natural skin

Seasons change, and so should your skincare regime. If your skin is anything like mine, you'll be going from oily or combination summertime skin to dry fall/winter skin. I highly recommend adjusting your skincare regime seasonally.

Here is my routine, but keep in mind that I live in Southern California (extremely dry climate that is sunny year-round) and I have combination skin (oily skin in some areas of your face and dry skin in other areas).

Morning




Evening


  • Cleanse with Davita Naturals. I've used it for about 5 years now. This all-natural cleanser has gentle ingredients that love on your skin while removing dirt and excess oil.
  • Tone with Neem Tumeric Facial Mist. Alaffia’s facial mist, with balancing turmeric, harmonizing yarrow and regenerative algae, tones and restores the skin's protective layers. Ideal for an uneven complexion and blemish-prone skin.
  • Use a good eye cream like DERMA E to reduce the depth of crows feet, deeply hydrate, firm, and tone the delicate skin around your eyes.
  • Moisturize extensively at night.

Treatments

  • Charcoal Mask - Activated charcoal minimizes the appearance of pores, giving skin a smooth, refined appearance, while salicylic acid stimulates exfoliation. Perfect for those concerned with clogged pores and oily skin.
  • Rose H20 Beautifying Tonic hydrates and corrects the appearance of your skin tone and texture through key vitamins and minerals.
  • Carrier oils like grapeseed oil (for oily skin) and sweet almond oil (for dry/aging skin).
  • Body butter (like NEK.AWA) at night after showering to lock in moisture and take the fight against dry skin to the next level.

Other Factors

  • Stay hydrated. Our bodies are 60% water, and the skin is the largest organ.
  • Use a humidifier if you are experiencing extreme dryness.
  • Exfoliate regularly to help moisturizers and lotions penetrate better. 
  • Stick to warm showers and baths. Hot water can dry out natural oils in the skin. 
  • Take care of your lips. Exfoliate and use a heavy body butter or lip balm at night. I like using NEK.AWA (great for the entire body).

Winter Skincare Basics

Seasons change, and so should your skincare regime. If your skin is anything like mine, you'll be going from oily or combination summertime skin to dry fall/winter skin. I highly recommend adjusting your skincare regime seasonally.

Here is my routine, but keep in mind that I live in Southern California (extremely dry climate that is sunny year-round) and I have combination skin (oily skin in some areas of your face and dry skin in other areas).

Morning




Evening


  • Cleanse with Davita Naturals. I've used it for about 5 years now. This all-natural cleanser has gentle ingredients that love on your skin while removing dirt and excess oil.
  • Tone with Neem Tumeric Facial Mist. Alaffia’s facial mist, with balancing turmeric, harmonizing yarrow and regenerative algae, tones and restores the skin's protective layers. Ideal for an uneven complexion and blemish-prone skin.
  • Use a good eye cream like DERMA E to reduce the depth of crows feet, deeply hydrate, firm, and tone the delicate skin around your eyes.
  • Moisturize extensively at night.

Treatments

  • Charcoal Mask - Activated charcoal minimizes the appearance of pores, giving skin a smooth, refined appearance, while salicylic acid stimulates exfoliation. Perfect for those concerned with clogged pores and oily skin.
  • Rose H20 Beautifying Tonic hydrates and corrects the appearance of your skin tone and texture through key vitamins and minerals.
  • Carrier oils like grapeseed oil (for oily skin) and sweet almond oil (for dry/aging skin).
  • Body butter (like NEK.AWA) at night after showering to lock in moisture and take the fight against dry skin to the next level.

Other Factors

  • Stay hydrated. Our bodies are 60% water, and the skin is the largest organ.
  • Use a humidifier if you are experiencing extreme dryness.
  • Exfoliate regularly to help moisturizers and lotions penetrate better. 
  • Stick to warm showers and baths. Hot water can dry out natural oils in the skin. 
  • Take care of your lips. Exfoliate and use a heavy body butter or lip balm at night. I like using NEK.AWA (great for the entire body).
Read more



Maybe your 18 year old self was effortlessly fly, I wasn't but maybe you were. But everyday your body is fighting a million internal and external variables that may not be so kind to your skin, nails, and hair. Great genetics can only take you so far, being your most epic self takes being intentional about what you put inside of your body.


