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

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!

  

All time favorite yogurt

My Favorite Yummie Yogurt by FAGE!

As they say, it's best to nourish the body inside and out. So this ins't a skin tip but it's a great food tip if you haven't heard of it or tried it yet. And is serves as dual purpose from the inside out.

The product is a yogurt by FAGE (fa-yeh) and it is officially my all time favorite yogurt and flavor. It is the Mango Guanabana flavor. I'm telling you, this is so good I could eat them all day. I also like the Strawberry Goji. My wish now is that they will make a frozen yogurt in these yummie flavors to indulge without the guilt.

It's jammed packed with probiotics, great source of calcium and is only 120 calories. Did I mention ZERO fat. Woohoo! The best part is my son loves it too. So though I am not keen on sharing, I know that it is something I can with him. As he often attacks me when he sees his mommy eating something. 

With that said, I am really hoping that no one comes along and burst my bubble here. I am thinking this is a good go-to-food for all to enjoy. Hope Dr. Oz doesn't come out saying something otherwise. LOL! I don't see how since Greek yogurt is all the rave now. 

Plain is great when you add fresh fruit.

Seriously though, if you enjoy eating yogurt, especially a greek base yogurt, I just know you'll love it. If you don't, you could always make a yogurt mask for your face.The lactic Acid found in yogurt is great for the skin as it exfoliates and brightens. So there is no waste and no harm in trying. I also read in the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) that dairy items like yogurt with probiotics is easier digested by the lactose intolerant. Bonus!  They have plenty of other flavors to that you can try out too. Check it out, try it out and I do hope you enjoy it like I did. 

Below is the index information of FAGE Mango Guanabana yogurt.  

Happy Healthy eating! 

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

Serving Size: 1 Container 5.3oz (150g)
Servings per Container 1

Calories	120
Calories from fat	0
Total fat	0g
% DV Total fat	0%
Saturated fat	0g
% DV Saturated fat	0%
Trans fat	0g
Cholesterol	0mg
% DV Cholesterol	0%
Sodium	45mg
% DV Sodium	2%
Total carbohydrates	18g
% DV carbohydrates	6%
Dietary fiber	0g
% DV fiber	0%
Sugars	17g
Protein	13g
% DV Protein	26%
Vitamin A	0%
Vitamin C	0%
Calcium	15%
Iron	0%

Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

• Ingredients:
STRAINED YOGURT: Grade A Pasteurized Skimmed Milk, Live Active Yogurt Cultures (L. Bulgaricus, S. Thermophilus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Casei). MANGO-GUANABANA FRUIT PREPARATION (20%): Sugar, Mangos, Water, Guanabana Puree, Corn Starch, Contains 2% or less of: Lemon Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavors, Xanthan Gum.

• Appropriate for:
• Gluten-Free
• Vegetarians

 

  

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!

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!

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!