Tag Archives: beauty aid

Skin Routines In Your 30’s (part 2 of a 4 part series)

In your 30’s you might begin to notice the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also, all those years of going sunscreen are beginning to show by causing your skin to appear dull and lackluster. But all hope is not lost for rocking skin in your 30’s. A healthy diet will play a prominent role in your age 30 skin routine. People who eat diets that are rich in green/leafy vegetables, olive oils, fish, as well as people who limit their intake of butter, milk and sugar may develop fewer fine lines and wrinkles over time. Start using products that contain Vitamin C, as well as taking a daily Vitamin C tablet. Vitamin C helps brighten your skin tone. This can be especially important in regards to those dark circles that can appear under your eyes. You can also try going as natural in your skin routine as possible. Milk, honey, oatmeal, yogurt. These are all natural products that can be the base tools to glowing skin at 30. Just keep in mind to start reading your labels. Some women may find themselves wanting to try anti-aging serums beginning in their 30’s. If you are planning to begin these, remember they can sometimes irritate and dry out skin at first. Try applying these serums every other day for the first week or two. This will allow your skin to get used to the serum.

And at the risk of sounding like a mother…Don’t forget to keep slathering on that sunscreen!

SEE THE PREVIOUS ARTICLE:  Skin Routines In Your 20’s

Let’s Talk Fine Mist Sprays

With July 4th approaching, I am sure you will be spending plenty of time outside this weekend.  And as the temperature begins to rise, you might be looking for a quick way to cool down and refresh.  Hydration is key to keep your skin looking its best and feeling refreshed, but I am not talking about just drinking a glass of water (or six, or seven glasses like you should be drinking daily).  I am talking about fine mist sprays.  I know what you are probably thinking…fine mist sprays are just water in an aerosol can, but fine mist sprays are a wonderful way to hydrate your skin.  Think of them as the adult version of running thru a sprinkler as a child.  To properly use a facial mist and prevent your skin from drying out, hold the can six-inches away from your face and spray.  Let the mist sit for one-minute on your skin and then blot off excess mist with a tissue or rag (blotting is key).  You can also apply your fine mist spray underneath your daily moisturizer, which allows moisture to stay locked in under the skin.  Just remember that not all fine mist sprays are created equal.  Some contain antioxidants and healing properties, others contain essential oils.  Some facial sprays are better for the winter months, others may be better for the Summer months.  They even contain different water types (distilled water versus thermal water).  Just exercise caution with how many times you apply your facial mist daily.  Just like licking your lips, applying a fine mist too many times a day can leave your skin dry and irritated.  Also, if buying an aerosol based facial spray it may contain alcohol or a VOC compound which can also dry out your skin.

Benefits of Honey

I have always been amazed at the beauty products you can find in your pantry and fridge. Some might consider honey one of natures best kept secrets, yet it is always sitting on my pantry shelf directly between the sugar and cinnamon. Loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, honey is a natural antibiotic. Its antibiotic properties can assist in healing and killing bacteria associated with acne and wounds. How exactly does honey help heal/reduce acne and wounds? If you place honey on acne/wounds it will absorb the water in the wound. The honey will then kill all bacteria because bacteria needs water to survive as well. The water the honey absorbed will then trigger a chemical reaction, which causes the honey to release hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is also a wonderful antibiotic and will help to kill additional bacteria associated with the acne/wound. Also, honey is another natural product that can remedy inflammation. Because honey is acidic, it helps reduce the redness associated with acne. Try applying honey directly to the face in mask form to alleviate redness. Also, taking a spoonful of honey daily as a supplement can improve general skin-tone. If you are planning on using honey as a daily supplement, buy it in its raw, unprocessed form. Some people even use honey as their daily face-wash because there are no chemicals and it does not strip your skin of its natural oils. Although this is not going to completely remove your makeup, so it is best to use this face-washing method after your morning shower.

Teas For Healthier Skin & Hair

There is nothing more relaxing than drinking a hot cup of tea after a long day.  The benefits to drinking a cup of tea are numerous.  Not only are you hydrating your body inside and out, many teas contain amazing healing properties for your skin and hair.