1. All the Right Nutrients

And a few years (or decades) into living our best lives, we start depleting vital nutrients and a loss of those nutrients can devastating to maintaining your sexy. For instance, Vitamin E contributes to skin health, and Vitamin C is involved in collagen production and formation, which forms the basis for vibrant skin. Biotin helps to maintain healthy hair.*

I'm a green smoothie girl, I eat grass-feed beef, and I am no stranger to all the most nutrient rich super-foods yet my medical practitioner still informed me that I needed to take high quality supplements during my annual physical. Problem is, I can't swallow a pill to (literally) save my life. So finding Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails strawberry gummies was exactly what I need. Tasty, easy to take on the go, made with naturally sourced colors and flavors and come in a delicious strawberry flavor and with no artificial flavors, milk, lactose, soy, gluten, wheat, yeast, or fish.



Refresh your beauty routine with the Hair, Skin & Nails Challenge and see for yourself how thier gummies work from within to support lustrous hair, healthy nails and vibrant skin. Nature’s Bounty is so confident in their product that if for any reason you don't like it after 30 days, they will give you your money back

I've been taking Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails strawberry gummies for weeks and I have not missed one day, which is a first for me.


2. Manage the Drama

Stress can wreak havoc on your skin, nails, and hair. The negative effects of stress can present themselves as hyper-pigmentation, extreme dehydration that can result inflammation, rashes, hives, acne, thinning hair, and brittle nails and strands.  Essentially, the opposite of beauty prosperity!

Try to manage that stress. I know the stress management struggle is real. I speak from experience as a mom, wife, and entrepreneur with an intense management role in corporate finance. I’ve found these to be my most effective stress reducers:

  • Exercise, more specifically cardio, even more specifically a Zumba or other dance classes with tons of fun and carefree twerking. An added benefit of exercise is that it can increase blood flow, which dermatologists say can flush cellular debris out of your system (i.e. cleanse from the inside out)
  • Meditation or spiritual quiet time. I occasionally use a meditation phone app or spend 20 minutes of intentional time focused on my spiritual self in deep prayer.
  • Massage! I love the Korean spas in Los Angeles County,  spending the day surrounded by women focused on self-care is so refreshing.
  • Digital detox or a period of time where I refrain from using electronic devices (smartphones or computers) and use this rare opportunity to reduce stress and (as an added bonus) focus on social interaction in the physical world.

3. Rest!

Getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night is a total game changer. Not only does it improve memory, improve quality/span of life, it also boosts creativity and curbs inflammation in the body. In terms of hair, skin and nails and according to a study by University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, poor amounts sleep can:
  • Lead to more fine lines (wrinkles)
  • Slackening of elasticity
  • Uneven pigmentation
  • Moisture loss

Moral of the story folks: before you spend your many pennies on topical treatments and care products, a simple change in what you put into your body and daily routine could be all the support your beauty regime needs to take it to another level.



*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

3 Simple Ways to Support Your Inner (And Outer) Beauty



Maybe your 18 year old self was effortlessly fly, I wasn't but maybe you were. But everyday your body is fighting a million internal and external variables that may not be so kind to your skin, nails, and hair. Great genetics can only take you so far, being your most epic self takes being intentional about what you put inside of your body.


1. All the Right Nutrients

And a few years (or decades) into living our best lives, we start depleting vital nutrients and a loss of those nutrients can devastating to maintaining your sexy. For instance, Vitamin E contributes to skin health, and Vitamin C is involved in collagen production and formation, which forms the basis for vibrant skin. Biotin helps to maintain healthy hair.*

I'm a green smoothie girl, I eat grass-feed beef, and I am no stranger to all the most nutrient rich super-foods yet my medical practitioner still informed me that I needed to take high quality supplements during my annual physical. Problem is, I can't swallow a pill to (literally) save my life. So finding Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails strawberry gummies was exactly what I need. Tasty, easy to take on the go, made with naturally sourced colors and flavors and come in a delicious strawberry flavor and with no artificial flavors, milk, lactose, soy, gluten, wheat, yeast, or fish.



Refresh your beauty routine with the Hair, Skin & Nails Challenge and see for yourself how thier gummies work from within to support lustrous hair, healthy nails and vibrant skin. Nature’s Bounty is so confident in their product that if for any reason you don't like it after 30 days, they will give you your money back

I've been taking Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails strawberry gummies for weeks and I have not missed one day, which is a first for me.


2. Manage the Drama

Stress can wreak havoc on your skin, nails, and hair. The negative effects of stress can present themselves as hyper-pigmentation, extreme dehydration that can result inflammation, rashes, hives, acne, thinning hair, and brittle nails and strands.  Essentially, the opposite of beauty prosperity!

