Treatments

Pumpkin face mask for Fall!

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

(I wrote this post the other day but then got sick and forgot to share it!)

 

Hope you like it!

Fall really hit me today. I don’t know what took so long – because things have been a little brisk around Boston for the last couple weeks, I went apple picking WEEKS ago, and the leaves have been turning for awhile. But today, with my boots on and a long sweater, I felt it. Ahhh, I love Fall.

With summer behind us, I like to try something new with my skincare routine. I’ve been in the market for a fruit enzyme exfoliator. The difference with a fruit enzyme exfoliator vs. a ‘regular’ exfoliator is that it uses fruit enzymes to break down and get rid of dead skin cells vs. using beads, grains, or seeds. I came across this lovely PUMPKIN exfoliating mask and BOOM I knew I had met my Fall-face-care match!!

Love it! And affordable! Andalou Naturals PUMPKIN Honey Glycolic Mask

Love it! And affordable! Andalou Naturals PUMPKIN Honey Glycolic Mask

What I like:

  • This mask is actually “Pumpkin Honey” yum!
  • Pumpkin enzymes have long been known to be great at breaking down dead skin cells so you can swipe em’ right off
  • No GMOs, gluten, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic colors, dyes and fragrances
  • This cost me around $12 at Whole Foods. Pumpkin masks are known to be pricier so I was PSYCHED about this price point!
  • I’ve used it 2x – I can feel it tingling. When I wash it off my skin, my skin feels so fresh. And after each use people have mentioned my skin has a different glow to it. Ya! Noticeable results

How to use:

  • Cleanse and dry skin
  • Apply a healthy amount to dry skin

  • there it is - kind of looks like baby food!

    there it is – kind of looks like baby food!

  • Avoid eye and lip areas. I’d also suggest avoiding your nose if you’ve been blowing it alot and the skin is tender. I found it stung my nose :/ BUT, if my nose wasn’t raw – I’d totally suggest spreading all over it – because it’s within those creases that the mask can really do it’s work
  • Leave on for 10 minutes
  • Rinse with cool water (and I used a wash cloth too)
  • Your skin might be a bit red, but I found that it fades
  • Moisturize and go!

So, even if Fall isn’t your favorite season – this Fall mask is great any time of year. I’d recommend trying it out – sensitive, acne-prone, sun damagaed skin – whatever it is, we all need to get off those dead skin cells to help the new ones shine through. Happy Fall!

Chew these for better skin? Let’s discuss

/ BethonBeauty / 2 Comments

I came across NeoCell Beauty Bursts “Gourmet Collagen Soft Chews” as I flipped through Natural Health magazine. I was intrigued by this product’s claims. In a nutshell,  NeoCell Beauty Bursts are vitamin chews that claim to help improve your skin’s health and appearance (from the inside – out). They come in 2 flavors, Fruit Punch or Mint Chocolate. Being the perpetual tester that I am and intrigued by a chewy vitamin that could possibly help improve my skin, I grabbed a bag at Whole Foods (for approx. $20). They only had the Fruit Punch flavor which was ok for me!

NeoCell Beauty Bursts

NeoCell Beauty Bursts

So, what’s in these babies?

  • Collagen Type 1 & 3 For Firm, Smooth Skin & Strong Hair & Nails
  • Hyaluronic Acid For Skin Hydration & Renewal
  • Vitamin C:  Collagen Enhancer
  • From the brand: “Having beautiful & radiant skin has never been so easy- or so delicious. Deliver high absorption beauty nutrients in delectable, gourmet soft chews.  Collagen Type 1 & 3 is the body’s beauty protein & strengthens skin, hair & nails. Hyaluronic Acid is known as “Nature’s Moisturizer” & hydrates the skin.  Vitamin C is essential to boosting collagen in the skin.  Together, these three beauty nutrients work together to build beautiful skin from the inside out.”
  • No lactose, gluten, or artificial ingredients

My initial thoughts:

