Love the skin your in!
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Sunday, June 5, 2011

A few Organic Skin Care Recipes


The more I research all the new skincare products and treatments, the more I see a trend of using natural ingredients in the products. This got me to think about how simple and basic some of these recipes are. I found lots of recipes and created some of my own that I like. Here are a few of the recipes I found that I like:

Soothing & Smoothing Toner

1 small cucumber-juice extracted
1 tablespoon milk
2 tablespoons finely chopped mint
Mix cucumber juice, mint and milk together well

Cucumber is a gentle, soothing astringent, which helps reduce puffiness and has a slight bleaching action which aids in diminishing freckles and age spots as well as in the exfoliation of dead skin cells while the mint and milk cleanses and gently removes dead skin cells.

Revitalizing Cleanser (All Skin Types)

1 slice of peeled apple
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon citrus: lemon, orange

Combine ingredients in food processor until very smooth.
Refrigerate unused mixture for up to 3 days

Apples have vitamins C & A that are good for the skins immunity.
Yogurt has anti fungal and antibacterial properties. Olive oil has vitamin E and helps to hydrate the skin.

Apple zinger Facial Mask (Oily skin that is acne prone)

1 medium size organic apple (grated)
5 tablespoons of organic honey

Mix the grated apple and mix with honey to make a mask. Smooth over skin then let it sit for 10 minutes, rinse off with cool water. Apples have vitamins C & A which are good for the skin's immunity. Honey has enzymes, minerals, vitamins and amino acids that aid in detoxifying and hydrating the skin. Honey is also antiseptic.


I hope you enjoy these recipes. Learn to love the skin you're in '-)

Skinchick



Source: Organic skincare dictionary and skincare resource center

Monday, May 30, 2011

To my Type V and above clients, friends and family, you too need to use sunscreen

There is a scale called the Fitzpatrick Scale that grades individuals skin types. This scale is used to measure the skin type's ability to tolerate sun exposure. Dermatologist Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick developed the scale in 1975 at Harvard University. African Americans, Caribbeans, Hispanics and Indians fall in the skin type of Type V and VI. Click on the link to to the Skin Cancer Foundation's Quiz and confirm what your skin type is. There is also lots of information on their website about skin cancer and prevention.http://www.skincancer.org/fitzpatrick-skin-quiz.html


While we do not burn easily our complexion will easily become uneven, requiring us to use a sunscreen to provide a barrier between our skin and the sun. Because we have lots of Melanin in our skin the sun can trigger an over production of these cells that cause hyper-pigmentation (over production of melanocyte cells, causing dark spots on the body). Skin Types V and above only needs 45 minutes of direct sun exposure to produce enough vitamin D. After 45 minutes you are over exposed to the sun and at risk for hyper-pigmentation and skin cell damage.

Regardless of your skin type or complexion, the sun's energy can penetrate deep into the skin damaging the skin's DNA. This can cause skin cancer, Yes even for darker complexioned individuals. Typically the skin cancer is formed on the palms of the hands, fingers or lighter pigmented areas of the body of a darker complexioned individual. So again, we too have to use sunscreen to protect our skin. Some of the reasons are a little different, but no less important.

There are many good options out there that are light and oil free (for the face). I personally like Cetaphil's facial moisturizer with a SPF of 15. It's light, oil free and is absorbed quickly into my skin. If you don't like the white color the sunscreen leaves, try using a light weight formula and do not dispense too much out of the container. Use a dime size amount and massage the sunscreen into your face thoroughly to allow your skin to absorb it well. This should reduce that ashy look.

For the body there are light weight lotions on the market with a sunscreen in them. If you plan to stay out in the direct sun for more than one hour you may want to use a sun block on your body instead, especially if you are working in the direct sun or on the beach. I just want to let you know so you can continue to enjoy your beautiful skin for years to come.

