New Recipe: Home Made Sea Salt Scrub...

P.S: Sea salt is not the same as cooking salt! 

There are great benefits of using sea salt to exfoliate your skin. One of the biggest benefits is the glow that salt gives to the skin. It is however important to note that there are different grades of salt and using sea salt is the best option for a salt glow!

Sea Salt body scrub is also a great way to exfoliate the skin, which gets rid of dead skin cells. This also reveals clearer, renewed skin. 

Finally, using a scrub is just plain relaxing because the application process includes rubbing, and massaging. 

Extra Tip: Add a bit of lemon for a "brightening" effect.

Tip: Use sweet almond oil/ coconut oil/ grape seed oil or any lighter oil of your choice. 

Pls do not use cooking oil...

Look for dead sea salt, Atlantic Sea Bath Salt or Baleine- These can be found online, a spa or in a skincare shop.

Tip: The scrub should not be too oily to prevent it from being runny.

Recipe: 1/2 cup oil + 1 cup fine sea salt + 5-10 drops of high quality essential oil (this is optional, for those who love a bit of fragrance. Try lemongrass, vanilla or rosemary)

How To: Put salt in a glass container, add oil, mixing thoroughly with a wooden stick or spoon. The mixture should not be too runny. Add oil slowly, adjusting to achieve the right consistency as seen in the picture above. Then gently add drops of any essential oil of your choice.

The Sea Salt Scrub can be stored in a glass-like container (as seen below); and lasts for a long time 

Extra tip: Also a great gift for anyone!

xoxo

Great Product For Acne, Great Price Too!

This is a quick post on a gentle but effective way of dealing with facial acne.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The #1 dermatologist recommended acne-fighting cleanser-Neutrogena® Oil-Free Acne Wash now comes with an uplifting blast of pink grapefruit! With maximum strength Salicylic Acid acne medicine boosted by MicroClear® technology, Neutrogena® Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash powerfully treats and helps prevent breakouts—even blackheads. This unique formula contains 100% naturally derived grapefruit extract plus vitamin C. It eliminates oil and dirt, and rinses clean without over-drying.

• Oil-free
• Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
• MicroClear®
• Salicylic Acid

I recommend this product because most acne products can dry out the skin. However this product cleanses effectively without over drying plus its pocket friendly too!

xoxo

Oil Pulling?

The post below is on one of the latest techniques used by people and celebs in Hollywood. This procedure seems to be an old technique that is currently making raves in the beauty industry in recent times. I know a lot about coconut oils and its benefits(check out my previous post by clicking this link COCONUT OIL FACIAL CLEANSE... However, there's a new craze for Oil Pulling and celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow swears by it! I have mixed feelings on this one though, enjoy...

The ancient practice of oil pulling is getting a modern day awakening.

Healthy Hollywood keeps hearing about the incredible benefits of swishing coconut (or sesame) oil around your mouth. Folks swear it helps to whiten your teeth, remove toxins, lessen congestion and some even say the Indian healing ritual helps clear up acne.

“It is an age old method of oral cleaning and is one of the most powerful, effective methods of detoxification and healing in natural medicine. The process ‘pulls’ bad bacteria and their toxins out from nooks and crannies in the mouth,” explains cosmetic dentist Dr. Jessica Emery, owner of Sugar Fix Dental Loft in Chicago.

Healthy Hollywood sought out Dr. Emery to find out if the oral benefits were real or snake oil.

“There is a connection between the mouth and the body, if the load of bacteria is less in the mouth getting into the body systemically, the less the body has to work to fight and it begins to heal itself. This is why people feel so good when using this therapy. Oral bacteria can disrupt body chemistry. Oil itself doesn’t do the healing, the body does,” adds Dr. Emery.

Most folks recommend using unrefined coconut oil because it has strong antibacterial properties. Others think virgin sesame oil works well. To start, it is recommended to do first thing in the morning when bacteria counts are at their highest.

Dr. Emery suggests using 2 to 3 teaspoons of oil and ‘you push and pull it in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. After you’re finished be sure to spit it out in the trash (not down the drain) because the oil can cause clogs. “Some people state immediate results and others say it takes days to weeks. It really depends on how comprised your immune system is. It’s incredibly powerful and extremely safe as long as not swallowed,” advises Dr. Emery.

Read more at http://www.accesshollywood.com/the-benefits-of-oil-pulling_article_91761#krjJBd19TpPz5BVu.99

Hmmm... xoxo

Egyptian Magic... The New Magical Secret To Glowing Skin...

I was watching E! news and was amazed by the rave reviews about a product that seems to be the Best thing that ever happened in the moisturising industry. So they (including hollywood celebrities) said!!

Because I am not one to swallow every rave out there, I decided to do some research on the said cream. The name? EGYPTIAN MAGIC!  

The EGYPTIAN MAGIC is an all purpose skin cream used because of its natural ingredients and great results.

Egyptian Magic feels more like a balm that is great for dry and sensitive skin. Its also great for normal skin types for that extra moisture to reveal a glossy glow! Its believed to treat dry skin, rashes, stretch marks, skin conditions such as psoriasis, and even great for hair!

