Gonna Try . . .

Keratosis Pilaris : A skin condition in which a protein in the skin called keratin forms hard plugs within hair follicles also called “chicken skin” lol. I’ve had these bumps forever, I think it’s time I stop ignoring the back of my arms.

IMG_7372

IMG_7371

http://m.sephora.com/product/P147925

$1.99

Olive oil is very rich in vitamins, minerals and natural fatty acids. Olive oil is a powerful ingredient of anti-aging skin care products; rich in antioxidants, it prevents skin aging, the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, it also nourishes, rejuvenates and protects the skin. Got this guy at whole foods & I can’t wait to try it!

IMG_5364.PNG

All natural beauty mask

This is a simple mask that you can do at least twice a week for smooth and silky soft skin.
I’ve been doing this mask since I was 20! I hope you like it 🙂

You will need :
1 egg white
1 tsp of coconut oil
1 tsp of honey
1 bowl
1 spoon
1 facial brush

Simply mix the honey, oil & egg white until it looks like cloudy honey. Apply to face with a brush and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water & enjoy your glowing skin.

IMG_3941.PNG

IMG_3942.PNG

IMG_3948.PNG

IMG_3947.PNG

To tone or not to tone….

 

 

 

 

images

Yes you do need a toner.

Toners help skin return to its natural ph level. PH is the balance between acidity & alkalinity. Skin is at its healthiest when its slightly acidic. Acid prohibits bacterial growth that can cause acne. Alkaline skin is more prone to wrinkles & sun damage. A toner also assists penetration of treatments and moisturizers. If you are interested in seeing results from your serums and moisturizers, tone before using them.

Another benefit of using a toner is to get the hard water residue off of the skin.  Chlorine and hard minerals are left on your skin after you rinse off the cleanser products.  These minerals can dry your skin & cause wrinkles.

Clarisonic Radiance Brush Head

CS155-clarisonic-sonic-radiance-brush-head-duo

 

The Radiance Brush Head is specifically engineered with extra fine bristles to deliver a luxurious and highly-effective cleansing experience.  This unique and patented brush head helps to remove sebum and surface-level pigmentation to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dullness. If you already have a Clarisonic, you can simply attach the Radiance brush head to your handle.

The new brush head is more luxe and plush, and delivers more than 300 movements per second, meaning the cleansing products are penetrating your skin without irritating it. I purchased my new brush head at Nordstrom’s about a week ago & I can already notice a difference on my skin.

*I know this machine is pricey but it’s a great investment, your skin will thank you*

Shiseido Purifying Cleanser Review

Leaves skin feeling refreshed & clean without over-drying

Cleanser has a cream texture with micro-granules

Removes all traces of makeup, except mascara

Pea size amount is great for face & neck

Foams up to provide a good lather

photo 1-1 photo 2-1Below are the ingredients

Silica– Silica is a mineral found naturally in sandstone, clay, and granite, as well as in parts of plants and animals, and is used as a versatile ingredient in the cosmetics and skin care industry because of its ability to serve as a an abrasive, anticaking agent, bulking agent, opacifying agent and suspending agent. However, it is most often seen as an absorbant, because of its ability to absorb moisture and sweat, according to CosmeticsCop.com and CosmeticsInfo.org. Silica is seen in many make up formulas because its spherical particles not only absorb sweat and oil, but prevent light reflection, and improve spreadability. Silica is also used as an ingredient in powder perfume because the porous spheres can deliver fragrance over a long period of time

Betaine– An amino acid. Also known as Trimethylglycine or glycine betaine. Primarily functions as a humectant and anti-irritant in cosmetic products. The small polar molecules of this ingredient are prone to hydrogen bonding (AKA interacting with water), which in turn gives it the ability to retain moisture. It’s able to give superior hydration to the skin, without the residual stickiness often associated with glycerin based emulsions. When used in skin care products, it can temporarily decrease the depth of wrinkles, giving the face a much smoother appearance. Its specific molecular structure is also responsible for giving it unique solvent powers and  sensory properties, such as a silky and smooth feel. Its “silk effect”, in turn, is the reason for why it’s used in so many hair shampoos and conditioners.

Sodium Benzoate– a salt of Benzoic Acid, found naturally in cranberries, prunes, plums, cinnamon, ripe cloves, and apples and used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care product formulas as a fragrance ingredient, masking ingredient, anti-corrosive agent, and most frequently, as a preservative. As a preservative, it prevents bacteria and fungi from developing in products and formulas and changing their compositions (Wikipedia). When combined with caffeine in Caffeine Sodium Benzoate, it can have a sunscreen effect, and provide UVB protection with antioxidant activity.

