What Is A Retinoid Oil? Retinoid Oil Benefits, Uses, Effects & More
Most people have heard about retinol and retinoid oils for skin care; however, few people know what they actually do. For those who are looking for ways to improve the look and feel of their skin, retinoid oils could be the answer. What is a retinoid oil and what can they be used for? There are a few points to keep in mind.
DIY Clay Mask Recipes for Clear Skin
There are a huge variety of face masks on the market, with all sorts of exotic and unpronounceable ingredients. We believe that out of all of these, clay masks really rise above the rest. So, we've decided to share a couple DIY clay mask recipes that contain natural yet powerful ingredients to help you achieve a clear complexion. Here are 5 reasons why you should make clay masks an addition to your anti-aging skin care routine!
Yoga Poses for Better Breasts
Underneath all breast tissue is a muscle. Just like hamstrings or biceps, chest muscles need to be worked and exercised in order to hold their firmness and shape. Unfortunately, weak chest muscles and outside influences like gravity and breastfeeding, along with significant weight gain or weight loss, can cause breasts to lose shape and sag. Strengthening your chest muscles by working them daily can lead to perkier, firmer, and even larger breasts.
Signs You Should Consider Going Gluten-Free
It seems like all that’s talked about these days is gluten. More and more people find themselves limiting their gluten intake, or eliminating it all together. Why are so many individuals making the shift to gluten-free? Because having an adverse reaction to gluten is fairly common, with around 12% of the population experiencing side-effects after eating it. Let's take a look at what gluten is, the different types of reactions people have, and signs of a gluten allergy or intolerance.
Surprising Beauty Benefits of Kombucha
Kombucha is a tea beverage that has been fermented by a symbiotic colony of yeast and bacteria – also known by the acronym “SCOBY”. The beverage contents are made up of Kombucha culture, water and sugar. The culture consists of probiotics in a cellulose matrix fermented over weeks or months to produce a mushroom. Kombucha is praised by many for its wide variety of nutritional benefits, but little do people know that it can also improve your skin!
Does This Fancy New $4000 Treadmill Deserve Its Price?
This is the year I’ll finally lose those unwanted pounds and whip myself into shape, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get there. Sound familiar? If you’re among the millions of people who’ve resolved to put in the time and effort to improve your health, the up and coming fitness company Peloton wants to help you do it. In early January, they released the Peloton Tread, which is much more than your run-of-the-mill machine. Downside? It costs $4,000.
DIY Exfoliating - The Skin Care Underdog
Most of us are pretty good at cleansing and moisturizing our skin daily, but what about exfoliation? This often-skipped step is key to maintaining beautiful skin. The outer layer of our skin sheds around a million microscopic dead skin cells a day, a necessary cycle to make way for new, healthy ones. Most of those cells are shed naturally, but enough of them remain behind and quickly accumulate on the skin’s surface to clog pores, trap bacteria and result in an uneven, dull complexion, blemi...
Why You Should Buy Yourself A Lip Oil Now
Most of us have carried around a lipsmacker or two in our back pockets at some point, and lip gloss has always been a go-to to add some color and shine to an otherwise dry, dull pout. But in the last several years, a new, more natural way to showcase your lips has hit the beauty scene and is picking up in popularity: lip oil. As winter draws to a close and spring nears, lip oils are the perfect way to nourish, moisturize and give a light, subtle tint to your smile.
Apply Einstein's Theory of Happiness to your Life
Many live their lives in the pursuit of happiness. Entire books, college courses, and seminars have been devoted to its study. We all seek it; we all deserve it—it’s listed in the constitution among our other unalienable rights, after all! Some may find happiness in simple, everyday things, while others are eluded by it their entire lives. For Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds in history and father to some of the most complicated equations and theories, the secret to a happy life was...
Exfoliation: Are You Over-Doing It?
A critical step to obtaining that soft, glowing complexion we all yearn for is to exfoliate your skin. This often over-looked step rids your body of rough, dead skin cells and reveals new, healthy ones underneath. Although this is an important step, many people often overdo it in their eagerness. Over-exfoliating can damage your complexion and do more harm than good, so it is important to know how to exfoliate properly. Whether you're about to start incorporating exfoliation into your skin ca...
Top 5 Countries to Visit in 2018
With recent advancements in transportation, and a cultural shift from things to experiences, frequent travel has become the norm. In fact, Americans spent over $630 billion dollars last year alone on domestic and international travel. Venturing out of the U.S. and seeing other countries isn’t the huge, costly ordeal it used to be. Whether it’s taking advantage of a great sale on plane tickets, or planning a two-week cruise around Europe, Americans are getting out and experiencing life in a ...
