15 Tips To Healthy Winter Skin

 

No need to hide your dry, itchy skin from the ole man winter! Instead, implement these 15 Tips To Healthy Winter Skin!

While Winter can have its pleasantries with ice-skating, fireplace gatherings, warm cozy sweaters, and seasonal fun, what it does not have is love for our skin!

Not only can jack frost be nipping at our nose, but he is also robbing our entire face of its natural moisturizers.

And if that wasn’t bad enough, the dry indoor heat wreaks havoc on our skin. Not only does this heat zap all of the moisture out of the air, but also from the skin! This is why it is essential to make sure you have a great skincare routine to help you through the winter skincare blues!

For this post, I have partnered up with Posie Cosmetics to share with you my top 15 tips for healthy winter skin!

Now before I get into the winter skincare tips, I wanted to share with you a bit about Posie Cosmetics and why I am a big fan of their products.

Posie Cosmetics
Posie Cosmetic skincare line is cruelty and paraben-free. It is formulated with natural plant-based ingredients and packed with hydration, vitamins, and minerals. Posie is designed to replenish and nourish, resulting in healthier, reinvigorating skin.

The company was founded by Tasha Gunter, a nurse, and Aesthetician. I love the meaning and mission behind the brand as well; see below.

From The Posie Cosmetics Website: The name Posie means “a bouquet of flowers.” We believe that caring for a flower is very similar to caring for our skin. Each flower is unique and requires individualized care. This is similar to each skin type. The more time and commitment you make to care for your flowers, the longer they stay healthy, vibrant, and beautiful. And when you take the time to feed flowers the right nutrients and protect them from harsh environmental factors, the more likely you are to prevent imperfections, disease, and damage. Like a flower, your skin requires consistent care to maintain its health and vibrancy.  Now, how cool is that???

So without further ado, My Top Tips To Healthy Winter Skin.

15 Tips To Healthy Winter Skin

Use A Humidifier
I made this one first as no matter what skincare products you are using; you will be in a losing battle if you are not doing something to add some moisture back into the air.  While we did mention earlier how the dry air can wreak havoc on the skin, it can also lead to accelerated aging. WTH?

A humidifier has been a lifesaver for me. I have a portable one that I keep in my office and move to my bedroom in the evening.

Changing Up Your Skincare Routine
Just like changing our wardrobe, with the change of season comes a change in our skincare products, and this is where Posie Cosmetics comes into play. From serums to eye creams, they have all the winter skincare essentials to help with banishing dull, dry, irritated winter skin!

Bag Those Puffy Eyes
Oh my, the skin around my eyes is the worst this time of year.  Because this skin is thinner and more delicate than on other parts of the body, it doesn’t absorb moisture! It is also the first area to show dryness, especially from dehydration, which also ages you! Because of this, an eye cream is a must, and Posie Natural Botanical Eye Cream is here to the rescue.

The cream not only has some fantastic anti-inflammatory ingredients that deeply conditions and restore skin, but it also has some natural antioxidants to help fight against free radicals that can damage.

Key ingredients:

• Arnica: Soothes and reduces puffiness and swelling.
• Vitamin K: Antioxidants reduce dark circles and supports firm, healthy skin.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Draws vital moisture to the skin, plumps and reduces the look of lines.

Hydration Baby!
Winter skincare is all about hydration, and the sugar plum fairy is here to help, with Posies Refresh Cream Gel Moisturizer, that harnesses the powers of plant-based sugars to help your skin maintain proper hydration.

SUGAR? Who would have thought that sugar can help your skin to retain hydration? Well, it can! You see, not only is sugar an AHA, but it is also a natural humectant, meaning it maintains and preserves moisture from the environment into the skin. Hence, when you use skincare products with sugar, they hydrate your skin, while encouraging cellular turnover, revealing younger- brighter skin. Now that is what I call some pretty sweet results!

Rescue Your Parched Skin With Some Hydrating Serums
When it comes to skincare, serums take center stage, especially Hyaluronic acid, and a vitamin C serum! They are perfect for fighting skin hydration and plumping the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is excellent at helping to replenish and retain moisture, leading to a hydrated, plump complexion, which is why I love Posies Blossom Peptide serum.

This serum features a powerful complex of peptides and antioxidants that protect your skin from pollution and other free radicals that can make dehydrated winter skin skyrocket.

