Emu oil is made from the fat of a large bird called the Emu. These birds are native to Australia and history has it that this oil was used by the Aborigines for treatment of wounds, burns, scars, and muscle and joint paint. Today Emus are raised and harvested in the United States. They provide a rich lean meat that is fat free and low in cholesterol and a remarkable skin care treatment from the fat of the bird.
Emu oil is comprised of approximately 70% unsaturated fatty acids including an omega -6 and an omega-3 fatty acid. The cosmetic properties of Emu oil were studied at the University of Australia and their findings were outstanding. They found that it is a very effective moisturizer and offers skin softening and skin cell rejuvenating properties. Emu oil penetrates deep into the dermal layers of skin thus diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally it has anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory properties, which will help heal sunburn, skin rashes, eczema and other skin disorders. It is also non-comedogic, non-greasy, and hypo-allergenic.
The latest research in skin care indicates that essential fatty acids are important to achieve great skin and great hair. And, that the best anti-aging formulas need to have essential fatty acids and omega-3 in their formula. This is according to Dr. Perriconne’s latest best seller
Emu oil is loaded with essential fatty acids and omega-3’s. Has superb hydrating qualities, does not clog pores and kills bacteria.
Emu oil can help you keep a youthful appearance. Go here to read some reviews.
For skin care recipes and skin care articles, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Essential Oils in the Home
The use of essential oils goes back as far as 6000 years when Egyptian physician, Imhotep, the then God of Medicine and Healing recommended fragrant oils for bathing and massaging. In 4,500 B.C. Egyptians used myrrh and cedar wood oils for a embalming their dead and 6,500 years later the preserved mummies prove the fact discovered by the modern researchers that the cedar wood contains natural fixative and strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties. From that time forward there has been numerous instances recorded on the use of essential oils in healing.
Today, research has proved the valuable and multiple uses of essential oils. Medical research in the recent years has uncovered that the odors we smell have a significant impact on the way we feel. Smells act directly on the brain like a drug according to scientific research. For instance smelling lavender increases alpha wave frequency in the back of the head and this state is associated with relaxation. Additionally, essential oils have now become popular in skin care products for their valuable properties.
Essential oils in the home:
Diffusers
Diffusers are generally made of ceramic or clay. The diffuser has a cave-like opening to house small candles are earthen oil lamps and the top is shaped like a curved cup to hold a little water and few drops of aroma oil. Fill the top cup with water, add a few drops of essential oils depending on the oil chosen then light the candle or the lamp. For the oil lamp to last for a long duration, add castor oil to the earthen lamp because castor oil burns for a very long time as compared to the other oils used to light a lamp. Once the water and oil heat up, evaporation takes place and the whole atmosphere is filled with the aromatic scent
Vaporization
Consider placing a few drops into a vaporizer to add a moist, subtle hint of fragrance to any room. You can also add a couple of drops to a pan of water to gently steam over the kitchen stove or radiator.
Potpourri
Potpourri as the name suggests is a mixture of dried flowers, herbs, and grass and seed pods. Add a few drops to the potpourri mixture and place in a closed container overnight. This allows the oils to absorb into the potpourri. The following morning open the box and the aroma will fill the room. A few drops of essential oil added to the potpourri and kept in a bowl would keep giving out aromatic fragrance for 4-6 weeks.
Room Sprays
As we become more environment conscious, aerosols are being discouraged due to their ozone depleting properties. Essential oils are natural and hence they could be used liberally to deodorize a room, freshen and scent your bathroom, living-room, bedroom, dining-room, office cabin, etc. Merely add 10-12 drops of aroma oil to half a liter of water and spray the mixture with the help of a spray bottle. Oils like lavender, lemon, peppermint, pine and rosemary are best for this application.
Essential oils in the home are the best air filtration system. They purify by removing metallic particles and toxins, increase atmospheric oxygen, increase ozone and negative ions which inhibit bacteria growth, destroys mold, cigarette and animal odors and finally they will fill the air with a fresh scent. On top of all of that, they are environmentally safe!
