Argan oil is in high demand because of its unique benefits and limited supply. It has become increasingly popular recently but the Argan tree has been around for centuries. It is made from the edible part of the nut inside the shell of Argan fruit and is found mostly in Morraco. Argan oil has many uses and it’s no wonder that this rare oil is always in pursuit.
The many reported benefits of Argan oil include anti-inflammatory properties, lowering cholesterol, helping with digestion, sore joints, chickenpox, and of course is great for the skin and hair. It is also thought to reduce stretch marks post pregnancy while hydrating the skin. It also protects the body against ultraviolet radiation and is very anti-aging as it prevents the muscles and skin from degenerating. You can apply it alone to your face, body, and hair or with your favorite moisturizer. You can also add a few drops to your bath for added moisture or massage into nails to repair cuticles.
Argan oil is often referred to as “liquid gold” because it can transform dull, dry and frizzy hair into smooth strong tresses, by penetrating into the shaft or pore of the hair. To use on hair apply a few drops and massage into scalp then comb product through to the ends of the hair. It is recommend wrapping the hair in a towel overnight before washing it out. For soft frizz free locks you can apply a drop to styled hair. If you struggle with dandruff Argan oil can be beneficial for relieving an itchy, dry, and flaky scalp. Argan oil will also extend the life of your hair if color treated by keeping your hair conditioned and protected.
Argan oil is very rich in Vitamin E and Omega 6 so it works great for hydrating and protecting the skin. You can apply the oil directly on the skin and use alone. For really dry skin types it will boost the benefits of your moisturizer by combining the two. Because of its anti-inflammatory benefits, you can use Argan oil on acne prone skin to help with breakouts and irritation.
SkinStore.com has Argan oil made by the organic line Melvita. Melvita’s Argan oil contains 100% of the total ingredients from natural origins, so you can be confident the Argan oil is authentic and pure.
I think we will be seeing more popularity as this wonderful gift of nature continues to intrigue us.
You know that feeling when you use a product and you get lost in the scent or experience that it brings?! You close your eyes and picture yourself in the most relaxing, happiest place you can think of. If you enjoy products that smell great then make a date with Diana B.
I love all of the products in my daily regimen which keep my skin under control and beautiful but sometimes it’s nice to go outside the norm and try something different. What a wonderful way to escape with some very unique shower gels, sugar scrubs, and body lotions. I had the chance to try one of the scrubs out for myself and it was delicious. It smelled wonderful, and had my skin feeling quite amazing afterwards. I pictured myself on a tropical vacation or even a candy shop except it was one that I wouldn’t be getting a tooth ache from! The scrub I tried was the Peach Fangipani Sugar Scrub and was suitable for even my sensitive skin. The other scrubs available offer to help improve the elasticity, brighten the skin and even offer antioxidant protection on top of their exfoliating properties. If you don’t like using scrubs, then you should try one of the bath gels. They are silky and can either be used alone in your shower or mixed in the tub for a frothy bubble bath. They can even been used as a shaving gel!
To finish off your ultimate sensory experience, try one of the body lotions the line has to offer. They are ultra smooth, contain a high amount of natural minerals to nourish the skin with and will help bring your skin back to life. Not to mention they smell just as great as the bath products! So if you are looking for a little something extra to sweeten up your day, these goodies would be a great fix.
Do you have a favorite Diana B. product? Or perhaps a bath product from a different line? Share with us, we’d love to know!
Have you entered our latest giveaway? You could win skincare treasures from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare! Enter now!
It’s no secret that glowing skin resonates with youth and good health. Here are the cardinal rules that you can follow to ensure pretty, radiant skin.
Diet: A healthy diet provides for healthy skin. To ensure that your complexion glows eat lots of vegetables, berries, fruits, healthy grains, calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt and buttermilk. Incorporate healthy proteins like chicken and tofu, and omega-rich foods like fish and nuts. Eating healthily will not only make you feel better and healthier, it’ll also contribute to pretty, fresh, youthful and glowing skin!
