Natural Ways To Treat Mature Skin!

I called my sister the other day to catch up and talk about her upcoming visit in July.  I mentioned some things I've noticed myself doing lately, like telling my husband I can only do a certain number of activities in one day, choosing and agreeing upon which ones we do.  I can’t just go, go, go until we run out of time or money.  Because before that happens, I will run out of energy.  Her response was humorous but true, “We’re getting OLD!”  She said it in a kind of disbelief, as if our mortality has sneaked up on us and we didn’t even realize it.  Of course, I’m not ready to say I’m old because of the negative connotations.   

   I believe that being mature, however, is a great compliment – things like coming to terms with life, having experience on a variety of fronts, wisdom, etc. and so forth, and so I’m going to refer to myself as
"mature"  (although I'll be the first to admit I'm like a teenager in some ways~I like to drive fast and I love Bruno Mars, for instance!).

Of course another sign of maturity is the wrinkles that come a-callin’.  I have found that there is the commercial way or the natural way to treat them.  I use a little of both.  (e-mail me and I’d love to share with you what I am currently doing!) But right now I’d like to discuss some of the benefits of natural ingredients in the care of your skin.  

Natural ingredients can be either home-grown in your garden, obtained at a health food co-op or they are sold by companies that combine and formulate natural ingredients as the sole active ingredient or in exclusive formulations. 

Here are some natural skin remedies I’ve found to be good:

1.     Cleansing with oils.  I didn’t start the Oil Cleansing Method until last year and I’m so glad I did.  When I was a teenager I cleansed with soap. When that became too drying, I used foaming cleansers until they too, became too drying, at which time, I switched to the creamy cleansers.  It wasn’t until just this last year that I started using oils and washing it off with a hot washcloth.  It leaves my skin feeling moist and not tight-feeling.  Suggested oils are Castor Oil, which is slightly drying, but the best bargain for cleansing and dissolving and it is a natural antibacterial! Mix it with other oils like avocado, apricot kernel oil or Argan oil (all excellent for mature skin).  Mix them together, for instance 1/3 part castor oil to 2/3 part any other oil.  All you do is mix them in your hand, apply to a moistened face, leave for 30 – 60 seconds, steaming optional, and remove with a hot washcloth.  Ahhh…..feels great! 

2.    Easy Natural Remedies From The Kitchen – There are so many of these, I’m sure your grandma had her own kitchen beauty secrets but here’s a few that I know: 

   Put the last bit of leftover egg white from a cracked egg under your eyes now and then and watch the wrinkles disappear.  You can soak cotton pads with buttermilk and pat it on your face.  Let it dry for 15 minutes then remove to refine your pores. Mayonnaise can be used as a mask or even a night cream to relieve dry skin!  (If you can stand the smell!)

3.    Rosehip Oil – This versatile oil has been touted by some as the next Coconut Oil!  This oil is full of viatmins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that are known to correct dark spots and hydrate dry, itchy skin, all the while reducing scars and fine lines.  Try to get cold-pressed because it has all of the unaltered nutrients.  The oil absorbs directly into the skin and one only needs a very tiny amount for it to be effective!  I use a few drops a few times a week. 

4.    Combination of ingredients – To keep up with scientific studies on natural compounds and oils, companies are constantly formulating combinations of these ingredients to make the ultimate natural beauty product.  I really like the Vitamin C Serum made by InstaNatural.com, combining Vitamin C,  Ferulic and Hyaluronic Acids (known for exfoliating and brightening skin), Aloe Vera and Vitamin E.  It really does a great job for a fraction of the price you’d pay at  a department store!

  Going the natural ingredient route is a great way to know what is in your beauty products, but even with that being said, make sure that you're not getting more in them than you bargained for, such as strange preservatives.  Also please watch out for anything made in China.  I am really leery of products coming out of China because so many times, upon independent testing, toxic ingredients are found to be in those products. Not always, but be careful!

  I've had fun sharing some of my natural beauty routines. Have your own fun and find the natural ingredients that make sense for your beauty routine!