Furthermore, is it great at rejuvenating dry winter skin by…

• Sealing in moisture
• Attracting moisture
• The peptide complex helps to plump the skin to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Antioxidant properties that support your skin’s defensive barrier and replenish with essential minerals, enhancing lackluster skin that’s losing its volume.

Vitamin C Serum
This is the superstar of anti-aging! You see, the younger we are, the more vitamin C we have in our skin. But as we get older, our skin changes, aside from natural aging and stress, dry winter air can strip the skin of its natural oils.

This loss can contribute to a reduction in collagen, and our wrinkles become more defined. However, when applying a Vitamin C Serum, you can help promote the formation of collagen, helping to firm and plump the skin.

A Berry Good Cleanser
Bye, bye damage caused by free radicals with Posie's Fresh Berry Cleanser. Packed with antioxidant vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties, this berry cleanser refreshes and brightens tired skin while fighting off environmental damage caused by free radicals. And let me tell you, it smells good enough to eat!

Now, I'm sure you are starting to notice me mention the term "Free Radicals" frequently in this post.  To me, these environmental factors are little skin vampires, sucking the life from our skin! And with this time of year, especially with traveling, we are exposing ourselves to tons of external elements, especially in a crowded airport. Elements like dust, sweat, recycled air, pollution, and even left on makeup can be culprits! And while these may seem like minor things, over time, they can contribute to premature aging, breakouts, wrinkles, loss of collagen, dull skin, and more.

Spa Time… The Perfect Gift To Yourself
Although the holidays can be so much fun, they can also be a bit stressful, and this stress can aggravate skin conditions, which can lead to premature aging, not what I want on my holiday wish list.

So what are we to do? Treat yourselves to a spa day with the girls! And it doesn’t have to be expensive! Just ask each of them to bring something with them, and you can all unwind together with some candles, snacks, wine, warm fuzzy robes, and some skincare! And let me tell you it can be some fun as I just did it myself with Posie's Sahara Rose Bubble Mask! This oxygen mask was a hit. Aside from the fun we all had using it, the mask promotes circulation, antioxidants that even the skin tone, and moisturizers that help to preserve and provide skin hydration – all from the comfort of the couch.

Some Other Skincare Tips To Maximize Your Winter Hydration

• Stay away from products with a lot of alcohol in them as they can be very drying.
• To lock in hydration, apply your moisturizer to damp skin.
• Don't over-exfoliate.  The skin barrier is already comprised due to the cold, dry winter air; you don't want to intensive it.
• Take a cool shower. Hot water can strip your skin of essential oils.
• To avoid over dryness lower the thermostat to 68°F-72°F
• Add foods or supplements that contain omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil
• Add lemon to your water. Lemon is an excellent skin detox.

PIN ME!

In conclusion, when it comes to glowing winter skin, you want to make sure you are using products that contain moisturizers and are not too harsh, so you are not stripping the skin even more of its natural moisture barrier.

Do you have any special winter skincare secrets? If so, let us know below!

Read more

The Difference Between A CBD Isolate And Full Spectrum CBD

The Question Today...What The Heck Is The Difference Between A CBD Isolate 

And Full Spectrum CBD?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard of CBD oil and some of the possible benefits.  In the wellness realm, the hemp industry is exploding with a variety of oils, tinctures, creams, and more.

One of the most popular is cannabidiol oil,  commonly known as CBD oil. With so many new and different CBD oil products available, the choice of which product to try can be confusing, to say the least.

What is even more confusing is the different terms, like an isolate, broad-spectrum, or full spectrum. While I am far from an expert on this, I wanted to share with you what I do know about the two most popular, which is a CBD isolate and a Full Spectrum.

Zion Medicinals Hemp
For this post, I have partnered up with Zion Medicinal Hemp as they offer a full spectrum CBD Oil. One thing that impressed me with the brand is that they produce health-grade quality by focusing on 4 Pillars of Quality, which I will go over below.

Zion Medicinals Four Pillars Of Quality

No. 1: Organic
 Zion manufactures its CBD product from a single-sourced and farmer-direct organically grown hemp from the mountains of Colorado for consistency and quality.

No. 2: Spagyric Extraction
WTH is this??? Zion uses “spagyric extraction," which is an age-old process where they carefully separate the herbal compounds into three core parts, extracting their nutrients, then reunifying them into a single extract.  This process involves taking the leftover hemp plant matter after extraction and burning it to white ash, filtering it, turning it into hemp mineral salts, and add it to a hemp tincture. Why?  Because this creates a product that more bioavailable and medicinally potent. And according to Zion, there simply is no higher quality product on the market.

