Satin Smooth

In Love with Luscious Lips

2016-01-17T13:22:00.000-05:00

Did you know that your lips can accumulate dirt/grime, dead skin, chemicals, etc., just like the rest of you? They need to be cleansed, exfoliated, and moisturized just as the rest of you. The skin on your lips has no hair follicles, oil, or sweat glands. As a result, it is thinner, drier, more fragile, and has fewer layers. The amount of melanin or pigment depends on the ethnicity and the lifestyle of the individual, for example, the blackened lips of a smoker...ewww!

Lip exfoliation once or twice a week can remove unwanted debris and reveal brighter, smoother, and more attractive kissers. There are commercial preparations you can use that are effective or you can make your own. Mary Kay's Satin Lips Lip Mask and Paula's Choice Lip Perfecting Gentle Scrub with Micro Beads are excellent choices. One of our favorite recipes for homemade lip exfoliators is called Natural Lip Scrub on the whole new mom website. Always follow-up with a nourishing moisturizing lip balm. Don't bite or lick lips and use lip balms with sunscreen during the day, alone or under your lipstick. If you follow that regimen as described, your lips will become notably healthier, luscious, and kissable!!

Sugar Ain't Always Sweet

2015-03-11T23:10:00.000-04:00

The average adult probably already knows that sugar intake does more harm than good. That information has been well dispersed among the general population for years. When blood sugar levels are elevated, a chain reaction of negative events are set off. Insulin, a natural hormone secreted by the pancreas normally comes to the rescue. When the pancreas does not function, it cannot regulate the blood sugar. The individual becomes diabetic and at risk for devastating complications, such as gangrene, slow healing or non-healing wounds, blindness, debilitating nerve disorders, and more!

You do not have to suffer from diabetes to experience the repercussions of excessive sugar intake. It is very damaging to most every body organ including your skin. Once digested, sugar enters the bloodstream and binds with the lipids and proteins that support the skin causing glycation, as reported by the article "How Sugar Is Ruining Your Skin" at New Beauty The Beauty Authority website. The process of glycation generates free radicals that damage the skin's structural proteins collagen and elastin. Premature aging and tissue damage will result. If that is not bad enough, the process of glycation also generates the by-product hydrogen peroxide. It is highly irritating causing inflammation and damage, dermatologist Liliana Saap, MD explains to New Beauty. Wrinkling and sagging are the main signs of glycation. Increased outbreaks of acne and rosacea are also reported. Dermatologist Dr. Fredric Brandt, MD states, "It can take anywhere from a few months to a few years for the change in skin to be noticeable." There are a variety of skin care products you can try that are formulated to alleviate glycation and reverse the damage. They are discussed in the Winter/Spring 2015 edition of the New Beauty magazine.

Let it be noted that the body does need a certain amount of sugar to function properly. The sugars we consume are broken down into the carbohydrate glucose following digestion. Glucose is essential for energy production for the brain, muscles, and other organs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides the recommended daily allowance for carbohydrates that can serve as guide.

The solution seems easy enough in simply eliminating sugar from the diet. The dilemma is that many of the foods we love and crave are sweet and sugary. Sweet things simply taste good. Imbalances in the digestive system due to the presence of unwanted organisms, such as parasites and fungi bring about cravings. In many cases, the prepared and packaged foods we purchase already contain sugar. It is imperative to read the ingredients and nutritional information on the packages. The best and most effective way of resolving sugar overload is to replace with sugar substitutes that can sweeten and enhance flavor. In many cases, the sugar won't even be missed. Honey, maple syrup, stevia, monk fruit, and xylitol are popular and widely used natural sweeteners.

Do you have diabetes? If so, what modifications have you made in your diet and overall lifestyle? What modifications have you made in your skin care routine and are they effective?

Pamper Your Hair and Scalp with Herbal Rinses

2015-02-27T20:36:00.000-05:00

A natural, easy, and inexpensive way to clean and condition your hair and scalp is with herbal rinses. Just a little bit goes a long way and the benefits are fabulous. There are various herbs that can be used to cleanse, heal, repair, strengthen, stimulate growth, and enhance or change hair color. It is no more complicated than making a cup of tea. Boiling water is poured over dried or fresh herbs and steeped until cooled, and then strained. A squeeze bottle or spray bottle can be used to apply to saturate hair and scalp. As a general rule, use a teaspoon of dried herb for every cup of boiling water. The average adult will need at least 2 cups rinse unless hair is very long.

[If you prefer using fresh herbs then increase amount to 1/2 cup herbs per cup of water].