This moisturiser is made with an all natural ingredient that is even easy to recreate in your own home. Olive oil contains anti oxidants, Beeswax retains moisture while Royal jelly and Propolis extract improves skin's radiance. 

This product can be a bit too balmy, so for best results, warm on tip of palms first before use.

Click this site for more celebrity testimonials and endorsements on this skin product. http://egyptianmagic.com/endorsements.htm

"There Is No Such Thing As Anti-Ageing"

Hi y'all, its been a hot minute since I blogged. I have been going through so much changes and adjustments in my life, so don't be mad at me for not updating as frequently as I should.

I have also been doing loads of research and updating. Hopefully, in due time, i will be able to share my knowledge and experiences through future posts more regularly.

"There's no such thing as anti-ageing"...
The world makes us believe that we can stall or slow the age process through products, surgery, etc. but the fact still remains that we MUST age as long as we are alive. You just owe it to yourself to age well through taking care of your inner health and outer fitness!!!

I am sure that the post title seems a bit shocking! But the fact of life is that there is actually absolutely nothing like anti ageing. As long as we are alive, we DEFINITELY WILL AGE irrespective of whatever procedure we go through. However, there is a catch and a secret to looking beautiful at whatever age you find yourself. 

Its important for you to understand how to take care of yourself because anti-ageing is inevitable. If you want to look your best at for age, its all about:

• CLEANSING
• SUNSCREEN
• MOISTURISING
• (For posts on cleansing, sunscreen and moisturising, check out my precious posts)
• TAKING GOOD CARE OF YOUR SKIN: Which consists;

1. Microdermabrasion:

This is a powerful mechanical facial exfoliation using a machine. It works by removing the upper most layer of dead skin from the face, chest and hands. This service is usually offered by a professional in a day spa, media-spa or specialised skin care place. This treatment reveals a softer looking skin that a home exfoliation cannot achieve. Treatments are also scheduled into like 4-6 treatments.

2. Constant Review of Good Product Based on Age Group: 

I have always pointed out in previous posts the importance of using the best product for your skin type. This cannot be overemphasised. In other to age beautifully, understanding your skin type is important as this will help you choose the right products. Also, its important to  understand that when you begin to age, you may need to review your products. For instance, the products used in your 20s should not be the same for your 30s or 40s. As your age group changes, its important to also note that the skin changes as well.  

3. Facials: 

Some of us overlook the need for facials. But the truth still remains that having a professional aesthetician  use professional only products helps to bring out a beautiful glow. This procedure sets the pace for your day to day product use and definitely increases the chances of your product working.

4. "Pee, Poo, Sweat": 

These are the best way of getting rid of toxins from your body. Through your "pee", you can tell if you are drinking enough water or not. Your "poo" tells you if you are getting the best nutrition, and finally, sweating through exercise definitely cleans your body from inside out, thereby, revealing a glowing you!

Having said all these, the best way to age gracefully is not to believe in the delusional "forever young" thoughts that the world wants us to believe. The most important thing is to try to look beautiful at any age. To be able to love yourself irrespective of your colour and looks.

The Inspiration for this post is derived from "The Body Book" by Cameron Diaz and the Oprah documentary I watched recently on the new look of ageing in today's world!

Till the next post, xoxo

Skin Care Tips: Questions & Answers

Even after all said and done in the skincare area, some people still find it a bit confusing to understand all there is to do to achieve that healthy skin and beautiful glow. People are still torn between Moisturisers or serums? Masks or Exfoliators? or All of the above?

So this post is going to try to answer some common questions in really easy terms in order to help you with all the questions you may have on the right things you should be doing for a lovely, buttery skin..

Lets Learn the Basics...

What is Your SKin Type? Do you know your skin type? Is it Oily, dry, combination or sensitive? In previous posts, I have tried to explain the most important things to understand even before using ANY skincare product. You must understand your skin type. This is the only key to getting that beautiful skin you desire to see. Kindly click on this link to understand your skin type

Using The Right Products But Not Getting Results?-...

Are You Exposing Your Skin to Excess Sun? You need to understand that over exposure of your skin to the sun speeds up the skin damage process. Constant exposure to rays/ heat of the sun could lead to sun burns, wrinkles and in extreme cases, cancer! In some cases, this is unavoidable for lots of people due to the nature of work or lifestyle. Therefore, if you must be in the sun for any reason, don't forget to use skincare products with sunscreen (SPF). The hotter the climate, the higher you should go on the SPF. SPF is now available in skincare products and even make-up, so no excuses.

What Type of Moisturisers Do You Need? This takes us back to question 1. Understanding your skin type will help you know how to select the best moisturisers for your skin. kindly check on my previous post on moisturisers by clicking on this link 5 Best Facial Moisturisers...

 

Moisturiser or Serum? It is also important to understand that there is a great difference between a serum and a moisturiser. While moisturisers are great for your skin, the serum penetrates better into the layers of your skin to condition it more deeply. There are also various kinds of serum for anti-ageing, skin brightening, and even acne preventing serum. 

