DIY Clay Detox Masque

Jamie Jalise2 Comments
Everyone uses facial masques for their own reasons. Whether its to help oily skin, soothe dry skin, or just merely for relaxation, facial masques can also be used to treat minor skin conditions that appear on the face as well. There a thousands of facial masques out on the market today to choose from; however, my favorite one is my Homemade Detox Clay Masque! I like to use this masque because it is 100% organic (meaning it isn’t made with a bunch of chemicals you can’t pronounce), and it actually works! This Detox Masque is made out of 2 simple ingredients: apple cider vinegar and Bentonite clay. Why Bentonite Clay and Apple Cider Vinegar? Apple cider vinegar and bentonite clay are the miracle workers for this masque. Bentonite clay plays a huge role in removing toxins from the body/ skin when used as a facial masque. Bentonite clay is good at extracting toxins from within the skin. It is also good at treating oily skin types as well. Because bentonite is a clay (and clay masques are good for oily skin) when applied to the face, the clay absorbs the oil present on the surface of the skin, preventing excess oil buildup and acne breakouts. Apple Cider vinegar on the other hand is great for neutralizing the ph of the skin and treating any breakouts that might be present. Benefits? I like using this masque because it leaves my face feeling super tight. That’s why I like clay based masques. They make you feel like you’ve had a face lift. Alituranaturals.com says ” The use of a clay mask will leave your skin feeling renewed, incredibly clean, oxygenated and less inflamed” ( Hnilo, 2017). I would have to agree! After using this masque I can also tell a difference in the size of my pores. My skin always looks so fresh and supple. No bumps, breakouts, nothing. This clay masque is 100% organic. So your face isn’t exposed to hundreds of chemicals while using this masque. Plus, organic products are better for nature anyway! How to Make Detox Face Masque DO NOT USE A METAL SPOON OR FORK (OR ANY METAL UTENSIL) TO MIX INGREDIENTS !! DOING SO WILL EFFECT THE EFFICACY OF THE MASQUE !! INGREDIENTS: Apple Cider Vinegar and Bentonite Clay (I have linked the products I used and where to buy them from !)
  1. a small bowl to put all ingredients in and a plastic utensil to stir all ingredients
  2. Measure 1Tbsp of apple cider vinegar and 1Tbsp of bentonite clay and add both into mixing bowl
  3. mix ingredients with plastic spoon
  4. apply masque to clean face with fingertips
  5. let masque sit for 15 minutes or until it is completely dry. You’ll know when it is dry when it becomes very hard and it is difficult for you to move your face
  6. remove face masque with warm, damp towel
  7. apply moisturizer
DO NOT FORGET TO APPLY A MOISTURIZER AFTER WASHING YOUR MASQUE OFF. You face will be very dry and tight since this is a clay based masque. Bentonite Clay Link: https://www.target.com/p/aztec-secret-indian-healing-clay-facial-treatment-15-5oz/-/A-53426756?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Beauty%2BPersonal+Care%2BShopping&adgroup=SC_Health%2BBeauty&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9013042&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1247077&ds_rl=1246978&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_absBRD1ARIsAO4_D3v28GRJ0Hdp_S8UA0n3pvB2NnakDrtOCOklQXvA4JnF1qA1hlTj82QaAlPvEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds Apple Cider Vinegar Link: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bragg-Organic-Apple-Cider-Vinegar-Raw-Unfiltered-32-Fl-Oz/32590745?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227021640591&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=52260014295&wl4=pla-79347148695&wl5=9013042&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=32590745&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_absBRD1ARIsAO4_D3vlYICjHlLhvS8OpmpYC4540XGY0D_Vixiue6RlkUzcGcFnnV3_4fAaAv6aEALw_wcB

