Complete Skin Care Therapy

Is Your Hand Sanitizer Working?

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:03:00 +0000

With the onset of the H1N1 pandemic and the normal flu season at bay, it is no wonder that hand sanitizer sales are on the rise. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers kill harmful bacterial, such as streptococcus, salmonella, staphylococcus, E. coli and shigella. Hand sanitizers physically destroy the germs however these products do not claim to kill viruses.

While hand sanitizers can be useful when soap and water are not available, there are key elements that make them effective. For a hand sanitizer to be effective it must contain at least 63% Ethyl Alcohol, any percent less than that will not be effective in killing germs. Unfortunately there are hand sanitizers on the market with an alcohol content of 40% which will have no effect when sanitizing the hands. Always check the label for the concentration of alcohol if buying an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

Furthermore, just like properly washing your hands a hand sanitizer needs to be applied to the top, bottom, sides, inside fingers and fingertips. Rub vigorously with enough cleaner to get them damp and continue rubbing together until they appear dry. If this dry feeling occurs within les then 15 seconds you have not used enough cleaner.

Lately it has also been an issue in schools about the flammability of the alcohol in hand sanitizers and the potential misuse they may pose as an intoxicant. Thus alcohol based hand sanitizers have been banned from some schools. As an alternative to these alcohol based sanitizers a chemical called benzalkonium chloride is used instead of alcohol.

If you are an environmentalist such as me, I have a problem with throwing all those little plastic bottles in the trash. I also have a problem with the chemicals contained in them and the fact that they are getting a little pricey! How about a more natural remedy to sanitize your hands and with no ill effect on the environment!

Here is the recipe!

2 parts aloe gel (NOT juice)
1 part distilled water (NOT tap)
1 part ethyl alcohol-(such as vodka) (NOT isopropyl)
4-5 drops tea tree oil - a great antibacterial essential oil
Lavender oil or other fragrance oil to your liking, also blends well with blends well with lemon, eucalyptus, clove, cinnamon, and orange to name a few.

Although this may not have a concentration of 63% alcohol, the essential oil Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, and other wonderful properties to ward of germs.

You can get sample essential oils at Complete Skin Care Therapy

CleanWell hand sanitizers are made with a patented formulation of essential plant oils lab proven to kill 99.99 percent of the harmful germs. CleanWell is the only hand sanitizer that is all-natural and alcohol-free. The ingredients in CleanWell are safe for kids, non-toxic, and come from rapidly renewable resources that grow abundantly worldwide.

Emu Oil - a Remarkable Skin Care Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:11:00 +0000

Emu oil is made from the fat of a large bird called the Emu. These birds are native to Australia and history has it that this oil was used by the Aborigines for treatment of wounds, burns, scars, and muscle and joint paint. Today Emus are raised and harvested in the United States. They provide a rich lean meat that is fat free and low in cholesterol and a remarkable skin care treatment from the fat of the bird.

Emu oil is comprised of approximately 70% unsaturated fatty acids including an omega -6 and an omega-3 fatty acid. The cosmetic properties of Emu oil were studied at the University of Australia and their findings were outstanding. They found that it is a very effective moisturizer and offers skin softening and skin cell rejuvenating properties. Emu oil penetrates deep into the dermal layers of skin thus diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally it has anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory properties, which will help heal sunburn, skin rashes, eczema and other skin disorders. It is also non-comedogic, non-greasy, and hypo-allergenic.

The latest research in skin care indicates that essential fatty acids are important to achieve great skin and great hair. And, that the best anti-aging formulas need to have essential fatty acids and omega-3 in their formula. This is according to Dr. Perriconne’s latest best seller
Emu oil is loaded with essential fatty acids and omega-3’s. Has superb hydrating qualities, does not clog pores and kills bacteria.

Emu oil can help you keep a youthful appearance. Go here to read some reviews.

For some great skin care recipes, and more articles visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Essential Oils in the Home

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:13:00 +0000

The use of essential oils goes back as far as 6000 years when Egyptian physician, Imhotep, the then God of Medicine and Healing recommended fragrant oils for bathing and massaging. In 4,500 B.C. Egyptians used myrrh and cedar wood oils for a embalming their dead and 6,500 years later the preserved mummies prove the fact discovered by the modern researchers that the cedar wood contains natural fixative and strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties. From that time forward there has been numerous instances recorded on the use of essential oils in healing.

Today, research has proved the valuable and multiple uses of essential oils. Medical research in the recent years has uncovered that the odors we smell have a significant impact on the way we feel. Smells act directly on the brain like a drug according to scientific research. For instance smelling lavender increases alpha wave frequency in the back of the head and this state is associated with relaxation. Additionally, essential oils have now become popular in skin care products for their valuable properties.

Essential oils in the home:

Diffusers
Diffusers are generally made of ceramic or clay. The diffuser has a cave-like opening to house small candles are earthen oil lamps and the top is shaped like a curved cup to hold a little water and few drops of aroma oil. Fill the top cup with water, add a few drops of essential oils depending on the oil chosen then light the candle or the lamp. For the oil lamp to last for a long duration, add castor oil to the earthen lamp because castor oil burns for a very long time as compared to the other oils used to light a lamp. Once the water and oil heat up, evaporation takes place and the whole atmosphere is filled with the aromatic scent

Vaporization
Consider placing a few drops into a vaporizer to add a moist, subtle hint of fragrance to any room. You can also add a couple of drops to a pan of water to gently steam over the kitchen stove or radiator.

Potpourri
Potpourri as the name suggests is a mixture of dried flowers, herbs, and grass and seed pods. Add a few drops to the potpourri mixture and place in a closed container overnight. This allows the oils to absorb into the potpourri. The following morning open the box and the aroma will fill the room. A few drops of essential oil added to the potpourri and kept in a bowl would keep giving out aromatic fragrance for 4-6 weeks.

Room Sprays
As we become more environment conscious, aerosols are being discouraged due to their ozone depleting properties. Essential oils are natural and hence they could be used liberally to deodorize a room, freshen and scent your bathroom, living-room, bedroom, dining-room, office cabin, etc. Merely add 10-12 drops of aroma oil to half a liter of water and spray the mixture with the help of a spray bottle. Oils like lavender, lemon, peppermint, pine and rosemary are best for this application.

Essential oils in the home are the best air filtration system. They purify by removing metallic particles and toxins, increase atmospheric oxygen, increase ozone and negative ions which inhibit bacteria growth, destroys mold, cigarette and animal odors and finally they will fill the air with a fresh scent. On top of all of that, they are environmentally safe!

Below are the benefits from some of the more common essential oils and fragrance oils used in the home:

•Chamomile offers a fruity, apple like fragrance which eases anxiety, tension, anger and fear and promotes relaxation, gives patience, peace minimizes worry.

•Grapefruit is a sweet, sharp and refreshing scent which has an overall uplifting effect. It has a reputation for balancing manic depression.

•Jasmine is a sweet, flowery-exotic and slightly heady scent which is claming to the nerves and warms emotions. Produces positive feelings of confidence

•Lavender fights depression, promotes sleep, lowers blood pressure and has an overall calming effect.

•Eucalyptus a clear and sharp scent which has a cooling effect on the emotions. Known to clear the head, help with concentration and strengthens the nervous system.

Please note that I have only listed the properties of these common essential oils and their effect on the mind, they also have therapeutic values to the body and to the skin. Spa treatments such as body wraps, and facial steams use essential oils for their therapeutic values and more and more skin care products are using wonderful essential oils such as jojoba oil, aloe Vera, neroli, and rose for example.

Essential oils are potent and care should be used when working with them. However, understanding the properties and the benefits that essential oils can bring to your home is well worth the learning experience.

To read a big list of the properties of essential oils read my post Properties of Common Herbs and Essential Oils in Skin Care.

Hope you can stop by and visit Complete Skin Care Therapy offering great skin care articles, and easy skin care recipes for facial mask, body wraps, toners, cleansers, and more.

Want to experiment with essential oils but don’t want to spend a bundle, go here you can get sample essential oils for $1 to $3. Just the right amount to do a little experimenting.

