Spring Skincare For Everyone!

Its officially Spring! Spring and Summer bring about so much change with our bodies especially our skin. As the temperature changes from cold to warm, you may start to notice a oilier or normal appearance in the skin. If you tend to have Oily or Combination Skin, you may notice an overproduction of oil. If you tend to have dry skin, you may notice a balanced or normal appearance. As the weather warms; creating these changes in the skin among other changes in the body, it is important that we drink adequate amounts of water to help the body stay balanced. Sunscreen is also essential for any skin type (I cannot stress this enough), EVERYONE (men, women children, Black ,White, Asian, Indian) NEED IT! A few recommendations to change up your skincare routine can be found below:

Spring/Summer Care

Oily/Combination Skin: Use a cleanser with more foam or lather to combat excess oil. Toner can be switched for an astringent(just means more alcohol) if skin is extremely oily. A water-based mattifying moisturizer with an SPF of 5-15 should be used. A scrub and clay mask should be used 1-2 times a week.

Normal/Dry: Listen to your skin; you may want to use cleansers for normal skin which may concentrate on other issues such as brightening, so as long as they do not overdry. A toner can continue to be used. A medium to lightweight waterbased moisturizer with an SPF 5-15 should be used. A light scrub and neutral hydrating mask can be used once a week.

Emotional Spring Cleaning

Spring is approaching quickly...when I think of spring, first thing that comes to mind is spring cleaning. I also started to think about how we had such a rough fall/winter 2008. Feeling the effects of the economy slump, I know many who were unemployed, distressed, and frustrated(including myself at times).

When we move into a new season, especially from winter to spring, it is important that we clean out physical and emotional surroundings so that we prepare ourselves to receive the increased creative energy that our body is preparing to release for the spring and summer.

I found this article very interesting and enlightening how to emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually cleanse the body in preparation for the spring:

http://www.integrative-healthcare.org/mt/archives/2006/04/emotional_sprin.html

Springtime Hayfever Aromatherapy Blend

I know every Spring (when the leaves bud on the trees outside) and every fall (when the leaves fall off the trees), my allergies tend to go haywire!...Sneezing, congestion, and constant nose blowing. I came across this great aromatherapy blend you can use in your personal inhaler, oil burner, bath, or blended with steaming water while your head is covered with a towel (best). I would prefer this to taking Benadryl, which I usually resort to after trying just about every herbal remedy.

Springtime Cold Relief
You'll need:

• Eucalyptus − 4 drops
• Geranium − 4 drops
• Peppermint − 4 drops
• Rosemary − 4 drops

Blend all ingredients in an amber bottle. This blend can then be used in an Personal inhaler. Or add to a bath − only about 4 drops. or add 8 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil and rub on chest, neck or any other area you desire.

Taken From: http://www.aromatherapy-at-home.com/aromatherapy-health-recipes.html

Chocolate, Good For Skin??

Thanks to all those who came out to the most recent promotion at Essential Salon (& Spa :-) last week for Valentine's Day! In addition to the basic mini facial, the special consisted of a yummy Chocolate Face Mask as an added treat! I just wanted to post some of the ingredients and their benefits to the skin.

Rhassoul Mud/Clay (Also known as Red Clay)

This clay has a unique ability to absorb tremendous amounts of water, which makes it ideal for cleansing and detoxifying the skin. Rhassoul clay contains higher percentages of silica, magnesium, potassium, calcium and other trace minerals than other clays. These minerals make the clay highly detoxifying as they can actually exchange themselves for toxic compounds like metals in the skin. So the clay not only works to remove impurities from your skin-it also replaces them with nourishing trace minerals. And, the clay's high level of ions exchange makes it ideal for toning and enriching the skin. But perhaps the best part about Rhassoul clay is what it doesn't contain: no petrochemical derivatives, no synthetic preservatives, no surfactants or artificial colors

Organic Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder, which is what chocolate is made of, is a wonderful and powerful antioxidant. It protects and frees the skin from free radicals, that cause significant damage to skin layers. It is a mistake to think that chocolate causes acne. Although chocolate has been blamed as one of the causes of acne , this has not been scientifically proven as of yet. Actually, dermatologists say that what causes acne in people who consume chocolate is milk that is added to it, not the chocolate itself. As I mentioned, it has free radicals present, and is far from detrimental so don't let a little myth stop you from consuming this divine treat :)

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil contains Menthol, which is good for skin. It gives a cooling effect. Further it nourishes dull skin and improves oily skin.

Info taken From Various Web Sources

Hey Everyone!

I am so excited about this blog and the chance to get to share information with everyone regarding Skincare and products that are beneficial for you! I wanted to use my love for writing in order to spread knowledge. I welcome comments and feedback regarding the posts...and hope that you can use this blog for reference and share information with friends.

Disclaimer: Any recommendations on this site are purely advice and no substitute for treatment of illness or severe medical problems. Please consult a physician for any severe medical problems, if you are pregnant, have a history of allergies, or are currently on medication before taking herbal treatments or using certain organic products, herbs, or essential oils.