Body Beauty: Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Body Spray

Senses body care is the rename of what was called Naturals. While all three body care products are awesome, my personal favorite is the body spray! When all three are used in the same scent, the scent will layer to help carry you through the day; especially if you do not or can not usually wear perfumes.

Shower Gel

5 ounces, moisturizing lather with delightful scents. $6.00

Body Lotion

Luxurious moisture in a creamy formula, with added fragrance. $8.00

Body Spray

Wonderful scented spray to moisturize and layer body scents. $10.00

TIP! Senses is OFTEN on sale, such as Buy 1, Get 1 for .99, or Buy 2, Get 1 Free, or as a 3 piece collection for $10.00

Senses is available in the following scents:

• Playful Pink Daisy & Lemon
• Pretty Passionfruit & Peony
• Silky Vanilla
• Energizing Green tea & Verbena
• Juicy Pomegranate & Mango
• Fresh Cucumber & Melon
• Blushing Cherry Blossom
• Vibrant Orchid & Blueberry
• Sunny Strawberry & Guava

Special, limited time scents are often available, as well. Cherry Blossom and Fruity Yogurt are currently "in season"!

Don't Be Chicken: Rid Your Skin of Keratosis Pilaris

Chicken skin. Called keratosis pilaris, but commonly known as chicken skin because your skin has little raised bumps.

A few facts about keratosis pilaris: it is caused by hair follicles building up extra skin cells, it is generally genetic, and it is aggravated with dry skin.

This annoying skin condition is harmless, but working to maintain your skin will help to keep your skin looking smoother.

When you are experiencing "chicken skin" symptoms, you can do two things to manage it: exfoliate and moisturize.

Use an exfoliating body scrub, like Derma Restoring Body Scrub, to loosen the keratin plugs on the hair follicle and get rid of the dead skin that is causing your skin to be bumpy without causing irritation. Severe outbreaks of keratosis pilaris can benefit from an exfoliant with salicylic acid. A gentle body scrub is a better choice than skin drying cleansers because harsh bar soaps will cause more inflammation.

Moisturize with a lotion or cream, such as Derma Restoring Body Lotion, which works to retain skin's moisture and alleviate flare ups caused by dry skin.

Derma Restoring has been developed to specifically target the skin condition called keratosis pilaris, or chicken skin.

Cleansing and Moisturizing is a Critical Daily Task to Manage Eczema

I sat down to begin writing a blog about eczema, and as I started looking for information, I found something very surprising: a LOT of people have eczema (30 million in the US), a lot of people have tried many things, and a lot of people are still suffering. Eczema is, in a word, complicated.

For starters, the medical community can't really pinpoint what causes eczema. There is a huge list of contributing factors, and those factors are all very clearly different for everyone.

The atopic dermatitis condition called eczema can be caused by:

• genetics
• allergies
• sensitivity to irritants
• sensitivity to temperatures
• photosensitivity
• "thin" skin that does not produce enough fats/oils to create a protective layer
• an immune response

Symptoms of eczema:

• itching, often intense
• red, dry patches
• severely sensitive skin
• rough texture or welts
• itching that leads to scratching and damage to the skin
• damaged skin may be raw, wound-like and might crust over
• pus filled blisters may form

Treatments are also diverse. Everything from over the counter, prescription topicals, diet changes, meditation, wet wrapping, medications such as antihistamines and steroids, even uv light therapy.

Cleansing and Moisturizing Every Day Is Critical

Cleansing and moisturizing are the first steps to take when treating eczema, and they should continue to be part of an eczema treatment routine. Bathing should be done with luke warm, not hot, water. Allow the skin to damp dry, patting, and not rubbing with a towel. Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing, and continue to apply moisturizer on eczema flare up sites throughout the day.

Moisture Therapy Derma Soothing Body Wash
Soothes dryness with vitamin E, aloe and chamomile.

Moisture Therapy Derma Soothing Body Lotion
Light cream moisturizes like an ointment. 

Moisture Therapy Derma Soothing products have been accepted by the National Eczema Association and carry the acceptance seal.

I have had bouts of eczema on my hands. The itching makes me crazy! I have itched my skin to the point of bleeding. I have sensitive skin that damages easily, sunburns easily, and a light fingernail scratch will leave a red mark on my skin for several minutes. I have tried everything from Aveeno to Cetaphil to hydrocortisone. The only products I have been able to use on my hands are the St Ives oatmeal lotions, and Avon's Intensive Healing and Repair. That Aveeno that is supposed to be for itchy skin, seriously makes my skin BURN when I use it. I threw it out.

