The Healing Gifts of Arnica

If you haven’t heard of Arnica you aren’t alone, many people are unfamiliar with this flower widely used in German folk medicine during the sixteenth century. The proper scientific name for the flower is Arnica Montana. It is a member of the daisy family and contains essential oil (thymol – known to kill bacteria and fungi), sesquiterpene lactones (arnicin, arnicolides, helenalin), flavonoids (eupafolin, pattuletin – used to reduce inflammation), polysaccharides, mucilage, bitters – known for their medicinal qualities, carotenoids – great for the immune system, inulin – used for rehydration and tannin – a known anti-inflammatory agent. After learning more about arnica and it’s healing properties I’m sure you’ll be on the hunt for natural skin care products that feature it as a main ingredient.

The small yellow flower is full of health benefits especially for your skin. Topically Arnica can be used to help with a wide range of afflictions including sprains, bruising, muscle aches, and acne along with inflammation and swelling. It has also been used to treat wounds and heal burns.

3 Ways You Can Use Arnica

1.The flower’s ability to help with sprains, bruises, and reduce swelling and inflammation make Arnica a popular natural ingredient used in muscle relieving ointments used by athletes.  If your muscles are sore from a long run or work out at the gym, apply a natural arnica muscle rub and skip unnecessary chemicals in other rubs. If you can’t find a natural rub at your local drug store try checking out a vitamin store or natural foods store.

2. Staying up to late and stress can cause your eyes to look tired and swollen. If you have tired eyes that appear puffy, apply a lotion containing Arnica extract to help reduce the swelling and rejuvenate your skin. Skin MD Natural lotion contains Arnica and other natural ingredients to deliver skin with unbeatable moisture and protection.

3.Too much fun in the sun with out proper protection can leave you with the pain of a sunburn. If you don’t have any Aloe vera gel handy, applying an Arnica cream can help reduce the pain and speed up healing. Be careful not to get to many sunburns – even just one sunburn can greatly increase your risk of developing skin cancer later on in life.

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Why Real Women are Replacing Their Facial Lotion with Skin MD Natural

Finding the perfect lotion to keep your face moisturized can be tricky. Using the wrong product could leave your skin looking like the Sahara Desert or even worse an oil slick. Most experts will suggest that you buy a product designed for your face and your skin type.  But how do you know what type of skin you have or what lotion will work the best for you? If you want to make life a little easier and your bathroom a little less cluttered, you should learn more about our revolutionary Skin MD Natural shielding lotion. It’s the one lotion that can replace all your other moisturizing products.

Skin MD Natural shielding lotion is designed to work differently than other lotions. It mimics the actions of your skin’s own natural protective barrier helping to keep moisture in and moisture robbing irritants out. Skin MD Natural shielding lotion is made using high quality natural ingredients and absorbs rapidly with out any greasy residue. Skin MD Natural shielding lotion works well for any skin type and even those with skin conditions such as acne, eczema or psoriasis.

Melissa
MakeupJournal.com

“After great results on my hands I decided to brave trying it on my face – yeah, the bottle says “Hand, Body & Face”, but I’ve got sensitive skin that either gets too dry or breaks out. So I was totally surprised with the perfect balance I found.”

Christine
San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Temptalia Blog

“I was encouraged and excited about this new, smooth skin thing. But I wondered if it were a fluke. I kept applying and after a week or so, became convinced something magical was indeed going on. I started applying a light dab to each cheek (I have oily, problem skin with a tendency to break out, so I’m VERY reluctant to put any lotion on). No problems. Then, I wondered about the skin under my eyes. The label reads, for “Face, Hand, & Body,” so why not? I’m already happy with my nighttime under-eye cream (I use Juliet’s, available on eBay), but could a shielding lotion be layered over an effective cream to seal it in and intensify it? The answer was immediately clear the next morning. Yes, yes, yes!

For one month, I’ve been using Skin MD Natural shielding lotion, and I’m delighted in every way. No breakouts. Smooth, peachy, crepe-free skin. Soft, touchable, more youthful skin.”

Jaimmie Que
Richmond, BC, Canada

“I first tried Skin MD Natural in two sample packets I received on my hands. I was amazed at how smooth and soft they looked and felt throughout the day, using just a tiny amount. I quickly ordered two bottles, and read the testimonials inside about women who had used this product on their face. I am very cautious about putting new creams on my face, but tried it that evening, after I had put on my moisturizer.

When I got up the next morning I noticed that this deep wrinkle around the corner of mouth was much less deeper. I was ecstatic. Now every morning and night I use Skin MD Natural on both my face and hands, sealing in my moisturizers. Even though I have been only using the product on my face for 2 weeks, and still have lots left, I am thinking about ordering more.

