Why Herbal Facial Masks are Better for You

Our skin is the largest organ of the body and protects the rest of our organs from outside elements and harm. We have all been taught to take care of our skin not only to look good, but also to be healthy.

The benefits of eating natural, whole foods have been getting a lot of press in recent years. If you want beautiful skin, a healthy inside will reflect a healthy outside. Today, natural, herbal and organic skin care is the fastest growing area in the skin care and beauty industry.

Why are herbal facial masks best? Beauty products have been known to contain many chemicals such as parabens, to preserve their shelf life. Parabens are actually harmful to the skin, and overall health.  Herbal skin care products and facial masks are all natural and do not contain any chemicals or preservatives. The key ingredients used to make these products contain few if any toxins or chemicals.

You may then ask, “Do herbal face masks expire more quickly than others?” The answer is no. In order to extend the product’s shelf life, it is best that you use something sanitary–such as a spatula–to remove products from containers and always close containers directly after use. It is widely agreed upon that once skin care products of any kind are opened and exposed to air, they should be used or thrown out after 6 months.

When herbal or organic face masks are used to treat skin disorders such as eczema and acne, they are much less likely to cause irritation to sensitive skin. Choosing herbal masks are a beneficial and safe way to take care of your skin and overall health. Today there are many herbal  facial masks and complementary products to choose from, including cleansers, toners, moisturizers, make-up and even anti-aging serums.

Some herbal facial products you may already have at home are: essential oils like ginger and tea tree, natural plant oils such as grape seed and almond oil, and herbs such as lavender and green tea. You can use these in your bath or make fabulous natural, facial treatments. The internet or your local library has hundreds of great recipes to choose.

Natural, fruit extracts such as papaya, apples, citrus and cucumbers are proven to have a healthy effect on the skin, due to the absence of toxic pesticides. As you can imagine, there are many great herbal skin care lines and face masks available for retail, if you’re not interested in making your own home remedies. However, “herball” doesn’t always mean organic or natural and labels can be deceiving; do some research on ingredients that seem skeptical.

The intent of this article is to help you be aware what you are putting on your skin and what harmful ingredients may be looming in your favorite skin care products. Now that you know more about herbal face masks follow the below home recipe for a great glow!

Make sure that your herbal at home ingredients are certified organic or all natural.

Moisturizing Avocado Mask:

1 avocado, 1 teaspoon of apple vinegar, 1 egg white, 3 teaspoons of olive oil. Peel and mash avocado. Separate and beat egg white, add to mashed avocado along with other ingredients. Apply to face and wash off after 20 minutes.

THINK PINK to Help Fight Breast Cancer

So, if you’ve been living in a cave like me for the last few weeks, you might have noticed a awful lot of PINK happening out there…even on your favorite Sunday Football Team. I was watching the Broncos and the Cowboys on Sunday, wondering, “What’s with all the pink?”

After a few web searches, I discovered all this powerful push for PINK is due to the 25^th annual National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Ahh-ha!

Almost every blog and website I’ve visited has something to offer in the pink package or draped with the famous crossed pink ribbon. While I personally have been blessed to be cancer-free, my mother has not. She beat her cancer, but many other family members did not. I’m sure many of you personally have experience with this ravenous illness.

Cancer is a scary disease that shows no predictability; some may make it, some may not. But it is up to us to keep the pressure on to find a cure. Many of you may be aware of natural food alternatives and the outcries of those in the know saying the cancer is treatable, but the pharmacies and big business won’t let that happen.

I can’t be sure that a cure is being suppressed, but I can be sure, when we continue to live in contaminated environments and ingest and use products and foods that are filled with chemicals, we are only promoting the inevitable inability of our bodies to cleanse and filter for our optimal health.

It is up to us as wise consumers to make the best possible choices for our health, including the foods we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe and the products we use – including skincare products.

According to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, “192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected in women in the United States by New Year’s.” October is the month organizations struggle to raise awareness and funds to battle the disease.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month began Oct. 1. For the rest of the month, organizations dedicating themselves to help prevent and cure the disease will be going all out to raise awareness and funds. You’re not imagining it if you feel surrounded by pink.

