Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Chicken Skin

One of the other questions someone asked me about was how to get rid of the dry red bumps that seem to form on the back of your arms. Align Center
This condition is called Keratosis Pilaris aka Chicken Skin and is completely normal and common.
All it is is a build up of excess keratin forming within the hair follicle.

There is not a natural cure for KP but you can treat it.
Some of the products I researched to help with KP is

*Glycolic Acid
* Vitamin A
*Retin-A
*Euercerin Lotions
*Taking a loofa and use Dove Nutrium Body Wash and scrub!
*Neutrogena Multi-Vitamin Acne Treatment Lotion (apply twice a day)
*And I actually read about an Asprin Mask!

Quote:


Aspirin Mask

Why does it work?
Aspirin is actually a form of Beta Hydroxy Acids or BHAs, which are found in many skin creams and work by exfoliating the dull, dead layers of skin, revealing fresh new skin underneath. Over time, BHAs can help clarify skin tone and promote healing of blemishes.

However, do not use the aspirin mask if you have a sensitivity to BHAs or if you have very sensitive skin, or obviously if you are allergic to aspirin!

How do you make it?
The Aspirin mask must be made with uncoated, dissolvable tablets. Take two or three tablets and dissolve in a teaspoon/tablespoon of warm water.

To Apply
Spread the mixture on the face, avoiding the eye area and leave for a few minutes until it dries. Very gently rub the mask for about 10 seconds, to exfoliate the skin. Rinse off with tepid water. Remember to moisturize as BHAs can be drying.

I find this an excellent mask to use once or twice a week. It makes your skin feel as soft as a babys bottom and helps to clarify skin tone and texture.

You may want to adjust the recipe to use it on Keratosis Pilaris since the aspirin mask is meant for the face. Use about 10-12 aspirin and added a little bit more warm water. Crush the aspirin in the water until it's a paste like texture (don't use too much water though, just enough to make it a thick paste) then apply it on your arms, legs or wherever you have KP. Leave it on until it dries (about 5-10 minutes) and then exfoliate in to your skin. Rinse off with warm water.

Unfortunately KP is a hereditary skin condition and there isn't an actual cure from it. Just be consistent in your treatments and I am sure you will find some relief.

And there you have it! Happy Wednesday! This week is going by FAST.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Top Facial Sunscreens

Thank you for your suggestions friends!
I will first start with one of Brianna's questions on what the best facial sunscreens are for summertime!
None of us like greasy sunscreens right??
And for me I feel like just plain old water babies on my face is too thick, oily and doesn't quite do the trick to keep those nasty sun rays away from your precious face.
Well I have definitely done my research and these are my top favorite sunscreen for your face:

Banana Boat Sun Wear Faces.
I have worn this stuff for many summers and have yet to get a single sun burn on my face.
I am telling you this stuff is GOOD and oil free! (And it has a nice fragrance)

Sugg. Retail: $4
I am obsessed with Clinique lately.
I haven't actually used this exact product but I have used their before makeup moisturizing sunscreen for daily use. (I clearly don't know the name of it). But this particular sunscreen was voted as being one of the best last summer.

Sugg. Retail $20
Aveeno all around has great products in my opinion.
This sunscreen too was voted as being one of the best last summer!

Sugg. Retail: $8
Of course it's important to always wear a moisturizer with an spf in it.
This is my favorite. Everyday use!

Sugg. Retail: $30

PROTECT YOUR FACE FROM THE SUN!
No one likes a leather face...... just sayin....

Another tip soon to come!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Lips Gone Wild!

Mmmmm lips.
We all want soft, supple, voluptuous lips.
SOLUTIONS :]

First off:
Get those lippers soft and free of flaky skin by....

**First apply a warm washcloth over lips softening the dead skin cells.
Then mix a little bit of Vaseline, and White Sugar and scrub a dub dub.


Some of my favorite lip items...

Mac Costa Chic Matte Lipstick.
I know I said before I am not a fan of lipstick.....I lied. Or I changed my mind. I am obsessed and slowly will be able to open up my own lipstick joint.
Of course Macs Lipglasses.

Lancome Juicy Tubes
K, this is important.
There is such thing as abusing the use of lipliner....

(LOVE Macs Cremestick Liners)
Good...
BAD.
There is so much wrong with this poor womans get up. I can't bear to look at it anymore.
Eyebrows.AHHH
You want something to make your lips plump and have color without actually applying color?
DOES THIS MAKE SENSE?
Well, Lip Venom will do the trick! I already have thick kissers but still....the burning sensation of this stuff is ridiculous. It's so awesome! You can purchase at Sephora.
So pretty! Macs Cremesheen Gloss. Love the color. Love the creaminess.




What would you guys want me to blog about???? For my 10 readers.......
I need ideas! Hence the lack of posting.

Love you all!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Chocolate Moisturizing Mask


I experimented. With my first Vlog.
I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little embarrassed but it had to happen sometime!
So, I'm just testing the waters and did a Vlog of me applying Chocolate goo to my face.

