Facial Skin Care

Over the past few years I’ve learned a lot about how to take care of my skin. When I was in college, I used to try all sorts of ’sensitive skin’ facial washes and lotions in attempts to appease my ‘problem skin’.  What I didn’t realize was that my skin was allergic to all of those chemicals and unnecessary additives.

I never had problems with acne, but now as I find out more about skin ailments, I realize that I had mild eczema on my face and constant problems with irritations and rashes.

Now that I use gentle bar soap on my face, herbal-based toners, and all-natural creams, my face has improved so much.  No more rashes, eczema or irritation! I’m sure that many women share this story, but it is wonderful to look back on where we’ve come from and to see where we are now!

Here are tips that have helped me.

Cleaning: I used to clean my face once a day but have found that cleaning twice a day has helped my skin so much.  It benefits from being cleaner longer and I get many less breakouts (although the ones I do get are very minor).

I usually use either Aubrey Organics’ Luxurious Rosa Mosqueta wash (so gentle), sometimes with cleaning grains mixed in, or Chagrin Valley’s Honey Butter soap. The Honey Butter soap is truly my favorite bar of soap of all time. It is so versatile, ultra moisturing, and I love the sweety, creamy and slightly nutty smell created from the synergy of loads unrefined cocoa butter, shea butter, aloe, and honey that it contains. If I were stranded on a deserted island, this would be THE bar that I would use head to toe!

Honey Butter Soap

Toning: I used to think that toning was an unnecessary, harsh step, that is until I used natural, alcohol-free toners with essential oils and aloe. My skin has benefited so much. I sometimes use plain hydrosols, such as rose and calendula. For the summer my skin is really loving Farmstead Apothecary’s Herbal Astringent. It’s chock-full of herbs and lightly scented with essential oils. So refreshing!

Facial Oils: Although I forget to use facial serums and oils, when I remember, especially in the winter, I find that my face is so moisturized and lovingly soft. Using a few drops of a mix of 3/4th jojoba oil plus 1/4 castor makes a great simple facial oil that can be used year-round!

OCM: The Oil Cleansing Method is also used by some. I’ve used it a few times and find that I still have the urge to wash my face with soap and water afterward, which I end up doing. There are many ways to do it – check it out and let me know how it works for you.

Moisturizer: In the fall winter I use my whipped shea butter on my face and all over my body. In the spring and summer, I use a lighter cream, such as Dress Green’s Calming and Clarifying Cream. I rotate this with Joyful Girl Naturals Organic Sunscreen, which works so good for my face and gives me a nice matte look without that white, powdery afterglow.

Joyful Girl Naturals Organic Sun Protection Cream

Masks: I use several different masks, from my Cocoa Coconut Symphony mask to several others. I tend to use masks more in the winter, and less now that I’ve moved from a very hard water area (which used to strip my skin) to a location with fairly soft water. What a difference that makes!

Exfoliation: For over a year now, I have been using my favorite cleaning grains by Farmstead Apothecary 1-2 times a week, and sometimes I use Helena’s facial grains, which also contain ground castile soap. For an extra special treat, I use Ayelet’s Tea Tree and Honey facial scrub. It smells fantastic, has a wonderful consistency and makes my face feel so invigorated and refreshed.

Tea Tree Honey Scrub at ayelet17.etsy.com

General Tips:

Only use one new product at a time to see what really works for you.
Avoid parabens and formaldehyde-donor preservatives.
Be gentle with you face – no tugging or scrubbing!
To avoid bacteria, use clean hands to wash your face in an upward, circular motion.
Exercise, drink lots of water, and eat fruits and veggies for healthy skin and body!

Please share your facial tips and regimen! What works for you?

BOGO Sale and Updates!

Hello!  I’ve been busy doing so many things.  First, tomorrow is our wedding anniversary (3 years!) and the day after that my husband defends his dissertation, i.e., officially gets his PhD.  My parents-in-law also celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary last week, and my husband and I moved to take new jobs as Visiting Professors & Research Directors in the area.