When my friend recently visited me, I put some of my precious product on her hands, and she, too, was amazed at how soft her hands felt, IMMEDIATELY.

I am a lifelong customer!!!!! Thank you.”

In a year after she started using Skin MD Natural:

“I wouldn’t go without Skin MD Natural. My hands, arms and face are baby soft all during the winter. Young people want to know how come I look so young… instead of 66, they all think I am 50! I love your product… and am even using it in the summer because going from hot, humid weather into drying air conditioning is not the best thing for your skin, either!”

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Silky Soft Touchable Skin for Valentine’s Day

Romance is in the air and Valentine’s Day is fast approaching: It’s time to put on that sexy dress and enjoy an evening out on the town with your special somebody, But if you are worried about any dry flaky skin left over from the cold of winter – not to worry -  follow this easy two step pre-Valentine’s Day skin care plan, which will have your skin looking soft and silky.

Step 1: Exfoliate

Exfoliating will help to remove any rough or dry patches of skin, leaving skin softer and more touchable. There are a few different techniques you can use to exfoliate. You can use a special sponge or loofah made especially for exfoliation. You can also buy a special cleanser that contains ingredients like salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy but these can be to harsh for those with sensitive skin. My preferred option is to use an exfoliating scrub. If you don’t have already have one, don’t fret; most people have the basic ingredients to make their own in the kitchen and don‘t even know it!

Making your own exfoliating scrub is not only fun but will also ensure that there are no harsh ingredients that could irritate your skin. One of my favorite ingredients to use is strawberries. They smell amazing and contain a natural fruit acid gentle enough to help exfoliate with out causing any damage to your skin.

Strawberry Exfoliating Scrub

Ingredients
10 Strawberries
2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Sea Salt

Directions
1. In a medium size bowl mash the strawberries using a fork.
2. Once the strawberries are completely mashed, add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl and mix
3. While taking a shower massage the mixture into your body using a gentle but firm circular motion for a few minutes
4. Rinse the mixture off with luke warm water
5. Use a soft towel to pat skin dry

Step 2: Moisturize

Now that you have removed the dry, dead skin it’s time to moisturize. Using the right moisturizer can help to prevent and treat dry skin, but pick the wrong moisturizer and you could be making your dry skin even worse. You want to avoid moisturizers that are greasy, contain fragrances, or are made using harsh chemical ingredients. These type of “bargain creams” prolong the dry skin cycle while hiding the problem under a greasy layer of toxins. The best moisturizer for any skin type is one that is fragrance free, and uses high quality natural ingredients, protecting your skin to heal any dryness.   is a shielding lotion that is recommended by dermatologists because of it’s gentleness and effectiveness in relieving dry itchy skin.

Do you have any soft skin tricks you use to get ready for Valentine’s Day or other special occasions?

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Delicious Mango Skin Care Smoothie

Do you want beautiful glowing skin? If you answered yes,  then it’s important to understand that to be  healthy you starts from the inside out. And if you want to look and feel amazing it is important to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet which includes fresh fruits and vegetables.

Eating unhealthy foods with poor nutritional qualities can make your skin appear dull, older and more sallow. Some health care professionals even believe that poor nutrition can have an impact on skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

One thing almost all health care professionals can agree on is that breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. Eating a healthy breakfast gives your body and brain the energy it needs to get ready for the day. Research has  proven that eating breakfast can improve problem solving skills, concentration, and boost your memory. The point is, if your skipping breakfast because your crunched for time in the morning and you can’t imagine having to cook anything because of the lack of time, consider trying a smoothie. Smoothies are a fast and easy way to create a delicious and natural breakfast packed full of vitamins. To save even more time in the morning you can pre-cut any vegetables or fruits you will be using a head of time the following morning and keep them stored in your refrigerator.

You can create your own smoothie recipes using any combination of fruits and vegetables mixed with ice. To get you started, I’m going to share a recipe for a mango yogurt smoothie featuring fish oil. Combining the mango with fish oil will provide skin with Omega 3 essential fatty acids, carotene, and B vitamins.

Mango Breakfast Smoothie

Ingredients:
1/2 tbsp fish oil
1/2 cup plain, low-fat, organic yogurt
1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup ice cubes

Directions:
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Take care of yourself naturally and not only will you feel great, but your skin will look good.

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Don’t Let Cold Weather Cause a Skin Care Disaster

If you suffer from eczema, the colder winter months can be more of a nightmare than a winter wonderland. Cold winds, low humidity, and the use of heaters during the colder winter months can worsen just about anyone’s skin but are especially hard on those with eczema. Following a few simple skin care tips during colder months could make a big difference in how many eczema outbreaks you face this winter. You don’t need to have eczema to benefit from the following skin care tips as they are also great for anyone looking to prevent dry skin.

