Monday, February 18, 2013

My Bag of Tricks- Product 1

Skin Care maintenance is probably one of the most sought after advices. Whether it be eye lashes, lips, makeup or cheeks, I try to maintain my glow by beginning at the root of the problem: the workings within. 

Lately, I have had a few co-coworkers ask me about my skin care routine, my preferences, and how I maintain what they believe to be 'remarkable skin.' I am well aware of my own flaws so I invert a thank you and yield what I believe has been one of my top secrets. 

Now, I have an entire bag of tricks. One product, one day aint gonna get chu anywhere. Most products take a month to make a difference, and what a difference it can make. Before we proceed, remember this-- EVERYTHING works from the inside out. A combination of things encompass great skin. However, there are a few things I do here and there and rev up results. Today we will go over product #1.

Jojoba Oil. 

With these late bloomed snow storms, cold fronts and wind blown storms, it may seem like very little will pacify your harshened skin. 

When it gets cold, crank up the hydration. Double up on your water, vitamins and take care of that wind burnt baby--your face. Many products claim hydration over night, anti-aging miracles, and even reduced lines. Maybe some do, but temporarily. My advice, LOOK what is in those ingredients. I try to stay all natural as much as possible to avoid harsh chemicals on my face. 

Lather Up- Oils

Most oils on the street WILL make your face feel great, it may hydrate the skin temporarily. But what you dont know is what they contain. Many oil based products sold at your local drug store contain MINERAL OIL. Something I do my best to steer COMPLETELY clear of (which is hard with small pockets). Mineral Oil is a mass produced product made of distilled gasoline and crude oil. Yummy. It is clear, scentless and wildly produced. It acts as a thin layer on the skin and is actually quite difficult for the skin to absorb and in turn CLOGS THE PORES, which slows the skin's ability to eliminate toxins. REMEMBER, the skin is the body's largest organ and plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. SO although mineral oil based products may give you short term relief, think again about long term benefits. Be careful and ALWAYS research what you put on your face! That it probably my most valuable advice.

So, if you love oils like I do, go natural. Yes, you do have the risk of getting clogged pores, but it may be less likely than smothering toxic chemicals on your skin (we hope.). SO, back to Jojoba oil. You've seen this ingredient in many high end products, conditioners, lotions and more... 

Here are the pros: 
1. Non Greasy, I wear it on my forehead daily without looking like a grease monkey. It definitely soothes away my dry skin. 
2. All natural
3. Great cleanser- I put jojoba on my face and then add cleanser so I feel that hydrated soothing silk.
4. Great eye makeup remover. 
5.fantastic for eczema and Stretch marks
6. Good for locking moisture in and keeping bacteria out
7. Its actually a wax (just a fun fact)

Cons
1. You have to go to a whole foods to find an all natural bottle
2. It may not be as thick and hydrating as mineral oil and will be more expensive 

I havent experienced any clogged pores or negative affects and I have been using this product for nearly two years. To learn more about the benefits of jojoba oil, see the link below. 

I put this on my skin all over at night for extra absorption when I know my skin is starting to feel rough, I use it as a cleanser a few days a week and even put some in my conditioner and soap to help alleviate razor burn. Give it a try. 

 Youll find that when you finally hydrate your skin, many of your problems will fade away. 

Again, trick one of many plus tons of water, exercise, eating clean and vitamins combined. 

Excuse the awkward, I tried getting loads of close up pictures of my skin--flaws and all so you can see the affects of JOJOBA. (FYI my skin was dry and flaky yesterday, hydrated today after a night and cleanse with jojoba).

I am wearing Murad's Dewey Tinted Primer paired with bare mineral's mineral veil and a pop of Mac's pigment pink blush. 

**Education yourself, before you apply, thats what Google is for, right?**
Quick jojoba Facts
A Great Jojoba Read
jojoba for acne

The more you know, the better skin you will have!