Top 7 Products for June
Top 7 Products for June Purity Coffee I rediscovered this coffee this month after initially trying it during quarantine. I didn’t really drink coffee back then, but I’ve learned to appreciate it more recently. What I love about this brand is, it’s organic, free of mold, toxins, contaminants, and it’s sustainable. And tastes delicious! Your first order with this link gets you 20% off. PurityCoffee.com and enter code BESTBEAUTYHACKS20 Cod liver oil https://bestbeautyhacks.com/codliveroil I’ve been wanting to add fish oil back in my diet for the omega 3 as I don’t consume salmon in my diet as much anymore. But after researching, I decided to go with cod liver oil as it has the benefits of fish oil plus vitamins A and D. And it helps clear up acne congestion systemically, as I’ve also had persistent congestion in patches on my face that I haven’t been able to clear up. I’ve been taking this for the last 2 months and I’m thrilled to confirm that my skin cleared up within 6 weeks, so this will continue to be a part of my daily intake. Magnesium L-Threonate https://bestbeautyhacks.com/magltheorate I’m currently taking L-threonate for brain fog and focus, and I found this liposomal delivery which encapsulates the magnesium to get through the digestive system so it’s absorbed more efficiently. For more information on magnesium, check out: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/understanding-magnesium/ Magnesium spray https://bestbeautyhacks.com/magspray This has helped boost my magnesium levels at night to eliminate the leg and feet cramps that happen during the night and the lavender scent helps to relax and sleep better. Hair fibers https://bestbeautyhacks.com/hairfibers https://bestbeautyhacks.com/fiberapplicator I’ve tried so many products to cover gray between treatments, and they usually don’t have good coverage and are always messy. This product is made of natural keratin fibers that are statically charged to blend with your hair for a natural look. It’s wind, rain and sweat proof, and washes out easily with shampoo. The applicator is optional, but helps with precise application. Collagen for skin and bone https://thepauselife.com/products/skin-bone-collagen?variant=44464049094895 You have probably heard of Dr. Mary Claire Haver, an OBGYN who specializes in menopause. If you aren’t familiar with her, consider looking her up – she is a wealth of information on the topic of menopause: https://thepauselife.com This collagen is from her product line, and she’s combined specific collagens to supplement skin and bone mineral density as we age. Osmosis Skincare EPIC Skin Tool https://bestbeautyhacks.com/EPICskintool This tool surprised me! It’s great for lymph drainage and depuffing, but also product penetration. It’s easy to use and it actually feels really good. Hopefully these recommendations are useful and beneficial for you. If you have any questions or suggestions for product reviews, please let us know! Was this article helpful? *Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made about specific products throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you. *Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Blackheads and large pores? Step by step protocol to clear skin
Blackheads and large pores? Step by step protocol to clear skin Do you examine your face every day with a magnifying mirror to see if there’s a pimple or blackhead that developed overnight for you to pick? No judgement here. My hand is raised. If you are someone who gets blackheads, whiteheads and congested pores regularly, this protocol is for you. It’s a facial treatment specifically for removing stubborn pore congestion without picking. Be sure you have everything you need on hand before you start, because once your skin is prepped you’ll want to begin the extractions while your pores are still softened and open What you’ll need: Cleanser – one with salicylic or lytic acids are good options to help reduce pore congestion: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/epionce Enzyme peel – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/enzymepeel Bowl or sink of warm water Facial sponges, or wash cloth: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/facesponge Face spatula – one with ultrasonic is preferred, this one is powerful: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/facespatula Desincrustation product: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/desincrustation Facial steamer: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/facesteamer Thermal spray like Avene or a spray bottle with water : https://bestbeautyhacks.com/Avene Calming sheet mask: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/calmsheetmask Light therapy: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/joovv Prep Prep is the key with this protocol, to ensure best results. If your skin isn’t prepped enough, you won’t get extractions and could damage your skin. Start with cleansing the skin. Be sure you’re using a cleanser that is effective for congested pores (salicylic acid, lytic acid). Apply an enzyme peel to soften and loosen. Manually massage the product into your skin 1-2 minutes. You’ll feel the peel working as the dead skin and debris loosens and starts to ball. With the flat, back side of a face spatula, turn on apply mode and press or infuse enzyme peel into your skin with the spatula, for 1-2 minutes. Using a wash cloth, remove enzyme with warm water Apply a desincrustation product to further soften and loosen Again, with the flat, back side of a face spatula, on apply mode, press or infuse desincrustation product into your skin with the spatula, for 1-2 minutes. Steam your face using a facial steamer for about 2 minutes to further soften the skin Extract The key with this step is using gentle pressure. Pressing too hard can leave marks and damage skin. Let the tool do the work with the ultrasonic. Using the edge of the facial spatula on extract mode, use