Hello! I hope you've been enjoying your holiday season thus far. I know I have been! And that is why I have not been blogging as regularly as I would like to have been. It's really no excuse... but what can I say... the Esthetician has been enjoying herself!
Today, I have a very simple, but glorious post. I am about to share one of my biggest beauty secrets with you! (Just in time for those Christmas parties you may have to attend.) I had gotten a few messages/comments in regard to my skin "glowing". This is one of my secret how-to's!
I'm not sure about you, but I'm all about DIY's, or 'do-it-yourself' for the gentleman reader who may not already know. This is perfect for everyone, not just my lady readers! Not only is this exfoliating, but it is also deeply nourishing and hydrating... perfect for the cold winter months ahead.
Without further delay, let's get to it!
You're going to need two things;
Organic Raw Oats (I buy mine at Harvest Health)
Powdered Organic Goats Milk (I buy mine at Harvest Health)
(also, you're going to need a spoon, a storage bag or container, a blender... and a pair of hands!)
In a blender or food processor, blend together 1/2 cup of each. (If you want serious left-overs, use 1 cup!)
After removing all your face makeup with a gentle cream cleanser, (best cleansing how-to here!) re-dampen your face with lukewarm water. Take a heaping tablespoon of your glorious mixture and put it in your non-dominant palm. With your dominant hand, turn on the faucet, and gently begin to flick bits of water into your hand. You don't want too much! You're trying to form a paste, not a soup! After you've got a good consistency, rub the mixture between both of your hands, and onto your face. It should look clumpier in certain areas and smooth in others.
At this point, you can use the mixture as an exfoliant, rubbing it in and then rinsing away immediately, or you can do what I do and let the entire mixture dry and harden on your face (like a masque). I leave mine on for 10-15 minutes. Around 5, you are going to feel your face start to burn, especially if you use any type of Vitamin C, Retin-A, Vitamin A; exfoliating cremes daily.
Why is your face going to start to burn?
Goats Milk is a lactic acid. Lactic acid is a form of an alpha-hydroxy acid. AHA's eat away at dead skin cells. Lactic acid is a colorless, organic acid compound derived from the sugars in milk. It is fairly gentle on the skin, yet it is aggressive enough to see and feel the results with the use. It has extremely hydrating properties and works well on all skin types. Lactic acid has been seen to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, stimulate our skins natural collagen production and also leave our skin with a natural glow.
Why oats? Oats are an amazing natural beauty enhancer. They soothe and nourish the skin while reducing inflammation. Inflammation is one of the number one causes of premature aging. Because of oats texture, they make for an outstanding exfoliant. They are hypo-allergenic. They soften the skin, and have been clinically proven to help heal dry, itchy skin. For those with sensitive skin, oats are perfect! Oats can help soothe insect bites, dry skin, mild burns, eczema, and irritated skin.
After you've left it on for a maximum of 15-20 minutes, rinse it off. Massage gently and splashing your face with lukewarm water! I always do a few splashes of ice cold water, too. (but that's because I'm crazy)
Your face should feel refreshed, nourished, slightly moisturized, exfoliated and clean.
Your skin should look dramatically different, glowing as-if from within.
Throughout scripture, milk and honey symbolize the gracious nature of God, the abundance of His blessing.
So I hope this leaves you informed and I hope this helps with maybe some stubborn breakouts or strange skin issues that you may be having!
And may you feel abundantly blessed, because you are! Love to your skin, and love to you!
-Jessica.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Maintaining pH
Skin pH is an important part of our skins health. pH, or potential hydrogen is the measure of acidity and alkalinity.
A slightly acidic balance of our skin is healthy. Skin should be balanced at 5.5.
Our skin has an acid mantle that buffers our skin from the wind and environmental factors, keeps bacterial infections at bay, reduces our likeliness to breakout, protects our skin from drying, delays wrinkling and other various signs of aging.
Our acid mantle is formed by the combination of the natural oil we secrete (sebum), our sweat and beneficial bacteria that live on our skin. Together they form a healthy surface of the skin that is slightly acidic.
When our acid mantle is "lost" it simply means we are not taking notice to our natural pH balance of our skin. When we strip our skin by ways of over-washing, harsh chemicals, detergents and alkaline soaps our skin is more susceptible to free-radicals.
Think of your skin briefly as a school dance. Great right? Now, think of free radicals like angry boys at the school dance without a date. On the surface of our skin we have all these happy atoms that have mates that are dancing around to crazy cool tunes. The free radicals are angry because they don't have a mate to dance with, so they go in and steal the other guy's girls to dance with. Thus, resulting in more angry atoms... thus resulting in damage. But how is this damaging?
Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, like dominoes. Their chief danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA or the cell membrane. (Everything is connected, I am telling you! Our bodies are walking miracles!) Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system... antioxidants! And not just our own, but antioxidants we can put on our skin!
Commercial soaps and harsh cleansers tend to be highly alkaline and often have free alkalis still in them that react with our skins sebum to strip away it's acid mantle. What? Did I just imply that some sebum is good?! I did! Our sebum protects our skin from environmental factors and nourishes our skin. The result in these cleansers and products with free alkalis still in them is drier skin that ages more quickly and is less able to withstand infection. Skin care products containing alcohol can also shift pH away from it's natural balance.
Toning our skin is a fast way to bring our skin back to 5.5 pH balanced.
Maintaining pH doesn't seem so complicated, right? It actually might seem quite unimportant and stupid. At least, that's what I thought when I was in Esthiologly school. I was all, PSH! BIG DEAL.
But... the health of the outermost part of your skin is one of the secret keys to achieving better than normal skin. To glowing skin. When you are protecting your skin with antioxidants, washing your skin with proper nutrients, restoring your acid mantle with the proper toner, moisturizing with the proper ingredients... you are actually changing the life of your skin, not just the appearance. So much we want to see something work 'now', I'm guilty of it too. And when you maintain your pH you may not even see very much of a difference, especially if you aren't prone to break-outs. But, it is a small but very important step for health not just physical beauty.
Cheers to that! Now toast a cup of green tea (full of antioxidants) to yourself, and your skin! And just for me, rub that tea bag all over your face after you finish your drink.
Love to you,
Jessica.
A slightly acidic balance of our skin is healthy. Skin should be balanced at 5.5.
Our skin has an acid mantle that buffers our skin from the wind and environmental factors, keeps bacterial infections at bay, reduces our likeliness to breakout, protects our skin from drying, delays wrinkling and other various signs of aging.
Our acid mantle is formed by the combination of the natural oil we secrete (sebum), our sweat and beneficial bacteria that live on our skin. Together they form a healthy surface of the skin that is slightly acidic.
When our acid mantle is "lost" it simply means we are not taking notice to our natural pH balance of our skin. When we strip our skin by ways of over-washing, harsh chemicals, detergents and alkaline soaps our skin is more susceptible to free-radicals.
Think of your skin briefly as a school dance. Great right? Now, think of free radicals like angry boys at the school dance without a date. On the surface of our skin we have all these happy atoms that have mates that are dancing around to crazy cool tunes. The free radicals are angry because they don't have a mate to dance with, so they go in and steal the other guy's girls to dance with. Thus, resulting in more angry atoms... thus resulting in damage. But how is this damaging?
Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, like dominoes. Their chief danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA or the cell membrane. (Everything is connected, I am telling you! Our bodies are walking miracles!) Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system... antioxidants! And not just our own, but antioxidants we can put on our skin!
Commercial soaps and harsh cleansers tend to be highly alkaline and often have free alkalis still in them that react with our skins sebum to strip away it's acid mantle. What? Did I just imply that some sebum is good?! I did! Our sebum protects our skin from environmental factors and nourishes our skin. The result in these cleansers and products with free alkalis still in them is drier skin that ages more quickly and is less able to withstand infection. Skin care products containing alcohol can also shift pH away from it's natural balance.
Toning our skin is a fast way to bring our skin back to 5.5 pH balanced.
Maintaining pH doesn't seem so complicated, right? It actually might seem quite unimportant and stupid. At least, that's what I thought when I was in Esthiologly school. I was all, PSH! BIG DEAL.
But... the health of the outermost part of your skin is one of the secret keys to achieving better than normal skin. To glowing skin. When you are protecting your skin with antioxidants, washing your skin with proper nutrients, restoring your acid mantle with the proper toner, moisturizing with the proper ingredients... you are actually changing the life of your skin, not just the appearance. So much we want to see something work 'now', I'm guilty of it too. And when you maintain your pH you may not even see very much of a difference, especially if you aren't prone to break-outs. But, it is a small but very important step for health not just physical beauty.
Cheers to that! Now toast a cup of green tea (full of antioxidants) to yourself, and your skin! And just for me, rub that tea bag all over your face after you finish your drink.
Love to you,
Jessica.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Are You Cleansing Properly?
Cleaning seems like such a simple and menial task. Something we have done since we were all around the age of thirteen. But, did you know that by simply influencing your way of cleansing can make a big difference in the overall appearance of how your skin looks and feels? To a lot of people, cleansing may consist of washing with nothing more than soap and water. But in reality, cleansing the right way, with the proper products and tools can virtually change your skin. I recently started adding more time onto my nightly routine, which feels more like a holistic ritual to me, now. In doing so, I have noticed such a drastic change in my skin. If you want, glow-y fresh dewy skin. It all starts with cleaning properly.