Grow Full, Thick Eyebrows Naturally

Jamie JaliseLeave a comment
So … full and bushy eyebrows are in and they are here to stay! Women all over the world are doing everything possible to achieve thick, full eyebrows like the celebrities and fashion icons on social media and magazines. We draw them on, tattoo them on, and some of us even go to the extent of buying eyebrow extensions. Kind of ridiculous isn’t it? TOTALLY … We (yes we — WOMEN) spend a butt ton of money on services to enhance the thickness and fullness of our brows … but we are spending unnecessary money. Today I am here to tell you how you can achieve thick, full eyebrows at home. Not only is it 100% natural, but it is also a hell of a lot cheaper than eyebrow modification services like microblading and tattooing. So What’s the Secret? The key to thick, full eyebrows is something so simple. We either all have it at home, or we’ve all used it before. So what is it? BLACK CASTOR OIL.
I told you it was simple. Black castor oil is great at promoting hair growth in general. So applying it to your eyebrows will definitely encourage hair to thicken in that area. Castor oil is rich in proteins, fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins A, D, and E (Eba Khan, 2018). All of the “good stuff” that I just listed keeps the hair hydrated, healthy, and
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also nourishes the hair follicles of our eyebrows. When your hair (this includes hair anywhere on the body) is keep healthy and hydrated, hair grows faster and stronger.
In order to get thick and full eyebrows from castor oil, you must apply it at least once a day. For maximum results I suggest applying it to your eyebrows twice a day: once in the morning and once at night before bed. How To Apply I recommend applying your castor oil the way that I do for maximum results:
  1. Wash face twice and pat dry with a dry towel
  2. Massage a drop of castor oil into your eyebrows with the tips of your finger(s).
  3. DO NOT REMOVE. Instead, allow all of it to soak in. If your face is greasy in appearance afterwards, simply wipe around eyebrows with dry towel. (Remember, do not remove oil from eyebrows!)
  4. Taaa-daaahh! You are done!
Please keep in mind that you must apply castor oil to your eyebrows at least once a day to see results. Twice a day for maximum results! Also, please know that the hair growth process takes time and it is not immediate. FYI, I didn’t see results until after two weeks of using castor oil on my brows! So just hang in there … your consistency and patience will pay off! Source: Khan, Eba. “How to Grow Eyebrows Thicker: 10 Simple Ways To Do So.” NDTV Food, 24 Aug. 2018, food.ndtv.com/beauty/10-ways-to-grow-thick-eyebrows-naturally-1477170.

13 Different Shampoos For 13 Hair Needs / Types

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All shampoo is not the same. I’m not just talking about the brand … because duh, there are thousands of different shampoo brands out on the market today. However, the specific purpose of a shampoo various as well. There are shampoos for curly hair, brown hair, damaged hair, and shampoos that help fight off dandruff.

There are even shampoos that are specifically for color treated and chemically treated hair. Color depositing shampoos have even been created so women can color their hair without having to use traditional color and developer. Again, there are an abundant amount of shampoos out today that serve different beneficial purposes to the hair. In order to find the best shampoo for your hair and your hair needs, it is important that you pay attention to the ingredients. If your hair is dry , you would want to find a shampoo that has moisturizing ingredients in it. For hair that has product buildup, look for a shampoo that has the words “cleansing” or “clarifying”. Shampoos with either of these words on them will have ingredients that strip the hair of oils and excessive product. Hints the word “cleansing”.

Below I have listed 13 different shampoos that are commonly used today:

pH Balanced Shampoo

This type of shampoo is formulated to have the same pH balance as our hair (between 4.5 and 5.5) (Milady, 332). It is important to use a pH balanced shampoo because it prevents the hair from becoming dry and damaged. This shampoo is recommended for lightened, color treated, and chemical treated hair.

This type of shampoo is formulated to have the same pH balance as our hair (between 4.5 and 5.5) (Milady, 332). It is important to use a pH balanced shampoo because it prevents the hair from becoming dry and damaged. This shampoo is recommended for lightened, color treated, and chemical treated hair.

Conditioning Shampoo

A Conditioning shampoo is also known as a moisturizing shampoo. It helps put moisture back into the hair, and it also improves manageability and adds shine to the hair. Consitioning shampoos are nonstripping, meaning they do not remove artificial color from the hair (Milady, 332). 2 commonly used conditioning agents used in conditioning shampoos are protein and biotin.

Medicated Shampoos

Medicated shampoos are for people that suffer from dandruff. They have special ingredients in them that help to prevent dandruff and itchy scalp. Although you can get some medicated shampoos OTC, some have to be prescribed by a physician.

Clarifying Shampoo

Clarifying shampoos are good for stripping the the hair. They remove oil and product build up from the hair. Clarifying shampoos contain chelating agents that bind to metals (such as iron and copper) and remove them from the hair (Milady, 332). They should be used when product buildup is evident, proceeding swimming, and prior to every chemical service.

