Category Archives: Healthy skin

The Go-To Fruit for Healthy Skin and Hair

Who doesn’t secretly wish for more radiant, beautiful skin and hair? If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for simpler, more natural ways to be healthier.

As autumn transitions into winter, the cold outdoor air and the warm indoor air work together to strip your hair and skin of their natural moisture, leaving them dry, crinkly and unhealthy. Like thousands of others, I suffered from winter dryness. However, that all changed when I  came across an effective solution to a problem that I had been at the mercy of my entire life! So what’s the fix you ask? It’s as simple as an apple a day, and what better time to talk about apples than fall when the orchards are aplenty and ready for picking!

Whether in fruit, pie, sauce, cider or whatever form you can imagine, the humble and versatile apple can greatly nourish and improve the texture of your skin and hair. Apples are excellent sources of antioxidants and fiber which help to fight the signs of aging, maintain the elasticity of your skin and prevent skin diseases and ailments such as bags under eyes, pimples and acne. Being about 84 percent water, apples also help to keep your skin and locks hydrated throughout the day.

An apple a day helps keep blood circulation flowing freely which assists in the rejuvenation and rebuilding of cells giving hair and skin a healthy glow.

If you’re always on the go and don’t have a minute to breathe between work, taking care of the kids, keeping up the house, and zipping from activity to activity, you owe it to yourself to take a quick five minute break and enjoy an apple. It’ll give you some time to relax and offer great benefits to your hair and skin.

Do you prefer sweet or sour apples? Stop by and let us know in the comments section, as well as leaving any great ways you include this wonderful fruit in your own diet.

 

 

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Protein Packed Snacks

You’ve heard me talk before about the need for high protein snacks to keep you going throughout the day. Protein helps your body to remained fulfilled for hours, while also providing your body with energy to get through the day. Keep in mind….protein snack can still be tastier than the afternoon donut, or chocolate bar (less of a guilty feeling too). Here are my four favorite protein packed snacks!

  • Edamame – One cup of edamame supplies your body with 17 grams of protein! I personally purchase the pre-cooked variety (which you can find in the frozen section of your grocery store) and microwave/defrost them for about 2 minutes before eating.
  • Chocolate milk – Chocolate milk isn’t just for kids. It’s actually a great source of protein and calcium. Just remember to drink in moderation and try to purchase one that is lower in sugar.
  • Yogurt Parfait – Try eating ½ cup greek yogurt and a handful of berries for a protein packed snack. Even better, add a palm sized amount of oats for added protein.
  • Hummus and veggies – One of my favorite quick afternoon snacks. Also, economical. A large batch of hummus can be preprepared and made from home for as little at $2.00.
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Winter Weather Woes: Skincare

Winter can be a difficult season on your skin. We always find ourselves slathering on sunscreen and moisturizers during the Summer months, but the Winter season can cause serious damage to your skin. Without proper treatment, Winter skin can become dry and flaky, giving the appearance of prematurely aged skin. So what is one to do to properly protect their skin during the Winter months….?

1. Exfoliate – Rid your body of the dead cells that reside on the outer layer of your skin. Protect yourself by buying a body scrub with natural exfoliating properties such as oatmeal, coffee, or sugar.

2. Moisturize – Probably the most obvious but definitely the most important. Your skin needs added moisturizing protection in the Winter months. Purchase yourself an oil based moisturizer. Apply the moisturizer immediately after showering for best results.

3. Hands – There should be a whole article written about protecting your hands in the Winter months. My hands become horribly dry and itchy during the Winter. Apply hand cream multiple times a day. When you are planning to be out in the cold for long periods of time, wear gloves for added protection.

4. Hydrate – Water is your skins natural moisturizer, so remember to keep drinking plenty of it.

5. Face – Your face is the most exposed to the elements during the Winter months. Wind, cold, sun…It can cause some serious damage. Follow your normal skincare routine, however be sure you are applying sunscreen daily. Also, those lips can become dry and cracked in an instant, so apply a moisture rich lip balm multiple times a day.

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10 Natural Oils For The Skin

You have probably heard or seen a thing or two recently about adding natural oils to your beauty routine. There are so many oils out there that can be used on your skin and each one has a different use. Natural oils are a great choice for those who are plagued with sensitive skin because they seldom cause allergic reactions. The key to using oils is finding the one that is right for your skin. Some might find that natural oils are great for their skin and not their face. Others may find that they do not like the feeling of straight oil on their skin, but can find a lotion that contains natural oil extracts.

