My Winter Skin Saver!!!

Ok, I will admit that for years I didn't adhere to the changing of the skin moisturizer based on the seasons. I usually just stuck with whatever was working for me at the time. However, this winter season has wreaked havoc on my skin. I was having dry patches in the strangest places - above my top lip, the bridge of my nose, the middle of my cheek. Just really weird places for me. So, I finally caved in and headed to my trusty Target, where I found this - TA DA!

My apologies on the blurry picture - I didn't notice until after I uploaded! Anyway, I love my Oil of Olay Age Defining Daily Renewal Cream! This little gem contains a beta hydroxy complex that works as an exfoliant (you would never know it because it is so gentle - I can't feel a thing!) then gives your skin the most amazing moisture surge. It truly is unbelievable! Honestly, after 2 days of using this, my crazy dry patches went away and my skin feels incredibly soft and supple!

Check this out! Not overly thick and heavy. Perfectly rich and creamy!


I am constantly running my hands over my cheeks now! It contains a light fresh scent that is not overpowering and just smells clean. This is one product that I can see forever being in my winter arsenal. If you battle dry skin in the winter, definitely check this stuff out!

Until next time, XOXO!

Great Skin In Less Than a Minute!

I picked up the February 2010 issue of Glamour magazine this weekend. Katy Perry is on the cover - and just how freaking gorgeous is she?!?! Anyway, I found an article in there with tips on facial cleansing that I wanted to share with y'all! It helped me and I hope it helps you all as well!!

Step 1 - Exactly How to Wash Your Face:
1. Use warm water. "Cold closes your pores, so your cleanser can't work and hot water is too stripping." Hands get the job done, but a sponge feels good. Try ricky Care Sea Sponge ($5. rickysnyc.com)
2. Pick a good cleanser. "Don't worry about whether it's a gel, lotion or bar. It's the ingredients that matter." If your skin is oily or acne-prone, look for one with blemish-busting salicylic acid. Dry skin? A wash with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter works best.
3. Rub in on: rinse it off. Work cleanser onto skin for about 15 seconds - any longer is overkill. Then splash your face with water at least six times to completely rinse.
Recommended products:
1. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Redness Soothing Facial Cleanser (for the greasies) ($7 at drugstores)
2. Clarins Gentle Beauty Soap (cleans and moisturizes) ($15, clarinsusa.com)
3. L'Oreal Paris Go 360 Clean Deep Cream Cleanser (comes with a cool tool for scrubbing) ($7 at drugstores)
4. Clarins The Brush. Use on bar soap for some serious lather. ($19, clarinsusa.com)

Step 2 - Exactly How to Moisturize
There's no big trick for applying face cream - experts agree you can just slap it on. But choosing the perfect formula is essential. The rules:
1. Oily skin needs lotion too. Seems odd, but oil production has nothing to do with skin's hydration level!
2. Feeling tight? Go rich!! IF your skin seems dry or tight postcleaning, opt for creams that contain humectants, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which draw moisture to the skin.
3. Get a multitasker. Whoever decided to add SPF to moisturizer was a genius! You're able to soften and protect skin from sun damage in one step. Pick one with anti-agers to fight lines, too.
Recommended:
1. Origins Starting Over Age-Erasing Oil-Free Moisturizer With Mimosa ($45, origins.com)
2. Estee Lauder Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Creme ($38, esteelauder.com)
3. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($14, at drugstores)

Until next time, XOXO!!

Facial Scrub Recipe and At-Home Chemical Peel Recipes.

Good morning, beauties!

Prior to discovering this facial scrub recipes, there was not a single exfoliator that I could use! Every single thing I tried either dried my skin terribly or broke me out! So, I resorted to using a facial sponge and my facial cleanser. However, I have now found the most incredible exfoliator ever - it is so gentle and I cannot tell you just how wonderful my face feels afterwards! I use this as part of my evening routine. This recipe makes enough for 5-7 days - I just keep it in a sealed container:

1/4 cup oatmeal (grounded by my food processor) - yes, I'm a firm believer in the power of oatmeal!!!
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup mineral water (I like Perrier lemon sparkling mineral water)

*Mix all together and gently scrub in circular motions over your face for 1-2 minutes.

Now, if you've been following my blog this week, perhaps you've noticed how everything is tying in together! On Monday, I boasted the benefits of vitamins and minerals for the skin. I hopefully explained how amazing they are when included in your diet. Now, in this recipe, you will further benefit! It's recommended to avoid using tap water because the salts and calcium in it can dry your skin. Mineral water is believed to be better because its high silica content strengthens the spongy cells in between collagen and elastin fibres and plumps the skin. The lemon in this particular brand of mineral water brightens your skin and helps to fade any sun spots or uneven pigmentation. (*LOVE*)

Now, as promised, more information about light chemical peels!