1. When it’s cold outside we tend to cover up with heavy clothing. If you have eczema or sensitive skin it is important to wear quality fabrics. Try to avoid wool or any heavy synthetic fabrics coming into contact with your skin. If your favorite coat is made of wool, not to worry! You can still wear your coat – just put on a cotton layer underneath or use a shielding lotion to protect your skin.

2. Nothing will warm you up or dry out your skin faster than a hot shower.  During winter months people tend to turn up the temperature and use hotter water when showering. Hot water strips the skin of it’s natural moisture and oils causing it to become tight and dry. Instead of a long hot shower opt for a quick warm shower and save your natural skin oils. It is also important to use a high quality natural moisturizer after showering to lock in moisture and prevent dry skin.

3. Avoid harsh soaps and other personal care products. Whether or not you have eczema,  what you use on your skin is important. Many products contain toxic ingredients that can dry and damage skin. If you have eczema or dry skin, try looking for a gentle soap made using oatmeal or aloe vera, both ingredients are known to help sooth irritated skin.

And last but not least, indoor heating robs the air of humidity and can cause dry itchy skin. To counteract your heater at home use a cool mist humidifier. It will add moisture back into the air and help prevent dry skin. It is also helpful to keep your body well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

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How to Avoid All the “Fake” Natural Skin Care Products

If you’ve walked into a drug store or department store to shop for skin care products recently you may have been a bit overwhelmed by all of the options available. Choosing the best skin care products for your skin doesn’t have to be hard you just need to know what to look for and what to avoid. The first thing you want to look for is the word natural.

But what you may not know is that there is approximately six pounds of skin on your body? Skin is our largest organ and is also a giant porous membrane. What you may not also know is that women absorb nearly five pounds of toxic chemicals each and every year from cosmetic makeup and other personal care products. That is why it is really very necessary to look for high quality natural skin care and beauty products.

The truth is, with all of the Madison Avenue marketing we are all  fooled into buying a product just because the words “natural” or “organic” appear somewhere on the label; there actually is more you need to look for. Currently the FDA does not regulate cosmetic or personal care products and there are no laws in place to protect or warn the consumer when it comes to using the term “natural” on their packaging. The fact is, to find the best natural skin care products, it is important to look at the ingredients list and do a little investigative work before purchasing any cosmetic product.  Ingredients which are most used begin at the top of the list by FDA law. Products with natural ingredients appearing at the top of the ingredients list will be healthier for your skin than one with only a few listed at the very bottom of the list. It’s a simple way to at least know you are getting more “natural” than chemical.

It is nearly impossible to produce a skin care product that is 100% all natural.  If all the skin or cosmetics products you used were produced locally and consumed in a short period of time, and never subjected to less than ideal conditions, then it would be far easier to formulate lotions that are 100% natural. However, shipping methods don’t guarantee constant temperature, and products are affected by the cold of winter and heat of summer. And, few consumers have the patience to store a 100% natural product properly or shake the bottle before each use. These are some of the hurdles that any company must deal with when formulating a product. Don’t avoid a product just because it has a few ingredients that aren’t natural. Instead write down any ingredients you aren’t familiar with and do an internet search to make sure they are considered to be non toxic before purchasing

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A Skin Care Gift from Nature – Peaches

Fresh fruit doesn’t just have health benefits they also have skin care benefits. Eating the recommended 3-5 servings of fruit and creating your own natural dry skin care products using fruit will have you and your skin looking and feeling its best.

Juicy delicious peaches don’t have to be reserved for award winning cobbler instead try making your own natural dry skin care products with peaches as the main ingredient.

Peaches are high in vitamins A and C and a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids.  They are also full of antioxidants. The powerful nutrients contained in peaches can tighten skin, unclog pores, reduce wrinkles and lighten age spots. Vitamin A and C nourish the skin and help to generate skin cell growth for a fresh looking complexion. Alpha-hydroxy fruit acids help to remove dull dead skin cells for skin that glows.

To easily gain the natural dry skin care benefits peaches have to offer try these simple tips. Each night before bed use the inside of a peach’s skin to gently massage your face for a few minutes. Doing this will cleanse the skin and free the pores allowing skin to breathe easier. If you have more time you can also take a juicy slice of peach and rub it on your face allowing the juice to remain on skin for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water and towel drying.

