Facial toner for oily skin.

If you have oily skin, you need to be very careful to choose facial skin care products. It's often, that products for this skin type contain irritants. What kind of irritants do you need to avoid? 

- alcohol, 

- citrus, 

- fragrant ingredients.

The alcohol and citrus can reduce oiliness for some time, but then, irritate your skin, make blemishes worse and stimulate oil production. 

Our Skin-Balancing Facial Toner formulated without the use of alcohol or harsh detergents.

For tightening and purifying pores we used next key ingredients:

  

- Willow Bark Extract has analgesic, antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. This is a source of natural salicylic acid-like ingredients. Salicylic acid, when used in cosmetic formulations at 0.5% to 1%, enhances skin cell turnover by promoting exfoliation, resulting in a general improvement in the appearance of the skin and a smoothing effect with accompanying reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Also known for its antimicrobial properties, it can be useful as a remedy for problem skin conditions.

Willow Bark Extract has been found to be non-irritating to the skin, even at a level of 100%, equivalent to 10% synthetic salicylic acid.  Willow Bark Extract has been found to increase stratum corneum turnover more so than salicylic acid - 24% as opposed to 22%.

In vitro tests have shown Willow Bark Extract to have activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes, the two strains of bacteria implicated in the formation of acne.

  

-  An exclusive blend of organic aqueous extracts of plants which boosts clarity by encouraging cell turnover and restoring pH balance: (Apple Fruit Extract; Lemon Peel Extract; Orange Peel Extract; Papaya Leaf Extract; Bilberry Extract).

 

-  Witch Hazel hydrosol is the pure distillate with no alcohol or other additives. It acts as an astringent that draws out impurities to leave your complexion pure and fresh, making it as the best choice for acne treatments as well as for mature skin. The astringent nature also is the one of the best choices for toning the skin. Both oily and mature skins have benefits from its tightening and balancing properties. It has a very soft herbaceous fragrance.

Witch Hazel is commercially available in almost every drug store but, commercial Witch Hazel should not be confused with the hydrosol because this is actually an extraction in alcohol, which is not appropriate for a toner. 

- Shea Butter WS: soothes and rejuvenate your skin.

- MSM (Organic sulfur) acts as a healing solvent, driving ingredients deep into your cells and creating permeability, for nutrients to move in and toxins to move out.

- Allantoin has a moisturizing and keratolytic effect, increasing the water content of the extracellular matrix and enhancing the desquamation of upper layers of dead skin cells, increasing the smoothness of the skin; promoting cell proliferation and wound healing. Allantoin stimulates healthy, normal tissue formation.

- Phito-plankton extract hydrates and binds moisture. 

Suggested Usage:

- Shake well and apply to face with cotton pad.
- Use AM and PM, after cleansing, or anytime you need a refreshing boost.

So, this Facial Toner regulates oil production and minimizes pores while moisturize and repair damaged skin. 

Reference:

 Tsai, J. etal, Distribution of salicylic acid in human stratum corneum following topical application in vivo: a comparison of six different formulations. Int J Pharm 1999 Oct 25; 188(2): 145-153.

DIY project - Watermelon facial mask.

Hot weather, sea breeze and outdoor activity during weekend  can cause dryness of skin even you used sunblock for face and moisturizer. Watermelon face mask immediately replenishes dehydrated skin, leaving it refreshed and cool.

HOW to make Watermelon Face Mask:

You will need:

- Watermelon

- Milk

- Oatmeal flour

- Glycerin

Mix: - 3 Tbsp. watermelon juice,
        - 2 Tbsp. milk (goat milk is better),
        - 1/2 tsp. Glycerin
        - About 3 Tbsp. Oatmeal flour. 

Mix all of the ingredients together to make a fine paste. You can add more oatmeal flour to get optimal consistency.

Apply it evenly on your face. The oatmeal and milk will cool down your sun-irritated skin while watermelon and glycerin will restore the moisture. Let the pack dry and sit for 15-20 minutes. Wash you face with warm water and pat dry to a younger looking beautiful skin.

Other related posts:
-Effective DIY Moisturizing Facial Mask
- DIY project - peach, oatmeal, honey facial mask

Dead Sea Mud Mask - how to use for your beauty.

The Dead Sea is the most salted body of water in the world. Mud from the Dead Sea has a high content of salts and minerals that are claimed to be essential for the body, and it is widely used in SPA-salons.

The Dead Sea is different from all other natural water on Earth because it's incredibly salty, with a saline level between 28 and 35 percent. By comparison, the world's saltiest oceans are only 3 to 6 percent. There is no outlet for the water except for evaporation, so the salt and minerals left behind collect on the shores and the bottom of the Dead Sea.

The black mud - Dead Sea Mud - harvested from Dead Sea is the sediment washed down from surrounding mountains and deposited on the bottom of salt sea.

Dead Sea mud, alone or in combination with other ingredients, is believed to have benefits for deep cleansing and stimulation of the skin. Minerals extracted from Dead Sea water such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, are said to improve the metabolism, stimulate circulation and aid in the natural repair of cells.

