Connect w/ your Cleanser!
It is unanimous that it is important to use a good facial cleanser for your skin because it protects the skin from dirt, dead cells, and free radicals. In addition, by using the right cleanser your skin will appear more healthy, radiant, and fresh. However, by using the wrong cleanser it can make your skin dry, dull, and irritated. So how do you choose the right cleanser for you? It can be overwhelming to choose the right product for your skin with so many skin products being on the market, so here are a few tips that will lead you in the right direction:
1. Identify Your Skin Type
It is very important for you to know what type of skin you have so you can determine what it needs.
Skin Chart:
Normal = proper ph balance, moisture, and oil
Oily= shiny or quickly oily
Dry= flaky and dull
Combination= oily, dry, little ph balance
Acne= hormonal, bacterial
Sensitive= hypoallergenic, easily irritated
2. Connect with your Cleanser
By knowing your skin type it will help you narrow your choices by excluding what products you don't need. For example, if you have dry skin then you want to stay away from alcohol based products and for sensitive skin you would want to avoid chemical and fragrance products.
-Read ingredients
-Research Products
-Ask questions
3. Stay as "Natural" As possible
I personally like to use natural based products with the least amount of chemicals and alcohol. Products containing a lot of chemicals and alcohol can actually cause long term damage for the skin by damaging layers of the skin. Know what you are applying on your skin.
4. Monitor Your Skin
Keep in track of your skin and monitor its results. See if you can notice a difference in your skin and if your skin likes what your using on it. Like a relationship, you'll know if it is a keeper or if its time to move on!
Skin Toner: Needed or Not?
There is actually quite a debate between dermatologists and estheticians when it comes to skin toner. Some say it is absolutely necessary and the others say it is optional. After doing some research, I say that anything that contributes to more radiance for your skin should be included in your skin care routine. Toner is like an assistant to your cleanser, anything the the cleanser misses out on the toner will take care of. The purpose of a toner is to remove any leftover makeup, clean cleanser residue, close pores, and to prevent any infection or absorption of bacteria from entering the skin. The benefits of using a good toner is that it will improve the look of your skin by tightening the pores, the cleansiness makes the skin look more rejuvenated with a glow, restores the natural PH balance for the skin, and with regular use it can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. So there you have it, the functions of a toner; it is your preference whether you use it or not but personally I love the way my toner does a deep clean for my skin and maintains its PH balance. The only thing that I would recommend is using a alcohol free toner that does not dry out the skin and stay as natural based as you can!
Nurture Your Lips!
Lips, Lips, Lips! One of the most beautiful and intimate features on our faces. Although, we have many beautiful colors to dress them up with, it is equally important to properly nurture them so they are just as beautiful in there natural state. With age our lips begin to diminish in color, texture, and brightness. There are many factors that contribute to this such as lipstick stains, smoking, sun exposure, and age. Here are some inexpensive natural ways to keep your lips plump, bright, and youthful right out of the comfort of your very own home.
*One of the main reasons that lips get stained and loose color in pigmentation over the years is because of deep lipsticks/lip-liners such as intense reds and pinks which carry a lot of led. To help prevent this, use a cotton ball with olive oil to thoroughly remove lipstick and then a apply a rich balm for moisture.
*With heavy based matte lipsticks, be sure to wear a balm on the lips before applying lipsticks to keep the lips moisturized and prevent direct lip staining.
* The lips are delicate so always apply a SPF whether it is in a balm, lipstick, or a gloss.
* To exfoliate lips apply olive oil and baking soda to remove and buff old skin.
*To restore shine apply olive oil which will also help plump and shine the lips.
*Petroleum jelly is the best form of deep hydration and moisture for the lips.
*For brightness, apply lime juice and honey about 3 times a week to brighten lip pigmentation and restore its' natural color.
There you have it, at home resources to nurture your lips!
Thank you!
KEEP IT "SPF" SAFE!
We are in the midst of summer and the sun is beaming at its brightest. As much as the warm sun feels great and the weather is uplifting, it is VERY important to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun's rays. 90% of premature aging and skin cancer stems from being exposed to the ultraviolet lights from the sun's radiation. Sunscreen should be applied year round, yes summer and winter too to protect your face and body from some painful lessons.
Protect your skin from the following by using sunscreen today:
* Skin Cancer
*Sunburns
*Blistering
* Overall Sun Damage
*Wrinkles and dull skin
* Loss of Skin Elasticity and radiance