Water can only remove a small percentage of dirt and oil on the surface of your skin, which highlights and adds emphasis on the importance of cleansing. The ingredients in cleansers react with water to form an emulsion on the skin which remove pollutants, oil, toxins and dead skin that can lead to a drab looking complexion. If not cleansing properly, our skin can't take in the full benefits of products like serums and replenishing creams.
Let's start with the basics.
There are three main types of cleansers.
Gels: Ideal for oil and breakout prone skin. Also for those who wear a lot of heavy face makeup. Gel washes off leaving almost no product behind. Gives a complexion that squeaky clean, tightened feeling.
Oils: Best for dry skin. Cleaning oils leave the skin soft. Gives a complexion a very hydrated finish.
Lotions/Creams/Milks: These can leave a film on the skin, which makes them more ideal for dry and mature skin. If these are used in your daily routine, you need to be using an exfoliant at least twice a week, if not daily immediately following cleansing.
With a diverse range of cleansing devices, cloths and pads at our disposal, it's sometimes confusing to know what to wash your skin with. Most estheticians and agree that anything that offers mild exfoliation is superior to using just your fingers. When you use a cloth, or Clarisonic it helps to dislodge dead skin and purify the outermost part of the complexion.
I encourage you to take the proper steps in cleansing. Spend more time with your face in the evening. Not only does it feel great, but you will reap the benefits of healthy skin.
1. Temperature. By adjusting the water to warm, you are softening your skin allowing for maximum product penetration and exfoliation to occur. If your water is too hot it can burn the skin and cause broken capillaries. If your water is too cold, it can prevent your pores from opening up to receive a full cleanse. Splash your face with warm water three to eight times prior to applying any cleanser.
2. Cleanse. Cleanse in curcular motions without scrubbing for a minimum of thirty seconds. If you want to use something like a Clarisonic at this point, I encourage you to do so. Then, let your cleanser sit on your skin for one to two minutes. (a very important, skipped step by many)
3. Removal. Rinse your face thoroughly. Use a washcloth saturated with water to remove excess cleanser from the skin. If any cleansing residue is left on the surface of the skin, it can dry out or cause irritation.
4. Dry. Pat your face with a towel. Don't rub your face while trying to dry it. By doing this, you can potentially cause dry patches, tears in the skin and irritation.
I recommend you limit your cleansing to twice a day. If your skin is more dry, try only once a day and splash with water and a hydrating toner in the morning.
My Top 10 Cleansers:
FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN:
DermaQuest Anti-Bacterial Enzyme Cleanser
Harnn Water Lily Detoxifying Face Wash
FOR SENSITIVE SKIN:
Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream
FOR COMBINATION SKIN:
Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash
Aubrey Organics Blue Green Algae Facial Cleansing Lotion (Organic/natural) (this is what I use currently)
FOR NORMAL SKIN:
Lily.B Rose Hip Infused Cleanse (Organic/natural)
Laura Mercier One-Step Cleanser
FOR DRY/MATURE SKIN:
Duchess Marden Damascena Creme Cleanser (Organic/natural)
Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Decleor Aroma Cleanse Cleansing Milk
What to use for normal skin: Since it doesn't fall under the category of dry or oily skin it needs to be treated differently. It usually tends to respond best to gentle cleansers that are pH balanced. Using a cleanser with too high of a pH will dry out the skin and break down the protective acid mantle.
For mature skin: Exfoliation is key. Use a cleanser with alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acid. They help remove dead skin cells smoothing the surface of the skin. Milk and cream cleansers are also another option because they are soothing.
For acne-prone skin: Skin should be cleansed with a cleanser containing tea tree, salicylic, phytic, lactic or glycolic acid and even products with small amounts of benzoyl peroxide. You don't want to over dry or irritate acne-prone skin so make sure to use a cleanser containing something soothing as well, like lavender or chamomile.
For dry skin: Opt for a hydrating cleanser with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to soften and hydrate. Also wash with milk cleansers or those with more of a cream-based consistency.
For combination skin: This skin-type requires a completely different routine in terms of cleansing since it encompasses some oily qualities and some dry qualities. Go for a cleanser that is detoxifying and exfoliating. Tea tree oil is a great ingredient for this skin because it wakes the skin and rids it of bacteria.
I hope this taught you a little something you can add into your daily routine! If not that, I hope it inspired you to take a little more time for yourself at night so that you can wake up ready to brave the day as your best you!
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them! Also, comment/subscribe/follow my blog. Let me know what you want to read! I'm working on a few other blogs and maybe getting a video camera too to start making videos. Since I am blogging for you I would like to blog things you want to read. Leave your suggestions, please!