Light chemical peels contain alpha hydroxy acids and/or beta hydroxy acids.
Chemical peels primarily containing alpha hydroxy acids may be referred to as “AHA chemical peels” or “ glycolic acid peels.” Glycolic acid is the most common type of alpha hydroxy acid used in skin care. Salicylic acid chemical peels are the most common type of beta hydroxy acid peel.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are derived from fruit, sugar, sour milk, and other natural sources. AHA chemical peels often contain:

Glycolic acid (extracted from sugar cane)
Lactic acid (extracted from milk)
Malic acid (extracted from pears and apples)
Citric acid (extracted from oranges and lemons)
Tartaric acid (extracted from grapes)
Beta hydroxy acids are simple organic acids derived from fruit. When a physician refers to “ salicylic acid chemical peels,” he or she is referring to a beta hydroxy acid. Though closely related to alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids differ slightly in their molecular structure, and rejuvenate the skin in a slightly different way.

The most common beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, has been used for decades as an acne remedy, and salicylic acid chemical peels are especially effective in eliminating acne. Beta hydroxy acids are helpful because they can exfoliate oily skin and deeply penetrate the skin with no irritation.

Regardless of the specific type, alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids gently rejuvenate the skin and encourage skin cell regeneration with little or no irritation or discomfort. Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and other alpha hydroxy acids are so gentle, in fact, that they are common ingredients in home skin care products, and patients who undergo a light chemical peel may be asked to use such products to improve on their results.

A few at home recipes:

Alpha Hydroxy Skin Peel Recipe
Note: when using this peel for the first time, keep on the skin for only 1-2 minutes to make sure there is no skin irritation.

Ingredients: 1 cup fresh pineapple; half-a-cup fresh papaya; 2 tablespoons honey.

Preparation: Puree pineapple and papaya in a blender. Add honey and mix thoroughly.

Usage: Wash your face, and then apply the mixture to your skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for no more than 5 minutes (less if you have sensitive skin), then rinse with cool water. When done, apply a moisturizer. Don't use more than once a week.

More ingredients that can be used as remedies:

Malic acid: Apples, vinegar, applesauce, cider.
Lactic acid: Buttermilk, yogurt, powdered skim milk, sour cream, blackberries, tomatoes
Tartaric Acid: Grapes, grape juice, wine, cream of tartar
Citric Acid: Citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruit, and orange
Glycolic acid: Sugar cane

All you need is about one half a teaspoon of liquid per face cleansing. You can freshly squeeze the juice of one lemon, for example, and refrigerate the leftovers for the rest of the week. Just dab some of the juice onto your fingers and pat on your face. Leave on for 10 minutes or so before rinsing. If you are in a rush, just cut a grape or strawberry in half-whatever you happen to have on hand-and rub it over your skin; let the juice set for a few minutes, and then rinse.

Additional Recipes containing Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Yogurt & Oatmeal mask
Ingredients: 2 tbsp. plain yogurt; 1 tbsp. oatmeal; 1 tbsp honey

Preparation: Simply mix ingredients together to form a paste. To avoid clumps, you may grind oatmeal into a powder before mixing it with other ingredients.

Usage: Wash your face. Massage face with the paste in a circular motion. Keep on for a minute or two then rinse off

Yogurt and aloe healing mask
Ingredients: 1/2 cup plain yogurt; 2 tbsp aloe gel (or a fresh aloe leaf)

Preparation: Simply mix ingredients together to form a paste. (Aloe gel can be purchased in a health food store. Alternatively, you can take a fresh aloe leaf, remove the skin and mash the pulp.

Usage: Wash your face. Massage face with the paste in a circular motion. Keep on for a minute or two then rinse off

My Personal Favorite!!!
500 mg tablet of Vitamin C (pulverized to a powder)
2 Tbsp. honey
(Yes, that's all!!!)

Place the vitamin C powder in a small cup or bowl, add the honey, and stir until completely blended. Apply to your face, Use all of the honey mixture for one application. Keep this on your face no more than 10 minutes. Then rinse your face with cool water. Apply a moisturizer afterward.

I hope this info was helpful!!

Till next time, XOXO!!

To Peel or Not To Peel.....?

Hi, lovelies! To continue my week-long discussion on facial care, I'm focusing today on chemical peels.

A chemical peel is a procedure in which a chemical agent is applied to the skin, with certain types causing the skin to "blister" and peel off. You are literally removing your top layer of skin. It is used to reduce fine lines, treat wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging or hereditary factors, improve the appearance of mild scarring, treat certain types of acne, reduce age spots, freckles or dark patches due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills, or to improve the look and texture of dull skin. There are several different types of chemical peels:

• Light - Also known as glycolic acid peels or AHA chemical peels, a light chemical peel is a non-invasive treatment that removes the upper layers of dead and damaged skin and encourages skin cell regeneration. This type of peel provides gentle treatment for fine lines, acne, chronic dry skin, and uneven pigmentation. This type of peel will cause a slight pinkness afterward, but normal coloring returns in a few hours. You can find do it yourself chemical peels in stores and online, such as Neutrogena and Avon. You can also find at home recipes to do at home and save even more money! Check back tomorrow for recipes that I have used and recommend!