Margo Young is an Avon representative in Missouri. She has been using the Derma Soothing on her young child's eczema, and shared this BEFORE/AFTER photo. This was from using the Derma Soothing body wash and body lotion for just a few days.

Photo courtesy Margo Young

Everyone who suffers from eczema has a unique situation. Different products are available, but everyone may respond to them differently. The Derma Soothing products may or may not work for you, but I have been seeing very honest reviews from many people with eczema that state these cleansing and moisturizing products work for eczema skin. What I can suggest is to try them out, and if they do not work for your eczema skin, Avon does have a 90 day return policy! But from everything I have seen, Moisture Therapy Derma Soothing is an excellent solution for the daily skin maintenance required for eczema, and at an affordable cost.

Reasons Why We Moisturize And Prime

Before putting on any makeup, be sure to moisturize and prime! The prep work you do will make a difference - your makeup will last longer, and everything will be smoother.

MOISTURIZE

Moisturizer should be lightweight and have SPF. Moisturizer has a few purposes - it hydrates the skin and it protects it from the additional layers of makeup. The SPF is your sunscreen protection as well. Allow the moisturizer to absorb into your skin and make sure it is dry before applying the primer.

PRIME

Primer should match your skin needs as closely as you can. Why do we even use primer? Well, primer does a few very important things: it fills in lines and creates a clean surface to begin the makeup artistry, it smooths your skin and allows foundation to blend, tinted primers and color correctors can help reduce discoloration, and primer helps to lock in moisture.

Primer should contain two key ingredients: glycerin and some variety of silicone, such as dimethicone. Why? Well, glycerin and silicone both help to seal in moisture and they work to create a stronger barrier to protect your skin all day. Check out The Dermatology Review's opinion on glycerin.

My recommend? Ideal Flawless Beauty Balm. Why? It's lightweight, conceals flaws, minimizes redness, smooths skin, is tinted in five color choices to help with coverage, has SPF 15 for additional sun protection, and contains glycerin to help makeup stick and stay all day.

Simple Skincare for Men

Skincare shouldn't be complicated for anyone. Cleanse, Moisturize, Treat... right? Men face (heh.. face) some unique challenges when caring for their facial skin. Namely, HAIR!

Facial hair requires shaving, or maintenance. Shaving can cause irritation, dry skin, and other annoyances. Anew men will help avoid those annoyances!

Shave
Shave gel with aloe and vitamin e keeps shaving smooth. After shave with aloe helps the shave feel great.

Cleanse
2 in 1 gel cleanser keeps the oils and dirt away.

Moisturize
Lotion with SPF 50 focuses on the number one factor for aging skin in men: SUN! UVA causes damage to the skin, and this lotion with SPF and antioxidants is a true fighter. For dry skin, men can choose the moisturizing cream.

Treat
Even men's eyes need some TLC sometimes. This will help dark circles, crow's feet or other skin concerns that make you look a little older than you need to.

Incredible new skincare options for men!

Skin Science

Skin, like every other part of our body, is alive. It changes because the cells are always changing. The skin has very unique roles for us – a barrier that protects us from the environment, a way for us to receive sensory information and it helps our body regulate temperature.

Skin has three layers… Epidermis, Dermis and Tissue/Fat.

Epidermis
The epidermis has five different layers, which includes dead skin cells, keratin and melanocytes that determine skin color. It is the epidermis that we can control through skin care.

Cleansing, moisturizing and treating the epidermis can help our skin look its best! 

Cleansing removes the oil build up, makeup we wear and other dirt and particles from the environment. Sunscreen protects the epidermis from UV rays, and also helps to prevent skin cancer.

Dermis The dermis holds hair follicles, sweat glands and sebaceous glands. A diet rich in vitamins and drinking plenty of water contribute to a healthy dermis.

Subcutaneous TissueThe subcutaneous tissue layer is where the blood vessels and fatty tissue are.

5 Skin Types and Skin Care Tips

How you care for your skin depends on your skin type. Is your skin normal? dry? oily? sensitive?

Normal skin is smooth, has few pores and few blemishes. We are not all so lucky, though! If you have been blessed with normal skin, your routine should be daily cleansing, moisture and treat as needed.

Products I recommend: Cleanse with Purifying Gel Cleanser, and moisturize using Instant Radiance Lotion with SPF 20.

Oily skin is shiny and might even feel oily or wet. If a bit of tissue paper sticks to the skin, your skin type is likely oily. Those with oily skin types may also experience large, visible pores. Oily skin needs cleansing and exfoliating to help remove the oil build up. Try to avoid the toner because that might cause irritation. You still need a moisturizer though, so choose oil free. Finally, the extra oils can cause spot issues, like acne, so treatment may be needed to reduce breakouts. When you are feeling particularly oily, remember that oil is a natural anti-aging mechanism for your skin, and you may have fewer wrinkles as your skin ages!

