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!

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!