Skin
Natural Beauty Secret: Coconut Oil
I cannot live without coconut oil. Aside from Apple Cider Vinegar, it is my go to miracle product for everything from dry skin to brittle hair.
I have recently been eliminating products from my personal beauty routine that contain unnecessary chemicals. Unfortunately this has not left me with much to work with, especially in terms of lotions and shampoo/conditioners. Luckily, I had a large bottle of coconut oil in my kitchen which has been my lifesaver!
There are so many uses for coconut oil, it would be impossible to cover them all. Here are the top ways to incorporate this amazing product in your beauty routine:
Brittle Hair
Before bed, apply a quarter size scoop of coconut oil in damp hair and brush it through. Roll your hair into a bun and put on a shower cap, or protect your pillow with an old towel. In the morning, shampoo as normal. Coconut oil helps aid in preventing protein loss and nourishes dry, damaged hair like a charm.
Dry Skin
You can apply coconut oil just as you would any other lotion. It works best on slightly damp skin, so applying after your shower is ideal. Massage it into your skin day or night. Many also use it to treat psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.
I recently got home from a trip to Peru, where the climate was extremely humid. Aside from horrible hair days, the humidity was awesome for my skin, I didn’t put lotion on once! Since I’ve returned, my skin has been twice as dry as it normally is..so dry that it’s actually flaking. It’s gross. Every morning when I get out of the shower, when my skin is still wet, I apply coconut oil on my entire body. It’s not only extremely moisturizing but it leaves skin with a really nice glow that lasts for hours. It has completely healed my dry skin.
Moisturizer
Coconut oil has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, and works great as a night-time moisturizer. I combine it with several other oils and let it soak in as I sleep. If you’re prone to acne, test a little bit on a small part of your face before you go all out and slather yourself down. It does not make me break out at all, in fact I feel like it helps clear up my skin. However, it’s always best to test it on yourself since everyone is different.
Eat It!
Coconut oil has even more benefits when you ingest it! Use it when you cook, or even just eat a tablespoon of it to capitalize on the benefits. You will also start to notice it working from the inside out in terms of shinier hair and smooth skin!
It is an oil so naturally it contains fat, but it’s packed with good fats! Dr. Oz recently ran a two episode special on his show, called Coconut Oil Superpowers. He listed the benefits as cholesterol reducing, thyroid balancing, blood sugar controlling, and immune enhancing. It also helps with digestion, prevents heart disease and high blood pressure, supports kidney and gall bladder functions and even aids in weight loss.
Alzheimer’s
Coconut Oil has recently been in the spotlight for it’s miraculous progress in reversing Alzheimer’s. Read about that on the Alliance for Natural Health’s website here
And if you don’t believe me…
Victoria’s Secret models swear by it
Miranda Kerr has been a long time advocate for coconut oil. She’s been taking it since she was 14 years old and has been quoted to say, “I will not go a day without coconut oil. I personally take four tablespoons per day, either on my salads, in my cooking or in my cups of green tea.”
Candice Swanepoel tweeted a photo of coconut oil with the caption “My no1 beauty secret :)”
Doutzen Kroes told Modelina, “I put coconut oil in my hair, it keeps it soft and shiny. Put a bit in before you go to sleep at night and wash it out in the morning.”
Giselle Bundchen has her own line of organic skin care whose main ingredient is Coconut oil. She has also said, “use coconut oil on your body at night. it will help sooth and hydrate the skin if you’ve stayed in the sun too long”
What should I look for in my coconut oil?
When purchasing Coconut Oil it’s important to buy Cold Pressed, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. If you have the choice always pick the organic, GMO (Genetically Modified) free kind to ensure your coconut oil is in it’s purest form. You can buy coconut oil at any health food store (Whole Foods, Sprouts, Mother’s etc) or Amazon has great prices. Considering how much you receive in a tub, it’s super economical!
If my coconut oil turns to liquid, is it still good?
Coconut oil does not need to be refrigerated. However, it warm temperatures it will melt and turn to liquid. It’s still perfectly good and will go back to solid form when the weather cools down.
Do you use coconut oil? What is your favorite way to incorporate it in your life?
Guest Post: Is Your Makeup Causing Acne?
Do you suffer from acne? Did you know that your makeup might be the culprit? In today’s guest post, Steven Barker from AcneTreatmentOne.com is here to fill you in what makeup induced acne is and how you can treat it!