L@@K at your hands and fingernails - manicured or neglected?

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:04:00 +0000

Fashion isn’t just the clothing you put on; it includes the color of your eye shadow right down to the color of your fingernails. Pretty well manicured fingernails can add so much to your overall look.

So what are the latest trends in fingernail polish and shape? Well after some thorough investigation it appears that dark colors are the trend this year. Colors such as dark orange, coppers, wine, lavender, navy, plums, reds and dark browns are the color of the season. Additionally shimmer, glittery or sparkly is in for fall. These dark colors and shimmering colors are great for the night on the town! For the office consider nude/opaque colors and light pinks.

In addition to making a fashion statement with your new nail color, this season’s style seems to opt for the shorter length. Fingernails that extend slightly past the tip of the finger are the idea length. The shape of the fingernail this season is somewhere between oval and square. The trend seems to have moved completely away from the square fingernail. Whether you opt for long fingernails or fingernails just above the tip of the finger, it is important to note that you should select the right fingernail polish to complement the length of your nails.

DIY Manicure

Keep your nails manicured to a length that suits you. When filing your nails use an upward stroke along the top side of the nail. Do not file your nails along the side walls as this weakens the nail.

When cleaning your nails, use a nail brush in the shower or sink. Digging too far underneath the nail destroys the nail base and enlarges the white space between the nail plate and nail base. A gentle nail brush is much better for cleaning the nails. In addition, the gentle scrubbing under the fingernail promotes circulation to the finger tip.

The cuticle is an important part of the fingernail. It seals the area at the base of the nail protecting the nail base and the nail development system. Poking, prodding and cutting at the cuticle are not necessary. Doing so leaves your fingernail vulnerable to infection and bacteria. Once bacteria or an infection has set in under the cuticle or nail your nails could grow out with ridges or other unsightly markings. Gently massaging the cuticle with cuticle creams or lotion is fine to promote circulation and soften the cuticle for a well manicure look. A nice cuticle softener is olive oil. Just dab a small amount onto the cuticle and massage.

Invest in a good manicure set. If you go to the spa to get your nails done, bring your own equipment.

DIY Fingernail Polishing

Start with a base coat – there are various types on the market that will strengthen nails, smooth out ridges, etc. Select the one appropriate for your nail condition.

Apply polish – this should take three strokes, one down the middle, and one on each side. This definitely takes practice. Instead of going over the same area three or more times wait for the first coat to dry.

Apply a top coat – this will protect your polish from chipping and cracking. Some top coats are also designed to fast dry your polish.

Fingernail Polish Removal

After removing your nail polish, be sure to rinse your nails with water. Nail polish remover has a tendency dissolve the nail thus weakening them. In addition, do a patch test prior to using nail polish remover, as it has been know to cause contact dermatitis in some people. Avoid nail polish removers that contain acetone or formaldehyde.

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For great homemade skin care recipes vist Complete Skin Care Therapy

Skin care toners – Do you use a facial toner?

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:30:00 +0000

There seems to be a debate on whether or not a toner is necessary in your skin care routine. I for one am a dedicated toner user. Toner has been part of my skin care routine since I was in my twenties and I am now over 50.

Toners are used after cleansing your face but before moisturizing. They are meant to remove the last bits of cleansing lotion, dirt or debris and to restore the skin’s pH balance. Additionally, depending on the type of toner and the ingredients they contain, they can offer anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Toners refresh and cool the skin and prepare your face for the next application of your skin care routine, such as applying your moisturizer or makeup, if any.

All skin types can benefit from a toner. However be sure to use the right toner for your skin type. Furthermore, find a toner that is free of irritants such as acetone, mint, menthol and SD alcohol, and ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol is very drying to the skin and harms the soluble collagen below the surface of the skin. Witch hazel, germanium, honey, lemon, ivy and sage, chamomile, and green tea are just some of the herbs used in toners. Although witch hazel by itself can be very drying to the skin, use it with moisturizers such as vitamin E and honey.

As indicated above, toners are used after cleansing your face but before moisturizing. To apply, add a generous amount to a cotton ball and stroke over your face and neck liberally. Your toner should feel soothing and refreshing to the skin. I personally leave my toner in the fridge so it is really refreshes the skin and the cool liquid will close the pores before applying any moisturizer or makeup.

Below is a simple recipe to make your own toner. Keep it refrigerated and your skin will love the soothing and refreshing treat.

Anti-aging Toner
1/2 cup pure spring water or distilled water
2 teaspoons green tea leaves (or 1 green tea bag) – not decaffeinated
Bring water to a boil. Place the tea leaves or tea bag in a glass or bowl. Pour the boiling water over the leaves or bag and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain the green tea into a bottle, and let it cool. Apply to skin with cotton balls. Do not rinse. Apply moisturizer.

It is not a mystery green tea is so popular in the cosmetic industry. Loaded with Vitamin E and C, the antioxidant agents slow the signs of aging externally.

For more skin care articles, homemade skin care recipes such as toners, facial peels, cleansers and exfoliate, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy and click on the recipes tab.

Check out these toners here

Seven Easy Skin Care Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:05:00 +0000

Homemade skin care is fun, easy to make and both effective and inexpensive. Hope you can try some of these recipes and let me know what you think.

Toner for Large Pores
10 drops Patchouli essential oil
2 fluid ounces of distilled water
Mix both ingredients in a small spray bottle. Shake well to blend oil and water prior to each use. Spray on clean, washed face.

Patchouli offers many benefits in skin care products. Has a toning and tightening effect due to its astringent properties and therefore cools inflamed skin and heals rough cracked skin, sores and wounds. Also have diuretic properties which prove valuable for water retention and cellulite. Patchouli also proves effective for aging skin as it is believed to be a tissue regenerator thus promoting growth of new skin cells.

Firming Face Mask
1 Tbsp. honey
1 egg white
1 teaspoon glycerin
¼ cup flour
Blend & smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse

Softening Facial Masque (emollient)
1 egg yolk
1/3 cup avocado peeled and mashed
1/3 cup milk
Beat the egg yolk until fluffy. Add milk and avocado, mixing thoroughly with the yolk. Apply to face and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Below is a simple recipe to make your own blackhead remover strip(s).
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 tablespoons milk
Mix both ingredients and microwave for 10 seconds until it is warm to the touch.

Note: this does not smell the best when taking it out of the microwave, but this recipe actually removes blackheads! Warm nose, and/or chin and forehead with a warm cloth to open pores, apply mixture to the area in which you wish to remove blackheads. Do not use around eyes or other delicate areas.

Allow mixture to dry for 15-20 minutes, or until a stiff film appears. Slowly peel off the film and there you go, all the debris in your pores has surfaced to the top. Rinse face with warm water and then follow with a cool toner to close pores and restore pH balance. Follow with a moisturizer that does not clog pores.
For blackheads that are deeply embedded into the skin, steam your face to open pores.

Coffee Rinse -to add shine and depth for brunettes and redheads
8 cups warm brewed coffee
Rinse hair with coffee after shampooing. Do not rinse it out. Your hair will be rich and shiny.

Vinegar Rinse
This rinse will remove the last traces of shampoo and give the hair extra shine and a soft, smooth, texture. Vinegar restores the pH balance to hair. Add a few tablespoons of pleasant-scented vinegar, such as raspberry or plum, to your rinse water. You can use this rinse after every shampoo, if desired.

Eliminating Large Pores
Mix 1 tsp. ground almond meal with enough water to form a paste. Apply it to your face and let it dry for 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water and follow up with a toner – see toner recipe at top. Naturally if you are allegeric to nuts you may not want to use this recipe.

As with any new skin care product, a patch is always recommended.

For more skin care recipes including facial serums, facial peels and mask, body wraps, etc., visit Complete Skin Care Therapy and click on the Recipes tab.

Skinsational Ebook

The Naturally Skinsational recipe ebook provides a wonderful selection of homemade natural skin care recipes for facial treatments.

An Anti-Aging Roller from Olay - Review

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:10:00 +0000

I suffer from under eye bags and puffiness in the mornings and I was ecstatic when I received Olay’s anti-aging roller for eyes to review. How exciting!