a gentle upward motion Be sure to keep skin wet for slip, but also to help lift debris out of pores If you have trouble spots like the nose, using your other hand, wrap 2 fingers with a tissue to hold skin while gently holding the spatula on the other side of the trouble spot. The ultrasonic vibration and gentle pressure will encourage extractions. If you’re not seeing extractions, you may need to prep further to ensure your skin and pores have softened enough. It also may take a couple treatments to clear out more stubborn blackheads. Once you are done with extractions, wash your face to remove the desincrustation solution Post treatment Now that your pores are clear, it’s a good time to apply a calming sheet mask. Once you apply the mask, you can use the back side of the facial spatula on apply mode to increase the efficacy of the mask by infusing the calming ingredients into the skin. If you have time, you can follow the mask with a light therapy session for healing. Follow this with your regular non-comedogenic serums, moisturizer and sunscreen. Try this 1-2 times a week, depending on severity of the congestion for clearer skin – without picking. Was this article helpful? *Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made about specific products throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you. *Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Acne Awareness Month
Acne Awareness Month June is National Acne Awareness Month, where we highlight the importance of knowledge, support and remedies for those of us dealing with this skin disorder. To begin, it’s helpful to understand the different types of acne and causes to determine how to address your particular concern. Types of acne and causes Blackheads and whiteheads (comedonal acne): These are caused by clogged pores and are generally considered a milder form of acne that is most often found in the T-zone. Papules and pustules: These are medium-severity forms of acne and are characterized by inflamed, tender bumps with white pus at their tips. Nodules: larger and more serious than other types of acne. They are hard, painful lumps that develop deep within the skin, and they can persist for weeks or even months, often requiring treatment from a dermatologist. Cystic acne: large, pus-filled lesions that look similar to boils. They are the most severe type of acne and can cause deep, painful inflammation, and can lead to permanent scarring if not treated properly. Acne conglobata: This is a severe form of acne that causes large lesions and nodules to form on the skin, often leading to widespread damage and scarring. It is more common in males and often associated with hormonal imbalances. Acne mechanica: This type of acne is triggered by excess heat, pressure, friction, or by repetitive physical irritation from things like sports equipment and tight-fitting clothing. Chloracne: This rare form of acne is caused by exposure to certain chemicals like chlorinated dioxins. It results in very large blackheads and cysts, mostly around the cheeks, behind the ears, armpits, and groin. Fungal acne: Unlike other acne types, this is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the hair follicles and usually is small, itchy pustules on the skin. Adult Acne: Usually seen in women over 25, it is often hormonal and can be cyclical, flaring up with the menstrual cycle or stress. Acne fulminans: A severe form of acne that usually affects teenage males, characterized by inflammatory nodules and ulcerated lesions. It can cause severe scarring. Acne rosacea: This is a chronic skin condition often mistaken as acne, characterized by redness, visible blood vessels, and pimple-like bumps. Drug-induced acne: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, lithium, or androgens, can cause this type of acne. Hormonal acne: This type tends to occur in adolescence, during pregnancy, or at certain points in the menstrual cycle, due to hormonal imbalances. Hormonal acne are deep and tender, and usually develop in the lower half of the face. Inflammatory acne: This type is characterized by small, red, tender bumps, and is usually caused by the inflammation of clogged pores, and aggravated by sensitivities or allergies to dairy, sugar and/or gluten. Stress acne: breakouts on the skin that occur as a result of stress. In periods of high stress, the body produces more cortisol and other hormones which can stimulate the oil glands and hair follicles in the skin, leading to acne. These breakouts can manifest as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples or deeper lumps (cysts or nodules). Stress itself does not directly cause acne, but it can aggravate existing acne or trigger it in individuals susceptible to acne. Persistent acne: a chronic skin condition characterized by the continuous occurrence of inflamed or non-inflamed breakouts. These can occur despite trying various treatments. It’s not just a common teenage problem but can affect adults too. This type of acne often appears on the face but can also be present on the chest, back, and shoulders. It can be caused by various factors, including hormonal changes, stress, certain medications, and a high-glycemic diet. Cosmetic acne: a type of acne that is caused by the use of cosmetics or beauty products. This skin condition occurs when the ingredients in these products clog the pores of the skin, leading to the formation of pimples, blackheads, and other types of acne lesions. Cosmetic acne is typically characterized by small, white bumps, which often appear on the cheeks, forehead, and chin. The condition can affect anyone who uses cosmetic products, regardless of age or gender. The severity of cosmetic acne can vary widely from one individual to another, with some individuals experiencing only a few small pimples, and others developing widespread and persistent acne. SLS effect: SLS, or sodium laurel sulfate, is a common ingredient in personal care products like shampoos, facial cleansers and body washes. SLS strips the skin of natural oils, causing dry skin, irritation and allergic reactions like acne, itchy skin and scalp, eczema and dermatitis. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to check the ingredients on your products for sulfates and switch to sulfate free. Congested skin is more than just breakouts—it can appear as dullness, bumps under the surface, or small white or blackheads. It comes from a buildup of dead skin cells, sweat, impurities and excess oil. Some skin is naturally congested and has a slower turnover rate than other skin, so you may need to be more diligent with exfoliation. All types of acne can lead to scarring and can also have psychological effects, such as lowering self-esteem that lead to depression and anxiety. Remedies Cod liver oil https://bestbeautyhacks.com/codliveroil Fish oils are a great supplement for Omega-3’ fatty acids, which is great for our brain, heart, joints and overall health, but our bodies can’t produce enough on their own. Because our skin contains omega-3 fatty acids, increasing omega-3’s in our diet, either through fish or fish supplements, will improve the texture and overall health of your skin. I’ve tried fish and krill oils, but I have found that cod liver oil has worked better on my skin. This brand is sourced from the Nordic Sea, is freeze dried to preserve nutrients, and doesn’t have a fish after taste. Red light therapy https://bestbeautyhacks.com/joovv Red light therapy has been scientifically proven to support overall skin health and reduce inflammation, including acne. I love
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month – a time to put the spotlight on the most common form of cancer in the world. As the days start to lengthen and the weather warms up, we often yearn for the sun’s rays. But while a sun-kissed glow may be aesthetically pleasing, it’s crucial to remember that the sun can also be our skin’s deadliest enemy. Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate, it can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race. It’s estimated that every day, 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer. And every hour, one person dies from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. But the good news is, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Are you taking the necessary precautions to protect your skin? Are you aware of the risk factors associated with skin cancer? This month is all about educating ourselves and others about the dangers of skin overexposure and the importance of early detection. the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) provides insights that can help you protect your skin. The AAD also shares information that can help you find skin cancer. When found early, skin cancer is highly treatable. What is Melanoma Monday? On Melanoma Monday, the AAD encourages all Americans to begin a lifelong habit of examining their skin for signs of skin cancer. The AAD began Melanoma Monday on Monday, May 1, 1995 and has observed it every year since. Melanoma Monday always occurs during Skin Cancer Awareness Month on the first Monday in May. This year, Melanoma Monday is Monday, May 6, 2024. Key facts to know about melanoma Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. In 2024, it’s estimated that more than 200,340 melanomas will be diagnosed and about 8,290 people will die of melanoma. That’s why the AAD encourages everyone to begin a lifelong habit of checking their skin by performing skin self-exams. Here’s why these exams are so important: Caught early, melanoma is highly treatable. Melanoma can develop anywhere on the skin, including skin that’s had plenty of sun exposure and skin that’s usually protected from the sun. Melanoma can develop under or around a fingernail or toenail. You can find melanoma early by examining your skin for the ABCDEs of melanoma and checking your nails. Dermatologists encourage everyone to check their skin for any changes or signs of skin cancer on a regular basis so you can find signs early. Sun protection can reduce your skin cancer risk Protecting your skin from the sun plays a key role in preventing skin cancer. However, a 2024 AAD survey found that more than 1 in 3 Americans (36%) said they had a sunburn in 2023. This is a significant increase over 2022 The 2024 survey also revealed that Gen Z adults were less likely than adults in other generations to know key facts that can help them protect their skin from the sun. Here are key facts to know: When you’re outdoors, protect your skin by seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing, and applying sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and an SPF of 30 or higher. The AAD calls this Practicing Safe Sun. Sun protection is important every day of the year. You can get sunburned on a cloudy day and during the winter You need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. It’s a myth that higher SPF sunscreens can be applied less frequently. To learn how to use shade, clothing, and sunscreen to protect your skin, go to Practice Safe Sun. For recommendations on sunscreen, go to: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/best-sunscreens-of-2023/ What will you do during Skin Cancer Awareness Month? Now that you know the facts, what will you do this month to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer and to find skin cancer early when it’s highly treatable? When you Practice Safe Sun, you can decrease your risk of developing skin cancer and early skin aging. Developing a lifelong habit of checking your skin for skin cancer can also help you find skin cancer early. To get started with skin exams, some people sign up for an AAD free skin cancer screening. Or you may want to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist for a skin cancer screening. Was this article helpful? Disclaimer *Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care professional to determine if it’s right for you.
