Striving4Zen

Did you know cucumbers have actually been found to be up to 20 degrees cooler than the outside air? It's no wonder that we want to be "cool as a cucumber" during the hot summer months!

Cucumbers are great for healthy skin--from both inside and out. While it may be recommended to add cucumbers to your diet to improve the complexion and health of the skin, cucumbers are also used topically to reduce swelling under the eyes and the effects of sunburn.

And for an extra boost of vitamin A, C and potassium, add cucumbers to your favorite summer salads and sandwiches. If you choose organic cucumbers, leave the skin on for extra nutrition--all you have to do is slice and serve.

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Labels: cucumber, eating for good skin, food for dry skin, food for the face, healthy food, potassium, vegetable

HSN and Carol Alt, international supermodel, actress and "go-to expert" on raw nutrition/beauty, have joined together to transform the natural beauty category with the introduction of RAW Essentials by Carol Alt.

RAW Essentials goes beyond natural and organic with skin and body products that are completely raw yet still highly effective. Made with raw ingredients that are Certified Raw(TM) by Carol Alt and free of synthetic preservatives, RAW Essentials is created through a special low-temperature manufacturing process that helps ensure the products retain the nature of the key ingredients that are essential for glowing, healthy-looking skin.

"HSN's mission is to bring new discoveries to our customers and RAW Essentials is unlike anything available in the marketplace today," said Michael Henry, SVP Merchandising for Beauty at HSN.

"I am passionate about using raw ingredients and living a completely raw lifestyle," said Ms. Alt. "My philosophy is that it's just as important to know about what we put on our bodies as well as what we put in our bodies. I created RAW Essentials for the healthy appearance and beauty of my own skin and I am thrilled at the opportunity to offer HSN viewers a fresh, raw alternative in beauty. I cannot wait for the launch in December on HSN."

Not knowing what products Carol could trust, she began creating skin care products in her very own kitchen. Raw Essentials is created from 100% raw, active ingredients derived from the earth. Unlike many other companies, Raw Essentials doesn’t use any irritating petrochemicals, parabens, preservatives, synthetic additives or fillers.

The December debut will feature four stand-out items including:

RAW-ACTIVATE Daily Revitalizing Facial Moisturizer $29.50 - 1.7 fl oz. -- Blended with aloe vera gel, virgin coconut oil and tamanu oil, this Carol Alt Certified Raw(TM) moisturizer adds a fresh, vibrant glow to the skin. It contains a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals found in the environment.

RAW-COVERY Facial Revive Wash $35 - 4 fl oz. -- Formulated with aloe vera and oil of the tamanu tree, this lush, foaming face wash refreshes as it cleans. Other ingredients include: beta glucan; oat extract; sucrose cocoate, and soy protein.

RAW-SURECTION Body Wash $18.50 - 8 fl oz. -- This luxuriously gentle body wash is rich in nutrients that cleanse and filled with Carol Alt Certified Raw(TM) oils and humectants to make the bathing experience a pleasure. Raw ingredients include: aloe vera; beta-Glucan, oat extract; decyl and lauryl glucosides and alpha hydroxy acids.

RAW-JUVENATE Eye Recoup $22.50 - .5 fl oz. -- Blended to revitalize thedelicate and often dehydrated area around the eyes, this rich eye cream includes Carol Alt Certified Raw(TM) ingredients such as Aloe Vera; Coconut, Tamanu and safflower oils; Shea butter; Tocopherol; and a selection of Chinese herbs.

An expanded assortment of products will be introduced exclusively on HSN during the line's official launch January 27 - 28.

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Labels: Carol Alt, DIY, eating for good skin, food for the face, HSN, raw beauty, raw food, skin care

You probably don't open the refrigerator in search of beauty aids, but you might want to start. Turns out, some common kitchen staples are chock full of oils and potent phytochemicals (including antioxidants) that give your skin and hair a healthy boost.

Here, we've put together a list of body-pampering pantry basics, along with expert tips on how to apply them.