Balancing Shampoo

Great for people whose scalp produces a lot of oil. This shampoo rids the hair of excess oils and it does not leave the hair dry.

Strengthening Shampoo

Strengthening shampoo is formulated to strengthen the hair . Its ingredients are designed to repair damaged, broken hair.

Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is the most convenient shampoo out there. You can use it without having to wet your hair. You just spray it and go! Dry shampoo is also known as powder shampoo (Milady, 333). It gets this name because unlike being a liquid like traditional shampoo, it is a powder. When sprayed into the hair the powder picks up dirt and oil and it is removed when the hair is combed or brushed. This is a great shampoo to use in between washes.

Sulfate Free Shampoo

Sulfate free shampoo is a shampoo with no alkaline soap base. It has little to no lather and it is good for maintaining natural oils in the hair. Good for color treated hair.

Neutralizing Shampoo

Neutralizing shampoos are used after chemical hair services (perms, relaxers, texturizers). They rebalnce the pH of the hair. Neutralizing shampoo helps to return the hair to a pH betwteen 4.5 and 5.5 after chemical services.

Color – Enhancing Shampoo

These shampoos are used to brighten, add color, and eliminate unwanted tones, such as gold or brassiness and overly cool strands in the hair (Milady, 334).

Shampoos with Keratin Protein Added

This shampoo is designed to strengthen the hair as it cleanses it. It is made with artificial keratin protein molecules. These molecules bind to natural keratin proteins in the hair during shampooing (Milady, 334)

Shampoo for Hairpieces and Wigs

If you wash wigs and hairpieces with regular shampoo you will damage it. Wig shampoo is formulate for wigs and other synthetic hairpieces.

Sources:

“Chapter 15: Scalp Care, Shampooing, and Conditioning.” Milady Standard Cosmetology, by Jason Backe, Cengage Learning, 2016, pp. 330–334.

The Sun and Its Effects On The Skin

Jamie Jalise1 Comment

When it comes to how the skin ages, the sun is a major factor. The Milady Standard Textbook states that approximately 80 to 85 percent of the symptoms of aging skin are caused by the accumulation of damaging rays from the sun (Milady, 187). The light rays that are given off by the sun (ultraviolet rays) are what cause the skin to mature and age. Naturally, our skin produces collagen and elastin fibers that help to keep our skin tight, supple, youthful, and wrinkle free. When exposed to UV Rays frequently, these fibers can break down faster, causing the skin to age and lose its suppleness. Although we call ultraviolet rays “UV Rays”, it is important to note that these rays are a form of radiation, and in excess they can cause extreme damage to the skin.

Different Types Of UV Rays

There are exactly 3 different types of ultraviolet rays that are emitted from the sun: UVA, UVB, and UVC rays The intensity of each ray increases as you move from UV ray A to C, but only UVA and UVB rays can penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere.

UVA Rays: UVA rays are known as the “aging rays”. These ultraviolet rays are responsible for causing wrinkly and saggy skin. When skin is exposed to UVA rays, the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin weaken and break down, causing the skin to age prematurely. These rays

penetrate deep into the skin, and can even go through a glass window (Milady 187).

UVB Rays: UVB rays are known as the “burning rays”. These rays are what allow some of us to get a nice tan when sunbathing. UVB rays cause sunburns, tanning, and a majority of skin cancers (Milady, 187). These rays are short rays that penetrate no further than the epidermis (outermost layer of skin).

UVC Rays: UVC rays are the cancer causing rays. They are the rays that are responsible for causing skin cancer. These rays do not reach the Earth’s surface because they are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere. UVC rays are the most dangerous out of the three ultraviolet rays emitted from the sun, and they are found in most man made sources of UVC radiation: mercury lights, welding torches, etc. (Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, 2014).

Protecting Yourself From UV Rays

The best way to protect yourself from these damaging sun rays is to wear a SPF sunscreen. You can apply a SPF sunscreen to the face and body before going out into the sun to protect your skin. The UPMC Cancer Center says that the sun’s most dangerous hours are between 10am and 4pm, so it is very crucial to wear a sunscreen if you plan on being in the sun during these times. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes prior to being in the sun to allow proper absorption. If you plan on swimming or partaking in water activities, be sure to get a sunscreen that is formulated to work when in water. Older sunblock labels may say “water proof” or “can be used in water”, but these labels are no longer allowed by the FDA. If a sunblock is water proof, the label must say how long the sunblock is water resistant for. The Milady Textbook says it is anywhere between 40 to 80 minutes (Milday, 188).