Unique Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
Unique Mother’s Day Gift Ideas Are you looking for unique and thoughtful gift ideas for your mom this Mother’s Day? Are you wanting to treat yourself? This year, Mother’s Day is on May 12, so don’t delay! These are my top recommendations for thoughtful, useful gift ideas for Mother’s Day: Intelligent Change Is your mom a life learner and interested in self improvement, like health and fitness or character development? Intelligent Change has several great journals and products, all geared toward gratitude and growth. They even have a special collection of thoughtful gift ideas for mom: Intelligent Change – Tools to Positively Change Your Life Kauai Farmacy Does your mom live a health conscience lifestyle? I’ve been a Kauai Farmacy customer for years and I love everything about this company, from their mission to their natural and effective products. They have a surprisingly extensive product line from their 4 acre farm in Kauai – from salves for joint and muscle pain to tinctures and teas. You can find them here: https://shop.kauaifarmacy.com/ Dune Jewelry Does your mom have a favorite vacation spot, or a “happy place” she likes to visit? Dune jewelry is customizable to create the perfect Mother’s day gift. You can choose from sand and shells from a favorite beach, soil from your homeland and birth stones of your children to create a unique and beautiful piece. Create yours here: https://dunejewelry.com/ Dr. Darvish’s book – A Guide to living longer and healthier with Joy Dr. Darvish’s first book, “The Golden Gate: Unleash Your Feminine Powers to Graceful Aging”, is currently on pre-order and launching on Women’s day, May 6th. This book is for all women, as it has helpful insight on how to optimize your health and wellbeing. Dr. Darvish is a fantastic, compassionate and distinguished holistic physician. Her practice is in Bellevue, WA – Holistique Medical, but she has patients all over the world. You can pre-order here: https://drdarvish.com/the-golden-gate/ Qualia NAD+ Is your mom concerned with signs and symptoms of aging? Consider gifting her with NAD. One of the fundamental functions of our bodies is the mitochondria in our cells. The summary version is, healthy mitochondria slows aging but with age and the effects of so many environmental factors attacking our bodies constantly causes deterioration of the mitochondria. That’s where NAD comes in. NAD is short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and targets mitochondria repair. NAD comes in different forms – IV’s, shots, liquid, patches and supplements. The placebo controlled clinical study of Qualia NAD+ supplement showed results of 85% increase in NAD in 4 weeks. To learn more: Qualia NAD+ Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study Preliminary Results (neurohacker.com) The Top 7 NAD+ Benefits | Qualia (neurohacker.com) Qualia NAD+ Ingredients (neurohacker.com) Shop Qualia NAD+ (neurohacker.com) Joovv Joovv is a true medical grade red light therapy. There are so many benefits of light therapy, it works at a cellular level to improve: healthy skin, mental focus, performance and recovery, and reduce inflammation to name a few. Joovv products come in red and near infrared, in the exact wavelengths for cells to optimally absorb. They even have a portable option for travel: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/joovv Reformation The warm weather season is upon us, so if you are considering a spring outfit for mom (or you!), this is my favorite clothing line for style, fit and sustainability. This brand is feminine and flattering, with beautiful color and patterns, as well as a comprehensive sustainability model that is really impressive. Check it out: https://www.thereformation.com/ You can also check out this post for more Mother’s Day gift ideas: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/mothers-day-gift-ideas-for-beauty-and-wellness/ Show your mom how much she means to you. And don’t overlook yourself – it’s perfectly acceptable to gift yourself on Mother’s Day too! Was this article helpful? *Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made about specific products throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you. *Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Product Spotlight: Reviv Ultimate Serum
Product Spotlight: Reviv Ultimate Serum Product Spotlight: Reviv Ultimate Serum https://revivserums.com/BESTBEAUTYHACKS Are you familiar with the award winning product SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum? This is the original TNS Serum that has been reformulated to TNS Advanced Serum. If you’ve heard of it, you’re probably familiar with the hefty price tag: SkinMedica TNS Serum costs $295 for 1oz. Reviv Ultimate Serum is compared to the SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum and TNS Advanced Serum because it has the top performing combined actives of both TNS Serums. But Reviv Ultimate Serum also includes these additional ingredients at a much more reasonable price of $99 for 1.69 oz: exosomes growth factor cytokines peptides alpha arbutin bio-available vitamin C antioxidants probiotics amino acids Reviv Ultimate Serum is a high performance product with a stellar ingredient deck that addresses every concern of aging skin. To learn more and receive a discount, click: https://revivserums.com/BESTBEAUTYHACKS Was this article helpful? *Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made about specific products throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you. *Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you