  • I get what Hyaluronic Acid is, I’ve used it topically before. I get Vitamin C. But what is/are Collagen Type 1 & 3? And why would I consume it?
    • Found online: Collagen I is found in many bodily structures including bones, skin, and intervertebral disks. Present throughout the body and is the type of collagen most commonly used in the gelatin industry and for research. (I gagged a little reading this). Collagen type III, which can be found in the skin, muscles, and intestinal walls, has been found to be the second most abundant type in the body. It is often closely associated with collagen I. This is because these collagen types are commonly found in the same places and they are synthesized in a similar manner. These collagen types are often combined to form supplements taken to maintain and promote healthy skin, bone, and muscles. (from wisegeek.com)
    • Over time, our body produces less and less of this ‘connective tissue’ protein. The outcome of less production = increased lines, sagging, and wrinkles as our skin looses this important ‘booster’
    • I’d been chewing these for about a week before I did this research. And after getting more info, I felt a little weird about WHERE this Collagen Type 1  and 3 comes from. It clearly has to be something mammal, right?
      • After doing some more digging, I found the answer on NeoCell site…”all natural sources of bovine hides. all cattle hormone and antibiotic free. grass-fed. free range. pharmaceutical grade. gluten & wheat free.” Hmmm…ew? kinda?  But then I realized, I eat meat. I’m not a vegetarian. If this is a “pure” source, what makes it different from the other products I consume from ‘bovines’? It seems pretty clear though, if you are a vegetarian, you might avoid this product

Directions/taste:

  • You are directed to take 2 to 4 chews daily. I’m starting with 2 a day for now because I want the bag to last
  • The Fruit Punch chews are quite tasty. Thankfully, no chalky after-taste
  • Didn’t upset my stomach or anything like that (that some vitamins can do)
  • I’ve been trying to take in the AM, when I typically get my vitamins in

After a week of using & my research:

  • I will say, my skin looks brighter! I can’t completely attribute this to the chews though. I’ve been good about washing my face every night before bed. GO ME! And it’s the time of the month when my skin isn’t acting as ‘funky’ from a hormonal perspective
  • I am pretty torn about this product because on one hand I feel like I’ve seen some results. On the other hand, I’m not sure I believe the hype. And yea, I’m a little weird about where they get the collagen…even if it’s from a source I consume regularly as food.
  • I felt better knowing it’s sold at Whole Foods and promoted in natural living magazines/sites though. But I’m not a fool, I know that doesn’t mean it’s “safe” So, I’m still pondering this one for now…

Has anyone else tried a supplement like this?  What do YOU think?

Click here to go to the brand’s website for more information on this product

Tried & True: Remedy for a dry, itchy scalp

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

This time of year my scalp gets itchy…I have eczema on my scalp that is often flared up in the humid weather (lovely, right?) I know I’m not alone when it comes to an itchy and/or dry scalp…that’s why I want to share this tried & true remedy. I wrote a post over a year ago about another shampoo that also works for these same ‘ailments.’ But the one I’m sharing today is a more natural product and works WONDERS. I use it a couple times a week in the summer and it does the trick.

What: Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo

Image

I usually pick up at Whole Foods for ~$12. My first bottle has lasted well over six months. It has a noticeable, menthol smell. I find it cooling but it definitely stays on your hair so I typically follow with a nourishing conditioner to cover up the smell as best as possible and moisturize my hair a bit more because this shampoo doesn’t really do that. Hopefully, someome else can benefit by this dry scalp remedy! Please share any tips, tricks, or products you may have!

Product description on site: This laboratory-tested, gentle cleanser stops dandruff while controlling scalp dermatitis and mild psoriasis. Featuring our unique combination of FDA compliant dandruff-control ingredients plus nourishing essential oils of Rosemary, Olive and Jojoba, this medicated cleanser soothes, heals and moisturizes while it eliminates flakes and itchiness. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) rebalances and conditions the scalp to prevent future dandruff.

10 tips/tricks to a healthier complexion

/ BethonBeauty / 2 Comments

Work a couple (or all!) of these into your routine, stick with them, and you will see/feel a difference!