No 3: Ethanol Extraction
Since alcohol is both polar and nonpolar, it extracts a broader range of molecules from the plant than with traditional CO2. So in lamens terms, this means they are supposed to pull more compounds from the plant than CO2 extraction, so it is to create a more medicinal product.

No 4: Full Spectrum
Last but not least, as for the Zion brand, this is their specialty where their product contains all the plant’s natural cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, oils, and the other hundreds of naturally occurring compounds found in the hemp plant.

Which now leads me to explain the difference between a Full Spectrum, like one that Zion offers and a CBD Isolate.

What Is The Difference Between A CBD Isolate And A Full Spectrum CBD

For those wanting holistic alternative medication to improve conditions such as stress, anxiety, insomnia, pain, and more. You should probably get a better understanding of the difference between a CBD Isolate or Full Spectrum CBD.

What Is Full-Spectrum CBD
In lamens terms, this type is when the entire plant is being used. They extract all of the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant.

This process is what Zion Medicinals performs, where they use all the natural cannabinoids, INCLUDING <0.3% d9THC & terpenes. Because the full spectrum is non-genetically modified, they are all organic and don’t have chemicals or other pesticides.

According to Zion Medicinal's website, the full spectrum is best because of the ‘entourage effect.’ Basically, this means that all the parts work better together, hence the synergizing (team working) of combining all parts of the plant, which can give you the benefits the plant was intended for.

Supposedly this effect enables the CBD to work with the THC to reduce the impact of being high or stoned and the CBD to stimulate one's cannabinoid receptors.

CBD advocates say that the full spectrum can create a much more powerful CBD treatment, which is best for more severe conditions like migraines, depression and other adverse medical conditions.

What Is A CBD Isolate
Unlike the full spectrum where the entire plant is used, an isolate uses a single strain of the CBD that is removed from the plants and isolated from the other marijuana-based compounds of the plant.

Most of the CBD products that I have used are tinctures, where the company will add a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil to the CBD isolate and CO2.

The primary difference between the two is the strength and how long it works. Full-spectrum CBD is more powerful, thanks to its "team efforts" while CBD isolates can be weaker and don't last as long in the body.

Additionally, while extremely low and legal, a full-spectrum product does contain THC, less than 0.3%.  While you will NOT get that mind-altering high, it is still THC, and for me my body does not react well to it. So if you are like me this is something to keep in mind.

Get 20% Off Zion Medicinals Full Spectrum Hemp Oil
Interested in finding out if a Full Spectrum CBD is for you? Well, Zion Medicinal has been kind enough to offer all of my readers 20% OFF. Simply use code: BARBIESBEAUTYBITS at Check Out.

Spread the word, by sharing this post!  

PIN ME

Read more

The Perfect Holiday Beauty Gift Sets From Itcosmetics

I am such a big fan of ITcosmetics, from skincare and makeup to the most fantastic makeup brushes, they have the perfect holiday beauty gift sets. 

So if you are ready to make IT your most magical holiday ever and discover the perfect beauty gift sets those beauty lovers on your list, continue reading.

Your Brush Magic Brush Set
This is almost too pretty to use. This stunning makeup brush set comes with five makeup brushes along with a luxe transparent clutch and a holographic zip pouch that stores your brushes in style—and doubles as an accessory.

Brushes Include:

• Foundation Brush
• Concealer Brush
• Blush Brush
• Powder Brush
• Shadow/Smudger Brush

Multitasking Foundation STAR Shaped Brush

Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might Have this Star Makeup Brush, I want tonight... Well enough of the rhythms, and look at this stunner unique star shape.

Multitasking Star Shaped Foundation Brush does the work for you to apply your favorite liquid and cream foundations for your most flawless finish every time.

IT’s Your IT Girl Super Squad
Discover game-changing IT Girl essentials with IT’s Your IT Girl Super Squad!

