It seems as though I have been gone from this forever, and it has been a long time. I would love to say that we have been on an extended vacation, at some exotic location, but sadly not the case.
No, just daily life getting the best of me. Snowstorms, running with kids, kids running me, ...... you know the story.
I am however, happy to report that the wayward hamster has been taken back into custody. She is now resting in maximum security.
Now it is back to business. I read over my previous posts and realized that I have been very one sided. I have only been focusing on those of us with dry skin. So....today I will remedy that.
I myself have never had the problem of oily skin. I remember once at the age of 18 being told by another girl...."You have it nice now....but when you get old, you will get all wrinkled and I won't" Now this girl had an issue with a little acne on her forehead...I never thought it was bad, hardly noticeable....but it obviously bothered her.
I spent my 20's, 30's, and 40's.....waiting for those nasty craggy wrinkles to begin. Now mind you, I have a few crow's feet and the line between my brows due to giving my kids ( and probably my hubby ) " the look ", yet for my age...not so bad. I was expecting to look like Tutankhamen's Mummy in my 30's after her comment....
In hindsight, she most certainly did me a favor. I was much more in tune to keeping moisturized because of this. So, once again, out of every hurtful thing, some goodness comes!
For all of you LUCKY enough to be struggling with oily skin. I will talk about handling that. Yes I do mean lucky! She was right in her comment in saying that, in general, oily skin will be prone to less wrinkling and will appear younger!
There are some pitfalls to avoid however. Oily/Acne prone skin can be tough to deal with and the tendency to become aggressive with it is tempting.
Some of the preparations used in it's treatment can be very drying...which may make you think, "well, perfect!" but...no. Yet, this can cause problems too.
Excessive drying can cause scaling and flaking. One's natural tendency, and it can be hard to fight, is to get super aggressive with your scrubbing---or worse--picking. -- And all can lead to inflammation.
Inflammation can just lead to more acne flare ups. Around and around you go.
Serious acne should definitely be seen by a dermatologist. End of story. A serious case of acne can lead to all sorts of problems including, but not limited to.... cystic acne and scarring. There is no way you can adequately treat cystic acne yourself.
Less serious acne can be manageable yourself. If you see that things are getting out of hand....see above!
A good management plan for oily and acne prone skin always begins with cleansing. Gently wash your skin at least two times per day.
Now this does not mean getting out the sand paper type accessories and go at it. It is almost more important, IMHO, to use a light hand with this skin type than with dry skin. I think that a silk facial sponge or a facial brush (kept pristinely clean and allowed to dry between uses) should be all one should use...along with your cleanser.
Use a gentle soap or facial cleanser. I really like a tea tree soap or a pH balanced foaming facial cleanser. If you use a traditional soap, a toner is very useful in returning the skin to normal pH after rinsing.
Then, treat your skin to a non prescription product containing one or possibly more of the following.
Salicylic Acid --- this is a Beta Hydroxy Acid ...more gentle than an Alpha Hydroxy Acid and tolerated better by more people, with less reactions. It is a chemical exfoliator, and helps to keep those pores clean. Plus there is an anti aging benefit. It keeps your complexion looking fresh and glowing.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid--- Basically the same as the Beta acids, but works a little more aggressively. It is somewhat less well tolerated by some, and there can be more chance of reactions.
Benzoyl Peroxide--- This basically works by drying up the oil and reducing the bacteria on the skin.
Tea Tree Oil--- This natural essential oil has been found to be an effective anti bacterial, and it is quite low on reactions and side effects. You can find it in soaps, facial washes, lotions, and serums.
A note on make ups.....For the most part, a good natural Mineral Make Up is the best choice for this skin type. It reduces inflammation, is not going to be a pore clogger, and is very well tolerated and easy to use ( once you learn the techniques ). One ingredient though to stay away from -- bismuth oxychloride. This is found in some mineral make ups and can cause irritation and acne flare ups in some individuals. Become a label reader.
One more thing to note and it is important. Anytime you are using any of the Hydroxy Acids ( but honestly anytime really ) it is imperative to use sun protection. Your skin will be more prone to burning and damage while using them. As one easy option....Mineral make up gives a natural spf that varies, usually between 15 and 20.
