Recent Posts

Monday, September 3, 2012

Find the Time

If you have trouble justifying a visit to a salon or spa because it seems too self-indulgent, think of a lovely flower garden: if you don't care for it, it won't look its best.  Women are the same: it's vital to make time for the personal maintenance that will bring mind/body/spirit into balance, and ensure you keep going.  We need that sense of well-being that comes from recharging our batteries in order to take care of others.

-Excerpt from Total Beauty by Sarah Stacey and Josephine Fairley

Sunday, February 19, 2012

At Home Remedies-Part 2

Redness Relief

Cucumber Cooler-Grab a cucumber from the fridge and slice it into thin slices. Lie down and carefully place them on your face. The cucumber will reduce redness and swelling and calm any sensitivities.

Ice Device-If you ever get out of the shower and are pretty red or notice that your proes appear large, try this: Soak a washcloth in an ice bath for a few minutes. Take the washcloth out, wring out the cxess water; and lay the cloth across your face for about five minutes. You'll notice that your skin instantly looks much healthier and more refreshed. The cool temperature will also help close down pores and tighten the capillaries that cause redness.


-Exerpt from Complexion Perfection written by Kate Somerville

At Home Remedies

Lighteners and Brighteners

First, homemade treatments can be very effective. Just remember: whenever you use natural ingredients or ingredients from your fridge, you should always do a little patch test on your skin first. This way, you'll make sure that you aren't too sensitive and won't react with an allergy or irritation.

Aspirin Treatment-Aspirin contains acetylsalicylic acid, a salicylic-acid derivative. Salicylic acid is a very useful ingredient in combating acne, and it can also lighten pigmentation over time. If you have those issues, why not try this treatment once a week?

Heat up a few teaspoons of water. Add two whole aspirin tablets to the water, mash with a spoon, and mix thoroughly. Massage the mixture on to the skin and leave on for about five minutes. Repeated use of this treatment will lighten and brighten the skin over time.

Strawberry Swipe-Cut a large strawberry in half lengthwise. Take a fork and poke at the flesh a little to awaken and release the juices. Swipe the strawberry across your face, and massage the juice in a bit, using small circles. Leave it on for about two minutes and then rinse off with water. Strawberry juice contains natural skin lighteners that brighten spots over time.


--Exerpt from Complexion Perfection written by Kate Somerville

Friday, February 25, 2011

How can I prevent and address skin problems?

Both women and men can experience skin problems. To achieve your best skin possible, first remember that skin is a living, breathing organ with amazing powers of renewal. The top layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, is constantly undergoing renewal via the shedding of dead skin cells. A new top layer of skin is created approximately every 25 to 30 days. In young skin the renewal cycles is more frequent than in older skin. As new skin is constantly forming from below, there is always room to improve the appearance of the skin by using the right products and treatment methods. Even the most problematic skin can be elevated to a level of perfection that you may never have thought possible.


-Exerpt from Best In Beauty written by Riku Campo


At what age should I start to use antiaging creams?

You can never start too young with antiaging formulations. Most of us don't think of sunscreens as having antiaging benefits, but they do, by cutting out a great portion of the harmful UVA and UVB rays that cause premature wrinkle formation and sagging of the skin. Antiaging is really about prevention, which includes a healthy diet and exercise.

I have always been a champion of natural beauty and growing old in a natural way. You should never fight the aging process as though it's your enemy but embrace it with the right care, and that way you'll grow old looking absolutely beautiful. Be proud of where you are in your life; each day is a gift, and aging is part of it. The wisdom, inner peace, and confidence gained with each passing year are priceless. When you remain fit and healthy, with glowing skin texture, you will look stunning at any age!

Start each day, regardless of age, by saying to your mirror image, "good morning, I love myself and I am beautiful." And do it with a big smile!


-Exerpt from Best In Beauty written by Riku Campo

Professional vs Drugstore

Why by professional brand skin care?

Drugstore products are made to work for a large population and are watered down so as not to cause adverse reactions in the majority. Almost anyone can pick a drugstore product up off the shelf and use it even if it's not for their skin condition and it will not cause too much harm.

The FDA regulates ingredient concentrations for drug store and professional skin care lines. Because professional products are "prescribed" they have higher concentrations of active ingredients and less water. Professional products are made using ingredients that are better for the skin and are more concentrated; therefore, you will use much less product, in turn, saving you money. Professional products, like Dermalogica, are only prescribed by licensed skin care professionals to address each person's specific need. Used correctly, results are apparent immediately.


-Information provided by International Dermal Institute

Monday, December 27, 2010

Skintelligence

Skintelligence is understanding what makes your skin behave in the way it does and knowing how to restore balance-is the key to healthy, radiant skin.

Unlike other organs, the skin is visible-a map of your life, complete with freckles, spider veins, open pores, spots, scars, and laughter lines. Because it's exposed to the sun, cold, wind, and pollutants, the signs of stress will soon show if you don't take care of it. While the condition of the skin is undeniably affected by the external environment, diet, lifestyle, hormonal changes, and the passage of time also play a part in its behavior at any give time.

It is important to be able to recognize your skin's tendencies and characteristics so that you can treat it accordingly and restore balance, but accept that these won't remain constant. Skin may be drier during the winter than the summer, and may be prone to oiliness and breakouts at different times of the month or because of change of diet or lifestyle. Smoking, too much alcohol, and too little sleep can all have a negative impact on the skin's health, making it look dull and dehydrated, while stress can trigger sensitivity and lead to outbreaks of exzema and psoriasis.

Information provided by: Jemma Kidd, Make-up Masterclass-the beauty bible of professional techniques and warable looks.