On first glance, I was intrigued. The product is about the size of a marker with small rollers on one end. A couple of clicks on the other end send the fluid to the rollers. Application is easy; just roll on under and around the eye area and then massage with fingertips.

Olay’s claim for this product is to “reduce eye puffiness, regenerate skin’s appearance to diminish fine lines and wrinkles.” So knowing Olay’s claim, I used the product everyday as directed and evaluated whether there was any improvement in diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and eye puffiness.

The first thing I noticed was how cool it was on the eye area and found it to be very soothing. Additionally, it is a lightweight and non-greasy formula that quickly absorbs into the skin. It is also a fun product to use and I can see how the rollers can increase blood flow thus reducing puffiness. I had absolutely no skin reaction to the product and I do suffer from skin sensitivity from certain skin care products.

My under eye puffiness usually subsides as the day wears on, however I did notice that eye puffiness was reduced in a minimal amount of time with the use of this product. It is important to note that the directions state that you must massage into the skin for 30 seconds and I noticed you will get better results by doing so.

As far as diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet, etc) I really can not comment either way.

I have been blessed, and at 56 I have no wrinkles in the corner of my eyes. However the under eye puffiness is my biggest aging skin problem to overcome.

Would I buy the product? I would like to, but at $22.99 it is a little steep for my pocketbook. So guess I will have to stick with my homemade beauty treatments such as rosemary tea bags, cold eye compresses and sweet almond oil for moisturizing to reduce eye puffiness. However, overall I liked the product, the innovative application, and I believe it helped my under eye puffiness. Additionally, I will certainly keep the rollers and use them to apply my other eye care products that I have on hand.

My disappointment was the packaging. In this day and age we should all be a little more environmentally conscious and the packaging was quite large for the size of the product.

Get your Olay anti-aging roller at Amazon the current price only $18.99 Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Anti-Aging Roller, 0.2-Ounce Box

For easy homemade skin care recipes and informative articles, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Making the Most of Brown Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:36:00 +0000

Although you may think your brown eyes are common and plain, you are actually blessed to have brown eyes. Brown eyes can wear so many shades of eye shadow and go from smoky eyes for evening wear to a light and natural finish for day wear.

Not all brown eyes are created equal. There is different color of brown eyes ranging from deep dark brown to a lighter brown. Additionally the specs in the iris can vary from yellow to copper toned specs. When selecting the perfect color for your brown eyes, pick colors that complement the specs in the iris of the eye. Colors that complement the specs in your eyes will blend with your complexion and accentuate your eyes.

Again, while most brown eyed girls can wear a wide variety of eye colors, skin tone is an important factor. For instance those with a warm skin tone (yellow tinted) should avoid yellow tinted eye makeup while those with a cool skin tone should avoid red based or rosy hues. As a general rule, women with fair complexions should use earthy or pastel colors, while women with darker skin should choose darker colors that enhance their eyes.

Tpo enhance the eyes, brown eyed girls should avoid brown eye makeup that matches the color of their eyes. Consider a shade lighter or darker to add depth to the eye area. Colors such as beige, tan, taupe, dark brown and chocolate brown are better tones for brown eyes than just plain brown. Additionally, amber, mahogany, copper and gold will enhance your eyes but only when used lightly as a highlight or accent for other tones.

Other colors that work well on brown eyes are:
Brown - preferably one that is a shade lighter or dark than your eyes, mocha, beige, tan, gray, charcoal, khaki, olive green, hunter green, bronze, gold, violet, lavender, pink, rose, and blue. Usually silver should be avoided. Plum, burnt orange, coral, aqua and burgundy compliment brown eyes. Again take into consideration the color of the specs in your eyes and your skin tone. Chances are you will be able to tell if a color just isn't working for you!

Application

The first step in your eye makeup application is to apply a base coat of a neutral or matte color over the entire eyelid. If you are over 40 consider a primer to help hold you eye makeup in place. Consider colors that range from beige to champagne.

Secondly, contour your eyes, by using a darker color or contrasting color in the crease of your eyes and blend into the base color. A darker or contrasting shade will create depth.

Lastly, highlight just below the brow with a shimmery color or a light contrasting color that will blend with your base color.

A good tip to remember is to use lighter matte colors as your base color, darker colors as your contouring color, and lightest colors as your highlight.

The best thing about brown eyes is the variety of colors that will enhance your eyes. So get out of the brown eye makeup rut and experiment with some plums, coppers, etc.

This product has great review, check it out!

Get a beautiful complexion with proper facial cleansing

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:12:00 +0000

If you have been out and about today or even staying at home by the end of the day chances are your face is covered in dirt and grime from environmental pollutants. Are one of those types that simply wipes down your face at the end of the day? Then you are not doing you complexion any justice. Your skin works hard all day fighting off free radicals and deserves proper cleansing. Additionally proper cleansing will refresh and rejuvenate your complexion.

Proper cleansing comes from selecting the right product for your skin type. Furthermore the best cleanser, no matter what skin type you have, is those that do not strip away the natural fatty oils which protect and waterproof the skin. Over drying the skin with harsh cleansers leaves the skin vulnerable to excessive dryness and leaves the skin exposed to bacteria and cellular damage.

To begin pull your hair away from your face then wash your hands, this prevents bacterial and dirt from transferring from your hands onto your face. Apply your cleansing product at the forehead then gently sweep the cleanser over the face and continue to massage into the lips and neck area. Massage the cleanser into your skin in a gentle circular motion, paying special attention to the thin skin under the eyes. Avoid the upper eye area; many cleansers are not formulated to be used on the eye area. Thoroughly rinse your face with cool or tepid water (not to hot or to cold). Extreme hot or cold water can cause flushing and break sensitive capillaries in the skin. After cleansing, pat dry and follow with toner to restore pH balance and any traces of cleanser. Apply toner on a cotton ball or pad and gently wipe over your face starting with cheeks, chin, nose and ending with your forehead. After toning, follow with a SPF moisturizer for daytime wear and a hydrating lotion for nighttime wear. Gently smooth your moisturizer over your face and neck area to protect and hydrate your skin.

For an added bonus for your complexion, consider an exfoliate to slough off dead skin cells, promote new skin cell growth and improve circulation. Depending on your skin type and the type of exfoliate I recommend no more than one per week. A simple homemade skin care exfoliate is to just add a bit of cornmeal to your regular cleansing cream. Other alternatives are sea salts, Epsom salts, or sugar. Sea salt is a natural for normal skin. It contains marine extracts and minerals that help revitalize the skin. Sugar is a gentle exfoliate ideal for sensitive skin since the grains have smoother edges than salt grains.

Another spa treatment that is so beneficial to the skin is facial masks. Again, depending on your skin type, no more than once a week is recommended. Papaya, avocado or honey makes great facial masks.

To get some easy homemade skin care recipes for facial masks, toners, and exfoliates visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Get some great name brand, reasonably priced skin care products at Skin Energizer

Eliminate Pillow Case Lines in your Face!

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:13:00 +0000

After a good night sleep and feeling good and refreshed, the last thing you want is to wake up and find a big crease across your face. The line(s) across your face are quite upsetting, especially if you have to head out the door to work, run errands or whatever you do to start your day.

Usually the big wrinkle disappears in an hour or two but did you know that these types of creases in your face can eventually cause a permanent skin wrinkle. These creases are similar in concept to constant frowning which can give you permanent lines in your forhead, or how squinting all the time can produce those fine lines around the eyes.

Sleep is a time in which our bodies and skin rejuvenate, however as we age that rejuvenation process slows down. During the aging process, collagen breaks down leading to less elasticity, cell regeneration is sluggish, blood circulation slow downs, and usually the skin tends to be more dry. Because of these factors our skin does not bounce back as quickly as it used to, thus pillow crease lines are formed. Furthermore, pillow crease lines can also be a result of laying in the same position for prolong periods thus restricting blood circulation.