Well, I hope this has been helpful. You know, no one is ever totally happy and completely satisfied with the skin type they have been given. But really, there are pluses and minuses to each type.
The important thing is arming your self with information, all you can get, on how to best care for what God gave you. Then try to focus on your positives!!!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Moisturize from the Inside
Here in Minnesota we have reached a daily high as of now of +1 F! Sound beyond chilly? When compared to our -20 F that we woke up to Sunday morning, it feels positively balmy.
I am still however choosing to ensconce myself warmly in my home today. I am not a real "winter girl". To say the least. Contrary to popular belief, not all Minnesota folk are cold weather hardy. I belong to this group.
I just know when I am old (OK my children think I reached this point LONG ago)---where was I...oh yes...old...My husband and I will be waging thermostat wars. He loves it way on the frosty side in the house. I on the other hand, would keep the thermostat set at 76 F all winter. That is if I didn't know that was hugely irresponsible and really hard on the finances....
So I sit in my home today, and while I should be doing any one of a thousand jobs around here....I have been on safari. In home safari. Not exactly what I would recommend to any of you...My daughter's one hamster went AWOL sometime under the cover of darkness.
So far no sightings. I ask for your prayers... ; ) I love the little guys, but my husband has not yet been made rodent friendly. This situation (the escape) has been very disconcerting for him. Perhaps your prayers can be directed towards him?
OK, down to business. Now that you have gotten your humidifier's clean and running, you have pampered yourself with a nice moisture mask, and moisturized with a fabulous oil based moisturizer ( and done it several times a day!!! ) Now what? Still dry? Some people just are so parched that it takes forever for their skin to play catch up.
Let me take a moment or four to extol the virtues of Essential Fatty Acids. You have undoubtedly heard of Omega 3's and Omega 6's in regard to heart health and the prevention of stroke. The benefits don't stop there.
If you want to keep your skin soft and supple. Think Omega's. They aid in maintaining the skin's integrity, and believe it or not ( start some of your own research here ) are beneficial for acne sufferers.
Interested yet?
Omega Oils, especially the Omega 3's ( you may also see DHA and EPA on the label) can aid in blood pressure regulation, prevention of abnormal clot formation, and ( there are more than these ) super important for skin...regulating the inflammatory response.
Why is the inflammatory response important? Inflammation not only ages our arteries ( contributing to that nasty plaque build up ), but it ages our skin.
A lot of unfavorable processes are set into motion if we have a body that is TOO QUICK to become inflamed. Think of the person with the bad temper on a hair trigger. Can't think of too many positives right. They just plow through, leaving hurt feelings and mayhem.
Not that unlike the inflammatory response in your body. It has it's place, but it needs to be used judiciously.... Do some research of your own, and check out the effect of chronic inflammation, especially for your skin. Perhaps I will dedicate a special blog day for it. It is important.
In addition to this, Omega 3's (DHA in particular) help to build cell membranes. What are are cells anyway, but the foundations for EVERYTHING. Including our faces.
So, this is just the tip of the iceberg, and it is plenty for me. Firmer, softer, and more skin, anti aging benefits, a healthier scalp...I didn't even give you the mood and brain benefits......
Do some of your own research. I am not a physician...and no, I don't play one on T.V. I would be open to this prospect however if anyone out there is interested....
Always check with your Physician before starting any supplement regimen.
One very reliable resource for reading on supplements in general is http://www.wellnessresources.com/
Now, back to the "Bird Rodent of Alcatraz"
To your health,
Michele Engholm
http://www.goodnatureessentials.com/
I am still however choosing to ensconce myself warmly in my home today. I am not a real "winter girl". To say the least. Contrary to popular belief, not all Minnesota folk are cold weather hardy. I belong to this group.
I just know when I am old (OK my children think I reached this point LONG ago)---where was I...oh yes...old...My husband and I will be waging thermostat wars. He loves it way on the frosty side in the house. I on the other hand, would keep the thermostat set at 76 F all winter. That is if I didn't know that was hugely irresponsible and really hard on the finances....