Below are the benefits from some of the more common essential oils and fragrance oils used in the home:
•Chamomile offers a fruity, apple like fragrance which eases anxiety, tension, anger and fear and promotes relaxation, gives patience, peace minimizes worry.
•Grapefruit is a sweet, sharp and refreshing scent which has an overall uplifting effect. It has a reputation for balancing manic depression.
•Jasmine is a sweet, flowery-exotic and slightly heady scent which is claming to the nerves and warms emotions. Produces positive feelings of confidence
•Lavender fights depression, promotes sleep, lowers blood pressure and has an overall calming effect.
•Eucalyptus a clear and sharp scent which has a cooling effect on the emotions. Known to clear the head, help with concentration and strengthens the nervous system.
Please note that I have only listed the properties of these common essential oils and their effect on the mind, they also have therapeutic values to the body and to the skin. Spa treatments such as body wraps, and facial steams use essential oils for their therapeutic values and more and more skin care products are using wonderful essential oils such as jojoba oil, aloe Vera, neroli, and rose for example.
Essential oils are potent and care should be used when working with them. However, understanding the properties and the benefits that essential oils can bring to your home is well worth the learning experience.
To read a big list of the properties of essential oils read my post Properties of Common Herbs and Essential Oils in Skin Care.
For skin care recipes and skin care articles, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy
Today, research has proved the valuable and multiple uses of essential oils. Medical research in the recent years has uncovered that the odors we smell have a significant impact on the way we feel. Smells act directly on the brain like a drug according to scientific research. For instance smelling lavender increases alpha wave frequency in the back of the head and this state is associated with relaxation. Additionally, essential oils have now become popular in skin care products for their valuable properties.
Essential oils in the home:
Diffusers
Diffusers are generally made of ceramic or clay. The diffuser has a cave-like opening to house small candles are earthen oil lamps and the top is shaped like a curved cup to hold a little water and few drops of aroma oil. Fill the top cup with water, add a few drops of essential oils depending on the oil chosen then light the candle or the lamp. For the oil lamp to last for a long duration, add castor oil to the earthen lamp because castor oil burns for a very long time as compared to the other oils used to light a lamp. Once the water and oil heat up, evaporation takes place and the whole atmosphere is filled with the aromatic scent
Vaporization
Consider placing a few drops into a vaporizer to add a moist, subtle hint of fragrance to any room. You can also add a couple of drops to a pan of water to gently steam over the kitchen stove or radiator.
Potpourri
Potpourri as the name suggests is a mixture of dried flowers, herbs, and grass and seed pods. Add a few drops to the potpourri mixture and place in a closed container overnight. This allows the oils to absorb into the potpourri. The following morning open the box and the aroma will fill the room. A few drops of essential oil added to the potpourri and kept in a bowl would keep giving out aromatic fragrance for 4-6 weeks.
Room Sprays
As we become more environment conscious, aerosols are being discouraged due to their ozone depleting properties. Essential oils are natural and hence they could be used liberally to deodorize a room, freshen and scent your bathroom, living-room, bedroom, dining-room, office cabin, etc. Merely add 10-12 drops of aroma oil to half a liter of water and spray the mixture with the help of a spray bottle. Oils like lavender, lemon, peppermint, pine and rosemary are best for this application.
Essential oils in the home are the best air filtration system. They purify by removing metallic particles and toxins, increase atmospheric oxygen, increase ozone and negative ions which inhibit bacteria growth, destroys mold, cigarette and animal odors and finally they will fill the air with a fresh scent. On top of all of that, they are environmentally safe!
Below are the benefits from some of the more common essential oils and fragrance oils used in the home:
•Chamomile offers a fruity, apple like fragrance which eases anxiety, tension, anger and fear and promotes relaxation, gives patience, peace minimizes worry.
•Grapefruit is a sweet, sharp and refreshing scent which has an overall uplifting effect. It has a reputation for balancing manic depression.