According to the LATimes, “The annual observance was started in part by the American Academy of Family Physicians, pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca’s HealthCare Foundation and nonprofit CancerCare Inc. Nonprofit Susan G. Komen for the Cure linked breast cancer awareness to the color pink in 1982, when the first Komen Race for the Cure logo design was an abstract female runner outlined with a pink ribbon. The idea really took off in 1992 when, while working on Self magazine’s second Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue, editor in chief Alexandra Penney created a ribbon and worked with cosmetics companies such as Estée Lauder to distribute them in New York City stores.”

Over the years, all kinds of companies and products have jumped on the bandwagon, and this year you can buy anything from household products to high end jewelry in pink, with part of the proceeds going to fight the disease.
To get an idea of the month’s impact, consider that the nonprofit support organization Living Beyond Breast Cancer earned a third of its annual budget through last October’s events and product promotions.

Join the cause in helping to save lives in communities around the world by registering today at www.passionatelypink.org.
If you aren’t exactly liquid these days, don’t feel alone. there are plenty of things you can do to help. Volunteer your time with a local cancer organization or shop promoting the cause. There are many links to sites out there looking for the help of someone like you. You can start here : http://ww5.komen.org/getinvolved/getinvolved.html

I found this list below from a local newspaper of some great beauty products and supporting businesses and who want to help make a difference.

Beauty.com
Purchase any product with a Cancer and Careers logo and participating brands will donate a portion of the sales to that charity.

Darphin
Darphin will donate $20 from each sale of the Arovita C Energic Firming Cream, (which retails at $80) through October to the BCRF.

Dermstore
Head to www.dermstore.com for do-gooder products like Jane Iredale’s PureMoist LipColour in Christina, named for cancer survivor Christina Applegate, or in the Pink PureGloss; Mama Mio Skincare’s parabine-free Boob Tube bust and neck firmer and gloMinerals’ gloMarvelous in Pink Kit with a bronzer and lip gloss.

Diptyque
Twenty percent of sales of its Pink Roses candle at BeautyHabit.com ($68) goes to the Pink Agenda nonprofit.

Elemis
Inside the fuchsia “Essential Beauty Secrets” cosmetic bag are four Elemis products and a five-step breast check guide. A portion of the $95 price will go to Breast Cancer Care.

Essie
Fight from your fingers to your toes: 10% of the proceeds from Essie’s Yes We Can, Pink! polish ($8) will go to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, which raises awareness and funds for women coping with the disease.

ghd
It looks like something found in a “Mad Men” powder room: the baby pink hair-styling iron. It comes with a matching hair brush, sectioning clips and a tote bag. Fifteen dollars from every $255 Pink Limited Edition Box Set sold goes to the Young Survival Coalition, which helps women younger than 40 who have been affected by the disease.

Japonesque
A little pick-me-up: The makeup brushes and tools brand is giving 20% of proceeds from their pink pocket-sized eyelash curler ($11 at Ulta.com) to breast cancer research.

MelangePerfume.com
Perfume owner Denise Estrada will give 30% of all sales of her pink solid perfumes in honeysuckle, iris, lilac, Polynesia, frangipani, Japanese tea rose and Melati jasmine ($15 for .35 ounce) to the NBCF.

Philosophy
Relax a bit: All of the net proceeds from the $20 Shower for the Cure and She Colors My Day Charity Bubble Bath will go to the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund to support the early detection of women’s cancers.

Prescriptives
A limited-edition Pink Ribbon Palette for Cheeks and Eyes with four eye colors and two cheek colors retails for $48.50, with $20,000 in proceeds from North American sales going to the BCRF.

Purple Lab
It’s not just the ingredients — like vanilla, echinacea and super-fruit mangosteen — that make the beauty brand call SWAC (or Sealed With a Kiss) a “feel-good lip gloss.” They’re available at Kitson and Fred Segal Melrose, and the company is donating 20% of proceeds from the gloss to Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.

