I just found another resource for DIY beauty junkies here, all about handcrafting your own spa products, such as scrubs, polishers, and masks: Click Here to find out more!
What kind of light will make my skin look most beautiful and my makeup most impeccable? Thinking out loud, I ponder whether candlelight really makes me look my best. To be honest, I really love retail store changing rooms. Rarely do I see myself with bad skin in those “transform me, genii” cubicles. Perhaps it’s the distraction with the clothing. But I do suppose that retail stores employ more magical mirrors and lighting (just like the music) to increase browsing time and spending. It’s part of the works. Maybe department store skin care and cosmetic counters should change their lighting to be different from retail lighting because most of the time customers will realize that they look pretty good already and the price tags don’t justify the spending 
Most of my woeful skin moments occur at night in front of the bathroom mirror. Would it be possible that the lighting in my bathroom is the source of all my skin stresses? How can I enjoy seeing perfect skin in the mirror more often? And which types of lights should I sit under or around on a date? From my observations, daylight can do wonders for a teenager’s while maturer women benefit from specific indoor halogen lighting.
I have noticed this forever and have always been sensitive to it, but am now taking a more detailed and serious look at the effect between indoor lighting and how I feel about my own skin, as well as my makeup application. Sometimes my skin looks AMAZING, absolutely baby-ish incredible (so do other guys and gals in the room), under certain retail florescent lighting, halogen lighting, and other forms of white light, even when no one is particularly made up. Sometimes, what looks like the same lighting will give me bags and shadows under my eyes and other ill appearances. Makeup looks well blended under certain lighting and a mess under other lighting. Sometimes I look best in a yellow hued light, as if the room’s ambiance is my “tan”. Old bathroom florescent lights with a blue green tint make me look the worst, as do some yellow bulb lighting that accentuate redness, roughness, and active pimples (boo!), which were completely invisible under daylight.
Has anyone gotten this down to a formula? Those makeup mirrors that claim to come with superior lighting for makeup application don’t really serve any purpose for me; my experiences with them were mediocre at best. How important is lighting to you when it comes to perfect skin?
We might even be able to turn this into a Law of Attraction thing by presuming that by “seeing yourself in better light” so to speak, you will feel better and actually experience less skin imperfections or makeup over-dos than if you always saw yourself under crappy lighting and collect a litter of “fix-my-skin” products that actually add to the stress and worsen your skin!
Respond here below or at InnerRewards: http://www.innerrewards.com/topics/beauty/discussions/lights-camera-action-lights-a-factor-to-perfect-skin-and-makeup/
Krill oil vs. Fish oil? I found krill oil supplements at Costco when I was shopping for omega-3 fatty acids. Amongst all the varieties of fish oils and flaxseed oils of Omega-3 fame, krill oil came in a tiny bottle that was 4 times the price of its gigantic bottles of fish oil counterparts.
Next thing I know someone is posting questions on InnerRewards http://www.innerrewards.com/topics/food-nutrition/discussions/krill-oil-vs-fish-oil/ asking about krill oil. And here I post my answer!
Krill is super high in omega-3 fatty acids, being the major food source of deep cold water fish (the ones we extract fish oil from) from salmon, to seals and whales. A lot of omega-3 supplements in Asia and Europe are labeled KRILL OIL or SEAL OIL. Yes! It’s true! Imagine your omega-3 oils coming from aquatic park performing animals. Nasty imagery aside, health and beauty benefits are our focus for now.
Fish oil is much more commercially available and affordable than krill oil, and provides EPAs and DHAs in either ester form (not so good in many experts’ opinion, very synthetic and “pure”) or triglyceride (natural fats) form, a form that our digestive system is most familiar with.
Krill oil on the other hand is touted to be of a composition that is most “cell friendly” than triglycerides— in “phospholipid” form — of which our cell walls are of the same structure. How this fares through our digestive tracks, I am not sure. I agree that it sounds great on paper! (see http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2008/07/23/krill-oil-48x-better-than-fish-oil/)
Krill oil is definitively “better” than the standard pharmaceutical grade fish oil because it contains extra antioxidants like vitamins A, D, E, and astaxanthin, which are absent from fish oil. Taking krill oil eliminates your need for extra fat-soluble antioxidant supplements… so think of it as a 4-pills-in-one type thing.
