Category Archives: All Natural Skin Care

  • Is Your Skin Care Regimen Right For Your Skin Type?

    10 Junio 2015



    While walking by the skincare aisle in a drugstore or department store, you’ll notice a variety of products created for different skin types. Generally these fall into one of the following categories: normal, oily, dry, combination or sensitive. It may sound obvious to say that these products are created and formulated specifically for those with certain skin problems, but you’d be surprised at home many women are using products for the wrong skin type.

    How do you find out which type of skin you have? 

    People with normal skin have very few imperfections, no severe sensitivity to products or the seasons, barely visible pores and a radiant complexion.

    People with oily skin have enlarged pores, a shiny, thick complexion and blackheads, pimples or other blemishes.

    People with dry skin have barely-noticeable pores, a dull and rough complexion, a few red patches, less elasticity and fine lines.

    People with combination skin can be dry or normal in some areas, but then really oily in others (usually the T-zone). Some characteristics of this include overly dilated pores, blackheads and shiny skin.

    People with sensitive skin often notice redness, itching, burning and dryness on their face.

     

    What regimen should I follow if my skin is…

    Normal? If you’re blessed with normal skin, stick to the basics of skincare: washing with a gentle cleanser, exfoliating to remove dead skin, and moisturizing daily.

    Oily? Oily skin can get worse based on the weather and stress, so try to stay happy and healthy to avoid those triggers. Be sure to wash your skin no more than twice a day (to prevent over-washing) with a gentle cleanser. Products labeled “noncomedogenic” work well for oily skin types, as they don’t clog pores.

    Dry? Dry skin types should take shorter showers to prevent drying out their skin. They need to focus on applying rich moisturizers immediately after showering to absorb into the skin. Ointments and creams have a thicker consistency that work better to penetrate dry skin.

    Combination? With combination skin, you’ll need to use different products on the different areas of your face. Follow the directions above for the oily and dry areas as needed.

    Sensitive-? If you have sensitive skin, you should use products without fragrance. Sticking to all-natural products helps as well, since they don’t contain the typical irritants like parabens. Exfoliate only once or twice a week since anything more can be too harsh on the skin.

  • How to Combat Spring Allergies Affecting Your Skin

    26 Abril 2015



    Spring is upon us, which means cute sundresses, weekends spent outdoors and, unfortunately, allergy season. Allergies often cause physical symptoms such as sneezing, runny eyes, headaches and more. Allergies can also affect your skin, specifically the sensitive skin on your face. This can be seen in puffy eyes, a sallow complexion, or red and itchy skin. Here are a few tips to help combat spring allergies that affect your skin.

    Try an OTC medicine. After consulting with your doctor, head to the local drugstore for an antihistamine, such as Allegra, to help soothe your symptoms and prevent flare-ups. There are also various herbal remedies you could use in place of OTC medicine, so be sure to research that as well if it’s what you prefer.

    Avoid products with fragrances. Strong fragrances in your beauty products– everything from makeup to your facial moisturizer– can further irritate your skin during allergy season. Look for products labeled “fragrance-free” or marked specifically for sensitive skin, since these are your best bet.

    Avoid anything with parabens or propylene gycol. Much like strong fragrances, products that contain these preservatives can irritate skin.

    Monitor pollen and mold counts. Keep track of the weather reports on the Internet or on television– local news stations often include this information during allergy seasons.

    Stay super-clean. Especially during spring, make sure to take showers often. Washing your hair and changing your clothes after you’ve been working or playing outdoors eliminates any form of allergens.

  • How to Get the “No Makeup” Look

    18 Marzo 2015



    A trend we’ve been seeing all over the runways and magazines has been the “no makeup” makeup look. If the whole concept confuses you, let’s break it down. The “no makeup” makeup look uses just a few products to give your face a healthy glow and natural flush. It doesn’t include anything bright or glittery or bold. Here are a few steps and tips to achieving the look.

    • Perfect your skin. When your skin is healthy, moisturized and (mostly) free of blemishes, you don’t need to use as much makeup. You can skip the primer, foundation, concealer and powder and opt instead for a tinted moisturizer. To get your skin in tip-top shape, be sure to use an exfoliator and moisturizer hand-in-hand on a daily basis. If you do have flaws, use a concealer in the same shade as your skin to cover them up.
    • Enhance your best features. If you have naturally thick eyebrows, just tidy them up a bit with tweezers and a tinted brow gel for a natural look. If you love your lips, apply a lightly tinted lip balm for a “my lips but better” shade that gives them a touch of sheen. By working with your best features and highlighting them, you’ll end up using less products all together.
    • Give your cheeks a natural flush. Pinch your cheeks and notice the color they turn. This is the shade of blush you should look for when shopping for makeup. It mimics the natural flush when you are flattered- and it will leave you looking healthy, pretty and natural.

  • The Importance of Vitamin C for Your Skin

    16 Marzo 2015



    Everyone knows how important vitamins are for your health- they help improve your health, skin, hair and more. One of the best vitamins for you is vitamin C. Vitamin C can be found in bell peppers, dark leafy greens, kiwis, broccoli, berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, peas, papayas and more. It also can be found in various skincare products. Below are just a few reasons why vitamin C is so important for your skin.

    • Vitamin C works to maintain healthy and young-looking skin. Young skin is full of vitamin C, but as you get older, you lose the nutrient. People who smoke cigarettes, are exposed to lots of UV light or live in a highly-polluted area may also be lacking vitamin C. Vitamin C works to reverse the aging process in your skin, especially on your face.
    • Vitamin C fights wrinkles and reduces their appearance. Vitamin C works to produce collagen, the protein that gives skin elasticity. Collagen breaks down as you age, which results in wrinkles. To keep your skin from forming wrinkles, take or use products with vitamin C in them to counteract the loss in collagen.
    • Vitamin C helps reduce the appearance of age spots and skin discoloration. Many women deal with uneven skin tone or dark spots. Sometimes these can be from the sun or from general aging. Whatever the reason, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that works to reduce the number of damaged skin cells and reverse the damage to your skin. Using a skincare product with vitamin C in addition to daily sunscreen is your best bet to healthy, ageless skin.

  • Beauty Benefits of Coconut Oil

    10 Marzo 2015



    Cococonut oilconut oil has been around for centuries, yet it seems that it has just gained mainstream popularity in the past year or two. Coconut oil can be used in cooking, cleaning and even on your hair and skin. It’s a great alternative to over-the-counter products since it’s all-natural and safe. Here are a few of the beauty and skincare uses and benefits of coconut oil.

    The main use for coconut oil is as a moisturizer. Apply it to your dry, cracked hands if winter has ruined them (or if you work with your hands a lot and they become rough).

    If you run out of shaving cream, coconut oil is an awesome alternative. It’s naturally anti-microbial, so it holds up well in the shower and bathroom areas.  The oil’s skin-soothing properties will also leave your legs looking hydrated.

    Coconut oil can be used as a natural highlighter. Dotting the oil on the tops of your cheekbones adds a natural shine and sheen without being too greasy. Skip the expensive highlighters and try coconut oil out.

    Not only does coconut oil work as makeup, but it also removes makeup just as well. Smear a spoonful of coconut oil around your eyes to remove mascara and eyeliner. It helps if the oil is a bit warm, so you can always rub a bit in your hands before applying. Then wipe away with a clean washcloth and you’re done.

    Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial, antifungal and moisturizing. Many women use it as a nighttime moisurizer on their face and neck.