Ask The Skin Chick

A great poem!

2010-08-22T11:47:00.001-07:00

A great friend sent me this poem. I don't know where he got it from but I thought you would really love it.

Life is enriched by our own actions
By enriching the lives of others
We in turn enrich our own lives
A reservoir stores inwardly,
Rivers freely flow outwardly
By the seeds of goodness we plant,
We are blessed accordingly
Our giving acts of Kindness and love towards others
is what brings us fulfillment
To abundantly harvest joy
Plant seeds of joy for others

Aspirin and Blemishes

2010-08-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

The use of aspirin as a treatment for blemishes is an old but effective trick that has been passed down from generation to generation. Aspirin is an analgesic (anti-pain), anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic (fever-reducing) medicine that works by inhibiting the production of messengers (called prostaglandins) that act on the central nervous system. Aspirin is made from the Willow tree which is a source for Salycilic Acid. Salycilic Acid is used in many over the counter, professional, and medical medication for the treatment of acne. Aspirin contains high amounts of Salycilic Acid which makes it perfect for spot treatments of blemishes. Simply crush an aspirin, add a bit of water, mix into a paste and apply ONLY on the blemish. Leave the mixture on the skin for as long as possible. You may sleep with this mixture on your face. If you are allergic to aspirin interior or exterior DO NOT USE!!!! Please use common sense when using any remedy and discuss any questions with your doctor.
The Pros for aspirin use on blemishes:
Shrinks the size of zits
Helps alot with redness
Helps exfoliate
You have really smooth skin afterward
WORKS!
The Cons for aspirin use on blemishes:
Can be messy

Another use for aspirin as a mask (I found this on the internet and thought it was great!)
Aspirin breaks down into a wonderful beta-hydroxy acid which is oil-soluble and excellent at penetrating pores beneath the sebum and dissolving/exfoliating dead skin cells. I combine it with the leaves from a bag of Green Tea, which is high in essential anti-oxidants that protect against harmful agents and stimulate circulation which is good for healing and skin tone. Leave on for a minimum of 20 min. After I rinse this mask off, my skin is soft, bright, even-toned and fresh looking.

CAUTION: If you are allergic to aspirin or salicylic acid, please don't use this. If you're wary or not sure if you are, do a test patch somewhere on your arm or something and see what happens.

Recipe (provided by acne.org):
What You Need:
10 aspirin pills
1 bag of green tea
Water
Honey (strongly recommended) and/or jojoba oil

* It will be easier for you if you find uncoated aspirin because it will dissolve quicker in water. I can never find the stuff, though, so I take the aspirin pills, put them in a ziplock bag and use a broom handle to roll over them and crush them up. You don't have to do it this way, but whatever way you find to help you crush them up is fine.

* I put the crushed aspirin into a bowl. Then, I run a bag of green tea under warm water just enough to moisten it. I squeeze the water from that to start the paste making process. Then, I open up the bag and dump in the green tea leaves.

* People find that just water and aspirin is difficult to work with because it crusts up easily and doesn't spread very well, so people use all sorts of things to help it along, including: honey, jojoba oil, clay powder, etc. My skin likes Jojoba oil, so I use it.

* Use just enough of the honey and whatever else you're using to make a spreadable paste.

* Then, you apply this to your face, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse it off. Some people like to use it as a scrub while they're rinsing it off, so if you like scrubbing, go for it.

* Finish it off with a couple splashes of cold water and then your toner and/or moisturizer if you use one.

Some notes:
Green Tea
Green tea is high in EGCG which is a powerful anti-oxidant, protecting your skin from harmful conditions. It also promotes circulation which is good for your skin.

Honey
Honey contains magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium chlorine, sulfur, iron and phosphate; vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6; copper, iodine and zinc (in small amounts). It's a good alternative to alpha hydroxy masks because of its acid content, yet is also good for sensitive skin. Its a natural antiseptic and also aids in healing the skin.

Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is made from the seed of the Jojoba plant. It's non-comedogenic and great for balancing your skin and moisturizing it.

I will add to this list as I find great and effective uses for aspirin!

Reflexology and Reiki

2010-06-08T20:40:00.002-07:00

Recently, I was approached by www.mesothelioma.com regarding the benefits of reflexology to cancer patients. I've always know the therapeutic benefits of reflexology but I was surprised how much cancer patients can benefit. Reflexology is homeostasis for the body. It also relieves anxiety, depression, and balance. Reflexology coupled with Reiki could be an astronomical tool for cancer patients. As a certified practitioner of both I look forward to helping all those cancer patients that want and need my help. I really feel helping others is a calling for me. I enjoy it and feel very gratified when in service. When I help others, I feel closer to my spirit, universe, and the world. I feel grateful and thankful. This is awesome!

