EAT YOUR WAY TO BETTER SKIN PART 2

Here is some more information that I found about EATING YOUR WAY TO BETTER SKIN.  All of the information has been taken from magazines and different sites.  I hope that this information helps. 

Lemon + kiwi = complexion clearer

How come oranges get all the citrus-fruit street cred? “Lemons help your body detox by supporting your liver and kidneys,” says Peter Lamas, founder of Lamas Beauty. “The cleaner your system is, the clearer your complexion will be.” Kiwifruits have the same effect, notes beauty dietitian and nutritionist Lisa Drayer, M.A., R.D. “One cup of peeled kiwifruit contains more vitamin C than the equivalent amount of oranges … and research has suggested that high vitamin C intake is associated with fewer wrinkles,” writes Drayer in The Beauty Diet. 

Ginger = puffy-eye fighter

“Slice into some ginger,” suggests nutritional consultant Allison Tannis, B.Sc., M.Sc., R.H.N., the author of Feed Your Skin, Starve Your Wrinkles. “Not only is it a great spice to add to your salad dressing or stir-fry, it has anti-inflammatory properties. Skin conditions like acne and psoriasis cause your skin to appear puffy and red, both of which are signs of inflammation.” So when you’re tempted to order Chinese takeout one night, go for it—and indulge in something gingery.

Papaya = glow enhancer

Exotic fruit like papayas can help give you an I-just-back-from-a-relaxing-getaway glow. “You can spend your money on an exotic vacation instead of paying for an expensive face-lift, thanks to this tropical fruit,” writes Tannis about the carotene-, vitamin C- and flavonoid-packed food, which can help fight wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Wheat germ = new skin-cell booster

Sprinkling some vitamin B-packed wheat germ over your morning yogurt or cereal will do wonders for your skin, says Tannis. “The best way to ensure your skin is looking its best is to eat foods that offer your skin the nutrients needed to make more healthy, new cells. B vitamins are really important because they support rapid cell division—which is just what you want.”

We all know the right foods can boost brain power and affect our moods, and we recently learned the ones that can help us live longer. But have you ever thought about how what you put in your mouth shows up your face (beyond that whole pizza/acne myth). Here, dietitian Jae Berman dishes out how you can truly eat your way to better skin: 

1. Vegetables: Think green and orange foods (spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, citrus). They contain the antioxidant vitamin C which facilitates cell turnover and aids in collagen production. Carrots also contain vitamin A which, combined with the C, helps increase the skin's natural sun protection—and they help prevent breakouts by getting rid of dead skin cells.

2. Berries: The flavinols in cherries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries (and in dark chocolate!) act as an antioxidant and improve skin texture, leaving it soft and smooth.

3. Fish: Skip the facial and eat fish two to three times a week. Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids—an anti-inflammatory that fights puffiness, redness, and irritation. Even canned tuna has benefits: It battles wrinkles with Selenium, a mineral that preserves the elastin in the skin, which keeps it tight.

4. Nuts: They make quick, easy snacks and just a handful does a lot of good. Almonds help protect skin from UV light because they contain high levels of antioxidant vitamin E. Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids and act as an anti-inflammatory, just like fish.

5. Oils: One of Cleopatra's ancient beauty secrets—olive oil. It's high in antioxidants and keeps skin supple. And flaxseed oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, just like fish, and offers all the same benefits.

LET ME KNOW HOW YOU MAINTAIN YOUR SKIN....

DIY FACIAL WITH BAKING SODA

Baking Soda Mask to Fight Acne

This is so easy to make and can work wonders if your skin likes it. (Remember, not every cause of acne is the same, so you need to try different remedies and masks until you find the ones that work for you.)
All you need are two ingredients. Baking Soda (NOT baking powder) and water.

Mix a little together in your hands after washing your face with a mild cleanser and apply gently to your skin. Once you've coated your face with the baking soda and water mix, let it sit while you do other things around the house, or relax and read a book.

Rinse the baking soda film off your face and feel how soft and clear it feels. If your skin enjoys this recipe, and your acne improves, then you may try it several times a week to help clear your acne.

I found this information on another blog a while ago but wanted to share the information.  I have used this Mask several times and always helps with my ance.  You must be careful not to do this more than twice a week (2 times a week is only if you have major acne) because you will dry your skin.

Baking Soda is my go to product because you can do so much with it.  Check out some of my other posts for more information.

WHAT OTHER WAYS DO YOU USE BAKING SODA

DIY THURSDAY - DIY FACIALS MASKS

THIS WEEK DIY THURSDAY WILL CONTINUE ON FACIAL MASKS.