Try to manage that stress. I know the stress management struggle is real. I speak from experience as a mom, wife, and entrepreneur with an intense management role in corporate finance. I’ve found these to be my most effective stress reducers:

  • Exercise, more specifically cardio, even more specifically a Zumba or other dance classes with tons of fun and carefree twerking. An added benefit of exercise is that it can increase blood flow, which dermatologists say can flush cellular debris out of your system (i.e. cleanse from the inside out)
  • Meditation or spiritual quiet time. I occasionally use a meditation phone app or spend 20 minutes of intentional time focused on my spiritual self in deep prayer.
  • Massage! I love the Korean spas in Los Angeles County,  spending the day surrounded by women focused on self-care is so refreshing.
  • Digital detox or a period of time where I refrain from using electronic devices (smartphones or computers) and use this rare opportunity to reduce stress and (as an added bonus) focus on social interaction in the physical world.

3. Rest!

Getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night is a total game changer. Not only does it improve memory, improve quality/span of life, it also boosts creativity and curbs inflammation in the body. In terms of hair, skin and nails and according to a study by University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, poor amounts sleep can:
  • Lead to more fine lines (wrinkles)
  • Slackening of elasticity
  • Uneven pigmentation
  • Moisture loss

Moral of the story folks: before you spend your many pennies on topical treatments and care products, a simple change in what you put into your body and daily routine could be all the support your beauty regime needs to take it to another level.



*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Read more

ACV works as a great topical treatment for acne. To make this magic spot treatment follow the steps below.

Ingredients

1 part apple cider vinegar.
1 part filtered water.

Instructions

  • Mix the ACV and filtered water in a container.
  • Soak a cotton ball in the mixture.
  • Apply the cotton ball to a pimple or acne spot you want to get rid of.
  • Set it in place with a band aid and leave it overnight.
  • Remove it in the morning and clean your face as usual.


How it works: ACV works as an astringent that will dry the pimple overnight, making it smaller with every application. Apple cider vinegar helps to balance the pH level of the skin and the antibacterial and anti-fungal properties of the cider vinegar help prevent acne problems.

I don’t recommended picking at your skin and squeezing pimples, so this is an effective method that will get rid of acne and won’t leave you with scars.

How to use it: You can use this treatment whenever you have a pimple you want to get rid of. After a week or less the pimple should be gone.

You can also create an ACV toner and use daily after cleansing your face.

Apple Cider Vinegar Overnight Acne Treatment

ACV works as a great topical treatment for acne. To make this magic spot treatment follow the steps below.

Ingredients

1 part apple cider vinegar.
1 part filtered water.

Instructions

  • Mix the ACV and filtered water in a container.
  • Soak a cotton ball in the mixture.
  • Apply the cotton ball to a pimple or acne spot you want to get rid of.
  • Set it in place with a band aid and leave it overnight.
  • Remove it in the morning and clean your face as usual.


How it works: ACV works as an astringent that will dry the pimple overnight, making it smaller with every application. Apple cider vinegar helps to balance the pH level of the skin and the antibacterial and anti-fungal properties of the cider vinegar help prevent acne problems.

I don’t recommended picking at your skin and squeezing pimples, so this is an effective method that will get rid of acne and won’t leave you with scars.

How to use it: You can use this treatment whenever you have a pimple you want to get rid of. After a week or less the pimple should be gone.

You can also create an ACV toner and use daily after cleansing your face.

Read more

The change in seasons can be rough on our lips, one of our most sensitive areas and the area that may become driest fastest. We may use a plethora of skin care products for other parts of our body but rarely care for our lips.

The occasional use of a mild exfoliant to remove any dead skin on the lips and unearth smooth, healthy lips. A great lip scrub combines exfoliation with much needed moisture to to keep lips softer longer.



This scrub can be made in less than 5 minutes with readily available ingredients:
  • 2 teaspoons sugar (any will do: raw sugar, brown sugar, regular sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil (almond and olive will also do)


Combine ingredients in a small bowl until you mixture forms a paste. Apply to lips with fingertips and gently massage in small circular movements to remove dead skin cells. Rinse with warm water and follow with lip balm. Keep any extra in a small container.








  • Monday, February 06, 2017

DIY Moisturizing Honey Sugar Lip Scrub

The change in seasons can be rough on our lips, one of our most sensitive areas and the area that may become driest fastest. We may use a plethora of skin care products for other parts of our body but rarely care for our lips.

The occasional use of a mild exfoliant to remove any dead skin on the lips and unearth smooth, healthy lips. A great lip scrub combines exfoliation with much needed moisture to to keep lips softer longer.