This 7-Piece Skin & Lash Loving Collection is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

This limited-edition set includes full sizes of

• Your Skin But Better Makeup Primer+ Oil-Free (30 ml)
• Full-Size Bye Bye Under Eye Brightening Eye Cream (15 ml)... Smooth, brighten and depuff the undereye area.
• Full-Size Secret Sauce™ Moisturizer (60 ml): This Luxurious moisturizer helps to boost visible radiance and reduces the look of skin imperfections.
• Superhero Mascara Travel Size (5 ml).
• Miracle Water Micellar Cleanser Travel Size (50 ml).. So love this toner. This lightweight toner boosts the look of radiance, diffuses the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and gently removes impurities and makeup!
• Confidence in a Gel Lotion Moisturizer Travel Size (15 ml) A Hydra-Plumping Skin-Transforming Weightless Gel Moisturizer that helps smooth the appearance of fine lines, leaving your skin looking radiant and primed to apply your makeup.
• Confidence in a Cleanser Travel Size (50 ml) This is a serum, cleanser, and moisturizer all in one.

IT's Your Confidence Superpowers Giftset
Transform your skin with this 7-Piece Life ­Changing Skincare & Mascara Collection! This set is excellent for the maturing skin, with tons of ingredients to help with that beauty on your list, seeking some fantastic anti-aging products that can help stimulate surface cell renewal for a more youthful appearance.

Suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive, this limited-edition set includes

• Full size 
• Superhero Mascara
• Confidence in a Cream Rosy Tone: This is a Surface Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Vitality Moisturizer.
• Confidence in a Gel Lotion: This is a Hydra-Plumping Skin-Transforming Weightless Moisturizer.
• Plus travel sizes of
• Confidence in a Cleanser: This Is Skin-Transforming Hydrating Cleansing Serum.
• Confidence in an Eye Cream
• Confidence in a Neck Cream
• Confidence in a Cream

 

PIN ME!

SHOP THIS POST BELOW!

Read more

How The Air We Breathe Can Age Our Skin

What??? Yes, you read correctly, the air we breathe can also age our skin! Most people do not realize this as we can't always see or feel it. But there are all kinds of nasties floating around in the air that can impact our skin in a negative way.

Sucks, doesn't it? As whoever thought air pollution could also be a culprit for making us age quicker.  Well, beauties it is. Not only can these evil free radicals (these are created from the pollution, and even the sun) attack our skin causing several premature aging issues like breaking down the collagen of the skin and creating wrinkles. They also can weaken the skin, which can cause sagging, brown spots as well as triggering oxidative stress in our skin and much more. So, in addition to topical creams for anti-aging, we also need to be taking some steps to help protect ourselves against these free radicals caused by pollution and other environmental factors.

Top 6 Ways To Fight Free Radicals From Damaging The Skin

 

No. 1 ATMOtube Personal Air Quality Trackers 
This is a wearable, portable device that monitors the quality and safety of the air you breathe. It comes in with two different options: The Atmotube PRO and The Atmotube Plus.

One thing that I like about this product is that unlike other air quality trackers that only measure outdoor or indoor air quality, this product is a perfect fit for both.  Additionally, it is small enough that you can clip it to your purse on the go or leave it on your table at your home or office and get real-time information about the air around you.

These bad boys will turn into your personal air quality coaches as both devices let you know what's in the air, wherever you are. It also has immediate alerts when the air is not safe enough and can tell what you can do to reduce exposure to polluted air.

Atmotube PRO
This device detects PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 pollutants, like dust, pollen, soot, and mold, plus a wide range of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). All in real-time!

It also measures atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity, and helps you to stay in the most comfortable and safe environment. It’s like having a mini-weather station next to you.

Amtotube Plus
The Atmotube Plus has the same features as the PRO, with the only difference being that it doesn’t detect particles.

It measures:

• Volatile Organic Compounds- a wide range of TVOCs like acetone, methanol, benzene, ethanol, xylene, and formaldehyde.
• Atmospheric pressure – those who are sensitive to weather changes will find it super useful!
• Temperature & Humidity  – too low humidity causes dry skin, lips, and hair.

How To Use: I will not get into all the details here. But I did want to mention that you connect this to your cellphone or tablet. Simply download the free app, and the device starts measuring air quality immediately but will get more accurate after the first 12 hours. (Proper calibration takes time).

No. 2 Diet
Eating foods that are high in antioxidants such as berries, tomatoes, fatty fish, sweet potatoes, avocados, and nuts are a must.  Remember what you put in your body is as important as what you put on it.

No. 3 Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that can safely interact with free radicals and stop the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged.

Why is this important? By preventing the production of harmful free radicals, your skin will have the ability to produce healthy cells, which, in turn, generate more healthy cells, which can help to slow down the aging process.