•Jasmine is a sweet, flowery-exotic and slightly heady scent which is claming to the nerves and warms emotions. Produces positive feelings of confidence
•Lavender fights depression, promotes sleep, lowers blood pressure and has an overall calming effect.
•Eucalyptus a clear and sharp scent which has a cooling effect on the emotions. Known to clear the head, help with concentration and strengthens the nervous system.
Please note that I have only listed the properties of these common essential oils and their effect on the mind, they also have therapeutic values to the body and to the skin. Spa treatments such as body wraps, and facial steams use essential oils for their therapeutic values and more and more skin care products are using wonderful essential oils such as jojoba oil, aloe Vera, neroli, and rose for example.
Essential oils are potent and care should be used when working with them. However, understanding the properties and the benefits that essential oils can bring to your home is well worth the learning experience.
To read a big list of the properties of essential oils read my post Properties of Common Herbs and Essential Oils in Skin Care.
For skin care recipes and skin care articles, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy
Monday, October 12, 2009
L@@K at your hands and fingernails - manicured or neglected?
Fashion isn’t just the clothing you put on; it includes the color of your eye shadow right down to the color of your fingernails. Pretty well manicured fingernails can add so much to your overall look.So what are the latest trends in fingernail polish and shape? Well after some thorough investigation it appears that dark colors are the trend this year. Colors such as dark orange, coppers, wine, lavender, navy, plums, reds and dark browns are the color of the season. Additionally shimmer, glittery or sparkly is in for fall. These dark colors and shimmering colors are great for the night on the town! For the office consider nude/opaque colors and light pinks.
In addition to making a fashion statement with your new nail color, this season’s style seems to opt for the shorter length. Fingernails that extend slightly past the tip of the finger are the idea length. The shape of the fingernail this season is somewhere between oval and square. The trend seems to have moved completely away from the square fingernail. Whether you opt for long fingernails or fingernails just above the tip of the finger, it is important to note that you should select the right fingernail polish to complement the length of your nails.
DIY Manicure
Keep your nails manicured to a length that suits you. When filing your nails use an upward stroke along the top side of the nail. Do not file your nails along the side walls as this weakens the nail.
When cleaning your nails, use a nail brush in the shower or sink. Digging too far underneath the nail destroys the nail base and enlarges the white space between the nail plate and nail base. A gentle nail brush is much better for cleaning the nails. In addition, the gentle scrubbing under the fingernail promotes circulation to the finger tip.
The cuticle is an important part of the fingernail. It seals the area at the base of the nail protecting the nail base and the nail development system. Poking, prodding and cutting at the cuticle are not necessary. Doing so leaves your fingernail vulnerable to infection and bacteria. Once bacteria or an infection has set in under the cuticle or nail your nails could grow out with ridges or other unsightly markings. Gently massaging the cuticle with cuticle creams or lotion is fine to promote circulation and soften the cuticle for a well manicure look. A nice cuticle softener is olive oil. Just dab a small amount onto the cuticle and massage.
Invest in a good manicure set. If you go to the spa to get your nails done, bring your own equipment.
DIY Fingernail Polishing
Start with a base coat – there are various types on the market that will strengthen nails, smooth out ridges, etc. Select the one appropriate for your nail condition.
Apply polish – this should take three strokes, one down the middle, and one on each side. This definitely takes practice. Instead of going over the same area three or more times wait for the first coat to dry.
Apply a top coat – this will protect your polish from chipping and cracking. Some top coats are also designed to fast dry your polish.
Fingernail Polish Removal
After removing your nail polish, be sure to rinse your nails with water. Nail polish remover has a tendency dissolve the nail thus weakening them. In addition, do a patch test prior to using nail polish remover, as it has been know to cause contact dermatitis in some people. Avoid nail polish removers that contain acetone or formaldehyde.
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The absolute best hand cream to shed dark skin cells and develop healthy skin. Reduce sun spots, liver spots, and age spots, as well as firm and skin and add extreme moisture for younger looking hands. Get yours here
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Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Skin care toners – Do you use a facial toner?