This scrub can be made in less than 5 minutes with readily available ingredients:
  • 2 teaspoons sugar (any will do: raw sugar, brown sugar, regular sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil (almond and olive will also do)


Combine ingredients in a small bowl until you mixture forms a paste. Apply to lips with fingertips and gently massage in small circular movements to remove dead skin cells. Rinse with warm water and follow with lip balm. Keep any extra in a small container.








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Crazy natural acne remedies worth trying.

1. White Plain Toothpaste
When I was a teenager I learned if I popped a pimple and applied toothpaste to it, it would dry out, heal fast and the scab would peel away without scarring. I later learned that I could apply it without popping the pimple overnight and it would help dry the pimple out and dissipate quickly.

To use the toothpaste method:

  • Use only the white (not gel or striped kind) none-whitening, low or no fluoride toothpaste, it is best to use the natural or organic kind. 
  • Apply as the spot treatment only overnight or for at least 2 hours to a clean face. 
  • Wash away toothpaste throughly with warm soapy water.

 2. Simple Honey
Honey both fights acne and helps to fade scars. Honey can be used by itself or and in combination with other natural ingredients. Honey can heal damaged skin cells and fade scars. Processed honey is not as effective because it does not contain all the nutrients present in raw honey, so for best results, always use raw, organic honey to treat or remove acne scars.


Honey contains natural antibiotics that protect against bacteria that cause acne and heal damaged skin cells. Interactions between the sugar in honey and the secretions from a healing breakout can trigger the production of hydrogen peroxide, which  in theory kills the bacteria that causes acne and naturally bleaches away scars. Honey is a natural antiseptic that minimizes the severity of a breakout, leaving behind less of a scar while being a natural moisturizer.

Honey can be used alone or in combination with other natural ingredients:
  • Raw Honey -  Wash your face and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of honey to your entire face and leave on for at least 10 minutes. Massage skin with wet fingers in a circular motion. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. For best results, leave honey on overnight.
  • Honey and Turmeric - Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and it soothes skin to reduce inflammation. Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply to skin and leave on 15 minutes. Massage skin with wet fingers for a few minutes to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Repeat daily.
  • Honey and Lemon - Lemon is also antibacterial and natural bleaching agent that fades acne scars and freckles. Mix equal amounts of honey and fresh lemon juice. Wash face with mild face wash and dry. Apply mixture to skin and leave on 15 minutes. Spritz skin with lukewarm water and massage gently, using circular motions. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Repeat daily.
  • Honey and Cinnamon - Mix equal quantities ground cinnamon and raw honey Apply to skin and leave on 5 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Repeat daily.

3. Aspirin Paste
Crush one or two aspirin and mix with two parts water and apply as a spot treatment to clean skin and leave on for no more 15 minutes. Remove with a clean wet cloth.

WARNING: You do not want to leave aspirin on your skin for longer than 15 minutes. Otherwise your skin will absorb a lot of aspirin into your bloodstream, where it will remain for awhile. You do not want to leave aspirin on your skin for longer than 15 minutes. Otherwise your skin will absorb a lot of aspirin into your bloodstream, where it will remain for awhile.

Acne is caused by hormonal imbalances, poor hygiene, poor diet, and other factors. Though these remedies may work for some, the remedy will depend upon the cause.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Used as a daily toner, apple cider vinegar's natural acids balance a skin's pH and calms acne. I used this for over a year with great success.

These remedies can cure your acne naturally, but keep in mind that results may vary depending of the root cause of your acne. 


Crazy Acne Remedies Worth Trying

Crazy natural acne remedies worth trying.

1. White Plain Toothpaste
When I was a teenager I learned if I popped a pimple and applied toothpaste to it, it would dry out, heal fast and the scab would peel away without scarring. I later learned that I could apply it without popping the pimple overnight and it would help dry the pimple out and dissipate quickly.

To use the toothpaste method:

  • Use only the white (not gel or striped kind) none-whitening, low or no fluoride toothpaste, it is best to use the natural or organic kind. 
  • Apply as the spot treatment only overnight or for at least 2 hours to a clean face. 
  • Wash away toothpaste throughly with warm soapy water.

 2. Simple Honey
Honey both fights acne and helps to fade scars. Honey can be used by itself or and in combination with other natural ingredients. Honey can heal damaged skin cells and fade scars. Processed honey is not as effective because it does not contain all the nutrients present in raw honey, so for best results, always use raw, organic honey to treat or remove acne scars.