Source:

  1. “Chapter 8: Skin Disorders & Diseases.” Milady’s Standard Cosmetology, Cengage Learning, 2016, pp. 180–187.
  2. Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center. “UVA, UVB & UVC Differences.” UPMC HealthBeat, 29 Aug. 2018, share.upmc.com/2014/07/infographic-abcs-uv-difference-uva-uvb-uvc/.

Emphasize Your Eyes With Complementary Colors

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When choosing an eyeshadow for your eyes, you want to choose one that compliments your eye color. Picking a color that is the same shade as your eye color creates a boring, not so exciting face.

Pretty much -B A S I C. Selecting colors that complement your eye color not only emphasizes your eyes, but it also make your eyes appear bigger, bolder, and sexier!

Below I have listed the complementary color options that coincide with each eye color:

Complementary Colors For People With Blue Eyes

If you reference the color wheel, orange is the complimentary color for blue. If you break down the color orange, you get yellow and red (Since Red + Yellow = Orange). Because orange is the complementary color for blue and it contains both yellow and red … shades that contain any of these colors will intensify blue eyes.

The Milady student textbook suggests these eyeshadow colors for people with blue eyes : gold, warm orange-browns (peach copper), red- browns like mauves and plums, and neutrals like taupe or camel (Milady Standard, 820-821)

Complementary Colors For People With Green Eyes

On the color wheel, red is the complementary color for green. When it comes to the eyes, red tends to make the eyes look tired and bloodshot. You would think that since red compliments green that it would be ideal to use red eyeshadow to intensify the color of green eyes, but this is WRONG. Pure red shades / tones are not recommended when dealing with green eyes. Instead it is recommended to use colors with earthy brown-based reds, or even colors close to red on the color wheel. The Milady student textbook says colors such as red- orange, red- violet, and violet would work. Also coppers, rusts, pinks, plums, mauves, and purples ( Milady Standard, 820-821)

Complementary Colors For People With Brown Eyes

If you have brown eyes, consider yourself special! Because brown is a neutral color, it doesn’t have a particular color that compliments it. That is because every color goes well with it! Yes, brown is a neutral color and neutral colors can pair well with any color. However, if you are trying to make your eyes standout, it is recommended to use contrasting colors. These colors include but do not limit to greens, blues, grays, and silvers (Milady Standard, 820-821).

The next time you apply your favorite eye shadow, try to use a color that complements your eyes. I’m sure you will love the results!

Please leave any pictures and / or comments of your results if you decide to try !

Source:

“Chapter 24: Facial Makeup.” Milady Standard Cosmetology, Milady/Cengage Learning, 2016, pp. 820–821.

Hyaluronic Acid: What Is It and How Does It Work?

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Recently, hyaluronic acid has been the go to ingredient for most skin care companies. On TV, the radio, and even magazines, there it is: HYALURONIC ACID. But what is it exactly?

Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient used in skin care products that is naturally produced by our bodies. It is a transparent, gooey substance that helps the skin retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid helps the cells of the skin retain water, by keeping the tissues within the skin nice, moist and well lubricated. Water retention is the main function of this substance. There are many ways hyaluronic acid can be used and applied, but most people use it in the form of topical creams and serums or as an injection. Hyaluronic Acid can also be applied as eyedrops or taken as a supplement.

Women in today’s world seek out moisturizers and eye creams that have Hyaluronic Acid in them because it has such an amazing effect on the skin. This acid has been known to promote healthier, youthful skin. Hyaluronic acid also increases the elasticity of the skin, making it more supple and less susceptible to wrinkles and crows feet. Almost 50% of the hyaluronic acid found in the body is found in our skin (Papakonstantinou, Roth, Karakiulakis, 2012). However, the amount of hyaluronic acid that is in the skin can decrease throughout the natural aging process of the skin, and also through sun exposure, tobacco use, and environmental pollution (Papakonstantinou, et al, 2012). This is why extra hyaluronic acid is needed. Without it, our skin will become hard, dry, scaly, and unable to retain moisture. I have listed 3 benefits of taking hyaluronic acid that are backed by science!