The Best Beauty Hacks of 2023
The Best Beauty Hacks of 2023 With the new year approaching, many of us are thinking of ways to step into January to improve certain areas of our lives. As I think back on 2023 and the products and tools I’ve tested and researched, the below list of products stand out as the best beauty hacks of 2023. BEAUTY For acne prone skin. These are a mix of my all time favorites and some great new finds. Epionce Lytic Cleanser https://bestbeautyhacks.com/epionce I have a few cleansers that I trust and switch up regularly, but this is my all time favorite. My skin feels extra clean and blemish free without being stripped. The Ordinary Charcoal Mask https://bestbeautyhacks.com/theordinarymask I have used masks several times a week for over 30 years. I’ve been using this one for the last few years and it’s my go-to because it’s quick, easy and works at managing blemishes and congestion. The two main actives are charcoal and salicylic acid which are great for clearing the pore lining. ORG Peel Off Face Cleanser https://bestbeautyhacks.com/ORGmineralpeel This is my favorite enzyme peel, I have used it for years. It does such a nice job clearing away the dull layer of skin. You do need to be careful not to use it too often, as it’s strong enough to compromise your skin barrier. One-two times a week should be sufficient to do the trick. Drmtlgy Tingl exfoliating pads https://bestbeautyhacks.com/tingl While I do like Paula’s Choice and still use it regularly, this is a bit more aggressive when you need something extra for stubborn or chronic pore congestion. I use this after the ORG peel once a week in the evening and then layer on a nice moisturizer. The combination creates a noticeably smooth, clear canvas the next morning. Jan Marini Skin Research Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub https://bestbeautyhacks.com/Janmarinibodyscrub I don’t know about you, but I’m so focused on my face that I sometimes neglect the rest of my body. This is an excellent exfoliation for the body that uses glycolic acid combined with exfoliating beads and moisturizing extracts that leaves your skin silky smooth while clearing up body acne. Snail Mucin https://bestbeautyhacks.com/snailmucin Ok, hear me out here. There have actually been countless non-biased clinical studies done on the effectiveness of snail mucin, including computer analysis to objectively measure the effectiveness of snail mucin. The price point is so reasonable too. Anti-aging – Best Beauty Hacks! The following are the most effective DIY treatments for anti-aging, especially if you combine them into a consistent routine. Doing a microneedle and a chemical peel once a month, alternating every 2 weeks – so microneedle on day 1 and 2 weeks later do a chemical peel, then 2 weeks later do another microneedle, etc. Add the light therapy in per the manufacturer’s recommendations, and install water filters on your sink and shower to protect your hair and skin from the damaging effects of contaminants. DIY: Chemical Peels If chemical peels are new to you, they are very effective for treating skin’s tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, and so much more. Spotlight on Platinum Skin Care– learn how to do professional grade chemical peels in the comfort of your own home. Jennifer has so much comprehensive information and training on her site, you’ll feel confident in no time, and your wallet will thank you! Check them out here: Platinum Skin Care DIY: Microneedling While you do need to be careful with microneedling, you don’t need to be intimidated by it. You can find a step by step protocol on how to microneedle here: How to Microneedle and the top microneedling pens here: Best Microneedles for at home use . Microneedling creates micro injuries that triggers your body’s healing response to produce more collagen. Here’s more information on the science and benefits of microneedling: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/benefits-of-microneedling/ https://bestbeautyhacks.com/types-of-micrneedling/ https://bestbeautyhacks.com/the-science-behind-microneedling/ DIY: Light Therapy Yes, there are a lot of light therapy masks out there to choose from. But this is one of the few that is FDA- approved, has all 5 beneficial light therapies and the only mask that comes with an app to customize your treatment. Light therapies treat sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, skin tone, acne and inflammation. You can check it out here: Light Therapy Mask Water filter I can not stress enough the importance of clean water for your hair and skin. I only realized this myself in the last year when I moved states and couldn’t figure out why my skin looked worse than ever and none of my normal artillery was working. And my hair became so damaged that it was actually too fragile to have any processes at a salon. There are many water