Lighten Dark Spots Naturally

Home remedies for age spots are not overnight successes, and if patience is not a virtue possessed then it may be best to visit your dermatologist for medical treatments.  Home remedies can take from six to eight weeks before results are noticeable.

 

 

CITRUS

The simplest is applying a lemon slice directly on the spots you want lightened. Apply up to two times every day. Leave in place for five minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
A mixture of 1 tsp. each of orange and lime juice with 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar can be applied and rinsed the same way.
Citrus applications can dry and irritate your skin after prolonged use. It recommends a quality skin lotion after each rinse.

 Another common food equaling a lemon’s acidity is the red onion. One slice of red onion, rubbed into the skin daily is also touted with natural bleaching abilities for the skin.

 

NATURAL VITAMIN E

Natural Vitamin E consists of several compounds which include alpha, beta, delta, and gamma tocopherol. However, the most important ingredient is alpha-tocopherol due to its antioxidant properties. Alpha-tocopherol had been shown to reduce significantly the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, freckles and dark spots on the skin.

NUTGRASS ROOT

 It is a natural whitening ingredient that can brighten skin effectively by reducing melanin up to 40% without any harmful side effect. Clinical trials have shown that Extrapone nutgrass is effective in reducing freckles and dark spots due to its ability to inhibit the formation of the skin pigment melanin.

 

SHEA BUTTER

Shea butter, if applied in its natural form, on the affected skin area, can be very effective.  In addition to aiding in dark spot removal, shea butter also helps moisturize and hydrate the skin, rejuvenating and refreshing it.  ‘

 

BUTTERMILK

Buttermilk contains a natural bleach that will gradually fade the dark spots on your skin. Buttermilk helps your skin cells regenerate at a faster rate, helping replace the damaged cells in your dark spots and fading their color. Buy buttermilk at the grocery store, soak a cotton ball in the liquid and rub it on your dark spots. Hold the cotton ball on the dark spots for 10 minutes.

 

CHEMICAL PEELS

Try glycolic facials, which are offered by many spas and salons.  These facials help remove ark spots as glycolic acid is the main component used in these facials.  Glycolic acid helps in removing dead cells and the upper layer of the skin, thereby aiding in dark spot removal.  

 

ALPHA HYDROXY/RETINOL

Dermatologists often recommend applying a retinoid or retinol directly on age spots. A prescriptive retinoid is more effective and provides a faster result that the OTC retinol. The spots should diminish or even disappear in a few months.

 

An important drawback is that it also makes skin more susceptible to damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which could make your age spots or scars darker. You must stay out of the sun while using lotions formulated with this ingredient to experience optimal fading of skin blemishes.

 

CHINESE HERBS

A natural remedy based on traditional Chinese herb lore is homemade ginsing and gotu kola cream. Mix 1/8 tsp. powdered ginseng root with 1/8 tsp. gotu kola. Moisten the blend with ginseng tea to form a paste. Apply directly on your pigmented spots, then rinse with cool water after 10 to 15 minutes. Use this preparation twice a day. Repeat until you see the degree of lightening you want.

 

Although home remedies are considered safe, there are side effects to be wary of as with any treatment. Natural acids from onion and lemon are completely safe for ingestion and topical application however when used for extended periods of time and in excess, skin burns can occur. Other factors to consider are over bleaching of your skin. This could leave age spots whiter than your other skin once treatment is complete.

 

You may prefer organic products formulated to diminsh dark spots naturally:

https://us.nyrorganic.com/shop/skincarebydonna/product/0568/wild-rose-beauty-balm-1-76-oz/?a=12&cat=0&search=rose%20blam

Contains 30% Rose Hip Seed Oil which is a natural retinol.

 

Organic Skin Brighteners

https://us.nyrorganic.com/shop/skincarebydonna/product/0037/brightening-serum-1-01fl-oz/?a=12&cat=0&search=brightener

 

https://us.nyrorganic.com/shop/skincarebydonna/product/0583/daily-brightening-3-38fl-oz/?a=12&cat=0&search=brightener

How to Treat Blackheads

Blackheads, or open comedones look like black bumps or plugs and are caused by excess skin oil that accumulates in the sebaceous glands’ ducts. Sebum (secretion of the sebaceous glands) and keratin (specific substance found in the dead outer skin tissue) are collected in pores and oxidized (that’s why they look blackish in color). However, when you extract the blackhead it can appear to be yellow or brown.