Home remedies for skin care

2010-06-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

Today, I thought we could talk about simple home remedies that work incredibly on the skin. Often, I get asked questions regarding things that we can do at home that are effective and low cost. I have many suggestions for you so this particular post will grow. I invite you to share your home skin care solutions with me as well. I believe that great skin care products do not have to cost an arm and a leg. I have found great savings and results with some of the following skin care solutions. (Please note that I will post the recipes for some of these solutions on another post)

1. Try using rosewater and glycerin as a toner. It is nourishing, protective, and aromatherapeutic. You can make your own or pick up a bottle at your local natural food store.
2. Use Vitamin E and Coconut oil to combat fine lines and wrinkle, free radicals, use as extra sun protection, and humectify your skin in one simple step. I buy mine at my local natural food store. There are brands that have both vitamin E and coconut oil already mixed for me. Make sure that the vitamin E is in its natural alcohol state instead of in an acetate state. It is said to work better and your skin can assimilate it much faster. Use at night on your face and during the day on your body.
3. The anti-inflammatory properties of evening primrose oil yield great benefits for people with dry, itchy skin, rosacea, acne, and eczema. It decreases redness and inflammation. It also tones the skin, helps to diminish scars, and promotes a natural glow.
4. Do you have puffy eyes? Dark circles? I take cotton rounds and immerse them in a mixture of lavender essential oil, rose absolute essential oil, witch hazel, and water. Put them in the refrigerator and keep them in there for freshness and to keep them cold. Use them once a day over your eyes for 10-15 minutes. Awesome results and wonderful aromatherapy.
5. For a great eye make up remover, mix 1 tablespoon of canola oil, 1 tablespoon of castor oil, and 1 tablespoon of light olive oil. It works incredibly!
6. For a great cure for chapped lipsmix 1/2 teaspoon of glycerine or honey, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of castor oil. Spread mixture on lips and leave over night. Enjoy smooth, soothed lips in the morning when you wake.
7. To tighten pores combine 3-5 drops of lemon juice and 1 egg white. Mix together, spread over face, and leave on for 20 minutes.
8. For an awesome mask, combine2 tablespoons of honey, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of chamomile leaves, and 1 teaspoon of finely chopped mint. Apply and leave it on for 20 minutes. Enjoy revitilized skin!
9. For a scrub, mix 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of finely ground almonds or cornmeal, and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice. Cleanse your skin and then apply the scrub. Rub gently in circular motion throughout your face.
10. A wonderful exfoliating mask is the milk mask. Cheap and quick. Damp cotton wool with milk and rub all over your face.

The 3 P’s of Skin Care

2010-06-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

A question that always gets asked is "Why do I need skin care?". There are three great reasons for skin care:
1. Protection: Skin care is vital to protect and nourish the skin. Skin is our largest and most neglected organ. It often takes second place to just about anything else. We take vitamins and supplements to protect and nourish our inner organs but our skin is taken for granted. The fact of the matter is that our skin is our main source of protection from environmental assault, free radicals, weather, and much more. Neglecting the skin in essence is neglecting ourselves. Our skin reflects many different ailments that occur in our body. In eastern medicine, doctors begin with the skin in order to make diagnosis. For example, heavy congestion on our foreheads often reflect digestive issues such as constipation. Heavy dark circles around the eyes may point to toxicity in the liver. A breakout around the mouth and chin area may reflects hormonal imbalances. I propose that a simple morning and night regimen may diminish the signs of these internal problems. Many only cleanse the skin once a day! A simple regimen only takes about 5 min. a day and within a couple of weeks a person can really see a difference. This regimen consists of quality products. Every morning and night cleanse the skin twice (once for removal of make up and dirt and the second time to clean the skin), moisturize (heavier moisturizer for the evening), and the daily use of sun protection. Please, never use soap on your skin! Soap may throw the pH level of your skin and cause problems.
2. Prevention: Aging is inevitable. We cannot set back the hands of time but we can fool it. Did you know that damage to the skin can take 20 years to become visible. There are studies that have found that most sun damage occurs from 0-18 years of age. We begin to see the damage in our 30's and if we are quick to tackle the problem, it may take a relative short amount of time to reverse the damage. If we do nothing, then by our 40's we have a much bigger problem with low probability of completely reversing the damage. That's not to say that nothing can be done. However, it will be a harder task. Prevention is key. Internal supplements such as vitamin E, C, & Omega are extremely helpful in the process of prevention. Topically, the previously outlined skin care regimen is advised. A monthly visit to a licensed professional is highly advisable hence they are able to use professional products and technology to tackle the problems. Always use sun protection.
3. Perception: Beauty is skin deep but healthy, nourished skin is complimentary and youthful. Let's face it if we look good, we feel better. Acneic, scarred, or sun damaged skin plays a role in the way we perceive ourselves and how other perceive us. I don't want to focus on how others perceive us because that should not be a determining factor of ourselves. But if we feel ugly, old, etc then it becomes a self esteem issue that needs to be addressed. More often than not, we look for "quick fixes" that unfortunately don't meet our expectations. Time, vigilance, consistency, and determination are the key factors in skin care. It took time to develop skin problems, it will take time to help it. I'm thankful for Botox, Face lifts, and other cosmetic procedures because they provide options. However, they come at a high price. They are painful, costly, and irritating. There are options. Micro current, for example, is known as the non-surgical face lift because it remodels the muscles which hold the face in place. As we age, we droop. We work out our bodies-micro current works out the face. Many celebrities use this and other modalities to fool us into believing they are younger than what they are-LED light therapy and microdermabrasion are other modalities that are natural, virtually painless, and we see over time real lasting results. How we perceive ourselves is important and proper skin care can help us perceive ourselves in a more positive light.

