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?

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!

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

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!

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

Blackheads

Blackheads are acne.  I know, that’s elementary.  But if you keep in mind that blackheads are acne, you can do a lot in treating them.  If you recall one of our past posts, The Science Behind Acne, blackheads are just a form of acne.  Blackheads occur when pores become clogged with dead skin, dirt and debris.

Blackheads can plague even the most clear-skinned individuals.  They can be very irritating.  Fortunately, there is some things you can do to work on clearing up those blackheads:

After washing your face at night, splash on a little natural astringent:

      Apple Cider Vinegar – This can be a little harsh by itself.  Dilute it with some water.

      Witch Hazel – This is a bit more gentle on the skin and is also very refreshing.

      Aloe Vera – This is rejuvenating and helps moisturize your skin as well.

      Green Tea – This will also provide antioxidants for the skin…make sure it’s cool first!

      Lemon Juice – This may be a bit more harsh, but it really cleans out your pores.

One technique that is particularly effective, is to gently exfoliate with baking soda.  Rinse everything off and dab some type of natural astringent on your face and leave for a couple minutes.  Rinse again!  This technique will help on working to clear out those blackhead, and at least minimize the appearance of them on your face.  So don’t despair!  Work to take care of your skin naturally and organically!   

What is Shea Butter?

Shea butter.  Is it pronounced shee-a?  Or shay-a?  Either one.  I used to pronounce it shee-a, but then everyone made fun of me.  So now, I pronounce it shay-a.

Shea butter is a main part of many skin care products and lotions.  But what is it exactly?  Here we go:

Shea butter originates from Ghana and is derived from the pressed nuts of the SheaTree.¹  It is generally a creamy, off-white color.  The texture is generally very smooth and is more of a softer butter.  Occasionally, shea butter will obtain this nasty, grainy texture…kind of like sand.  However, this is due to the fact that it is cooled down too slowly and the vegetable oils in the butter crystallize.  It’s still okay to use, it just feels like sand.  However, there should not be that many of those out there.

Shea butter is a great emollient and it softens the skin, which is why it is added to so many skin care products.  Even better, it can be used alone in its raw form.  

I use plain shea butter in its raw form every day.  For my skin, it works; for others, not so much.  I don’t use a lot, just enough to keep my skin moisturized and to help my skin repair itself at night.  Shea butter is a very valuable natural skin care ingredient.  Always look for shea butter as a valuable ingredient either alone or as a part of a lotion or other skin care product!

Source:

Shea Butter Profile (Refined). (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2011, from Mountain Rose Herbs: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/butter/shea.php

The pH of Your Skin

I mean…who understands pH anyway?  Who wants to?  Despite the fact that it seems very chemistry-ish, you should pay attention to the pH of your skin.  Okay, okay, let me explain what pH is…

The pH of your skin (potential hydrogen), refers to the degree of acidity or alkalinity.  The pH scale goes anywhere from 0 to 14, with 7 being a neutral point.  Anything between a 0 and a 7 is considered acidic and anything 7 and above is considered alkaline.  Any healthy and normal skin lies between 4.5 and 6 on the pH scale.  Everyone’s skin maintain the proper pH level by forming an acid mantle on the surface of the skin from the combined secretions of sweat and oil glands.¹

So basically, you need to keep your skin’s pH between 4.5 and 6.

This does not mean you need to set up a lab and scientifically test your skin pH.

Just pay attention!  If you are starting to get a lot of pimples, that means your skin is a little too acidic!  Acidic skin allows more bacteria to penetrate into your pores.  If your skin starts drying out and getting flaky, that means its too alkaline!  So what can you do to keep your skin at a level pH?

1.  Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.  Feed your skin from within!

2.  Drink plenty of water.

3.  Find a toner that has a pH between 4.5 and 6.

4.  Research!  Research all of the products you use and try shifting towards products that are within the healthy pH range.  

Yes, pH can be tricky…but that’s all it comes down to!  A healthy balance is all that is required to maintain your skin!

Sources:

Tourles, S. (1994). The Herbal Body Book. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.

How Your Diet Affects Your Skin

You eat those potstickers and muse..."Hmmm, I probably shouldn't have eaten that.  That ruins my figure!"  When it comes to food, many people think about the consequences of what that food has on their body shape and fitness level.  Guess what?  Your diet actually affects your skin and how it looks too!

Surprise!

