LOVE is in The Air – Fall in Love With Your Skin Valentine’s Day is a day when we take extra measures to let those we love know our feelings for them in special ways. So often we get so caught up in the activities of daily life that it may seem that we take our loved ones for granted. It’s nice to have that reminder. What a great time to remember to love ourselves as well.  This special day brings out the desire to look our very best.  Often this includes lots of pampering to prepare for that special date night including, but certainly not limited to, hair coloring, waxing, manicures, pedicures, facials and creams, lotions, potions and lots of fragrances.  Oh my!!!!!  Do we really love ourselves by doing all of this? The chemicals in these products enter your blood stream, polluting your body and irritating your skin, causing the opposite effect – premature aging, clogged pores, and a loss of collagen. On average, a woman puts five pounds of chemicals on her skin annually. Ingredients in many of those products have the ability to perform as a plastic film over the skin, closing off the pores while giving you the pretense of smooth, soft skin.  While that may sound like it would be a good thing by keeping products from getting into the pores, it actually closes them off keeping all of the natural dirt and oil in your skin to create a plug since it cannot escape.  This is when the collagen begins to break down, accelerating the aging process of your skin.  Other ingredients include surfactants, ingredients that reduce the surface tension of the skin, which can irritate the skin and lower the pH, further decreasing the protective skin barrier. Suggestions you might try: Why not swap out some or all of your skin care products for those which have more natural active ingredients that promote healthier skin?  Less is best. Re-evaluate your daily routine and look for ways to decrease the chemical load. Use less of those products that are wreaking havoc on your skin, or in some cases leave some out. Try cleansing your skin with a homeopathic cleanser. Use pure olive oil to remove makeup. The best tool you can have is to learn as much as you can about product ingredients.  Here are two free apps that will allow you to browse extensive databases of ingredients and help make informed decisions about which products you want to put on your skin: Think Dirty – database 12,000    Skin Deep – database 78,000 Your skin will love you! Be a Sexy Valentine Here are a few tips to help you succeed:

1. Apply a liquid highlighter under your foundation.
2. For some evening drama choose a blush that is a shade darker than your natural skin color.
3. Lift and pop those eyes by selecting a green or plum liner.  Those blue undertones will do the trick.
4. Go for some drama with your eye shadow. Remember, you don’t have to match your outfit. A little glitter will make your color and eyes stand out making you irresistible.
5. If you want kissable lips skip the red and go for a soft pink or berry hue that is no more than two shades darker than your natural lip color.
6. Expose some skin; let your shoulders show with a little shimmery lotion.

Get Your Glow On Start by eating foods that improve your complexion: Tomatoes – a great source anti-aging antioxidant lycopene Almonds – help the skin retain moisture Berries – strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries are high in vitamin C.  Your skin will look younger and be protected from inflammation. Yogurt – used on your face it can lighten freckles, moles and blemishes.  It helps kill acne and lightens sunburned skin. Cucumber – reduces swelling and helps soothes irritated skin. Egg yolk – revives dull, lifeless skin. Milk – is high in vitamins.   Lactic acid acts as an exfoliant and has enzymes that promote smooth skin. Amino acids keep the skin moisturized. Water – hydrates and plumps skin while flushing out toxins helping to keep skin clear. VOO Nighttime Facial Massage Oil Combine virgin olive oil and lemon juice at night to retain moisture leaving skin smooth and supple. or Make a rose water, glycerin and lemon juice blend. Apply ½ hour before bed. Hydrating Mask 1 tsp goat’s milk ½ tsp avocado ¼ tsp soymilk ½ tsp honey Blend in a mixer on high until smooth and creamy. Apply, leave on face 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Yogurt Mask 1-2 tsp plain yogurt 3-5 drops lemon or orange juice Mix and apply. Leave on 15-20 minutes. Rinse with cool water.  Reviving Mask 1 egg yolk 1 spoonful honey 1 spoonful milk Apply, let it dry. Rinse with cool water Treatment for Dry & Flaky Arms and Legs 6 tsp petroleum jelly 2 T lemon juice or glycerin Mix and apply twice a week Discolored Elbows and Knees Apply lemon juice and leave on 20 minutes. Gently wash & scrub with warm water. Hand and Nail Care Rough palms – mix glycerin with lime juice in equal parts and apply. Nail – rub with petroleum jelly or castor oil every two days for a natural shine and stronger nails. Calm the Cellulite with Essential Oils 14 drops Juniper 10 drops Lemon 6 drops Oregano 8 drops Fennel 10 drops Lemon 12 drops Grapefruit 10 drops Basil 8 drops Thyme 12 drops Grapefruit Mix whichever recipe you like from above with 2 tablespoons Almond Oil and 2 teaspoons Rose Hip Oil.  Massage morning and night.

Sandi’s Skin Talk

Q:  What moisturizers do cosmetics and creams usually contain? A:  Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, urea and AMP. Q:  What is the major concern that men have when they come to you for skin care? A:  It seems to be dry skin followed closely by skin blotches and rough skin. Q:  When should I apply my serum? A:  There are different types of serums.  Generally you would apply the lightest to the heaviest.  Water-soluble serums need to go on first while those that are thicker have emollients like oil, silicone or squalene, which work to seal and hold things in so they should go on last. Q:  I am a 30 – something male and I am wondering what the best method for washing my face is? A:  Don’t rub your face harshly, as many men tend to do.  This damages the skin.  Work the lather first then apply it to your face. Q:  I find that my eye cream is making my eyes look swollen in the morning. What would cause that? A:  This happens often when eye cream is applied too close to the eyes.  Throughout the night this cream is absorbed and brought in.  It is best to stay out of the corners. Don’t rule out the possibility that you may have an allergic reaction to the product you are using. Q:  I use coconut oil on my face morning and night. Is that okay to do? A:  Coconut oil has gained popularity in the skin care community because it is a great, natural moisturizer and it helps to combat bacteria on the skin.  If your skin seems to be doing well with it then by all means continue using it. Q:  I have been using an eyelash enhancer with no positive results.  Is there a home remedy I can use? A:  Many of the eyelash enhancers are nothing more than mineral oil.  You can try that yourself for a lot less money.  Here are some other possibilities you might try:

1. Petroleum Jelly – apply in the PM with a clean mascara brush 3 times per week.
2. Green Tea – Use cooled, unsweetened tea on a cotton ball nightly.
3. Olive Oil – Use at night, apply with a cotton ball.
4. Brush your clean lashes 2 times a day to stimulate growth.
5. Never wear the same mascara and eyeliner for more than one day.

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