10 Natural Oils For The Skin:

  • Argan Oil – Also called Moroccan oil, it is rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids. This oil is known for its anti-aging properties.
  • Coconut Oil – Helps reduce bacteria on the skin surface and also great for moisturizing skin.
  • Avocado Oil – Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and fatty acids. A wonderful oil for moisturizing skin.
  • Tea Tree Oil – Its antiseptic properties can help fight acne.
  • Peppermint Oil – Filled with anti-inflammatory properties, peppermint oil can help reduce redness.
  • Chamomile Oil – Also filled with anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antiseptic properties. Chamomile oil can assist in fighting off infections.
  • Carrot Seed Oil – This oil is rich in Vitamin A and beta-carotene, which help soothe skin and aid in cell turnover.
  • Acai Oil – Full of antioxidants, which help protect the skin from free radicals and cell oxidation.
  • Grape Seed Oil- Helps brighten your skin and regulate oil.
  • Olive Oil – Loaded with Vitamin A and E, which helps repair dry/cracked skin.

And the list goes on…and on…and on…

***Please note that Peppermint, Chamomile and Tea Tree Oils are essential oils and should not be applied directly to the skin unless mixed with proper carrier oils.***

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Skin Routines In Your 50’s (part 4 of a 4 part series)

In your 50’s you may begin to notice those smile marks no longer disappear after your stop smiling. This is the decade you will see the most dramatic changes to your skin; however that doesn’t mean you need to stop taking care of your skin. It also doesn’t mean you can’t have fabulous looking skin! Moisturizing is going to be more important at 50 than in your 20’s, 30’s or 40’s. Remember to take special care to moisturize your neck. Most forget to take care of the neck area, but it also plays a pivotal part in the appearance of youthful skin. Your 50’s will be the age that sun damage really begins to show, so continue to use antioxidants to help combat previous sun damage. Around this age pores will become more pronounced, so if you have not started an anti-aging routine before your 50’s you may want to consider doing so now. Menopause beginning around your 50’s can cause a 30% reduction in collagen. An anti-aging routine can help rebuild elastin and collagen, restore hydration. Pores will also become clogged by day-to-day environmental factors, so it is crucial to remove your makeup before bed. Choose anti-aging products that contain Vitamin C, peptides and antioxidants. Fabulous at 50 doesn’t just have to be a figure of speech!

SEE THE PREVIOUS ARTICLE: CLICK HERE

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Skin Routines In Your 40’s (part 3 of a 4 part series)

As we move into our 40’s, you should know that you still have great skin ahead of you. You just need to learn to take care of your skin differently. Years of sun damage will now show in the forms of blotchiness and redspots. Begin by taking special care of your eyes. By now you have lost collagen and fat under your eyes, which will create crow’s feet. Use eye cream in your morning/night skin routines. For your overall face, use a moisturizer rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants will slow/prevent free radicals. Free radicals will cause oxidation and oxidation is the process that causes oxygen to damage the cells in your skin. Preventing these free radicals means preventing fine lines and wrinkles. The older you get the more sensitive your skin will become. In your 40’s begin taking luke-warm showers versus hot showers. Hot water can actually dry out your skin. Also, try using fragrance free soaps, as these can also dry out your skin. You can continue taking/using Vitamin C in your 40’s, but you can also add a fish oil supplement to support hydration, regulate oil production and prevent adult acne. What worked for your skin two-decades ago is probably not what you should be using in your 40’s, so you will need to make a few adjustments/tweaks to your skincare regimen. If you are not sure what to buy, schedule a visit to a dermatologist. They can advise you on what products you should be using at your age.

And finally…Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! Are you tired of hearing that yet….? Until next time.

SEE THE PREVIOUS ARTICLE:  CLICK HERE

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Skin Routines In Your 30’s (part 2 of a 4 part series)

In your 30’s you might begin to notice the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also, all those years of going sunscreen are beginning to show by causing your skin to appear dull and lackluster. But all hope is not lost for rocking skin in your 30’s. A healthy diet will play a prominent role in your age 30 skin routine. People who eat diets that are rich in green/leafy vegetables, olive oils, fish, as well as people who limit their intake of butter, milk and sugar may develop fewer fine lines and wrinkles over time. Start using products that contain Vitamin C, as well as taking a daily Vitamin C tablet. Vitamin C helps brighten your skin tone. This can be especially important in regards to those dark circles that can appear under your eyes. You can also try going as natural in your skin routine as possible. Milk, honey, oatmeal, yogurt. These are all natural products that can be the base tools to glowing skin at 30. Just keep in mind to start reading your labels. Some women may find themselves wanting to try anti-aging serums beginning in their 30’s. If you are planning to begin these, remember they can sometimes irritate and dry out skin at first. Try applying these serums every other day for the first week or two. This will allow your skin to get used to the serum.