AVOCADO
Rich and buttery, avocados are perfect for hydrating dry skin and hair, says Janice Cox, author of Natural Beauty at Home (Owl, 2002). Avocados contain skin-nourishing vitamin E and phytosterols, which, similar to the skin's own lipids, provide a barrier to environmental elements and lock in moisture.

• Make it: Donna Maria Coles Johnson, who wrote Making Aromatherapy Creams and Lotions (Storey, 2000), likes to mix a couple of tablespoons of avocado with a tablespoon or so of banana and egg yolk for a moisturizing face mask. For a hair pack, Cox suggests mashing avocado into a smooth paste and spreading it on clean, damp hair for 20 minutes.

COCOA
The antioxidant powers of this distinctive bean promote healthy skin. Preliminary research shows that topically applied cocoa reduces skin irritation and combats cellular damage, and eating chocolate—contrary to popular belief— may even improve the skin's appearance (Journal of Nutrition, 2006, vol. 136, no. 5).

• Make it: For a soothing mask, mix cocoa powder with a little water or buttermilk—an excellent source of lactic acid that stimulates the cocoa's antioxidant function and softens the skin, says Audrey Kunin, MD, author of The DERMAdoctor Skinstruction Manual (Simon & Schuster, 2005).

GREEN TEA
Green tea's plentiful antioxidants help fight free radical damage. And its active ingredient, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is a powerful anti-inflammatory, according to Kunin. When applied topically, the tea reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles and can even help prevent skin cancer and signs of aging resulting from sun damage (Current Drug Targets, 2003, vol. 3, no. 3).

• Make it: Apply a compress soaked in chilled green tea to irritated skin or puffy eyes. Caffeine and EGCG help reduce swelling and calm skin, Kunin says. Cox likes to use green tea as a toner: Brew strong tea (one or two tea bags per 1 cup water) and apply to face after cleansing.

HONEY
Honey can be used head to toe, Cox says. Its strong antimicrobial properties help clean and clear away bacteria, making it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, she says. According to Kunin, honey is also a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to the skin.

• Make it: To help clear up blemishes, Cox suggests dabbing honey on pimples. Kunin likes honey for a hydrating and exfoliating mask: Apply a thin layer of honey over face and neck for 10 minutes. If the honey is hard to spread, gently warm it first and/or dilute it with a small amount of water.

OLIVE OIL
For centuries, olive oil, rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, has been the beauty ingredient of choice for dry skin and hair.

• Make it: Apply olive oil to damp skin before bed, put on your pajamas, and wake up to smoother, hydrated skin, Coles Johnson says. For a fresh, uplifting scent, she suggests adding a few drops of citrus essential oil to the olive oil.

SUGAR AND SALT
When used as natural exfoliating particles, sugar and salt help loosen lifeless epidermal cells that need to be physically removed, Kunin says. But they can also cause irritation, so use a gentle touch, especially with salt.

• Make it: Simply mix a tablespoon or two of salt (sea salt contains skin-nourishing minerals) with any light vegetable oil for an easy body scrub, suggests Cox. For a gentle facial scrub, mix a teaspoon of sugar with your favorite cleanser and apply in small, circular motions, she says.

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Labels: DIY, food for the face, living holistically, skin care

The Body Deli was created in the resort town of Palm Desert, California in 2002 by “Cosmetic Chefs” David Parker and Margaret Skarin. David, a Northern California native, moved to the Coachella Valley after selling a successful day spa business. Margaret Skarin, who was a beauty foodie, had built local notoriety behind her homemade beauty line for the body, Blue Lotus Organics. They met through a mutual friend and the beginning of a brand was born.

Their bond was immediate, as they shared a common interest in bio-active skincare and natural ingredients. Utilizing David’s strength in developing face products and Margaret’s expertise in developing products specifically for the body, together they began concocting potions using fresh ingredients and local produce available from area farms.

Due to the high demand of their products within the local community, they opened a retail location in Palm Desert. At the front of the store, they installed refrigerated bins to prevent certain market-fresh products from expiring. In addition, they added unique deli-style cases to showcase the variety of product offerings. The product line and signature shop were fittingly named “The Body Deli.” The Body Deli’s unique “deli-style” store concept now includes more than 175 delectable beauty products.

