Relief From Stretch Marks With StriaFade #Review

               Disclosure:  I received either product or payment for my honest review of the product!
 Pregnancy,  teenage growth spurts, explosive muscle growth, rapid weight gain, medical conditions...all of these and more, will create change in the skin and also frequently cause stretch marks.  Some professionals believe that they are also accompanied with an increase in the hormone cortisone.  Regardless of how one "obtains" these marks of growth, they are often seen as undesirable.  As you can see, however, one rarely gets through a whole lifetime without having a few.  So why is it such a taboo subject?  We hear stories about how we got tattoos, how we got scars, or the location of our moles. But you never hear about how we got our stretch marks!  I can just hear it.  "Oh yeah, one day I looked down when I was a teenager and I saw these weird red marks.  They itched something horrible.  I didn't know what they were, so I went and asked my mom and she told me they were stretch marks from growing so fast...."  We prefer that they just go away quietly, with no fanfare!  Most of the time, they just hang around, maybe fading a little, but our skin is never really ever the same.  Or can it be?  

First of all, I think we should accept it as life and be proud that we're part of the human race and that we evolve and change physically from year to year.  It's a sign of being human, not a barbie!  But the next thing is that we actually can prevent much of the annoyance of stretch marks by taking care of our health, and if we do get them, using creams and lotions specifically made for diminishing the appearance of stretch marks!

I was able to try one of the best creams for stretch marks.  It's called StriaFade.  I gave it to someone I know who is a 17-year-old high school body builder on the football team, let's call him J.  He recently had a huge growth spurt, plus was working out a lot with heavy weights to gain size, since he is on the line.  He developed lots of muscle and also got stretch marks on the undersides of  his arms.  I gave him the StriaFade to see if he noticed any difference.  He agreed to try it for awhile to see if there was any difference in the appearance of the stretch marks.  I documented before and after 17 days of use.  This is what I captured. 

Before StriaFade

 

After 17 days

Although the stretch marks are not completely gone, the surface area is much smaller!  And that is from using the product for just 17 days.  I think with continued use, they should diminish even more!  That's great news.  These stretch marks were fairly new and I think it is helpful to treat them as soon after they have developed as possible! 

One reason why anti stretch mark creams work is that they improve the level of collagen in the skin, improving its level of elasticity.  The key to StriaFade's effectiveness is the extraordinary combination of ingredients. StriaFade contains five key ingredients, Regu-Stretch®, Antarcticine®, Shea Butter, Marine Collagen, and Onion Bulb Extract, in addition to many other natural and effective ingredients. This powerful blend of unique, patented ingredients combine into a stretch mark solution that's effectiveness is virtually unequaled in the skin care market.

I'm really happy for J. and the quick response he got with using the cream.  I hope he will continue to use it so that he'll have self-confidence in those all-important young adult years! 

According to the StriaFade site, one bottle of the cream will last about a month to a month and a half, with regular use and when treating smaller areas.  More is required if you are treating a larger area.  They also offer great discounts when you buy multiple bottles of the product.  

You can get social by following them on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter! 

Rejuvenator Microbubble Showerhead #Giveaway

Why the Rejuvenator Showerhead?  "Skin is our largest organ.  Keeping it healthy is extremely important to our overall well-being.  Now, thanks to science and innvovation the Rejuvenator Showerhead cleanses, exfoliates and rejuvenates your skin leaving it feeling clean and healthy.  The Rejuvenator creates billions of microbubbles, which are infused into the water streams creating a stimulating refreshing feeling, like a cascading waterfall, penetrating deep into the skin, effectively removing dirt and oil deep within your pores!"

 The Rejuvenator Showerhead has microbubble technology.  Microbubbles deep-clean your face, skin and hair. The bubble are so tiny they penetrate through the pores, attracting impurities, binding to them and then carrying the impurities out.  They are rinsed away with the water.  It is easy to install and requires no tools!  Just screw in the adapter!  Helena, at A GAL NEEDS...had the opportunity to review this amazing showerhead! Read more about it here!
One reader will win their own Rejuvenator and have the benefit of Microbubble Technology in their home!   Enter in the Rafflecopter below.  If you have won a Rejuvenator Showerhead in the last 12 months, you are not eligible to win this giveaway.  Entrants must be 18 years of age and older, US only, and will be verified.  For additional guidelines, please read the disclosure statement on the Rafflecopter below.

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Microbubble Technology and the Rejuvenator Showerhead

   I love things that make my job as a wife and mom easier.  For instance, my phone is working for me triple time when simultaneously I'm being notified about texts, e-mails and calls, I'm reminded to pick up my dry cleaning (alarm), plus being navigated to an unfamiliar location (GPS).
    Now I've found a way to multi-task my shower.  While I'm washing my hair,  my shower is also deep cleaning, exfoliating and enhancing my mood!  Enter the Rejuvenator Showerhead with Microbuble Technology!  I received one to review and installed it in our shower.  It's all about the bubbles!  Microbubble Technology has been around for awhile.  It was initially used in medical diagnostics to help read ultrasounds.  The sonar bounces off the bubbles and produces the reading.  They are naturally created when a ship's hull cuts through the water and they are found around waterfalls, mountain streams, and beaches. These tiny bubbles are smaller than one millimetre in diameter.  Compared to a typical air bubble, these bubbles truly are tiny!  But they are rich in oxygen and increase the water oxygen levels up to 70 percent, higher than common tap water.  This increased oxygen level stimulates the immune system, kills bacteria and promotes healing! And the negative ions combine with your system to make you feel happier and energized.  