Using a natural dry skin facial mask once a week will keep skin moisturized and looking its best. Avoid drug store masks that contain hard to pronounce chemical ingredients and create your own natural skin care products with peaches. A home made face mask takes just a few minutes to create and will offer your skin more nutrients than more expensive store bought versions.  The recipes below will help you to get started.

Peach and Yogurt Facial

This mask is gentle enough for delicate and sensitive skin.

Ingredients:
Half of a ripe peach
2 Tablespoons of plain yogurt

Directions:
First peel and mash the peach. Mix in the yogurt until the two are well combined and apply to your face. Leave on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water and towel drying.

Peach and Egg Facial

This mask will help tighten sagging skin and close pores.

Ingredients:
1 Ripe peach
1 Egg

Directions:
First peel and chop 1 ripe peach adding it into a blender. Next separate the egg white from the egg and add to the peach. Blend the two until fully mixed. Apply the mixture to your face for 30 minute before rinsing with warm water and towel drying.

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The Truth Revealed: Natural Dry Skin Care & Chocolate

You may not think that chocolate could have any natural dry skin care benefits. But you are wrong!

The truth is, many people believe that eating too much chocolate can lead to oily skin and acne breakouts. While this may or may not be true, chocolate does make a great addition to many homemade beauty products!

Chocolate has gained popularity in skin care because of the recent obsession with antioxidants and its ability to fight free radicals. Cocoa is very high in antioxidants and is the main ingredient in most chocolate. Dark chocolate contains the largest amount of antioxidants because of its heightened cocoa content. Chocolate also contains cocoa butter – a smooth, solid fat commonly used to soften dry skin.

I think all of us can agree that there is a sensual richness in the smell of creamy chocolate, resulting in the downfall of many diets. And although chocolate tastes great, its use in skin care can actually change the way you think about it – and the way your skin looks and feels!

Try out the delicious smelling natural dry skin care recipes below as they all contain chocolate! But I will have to be honest with you – just be sure to resist the temptation to eat all of the chocolate before you finish making your dry skin care products!

Skin Softening Chocolate Mask

For softer skin try using this natural dry skin care mask once a week.

Ingredients:

5 Tablespoons of cocoa
4 Tablespoons of honey
2 Tablespoons of sour cream
3 Teaspoons of oatmeal powder

Directions:

Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and mix until well combined. Using your fingertips apply the mask to your face and neck, using gentle circular motions. Leave the mask on for fifteen to twenty minutes before rinsing away the mask with warm water and towel drying.

Dark Chocolate Milk Mask

For an anti-aging skin care treatment,  use the recipe below containing dark chocolate which is full of antioxidants:

Ingredients:

4 Tablespoons of dark chocolate powder
2 Teaspoons of milk

Directions:

In a small bowl, add the milk to the dark chocolate powder and mix until you have a thick pudding. You may need to add a small amount of additional milk to get the right consistency. After mixing the ingredients together, apply the dark creamy chocolate (no eating, please!) to your face and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wash off the chocolate with warm water and gently pat dry with a towel.

Spiced Chocolate Exfoliating Scrub

The combination of chocolate, coffee, and cinnamon can create an invigorating natural dry skin body scrub that will be sure to spice up your morning shower. Here’s what you do:

Ingredients:

2 Tablets of Nestle’s Abuelita chocolate
2 Cups of finely ground coffee
4 Tablespoons of brown sugar
1 Teaspoon of vanilla
1 Tablespoon of cinnamon
½ Cup of honey

Directions:

In a medium bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients and mix well. Add the vanilla and honey to the dry ingredients and mix until you have a thick paste.  Apply the scrub to your body using a circular motion and rinse off in the shower.

If you have never tried any of the above natural dry skin remedies, it is time you do – you will not only be amazed at the quality of your skin, but how great you’ll feel!

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Natural Dry Skin Care Secrets Revealed!

Most people don’t know that they can take care of their skin naturally and without huge expense, using a little known household kitchen item – Baking soda!

Baking soda is commonly used for baking, deodorizing refrigerators, and household cleaning. But what you probably don’t know is that It also has numerous properties that your natural dry skin care routine can benefit from:

• Budget Friendly – Baking soda is budget friendly and readily available in most kitchens.
• Non-toxic – Baking soda has natural antibacterial qualities
• Exfoliant  – Baking soda removes dead suface skin tissue.

Take a step away from chemical filled dry skin care products and improve the health and appearance of your skin by giving baking soda a try.  And If you aren’t sure how to incorporate baking soda into your natural dry skin care routine, try any of the five easy ideas below.