What Makeup Ingredients Can Cause Acne?
Certain types of makeup contains ingredients that can clog pores, cause allergic reactions, and even skin problems like dermatitis. Although serious skin reactions are rare, acne caused by cosmetics is very common. The name acne cosmetica is used when referring to breakouts that are a direct result of acne. Certain ingredients are more likely to cause blemishes than others, check out this guide that can help you avoid any problems and keep your skin clear from whiteheads and blackheads here.
What Causes Acne Cosmetica?
The main cause of this mild type of acne, is the clogging of pores by certain chemicals in makeup. The worst offenders are oily petroleum based products that settle in the pores and prevent them from expelling sebum and dead skin cells. Once a pore is clogged, acne bacteria can grow and cause inflammation from inside.
Ingredients to Avoid if You are Suffering from Acne Cosmetica:
There are 100′s of different chemicals that are used to manufacture makeup. Some ingredients are much more likely to contribute to breakouts that others. The worst offenders that are known to clog pores are the following:
Wheat Germ Oil, Algae Extract, Carrageenans, Red Algae, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Isopropyl Myristate, Hexadecyl Alcohol, and Laureth 4.
There are many more ingredients that are known as Comedogenic or “pore cloggers” but the ingredients in the list above were rated 5 out of 5 in their ability to cause acne.
Treatments for Makeup Induced Acne
Makeup induced breakouts can be easily treated with a few adjustments to the type of makeup you use and how it is applied. The first thing you should do, to get rid of acne cosmetica, is to switch to a non-comedogenic brand. Some people find complete relief from their skin problems, just by switching to a different brand.
Another thing that is very important is to use applicators that are clean and bacteria free. A main cause of inflammatory acne is the p. acnes bacteria that lives on the face, and on your makeup applicators! Using applicators that have not been cleaned with alcohol or antibiotic soap can allow this bacteria to flourish and be spread around when you apply makeup.
Keeping makeup on your face longer than you need to makes it more likely to settle in your pores. You should never go to sleep before you’ve washed you face. As this give it time to migrate from the skins surface and settle deep within your pores.
Powdered makeup is also another option if you notice that liquid based makeups are causing you problems. Liquid makeups can be oily and cause breakout for people that are already dealing with oily skin.
Acne resulting from the use of cosmetics is a fairly common occurrence. These type of breakouts are usually mild, but if they are causing more than a slight inconvenience, you can easily make some changes to stop it. If you think a particular brand is causing issues, switching to a non-comedogenic brand may do the trick on its own. If not, make sure you use clean or disposable applicators. A visit to the dermatologist can also help, as they can prescribe medications that can wipe out most types of acne. If you need more advice on natural or prescription treatments for acne, visit Acne Treatment One.
Sun-Safe Summer Skincare
GUEST POST: Written By Joseph Snyder from MetropolitanMD.
July has been dubbed The American Cancer Society’s “UV Safety Month.” Since beach weather (thankfully) doesn’t wait until July, you should know that you can have your cake and eat it too when it comes to a golden glow without the risks.
We all know by now that we need SPF, and with many makeup and face creams including at least SPF 15 already built in, that’s already a step in the right direction for many of us. I actually took a look around on my last shopping trip, and realized that it was almost harder to specifically find foundation or tinted moisturizer containing zero sun protection.
Now, if your not one to wear makeup to the beach or say, for an outdoor jog you really must get familiar with a good facial sun block in addition to one for body. Alba Botanica’s sun care line is a great choice for both, offering non-chemical protection up to SPF 45, and is loved by shoppers who choose natural products either for green reasons or skin sensitivity issues.
Reapplying = More Effective than High SPFs!
So what about the newer SPF 90+ lotions out there? While those with very fair, sun sensitive skin may want/need to go high with SPF, Dr. Edward Lack (Chicago rhinoplasty, dermatology) warns that this can become more of a marketing gimmick to make you feel like you need a higher and higher number whenever its available. Reapplying to keep that protection barrier on your skin strong is key, and will do a much better job than applying an extremely high SPF once and allowing it to wear off.
“Ideally you put on sunscreen an hour before going outside, then reapply it just before exposure. If you will maintain direct exposure as on the golf course or on a boat put the sunscreen on again every 2 hours,” Dr. Lack advises as a general rule.
Don’t Forget About Sunless Tanner!
