Ginger's Skin Care Tips and Tricks

 

Ginger's Skin Care Tips and Tricks

Top 15 Ingredients You Want in Your Skin Care

 Hyaluronic Acid - Naturally found in the body, hyaluronic acids plays an important role in tissue hydration, lubrication, and cellular function. It is able to hold more water than any other natural substance, making it one of the best moisturizers for all skin types. These hydrating properties result in increased smoothness, softening and a decrease in wrinkles. The soothing, calming properties of hyaluronic acid have been shown to reduce dryness, itching, and burning in irritated skin and assist in healing.


Argireline - Known as the Botox alternative, argireline works by inhibiting the reactions that cause muscles to move or contract. This results in a decrease of the visible effects of aging by reducing the deep wrinkles and lines, especially around the forehead and eyes. Less muscle movement allows the skin to heal and repair itself.


Synake - A synthetic substance which mimics part of a polypeptide found in the venom of a Temple Viper. Synake inhibits neuromuscular communication which blocks the nerve pulses that cause muscles to move and contract, resulting in a reduction of wrinkles and smoother skin.


Vitamin C - Proven to prevent and reduce the signs of aging and a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates collagen production, neutralizes free radicals, and lightens hyperpigmentation. Products containing vitamin C give a beautiful healthy glow to dull or sun damaged skin.


Apple Stem Cells - Protects the longevity of the skin's stem cells, allowing them to function at their highest level. Optimum cellular function results in better skin rejuvination.


Ginseng - Regenerative, toning, and brightening. Ginseng stimulates and activates the skin's metabolism and blood flow, reduces keratinization, moisturizes, and softens.


Pomegranate - Pomegranate has more antioxidant properties than green tea or red wine. These antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals that cause fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, and other signs of aging.


Tea Tree Oil - Antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. Tea tree oil has been used for hundreds of years for healing acne and other skin irritations.


Green Tea - Containing a high level of antioxidants, green tea has the ability to detoxify the skin, promote healing, and soothe irritation and inflammation.


Rose Hips - High in vitamin C and essential fatty acids, rose hips are used for their excellent healing and moisturizing properties in skin care. Reduces wrinkle production and signs of premature aging. Helps to neutralize sun damage, evens tone, and smooths roughness. A natural moisturizer for dry, sensitive, allergic, sun damaged, and problem skin.


Retinol - Promotes cell turnover, leading to an increase in collagen production and softer, younger looking skin. Lets your newest, healthiest skin come to the surface quicker.

CoQ10 - Improves energy production in the cells and neutralizes free radicals. Coenzyme Q10 is naturally found in the body but the amount decreases as we age.

Squalane Oil (Plant derived) - Helps retain moisture, boosts cell regeneration, can completely and rapidly permeate the skin, reduces signs of aging, and repairs the lipid barrier. This multi-use ingredient occurs naturally in human skin and sebum and deactivates free radicals produced by UV exposure.


Jojoba - Known for its moisturizing properties to help reduce wrinkles and other lines associated with aging and dryness. It also helps promote the growth of new skin cells and contains antibacterial qualities. Jojoba oil is one of the most easily absorbed vegetable oils into the skin.

Gigawhite - Created as a result of testing over 100 plants for their skin lightening ability, Gigawhite contains the 7 plant extracts that were found most effective in skin lightening, reducing age/sun spot color intensity, and promoting an even skin tone.

1. Mallow Extract
2. Peppermint Leaf Extract
3. Primrose Extract
4. Alchemilla Extract
5. Gypsyweed Extract
6. Lemon Balm Extract
7. Yarrow Extract

How to Transition your Skin Care from Summer to Autumn

For most parts of the country Autumn is on its way with cooler evenings and drier air.  Here are my Tips and Tricks for making your summer skin care routine Autumn ready.

Squalane oil is a life saver when the humidity drops and your dry flaky skin starts to make a come back.  It can be used under or mixed in with your favorite moisturizers to give them a moisturizing boost.

Even though the temperature is dropping, that doesn't mean you should drop your daily sunscreen.  When layering your daytime skin care routine,  always remember that  the product with the sunscreen gets applied to your skin last.

Keep a dry, lackluster complexion glowing with a daily exfoliator.  Removing the dead skin will allow your moisturizers to penetrate more deeply and give a smoother makeup application.

Make sure you are supplementing your diet with Omega 3.  Women who don't get enough essential fatty acids (Omega 3) can show signs of dry and brittle hair, skin, and nails.

Consider getting a cool mist humidifier for your bedroom to prevent your skin from dehydrating once the furnace kicks on.  Hot, forced heat steals the water content right out of your body.  Breathing in humidified air also keeps your respiratory tract from drying out while you sleep, making you less susceptible to picking up your coworker/family members cold or virus.

Fresh fruits and vegetables may be less available in supermarkets but they are still very important for healthy skin.  You can always head to the freezer section when your favorite produce is not available in raw form.  If you can’t manage those 4-6 servings of fruit and veggies in a day, there are plenty of essential greens supplements and concoctions on the market as well.

Try to avoid holiday weight gain for overall health.  Seasonal up and down pounds is bad for your heart, health, skin, hair, and mental status.  Try to maintain your ideal weight year around. 

Ginger's Skin Care Tips and Tricks: Injectables and botox - how to get the most for your money

  
 Be wary of cheap prices when it comes to Botox! Ask the clinician what their dilution rate is to truly judge if your getting what you pay for. Allergan, the makers of Botox, give these guidelines:

• 2.5ml of sterile saline for a 100 unit vial of Botox
• 1.25ml of sterile saline for a 50 unit vial of Botox

     If you get an answer of anything less than this, your getting a watered down product and should not expect the results to be as effective. You will also find that you need to go back more often for a “refill” which can end up costing more in the long run.

     There are numerous dermal fillers on the market and new ones being added every time you turn around. Do your research before going to your consultation so that you already have an idea of what you may want. Each filler has pros and cons as well as guidelines for where it should and should not be used. If someone wants to use Radiesse to fill out your tear troughs, RUN! Some fillers last 3 months, some 2 years....some have lidocane built in for a virtually painless injection.....and cost varies in accordance to these variables. Know the variables and you can break down the cost for a more accurate comparison.

When it comes to the person holding the needle, experience is Crucial! Every publication recommends that you should only seek out a plastic surgeon or dermatologist for these treatments. This is true IF these doctors perform injections on a daily basis AND have performed a multitude of treatments. There are many practitioners, such as medical aesthetitians or aesthetic nurses, who are equally qualified and, in some instances, have a better hand. These folks are usually trained by the manufacturer and do injectables as the majority of their business. This, by no means, implies that you should let your podiatrist or cardiologist stick you in the face with Botox. Ask lots of questions - How many treatments do you do in a day? Who trained you and how many hours was the training? How long have you been working with_______ (Juviderm, Botox, Evolve, etc.).

These tips and tricks may seem like logical things to ask but, in the heat of the moment, its easy to become impulsive and “Just Do It”. Trust me when I tell you that doing your homework can save you from a lot of misery down the line!

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Tips & Tricks By Ginger: Vitamins, Supplements, and Foods Good for Your Skin and Hair

A few of my tips and tricks to getting great skin, hair and nails by enriching your diet with vitamins, supplements, and foods.

Hyaluronic Acid- Hyaluronic acid is present in every tissue of the body, and it performs many important functions. It helps deliver nutrients to and carry toxins from cells that do not have a blood supply, Not only does it keep joints lubricated, but hyaluronic acid also encourages water retention in other bodily tissues. It is found in large concentrations in the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is the fluid-filled space between cells. HA locks moisture into the ECM, keeping collagen and elastin moist and promoting a youthful appearance.

Green Tea--Recent research shows that green tea extract is naturally rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals - naturally occurring particles in the body associated with accelerated ageing and an increased risk of major diseases. Exposure to pollution, smoking and excess sunlight increases the number of free radicals in the blood, but the potent antioxidants found in green tea add strong weight to the belief that green tea not only promotes good health but also makes you look younger.

Alpha-lipoic acid -- is an antioxidant that is made by the body and is found in every cell, where it helps turn glucose into energy. Unlike other antioxidants, which work only in water, such as vitamin C or fatty tissues (such as vitamin E), alpha-lipoic acid is both fat- and water-soluble. That means it can work throughout the body. In addition, antioxidants are depleted as they attack free radicals, but evidence suggests alpha-lipoic acid may help regenerate these other antioxidants and make them active again.

Olives--Olives and their oil are one of the highest natural sources of vitamin E, keeping your skin looking young. Olives are loaded with minerals that give the body more energy and strength.

Olive oil gives the body "beneficial" fatty acids to use, which helps the skin become suppler.

Fish--The primary nutrients that make fish so good for your complexion are zinc and, especially, omega-3 fatty acids. Increasing omega-3 intake can reduce dryness and inflammation. Inflammation can cause skin to age faster, and research shows that getting too little omega-3 may contribute to inflammatory disorders like eczema and psoriasis.

Vitamin C--Consuming extra vitamin C in foods like oranges, grapefruits, Acerola cherries (a single Acerola has 100 percent of your vitamin C for the day) and tomatoes can help tighten the skin and prevent wrinkles.

Vitamin C also may fight inflammation, and its antioxidant properties can neutralize the free radicals (highly reactive oxygen molecules) that damage cells and can prematurely age your face.

Red and Green Vegetables---Skin is the body's largest organ. It makes sense, then, that what's good for your whole body is also good for your skin -- and as far as food goes, it doesn't get much better than vegetables. You'll especially want to look for red-orange and green vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach.

Orange-red vegetables are full of beta-carotene. Our bodies convert beta-carotene into vitamin A, which acts as an antioxidant, preventing cell damage and premature aging. In the case of vitamin A, you also get anti-acne benefits -- vitamin A has been used in acne medications (think Retin-A) for many years.

Spinach and other green, leafy foods provide tons of vitamin A, too, which helps your skin produce more fresh new cells and get rid of the old ones, reducing dryness and keeping your face looking bright and young.

Nuts--As with many of the skin-healthy foods on our list, the good stuff in nuts -- especially almonds -- has to do with antioxidant activity. Vitamin E combats skin-aging free radicals, especially protecting skin from sun damage due to UV-sunlight-generated free radicals [source: Self]. Vitamin E also tends to help skin hold in moisture, relieving dryness and making skin look younger.

Whole Grains--The "whole food" movement has whole-body advantages, not the least of which is great-looking skin.

Whole foods are basically unprocessed -- whole wheat bread instead of white bread, for instance. The whole grain buckwheat is a good source for the antioxidant rutin, which helps combat inflammation-related skin damage. Wheat germ provides the B-vitamin biotin, which assists cells in processing fats. If you don't have enough biotin in your body, your skin can become dry and scaly.

In general, whole grains instead of processed carbohydrates can improve your complexion. Processed (or refined) flours can cause an insulin spike, which in turn can encourage acne. Replacing your refined-flour pancakes with buckwheat pancakes is a good acne-reducing move. Incidentally, this would also help reduce your risk of developing diabetes [source: MedicineNet].

Not into buckwheat? Avocadoes and mushrooms can provide similar benefits.

Try incorporating these items into your diet and daily routine and your hair, skin, and nails will be their best.

MythBuster Mondays: In case you missed these..

Over the past couple of months we have talked about a few skin care myths and whether they were true or false. Just in case you missed these here's an overview of our Monday Mythbusters!

Myth: Does a Day at the Beach Help Your Skin?:

Overall, the combination of sunshine and ocean water (or just salt water) is a great idea to try several times a month when the weather is warm. So the next time you wonder if you should spend a day at the beach, go, just remember moderation and good judgment is key! Find out the pros and cons of a day at the beach...  

Read Full Article

Myth: Do the beverages you drink really affect your skin? 

Bad:

Soda: Clogs Pores and dehydrates skin

Alcohol: Dilates Blood Vessels, and dehydrates skin

Good: 

Water: Hydrates skin, and flushes out toxins

Green Tea: Reduces the risk of cancer, and rejuvenates skin cells

Read Full Article

Myth: Does Your Hair Cause Acne?

When you have long hair, especially bangs, it leaves the oils on your face, clogging your pores. This is in addition to the oils that your face normally produces. Some tips to avoid having your hair cause acne on your face:                                                               Read Full Article

Myth: Does Toothpaste REALLY Help Clear Up Acne?

The answer is Yes, well technically....  When toothpaste is applied to the pimple, it dehydrates it and absorbs oil. The alcohol which aids the drying of the spot and fluoride which produces burning, can be a deadly combination for sensitive skin. BEWARE, it can result in burns, extremely dry and flaky skin, and irritation.Instead of using toothpaste, a good substitute would be...

Read Full Article

Any Myths you want us to bust? Let us know!

Tips & Tricks By Ginger: Hygiene 101

There are so many little tips and tricks to remember when it comes to hygiene. We wanted to make things easier for everyone by putting all the great ones in one place:

Change:

• Mascara every month (ever wake up with red, irritated eyes?  This could be from the bacteria in your old mascara.)

• Shower puff/loofah every 3 months

• Eyeshadows-throw out after 1 year

• Foundation-dispense to back of hand and then apply to face.  Don’t continue to put your finger into the bottle after touching your face.

• Lipstick-if it “sweats” throw it out (the product is separating).

• Tooth brush-throw out every month

• Throw away any skin care that has been open for more than one year.

Wash:

• Shower curtain every month or spray with bleach solution if it is plastic.

• Hair brushes, combs, tweezers -dip in alcohol once a month.

• Cosmetic Brushes-wash once a week with a brush cleaner or gentle hair shampoo.

• Makeup sponges and foundation brushes should be washed after every use (moist environment is a breeding ground for bacteria).

Random Tips:

• Use Qtips to remove product from jars.

• Don’t touch the area on a pump bottle where the product comes out.

• Don’t add water to your mascara. this can introduce bacteria into the mascara container.

SkinCare Blogger Winners

Here at Natural Skin Shop we'd like to thank all those who participated in SkinCare Blogger Wars. To show our appreciation we are giving away one skin care kit to all participants.

These winners are as follows: Heather Lopez, Cole, Katrina, Kate Gene, and Amoeba. They will each be receiving a skin care kit. (All others who participated have already been announced as winners).

But that's not all! We have 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes to give out as well. The winners will be based on who sent the most unique traffic to www.naturalskinshop.com from their blog!

Drum roll please.......

And our 3rd place winner  is Cole. Her blog Reviews by Cole helped her win a Green Tea Skincare Kit and $50 Cash. This Green Tea Skincare Kit includes Green Tea Cleanser, Green Tea Toner, and Green Tea Spf 30+ Moisturizer.

And the 2nd place winner is Rebekah Facciuto. Her blog Lets Win! and followers/friends helped her win an Anti-Aging skincare Kit and $100 CASH. This Skincare kit will contain  Ultrox, Green Tea SPF 30, and a Glycolic Cleanser.

And finally the moment you've all been waiting for......

Our 1st place winner of SkinCare Blogger Wars is IceFairy. This blog drove the most unique traffic to www.naturalskinshop.com. IceFairy will be receiving a Personalized Peel Kit and $200 CASH!! This kit will include a cleanser, a serum, a daily moisturizer with spf, a daily exfoliator, and a personalized peel,. Our estheticians are here to assist with finding the best skin peel and other skincare products for YOUR skin type.

  
Badge Winners 

The blogger who wins the "Most Creative" Badge for their blog is Michelle Pelosi.

The blogger who wins the "Best Blog Post Design" Badge for their blog is Kate Gene.

All winners please email contests@naturalskinshop.com with your e-mail, name, full home address, and phone number. If you have any questions about using these products, please let one of our esthesticians know. Thanks for participating in SkinCare Blogger Wars!! Look out this month for a Natural Skin Shop promotion!


Congratulations again to ALL our winners!

Sunburn Tips & Tricks by Ginger

In the midst of a hot summer we thought it appropriate to share some tips and tricks on how to deal with those nasty sunburns:

Start by taking a cool shower.  This should give you some immediate relief. Then apply a healing, hydrating, soothing serum like 100% aloe Vera gel or a Green Tea Antioxidant Moisturizer serum.

Of course, drink lots of water and take anti-inflammatory oral pain relievers or acetaminophen.

Tip: If your sunburn is bad enough to result in blistering, avoid opening blistered skin. If the blisters do open, apply a barrier cream or ointment to prevent infection and irritation.

Trick: Wear loose, nonabrasive, breathable fabrics like cotton. This is a great trick to avoid a long and painful day with a sunburn at the office.

Tip: Sunburn relief products are okay as long as they are in a cream or gel formula.  Most sprays contain butane which is counter productive for the healing skin.

Tip: DO NOT use loofahs, scrubs, retin a, retinol, or any other exfoliating agents until the skin has completely healed.

Trick: Gently pat skin dry after cleansing, do not rub the irritated or peeling skin.

Tip: DO NOT apply self tanner to the uneven peeling skin. Self tanner will stick to peeling skin and make it look worse.

Trick: If you must go outside while you have a sunburn wear a high broad spectrum SPF.

Tip: If you have a fever, excessive swelling, headache, nausea, or the skin becomes deep red or purplish then you should see your doctor.

Tip: Do NOT apply and mentholated or alcohol products to the skin it may make it feel better at first but it will further dehydrate the skin and cause more peeling.

We hope these tips and tricks help keep your skin feeling and looking healthy!  Remember we are still hosting the Skincare Blogger Wars so CLICK HERE to find out how you can win lots of skincare products!

No Winners Yesterday but TWO winners Today

So yesterday, we didn't have any bloggers who blogged about us. But this just opens up more opportunity for YOU! Now we will be picking not just one winner but TWO winners. So this is a perfect chance to get your blog post in!

Just a few reminders of what you can blog about:
-Share the contest with your readers
-Talk about an experience you had with Natural Skin Shop, i.e.. with products, customer service, Facebook Page
-15 % off your first order
-Natural Skin Shop never tests their products on animals.

Be one of our two winners today!!... Write your own blog post about Natural Skin Shop. Every blog post is qualified to win, no matter how short the post. The only requirement is that somewhere in the post you link to Natural Skin Shop's website. CLICK HERE to read all the rules.....

START BLOGGING!!!