BHT – used as preservatives in many foods, cosmetic products and drugs. In cosmetics, these ingredients are found mainly in shampoos, deodorants, body lotions and make-up, usually at a concentration of 0.1% or less

Butylphenyl Methylpropional – Used as a fragrance additive. You can find it in various personal care products such as perfume, aftershave lotion, hair shampoo/conditioner, hair dye, moisturizer and body wash.

Hexyl Cinnamal– fragrance additive

Limonene– colorless liquid with a light, fresh, and sweet citrus odor used to make fragrances and flavors. It is naturally occurring substance found in many citrus fruits

Peg-90M– acronym for polyethylene glycol. Various forms of PEG compounds are mixed with fatty acids and fatty alcohols to create a variety of substances that have diverse functions in cosmetics, including acting as surfactants, binding agents (to keep ingredients blended), stabilizers, and emollients

Trehalose– Plant sugar that has water-binding properties for skin

Disodium edta– It primarily works as a preservative, chelator and stabilizer, but has also been shown to enhance the foaming and cleaning capabilities of a cosmetic solution

sodium methyl cocoyl taurate – It is labeled as a surfactant and foaming agent

Cocamidopropyl Betaine – fatty acids bound to amidopropyl betaine, the fatty acids in Cocamidopropyl Betaine are derived from coconut oil.

cera alba– Beeswax is one of the most commonly misunderstood cosmetic ingredients. It is actually great for helping hold in moisture and prevents clogging of pores

alcohol denat– When fats and oils are chemically reduced, they become a group of less-dense alcohols called fatty alcohols that can have emollient properties or can become detergent cleansing agents. In some benign forms, they are glycols used as humectants that help deliver ingredients into skin

dipropylene glycol– A synthetic slip agent and penetration enhancer

glycerin– glycerin works because of its ability to attract water from the environment and from the lower layers of skin (dermis) increasing the amount of water in the surface layers of skin. Another aspect of glycerin’s benefit is that it is a skin-identical ingredient, meaning it is a substance found naturally in skin. In that respect it is one of the many substances in skin that help maintain the outer barrier and prevent dryness or scaling

lauric acid– Lauric Acid is the main fatty acid in coconut oil as well as palm kernel oil; it is also found in human milk, cow’s milk, and goat’s milk. It is used in beauty products and skin care because of its moisturizing abilities, and is also recognized as an acne-fighter thanks to its anti-microbial properties

potassium hydroxide– A pH adjuster and buffering agent

polyethylene– A versatile ingredient seen as an emulsion stabilizer, viscosity increasing agent, and binding agent

myristic acid– variety of uses in the beauty industry, including as a: Fragrance Ingredient; Opacifying Agent; Surfactant; Cleansing Agent; and Emulsifier

stearic acid– Good emulsifying & thickening properties (stabilizes emulsions), gives soft waxy, pearly & cooling feel on the skin.

Super Foods

1. Turmeric – Researches show that this yellow spice may reduce the risk of certain skin diseases, and that the active compound in this spice presents strong antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties.
2. Green tea – green tea is a rich source of antioxidants and polyphenols that defend the skin from pollution and cell changes. Polyphenols also act as an anti inflammatory and protect the skin from the effects of UVB damage.
3. Blueberries – blueberries are a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production. The pigment in found in blueberries is a strong antioxidant that maintain the skin structure.
4. Tomatoes – tomatoes contain vitamin C and lycopene (in cooked tomatos) that protect the skin. They contain antioxidants that fight free radicals and help to keep the skin at its best. Other foods that contain lycopene are watermelon, pink grapefruit and strawberry guava.
5. Vitamin C rich foods – Vitamin C is important in promoting a healthy skin, and is a common ingredient in skin care products. Lack of vitamin C contributes to dry skin, reduced elasticity and easy bruising. It also makes it more difficult to heal the skin. Foods that are good sources of vitamine C are: kiwi, oranges, red and green capsicums (bell peppers), grapefruit, vegetable and tomato juice, strawberries, broccoli, pineapples, mango and cantaloupe melon.
6. Eggs – eggs contain lutein, which is an antioxidant that helps to maintain the skin positive appearance. Eggs also contain protein which builds the tissue and muscles under the skin that support the way it looks outward.
7. Oily fish – such as salmon, sardines and mackerel contain essential fatty acids, especially omega 3. Omega 3 has an anti inflammatory effect on the skin. Salmon also contains compounds that helps to preserve the skin elasticity.
8. Almonds – Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that contributes to a healthy cell tissue and cell structure, including skin cells. Almonds are also an excellent source of biotin, which is the most important B vitamin to your skin,  and maintains a healthy skin, hair and nails.
9. Avocados – Avocados are another great source of biotin and contain mono-unsaturated fats which are important for a healthy skin cells.
10. Beans – beans also contain biotin. Good sources of biotin are lentils, kidney beans, soybeans and peanuts.