It’s much easier to prevent blackheads than to treat them. Here are some tips:

• Keep your skin clean and breathing. Wash your face regularly with a gentle exfoliating  scrub that contains salicylic acid. Salicylic acid does wonders in preventing and getting rid of blackheads, acne and pimples.
• Don’t be overzealous with your make-up, especially if you can see the first signs of skin’s problem!
• Use products specifically for oily skin. Remember, excess oil is the cause of blackheads! Improper products will clog pores and only contribute to blackheads.
• Wash your face with a good organic acne cleanser twice a day.
• Make a habit of applying an oil-absorbing clay facial mask once a week. It is very effective as it penetrates into pores, absorbs excess skin oil and unclogs pores.
• Launder your pillowcase at least once every week.

Do you already suffer from blackheads?  Try the following……

1. Do not squeeze!!
2. Wash your face with a good acne cleanser and scrub it properly.
3. Make a warm water compress to the area affected with blackheads for 15-20 minutes to open the pores. You can also fill a container with hot water and lean over it for the same time (15 minutes). The steam will open your pores.
4. Dry your face with a clean fresh towel. Now when your skin is dry and pores open, the blackheads are closer to the surface of your skin. This is the best time to apply an oil absorbing facial mask.
5. Take some green clay and add rose water. Mix the substance until smooth and apply onto your nose. The mask provides a stunning effect in removing blackheads as well as unclogging the pores. Leave the mask until it is firm to the touch, and then wash it off with warm water. You can also try a honey mask- just warm some honey, apply it on your nose for ten minutes or so and then wash it off.
6. Once your skin is clean and breathing,  and your pores are open, use a specially formulated blackhead cleanser on your face to get rid of extra blackheads.
7. Wash your face with cold water to close the pores. Apply a quality oil-free non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Come by the spa and check out our organic products and treatments to help you address all your complexion concerns.  We offer complimentary consultations to determine the best treatments for you!

 

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10 Tips for Flawless Skin

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Product Review: Clarisonic Classic Cleansing System

Have you heard of the Clarisonic yet?  You need to.

The Clarisonic Skin System is a water-proof, hand-held device with a vibrating brush head. You apply a cleanser then move the brush on your face in a circular patter. A built-in timer tells you when to move from one face section to the next.

What is it: Sonic skin cleansing. Sonic technology first changed the way we clean our teeth–now it’s changing how we cleanse our skin! This cleansing method is so gentle and effective, it is used and recommended by leading spas and dermatologists.

Who is it for: All skin types.

Why is it different: This sonic micro-massage gently cleans pores–loosening dirt, makeup and oil as it reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles. It’s proven to remove six times more dirt, sebum, and makeup than traditional, superficial cleansing, allowing your serums and moisturizers to absorb better. Skin is left soft, pampered, radiant, and younger looking–without harsh abrasion or chemicals. It’s so gentle, you can use it twice daily. You can also use it on your face, decollete, and body, if desired.

How do I use it: Use for one minute once a day, every day. It’s waterproof, so you can even use it in the shower or tub. Pair it with any non-abrasive cleanser.

Think you’ve removed all your makeup with your cleanser? There is probably makeup, dirt, and other impurities left behind after you cleanse that you can’t even see. The sonic frequency moves Clarisonic’s soft, gentle brush back and forth at more than 300 times per second, thoroughly clearing pores and skin surface  The Clarisonic  goes beyond cleansing by using sonic technology to gently yet deeply cleanse pores of environmental toxins, makeup and bacteria-without abrasion or harsh chemicals.  The Clarisonic development team, led by the primary inventor of the cutting-edge Sonicare® toothbrush, is committed to creating new ways to shed years off your skin. The easy-to-use daily devices use advanced sonic technology for results that are nothing short of impressive. With regular daily use the Clarisonic reduces dry skin patches, oily areas and blemishes and immediately leaves skin feeling and looking smoother.

My thoughts:  I LOVE my Clarisonic.   I’ve become addicted to my sonic toothbrush for the deep clean it gives my teeth and the Clarisonic is no different on my face.   I use it each night to cleanse my face and remove makeup.  Nothing I’ve ever used compares to the amazing clean along with the ease of use.  It literally takes just one minute to deep clean your face each night.  One minute!  Best minute you’ll ever spend.

