Loreal Paris Skin Genesis

Now that I am a mother of two, it has become imperative that I find skincare products which I can easily get my hands on and that will not break the bank.  This is why I was excited to discover and try out the Skin Genesis skincare line by Loreal Paris.  Before starting my new skincare regimen consisting of the Loreal Skin Genesis Daily Moisturizer Oil Free Lotion and Treatment Serum Concentrate, I did a little bit of research on the products. Read more

Juice Beauty, Organic Skincare

I recently discovered Juice Beauty while browsing the all natural skincare lines on skinstore.com. I was impressed by more than a few of their products and decided to give a couple of them a try. Read more

Sharnell’s Skincare and Beauty Store

I am always on the hunt for a great bargain. Like most, I often find myself on the computer searching Ebay listings for some of my favorite things. Skin care and beauty products are no exception! There are certain products that I just refuse to buy anywhere but online at Ebay.com. I have found some of the best deals around on quality skincare and beauty products. Read more

“Soy”ful Skin

 

As women begin to reach mid-age, most will find that their skin will become dull and uneven as a result of the damaging effects from sun exposure and natural aging. There are a number of ways to combat these skin conditions. Of course, the number one way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays is to apply a sunscreen everyday. However, to further enhance your skin’s protection, it is quite beneficial to incorporate antioxidant-rich skincare products, as well as food into your diet. Soy is one of the most favorable supplements in this regard.

Soybean oil, which is high in fatty acids, makes it an essential for our skin. When used as a topical treatment, soy delivers extraordinary results in reducing the appearance of not only fine lines and wrinkles, but also redness and discoloration of the skin caused by acne and sun exposure. It helps to even out skin tone and improve our skin’s texture, resulting in a brighter complexion and more radiant appearance. In addition to being loaded with antioxidants like Vitamin E and Vitamin B complex, soy also contains high-quality proteins. These unique characteristics all play an important role in prevention of premature aging of the skin. Fortunately, studies have shown little to no known irritation caused by soy, which makes soy-based skincare products an excellent addition to skincare regimens for all skin types.

There is credible research indicating that soy consumption can help to support the appearance of healthier skin. Thankfully, we are no longer limited to just tofu. Today there are a wide variety of food products made from soy such as soy flour, soy protein, sprouts, milk, yogurt and cheese. Soy flour is one of the more commonly used products made from soybeans and is actually more nutritious than wheat flour. When soy is consumed on a regular basis in the form of milk curd, it is exceptionally helpful in slowing down the aging process. Soy can also be used as a natural remedy towards eczema. A diet very high in soy can quickly ease the itching associated with eczema. Soy protein helps to strengthen and treat the skin by providing a sufficient amount of amino acids to replace damaged tissue fibers. Another reason soy is an asset to the skin is it’s ability to lower cholesterol levels and aid in weight loss, which allows increased blood flow and nutrition to the skin. The result is a beautiful and healthy glow.

I have actually found a liking for many soy food products. I particularly love to snack on soybeans. These pods are also known as “edamame”. Most people, such as myself, became acquainted with edamame while engaging in a sushi dinner. Now, you can purchase bags of frozen soybeans and prepare them at home in less than five minutes. Not only are soybeans a yummy snack, but they are obviously extremely healthy. Even my toddler son prefers soy milk over regular milk. As an alternative to flavored milk, we will sometimes give him some chocolate or vanilla soy milk, which he finds delightful treat. These are just a few examples of delicious soy foods that can be added to your diet. There are just so many options, it is inevitable that you will find a soy food that you’ll love. Give it a try and enjoy the benefits of beautiful skin, from the inside out!

Tea Therapy for the Skin

A nice cup of hot tea has been a long time home remedy for soothing belly aches and relaxing the body, mind and soul. These days, tea has proven itself to be a true source of therapy for many other health and beauty related issues. Read more

All About Skin Exfoliation

Most of us know that skin exfoliation is an important step in skin care. But not everyone knows exactly how it works or why. Many people remain confused as to the frequency in which they should be exfoliating their skin. How often is enough or too much? Here is a quick explanation on the process of skin exfoliation and how it benefits your skin.

What is Skin Exfoliation?

Skin exfoliation is a process in which the upper most layer of your skin, consisting of dead skin cells and debris, is removed through mechanical, chemical or enzyme treatment.

Why Exfoliate?

The removal of dead skin cells, oil, dirt and debris will instantly leave your skin looking fresh and feeling clean. Regular exfoliation will give your skin a smooth texture, clear complexion, healthy tone and beautiful glow. By incorporating exfoliation into your skincare regimen, you will not only be preventing skin congestion and break out, but you will also be fighting against premature aging by assisting in accelerating regeneration of healthy skin cells.