In addition to finding these in foods, they can also be found in vitamins E, C, and A as well as in some skincare products that you can apply topically.

No. 4 Skincare Products
There are tons of products out there that can help, way too many to list. So, I am going to suggest the types instead of brands.

A Toner: Toners are great as they help to thoroughly clear away makeup, dead skin cells, and any other grime and pollutants that may be on your skin.

A Vitamin C Serum: Products with Vitamin C in them can help protect our skin against these age provoking dangers. They do so by complementing our skin with natural ingredients that further strengthens its durability and protective agents, enabling us to achieve a better, healthy complexion.

Probiotics: You may already be familiar with the fantastic health benefits of eating foods that contain probiotics or of taking probiotic supplements.

But there are also benefits for the skin. Although the top layers of our skin are dead, there's an abundant population of microflora living there (both good and bad). The bad can affect the skin's appearance, cause premature aging, acne, and more. A skincare product with probiotics in it can help to not only balance the good and bad flora, but also strengthen the skin's surface against environmental threats.

No. 5 Wash Your Face
I'm sure you've heard many times the importance of washing your face daily.  Not only because of the dirt and other pollutants you've exposed yourself to all day but also to remove your makeup.

You see, our skin renews itself while you sleep, and when you don't wash your makeup off before going to bed, you are preventing this renewal process from happening.  Skin that does not breath will fatigue much earlier than you want, leading to premature aging. In addition to washing, I suggest adding some exfoliation to help sloth away some of those dead skin cells that are holding on to the pollutants!

No. 6 Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Let's first start with the fact that our makeup brushes can harbor bacteria and dead skin cells, and who wants to put that on their skin, NOT ME!

So, if you are NOT cleaning your makeup brushes regularly, you are putting this nasty stuff back on your skin. And guess what, dirty makeup brushes can lead to wrinkles. Also, dirty pillows can too!

So, there you have it beauties, not only have you found out how the air we breathe can age our skin, but ways to fight those free radicals caused by air pollution.

BONUS:
As I am sure you can see this entire process starts with the air we breathe, and the healthier it is, the less it can negatively impact our skin! This is why I am excited that Amtotube offers all my readers 22% OFF PLUS Free shipping with code BARBIESBEAUTYBITS.

Pin ME!

Read more

5 Tips To Help Relieve Stress This Holiday Season With CBD

5 Tips To Help Relieve Stress This Holiday Season With CBD

Thanksgiving and Black Friday are right around the corner, and while this can be such a wonderful time of year, it can also be ever so stressful!

This stress can have such a negative impact on the body, mind, and soul. Whether short or long term, it is crucial to find ways to lessen the holiday stress! To not only to help you look and feel better but to have a happier piece of mind.

So, if you what to find out some of the best ways to give your body, skin, and mind a break, continue reading.

Relieve Stress This Holiday Season With Smart CBD Shop

For this post, I have partnered up with Smart CBD Shop. Smart CBD Shop is the ultimate store that supplies the highest quality, 3rd party lab-tested, hemp-derived CBD products that include gummies, oils, tinctures, teas, creams, ointments, and more.

Now before I get into the tips, I wanted to explain how CBD can help to minimize stress and anxiety.

You see, CBD interacts directly with your endocannabinoid system. This system plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes, including your sleep and mood.

So, when you introduce CBD to the body, these functions are optimized, helping with stress, anxiety, and more. And no worries about getting stoned as CBD is non-psychoactive! It is not weed, it will not give you that mind-altering high that you would get with a cannabinoid that has THC in it.

It’s all the good stuff from the hemp plant that has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, treat anxiety, stress, nausea and much more!

Tip 1: Focus With The Help Of CBD
For many of us, the week of Thanksgiving kick starts the holiday stress. This is when our to-do list starts to pile up both professionally and personally. CBD can help to take the edge off, allowing us to relax, whine down, and focus on what we can control! Giving us the ability to concentrate and prioritize. Remember, you can't do everything, and that IS OK!

Tip 2: Exercise
Now I know you are probably thinking, when can I find time for that. Trust me; you need to find the time and will be happy you did. You see, working out releases endorphins and has many benefits for your body's health both physically and mentally, like:

• Decreases anxiety and stress levels
• Brings more oxygen to your skin cells, leaving you with skin that's nourished and firmer.
• Better sleep
• Physical shape
• Gives you more energy

Soothe Sore Muscles With CBD
And when you are done working out, do not forget to soothe those sore muscles with CBD Clinic revolutionary pain relief. This cream penetrates deeply to target the source of your muscle and joint irritation. Absorbs quickly and efficiently to end the tenderness experienced with muscle and joint pain.

Tip 3: Recharge By Making Some Time For Alone Time
There is nothing like some alone time. While I know it may seem impossible, setting aside 15 minutes a day, without any distractions can calm your mind.

One way to calm your mind is meditation. It helps with related functions, like how you will respond to stress. By practicing it daily, you can also help to improve your concentration and awareness. And for those of you may have a wandering mind and find it hard to implement meditation. A fantastic way to give your mediation a boost is with CBD. That's right CBD can help with your anxiety, so that now you will not have that barrier that could prevent you from being able to meditate.

In addition to mediation, some other things can give you a mental recharge. It can be things as simple as...

• Taking a walk and enjoying the crisp fall air
• Listening to your favorite music
• Reading a book
• Taking a bath

Tip 4: Socialize By Having A Spa Day With The Girls
Now, I know I just said you need your alone time. But taking time to socialize with others is also essential to living a healthy lifestyle. While your family and even work can stress you out, engaging with the girls helps you feel supported, mentally alert, and calms the soul.

Taking time out to pamper yourself is a must for me to help balance some of the craziness this time of year can bring. While there is nothing like going to the spa for treatments, they can be costly, which is why I like to organize a skincare spa day with the girls.

A spa day doesn't have to be expensive! Just ask each of them to bring something with them, and you can all unwind together with some wine, candles, snacks (including CBD gummies), warm fuzzy robes, and some hemp skincare. Oh, and don't forget the Sky & Wyatt Hemp Infused Teas!



That's right there is a tea that has CBD in it. Sky & Wyatt Hemp partnered up with The Tea Spot to create a beautiful line of Hemp infused teas! And one thing I like about this tea is unlike other CBD teas which are made from CBD isolates, Sky & Wyatt tea uses the hot water in your cup with an added fat, like cream or almond milk to extract the CBD naturally.

Tip 5: Pamper Yourself With A CBD Soak
Sometimes the best remedy for a tough week is to draw a bath, pour some wine, light a candle, and let the hot water melt your stresses away. And CBD oil can make a fantastic addition to any bath.

The bottom-line beauties, whatever you choose to do to help with stress and anxiety, remember that each day is a gift and an opportunity to care for yourself better, so please make time.

Want to try some CBD products for yourself? Well now you can get 15% Off at SMART CBD SHOP with code BARBIESBEAUTYBITS

PIN ME

Read more

Skincare Sins; Dirty Pillowcases

Our first post in our Skincare Sins Series Is Dirty Pillowcases. Beauty sleep is real, to look and feel our best, we need rest, and more importantly, we need the right kind of bedding, and this goes for your pillowcases. So if you are ready for some dirty pillow talk, literally, continue reading! 

A lot of us spend time on night creams, but our beauty sleep can either age us or make us younger.  And when it comes to our pillows, it can be a skin aging culprit.  So, let me ask you: "Are you using a clean pillowcase, is it silk?"

A Regular Pillowcase
The moisture pulled into the pillow can draw in dirt and bacteria, causing damage to the skin.

Also, the dirt on the pillowcase exposes the skin to oxidative stress from free radicals. And free radicals can cause premature aging as it breaks down the collagen and elastin in the skin.

These yuckies breed on your pillowcases, especially from the dead skin cells on your scalp and skin!

Silk Pillow Cases  
Sleeping on a silk surface means less moisture will be taken from your skin and hair, so less is pulled into the pillowcase. One silk pillowcase that I like a lot is the Slip, silk pillow that can be found at Sephora.

How Often Should You Wash Your Pillowcase
Once a week, if using a silk pillowcase. Non-silk about every three days.

Do Beauty Pillows Work
This has been an argument by a lot of people.  But the truth is cotton pillowcases can pull and tug on the skin, which can cause premature aging. While silk pillowcases, on the other hand, glide over your face, reducing the stretching and pulling that can cause lines and wrinkles.  So to me, redefining my beauty sleep by anything that can minimize without harm, I'm all for implementing into my skincare routine.

Nighttime Skincare Routine
To help your skin at night, stick to a great skincare routine, and do not forget to remove all of your makeup before you go to bed! Until next time, sleep tight!

PIN ME

Read more

Top Four Myths About Plastic Surgery

There are many common myths about plastic surgery and beauty for that matter.  Which is why in this blog, we like to educate and share tips on all things beauty, and this includes cosmetic procedures.

For this post, I have partnered up with some professionals, to help share and debunk the "Top Four Myths About Plastic Surgery." But I still recommend that you consult with someone in the medical field as I am not a medical professional.

So without further ado, my top Four Myths About Plastic Surgery!

Myth 1: Cosmetic Surgery Is All About Vanity
When most people hear the word plastic surgery, they often think of a breast augmentation or a facelift.  But the truth is plastic surgery is more than just volumptious breasts and looking younger.  See some of the real reasons people consider a cosmetic procedure below.
 
Confidence:
A lot of people consider a cosmetic procedure because of a life-long dream to correct that one thing about them that has seeped away at their confidence. Like a crooked nose from playing a sport or face scar, from their childhood.

Corrective:
There are procedures that a plastic surgeon can perform that is cosmetically corrective. Meaning procedures, whether surgical or nonsurgical that can help to amend something that is not fixable with conventional approaches. Like when a diet doesn't work for weight loss or a face cream for premature aging. They seek something like, CoolSculpting or Botox.

Comfort:
Plastic surgery can also be about making a life situation more comfortable. Let's take a very large bust, for example. Those that are top-heavy can end up having significant back problems, even severe discomfort. So the chance to have a breast reduction can help a person to live a more active, pain-free life.

Reconstructive:
What some people do not realize is that a lot of plastic surgeons can help with correcting birth defects like a cleft palate. And for a friend of mine who had breast cancer, a plastic surgeon helped her with some post-cancer breast reconstruction.

To sum it up, the right plastic surgeon is one that cares about the overall results after surgery, not just the aesthetics. Which is why, before any procedure, there is always a consultation.



Myth 2: All Plastic Surgeons Are Qualified
The sad truth is that not all plastic surgeons out there are scrupulous or even qualified. Some will prey on people’s insecurities and see it as an easy way to make money from them while promising life-changing procedures.

But even small procedures carry risks, bigger ones even more so - just take a look at these butt implant videos as an example.

That’s why it’s crucial to find a plastic surgeon who is licensed and certified.  And don’t just take their word for it or go by the framed certificate on the wall, do your research!

This includes:

• Looking at their qualifications as not all plastic surgery board certifications are the same.
• Look at their online presence, like social media.
• Do they have an up to date website?
• Always ask for before and after photos.
• What type of reviews do they have?
• More importantly, if you have a trusted friend who has gone to one, ask them about their experience. 

Another place I highly suggest is going to the RealSelf community. This is an online site that reveals the real story about each procedure and provides everything from before and after photos and stories posted by real people who've undergone a procedure, to forum discussions and doctor answers to your questions.

Bottom line, like anything we do in life, you need to do your research, especially when it comes to your body.

Myth 3: Only The Rich Can Afford Plastic Surgery
Although this may have once been the case, nowadays there are lots of options open for anyone who wants to have a cosmetic procedure.  And let's be honest if it were only for the rich and famous, there wouldn't be that many plastic surgeons.

In most cases, cosmetic surgery is considered elective surgery, and it is not covered under insurance, leaving most to pay with cash or put it on a credit card.  Plastic surgeons want to make themselves available to all, which is why, some of them offer 3rd party finance options, like through CareCredit.

Others also offer a discounted rate for specific procedures throughout the year, which is why it is a good thing to follow someone on social media, or sign up for their newsletter.  Better yet, sign up for a Reward Program like Brillant Distinctions, which is excellent for those who are considering Botox, Latisse, or fillers like Juvederm.

 
Myth 4: Liposuction Is Guaranteed For Permanent Weight Loss
While liposuction is a highly effective procedure, when it comes to getting rid of unwanted fat in areas of the body, your surgeon will tell you that the fat may come back after you’ve had surgery.

Lipo is not a band-aid to permanent weight loss! To maintain a healthy weight, you must live a healthy lifestyle, to include a well-balanced diet and exercise.

So there you have it beauties, our top four myths about plastic surgery debunked.

And while many of the myths above may have been talking about cosmetic. A lot of these apply to many medical procedures. Which means at the end of the day, having any medical procedure needs careful thought and planning. You want to make sure that you are getting the work done for the right reasons with a qualified medical professional.

PIN ME!

Read more