12 Ways to Get Rid of Cellulite
Cellulite seems to be one of those things that you either have or you don’t. And chances are, since 90% of women have it, you are one of them – even if you are otherwise slender and fit. If you are one of those that do not have any signs of cellulite, consider yourself the anomaly. The glamorous airbrushed bodies we see on the covers of magazines? Yes, even some of them have it. So is there a way to get rid of your cellulite once and for all? Well the answer is a complicated one, but l...
6 Brilliant Ways to Amp Up Your Morning Routine
Not everyone is a morning person, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your morning routine a meaningful one. Award-winning psychologist, Ron Friedman, has said there’s a three-hour window at the beginning of each day where you’re able to be your most productive. Upon waking after a good night’s rest, the mind is at its sharpest and ready to do its most valuable work. Your most creative thoughts may come to you immediately following sleep. Your energy levels are also at their peak after sleep...
DIY Face Masks for your Skin Type
Face masks are all the rage in the skin care world right now, and for good reason! In order to get the most benefit out of your mask, make sure you're using ones that are formulated for your skin type. As the largest organ in the human body,, our skin requires careful consideration. By using the wrong products, we could be doing more damage than good and send the wrong signals to our skin. In order to find out what type of skin you have and determine which of these DIY face masks you should b...
Drink Wine, Eat Chocolate, Be Happy
If you love a piece of chocolate now and then and prefer to wind down at the end of the day with a glass of red wine, you’ll love this bit of news: recent studies have found a compound in both dark chocolate and red wine that quickly revitalizes old, tired cells. What does this mean for your skin? It means that there’s a probable link between these common indulgences and maintaining a beautiful, youthful complexion.
Boosting Your Metabolism
Metabolism is a word often associated with weight loss or weight gain. Once assumed to be purely genetics, recent studies have proven that diet and lifestyle play a huge role in the speed and efficiency of one’s metabolism. Because of this, it’s important to understand what exactly metabolism is.
Ingredient Battle: Blue Tansy Oil v. Grapeseed Oil
With all the different skin care oils out there, it’s hard to keep them all straight. Blue tansy oil and grapeseed oil may seem insignificant next to some of the other well-known oils, but they pack quite the punch. Let’s compare these two oils side by side to experience their full health and beauty benefits in their entirety.
7 Beauty Benefits of Castor Oil
Plant-based oils have been used for skin and health ailments since ancient times. One of the most enduring oils is Castor Oil. When you learn of the beauty benefits this ingredient provides, it is no surprise that this plant-based oil is still used widely today.
Benefits of Oil Cleansing
It is common knowledge that cleansing your skin is one of the most important steps in a skin care routine. However, many cleansers can actually irritate your skin, due to harmful ingredients and drying effects. These products dry out our natural oils, causing our skin to compensate by producing excess oil. In a panic, we apply cleanser than dries out our skin - a vicious cycle. This is why the oil cleansing method is gaining popularity, especially for those with oily skin.
French Skin Care v. Japanese Skin Care
What do Paris Fashion Week, Brigette Bardot, and je ne sais quoi all have in common? They all hail from France. So when you think about France, do you think about skin care? You should, and here’s why. French women have this way of making beauty look effortless. Here are some French skin care basics to do to achieve this look of impossibly chic using low-maintenance tricks.
What Does Anti-Aging Really Mean?
The truth is, growing older is inevitable, and your best bet to keeping your youthful glow is to prevent the signs of aging before they start. So, which anti-aging products can do this, and what does anti-aging actually mean? With a little knowledge and a few extra tips, you can become an expert in the health of your own skin.
Ingredient Breakdown: Ylang Ylang Oil
The ylang ylang essential oil is derived from the fresh flowers of the ylang ylang tree, other known as the Cananga Odorata tree. From anti-aging to relaxation, the benefits of topical application and aromatherapy are numerous. Used first in Asia and neighboring regions, the rich-smelling ylang ylang flower has been used for centuries in perfumes, religious ceremonies, and wedding events. The oil of this flower quickly became used worldwide in the massage and skin care communities due to ...
Start Dry Brushing Your Skin
Have you heard of dry brushing? That phrase alone sounds a little weird - the words “dry” and “brushing” don’t exactly sound appealing together. Dry brushing is using a coarse brush across all parts of your skin, from your head to your toes. If you haven’t heard of dry brushing, you probably think this is some new skin care craze that will pass. But if you can believe it, dry brushing has been around for centuries, and has been making quite the comeback in the skin care world. Who would have ...