Til next time, Love the skin you're in

Skinchick'-)

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Skin Chick "Tracey's" Top 10 must haves for summer skin care


The signs of summer are here, you know, the summer dresses, sandals and let’s not forget bikinis. We tend to show a lot of skin when the weather is warm. With more exposure to the sun we need to be mindful of the damage the sun is doing to our skin. That’s why I came up with my top 10 must haves for summer skin care. Let’s start with number 10.
10. Water: Our bodies are made up of 50 to 70 percent water and needs to be replenished daily. Because the sun is extremely drying and can dehydrate our bodies from the inside out, we must keep our bodies hydrated. Our skin will be moister, softer and more hydrated form a good balance of water in the body. A good way to know how much water you need is to take your body weight and divide it by two. Then divide that number by 8 and you will know how many glasses of water you need to drink daily.
For example: If person weighs 100 lbs. divide it by 2 and you get 50. Divide 50 by 8 and you get 6.25. 6.25 is how many 8 oz. glasses of water a 100 lb. person needs to drink daily to stay well hydrated.
If you are very physically active, for example you work out a lot or you have a very busy life style you should add two additional 8 oz. glasses of water to your final number to replenish the water you burn through. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated and don’t know it.
9. Blotting paper: For you those you who have oily skin like myself, blotting paper is a life saver. If you use an oil mattifier on your face, but some oil still comes out, then blotting paper will help pick up the slack. You can find the blotting paper at most cosmetic stores like Ulta and drug store s like CVS. If you are stuck without any and you are in a clean public restroom you can use a piece of the towel seat covers that are in the bathroom stall. Toilet sit covers are made from the same kind of paper as the face blotters.
To blot the oil off your face just place the paper on the area of your face that is too shiny and gently pat your face. You will see the oil on the paper. Don’t rub because you may rub off your makeup. If your makeup has worked an 8 hour day with you and you are going on to the next phase of your evening. It’s best to wash your face and apply fresh makeup, especially if you have oily skin. Your skin has dirt and pollutants mixed in with your makeup and if you apply fresh makeup on top of the old you are cross contaminating your makeup applicators, makeup and spreading dirty around on your face.
8. Body exfoliator: Now that you’re ready to show off your skin, a good exfoliating scrub will polish and shine your skin up. Exfoilating your skin gives your skin a nice healthy glow. Your skin will also feel softer and smoother to the touch. Exfoilating your skin help the skin manage the amount of dead skin cells that stay on the outermost layer of your skin. Your skin will also absorb the active ingredients faster and more efficiently, so your skin will benefit from the ingredients the most. There are many body scrubs over the counter that has a granular texture to them, which is important when exfoliating dead skin cells off. My favorite is my homemade sugar scrub.
7. Facial exfoliator: The benefits to the facial skin are the same as the skin on our body, however you have to be mindful of how coarse the exfoliator is and how frequently you exfoliate your face. The skin on the face and neck is thinner, so you have to use less pressure on it when exfoliating. It’s not recommended to use products with ground up walnut shells or apricot seeds to exfoliate your face. The texture is too coarse and can cause micro tears in your skin. If you have oily and/or sensitive skin it’s best to exfoliate no more than once a week. Everyone needs to exfoliate; you just have to choose the right kind of exfoliator and the proper frequency for your skin.
6. Skin soothing wax: Now that we ladies are baring our arms and legs we can benefit from a skin soothing wax treatment. There are many wax formulations that have ingredients that will soothe and calm the skin. For example: Azulene wax and Hemp wax are designed for sensitive skin and will sooth the skin. Waxing pulls all the hair out of the hair shaft leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth. TIP: If you are heading straight to the pool after getting waxed anywhere. Apply a sunscreen to all areas of your body that will be exposed to the sun.
5. Hydrocortisone: While we have many plans to enjoy the beautiful weather, our skin will be exposed to man potential skin irritants. Hydrocortisone with aloe vera is my favorite over the counter skin soother. It is used to help with itching, swelling and irritations from allergic skin reactions, bug bites, diaper rashes, eczema, and psoriasis. It is available over the counter and prescribed. It is recommended to speak with your physician before using this product with other medication or herbal supplements.