If you’re going for EPA and DHA (specific forms of Omega-3 that benefit brain, mood, and are potent skin beautifying agents), Krill oil and fish oil are DEFINITELY better than flaxseed oil, being animal based and much easier for the human body to effectively absorb than flaxseed omega 3s. Krill obtains their high omega-3 content from algae, I suppose similar in molecular composition to the Alpha Linolenic acid (omega 3 vegan form) in flax, which requires mega enzymes from the mammalian body to convert to EPAs and DHAs.
I am upgrading my Omega-3 to Krill oil the next time I go Omega-3 shopping!!
When browsing through a local Japanese market, I saw these adorable little aluminum foil packets with a sucker device attached that is labeled as a jello-drink that is infused with beneficial antioxidants and nutrients. It is made by SATO in Japan, distributed by Sato Pharmaceuticals in Singapore and contains the following:
10mg of Coenzyme Q10, 15 mg of Royal Jelly Extract, 3mg of Oriental Ginseng Root Extract, 24mg of L-Leucine, 19mg of L-Isoluecine, 15mg of L-Valine, 7mg of L-Carnitine as LCarnitine L- Tartrate, and 5mg of alpha Lipoic Acid.
This fascinating ingredient label instantly attracted my attention and my dollars. The texture is absolutely refreshing, being a suckable drinkable jello, and the flavor is a mild herby sweet.
I sucked down two 150g bags of these things and I love them! It’s really nice to see this types of product on the market.
Having suffered from acne for about 4 years, having tried everything, and finally successfully “won my battle” against it, I must say that the two key active ingredients to use for effectively reducing acne and one lifestyle must. See this link for my discussion activity with the “pros” : How to Reduce Acne and Skin Congestion
The two actives are: NIACINAMIDE (at least 5% in aqueous solution) and MANDELIC ACID (at least 10%, optimally 15%). These two ingredients work wonders on acneic skin, leaving every other acne-fighting ingredient in the dust as supportive ingredients at best.
The number one most important lifestyle habit to take on is perform deep cleansing and detox every day. This runs close to the danger of becoming “laxative dependent” but as long as you choose your deep cleansing formulas wisely, your daily cleansing efforts (involving bowel movements! a must!) will reflect positively on your skin.
The fastest and quickest way to stop acne breakouts immediately is taking ibuprofen at as high a dosage as your body can handle. i have found that the Advil liquid gel caps work faster and better than generic ibuprofen tablets. This also depends on your body weight and is NOT a long term solution.
Hot peppers, green chilis, red chilis and other chili peppers have a 10,000 years history in the human diet, adding flavor and aroma to dishes, enhancing the enjoyment of food, spicing up “reproductive” romance, and providing potent nutritional support to the body. The spiciness and heat of chili peppers, the main “attraction” of the flavor, comes from a natural anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory nutrient called capsaicin, which is used widely in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals for the treatment of many inflammatory diseases.
Chilis, green, red, yellow, all hot and spicy, have the power to transform simple food into culinary creations. Chilis improve appetite, enhance digestive function, and enjoyment of food in significant ways. In our diet-crazy era where we force ourselves into militaristic eating habits and a myriad of dietary restrictions, hot chili peppers remind us through our tastebuds and burning tongue into embracing the enjoyment of food once again; to indulge freely in sensory happiness, which are crucial to any healthy lifestyle. Hot chili peppers are so “addictive” and so popular that according to food historians, despite having its domesticated and agricultural origins in South America since 7500 B.C., chili peppers and hot peppers spread quickly and became an essential favorite through all major culinary centers, including China, India, East Asia, and Southern Europe.
Hot chili peppers contain high levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 (niacin) and an adequate amount of pro-vitamin A (beta carotene), all of which are significant antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress and free radical damage. Capsaicin, the chemical that releases spiciness in hot peppers, is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory agents that occur naturally.
Capsaicin naturally present in hot peppers is a potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory that provide much benefits to the body. Its health effects are so noteworthy that it has been formally included by the medical industry as a successful treatment for bad cholesterol, various types of Arthritis, heart diseases, high blood pressure, inflammatory diseases, muscle pains, cluster headaches and migraines, obesity, insulin problems, ulcers, night vision issues, and even certain cancers.
Spiciness from hot peppers have anti-microbial effects and help keep food fresh for longer without refrigeration in countries that have limited sanitation technology.