So I sit in my home today, and while I should be doing any one of a thousand jobs around here....I have been on safari. In home safari. Not exactly what I would recommend to any of you...My daughter's one hamster went AWOL sometime under the cover of darkness.
So far no sightings. I ask for your prayers... ; ) I love the little guys, but my husband has not yet been made rodent friendly. This situation (the escape) has been very disconcerting for him. Perhaps your prayers can be directed towards him?
OK, down to business. Now that you have gotten your humidifier's clean and running, you have pampered yourself with a nice moisture mask, and moisturized with a fabulous oil based moisturizer ( and done it several times a day!!! ) Now what? Still dry? Some people just are so parched that it takes forever for their skin to play catch up.
Let me take a moment or four to extol the virtues of Essential Fatty Acids. You have undoubtedly heard of Omega 3's and Omega 6's in regard to heart health and the prevention of stroke. The benefits don't stop there.
If you want to keep your skin soft and supple. Think Omega's. They aid in maintaining the skin's integrity, and believe it or not ( start some of your own research here ) are beneficial for acne sufferers.
Interested yet?
Omega Oils, especially the Omega 3's ( you may also see DHA and EPA on the label) can aid in blood pressure regulation, prevention of abnormal clot formation, and ( there are more than these ) super important for skin...regulating the inflammatory response.
Why is the inflammatory response important? Inflammation not only ages our arteries ( contributing to that nasty plaque build up ), but it ages our skin.
A lot of unfavorable processes are set into motion if we have a body that is TOO QUICK to become inflamed. Think of the person with the bad temper on a hair trigger. Can't think of too many positives right. They just plow through, leaving hurt feelings and mayhem.
Not that unlike the inflammatory response in your body. It has it's place, but it needs to be used judiciously.... Do some research of your own, and check out the effect of chronic inflammation, especially for your skin. Perhaps I will dedicate a special blog day for it. It is important.
In addition to this, Omega 3's (DHA in particular) help to build cell membranes. What are are cells anyway, but the foundations for EVERYTHING. Including our faces.
So, this is just the tip of the iceberg, and it is plenty for me. Firmer, softer, and more skin, anti aging benefits, a healthier scalp...I didn't even give you the mood and brain benefits......
Do some of your own research. I am not a physician...and no, I don't play one on T.V. I would be open to this prospect however if anyone out there is interested....
Always check with your Physician before starting any supplement regimen.
One very reliable resource for reading on supplements in general is http://www.wellnessresources.com/
Now, back to the "Bird Rodent of Alcatraz"
To your health,
Michele Engholm
http://www.goodnatureessentials.com/
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Facial Masks--Cold Weather Skin
We certainly have been having weather all over the US this year. Our one daughter and her fiancee live around Palm Springs, CA and a while back their temps were not that far away from ours in MN.
Now, we are firmly in the deep freeze here and poor Florida is suffering from all sorts of catastrophic weather--tornadoes and storm surges causing all sorts of damage and suffering to humans and animals alike. We will keep all in our prayers.
As I'm blogging away here, it is -6 F with a windchill of -27 F. Overnight it dropped to -17 F--I have no idea what the windchill was at that time. I do however pity the poor wildlife.
This kind of weather is a killer on the skin. Dry skin starts to look crackled and sore, and at times even oily skin starts to feel the effects of it.
Not surprising either, we go outside and battle that windchill---enter windburn and chapping. But even the most devout "house mouse" cannot avoid the effects of winter. The lower the temperature falls, the harder your furnace works. The more the furnace runs, the dryer the indoor air becomes.
Your hair gets like straw, your feet crack, and your face starts to feel like it belongs to the Crypt Keeper.... sounds fun!!
It is a no brainer to suggest a humidifier for the home. Super important however. Not only will your skin and hair thank you, but so will your respiratory tract. Of utmost importance is to keep it pristinely clean. Clean it daily. Clean it thouroughly. The last thing that you (or your loved ones ) need is a dirty humidifier spewing bacteria and molds into your lovely living space---Making everyone ILL! But if you keep it clean and filled with clean water, your skin and respiratory tract will be so much more comfortable. Read and follow the manufacturers directions.
