Queen of the Nile, Cleopatra's Milk Bath

Now I am not sure how much truth there is to this, as it was way before my time but it has been said that Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt loved to take Milk Bathes. If we remember the movie with Elizabeth Taylor playing Cleopatra, there is a scene where she is taking the famous milk bath. History or myth states that it was specifically,  Donkeys milk. I don't know about you, but I can't imagine some poor soul milking donkeys to benefit her skin. What could possibly have been the benefits of it and does it still hold up today?

Since I can't get my hands on donkeys milk (not that I want to) I decided to share information on another type of milk with perhaps not so well known facts. Buttermilk. We know that Buttermilk is used in many foods, especially a family favorite, pancakes. It is an excellent source of potassium, vitamin B12, riboflavin, phosphorus and calcium. Rich in Lactic Acid and low in fat. Many people hear buttermilk and think that it is fatty but so not the case. Buttermilk is the remaining byproduct after making butter, so much of the fat has been removed for butter. It is a probiotic food that contains the type of bacteria which instead of being harmful, has great health benefits. So if you are lactose intolerant or have digestive issues, Buttermilk is a great option for you. I like to mix some in to my kids bottles when their stomachs are acting up. Works great. 

Buttermilk on your skin? Yes, used as a facial mask it softens, brightens and exfoliates the skin to give it a younger appearance. At the same time, the natural acids, work as an astringent. Lactic acid lightens blemishes, dark spots while tightening the sagging skin by boosting collagen. One company that stands out in its use of Buttermilk is Burt's Bees. Many of their lotions contain Buttermilk. 

Want to reap the benefits from this powerful ingredient, Make your own buttermilk Mask or scrub.

Buttermilk Avena Mask

2 Tbsp Buttermilk
2 Tbsp Oatmeal (Finely Ground)
1 tsp Honey

Mix into a paste, let dry on skin and rinse with lukewarm water.
Pat dry and follow with your favorite skin Toner. 

Buttermilk Coconut Scrub
(You want to make this as needed)
4 Tbsp Buttermilk
4 Tbsp Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
1/2 Cup Raw Sugar
Mix in a bowl and off to the shower you go.
Rub scrub all over your body in circles moving upward to exfoliate skin and rinse.

NOTE: If you can manage, let it sit on skin for a bit before rinsing off. So when you jump in shower wet your skin and turn off the water. Apply scrub and shampoo your hair. By the time your ready to rinse your hair,  turn water back on and you can rinse away scrub as well. 

Hope you will make use of this fabulous natural ingredient. I promise that you will love the Buttermilk. You may not want to fill your tub with it but a mask or scrub is absolutely doable. 

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

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

Post Thanksgiving Mask

My inspiration for mask.

Manuka (Raw) Honey

So I hope we all survived Thanksgiving better then most turkeys did. As I enjoyed a slice of pumpkin pie, it was more like I scarfed it down because I had to rush home with kids. 2/3 were crying because they were so tired. In any case, I thought of a relaxing Pumpkin Mask that would be wonderful for the skin.

Nutmeg - Anti-inflammatory/Acne reducer

Pumpkin Puree

Try 2 tablespoons of Pumpkin Puree mix with 1 tablespoon of raw honey(I love Manuka Honey) and a pinch of Nutmeg.  After washing your face, use this as a dual scrub/mask for about 10 minutes. Gently scrub skin in a circular motion from neck up to forehead. Try not to lick it off your face until then. You will be tempted but don't do it. Then wash off with Lukewarm water and pat dry with clean cloth. Follow with toner, serums, moisturizer and SPF for daytime. 

It's a great mask to moisturize skin, reduce inflammation from perhaps to many eggnog's and heals acne inflammation or pain. You could add a bit more nutmeg to left over mask and you can use as a body scrub. Waste not, want not. 

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

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

Prepping for holidays...Yippee!

You know this made you laugh.

Having mentioned that I would discuss things other than skin care from time to time her goes the latest.

We all remember the Thanksgiving episode  where on Friends, character Monica gets her head in a turkey. Then decides to make the best of a horrible situation to cheer up Chandler. 

I am currently avoiding the horrors of the holidays by going to someone else's house. Let them get their heads stuck in a turkey, metaphorically of course. However,  I can't show up empty handed. I wasn't raised that way. One positive in my up bringing. (Kudo's to you mom and dad.)

Since I haved started to cook things more from scratch for the family. I have been searching for authentic meals and desserts to feed them all. Some of the childhood memories I still have and my happiest, are around the kitchen watching my mother, grandmothers or who ever cooking. The smells, the sampling of food as it prepares and watching it cook in the oven. That little oven light was like turning on the television for me. In some ways, it still is today. 

Now sadly, I know that you should never relate joy to food because it puts you at risk to over eating. However, I feel like if you eat foods made with fresh ingredients and control the quantity, you should be all right. Plus some exercise wouldn't hurt either. (HAHA!) 

With the holidays fast approaching, I have begun the process to seek out yummy whole food meals that I can make for the family to enjoy through out the holidays. Since I am not hosting this year (Can I get an AMEN?),  I want to make sure I don't show up empty handed and that I have great meals at home prepped and ready. Incase no one eats enough at our hosts home. I always have hungry little monsters so I try to have meals prepped for them. 