Types of Skin Exfoliaton:

As mentioned above, there are three main types of skin exfoliants – mechanical, chemical and enzyme. Each type offers various methods of exfoliation that work for different skin types. If you are familiar with your skin type, you can decide on which form and method of exfoliation will work best for your skin.

Mechanical Skin Exfoliants -

• Facial Sponges, Buff-Puffs and Washcloths: These manual exfoliating tools are used on the skin to remove surface dead skin cells through physical friction. They should always be used on damp skin, avoiding blemished areas to prevent irritation.
• Facial Scrub: Facial scrubs offer moderate skin exfoliation and are gentle enough to be used once a day, everyday. Most facial scrubs will use finely ground rice, nuts (usually almond) or fruit seed (apricot) to polish the skin, revealing a more clean and clear surface. There are also some scrubs that utilize jojoba micro beads, which have a smoother texture and are less abrasive on the skin. Facial scrubs are suitable for all skin types, except very fragile skin. A scrub should never be applied to acne skin, as it can spread infection and cause painful irritation.
• Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion can be performed both at home and at a spa. The at-home versions of microdermabrasion come in a cream form and work much like a facial scrub. The granules present in a microdermabrasion cream are much smaller than that of a scrub, made from aluminum or magnesium oxide crystals. Microdermabrasion creams are recommended for all skin types except sensitive and acneic and can be used two to three times a week. Regular use will keep the skin looking healthy, youthful and radiant. There are two microdermabrasion treatments offered at the spa. The original microdermabrasion treatment utilizes a machine which propels a high-speed flow of aluminum oxide crystals onto the skin, while the machine’s vacuum system sucks away dirt, dead skin cells and used crystals. The newer and now more popular microdermabrasion treatment is known as the “diamond peel”. The diamond microdermabrasion system replaces the micro-crystal flow with a disposable or reusable diamond tip wand. This allows areas closer to the eyes and mouth to be treated more precisely, without the risk of stray crystals causing damage or being ingested. Spa grade microdermabrasion is appropriate for all skin types and are performed in multiple sessions for best results.

Chemical Skin Exfoliants -

• AHA/BHA Peels: AHA, aka Alpha-Hydroxy Acid and BHA, or Beta-Hydroxy Acid, are the most commonly known chemical skin exfoliants, which can be used at home. Glycolic, lactic and fruit acids are AHA’s that produce a light to mild exfoliation by removing the outermost surface layer of your skin through the loosening of the glue-like substance that holds the dead skin cells together, while speeding up cell renewal. AHA’s will help to control skin congestion, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, balance your skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Although AHA peels are easily done from home, they are still offered at spas at a professional strength of over 30%, which are not available over the counter. AHA peels can be used on all skin types, with caution toward sensitive skin. BHA acids, such as salicylic acid, work just as AHA’s, but are used primarily on problematic and acneic skin, due to it’s healing properties. AHA/BHA’s, depending on strength, can be used several times a week or on a daily basis.
• Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) and Phenol Peels: The TCA and phenol peels are only offered through a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. These chemical peels are highly potent and require down time for recovery. The results of a TCA or phenol peel are smoother texture, brightened tone, and tighter, younger looking skin. This method of exfoliation is extreme and costly. These high-grade peels are recommended for more serious skin treatments like the removal of scarring or severe hyperpigmentation.

Enzyme Skin Exfoliants -

• Papain (papaya enzyme) and Bromelin (pineapple enzyme) are the most widely used enzyme skin exfoliation treatments. Exfoliation with the use of enzyme therapy works to dissolve the dead skin cells sitting on the surface of the skin. This method of exfoliation is the least aggressive and rarely produces a negative reaction on the skin. All skin types will benefit from daily use of enzyme treatments.
• Protease enzymes are the newest form of enzymatic exfoliation. Proteolytic enzymes mimic the role of your body’s own natural protease enzymes to promote decay of protein impurities, dissolution of dead skin cells and acceleration of cell renewal. This type of skin exfoliation works best when used daily and is suitable to all skin types, including sensitive. As with other methods of exfoliation, protease enzymes will give your skin enhanced clarity and suppleness, but without the risk of any irritation.

As you can see, exfoliation is crucial to the health and overall appearance of the skin. With so many forms and methods of exfoliation available, you are bound to find the one that best suits your skin type. Just be sure to always try new skin care treatments with caution and ease. Over exfoliation will cause your skin to dry out and possibly break out, while not exfoliating often enough could lead to congestion and dullness of your skin. Proper and consistent skin exfoliation is an easy way to keep your skin healthy and looking beautiful.

These Lips Don’t Lie

Are your lips falling victim to the cold weather? There’s still time to save them from the depths of parchedness. Start paying your lips some service now and keep them looking luscious for the upcoming winter season.

