Many of you don't know that I'm such a girly girl when it comes to beauty and skincare.  I'm over fifty now and I'm trying to fight the aging process naturally.  I try not to put anything on my skin that I wouldn't eat.  This is quite difficult in a chemically filled beauty and skincare world.

I follow a few beauty bloggers.  Angie on Hot and Flashy and Jenni Raincloud.  Jenni loves beauty AND natural, organic skincare. Angie can be found on YouTube at Hot and Flashy and Jenni at Jenniraincloud.com.

But, my first beauty guru was Mary Johnson at Paraiso Skin Care.  Mary saved my skin !  Up until last year I had extremely oily, acne prone, but very sensitive skin. (not a great combination)  Mary and I tried everything under the sun until we finally came up with what works for me.  She is a genius in skincare !  We figured out that I can not use anything with chemical sunscreens in it.  (and everything does !)  You can reach Mary at Paraisoskincare.com, she's in Chandler Arizona.

I've listed the products that I use, that I feel work and that do not irritate my skin.  Sometimes I make my own serums and creams too.  Again, I can not use many products because they irritate my skin.  I also try to use products that are safe, natural, paraben free, phosphate free, fragrance free, cruelty free.

Here's the list:

Mornings:  I wash my face with Hymed facial cleanser.  It's a very pure cleanser and it's even recommended for people going through chemotherapy, radiation or that has psoriasis.  No dryness, no stinging, no chemical ingredients.  It's on the expensive side -it sells for $30.00, but its lasts for months.  I use just a pea size amount.  It leaves my skin clean but not dry and rinses well. I purchase this at Paraiso Skin Care, but you can also check out Amazon.

CereVe Hydrating cleanser is a cheaper cleanser ( not sure if it's cruelty free as it's made by dermatologists) but it doesn't irritate my skin and it sells for $10.50 for 12 oz.

I also started using Mad Hippie products - but I haven't used their cleanser yet.

Then I apply my Mad Hippie Vitamin C serum.  You can puchase at Whole Foods. $33.00 for 1 fl oz. I emailed the company to find out what percentage their Vit C was and they replied quickly to tell me that the Vitamin C percentage is around 10% in the form of sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, often referred as SAP. SAP is suppose to be a lot gentler than the I-ascorbic acid form and is good for acne-prone skin.

Or you can make your own.   (from Jenni Raincloud)
Ingredients:
1 tsp Vitamin C Powder (find non GMO natural Vit C, I found mine at Whole Foods)
1 tsp distilled water
1 tsp glycerin (Optional) I found mine at Whole Foods
1/8 tsp Vitamin E (Optional)

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until granules are dissolved.  If you omit the glycerin and Vit E ( which I probably will in the summer)  add an extra tsp of water so that your serum isn't too strong.  Transfer to a dark amber/blue glass bottle.  Apply to the skin after cleaning.  Let serum soak in and then apply a moisturizer.

An easy way to make sure your Vit C serum is in perfect form to get the most benefits you can use a pH strip.  Your serum should be right around 3.5 pH.  Secondly, make only a small batch as it loses it's effectiveness quickly. (3-5 days)

Feel free to use this on your chest and on the back of your hands.  Vit C can cause your skin to be irritated at first. When you apply it, a small amount of tingling is normal.  If it is burning, remove it immediately.  Don't worry- you can just add more water/or glycerin to your mixture.  This will dilute the Vit C so it is more suited for your skin.

I then apply my sunscreen.  I need to use a natural sunscreen with zinc oxide.  Again you can make your own or you can purchase one.  I've used two without irritation.  First one, Hylunia Natural Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, it sells for around $42.00.  Neutrogena makes Pure and Free Liquid sunscreen with a SPF 50. It sells for $12.00 for 1.7 oz.

I then put on my makeup.  I use a mineral makeup that also has a SPF of 30.  I use Jane Iredale, Youngblood or Bare Minerals.

When using any anti-aging ingredients it's extra important to always wear sun protection.  Your skin becomes more photo-sensitive. Mineral based sunscreen works well under mineral based foundations.

Evenings: I wash my face again with the Hymed Facial Cleanser and I use coconut oil to remove my eye makeup.  It's the same virgin coconut oil I cook with and put in my protein shakes.

I then apply the exfoliate serum by Mad Hippie.  You could use Retin-A or a glycolic serum by Paula's choice if you don't mind chemical products.  Paula's choice has many amazing skincare products.

Then I apply my moisturizer.  I use Hylunia Pure Hyaluronic Acid.  It's safe, natural and vegan skincare.  It's also oil free and ultra light weight.  It's expensive $76.00 for 1.7 fl oz but again it lasts for months.  I purchase mine at Paraiso.

I also use (all over my face and body) SkinMD natural shielding lotion. It sells for $20.00 for 8oz.  I got mine at www.skinmdnatural.com  It's an amazing moisturizing lotion that can be used on any part of the body.  I absolutely love how light weight it is and it absorbs quickly.  Skin MD Natural is hypoallergenic, not tested on animals, non comedogenic and is fragrance free.  Made using 100% solar energy.