#AntiAging Supplements That Work! NeoCell #Giveaway ($52 RV)

I am happy to be a brand advocate for this great line of nutritional supplements.  NeoCell has paid attention to science that has been around for awhile and has created products that address the health and beauty concerns of 21st century women and men (I mention men here because health and beauty is reflected in good looks and vitality. Men definitely want that too!).

NeoCell has the tagline 'Nutrients You Can Trust' and that is certainly the case!  They don't cut quality to cut costs, like a lot of companies do.  They are easily accessible--buy them locally or online.  And most of all they work!  These claims come with plenty of awards to show for it, including  an Olympic Gold Medal for NeoCell brand ambassador, Kayla Harrison, becoming the first American ever to win a gold medal in Judo; Winner of 2012 Responsible Packaging Award for their committment to switch to 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Packaging; The Better Nutrition 2012 Best of Natural Beauty Award, to name a few.

NeoCell has been developing and manufacturing all natural, premium anti-aging formulas for over 20 years and is the leading Collagen brand in the world. Our products are naturally based, not synthetic, and are designed to promote youthful health, beauty and total body wellness. We manufacture our own products using carefully sourced food-grade raw materials and our facility exceeds all GMP standards.We strive to continuously bring the best to our customers– products that we and our own families are proud to use, made with Nutrients You Can Trust®.

Collagen +C Pomegranate Liquid (16 oz.)    

Elixir for Youthful Vitality and Vigor:
Collagen+C™ Pomegranate Liquid is a youth enhancing elixir that combines the potent antioxidants Pomegranate, Green Tea, Elderberry and Cranberry with the anti-aging benefits of Collagen+C™ in a delicious liquid form. Ionic Minerals are added for further absorption benefits and the blend is sweet- ened with low glycemic index Agave nectar. This complex formulation makes for an easy-to-take, revitalizing anti-aging supplement.
Collagen+C™ Pomegranate Liquid:
Pomegranate's ellagic acid and green tea polyphenols (EGCG) provide a strong combination of antioxidants for protection against free radical damage. With the absorption benefits of ionic minerals, Collagen+C™ Pomegranate Liquid provides the latest in total body health.
Benefits:*

• Radiant and resilient skin
• Thicker hair and stronger nails
• Provides building blocks for collagen synthesis
• Healthy and strong ligaments and tendons
• Potent antioxidant*

Resveratrol AntiOxidant     

The health benefits of Muscadine grape, red wine, red grapes, pomegranate and grape seed extracts have been known for many years. Now modern science and research reveals that regular consumption of these amazing fruits containing natural polyphenol nutrients contributes to a healthy lifestyle.*

Recent clinical Studies show that Reservatrol stimulates and activates the SIRT1 enzyme that is theorized to be part of the anti-aging process. Laboratory studies reveal that reducing cell oxidation and repairing DNA damage may have a substantial impact on cellular health.*

Neocell Resveratrol Antioxidant uses only the finest red wine grapes, grape vine and seeds from the Bordeaux region in France. The addition of Muscadine grapes, French Grape Seed extract, and Pomegranate extract make these amazing fruits a unique blend containing natural and powerful antioxidants which contributes to a healthy lifestyle.*

• Helps prevent free radical damage to cells
• Heps support the immune system and liver functions
• A powerful antioxidant
• Promotes heart health

As I mentioned in my review, NeoCell is sponsoring a giveaway for the two antioxidant supplements above.  The giveaway is open to both U.S. and Canada! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Open to U.S. and Canada.  I received product for this giveaway for review purposes. Must be 18 years of age or older to participate.  A GAL NEEDS...is not responsible for non-delivery of product or services by any featured companies.  Only 1 entrant per household.  Double entries will be disqualified.  Winner will be contacted after 3/12/13 by e-mail.  Must respond within 48 hours.  Entrants with invalid entries will be disqualified.  