Taking Hyaluronic Supplements Promotes Healthy, Youthful, Elastic Skin

Taking hyaluronic supplements can help your skin look good, but also feel good as well. When your skin loses moisture (whether through regular aging or from environmental factors) it becomes dry, hard, and unappealing. Taking hyaluronic acid supplements can prevent this decrease of moisture by giving the body extra amounts of hyaluronic acid to supply to the skin (Papakonstantinou, et al, 2012). It has been said

that doses of 120-240 mg per day for the minimum of 1 month have been proven to increase the moisture of the skin significantly (Papakonstantinou, et al, 2012). When the skin is properly hydrated and lubricated it minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When applied to the surface of the skin, these serums and creams can also reduce the appearance of redness and dermatitis (Papakonstantinou, et al, 2012).

It Speeds The Recovery Of The Skin

When it comes to healing cuts, scrapes, scars, and wounds, hyaluronic acid can help. Because this acid is found naturally in our body, the amount of it automatically increases when there is damage made to the skin. The increase of hyaluronic acid is our body’s way of repairing the wound on its own. Wounds are able to heal faster with hyaluronic acid

because the acid regulates inflammation levels in the body, which then signals the body to produce new blood vessels in the wounded area (Papakonstantinou, et al, 2012). Applying hyaluronic acid directly to a wound has been proven to reduce scar size and even reduce pain in the area that is wounded (Papakonstantinou, et al, 2012).

Relieve / Prevent Dry Eye and Discomfort

Because hyaluronic acid is amazing at retaining moisture and lubrication, it is also used OTC and by doctors to treat and prevent dry eyes. Hyaluronic acid can be applied to the eyes by using eyedrops. Eye drops that contain 0.2-0.4% of hyaluronic acid have been proven to reduce dry eye symptoms (Papakonstantinou, et al, 2012). After eye surgeries and procedures, hyaluronic acid eye drops are frequently used to reduce any signs of inflammation. It also speeds up recovery time for patients as well (Papakonstantinou, et al, 2012).

Source:

  1. Julson, Erica. “7 Surprising Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 2018, http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hyaluronic-acid-benefits.
  2. Aya, Kessiena L, and Robert Stern. “Hyaluronan in Wound Healing: Rediscovering a Major Player.” Wound Repair and Regeneration : Official Publication of the Wound Healing Society [and] the European Tissue Repair Society, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2014, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25039417.

Is Your Nail Tech As Clean As You Think She Is?