The last thing I do is a apply a sheer film of coconut oil right before bed.  Coconut oil has anti-bacterial properties so it keeps pimples from forming while adding an extra barrier against moisture loss.  

Well, I hope this helps someone... I know it's a lot.  But, I feel skincare is so important and natural, safe skincare is the best !  Blessings to all and Be Well !




 

Happy New Year 2014

Happy New Year !  I hope the holidays were blessed for you all !  As we are in the beginning of January I have been letting go of last years energy... I have been cleaning and organzing my house.  ( So much to do there !!! ) Had my hair cut and have been detoxing my body and mind.  As a snake we must shed our old skin in anticipation for the new.

Here's a sugar scrub you can make to help shed that skin...just be gentle.
Ingredients:
3 or 4 ounce clear jars
5 TBSP dark brown sugar
2 TBSP grape seed oil
15 drops of your choice of essential oil

Recipe:
Simply place the dry ingredients in the jar. Mix with the end of a teaspoon. Add the oil and mix gently until well combined.

Peppermint Foot Scrub
Ingredients:
2 ounce clear jar
3 TBSP sea salt
1 1/2 grape seed oil
15 drops peppermint oil

Recipe:
Place sea salt in jar.  Pour oil over the salt and add the peppermint drops.

Shelf life of both scrubs is about 8 weeks. Apply to skin and gently scrub.

Have a Happy, Healthy New Year !
 

In between the New and the Old.

During this week between Christmas and New Year's is a great time to reflect of the past year and anticipate the new year.  It is a time to relax and nurture ourselves.

So how can you do it? Take time to walk or sit in the sunshine. If you work indoors like I do, beneath artificial light all day, just take 10 minutes to get some sun. First, getting outside can be refreshing. Second, a few minutes of sunlight has concrete benefits. It helps the body produce vitamin D, which is important for good health. Sun exposure also boosts serotonin levels, which can improve mood and help you sleep better at night.

Stretch your mind and your body.  Meditate and see yourself "stretching" to new heights. Give yourself a hug by wrapping your arms around yourself and saying "good job"  or " I am loved." Stretch out your muscles, especially the ones that seem "stuck."

Try guided imagery.  Close your eyes and take a deep breathe.  Imagine a peaceful place, the beach or the mountains. Try to fill in every detail. What does it smell like? Is there a breeze blowing on your face? Imagine you’re walking along a path; the farther you go, the more relaxed you get. Once you feel fully relaxed, gradually ease yourself back into the present. Count to three and open your eyes.

Start a journal.  Writing one may seem overwhelming or too much like a chore. So begin by setting your intention to write only 10 minutes a day. It might feel more doable if you’re not trying to record everything. You might find that keeping a journal – and the self-reflection it requires – gives you a better perspective on your life or job.

Add beauty to your surroundings. Bring in fresh cut flowers to your space and try aromatherapy. Certain essential oils, like peppermint, lime, and grapefruit boost energy. While lavender relaxes. Add to your bath or simply close your eyes and breathe in the scent from the bottle. Or use a spray to spritz the room.

Listen to music. The right music can really change your mood, and doing some prep work can help. Come up with a list of the songs that always seem to psych you up, or relax you and then make a mix or playlist on your computer or MP3 player.

Feng Shui your surroundings.  Clear clutter. Remove and dispose of papers, junk mail and dirty dishes.  You would be surprised how they can really sap your spiritual strength. Take 10 minutes a day to organize your space.

Deep breathing can relieve stress when you’re feeling burned out. Try the method developed by integrative medicine expert Andrew Weil, MD. Sit down, keeping your back straight. Inhale through the nose while you count to four. Hold your breath while you count to seven. Then exhale deeply through the mouth, counting to eight. Repeat the cycle.

And don't forget to forgive yourself and others.  All you can do each and everyday is to try your best. 
Love yourself and everyone you meet. 

I wish you all a very happy, healthy, prosperous, peace and love filled New Year !
Many Blessings to you and yours, Nadene

I feel like making soup...even though it's still a 100 degrees here in Phoenix !

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

by Elizabeth
(Healthy Eating Made Easy)

Try this healthy butternut squash soup recipe - great for cooking up a warming bowl of soup for lunchtime.

To serve 4: Soften one finely chopped onion in 1 scant tbsp olive oil for 5 mins. Add 2 crushed cloves garlic, a 2.5cm (1 inch) piece of root ginger, peeled and grated, and 650g (4 cups) peeled and chopped butternut squash flesh (you can grate the squash instead of chopping it if you prefer).

Cook for a few more minutes, then pour in 850ml (3 cups) hot vegetable stock or water. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 15-20 mins, until the squash is tender.

Blend or process until smooth and add a more stock or skimmed milk if the puree is too thick.
Thanks for the recipe ! Ummmmm good !

Have a wonderful healthy Thursday !

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Welcome

On this blog I will concentrate on supplying information, education, links, and other means to find out more about the ever expanding and much needed approach to optimum health and wellness.  I am a Nurse Advocate, supporting clients through the healthcare system. Providing nursing care for my clients that nutures the mind, body and spirit.  Keep posted for future updates !