Medical studies have shown that Dead Sea Minerals are effective in treating psoriasis, acne, rheumatism and eczema. Dead Sea minerals are known to cure skin disorders through strengthening the skin tissues, maintaining the chemical balance of the skin, stimulating blood circulation and eliminating toxins from the skin. 

 

HOW to USE Dead Sea Mud for facial mask:

- This mask has thick consistency, like paste, so, if you prefer thinner mask, you need to adjust consistency by additional water (spring, distilled, but not tap water).

If you have dry or sensitive skin - add milk or oil (almond oil, olive oil, avocado oil). If you have oily skin - you can add yogurt or sour cream. Just add few drops at once until you like consistency of the mask.  

- Apply the Dead Sea Mud Mask to your clean face and leave it on the skin until the mud is dry. For sensitive skin leave mask on for 3-5 minutes and rinse well.

-  Rinse it off well, then follow it up with a moisturizer. 

Skin care using a Dead Sea Mud Facial Mask is suitable for all skin types, it's especially effective for imbalancing skin: excessive fatty secretions or extrimaly dryness. 

HOW OFTEN: Twice a week for normal and oily skin, once a week for dry and sensitive skin.

For sensitive skin apply small amount of the mask on an area of skin inside the elbow, leave on for 10 minutes. If no skin irritation or allergic reaction occurs.


References:
The Dead Sea Research Center (D.S.R.C) http://www.deadsea-health.org/index.html
Ma'or, Z. et al. "Antimicrobial properties of Dead Sea black mineral mud." International Journal of Dermatology. May 2006. (July 2, 2013) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16700781

Spirulina facial mask - great benefits for skin.

Spirulina is a microalgae that has been consumed for centuries due to its high nutritional value and supposed health benefits. Known as one of the "super foods," spirulina can improve the quality of your skin. 

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage. It contains nutrients, including B complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and gamma linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid). Dried spirulina contains about 60% (51–71%) protein.

Test tube and animal studies suggest spirulina may boost the immune system, help protect against allergic reactions, and have antiviral and anticancer properties.

We used spirulina for creation of our facial mask which is suitable for all skin types, but especially for oily, acne-prone, or damaged skins and also perfect for mature skin. 

Circulation is stimulated, skin tone is evened and the appearance of pores minimized when this mask used weekly. Antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals and support the tissue structure.

Ingredients: Distilled water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Organic Spirulina powder, Xanthan Gum, Rosehip oil, Rice bran oil, Olivoil (emulsifier EcoCert), Panthenol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, MSM, Optiphen, Fragrance oil.

DIRECTIONS:
- Apply to your face.
- Leave for 20 minutes.
- Rinse your skin by warm water.
- Pat dry your face.
- Follow up with toner and moisturizer.

***********************

References:

Deng R, Chow TJ. Hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory activities of microalgae Spirulina. Cardiovasc Ther. 2010 Aug;28(4):e33-45. Review.

Khan Z, Bhadouria P, Bisen PS. Nutritional and therapeutic potential of Spirulina. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2005 Oct;6(5):373-9. Review.

DIY project: How to refresh your skin during hot summer days - cosmetic ice cubes.

There is something interesting and useful you can do now. In a terrible hot weather during the summer months, ice cubes will refresh and revitalize your skin. The wiping your skin with ice cube causes "exercise" for facial blood capillaries - vessels under cold are narrowing, than after a while they are dilating. Blood flow to capillaries intensifies, and, as a result, the saturation of skin cells with oxygen increases.

It’s very easy to prepare ice for cosmetic procedures in home conditions, considering individual needs of the skin. You can also make universal ice cubes suitable for care of any skin type - for example, from fruits or juices.

HOW to prepare cosmetic ice cubes:

You need fruits:

Here I had strawberries, raspberries and plum -

not too many - just: 

- three strawberries
- five raspberries
- half of plum.

At first, crush fruits in a blender (or in food processor) each kind separately. Or you can use fork for this purpose. 

Add a little mineral water into each puree, if you wish.

 And pour it into moulds for ice. I usually put the mould into a freezer for several hours.

Ice cubes are easy to prepare, and the washing procedure only takes a few seconds. Short-term cooling of the skin facilitates the flow of blood and improve metabolism, tightens pores, the skin becomes more elastic.

The greatest effect is achieved when using the cosmetic ice twice a day - 

in the morning

  and in the evening.

HOW to use ice cubes:

Remove from the mould a few ice cubes and gently massage your face, neck and décolleté for a minute or two.

For convenience, the ice cubes may be placed in a thin cotton cloth or paper towel. 

You must be fast enough, barely touching the skin and not stopping at one place.

After washing it is better to leave your skin damp to absorb nutrients, like you applied the light mask.

A few minutes later, when the moisture is absorbed enough, wash you face with warm water and apply the appropriate face cream/moisturizer. 

Cosmetic ice refreshes and revitalizes the skin. It cools the skin, therefore stimulating blood flow, enhancing metabolism, tightening the pores and giving it more elasticity and a natural flush.