Sephora
The beauty product mecca will give $1 from each sale of its Super Shimmer lip gloss in Forever Pink ($10) or its pink eyelash curler ($16), and $2 from its refillable blush brush ($22) to the BCRF.

VMV Hypoallergenic
BCRF will get a dollar from the purchase of any of VMV’s gentle-to-use pink products, such as Glow Lip and Cheek Tint in Debutante or Blush Crush ($21 each) or Lip Bliss Lipstick in Pink Diamond and Pamper Me ($23) .

~ Jordan Dupree

Rosemary Uses for Health and Skincare

By Van Le | Rosemary is a widely-used herb in many natural products, specifically natural skin care products.   Its use has been traced back to ancient and medieval times, when it was used as an antiseptic to care for wounds thanks to its restorative properties.  Rosemary is edible and is often used as a spice for cooking.

When added to food, rosemary provides key nutrition such as calcium, iron, and Vitamin B.  What is good for the body is also good for the skin, therefore, rosemary and its oil extracts have been used medicinally for hundreds of years.  In modern times, rosemary has been a wildly popular ingredient in many herbal skincare products and cosmetics.

Rosemary is an evergreen herb that is native to the Mediterranean region, and is known as the “dew of the sea” because it first grew predominantly along the Italian coast.  Today, rosemary can be grown in a typical garden with relative ease.  The leaves can be crushed and used as an herb for cooking, and the health and cosmetic benefits of this herb are plentiful.  Rosemary is popular in the kitchen as spice for fish, meat and poultry.

Outside the kitchen, rosemary oil improves digestion, boosts mental activities, and strengthens follicles for increased hair growth and stronger hair.  It is high in anti-oxidants, making it a key ingredient in the fight against tumors and cancer.  Rosemary stimulates brain activities, fights off free radicals, and is a key component in the fight against cancer.

The health benefits of rosemary are plentiful, but the cosmetic benefits are even more rewarding.

Also known as Rosmarinus Officinalis, rosemary is rich in minerals, has a pleasantly compelling smell, and contains powerful anti-inflammatories.  According to an article by Dr. Winston Craig, “The terpenoids in rosemary, such as rosmarinic acid, rosmanol, carnosol and ursolic acid provide effective anti-inflammatory benefits, while ursolic acid conveys anti-tumor properties.” When used on the skin it stimulates blood flow and helps improve skin functions, resulting in a healthy complexion.

A common indication of skin damage and aging skin is broken capillaries, a condition where capillary walls rip and blood seeps to the surface of the skin.  As a result, fine, red lines appear under the surface of the skin, creating an unpleasant look.  Rosemary has been known to reduce the appearance of broken capillaries.  It stimulates circulation, reduces the appearances of the red lines, which makes it an effective element in anti-aging products.  Rosemary is also effective in reducing under-eye puffiness since it is able to increase circulation and help drain toxins that accumulate in the area directly under the eyes.

Thanks to its antimicrobial and astringent properties, Rosemary is also used to treat symptom of acne.   When used as an astringent, rosemary helps cleanse the skin by clearing clogged pores, removing dead skin cells, and stimulating cell renewal.  It also prevents excess oil buildups that can lead to inflamed pores.

Rosemary can also be made into essential oils, teas, and powders.  Its soothing and rejuvenating properties are commonly used in aromatherapy for

overall wellness.  As with everything, moderation is key.  Rosemary should not be used by those suffering from hypertension or epilepsy, and women who are breastfeeding should consult a doctor before consuming rosemary herbs.
Rosemary is a key ingredient in Vivoderm’s anti-acne mask, anti-aging mask, intense moisturizer, facial cleanser, facial toner, body butter and foot cream.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://http://antiagingmasks.com

Ayurvedic and Holistic Skin Care

Ayurvedic skin care is derived from medicinal practices that began over 5,000 years ago. Ayurvedic medicine and healing practices are based on Indian philosophical, psychological, conventional, and medicinal understandings. Ayurvedic approach to skin care is holistic and considers the mind, body, and spirit together. Ayurveda practices the belief that there are three basic principles (or humors) born out of five basic elements that exist in nature. These principles are known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These principles are believed to work together in harmony to make up the entire body. Read more