Despite all of its great health benefits and culinary value, exercise eating hot peppers in moderation and eat them fresh. Because of how intense they are, hot peppers can easily trigger a variety of gastro intestinal problems, from ulcers, stomach perforation, acid reflux, indigestion, irritated bowel syndrome, to diarrhea. Many dried hot pepper powders may be contaminated with industrial chemicals that are known carcinogens.
See more discussions on Green Chilis and Hot Peppers at The Health Benefits of Green Chilis on my favorite Health Beauty Wellness Community!
Obsessed with anti-aging goals, cell rejuvenation has become a key topic of our interest. This article introduces the latest theories to cell rejuvenation and the easiest way to start rejuvenating your cells. By following these principals and adjusting your diet and lifestyle accordingly, you gain a higher chance of success with youthful cell expression and overall cell rejuvenation.
Things You’ll Need:
How to Rejuvenate Your Cells Easily with Dietary Supplements
Step 1:
Start taking high dosages (3000mg ~ 8000mg daily in 3 doses throughout the day) of high quality Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids such as found through this link: http://nordicnaturals.com/en/Products/Product_Details/98/?ProdID=1469 or http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-Fish-Oil-1-000-mg-CoQ10-30-mg-60-Softgels. Nordic Naturals indicates that its omega-3 is available in triglyceride (fat) form (more smelly, more prone to break down and rancidity, but the kind that our body uses), versus a cheaper, purer (less smelly and longer shelf-life) ester form. Omega-3 in triglyceride form is most bio-available, where your body can readily store it or convert it to the EPAs and DHAs that it needs to keep cells young, healthy, and low on inflammation. Vitacost, on the other hand, does not indicate whether its oils are in triglyceride or ester form, but you can still take them. Omega 3 fatty acids from marine sources are the strongest anti-inflammatory dietary supplements available to your cells. They are important to take on a daily bases in high dosages because of their immediate effect on softening cell membranes and “setting the stage” for the antioxidants you will be taking in this cell rejuvenating regimen.
Step 2:
Take a good synergistic, plant-based antioxidant formula daily. Start with 300mg of green tea extract with at least 50% EGCG (the most potent active in green tea for antioxidant protection) and Resveratrol at 100mg per day. Adding antioxidants to your diet is currently the most basic, most effective safeguard against oxidative stress and free radical aging and if you’re not taking antioxidants regularly, start now.
Some examples of a good antioxidant formula may be found through the following links:
http://www.skingeek.com/journaling-my-nutritional-supplements-vitamin-log-4-29-2009/
http://www.skingeek.com/super-nutritions-antioxidant-power-ingredients/
Step 3:
Include mitochondrial metabolites that help improve the efficiency of cell functions and extend the youthful lifespan of cells. Include 300mg of alpha-lipoic acid and 150mg of acetyl l-carnitine in your daily supplements regimen. These two supplements can be found at major grocery stores or health food stores and should be an important staple in your dietary supplement.
Step 4:
Lastly, include a potent anti-glycator, such as l-carnosine (at least 500mg daily) in your dietary supplements. Anti-glycators are extremely important in keeping your collagen and protein structures from cross-linking (an expressing of aging) and remaining soft, flexible, and young.
Resources
A new article on RealAge.com has announced that there is a superior Sugar That Staves Off Hunger. It claims that the sweetener glucose can trick your brain into “feeling full” while the sweetener fructose leave you hungry for more.
Another related discussion regarding sweets and sugar has sparked a lot of interest, where the beauty asks: “How do I cure my sweet tooth and my after dinner dessert cravings?”
http://www.innerrewards.com/topics/health-wellness/discussions/how-to-cure-a-sweet-tooth/
Skin Geek answers:
Not all sugar is pure evil.
First of all if you’ve already eaten a meal, your blood sugar level should be already high and additional sugar will not cause an insulin spike (which encourages fat storage and inflammation in your body). It may add to the calories but your body won’t go crazy converting that sugar to fat. I also feel that sweets after a meal helps me digest the heavier, more oily foods a little more efficiently. Something to do with carbs burning faster and your body cannot efficiently process protein and fats without a little bit of sugar and simple carbs (fuel!).