Ingredient Battle: Lavender v. Chamomile
Lavender is a small bush that grows three to four feet high. It produces fragrant pale purple flowers and long, narrow, pale green leaves. Ancient Romans used lavender to scent their bathwater and today the aroma of lavender is used in perfumes, potpourris, laundry detergents, and skin care products. Lavender is also loved for its abundance of skin benefits.
Natalie Portman's Skin Care Secrets
Whether or not you like Natalie Portman’s movies, there’s one thing we can all agree on. Natalie Portman has flawless skin. It is smooth and glowing in almost every picture, whether it is of her on the red carpet or just walking around town. Which is impressive, considering her age and her profession. Working all hours, having all sorts of makeup products put on her face, and in her mid-thirties, she has still kept her skin looking as youthful and vibrant as possible. Learn about some of Nata...
Ingredient Breakdown: Argan Oil
You’ve probably heard the saying “Big things come in small packages.” This is true of argan oil. It is often called “liquid gold” and for centuries has been used for its big benefits. To some it may be surprising that this potent oil comes from a small kernel. It is a common ingredient in many skin care and hair care products and we want to share with you some of the benefits we love about this “liquid gold” oil.
Sunless Tanning Recipes
These days, everybody seems like they're going for that "sun-kissed glow" - but many of those not lucky enough to live in sunny, tropical areas often resort to tanning beds to get that darker complexion. This is dangerous, and tanning beds literally fry you with damaging UV rays that can lead to skin cancer. Read on to learn more about the dangers of tanning as well as the bright side - that there are safe DIY sunless tanning recipes that won't harm your skin!
Apricot Seed Oil v. Jojoba Oil
With all the advancements in skin care, it’s difficult to figure out what product is best for you. There are a handful of ingredients to choose from, and often the decision is overwhelming. To help you decide which oil best suits your needs, we’re comparing the benefits and properties of two of the most popular oils for health and beauty: Jojoba Oil and Apricot Seed Oil.
Antioxidants for Skin Care
Antioxidants are molecules in your body that keep harmful free radicals in check. Free radicals damage your skin cells, so your antioxidant consumption can show visibly in your complexion. However, it’s important to know that while free radicals have a bad reputation, they are also necessary. The key is balance - finding the right amount of free radicals mixed with the right amount of antioxidants creates an ideal environment in which the body can thrive.
Eat These Foods To Fight Wrinkles
People have been trying to get rid of their wrinkles for centuries. From Cleopatra's daily goat milk baths to Frownies adhesive patches (used in the 1800s to literally tape skin in place), many bizarre tricks have been used. These days, we know that there are many treatments you can use to reduce your wrinkles that 1) don't involve tape and 2) won't break the bank. One of these methods is to simply have a good diet. Eat these foods to fight wrinkles and also keep your body healthy and happy!
Ingredient Breakdown: Licorice Root
The Glycyrrhiza glabra herb, better known as licorice root, is native to the Mediterranean, select parts of Russia, and Asia Minor to Iran. Licorice has been used for medicinal properties for generations, ranging from sleepy tea to cough drops. The roots of the licorice herb are sweet, up to 50 times sweeter than sugar, and it has an extremely low sugar index, making licorice root a fantastic sweetener.
Top Essential Oils for Anti-Aging
As you age, your skin starts to lose its elasticity, becoming thinner and drier. But don't despair! If you're looking for a natural and effective ways to combat this, we've compiled a list of the top essential oils for anti-aging, as well as some DIY recipes for you to try out at home. Take care of your skin, and it will thank you!
Ingredient Battle: Rosemary v. Honeysuckle
Rosemary is an evergreen shrub with fragrant leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean and is part of the mint family. Why do people love it? Some people consider Rosemary to be sacred. It is a powerful herb and has an enjoyable fragrance. Rosemary also provides many skin care, cognitive, and health benefits.
Ingredient Breakdown: Probiotics
Did you know that bacteria aren’t always bad? Bacteria are often thought of as something that causes disease, but sometimes bacteria are good for the body – including the skin. We’ve put together a few of the benefits probiotics provide the skin so you can easily see why probiotics are trending in the skin care industry.
Understanding Sunscreen Labels
Sometimes the back of a sunscreen label looks like a list of ingredients in an OTC cold medicine, or a set of numbers that look like a 10th grade algebra problem. So many words and numbers you don’t understand or science you aren’t familiar with. But shouldn't you be knowledgeable about something you’re putting on your skin? Let’s break down the label and figure out the basics of what you are using, why you should be using it, and how. Also, what is in sunscreen that makes it effective an...