• Medium - Medium chemical peels, also known as TCA (trichloroacetic acid) chemical peels, provide more dramatic results than light chemical peels, and they don't require the extended recovery time of deep (phenol) peels. Medium chemical peels are an effective way to correct acne scars, address uneven pigmentation, improve the texture and tone of the skin, smooth out fine lines, and more. After TCA chemical peels, a superficial crust forms over the treated area, then flakes off in three to seven days. The newly revealed skin may initially appear reddish, but the discoloration will fully fade within a week to reveal skin with dramatically improved texture, color, and overall appearance. Healing time takes approximately two weeks.


• Deep - Phenol chemical peels are the most aggressive type of skin peels. A phenol peel is an effective remedy for severely sun damaged skin, coarse wrinkles, scars, and even pre-cancerous growths. They penetrate the skin deeper than AHA peels or TCA peels to address more serious imperfections such as blotchiness, coarse wrinkles, and acne scars. Compared to light chemical peels and medium chemical peels, deep chemical peels have more dramatic results, and only a single treatment is required. However, deep (phenol) chemical peel recovery is lengthy and uncomfortable compared to milder chemical peels. Phenol peels are so powerful that only one treatment is necessary to achieve dramatic results that last for years. Because the procedure typically results in pronounced swelling, patients are advised to allow for at least a week of at-home recovery after undergoing a deep chemical peel. After an advanced chemical peel, the patient’s face will be swollen, red, and uncomfortable. A crust will form on the treated skin several days after treatment. Within seven to ten days, this crust will flake off to reveal a new layer of bright pink skin. After two to three months, this bright pink color will fade to a pale, smooth complexion.

Now, keep in mind that these procedures are not without risks or side effects. Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns that you may have with your doctor! While I've never tried a medium or deep chemical peel, I'm definitely not opposed to them. However, I also feel that these types of peels can perhaps be avoided if you maintain a good skin care routine and religiously use SPF! Not enough can be said about prevention! But I think it's good to know that we have options when life sometimes deals us a different hand!

Exfoliation 101: Body Scrubbin'

I don't know of anything I love more than the feel of freshly exfoliated, intensely moisturized skin! There is just something about my skin feeling like a baby's bottom that I crave and it gives me a mental high when I know that I have sloughed away dead skin and all that's left is absolute freshness. Your skin is your biggest feature, so you should make it stand out with a radiant, healthy glow of beauty.

My shower indulgence is The Body Shop's Spa Wisdom Africa Spa Salt Scrub. I have been using this product for years, it is my trusty standby. I have yet to find a scrub that makes my skin tingle and feel as incredible as it does after using this product! I have tried so many, yet I always come back to this one.

Since my skin is normal, I generally exfoliate once a week. (Those with more oily skin should exfoliate no more than twice a week. We don't want to overdo it - the benefit is no greater!) I really try to make it a weekly thing for me during the summer, due to the excess perspiration and oil production, which leads to a speedier accumulation of dead cells. Ewww, I know! However, like the rest of you out there, I have a busy life and sometimes a quick shower is all I have time for! Therefore my exfoliation regime consists of a few variations!

#1: If I'm in a super hurry, I will throw on a pair of bath gloves and lather up with Dove soap, using gentle circular motions. I prefer Dove because it is moisturizes as it cleans. I like The Body Shop's Bath Gloves - mainly because I love the color selection. I'm partial to orange - it's bright and cheerful and makes me happy! LOL!



#2: My typical weekly routine - After washing with soap, I use my Spa Wisdom Africa Spa Salt Scrub. I just use my bare hands for this because the scrub contains enough exfoliants to do the job.

#3: If it has been two weeks or more since I exfoliated or if I have been really active (a.k.a. sweating a lot!) - This is when I get intense! After washing with soap, I will use the bath gloves along with the scrub to really get the nasties off. Be careful not to be too harsh! These two together are quite a duo and you do not want to be too abrasive with your skin.

My Dynamic Duo

After each exfoliation, I follow with a deep moisturizer. My fave for the summer is The Body Shop's Coconut Body Butter. It is so rich and creamy and feels like silk! My skin soaks it up and feels absolutely amazing afterwards. Plus, the scent is to die for! It doesn't have the strong, overwhelming smell that some products have, especially those that are supposed to smell like coconut. It's a very light, clean, fresh, coconut smell. It's heavenly, I tell ya!

My Ménage a Trios!

Finish this off with my favorite comfies, a glass of red wine, and a great movie and I'm a happy chic!

Until next time, XOXO!