your question. I am happy to help solve your skin care issue. 

Please take a moment to comment, Like, Share or and Subscribe. Thanks so much for coming by.

Until my next post,...

Be Blessed, Be Healthy and 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! 

 

 

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!

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.

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

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!

  

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!

Acne prone skin. Oregano can help.

Wild Oregano leaves

If I were to ask many of you what you could use Oregano on, few would say your face. Pizza, pasta sure but your face...how's that right? Did you know that Oregano can be used on your skin?

Oregano, specifically Wild Oregano, known as Origanum Vulgare has wonderful benefits. 

BENEFITS: 

- Antifungal, antibacterial, anthelmintic and antiseptic

- Antioxidant

With these great benefits it's great for the skin topically. However, it is a very potent extract so you do have to use it with caution on its own. I would not even suggest using it alone. Many products contain Oregano or an element of oregano. Dilution is always necessary. So it is mixed with a carrier oil to protect the skin, otherwise it would irritate your skin in its purest state. Carrier oils recommended are Almond oil, Olive oil or Safflower oil.  Active ingredient will show Origanum Vulgare with Thymol and Carvacrol. 

How do you use the product on the skin and who would benefit from it?

USES:

- Spot treatment for breakouts

- Acne

- Facial masks

- Foot creams

- Skin toners

For spot treatment and acne, I like Origins Spot Remover Anti-blemish Treatment Gel. I've mentioned it before. I really think it's a great product and it's way easier then mixing up your own batch and risk irritating your skin any worse. For foot cream, you could use what ever lotion you use normally for your feet and add 2 drops of oregano oil to it. That will help kill any bacteria on your feet.

If you want to try making your own treatments try either or both recipes below.

FOR A MASK -  1/4 cup Aloe Vera, mashed Cucumber and 1-2 drops oregano oil

I would recommend that you start off with 1 drop to see how your skin reacts and work your way up to 3 drops. NEVER exceed more than 3 drops to avoid skin irritation.

FOR A SKIN TONER - Here's a quick recipe for you to try on Youtube. It's really easy from Green Living! Toner Recipe

When dealing with acne don't go it alone. Seek help from your dermatologist in conjunction with your Esthetician. And don't be afraid to ask questions or push for more natural treatments. Good luck!

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

   

Homemade Oregano Toner

Dried Oregano

You ever wake up unsure what to do with yourself. Today was one of those days. I wanted to do something for me. Something I enjoy doing. I came up with the idea of making my own Acne toner. Why not  mix up a concoction while mine son was asleep.

This is how I began. I took some Oregano from my herb garden that had dried out and placed the leaves and the stems in a pot of boiling distilled water (1/2 cup). I let it come to a rolling boil, pressed the leaves and stems with a spatula a few times. After that I placed it on simmer  for about 3 more minutes. Pressed again with Spatula and recovered pot.  Then I let it steep for about 5 minutes after turning it off.

I had a glass container with top that I could use to place my finished product. With a strainer and a steady hand, I poured the hot mix into the little bottle. It will have little pieces that get through the strainer but I wouldn't worry about it.

Once cool, I placed in fridge for later use. It's great for spot treatments or for your full face if you get a great deal of acne. For the occasional breakout, which is what I deal with, it's great. If you have oily skin, this would be great to use as well. It dries and tightens skin. As well as being antimicrobial. You can rinse with cold water and pat face dry or leave on and let it dry on its own. I left it on my skin then applied a lotion after it dried.

The toner will have to stay in the fridge but can be used for up to 2 months. Assuming you haven't used it all by then.

If you aren't the "Susie Homemaker" type and prefer to buy something. My husband used the Burt's Bees Acne solution toner for awhile and seemed to have good results. Though he has since started using L'Bel's products. Or good old fashioned Witch Hazel for Oily skin. But this is a great affordable way to try and take care of your skin.

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