The Skin’s Tipping Point: Not the Point of No Return
09/30/2009 In Skin Care 101 by bien-être
According to a recent study by a company owned by Procter and Gamble (one of the over-the-counter cosmetic giants), our skin does collectively start showing more signs of aging by age 35, making this a so-called “tipping point.”
The good news (and something we discuss quite a bit at bien-etre) is that incorporating a healthy diet, lifestyle and skin care routine will keep you looking and feeling more youthful.
Future Derm touches on this “Tipping Point” idea and suggests you start taking care of your skin early to prevent the coming onslaught of wrinkles. We thought it was an interesting piece of trivia:
FutureDerm: Is There A Tipping point of Aging
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Paraffin: Friend or Foe?
09/29/2009 In Key Active Ingredients by bien-être
Paraffin wax is a heavy hydrocarbon that comes from crude oil. This makes it a by-product of fossil fuels. It is created by refining the wax from crude mineral oil. Sound like something you want to put all over your body or fragrance your home with? Maybe not when it’s put in that specific way. Yet, many of us use paraffin on a regular basis. Paraffin wax is most commonly used in candles and as a moisturizing therapy for skin.
Ever get the special upgrade in your pedicure or manicure? The nail technician gently guides your feet and hands into a tub of scalding yet sweet smelling liquid wax and then swaddles them in plastic lining and warm cotton mitts. When the nail tech removes the mitts and slides the semi hardened wax off your feet and hands, your skin feels amazingly smooth – almost slick with moisture and warmth. mmmm, crude oil therapy…
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Re-purpose Your Old Stockings for Your Skin’s Health
09/28/2009 In At Home Spa by bien-être
Got a rip in your stockings? Have they lost their elasticity? Don’t throw them away! Gently wash and dry them, then cut off the feet. These “feet” can be used in lieu of muslin or cheesecloth for bath soaks or eye compresses.
Potato Eye Compresses: Potatoes have a toning effect on the skin. Cut up some leftover potatoes into small pieces and place them in two stocking feet, and tie each one to make two small compresses. Dampen the compresses with hot water and squeeze out any excess so there’s no dripping. Let compresses cool in the fridge. Place the compresses over your eyes and relax for at least 10 minutes. Tired, puffy eyes will be wonderfully relieved and recharged!
Ginger Bath Soak: Freshly cut Ginger in the stocking, then wrap the open end around the tub’s faucet and tie up so that it stays in place. Turn on water and let the tub fill. The warm water will run through the ginger and infuse the bath water. This tub soak is great for relaxing achy, tired muscles. It will also stimulate sweating and makes for a wonderfully detoxifying bath when you’re feeling a bit under the weather. *Add two cups of Epsom Salts, or ½ cup of condensed Sea Water (available in your health food stores) for even more relaxing and detoxifying benefit!
Aromatherapy Bath Tea: Peppermint / Mint, Basil, Rose Petals, or Lavender are all beneficial plants often found in your garden or in the produce section of your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Mint helps to open the sinuses; Basil brightens and tones the skin; Rose and Lavender are softening and calming for the skin and the mind. Place any or all of these fresh herbs / flowers into one stocking foot and tie closed to make a “tea bag.” Place this tea bag in your bath tub and allow it to seep for a few minutes in the warm water. Then, soak away!
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Why We Love Vitamin D
09/25/2009 In Skin Nutrition by bien-être
No matter how old we get, our mothers still want to make sure we are getting our vitamins. My mother, Lynn, sent me this great article about Vitamin D. It discusses the role of this important vitamin in the body, signs and symptoms of deficiency, and suggested supplementation. We have the ability to produce vitamin D with minimal sun exposure and a whole food diet, yet many Americans are severely lacking in this vital nutrient. Foods are now fortified with extra Vitamin D and we are hearing about deficiency more and more in the news. Enjoy the read…and, thanks mom!
Vitamin D Deficiency Treatment
Is Simple in Theory, but…
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6 Steps to Sexier Skin pt. 2
09/23/2009 In Skin Nutrition by bien-être
Step 4: Replace Your Shower Head
Not just with any old shower head, though. Look for a filtered version. I recently purchased a great, inexpensive filtered shower head at Home Depot for under $39 – and the filter lasts for 6 months before it needs to be changed. There are higher quality brands (slightly more expensive) found at many online retailers as well. Filters are important because they remove excess bacteria, dirt and fluoride from tap water. Bacteria can cause breakouts, and fluoride is extremely drying for the skin.
Step 5: Be-friend The Dry Brush
Dry brushing daily can improve your skin’s health by increasing circulation and the lymphatic system, aiding in detoxification and allowing nutrients and oxygen to get to the skin faster. Dry brush before every shower and get sexier skin all over, not just on your face! For more information on this sexy skin step, read the article: All About Dry Brushing.
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