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So … home girl (your nail technician) does an amazing job doing your nails, but is she sanitary? I mean yeah, the nail salon is nice and inviting when you walk in, but are they sanitary? Every salon has a list of state board rules and regulations that they are supposed to follow as long as they are in operation. These rules and guidelines cover daily operation duties, and extend all the way into the categories of cleaning and disinfecting. Yes, every salon that is open and in business is supposed to follow these rules to a T , but sadly many do not. They do the bare minimum just so they can get a good score when it is time for their state board inspection. Not only is this wrong, but it can be very dangerous. Since nail techs work within close proximity to people, day in and day out, it is very crucial that they follow proper safety and sanitation procedures. Failure to follow these procedures can lead to a bacteria outbreak within the nail salon, or can even cause the salon to lose its business license, causing them to close permanently or temporarily – depending on the circumstance. I have seen first hand improper sanitation procedures performed in nail shops, and I have also heard gruesome horror stories from family and friends. After learning the correct cleaning and sanitation procedures for a nail shop in cosmetology school, I feel obligated to share my knowledge with others.
That way every woman knows the CORRECT, HEALTHY way a nail shop is supposed to be ran. Below I have listed ONLY a few safety and sanitation guidelines and procedures that every nail shop is supposed to follow. Be sure to read them, that way you know what is to be expected the next time you get your nails done by your favorite nail tech … Multiuse and Single-Use Implements Implements are the tools that nail techs use to perform your service. Implements can either be multiuse or single-use. Multiuse implements (tweezers, nail nippers, nail clippers, metal pushers) are tools that can be used more than once. They are reusable and are made out of a stainless steel. Multiuse implements are made from stainless steel because they have to be cleaned and disinfected after each use. Single-use implements ( brushes and applicators, wooden pushers, nail brushes) are tools that can only be used once and then they have to be discarded. They are made from a cheaper nickel-plated metal and they can not be cleaned. These tools can not be used more than once because it is impossible to clean them properly. Nail shops do not always sanitize their multi use implements properly, and this leads to cross contamination and the spread of infection and disease within the nail shop. With multiuse items like nail clippers and tweezers, they are supposed to be sanitized before and after each client. NOT JUST AT THE END OF THE DAY. Also, if a item is categorized as a single-use item, it should only be used on 1 client. So when you see your nail tech reach for the same nail brusher she used on the person before you … stop her! Not only is that disgusting, but if the person before you had a fungus on her nails and your nail tech uses that same brush on you … congratulations! You are now a member of the fungi family too ! SO DON’T LET HER DO IT TOO YOU. Foot Spas and Basins
Did you know that every foot spa or basin in the nail salon is supposed to be cleaned and disinfected with an EPA registered disinfectant for at least 10 minutes, after EACH client. Again … this is supposed to happen after EACH CLIENT. The nail tech is supposed to remove the footplate and/ or impeller from each foot spa, thoroughly clean it, and then let an EPA registered disinfectant run in the foot spa (with jets on) for 10 minutes before the next client sits in it. I know for a fact that this does not happen as often as it should in nail shops today. When your nail tech sits you down at a foot spa and it hasn’t been cleaned before your service, when those jets come on … all of the dead skin, bacteria, and body fluids from the person before you is now in your water … And if home girl used an exfoliating scrub on your legs during your pedicure, you now have the dead skin, bacteria, and body fluids of another person in your pores. It’s disgusting, but its the truth! Illegal Drills and implements Some nail techs use what we call “illegal implements” to perform their services. Illegal implements are tools that are not allowed by State Board. Some electric nail drills in shops are illegal too. Instead of buying nail drills from a beauty supply store, some nail techs will get a drill from Lowe’s or home Depot. They like to use these drills because they are more abrasive and have more power. Little do they know these drills are very harsh on client’s nails and can cause irreversible damage to the nail plate. Implements like callous razors and callous removers are not to be used either. Any service that requires a nail tech to remove living skin from a client is out of that tech’s scope of practice. In many states it is illegal to remove skin from someones hands or feet. This should be left to a medical professional.
Again, these are only a few safety and sanitation procedures that every nail salon is supposed to follow. When receiving a service from a nail tech, it is important that you know what is to be expected so you can protect yourself from bacteria infections and other illnesses. Also, make sure the nail tech that you go to is knowledgable in safety and sanitation, and that your health is their number 1 concern. Source: “Chapter 24: Manicuring.” Milady Standard Cosmetology, Milady/Cengage Learning, 2016, pp. 849–897.

How To Make Your Own Exfoliating Lip Scrub

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What is a Lip Scrub?

Exfoliating scrubs work wonders for the skin. As mentioned in Monday’s post: Exfoliating- The Key To Youthful, Glowing Skin, exfoliating removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and it also increases the rate of cellular turnover. Removing dead cells encourages new cells to be produced. Once produced they are then pushed to the surface of the epidermis ( the outermost layer of the skin) to take place of the old ones. You would think that you could use body scrubs on your lips too, but that is an absolute NO GO. Exfoliating body scrubs come in many colors, fragrances, and packaging, but they are not meant to be used on the lips. Body exfoliating scrubs contain chemicals and ingredients that are not to be used near the mouth because they can be harmful if ingested. If you want to exfoliate your lips to remove old, dead skin cells, then you need to invest in a lip scrub. Again, NOT A BODY SCRUB.

If you are interested in lip scrubbing, and want to know how to make your own 100% natural lip scrub at home, please continue reading! I chose honey and sugar because these are natural ingredients that work just as good as OTC body and lip scrubs. Honey is a natural emollient that seals moisture into the lips while sugar acts as a natural exfoliant, sloughing away dead, dull skin cells from the lips. Below I have listed the ingredients and steps for making a honey & sugar exfoliating lip scrub:

Ingredients and Supplies Needed

  • honey
  • sugar
  • air tight storage container (only if you plan on making a batch)
  • small container for mixing
  • small spoon for mixing
  • 1tsp measuring spoon

How To Make Honey & Sugar Exfoliating Lip Scrub

  1. measure out 1tsp of honey and 2tsp of sugar
  2. mix honey and sugar together until sugar is completely covered in honey (you’ll know when it’s all covered because sugar will be yellow in color)
  3. After making honey and sugar, massage the mixture into your lips for 2-3 minutes. Make sure to get both top and bottom lip, including the outer area surrounding the lips
  4. After 2-3 minutes, remove scrub with warm, damp washcloth
  5. After scrub is removed, follow with a chapstick or lipgloss (one that has a SPF in it is recommended)