1. Natural Baking Soda Facial Cleanser – If you’re looking for a cheap and natural cleanser baking soda is your natural skin care answer. Cleanse your skin and revive dry skin by mixing two teaspoons of baking soda with a few drops of water and smoothing onto your face and neck. Thoroughly rinse your face and neck with warm water and pat dry. For an extra natural skin care boost, follow up with a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar. The apple cider vinegar will act as a natural astringent and tone your skin.

2. Therapeutic Baking Soda Bath Soak – If you need a way to relax and unwind after a long hard day, try this tropical pina colada inspired bath soak. Just combine 1 can of coconut milk, 1 ½ cups of pineapple juice, and 3 tablespoons of baking soda. Pour the mixture into your bath as it is filling and then enjoy the tropic scent. While you are soaking the baking soda bath you are helping restore your skin’s pH levels. But there is even more good news: the pineapple juice provides your skin with a punch of vitamin C and B!

The key thing to remember is that when drawing your bath, remember to use warm water. Hot water can cause your skin to become dry and tight.

3. Natural Baking Soda Deodorant – Believe it or not most of the deodorants lining the drug-store shelves contain ingredients that may be irritating to your skin and dangerous to your health. If you’re looking for an alternative to your chemical-based deodorant, try baking soda! After your morning shower, rub one tablespoon of baking soda under your arms. Incredible as it may sound you’ll get all-day odor protection! You can even use it to freshen up between showers.

4. Coconut Oil & Baking Soda Anti-Aging Treatment – If your skin is looking dull and showing signs of aging, this natural skin care scrub is perfect for a quick pick-me-up. Before your morning shower simply massage your face with 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with one tablespoon of baking soda. The baking soda will gently exfoliate while the coconut oil moisturizes and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles.

5. Baking Soda Foot Soak – Your feet can benefit from a little natural dry skin care using baking soda. Soak your feet in warm water containing 2 tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of salt for twenty minutes. It is a great, relaxing and effective way to gently cleanse your feet by removing all of the embedded dirt and grime.

Just because the cosmetic industry may spend billions on marketing expensive dry skin care products at considerable expense to you, doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. The above natural remedies we have mentioned above are effective and great ways to take care of yourself, without adding expense to your life you could be enjoying elsewhere!

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A Little Known, Secret Egyptian Dry Skin Care Remedy : Cinnamon

If anyone knew about skin preservation, it was the Egyptians! But silly as it may seem, many of their skin care practices have been lost or simply overlooked from the companies that make huge profits selling chemically dangerous dry skin care products.

Long ago during ancient times cinnamon was considered to be one of the most important aromatic spices available. Today it is still primarily used in cooking because cinnamon is recognized for its taste and aromatics.

Additionally, cinnamon offers a number of health benefits that can help improve circulation and digestive health.

However, the truth is, Cinnamon can also be used in natural dry skin care products to improve the health and appearance of your skin. It is rich in antioxidants and can reduce inflammation. To prove this, try any of the three recipes below to create your own cinnamon dry skin care treatments and see the condition of your skin improves. I think if you do, you will thank your friends the Egptians for this wonderful dry skin care remedy!

Cinnamon and Banana Mask

If you suffer from dry skin on your face, try this natural dry skin care mask made using cinnamon and bananas:

Ingredients:

1 Ripe banana (A banana is fully ripe when it is deep yellow in color flecked with brown spots)
1 Teaspoon of cinnamon
2 Tablespoons of sour cream
Lemon juice

Directions:

Peel and mash the ripe banana and put it into a bowl. Add the cinnamon, sour cream and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix the ingredients together until well combined and apply the mixture to your face and allow the mixture to remain on your face for 15 minutes. Rinse off the mixture with warm water and gently pat dry with a towel. For added moisture and protection, apply a natural shielding lotion.

Cinnamon and Sugar Body Scrub

This natural dry skin exfoliating body scrub will remove dull dead skin cells to reveal a brighter skin that glows!

Ingredients:

1 Teaspoon of cinnamon
1 Tablespoon of brown sugar
½ Cup of olive oil

Directions:

Add all of the ingredients and mix together in a small container before starting your shower. While showering lightly massage the scrub into skin and rinse well. You will be amazed at how great your skin feels and how clean and soft your skin will become!

Honey and Cinnamon Acne Treatment

If you have an acne break out try this natural skin care mask it has antibacterial and moisturizing prosperities .

Ingredients:
1 ½ Teaspoons of cinnamon
1 Tablespoon of honey

Directions:
In a resalable container combine the cinnamon and honey until well combined.  Apply a thin layer of the mixture to your face and leave on for 15 minutes before washing and towel drying. For even more natural skin care benefits for your acne use a toner and apply a moisturizer. You can use cotton pads soaked in apple cider vinegar as a toner.  For a non greasy moisturizer try using a shielding lotion.

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