Here are twenty tips to improve your skin through proper nutrition:1

1.  Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day!
2.  Avoid fied and process foods.  When you do use oils, try cold-pressed oils.
3.  Eat minimal sugar, chocolate and other junk foods, which have little nutritional value.
4.  Smoking increases wrinkles.  If you can't kick the habit, consume extra vitamin C.
5.  Watch your slat intake.  Too much salt can lead to temporary swelling and puffiness.
6.  Eat cooked egg whites...pure albumin protein.
7.  The sulfur foundin garlic, onions, and asparagus will aid in keeping the skin nice.
8.  Almonds provide vitamin E, which is good for the skin.
9.  Drink minimal amounts of alcohol.
10.  Drink minimal amounts of soft drinks.
11.  If you have a skin irritation and suspect a food allergy, eliminate suspected food and keep a food record to monitor your reaction.
12.  Increase intake of raw veggies.  Not only high in fiber, but naturally higher in vitamins, phytochemicals, and enzymes than those that have been cooked, processed, or canned.
13.  Thoroughly wash all food before it is eaten.
14.  Eat all parts of fruits and beggies.  The white part inside the skin of citrus has vitamin C and biofavinoids.
15.  Have a cup of warm water with lemon juice in the morning.
16.  When dining out, eat broiled fishes, steamed or backed veggies and starches.
17.  Eat little or no processed foods.
18.  Eat food at a moderate pace.  Food is energy, and if you eat food at a rapid pace, you'll have more stress on your body, creating a stressful energy coming from your body. Pace yourself.
19.  Get rid of your aluminum cooking tuensils.  Absolutely no benefit to the body.
20.  Eat a high-fiber diet to cleanse the digestive track.  Put a couple tablespoons of what brandon your morning cereal; it has the bonus of extra B vitamins.

Practicing proper nutrition is a key for taking care of your skin.  By taking care of your skin, eating organic and raw foods, drinking plenty of water and avoiding processed foods, you will be able to help take care of your skin naturally through proper nutrition.

Source:

Parentini, L. J. (1996). The Joy of Healthy Skin. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Pentice Hall, Inc.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is an important technique that clears and brightens the skin by manually sloughing off the build up of dead skin cells. We hear of microdermabrasion, scrubs, and masks that promise to help exfoliate your skin, leaving you with a healthy, dewy glow. What we often fail to realize, is that there are many natural products that can be used for exfoliation as well. Below you will find a list with details on natural exfoliation products, and a short explanation of how to apply them.

Baking Soda

Option 1

1. Lightly moisten face
2. Pour about one tablespoon of baking soda into your hand
3. Rub hands together to evenly spread baking soda
4. Lightly scrub face in a circular motion for 2 – 3 minutes
5. Rinse face and apply light moisturizer

Frequency: 3 – 4 times a week, depending on the sensitivity of your skin

Result: Clearer pores, improved skin tone/color

Option 2¹

1. Mix a small amount of baking soda into your cleanser and use as normal

Frequency: Same as above

Result: Same as above

Lemon Juice and Brown Sugar (Product Pasha)²

1. Lightly moisten face
2. Apply a cotton pad with fresh squeezed lemon juice
3. Cover pad with a thin layer of brown sugar
4. Moisten the brown sugar thoroughly with lemon juice
5. Lightly rub face in circular motion for 1 – 2 minutes
6. Rinse face and apply light moisturizer

Frequency: 2 – 3 times a week

Result: Soft, glowing skin

Milk³

1. Soak a washcloth in whole milk, wring out, and drape over your face for 5 minutes. The lactic acid in milk helps the dead skin to slough off of your face.
2. Remove any remaining milk with the cloth

Frequency: 3 times a week

Result: Refreshed skin

Olive Oil and Sugar³

1. Lightly moisten face
2. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil to ½ cup sugar.
3. Scrub face for 1 – 2 minutes. This also works well on the rest of your body

Frequency: 2 – 3 times a week

Result: Soft, glowing skin

You can also visit the Herb Companion and review some exfoliating recipes here.

¹Forebrain. Is Baking Soda an Effective Natural Exfolliant. (Accessed August 16, 2011). http://thebeautybrains.com/2008/03/27/is-baking-soda-an-effective-natural-exfolliant/

²Rosenblath, Tracy. All Natural Exfoliation with Lemon Juice and Brown Sugar. (Accessed August 16, 2011). http://www.productpasha.com/2010/10/all-natural-exfoliation-with-lemon-juice-and-brown-sugar.html.

³EHow Style. Natural Ways to Exfoliate Skin. (Accessed August 16, 2011). http://www.ehow.com/how_4541239_natural-ways-exfoliate-skin.html