Healthy Holiday and Seasonal Skin

Autumn has arrived and soon enough so will the holidays. Now is the time to prepare for the holiday season. With so much to do, priorities tend to shift usually leaving skincare last on the list. Unfortunately, fall and winter weather takes a major toll on our skin, often causing excessive and unusual dryness and dehydration. Most people slap on some heavy cream and go on about their holiday madness. But I say, put the heavy cream down and slowly back away. Are you sure that heavy cream is what your skin really needs?

Before getting into my usual list of topical cures, I must lay down the law with rule #1. Water, water and more water. You must drink your water! Dehydrated skin is inevitable during the fall and winter months. Cold climates are tough on all skin types, including those that are more prone to oiliness. Staying well hydrated with water is one of the most effective and simple ways to combat skin dehydration.

How do you know if your skin is dry or dehydrated? Skin dehydration can be easily identified by the appearance of tight, flaky and patchy skin. When your skin is dehydrated, there is a lack of water moisture. We can all fall behind on our water intake, which is why we are all at risk of skin dehydration at sometime or another. In order to re-hydrate your skin, it is advisable to incorporate a hydrating serum or masque into your daily skincare regimen, in addition to drinking more water. A highly effective hydrating serum such as the Murad Cellular Replenishing Serum will help to quench your skin’s thirst for more water. The Murad Cellular Replenishing Serum is formulated for all skin types specifically to hydrate and relieve the skin of superficial lines, flakiness and tightness caused by dehydration. You should also consider using a gel-based hydrating masque like the Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque . This masque is so yummy to the dehydrated skin that most of the gel will quickly absorb into your skin leaving little residue to rinse away. I highly recommend enhancing your skin's hydration with the use of skincare products like the Murad Cellular Replenishing Serum and Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque on a regular basis. Your skin will be thankful for the boost of hydration it so badly craves and you will be thankful for the more comfortable feel of your skin.

When your skin is dry, not only will you have all the symptoms of dehydrated skin, but you will also begin to show the signs of premature aging. Dry skin is differentiated from dehydrated skin by it's loss of oil moisture rather than water. The dreaded onset of deep lines, or wrinkles is also a prime suspect of dry skin. Obviously, wrinkles will come with age, but there can be other causes of premature aging such as the use of inappropriate skincare products, certain cosmetics and medications, or extreme climates. Dry skin requires more moisture-rich and cream-based skincare products. The combination of a cream cleanser and moisturizer such as the Decleor Cleansing Cream and Decleor Vitalite Nourishing Firming Cream will work wonders for dry skin. A botanical skincare line like Decleor is fantastic for dry skin because of it's very delicate and nourishing ingredients. Complimented with ingredients to encourage accelerated skin renewal, the Decleor Vitalite Nourishing Firming Cream will not only restore oil moisture in your skin, but will also aid in bringing to life new skin cells. This dual action results in well-moisturized and younger looking skin.

This holiday season, don’t forget your body’s largest organ and give to it the gift of tender loving care. Endless exposure to the outside world requires your skin to be continuously nurtured. The reward of your skin looking and feeling it’s best will be yours to keep for seasons to come.

Simple Skin Care for Men

Men have skin too, right? Of course you do! And like women, you get the acne and wrinkles, plus a few more skin ailments that can be quite troublesome. Unfortunately for men, there are also razor bumps and ingrown hairs to combat. Not only can that be irritating, but also unsightly. Rest assured, you can find relief in an easy to follow skincare regimen.

It is not uncommon for a man to have skin that is naturally oilier than a woman’s skin. This is due to the fact that men have both larger sebaceous glands and pores. On the upside, this tendency to have more oil actually helps the skin to stay younger looking by prolonging the onset of wrinkles. For men, the trick to gaining healthy skin is finding a good balance between moisture and exfoliation. Shaving is a form of exfoliation, which is performed on a daily basis for the majority men. But do you also moisturize everyday? Most likely, the answer is no. That is where the imbalance comes into play.

So here’s my simple fix. Zia Natural Skincare is an excellent skincare line with products formulated especially for men. With three easy steps, even the manliest of men can achieve smooth, fresh skin.

1. For the lucky man who has been blessed with acne-free skin, there is Zia Natural Skincare ActiClean Face Scrub, the winner of Men’s Health Grooming Awards for the best face scrub. This natural facial scrub works deep down within the pores to clear out dirt and oil. Old skin cells are then removed to instantly reveal a more clean and smooth texture. If luck is not on your side and acne has taken control of your skin, then Zia Natural Skincare HydraClean Face Wash is the cleanser for you. This is a fragrance-free, gel-foaming face wash that too removes dirt and oil, while also soothing and hydrating the skin.
2. Zia Natural Skincare ActiShield Shave Gel, which is great for all skin types, uses botanical extracts and non-comodegenic essential oils to prevent razor bumps and breakouts. The skin is left feeling super cool and refreshed.
   
