Friday's Organic Skin Care Tip #10

Alright, so the week dedicated to honey is almost at an end. We've gone over some science on why honey is so beneficial, we've also shown you a few simple do-it-yourself face masks. So what's left to say about honey? Eat it! Yay! We're telling you to eat sweets!

Honey is a great substitute for refined white sugar in many recipes. Plus, honey is easier for your body to digest, thus being more gentle on your organs and skin.

Pass the Honey Please:

1. Use honey in your morning cup of tea. Simple and delicious!

2. Mix one to two tablespoons honey and one tablespoon apple cider vinegar in hot water. This drink soothes the throat and the apple cider vinegar can help naturally balance your pH levels.

3. Substitute honey, cup for cup, in many baked goods recipes. Follow the additional instructions below to make sure those brownies still turn out delicious!

      - For each cup of honey used, reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe by 1/4 cup.

      - Add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda for each cup of honey used. This will neutralize honey's acidity and 

        help the food rise.

      - If the recipe contains sour cream or sour milk, however, you may forego adding baking soda.

      - Reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent over-browning.

      - When using honey in jams, jellies, or candies, increase the cooking temperature just a bit to allow the 

         extra liquid to evaporate.

How To: Create Your Own Honey Skin Mask

Below you'll find a few face mask recipes containing honey. The first is a recipe is one that I tried on my own face just the other day and it worked wonderfully. I'm not talking miracles here, people. But my pores were clearer and my skin felt great afterward. I used unheated and unprocessed honey on my face, but in the future will probably use organic, raw honey in the future.

Honey and Nutmeg Mask

1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon nutmeg

Gently rinse face with water. Mix together (I find mixing with a fork on a small plate works best), and put a fairly thick coating on your face. Leave on for 30 minutes and rinse off.

The nutmeg helps with inflammation and, in time, can help even out skin tone and lighten acne scars.

** Note: The nutmeg should be safe for most skin types, but if you have skin sensitivities, be sure to test it on a small patch of skin first.

Honey, Nutmeg and Cinnamon Mask

2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Follow the same instructions as above.

The cinnamon adds extra exfoliation properties to the already existing benefits of honey and nutmeg.

**Note: Do not use this on your skin if you have sensitivities, as it will be too harsh.

Honey and Milk Mask

2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon milk

Follow the same instructions as above

The milk will add gentler exfoliation than the cinnamon.




Honey,

How's Your Skin Honey?

A good face mask always seems to be in short supply. But, thanks to Bess, who inspired this week's posts, we are going to talk to you about the benefits of honey. To start off, Below are a few articles that explain the benefits of honey and its different properties.

Benefits of Honey

Why Honey is Good for Your Skin

Honey and Acne

And if you're feeling in a more scientific mood...

Functional Properties of Honey, Propolis, and Royal Jelly

Friday's Organic Skin Care Tip #9

#9 - Hair Mask

For a quick and easy hair mask, massage coconut milk into your hair, starting at your roots and slowly working down the strands.  Leave in your hair for about an hour, then wash and condition your hair as normal.  This will help nourish and condition your hair, promoting growth.

Coconut milk from the can is fine!

How To: Care for Your Neck, Chest and Hands

Before we start showing the inevitable signs of aging, we all think that we are going to live forever.  It's an awesome feeling...while it lasts.  

The first signs we show aging on our skin is on our face, neck, chest and hands.  Even though some women may show a young face, a quick glance at their dry, sun-spotted hands shows their real age.  

Here are some tips for caring for those sensitive, quick-to-show-aging spots of the neck, chest and hands:

1.  Care for your neck, chest and hands the same way you would your face.  Every time your moisturize, exfoliate and apply sunscreen to your face, be sure to also apply it every time to your neck, chest and hands.  

2.  When driving, try wearing gloves, scarves and/or a hat.  Now this may seem a bit retro, but it will protect all these areas from UV damage over the years, especially if you spend a lot of time commuting!

3.  Moisturize your neck, chest and hands before you go to bed every night!  The moisturizer, combined with the reparative sleep will help keep these areas looking young.

