web analytics

For Flawless Skin

skin care solutions for healthy, flawless skin

Emmanuelle F

Have You Tried These Top 3 DIY Face Masks On Amazon.com?

Skincare Products

Have You Tried These Top 3 DIY Face Masks On Amazon.com?

Oily Skin? Dry Skin? Clogged Pores? Want a quick and easy at home solution? Try these DIY face masks!

Face masks have been used for centuries and provide immediate relief in a matter of minutes from your skin dilemma. They range from clay masks to dead sea mud masks.

Fun Fact: Did you know you can use DIY face masks on your hair, feet and even your underarms?

The best part about these masks is that you can do them in the comfort of your home.  Be sure to read the instructions and do a patch test to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.

Reasons to use at home face masks:

  • Very Inexpensive
  • Plenty Of Options To Select From
  • Use When You Are Ready

Reasons why you may not want to use do it yourself masks:

  • Severe skin condition(s) that require dermatologist or esthetician treatment
  • Allergic to ingredients

If you decide to venture into the at home face masks, consider the top 3 from Amazon.com. Most of these products have thousands of actual customer reviews with photos and videos.

Below are the top 3 DIY Face Masks on Amazon.com:

#1 Bentonite Clay On Amazon: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

This 100% natural calcium bentonite clay has over 8000 five start positive reviews on Amazon. The Amazon reviews rave about its simplicity and effectiveness. I have personally used this product but not on a consistent basis. I do love the clear instructions and easy to use container. It is very easy to wash off once it has dried and the 1 pound jar last a long time!

The instructions state you can mix the product with apple cider vinegar or water. I’ve always used the vinegar because I like the feel of the product as it dries.

What’s your preference with Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, water or apple cider vinegar?

#2 I’m Real Mask Sheet (Pack of 11)

The I’m Real Sheet Masks are Korean facial masks with an excellent reputation score on Amazon. With over 1,600 five star reviews, this looks like a definite winner!

This product contains 11 individual sheets with facial serum on them. You open the package and gently apply the masks to your face for the specified duration.

I first learned about Korean Facial Masks from watching The Braxtons and seeing Tamar Braxton getting one as she prepared for The Real. I also remember Wendy Williams giving these type of masks glowing reviews. She and her mom had the 24 carat gold masks.

I have not personally used these myself but they are on my to get list in 2017!

Try them here with this link: I’m Real Mask Sheet Facial Masks

#3 Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask

This fun foam facial mask has over 3000 five star reviews on Amazon. Buzzfeed did a review of this product and the video looks very intriguing. The foaming mask expands as the carbonated bubbles grow. Some of the Amazon reviewers state the mask sounds like Rice Krispies as the mask is drying.


Have you tried any of these three masks? Which was your favorite? We are looking forward to seeing what worked for you!

 

What Exactly Is The Oil Cleansing Method?

DIY Skincare

Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) Review

The oil cleansing method (OCM) is a natural yet controversial way to cleanse the skin using various therapeutic oils. It contradicts the basic foundations of cleaning the skin. Typically you want to remove the oils from the skin to cleanse it properly. With OCM, you are adding oils to the skin purposely to treat, cleanse and clean it.

This method is popular because it is natural and it lets you select what chemicals you are putting on your skin. There are several success stories online but there are also stories that contradict this.
oil cleansing method reviews

This method goes against logic because you are using oils to combat problems on the skins that may be caused by oily skin. If you are brave enough to try this skin care routine, research it completely so you don’t aggravate your already sensitive skin.

Type of Oils

When cleansing the skin with oil, you want to start with a carrier oil. This oil will be the base for the cleansing formula. Examples of cleansing oils are extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) or castor oil.

Other oils are added to accentuate the cleansing formula. These oils may include sunflower, coconut, grape seed, and jojoba oil. They can be accentuated by added essential oils like lavender, tea tree, and other beneficial oils.

How to use the OCM:

Step One: Make your oil combination. Experiment with castor oil as the base and then add sunflower oil.