So, the answer to the eternal question of "Why do we need skin care?" is the 3 P's=protection, prevention, and perception.

Thank you for your time!

Rays today Raisins tomorrow

2010-06-08T20:37:00.001-07:00

The most important product to use every single day is sun protection. The sun, unfortunately, is one of the leading causes of pre-mature aging. Do not underestimate the ravages of UV light. It is responsible for the break down of elastin and collogen. The sun causes overstimulation of melanin which leads to hyperpigmentation=sun spots and discoloration. It can cause sunburns and some forms of skin cancer. The sun can change the texture of your skin to look leathery and worn. Prevention is key. Use at least 30spfeveryday. If your spend a lot of time in the sun, remember to re-apply every 70 minutes. Make sure to re-apply if you are physically active or swimming. Another important tip is to make sure the spf you will be using for your face is for face use. Often, the tendency is to use spf for the body on the face. This may cause your skin to become oily or greasy and inevitably breakout. In addition, make sure to use a "full spectrum" spf. This will protect you in two ways: deflecting the rays and to absorb the rays so that your skin has minimal exposure to the sun. Spf is the last product to be use on the skin before your make up. That's to say cleanse - moisturize- spf- make up. If your make up contains spf that's great!! Layering provides excellent protection!
I see the effects of the sun on a daily basis and most of the time it is not pretty.
So, don't forget your spf:)

Fitzpatric Scale & SPF

2010-06-08T20:36:00.001-07:00

It is important to understand the Skin Type in order to determine how to treat it. This scale has proven to be a very useful tool for me so I decided to share the knowledge with you. The scale is from 1-5 and depends on the amount of melanin in the skin. The Fitzpatrick Classification Scale was developed in 1975 by Harvard Medical School dermatologist, Thomas Fitzpatrick, MD, PhD. This scale classifies a person's complexion and their tolerance of sunlight. It is used by many practitioners to determine how someone will respond or react to facial treatments, and how likely they are to get skin cancer. It is just a guideline.

I
Pale white skin, blue/hazel eyes, blond/red hair
Always burns, does not tan
This phototype is extremely susceptible to skin damage and skin cancer. Wear at least 30 spf everyday!
II
Fair skin, blue eyes
Burns easily, tans poorly
This phototype is extremely susceptible to skin damage and skin cancer. Wear at least 30 spf everyday!
III
Darker white skin
Tans after initial burn
This phototype is moderately susceptible to skin damage and skin cancer. Wear at least 15 spf everyday!
IV
Light brown skin
Burns minimally, tans easily
This phototype is moderately susceptible to skin damage and skin cancer. Wear at least 15 spf everyday!
V
Brown skin
Rarely burns, tans darkly easily
This phototype is less likely to skin damage but moderately to skin cancer. Wear at least 15 spf everyday!
VI
Dark brown or black skin
Never burns, always tans darkly
This phototype is less likely to skin damage but moderately to skin cancer. Wear at least 15 spf everyday!