Herbal Facial Masks Feel Good Effects

Facial masks can do more than just give you some peaceful downtime. They are an important part of skin care and a great way to prevent skin aliments and aging. It is recommended that you use a facial mask at least once a week. While it is not necessary to go overboard and wear one every night, a weekly facial mask session cannot only help your skin receive moisture, but it can also ease skin disorders like acne. Facial masks can be soothing or energizing, and the actions and rituals often involved with applying a facial mask can be an effective stress reliever. A facial mask is generally defined as a substance that is applied to the face, much like smearing on cream. It is thick, and often resembles clay. Many masks make use of clay or gel as a base, as these will stay in place when applied, and they are generally harmless to most skin types (although gel is used most for sensitive skin, as heavy clay irritate it). Masks are meant to cover the entire face and then remain in place for a few minutes before washing off. The materials in most masks are safe to be washed down the sink.

Many organic facial masks include both deep cleaning and moisturizing agents in the mask. This allows the cores in the face to be cleansed deeply, getting rid of oily build up and trapped dirt. This can help reduce or even prevent acne. Additionally, many masks help slough off dead skin. The dead top skin is dull and lusterless. When it is gently removed, the mask brings the top layer of dead skin cells off with it. This leaves younger, healthier cells exposed as the face’s surface. This means tighter skin and a more brilliant complexion. It can also reduce the look of fine lines and small wrinkles to carry out a regular facial mask.

Another reason that facial masks are so popular involves the soothing and relaxing motions associated with applying a facial mask. If you decide to have one applied in for relaxation as well as the benefits it has for the skin on the face, then you can have a very enjoyable experience. In spas, these masks are applied with special techniques and often include a massage. You can give your own face a gentle massage just prior to applying the mask, and if you are systematic about it, you can apply the mask in a way that is singularly soothing. All masks should be applied to a freshly cleaned face, rinsed with warm water. This opens the pores and allows the mask to do its thing. Warm water is very calming and soothing, and many people find this part of the application to be one of the more enjoyable stages.

Apply the mask in a circular motion until it covers the face. This is calming and stimulating at the same time. Let the mask sit on your face for 15 to 20 minutes (although some are meant to be worn all night). Many women like to lie down and relax. The effect can be enhanced by the addition of candles or incense and some soothing music. Finally, when it is time to rinse the mask, do so in cold water. This will help close the pores, protecting them against dirt and oil, and also energize your face.

Many people enjoy making their own facial masks from common natural household products like bananas (for wrinkles and anti aging), avocados, and honey (antibacterial). Butter can also be used as a remedy for dry skin. Other masks can be created using different types of clays, and different essential oils can be used for different skin types. Fruit purees also have different effects and yogurt and milk can soften the skin. Oatmeal is extremely soothing, and most sensitive skin types can use masks of this sort. Adding rose petal powder can enhance your fragrance without the need for perfume, while citrus fruit peel powder acts as an astringent.  Using a combination of herbal ingredients can offer an amazing experience.

When you decide to make use of facial masks, you are certain to feel the good effects of it later down the road. And if you apply them once a week, you can help keep your face healthy-looking and your complexion brilliant with a healthy glow.

Organic Face Masks at Home

SPA INDEX PAPAYA PUMPKIN FACIAL

If you have visited spas and resorts in exotic locales such as the Pacific Rim, Bali, Hawaii, and Tahiti, you’ve probably seen an esthetician select and mash fresh fruit in front of you for a fresh-on-the spot enzyme mask. It’s easy to recreate this mask at home — we’ve found a Balinese mask for you which will leave your face fresh and glowing.

2/3 cup fresh papaya, mashed
15 oz. can pure pumpkin
1 egg, beaten

1. Prepare the mask. Cut the papaya in half and scoop out the seeds. Scoop out the papaya fruit and mash it well to eliminate lumps in the mask. Beat the egg until it is frothy. Combine that with the papaya. Add the pumpkin to the egg/papaya mixture and whip together. You can also mix the ingredients in the blender or a food processor for an extra smooth mask.