A serum deposits nutrients into deeper layers of the skin, while a moisturiser hydrates the skin.

The best way to use a serum is to apply after the toner, but before your moisturiser. However, it is not compulsory to use both a serum and moisturiser at the same time. It is important to understand how your skin works and make the decision to use both or just one.

Extra Skincare Steps, VITAMINS... 

Your skin definitely requires some essential vitamins to glow from inside out! Thats the truth!! While I understand that there are some multivitamins for healthier looking glowing skin, I would also like to state that the best way to really get vitamins into your skin is through healthy eating. The most important vitamins required for a beautiful skin are Vit A(anti acne), E(anti ageing), K(rids dark circles around the eyes), C(anti-ageing & renews skin) and B(great for dry skin and spot reduction).

In today's skincare industry, these vitamins have become more infused with skin products.Therefore, when shopping for products. try to buy the ones that are rich in vitamins. But I still maintain that the best way is to actually EAT the vitamins by consuming loads of fruits and veggies!!!

Has this post helped you in anyway? Do you have more questions based on this post? Please feel free to drop a comment, its really easy and fuss-free! Till the next post...xoxo

Home Made Remedies: Getting Rid of Dark Armpits...

Dark armpits have become a source of worry for some individuals. This can be caused by hyper pigmentation Skin Pigmentation: Coloration or Discoloration..., use of harsh deodorants, or just genes. This post will provide some home made remedies that can help reduce the appearance of darker arm pits.

Try a natural bleaching agent. The acidic, anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties in some vegetables and fruits allow them to lighten the skin naturally. Potatoes, cucumbers and lemons are three that can help eliminate dark skin under the arms.

1. • Potato - Thinly slice a potato and rub a slice on the dark area. Or, you can grate some of the potato to release the "juice." Apply this juice to your underarms, let it dry 10 minutes and rinse.
   • Cucumber - Just as you did with the potato, you can rub cucumber slices on the affected area or grate some of the cuke and use the juice. You can go a step further and add a few drops of lemon juice and some turmeric (enough to make a paste) to the cucumber juice. Apply the paste, wait a half hour and wash off.
   • Lemon - Rub a thick slice of lemon on the dark area; the fruit will remove dead skin cells and lighten the skin. Follow-up by washing and, if necessary, applying moisturizer. (With continued use, lemons can dry out the skin). Add a small amount of tumeric, plain yogurt or honey to lemon juice to make a paste that can be left on for 10 minutes and then rinsed clean.
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   Exfoliate. Dark underarms may be caused by dead skin cells that have accumulated there, so exfoliating can reduce the dark appearance of the skin.
   

   

   Sugar - Mix a cup of brown sugar with 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil. Apply to wet skin for a minute or two during a shower or bath and rinse. Try using the mixture twice a week when you bathe.Baking soda - Make a thick baking soda-and-water paste to use as a scrub. After scrubbing, rinsing and drying the area, you can apply a dusting of baking powder to the skin to give it a lighter appearance.Baking soda and rosewater - Make a somewhat thick paste of baking soda and rose water. Apply to the underarm area, then wash off with warm water. Dry your arms. Do this until you see lightening of armpits.Orange - Peel an orange and put the peels out in the sun to dry. Grind the peels to form a powder and make a paste by adding rose water and milk. Scrub your underarms with the paste for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dead skin cells and rinse with cold water.
2. Try a liquid treatment. Open your refrigerator or kitchen cupboard to find remedies that can not only lighten dark underarms but make the skin softer and fresher
3. Milk - It's the vitamins and fatty acids in milk that make it effective in lightening dark skin. Create a paste of two tbsp. milk, one tsp. curd and one tbsp. flour. Apply to the skin, let sit for 15 minutes and rinse with cold water. Skin should be softer and free of dead skin cells, which will make the area look much lighter.
4. Vinegar - For a lighter look and germ-free, sweet-smelling skin, mix vinegar with rice flour to form a paste. Take a hot shower and then apply the paste to the underarms, let dry for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
5. Coconut oil - The Vitamin E in coconut oil can help lighten dark skin over time, so for best results it should be used daily or every other day. Before bathing, massage the oil into the skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with a mild soap and lukewarm water. Another benefit of coconut oil--it's a natural deodorant.
7. 
   4
   Make a whitening pack. If you're willing to commit to a frequent treatment regimen, you can try a natural whitening pack made from gram flour (also known a chickpea flour). Mix the flour with yogurt, lemon and a little turmeric to form a thick paste. Apply and leave in place for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Apply this natural whitening paste daily for two weeks and then three times a week to speed up the whitening effect.
8. Skip shaving and start waxing. Dark underarms may be caused by thick hair under the skin due to shaving. Because waxing removes hair at the root, it may leave the area lighter and the skin softer.
9.  
10. Switch to a natural deodorant. The chemicals in deodorants and especially antiperspirants can take a toll on skin and are thought to be a likely cause of dark underarms. What distinguishes natural deodorants are what they don't contain: no parabens, PEGs, synthetic ingredients including hormone-disrupting fragrance and antibacterials, petrochemicals or aluminium compound.