In my professional opinion:  I recommend the Clarisonic to everyone!  Who couldn’t  benefit from a cleaner face?  The sonic action deep cleans pores while the brush cleans the surface and assists in exfoliation.  Both keys to a clear, smooth complexion.  I recommend using the device just once per day and I recommend it for the removal of makeup as it truly does a superior job.

In addition to the Classic model, the is the Plus model which is for the body as well, and the Mia, a smaller size version perfect for travel.  Any model is recommended.  The Plus model is great for pre-tan body exfoliating.

Clarisonic is proud to support breast cancer research. With every Pink Clarisonic purchase, a donation is made to help fund the fight against breast cancer.  Think Pink…..October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October starts tomorrow!  What a great way to help yourself and others at the same time!

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5 Steps to an Effective Anti-Aging Routine

Over time, skin ages and loses its youthful appearance. Wrinkles appear around the eyes, fine lines bloom around the lips, and age spots surface on the hands. Protecting your skin from sun damage, collagen breakdown, discolorations, and wrinkles and addressing the needs of your specific skin type (oily, dry, combination, rosacea, etc.) are the essentials of any anti-aging routine. But … are you getting the most from your skin-care routine  We can help you get the continuous impressive results you want and deserve, and make sure you’re giving your skin its best chance to look and act younger, now and in the future!

1. Use Sunscreen! 
A broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 15 or greater is the one anti-wrinkle product no one should be without! The research is clear: An SPF-rated product should be applied 365 days a year (or 366 days this year) … rain, snow, or shine. Damaging, aging UV rays are always present, even in perpetually cloudy climates (for example, Washington State has a higher skin cancer rate than Florida according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). In addition, any sunscreen becomes supercharged when it is loaded with antioxidants and skin-identical ingredients that boost the skin’s ability to fight sun damage.

2. A Serum Loaded with Antioxidants + Anti-Aging Ingredients
There are three types of ingredients any anti-aging serum should contain for best results: antioxidants, cell-communicating ingredients, and skin-repairing ingredients. Antioxidants help reduce free-radical damage to the skin, slowing the breakdown of collagen and the negative effects on other critical skin functions; cell-communicating ingredients “talk” to damaged cells, telling them to behave in a younger, healthier manner; and skin-repairing ingredients fortify the skin’s surface as they reduce the damage that leads to multiple signs of aging. No anti-aging routine is complete without these powerhouses, and the greater the variety you give to your skin, the greater the impact you can have over its appearance as you age!

Why a serum? A well-formulated serum contains a specialized selection of effective, potent antioxidants plus cell-communicating and skin-repairing ingredients—and serums hold the greatest concentration of these ingredients when compared with anti-aging moisturizers.

3.  A Night Cream That Targets Your Skin Type AND Concerns
Not every skin type needs the same emollient ingredients associated with moisturizers; however, every skin type needs the same types of ingredients that repair, protect, and target specific concerns such as discolorations, redness, and signs of aging—look no further than a brilliantly formulated nighttime moisturizer! The beneficial, supercharged ingredients in a nighttime moisturizer will improve your skin’s ability to produce collagen, protect its surface from moisture loss, and leave your skin feeling smooth.

4.  AHA and BHA Exfoliants 
Perhaps no other type of skin-care product can make such a dramatic overnight difference in your skin than using a BHA or AHA exfoliant on a regular basis. Every second of every day, your skin naturally sheds thousands of skin cells, and as we age and/or are subject to sun damage, dry or oily skin, or the effects of genetics, dead skin cells build up, resulting in dull, wrinkled, flakey skin, persistent (and annoying) breakouts, whiteheads, and bumps. A great exfoliant can make all the difference in the world!

How do you decide which is right for you, AHA or BHA (or both)? Here’s how to determine which is best for you:

AHAs (alpha hydroxy acid; for example, glycolic acid and lactic acid) work on the surface of the skin, eliminating dry skin, working against the effects of sun damage, and improving the moisture content of skin. AHAs are best for dry, sun-damaged skin!

BHA (beta hydroxy acid; that is, salicylic acid) also works on the surface of the skin, just like AHAs, but BHA also has the ability to exfoliate inside the pore, reducing or eliminating issues like blackheads or blemishes. BHA also is a potent anti-inflammatory, so it can be great for rosacea and sensitive skin!