Next, I just found this little gem: www.realage.com//ct/eat-smart/food-and-nutrition/tip/8618 where they claim that glucose can help reduce hunger while fructose leaves you hungry for more (warning: high fructose corn syrup is the major sweetener in most processed foods and bottled drinks… so stay away from these!). If you’re craving sweets, good traditional desserts and sweets that use only natural ingredients should be totally satisfying and enjoyable without too much damage to the system, so you don’t have to feel so guilty… Live a little
Mineral makeup has been the rage in cosmetics for quite a while now, touting brand new skin benefits that leave traditional powders and foundations “in the dust”. The “true” mineral makeup is 100% dry (no liquids, moisture, oils, fats, emulsifiers) and of 100% inert composition (minerals only, no organic compounds), making it “unable to harbor bacterial growth” and rendering anti-microbials, preservatives, and masking agents like fragrance obsolete and unnecessary. It all sounds like good news for skin on paper. But how does it play out on a day to day basis?
Can we really finally stop worrying about contamination, germs, and expiration when it comes to makeup and ditch the old wive’s warning that “makeup will ruin your skin!”? Can we, as Bare Escentuals claim, really “sleep in our makeup” from now on without the makeup removal paranoia and OCD cleansing routines we have regimented ourselves with?
I found this link http://www.signatureminerals.com/ingredient-comparisons.html and discovered that most mineral makeup products are not 100% pure minerals. They contain corn starch and vitamins (which could harbor bacteria growth) which though aren’t bad for skin per say, could go bad.
For the mineral makeup wearers out there, do you feel that mineral makeup improved your skin?
How long do you keep your mineral makeup around for and do you ever notice change in color, texture, wear, etc?
I haven’t updated my vitamin log in a while and have finally gotten around to “filing” this one.
Funds have been astringent so I have been particularly keen in getting the best deals while maintaining the highest quality of regimen possible in a minimal funds situation.
First of all, to maximize absorption of my carefully selected vitamins and nutritional supplements, I take digestive enzymes prior to meals and swallowing my standard 12 pills.
Next comes the green tea EGCG, from Costco. Costco used to carry pure green tea extract in 300mg dosages (50% EGCG). Now Costco in my neighbourhood only carries the “FAT BURNER” version, which includes other herbal extracts that contain high levels of natural caffeine. Either way, I am after the EGCG so, it doesn’t matter what the bottle label is marketing the green tea to. 300mg of green tea extract at 50% EGCG is plenty to protect from general oxidative and free radical damage. I take 1200mg daily.
Next, I require myself a very good synergistic blend of all the most powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and plant extracts that come in an easy to take formula. I recently finished a bottle of new antioxidant blend formula that I haven’t tried before aptly named “Enhanced LIFE PRESERVER, Serious Antioxidant Protection,” made by Vibrant Health and purchased at the Berkeley Bowl grocery store. I’ve stuck to my Super Antioxidant blend from Whole Foods (forgot the brand will fill in tomorrow) for more than a half dozen rounds and it was time to change up the formula. The Enhanced LIFE PRESERVER ingredients list is here: http://www.vibranthealth.us/lp.html and the nutrients that got me to favor this formula include: Tocotrienols, multiple versions (water and fat soluble) of Vitamin C, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, a nice, basic nutritional co-factor profile and good plant extracts repertoire.
Prior to this awesome Vibrant Health formula I might have gone with something like this: http://www.vitacost.com/Natures-Answer-Antioxidant-Supreme
Or choose one that has low beta carotenes and vitamin A (vitamin A causes complications for me) and instead relies on more phyto chemicals and plant extracts for a wide spectrum and synergistic antioxidant blend.
Next is Omega, the biggie for me. If finance and diet permits, I would be downing Omega 3 (EPA and DHA) all day long. One of the most expensive omega 3 fish oil supplements in the retail market are those by Nordic Naturals, which carries a spectrum of highly concentrated, natural triglyceride form of EPA and DHA (the best kinds of Omega 3 fatty acids you should be taking in abundance!). I was willing to splurge on this one (especially their best formula, “Ultimate Omega”) even in financial limitation not just because the saleslady at the stand in WholeFoods Palo Alto was superbly friendly but was also patient, working through all of my “amateur’s questions” and the saveur’s qualms. I ended up buying a liquid form and a gel capsule form, comparing all the dosages, concentrations and composition of Nordic Natural’s vast spectrum of Omega 3 products. You can see it all here: http://nordicnaturals.com Since discovering this company in 2005 I have been convinced that they carry some of the highest quality omega 3 fatty acids for dietary supplmentation around commercially. They were the first to claim molecular distillation, pharmaceutical grade, and the first to add natural lemon and natural Vitamin E to their omega 3 formulas.
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