There seems to be a debate on whether or not a toner is necessary in your skin care routine. I for one am a dedicated toner user. Toner has been part of my skin care routine since I was in my twenties and I am now over 50.
Toners are used after cleansing your face but before moisturizing. They are meant to remove the last bits of cleansing lotion, dirt or debris and to restore the skin’s pH balance. Additionally, depending on the type of toner and the ingredients they contain, they can offer anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Toners refresh and cool the skin and prepare your face for the next application of your skin care routine, such as applying your moisturizer or makeup, if any.
All skin types can benefit from a toner. However be sure to use the right toner for your skin type. Furthermore, find a toner that is free of irritants such as acetone, mint, menthol and SD alcohol, and ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol is very drying to the skin and harms the soluble collagen below the surface of the skin. Witch hazel, germanium, honey, lemon, ivy and sage, chamomile, and green tea are just some of the herbs used in toners. Although witch hazel by itself can be very drying to the skin, use it with moisturizers such as vitamin E and honey.
As indicated above, toners are used after cleansing your face but before moisturizing. To apply, add a generous amount to a cotton ball and stroke over your face and neck liberally. Your toner should feel soothing and refreshing to the skin. I personally leave my toner in the fridge so it is really refreshes the skin and the cool liquid will close the pores before applying any moisturizer or makeup.
Below is a simple recipe to make your own toner. Keep it refrigerated and your skin will love the soothing and refreshing treat.
Anti-aging Toner
1/2 cup pure spring water or distilled water
2 teaspoons green tea leaves (or 1 green tea bag) – not decaffeinated
Bring water to a boil. Place the tea leaves or tea bag in a glass or bowl. Pour the boiling water over the leaves or bag and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain the green tea into a bottle, and let it cool. Apply to skin with cotton balls. Do not rinse. Apply moisturizer.
It is not a mystery green tea is so popular in the cosmetic industry. Loaded with Vitamin E and C, the antioxidant agents slow the signs of aging externally.
For more skin care recipes and skin care articles, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy
Check out these toners at Skin Energizer.
Toners are used after cleansing your face but before moisturizing. They are meant to remove the last bits of cleansing lotion, dirt or debris and to restore the skin’s pH balance. Additionally, depending on the type of toner and the ingredients they contain, they can offer anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Toners refresh and cool the skin and prepare your face for the next application of your skin care routine, such as applying your moisturizer or makeup, if any.
All skin types can benefit from a toner. However be sure to use the right toner for your skin type. Furthermore, find a toner that is free of irritants such as acetone, mint, menthol and SD alcohol, and ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol is very drying to the skin and harms the soluble collagen below the surface of the skin. Witch hazel, germanium, honey, lemon, ivy and sage, chamomile, and green tea are just some of the herbs used in toners. Although witch hazel by itself can be very drying to the skin, use it with moisturizers such as vitamin E and honey.
As indicated above, toners are used after cleansing your face but before moisturizing. To apply, add a generous amount to a cotton ball and stroke over your face and neck liberally. Your toner should feel soothing and refreshing to the skin. I personally leave my toner in the fridge so it is really refreshes the skin and the cool liquid will close the pores before applying any moisturizer or makeup.
Below is a simple recipe to make your own toner. Keep it refrigerated and your skin will love the soothing and refreshing treat.
Anti-aging Toner
1/2 cup pure spring water or distilled water
2 teaspoons green tea leaves (or 1 green tea bag) – not decaffeinated
Bring water to a boil. Place the tea leaves or tea bag in a glass or bowl. Pour the boiling water over the leaves or bag and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain the green tea into a bottle, and let it cool. Apply to skin with cotton balls. Do not rinse. Apply moisturizer.
It is not a mystery green tea is so popular in the cosmetic industry. Loaded with Vitamin E and C, the antioxidant agents slow the signs of aging externally.
For more skin care recipes and skin care articles, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy
Check out these toners at Skin Energizer.
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