And at the risk of sounding like a mother…Don’t forget to keep slathering on that sunscreen!

SEE THE PREVIOUS ARTICLE:  Skin Routines In Your 20’s

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Skin Benefits to Exercise

We have all heard that daily exercise is good for the heart, lungs and your overall stress levels.  And although the overall cardiovascular benefits of exercise are important, we often forget about how exercise affects your skin tone.  You might find that exercise can be the most thrifty skin care regimen in your arsenal.

  • Exercising increases your blood flow, which allows the blood to carry oxygen and beneficial nutrients to cells in your body, including your skin.  Blood flow also helps in carrying away free radicals from these working blood cells.  In laymen’s terms, think of it like detoxifying your skin from the inside out, as well as fighting off premature aging.
  • Stress levels have been known to decrease when exercising regularly, but on top of that reducing stress has been shown to improve acne and eczema.
  • Hydration can flush out any additional toxins and oils from your skin during exercise.
  • Sweat also purges your body of toxins and oils during exercise.
  • Exercise tones your muscles.  The stronger those muscles are underneath your skin the more toned and healthier your skin will appear.
  • Exercising regularly produces natural oils that will make your skin have a healthy glow, while also keeping your skin moisturized.  However, it is important to shower after working out to prevent breakouts.

*** If you plan on exercising outside, be sure to protect your skin with sunscreen.  ***

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Let’s Talk Fine Mist Sprays

With July 4th approaching, I am sure you will be spending plenty of time outside this weekend.  And as the temperature begins to rise, you might be looking for a quick way to cool down and refresh.  Hydration is key to keep your skin looking its best and feeling refreshed, but I am not talking about just drinking a glass of water (or six, or seven glasses like you should be drinking daily).  I am talking about fine mist sprays.  I know what you are probably thinking…fine mist sprays are just water in an aerosol can, but fine mist sprays are a wonderful way to hydrate your skin.  Think of them as the adult version of running thru a sprinkler as a child.  To properly use a facial mist and prevent your skin from drying out, hold the can six-inches away from your face and spray.  Let the mist sit for one-minute on your skin and then blot off excess mist with a tissue or rag (blotting is key).  You can also apply your fine mist spray underneath your daily moisturizer, which allows moisture to stay locked in under the skin.  Just remember that not all fine mist sprays are created equal.  Some contain antioxidants and healing properties, others contain essential oils.  Some facial sprays are better for the winter months, others may be better for the Summer months.  They even contain different water types (distilled water versus thermal water).  Just exercise caution with how many times you apply your facial mist daily.  Just like licking your lips, applying a fine mist too many times a day can leave your skin dry and irritated.  Also, if buying an aerosol based facial spray it may contain alcohol or a VOC compound which can also dry out your skin.

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Benefits of Honey

I have always been amazed at the beauty products you can find in your pantry and fridge. Some might consider honey one of natures best kept secrets, yet it is always sitting on my pantry shelf directly between the sugar and cinnamon. Loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, honey is a natural antibiotic. Its antibiotic properties can assist in healing and killing bacteria associated with acne and wounds. How exactly does honey help heal/reduce acne and wounds? If you place honey on acne/wounds it will absorb the water in the wound. The honey will then kill all bacteria because bacteria needs water to survive as well. The water the honey absorbed will then trigger a chemical reaction, which causes the honey to release hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is also a wonderful antibiotic and will help to kill additional bacteria associated with the acne/wound. Also, honey is another natural product that can remedy inflammation. Because honey is acidic, it helps reduce the redness associated with acne. Try applying honey directly to the face in mask form to alleviate redness. Also, taking a spoonful of honey daily as a supplement can improve general skin-tone. If you are planning on using honey as a daily supplement, buy it in its raw, unprocessed form. Some people even use honey as their daily face-wash because there are no chemicals and it does not strip your skin of its natural oils. Although this is not going to completely remove your makeup, so it is best to use this face-washing method after your morning shower.

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