Just for fun!
Enjoy :]


Recipe:

2 T. Cocoa Powder
1 T. Milk
2 T. Honey
1/2 T. Olive Oil

It's kind of a large amount of mask....(I don't know how else to say it), so go ahead and put it on your neck and chest too if you'd like!


Havvveee funnnnn

I was so happy with my end result. My skin feels so great! I did moisturize after I washed it off but I don't think I necessarily had to....that's goood.

(Don't mind my ghetto shirt. I was baking. And I don't know how it got torn....)

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

10 Foods? Better Skin

I love finding out foods that are good for your skin so I thought I would share with you my favorite picks!

1. Avacado- Mmmm. I love me a good smooshed up avacado with a little s&p smothered on a saltine. Too much? An avacado is full of essential oils and B-complex vitamins that nourish your skin, inside and out.

2. Almonds- Not only are they my favorite nut, they help to give you a fabulous complexion! They contain a heap of Vitamin E which of course nourishes your skin leaving it moist and happy. (Moist as in not dry. I hate that word but it only seems relevant).

3. Cottage Cheese- Believe it or not! I am the worlds #1 fan of cheese. All dairy products of course are full of calcium which help your bones and skin but cottage cheese contains selenium (an essential mineral) which is best friends with Vitamin E. :]

4. Acerola Cherries- Yea, I thought a cherry was a cherry but apparently there are different types. Acerola Cherries are also filled with Vitamin C and interesting fact: Vitamin C fights skin damage from the sun and wrinkles.

5. Sweet Potatoes- Limit yourself on the butter smooshed into this creamy mess and focus on how awesome it is that it is helping produce the elasticity fibers in those luscious cheeks leaving that beautiful structure plump and glorious!

6. Mushrooms- Mushrooms are rich in riboflavin, a B vitamin that’s vital to your skin. Riboflavin is involved in tissue maintenance and repair, and improves skin blemishes caused by rosacea (rosie cheeks aren't always a good thing). Riboflavin is so important for skin repair that the body uses large amounts after sustaining a burn or wound, or undergoing surgery. I've totally done my research! :]

7. Omega 3s- I have a delicious bottle of an Omega 3 supplement in my fridge. One spoonful a night and it's like a bite of Lemon pudding! Anywho Omega 3s helps to hydrate the skin. If you're no fan of fish, try using Flaxseed oil which actually contains about 2.5 grams of Omega 3s. Essential fatty acids help break down oil production and unclog pores.

8. Berries- Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Etc. who doesn't love em! One word Antioxidant. Antioxidants help with free radicals from sun exposure. The sun is a definite "frenemie." Eat em, you'll have pretty skin.

9. Whole Wheat- I never have White bread in my house. I'm sure that will change once my kids learn about White bread but for now, they ain't getting it. White flours can mess with your insulin levels which can lead to breakouts. No bueno.

10. Water!! - Put down that Diet Coke and drink a bottle of water! Water is definitely my best friend. I am definitely no soda drinker because let's face it, soda will be the death of you. The end. Water helps cells move nutrients in and toxins out, which automatically leaves skin looking better. When we're properly hydrated, we also sweat more efficiently. Doing so helps keep skin clean and clear as well.

And there you have it! Enjoy your next shopping trip!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Heel Fissures

The word is gross, let's be honest. A heel fissure is the technical term for cracked heels caused from extremely dry skin. I have 100% my mothers skin, which is DRY. I literally have to slap on all the creams and butters daily (especially in the winter). If I wear any kind of sandal or open back shoe in the winter, my heels will crack and bleed and it hurts so bad! What I do for this, with immediate pain, I will squirt some super glue in it to close up the wound. I know sounds weird but I actually heard about it from my father-in-law who is a farmer and outside all day long. I get little cracks up by the ends of my fingernails too on the skin and I'm telling you, that super glue works wonders. Trust me.
To care for my aching feet and hands, I use dun da daaaaa VASELINE and socks. Also I always keep one of those foot scrubbers in my shower and scrub a dub dub daily, then on goes the vas and socks.




So for those of you struggling with the nasty dry winter feet and hands, Vaseline should be your best friend.

Just one more tip on having healthy skin!



Did you know, it is important to keep your hands and feet well manicured.
It's a sanitary thing really.
No one likes unpedicured toes!
(Plus an excuse to go get one ;])

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Oil Me Up!

I am recently OBSESSED with oils. And oils as in essential oils. Mmmmmm.
I started developing a clogged milk duct last week and was freaking out, like to the point of bruising my boob from pushing on it super hard. Nothing was coming out. I mean nothing. I was doing the hot water, the pumping, nursing, pumping, nursing. I thought I was going to die. (I am deathly afraid of mastitus....). So I was talking to a friend who is totally into oils and she told me that I need to lather my chest in it!

She recommended lavender, lemongrass, and citrus (and one more called Purify but I didn't use that it cause she didn't have any more, by doTERRA).
Can I just say oh my? I was in heaven. It finally released because of these blessed oils and I have never been more relieved.

I AM AN OIL BELIEVER.

and you should be to.

They do so many more amazing things. I have taken a couple classes on oils and I really need to buckle down and get into the industry. I will make that one of my next goals!

Just a fun tip! :]