We are very thrilled to say the least, and there’s lots going on, one of which is my BOGO sale – between now and Sept. 1st, take advantage of the BOGO 50% off sale at my Etsy shop. I will be out of shop until Aug. 20th, when shipping will resume.  Take advantage of the sale to stock up on facial masks, whipped shea butters (adv. order, see shop for details) and my all-new Organic Scentual Body Glaze!

Treat your skin to this fantastic Scentual Body Glaze! I find that heavier lotions and creams make me feel hot and weighed down in the summer, particularly in hot AND humid weather. My solution is Scentual Body Glaze, made with super-nourishing ingredients that keep your skin perfectly moisturized without any unneeded excess.

Use this product directly after your shower or bath to lock in moisture. It is very rich and potent without being greasy, and a little goes a long way! This body glaze should last a while, even with regular use.  Made with Organic, All-Natural Oils like Jojoba, Sunflower and Olive Squalane with original and custom Essential Oil Blends. (2 oz., 4 oz. also available by request.)

Happy shopping!  Have a wonderful week!

Moved!

Hi All! We moved last weekend and are still getting settled in. I need some more time to get things together. I’m looking forward to doing some blog posts on natural skin care maintenance, since I’ve learned so much these past 3 years, as well as some reviews of new products that I have tried, plus an introduction to my own. Stay tuned!

Moving

Hi All!  I’m in the process of moving and thus my shop is closed until July.  So much going on…more updates soon.  In the meantime, enjoy the sunshine, wherever you may be!

Tips for Staying Pretty in the Sun

Summer Fun!

I’m happy that it’s finally spring and almost summer here.  The flowers have bloomed and the air is warm and inviting.  I want to remind my readers to continue to care for your skin in the summer just as much as you would in the winter.  Here are some tips for staying pretty in the sunshine:

1. Wear sunscreen.  It’s true; many sunscreens on the market have chemicals we’d want to avoid.  I’ve had good success with the natural sunscreen at JoyfulGirlNatural.  It’s all natural and doesn’t irritate my sensitive facial skin.  Try her Summer Travel Pack with Sunscreen, Insect Repellent, After-sun Spray and Skin Conditioning Spray.

2.  Avoid sun at peek hours of the day.  This usually means doing gardening, yard work, and other outdoor activities before 10 am or after 5 pm.  This protects skin from the strongest rays of sun and keeps you cooler and drier, too.

3.  Eat lots of fruit and veggies.  Produce, some more than others, have high water content.  Eat fruits such as apples, watermelon and grapes and veggies such as carrots, salads, and corn to keep your body (and skin) extra hydrated and full of nutrition.

These are just a few tips–what are your own tips for staying healthy, beautiful and hydrated?

News & Feature

Hello everyone!

I have been away but for a good reason: I’ve accepted a new position as Visiting Professor & Director of Research & Learning at a new University.  I’m very excited about this, but this means packing, moving, finding a new place, and strategizing the completion of my studies along with my hubby’s.  We are all too excited, and look forward to this new chapter in our lives.

Also, Renee at What Mommies Need is hosting a giveaway of one of my Spa Sets for Mother’s Day!  Check out her blog for a chance to win:

http://www.whatmommiesneed.com/

Soaps!

I can’t wait until I have time to make my cold-processed soaps and other goodies!  It been such a busy time, but at least I have been able to make some whipped shea butters and salves.  I have many more products still in their development and testing phases (like a new body mist that smells sooo good)…when I have time to photograph I will post them.

In the meantime, here are my favorite soaps (in no particular order).  I was inspired to do this posting by Amina.

Rose Clay Goat Milk Soap by Rose of Sharon Acres – so creamy & it smells like Jasmine & Ylang Ylang!  Monica and her family’s soaps were among my first exposure to natural soaps (other than Dudu Osun and African Black Soaps) over two years ago now.  They make great tooth soap, too!