Different herbs offer different benefits and many are compatible when mixed together. Chamomile, horsetail, nettles, rosemary, and sage are very popular ones for rinses. Make sure you do your research on the specific herbs to use based on the specific needs of your hair and scalp. The part of the plant such as leaf, root, flower, bark, etc., should be noted. Be sure to become familiar with herbs that darken or lighten hair color to avoid unwanted effects. While applying the rinse, be aware of any unpleasant or unusual reactions which may indicate skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Of course, if you experience any adverse response be sure to immediately rinse out with lots of water.

Here are a few herbal remedies that you might like to try:

For dry itchy scalp with or without dandruff
burdock root, chamomile, comfrey, juniper, nettle, rosemary

For slow hair growth or hair loss
burdock, horsetail, lavender, nettle, sage, saw palmetto

For oily scalp and product build-up
lemon balm, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, white willow bark

Do you use herbal rinses on a regular basis? Do you know of any particular recipe that is exceptionally effective or therapeutic? Have you ever had an adverse reaction to an herbal rinse? If yes, which herbs were the culprits and how did you remedy the problem?

The Scalp: Underneath But Not Undervalued

2015-02-12T17:31:00.000-05:00

Your scalp is a part of your covering that is not always visible. Your hair steals the show in most cases. Not to mention, the scalp helps protect the command center of your entire body. The scalp only gets visibility when you part your hair, lose it, or remove it. Nevertheless, scalp health is directly responsible for hair health where its roots or hair follicles are located. Your scalp is a field of hair follicles making it extra sensitive. The hair receives its nutrition and stimulation at the roots from both your circulation and topical products. Not only is healthy hair dependent on the scalp, but overall health is impacted as well. The scalp is notably skin and serves the same purposes of protecting, insulating, and regulating. It is essential that one provides optimal scalp care on a routine basis. Keeping it clean, hydrated, and well-nourished should be a part of your care regimen. Addressing scalp problems promptly and aggressively will minimize the damage and reduce the risk of conditions becoming chronic or irreversible. Do you perform any extra and/or special skin care rituals for your scalp as opposed to the rest of your body? If so, have you noted any significant changes or improvement in the growth and health of your hair? For those of you who are bald by choice or uncontrollable circumstances, what do you do differently in the care of your scalp as opposed to when you had hair?

High Tech Solution

2012-11-20T21:03:00.000-05:00

There are more advanced ways to deal with inflammatory skin conditions utilizing laser technology. See if this is right for you.

Healing From the Inside Out

2012-11-12T21:32:00.002-05:00

Improving one's overall health status can alleviate many ailments and inflammatory conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Good nutrition should be included in any treatment regimen. Listen to these excellent recommendations from notable experts.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Psoriasis

2012-11-08T20:02:00.000-05:00

Ayurvedic medicine is a natural system of healing originating in ancient India. Check out these Ayurvedic remedies. If you suffer from psoriasis, try one and tell us about it.

Eczema & Psoriasis Holistic Treatment Approach

2012-11-06T21:54:00.000-05:00

Effective treatment of inflammatory skin conditions encircle:

Alleviation of signs & symptoms (itching, dryness, peeling, burning, redness, blisters, rashes, and inflammation)
Complete healing and regeneration of damaged skin
Improved and enhanced quality and appearance of the skin
Reduction or elimination of flare-ups & outbreaks
Appropriate change in lifestyle to encourage and support treatment effectiveness

View the following video for advice and directives for a holistic approach to treating inflammatory skin conditions.

Eczema Versus Psoriasis: What is the Difference?

2012-11-04T15:44:00.001-05:00

Both eczema and psoriasis are forms of dermatitis or inflammation of the skin. Both are characterized by red, inflamed, burning, itchy patches. There may or may not be leaking and drainage. The damaged skin is extremely susceptible to infection. Both conditions can be hereditary and run in families. Neither condition is contagious.

Eczema is usually caused by a reaction to an allergen. It is considered more like a secondary response to a larger process. It may also be triggered in people who are sensitive to certain foods due to deficiencies in the gastrointestinal system. It may run in families that tend to have certain allergies (hay fever) or respiratory conditions (asthma). Treatments are usually directed at the underlying cause. It is most common in babies and resolves in half the cases by the preschool years. If a person continues to have eczema after early childhood, they will likely have flare-ups for the rest of their lives. Environmental factors, such as stress and exposure to chemicals, can trigger an outbreak. When eczema is scratched, it can become thickened and rough, develop into scabby sores or lesions, pimples or blisters.

Psoriasis is caused by a malfunction in the immune system that causes the over-production of skin cells. It develops raised red patches with silvery scales that flake off and cause the areas to bleed. The bleeding areas are highly prone to infection. Environmental factors, including bodily infections and the intake of toxic substances (nicotine and alcohol), can trigger outbreaks. Psoriasis can be found anywhere on the body, but is most common on the scalp, elbows, and knees. The treatment medications that are usually prescribed are toxic to the liver and other vital organs.