The holidays are a confusing time for me. I have mixed feelings about them. They bring good memories to mind but also stress the heck out of me. Since I am not hosting this year, (notice how I keep saying that) I do have it easier then my hosts for sure. Since I am in charge of dessert as I am often during the holidays, I am posting one recipe that I will make for home and one that I will be taking to my hosts home. (Okay, it's my sister house. It's no secret we get along.) I'm still thinking I may host Christmas Eve, still thinking on how I can manage it. 

The great thing about cooking for me is that its where I let all me stress out. It's having people over that stresses me out. I never feel like the house is clean or organized enough. And now a days, I feel like that even more.  Every thing is way harder to do now with the three kids. So I have to plan ahead and often, cook enough to freeze or eat for two days. 

DIY: Rice Pudding, no jarred stuff here.

In any case, I have selected two desserts for this coming Thanksgiving. When I was a kid, my mom use to make Rice Pudding for the holidays for my brother. Back then, I wasn't a fan (cooked raisins, Yuck!) but I love the stuff now. Though I am still not a fan of cooked raisins, my husband and son love them. I think that this recipe for Rice Pudding by The Pioneer Woman would be a great one since it is so close to how my mom made it. Note: My son is only 3, so I think I will skip the Bourbon and use vanilla extract with warm water to plump up the raisins and add to their flavor.  I may just divide the batch and make a small batch without raisins for myself and introduce this treat to the twins. I'll let you know how my first sample batch comes out but looks simple enough.

The second, is an easy one that I have already made. I took a box of Hodgins Mills Gingerbread mix,  and a can of Trader Joe's All Natural Pumpkin Puree. Mixed it together. Added Chocolate chips. Poured it into a rectangle baking pan. Topped with some more chocolate chips. Placed in oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Note: You want to coat your pan with butter and flour. You can top with ice cream, warm chocolate, whipped cream or all of the above if you aren't concerned about your waist line. My sister and son sampled it and they liked it so it's ago. You could also use a box of Duncan Hines Spice Cake and just add can of Pumpkin Puree. One less ingredient to add but probably would contain more preservatives from this type of Spice Cake mix. It's the holidays though, so enjoy it however you like.

My hope is that you all can get through the holidays as easy as I'm planning to. Best laid plans of course so we shall see how it goes. Now I just have to start jotting down all the many things I am thankful for. Happy planning.

Be sure to comment, Like, Share and Subscribe. Thanks so much for coming by.

Until next time, 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! 

 

 

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.

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

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

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!

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.

   

Link to You Tube video host that helps

As a professional, I am constantly looking for new ideas to tell my clients, friends and family. I often use YouTube as a way of finding information from other professionals who post videos. Something I myself need to start working on. NOTE TO SELF: GET TO IT!

Any ways, while trolling through YouTube, I found a simple video on a Strawberry Yogurt mask. The young lady hosting, Jennisse, really caught my attention. Very bubbly! Because of her personality, I decided to check out more of her videos. She has a great page and I wanted to share her YouTube link, JennisseMakeup, with you. This way you can watch her video tutorials on skin care and make up.

She is fun to watch and the tutorials are easy to follow. You're welcome!

Have a great day all!

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!

   

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!

Natural Skin Shop 4th of July Sale

This week, our nation will celebrate 236 years since declaring its independence in 1776. Picnics, BBQs and firework displays will commemorate this celebratory day in America along with some great savings from Natural Skin Shop. From July 2nd - July 6th, Natural Skin Shop is celebrating Independence Day with a 15% OFF SALE.

Did you know that back in 1776 women used hog lard to moisturize their skin? Fortunately, women today can enjoy luxurious and nutrient-rich moisturizers and serums from NaturalSkinShop.com in addition to FREE UPS ground shipping for orders over $75. Take advantage of the kits. They are great!

15% OFF 4th OF JULY SUPER SALE: (SALE ENDS: JULY 6th) Save 15% OFF Your Order at NaturalSkinShop.com! Coupon Code: NSS15.

PREMIUM PEEL KITS PROMOTION: (VALID: ONGOING) Save 15% on Premium Peel Kits. Use coupon code NSS15 at checkout. This coupon is valid through December 31


 

Aloe Vera Sugar Scrub

Aloe Vera Sugar Scrub
2 Tbs. Aloe Vera (Fresh)
2Tbs. Brown Sugar
1 Tsp. Lemon Juice

Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) is a non-grass herb plant best known for its healing properties. Traditionally used topically to heal wounds and other skin conditions i.e burns or eczema, etc. It can also be used as a laxative but I'd rather Dulcolax. Your bodies response once ingested could be very uncomfortable and unpredictable.

Aloe Vera is found in hundreds of skin care products, lotions, cosmetics, skin cleansers and more. Aloe Vera has a great cooling effect to aid in soothing skin. Great for sun burns! In addition, it can moisturize and help the skin regenerate. So if your skin is feeling dehydrated, dry, itchy, or deflated, aloe is wonderful for that.

Using brown sugar helps exfoliate the outer most layer of the skin naturally. Is a great source of B vitamin (antioxidant) from the molasses which could possibly help in repairing the sun damage to your skin known as Photo-aging. An additional benefit is that it is super affordable.

Lemon is a great natural skin lightener and brightener. As well as a good source of Vitamin C. It can gently exfoliate skin as an acid alone but is often mixed with other ingredients. Can fade wrinkles and age spots.

Try the mask, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results.

As always, Be Blessed, 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!