2 Fabulous Anti-Aging Supplements From NeoCell #Review

This blog uses both affiliate and non-affiliate links for reference purpose. This is a partnered post!

 Recently I read a couple of articles about wrinkle prevention because I don't like those tell-tale signs of the aging process any more than you do!  Sure, I earned the ones I've got...but let's be honest, I'd rather earn things like the 'Good Mom Award' and have wonderful kids to show for it,  the 'Good Wife Award' and have a happy husband, the 'Good Daughter Award' and have proud parents or the 'Good Deed Award' and just have inner happiness radiating from my face...  I really don't need wrinkles as my trophy for all of those things, that is if I can help it! 

I guess a lot of women feel the same way because there are surely a lot of articles about how to keep wrinkles away and here are some of the tips I've run across multiple times - moisturize daily, use retinol products, use sunscreen, don't smoke, do drink water, don't sleep on your face, eat whole foods, be happy.  I think all of those are fairly obvious by now! 

But one thing I don't hear much about is the fact that the glue that holds the face and body together is collagen and that it naturally depletes at the rate of 1.5% each year after the age of 25.  "As this collagen production slows, the collagen fibers in the body become brittle and begin to break down, resulting in many of the signs of aging, such as loose, flaccid skin, wrinkles, ligament and tendon injuries and osteoarthritis."  So basically, you can employ all of the wrinkle-prevention tactics you please, but if your collagen levels are low, you won't get the results you want!

 That is why I was so thrilled to get a chance to review and tell you about the wonderful products at NeoCell!. NeoCell was founded by Al Quadri, a lifelong scientist and inventor.  At one point, he underwent major heart surgery and was having a difficult time recovering.  He learned of  the integral role collagen plays in the healing and regenerative process of tissue and muscle mass and decided to incorporate it in his healing process.  He had amazing results and because of  it, established NeoCell.  Now NeoCell is the number one collagen brand in the world and has been developing and manufacturing all natural, premium anti-aging formulas for over 20 years.

I am using two of their products and both of them are outstanding - 

 

1) Resveratrol Anti-Oxidant Capsules - Why is this so wonderful?  Because it is made from high quality grapes, grapeskin and grapeseed from France.  NeoCell uses French Muscadine grapes in their Resveratrol.  Often you will see a bottle in the health food stores with grapes on the label....but when you look at the ingredients you find the much cheaper Japanese Knotwood.  Actually the Japanese Knotwood can cause stomach cramps in some people.  I take 2 pills daily.  Some of the benefits of Resveratrol include:

• Helps prevent free radical damage to cells
• Helps support the immune system and liver functions
• A powerful antioxidant
• Promotes heart health

 2) Collagen +C Pomegranate Liquid - This is one of NeoCell's newest products and it is amazing!  It combines the best Collagen one can get along with other super anti-oxidants like pomegranate, green tea, elderberry and cranberry to bring you amazing health benefits! It is sweetened with Agave to produce a low glycemic effect.  Hyaluronic Acide is an essential part of the collagen composition, aiding in the absorption process.  Most companie make the hyaluronic acid in the lab.  NeoCell offers natural hyaluronic acid, even though it is 20 times more expensive.  Every batch of product is checked 8,000 times and exceeds government requirements.  NeoCell collagen absorbs within 20 minutes as a result!  I take 1 Tbsp. in the morning and 1 Tbsp. at night.  The taste is very fruity, Some benefits of Collagen +C Products include:

• Radiant and resilient skin
• Thicker hair and stronger nails
• Provides building blocks for collagen synthesis
• Healthy and strong ligaments and tendons
• Potent antioxidant

 
And here are some reviews I found on the IHerb site, Vitamin Shoppe, and Vitacost, where you can order NeoCell Products.  

"I've noticed my nails are stronger and my hair is growing rapidly and I attribute it to the use of this Neocell liquid. The only drawback is I have to visit my hairdresser more frequently for touchups! It's worth it for me though!"

___________

"I decided to try taking collagen to improve the appearance of my skin. I've had sensitive, acne-prone skin for years.