Trying out Microbubble Technology in a tub

    The health and beauty industry has taken this technology by storm and has made it work for us!  I recently attended an event featuring high-end kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and faucets.  One of the demos featured a tub using microbubble technology! This can get quite expensive when you think about installing a whole tub to produce those specialized little bubbles that do so much for you!

   With the Rejuvenator Microbubble Showerhead, you only need to go as far as your shower to benefit from it!
The Rejuvenator was really easy for my husband to install.  He unscrewed the showerhead, screwed in the Rejuvenator which also provides an adapter for our original showerhead, and screwed our other showerhead in the adapter.  Voila!  Now we have two shower sources!  You can turn one of the sources on or off, depending on personal preference.  
   I love showerinng with the Rejuvenator.  I can feel this subtle energizing effect as the microbubbles cascade down my skin. Because they are so tiny, they are penetrating into my skin, attracting impurities, carrying them to the surface and washing them away.  Much better than soap!  And all the negative ions floating around in the air are automatically improving my outlook on life!  Another way to use the showerhead is to submurge it into your tub while you are bathing.  That way you will be surrounded with the microbubbles while bathing!  I'm thinking this is just what the doctor ordered!  So, like my phone, this will probably become one of my most trusted non-human friends to help me live my crazy life more productively!

Microbubble Technology in a Shower!

Allure Magazine recently listed the Rejuvenator on their Tips n Trends page, along with a $40 discount code!  You can also get amazingly great discounts for Rejuvenator on Amazon!  

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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!

High-End Natural Skin Solutions At Factory Direct Prices - RainShadow Labs

Are you someone who loves high end natural beauty products? 

Do you use products from a company that promotes green products? Chances are those products have been made by an outside manufacturing source, packaged and then used by that company. Rainshadow Labs has been manufacturing beauty products with natural ingredients for companies since 1983. They are based in Oregon! 
 I’m glad I found out about them because I can have their base products delivered to me for so much less than I would pay for a brand name product. Chances are that the brand name product probably has been formulated and manufactured by them anyway, but packaged and marked up in price considerably. I was given their Eyebright Gel to try out. 

When it came to my door, there was no fluff. It came in a simple 36 oz. amber jar and I was actually a little confused. Normally products come in attractive packaging and with some brochures or fliers telling you just how wonderful the product and company is. Nothing of the sort with this delivery. Just a plain amber jar. Nothing else.

 I opened it and took a whiff. It smelled like fresh cucumber! I put some on my face and it was a gel that felt very cool and refreshing. I put some on my neck and I was pretty impressed. My neck actually looked better. This was pretty impactful, especially since this is made with 75% organic materials.
    I even had my husband try it.  A 36 oz. jar of gel can go quite a long way, so I have recruited him to start taking care of his skin. He hasn’t been one to do that and I think it’s high time he starts paying attention to his own skin. So he does use it and he does it willingly, which is a nice surprise. He really likes the cool feel of it and the fresh and pure smell, just like I do. 

    A couple of small things I noticed about the gel:  When you put it on and it has been on for a few seconds, it will feel slightly sticky until it absorbs, which takes a couple of minutes. Because this is made of raw ingredients, it is best to keep it in a cool and dry place. I actually keep it in the refrigerator. In the winter, that would be too cold for me, so I would find a place where the heat isn’t directly on it.  The ideal temperature for this product is 45 to 72 degrees.  
From their website,  I see that they have the most affordable, highest quality and most profoundly innovative lotions, gels, soaps, washes, body butters, serums, crèmes, scrubs, candles, and bath salts, using essential oils and organic active ingredients.  They do recommend you get a sample size before you buy larger sizes and they are very kind—the first 3 samples are free with just freight charges. Otherwise the samples are $3.95. 
   Here is a description of the Eyebright Gel: " This formula speaks to the deep and grounded evolution that Natural Skin Care Formulating has gone through in the last three decades in order to be able to deliver such a brilliant eye therapy product to you today. It is no exaggeration to say that this formula addresses every single eye area concern possible. Dark circles, wrinkles, sagging, puffing, loss of plump and firm, loss of tone and resilience....its all taken care of in this delicate and light gel. Do not be deceived by the elegant and refined nature of the look and feel of this formula. This product is NOT to be underestimated. From Plant Stem Cells to Multiple Complex Peptide blends....from botanically derived Hyaluronic Acid Spheres to fiber and cellular rebuilding Amino Acids.....collagen boosting and skin firming and wrinkle repairing ingredients are fully loaded into this genius formula. Use it daily. Use it ten times a day. You will be addicted!" 
Directions for Use: Dab around eyes, forehead and cheek area. Can be used as an all over face treatment. Safe to use morning and night. Can be used under makeup.