filters on the market, but they are not all the same. Most remove chlorine and other contaminants, but you need one that removes both chlorine and calcium carbonate, which causes more damage than chlorine. Below are the water filters I recommend: Water filter for your sink: Qurify Water Filter Water filter for your shower: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/joliefilter WELLNESS Kauai Farmacy I’ve been a customer for years and I love everything about this company, from their mission to their natural and effective products. They have a surprisingly extensive product line from their 4 acre farm in Kauai – from salves for joint and muscle pain to tinctures and teas. You can find them here: https://shop.kauaifarmacy.com/ Intelligent Change – 5 Minute Journal I am not someone who journals on my own. I know the benefits of it, but it is still a struggle for me. The 5 minute journal makes it so easy! I love the thought provoking daily quotes, the commitment you make to yourself and the easy format of this journal. Intelligent Change has several other great journals and products too, all geared toward gratitude and growth. You can find out more here: Intelligent Change – Tools to Positively Change Your Life Wishing you all the best as we look forward to all
From Frustration to Flawless: The Journey to Clear Skin and Confidence
From Frustration to Flawless: The Journey to Clear Skin and Confidence Are you tired of looking in the mirror and seeing acne-covered skin staring back at you? Does the constant struggle with breakouts leave you feeling insecure and lacking in confidence? If so, you’re not alone. Acne affects millions of people worldwide and can have a profound impact on self-esteem. In this article, we are embarking on a journey together – a transformational journey from frustration to flawless skin and newfound confidence. We will delve into the causes of acne, unveil effective strategies for creating a skincare routine that works for you, explore the importance of nourishing your skin from the inside out, and discuss various treatment options. So, whether you’re a teenager battling hormonal acne or an adult dealing with persistent breakouts, this article is your go-to guide for achieving clear skin and embracing your natural beauty. Let’s begin this journey today and unlock the secrets to radiant, blemish-free skin that will leave you feeling unstoppable. Understanding the Causes of Acne In order to develop an effective skincare routine and address your acne concerns, it’s crucial to first understand the underlying causes of this common skin condition. Acne can be attributed to a combination of factors, including excessive oil production, clogged pores, bacteria buildup, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation. Each of these factors plays a role in the development of acne, and by gaining a better understanding of them, you can take targeted steps towards achieving clear and healthy skin. Excessive oil production, known as sebum, is a primary contributor to acne breakouts. When the sebaceous glands produce an excess amount of oil, it can mix with dead skin cells and clog the pores. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria growth, leading to the formation of inflamed pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Hormonal imbalances, especially during puberty or throughout the menstrual cycle, can increase sebum production, worsening acne symptoms. In addition to excessive oil production, bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes also play a significant role in the development of acne. These bacteria naturally exist on the skin, but they can multiply rapidly within clogged pores, triggering an immune response that results in inflammation and the formation of painful, red pimples. Furthermore, factors like stress, diet, and lifestyle choices can contribute to acne development. High stress levels can lead to hormonal imbalances and increased oil production, exacerbating acne symptoms. Similarly, consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and dairy products has been linked to increased acne severity. Additionally, using comedogenic skincare and makeup products that clog the pores can contribute to breakouts. By understanding the causes of acne, you can customize your skincare routine to address each specific factor. This holistic approach will help you achieve clear skin by targeting oil production, controlling bacterial growth, reducing inflammation, and making lifestyle adjustments. In the next section, we will explore effective strategies for creating a skincare routine that works for you, allowing you to take the first steps towards achieving radiant, blemish-free skin. Creating a Skincare Routine that Works for You By understanding the causes of acne and the various factors that can contribute to its development, you can take a holistic approach to designing a skincare routine that works specifically for you. In doing so, you will be able to target oil production, control bacterial growth, reduce inflammation, and make necessary lifestyle adjustments. This comprehensive strategy will help you achieve clear, radiant skin that boosts your confidence and overall well-being. In the next section, we will