I have been so excited to see so many people interested in these DIY beauty treatments.  Last week someone asked to know more about the science behind why these treatments are so good for your skin.  I am still doing research and will talk more about this subject next week so make sure to check out DIY Thursday next week. 

I have to say that this last week I started using the egg white and egg yolk masks and am loving them.  Recently I had a bad break out and after a couple of treatments, my face started the clear up and my skin does feel softer. 

Here are some more facial masks to try out this weekend. 

Vinegar
Using vinegar as a skin toner dates back to the time of Helen of Troy. And it's just as effective today. After you wash your face, mix 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar with 2 cups water as a finishing rinse to cleanse and tighten your skin. You can also make your own facial treatment by mixing 1/4 cup cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water. Gently apply the solution to your face and let it dry.

Milk
Here's another way to give yourself a fancy spa facial at home. Make a mask by mixing 1/4 cup powdered milk with enough water to form a thick paste. Thoroughly coat your face with the mixture, let dry completely, then rinse with warm water. Your face will feel fresh and rejuvenated.

Mayonnaise
Why waste money on expensive creams when you can treat yourself to a soothing facial with whole-egg mayonnaise from your own refrigerator? Gently spread the mayonnaise over your face and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Then wipe it off and rinse with cool water. Your face will feel clean and smooth.

Lemon Create a facial that both exfoliates and moisturizes by mixing the juice from 1 lemon with ¼ cup olive oil or sweet almond oil.

Mustard
Pat your face with mild yellow mustard for a bracing facial that will soothe and stimulate your skin. Try it on a small test area first to make sure it will not be irritating.

PLEASE COMMENT ON SOME OF YOUR OWN DIY FACIALS AND SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES.

5 one-ingredient DIY face masks

Welcome to another DIY THURSDAYS.  Every week I will introduce some DIY beauty treatments that will not only help you look beautiful but will not cut a hole in your wallet.


This week I thought I would make it even easier with 5 different face masks that only require one ingredient.  It can not get any simpler, I hope that you give these a try and let me know how you enjoyed the treatments.

1. Honey -- A humectant, honey, attracts and retains moisture, so it's great for anyone who wants to combat dry skin. Use a cloth damp with warm water and pat skin to open pores. Smear honey onto skin and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, then pat skin with a cloth dampened in cold water to close pores

2. Raw egg yolk -- Egg yolks are high in vitamin A, a common ingredient in acne-fighting products. Spread on face and neck and leave on skin for 30 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

3. Raw egg white -- You'll get a lifting effect as the protein in egg whites dries on your skin. Beat egg white until frothy and spread on face. Wait until it dries and rinse off with warm water.

4. Grapes -- They contain powerful antioxidants, called polyphenols, which help combat aging. Cut one grape in half and rub lightly all over face.

5. Banana -- Bananas are one of the most nourishing fruits available because they contain magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, iodine, folic acid, and vitamins A, B, and E, all of which benefit the skin. Mash one overripe banana and spread onto face. Rinse off after 15 to 30 minutes with warm water.

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THESE MASK. LET ME KNOW ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH DIY FACIAL MASKS.

DIY FACIAL WITH HONEY

When I first started having issues with my skin (i.e. acne and hyper-pigmentation), I bought every product that promised a quick fix. Of course, I found that most of the products do not make a real difference (just wish I realized that before spending all that money, oh well).

I did a little more research and found several treatments, facials, scrubs, etc that only required a few ingredients that I already had in the kitchen.  This is when I fell in love with DIY (Do It Yourself).  Not only is this method more affordable, but most of the time you are using natural products that have beneficial qualities.

I have seen much more focus on DIY beauty treatments and would like to share some one treatment each week. I have tried so many things, sometimes I love it and make it part of my routine and others times I only try it once.

All the ingredients are easy to obtain, so I hope that you try it and please let me know what you think.

Honey is the most important ingredient in this facial.  Honey has been proven to be a  natural humectant that hydrates the skin. 

This facial only requires 3 ingredients, which will clean and hydrate your skin.

DIY FACIAL WITH HONEY
Makes 1 treatment (Use within 2-3 hours)

1 tablespoon honey (cleanses and moisturizes)
¼ cup of oatmeal (soothes skin; rich in Vitamin E)
3 tablespoon plain yogurt or Greek yogurt (softens and soothes)

1. Finely grind oatmeal using a blender or food processor; set aside.
2. Using a spatula, stir together honey and yogurt in a small bowl.
3. Add the finely ground oatmeal to the mixture and mix thoroughly. Consistency should be smooth.
4. Apply mixture to face and neck. Leave it on the skin for 10-15 minutes.
5. Rinse with warm water.

PLEASE COMMENT AND LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS. IF YOU TRY THIS FACIAL PLEASE COMMENT ON YOUR EXPERIENCE.