Wishing my face were clean right at this very moment,
Jessica.
Water can only remove a small percentage of dirt and oil on the surface of your skin, which highlights and adds emphasis on the importance of cleansing. The ingredients in cleansers react with water to form an emulsion on the skin which remove pollutants, oil, toxins and dead skin that can lead to a drab looking complexion. If not cleansing properly, our skin can't take in the full benefits of products like serums and replenishing creams.
Let's start with the basics.
There are three main types of cleansers.
Gels: Ideal for oil and breakout prone skin. Also for those who wear a lot of heavy face makeup. Gel washes off leaving almost no product behind. Gives a complexion that squeaky clean, tightened feeling.
Oils: Best for dry skin. Cleaning oils leave the skin soft. Gives a complexion a very hydrated finish.
Lotions/Creams/Milks: These can leave a film on the skin, which makes them more ideal for dry and mature skin. If these are used in your daily routine, you need to be using an exfoliant at least twice a week, if not daily immediately following cleansing.
With a diverse range of cleansing devices, cloths and pads at our disposal, it's sometimes confusing to know what to wash your skin with. Most estheticians and agree that anything that offers mild exfoliation is superior to using just your fingers. When you use a cloth, or Clarisonic it helps to dislodge dead skin and purify the outermost part of the complexion.
I encourage you to take the proper steps in cleansing. Spend more time with your face in the evening. Not only does it feel great, but you will reap the benefits of healthy skin.
1. Temperature. By adjusting the water to warm, you are softening your skin allowing for maximum product penetration and exfoliation to occur. If your water is too hot it can burn the skin and cause broken capillaries. If your water is too cold, it can prevent your pores from opening up to receive a full cleanse. Splash your face with warm water three to eight times prior to applying any cleanser.
2. Cleanse. Cleanse in curcular motions without scrubbing for a minimum of thirty seconds. If you want to use something like a Clarisonic at this point, I encourage you to do so. Then, let your cleanser sit on your skin for one to two minutes. (a very important, skipped step by many)
3. Removal. Rinse your face thoroughly. Use a washcloth saturated with water to remove excess cleanser from the skin. If any cleansing residue is left on the surface of the skin, it can dry out or cause irritation.
4. Dry. Pat your face with a towel. Don't rub your face while trying to dry it. By doing this, you can potentially cause dry patches, tears in the skin and irritation.
I recommend you limit your cleansing to twice a day. If your skin is more dry, try only once a day and splash with water and a hydrating toner in the morning.
My Top 10 Cleansers:
FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN:
DermaQuest Anti-Bacterial Enzyme Cleanser
Harnn Water Lily Detoxifying Face Wash
FOR SENSITIVE SKIN:
Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream
FOR COMBINATION SKIN:
Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash
Aubrey Organics Blue Green Algae Facial Cleansing Lotion (Organic/natural) (this is what I use currently)
FOR NORMAL SKIN:
Lily.B Rose Hip Infused Cleanse (Organic/natural)
Laura Mercier One-Step Cleanser
FOR DRY/MATURE SKIN:
Duchess Marden Damascena Creme Cleanser (Organic/natural)
Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Decleor Aroma Cleanse Cleansing Milk
What to use for normal skin: Since it doesn't fall under the category of dry or oily skin it needs to be treated differently. It usually tends to respond best to gentle cleansers that are pH balanced. Using a cleanser with too high of a pH will dry out the skin and break down the protective acid mantle.
For mature skin: Exfoliation is key. Use a cleanser with alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acid. They help remove dead skin cells smoothing the surface of the skin. Milk and cream cleansers are also another option because they are soothing.
For acne-prone skin: Skin should be cleansed with a cleanser containing tea tree, salicylic, phytic, lactic or glycolic acid and even products with small amounts of benzoyl peroxide. You don't want to over dry or irritate acne-prone skin so make sure to use a cleanser containing something soothing as well, like lavender or chamomile.
For dry skin: Opt for a hydrating cleanser with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to soften and hydrate. Also wash with milk cleansers or those with more of a cream-based consistency.
For combination skin: This skin-type requires a completely different routine in terms of cleansing since it encompasses some oily qualities and some dry qualities. Go for a cleanser that is detoxifying and exfoliating. Tea tree oil is a great ingredient for this skin because it wakes the skin and rids it of bacteria.
I hope this taught you a little something you can add into your daily routine! If not that, I hope it inspired you to take a little more time for yourself at night so that you can wake up ready to brave the day as your best you!
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them! Also, comment/subscribe/follow my blog. Let me know what you want to read! I'm working on a few other blogs and maybe getting a video camera too to start making videos. Since I am blogging for you I would like to blog things you want to read. Leave your suggestions, please!