2. Prepare your face. Wash with your daily cleanser and remove all residual makeup on your skin. Rinse with warm water. It’s very important to have clean skin to ensure you get maximum benefits from the facial.

3. Apply the Mask. Cover your entire face, being careful to avoid the immediate eye area. If you have sensitive skin, test the mixture on your hand before spreading it on your face. You’ll feel some tingling as the enzymes in the pumpkin go to work immediately — gently exfoliating your top layer of skin. It works like a scrub without being abrasive to your skin. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes.

4. Rinse Off Mask. After you’ve relaxed for ten minutes it’s time to rinse. The mask is fairly thick — head for the kitchen sink.

5. Apply Toner & Moisturizer.

LEMON FACIAL MASK

2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon finely ground oatmeal
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 drop lemon essential oil
Cucumber slices (optional)
Mix the sour cream, oatmeal, lemon juice and essential together in a bowl. To use, massage over clean face and neck skin and the rest for 10 minutes (with cucumber slices if you have them) over your eyes. Rinse well with warm water and follow with toner and moisturizer.

Always use Lemon Facial Mask immediately for best results — the lemon juice will cause the sour cream to curdle if it is not used quickly.

AVOCADO CARROT CREAM MASK

This mask combines avocados, which are rich in Vitamin E, with carrots, which are high in beta-carotene and antioxidants, and cream, which is high in calcium and protein.  These ingredients will rebuild skin collagen, improve tone and texture, and fade age spots.

1 avocado, mashed
1 carrot, cooked and mashed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 egg, beaten
3 tablespoons honey

Combine all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.  Spread gently over your face and neck, and leave in place 10-15 minutes.  Rinse with cool water and follow with your favorite toner.

Avocado Dry Skin Masque
California Avocado Commission

Beat the yolk of an egg until it is light and frothy, then add the mashed pulp of a half avocado, blending it well (you may use a blender at this point). Cleanse your face thoroughly before using this masque (or any masque). Spread the avocado mixture over the face and neck evenly; relax on a slant board or bed for about 20 minutes. Remove with clear tepid water and a face cloth, followed by a rinse of cold water or a mild skin lotion. The result should be a marked improvement in skin texture, and all-around revitalizing.

Avocado Oily Skin Masque
California Avocado Commission

Put the white of an egg, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and the mashed pulp of a half avocado into a blender. In seconds, you should have a lovely green mixture. Wash your face and neck thoroughly, then apply masque evenly on those areas. Relax for 20 minutes; remove with tepid water and a face cloth. Follow with cold astringent or skin tonic.

ALMOND-MAYONNAISE SCRUB
Dry Skin Exfoliator

1/4 C. almonds
1/8 tsp. mayonnaise

Grind almonds in blender until they form fine almond meal. Whirl in mayonnaise.  Gentle rub scrub onto your face, and leave in place 10 minutes. Rinse. Use a toner thereafter.  Shelf Life: Refrigerate for 2-3 weeks.

Apple Cucumber Facial Mask
1/2 cucumber, peeled
1 egg white
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon apple mint leaves
1 drop lime essential oil
Combine all 5 ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Add the essential oil last and mix well. Refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes.
Apply a layer to your clean face and neck area and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse well with warm water. Apple Cucumber Facial Mask is best when used immediately as the ingredients are perishable. The leftovers can be refrigerated in the coldest section of the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days but should be discarded after that

Apple Face & Neck Gelee
Yield: Approx. 2 applications
Ingredients:
4 teaspoons hot distilled water
1 teaspoon freshly juiced apple juice
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin
1 heaping teaspoon powdered pectin
Add the glycerin to the water/juice/gel combination and stir to fully incorporate.  Add the pectin while the liquid remains quite warm (if it cools, place it in the microwave or a double boiler to raise the temperature) and use a hand held electric mixer to blend, or stir vigorously to dissolve the pectin. Once the pectin has fully dissolved, a light gel will begin to form. This may take from 15 minutes to 1/2 hour. Once the gel sets, Apple Face & Neck Gelee is ready to use. Apply the gel in a layer to your clean, damp face and neck. Rest for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and follow with a light moisturizer if desired. Leftover product can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Enjoy!! The shelf life of this product is necessarily limited by the fresh apple juice. It should be used within a few days after it is made.