Now that you are refreshed on staying adequately protected, we mustn’t forget the sunless tanner. If you’re a recovering sunbathing addict and haven’t tried one yet, now is the time; and sticking to some cult favorites will ensure a seamless transition into a faux glow with no looking back. Lavera‘s sunless lotion is THE organic choice, while the entire Clarins‘ line is highly recommendable- a favorite being the Self Tanning Instant Gel for a fast dash of color with no mess as you walk out the door in the morning. What’s not to love?
Written by Joseph Snyder, on behalf of MetropolitanMD, a Chicago liposuction, facial rejuvenation, and cosmetic surgery center.
Prepping Pretty Spring Skin
Guest Post Written By: Sarah Logan
Skin Care Tips for Spring
When the sun finally begins to warm our faces again, and the world slowly looks a little greener, we always feel the need to freshen up our looks a bit. In an enthusiastic hurry to apply this season’s bright makeup colors, we may forget to stop and realize that the most important step is good skincare for a clean, smooth base. After the cold wind, dry heating systems, and dark days are done with our faces, most of us go into springtime looking a little dull.
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To bring your face back to life, there are some basics that always help whether you’re at a spa or your bathroom sink:
1. Firstly, be sure to exfoliate: it can be as simple as adding salt (for oily skin) or sugar (for dry skin) to your face wash or buying one with exfoliating beads in it. It always helps to add a product with something like fruit enzymes or hydroxy acids into your regimen for added results. Going to get microdermabrasion at a local spa is a great choice for deep exfoliation that will be noticed right away. Any of these options will reveal fresh skin that is glowing and smooth.
2. Second, you need to continuously moisturize to have skin perfect for makeup application. If you’re getting a facial at a spa, that’s great because they will both exfoliate and moisture your skin while you’re there. At home, be sure you’re using a formula appropriate for your skin type, like a gel for oily skin, a thicker cream for dry, or something in between. Some of the face lotions with radiance/skin brightening ingredients are perfect for dewy spring skin, and are a nice boost for any look.
If we just take a little extra care in reviving skin at this time of year, the reward will be a complexion that’s more awake and well-textured. Your face will look flawless all season long!
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Content provided by Sarah Logan on behalf of Aesthetic Science Institute (ASI). ASI is a beauty school for new students interested in a career in aesthetics and licensed aestheticians interested in advanced aesthetics training and certification.
How To: Conceal a Pimple
We all get them, and for some reason it’s usually during life’s most inconvenient moments! Your wedding, prom, first date, important meeting… you know how it goes. Instead of freaking out and playing hooky, try these simple steps to cover up the monster and live your life!
Megan covers up her pimples too! From a distance, they are practically invisible
Zap Your Zits With Makeup
1. If you have time, press an ice cube onto the offender for several minutes. Ice will help to make the swelling go down and will also reduce the redness. You can also rub a little Visine on it; Visine banishes the red in your eyes and does the same for pimples!
2. If it’s already been popped, apply some moisturizer to eliminate as much flakiness and dryness as possible.
3. Apply your full foundation. Covering up any pimples you may have is the last step.
4. Next, get out your concealer, and it should match your skin perfectly! I hear a lot of people recommending that your concealer be lighter than your skin. MAYBE for under eyes but not when covering up zits. If you use a lighter concealer, it will just bring unwanted attention to your monster.
5. Load up a concealer brush, the pointier ones will work best for this. Now, stipple the concealer onto your zit with the brush.
**Stippling means to dab the product on, rather than rubbing or stroking it over your zit. Pretend you’re doing morse code over your pimple! **
You want as much coverage as possible and stroking tends to rub off the product. No bueno.
5. Now that the product has been stippled on, blend the outer edges of the concealer into the rest of your foundation. DO NOT touch or blend the actual zit. If the concealer that’s layering your pimple looks cakey or thick, keep stippling it in, or dab the excess off with your finger.
6. Once the outer edges have been blended, set the area gently with powder. Loose powder is best but if you have to use a compact powder don’t rub it on. Take an eyeshadow brush, load it up with your powder and gently touch it to the newly concealed pimple.
Voila!
**REMEMBER: Makeup can only cover up color, not texture. You will probably still see “the bump” but as long as it matches the rest of your face, it won’t be noticeable.
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Concealers I Recommend:
Makeup Forever Camouflage Creme Palettes.