4.  Try wearing gloves when doing dishes or any other chores that may be rough on your hands.  Not only will it minimize injuries and skin breaks, but it will also keep the skin from drying out.

5.  Sleep on your back!  This will help minimize wrinkles all over.

6.  Eat foods rich in antioxidants to help repair and protect skin from the sun.  Try cantaloupe and tomatoes!

7.  Drink green tea: it has been shown to help protect the skin from UV damage!

Above all else, always remember to care for your neck, chest and hands with the same care you use with your face!  All of these areas can sport some delicate skin and are easily damaged. 

What's Your Favorite Position...When Sleeping?

We all know that sleeping is beneficial for us, but do you really know what it can do?  In addition to refreshing our bodies and minds, sleep is extremely beneficial for our skin!  Take a minute today to read some of the article below on sleep and what it does for us and our skin....

Sleeping Beauty:  Sleep Your Way to Better Skin and Hair

Does Sleep Deprivation Cause Acne?

Which Sleep Position is Healthiest?

Friday's Organic Skin Care Tip #8

Along with snow and cold weather, winter often brings along dry, cracked skin... particularly on your hands and fingers. Below are some simple and quick tips to help get your hands back in shape:

1. Apply olive oil, just as you would lotion, to moisturize your hands. Remember that consistency is key.
2. After you have moisturized your hands, put on some cotton gloves. You can sleep in these and this will help lock in the moisture.
3. Paraffin wax treatments work great to moisturize and soften your hands. You can buy a paraffin wax kit so that you can use them at home, or treat yourself and go to a spa!
4. Limit your hand's exposure to the cold as much as possible.
5. Don't bite or pick at your fingers, this will only irritate the skin and dry it out more.

Video: Oatmeal Honey Face Mask

Hi Everyone!

Here is our first video showing you how to do an oatmeal honey face mask.  It's our first attempt and a trial run, so bear with us as we hone our videography techniques!

The Paradox of Parabens

Lately there has been quite a bit of hoopla about parabens. Should we use them? Shouldn't we? You may have seen our earlier post on Skin Care Jargon, explaining that parabens are a form of anti-fungal preservative used in cosmetics. Below are a few of articles explaining parabens and their effect on cosmetic products and, possibly, you. As always, we suggest you educate yourself and decide which product ingredients you feel comfortable putting on  your skin.

The Truth About Preservatives


Parabens

Parabens - What the FDA says


Report Entreats FDA to Assess Cosmetic Ingredients

Fridays Organic Skin Care Tip #7

#7:  Organic Nail Care Soak

Here is a quick soak and care for your nails and cuticles.

3 parts olive oil
1 part lemon juice

Combine in a bowl.  Soak your nails and cuticles in the solution and massage in your nail bed.  The olive oil will moisturize and the lemon juice helps whiten your nails.  I usually do this once a week.  It makes it a bit more decadent if you warm up the oil first.  Enjoy!

How To: Properly Wash Your Hair

I know, how hard can washing your hair be?  It sounds stupid, but the technique you use to wash your hair actually has impact on the shine and bounce of your strands.

I used to wash my hair with reckless abandon.  It was fun and only took seconds to clean my hair.  But then, I learned better and learned these techniques:

1.  Brush your hair BEFORE you get in the shower.  It seems redundant, but it helps stimulate the scalp and minimizes the amount of hair that comes out while you wash in the shower.

2.  Get your hair thoroughly wet.

3.  Use only about a quarter-sized amount of shampoo and start massaging into your scalp.  Start at the roots and work your way down.

4.  Here's the difference:  take two minutes to massage your scalp.  Use your fingertips and massage your scalp and foots in a circular motion.  Start at the crown and work outwards.  Doing this massage will help stimulate the hair follicles for more hair growth.

5.  Continue to add water to help the shampoo emulsify and work properly.

6.  Rinse your hair so that all the shampoo is rinsed out.  Condition and rinse with cold water to maximize shine!

More Dry Brushing?

I know, we just did a post on dry brushing and how to do it.  But take a minute to read this article on dry brushing and whether it is healthy for you skin or not....