Whether you develop pillow crease lines due to aging and loss of elasticity or from lying in the same position for several hours, restricting blood flow, there are several options to eliminate facial pillow case creases. The most obvious is to sleep on your back - yeah right! Another option is to have wrinkle free pillow cases, and is that really an option - who has time to iron pillow cases! The best solution is to invest in silk pillowcases and use a hydrating lotion or cream at night. A night time hydrating lotion will prevent or lessen pillow case creases as it will keep the skin supple. Additionally, whether you are 56 years old or 22 retaining moisture and suppleness in the skin will prevent or lessen the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

For more skin care articles, homemade skin care recipes, and great skin care products visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Get your Silk Pillowcase Covers (Free Worldwide Shipping)

Get your moisturizer at Skin Energizer

Choosing the Right Anti-aging Products

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:24:00 +0000

There are so many anti-aging products on the market today that is can be quite overwhelming trying to determine the right product for your specific skin care needs. Additionally, trail and error in selecting your anti-aging product can get expensive and frustrating.

Before you step out on your venture for the right anti-aging product, consider these tips.

First and foremost, know your skin type. Is your skin dry, oily, normal, combination (oily in the T-zone but dry otherwise), and/or sensitive? If you are unsure of your skin type, read my article "How to Determine Your Skin Type". Knowing your skin type is a crucial step in selecting the right anti-aging product.

Secondly, make a list of what your anti-aging cream should do for your complexion. Are you battling dark spots and age spots, or it is it fine lines and wrinkles. Is your complexion troubled with an uneven skin tone? Once you have determined the skin care issues you want to address, select your product accordingly.

For instance, if dark spots or age spots add years to your complexion, look for creams that are rich with D3PA (Dithiolane-3-Pentanoic Acid). D3PA alias Dithiolane-3-Pentanoic Acid claims to be a fast-acting anti-wrinkle treatment, loaded with antioxidants and decreases hyper pigmentation. Additionally, you could try a product with Hydroquinone which lightens the skin in two ways - It inhibits the production of melanin (the pigment responsible for the darkening of skin and actual skin color) and it breaks down the existing excess melanin on the spots that require treatment.

If fine line and wrinkles are a problem consider creams rich in AH3 (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3). AH3 supposedly relaxes facial tension leading to the reduction in facial lines and wrinkles with regular use. This remotely resembles the effect of Botox, which reduces facial tension and movement by paralyzing facial muscles.

Just to name a few, some of the best ingredients in anti-aging products are: alpha hydroxyl acids - (read my article on which alpha hydroxyl acid is right for your skin type). Retinol - which is a Vitamin A based derivatives - Retinol speeds up cell turnover, which means new skin cells come to the surface. Additionally, it has been observed to reduce the size of wrinkles. Look for forms of retinol such as retinal palmitate in wrinkle creams. This ingredient works to give your face an overall youthful glow, however some people do experience sun sensitivity to retinol and should only be used at bedtime and a sunscreen should be applied in the a.m. Vitamins C, E, and K also prove helpful in anti-aging products.

There are many anti-aging creams available that contain artificial ingredients, whether they are better or not compared to natural ingredients is not the scope of this article. However, I do believe that synthetic ingredients in anti-aging products have unknown side effects down the road. Therefore, I am a firm believer of natural products made from botanicals, marine plant extracts, sea salts, and homemade facials with various common kitchen ingredients. When shopping for your anti-aging cream, look for natural ingredients such as aloe Vera, honey, or jojoba oil to name a few, all of these ingredients have nourishing properties. Consider clay masks or seaweed mask for extra nourishment or citrus masks for skin lightening.

Next time you purchase your next anti-aging product be prepared to understand what you are buying and know the side effects of the ingredients, if any. Better yet, check out some great homemade skin care recipes at Complete Skin Care Therapy

Check out these anti-aging products at Skin Energizer, great products and reasonably priced! Made from botanicals and other natural ingredients

Simple and Effective Skin Care and Body Care tools

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:02:00 +0000

As many people say "having the right tools and materials for the job makes it so much easier" and I am very much inclined to agree with that statement. I am also inclined to believe that there are basic skin care tools that are necessary for great skin care.

How many times have you tried to do a job without the right tool? For instance, removing nail polish with toilet paper instead of a cotton ball or pad makes that particular job more difficult and takes more time and effort than it needs to be.

While searching through the skin care isle at any drugstore, department store or discount store,
there is an overwhelming array of tools to care for your skin. There are facial scrubbers, body
scrubbers and microdermabrasion cloths to name a few. So what tools are really needed for total skin care and body care? Well after much consideration, below are the tools I think are absolute must have items.

A magnified mirror is a must have. The magnification helps me to really see my skin. I can see what pesky hair needs to be plucked which I might otherwise have missed viewing in a regular mirror. I can also evaluate the pores on my skin and adjust my skin care routine as needed. For example, if I see that my face is oilier than usual and blackheads are building up I can adjust my toner and cleanser to address those problems.

Tweezers are next on my list of needed skin care tools. Over the years I have bought several cheap pairs and they were just that, cheap! Invest in a good pair of tweezers. A great pair of tweezers makes plucking the eyebrows and other facial areas so much easier.

Cotton balls or cotton pads to remove eye makeup are a must. Cotton balls or pads are gentle on the delicate skin around the eyes than a washcloth would be. They are also useful for nail polish removing, applying toner, blending makeup, etc. I personally prefer cotton balls but there are some good cotton pads on the market today.

A good manicure/pedicure set will keep your hands and feet beautiful. Pretty nail polish and well manicured fingernails and toes add so much to your overall appearance. If you are not a nail polish person, consider a nail buffer to bring out the shine in your fingernails and toes.

Finally, a good washcloth is my choice for body care. Although all the cute body scrubbers on the market are tempting, a washcloth works fine. It offers just enough exfoliate to slough off dead skin and promote circulation.

Visit Complete Skin Care Therapy for more articles, skin care recipes and great products!

20 Years Old - Great skin in your 40's takes good skin care in your 20's

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:48:00 +0000

It is inevitable that we all age; skin will lose elasticity and slowly the signs of aging will become apparent with brown spots, and fine lines and wrinkles. However, it is important to note that how you treat your skin in your twenties will forever be apparent later in life. Beginning a preventive maintenance skin care program in your twenties will help maintain a youthful glow well into your 40's.

Our skin ages in two ways: the accumulated physical changes normally associated with the passage of time (chronological aging) and through the accumulated damage caused by exposure to environmental pollutants and UV radiation (accelerated aging). Both of these types of aging can be slowed down with proper skin care and protection.

Your twenties could be considered the age of prevention, when most skin care issues start with lack of care. Forgetting to wash your face before bed can lead to clogged pores, whiteheads and blackheads. Squinting in the sun and not using moisturizers can contribute to fine dry lines around the eyes. Too little sleep, too much alcohol and smoking can dull the complexion. Serious sunburn can now set the stage for age spots, and worse yet set the stage for some form of skin cancer including melanoma

The first step in developing the right skin care program to ward off premature aging is to determine your skin type. Is your skin on the dry side, oily or a combination of both - knowing your skin type will ensure that you have selected the most beneficial skin care products. If you are not sure how to determine your skin type read my article "How to Determine Your Skin Type".

Your beauty regimen should consist of daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing. No matter what skin type you have (dry, oily, or combination) these steps are the key to great skin. For those with dry skin, avoid lathering type cleansers, and toners that are alcohol based. Your moisturizer should be rich in emollients. For those with oily skin, do not over dry the skin with to harsh of skin care products, this only leads the skin to produce more oil to combat that "dry" skin feeling.

Exfoliates and Masks:
A good exfoliate stimulates skin cells, cleans pores and sloughs off dead skin. No matter what skin type, an exfoliate is recommended, and depending on your skin type and the type of exfoliate, they should be used as needed. Additionally, facial masks do wonder to hydrate and nourish the skin.

Sunscreen - Although we hear it over and over again, don't leave home without your sunscreen on. Sunscreen will protect your skin from those age spots that will eventually show up later in life or worse yet development of some form of skin cancer.