I will post more winter dry skin tips here and there, but here is a nice facial mask that you can make at home. It is one that you can customize easily according to skin type and what you have on hand.
Here you Go....
2 Tablespoons Ground Oats
I use organic oats and process them finer in a food processor or blender
1-2 teaspoons Milk, Cream, or Water
Milk for normal skin, Cream for dry skin, and Water for oily skin
1 teaspoon Honey
I have a real love for Manuka Honey--wonderful properties
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon Lemon Juice
This for the acidic properties. If you find 1/8 tsp is easily tolerable keep upping it until you reach 1/4 tsp. It is all just how much you can tolerate. 1/4 tsp is not much, but some super sensitive types may want to be careful.
1 teaspoon of a Skin Beneficial Oil Optional
This is an oil such as Jojoba (super for just about any skin type), Squalane, Sunflower, Olive (though I would maybe steer clear of this if you have acne prone skin )
Some suggestions for other additions would be avocados and/or bananas (dry mature skin), egg white ( normal to oily skin), using yogurt or juice's instead of milk, etc.
Also, you may need to adjust the ingredients to make the consistency "just right". It seems to vary for me with each batch that I make.
Another note, this will make "plenty", but resist the urge to save the remainder. Just toss it. Contamination is an ugly thing. Either share, have a nice spa session and do your hands or your decollete....or as I said, toss.
Leave this on for 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse of with mildly warm water. Moisturize as usual.
***Don't get it in your eyes...Duh...Oatmeal doesn't belong in or too close to eyes...Did I really
NEED to say that?
I will soon have posted on my website my Botanical Mask/Scrub that is loaded with skin loving botanicals like organic plantain, rose petals, marshmallow root, meadowfoam oil and so much more. I am hoping to have this all up and running in the next few weeks. I am adding new items every few days. So stop back often. www.GoodNatureEssentials.com
Stay Safe and Go Pamper Yourself!
Michele
Now, we are firmly in the deep freeze here and poor Florida is suffering from all sorts of catastrophic weather--tornadoes and storm surges causing all sorts of damage and suffering to humans and animals alike. We will keep all in our prayers.
As I'm blogging away here, it is -6 F with a windchill of -27 F. Overnight it dropped to -17 F--I have no idea what the windchill was at that time. I do however pity the poor wildlife.
This kind of weather is a killer on the skin. Dry skin starts to look crackled and sore, and at times even oily skin starts to feel the effects of it.
Not surprising either, we go outside and battle that windchill---enter windburn and chapping. But even the most devout "house mouse" cannot avoid the effects of winter. The lower the temperature falls, the harder your furnace works. The more the furnace runs, the dryer the indoor air becomes.
Your hair gets like straw, your feet crack, and your face starts to feel like it belongs to the Crypt Keeper.... sounds fun!!
It is a no brainer to suggest a humidifier for the home. Super important however. Not only will your skin and hair thank you, but so will your respiratory tract. Of utmost importance is to keep it pristinely clean. Clean it daily. Clean it thouroughly. The last thing that you (or your loved ones ) need is a dirty humidifier spewing bacteria and molds into your lovely living space---Making everyone ILL! But if you keep it clean and filled with clean water, your skin and respiratory tract will be so much more comfortable. Read and follow the manufacturers directions.
I will post more winter dry skin tips here and there, but here is a nice facial mask that you can make at home. It is one that you can customize easily according to skin type and what you have on hand.
Here you Go....
2 Tablespoons Ground Oats
I use organic oats and process them finer in a food processor or blender
1-2 teaspoons Milk, Cream, or Water
Milk for normal skin, Cream for dry skin, and Water for oily skin
1 teaspoon Honey
I have a real love for Manuka Honey--wonderful properties
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon Lemon Juice
This for the acidic properties. If you find 1/8 tsp is easily tolerable keep upping it until you reach 1/4 tsp. It is all just how much you can tolerate. 1/4 tsp is not much, but some super sensitive types may want to be careful.