DIY Stress Relief Skin Recipes
The holidays are just around the corner and stress levels are at an all-time high! Prepping for the perfect holiday party or finding the right gift for your soon to be mother-in-law; maybe you’re planning a New Year’s Eve party or up to your ears in deadlines… whatever the stresses in your life may be, take some time to pamper yourself with these stress relief recipes.
Ingredient Breakdown: Orange Seed Oil
Many people use oranges for their juice, peel, and aroma. However, not many people think of using the seeds of this citrus fruit. The seeds of oranges can provide many benefits for the human body and its outer protective layer. You’ve probably seen orange seed oil listed as an ingredient in natural products for hair and skin, but perhaps you have wondered what benefit it provides. We’ve decided to share with you some of our favorites.
DIY Sugar Scrubs for Face and Body
t’s no secret that sugar isn’t great for our bodies. The average American consumes 20 teaspoons of sugar a day and between 150-170 pounds of sugar every year! Excess sugar consumption is linked to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and is a major factor in heart disease. That’s bad news for those of us with a sweet tooth, but while sugar may not be ideal to put inside your body, it can work wonders for the health of your skin! A simple DIY sugar scrub is a great way to organically beautif...
Winter Skin Care
The winter months are fast approaching. This means changes in the weather, which also means changes to your skin. Winter skin care is different from skin care during the other seasons! When the heater goes on inside, our skin starts to dry on the outside. You may feel a decrease in moisture in the air which can bring discomfort and dryness to our skin. There are different characteristics for dry skin; you may experience a tightness or red irritation, and others may experience more flakines...
Ingredient Battle: Hyaluronic Acid v. Retinol
Hyaluronic acid is a natural compound found in highest concentrations in the fluids of the joints and eyes. It is a clear, lubricating substance that plays an important role in the health of the skin. Many people have a goal of maintaining their ageless skin and natural beauty. Hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin supple and youthful. However, it isn’t limited to skin care.
Thanksgiving Recipes for Your Skin
This time of the year is the beginning of a season of indulgence. Pie... potatoes... pumpkin... cranberries... You can make smart choices when it comes to eating during the holidays. You can also use these delicious fall ingredients to make some great Thanksgiving recipes for your skin! We are feeling a lot of gratitude for the good things in life right now!
Ingredient Breakdown: Arnica Montana Flower
It is amazing what can be discovered when someone pays attention to nature. A German nun named Hildegard of Bingen, or Saint Hildegard, took notes of the healing properties of the Arnica Montana flower back in the 12th century. Arnica Montana has a long history of use, mostly for healing bruises, aches and pains. It is starting to get a lot of interest in the skin care industry and we’ve decided to discover and share what all the talk is about.
Pros and Cons of Coffee
There are lots of differing opinions out there about coffee, for both internal and external use. Most of the studies claim that coffee is actually good for you and has been linked to reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s, liver disease and type 2 diabetes. Well, that's great news for the 83% of you who drink coffee. So what is it that makes coffee good for you? One thing stands out: There are more antioxidants in coffee than any other food group.
How to Treat Different Types of Pimples
If you’re confused as to why your acne treatments aren’t working, don’t worry, we may have just the explanation for you. Did you know that there are different kinds of acne? You’ve probably noticed blackheads, and then assumed everything else was just a form of a pimple, or whitehead. You get blackhead strips to fight those pesky blackheads, and then you either get an acne cream for the white head, or simply pop them and be done with it, right? Wrong!
Ingredient Battle: Vitamin A v. Vitamin K
Thanks to science and technology, we can delve deeper into the difference between vitamins and see the best vitamins for your skin. For example, because of research and studies we know that vitamin C is one of the safest nutrients. But what does science say about anti-aging vitamin A and vitamin K? You're about to find out!
Skin Care Benefits of LED Light Therapy
We all know there are things we can do to prevent the signs of aging – sunscreen, proper skin care, moisturizing, serums, sleep, and more. (Seriously, the list is a long one!) But what kind of treatments are there that give you results quickly? And that not only the wealthy can afford? The answer is LED light therapy!
Ingredient Breakdown: Activated Charcoal
When you think about charcoal you probably think of a solid, dirty, porous, black substance you cook food over when grilling. But when charcoal is activated, it takes on a whole new set of benefits – even for the skin. Activated charcoal is a form of carbon that is processed to be highly absorbent with millions of small pores which can bind and capture toxins so they can be removed from the body.
10 Skin Care Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera didn’t hit the beauty market just yesterday. It’s one of the most common ingredients found in health and skin care products, and beauty-savvy folks have been using it to better their health and physical appearance for centuries. Even the ancient Egyptians were onto something when they referred to aloe as the “plant of immortality” and used it in their daily beauty routines.