Green tea – Probably the most well know tea used for healthy skin and hair.  This tea is rich in antioxidants and usually used as a healthy substitute to coffee and caffeinated beverages.  Green tea can also be used for a cleanser, toner, face mask and hair care. 

Chamomile tea – Made from the chamomile flower, chamomile tea is known for its amazing healing power.  This tea is said to accelerate the healing of minor cuts, bruises and scrapes.  It has also been used as a skin bleach, which provides your face with a healthy, natural glow.  Like green tea, chamomile tea is loaded with antioxidants and can also be used to diminish acne breakouts.

Oolong tea – This traditional Chinese tea has been said to hold anti-aging benefits.   This tea promotes healthy, shiny hair and can prevent hair loss.  Also to be noted, Oolong tea has said to be associated in alleviating stress and mood swings, and promoting healthy bone development. 

Peppermint tea – This caffeine free tea can help those who experience frequent skin irritations.  It can also help to diminish bug bites, rashes and burns.  The menthol in peppermint tea also helps heal those prone to acne and oily skin.  Peppermint tea has also been used to help stimulate/promote hair growth.  Peppermint soothes the blood vessels at your scalp, which then boosts blood flow at the roots.

There are hundreds of teas on the supermarket shelves for purchase and each tea holds its own special benefits.  Just remember that many teas contain caffeine, so it always wise to exercise caution in how much is consumed. 

Beauty Benefits of Coconut Oil

From disease and sickness prevention, to skin care and beauty, there are hundreds of ways to benefit from coconut oil.  This super food has been used throughout the ages for its healing and nutrient rich properties.  Today I am going to list four ways to use coconut in your daily beauty routine.

1. The hair mask – Are you struggling with dry and damaged hair?  Try putting coconut oil on the tips on your hair 30-60 minutes before your shower.  Do this two-three times a week and you will notice softer and more manageable tresses.

2. Makeup remover – Instead of using harsh makeup remove towelettes, try using coconut oil to remove that stubborn eye makeup.  You will be surprised at home much easier your makeup comes off.  However, if you tend to have skin prone to breakouts be sure to use a cleanser after removing your makeup.

3. Lotion and body oil – Use coconut oil straight out of the shower on your body.  It helps to keep your skin soft for prolonged periods of time and it smells great.

4. Shaving cream – Traditional shaving creams tend to leave skin dry and irritable. However, using coconut oil in your shaving ritual leaves your legs feeling smooth and can help prevent razor burn.

If you do plan on taking up coconut oil as a regular part of your beauty routine, make sure you are buying organic extra-virgin coconut oil that is cold pressed and unrefined.

Get to know Avocado-for Health and Beauty

This is the season for avocado, and they are now so easily available. It adds such a delicious taste to food and showers you with health and beauty benefits. I believe our diet helps how our skin looks and feel so by choosing food with high nutritional value we benefit both ways!

Avocado is a versatile fruit, that  is delicious in guacamole , soups, salad, and smoothies and it is also used in beauty treatments for deep moisturizing. Avocado it self, or avocado oil and butters are used for skin care, face and hair masque to nourish the skin with vitamins A and E.

Eating Avocado is a good source of vitamin K, dietary fiber, potassium and folate.

Avocados are very low in sodium and cholesterol-free

Avocado does contains mono-unsaturated fat, that is the heart healthy kind fat so enjoy it in moderation.

I came across this interesting link  that said “Adding Avocados to Salads Aids Absorption of Nutrients” http://tinyurl.com/24cvsh3

In a short study it was suggest that:  Adding avocado to salsa increased lycopene and beta-carotene absorption higher, than the average amount of these nutrients absorbed from avocado-free salsa. Since avocados contain a large variety of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, as well as heart-healthy mono-unsaturated fat, eating a little avocado along with carotenoid-rich vegetables and fruits is an excellent way to improve your body’s ability to absorb carotenoids while also receiving other nutritional-and taste-benefits.

Avocados contain antioxidants and eating a healthy amount of antioxidants is vital for great skin. It will help with free radicals that cause cell damage and help prevent premature skin aging. It is also rich in oils that rejuvenate the skin, help with  the frazzled hair and reduces the eye puffiness. Continue reading