Lemon Geranium by Urban Eden – smells absolutely heavenly and such a big bar.  It is a moisturizing soap and its scent blooms beautifully in the shower.

Organic Neroli Rose by Green Springs Body Works – all-organic 7 oz. soap bar with a soft scent.  It’s also very moisturizing with the added Goat’s Milk.  They have great face food, too!

Bahama Bliss by Soap for Goodness Sake – this soap is a mix of Sweet Orange, Vanilla & Ylang Ylang.  It smells divine and lasts a very long time!

Scarborough Fair by Chagrin Valley Soaps – one of the nicest herbal soaps that I’ve used!  Plus they have very nice shampoo bars and other blends.  I’ve just ordered the Cucumber Lime Yogurt Facial Soap along with some other samples to try out!

Vanilla de Madagascar by Sea Sprite Soaps – one of the best vanillas I’ve smelled, and such creamy, bubbly lather!  In general, I love Steph’s soaps at Sea Sprite Soaps.

Amber Crush by Alchemic Muse – this is a true amber aroma made from real amber resin!  It was a limited edition for Valentine’s Day, but I’ve asked Karen to bring it back and she is!  The scent is divine and the soap is sooo buttery smooth and moisturizing!

Blue Chamomile by Soapalaya Soaps – what a calming blend!  I love the color, design and decadent lather of this soap!  This is one of her “blended creme” soaps, an innovative combination of cold-processed soap with a natural melt and pour vegetable glycerin base.  The resulting texture is divine.  Plus Alex makes great soaps in general.

As you can see, I love soaps.  I particularly love cold-processed bar soaps and rarely use liquid soaps – other than Dr. Bronner’s Organic Almond Castile Soap and Aubrey Organics’ Luxurious Body Wash, both of which I use for my face.  I have a soap stash bigger than a rational person would have,  but this is my way of indulging and creating a haven to wash the cares of the day away.  What are some of your favorite soaps (bars or liquid)?  And when did you first become turned on to all-natural, handmade soaps?

Spring

Spring has sprung, or has it?  Yesterday I was floored when I saw that the steady rain began to form into snow.  There is a light coating of snow on the ground and on the roofs of the houses on my street as I type this message, but the sun is coming out to melt that madness away.  Hopefully there will be no more surprises like this and spring will be here to stay.

Here is some spring inspired eye candy from Etsy.  Click on the picture for the item’s web listing.  Enjoy and have a wonderful, spring-filled week!

Spring Easter Eggs Art Set

Vintage Robin Eggs Earrings

Moss Rose Seeds

Yellow Rose Drop Earrings

Pale Pink Scarf

Earth Therapeutics

For several months now, I have been using Earth Therapeutics’ bath accessories.  I especially love the exfoliating hydro towel!  It works well with body wash and with bar soap.  Most of the time, I use natural bar soaps, and this towel really boosts lather and makes the bars last longer. I have used other exfoliating towels that I’ve found at Rite-Aid and other stores, but this one seems to be the strongest and most durable.

I have also used the natural volcanic foot stones with great success.  This foot stone actually does a great job of exfoliating and renewing your feet, unlike some of the grayish pumice stones that I’ve come across. 

If you’re looking for ways to enhance the effectiveness of your bath and body care, check out these two products.  They are effective, last a long time and are available at most Whole Food stores and online at Amazon.com.  What products do you use to enhance your showering and bathing experiences?

Changes

Hi everyone!  Lots of things are taking place behind the scenes.  For one, I’m busy-busy-busy writing away (I am a PhD student first, after all).  I’m also doing a lot of product experimentation and research on product making.  This is taking longer than expected, and sometimes I don’t have the time to post a new product (i.e. aromatherapy blends) that I’m working on.  I will get back to it, perhaps in late-April, when there’s more time.

In the meantime, I’ll try to post more regularly so that you can actually come here and say hello to me, LOL.  I hope you all are doing well and having a wonderful life.  That is really what living’s all about.