Good news: There are safe, effective, and natural treatments for both of those conditions. I will be presenting them to you over the next week. If you personally know of an effective & safe treatment please share!

2012-11-03T23:59:00.001-04:00

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Different cultures and ethnic groups have different standards of beauty. Some resort to brutal and torturous body disfigurement to achieve those standards, e.g., the feet binding practice of Chinese women. There are countless different ways to achieve beauty based on cultural practices. In your opinion, how has your culture impacted how you view your own beauty? Do you strictly adhere to the standards and beauty rituals of your own group (traditional) or are you more inclined to embrace the standards of beauty/rituals of other cultures?

Skin Survival

2012-11-01T10:36:00.001-04:00

Various skin problems that we thought were only corrected with surgery or uncorrectable altogether, now, can be resolved with non-surgical methods. Science and natural medicine have both made astounding advances in the area of skin beauty and health. Information that was once only available to the rich and wealthy are enjoyed by the general population. Now, think about the types of skin problems that you personally have. If you were stranded on a deserted island in a tropical climate, what resources would you use to address those problems and how would you use them?

Dry Skin Rescue

2012-11-01T08:22:00.000-04:00

The weather is cooling down and many are already noticing a change in their skin. Colder temperatures bring about less oil production from the sebaceous glands in the dermis. One thing I have noticed is the tendency for people to drink less water in the cold season. Bad move! You need to maintain a high degree of hydration to alleviate the drying effects of the coldness and harsh winds. Omega-3 fatty acids taken internally are also very good in keeping skin supple.
Your day moisturizer should still contain sunscreen, but be heavier than the one you used during summer. A rich, moisturizing night cream should be a part of your bedtime ritual. If you are 40+, you should be using an anti-aging serum along with the night cream. You can use eye cream if dryness, creases, and lines are an issue. An outstanding product to try is Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum. It can be used safely around the eyes to moisturize and deliver nutrients. If your skin is oily, you should still use moisturizer just ensure that it is oil-free. Keep lip balm on your kisser with sunscreen during the day. Raw shea butter makes an excellent lip balm as well as an all purpose moisturizer.
Forget the long hot showers and replace with short tepid washings. Don't forget to exfoliate to remove dead cells so the moisturizer can penetrate better. A bath brush, mesh, or loofah sponge is all you need. Go easy with the salt & sugar-based body scrubs unless your skin is very oily. If you have not already tried them, the in-shower moisture lotions are nice. You leave them on for a few minutes, then rinse off. Olay In-Shower Body Lotions comes in different formulas and are wonderful. Your skin will feel silky smooth!

A Tribute to the Tub Bath

2012-10-30T08:11:00.000-04:00

There is something very luxurious about taking a tub bath. Showers are nice, but a tub bath submerges you. Therefore, the ingredients in the water are in contact with your skin longer and have a better chance to penetrate. The warmth of the water encourages even deeper penetration having a much more therapeutic effect. There is an endless selection of products you can use depending on your preferences and specific needs (aromatherapy, hydration, detox, etc). Natural ingredients utilizing essential oils, fresh/dried herbs & flowers, sea salts, or food substances, such as milk or honey, can do wonders for the body. Establishing a bath ritual is like spa service in your home. Do you have a bath ritual? What type of ingredients do you use in your bath water and why?

The Return of the Extraordinary

2012-10-28T02:17:00.000-04:00

I am back! I am very happy about it too. Yes! After a hiatus of true enlightenment and analysis of our fascination with skin. Eager and excited to talk, teach, assimilate, educate, discuss, listen, learn, observe, and discover. The object of our adoration, dedication, and distraction must be cared for, pampered, and nurtured. Maximizing what God gave us taking it to the fullest potential. Did I mention that I was happy to be back?

Make Your Skin Winterlicious

2012-01-09T10:00:00.006-05:00

Old Man Winter is da house along with the brutal coldness we dread! No matter what your skin type it will be drier than in warmer weather. Whatever moisturizer you select should be heavier than what is used in summer. Body butters and rich creams are excellent in replacing lotions. Read the ingredients and look for products that are high in antioxidants, including vitamins, natural butters/oils (no pore clogging mineral oil), glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and other skin loving ingredients. Remember the higher on the list an ingredient is listed the higher the amount present in the product. Don’t stop wearing your sunscreen. The winter sun can do just as much damage as the summer one.

Do you change your skincare regimen according to the season? If so, what type of changes do you make?