Wishing my face were clean right at this very moment,
Jessica.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Aging Gracefully
It honestly amazes me every single day how many new discoveries we are making in this world of ours; particularly, in the world of skin. Who knew that certain simple key ingredients could virtually rewind the effects of aging.
Let's face it, it's going to happen to all of us. It's a process of life, but it doesn't have to take an even more serious toll on our bodies and our faces unless we let it. I'm all for au naturel and aging gracefully, as I never see myself wanting to get dermal fillers, botox or plastic surgery. There isn't necessarily anything wrong with these treatments, but sometimes a 'quick fix' isn't for everyone and with new advances in technology and ingredient discoveries, we don't necessarily have to go that route. We should all start taking steps as early as possible to slow down the process of aging. Routine is key. Now, I don't know about you, but I definitely want to be one of those 45+ year old's who looks 30.
I was doing some research the other day and while reading up on some new skin care products, I found some articles. Here's what I was able put together:
We all know that our own bodies produce melatonin. Yes? Yes. Melatonin is a hormone naturally made by our brains. It is linked to controlling both the wake and sleep cycles of our bodies. Melatonin is also a new discovery in skin care and is thought to offer many anti-aging skin benefits.
Let's face it, it's going to happen to all of us. It's a process of life, but it doesn't have to take an even more serious toll on our bodies and our faces unless we let it. I'm all for au naturel and aging gracefully, as I never see myself wanting to get dermal fillers, botox or plastic surgery. There isn't necessarily anything wrong with these treatments, but sometimes a 'quick fix' isn't for everyone and with new advances in technology and ingredient discoveries, we don't necessarily have to go that route. We should all start taking steps as early as possible to slow down the process of aging. Routine is key. Now, I don't know about you, but I definitely want to be one of those 45+ year old's who looks 30.
I was doing some research the other day and while reading up on some new skin care products, I found some articles. Here's what I was able put together:
In the body, certain hormones like DHEA and melatonin have been noted as having a lasting effect on diminishing the signs of aging. We all know that with a simple pill or medical procedure our troubles can be ‘fixed’ but with new science and technology, we have actually been able to input these benefits into many skin care products.
Melatonin is classified as a 'terminal antioxidant' because once it has oxidized it forms stable end results and cannot return to its original state.
When DHEA is used on the skin it is first absorbed before enzymes in the skin recognize it and convert it into either an anabolic or androgenic hormone. Melatonin works to strengthen the skin by renewing the cells. Our bodies don't require large amounts of topical melatonin to work and make a difference. In fact, small concentrations can have a serious and lasting effect on the skin. DHEA topically fends off destructive enzymes. DHEA causes any ingredient to be absorbed quickly. It helps keep the enzymes that feed of oxidation at bay which helps to preserve DNA. Not only does it do this but it also acts as an anti-inflammatory.
Another thing to note is that ingredients like blueberry, jojoba (which is a plant derived oil closest to our skins natural sebum), grape seed and vitamin E restore youthful properties to maturing skin.
So, when looking to choose a good, effective anti-aging restoring moisturizer, serum or eye cream, keep this simple new knowledge in mind. Remember to read your ingredients! Just because it has a fancy name and a fancy price doesn't mean it contains fancy things!
If you are not sporting 15+ sunscreen, I highly recommend you pick up a good SPF! As heavenly as our sun looks and feels, it's harmful UVA rays are completely detrimental to our skin and causes us to age virtually 10+ years. So even in the winter, wear your sunscreen! Just because it's snowing doesn't mean you're still not getting UVA rays from the ozone.
Wishing you a youthful appearance and a laugh or two,
Jessica.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Why Serums?
When I was having the bulk of my skin issues, for one reason or another, I found that most Dermatologists didn't take the time to actually explain my skin issues. What I know, I learned from esthiology school as well as countless hours on the internet, my own fascination with health and skin, and countless hours reading a Dermatology book.
I want to share something with you about what a Dermatologist won't tell you. Any type of topical that contains benzoyl peroxide or adapalene is way too drying for anyone's skin. I don't care who you are and what type of skin issues you may be having. Believe me when I say that there are other options out there that are so much better for us! Our skin is smart! When it is being over-dryed, our skin starts to produce more sebum (or oil). With these detrimental products, all they are really doing is stripping our skin completely. Most dermatologists recommend a topical with these hazardous ingredients for men and women who are trying to combat acne. These men and women (including myself) usually have skin that has a little trouble shedding on it's own due to particularly sticky sebum that acts as a glue and binds cells in the stratum corneum together so they cannot slough off easily. (This issue is more common than one would think). Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide basically increase CTR (see Simply Understanding Your Skin).