BOTH AHAs and BHA help fade discolorations, and improve collagen production for more resilient, firmer skin!

5.  An Antioxidant-Rich Restorative Toner
After cleansing, your skin is primed and ready to receive skin-repairing and anti-aging ingredients. A great toner should be loaded with skin saviors that rival those in the most complex treatments—an extra dose of what your complexion needs to look younger, fresher, and healthier right after cleansing and throughout your day!

 

The range of products above represents an anti-aging dream team you can use to upgrade your skin-care regimen to achieve dramatic, unprecedented results! Remember, there is no single, miracle ingredient, and your skin needs more than what any one product can provide, just like your diet needs more than one healthy food or nutrient! Let our research-driven recommendations help you get the skin you’ve always wanted, now and years from now!

 

Facials at Home

Here are a collection of recipes to make and use at home:

For All Skin Types

Brighten: Cut a slice of ripe papaya and remove the seeds and pulp (save the pulp for a snack later—it’s great for digestion). Rub the inside of the papaya peel on your cleansed face, focusing on lines around the mouth and eyes, crow’s feet, thinning temples, neck and hands. Let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with tepid water. This mask can be done twice a week. The enzymes in papaya exfoliate, repair sun damage, diminish age spots and smooth skin. Your skin will look brighter, with a more polished finish.

 

Exfoliate: Combine 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp olive oil. Separately, prepare a packet of plain oatmeal, using less water than called for so it forms a thick paste. Next, add the honey and olive oil mixture to the cooked oatmeal. Apply as a scrub, gently rubbing it in small circles over your skin, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. This mask can be done twice weekly. The oatmeal in this scrub exfoliates, while the honey and olive oil moisturize.

 

Cleanse: Oils can make an excellent cleanser.  For this facial, combine 1 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt with 2 tsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp lemon oil (not to be confused with lemon juice; lemon oil is an essential oil that can be found at health food stores). The mixture should be a little bit runny but not easily poured out. Massage it over skin, then immediately wipe it off with a washcloth soaked in tepid water. This can be done daily. You want to use good-quality oil and you’ll be surprised at how clean your skin will feel.  You don’t need a harsher product, even for skin with acne. Just be careful around the eye area as this recipe tends to be very sticky.

For Oil- and Blemish-Prone Skin

Lift & Tighten: Combine 2 Tbsp plain yogurt with 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (the juice of one lemon) and apply to your cleansed face and neck. Let it dry for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll feel the mask tighten on your face and neck, which creates a lifting and firming effect. Leave it on longer (up to one hour) for even more face-lifting effects. Once done, rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This mask can be done two to three times a week or whenever you need a face lift. This instant face-lifting mask helps fade age-spots, acne scars and even helps keep blemishes and acne in check. It also gets rid of uneven-looking skin tone.

Tone: This toning eye treatment helps to de-puff, relax, refresh and energize your skin. It’s much more cooling than the traditional cucumber slices.  After cleansing your skin, brew a cup of chamomile or green tea and allow it to cool. Then soak two clean, round makeup sponges in the tea and squeeze out any excess liquid. Place one on each of your eyes for 15 minutes. Do this daily. You should use an alcohol-free toner on your skin to cleanse and tighten pores.  Alcohol is very detrimental, and tea works just as well.

 

 

For Dry Skin

Soothe: Combine 2 Tbsp honey with 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to your clean face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This can be done three times a week. This mask heals, moisturizes and balances the pH of the skin. Honey is a humectant and natural antibiotic that heals and moisturizes. Apple cider vinegar helps balance the pH of skin and soothes damaged skin.

 

Moisturize: Try oatmeal and fennel to help moisturize dry skin. Grind 1 Tbsp oatmeal in a blender and set aside. Add 1 Tbsp fennel seeds to 1/2 cup boiling water to make a tea. Allow the seeds to steep for 10 minutes; strain the seeds and discard. Let it cool down to room temperature and then combine 1 Tbsp of the fennel tea with 1 Tbsp ground oatmeal and 1 Tbsp honey. Apply the mixture to your clean face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This mask can be done twice weekly.

