Vitamin C - Good for the Body & Good for the Skin August 01 2014

I love Vitamin C and I’ll tell you why. Vitamin C boosts the skin’s natural immune properties, minimizing and repairing the damage caused by the sun and free radicals. Vitamin C is also the only antioxidant that has been proven to stimulate the production of collagen which binds cells together giving you a more youthful appearance by firming your skin. Vitamin C also speeds healing, reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier giving you a more radiant, youthful appearance. This is one power-packed little vitamin!

There are many forms of Vitamin C being used in topical skin care products and it can be very confusing when trying to decide which one is best. Ascorbic Acid was the first and most common form of Vitamin C used in skin care preparations but it is very unstable and can be irritating to the skin. But recently more stable and less irritating forms have been made available to the skin care industry. Currently the most stable form of Vitamin C is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (BV-OSC) which is both oil and water soluable and penetrates the whole cell. Better penetration gives it the ability to reduce wrinkles and improve your skin’s tone and texture. BV-OSC also has been found to clarify and brighten the skin by inhibiting melanogenesis (the production of pigment) thereby promoting a more even skin tone. Unlike ascorbic acid it will not exfoliate or irritate skin.

I recommend using a Vitamin C product year around but it's especially importnant in the Summer time. During the Summer months the sun depletes important nutrients in the skin, such as Vitamin C. The sun also causes free radical damage which rapidly speeds up aging and causes damage to the skin's surface. Vitamin C fights free radicals and protects and repairs damaged cells. Adding a Vitamin C serum or cream to your regimen protects your skin and creates a healthy, youthful glow!

Natural Looking Makeup for Summer July 28 2014

Makeup should enhance your features rather than cover them up. A natural looking foundation is very appealing, especially for Summer. Below are some tips on how to create a more natural glowing look so people will notice your beautiful skin instead of your makeup.

The key to creating a natural look with foundation is to match your skin tone. Nothing looks more unnatural than a foundation that doesn't blend with your skin! The best way to get the right shade of foundation is to sample it on your jaw line and leave it there for a few minutes. Look at it in different lights to make sure it blends well with your face and neck. If you are having trouble ask a professional to match it up for you. There are many shades to choose from and it's just a matter of finding your perfect match!

Once you have the right shade of foundation make sure to apply it sparingly so as not to give a masky appearance. For a smoother dewy look be sure to apply a light moisturizer first. If you have a thicker foundation you can even blend a little moisturizer before applying to soften the look.

For those of you who like an even more natural look, try a tinted moisturizer. Many on the market today contain sunscreen and give a light coverage that enhances the skin and evens out the skin tone.

And always remember that beautiful, healthy skin needs less makeup so stick to a good skin care regimen, drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet.

The Dreaded "Cottage Cheese" Thighs! June 19 2014

Did you know that 90% of all women will deal with cellulite? Cellulite occurs when the connective tissue pulls down on fat causing the fat to bulge under the skin. Diet and exercise play an important role in reducing the appearance of cellulite.

If you want to reduce cellulite you need to detox your body. Stay away from nicotine and caffeine, reduce your intake of salt and fat and drink plenty of water. Eat nutrient rich foods like berries and nuts and add plenty of glucosamine, B vitamins and essential fatty acids to your diet. Onions are also a great food to combat cellulite because they act as a natural diuretic releasing water buildup from skin cells.

Don't forget to exercise. The less fat and more muscle you have will make cellulite disappear. Muscle will stretch the skin and smooth out the dimpled appearance.

Increase circulation and break up the fat by doing daily massages to troubled areas using a cellulite reducing cream and using a body brush in the shower or bath to help increase circulation. Use aromatherapy oils in your bath to stimulate your system: Sage, cypress, and juniper essential oils added to your bath aid with cellulite reduction by stimulating your system.