How to Store

If you want to make a batch of lip scrub (maybe you want to make some for the entire week?) you will need an air tight container to store your scrub in. If you do not have an air tight container (tupperware containers, mason jars, etc.) your lip scrub will mold and spoil. So if you plan on making more than 1 serving , please use a container with a lid to keep oxygen from getting to it. You will need to keep the lip scrub in the refrigerator as well. If not, you will have a stinky, moldy mess on your hands. So please store your lip scrub in an air tight container, and place it in the fridge until you are ready to use it.

CAUTION: DO NOT KEEP SCRUB FOR MORE THAN 7 DAYS !! Yes, honey and sugar are natural ingredients, but natural ingredients breakdown and spoil a lot faster than products produced with chemicals. So please, date your scrub before storing it!

I hope you enjoy using your new lip scrub! Please leave any pictures and comments of your results below … Happy Scrubbing!

Lip Scrub Recipe Adapted From: Nivea.com

How to Lighten Your Skin Naturally At Home

Jamie JaliseLeave a comment
Expensive lightening creams are so outdated. Plus, most of them are made with cancer causing ingredients. Yes they may lighten dark spots on the skin, but the chemicals that are put in them can be very harmful to the body over long periods of time. If you have dark areas on your skin that bother you, all hope is not lost. You can actually lighten your skin without having to use harmful lightening creams. Below  I have included 5 natural ways that you can lighten dark spots on your skin at home, naturally. Lemons
Lemons are the number 1 go to when it comes to lightening the skin. The citric acid in lemons acts as a bleaching agent when applied to the skin with regular use. Simply grab a lemon, squeeze as much juice as you can from it and apply it to the skin with a cotton ball or Q-tip. To receive the best results, apply twice a day, everyday or until you get the results you want. Yogurt & Honey Mask Yogurt and honey are 2 other natural ingredients that are great for lightening the skin naturally. Yogurt contains enzymes that can lighten skin over time. Honey is a natural emollient that helps restore hydration and it also fights off bacteria. When used together these two ingredients can moisturize and lighten the skin.
To use this method mix 1 part yogurt with 1 part honey. Apply the mixture to the face, or to whatever area you are treating. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes. Remove with a warm wash rag. Turmeric Turmeric is a natural exfoliant and lightener. The vitamin C in turmeric is what make this spice so effective when it comes to skin lightening. When using the Turmeric method,  mix 1 part turmeric to 2 parts aloe vera. Mix these two ingredients together and apply to the area you are treating. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes and remove with a warm wash cloth. Aloe Vera Plant Not only is aloe vera soothing to the skin, but when used properly and regularly it can also remove dark spots from the skin as well. This plant is rich in vitamins A, C, and E. These three vitamins help prevent damage to the skin that is caused by free radicals (toxic by products of oxygen that are very damaging to the skin).
Grab you an aloe vera plant and remove the gel from the inside. Put the gel in a blender and blend until the gel is of liquid consistency. Apply to face or area that you are treating, and allow to sit for 30 minutes. When time is up, remove the gel with a warm wash cloth. Oranges I know oranges are meant for eating, but they can also get rid of dark areas on your skin. Oranges contain a high dose of vitamin C (just like lemons), and citric acid. Both of these are natural skin lighteners. Not only does vitamin C lighten dark areas , but it also prevents environmental damage to the skin. We are constantly in the sun … so its very easy to get sun damage and hyper pigmentation. You can use this method 2 ways:
  1. Orange slice: cut an orange slice and rub it on skin in circular motion for 5-10 minutes. Repeat daily until desired results are achieved
  2. Orange peel: Peel an orange and gather all peelings. squeeze the tiny white powder from the peel into your hands. Apply to area and let sit for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove with warm wash cloth.
I hope you find at least 1 of these ways helpful! If you decide to give any of these suggestions a try, please leave a comment of your results! Source: [Email Protected]. “12 Natural Ways to Lighten Skin Tone.” Biomedical News & Health Blog, 26 May 2019, biomedj.org/skin-care/12-natural-ways-lighten-skin-tone/.