 

Brighten: Combine 2 Tbsp sour cream with 2 Tbsp honey and 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to your cleansed face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool (not cold) rinse. This mask can be done twice a week. This mask heals, exfoliates, brightens and moisturizes skin. It refines pores, fades acne marks and prevents blemishes from coming up.

 

 

 

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SOAP is a 4 Letter Word

The reason that bar soaps are particularly harsh on the skin is because they strip away the healthy, natural oils that the skin produces in order protect it. Many bar soaps strip this necessary oil, damaging the skin. As you know, bacteria thrive in low pH, so soaps with higher pH actually cleanse the skin better. This is for a number of reasons that have to do with the chemical formation of your skin. When skin is cleansed in high pH cleanser, very little, if any, dirt or make up is left behind. This ultimately will make your skin cleaner, smoother, and softer. That is why bar soaps should not be used on the face. Instead use a good cleanser formulated for your skin type.  Facial cleansers are mild and are capable of maintaining the proper pH for your skin.

 

Harmful Effects of Soap on Facial Skin

Alters Normal Skin pH
The normal pH of the skin is between 5.0-5.6. This pH range means that skin’s normal pH is between the acidic and neutral range. Soaps are usually more alkaline in nature owing to their cleansing properties. This alkaline nature is not good for facial skin and tends to make it dull and dry. Facial skin is naturally hydrated with oils that the skin secrets for itself. Using harsh soaps for washing face removes the protective oils from the skin leaving it extremely dry. Excessive dryness triggers the oil glands of the skin to secrete more oils thereby, making it oily. Women with oily skin may find soaps helpful in providing that dry look, but are unaware of the fact that this dryness will further trigger oil secretion by the glands of the facial skin.

Produces Wrinkles
Using soap for cleansing face reduces acidic nature of the skin and its moisture content. The near to acidic pH of the skin is essential to kill bacteria and prevent them from thriving on it, which is lost due to soap. Dryness and dehydration causes development of fine lines which gradually turn into wrinkles. Wrinkles make your facial skin look mature and once this happens, you can do nothing to get back your lively skin.

Reduces the Natural Moisturizing Factor
The natural moisturizing factor is responsible for keeping the skin nourished and moisturized all the time. Skin proteins are a part of the upper layers of the skin. The surface active agents used in soap production bind to these proteins and hydrate them excessively. This results in swelling of proteins which facilitates penetration of soap ingredients deeper into the skin. Strong chemicals coming in contact with deeper layers of the skin cause irritation and itching. After the water evaporates, the proteins are left drier than before, which reduces the natural moisturizing factor of the skin.

Causes Allergic Reactions
Soaps are made up of strong chemicals and not everybody’s facial skin is resistant enough to bear the ill-effects it brings along with it. People with sensitive skin often develop allergic reactions towards some or the other chemical ingredient present in the soap and face undesired consequences. Facial skin is extremely delicate and cannot handle strong chemicals therefore, must be kept away from soap.

May Leave Soap Residue
Using soap for cleansing face can be harmful if one does not wash the face properly after its application. Improper rinsing can leave a layer of soap residue on the skin which can increase its dryness and cause redness along with itchy feeling.

Pumpkin Enzyme Peels

Pumpkin Peels

• Pumpkin peels have emerged as an alternative to traditional acid peels. Pumpkin contains a high concentration of beta-carotene and vitamins A and C, which combat free radicals and damage from sun exposure. These vitamins promote healthy cell turnover and encourage the production of collagen and elastin. Pumpkin also possesses nutrients like zinc and potassium that nourish the skin, while natural AHAs and enzymes exfoliate. Allantoin acts as anti-inflammatory to help calm the skin. Many women enjoy the smell and it is better tolerated by sensitive skin.

Usage

• Pumpkin peels should be performed once or twice a week. Each application should last three to five minutes. In lower doses, pumpkin peels can be used without breaks. Allow a month or so for visible results.

All Natural Homemade Pore Strips

Ingredients
1/2 Teaspoon unflavored gelatin (grocery store)

1 Teaspoon of milk

Directions:

Stir together and microwave for 10 seconds

Apply the mixture heavily avoiding your eyes using cosmetic brush

Let it dry for 20 minutes or until completely hardened.

Peel off the gel!

Non-Toxic Bug Repellent Recipe with Coconut Oil | Health Impact News

 

Non-Toxic Bug Repellent Recipe with Coconut Oil | Health Impact News.