On a personal note, look for products that contain natural ingredients such as green tea, jojoba oil, or aloe vera just to name a few. Better yet consider making your own toners, masks, and exfoliates. By taking care of your skin in your twenties you will be rewarded in your 40's by less wrinkles, age spots, and an overall beautiful complexion.

For easy exfoliates, facial masks and facial peels you can easily make at home, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

Emu Moisturizing Lotion
A skin moisturizer that penetrates deep for effective soothing and hydration. Emu oil, Aloe Butter & Shea Butter for healthy, smooth, soft skin.

Honey - sooo benefical in skin care products

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:14:00 +0000

What’s not to like about honey! It’s great on toast, in tea, and offers so many benefits when used in skin care products.

Honey is not anything new; it has been around for thousands of years! Honey has been and still is used in food products and in medicine. Honey is now emerging into the cosmetics industry which is really not new either. Honey has been used by women in the early days of the Roman Empire as facial masks, honey and milk baths, etc.

Honey is comprised of 98% sugar and 2% enzymes, vitamins and minerals. These vitamins and minerals would include vitamin C, a variety of B vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid, and the mineral potassium. It is also rich in amino acids. This combination of natural ingredients offers a multitude of benefits when used in skin care products.

Properties of Honey:

Natural humectants - which makes it a superb moisturizing ingredient. Honey has the ability to bind moisture to the skin to help it stay hydrated. Additionally, it will smooth out rough, dry and wrinkled skin.

A natural antioxidant - which fights off free radical damage. Antioxidants are used in skin care products to fight free radicals and reverse the signs of aging.

Ant-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties - Honey also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. These properties are beneficial for those with problems skin such as mild acne. Research has shown honey has shown to manage acne by attacking the bacteria which is causing the outbreaks. Because of its potent antibacterial properties, hospitals in Asia and Europe have used honey infused bandages to help heal infected wounds successfully

Below are some simple skin care recipes to enjoy the many benefits of honey. Although honey tends to be well tolerated by most skin types, a patch test is always recommended.

Easy Cleansing Scrub
Mix honey with ground almonds and scrub on face. Note: if allergic to nuts this would not be recommended. Try cornmeal instead.

Purifying Scrub

Mix 1 tbsp. of honey with 2 tbsp. finely ground almonds and 1/2 tsp. lemon juice. Massage gently onto face and rinse well with warm water. Follow with toner

Firming Facial mask
Whisk a tablespoon of honey together with an egg white, 1 teaspoon of glycerin and about 1/4 cup of flour. Smooth on the face, leave on 15 minutes, and rinse off with warm water.

Moisturizing pack
Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 teaspoons of whole milk, smooth over the face and throat, and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, and finish by splashing with cold water.

Moisturizing lotion
for dry patches such as elbows, mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, then apply. Wash off after 15 minutes.

For easy exfoliates, facial masks and facial peels you can easily make at home, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Try this dry skin face mask made with wild oats, honey and vitamins!

Understanding Alpha and Beta Hydroxyl Acids in Skin Care

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:32:00 +0000

Alpha and Beta hydroxyl acids also known as AHAs and BHAs respectively, are very popular in anti-aging skin care products. These products actually do what they claim to do, which is to reduce the appearance of winkles, even out skin tone, and smooth out your complexion.

Alpha and beta hydroxyl acids are similar to a microdermabrasion or exfoliate treatment. They slough off the top layers of the skin thus promoting new skin cell growth. Additionally they claim to stimulate the production of collagen and elasticity in the skin.

Alpha hydroxyl acids are derived from fruit, milk and sugars. They are represented on skin care labeling as:
Glycolic acid - sugar cane
Lactic acid - milk
Malic acid - apples and pears
Citric acid- oranges and lemons
Tartaric acid - grapes

Alpha hydroxyl acids are water soluble which makes them the choice for sun damaged skin in which skin sensitivity or breakouts are not a problem.

Beta hydroxyl acid is salicylic acid which is derived from aspirin and is oil soluble. Beta hydroxyl acid is best for oily skin that is prone to breakouts, blackheads and whiteheads. The acid is able to penetrate deep into the pores to exfoliate and clean. Furthermore, because Beta-hydroxyl acids are derived from aspirin they retain anti-inflammatory properties.

The level of hydroxyl acids in skin-care products should be at a minimum concentration of 5% to 10% and at a pH of 3 to 4 for it to be effective. Cosmetologists are able to use a solution of 20% to 30% and physicians can use up to a 70% concentration. A concentration of 20% is much like a microdermabrasion treatment where it actually erases fine lines and smoothes out the complexion. Normally this can be achieved in one to three applications and last 3 to 6 months to maintain a smooth complexion. A concentration of 50% to 70% will remove surface scars and fine lines and winkles and last two to five years. However at this concentration you could expect severe redness, flaking, and weeping up to four weeks or so. Remember, the higher the level of concentration the longer the recovery period. Consider an hydroxl acid as a very mild chemical peel at 5% to an intense peel at a 50% concentration or higher.

Hydroxyl acids can do wonders in sloughing off the dead skin and promoting new skin cell growth, although they do have their drawbacks. The major side effects of these acids are skin irritation and sun sensitivity. Skin irritation can be mild to extreme causing redness, burning, itching and possible scarring, especially on dark skin people. While hydroxyl acids can reverse the signs of aging such as brown, age spots and fine lines, you skin is left very susceptible to sun burn and sun sensitivity.

When using hydroxyl acids allow the acid to penetrate the skin then apply a sunscreen that contains UVA and UVB protection if going outdoors.

Sunscreens that are mixed with hydroxyl acids are usually ineffective. Additionally, be wary of buying products that claim to have either alpha or beta hydroxyl acids, for these acids to work they must have a concentration of 5% to 10% and a pH of 3 to 4, however this information is rarely seen on the labels.

Below are a few tips when purchasing an alpha or beta hydroxyl acid:
Do not buy a hydroxyl acid combined with a sunscreen
Consider a hydroxyl acid that includes a moisturizer, or an exfoliate with hydroxyl acid. Only use one skin care product with an hydroxyl acid to avoid skin irritation.
If possible, test the product with a pH test strip, the acid must have at least 3 to 4 pH in order for it to be effective.
Do not purchase cleansers with hydroxyl acids. The hydroxyl acid must have time to penetrate the skin to be effective.

For easy exfoliates, facial masks and facial peels you can easily make at home, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Check out this great microdermabrasion product at Skin Energizer

Fabulous Shea Butter

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:41:00 +0000

Shea butter is commonly used in skin care and bath and body products. It is renowned for its moisturizing and healing properties. Shea butter contains large amounts of Vitamin A and E and other beneficial vitamins such as D and F. As we all know Vitamin A rebuilds skin cells and Vitamin E is full of antioxidants that protect the skin against free radicals.

Shea butter has such wonderful moisturizing properties that it is idea for those that suffer from dry skin, eczema, psoriasis and skin dermatitis. Shea butter does not clog pores and is gentle enough to use on babies. It absorbs easily into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.

Short list - benefits of shea butter:

Anti-aging properties - due its high content of Vitamin A it is a wonderful product to include in your skin care program. Daily uses of shea butter will reactivate collagen synthesis, improve skin texture and brighten a dull or grayish complexion. Additionally, it adds elasticity to skin and firms up aging skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Healing properties - its moisturizing quality will improve skin cracks and smooth out rough heels. Additionally it provides healing properties for insect bites, sunburns, eczema, dermatitis, blemishes, scars, burns, stretch marks, and poison ivy or oak. Shea butter will drain toxins from sore muscles and provide relief from arthritic pain.

Prevention - Shear butter will also provide prevention against stretch marks, ward of fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce or eliminate skin peeling after sunburn. Use after shaving to prevent irritation and restore skins natural luster.

Shea butter is a bath and body and skin care product that does it all. It protects the skin against free radicals and the high levels of moisture and healing properties will leave your skin so smooth, soft and supple that you will wonder how you ever got along without it!