Honey contains natural antibiotics that protect against bacteria that cause acne and heal damaged skin cells. Interactions between the sugar in honey and the secretions from a healing breakout can trigger the production of hydrogen peroxide, which  in theory kills the bacteria that causes acne and naturally bleaches away scars. Honey is a natural antiseptic that minimizes the severity of a breakout, leaving behind less of a scar while being a natural moisturizer.

Honey can be used alone or in combination with other natural ingredients:
  • Raw Honey -  Wash your face and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of honey to your entire face and leave on for at least 10 minutes. Massage skin with wet fingers in a circular motion. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. For best results, leave honey on overnight.
  • Honey and Turmeric - Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and it soothes skin to reduce inflammation. Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply to skin and leave on 15 minutes. Massage skin with wet fingers for a few minutes to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Repeat daily.
  • Honey and Lemon - Lemon is also antibacterial and natural bleaching agent that fades acne scars and freckles. Mix equal amounts of honey and fresh lemon juice. Wash face with mild face wash and dry. Apply mixture to skin and leave on 15 minutes. Spritz skin with lukewarm water and massage gently, using circular motions. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Repeat daily.
  • Honey and Cinnamon - Mix equal quantities ground cinnamon and raw honey Apply to skin and leave on 5 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Repeat daily.

3. Aspirin Paste
Crush one or two aspirin and mix with two parts water and apply as a spot treatment to clean skin and leave on for no more 15 minutes. Remove with a clean wet cloth.

WARNING: You do not want to leave aspirin on your skin for longer than 15 minutes. Otherwise your skin will absorb a lot of aspirin into your bloodstream, where it will remain for awhile. You do not want to leave aspirin on your skin for longer than 15 minutes. Otherwise your skin will absorb a lot of aspirin into your bloodstream, where it will remain for awhile.

Acne is caused by hormonal imbalances, poor hygiene, poor diet, and other factors. Though these remedies may work for some, the remedy will depend upon the cause.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Used as a daily toner, apple cider vinegar's natural acids balance a skin's pH and calms acne. I used this for over a year with great success.

These remedies can cure your acne naturally, but keep in mind that results may vary depending of the root cause of your acne. 


Read more
Lets talk about skincare!



I was always afraid to use anything on my face for years; I always assumed that:

1. Products would trigger breakouts. 
2. I didn't need additional sun protection because of my skin color.
3. My overall habits didn't impact my skin.

I was really wrong!

I took for granted that my skin will, by the grace of God, have to last me through my 30s, 40s, and decades to come. When I crossed the threshold of 25, I really started researching skin care products, I developed a routine (my almost 30 routine), and started loving on my skin.



Now I:

How To Prepare Your Skin For the Future Naturally
Lets talk about skincare!



I was always afraid to use anything on my face for years; I always assumed that:

1. Products would trigger breakouts. 
2. I didn't need additional sun protection because of my skin color.
3. My overall habits didn't impact my skin.

I was really wrong!

I took for granted that my skin will, by the grace of God, have to last me through my 30s, 40s, and decades to come. When I crossed the threshold of 25, I really started researching skin care products, I developed a routine (my almost 30 routine), and started loving on my skin.



Now I:
Read more
Time to talk skincare...
I live a make-up minimal life and I kind of love it! When I do partake in make-up, I'm able to reach my desired look with just (natural) primer, brow liner, (natural) concealer, (natural) blush, and a little something for lip. Success with minimal makeup starts with a results focused skincare routine! (FYI all the photos in this post are 100% makeup free!)

I have tons of new natural products that I am loving! Though I do get the occasional  environment and/or food induced breakout, I am pleased with my skin.


Natural Skincare Routine, Pictures & Products
Time to talk skincare...
I live a make-up minimal life and I kind of love it! When I do partake in make-up, I'm able to reach my desired look with just (natural) primer, brow liner, (natural) concealer, (natural) blush, and a little something for lip. Success with minimal makeup starts with a results focused skincare routine! (FYI all the photos in this post are 100% makeup free!)

I have tons of new natural products that I am loving! Though I do get the occasional  environment and/or food induced breakout, I am pleased with my skin.


Read more
Though I do still have an elaborate skin routine, on those many evenings in which I have no time at all because I'm dealing with screaming toddlers after a long day at work. This is my quick routine:


Random Bits About Natural Skin & Hair
Though I do still have an elaborate skin routine, on those many evenings in which I have no time at all because I'm dealing with screaming toddlers after a long day at work. This is my quick routine:


Read more

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