1 teaspoon of a Skin Beneficial Oil Optional
This is an oil such as Jojoba (super for just about any skin type), Squalane, Sunflower, Olive (though I would maybe steer clear of this if you have acne prone skin )
Some suggestions for other additions would be avocados and/or bananas (dry mature skin), egg white ( normal to oily skin), using yogurt or juice's instead of milk, etc.
Also, you may need to adjust the ingredients to make the consistency "just right". It seems to vary for me with each batch that I make.
Another note, this will make "plenty", but resist the urge to save the remainder. Just toss it. Contamination is an ugly thing. Either share, have a nice spa session and do your hands or your decollete....or as I said, toss.
Leave this on for 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse of with mildly warm water. Moisturize as usual.
***Don't get it in your eyes...Duh...Oatmeal doesn't belong in or too close to eyes...Did I really
NEED to say that?
I will soon have posted on my website my Botanical Mask/Scrub that is loaded with skin loving botanicals like organic plantain, rose petals, marshmallow root, meadowfoam oil and so much more. I am hoping to have this all up and running in the next few weeks. I am adding new items every few days. So stop back often. www.GoodNatureEssentials.com
Stay Safe and Go Pamper Yourself!
Michele
Friday, February 2, 2007
The Beginning--Welcome!
I will begin this blog at the beginning--at the beginning of my journey into natural skin care that is.
I was cursed, as have members of my family for generations, with severely dry skin along with a plethora of skin problems. Eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and if these aren't enough--peri oral dermatitis.
I first began having problems in my mid twenties. Winter dryness would get so severe that I would get these itchy patches that would eventually get raw. The worst of them were on my beltline and on my shins. I was miserable. Dry, itchy, flaky, and raw. No way for a 28 yr old to look and feel.
So I went to the doctor, and then to the dermatologist. It still didn't improve. So I began research of my own. I looked into soapmaking. I read all I could find on lipids, and natural oils and butters.
I am now 47 years old and my skin is super soft and smooth. I haven't had a bout of the "raw itchies" since I began making my own soap so many years ago.
I found that, at least for myself, the natural oils and butters seem to have a longer lasting moisturizing effect than mineral oils or petroleum products.
The purpose of this blog will be to hopefully help others to find some "relief". Hopefully I will post some helpful information on health, herbs, tropical butters, oils, and extracts. Also, other items of interest....anti aging actives, recipes for natural skin care at home, and more.
Please stop back frequently....there just may be something interesting just for you. If you are in the need for quality, natural, skin care... our website is under construction. We do have some items there for sale. Our Aloe and Silk Luxury Soap is superfatted and just what winter skin is asking for... Check us out....We appreciate it. www.GoodNatureEssentials.com
Stay Warm !!
Michele
I was cursed, as have members of my family for generations, with severely dry skin along with a plethora of skin problems. Eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and if these aren't enough--peri oral dermatitis.
I first began having problems in my mid twenties. Winter dryness would get so severe that I would get these itchy patches that would eventually get raw. The worst of them were on my beltline and on my shins. I was miserable. Dry, itchy, flaky, and raw. No way for a 28 yr old to look and feel.
So I went to the doctor, and then to the dermatologist. It still didn't improve. So I began research of my own. I looked into soapmaking. I read all I could find on lipids, and natural oils and butters.
I am now 47 years old and my skin is super soft and smooth. I haven't had a bout of the "raw itchies" since I began making my own soap so many years ago.
I found that, at least for myself, the natural oils and butters seem to have a longer lasting moisturizing effect than mineral oils or petroleum products.
The purpose of this blog will be to hopefully help others to find some "relief". Hopefully I will post some helpful information on health, herbs, tropical butters, oils, and extracts. Also, other items of interest....anti aging actives, recipes for natural skin care at home, and more.
Please stop back frequently....there just may be something interesting just for you. If you are in the need for quality, natural, skin care... our website is under construction. We do have some items there for sale. Our Aloe and Silk Luxury Soap is superfatted and just what winter skin is asking for... Check us out....We appreciate it. www.GoodNatureEssentials.com
Stay Warm !!
Michele
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