Is Dry Brushing My Skin Healthy?

Friday's Organic Skin Care Tip #6

#6 - No, I didn't just eat that whole turkey... I don't know what you're talking about....

Yes, the holidays rock, we know. But don't go too crazy stuffing your face with the deliciousness that is Thanksgiving dinner. Here are some eat healthy tips that will, in turn, pay off on your skin. And, in a truly different spirit, we're just going to tell you what you should eat, and not what you shouldn't. And we are aware that you are currently reaching for a bite of that pumpkin pie. It's ok, pumpkin's got great moisturizing properties!

1. Remember your yogurt: Yogurt is a great dairy product to get into the habit of eating. It's packed with vitamin A, which is important in keeping your skin looking its best.

2. Sure, take seconds from the fruit bowl: As long as your taking a lot of blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries. These fruits have lots of antioxidants to help your skin fight off that pesky thing called aging.

3. Try to wedge some other good antioxidant power into your holiday feast: Beans, artichokes, and pecans also have high amounts of antioxidants.

4. Fat is flavor: And it's good for you as long as we are talking about healthy Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Need some ideas on foods that carry these great fats? Think salmon, walnuts, canola oil, and flax seed.

5. Oil is good: When cooking your holiday meal, or preparing dressing for salads, remember to include some healthy oils. Look specifically for oils that are labeled cold pressed or expeller processed. Just remember to eat everything in moderation... even if that dressing is scrumptious!

How To: Check for Hormone Imbalances That Cause Acne

I think many of us know that acne is caused by environmental factors as well as biological ones, such as diet and exercise. One thing that may not frequently cross our minds when considering acne as we age is hormone imbalances. If you suffered from acne as a teenager, it very well could have been spurred by raging hormones. As we get older though, we tend to put that notion aside when finding causes for adult acne. However, this may be preventing us from getting to the root of our problem. Read the article below to see common symptoms for female hormone imbalances. As always, be sure to check with your physician before starting or stopping any new health regimen!


Native Remedies: Hormonal Imbalance

Winter Skin Care Tips

The weather outside may be frightful, but keep your face looking delightful with a few of these skin care tips! Winter is notorious for drying out the skin and irritating it to no end. Don't let it get the best of you. You need good, healthy fats on the inside and outside of your body to keep your skin looking its best! And as always, don't forget the water and moisturizer.

Green & Gorgeous: Natural Moisturizers for Winter Skin Care

Eco Living: All Natural Autumn and Winter Skin Care

Fridays' Organic Skin Care Tip #5

#5 - Need to take care of some dry skin on your lips?

Make them smooth and slough off that dry skin with a little baking soda!  Take a tiny bit and massage in circles into your lips.  Rinse.  Other options?  An old toothbrush with some shea butter on it or a washcloth!

Keep those lips smooth!

How To: Dry Brush for Exfoliation

You always need to exfoliate your skin to rid yourself of dead skin cells.  One technique to employ to exfoliate is dry brushing.  You may have heard of it, but never got into it because you weren't sure what it entailed.  Well, here is a great and simple start to dry brushing:

1.  Find a body brush with soft and natural bristles.  You don't want something with really stiff bristles; you don't want to scratch yourself!

2.  Start at the ankles, brushing upwards.  Brush over each spot seven times, always brushing towards the heart:  you're also promoting circulation!

3.  Work over your entire body - avoiding those areas with thinner skin like the chest and face.

Feel free to do this every day!  This helps keep dead skin cells from building up and helps keep your skin glowing!

Does Caffeine Lower Your Risk of Skin Cancer?

Everyone loves themselves some coffee, tea, or some sort of caffeine in the morning.  Let's face it, caffeine really helps people get started in the morning.  Over the years, we have heard through the grapevine that tons of caffeine may not be so great for you...but wait!

Check out this article from Skin Inc.  Does caffeine really lower your risk of skin cancer?  How!?  I want to know!

