Oils for your skin

Do not be afraid of applying oil to your face. Oil, alone, will not bring you blemishes. Pimples, cysts, zits, blackheads, whiteheads...these are a result of several different factors including hormones, bacteria, dead skin cells and the buildup of these factors.
Fact: Oil dissolves oil. One of the most basic principals of chemistry is that "like dissolves like." The best way to desolve a non-polar solvent like sebum/oil, is by using another non-polar solvent similar in composition: Other oils. By using the right oils, you can cleanse your pores of dirt and bacteria naturally, gently and effectively, while replacing the dirty oil with beneficial ones extracted from natural botanicals, vegetables and fruit that heal, protect and nourish your skin. When done properly and consistently, the OCM can clear the skin from issues like oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, blackheads, whiteheads and other problems caused by mild to moderate acne--while leaving your skin healthy, balanced and properly moisturized.


Cleansing is the most important step of your skin-care regimen, so you want to make sure that you are not using an aggressive sufactant that would strip the good oils from your skin. Most skin imbalances are caused by overcleansing of the skin, since we have been contitioned to believe that only harsh, foamy cleansers are effective. This creates a whole host of problems as the skin tries to correct itself. 

Clarifying Cleansing Oil

This cleansing oil contains antiseptic essential oils to eliminate black-heads. The vegetal oil is perfect for removing oil-based makeup.

1 1/2 ounces apricot kernel oil

10 drops rosemary essential oil

6 drops lavender essential oil

4 drops cypress essential oil

1/2 ounce jojoba oil

2 ounce glass bottle

  

If you have oily or acne-prone skin you may worry about putting oil on your skin. But what you may not realize is that oil actually removes oil. Futhermore, the two base oils used in this recipe, Hazelnut and Apricot Kernel, are two of the lighest-weight astringent oils. Tea Tree Oil helps to break down hardened sebum and is well known for its strong antibacterial qualities. Rosemary, a strong skin-cell-regenerating oil, combines nicely with the toning properties of Lemon and Juniper

1 ounce hazelnut oil

6 drops rosemary essential oil

5 drops juniper essential oil

5 drops tea tree essential oil

4 drops lemon essential oil

1 ounce apricot kernel oil

2 ounce glass bottle

Pour hazelnut oil in bottle. Add essential oils, close bottle, and roll between palms to disperse the oils. Top of with apricot kernel oil, close bottle and agitate a second time.

Cleanse and tone skin. Apply 3 to 4 drops to a cotton pad or fingertips and wipe over entire face. 

 

Review- Elemis Skin Care

I was sent some samples of Elemis skin care from Timetospa and I finally have time to review them for you.

I was sent a facial wash, toner, and a mask, I am in love with the sample sizes!

 Balancing Lavender Toner:

This balancing skincare product effectively tones the skin, maintains the skins natural pH balance and preserves natural oils, without the use of alcohol or harsh detergents. This facial toner helps you regain wonderfully clear skin while combating oily t-zones. Ideal for use on acne prone, combination, or problematic skins.

Feels great on the skin, and get's the rest of the dirt off your face that the cleanser doesn't. I can feel it working on my acne on my chin and it already started to clear up!

 Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash:

This daily facial wash stimulates the skin's natural cell renewal cycle, actively smoothing and refining, whilst gently sloughing away dead skin cells which dull the complexion

This is a gentle cleanser, so it's perfect for sensitive skin. Does not lather it's more like a milk cleanser nice and creamy. Does not leave your skin feeling dry after you use it, and it's anti-ageing (which is a bonus!)

 Herbal Lavender Repair Mask:

This powerful herbal lavendar regenerating mask for combination skin contains antiseptic Rosemary, Thyme, and Elemis Lavender Essential Oil, which synergistically rebalance and purify the skin, making this the ideal mask for sallow and youthful skin prone to congestion.

I would have to say out of all the mask's I have used, this is in my top 5. It feels great, does not dry while your wearing it, and the smell is wonderful makes you all relaxed. I noticed a huge difference in my skin and I only use the mask twice a week. 

Applying Foundation and Types

Benefits of applying foundation are:
-cover imperfections
-give the appearance of flawless skin
-helps conceal open pores
-hide little pimples and discoloration
-even skin tone
-covers blemishes
-protect the skin from the sun and environmental pollutants
-give a smooth, matte finish
-give a smooth texture to skin
-reduce shin
-cover dark circles under the eyes

There are many foundations on the market, liquid, powder, mousse, stick.

Liquid-
Appropriate for all skin types
Good for dry, sensitive skin
Good coverage
Provides natural look

Powder-
Appropriate for combination and oily skin
Good coverage to blemishes, pimples, marks, spots
Applied dry or wet with a sponge

Mousse-
Combination of liquid and a powder foundation
Appropriate for older skin
Good coverage
Settles into fine lines

Stick-
Appropriate for normal to dry skin
Acts like a concealer
Precise application and even touch ups








How to apply foundation
Step 1
Cleanse and tone skin
Step 2
Moisturize your skin
Step 3
Use concealer (you can use before or after foundation)
Step 4
Application, best way is with your finger tips, sponge or brush
Step 5
Apply in the center of you face
Step 6
Blend outwards, don't forget to apply foundation to your neck, you don't want a mask or look unnatural
Step 7
Set foundation, apply a loose powder, Dab the brush all over you face, then stroke evenly over face.

Acne Cures

Apply a honey mask to your face once or twice a week - Honey has antibacterial properties so it is great for disinfecting and healing minor blemishes. It is also gentle on sensitive skin.