Recipes for Sexy Body Wash and Satin Body Mist

2011-06-11T16:55:00.018-04:00

Here are the recipes for 2 of my favorite body products. I call them Sexy Body Wash and Satin Body Mist. They not only nourish, hydrate, and condition the skin, but make you smell erotically scrumptious! The products also makes your skin more receptive to the corrective effects of other skin treatments. The body spray can also be used for the hair as a daily moisturizer. Both recipes can be customized for men or women depending on the variety of soaps and oils used. For the Sexy Body Wash you will need the following:

Pump bottle with aerated plunger (like the ones for commercial liquid soaps) This will create a rich fluffy foam.
Dr. Bronners Soaps Organic Pure Castile Liquid Soap Citrus (There is something very sexy about citrus). The Almond soap is also a nice one to try for this concoction.
Now Foods ORGANIC JOJOBA OIL(You can use olive or almond oil instead).
Distilled Water
Patchouli and Vanilla Essential Oils (Lavender and ylang ylang also work well with the soap's citrus scent. You can use any type or combination of essential/perfume oils you prefer as long as your skin is not sensitive to them).
Funnel (optional depending on the size of your containers)
Measuring cups/spoons (optional)

In the bottle pour 1/2 full of castile liquid soap. Add 1/4 up jojoba oil and 1/4 distilled water. Finally, add several drops of the essential oils according to your smell preference (no more than 10 drops per ounce to prevent skin irritation). Close the bottle and shake up ingredients thoroughly. When you pump it out the aerated plunger the foam will be luxurious and extends the life of the mixture.

For the Satin Body Mist you will need:
Regular spritzer spray bottle
100% fractionally distilled Aloe Vera Juice Warren Laboratories - George's Aloe, 1 Gallon liquid
Pure Organic Honey
Pure Glycerin Glycerin Vegetable Kosher USP - 1 Quart
Essential Oil of choice Plantlife Lavender 100% Pure Essential Oil - Bulgarian - 10 ml (I discovered geranium, ylang ylang, or lavender oils compliment the scent of the body wash). Sometimes I add vitamin E or rosehips oil to make extra nourishing.
Funnel (if needed)
Measuring cups/spoons (optional)

Fill the spray bottle 1/2 full with the aloe vera juice. Add honey 1/4 up and 1/4 further up glycerin. Add the essential oils according to preference and skin sensitivity. Close bottle shake well. Store in the fridge to preserve product and refresh the skin during hot weather. Spray all over your body making you absolutely irresistible!

Summer Exposure

2011-06-05T14:27:00.006-04:00

Attention ladies and gentlemen: As you know, the weather is getting a lot warmer as we approach my favorite season. More of you and your skin is going to show and be exposed. It is a scientific fact that men are highly visual. It has also been proven that many women are just as visual. Therefore, it is time for you to step-up your skin/body care routine a few notches. Heat stimulates the skin's oil glands to greater activity so adjust your skin care regimen accordingly. Ensure that you cleanse, gently exfoliate, tone, and moisturize according to your skin type and skin maturity. Older skin produces less oil, in general, so over-exfoliating would do more harm than good. On the other hand, some people's skin is so oily in the summer they do not need to use an additional moisturizer. It is not rocket science so just use basic common sense. Here of some products that I absolutely have fallen in love with: Crabtree & Evelyn Naturals In-Shower Moisturiser, Milk, Soy & Sugar 6.8 fl oz (200 ml) , Olay Total Effects Total Effects Body Wash, Exfoliate & Replenish, Exfoliate & Replenish 15.2 fl oz , and for the men Jack Black Body Rehab Scrub & Muscle Soak that exfoliates, moisturizes, and renews muscles after a work-out.

What is Sensuality?

2011-06-04T18:34:00.010-04:00

Sensuality is a broad general term that encircles more specific and intimate functions. Our society tends to only use the term sensual when it refers to erotic allure. Sensuality is any thought, idea, action, or behavior that makes us more aware of and in touch with our 5-6 senses. When we are sensual, we are richly indulging the use of one or more of our senses receiving a pleasurable feedback. Indulging in food we crave, worshiping God, enjoying good music, etc., represent sensuality. It is not just the state of our mental/biological functions associated with the bodily organs and hormones that fuel the process.
Healthy skin facilitates pleasant stimulation from our senses of touch, sight, and even smell. I have never seen anyone labeled as sexy or sensual if they had bad, unsightly skin. On the flip-side, I have observed individuals who did not have great physical features, but, had great skin! They tend to receive far more attention, admiration, respect, and romantic offers than their troubled-skinned counterparts. Ultimately, if you want an awesome social life you must start with awesome skin. Is that the truth or what?