The Beauty Behind Olive Oil

As the popular saying goes, beauty comes from within. Although olive oil may be seen as merely an ingredient to cook food with, an innumerable amount of scientific studies have proven that olive oil has a boundless amount of health benefits. Moreover, olive oil can enhance and rejuvenate the appearance of one’s complexion.

1. High in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories: One of the predominant reasons the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest in the world is due to its usage of olive oil in cooking as opposed to butter. With components such as Vitamin E and anti-inflammatories, olive oil can prevent serious diseases and can enhance one’s skin by reducing swelling and redness. As I mentioned in my last post, vitamin E especially has properties that will aid in alleviating damaged skin.
2. Smoothens the skin: Although some may fear that olive oil is too “oily” to use directly on the skin, its allaying qualities will actually be profitable. An assortment of olive oil applications can be used throughout the body:
1. Cuticles- Dipping your cuticles in olive oil for ten minutes on a regular basis can have lasting effects. Not only will it soften dry cuticles for an inexpensive price, but it will also stimulate nail growth.
2. Shaving cream- Does shaving cream irritate your skin? Fortunately, an excellent and natural alternative is olive oil! Although some may be dubious of the point of shaving cream in the first place, olive oil can be a simple addendum to your bathing/shaving routine that will leave your skin feeling smoother and shinier than any other shaving cream.
3. Mascara remover: As an individual that has extremely oily skin, I was once hesitant to using olive oil to remove my mascara. However, I promptly discovered the merits of removing my mascara and/or eyeliner with olive oil, as it is much more gentle and effective than using a face wipe or cleanser. Although there are some face washes that effectually rinse off eye makeup, olive oil is much more convenient for people who have sensitive skin and need to use a specific cleanser to disinfect their skin.
3. Strengthens Hair: Interestingly, a lot of hair products, specifically hair oils, contain olive oil due to its strengthening and thickening traits. However, one could just as easily get a tablespoon of olive oil and thoroughly massage it throughout their hair and wash it to get similar results at a cheaper cost.  In addition, olive oil can be lightly put on eyelashes as well with a clean, new mascara brush. I have had success in noticing my eyelashes to be denser and longer by dipping the wand into olive oil and applying the oil as if it is mascara on a daily basis.

Mother nature has so much to offer us!

XOXO

Scrub Up: How to Remove Dead Skin Cells

After spending endless amounts of hours out in the sun, it is time to replenish your skin with an effectual exfoliator. Unfortunately, sun exposure can induce dead skin cell build up, which could leave one’s skin feeling scaly and dry. Therefore, a body scrub will aid in making the skin feel and look smoother.  Although there are some fantastic exfoliants that I occasionally buy such as the KP Duty Body Scrub, I prefer making my own scrubs. I enjoy using natural ingredients with restorative qualities, such as sugar and rose petals, because these elements are not always found in retail exfoliants. It is important to remember that this scrub recipe is to be used at least three times a week in order to see lasting results.

1. Two cups of brown sugar: Sugar is an essential ingredient to exfoliants because it hydrates and balances the skin. Moreover, the sugar particles “scrub” away dry skin (aka dead skin build up). Although brown sugar is more gentle on the skin, white sugar is just as effective for those who do not have sensitive skin.
2. One cup of honey: In addition to keeping the exfoliant together, honey acts as an oil magnet by removing grime from the skin.
3. Two tablespoons of coconut oil: I enjoy using coconut oil in scrubs because it contains a significant amount of Vitamin E. This vitamin alleviates sunburns, peeling skin, and bug bites- the perfect combination for a post-summer scrub!
4. Personal ingredients and/or scents: This step allows you to personalize your scrub! For those of you who savor floral scents, I would recommend adding in essential oils, because its fragrance will rub off on your skin. Cucumber is another popular additive, because it decreases puffiness, reduces oil levels, and leaves the skin looking moisturized. Personally, I love putting rose petals in my scrubs, because of its lovely scent and anti-inflammatory properties. With that being said, one could add whatever their heart desires! Click here for more ideas of natural ingredients that you can incorporate into your exfoliant!
5. Mix it together: These rejuvenating ingredients can be mixed together with a food processor. Although a regular blender may work for some, I have found that the ingredients end up sticking to the bottom of the blender, which ends up being a lot of extra work. Gathering all the ingredients and blending them together should take no longer than ten minutes.

Scrub it up! XOXO

How to get Rid of Acne

Understanding and managing the peculiarities of your skin is a struggle for many people. Especially as a teenager, I understand how aggravating it can be to cope with temperamental skin. However, after years of dealing with stubborn pimples and experimenting with various products, I have finally achieved the best skin of my teen years. Please keep in mind that for those who have acne-prone skin, the following tips must be persistently done in order to notice lasting results.

1. Wash your face with the correct cleanser: As with anything, from clothing to makeup, one style does not suit everyone. Even if your friend has impeccable skin and claims that he or she solely uses water to cleanse their face, that approach may not be effective for you.If you have oily skin, I would recommend the Collins Sensiderm Cleansing Milk, because it is hydrating but also removes excess oil from the skin. If you are unsure of your type of skin, I advise that you take the free Sephora Skin IQ quiz.  Along with providing a description of the type of skin you have, this quiz will recommend what products you should consider purchasing based off your results.
2. Use a toner: While many tend to roll their eyes when told to use a toner, I have found that toner balances the oil levels of my skin. A toner can also be viewed as a “second cleanser,” as it removes any remnants of grime that were not taken off by your cleanser. Just by spraying a few squirts of toner subsequent to washing your face will make your skin feel more refreshed.  Some of my favorite toners are the Fresh rose floral toner and  Mario Badescu facial spray with rose water, because scientific studies have shown that rose water has anti-inflammatory qualities that can lessen the redness of irritated skin and acne.
3. Hydrate: Although this may sound counter-intuitive if you already have oily skin, moisturizing can prevent surplus oil from forming. In fact, applying moisturizer will "trick" your skin into thinking that it has already produced enough oil, hindering additional oil from being produced. Being a person with oily skin, I love using Dermalogica’s active moist, because it is oil free and lasts for a long time.  
4. Limit makeup usage: As some makeup artists will say, “less is more.” In many cases, wearing heavy makeup is not a necessity on a regular basis.  Merely by reducing the amount of foundation you apply or by substituting it with a oil free Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, your pores will not be as clogged up.
5. Nourish yourself: External health begins from within. Processed and oily foods can cause your skin to produce excess oil, leading directly to acne. Foods with  antioxidants and fatty acids such as as salmon and avocado are exemplars of skin-replenishing foods. Taking vitamin supplements such as Collagen (in powder or pill form) can strengthen and balance the skin as well.  
6. Seek medical assistance: Although visiting a Dermatologist can be expensive and difficult to schedule, even just one visit can make a difference. The Dermatologist will listen to all your concerns and prescribe you with treatment you would prefer to take, which can include anything from acne pills to creams. One of the most popular medically prescribed acne treatments is Epiduo, which I can attest is life-changing and painless.