Sounds great right? Wrong. They do it in a way that is unhealthy because they do not protect our skin from future environmental factors, free radicals and other bacteria that may make their way onto our skin. This is when new breakouts form. You are basically ensuring that your skin is a breeding ground for bacteria at all times.
(If you are currently using topical meds from a Dermatologist and they work for you, hey great! Everyone's skin is different. This is not a blog to put the medical people down in any way. I just have gone through all the medical pish-posh and am telling you as your esthetician and friend that there is hope in more natural, holistic remedies found through my own battles, struggles and breakouts that are better for the health of your skin and also the appearance.)
Because of our own personal needs and wants that vary, as well as our skin types; so should the serums we use.
A serum in my opinion, can be the most effective skincare item anyone could possibly purchase. Let me explain why. A serum is jam-packed with nutrients, vitamins and anti-oxidants for your skin. Each serum is different. Getting the right serum isn't impossible, either. There are many things to keep in mind when getting the right one to target your skin's issues.
A serum is typically used as a layering formula, allowing us the opportunity to integrate targeted treatments into our already existing skin care routine.
All of us have different areas we would love to target and fix with our skin. From fine lines to dry skin to loss of elasticity to dullness to hyperpigmentation, there are serums that can aid in the recovery of our skin. Because the delivery systems in serums are so complex, some serums are able to drive their ingredients down into our dermis' (the live layer of skin) promoting rapid healing. If they are not able to drive their ingredients that far, there are things we can do to aid in the product penetration of a serum (stay tuned for a blog).
There is not one product line I will say I love more than another. But I will list some of the best serums I have come across.
Best Serums:
Avalon Organics Vitamin C Serum Delivers a concentrated amount of Vitamin C for aging protection as well as the antioxidant action of Lemon Bioflavoniods, Melatonin, Organic Green and White Teas. Organic Borage and Flax oils containing omega 3 fatty acids repair cells while nourishing and protecting. This product can be used by all skin types. I use this, and so does mom! She and I both have very different skin types and issues but this works so great for both of us. Oh, and it smells like orange juice! .
Avalon Organics Vitamin C Serum Delivers a concentrated amount of Vitamin C for aging protection as well as the antioxidant action of Lemon Bioflavoniods, Melatonin, Organic Green and White Teas. Organic Borage and Flax oils containing omega 3 fatty acids repair cells while nourishing and protecting. This product can be used by all skin types. I use this, and so does mom! She and I both have very different skin types and issues but this works so great for both of us. Oh, and it smells like orange juice! .
Sonya Dakar Omega 3 Repair Contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Nourishes skin from the inside out with Geranium and lavender extracts that fight blemish-causing bacteria. Lavender has so many natural healing properties and reduce redness and inflammation. Key ingredients stimulate circulation in the skin for really fast healing. Your skin's moisture level will be completely replenished and restored. This serum is super ideal for acne, rosacea and eczema or any other severely drying conditions. I suggest if you are really concerned with your breakouts and they are more cystic and painful, you try this.
Elina Organics' Ambra Lift Serum Ideal for anyone concerned with fine lines and aging. It's amazing how a small amount of this serum can naturally perk-up the most experienced skin. I have seen it happen personally as I worked an event for Bengston Center For Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery. Elina was there doing demo's on several different people with varying skin types. As Baltic Amber as it's performance ingredient, it has been scientifically proven to tighten loose and used-looking skin. Containing silk amino-acids, rise hips and organic aloe for healing and softening.
If you have any more questions in regard to serums, please feel free to comment or contact me.
Waking up with beautiful skin,
-Jessica.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Simply Understanding Your Skin
Hello friends! I am sorry for the delay in getting out new posts. I have been extremely overwhelmed with work and with trying to organize my thoughts and blog posts each time I sit down to type. However, these are no excuse for my brief absence, and I'm sorry. I know a few of you have sent me messages asking about certain products and skin issues you are having. I am going to get some blogs out this week for you ladies and gents! Hopefully all of your problems will diminish from there!
First things first. I want you to understand your skin. I know that sounds ridiculous. "Understanding my skin? Really, Hilzey?"
Well, really.
If you want great skin, you must understand how your skin works and how it is put together.
Note that I will try not to get carried away. But keep in mind, I am very passionate about your skin as well as my own and I want so badly for you to have beautiful, healthy skin so you can be your best you. That being said, information is key. I realize this is a lengthy post, but I promise you will learn so much if you take the time to read it.
As most of you already know, and as I mentioned in my first blog post; your skin is the largest organ of your body. Skin is made up of three parts. The epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Note: I am not going to touch base on information from your dermis or subcutaneous tissue tonight.