3. The final step is keeping your skin hydrated with the Zia Natural Skincare Dual-Action Face Lotion. When used immediately after shaving, this oil-free moisturizer will help to calm the skin. It is the perfect shield in the fight against aging and environmental damage.

So that’s it! A good cleanse of the skin before shaving with an all-natural shave gel, some moisturizer to seal the deal, and you’re done. Healthy skin on a man is a BIG DEAL! Not only will you see and feel a difference in your skin, but the ladies will too!

The Battle Against Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

If you have oily skin, then you are among the many people who struggle with the skin condition that is most often accompanied by acne. Common characteristics of oily skin are a constant shine and the appearance of enlarged pores. Our skin produces natural oil called sebum, which is meant to moisturize and protect the skin. However, sometimes the production of sebum becomes unbalanced, causing excessive oiliness. If this condition is not treated properly, it will eventually lead to breakouts.

The first line of defense in the battle against oily and acne-prone skin is to analyze your diet. There can be several factors to blame for the overproduction of sebum in your skin. While you can consider the possibility of heredity and hormonal imbalances, it is also safe to assume that at least part of the problem stems from what you are eating. The over assumption of refined sugar, starches, dairy, fried and processed foods have a direct and negative affect on your skin. It is essential to the health of your skin that a balanced, low-fat diet with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates is maintained. Staying well hydrated will also help to keep your skin on the right track.

Next, it is imperative that you use skincare products that are appropriate to your skin type. The rule of thumb is to steer clear of products containing any kind of oils. You should also avoid ingredients such as lanolin, beeswax, and shea and cocoa butters. These ingredients are known to be comodegenic, or pore clogging. Alcohol is another ingredient that you must abstain from using. There is a misconception that alcohol, like soap, does wonders for your skin by leaving you with that “squeaky-clean” feeling. The truth is that alcohol, as well as bar soap, actually strips your skin of its natural moisture barrier, causing your skin to overcompensate and produce even more oil.

Skincare products that work best on oily to acne or blemish prone skin are those that are gel or clay-based, oil-free, and extra hydrating. In addition, product lines containing Alpha-Hydroxy and Glycolic Acids, as well as Enzyme Treatments are well-suited for oily skin, especially those plagued with acne. You never want to use an abrasive exfoliant such as a scrub if you have active breakouts. This will only damage your skin and irritate your blemishes to the point of scarring.

The last plan of action is to commit to a skincare regimen. Remember that it takes time and effort to produce beautiful skin. If you are ready to join the battle and take these steps toward healthier, balanced skin, then I encourage you to try out some or all of these skincare products. I have seen these particular skincare product lines improve the condition of oily, blemished skin with little to no irritation.

• Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser is an excellent choice for everyday cleansing. This cleanser is clay-based, so it works to absorb the excess oil in your skin, but is gentle enough to use everyday. If you are more used to the feel a “sudsy” cleanser, the Dermalogica Anti Bac Skin Wash is a better choice for you. The Dermalogica Anti-Bac Cleanser contains Antibacterial Triclosan and Salicylic Acid, which work together to eliminate surface bacteria and dead skin cells. This is a more suitable cleanser for blemished skin.
  
  
• Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Cooling Masque is superb for both oily and acneic skin. This medicated masque can be used two to three times a week to control shine, treat blemishes and calm inflamed acne. Followed by the application of the Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Masque , your skin will be satisfied with the super hydration and calming power of chamomile and several other botanical extracts.
  
  
• To complete your daily regimen for oily skin you must use a toner and moisturizer. It is so important that your skin remain well-hydrated. Witch Hazel is used in the Murad Clarifying Toner to absorb oil and remove impurities.This toner will accommodate both oily and blemished skin. The Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion is the best candidate for the job of keeping your skin hydrated without leaving an oily residue.Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion also uses retinol to refine your pores and reduce redness of the skin. Do not forget to protect your skin with an oil-free SPF such as the Murad Oil-Free Sunblock, SPF 30, which is an award winner on Allure Magazine's "Best of Beauty" Master List.

Dermalogica, Peter Thomas Roth and Murad are just a few of your options when deciding on what to use for your skincare regimen. You can find more quality skin products and cosmetics at SkinStore.com. If I can offer any further information to you, please don’t hesitate to ask. It is my mission as a Skincare Therapist to lead you along the path to healthy, beautiful skin!

To Wax or Not to Wax?

Do you find yourself often pondering on this question? Have you heard too many horror stories to even try it out? Maybe you’ve tried waxing once or twice, but left the salon with what looked like a Kool Aid mustache and hot pink eye shadow all around your eyes. If any or all of these scenarios ring true to you, don’t feel alone. There are many other women out there who share the same fear. But fear not! Waxing does not have to be torturous. There are ways to make this hair removal process smooth and quick. You just need to find the person who has the right tools and knows how to use them.