 Ingredients: This gel consists of 75% organic materials. 

 Eye Bright - enriched with sodium hyaluronate—a superior moisture magnet especially good for the naturally dry area around the eyes. Due to its astringent, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it tightens and reduces puffiness. 
 Aloe - cooling, soothing and calming effect to the skin. It is antibacterial, antiseptic and has anti-fungal properties. It helps the skin to naturally heal. 
Natural Fragrance -  like fresh cucumber, very refreshing and result of the Cucumber Hydrosol. 
Jojoba Oil - contains almost all of the vitamins and minerals essential for healthy skin and hair: 
Vitamin E, B-complex, copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, and chromium. And it’s even gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin without causing allergic reactions. clears impurities that the oil extracts from the surface of your face and neck. It has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. 
Periwinkle – a known anti-inflamatory agent 
Licorice - Consistent use of licorice extract over time has been known to fade dark spots and blemishes, and lighten skin. Potent antioxidants in licorice extract fight skin-damaging free radicals. 
Reishi - contains ingredients that cause melanin suppression as well as other beneficial trace elements. These contents might help reduce the presence of and destruction caused by free radicals, promote cell regeneration to increase skin thickness and texture. 
 Also, Gotu Kola, Frankincense and Vitamin E are in this gel! 
   Another great thing about RainShadow Labs is that you can actually have them formulate a product to your own specifications.  For instance, if you are allergic to certain ingredients or plants, you can have your own product made up for you.  Or if you want to start your own business, with your own product, you can have RainShadow make it, manufacture it and package it.   It would have to be in a bulk size, however.  And you do pay for the lab formulation time.  
    I was really happy with what I found out about this lab in the moisture-drenched state of Oregon and want to continue using these products for a long time to come!

Thanks for visiting! This site accepts product samples and/or compensation. Affiliate links may be used to support this site. All text and opinion are 100% my own and are not swayed by any sponsor affiliation!

Some Pampering At Aveda Institute! #Giveaway

The other day I walked into Aveda Institute in Provo, UT where, according to Tiffany the Recruitment Manager, I am one of their most loyal customers! And it's true--I was getting my hair cut while the place was still going up around me several years ago.  It was a bit chaotic back then, but I knew that it would be up and running soon and when it was, it would be amazing.  And it is, which is why I am still going there and loving it.  Recently I was able to enjoy a few of their many services.  I got a blow out and style, a manicure and a facial.  It was heavenly.   Here are some of the things that keep me going back to Aveda time and time again. 

1) The students are very conscientious.  They are there to make sure that they get the very best training available and they take advantage of it.

2)  The service you get there is about as close to a professional spa experience as you can get because of the care and dedication the students and teachers place on their subject--you! In fact, in some ways it is even better. Students are rated by the clients each time they perform a service.  So they want you to feel good about what they do. 

3)  Only Aveda products are used for services.  These holistic products are fabulous! They are made with the finest natural ingredients with the best technology.  So whether you are getting a facial, a manicure or a hair service, you know that these products are the best.  

4) The prices are great for the kind of service you get.  I do recommend tipping these students because they are working really hard to do a great job.  And since the prices are low, why not give them a tip?

5) With every service, you are given a "sensory experience", which includes aromatherapy, massage and Aveda Herbal Tea! 

If YOU are someone creative who is looking for a career in the beauty, fashion and wellness industry, check out Aveda! And if you want the very best training, with the best products, please check out the Aveda Institute in Provo, UT and schedule a tour!  Why Aveda PROVO, you ask?

Aveda Provo is one of 4 schools in the Western States including Tucson, Phoenix and Denver.  Provo is known for it's majestic mountain surroundings and diverse entertainment possibilities.  It has two universities (BYU and UVU) and has FrontRunner Train Service to Salt Lake City! 

Aveda is synonymous with innovation and excellence. Once you have completed your education, your diploma will have international brand name recognition. Employers will recognize the standard of an Aveda education and consider this when offering you employment.   Below is one example of what might go on in your classes at Aveda!

Aveda is one of the fastest growing worldwide salon networks and the most successful salon business model in the industry. You’re a part of the family from the first day of school through continued education and employment.

Here's a fun fact - 60% of the 2012 Salon Today Top 200 Winners, a prestigious award for salons and spas, were Aveda Salons and Spas.  Now that is really saying something if you ask me!
  
You can choose from programs including Cosmetology, Esthiology, Makeup Training, Massage Training, Master Esthetics, and Spa Training!

 I'm excited to let you know that one of my UTAH readers will get a pamper-me package at the Provo Aveda Institute like the one I got including a hair wash & style, a manicure with exclusive Aveda nail polish in your choice of color and your own bottle to take home, and a 60-minute Elemental Nature Facial!  I guarantee you'll love it!  

To enter, please fill out the rafflecopter form below and good luck!  Utah Residents only!  This winner's package is only available at the Provo, UT Aveda Institute!  

  


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#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! 

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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.