Step Two: Apply it to your face. Rub the oil in so you are massaging the skin. This will also remove the makeup, oil and dirt from your skin.

Step Three: Wet a wash cloth and place it in warm to mildly hot water. Place the cloth on your face and let it remain there until the cloth cools. Repeat a few times and then use the cloth to remove the remaining oil.

Repeat this a few times a week and document your progress. Below are two videos

Youtube personality, African Export, has had success with the oil cleansing method. She shows you her routine in the brief youtube video:

Dr. Shultz is against the oil cleansing method. He gives his reasons in the brief video below

Have you ever used this method? Did you have a positive experience? If so, what was your oil cleansing routine and mixture? If not, what methods did work for you?

Stretch Marks 101: Causes, Treatments & Side Effects

For Flawless Skin Guides, Stretch Marks

Stretch Marks 101: Causes, Treatments & Side Effects

Stretch marks appear as raised lines on the skin. They occur due to rapid changes in the dermis, the middle skin layer over a period of time. These changes include weight and height changes. They affect men and women of all ages and nationalities.
They occur when there is hormonal change in the body due to puberty, pregnancy, medical ailments, extreme weight gain, or growth spurts. Heredity is also a factor with stretch marks. Since they occur in the dermis, they can appear anywhere on the body.

How do I know I have stretch marks?

You will see raised lines or striations on your body. The locations could vary from the upper arms, thighs, abdomen, breasts, buttocks, and nearly everywhere on you body. The lines may appear red in the beginning developing phase. They may also be itchy as the skin stretches and the stretch marks develop.

stretch marks information
Credit Photo © markcarper – Fotolia.com

How do they look?

The appearance of stretch marks depend on the race of the person affected. Sometimes they are red or purple while other times they are silvery or pale. As they age, the color may blend in with original skin tone. Everyone’s experience is different.

What are common causes of stretch marks?

For women, pregnancy is a major reason for stretch marks. As the baby grows, the abdominal skin begins to stretch, resulting in stretch marks. They may also occur on the legs, arms, and breast during pregnancy.

For men, body building can cause stretch marks as the muscles grow rapidly during workouts. Stretch marks can occur on the chest, arms,  and legs during the body transformation.

Obesity or rapid weight gain causes stretch marks in men and women. Rapid height increases can also cause stretch marks. Medical conditions requiring cortisones or steroids have been proved to cause stretch marks as well.

Besides the visual symptoms, what are some other symptoms of stretch marks?

Another physical symptom of stretch marks itchy dry skin. As the skin is expanding, itchiness and sensitivity may be experienced. Red skin or red striations in the skin may appear as the stretch marks are forming.

When should you see your doctor?

Talk to your doctor when you notice you skin changes. They can advise you on how to proceed with the care of your skin.

How can I get rid of stretch marks?

You can make them appear less apparent and blend in with your skin using the following techniques:

Moisturizing the area affected by stretch marks.

  • When stretch marks are forming, the most common symptom is itchy skin. While this is happening, moisturizing your skin with a good oil or lotion may relieve these symptoms. Some lotions and oils may also assist in blending the changing skin with the rest of your skin tone.  Vitamin E and Shea butter are traditional remedies for the dry skin symptoms.

stretch marks information

Doctor

Your doctor may have surgical alternatives for you. Consider these only when you have exhausted the over the counter and natural remedies available to you.

  • Laser Treatments can reduce the appearance of the old and young stretch marks. These treatments can start with a price ranging from $400 to $1000 to initiate the treatment.
  • Retinols & Glycolic Acids are cheaper have been proven to diminish the signs of stretch marks. While these results are great, they make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure. These two chemicals can be used alone or together to increase the collagen production in the skin. Its best to use then under the guidance of doctor to ensure they are used properly.

Side Effects Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are a natural occurrence but when it happens to you, you may feel isolated. This type of feeling can cause self-esteem issues especially when you feel you look different that the rest of your peers.

Due to this, many people alter their wardrobes to hide or camouflage their changing skin. This is most apparent in the summer time, especially during swim suit season.

Relationship issues may occur as a result of stretch marks. Hiding your body from your loved one may cause intimacy issues if you are embarrassed of completely exposing yourself to the person who loves you the most.

Anti-Aging 101: Causes, Symptoms, And Preventative Measures

Anti-Aging, For Flawless Skin Guides

Aging is a simple fact of life. We can’t stop the clock but some of us may choose to stop how the clock affects our skin. Anti-aging skin care involves taking preventative and medicinal measures to take care of your skin as it changes with time. These changes will not prevent aging but lessen the impending changes as time goes by.

What is Anti-Aging Skin Care?

This type of skin care is the new buzz term in our media. Many companies claim to reduce, reverse or change the effects of aging.   This is a hard claim to prove but it is desired by the masses as we get older. Since we can’t control time, take control over internal and external elements that affect our skin. These include:

  • Sun Exposure
    • This may include reducing ones exposure to sun or protecting your skin while in the sun. It may also involve
  • Diet
    • Understanding how your diet affects your skin can also effect the aging process. Eating a balance healthy diet that includes important vitamins that are beneficial to one’s skin and health will enhance the look of aging skin.
  • Exercise
    • Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight are essential in the aging process. A healthy body runs more efficiently and slows down the effects of inactivity on a body that is slowing from the effects of time.
  • Smoking
    • This habit can inversely affect the condition of your skin internally and externally. The internal changes affect the condition of your internal organs and overall health while the external effects are exaggerated due to the puckered lips when smoking and smoke exposure on the skin.
  • Heredity
    • If your parents started showing signs of aging early, then you will probably have the save signs in your life.

What are some of signs of aging?

Wrinkles and sagginess are the two most recognized indicators of aging skin. They may make the face appear drawn and sunken as time progresses.

As the skin ages, it becomes less elastic and renews at a slower rate. Due to this, the skin may become dull in its appearance or rough in its texture.

Why is anti-aging skin important?

Looking your best is not a vain goal. When you look good, you feel good. Often people may encounter self-esteem issues when they realize their looks have changed.

Proactive measure taken to combat the sign of aging can enhance the person’s outward and internal beauty.

anti aging skin care

How can I stop the signs of aging?

Taking proactive measure can ensure that you are minimizing the effects of aging on your skin. These steps will not eliminate the signs but make them occur at a slower pace:

  • Stop Smoking
    • Quitting this habit has a dual effect. You not only prolong your life but you stop the daily skin exposure to smoke and minimize the line on your face due to puckering your lips as you smoke
  • Eat Healthy
    • A healthy diet allows your internal organs to function optimally. This should be the first step in your anti-aging journey so your insides match your outward appearance.
    • Your balanced diet should include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins,
  • Exercise
    • The benefits of exercise include moving the aging body so it doesn’t become stiff and less flexible.
  • Water
    • Water intake is often overlooked because it is so basic. Many people are substituting sugary drinks instead of
  • Sleep
    • A good night’s sleep can make anyone look 1000 times better. Repetitive sleepless nights can inversely affect how you appear.
  • Stress
    • Limiting your stress intake and managing how you deal with stress are key to taking care of your skin.

Keep a consistent daily routine to care for your skin. These minor steps enhance your skin and keep it looking its best!

  • Care for the skin
    • Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin and exposure the new skin beneath. When this is done on a consistent basis, olay regenerist anti aging moisturing treatmentyouthful skin can be exposed
    • Moisturizing your skin gives you skin the needed moisture is loses when the skin is being cleaned or exfoliated.
    • SPF – SPF usage is essential for daily skin care. Most people remember it on sunny days but it is important to wear it every day!
  • Over The Counter
    • When used daily,  retinoids can minimize the appearance of lines and blotchiness that appear on the skin. You must use skin screen in conjunction with these products to prevent sun burn.
    • Glycolic Acids can exfoliate the skin more aggressively to reveal brighter skin. You must use skin screen in conjunction with these products to prevent sun burn.