Benefit’s Boi-ing Concealer
Amazing Cosmetics Concealer
DIY Cranberry Face Peel
A Great Thanksgiving Beauty Treatment
I love creating my own DIY beauty treatments out of things laying around my house. Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, why not use some of the traditional food on your face! And no, I’m not talking about Turkey or stuffing, ew 
Cranberries are a wonderful source of antioxidants which can minimize inflammation and slow down the aging process. They are also full of vitamin C which helps to build collagen. Even if you pass on cranberries as they make their way around the dinner table, I would think twice about the benefits they can give your skin.
What You Need:
1 tbs Plain Gelatin
1/2 Cup Cranberries
DIY
1. Mix all your ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Make sure to mix and mash the cranberries well and stir the ingredients until they have a paste like texture.
3. Place the bowl in the fridge and keep an eye on it. It will need to thicken but don’t let it set all the way. Wait about 20 minutes.
4. Massage the mixture into your face. Avoid your eye area.
5. Relax for 15-20 minutes letting the mask penetrate your skin.
6. Peel it off!
7. If you need to, rinse your face with warm water and moisturize.
DIY Pumpkin Beauty Treatments
Make the Most Out of your Jack O Lanterns!
Pumpkins are full of Vitamins A, C, and Zinc. According to researchers, they contain over 100 ingredients to help make your skin look and feel younger. They also have tons of antioxidants which help fight against free radicals! Tomorrow, instead of throwing away your Jack O Lanterns, get one more use out of that old pumpkin, and make yourself beautiful!
To do so, chop your pumpkin into several blocks, boil the blocks in hot water for up to 10 minutes. Make sure the pumpkin is soft enough to mash up, and then follow these easy steps:
HOMEMADE PUMPKIN BEAUTY TREATMENTS:
Pumpkin Body Scrub:
1/2 Cup- Cooked Pumpkin
1/2 Cup- Brown Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon- Cinnamon
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and stir. It’s a good idea to lay out some newspapers on your bathroom floor because this could get messy. Take your mixture and massage into your skin for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and your skin will be exfoliated, healthy and glowing!
Pumpkin Face Masque:
3 Tablespoons of cooked or canned Pumpkin
1 Teaspoon of Honey
1/4 Teaspoon of Milk
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and massage into your face. Let sit for 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Wash your face with your normal cleanser, if needed.
Unexpected Beauty Item: Olive Oil
Taking Extra Virgin Olive Oil Out of the Kitchen
I am all about discovering unexpected beauty items in my kitchen, and with winter (slowly) approaching, it’s time to start thinking about how to protect our skin from the drying cold. Olive oil is not only great for cooking, but try slathering it on your body to receive tons of added bonuses!
1. Remove Makeup
Say you are staying the night at your man’s house, and have nothing to remove your eye makeup before bed. No worries, all you gotta do is book it to the kitchen and grab some Extra Virgin Olive Oil, pour it on a cotton ball and gently rub off your makeup. Go lightly at first because if you use too much, it could get in your eye and sting. I use this tip in a pinch and find that it works even better than most removers, especially when dealing with stubborn mascaras.
2. Moisturize Dry Spots
Olive Oil is an awesome moisturizer. Period. It’s all natural, contains no chemicals, has no unpleasant scent and is packed with antioxidants. If you suffer from dry, cracked heels, try rubbing some EVOO onto your feet before bed, cover with some socks, and wake up to smoother, softer heels. Sometimes I rub it on my face and chest before I go to sleep. It soaks in really fast, and leaves my skin feeling super moisturized in the morning. Try using Olive Oil to combat any dry spot, and notice how quick and efficiently it gets the job done!
3. Add it to your Bath
Add a few tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to your bath, next time you have a night to yourself. It will give you a little extra softening power, and you will feel smooth and moisturized when you get out. Add some essential oils on top of it and you’ve got a night to remember haha 
4. Condition Your Hair
EVOO is amazing forgiving dry, damaged hair a little moisture and repair. Heat a cup of Olive Oil in the microwave and pour onto your head before your next shower. Massage the oil into your locks from root to tip, and cover with a plastic shower cap. Let the oil penetrate your hair for about half an hour, then rinse out. You might need to shampoo several times to get all the residue out, but it’s worth it because your hair will be so shiny and healthy when you’re done.
5. Soothe Chapped Lips
Because of the softening and moisturizing properties mentioned about, it is common sense that using Olive Oil on dry lips will do wonders for the chap. Rub in a small amount several times a day, and there’s no way your pucker will be dehydrated for long.
