After faithfully using both the Skin Genesis Daily Moisturizer Oil Free Lotion and Skin Genesis Daily Treatment Serum Concentrate for several weeks, I discovered one thing for was sure.  My skin was thirsty for water!  While both products have a very smooth and lightweight consistency, which I normally prefer, my skin was left feeling very tight.  Unfortunately, neither of these products offered my skin a sufficient amount of hydration.   I also found the serum’s fragrance to be a bit strong.  On the upside, it didn’t appear that the fragrance bothered my skin at all.   Another pro is that I did enjoy the texture of the serum and found that a little went a very long way.  In the end, I didn’t see a huge difference in my skin’s overall appearance nor did I feel a great improvement of it’s condition. However, I can definitely appreciate the fact that my skin did not experience any irritation or breakout.

All in all, I would recommend these products for a younger skin type that doesn’t have any real concerns.  It is a great line to keep healthy skin on the right track.  However, if you are looking for an anti-aging or anti-acne product that will produce immediate or dramatic results, then neither of these products would work for you.

Unlike most organic skincare lines which use a water base, all Juice Beauty products are made with a 100% certified organic juice base. This organic juice base is up to 50% higher in antioxidants and nutrients than non-organic juice also and surpasses the benefits of a water base by more than a mile. Juice Beauty products not only contain powerful antioxidants, but also offer age-defying ingredients such as polyphenols, hydroxy acids, DMAE, alpha-lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10. In addition, Juice Beauty products helps to create beautiful and glowing skin with exceptional ingredients like vital phytonutrients, Vitamin C and essential fatty acids and vitamins.

For the past two weeks, I have been using the Juice Beauty Green Apple Cleansing Gel and Juice Beauty Green Apple Antioxidant Moisturizer. So far, I love them both! The texture of the cleanser is fantastic. It is a gel base, but doesn’t get foamy. Even so, my skin is left with a nice and fresh feel after cleansing, minus the tightness. The moisturizer is perfectly light and gives my skin just the right amount of moisture and hydration. Overall, my skin feels soft and smooth and has a much brighter complexion. I definitely plan on using the Juice Beauty products throughout the summer. I eventually want to also purchase the Juice Beauty Green Apple Nutrient Eye Cream and Juice Beauty Green Apple Hydration Mask. I look forward to using the entire Juice Beauty Green Apple line and can’t wait to tell you all about it!

Oh, and I forgot to mention, with any purchase of $75 or more of Juice Beauty products, skinstore.com will send you a free travel size of the Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Moisturizer!

Now, of course you have to be careful sometimes. If you find an item listed for 99 cents when it normally retails for $20 or $30, chances are that you aren’t really getting what you want! It’s always a good idea to take a look at the “Reviews and Guides” section located on the left panel of the listing before purchasing. This section will give you tips on how to avoid fake products as well as offer more information about the product you are viewing. In my experience, I have always had very good luck receiving authentic products at a great price.

I decided to share this online shopping opportunity with all of you too! I have officially launched my very own skincare and beauty niche store for you at Sharnell’s Skincare and Beauty Store (or by clicking on the “Shop” button located on the top panel of my blog). There you will find Ebay listings for a wide variety of skincare and beauty products, ranging from everyday skincare items to beauty tools such as extractors and facial steamers. You will also find an array of skincare and beauty brands such as Proactive, Murad, Lancome, Mary Kay and many more! If you don’t find what you are looking for in the listings, simply click on the links to some of my best-loved online skincare and beauty stores. Check it out today and find the best deals on your favorite skincare and beauty products!

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!

• Green Tea has become an eminent ingredient in both cosmetics and skincare products. Concentrated with powerful antioxidants and vitamins, green tea provides anti-aging benefits by shielding the skin from harsh environmental exposure and the damaging effects of free radicals. Green tea has also been proven to assist in protecting the skin from sun damage. When applied topically, green tea not only quenches free radicals, but also reduces skin inflammation. Optimal sun protection is best achieved when a green tea skincare product is used in conjunction with sunscreen.Regular ingestion of green tea is beneficial to your health for many reasons, such as it’s ability to reduce cholesterol and it’s treatment of body aches, headaches and poor digestion. But drinking green tea alone, even in large amounts, is not enough to see and feel improvements in your skin. There are some simple ways to turn your green tea into highly potent skincare treatments. Visit Homemade Tea Skincare Recipes for a list of green tea recipes by skin type.

• Yarrow Herbal Tea is not as commonly known as green tea. However, yarrow tea is very helpful to oily skin. One cup of yarrow tea a day will help to control and balance oily skin. When breakout occurs, drinking an additional cup of yarrow tea in the morning and at night will help to clear the blemish(es) by reducing the production of sebum (oil) in the skin. Yarrow tea can also be used in astringent form if you prefer to only use it topically. Either way, be sure to use caution when employing yarrow tea as a treatment for your oily or acne skin. Studies have shown that excessive amounts of this tea can cause skin sensitivity to the sun. As always, be sure to apply an SPF of at least 30 to your skin daily.

• Black Tea (non-herbal) is known to help reduce redness and itchiness of the eyes. Simply moisten a couple of black tea bags with cool water and set them on your eyes for at least ten minutes. Black tea can also help to relieve sunburn. Steep six black tea bags in four cups of boiling water. Let the tea cool and then apply it to the skin with a cotton cloth. Do this repeatedly until the irritation of your sunburned skin subsides.

• Chamomile Herbal Tea is also great when used as an eye treatment. Moistened chamomile tea bags placed on the eyes after being chilled in the refrigerator will help to reduce puffiness. Chamomile tea added to a toner or masque will help to calm inflamed skin. This is a very gentle and natural approach to soothing sensitive and eczematic 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.

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: 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.