4. Scent free bug spray: While the good weather beckons us to stay outside, the bugs also answer the same call. Many of them will bite our skin and cause skin irritations and even allergic reactions. The traditional remedy is mosquito spray; however some of the sprays smell really bad. Thankfully there are so many scent free options or more pleasantly scented options live Avon’s soft skin spray. For decades this pleasant smelling spray has repelled some of the worst bugs that can bite and irritate our skin. There are also many new gadgets available that saves on time and fuss, like Off’s mosquito repellent clips and bracelets. These bugs can leave unattractive spots on our skin after it’s all said and done so arm yourself with a good bug repellent. There are so many other options out there to fight off the bugs.
3. Body lotion with sunscreen: While the warmer weather brings humidity in some climates that is good for the skin, when you bathe you remove the natural oils in your skin. To get the moisture back into your skin a good body lotion is key especially one with a built in sunscreen. Since you will more than likely show some skin a body lotion with a sunscreen is practical. The sunscreen will protect your skin from sunburns and discoloration. FYI: If you will be in direct sun for an extended amount of time (over 1 hour) you will need to reapply every hour especially if you are very fair skinned. I you work in the direct sun or plan to vacation in a sunny place where you will stay outside for extended periods of time then I recommend a traditional sun block with and SPF of at least 30. Yes even my African, American and Caribbean clients, our complexions can get uneven from too much sun exposure and if we have spots we are working on lighten up the sun makes the spots darker. It only takes approximately 45 mins of sun exposure for darker complexioned individuals to produce enough vitamin D and 15 to 20 minutes for fair complexioned individuals.
2. New makeup: Now that the weather is warmer our skin tone will warm up a bit also. Depending on how much sun exposure your face and neck gets, you will get a little darker in the summer months. Your makeup may not match because of this, causing you to have to buy a new shade of foundation and powder. This isn’t a bad problem to have, because every year there are new trends and colors that you can play with until you get your summer look just right. While you’re at it pick up some new colors for your eyes and lips too. Although shopping for new makeup is fun there is also a health need for this too.
Opened makeup expires: Liquid eyeliners last 3 months, cream eye shadows lasts 6 months, eye liner pencil and powder eye shadows lasts 2 years, Liquid foundation last 6 months and powders lasts 2 years. FYI: You must beware of where you are storing your opened makeup, If stored in a cool dry place like a linen closet the used makeup will last. Bathrooms are humid, hot, have lots of airborne bacteria and promotes bacteria and mold growth. This does not make the bathroom an ideal place to store your makeup. You are also transferring germs from your face when applying your makeup, therefore contaminating your makeup. Washing and drying your brushes at least twice a week is necessary to reduce the possibilities for your skin to get irritated. Finally do not share your makeup, If you can’t resist, use disposable applicators.
1. Facial moisturizer with sunscreen: Our face and neck takes a beating in the sun and a good moisturizing sunscreen is what the doctor ordered. The sun is the number 1 aging factor, especially to our face, neck and chest. Oil free, water proof sunscreens will form a barrier between the sun and your skin. No, the sunscreen in your makeup is not enough because you would have to use 7 times the amount of liquid foundation and 14 times the amount of powder foundation to get the SPF protection stated on the label of the makeup. It’s best to use an oil free light weight moisturizer with a sunscreen in it before applying your makeup. This is my recommendation for all ethnicities, I assume everyone wants to look younger longer and the sun does not discriminate, plus for darker complexioned individuals the sunscreen keeps your complexion even especially if you have dark spots you are lightening. The moisturizer will also help skin’s protective barrier, which can be compromised with too much sun exposure. TIP: When cleansing, hydrating or toning the skin on our face carry the products down to your chest. This allows those areas to age at the same rate,because you are consistently protect the same area with the same product.