Caffeine Lowers Risk of Skin Cancer

Friday's Organic Skin Care Tip #4

Winter is coming...beware! One of the worst winter skin drawbacks are chapped lips. You go outside, bundled up in your adorable new parka, why yes these mittens are new, slip in a coy smile and.... BAM. Cracked lips. But not to fear, here are a few simple reminders on how to keep those lips looking lovely all winter long!

1. Use lip balm (Duh, I know, right?): Be sure that your lip balms contains natural or organic ingredients such as jojoba oil or vitamin E oil to keep your lips moist. Some lip balms can actually make lips drier! You aren't looking for a lip balm that you feel needs to be reapplied every 10 minutes.  Instead, find one with nourishment that lasts.

2. Stop licking your lips: I know that lip balms often taste delectable, but save it for the dinner table. Licking your lips will make them dry and crack more quickly.

3. Don't pick: Sometimes, after we have (oops) licked our lips too much, we are left with chapped and cracked lips with dead skin. The natural reaction is to pick at it a little because it is so irritating. But don't! Just leave it alone! Picking at your lips will cause open wounds which can open you up to harmful infections.

4. Exfoliate: Once you have gotten your lips back under control, exfoliate them once a week with baking soda. This will help keep them soft and remove any old skin that hasn't sloughed off yet. To do this, just put about a teaspoon's worth each of baking soda and water in your hand, dip your finger in, and lightly scrub your lips. Rinse off with warm water.

The New Facial Exfoliation Technique...Shaving??

Today I read some very interesting articles regarding female facial shaving. Is this perhaps one of the easiest, cost effective, and organic ways to get your skin in better condition? You may be asking yourself, isn't there another way to remove that peach fuzz on my face? Sure there is, but let's look at the alternatives:

1. Waxing: Ouch!! And, you have to wait for the hair to grow back out to a length that is able to waxed. Not to mention the red, irritated skin that is sure to follow
2. Bleaching: Works well if you have darker hair on your face, but if that peach fuzz is already blonde, then you're out of luck. Plus, it doesn't actually remove the hair, it just makes it less noticeable
3. Laser Hair Removal: A more permanent option, to be sure, but a very expensive and (ahem) non-organic one at that!
4. Threading: Just about as painful as waxing and can cause side affects due to irritated skin.
5. Dermaplaning: Have you heard about this option that you can add to your facial? Guess what it is... Yep. They're shaving your face ladies, and charging you for it!

Below are some articles and blog posts regarding shaving your face. Apparently this is a pretty common skin care regimen in Japan, and it supposedly helps with wrinkles, skin texture and skin clarity. Perhaps it's worth a try... or at least some research. Don't worry, we won't tell!

Anti-Aging Skin Care: Shaving Face is Saving Face

Facial Shaving for Women

Women, Shave Your Face!

Sleep Tight!

You have heard of "beauty rest" before, right? Well, it turns out that it's not just a great excuse to avoid a late night road trip with friends to see the world's largest ball of yarn. It's actually a necessity! Curious as to how much rest you'll need to look your best? See the articles below for information on getting dreamy skin...

A Good Night's Sleep for Great Skin

Good Sleep is Essential for Good Looks

A Good Sleep Can Make You Look Younger

How To: Correctly Manicure Your Cuticles

 Not enough time or money to head to the spa for a true TLC treatment? Not to worry, we have a short guide that will help you get those ragged cuticles back into shape! You may not know that cuticles serve a very important purpose. They are a barrier from infection and protect the area between the skin and the nail.

DO:

1. If your cuticles have gotten a little out of hand (ha!), start by pushing them back into place. You can do this with an actual cuticle pusher, or use your fingernails to do the pushing. You’ll want to do this when cuticles are softest. We recommend doing this each day in the shower. Be careful though, and don’t push the cuticle too far back.

2. Use a powerful cuticle cream on your nails to keep them soft and healthy.

3. Use gloves when working in the garden or washing dishes to keep hands and cuticles from being exposed to extra germs or becoming dry and cracked.

DON’T:

1. DO NOT cut your cuticles if they are healthy. This promotes infection. If you have a hangnail, clip the hangnail off rather than tear it. Leave as much of the cuticle in tact as possible. Cover nail with a band-aid to keep it from becoming infected.