The directions say to take 3 tablets, 2x daily. I only take 3 a day, they last longer, and I noticed a huge difference within weeks. My skin was clear, smooth, and definitely more 'radiant' as it says on the bottle. I noticed a difference in the overall tone and texture of my face, (little to no redness, skin looked and felt tighter.) I received many compliments from family and friends who asked what I had done. I'd like to add that nothing changed in my routine, nor was I using any expensive skincare products. I've also had issues with breakouts on my shoulders and upper back, which cleared as well.

As soon as I stopped taking these, my skin would break out and revert back to a dull appearance."

_____________

 "I don't know why the makers would suggest a total of six tablets in a day and I don't know what would possess someone to take six of these tablets in one day. I only used one tablet per day and after two weeks I saw a difference in my face. It was tighter and smoother. After a month my waist slimmed and tighten and I actually had a slight six pack. My thighs and buttocks also tighten and became more "muscular." I use this product for three months and stopped because I started a vitamin regimen that has amino acids. However, I shouldn't have never stopped using it so I am back to using the rest of the bottle with one pill a day. I didn't see any difference in hair, nails, teeth, tendons, etc... even though I do have joint and bone problems from a terrible accident a few years ago. But I DO know that this works perfectly for my skin and muscles. It appears that it tightens and flattens out fat and makes your body "muscular." I will use the rest of the bottle and order some more and take it a little longer to see if it will benefit other parts of my body."

I know that nutrtional supplements take time to see marked improvement, but I am already seeing some benefits after just one week!  I feel like my skin immediately has improved and my weight has gone down by 3 lbs., which is great!  I also have a 2 1/2 year old knee injury that wouldn't heal, and I feel like it is getting better!  So I will definitely keep taking these supplements because I believe that beauty starts from the inside!  And combined with the things I mentioned in the beginning, like getting lots of sleep (one that I particularly like), I just might have discovered the real fountain of youth after all!

Murad Skin Review and Giveaway!

When looking for a good skincare product, I look for a few things--one of them is company reputation, another is track record and yet another is cutting edge technology that is effective.  Murad seems to have all of those things.  That's why I thought I'd give it a shot. 

Complete Skin Renewal Set

Renewing Eye Cream

I was able to try the Renewing Eye Cream and the Complete Skin Renewal Set.  That is a total of 5 products and I will tell you which two were my absolute favorites.  

Renewing Eye Cream:  This cream is very dense and has substance.  A little bit goes a long way.  I really love it and it is one of the two products that I very highly recommend.  It is the best eye cream I have ever used.  It seems a bit pricey at $73, but it ships for free and a little goes a long way, so it will last a long while.  I noticed a difference in the elasticity around my eyes and the dark circles were diminished.  

The Complete Skin Renewal Set ($42) consists of Refreshing Cleanser, Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30, Hydro Dynamic Ultimate Moisture and Complete Reform.  All of the products were excellent (!!!), but the one that stood out above the rest for me was the Complete Reform.  Again, I noticed the firmness of my skin, namely the jaw area and the neck area, take on a measured improvement and I was quite impressed!  When I put it on, there is just the slightest tingle.  Complete Reform is a "patented treatment shown to increase the firmness of the skin by 61% after just one application while also improving skin texture to reveal softer, smoother skin."  Buy this product in it's full size for $67 with free shipping and enter the code COMPLETE for an additional free gift from Murad.

Murad has a great beauty blog called 'Skin Deep' that is well-updated and quite informative! Today's article is about 3 must-have ingredients in an anti-aging product.  Check it out!

Without further ado, Murad would like to give someone the same products I received for their own use and enjoyment, a $115 value.  To enter, please complete the mandatory entry of  being my GFC Follower and also visit Murad and find a product you'd like to try different from the ones I mentioned. Leave your product find in the comment section along with your GFC Name.  Then proceed through the rest of the Rafflecopter Entry form for more entries if you'd like to increase your chances of winning!