Wash twice a day with acne soap - You should wash your face twice a day with a sulfur based soap designed for acne. Once when you first wake up in the morning and then, right before you go to bed at night. Be extremely gentle to your skin when washing - do not scrub or use any sort of rough cloth. Over washing your skin will actually stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, thus increasing your acne.

Keep your hair off your face - If you have long hair or bangs, pull your hair off your face. Your hair contains oils as well, and will contribute to your breakouts. You'll also want to wash your hair everyday and after workouts

Take a potent multi-vitamin - Acne can be a sign that something is wrong on the inside. Your skin depends on nutrition. It is a vital organ that is usually neglected. If your body is not receiving the right nutrition, it will fight back. One common way it will rebel is to produce excessive sebum, clogging pores, and reducing the ability for your skin to heal and fight bacteria.

Include chromium in your diet - Chromium is well known for weight loss diets. But it is also excellent for healing infections on the skin. Taking a chromium supplement once a day will help heal your pimples quickly and prevent future breakouts.

Eat carrots for beta-carotene (Vitamin A) - Vitamin A strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and actually prevents acne. It helps reduce sebum production. This vitamin is essential for the maintenance and repair of the tissue which the skin and mucous membranes are made of. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant needed to rid your body of toxins. Did you know that a deficiency in vitamin A can actually cause acne?

Do not pick or squeeze your blackheads and pimples - As tempting as it may be, do not squeeze, scratch, rub or touch your pimples and blackheads. Do any of these actions, actually increases the sebum production. Plus, when you squeeze, you are actually rupturing the membranes below your skin, causing infection and sebum to spread underneath your skin. The result is more pimples.

Wash your pillow case every other day - Your face lays on your pillow case every day. Your pillow case absorbs the oils from your skin and reapplies the dirt and oil. Thus causing breakouts. Keep your sheets and pillow cases clean.

Eat foods rich in zinc - Zinc is an antibacterial agent and a necessary element in the oil-producing glands of the skin. A diet low in zinc can actually cause acne breakouts.

Some of the Best Acne Products are
Clean & Clear max strength persa gel 10
Clean & Clear advantage oil free acne moisturizer
Cetaphil Cleanser
Noxema triple clean anti-blemish pads
St. Ives blemish fighting cleanser
Aveeno clear complexion correcting treatment
Olay smooth skin exfoliating scrub
Neutrogena healthy skin blemish scrub
Biore pore scrub
You can find all these products at your local drugstore.

Green Tea Toner

How to make Green Tea Toner

1. Buy some Green Tea, Doesn't matter the brand it has to be pure green tea.

2. Make your tea, I used a tea maker, but a kettle will work fine, leave it in for about 6 mins, then remove tea bag. You want to let it cool.

3. Buy a bottle it can either be a spray or a cap. I bought mine from the dollar store. You want to refridgerate it afterwards. Its good for 1 week. Apply to cotton pad or mist your face. Use after you cleanse and exfoliate your skin. It will help with acne, wrinkles, pores, dryness. Enjoy!

Benefits of Green Tea for Skin

The health benefits of green tea are well documented. This antioxidant-packed drink helps fight free radicals, naturally occurring atoms that can cause disease and premature aging. To maximize the many benefits of green tea, you can use it in different ways as a topical treatment for the skin to protect against sun damage, combat signs of aging, treat inflammatory skin conditions and soothe cuts and sunburns.

Sun protection

1. Topical green tea formulas have been shown to reduce sun damage by neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation. However, green tea does not block UV rays so it's important to use it in conjunction with a sunscreen. For best results, apply a green tea formula under a zinc-oxide-based sunscreen.

Damage prevention

2. Research has shown that green tea can help prevent signs of aging. In a study, the use of a 10 percent green tea cream on subjects with moderate skin damage resulted in improved skin elasticity.

Anti-inflammatory

3. The antioxidants in green tea have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea and inflammatory lesions.

Acne treatment

4. Green tea's anti-inflammatory properties also make it useful in treating acne. Green tea cream has been found to improve skin complexion while resulting in fewer cases of dry skin or itching than benzoyl peroxide.

Application

5. Ice cubes made from freshly brewed green tea can be used as a toner. Let the ice thaw slightly before use and then sweep gently over the face after cleansing. Green tea leaves can be used as a gentle exfoliant. A spritzer made with green tea and mineral water can be used to freshen the face, treat minor cuts, soothe sunburn or reduce swelling.

Skin Care Routine

These are the facial products I use everyday.

Garnier Skin Renew- I love this cleanser!! It has a facial brush so you get 2x cleaner and 2x smoother skin. The first time I used it I could feel the difference. I takes off face makeup great!

St. Ives Apricot Scrub- I have been using this product since I was a teenager. It just makes my skin feel smoother, I scrub it lightly on my face for 2 mins and then clean it off. This way helps getting rid of all the dead skin. I use it twice a week.

Nivea Light Moisturizing day and night cream- Ok I will have admit I am not the biggest fan of these two products, my skin felt oily afterwards even after it was on for a hour, I only bought it because my older sister said she loved it, but it's not for me. So I'm on the hunt for a new moisturizer.

e.l.f Zit Zapper- This little guy packs a punch of  Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel and Camphor. I use it twice a day, it works great for my chin area but my forehead gets dried out, so I only use it once a day on my forehead. But you can feel it working, it gives a tingle feeling.

This is a great eye makeup remover! It takes off everything, even when I had a black smokey eye look. It's a nice rich cream, I add a little to a cotton pad and fold it in half, then I open it up and take off my makeup. It does burn the eye when you get some in.