2. DO NOT overuse nail polish or nail polish removers. Try to find a nail polish remover without acetone if possible.

3. DO NOT use your nails and letter openers or any other office supply. Shuffling papers all day can be hard on your cuticles, so treat them well.

Some more interesting cuticle information:

What are Cuticles?

Nail Care Do's and Dont's

Friday's Organic Skin Care Tip #3

Friday Organic Skin Care Tip #3

After you have cracked the eggs open during baking, use your finger to swipe the excess egg white from the shell.  Apply on face for a quick face mask!

Does Chewing Gum Cause Wrinkles?

This is a very interesting article about the consequences that chewing gum has on your skin…I bet you didn’t even think of this!  Enjoy this article!

Does Chewing Gum Cause Wrinkles?

How To: Get Your Hair to Last Another Day Before Washing

I know, this seems kind of gross.  However, for busy people, dry shampoo can be a lifesaver!  Fortunately, there are ways to make it last without harmful chemicals as well.  If you find that you need to stretch your hair one more day before washing…for whatever reason…try some of these options:

1.  Baking Soda – Take a little (not a lot!) and lightly sprinkle throughout the roots of your hair.  Use a bristled brush to brush the baking soda down towards the ends and out of the hair.  Warning:  your hair might turn a crazy color of gray before it’s brushed out.  Don’t freak out!

2.  Cornstarch – Do the same things as you did with the baking soda, but be careful – cornstarch has a tendency to poof all over the room whenever you use it.

3.  Cocoa Powder – I know, sounds suspicious.  But this is a better option for those with darker hair.  Use this the same as the baking soda and the cornstarch, being careful again.  Brush out!

You can make your own concoctions with ground oatmeal, the above ingredients and some essentials oils.  There are tons of possibilities, so just play around with what works for your hair!

Friday's Tip of the Week

#2 You went to the store and bought strawberries. And didn’t manage to finish all of them, so half the carton is about to go bad. Instead of wasting nearly overripe strawberries, use them to exfoliate your hands and feet! We don’t recommend using the strawberries on your face because the seeds could possibly cause micro cuts on your face, resulting in a possible breakout or sensitivity. However, used on the stronger, more durable skin on hands and feet, your skin will be fine.

Ingredients

• 6 strawberries
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp salt (either Kosher or Sea Salt)

1. Mash up the strawberries. You can use the back of a large spoon or a potato masher. Do not use a blender because it will leave your scrub a little watery
2. Add the olive oil and salt.
3. Mix together.
4. Massage into hands and feet.
5. Rinse with water.

How To: Soften Your Skin

There are several different ways to soften your skin with both external and internal products.

1. Use additives in your bath to help soften your skin while you soak
1. Add 2 cups of oatmeal to your bath to help soothe skin
2. Add olive oil to your bath water
3. Moisturize after bathing, either with olive oil or a heavy body cream containing vitamin E
4. Use milk in your bath with a few teaspoons of honey
5. Exfoliate with baking soda

2. Take supplements to soften your skin from the inside out
1. Take Evening Primrose supplements
2. Take Flaxseed supplements
3. Take vitamin E supplements
4. Drink plenty of water

Softening Skin Link 1

Softening Skin Link 2

It’s Almost Halloween, Where’s Your Mask?

Hair masks rock. Really, they do. So below are just a couple good recipes for dry and normal hair, and a basic rinse for oily hair and/or to get the mask off. We’ve included the links so you can look up even more awesome recipes from the site itself. If you’re going to try hair masks, here are a couple of tips:

1.     Don’t use a hair mask twenty minutes before a date, or going out, or doing something that requires you to actually DO your hair. The oils/moisture in the mask will still be having a very noticeable effect on your hair, so it might not do what you want. Try doing it three to five days prior to a big event for best results

2.     Don’t rinse out ALL the oil that you just put in. If you are rinsing out your hair and it starts to squeak, you’ve done too much, and just stripped the oils from your hair. Again. Use the rinse provided below. Hair should feel silky and absolutely should not squeak. You can always do another rinse later if you really need to, but better safe than sorry.