I often wonder why it is that we tend to disregard certain areas of our skin, thinking they need less attention than others. The fact is, our lips, along with our hands and neck are one of the first areas of the skin to show the signs of aging. Most of us take our lips for granted, assuming they need nothing more than some lip gloss to keep them shiny and beautiful. However, our lips are naturally dry with extremely thin skin. Their lack of sebaceous glands is what causes us to have the constant urge to lick them, hoping to quench their thirst. Unfortunately, swiping saliva onto our lips does exactly the opposite of providing moisture. Saliva quickly evaporating as well as the damage caused by digestive enzymes present in our saliva greatly contributes to the dehydration our lips. So how do you kick the habit of licking your lips and replace it with something more effective than lip gloss to keep your pucker looking lush and smooth? It’s really quite simple. If you already tend to your skin every morning and night, then you’ll just have to add a couple of additional steps to your skin care routine.

• Like the rest of the skin on your face, your lips need to be exfoliated. You should incorporate this step into your skin care regimen at least once a week. The best time to exfoliate your lips is at night before bed. A gentle lip treatment such as the EI Solutions Lip Refine works fabulously. The EI Solutions Lip Refine uses time released AHA to smooth fine lines and improve the texture of the skin on your lips. Prior to applying a lip refining treatment, you can condition your lips by gently massaging them with a wet washcloth. This very quick and easy exfoliation process will help to keep your lips healthy, full and kissably soft.
• Heal and hydrate the skin of your lips with a good lip balm treatment. The choices of lip balm treatments are endless. My all-time favorite is the EI Solutions Lip Primer, which works wonders when teamed up with the EI Solutions Lip Refine. The EI Solutions Lip Primer is oil-free and hydrates and nourishes your lips with aloe vera and various other botanical supplements.
• Protect your lips from the sun. Due to their constant exposure to the sun, your lips are actually more susceptible to skin cancer than other areas of your face and body. A SPF must be used on your lips everyday! If your lipstick doesn’t already have a SPF value, be sure to include a lip balm with sun protection such as the EI Solutions Hint of Color Therapeutic Lip Balm SPF 18. This lip balm can be used alone for a splash of color or under your own lip stick or gloss for instant protection against UV-light rays.

Take a rain check on dry and chapped lips by protecting and moisturizing them now. Not only will you benefit by having softer and smoother lips, but you will also be fighting the effects of aging by preventing fine lines and wrinkles. While others suffer from painfully cracked lips, you’ll stand out in the crowd as your healthy lips shine in all their plump glory!

“The Wrinkle Cure” by Dr. Perricone

If the name Dr. Perricone doesn’t ring a bell to you, then you must not have been one of the millions to watch him on Oprah, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Larry King Live and various other national television shows. Dr. Perricone is a well-known and accomplished Dermatologist who has written numerous books to educate the public on his ultimate solution to youthful and healthy skin.

The Wrinkle Cure: Unlock the Power of Cosmeceuticals for Supple, Youthful Skin is one of Dr. Perricone’s first books written to help guide us to beautiful skin through a healthy diet as well as his extended line of patented anti-aging skincare products. Dr. Perricone is a firm believer, as am I, that healthy skin cannot be achieved by the use of skincare products alone. In The Wrinkle Cure, Dr. Perricone makes a strong emphasis on the importance of a well-balanced diet, exercise and adequate hydration. He also explains how your skin will be rewarded with anti-aging benefits by introducing certain supplements to your diet, such as anti-oxidants, alpha lipoic acid and vitamin c ester. In addition to defending the skin from free radicals and premature aging, these supplements and many others mentioned in the book are vital to the overall health and appearance of your skin. The Wrinkle Cure will also name Dr. Perricone’s “Ten Superfoods”, which have been proven to work against certain health issues like diabetes, obesity and aging.

Secondary to changes in your lifestyle, The Wrinkle Cure will teach you all about how to determine and care for your skin type, how and why your skin ages, and how the above mentioned supplements plus many others can and will change your skin for the better when taken both internally and topically. You will also learn what skincare products are most beneficial to the health of your skin. In The Wrinkle Cure, Dr. Perricone proves to be a true advocate for proper skincare by not only introducing his own line of anti-aging and anti-inflammatory skincare products, but also a long list of skincare products from fellow skincare lines. I really found this aspect of the book to be extremely informative and professional on his part.

The Wrinkle Cure offers insightful skin care advice in a way that is easy to understand. I highly recommend this book to those who are truly interested in learning the process of our skin and how to make lifestyle changes in order to maintain the skin’s optimal health. If you are looking for a “quick fix” to reversing the signs of aging or the name of a secret “miracle cream”, then this is not the book for you. If you are serious about taking care of your skin from the inside out, you will find this book invaluable. The lesson to be learned from The Wrinkle Cure is how leading a healthy lifestyle, with consistent exercise, a well-balanced diet and daily care of your skin with proper skincare products, will help you to fight the signs of aging and continue to look and feel young.