Healthy Diet, Healthy Skin

By: Van Le

The saying “you are what you eat” didn’t happen by accident.  More Americans are realizing that what we put in our bodies dictates how well we think, look and feel.  Eating is the body’s way of obtaining the nutrition and vitamins required in order for the body to function properly.  Consuming the right kind of food can increase our energy level, lead to healthier-looking skin, and boost our self-confidence.  Americans spend billions of dollars each year on beauty products that promise to hide blemishes, cover under-eye circles, and conceal wrinkles; however, these products only temporarily fix what’s on the outside.  In order to have truly healthy skin, we must monitor our food intake and eat food that allows our body to naturally generate that coveted healthy glow.

Water:  Everyone knows that we should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, but not everyone does.  Seventy percent of the body is comprised of water, which is vital to cellular replenishment..  Water also helps flush bodily toxins and regulate our body temperature.   Try to limit caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can lead to dehydration and cause dull, dry skin.  If you think water is too plain, try adding lemon slices or cucumber for a hint of taste.

Low-fat dairy products:  Milk, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese all contain vitamin A, a key ingredient in most anti-aging, anti-acne and anti-wrinkle products.  Vitamin A strengthens the skin, helps repair and restoration processes and prevents wrinkles.  The recent frozen yogurt craze has helped increase consumption of dairy products, however, it is important to remember that a cup of yogurt topped with candy, caramel, and other processed sugary treats can be counterproductive.  Instead, choose healthier fresh fruit toppings such as blueberries and strawberries.

Antioxidants: Fruits like berries and pomegranates are filled with antioxidants, which have been proven to protect the skin against UV damage such as wrinkles and dark spots.  They also protect the skin from free radicals, which are organic molecules responsible for tissue damage and aging.  According to antioxidantskincare.org, “when free radicals attack healthy skin cells, they cause the cell to decay,” which can lead to cancer, cardiovascular disease and speed up aging.  Antioxidants neutralize the production of free radicals.

Omega 3:  Walnuts, flaxseeds and salmon contain essential fatty acids that prevent harmful substances from entering cells.  They help regulate cell functions and maintain skin elasticity, leading to soft and healthy skin.  A diet filled with omega 3 will result in radiant skin, stronger hair and overall good health.  Our bodies cannot produce omega 3, therefore, it is important to add omega 3 to our diet.

Whole grain:  Wheat products such as bread, pasta, and cereal contain plenty of vitamin B, which can even out skin tone and help the skin maintain moisture.  Whole grain products help replace dead skin by stimulating cell growth on the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer.  Increase your consumption of whole grains by replacing white bread, pasta and bagels with wheat products.  Most likely, you won’t even taste the difference.

Makeup can create the illusion of healthy skin, but true healthy skin starts and ends with a proper diet.  A healthy diet is an essential way to achieve not only radiant skin, but also a radiant lifestyle.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://bestskincareforme.com

The Dangers of Parabens in Cosmetic Products

By: Van Le |  The cosmetic industry brings in billions of dollar annually, and every day, thousands of consumers meticulously search for the perfect shade of foundation, concealer, or powder to match our skin.  We analyze the front of the product, looking closely at the color, packaging, and eye-catching designs, but rarely look at the back of the products.  The few times that we turn the product over to look at the back labels, we often only read the directions for use and our eyes almost never make it down to the ingredients list.  Recent trends have pushed consumer awareness of potentially harmful cosmetic ingredients, specifically parabens.

Parabens are widely used as preservatives in cosmetic products, and they prevent the growth of microorganism such as mold and fungus.  They are esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and commonly labeled in beauty products as methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparabens.  Parabens have been widely used in makeup without regulation since the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) does not have the authority to approve cosmetic products, however, there have been recent studies that suggest parabens may be linked to breast cancer.

The FDA notes that the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, an industry-sponsored organizations that looks at the safety of cosmetic products, states that methyparaben, propylparaben, and butylparabin are all safe to when used alone up to 0.4%.  Companies that use parabens often use a combination of several parabens in their products, however, industry experts still insist that they are safe.  Companies often use parabens because they are cheap and extend the product’s shelf-life.

The Breast Cancer Fund is an organization dedicated to eliminating environmental factors that can lead to the disease, and according to its website, conducted a study in which high amounts of parabens have been extracted from biopsy samples of breast cancer tumors.  The website also states that  “parabens have also been found in almost all urine samples examined from a demographically diverse sample of U.S. adults,” suggesting that our skin absorbs the parabens.

As a result, organizations such as the Breast Cancer Fund are spearheading campaigns to increase consumer awareness and urge companies to eliminate parabens from their products.  “Think Before You Pink” is a campaign that reveals names of companies who claim to support the fight against breast cancer, but actually use ingredients that are linked to the disease in their products.

Since there is currently not enough scientific proof to show that parabens are harmful to the body, the FDA cannot ban its use, however, many consumers are taking the precautionary route by choosing products that contain natural ingredients.  The argument over the safety of products containing parabens continues. Although physical beauty is only skin deep, cosmetic products containing parabens can seep beyond the skin and harm our bodies.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://zincmoisturizer.com

Treatments for Chapped Lips

By Van Le | We have all experienced occasional chapped lips, but for those who experience this condition year-round, the pain and irritation can be frustrating.  Medically known as “cheilitis,” chapped lips can have several causes, including dehydration and excessive exposure to elements such as wind, sun, cold or dry air.  While most cases of chapped, dry lips are results of environmental factors, in some cases, they may be an indication of an underlying medical or nutritional problem.  There are several ways to prevent dry lips from escalating into a bigger health issue.

Dehydration
Chapped lips are often a sign that there is not enough water in the body for proper hydration.  The number one cause for dry lips is dehydration, therefore, it is important to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day and avoid dehydrating fluids like caffeine and alcohol.  Also try to avoid licking your lips, since saliva dries quickly and leaves your lips even more dry.  In addition to keeping your body healthy, water keeps your lips looking moist and attractive.

Avoid extreme weather exposure
Just like our skin, our lips are exposed to external factors 24/7, but unlike our skin, our lips lack the melanin that protects the skin from sun exposure.  We moisturize our face daily to protect against dry air, put on sun block to protect your skin against harmful UV rays, but we often forget about protecting our lips against the very same elements.  Wear a lip balm that contains SPF protection and apply it several times a day when in the sun or exposed to extreme temperatures.  Use a humidifier when indoors to help get rid of dry air inside your house or room.

Use the right products
Fight the urge to hide dry, flaky lips under thick layers lip gloss, since some ingredients in these products can contribute to the problem.  Instead, choose a moisturizing lipstick that contains Vitamin E, shea butter, or macadamia nut oil, and avoid matte, ‘last-all-day’ products since they can be very drying.

Exfoliate
Buff away the dead skin on your lips with a lip exfoliator and soft toothbrush or warm washcloth.  Then, use a moisturizing lip product or simply apply honey to your lips and wash away after five minutes.  Honey is an excellent moisturizer and a common ingredient in most natural skin care products.  Exfoliate your lips at least once a week.

Herbal remedies
There are several herbal alternatives to help treat dry, chapped lips without exposing them to harsh chemicals.  Aloe vera gel has been a great remedy for inflammations, and drinking Aloe vera juice can help relief pain associated with dry lips.  Applying a zinc oxide treatment before bed can also help heal and lubricate lips.

A healthy diet
Chronic chapped lips can be a sign of vitamin deficiency, specifically Vitamin B.   Foods such as cauliflower, wholegrain cereal, and soy bean are great sources of this vitamin, and can help fight dry lips from the inside out.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://bestorganicnaturalskincare.com

Skincare Procedures to Combat Aging

By Van Le |  Not too many years ago, skin care consisted simply of water and soap.  Fast forward a few decades, skincare now consists of a myriad of products, procedures, and devices that help the industry pull in billions of dollars annually.  The fight against aging has specifically heated up, as baby boomers’ demand for aesthetic skincare procedures to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy skins has skyrocketed.

There are now several procedures available, including laser treatments, dermabrasions, and ultrasonic skin care treatments to help consumers temporarily turn back the hands of time and reduce signs of aging.

Laser and LED treatments

Laser treatments have historically been well-known for hair removal, however, modern lasers are also used for popular skin rejuvenation treatments .  In this outpatient procedure, the laser removes the damaged surface layer of skin to reveal a new or subdermal layer of skin.  Depending on the skin type and desired results, there are several types of laser rejuvenation treatments available, including CO2, Erbium, and non-ablative lasers, but all laser treatments essential work the same way.

According to the American Society for Dermatologist Surgery, “the laser beam can gently vaporize and/or ablate skin tissue to improve wrinkles, scars and blemishes, seal blood vessels or cut skin tissue.”  This causes new, firmer, younger-looking skin to grow in its place.  LED rejuvenation laser treatments stimulate cells to produce collagen and elastin, and are different than regular lasers in that they penetrate deeper into the cell.  LED treatment has been called the “non surgical facelift” and is approved by the Federal Drug Administration as a safe anti-aging procedure.

Dermabrasions

Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure in which the epidermis (outer) layers of the skin containing wrinkles, fine lines, and scars are sandblasted away to reveal fresh, flawless skin.  After the procedure, scabs will form over the treated area, and new layers of skin are visible once the scabs fall off.  Dermabrasion is very effective in removing deep scars, especially those left by adult acne.  Microdermabrasion is similar cosmetic procedure, but only removes the dead skin on the outermost layer.  The results are less dramatic than cosmetic dermabrasion since it does not penetrate deep into the skin, but is effective in removing wrinkles and fine lines.  Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion procedures often require more than one treatment for notable results, and there are some at-home microdermabrasion kits available on the market.

Ultrasonic skin care

The skincare industry recently discovered that ultrasounds are not only useful for imaging during pregnancy, but also an effective skin rejuvenation procedure.  A gel containing amino acids and healing agents is applied over the face, and the ultrasonic device is used to heat up the skin and allow the chemicals to penetrate deeply into the cell tissues.  The ultrasonic machine also offers over 30,000 vibrations per second, stimulating the skin’s natural repairing process.    The treatment can improve skin texture and tone, elasticity, and help the skin produce a healthy, radiant glow.  Scientific advancements have continuously driven the cosmetic industry to discover new procedures and processes to fight against wrinkles, fine lines, and dull skin.

Although they have received the seal of approval from the FDA as safe and effective processes, it is important to remember that these processes are not our body’s natural way of producing healthy skin.  Healthy skin is generated from the inside out, and using all-natural products and following a proper skin care regimen can produce longer-lasting results.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://http://medicalskincareadvice.com

Acne Terms and Causes

Acne: Words to Know

Androgen:

A male sex hormone found in both males and females.

Anti-androgen:

A drug that slows down the production of androgens.

Antibiotic:

A drug that kills bacteria.

Comedo:

A hard plug that develops in the pores of the skin composed of sebum and dead skin cells. The mildest form of acne.

Comedolytic:

Drugs that break up comedos and open clogged pores.

Isotretinoin:

A drug that decreases sebum production and dries up acne pimples.

Sebum:

An oily material produced by sebaceous glands that keeps the skin moist.

Tretinoin:

A drug that increases the rate at which skin cells are formed and die.

CAUSES

The exact cause of acne is not known, however, several risk factors have been identified.

• Age. Because of the effect of sex hormones, teenagers are quite likely to develop acne.
• Cosmetics. Make-up and hair sprays that contain oils can make acne worse.
• Diet. Acne is not caused by diet, but some foods can make the disease more serious.
• Disease. Hormonal disorders can increase the severity of acne problems in girls.
• Drugs. Acne can develop as a result of using certain drugs, such as tranquilizers, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and anabolic steroids. Steroids are synthetic hormones that may sometimes be abused by athletes to increase the size of their muscles.
• Environment. Acne can become worse as a result of exposure to oils, greases, and polluted air. Sweating in hot weather can also make the condition worse.
• Gender. Boys are more likely to develop acne and tend to have more serious cases than girls.
• Heredity. Acne is more common in some families than in others.
• Hormonal changes. Acne can flare up during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Menopause is the period in a woman’s life when her body stops producing certain hormones.
• Personal hygiene. Strong soaps, hard scrubbing, and picking at pimples can make acne worse.
• Stress. Emotional stress can contribute to acne.

Complementary and Alternative Health Practices

By: Van Le

Complementary and Alternative Practices towards a Healthy Lifestyle. Over the last century, doctors and researchers in the Western world have made several medical breakthroughs and significant discoveries in the fight against terminal diseases.  Such discoveries are key milestones towards finding the cure for diseases such as cancer and other illnesses, however, the idea of using complementary and alternative medicines, remedies, and holistic therapy to help manage a natural, healthier lifestyle is gaining popularity in the Western world.

Complementary and alternative medicine consists of practices that do not follow the norm of conventional medicine; complementary medicine is used in conjunction with conventional medicine, while alternative medicine is used in place of conventional treatment.  Some examples of complementary and alternative medicine include acupuncture, meditation/visualization, and the use of natural products.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a complementary medicine technique, is the practice of inserting tiny needles into very specific parts of the body to relieve pain and discomforts associated with conventional treatments.  According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), it is the oldest healing practice in the world, and works by restoring the body’s balance (ying and yang.)  Acupuncture is most popular for its ability to relieve pain and aches, but the idea of “cosmetic acupuncture” is also gaining attention as a less-drastic alternative to cosmetic surgeries.

It has been reported that those who undergo cosmetic acupuncture experience vibrant skin tone, reduced and finer wrinkles, and firmer skin.  A study in The Journal of Clinical Acupuncture states that 90% of cosmetic acupuncture patients experience notable improvement in their skin quality.  As with any medical procedure, acupuncture carries risks, and when considering an acupuncture treatment, it is important to examine the creditability and equipment of the practitioner.

Meditation/Visualization
Meditation is a complementary technique used to escape from the stress of our hectic lifestyles and reach a profound state of relaxation and calmness.

There are several types of meditation, including yoga and tai-chi.  Yoga consists of molding the body into postures, using controlled breathing, and focusing on the moment to escape from the day’s stress.  Tai-chi started as a form of martial arts but has transformed into a healing practice.  Those who practice tai-chi move their bodies slowly and mindfully while focusing on their breathing.  According to the Associated Press, tai-chi helps build a stronger immune system, which can help the body fight against shingles, a skin condition that cause rashes.  Visualization, also known as mental imagery, is a technique in which the mind focuses on a specific image.  Cancer patients sometimes use this technique to envision their bodies fighting off the disease.  Visualization can be used by anyone to relieve stress from a busy day.

Use of natural products
The popularity of natural products has increased exponentially in the last few years due to its ability to generate healthy skin from the inside out.  Products that contain natural ingredients as opposed to harsh chemicals are logically better for the body and skin.  From a diet filled with healthy choices to using natural skincare products, there are several ways to generate a healthy, more fulfilling lifestyle.  By choosing blueberries over Botox, you can achieve longer-lasting and healthier results.  Switch to an all-natural line of skin care products to give your skin a break from the preservatives and lab-generated chemicals that can wreak havoc years down the road.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://bestorganicnaturalskincare.com

Psoriasis Facts

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, non-contagious, reoccurring skin condition consisting of red, scaly, well defined, thickened areas of varying sizes. Any part of your skin on the body and on your nails can be affected. Arthritis may be associated with your psoriasis. The scalp, elbows, knees and lower back are commonly affected, but the face is usually not.

Key Points:

• Psoriasis is chronic and reoccurring
• It produces red, scaly, well defined patches
• Psoriasis can affect any part of the skin on your body,
• particularly the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back
• It may include nail involvement and arthritis

Who Can Get Psoriasis?

Psoriasis affects approximately 2% of the population, men and women in any age group can be affected. One type of psoriasis usually begins between the ages of 20 and 30 and runs in families, but the inheritance is variable. A number of genetic associations for example, a gene called HLA-Cw6 has been linked. Approximately 30% of people with this condition also have a first degree relative (that is parents, brothers, sisters and children) with psoriasis.

If you have an identical twin with psoriasis, the chance that you also have the condition is about 70%, while the risk for a twin who is not identical, is about 25%. The severity of psoriasis may vary between family members. For example, one member might have a very mild disease with only a couple of lesions, while another member might be covered with psoriasis. A second type typically begins around age 60 and does not run in families.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition involving the T-lymphocyte, a type of white blood cell.

Normally, the time between manufacturing and shedding skin cells is about 28 days. In psoriasis, the process is approximately 7 times faster, the outer cells are poorly formed and don’t shed properly. They tend to pile up on the skin producing the scale.

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What Happens When We Age?

With time, certain changes are inevitable. No one can stop the hands of time, but we can slow down the visible effects of aging. The skin is one of the first organs to show signs of aging. Although aging is genetically determined, it is also environmentally modulated, meaning you have control over how you age. Your everyday simple decisions shape how healthy you and your skin will be - it is that simple. In the famous words of George Burns “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”

Our cells divide more slowly, and the dermis, or the inner layer of skin grows thin. Fat cells beneath the dermis begin to shrink and skin’s ability to repair itself decreases with age. Wounds heal more slowly and skin becomes vulnerable to injuries and damage. The deeper layers of skin begin to lose their elasticity and ability to stretch. Older skin sags and forms furrows. Because sweat and oil-secreting glands start to waste away, the skin is left without a protective layer of water and fat. The skin is unable to stay as moisturized so it becomes dry and scaly.

Frown lines-which are lines between the eyebrows-and crow’s feet, spread from the corners of the eyes, develop because of permanent small muscle contractions. Gravity does not help the situation, by further contributing to sagging and droopiness. In our modern society, wrinkles have a profound impact on self-esteem, as evidenced by the $12 billion Americans spend each year on cosmetics to hide the signs of aging. The bottom line is that our society greatly values youthfulness.

What are some factors that help expedite the aging process?

Although we have no control over intrinsic factors of aging, such as genetics, you are largely in control of the extrinsic factors. This is where we can make life-altering choices.

The Sun: While some sun exposure is necessary to produce vital Vitamin D, excessive sun exposure is very harmful to the skin. Without protection from the sun’s rays, more than 10 minutes of exposure each day over the years can cause much damage. Freckles, age spots, spider veins on the face, rough and leathery skin, loose skin, a blotchy complexion, skin cancer and many other problems can all be traced to sun exposure.

“Photo aging” is the term used by dermatologists to describe aging caused by sun exposure. The amount of photo aging that develops depends on different factors such as a person’s skin color and their history of long-term or intense sun exposure. People with fair skin are more susceptible to photo aging than those with dark skin. This phenomenon occurs over a period of years. With repeated sun exposure, the skin loses the ability to repair itself, and the damage accumulates. Studies have shown that repeated ultraviolet (UV) exposure breaks down collagen and impairs the synthesis of new collagen. The sun also attacks our elastin causing the skin to become loose, wrinkled, and leathery.

Now, for some good news: how much sun damage you acquire is up to you. You must limit your exposure to the sun as much as possible. When outside, use sun protection products like Vivoderm Zinc cream on your skin to minimize sun damage.

Smoking: You cannot have truly vital skin if you smoke, period. Smoking cigarettes causes biochemical changes in our bodies that accelerate aging. As shown by research, a person who smokes 10 or more cigarettes a day for a minimum of 10 years is statistically more likely to develop deeply wrinkled, leathery skin than a non-smoker. Also, people who smoke for a number of years tend to develop an unhealthy yellowish complexion. Cigarette smoke has also been found to deplete your body of Vitamin C.

The good news is that these signs can be greatly diminished, and in some cases avoided, by quitting. Even people who have smoked for many years, or smoked heavily at a younger age, show fewer facial wrinkles and improved skin tone when they quit smoking. Our bodies have amazing repair capabilities, and once we stop our toxic behaviors, the body will be able to repair itself.

Exercise: Exercise gives you vitality. If you want fresh and youthful skin, physical activity is a must. It not only tones your muscles, but it increases blood flow to all areas of your body, especially your skin. Regular exercise reduces your stress levels, increases levels of oxygen circulating throughout the body, promoting rejuvenation and repair.

Alcohol use: Alcohol contributes to aging of skin by dilating small blood vessels in the skin’s surface. Over time, these blood vessels can become permanently damaged, creating a flushed appearance.

Stress: Not only does stress cause hormonal changes that negatively affect the skin, it also causes undesirable facial expressions that if repeated often enough, do not go away. Simply put, worry and stress cause frowning, and over time, the muscles in the face conform to that movement.

Being conscious of facial expressions can help, but it is more important to monitor your stress level. A good anti-aging skin care and way of life includes meditation, yoga, relaxation, exercise and most importantly, self love.

Lack of sleep: Too little sleep makes you look and feel tired.

Signs of lack of sleep show up on the face in forms of dark circles, baggy eyes, and saggy skin. Sleep deprivation is also a major factor in memory loss and can lead to symptoms of depression including low interest in daily activities and negative thinking.

Research has shown that most adults function best with eight to nine hours of sleep each night. Reduce your caffeine levels, avoid eating at least two hours before bedtime, and maintain a sleep routine that includes going to bed at the same time each night. While we sleep, our skin gets a chance to rest and rejuvenate. Your skin truly does need its “beauty sleep.”

To summarize, here are some very simple concepts for basic skincare:

• Keep your skin clean so that it can breathe

• Give your skin plenty of moisture to keep it looking young and healthy

• Feed the skin key nutrients that it requires to rejuvenate and repair itself repeatedly

• Rid only the top layer of dead cells to promote rapid birth of new cells

• Protect against outside elements to prevent deterioration and/or damage

• Live a healthy life style

In life, there are things we have no control over, such as genetics or the weather, but every day choices that we make have tremendous effect on the quality of our lives. We will all get older, but how we get old is our choice. Some signs of aging are inevitable, but there is so much you can do to look your best at any age. Taking good care of yourself is the most important step in your anti-aging program. Choose the right steps, and choose the right products for your skin.

For more information visit www.vivoderm.com

Do It Yourself Facials

By: Van Le

There is nothing as relaxing as getting a professional facial, but they can run a high tab (from $50-200 dollars.) While the economy continues on its downward spiral, your skin does not have to suffer the same fate. A “DIY facial” may sound like an oxymoron, but it truly is a way to revive and rejuvenate your skin at a fraction of the cost. There are several at-home facial remedies that you can try, and all the ingredients can be gathered at your local grocery store. Even better, “at-home” does not always mean you have to do it alone. Turn it into a bonding experience by calling a few friends over, and you can chat and laugh your way to healthier skin. You can even ask each friend to bring an ingredient to further cut down on the cost. Ready to indulge? Here’s how to get started:

Create a relaxing atmosphere

You can’t relax if you are constantly staring at your “to-do” list. Clear the space of any clutter or things that remind of you the tasks you must do. Your mind needs to escape from your everyday tasks before you can truly enjoy the experience. First, create a calming atmosphere by using candles instead of turning on the lights. Next, fill the room with a soothing scent such as lavender or chamomile. Then, turn off the television and turn on soft music. Unplug your land line and once all your friends arrive, agree to turn off all cell phones. If you decide to have food, choose healthy and light options such as mini muffins, a tray of fresh fruits and vegetables, or cheese and crackers. Add cucumber or lemon slices to a pitcher of water for a healthy drink.

Facial treatments

Start by washing your face to get rid of dirt and residue makeup, using a gentle soap like Vivoderm’s Rosemary & Chamomile facial cleanser, which is filled with Vitamins A and E. Then, grab a hot towel and place it over your face, taking extra precaution as the skin on your face may more sensitive to temperature. You can also pour hot water in a bowl, place your face a few inches away from the top of the bowl, and cover your head with a towel to capture the steam. It takes about 10-15 for the steam to open your pores. Next, apply an exfoliator and massage in a circular motion using your middle and ring fingers. After exfoliation, apply a toner to bring your skin back to the proper pH. Then, moisturize your skin using a mask. Depending on your skin type and desire, there are a wide variety of masks available, such as Vivoderm’s anti-aging or anti-acne mask. You can also whip up your own Avocado Moisture Mask* using natural ingredients. Mix ½ avocado, ¼ cup French green clay, and 15 drops of spike lavender. As you stir, add water until you reach the desired texture. Apply the mask and leave on your face for 10 minutes, after the mask has dried, rinse off using warm water. Finally, complete your at-home facial by applying a moisturizing cream on your entire face.

After your DIY facial, your skin will feel lighter, but your wallet won’t.

*recipe from www.apothecarytinctura.com

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://bestorganicnaturalskincare.com