delve deeper into nourishing your skin from the inside out, further enhancing the effectiveness of your skincare routine. Nourishing Your Skin from the Inside Out By now, you understand the importance of a well-designed skincare routine in achieving clear, radiant skin. However, it’s essential to remember that true skin health starts from within. By nourishing your skin from the inside out, you can further enhance the effectiveness of your skincare routine and achieve long-lasting results. One of the key aspects of nourishing your skin is maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, can help combat the oxidative stress that contributes to acne breakouts. Additionally, incorporating foods with anti-inflammatory properties, like fatty fish, walnuts, and green tea, can help reduce inflammation and support overall skin health. Hydration is another crucial factor in nourishing your skin. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps to flush out toxins and keep your skin hydrated, promoting a healthy complexion. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day and consider incorporating hydrating foods, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and citrus fruits, into your diet. In addition to your diet, lifestyle factors play a significant role in nourishing your skin. Adequate sleep is essential for skin regeneration and repair, so aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Stress can also wreak havoc on your skin, so finding healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise, meditation, or engaging in hobbies, can help maintain a clear complexion. Furthermore, paying attention to any potential vitamin deficiencies can be beneficial for your skin health. Supplements like vitamin A, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to support skin health and can be considered as part of your overall skincare routine. By nourishing your skin from the inside out, you are complementing the external efforts of your skincare routine, ensuring that you are holistically addressing the underlying factors that contribute to acne breakouts. In the next section, we will explore effective acne treatment options, building upon the foundation you have established through nourishing your skin. Exploring Effective Acne Treatment Options By nourishing your skin from the inside out, you are complementing the external efforts of your skincare routine, ensuring that you are holistically addressing the underlying factors that contribute to acne breakouts. In the next section, we will explore effective acne treatment options, building upon the foundation you have established through
DIY: Chemical Peel
DIY: Chemical Peel Fall brings the start of peel season! If you’ve had peels done professionally, you know the best time to start a chemical peel regimen is once summer is over when people are exposed to lots of sun. This is because a chemical peel makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, burning and a host of other side effects. Have you tried doing a chemical peel at home? I am a big fan of chemical peels and have had several peels in a professional setting, they are so great for giving you an extra boost of smoother, brighter more even tone skin. But I was really hesitant to do this on myself. It’s acid, after all. Why should you consider doing a chemical peel at home? Chemical peels are really effective, but can be expensive when done professionally on a regular basis. But what are the benefits of chemical peels? Here are a few, significant benefits: Resurfacing for smoother, brighter, clearer complexion Manage acne Reduce acne scarring Treat hyper pigmentation, age spots, sun damage anti-aging by reducing fine lines and wrinkles help with cell turnover Wondering what areas can you treat with a chemical peel? You might be surprised! Not only can you treat your face, but you can treat your eye lids (yes!), lips and ALL parts of the body (underarm and intimate areas!) as well. Chemical peels work on all skin types, but you should not do a chemical peel if you have any of the following conditions: Broken skin Infection or disease Have an active cold sore Have a sunburn Are pregnant or nursing Have used Accutane in the last 6 months Currently have psoriasis, dermatitis or rosacea Also, if you use vitamin A (retin-A, retinoid) discontinue 2 weeks prior to a peel. Instead of trying to detail out all the information on how to do a chemical peel from home given all the specific needs, I’m going to point you to an online company that specializes in providing product and instruction for chemical peels at home. The company is Platinum Skin Care. Their peels are professional grade and pure at the percentages, not blended. Platinum Skin Care is so knowledgeable and thorough with their content. They have many different types of peels for different skin conditions, a quiz to determine what kind of peel you would benefit from based on your needs, step by step videos, live Q&As and their own product line to support the pre and post treatment of your skin. You’ll have the confidence to do a chemical peel on yourself in the comfort of your own home in no time. You can check them out here: PlatinumSkinCare.com Was this article helpful? *Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made about specific products throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you. *Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