1) Drink MORE water/tea: Replace your afternoon soda with a sparkling mineral water or replace your 2nd cup of coffee with green tea (I ❤ MightyLeaf). Buy a portable, yet cute water bottle (CamelBak Groove Bottle; $19 on Amazon.com). Keeping this full and on hand will make it easier to sip throughout the day. Keeping yourself hydrated will flush your system and you will notice it in your skin.

2) Use a Humidifier in your Bedroom: This appliance increases the moisture in the air…which helps alleviate symptoms of dry skin, eyes etc. Especially during winter months when heat can really parch the skin.

3) Wash ya face every night: Washing off the day’s dirt each night will definitely pay off in your complexion. Get yourself into a nightly routine where you cleanse, tone, and moisturize before bed:

4) Use a Silk Pillowcase: Even if your cotton sheets have a high thread count, silk is still easier on the skin because it is woven closer together. Buy a silk pillowcase to snooze on (you don’t have to buy the whole sheet set!) – it will feel luxurious and be gentler on your delicate facial skin

5) Routine Facials: Schedule a facial every 6-8 weeks. An aesthetician will know how to properly cleanse and treat your skin. By going regularly they can address skin problems/concerns over time.

  • Spaweek.com offers spa gift cards that can be used at thousands of different spas throughout the US

6) Sweat (often): Beyond helping reduce stress – get in a good sweat at least a few times a week. Your body is your temple, treating it well will be felt inside and radiate outward.

  • Sweat for less by dialing up works-outs On-Demand through your cable box. From yoga to basic aerobics, On-Demand offers a variety of work-outs you can do at home.

7) Keep Moisturized:  Properly moisturized skin looks healthier and more even.

Try for day:

Try for night:

8) Get enough ZZzzzz’s: Stress and lack of sleep shows in your face… strive to get at least 6 hours a night. 2 ways to make it easier to fall & stay asleep:

  • TV sleep timer: although TV can lull some people to sleep it can often disrupt sleep during the night. Use your trusty TV sleep timer and set it for 30 minutes after you get into bed so it shuts off once you’re asleep
  • Noise Machine: be it breaking waves or whale cries, these repetitive sounds can help lull you to sleep

9) Get a fo-glow: The real deal is not a healthy avenue.  If you need to fake a little color to brighten up your complexion:

10) Eat (and drink) more Greens: Cut back on processed sugar and eat more fruits and vegetables. This will improve not only your general health but also your skin. Read this piece by Shape Magazine’s on juices for healthier skin

Long week = long bath

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

It was a long work week…actually, a long work month. All I wanted to do this weekend was stay indoors, eat left over Halloween candy and watch movies (cue: Can’t Hardly Wait).

One thing I realized this weekend is…if there is one thing I want when I grown up 😉 it’s a big bathroom…with a big tub with a nice big flatscreen TV mounted in front of it. I don’t need a big house or a 3 car garage…I just want a nice bathroom so that after a long work week I can escape in there, take a bubble bath, and watch re-runs of ‘old 90s’ movies.

Right now, I don’t have such a spa-like retreat in my house…but this weekend, I made do. One thing that helped make my bathroom more spa-like = Dr. Teal’s Lavendar Vapor Bath

Nick randomly bought a bottle at Wal-Mart a few months back and I gave it try. For ~$5 this is one of the best bath products I’ve ever used. It is more than just a bubble bath because it is formulated with lavendar essential oil. A half cup or so creates a foamy, bubbly bath…and the lavender scent is just strong enough to remind you to relax and soak it all in. I find that it helps soften the water and I can sit in the bath even longer. And because it’s only $5 a bottle – I don’t feel bad pouring in a little extra. The Dr. Teal’s leaves my skin feeling soft and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin (phhhew).

I’ve seen Dr. Teal’s at Wal-Mart and Ulta – and it is sold online through Amazon so it’s easy to find!

A few months ago, I wrote a blog post on the benefits of lavendar (link below!) this is another product that capitalizes on the calming/soothing properties of lavendar. So, if you’ve had a long work week…or month…and need a little time to yourself – pour some of this into a bath and relax. And until you have a flatscreen TV mounted over your tub – grab a gossip magazine and don’t worry about getting the pages a little soggy.