Check out these great products! For some great skin care recipes, informative skin care articles, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Tree Hut Shea Body Butter, Original, 7-Ounce Jars (Pack of 3)

East African Shea Butter

Aging Skin - Age Defying Treatments

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:07:00 +0000

I don't know why but it seems to happen overnight, you look in the mirror and notice a brown or black spot, the fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and eyes suddenly seem more apparent, the skin doesn't seem to have the elasticity it once had and your overall complexion seems blotchy and uneven. These are common examples of aging skin and there are remedies to slow down and/or reverse the signs of aging.

Fine lines and Wrinkles: the cause of fine lines and wrinkles are due to dry skin. They usually appear around the eyes first (crows feet), and then the lips. Additionally, they can appear on the cleavage and neck area. To reduce the appearance of winkles, and to ward off further fine lines and wrinkles, a rich moisturizer is needed. There are various products on the market to combat fine lines and wrinkles and finding one that works for your specific skin type can be trial and error. However, when shopping for your moisturizer look for products rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and natural moisturizing oils such as almond or jojoba oil.

Discoloration and age spots - black and brown spots are usually the result of sun damage. An uneven skin tone can also be the result of sun damage and other factors too, such as diet, hormones, genetics, etc. These age spots and an uneven skin tone can be lightened naturally with homemade ingredients and there are several skin lightening products on the market. However, if any spot appears to change color, shape, etc., it is recommended that you see a dermatologist. Below are a couple of homemade remedies for skin lightening.

Lemon juice - a bleaching agent that will lighten sunspots. Dab a cotton ball of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the brown spots in the morning and evening. Note - lemon juice is photo-sensitive so protect your skin with sunscreen.

Apply the fleshy side of a green papaya, right out of the fridge to reduce the appearance of age spots. Just apply the papaya to the spots for 15-20 minutes daily and repeat until you attain the desire lightness.

Loss of elasticity - as we age the gravity takes it toll on our body and our skin. Additionally, oil glands become less productive and the skin cells do not rejuvenate as fast as when we were young. When selecting a product that will plump up the skin, select products that are rich with Vitamin A, Vitamin C and alpha or beta hydroxy. Products that promote circulation and increase collagen will improve skin elasticity.

Above are just a few of the signs of aging, and knowing and following a good skin care program which we all know is cleansing, toning, and moisturizing will do wonders at keeping the signs of aging at bay. Additionally add a facial mask, facial peel or exfoliate in your skin care program and your skin will reward you with a beautiful complexion.

There are several homemade skin care recipes that will combat aging skin and there are also products on the market that will improve and combat the signs of aging. Learn more about skin care at Complete Skin Care Therapy

There are informative skin care articles, easy homemade skin care recipes such as: making your own essential oils, rosewater toner, Vitamin C serum, and homemade soaps, just to name a few.

Check out this great ebook! Skinsational Ebook

The Naturally Skinsational recipe ebook provides a wonderful selection of homemade natural skin care recipes for facial treatments.

Gotta have the moisturizer

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:55:00 +0000

Starting my day without my Olay moisturizer is almost painful. My face will feel neglected, dry, and unprotected all day long. My moisturizer prevents and relieves my dry skin condition, which in most cases is the most common cause of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, my daily application of moisturizer will protect my skin from free radicals, mask imperfections, and improve skin tone and texture. Another great feature of moisturizer is that it will make the application of my foundation blend that much easier.

The most basic ingredients in moisturizers are a combination of humectants, emollients, fragrances and preservatives. Humectants, such as urea, glycerin, and alpha hydroxy acids, just to name a few, are substances that absorb water from the air and hold the moisture in the skin. For humectants to be effective they need high levels of humidity.

Emollients such as lanolin, mineral oil, and petrolatum are ingredients that fill in the spaces between the cells in the skin thus providing a smoothing effect. There are basically two types of emollients; they are either water based or oil based. My daytime facial moisturizer is water based but my night time facial moisturizer and body lotion is oil based. A good example of an oil based lotion would be Eucerin. I use Eucerin for my body moisturizer and it feels wonderful after shaving my legs. Eucerin seems to lavish my legs with much needed moisture.

There is an array of moisturizers on the market and finding the right moisturizer can be trial and error. However, when you find the right one, your skin will reward you with a beautiful complexion and smooth finish.

For more skin care articles and skin care recipes, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Here is my "can't live without" product! Olay Daily Hydrating Lotion

What is your "cant live without" skin care product?

Beauty on a Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:52:00 +0000

What used to be considered an everyday necessity, such as skin care products, are now somewhat of a luxury item. The dollars you spent freely trying various skin care and beauty products seems a little extravagant now. Times are tough for a lot of people, the stock market is down and people are losing their savings, and losing their jobs. Prices keep going up but increases in pay are minimal. However, there is hope, and there are inexpensive alternatives than expensive store bought skin care and beauty products.

Easy exfoliation: Add a little sugar to your existing cleansing cream. A sugar scrub is ideal for sensitive skin. Another exfoliate is Epsom salts, mix some Epsom salts with your cleansing cream for a microdermabrasion treatment.

Under eye bags and circles - skip the expensive cream and try a tea bag. The main ingredient in a tea bag is tannin and it works naturally to reduce puffiness and dark circles. All tannins act as astringents, shrinking tissues and contracting structural proteins in the skin and mucus. So while sipping your tea, save that tea bag. Cool it in the refrigerator and apply the cooled tea bags to your eyes for about 10 minutes.

Customize your own lip tint - how fun! This lip tint will last longer than many lipsticks and so much fun to experiment with the colors. Select your favorite gelatin color then dampen a foam tipped applicator with water and dip into the gelatin powder. Apply the color directly to the lips. Add more than one coat to deepen the tone, if desired. For shine, add a touch of glycerin or lip balm on top.

Easy Skin Toner - a toner is used after cleansing to remove leftover residue and restore pH balance.
Anti-Aging Toner
1/2 cup pure spring water or distilled water
2 teaspoons green tea leaves (or 1 green tea bag)
Bring water to a boil. Place the tea leaves or tea bag in a glass or bowl. Pour the boiling water over the leaves or bag and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain the green tea into a bottle, and let it cool. Apply to skin with cotton balls. Do not rinse. Apply moisturizer.

Green tea provides antioxidants and protects against free radicals here is a simple skin care recipe:
Moisturizing Mask for Hydration
2 Tbls plain yogurt
1 Tbls oatmeal, cooked and cooled
1 Tbl Honey
Mix all ingredients together, then let cool. Apply to face for 15 minutes. Yogurt gently exfoliates and cleanses while oatmeal and honey have moisturizer and hydrating properties.

Stretch your foundation:
Mix your foundation with your moisturizing cream. You will find the foundation is easier to apply and blend, and your foundation will last a lot longer. Usually it is 2 parts moisturizer to one part foundation but you can adjust as needed. The best part is you are sure not to neglect your moisturizer treatment, a very important step in a good skin care program.

Finally simple steps to finish off a beautiful you are:

Shape those eyebrows: Well shaped eyebrows accent the eyes and frame the face. If you can afford any beauty treatment, the eyebrows should be at the top of the list.

Hair shine - There are so many hair shine products on the market these days I get tired of reading all the labels. An easy hair shine recipe is to apply olive oil or glycerin onto freshly washed or dry hair. Also a milk or vinegar rinse will add vibrancy and shine.

Above are just a few skin care recipes and beauty tips to keep you looking beautiful even when budgets are tight. Also they are eco-friendly and require no animal testing or cruelty! For more skin care recipes and articles visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Carol Belanger author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

No money for skin care? Easy homemade skin care recipes!

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:32:00 +0000

Wouldn't it be nice to create your own skin care products specific to your skin type? Common skin care ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, vitamin C, and essential oils such as jojoba, almond oil and herbs such as chamomile and lavender can do so much to nourish the skin. Additionally, kitchen ingredients such green tea, black tea, whole milk and oatmeal are also commonly found in skin care products.

Here are a few skin care recipes to get you started:

Toner(s):

Soothing Toner Recipe
2 TBl. dried or 1 TBl. fresh herb depending on your skin type (see chart below)
2/3 cup milk
Boil milk and pour over herb. Cover and refrigerate. Strain through cheesecloth or muslin. Apply to skin with cotton balls. Do not rinse. Apply moisturizer. The recipe should be stored in a sterilized bottle and will keep for approximately 5 days in your refrigerator.