In addition to the retail store in Palm Desert, The Body Deli products are available on the company’s website, www.thebodydeli.com, offering The Body Deli experience worldwide. The popularity of the products has cultivated a loyal customer base, including celebrities such as Alicia Silverstone, Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson.

Labels: food for the face, living holistically, natural health, skin care, The Body Deli

If you've already said Yes to Carrots (the line launched internationally in November 2006), get ready to say Yes to Tomatoes and Yes to Cucumbers, as two of the spin-off lines launch in the US this month. The tomato line is formulated with Lycopene, antioxidant red tea, antibacterial red pepper and is best for oily or combination skin. The cucumber line includes healing aloe, green tea, and green pepper to soothe and brighten skin.

At an event to introduce Yes to Cucumbers and Yes to Tomatoes stateside yesterday, CEO Ido Leffler said a major goal of the line is to "bring smiles to people's faces," pointing out that the shampoo bottle instructs you to "shampoo daily on wet hair while singing" (and yes, people have written in to point out that it works whether you are singing or not). To that end, the company has also launched The Seed Fund, which has done everything from set up victims of domestic violence with gardening jobs in Ohio to offering an after-school program for Ethiopian immigrants in Israel. With your cash not only benefiting your looks but also worthwhile causes like these, it's hard to just say no. Thanks!

Labels: food for the face, skin care, Yes to Carrots, Yes To Cucumbers, Yes To Tomatoes

The safety of mass-produced cosmetic products, replete with chemical names we can’t pronounce, has recently been called into question by multiple consumer-lead organizations. Under current FDA guidelines aesthetic products are not subject to pre-market safety approval, while companies themselves are left to substantiate the safety of their ingredients.

Despite a minimum shelf-life, homemade skincare products are the cheap and simple way to purport the same benefits as higher-priced treatments. Since organic and natural treatments are developed around the healing properties of common fruits, vegetables, herbs, and oils, concocting your own will save you money while ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the ingredients.

FACE TONERS

Normal Skin

• 2 parts witch hazel
• 1 part apple cider vinegar
• 3 parts distilled water

Dry Skin

• 2 parts witch hazel
• 1 part rose water
• 2-3 drops of geranium oil (optional)

Oily Skin

• 2 parts witch hazel
• 1 part lemon juice
• 3 parts distilled water
• 2-3 drops lavender oil (optional)

Shake well before each use. Apply with clean cotton pad after cleansing face. Follow up with moisturizer. Can be stored in clean glass jar with lid (max one week).

Witch hazel has been used for centuries in daily skin care routines. It is a gentle astringent and cleanser and boasts anti-inflammatory qualities. With or without these other ingredients it is a perfectly well-rounded every day toner. Rose water helps add moisture to dry skin, while apple cider vinegar is a great pH balancer for normal skin types. Lemon juice has exfoliating properties, as it is a natural alpha-hydroxy acid.

FACE MASKS

Normal Skin

• 1/2 peeled cucumber
• 2 Tbs plain yogurt or cream
• 1 tsp olive oil

Combine ingredients in blender. Spread on face and leave for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

This mask has a calming and cooling effect from the cucumber, while the yogurt enzymes allow the mask to gently cleanse and tone the skin.

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 Tbs honey
  

Mix well. Apply to face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Honey is a great anti-microbial agent and helps to moisturize the skin. Pumpkin enzymes are great at revitalizing the complexion by softly sloughing off dead skin cells.

Dry Skin

• 3 Tbs Avocado, mashed
• 2 Tbs Honey
• 1 Egg yolk

Mix ingredients well. Apply to face for 15 minutes. Wash with cool water.

A great combination to combat dry skin, all three ingredients have strong humectant qualities.
This one can also be used as a deep conditioning treatment for your hair! Just add 1/2 cup warm water to the mixture. Apply after shampooing and leave mask on wet hair for ten minutes. Rinse well.