The Epidermis: Think of your epidermis as the first layer between you and the outside world. Crazy, huh? It does so much for us! We often don't realize that it is responsible for protecting us from environmental factors! Yet another reason to keep it healthy and care for it. Your epidermis is comprised of three different types of cells. Keratinocytes, Melanocytes and Langerhans cells. In short, without getting into my entire education, here's some simple information for you to note: Keratinocytes are the cells that produce keratin (our skins protein). Keratinocytes make up most of our epidermis. Melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for your skin tone and color. And Langerhans cells are essentially the "immune system" of the epidermis. They prevent unwanted foreign substances from penetrating into the skin.
You have 5 different layers of your epidermis. Starting from bottom (by dermis) up (to what you can physically see on your body) you have your Stratum Germanitivum, Stratum Spinosum, Stratum Granulosum, Stratum Lucidium (only on the soles of your feet and palms of your hands) and your Stratum Corneum.
As fantastic as all of these layers are, It is only really important that I focus on two of them.
All these terms... I know, I know... Stay with me, here. I promise it's going to get real in about two minutes. You will have your "Oh!" moment. (photographs are welcome)
Your Stratum Corneum consists mainly of dead Keratinocytes, lipids and hardened protein that form a protective type of film on the outermost part of your skin. Non-living cells from your Stratum Corneum continuously slough off and are replaced by new ones that from below. Your Stratum Germanitivum is responsible for making new, fresh plump baby cells that take about 2-3 weeks on average to flatten and move up toward your Stratum Corneum.
I'm sure you've heard the term, "cell turn-over" before. This is what that is. The rate at which your cells from your Stratum Germanitivum can advance to your Stratum Corneum (and then shed off).
So what does all this mean? Now that we have the information and the facts, let me break this down for you.
In short, exfoliation is so important. If you're not already doing something mechanically exfoliating and/or chemically exfoliating for your skin, I suggest you start. Exfoliate every day if you want! I sure do. I want to increase my CTR (cell turn-over rate) so my skin looks and feels like a baby's bottom every day! Ha! ha! Who doesn't want that? It also keeps your skin looking young, plump, fresh and dewy.
If you are currently battling breakouts, perhaps your CTR is low. I have found that a lot of people that have acne, aren't exfoliating properly. If you do struggle with breakouts, you need a mechanical and chemical exfoliant. Something that is somewhat gentle, yet abrasive, contains some type of acid and anti-oxidant to protect your skin from future free radicals. You need to protect your skin! Serums are a must! (A blog is coming for them, soon!)
Healthy skin should be: Slightly acidic, somewhat moist and smooth.
There is actually a skin disorder I am going to talk about in a future blog that is a huge player in acne a lot of people have but don't realize they have. The best thing you can do to help this disorder is to exfoliate daily, and then repair your skin's natural Ph and complex with anti-oxidants and omega-3's.
If you are concerned with aging, start increasing your CTR (the earlier the better).
I tell almost everyone I meet to exfoliate. Just the other day, I said to the man at Starbucks who made my decaf, soy, vanilla latte, "Thank you, Sir! Be sure to exfoliate tonight!"
I obviously didn't. But I wanted to, and probably should have.
A laugh, and a clean exfoliated face,
-Jessica
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Welcome Home
Firstly, hello!
Welcome to my new blog. I celebrate in song. I am so very excited and pleased to be back on here.
I know what most of you are probably thinking right now... especially you, men. A skincare blog? Why don't you just put me in a pink tutu, take a photo of it, photoshop me onto the back of a unicorn and send it to Hallmark? Please, read ahead and then decide whether you want to close this window or not.
I want to share with you tid bits about what I do and what knowledge I have picked up along my journey as an Esthetician and a life-long student. I am blessed to be able to educate you in the world of skin; as it is something of divine passion for me. But why? It's just skin. Or is it something greater? Let's go back a few years...
I have always had problematic skin. My larger issues started when I was in my sophomore year of high school. I started breaking out so badly that there were mornings I would wake up in pain, to then go right back to sleep because of what I saw in the mirror, causing even more pain. My mom took me to the Dermatologist. She was doing what she thought was best at the time. Hindsight is always 20/20. Knowing what I know now, I would not have gone. But, at the time we figured they were the only people who could 'fix' my problems, and fix them quick. (There will be a post about why to/not to go to a Dermatologist.) As for my skin, it rapidly improved and suddenly was "perfect".
I say that like that, because my skin was perfect on the outside, but extremely unhealthy on the inside, much like my body (for more details about this story, I welcome you to visit back in a week).
Though my journey was a troubled one, I was never actually 'that kid' in High School, but I felt like I was. And that is equally as hurting. Through my pain and trouble, what the Dermatologist did grant me, was an incredible sense of empowerment, confidence through feeling comfortable in my own nearly-perfect looking skin, empathy for others, and many years later for my passion. For all of this, I thank them. But I have learned the hard way that a quick fix is not necessarily the answer.