Dry Hair

This mask is for dry, frizzy hair. If you’re wondering whether or not your hair is dry, if it’s breaking at the ends, or considerably lighter at the ends than at the root of your hair near your scalp, it’s dry. If you’re hair is curly, then it would also benefit from this treatment, as curly hair is naturally a drier hair type.

Ingredients

• 1 egg white
• 1/4 cup plain organic yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Instructions

1. Beat egg white until frothy.
2. Mix with yogurt and mayonnaise.
3. Massage into wet hair.
4. Cover with plastic shower cap or plastic wrap.
5. Leave in for 30 minutes, then wash out with a mild shampoo.
6. Rinse with very cold water.
7. Use monthly to moisturize hair.

Hair Masks 1

Normal Hair

This protein-rich conditioner nourishes hair and is mild and quick enough for everyday use.

Ingredients

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 2 egg yolk
• 1 cup distilled or filtered water

Instructions

     1.  Beat egg yolk until frothy. 
     2. Add oil and beat until well-blended. 
     3. Add to water and distribute through hair, massaging into scalp. 
     4. Rinse thoroughly.

Hair Masks 2

Oily Hair

If you already have oily hair, we don’t recommend adding a mask to it, as most masks contain oil and you obviously have enough of that already. Instead, try the hair rinse listed below to clarify your hair after conditioning. 

Hair Rinse

To effectively get the hair masks out, or to combat oily hair, we recommend using the following rinse:

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions 

      1. Mix well
      2. Rinse hair using about one cup at a time and testing to make sure that you haven't rinsed too much.  

(You can mix more or less of this as needed, just be sure the ratio is one part apple cider vinegar to four parts water.)

Caring for Your Skin as You Age

We all want to age gracefully, but there are many things we do that unknowingly harm our skin. Below we sum up some basic skin care regimens that assist you in  looking your best as you age. We have also included links to these articles for your convenience!

1. Always wear sunscreen and moisturizer
1. Moisturize both day and night
2. Be sure to keep a healthy diet
1. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits
2. Keep lean protein regulated
3. Get your Omega-3 fatty acid
1. Eat fish or take supplements. Fish oil and flax seed are great choices

3. Exfoliate at least once a week
4. Drink your water!
5. Be gentle when washing your face

Articles
How to Care for Aging Skin
Age and Dry Skin
The Right Skin Care for Your Age

Friday's Tip of the Week

#1 You should always apply some type of lotion, cream, or oil under your eyes at night to help keep this sensitive skin hydrated and supple. When applying, always use your ring finger to dab on the cream. Why? Because your ring finger is the finger that applies the least amount of pressure, which is important when working with such a thin and sensitive area of skin.

How To: Do a Spot Treatment on Blemishes

1. Add about 2 tsp baking soda to your face cleanser, if it doesn’t already have an added exfoliant.
2. Wash face with warm water
3. Pat face dry
4. Add astringent (optional). See recipe ideas here
5. Lightly dab ONE of the following onto the pimple you are trying to get rid of
1. Tea Tree Oil

                                                    i.     Either undiluted or lightly diluted with a carrier oil, such as Argan Oil or Sweet Almond Oil. The undiluted tea tree oil will probably burn a little, so beware!

2. Fresh Lemon Juice

                                                    i.     Only use at night

3. Witch Hazel
4. Fresh, crushed garlic

                                                    i.     Only use at night

5. Fresh egg whites

                                                    i.     You can apply this on your entire face or just on the blemishes

Things to Remember:

-        If you are using an essential oil, do a test on your skin before applying to your face. Put a couple drops of the oil on a cotton ball, and tape it to the inside of your elbow. Leave for a few hours. If the skin becomes irritated in any way, do not use the oil on your face.

-        Be sure you are drinking plenty of water

-        Eat more garlic, or take garlic supplements to help with acne. Most blemishes are caused by a hormone imbalance or candidae (yeast) imbalance, so prevention is key.