• 1 Banana, pureed or mashed
• 1 Tbs olive oil

Mix ingredients. Apply to cleansed skin for 10-15 minutes. Honey may be substituted for olive oil. Rinse well with cool water.

What could be simpler? Bananas are great for nourishing dry and aging skin. They’re chock full of vitamins: potassium, iron, zinc, vitamins A, B, E, and F and have natural moisturizing properties.

Oily Skin

• 1/3 cup oatmeal
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1/3 cup blueberries or 5 strawberries (optional)
• 2 Tbs honey
• 1-2 egg whites

Combine oatmeal and enough water so that a thick paste forms. Stir until desired consistency is reached. Add paste, berries and honey in blender. Add egg white after mixture is thoroughly blended. Apply to clean face. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with cool water.

Egg whites are great at refining the skin, making it more taut, and absorbing excess oil. Oatmeal is known for its binding qualities but more importantly it aids in removing dead skin cells and refining oily skin. Strawberries and blueberries have natural astringent and exfoliation qualities.
Vegan option: omit egg white and honey; instead add handful of very finely ground raw almonds to the blender and 1 Tbs water.

• 1 apple, pureed and deseeded.
• 1 Tb lemon juice

Mix ingredients. Apply to face for 10-15 minutes.

Apples are great at balancing combination skin, and they are natural exfoliators replete with alpha hydroxy acids.

Problem Skin

• Tomato, pureed and deseeded or 1/2 cup of undiluted tomato paste

Spread thin and even layer on face, avoiding eyes and lips. Leave on for ten minutes (a slight tingling may occur) and rinse well.

This mask helps to absorb surface oils, and specifically targets pimples and blackheads.

• 12 uncoated aspirin
• 2 Tbs warm water

Dissolve aspirin in enough warm water to make a slightly runny paste. Paste can be applied to cleansed skin directly, or added to 1/2 cup of either plain yogurt, aloe vera gel. Glycerin, sweet almond oil, or a clay mask.
This mixture does wonders for red pimples and large clogged pores.

Asprin, known as acetylsalicylic acid, is derived from salicin which comes from the bark and leaves of the willow plant. Aspirin is the buffered or neutralized form of salicyclic acid and thus has similar properties (non-abrasive exfoliation and skin renewal) when used topically on the skin.

Patch test this mask before applying to your face. If you have sensitive or dry skin this mask is NOT for you. Don’t try this if you are allergic to aspirin or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. When in doubt, ask your doctor before use.

BODY SCRUB

• 1/2 cup Olive, Sesame, Jojoba or Avocado oil
• 1 cup Epsom and/or Sea Salts

After rinsing body with warm water, dampen washcloth or sponge with oil. Dip into salt and gently massage over body. Rinse.
Experiment with adding 2 drops of an essential oil to main oil used. Try lavender, patchouli, ylang ylang, rose, neroli, or bergamot for a relaxing treat!

Disclaimer: We do not provide medical advice or recommend that our users make medical decisions based on our website. Instead, we hope that our readers will use this website as a reference in seeking medical and healthcare services and advice from qualified professionals.

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Labels: Anti-oxidant, DIY, food for the face, living holistically, natural products, skin care, skincare

Organic and all-natural beauty treatments made with real fruits and vegetables are sprouting up like weeds. But most serums, lotions and potions still contain extra ingredients (preservatives and dyes) that we could live without. We consulted Whole Foods’ Whole Body senior global coordinator Jeremiah McElwee to find out how to whip up our own beauty remedies, using food products from the grocery store.

Oily Skin
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 tsp olive oil
1/4 tsp lemon juice

Normal Skin
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 tsp apple cider vinegar

Combine all ingredients. Scoop out 1/4 cup and gently rub all over your face using a circular motion, for at least one minute. Rinse with cool (not cold) water. Pat skin dry with a soft cloth. Store unused cleanser in the refrigerator for up to seven days.

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Labels: cleansers, DIY, food for the face, natural products

http://fashiontribes.typepad.com/main/2007/06/get-gorgous-sum.html

Labels: food for the face, natural products, skincare