Your Organic Skin

Your Organic Skin

Skin is the armor of the body. It is the outside waterproofing, element-fighting surface that protects our internal organs and skeletal structure from the harsh outside elements. Yet skin, overall is ignored most of the time. Healthy skin is important for a glowing completion of course, but if your body is unhealthy – your skin will be also.

The toxic world of industrialization has finally caught up with us. Producing toxic waste disasters, disease and tons of garbage buried so deep it can never breakdown. All these “modern advancements” have left our food supply as little more than a chemical compound in itself. If you can do ONE thing to give your skin and your body a fighting chance, you would be wise to choose as organic a diet as possible. To maintain a healthy skin, organically grown food is must. Read more

Organic Skin Care

The market today is flooded with beauty products. Everywhere you look, another new product is on the shelf (or on the website). So, how does one choose which is the best product for them? If you are inclined to treat your skin naturally-meaning without harsh chemicals-then organic or natural skin care may be the best for you. Not only do these products help your skin in a more balanced, natural way, they are also much less harmful to yourself and the environment.

Below are five basic steps in keeping skin healthy, along with the use of organic skin care products.
Eat and maintain a balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that help you maintain a healthy skin the natural way. Avoid processed and greasy foods. Familiarize yourself with healthy, organic food that you enjoy and will promote better health. Supplements will also provide assistance in keeping your whole body healthy. Keeping the entire body healthy is the primary key for healthy cells. This is the most important organic skin care tip. Skin can only look as good as the nutrients you feed your body. The skin is the primary conduit for the liver to process toxins.

1. Drink plenty of water. A huge percentage of the body is composed of water. Water intake will help you clean the body. Water also hydrates the body and helps prevent dry skin. Well-hydrated cells function well. Cells that function well can help maintain youth. The more active a person is, the more water he/she needs. Eight glasses of water a day is the recommended amount of water intake, however, as for athletes and energetic people, more is needed to replace the fluid they excrete through perspiration. There is no replacement to drinking plenty of water and this is not only a great organic skin care rule but a great habit to adopt.

2. Exercise. Aside from a boost in energy, moderate work outs promote blood circulation and increase oxygen in the blood stream. Both help in maintaining the youth of your skin.

3. Wash your face with mild cleansing products. Cleansing products with strong substances can harm cells. Ensure that you use clean water when washing the cleansing products off your skin. Don’t rub your skin vigorously with the towel - it irritates the skin. Wipe gently with soft cloth. Organic skin care products are milder than those with synthesized or processed ingredients and don’t need to be scrubbed off.

4. Use organic skin care products when possible. Products with natural ingredients will clean you r skin just as well as those full of chemicals. The closer the ingredients are to their natural state, the less harmful for your skin. Most organic products work with the body’s natural process in fighting harmful elements and potential diseases as opposed to chemically forcing the skin to respond to treatment.

5. Moisturizers are recommended for all skin types. Even oily skin loses its natural moisture after using harsh cleansing products. If your skin is not properly moisturize, it will dry and age faster. Toners help in cleaning traces of dirt and cosmetics not easily removed with the use of cleansers. Try to use a product containing zinc or a natural sunblocking agent to protect your face from the harmful UVB rays of the sun.

Organic skin care gives you the greatest opportunity to have a healthy skin, without using harmful ingredients. The appearance of your skin indicates the state of your health. If you are suffering from acne or any other skin condition, try treating it from the inside out first. Give your body a chance to balance itself with healthy foods and supplements before you spend hundreds of dollars on topical treatments. Your skin is your body’s armor, protecting your from the elements. Help it do its job.

Herbal Facial Masks and Proper Skin Care

The secret to proper facial cleansing and radiant skin is to get rid of any dead cells and toxins not thrown off naturally by the skin; remove all makeup, dirt, grime and chemical pollutants; clear out clogged pores and eliminate infection-causing bacteria without stripping away the skin’s natural oils and hydration. Read more