These are my top 10 must have’s for summer. As always love the skin you’re in, after all it’s the only one you get.

Skinchick ‘-)

Friday, February 11, 2011

Love your skin this Valentine's Day & Beyond


My six expressions of love for your skin
Drink Water
When your body is properly hydrated you will look and feel better.
Water helps to clear your complexion, it flushes out toxins.Water hydrates skin,
giving it a more youthful appearance. In the winter months it becomes more of a
challenge to keep your skin hydrated, so pull out that humidifier and sleep with it on.
This will help your hair also. Don’t like to drink water then eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. They have water in them. Apply a good moisturize to your skin to help your skin's water supply.

Exfoliate your skin
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells to improve the look and feel of the skin.
This will assist in the reduction of acne and oil production if done properly.
Cleanse your skin
Cleansing the skin gently removes dirt & debris (free radicals from the skin.
It also reduces oil secretion in the skin (especially the face) and calms and
soothes the skin. Cleansing eliminates surface bacteria and removes excess
toxins from the skin.

Use sunscreen
Sunscreen acts as a barrier between your skin and the sun. When the skin is over
exposed to the sun it’s immune system shuts down, which can leave your skin open to bacteria getting inside your skin and possibly into your body. IE ( Staphylocuccus). Sunscreen blocks the burning and aging sun rays that harm our skin. African Americans should use sunscreen to keep your skin tone even. You only need 15 ( light skin) to 40 (dark skin) minutes of direct sun exposure to get your daily required amount of vitamin D.
Skin check
If you have many moles on your skin or any unusual skin lesions on your skin , go to a
dermatologist and have your skin checked. It is good practice to visit a dermatologist once a year to look at your skin. They should check everything from your scalp to the soles of your feet. What they find might save your life.
I
Love the skin your in
This is necessary, to love yourself. Loving who you are opens your mind to seeking wholeness if you aren’t already whole. So when I close my blog with Love the skin you’re in, I am not only speaking about your skin but to your spirit.
T
Happy Valentines Day!
As always” Love the skin you're in”
Skinchick;-)
References: naturalskincareserets.com; ezilon.com

Milkweed Plant Sap Effective on skin Cancer


In an article from Dermatology Times, researchers in Brisbance, Australia claim the sap from the Milkweed plant has removed cancerous skin lesions from 41 out of 48 skin cancer patients. In the study there were 36 patients with a total of 48 non- melanoma lesions. They include basal cell, squamous cell and intraepidermal carcinomas. None of the patients responded to traditional treatments including surgery.

In the study that was published in the British Journal of Dermatology, it states the three types of skin cancer that the sap was tested on had the following outcome. 75% response to intraepidermal lesions, 57% response to basal cell lesions and 50% response to squamous cell lesions. There were 43% of the patients in the study that stated they had no pain. 14% complained of moderate pain and one patient reported serve short term pain.

Kimberly Carter of the British Association of Dermatologist states “ This has not been studied in a larger group of people, warns the public not to try this on your own. Exposure of the sap to mucus producing surfaces, like the eyes can result in extreme inflammation and can lead to hospitalization. The concentration of the sap varies between different plants, with high doses able to cause very severe and excessive inflammatory response. “

This is a light at the end of a dark tunnel for skin cancer patients. I would suggest signing up for one of the studies if your doctor approves,or reviewing the literature for yourself. Stay positive and proactive

In 2011 We are still loving the skin we are in.

Until next time Skinchick;-)

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Vampire Facelift

Seeing that it will be Halloween soon and I recently saw Dr.Oz talk about the new Vampire Facelift, I think it's fitting to discuss this new procedure. This feels like Dr. Frankenstein comes to life to me. This facelift is certainly buzz worthy, however it's not really a facelift. Yeah that's right. It is an injectable filler called Selphyl. Selphyl temporarily plumps up the lines in the face. It uses the patients own blood to fill in the lines in the face.

The patients blood is extracted and the blood platelets are separated from the red blood cells. The platelets are then blended with a proprietary synthetic mixture and injected into your wrinkles and lines in your face. After about 3 to 4 days the wrinkled areas will be smoothed out, lasting from 12 to 18 months. This actually lasts a bit longer than Botox and some of the fillers like Juvaderm. I'm not real sure how I feel about this one just yet. I need to see more people do it. So who's next up for a Vampire Facelift?

Love the skin you're in

Skinchick'-)

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

The truth about acne




Ok so everyone at some point in their lives either has acne, will have acne or know someone with acne. Let's look at the definition of acne first. In the medical dictionary acne is described as a common skin disease characterized by pimples on the face, chest and back. It occurs when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria.

What sets this process in motion is hormone irregularities. Hormones are chemicals that the cells in our body produce to communicate with other cells. There are many things that can trigger your hormones to be imbalanced enough to cause acne. One example is how the hormones Insulin, IGF-1 (Insulin like growth factor) IGFBP-3 ( Insulin like growth factor binding protein)triggers oil production in our sebaceous glands, increase skin cell renewal and causes clumps of skin cells to shed instead of one by one. This chain of events creates acne.

Now you have an increased production of new skin cells being shed causing a mound of cells to clog a pore. The clogged pore is shut off from oxygen. With no oxygen in the pore the cells produce bacteria and needs to be cleaned out. So it is plausible to say that sugar does contribute to acne. It is NOT the only cause, however the root cause is hormonal. Remember there are several causes of hormonal imbalances. Some other causes are nutritional deficiencies, menstruation,lack of sleep,prolonged stress, build up of toxins & thyroid problems.

Our bodies are communicating to us that something is wrong when we get acne. Things like washing our faces on a regular basis and keeping dirty hands out of our faces help to keep the skin from being irritated by the germs on our epidermis.A holistic way to regulate your hormones is by eating less processed foods and by taking zinc. Zinc is known for regulating hormones.

There is so much to be conscious of when caring for our skin. Just remember the root cause of your acne is a hormonal imbalance and you should look a little deeper to help fix it for good. As always Love the skin you're in!

Skinchick'-)