Anti-Aging Toner
1/2 cup pure spring water or distilled water
2 teaspoons green tea leaves (or 1 green tea bag)
Bring water to a boil. Place the tea leaves or tea bag in a glass or bowl. Pour the boiling water over the leaves or bag and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain the green tea into a bottle, and let it cool. Apply to skin with cotton balls. Do not rinse. Apply moisturizer.

Herbs used to make common toners are as follows:
Dry skin: Elderflower, linden flowers and marigold
Normal skin: chamomile - especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley and rosemary.
Oily Skin: Chamomile-especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley, rosemary, and peppermint and sage-especially good for antiseptic values.
Any of these herbs can be mixed with milk for soothing and nourishing dry skin as well as for sunburned or sensitive skin. Whole milk should be used for normal to dry skin, and skim milk for oily skin.

Exfoliate

Gentle Oatmeal Almond Facial Cleansing
2 Cups Rolled Oats
1/2 cup Almonds
2 Tbl. Dried rose petals
2 Tbl. Dried lavender flowers
Finely grind all ingredients separately in a grinder (a coffee grinder works). Mix all ingredients together, cover and store in a cool dry place.

For Dry Skin:
Mix 1 heaping teaspoon of cleansing grains with warm water to make a creamy paste and add 1/2 teaspoon almond oil.

For Normal to Oily Skin:
Mix 1 heaping teaspoon of cleansing grains with warm water to make a creamy paste, omit the almond oil.

With your fingertips and in an upward circular motion, gently massage the cleansing grains into your skin. Rinse with warm water and then apply a toner and moisturizer. Naturally if you are allergic to nuts, substitute the almond oil with another.

Cleanser
Honey Cleanser (For Dry Skin)
*Castile soap
1 Teaspoon Honey

Wet face. Pour a little castile soap into the palm of your hand, add honey. Mix honey and soap into a lather, wash face.

*Castile soap is made from vegetable oil as opposed to animal fat like other soaps. Oils used in castile soap include olive, coconut, almond, hemp, and jojoba

Well I hope you enjoy the recipes. Just think - skin care products that are effective, low-cost, no animal testing or cruelty, fun to make, and not harmful to the environment.

Visit Complete Skin Care Therapy for more skin care recipes and skin articles.

Get your skin care ingredients at

Skin Care and Hair Care Recipes - Right from the Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:17:00 +0000

From my observation, it seems like more and more people are seeking natural products for skin care and hair care. Additionally people are looking for products that are inexpensive, do what they claim, and are eco-friendly.

Well here is my favorite skin care and hair care recipes that are eco-friendly, inexpensive, work, and there is absolutely no animal testing involved!

Skin Lightening - We have all heard of Cleopatra's infamous milk baths and her beautiful skin. Here is today's version: add a pint to one quart of buttermilk to your bath! The buttermilk will soften and lighten dark patches. For an aromatherapy treatment too, add your favorite essential oil, such as lavender for relaxation.

Dry skin - try this exfoliate to scrub away dry patches. 2 cups of Epsom salt with olive oil. Be careful in the shower, olive oil can be slippery!

Cellulite - There is a lot of products that claim they can reduce cellulite - are they working for you? How about coffee grounds? Apply the grounds directly to affected area then wrap with kitchen wrap, much like a body wrap. Leave the wrap on 30 minutes and rinse. Repeat regularly until cellulite is gone. I think it is the caffeine in the grounds that stimulate the fat cells under the skin that makes this recipe work.

Dull hair - To add shine to your hair, apply a nickel size amount of olive oil in your hands and rub together, work your hands through your shampooed hair, then comb to distribute evenly. Allow oil to sit for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water, dry and style as usual. This is as good as any hot oil treatment to add shine to your hair.

Hair Product Buildup and overload - Vinegar is a natural choice to remove hair product buildup. Hairspray, mousse, gel, etc. leave behind residue in hair. Mix equal parts vinegar with water and after shampooing and conditioning, work the vinegar solution through hair and rinse. Vinegar also detangles.

Anti-Aging Mask -to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Mix together 2 tsp. plain yogurt, 1/2 tsp. honey, 1/2 tsp. lemon juice and 3 capsules vitamin E (equivalent of 300 units). Combine all ingredients. Open the Vitamin E capsule and fold contents into the mix. Gently apply to face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and follow with a toner and moisturizer.

Lavender Sugar Scrub -
1/2 cup of jojoba oil
3/4 cup of white cane sugar
1 teaspoon Vitamin E
1/4 cup almond oil
6 drops of lavender essential oil
Directions: Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Mix until combined, and then pour into desired container.What a wonderful scrub, and also a great gift!

Blackhead remover - Much like the strips you can buy in the store but less expensive and eco-friendly. Mix 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin and 1 1/2 tablespoons milk. Warm the mixture in microwave. Warm nose and/or chin with warm cloth to open pores, apply mixtures to nose and chin area. Do not use around eyes or other delicate areas. Allow mixture to dry on nose and chin for 15-20 minutes, or until a stiff film appears. Peel off the film and there you go, all the debris in your pores has surfaced to the top. Follow with a cool toner to close pores and restore pH balance, then follow with a moisturizer. Note: this does not smell the best when taking it out of the microwave, but this recipe actually removes blackheads!

Dry or damaged hair - avocado has wonderful nourishing properties. Cut up an avocado and blend, mix with1/2 cup mayonnaise or a few tablespoons olive oil. Wash and towel dry hair and apply treatment, thoroughly working down the shafts of the hair to the ends. Wrap hair in shower cap and allow nourishing for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse and style as usual.

These are just a few ways you can use common kitchen ingredients and essential oils in your skin care and hair care products. For more skin care recipes visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Are you bothered with sensitive skin?

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:49:00 +0000

Skin sensitivity to environmental factors, personal care products and cleaning products is quite common in women and men. Additionally, babies and children can develop skin sensitivity to certain products or rather the ingredient(s) therein.

Sensitive skin can also occur out of nowhere, by this I mean – you have been using a particular product for years and then all of a sudden you skin doesn’t seem to tolerate it anymore and reacts with redness, rashes or tiny bumps. That is my story, I never had problems with household cleaners and skin care products but now I have to be extremely careful with what products I use and always read the label. That is one of the reasons I have switched to non-toxic cleaners with safer ingredients and use skin care products that are more natural. Additionally I do make my own skin care products and soaps which I just love.

So what exactly is sensitive skin? My definition would be “any product when applied to the skin that makes the skin irritated, such as redness, tiny bumps, topical dermatitis, excessive dryness, etc”.

There are many products on the market today specifically for sensitive skin. These products have a reduced amount of chemicals, such as parabens, alcohols, fragrances, mineral oils and dioxanes which are usually known to be the culprit for skin sensitivity. The products although labeled for sensitive skin doesn’t necessarily mean that it is safe for your skin. There are varying degrees of skin sensitivity too. Some may experience sensitivity to a whole lot of products while some are just sensitive to specific ingredients. It is important to read the label and determine and isolate the ingredient(s) that are causing the problem.

When selecting your skin care products for your sensitive skin look for natural ingredients such as green tea, avocado, chamomile, lavender, neroli, rose, or sandalwood. Not only will these products be gentle on the skin, they offer anti-aging properties too. Better yet, why not consider making your own skin care products, the cost is minimal, the result is great, and you know exactly what you are putting on your skin.

Below are a couple of simple recipes for sensitive skin:

Gentle Toner

2 Tablespoons fresh herbs (lavender, calendula, lemon balm)
2/3 cup boiling milk

Pour boiling milk over herbs, cover and let cool. Strain through a cheese cloth and store in sterilized bottle or jar in the refrigerator. A cooling and soothing toner.

Avocado Face Mask for Dry and Sensitive Skin

1 avocado
3-4 drops of almond oil

Preparation
Peel and mash avocado and thoroughly mix in almond oil stirring till you get a consistent texture. Apply to face while massaging it gently. Let it rest for 30 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Follow with toner and moisturizer. Of course if you are allergic to nuts I would not use this recipe.