Beauty is pain Ladies, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist know that waxing will involve some discomfort. But if done quickly, properly, and with a gentle hand, waxing is bearable and rewarding! Because the hair is removed at the root, your skin is left smooth and hair free for several weeks at a time. Sure beats shaving, don’t you think?

While there are numerous types of waxes available for hair removal, most often you will find that salons use standard honey wax. In my experience, honey waxes have not been kind to the skin. Honey wax is used with very high heat and can be extremely messy. It is also quite aggressive, often leaving the skin red and sometimes irritated. I strongly suggest looking for a salon or spa that employs the use of a crème wax. Crème waxes do not use high heat, but rather low to medium heat and also cater to all skin types. A variety of crème waxes are offered to further satisfy the skin such as lavender crème and tea tree crème. These crème waxes are excellent for even the most sensitive skin as they provide healing and calming properties. With the use of crème wax for hair removal, your skin will experience less pulling and you will notice minimal to no redness following your waxing session. Of course, I use only crème wax for my hair removal services and I can say in all honesty, I’ve never had a client experience a negative reaction. In fact, they are always pleasantly surprised at how relatively painless the crème wax was as compared to their prior experiences with honey wax. If you don’t know that your Esthetician offers a crème wax, you can pick some up at your local beauty supply. I highly recommend using GiGi Crème Wax for Sensitive Skin Microwave Formula . These waxes are sold in a small and convenient microwavable container. You can bring this along with you to your appointment in the event that your Esthetician does not carry crème wax. If you are a newbie to the waxing world, don’t consider going the honey route at all. Save yourself the possible irritation and only go for the best.

You may still be unsure about whether or not you want to use waxing as your method of hair removal, but I am confident that you will not be disappointed with a crème wax. Give it a try and you will realize that waxing is the way to go. Whether it is a brow shaping or a full leg wax, the results are instant and long lasting.

Absolute Aqua

Nope, this isn’t a recipe for a vodka cocktail. On the contrary, this is the recipe for a healthy beverage with the most important ingredient of all – water. We all know that without water, we could not survive. But we don’t need just any water. We need clean water. Doing us more harm than good, tap water just isn’t an option any longer.

Did you know that the high levels of chlorine found in tap water could actually lead to cancer? That’s right, cancer from water! And the scary fact is that more chlorine and chemicals in water enter our skin through skin absorption and inhalation of steam while taking warm showers than they do from drinking from the tap. Ever wonder why you are placed under steam during a facial? Well, it’s because steam encourages your pores to open up, allowing for maximum absorption of products. Taking warm, hot showers have the same affect on your skin. While the chlorine and other chemicals are penetrating your skin at a very high rate, you are also inhaling the steam. The steam from a hot shower will contain up to 20 times the level of chlorine and other synthetic chemicals due to the fact that these chemicals vaporize at a lower temperature and faster rate than water alone. There are numerous irritants induced by the chemicals and chlorine found in water. To name just a few, there are asthma, bronchitis, and as mentioned before, cancer. We are also left with dry, dehydrated and congested skin.

So what is the solution? It’s easy - water purifiers. Purifying water is not a new trend, which is why there are so many systems to choose from. I have an easy recipe for healthy water that you can obtain throughout your home. After much trial and error, I’ve discovered the most ideal and cost effective purifying systems. For my drinking water, I utilize the Brita Disposable Faucet Filtration System. Rather than purchasing a separate filtration pitcher, I just pour some filtered water into a pitcher and keep it in the fridge. This saves me time and money! I also use the Brita Disposable Faucet Filtration System For the Bathroom. This filter has a very nifty fountain feature. No more bathroom cups or using your hands when brushing your teeth! Best of all, my mouth is left feeling fresh and clean after brushing.

Brita Disposable Filtration System: What I love most about the Brita Disposable Filtration Systems is that they cater up to 300 gallons of water, which can last for up to one entire year! It is so convenient to not have to purchase one replacement filter after another.


Aquasana: Now that we’ve covered the kitchen and bathroom sinks, you may be wondering how it is possible to filter your shower water.The Aquasana Shower Filter is the answer. This deluxe filter will purify your water in two stages. Stage one removes the chlorine and normalizes the water’s ph. Stage two filters out all of the other chemicals that are harmful to your health. With the use of the Aquasana Shower Filter , you will immediately see and feel a difference in the moisture retention of your skin and overall health of your hair. If not, you have 60 days to return the Aquasana Shower Filter for your money back, no questions asked.

I highly recommend making an investment in purifying the water throughout your home. Use my preferred customer link to get 20% off Aquasana purifying systems all the time! In addition, they offer free shipping on everything! Now is the time to take advantage of the reduced prices and reap the benefits of having purified water. Take the necessary step in purifying your life and get started with a high quality water purifier. There’s nothing to lose except maybe some dehydrated skin, dry hair and an annoying cough.

Get 20% off Aquasana Water Filter Systems and FREE shipping on all water filters, including their drinking water filters, shower filters, whole house water filters, and sport bottle filters.