To my core I believe that skin is so much more than just the exterior of our bodies.
Skin is the our largest and last organ of our bodies to receive any of the nutrients that we put into it.
It has this divine ability to flush when embarrassed, glow when happy, beam when we're successful, break-out when we're stressed, freckle and pigment when exposed to sun and crease with aging. Simply amazing.
Have you ever heard the saying, "You only have one body, so treat it right."
Well, you only have one 'skin' so start loving it and treating it well. I assure you, it will love you.
My mother said to me the other day, "Jessica, if someone told you that if you drank this crazy tasting concoction while standing atop a cow in a field every third Monday of the month but only when the moon is blue to help your skin, I'm sure you would do it."
And she was and still remains so right. That being said, my skin is not perfect. I am still left with the scars from when I was in High School that hurt me emotionally every day when I wake up and look at them in the mirror. Thankfully, with my knowledge and use of certain products, my scars have faded. Skin is as much physical as it is emotional and mental. My scars have helped shape me and mold me into the caring person that I am today.
If I can help you in any way with questions, concerns or skin-problems, I feel like I'm able to live out my personal duty, and my scars have been well worth the tears.
I would like very much to be your teacher, sister, mother and your guilty-read. I hope you learn a thing or two and I genuinely want to help you be your best you, because that is what you deserve.
ns]
noun: belief in oneself and one's powers or abilities; self-confidence; self-reliance; assurance.
In the skin I was made for,
Jessica.
Welcome to my new blog. I celebrate in song. I am so very excited and pleased to be back on here.
I know what most of you are probably thinking right now... especially you, men. A skincare blog? Why don't you just put me in a pink tutu, take a photo of it, photoshop me onto the back of a unicorn and send it to Hallmark? Please, read ahead and then decide whether you want to close this window or not.
I want to share with you tid bits about what I do and what knowledge I have picked up along my journey as an Esthetician and a life-long student. I am blessed to be able to educate you in the world of skin; as it is something of divine passion for me. But why? It's just skin. Or is it something greater? Let's go back a few years...
I have always had problematic skin. My larger issues started when I was in my sophomore year of high school. I started breaking out so badly that there were mornings I would wake up in pain, to then go right back to sleep because of what I saw in the mirror, causing even more pain. My mom took me to the Dermatologist. She was doing what she thought was best at the time. Hindsight is always 20/20. Knowing what I know now, I would not have gone. But, at the time we figured they were the only people who could 'fix' my problems, and fix them quick. (There will be a post about why to/not to go to a Dermatologist.) As for my skin, it rapidly improved and suddenly was "perfect".
I say that like that, because my skin was perfect on the outside, but extremely unhealthy on the inside, much like my body (for more details about this story, I welcome you to visit back in a week).
Though my journey was a troubled one, I was never actually 'that kid' in High School, but I felt like I was. And that is equally as hurting. Through my pain and trouble, what the Dermatologist did grant me, was an incredible sense of empowerment, confidence through feeling comfortable in my own nearly-perfect looking skin, empathy for others, and many years later for my passion. For all of this, I thank them. But I have learned the hard way that a quick fix is not necessarily the answer.
To my core I believe that skin is so much more than just the exterior of our bodies.
Skin is the our largest and last organ of our bodies to receive any of the nutrients that we put into it.
It has this divine ability to flush when embarrassed, glow when happy, beam when we're successful, break-out when we're stressed, freckle and pigment when exposed to sun and crease with aging. Simply amazing.
Have you ever heard the saying, "You only have one body, so treat it right."
Well, you only have one 'skin' so start loving it and treating it well. I assure you, it will love you.
My mother said to me the other day, "Jessica, if someone told you that if you drank this crazy tasting concoction while standing atop a cow in a field every third Monday of the month but only when the moon is blue to help your skin, I'm sure you would do it."
And she was and still remains so right. That being said, my skin is not perfect. I am still left with the scars from when I was in High School that hurt me emotionally every day when I wake up and look at them in the mirror. Thankfully, with my knowledge and use of certain products, my scars have faded. Skin is as much physical as it is emotional and mental. My scars have helped shape me and mold me into the caring person that I am today.
If I can help you in any way with questions, concerns or skin-problems, I feel like I'm able to live out my personal duty, and my scars have been well worth the tears.
I would like very much to be your teacher, sister, mother and your guilty-read. I hope you learn a thing or two and I genuinely want to help you be your best you, because that is what you deserve.
confidence
[kon-fi-duhns]noun: belief in oneself and one's powers or abilities; self-confidence; self-reliance; assurance.
In the skin I was made for,
Jessica.
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