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!

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!!!

Ginger's Tips & Tricks: Squalane Oil

One of my favorite products is Natural Skin Shop’s Squalane Moisturizer. Since I began using this product my face has never felt better. Now what exactly is Squalane you ask?

Squalane Oil is 100% plant based, and is derived from olives. (Bet you didn’t know the fruit you put in your martini, helps your skin). This moisturizer has almost the same molecular structure found in the natural oils in babies’ skin, which is why this hydrating product, Squalane, is nature’s perfect moisturizer.


What Squalane does:


-Helps retain moisture and boosts cell regeneration.
-It can rapidly and completely permeate the skin, and reduce signs of aging.
-Deactivates free radicals that are produced from UV exposure.


Benefits of Squalane:

-It is odorless and colorless. Won’t leave behind any smell, or any color stains.
-Ideal for sensitive or allergy prone skin due to it’s pure qualities.
-It has antibacterial qualities.
-Similar to products such as Vitamin A and Retinol.
-Squalane aids the healing process, soothing and calming irritated and inflamed skin. (Skin conditions such as eczema and allergy rashes.)
-Safe for children because it is chemical and preservative free (it is self preserving).


Tips on How To Use Squalane:

-Used to stimulate the healing process after microdermabrasion, laser, peels, and exfoliation.
- Facial Moisturizer.
- Body Moisturizer.
-To relieve chapped lips
-As cuticle oil
-As a moisturizing booster mixed in with your daily moisturizer during the winter months.
-People with dry skin can apply a couple drops to their skin to help their makeup glide on smoother.
-Can put it on dry hair for hydration and shine or mixed with your conditioner for added moisture.
-Can use it to moisturize dry skin and calluses on your feet.
-Mix with Hyaluronic Serum for a pure, natural moisturizer.

Overall Squalane is such a versatile hydrating prodct that aids a lot of different skin conditions. Try it today!

Mythbuster Monday: Does a Day at the Beach Help Your Skin?

The sun is high, the breeze is warm, and the temperature is hot. This is a perfect day to go to the beach!

We all know how much fun it is to spend a day at the beach, but have you ever wondered what good (or bad) affects it could have on your skin. 

If you have ever had questions about salty ocean water and sunshine, know that there are positives and negatives associated with a day at the beach. To help you understand some of these affects here are some of the pro’s and con’s.

Pro’s 

 
Salt water can be very helpful in the treatment of skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. Certain research suggests that a swim in the ocean can help reduce inflammation and infection associated with atopic eczema. As for psoriasis and the itchy skin associated with it, ocean water can help with the removal of dead skin cells which is often the cause of the skin’s itchiness. 

Acne sufferers are a third group who have also been said to find relief after a day at the beach. If you do suffer from acne, the sunshine produces sweat—which cleanses the pores—and provides a subtle drying affect for the skin.

Ocean water helps reduce inflammation and kills surface skin bacteria. If you have no skin issues, a day at the beach is still great. Ocean water is an inexpensive replactement a day at the spa. Plus, the sunshine is just a great mood enhancer.

Con’s

 
Too much salt or sun can lead to overly dry, dehydrated skin, and can cause premature wrinkles.

At the extreme end of the spectrum, skin disorders and cancer can result from overexposure to the sun. 

To prevent many of the harmful effects from the sun while at the beach, a high SPF waterproof sunscreen is highly suggested. Try Neutrogena’s Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 30. Unlike creams, the mist allows for an even coverage, and even a cooling sensation as applied to the body. Remember to reapply after a swim, or every couple of hours.

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!

Basic Skincare: Simple as Breakfast

When it comes to basic skin care there are three things to remember: Grapes, Raisins, and Corn Flakes. What do fruit and cereal have to do with skin you may ask, well let us go through it together shall we? 

Think of your skin in layers. Three layers.The top layer being the crunchy cornflakes, the middle full of wrinkly raisins, and the bottom, most precious layer filled with moist, juicy grapes. 

Now that you’ve got that scrumptious image in your mind, let’s shift our thinking from eating those cornflakes to exfoliating them away. 
 
Layers of Skin
The grapes, raisins, and cornflakes represent the cells in the layers of your skin. The skin cells in their original form are plump and juicy just like fresh picked grapes. 

As time goes by those grape-like cells are exposed to the sun, wind, pollutants, stress and other unavoidable hazards and slowly begin to take the form of wrinkly, dry raisins. Sadly, some of those wrinkly raisin cells dry up completely to form that top layer of skin cells we will refer to as cornflakes. With this imagery in mind basic skin care couldn’t be more simple. 
 