Antioxidants: it’s a buzz word for a good reason. Antioxidants ward off aging (and many health problems) by protecting our cells from free radicals and oxidative stress. While a diet rich in antioxidants will contribute to healthy skin from the inside out, antioxidant-rich topical treatments that we apply to our skin will also help to ward off oxidative stress externally, resulting in a bright and even complexion. Topical antioxidant treatments come in many forms; serums, gels, lotions, creams, even built into cleansers and sunscreen products that we use… so there’s no excuse to not use an antioxidant product!
Sunscreen: Everyone should wear a sunscreen daily, even when it’s overcast the sun’s harmful rays penetrate through the clouds and can seriously damage our skin. Sun damaged skin is dull, lackluster and drab. It can also develop sun spots and excess freckles, resulting in an unsightly and uneven coloration. Skin cancer is caused by sun damage and can be prevented through regular use of sunscreen. There are many available sunscreen formulations on the market, so everyone will have their favorite (& no excuse to forgo one)!
Exfoliation: Just as everyone should wear a sunscreen, everyone should also exfoliate. Exfoliation is key to smooth, radiant skin. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells (which make the skin look lifeless and dull) and it helps to even the skin tone, so if you have existing sun damage or hyperpigmentation, exfoliating regularly can help to lessen the appearance of bothersome spots. Manual exfoliants have small granules to remove dead skin cells- look for products that contain jojoba beads, which are rounded particles that effectively scrub the skin. If you prefer a chemical exfoliant an alpha hydroxyl acid will do the trick; look for products that contain glycolic, lactic, citric, malic or mandelic acid. If you prefer a very gentle exfoliant, try enzymes which eat dead skin cells without disturbing the healthy skin barrier.
Hydration: Hydrated skin is plump and dewy, so everyone must use a moisturizer (even the oiliest skin types need to hydrate with a light, oil-free moisturizer). A moisturizer will lock hydration into the skin so treatment products can work more effectively- and a moisturizer will ward off premature aging too!
Remember that you can fake a little bit of a glow too- use illuminating products that boost the skin’s radiance, here are some of our favorites:
Philosophy Divine Illumination; what makes this anti-aging moisturizer especially unique are light diffusers and natural skin enhancers that help give skin luminosity for a healthy glow.
Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15; Skin instantly looks softer and younger with this handy multi-tasker. It delivers a hint of sheer coverage, subtle shimmer, SPF 15 and added moisture in one effortless application.?
There are a million different options, products and brands to choose from these days when it comes to beauty. If you are a newcomer to the industry or even one who has dabbled in the industry, it can still be an overwhelming market. It has been surveyed time and time again that one of the major factors when deciding on what products to buy, comes from either word of mouth or consumer ratings. So… my gift to all of you is a list of award winning and highly recognized products that are available on SkinStore.com. (Please keep in mind however, that if a product isn’t on this list it does NOT mean it’s not a great product! Many products are underrated and even under recognized!)
So for those who prefer to listen to their fellow beauty connoisseurs, this is just a simple list of used and loved products. Hopefully this helps when looking for new products to add to your regimen. It feels good to know where to turn to when in doubt and I’ve got you covered!
Poof…wrinkles be gone! Don’t you wish it was that easy to make wrinkles vanish from your pretty face? We all know that with consistency and the use of the right products, over time an even complexion can be attained. What is sometimes overlooked however, is products that can give instant gratification to your long days.
Instant gratification products are products that will fill in, plump, and create an even appearance to the skin. Usually after application, they will start working in about 1-5 minutes and will provide results that last anywhere between 6-8 hours throughout the day. There are two main ingredients that are in instant gratification products as well as various others. First there is Argireline which acts to keep the muscles in your skin relaxed and smooth by blocking transmission from the muscle to the skin. Next you’d want to look for GABA in your products for instant results. GABA stands for gamma amino butyric acid and it is a breakthrough complex that releases the skin’s own muscle relaxers to calm and relax the skin. So if you want a smooth canvas before makeup application or a smooth clear complexion to display, look for instant gratification products. An added bonus is that with most of these types of products you’ll also receive long term benefits with continued use as well. Here is just a short list of some recommended instant gratification products:
We’ve all heard the age old saying, “You are what you eat,” but can you really eat your way to a better complexion? Nutrition experts agree that what you put in your body not only determines your overall health, but also plays a vital role in how gracefully you age. The next time you head to the supermarket, add these super foods to the top of your list!
Barley: The power of whole grains is undeniable. Soluble fiber, which is found in whole grains like barley regulates blood sugar levels and insulin. The stabilization of blood sugar prevents the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, which in turn keeps you in your prime.
Buckwheat: Rich in collagen boosting monounsaturated fatty acids, Buckwheat is an anti aging all star by way of increasing skin elasticity. Buckwheat can be found in many Asian noodle dishes, rice, porridge and pasta.
Ginger: A great anti-inflammatory agent, ginger aides troublesome conditions like acne and psoriasis. Say adios to your red, inflamed skin and hello to your favorite spice!
Kiwi: Often overlooked, the kiwi fruit contains the highest density of vitamin C of any fruit. Potent with antioxidant powers, the kiwi is a free radical scavenger! This translates simply into this: the more kiwis we eat, the fewer wrinkles we will have.
Oysters: Next time you’re in the mood for some sushi, go for oysters instead! Oysters are packed with the mineral zinc, which aides in skin renewal and repair.
Papaya: Is your skin looking dull and lackluster? Not to worry, simply throw a papaya in the shopping basket! This delectable delight is loaded with glow worthy ingredients like vitamin C, carotene, and flavonoids.
Wheat Germ: Stimulating wheat germ promotes cellular turnover. Just sprinkle a tablespoon of wheat germ to your yogurt, oatmeal, or cereal and you’re on your way to a more radiant, glowing complexion.
Now, take a bite and remember… you are what you eat!
We always hear about the benefits of green tea in skin care as a powerful antioxidant, but what about red tea? Some of us may drink red tea, but what are the benefits when used in our skin care products?
Research suggests that red tea has two times the antioxidant benefits of green tea. It can protect the skin against environmental damage and free radicals. Red tea is said to contain more antioxidant properties then Vitamin C, and E. Researchers have also found that red tea contains 9 types of flavonoids, 5 of which are free-radical scavengers. Red tea can reduce bacteria and inflammation, making it a great treatment for acneic skin.
SkinStore.com carries a few product lines in particular that are known for using red tea as a key component in their products. Ole Henriksen has quite a few products that are formulated with African red tea. African red tea will strengthen the skin’s outer layer, soothe the skin, and can slow down the aging process. Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser was named the best natural cleanser at the Natural Health Beauty Awards in 2009.
Glytone also has a few new anti-aging products that are formulated with red tea flavonoids. Their research has shown that red tea has 30% more free radical reduction than green tea. This new anti aging line by Glytone contains an exfoliating cream, facial serum and eye cream.
As more research is being done regarding Red Tea, companies like Glytone and Ole Henriksen are showing us how effective this anti-aging ingredient really is.
The Kerstin Florian Serum C Plus Infusion is among the newest products featured by Kerstin Florian in their correcting line. The correcting line is formulated with more active ingredients to address the common signs of aging. The Serum C Plus Infusion uses a combination of Vitamin C and grapefruit peel extract to lightly exfoliate and brighten the skin also aiding in the production of collagen. This product contains Methylsilanol Hydroxyproline Aspartate which is an amino-acid that helps to improve the elasticity of the skin and tissue fibers by repairing the skin. The serum also has a type of silicone oil called dimethicone which prevents water loss by putting a barrier on your skin. This is a great product for sun damaged and aging skin, or anyone who wants hydration and antioxidant protection. The serum formulation is oil free so it would be beneficial for all skin types.
We definitely give the Serum C Plus Infusion an A+!
Vitamin D deficiencies seem to be a big debate right now. Humans are not getting enough nutrition, rest, or sunlight these days. This does not mean you should rush to the tanning bed for your daily dose of Vitamin D, or lay out in the sun lathered in baby oil either. You can take a Vitamin D supplement and eat the right foods and this will provide you with the recommended daily dose.
If a person is not getting enough Vitamin D it may lead to weak muscles and bones, dental decay, lack of energy, nervousness, or trouble sleeping. While some of these symptoms sound like a normal day for a lot of us, it is important to be properly diagnosed and treated if you have any kind of vitamin deficiency.
The top foods that contain Vitamin D are: milk, cod liver oil, salmon, tuna, sardines, egg yolks, fortified cereals, and beef liver. These foods may be hard to fit into a normal day, especially if you are lactose intolerant or a vegetarian. You can supplement your dose of D by taking a vitamin. There are a lot of different kinds of vitamins on the market that are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and that do not contain milk.
The suggested dose of Vitamin D is 400 IU per day. For example a whole egg would provide 20 IU where 3.5 oz of salmon provides 360IU. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends a daily intake of 800 to 1,000 IU per day for adults over the age of 50. It is important not to overdose on Vitamin D, as it can be toxic to your body in large amounts.
Vitamin D plays a vital role when used in skin care. Vitamin D promotes cell growth and can help prevent pre mature aging of the skin and repair damage to the skin’s structure. Vitamin D will also boost your immune system, maintain a healthy brain function, and has been linked to maintaining a healthy body weight.
If you are going to be in the sun to obtain your Vitamin D, please please please wear your sunscreen!
For an anti-aging sunscreen that contains broad spectrum protection try, DermaQuest Skin Therapy Solar Moisturizer SPF 30.We love this sunscreen because it will firm, hydrate, and protect your skin.
If you have concerns that you may be Vitamin D deficient, contact your health care provider and they can do a specific test to determine if you are at risk.
Visit SkinStore.com for all your skin care and beauty needs.
Vitamin A is a powerful little thing. It’s necessary for healthy eye function; our retina simply can not do without vitamin A. When vitamin A is converted into retinoic acid it functions like a growth factor for our cells. Vitamin A is also commonly known as retinol in dermatological use. Vitamin A is converted into a few different byproducts, and is commonly produced as retinyl acetate or palmitate.
Vitamin A is naturally found in many foods. Liver, carrots, broccoli, sweet potato, pumpkin, eggs, milk, and many other foods are rich sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A, once absorbed by our body, is converted into the appropriate form and utilized by our bodily functions. Vitamin A plays a role in eye health, immune system health, gene transcription, antioxidant activity, and of course, skin health.
Vitamin A is very beneficial to the skin, so a diet rich in vitamin A abundant sources provides for healthy skin that’s firm, clear, radiant and resilient. Vitamin A, when applied topically (in retinol form) is very beneficial to the skin as well. Retinol is often used in the treatment of acne as it dramatically reduces the size and secretion of the sebaceous glands. It also helps to reduce inflammation and induces collagen production. As retinol induces collagen production it helps to firm and tone the skin, so aged skin will become more resistant to drooping and sagging. Retinol is an outstanding treatment for acne, enlarged or clogged pores, as well as prematurely aged skin. As retinol induces exfoliation and cell renewal it also assists in lightening hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration.
Here are some outstanding products that contain retinol and address acne and aging concerns:
The many reported benefits of Argan oil include anti-inflammatory properties, lowering cholesterol, helping with digestion, sore joints, chickenpox, and of course is great for the skin and hair. It is also thought to reduce stretch marks post pregnancy while hydrating the skin. It also protects the body against ultraviolet radiation and is very anti-aging as it prevents the muscles and skin from degenerating. You can apply it alone to your face, body, and hair or with your favorite moisturizer. You can also add a few drops to your bath for added moisture or massage into nails to repair cuticles.
It’s no secret that glowing skin resonates with youth and good health. Here are the cardinal rules that you can follow to ensure pretty, radiant skin.
lathered in baby oil either. You can take a Vitamin D supplement and eat the right foods and this will provide you with the recommended daily dose.
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