Recently I had the pleasure of meeting one of the Arcona representatives while completing training on their products. My first question to be answered was, “What does Arcona mean?” Arcona is the name of the lady chemist that developed this line of skin care products based on natural cosmeceutical grade ingredients in 1989.
My second question to be answered was, “with so many “natural” products out there what makes Arcona different?” The answer to that question is that Arcona products contain natural ingredients such as antioxidants, active enzymes, amino acids at a high concentration level that are designed to assist your skin’s renewal process. These cosmeceutical grade ingredients are obtained through cold-processing for maximum ingredient concentration without reducing the effectiveness.
I was also pleased to find out that Arcona products are vegan, with the exception of a couple of products containing honey! Arcona products also do not contain any fillers, parabens, perfumes, dyes or sodium lauryl sulphates.
I had the pleasure of trying The Basic Five Program for Normal Skin. The kit contains the Golden Grain Gommage (Morning Exfoliant.), Magic White Ice (Hydrator), Desert Mist (Protective Serum), Toner Tea Bar (Night time Cleanser), and Gentle Solution (Night time Repair Serum).
My first delight was applying the Golden Grain Gommage. The blend of distilled water, jojoba beads along with Cranberry, Blueberry White Tea and Grapefruit Seed Extracts gently exfoliated my skin leaving it fresh and smooth.
Next I applied the Magic White Ice. Because I have dry skin I was skeptical that this thin moisturizing lotion would be able to quench my skin’s thirst. I remembered during the training how we were informed that the Arcona products don’t have heavy creams. Their philosophy is to balance your skin’s hydration level and you won’t need heavy creams to compensate. I was very pleased with the results! My skin felt hydrated and renewed and I had a satisfaction in knowing that this had been achieved through natural ingredients and without harmful chemicals.
Finally I applied the Desert Mist. My first thought was this serum appeared oily and would sit on my face creating a shiny complexion. Absolutely the opposite! It quickly absorbed into my skin within a minute creating an antioxidant barrier that helped strengthen my collagen level and acted as a humectant to bind moisture to my skin.
In the evening I followed up by using the Toner Tea Bar. I ran a clean washcloth under warm water and rubbed it on the bar and proceeded to cleanse my face in upward outward circles as the directions suggested. The organic smell of the blend of black tea, green tea, honey, and essential oils by itself was already soothing and relaxing. I found the Toner Tea Bar to be deeply cleansing without drying my skin. I tend to have dry skin and this bar was wonderful on my skin even though this is the bar for Normal Skin!
I completed the night time treatment by applying the Gentle Solution as a night time treatment to nourish and repair my skin with its antioxidants.
After having used these products for two weeks now I can honestly say I enjoy them! I am very pleased with how my skin looks and feels and would highly recommend this line of products for the most scrupulous customer searching for a line of natural based products that are customer and environmentally friendly!
Have you entered our latest giveaway? You could win a 5-product regimen from NIA24! Enter now!
There are many uses for pumpkin… pumpkin pie, baked pumpkin, Halloween pumpkin carving, decorating with pumpkins in the fall, etc! It’s no surprise that pumpkin is also great for improved skin health. You don’t need to visit your local spa to enjoy the benefits that pumpkin can offer. They can be used in moisturizers, treatments and even various body wraps/treatments. The reason that pumpkin is a great source to incorporate into a product or regime is because it contains vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, enzymes, potassium, alpha carotene, zinc, and beta carotene. These ingredients can help to stimulate cell renewal, exfoliate, promote healing, brighten and protect the skin. You can look at products by Peter Thomas Roth, Arcona, Fusion Beauty, and Avene for pumpkin ingredients. You can even make a home-made pumpkin skin treat! Divavillage.com offers a great recipe to treat your skin. Make it a spa night, relax, and indulge… Here’s what you need:
2 teaspoons canned pumpkin
½ teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon milk
¼ teaspoon cinnamon spice
Mix together ingredients into a paste, and brush onto freshly cleansed skin. Let it dry for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse off with warm spring water
Use a pumpkin infused moisturizer for an immediate glow!
Many parents write and call asking which product line would be the best to keep their teen’s skin young and healthy. These parents didn’t want their kids to have scars from mild acne break outs, or have their children have to resort to injections or plastic surgery (in years to come.) What were their best options to stop time in its tracks and keep their teen’s skin healthy well into adulthood?
My answers to them were precise but also very simple.
Find a skin care line using a cleanser, toner, moisturizer and SPF. Use the products on a regular basis as directed by the manufacturer. Find a mild exfoliant that’s either physical (scrub) or chemical and use it 2-3 times per month to remove dead skin cells.
Avoid smoking, alcohol consumption and get 8 hours of sleep daily. Doing so can help prevent premature aging!
Be sure to eat a balanced diet, including lots of fruits and vegetables (excellent sources of antioxidants!) Drink plenty of water to help prevent dehydration and help flush toxins out of your body.
The fourth and MOST important suggestion was very simple
Limit your sun exposure and use an SPF on a daily basis!
Use an SPF 15+ daily and an SPF 30+ when you will be outdoors for extended periods of time. Limit your exposure to the sun and avoid tanning booths! You don’t have to get sunburned in order for your skin cells to damage. (Of course you don’t have to be in your teens or 20’s to follow this advice!)
Teach your teens to take care of and protect their skin today and they will have healthier looking skin for many years to come!
Since we exfoliate our face to remove dead skin and help promote cell turnover, there’s no question that we shouldn’t also exfoliate our body! The body is just as equal to the face and you don’t want your skin to age quicker on certain areas. Of course we want smooth, glowing, healthy skin…everywhere!
With a plethora of products available, there isn’t a reason not to try one… or ten! There are body products which are a liquid consistency and ones which are a grainy scrub consistency. Some offer a scent-sational experience or you can opt in for one with a cooling/warming sensation. Here are just a few different products which will help you to scrub your way to radiant skin!
Whether you’re looking to improve your physique, complexion, or overall health these wonder foods gotcha covered.
Broccoli: Your mother always told you to eat your vegetables. It’s time to start listening! Loaded with vitamin C, broccoli aides with iron absorption, prevents the formation of cataracts and may help defend against the common cold. This versatile veggie is also high in folic acid, which is often taken as a supplement during pregnancy.
Spinach: PopEye the sailor man shouldn’t be the only one eating spinach. Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence. It’s extremely low in calories (40 calories per cup) yet high in vitamins. Just one cup of this leafy green surpasses your daily requirement of vitamin A and K. It contains more than 20 valuable nutrients including fiber, calcium and protein.
Cinnamon: Sprinkle away! Cinnamon has so many wonderful benefits. Not only does cinnamon naturally suppress your appetite, it’s antibacterial, helps regulate blood sugar, lowers LDL cholesterol and it’s a great source of fiber, iron and calcium. Plus, a simple whiff of cinnamon boosts memory and cognitive function according to a study conducted by Dr. P. Zoladz at the annual meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences.
Raw Honey: Instead of a spoonful of sugar in your tea, swap it out with honey. Honey is Mother Nature’s own sweetener. Among the many accolades of honey are its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Some countries even use it to aide in wound healing. It’s also believed to be helpful for allergy sufferers. Eating the honey of local bees in your area may prevent seasonal allergies. Bees pollinate neighboring plants, and the pollen eventually ends up in the honey. Ingesting the honey builds your body’s natural tolerance to seasonal allergies.
Coconut Milk: For those of you that are lactose intolerant, coconut milk is a great dairy free alternative. You’re still getting all of the essential vitamins and minerals of milk without the upset tummy. Coconut milk is rich in calcium, potassium, chloride, and vitamin A and E. It’s also proven to improve bone and dental health. In fact, you may even find yourself with fewer cases of the cold; coconut boosts the immune system, fighting off germs and bacteria. Coconut milk is also widely used in beauty products to hydrate, repair and heal the skin and hair.
Garlic: The medicinal properties of garlic have been used for centuries. Folklore attributes garlic to preventing everything from mosquito bites, the plague, and yes, even vampires. Although these claims are unfounded, it’s nice to imagine that they are true. Modern science has deemed garlic as a powerful antioxidant containing Vitamin E and coenzyme Q10, which stop the damaging effects of free radicals. It has also been found to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, according to researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
A few simple tweaks in your diet can pay off with a multitude of health benefits! So, eat up!
So it’s nothing new that money may be tight for everyone these days, even for the avid spa goers. There are priorities like kids, appointments, friends and family to attend to. Relaxing a little usually falls to the bottom of our to-do list. Here are some great products and tips for an at home facial, that will guarantee refreshing results.
The DIY facial consists of a few main components. You need just an hour of your day, a few products, and a calm mind. It is important to relax and have a little fun. You may want to get your kids involved by putting a mud or clay mask on them. Otherwise your spa getaway can be a solo project, or a fun time with your girlfriends.
Tea bags or cucumbers for the eyes. To use up the leftovers, you can make an iced tea or sip on some cucumber water while you relax.
Hand or body lotion and cuticle oil if you have it. (olive oil is a great alternative to soften hands and cuticles).
Essential oil of your choice. Any health food or specialty store should have a selection. Pick the scent that speaks to you and enjoy.
Applicators for products: A paint or nylon foundation brush will work great for your applying your mask.
Quiet place to lay down with relaxing music. This is simply a must!
Tip: You can store very hot towels inside of a large ziploc bag by rolling them up; this will keep them warm for a little while. For a longer lasting approach, try putting water on the bottom of your crock pot, enough to cover the bottom and fold up a few wet hot towels. Then put the lid on and presto… instant hot towel cabby! You can also put a few drops of essential oil into the pot for an aromatic experience.
While you’re masking you can give yourself a nice hand and arm massage. First apply your cuticle oil generously, and then follow with the body moisturizer of your choice. You also may have one of those spa foot tubs lying around from a few Christmas’ ago, now is the perfect time to dust it off and put it to use. You can place a few drops of essential oil in the water and enjoy a relaxing foot soak. For some bubbles add a teaspoon of bubble bath or shower gel to the water and enjoy. Hot towels will also come in handy for your foot bath.
After you cleanse remove with hot towel. Then apply a toner or water to your skin. You then will want to apply an exfoliator of your choice. For something quick, easy and non messy try an exfoliating peel pad. The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel/2 Steps is an amazing two step treatment with real results. For the lips you can use a little brown sugar and a few drops of water or olive oil (if you have some honey you can a little to the paste), this will give you a smooth finish for soft, healthy lips. After you have exfoliated and cleansed your skin and lips off with a towel you will want to apply a mask of your choice for 10-15 minutes.
After masking in pure bliss you will want to apply a treatment serum of your choice. You will need to go out into daylight and face the world after your relaxing facial so choose an antioxidant serum like Skinceuticals CE Ferulic. This will hydrate and protect your skin from free radical damage. Lastly, don’t forget the moisturizer preferably one that contains an SPF and an eye cream. Moisturizing your skin will seal in the benefits of the facial and also soften and hydrate your skin. An eye cream will do the same and will make your under eyes feel hydrated all day long. Try the Lisa Hoffman Spa Facial Eye Treatment. This is a weekly eye treatment just perfect for that spa facial experience. In every good facial your Esthetician will finish off with a lip balm or treatment, don’t forget this step just because you’re at home. The lips are important too!
We hope you take steps to put yourself first sometimes. You can try these simple tips and tricks for a luxurious facial all in the comfort of your own home.
Lately, everyone is on a quest to either retain their youth they have, or turn back the hands of time to look younger. For those of us with pocket books that are not so deep as to afford cosmetic surgery (if needed), an injectable medicine with little to no down time sounds attractive!
But what exactly is Botox and where does it come from? In a nutshell Botox Cosmetic by Allergan is a low dosage of botulinum toxin that temporarily relaxes or temporarily paralyzes facial muscles. It was approved by the FDA in 1989 for limited use for eyelid spasms and crossed eyes. By 2002 it had been approved for use on moderate or severe frown lines and lines between the brows. By temporarily paralyzing select facial muscles, it can decrease your facial muscle’s ability to contract. The result is less wrinkling of the skin from repeated muscle movement. The results are temporary and can last anywhere from 3 – 6 months depending on the number of follow up treatments. Botox can also be used to treat hyperhydrosis or extreme sweating.
If you decide Botox is for you please make sure you see a qualified, trained physician or dermatologist. Botox is available by prescription only from a doctor. Botox “parties” have become a popular event where a licensed physician will offer services at a discounted rate if someone gets a group of people together and hosts the event. The concern is that although the doctor may be licensed to administer injectables, the doctor that attends the “party” may not be trained in the specialty of facial muscles and the administering of a facial muscle relaxant.
If the thought of needles and injections doesn’t sit well with you, you may want to consider some alternatives. There are products on the market that can give you an instant lifting and firming of the skin that lasts for several hours and some products have accumulative results.
For instant results:
Alchimie Forever’s Alexandrite Firming Gel for Neck and Bust is ideal to rejuvenate the delicate neck and décolleté area. The gel lifts and firms the skin, helping to impart a more toned and youthful appearance to this often-forgotten part of the body. It can also be used on the facial area and jaw line. The gel absorbs quickly, is not oily or sticky, and helps to prevent shine and reduce pore size.
Kinerase Extreme Lift Face is the alternative to physician administered injectables. This one of a kind formula fills in mild to moderate wrinkles for immediate, undeniable, proven results. It also visibly smoothes and fills trouble spots like forehead furrows, frown lines and crow’s feet. There is no discomfort or loss of facial expression and results are reversible within a day.
Dr. Brandt Lineless Lines No More is a filler and volumizer. It is formulated to help to fill and plump smile lines and nasolabial folds from the inside out, visibly decreasing the depth of wrinkles and folds while smoothing skin’s texture and appearance. Lineless Lines No More promotes youthful-looking skin. Can also be used on an ongoing basis for accumulative results.
For cumulative results:
Strivectin Instant Facial Sculpting Cream is an excellent product to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet. It also accentuates your cheekbones and jaw line as it lifts, tightens and tones your skin… making your face look more sculpted, youthful and defined. You may need to use the product for at least 4 weeks before seeing results and you will need to continue to use it to maintain results. So far I’ve had excellent results!
Kinerase Restructure Firming Face Cream Cream goes beyond stimulating collagen production to target critical elastin protein coils, combining the clinically-proven anti-aging power of Kinetin with revolutionary elastin-strengthening technology. Skin is deeply moisturized, contours are lifted and toned, and expression wrinkles are visibly smoothed.
Here at SkinStore, we believe knowledge is key when it comes to skincare and beauty! That’s why we have created Product Talk, an interactive Q&A feature for our customers. It’s a powerful, yet simple tool!
Here’s how it works: While on SkinStore, find a product that you would like to learn more about. Click the “Product Talk” tab under the product photo to access the tool. To ask a question, click the “Ask a New Question” button. To answer, click the question to open it, and click the “Answer this Question” button. You can even also vote for the best answers to questions. It’s your community.
Now is your chance to help us build the beauty community and to be a voice! We pulled a few unanswered questions from community members who would love to hear about your beauty experience and get your feedback on some products that you may have already tried. We encourage you to share your knowledge and experience. Click on the questions below to answer them (you may be asked to log in or register).
Click on the questions below to answer them.
UPDATE: (8/31) These questions have been answered! Thanks to CindyS, Jofab and jd584 for sharing your answers.
You want to have clean, clear, healthy skin like some of your favorite teen idols. While you may want to have that Kellan Lutz or Dianna Agron look, your hormones and skin are telling another story.
Here are some quick things to make clean, clear, healthy skin a reality:
Hormonal changes can cause an increase in sebum (oil production.)
Dead skin cells, sweat, oil, and dirt can clog your pores causing pimples, breakouts and zits.
Using an exfoliating cleanser, toner, spot treatment, and moisturizer twice a day can help clear up existing breakouts and reduce future breakouts.
Using cleansers, chemicals, spot treatments, or acne pads, without following up with a moisturizer can cause your skin to dry out and release more oil, causing more breakouts! Make sure to use a moisturizer.
Be sure to use a clean washcloth each time you wash your face. Avoid buffing sponges as they can over exfoliate skin and irritate healing skin. Avoid facial sponges as they can breed bacteria! If you use your hands to apply cleanser, be sure to wash your hands with anti bacterial soap before washing your face.
Inexpensive makeup foundations can have mineral oils and fillers in them that can cause your pores to clog. Try using a minimal amount of foundation (oil free) and consider switching to a mineral based powder foundation.
Avoid picking at skin that is healing. Doing so can cause cratering and permanent scarring. If you are going to be outdoors in the sun for more than 10 minutes a day, be sure you wear an oil free sunscreen with an SPF of at least 20 or more. Exposing unprotected healing skin to UVA/UVB rays can cause pigmentation spotting.
Here are some kits for acneic skin that won’t break the bank!
Inflammation is the immune system’s response to aggressors, pathogens, injuries and infections. Acute inflammation, such as the kind that’s caused by burns or bug bites, broken bones, or pulled muscles is necessary as it helps to promote healing by delivering white blood cells to the affected area. Without an inflammatory response our entire immune system would be greatly compromised. While inflammation is necessary, it can also be negative when it’s chronic. Chronic inflammation causes for the body to breakdown and can often result in diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer and many more. What causes chronic inflammation? Certain infectious agents do, such as certain bacteria, and Hepatitis C causes chronic inflammation of the liver which can lead to liver cancer. While the doctor can run blood tests to determine presence of inflammation, we urge to you to take preventative measures too to reduce the heat and ward off chronic inflammation for life.
Avoid foods that cause inflammation. Hydrogenated fats cause inflammation, therefore avoid processed and pre-packaged food when possible and read your labels to ensure that the food you’re eating doesn’t contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Skip the sugary foods too, because sugar is quickly processed by the body which causes a spike in insulin levels. Same goes for refined grains such as white rice and white flour, which are as easily processed as sugar. Whenever sugar increases insulin levels our bodies are prompted to store fats, which can lead to weight gain and in the long run, obesity. Some foods may be low in calories (such as rice cakes) but high in sugar content- therefore they increase insulin levels, which cause the fats to store, and result in excess weight gain; someone eating a low-calorie diet and still gaining weight may be perplexed by this occurrence unless they realize that foods easily converted into sugar are fattening.
Eat anti-inflammatory foods, spices and herbs. Many foods contain nutrients that counteract inflammation. eFish, olive oil, whole grains, and nuts contain omega-3, 6, and 9 to reduce inflammation. Herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, oregano, rosemary, basil, dill, and thyme contain antioxidants, and compounds that stabilize blood-sugar levels. Eat a cup of yogurt or drink a cup of kefir daily, which contain healthful probiotics that work to keep the digestive system healthy while warding off pathogens and ‘bad’ bacteria.
Lose excess weight. Overweight people have a high level of C-reactive protein, which causes inflammation. Therefore, exercise to reduce inflammation and to lose weight. Exercise helps the body to produce dopamine and endorphins, so we not only look better when we work out, we feel better too.
Reduce stress. Stress and inflammation are closely related. Stress activates cortisol secretion, and cortisol a.k.a the ‘stress hormone’ causes inflammation. While cortisol serves a very important function in our fight-or-flight response, it can also be disruptive when we experience chronic stress. Chronic stress results in excess cortisol that with time can ‘forget’ to shut off, in turn producing further inflammation and resulting in immune system break-down. Find ways to relax through yoga, meditation, relaxing music, massage, napping, journaling, or breathing exercises.
Keep your mouth clean. The American Academy of Periodontology has linked gum disease to heart disease, as the bacteria produced by gum disease is harmful when it enters the blood stream and can build plaque deposits in blood vessels. Plaque build up can result in inflammation which contributes to swelling of the arteries. Take care of your teeth and gums with regular dental cleanings, take the time to brush your teeth thoroughly, and always floss.
Take precaution to ward of inflammation to lead a healthy life full of vigor and longevity.
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting one of the Arcona representatives while completing training on their products. My first question to be answered was, “What does Arcona mean?” Arcona is the name of the lady chemist that developed this line of skin care products based on natural cosmeceutical grade ingredients in 1989.
You want to have clean, clear, healthy skin like some of your favorite teen idols. While you may want to have that Kellan Lutz or Dianna Agron look, your hormones and skin are telling another story.
Avoid foods that cause inflammation. Hydrogenated fats cause inflammation, therefore avoid processed and pre-packaged food when possible and read your labels to ensure that the food you’re eating doesn’t contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Skip the sugary foods too, because sugar is quickly processed by the body which causes a spike in insulin levels. Same goes for refined grains such as white rice and white flour, which are as easily processed as sugar. Whenever sugar increases insulin levels our bodies are prompted to store fats, which can lead to weight gain and in the long run, obesity. Some foods may be low in calories (such as rice cakes) but high in sugar content- therefore they increase insulin levels, which cause the fats to store, and result in excess weight gain; someone eating a low-calorie diet and still gaining weight may be perplexed by this occurrence unless they realize that foods easily converted into sugar are fattening.
Eat anti-inflammatory foods, spices and herbs. Many foods contain nutrients that counteract inflammation. eFish, olive oil, whole grains, and nuts contain omega-3, 6, and 9 to reduce inflammation. Herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, oregano, rosemary, basil, dill, and thyme contain antioxidants, and compounds that stabilize blood-sugar levels. Eat a cup of yogurt or drink a cup of kefir daily, which contain healthful probiotics that work to keep the digestive system healthy while warding off pathogens and ‘bad’ bacteria.
Keep your mouth clean. The American Academy of Periodontology has linked gum disease to heart disease, as the bacteria produced by gum disease is harmful when it enters the blood stream and can build plaque deposits in blood vessels. Plaque build up can result in inflammation which contributes to swelling of the arteries. Take care of your teeth and gums with regular dental cleanings, take the time to brush your teeth thoroughly, and always floss.
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