Steps to Basic Skin Care
The first step is to exfoliate those dry cornflake cells away as they appear. This will be approximately 3 times a week with gentle daily cleanses in between. Once the flakies are gone, the wrinkly raisins are fully exposed with the plump grapes right underneath them. 

The next goal is to plump up the wrinkly raisins with a good facial moisturizer and slow down the aging of the grapes by applying a skin protectant loaded with sunscreen. That’s it. That is the grape, raisin, and cornflake method to having soft, moist skin no matter what stage of life your in.

Everyone, young and old, have these different layers of skin and the trick to basic skin care is to just care for each layer. Scrub off the cornflakes, moisturize the raisins, and protect the grapes.

Tips & Tricks By Ginger: Puffy Eyes

Do strangers ever call you “the bag lady” and not because of the trendy shopping bags you carry in your hands, but instead referring to the bags that lug around under your eyes? Fear not. Puffy eyes are all-too-common, especially when everyone is always on the go. Check out these tips and tricks to minimize the look of puffy eyes.

Tip #1: Get Behind a Cause

The first step in treating your eyes is finding out what’s making them puffy. Many factors from genetics to allergies can be the culprit. If you wear contact lenses, you may find that simply switching them out for fresh frames will diminish those bags. Sleep deprivation, stress and alcohol use are also common causes of puffiness.

Trick #1: Prevention

If lack of sleep is making your eyes bulge, then do your best to get at least the recommended eight hours of rest each night. Limiting your alcohol intake—especially on the weekends when the tendency to drink is increased—and exchanging your shot glass for a bottle of water will also greatly decrease your chances of waking up with puffy eyes. The stress factor can be prevented by merely doing things you love or that release endorphins. Regular exercise reduces both physical and emotional stress.

Tip #2: Exercise Those Baby Blues

Blue, green, brown, whatever! The color of your eyes doesn’t matter, but what does matter is that you rotate your eyes in clockwise and counter clockwise directions to help alleviate the puffy appearance.
Trick #2: Elevate and Compress
While exercising your peepers, elevate your head on a few pillows to keep any fluids from pooling under your eyes. In this position you can also use our All Eyes, which is great at de-puffing and moisturizing the area surrounding your eyes.

Tip #3: Get Your Retinol Fix

Retinol is an ingredient found in many eye creams and for good reason.  A Retinol-based product is recommended to promote healthy cells around your eyes that revitalize your skin. 

Trick #3: Less Puff, More Firm

Our Retinol Advanced Eye Complex absorbs quickly and includes Hyaluronic Acid for anti-aging. It is best to apply a cream like this just before bed. The skin around your eyes will appear smoother and firmer with consistent use.

If you don’t want the hassle of puffy eyes then try some preventive tips. Reducing those puffs can be done in treatments that are effortless. And remember, no one wants to be called the bag lady.

Skin Care Magazine Recommendations

Skin care education is imperative to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Everyone should know how to properly care for their skin, keep an eye out for new trends, and find out about ingredients in products they use.

Locating legitimate sources, that you can rely on, can prove to be difficult. However, there are great skin care  magazines available online. 

Here are some of our top picks:

Skin Inc. provides timely information about skin science, spa business solutions, treatment trends, and much more. Skin Science offers useful articles on skincare ingredients. These articles include topics such as pros and cons of certain ingredients, what ingredients have to offer for different skin types and ingredients to avoid.

If you are looking for broad skincare articles they can be found in the Skin Science section under Physiology. Skin Inc. also provides information on treatments, products, and skin care events Other useful tabs include: treatments, products, buyer's guide, events, and education.

Some articles that Natural Skin Shop found interesting in Skin Inc: 

• Pomegranate: Nature's Oldest Ultraviolet Protection
• Fry Now, Pay Later

Dermatology Times gets the latest news from your skin care professionals: Dermatologists. Their editorial content covers new procedures, advances in therapy, new products and drugs, the latest information presented at meetings, and in-depth interviews with leaders in practice, academics and research. This magazine will be sure to keep you up to date in the world of dermatology.

Some articles we thought you would find interesting from Dermatology Times:

• Staying Sharp: Proper care, maintenance help prolongs razor blade life
• FDA panel urges tanning bed restrictions

Global Cosmetic Industry magazine is the business information resource for marketing and business executives of beauty and personal care, fine fragrance and candle and home fragrance manufacturers and marketers. Follow GCI magazine for the cosmetic industry trends, new product ideas, and data analysis.

Some great articles we found in GCI magazine:

• To Derm or Not to Derm?
• Smelling the Forest for the Trees 

We hope you find these magazines helpful. If you have any magazines that you like, leave a comment and let us know.