For more skin care recipes and articles visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

For great homemade soap, visit Plain Jane Skin Care mention code 589A and get 10% off!

For great skin care ingredients, bath and body and wonderfull teas, visit Mountain Rose Herbs

Remedies for Dry Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:18:00 +0000

The lack of moisture in the skin causes cracking of the upper layer of the skin, thus fine lines and wrinkles appear. There are various reasons for developing a dry skin condition. Some of the causes are, but not limited to, living in a dry climate, hormonal changes, excessive exfoliation and/or cleansing, or using skin care products that are to harsh for your skin. Additionally, dry skin can also be genetic and or inherent of one's own skin type. Dry skin also comes with aging as the sebaceous glands become less productive.

Whatever the cause of dry skin, there are simples remedies to nourish your skin and ward off premature lines and wrinkles.

The most effective treatment for dry skin is application of a moisturizer and following a good skin care routine such as cleansing, toning to restore pH balance and moisturizing..

Generally moisturizers are classified under 2 categories based on the way they provide or retain moisture to the skin. The first category is a moisturizer that retains and protects the moisture already in the skin. These products provide a covering over the skin and would include a product like Vaseline which seals in the moisture already in the skin.

The second category is humectants. They work by drawing moisture from the atmosphere; they pull in and hold water to keep the skin moist. Additionally they slow down the evaporation of moisture from the skin. A natural humectant is honey and glycerin and the synthetic ingredients would be propylene glycol and glyceryl triacetate.

To get the most benefit from your moisturizer a good skin care routine should be followed. Below are some tips to give your dry skin some relief.

First, cleansing the skin is a vital step in promoting healthy skin. Your cleanser should be mild and non-foaming. Foaming agents in cleansers have a tendency to dry out the skin even more. Furthermore, never use soap on the face or neck and water temperature should be mild and never hot.

Exfoliation does help with dry skin by removing the dead top layers of the skin. Additionally it promotes new cell growth and improves circulation. However, exfoliation should be minimal no more than once a week or even less if you suffer from extremely dry skin.

Toning is meant to restore pH balance and removing traces of cleanser left behind. Keeping your toner in the refrigerator adds a nice cool splash to your face and the cool toner will close pores. Avoid toners that are alcohol based better yet consider making your own toner.

Moisturizer is the last step. If your facial moisturizer does not provide SPF protection then apply sun screen over your moisturizer. For total body moisture, after your shower or bath, apply a body moisturizer while the skin is still damp.

No matter what skin type you are, i.e. dry skin, oily skin, or combination skin, a good skin care program is about being gentle with your skin. To promote a healthy glow, be sure you are selecting the right products for your skin type.

For more skin care articles and some homemade skin care recipes visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Carol Belanger author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

Detox Made Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 02:08:00 +0000

Today, there are many different toxins and pollutants that can enter your body via various avenues, such as over processed food, air pollution, toxins in common household cleaners that we breathe, etc. These toxins and pollutants that we encounter everyday accumulate in the body and can cause stress, fatigue and other related health problems. Thus providing an outlet to these toxins can be a wonderful way of cleansing your body.

The foot patch is an easy and inexpensive way to eliminate toxins from your body. They are a small adhesive square patch that is applied to the underside of the foot while you sleep. The foot detox patch is specially made with ingredients that naturally extract the toxins form the body. The Verseo foot patch contains high quality natural ingredients of detoxifying materials. Additionally they contain tourmaline which is a negative ion and infrared producing mineral. This combination of ingredients provides a very unique cleansing effect.

There are several advantages of using a foot detox patch; first and foremost it is an effective and easy method for body detoxification. A full body detox can reduce stress and fatigue and increase vitality and energy. Finally a full body detox can actually improve your immune system and does not involve any invasive procedure or long and lengthy hard to keep diet plans. A detox does an overall cleansing of the body which eliminates toxins, thus it improves overall health.

In summation, using a detox foot patch method for body detoxification can be a wonderful body cleansing experience. The advantages that it provides are numerous and the results can bring out a healthier you, both inside and outside.

If you are considering a full body detox, consider the Verseo foot patch. It is a product of 24 years of scientific research and testing. Additionally it has been recommended by many doctors worldwide and is rated number 1 with consumers for both effectiveness and cost.

Get your Verseo detox foot patch, just click on the icon below

For informative skin care articles, how to videos and some great skin care recipes visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Considering mineral makeup - what you need to know

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Sue) — Wed, 27 May 2009 01:22:00 +0000

Mineral makeup seems to be the latest craze in the cosmetic industry. But what exactly is mineral makeup and what makes it so much better. I have read various articles on the pros and cons of mineral makeup; additionally I have found that there are those people that love it for its smooth texture and those that do not for various reasons.

The main ingredients in mineral makeup are mica, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. Ironically though these ingredients have been in cosmetics for years so what is the difference in today's mineral makeup? The mineral makeup advertised today is (or supposed to be) free of fragrances, binders, synthetic dyes and preservatives thus they are considered to be purer and gentler to the skin than traditional cosmetics. Additionally, the titanium and zinc oxide in mineral makeup have anti-inflammatory properties which is useful for those suffering with problem skin such as acne or rosacea.

Mineral makeup will not clog pores as it is non-comedongenic. True mineral makeup is also great for those that have sensitve skin as it is free of synthetic chemicals and perservatives, which are usually the cause of skin dermatis and rashes.

Mineral makeup also claims to provide sun protection with an average SPF rating of 15, however most experts agree that it is not enough sun protection and a sunscreen should still be applied for extra assurance against harmful UV rays.

Another advantage of mineral makeup is it long lasting wear and easy application.
So based on the above information, mineral makeup seems to be the best choice to create a beautiful complexion, but is it?

Not all mineral makeup is created the same, they generally fall into two categories - those that stay true to the origin of mineral makeup without the extra ingredients and those that add the synthetic fillers, fragrances and preservatives (such as parabens) just to name a few.

Unfortunately cosmetic manufacturers can claim their mineral makeup to be pure and/or natural, but that may not always be the case. There is no regulation for what constitutes a mineral makeup, which means any product containing minerals as a primary ingredient can be marketed as such, even if it contains a whole lot of other less natural ingredients.

Another ingredient to be wary of is bismuth oxycholoride, this ingredient gives the mineral makeup a candlelight glow. Bismuth oxycholoride is a byproduct of lead and copper processing. Although lead and copper are minerals the byproduct through processing is not found in the earth. This mineral is used as a fill product which is not found in the earth naturally. Bismuth oxycholoride is a skin irritant and can cause itching and rashes and in large amounts can cause cystic acne. If you suffer from any skin irritation such as acne or rosacea or have sensitive skin, avoid any cosmetic that lists bismuth oxycholoride. However, some mineral makeup may contain just a small amount and may not cause a skin reaction, but you will never know until you try it. Again mineral makeup can be labeled pure and/or natural and contain the skin irritant bismuth oxycholoride.

Another factor that makes mineral makeup so popular is its long lasting wear, smooth finish and natural look. In order to make mineral makeup smooth manufacturers pulverize the minerals into microscopic or even nanoparticle size. Research studies have shown that that molecules that are dramatically reduced in size to a level of a nanoparticle will change the properties of that molecule leaving the nanoparticle with toxic properties. There is also concern about the health effects of inhalation of these nanoparticles. Zinc and titanium are safe when applied to healthy skin but in a micronized nanoparticle form; there remains a concern, particularly when applied to damaged skin, or when inhaled according to the Environmental Working Group.

If considering a mineral makeup be sure to read the ingredient label, the ingredients at the top of the list are the most predominant. Also, as with any new skin care product, do a patch test on the inside of your wrist.

Visit Complete Skin Care Therapy for easy skin care recipes such as toners, facial masks, peels, moisturizers and more. Consider making your own your own truly natural and eco-friendly skin care products. I just love my homemade toner!

Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

This mineral makeup gets great reviews - Bare Escentuals i.d. bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation