Home made facial masks for all skin types

The spa isn't the only place you can treat your skin to a nice relaxing facial.  You can get spa-style treatments for a fraction of the cost by making homemade facial masks using the ingredients right out of your kitchen and your cup board.   I have listed below few quick and easy face mask recipes for all skin types  that  you can make at home, just make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.

 Facial Mask for Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin tends to thin, delicate with fine pores. It flushes easily, is prone to broken capillaries, is frequently allergic and can be skin rash.

Recipe:

3 large spoons of Natural Yogurt

2 large spoons of Ground Oatmeal.

Mix the ingredients together. Apply to the skin for 10-15 minutes. Apply to your face and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse off the mask with warm water. Dry by patting gently with a towel.

All About Hydroxy Acids - Part 2

A hydroxy acid is a family of ingredients commonly used in topical skin care and cosmetics. There 
are two types: alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid.

In my previous post I have focused on Beta Hydroxy Acids, which I also personally prefer.

The following are the 5 major types of alpha hydroxy acids found in skin-care products and their sources:

Glycolic acid - sugar cane

This acid creates a mild exfoliating action. Glycolic acid peels work by loosening up and exfoliating the superficial top layer. This peel also stimulates collagen growth. High strength peels are good in terms of efficacy but they irritate more.

Lactic acid - milk

This acid will remove dead skin cells, and promote healthier skin

Malic acid - apples and pears

This peel is the same type of mildly invasive peel and can open up the pores, allow the pores to expel their sebum and reduce acne

Citric acid - oranges and lemons

These peels are simple and effective, although not incredibly invasive or capable of significant improvement with one treatment

Tartaric acid - grapes

This is acid is capable of delivering the same benefits as the above peels.

And this is how Alpha Hydroxy Acids work:

Alpha hydroxy acids work by removing the top layers of dead skin cells. They can also increase the thickness of deeper layers of skin, promoting firmness.Other benefits also include minimizing, reducing or eliminating signs of skin aging such as undesirable skin tone, also called age spots, and skin texture, the dreaded fine lines and wrinkles,  although the improvement can be only seen after months of daily application. Alpha hydroxy acids may even stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

Because of their potentially severe action, AHAs are used at different levels strengths. Consumer products usually have levels of 10 percent or less. Professional products, those used by estheticians and other beauty professionals, have AHA levels between 20 percent to 30 percent. Prescription products, those only available through a doctor, have AHA levels between 50 percent and 70 percent.

So what is the Difference between Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids then?The main difference between alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acid is their lipid (oil) solubility.

Alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble only, while beta hydroxy acid is lipid (oil) soluble.

Because of this difference, beta hydroxy acid is better used on oily skin with white heads and black heads, because it generally causes less inflammation and irritation.

Because of its lightening properties, Alpha hydroxy acids are better used on thickened, sun-damaged skin where breakouts are not a problem.

TIPS when using Alpha Hydroxy Acid formulations

Alpha hydroxy acids are found in a variety of skin care products including moisturizers, cleansers, eye cream, sunscreen, and foundations.

It is best to pick one product that contains the proper formulation of alpha hydroxy acid to use as your exfoliant, and then choose other skin care products or cosmetics that don't contain alpha hydroxy acids to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation.

Using an alpha hydroxy acid in a moisturizer base may be the best combination of products.

Cleansers containing alpha hydroxy acids are not very effective because the alpha hydroxy acid must be absorbed in the skin to work. Cleansers are washed off before this absorption occurs.

At this time there are no effective products that combine alpha hydroxy acid and sunscreen, because sunscreen is not stable at the pH required to make the alpha hydroxy acid effective.

Alpha hydroxy acids found in skin-care products work best in a concentration of 5% to 8% and at a pH of 3 to 4.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid and side effects

Alpha hydroxy acids can also cause mild skin irritation, redness, swelling, and skin discoloration.

Alpha hydroxy acids at a concentration of 10% or less as a lotion or cream are likely safe for most people when applied to the skin appropriately and as directed.

Facial peels, lotions, and creams with a concentration greater than 10% should only be used under the supervision of a dermatologist. Facial peels can cause moderate to severe skin irritation, redness, and burning. Facial peels left on the skin for periods longer than recommended can cause severe burns to the skin.

In some people, alpha hydroxy acids can make the skin extra sensitive to sunlight. Be sure to use a sunscreen while using alpha hydroxy acid products. Sunscreen MUST be applied liberally when using an alpha hydroxy acid product. The sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 15 for UVB protection and contain avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide for UVA protection.

My  Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acid  skin care routine using Image Skincare:

I cleanse my face daily  with  Image Ageless total facial cleanser.

This is a foaming cleanser that rinses away makeup and oil, formulated with Glycolic acid.

To remove any residue or dirt left on my skin I continue with Clear Cell Clarifying Tonic,

This Salicylic Acid based 'clarifyer' gently removes excess oil and bacteria while refreshing the skin with  essential herbal extracts of Tea Tree, Green Tea & Ivy. I found it has done wonders in removing my stubborn blackheads.

 Once a week I apply the Image Ageless Total Resurfacing Masque

This mask contains an exfoliating blend of Glycolic and Salicylic acids resurface the skin, gently sloughing off dead cells. A lightening blend diminishes brown spots. I have been using the product for about four months now, and I absolutely see an improvement in skin tone and texture.

I like to use it with a layer of Image Vitamin C hydrating enzyme mask on top to really exfoliate the top layers of  my skin.

If my skin starts peeling, I use one of my favorites mask by Image, the Ormedic Balancing Soothing Gel Mask.  This is an ultra-gentle, organic cooling gel masque developed for compromised, inflamed or irritated skin.  It contains Organic Aloe Vera, Arnica Montana and licorice , which quickly help reduce redness and other signs of irritation while bringing sensitive skin into healthy balance.

To prevent my skin from drying out I apply, Image Vital C hydrating repair crème in the evenings, and even sometimes in the mornings

This is a hydrating, Vitamin C & Anti-Oxidant rich emollient formula, containing 20% of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Ceramide 3, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Rice Bran.

It really does a great job on re -hydrating my skin. Best moisturizer, I have used so far, and I have tried so many.

See also my reviews on Image Skincare here.

Make your own Alpha Hydroxy Acid at home

Glycolic acid - sugar cane

Mix one tablespoon sugar with two tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon, apply to your clean face for about 10 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.

Or you can also just use plain sugar to exfoliate your face, just massage your face gently as you would an exfoliating peel.

Lactic acid - milk

Mix one tablespoon milk with one tablespoon natural yogurt, apply to your clean face for about 10 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.

Malic acid - apples and pears

Apply fresh juiced apple or pear to your clean face for about 10 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.

You can also use a cider vinegar diluted with water as a toner.

Citric acid - oranges and lemons

Rub a wedge of lemon or orange all over your face. Let it sit for about two minutes. Rinse off with cold water.

Tartaric acid - grapes

Apply 3 table spoons of white wine to your clean face for about 10 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.

Or massage fresh grapes onto your skin. Rinse off with cold water.

Have you ever tried any AHAs creams  or exfoliators? And what t is your experience with AHA’s so far?

xxx Marina

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Welcome to your own Home Spa

The weekend is ahead, so why don’t you indulge in relaxing spa day in comfort of your home, no need to spent money on expensive salon treatments...

Make a Plan For Your Home Spa Day

The night before your Home Spa day, make sure that your house and especially bathroom is spotless clean.

 Pull together some of the things like your robe and slippers, relaxation CDs, candles, clean sheets and towels.

Think about what you would like to do in your home spa day ,  just like you were going to a real spa.

Spa plan suggestions
Facial exfoliation:

Facial Massage
Facial Mask

Manicure and Pedicure

Body Exfoliation

Relaxing Bath

Moisturizing Cream

 If you dont have any fancy masks and potions at home, you could try one of these natural pampering remedies:

Facial exfoliation

Sugar Scrub
Mix 1 large spoon sugar with 2 large spoons milk

Mix together and massage onto your wet face.

After two minutes rinse well and slash your face with cold water.

Sea Salt Scrub

To remove dry skin and tighten the pores use sea salt

Gently massage two tablespoons of coarse sea salt onto your wet face,

Just make sure you don’t get anything in your eyes.

After two minutes rinse well and slash your face with cold water.

Facial Mask

 No need to buy any expensive moisturizing  masks, when you  can use any of your moisturizes: apply thickly over your face as you usually would  and leave in for about 20 minute while relaxing on your sofa.

 Honey and outmeal mask

cup of any kind of oatmeal

1/4 cup of water

2 teaspoons of honey

Strawberry and Banana Mask

To exfoliate and tighten skins try banana and strawberries.

Mash together banana and few ripe strawberries. Apply to your face and leave for about 15 minutes. Rinse away with clean warm water.

Facial Massage 

 You can massage you face with Olive Oil or Almond oil.

Manicure and pedicure

As you know hands can reveal your  real  age.... mature hands tend usually to be more dry , just as the rest of your face... so if you want to keep your hands young, make sure that they  well moisturized.

Here is a very simple test that will tell you if your hands are dehydrated:

Gently pinch the skin on the back of your hand and see how long it takes to fall back into place.

If it’s longer than a second, then your skin needs moisture.

Time in seconds:

1-2 ( under 30 years old)     5-9 (45-50 years old)

3-4 (30-44 years old)            10-15(60 years old)

Check out my post here how to have a Manicure and Pedicure at home.

Body Exfoliation

Dry brushing is an excellent and inexpensive way to get rid of dead skin cells and get smooth skin.

See here the post about my favorite body Body Exfoliator.

If you dont have a brush, you could also use sea salt and sugar as mentioned above.

Relaxing Bath

Cleopatra’s Bath

Mix two cups of milk into your bathwater and add few drops of any essential oil

Tipp: Lush makes the best Bath bombs

Moisturizing Cream

Use olive oil mixed with essential oil  your or any body lotion you have mixed with your  favorite perfume.

Plan your meals in advance
The meal plan could look similar like this:

 Breakfast: Fruit smoothie

Snack: Apple and handful almonds

Lunch: Fresh, crisp salad with chicken

Snack: Fresh Blueberries with one large spoon Greek yoghurt and honey

Dinner: Steamed salmon with vegetables
For more ideas, check out my other  posts here.

Don’t forget to drink liters of water or herbal teas.

The most important thing is that you make sure that everything i s arranged the night before to get the best out of your relaxation day.  Also get some  books or magazines you want to read, and make sure your telly is switched off.

So happy pamering ma beauties!

xxx Marina

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all about hydroxy acids - Part 1

With increasing research into what causes wrinkles  and the effects of photo-ageing, the use of hydroxy acids has increased greatly in popularity.

There are two types of hydroxy acids - alpha and beta.  Today I will be focusing on Beta Hydroxy Acid, which is also my preference, since I am still suffering from

Occasional breakouts and skin deep blackheads.  Beta hydroxy acid is reported to improve wrinkling, roughness, and pigmentation of photodamaged skin after at least 6 months of daily application.

And this is  how Beta Hydroxy Acid Works

For starters, beta hydroxy acid = salicylic acid, works mainly as an exfoliant.

It causes the cells of the epidermis to become "unglued" allowing the dead skin cells to slough off,

making room for regrowth of new skin.

So what is the Difference Between Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids then?
The main difference between alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acid is their lipid (oil) solubility.

Alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble only, while beta hydroxy acid is lipid (oil) soluble.

Because of this difference, beta hydroxy acid is better used on oily skin with blackheads and whiteheads. 

Alpha hydroxy acids are better used on thickened, sun-damaged skin where breakouts are not a problem.

 Can Beta Hydroxy Acid cause Irritation?
Beta hydroxy acid appears to be less irritating than alpha hydroxy acid even though it penetrates deeper into the pore.

This occurs because salicylic acid is derived from acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin.

Aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties, and salicylic acid retains many of these anti-inflammatory properties.

 Despite this fact, beta hydroxy acid can still cause skin irritation.

Symptoms of irritation include redness, burning, itching, pain, and possibly scarring.

People with darker colored skin are at a higher risk of scarring pigment changes with beta hydroxy acid.

TIPS when using a Beta Hydroxy Acid formulations
Beta hydroxy acid is found in a variety of skin care products including moisturizers, cleansers, eye cream and foundations.

It is best to pick one product that contains the proper formulation of beta hydroxy acid to use as your exfoliant,  and then choose other skin care products or cosmetics that don't contain hydroxy acids to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation.

Using beta hydroxy acid in a moisturizer base may be the best combination of products.

Cleansers containing beta hydroxy acid are not very effective because the beta hydroxy acid must be absorbed in the skin to work.

Cleansers are washed off before this absorption occurs.

My Hydroxy Acid  skin care routine:

I cleanse my face with  Ageless Total Facial Cleanser by Image Skincare

This is a foaming cleanser that rinses away makeup and oil, formulated with glycolic acid.

To remove any residue or dirt left on my skin I continue with Image Clear Cell Clarifying Tonic,

This Salicylic Acid based 'clarifyer' gently removes excess oil and bacteria while refreshing the skin with  essential herbal extracts of Tea Tree, Green Tea & Ivy. I found it has done wonders in removing my stubborn blackheads.

To prevent my skin from drying out I apply, Vital C Hydrating Repair Crème in the evenings, and even sometimes in the mornings

This is a hydrating, Vitamin C & Anti-Oxidant rich emollient formula, containing 20% of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Ceramide 3, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Rice Bran.

It really does a great job on re -hydrating my skin. Best moisturizer, I have used so far, and I have tried so many.

See also my reviews  on  Image Skincare here.

WARNINGS  when using a Beta Hydroxy Acid formulations

Sunscreen MUST be applied liberally when using an alpha hydroxy acid product.

The sunscreen should have an SPF  of at least 15 for UVB protection and contain

avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide for UVA protection.

Unlike alpha hydroxy acid that must be listed in the top 3 ingredients to indicate the appropriate concentration,

beta hydroxy acid can be listed in the middle or even towards the bottom of the ingredient list

because it is effective at lower concentrations. Beta hydroxy acid found in skin-care products works best in  a concentration of 1% to 2% and at a pH of 3 to 4.

Make your own Beta Hydroxy Acid mask with Aspirin:

Like nearly everyone who has tried the plain aspirin mask, I was completely astonished by the immediate results I saw  and it has been a regular part of my skincare routine since that time.

This is my  personal version of the Aspirin Mask, which  leaves my skin glowing every time.

Take  3 tablets of water-soluble Aspirin 

Dissolve it in 1 large spoon water in a small container

Apply to your  face for about 20 -30 minutes

Remove the Mask with clear water.

Apply a good moisturizer after, since the mask can be bit drying . Your skin will very likely start to peel lightly two days after, but this  is a good thing,
peeling skin = new skin.

Before the Aspirin Mask                                                        After the Aspirin mask

Have you tried a homemade aspirin mask? What is your experience with BHA’s so far?

                                                                    xxx Marina 

how to lighten these dark under eyes circles ? psst... I say potato!

Didn’t get enough sleep and now those dark circles are showing?

Try this one simple and inexpensive remedy:

Sliced raw potato! You heard it right! Potato!

Why does it  work:

Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase, which is used in cosmetics as a skin lightener.

So get started

Take a  potato from the fridge, slice one thin slice, and then cut it in  half again.

 You can make it look like eye pads by cutting it into half moon shape.

Relax for about 10- 20 minutes

Remove the potato pads and wash your face with cold water and for best results massage

your eyes lightly with an extra virgin olive oil: Close your eyes and gently press your ring

 finger underneath one eye, moving from the inside corner to the outside corner.

 Do this 10 to 15 times. Then repeat on the other eye.

Olive is a natural moisturizer and will also reduce fine lines in the eye area.

So,  with this treatment,  the dark circles should  lighten somewhat and be less noticeable .

Another good trick is if you had a  night  out and look bit tired for the office next day,

wear  crisp white shirt , and add bit of a  coral blusher to your cheeks  and apply red  lipstick.

The white in the shirt  will brighten up  your whole appearance.

 No one would ever suspect you were hangover.

xxx Marina

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Castor Oil can give you new feet

Getting my feet ready for the new year...

 I am always surprised how much time I spend on pampering  my face and how little attention goes to  my feet !

My SOS for tired, dry, worn out feet is Organic Castor Oil  + plain cotton socks.
 You can get Castor oil in Health shops or pharmacies.



How to get started

• Bath your feet in Epsom Salts with few drops Eucalyptus Oil, that should leave them refreshed.
• Cut and file the nails.
• Massage your feet with Castor Oil for about five minutes.
• Put on thick cotton socks for few hours,but for  best results leave them overnight on and you will wake up with feet like new.
• Put a nice coat of bright nail polish, I prefer Rimmel  polish 60 Seconds in coralicious And voila, my feet are ready to rock and roll again!

PS: Top Tip for very tired party feet:
Massage your  feet with  VICKs VapoRub, put on cotton socks, go to bed and wake up with refreshed and baby bottom soft feet! No kidding!

xxx Marina

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Extra Virgin Olive Oil - the new allaround wonder oil in my bathroom

Olive oil  has really cut down my product accumulation and has helped me to save me few Euros. Give it a  go yourself , but  make sure, you use only good quality  Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and preferably organic.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil can be used as:

Eye Make-up Remover 
It wipes off the whole eye  makeup almost in one go and leaves the fragile skin around eyes so moisturised.  Its especially great for waterproof  eye make up, but have to say,  it does cause a somewhat blurry eye effect...