How to: Dry Brushing Protocol
How to: Dry Brushing Protocol The secret to smooth, healthy skin! This blog is written with generally healthy people in mind. If you have any health concerns, skin lesions, lymphedema or other similar concerns, consider consulting with a professional that specializes in those concerns before introducing dry brushing into your routine. The most common way of dry brushing that you see everywhere, has you start brushing from the feet and work your way upward toward the heart. But after researching this further, this method may not be the best procedure as there could be blocks in the lymphatic system further up that would compound if you are brushing more fluids to the area. Because of this, the following protocol works with the lymphatic system to allow for proper lymphatic drainage. Benefits of dry brushing While this protocol targets the lymphatic system, there are several other significant benefits of dry brushing: Exfoliates skin Stimulates collagen production Unclogs pores Increase blood circulation Increase skin smoothness Reduce the appearance of cellulite Detoxes skin and eliminates toxins from your body Promotes lymphatic drainage Protocol Let’s begin! Start with dry, bare skin without any lotion or oils on it. Use a natural, soft bristled brush. It’s helpful to have a hand held brush and another with a long handle to reach your back. This is a good option: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/drybrushes Think of your body in 4 sections. Each leg is a section up to your waist, and each arm is a section from your abdomen up to your collar bone. Start with your abdomen, where the lymph nodes are deeper to stimulate. Brush or massage your abdomen in a circular motion 3-5 times. Then begin with the lower sections. Instead of beginning at the foot, start at the thigh/upper leg. Brush with short, gentle but firm strokes upward toward your groin, 3 to 5 times. Be sure to brush all sides of the upper leg, brushing the back of the leg to the front where the lymph glands are. Then brush all sides of the knee, brushing upward. Be sure to get the back of the knee as there are lymph glands behind the knee. Continue down the leg to the calf, brushing upward in short, gentle strokes. Then brush the feet, including the toes and the sole of the foot. Once you’ve finished brushing the foot and ankle, work your way back up the calf, knee, thigh and waist to the groin. Do the same to the other leg. Now you can work on the upper sections. Brushing upward from your abdomen on one side up toward your armpit, and brushing your back by pulling the brush from your spine around your side to the front of your body. Do this for your torso and shoulder, front and back – brushing toward the armpit. Then brush the arm the same way you brushed the leg, starting with the upper arm and brushing all sides toward the armpit. Next, brush your elbow, forearm, hands and fingers. Once you are done brushing your hand, work your way back up your arm brushing each section of your arm to your armpit. And you’re done! Be very gentle when you first start dry brushing, as your skin may seem sensitive to it. As you continue to dry brush, you’ll be able to use firmer pressure. Adjust to your skin’s responses, as it shouldn’t be painful. Contraindications of dry brushing Do not dry brush over areas of the skin with the following concerns: Broken skin or lesions Inflammation Infection Cellulitis Skin cancer If you get nauseous while dry brushing or shortly after dry brushing, this is common and due to the lymphatic drainage. Drink plenty of water to flush your system. FAQs How often should you dry brush? Dry brushing can be done daily if you’re gentle, but generally 2-3 times a week is sufficient. When is the best time to dry brush? In the morning, before a shower as it stimulates blood circulation and invigorates your body. Do I need to shower after I dry brush? No, you don’t have to shower after you dry brush but it helps remove all the dry skin you just exfoliated. How soon before you see results? You’ll notice softer skin that is less dry and itchy in the first few days to two weeks. Can you dry brush breasts? Absolutely! Toxins get trapped in the breast tissue from wearing bras. Dry brushing breasts will promote lymphatic drainage and prevent blockages in the lymph glands around the breasts. Are there any side effects of dry brushing? Your skin can become irritated or inflamed if you are dry brushing too hard or too often. You can also get nauseous while dry brushing or shortly after dry brushing. This is common and due to the lymphatic drainage. Drink plenty of water to flush your system. For more information on dry brushing for lymphatic drainage, check out Cancer Rehab PT on Youtube. Kelly is a wealth of valuable information on this topic. Was this article helpful? Please share your tips for dry brushing! *Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made about specific products throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you. *Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you.