Products I recommend: Try the Refining Scrub and Mask to cleanse and exfoliate, then Oil-Free Daily Moisture Cream with SPF 15. For treatment, use Clearskin Professional Liquid Extraction Strip for extra oily areas like the nose.

Dry skin feels tight, can have a rough or cracked appearance and may feel flaky. Dry skin (called xerosis) can also peel, appear red, or even bleed. Dry skin care routines include a mild cleanser, but the most important thing is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Dry skin really should have two moisturizers: one for day, and a rich cream for night. Dry skin tends to create more lines as you age, so start moisturizing now!

Products I recommend: Anew Clinical Overnight Hydration Mask, which has shea butter for creamy moisture.  It is also suitable for sensitive skin, so if your skin is dry because you have sensitive skin and avoid products, this mask may not have the reactions you typically have, and will rehydrate.

Combination skin can be difficult, because there is probably oily skin on the t-zone (forehead, nose and chin) but the cheeks may have dry skin. Cleanse daily, and then choose a balanced moisturizer: an oil free for the t-zone with moisture for dry areas. Spot treatment might be necessary, too.

Products I recommend: The Moisturizing Cream Cleanser is oil free but has balance for your combination skin. Swipe Clarifying Toner Pads across your t-zone when it’s feeling oily. Oil-Free Daily Moisture Cream with SPF 15 is good for combination skin. 

Sensitive skin can be the worst. Skin may be painful when using a product, and you may experience irritation or reactions like burning, stinging and redness. Be sure to avoid products that contain AHAs, like glycolic acid. Use a mild cleanser and moisturizer formulated specifically for sensitive skin.

Products I recommend: This is hard, because sensitivity can be caused by so many different things. Consider Nourishing Cleansing Milk as your cleanser and try fragrance free, hypoallergenic Skin Revitalize Night Radiance Cream to moisturize.

DIY Spa Day

I could use a relaxing spa day EVERY day. The fact is, I can barely manage some spa treatment time for me every few months. If I'm lucky. And the planets align.

When I do have an opportunity for relaxing spa time, you bet your pretty petunias I'm going to take advantage of that! My problem is, there is no way I could afford GOING to a spa. I mean a facial alone can be well over $100. There is most definitely a way I can recreate the spa experience myself and for much less.

Be prepared to spend some time alone, bathing and pampering yourself!

	Spa Treatment	Products I Recommend
Face	Brightening Facial: A facial mask will invigorate and hydrate your face, bringing back a healthy glow and helping you relax and recover from stress.	Clearskin® Pore Penetrating Black Mineral Mask $6.99 OR Planet Spa Amazonian Treasures Hydrating Face Mask with Brazilian Acai and Berries $10 Spa Cost: $100+
	Facial Hair Treatment: Remove unwanted facial hair with a cream or a wax.	Skin So Soft Fresh & Smooth Moisturizing Facial Hair Removal Cream $6 OR  Skin So Soft Fresh & Smooth Moisturizing Facial Wax Strip Kit $12 Spa Cost: $15-$30+
Body	Exfoliate: Use a body scrub to exfoliate skin, and refresh your body.	Planet Spa Perfectly Purifying With Dead Sea Minerals Body Scrub $12  Spa Cost: $50+
	Moisturize: Enrich and restore your skin with a soothing moisturizer, like a body lotion or oil.	Skin So Soft body lotions and oils - so many solutions and scents to choose from! $5 to $15  Spa Cost: $50+

Hands	Manicure: File your nails, care for your cuticles and polish with a trendy color.	Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel $6 Spa Cost: $25+
	Moisturize: Massage a lotion into the dry skin on your fingers and hands.	My personal favorite! Moisture Therapy Intensive Healing & Repair Hand Cream $5 Spa Cost: $10+
Feet	Pedicure: Trim your toenails, and color them with a made to last gel polish.	Gel Finish 7-in-1 Nail Enamel $7  Spa Cost: $35+
	Smooth: Rub in a hydrating foot cream.	Foot Works Beautiful Deep Moisturizing Cream $5 &   Spa Cost: $20+

Total cost for all of that pampering at a spa? Starting at $320, and could be much more depending on the spa!

Total cost if you do it in the comfort of your home? $75, and you can use the same products again next time you need a spa day! Check out my DIY Spa Day Pinterest board.

Manicure Infographic

I made an easy to follow, photo heavy manicure infographic to share!

 

I call this manicure "Winter Stars". 

I used AVON nailwear pro+ in cosmic blue and AVON Dazzlers in Disco Ball.