Emily's Favorite New Product -- Mandelic Acid

Emily's Favorite New Product

Recently I started using this serum from Vivant. I apply it with fingers every morning after washing my face. Due to it's acidity it acts as a pH rebalance and a daily exfoliant all in one. I have noticed a more even complexion, less acne, and softer skin. So here's the DL... 

What is Mandelic Acid?

Mandelic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid.  Derived from bitter almonds, it has a number of benefits for the skin.

The molecular structure of mandelic acid is larger than better known alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid and lactic acid.  This means it takes longer to penetrate the skin's surface and is much less irritating. 
Benefits
--Rapidly exfoliates dead skin cells and surface debris from the skin.
--Mandelic acid has antimicrobial/antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for all types of acne, including cystic acne.

--Loosens blackheads for easy extraction.

--Cleans and refines pores.
--Refines the tone and texture of the skin, brightens.

--Mandelic acid is excellent for clients with darker skin tones.  It does not cause the unwanted, lighter skin tone changes that you might experience with other AHA's.

--Mandelic acid inhibits the growth of melanin, the cause of brown patches, freckles, uneven skin tone and other sun-related skin care issues.

--Mandelic acid, with continued use, can help repair sun damaged skin.

--Mandelic acid reduces lines and wrinkles without the irritation of other AHA's.
--Mandelic is typically an excellent exfoliator for clients suffering from Rosacea.

 

Passion Fruit Scrub & Mask

A fresh start for your spring cleaning... 

Passion Fruit Facial Scrub

I recommend this scrub to  get soft, supple and radiant skin. Passion fruit is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, so it is very useful for our total body health and our skin. When you use it as scrub, its tiny seeds acts as exfoliant. You can eat this tasty fruit raw or cooked.

Ingredients:

• Ripe Passion Fruit pulp

• One teaspoon honey

• One teaspoon of oatmeal powder 

• A pinch of turmeric powder 

• Two or three drops of fresh lemon juice.

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients together in a bowl

• Throughly wash face.

• Now apply scrub to your face with your fingertips, protecting your eyes and gently massage skin in circular motion for 3 minutes

• Leave mixture on your skin for 10 minutes then cleanse off with lukewarm water and follow with your usual skincare routine

Grasshopper Mint Facial Mask

Grasshopper Mint Facial Mask

Ingredients: 

• Small bunch of fresh mint leaves

• 2 tbsp oat flour

• 4 tbsp plain yogurt

How to:

-In a medium bowl, mix four tablespoons of yogurt with two tablespoons of oat flour. 

-Cut some mint leaves to a very fine texture and mix it into the bowl. 

-Apply the mask to your face and let it sit for 15 minutes. 

-Wash off the facial mask with warm water.

Benefits of a Mint-Leaf Mask

1. Mint can help fight against dry skin, leaving it hydrated and vibrant. Use the mint-leaf facial mask recipe above or opt for a cream infused with mint or mint oil. Mint can help maintain the moisture in your skin, leaving it feeling soft.

2. Acne affects people of all ages, but mint can help replace the moisture that is stripped away from frequent face washing and acne treatments. Use the mint-leaf face mask recipe or apply a dab of any mint-based toothpaste to pimples.

3. Blackheads can be easily treated with a mint-leaf solution. Use the mint-leaf recipe or mix three mint leaves with a cup of boiling water to create a toner for the skin. To minimize the look of pores, mint leaves can be applied to the skin.

4. Foot moisturizers are essential to keep your feet and toes smooth and free of tough skin. The mint-leaf mask can also be used on the feet to get rid of cracked or rough skin that may appear on the bottom of your feet or heels. Repeated applications may be necessary.

5. Mint can do wonders to relieve insect bites. Just dab a bit of the mint mask onto insect bites or stings to get a cool sensation and to get rid of that itchiness. The mint also helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

DIY Awesome Aloe Vera Mask

Awesome Aloe Vera Mask 

Aloe vera is an amazing plant that may be used for various health and cosmetic goals. Its clear gel-like flesh is included in hair masks and conditioners, treatments for skin and even in natural juices. 

1. Add 1/2 tablespoon of Aloe Vera gel into a small container
2. Add 1 tablespoon of seaweed (kelp powder) into the container.
3. Add 1/2 tablespoon of honey (raw honey works best) into the container.
4. Mix all the ingredients together, and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
5. Wash your face with soap and water, and dry it with a towel.
6. Now apply the Aloe Vera mask mixture over your face (be sure to avoid your eyes).
7. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water only (no soap)

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How to Make an Orange Chocolate Mask

How to Make an Orange Chocolate Facial Mask

Dark chocolate - better for your skin than you think! Here is how to use dark chocolate on your skin for a delicious facial. If you love chocolate and happen to have some to spare, try this delicious facial.

Orange essential oil is shown to promote the production of collagen as well as increase the blood flow to the skin.

• 2 bars of dark chocolate

• 2/3 cup of milk

• 1 teaspoon of sea salt

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 drop orange essential oil

1 Heat nutty dark chocolate in a boiler.3 minutes will work well.

2 Mix sea salt, brown sugar, and 2/3 of a cup milk in a bowl.

3 Remove melted chocolate from heat. Mix melted chocolate with salt/milk mixture.

4 Allow to cool.

5 Mix in 1 drop of orange essential oil.

6 Apply to your face while cool but not hardened. Before the chocolate becomes hard, smear on your face and leave it on until it hardens. Relax lying down while waiting.

7 Wash or chip off with a mild cleanser and warm water.You can add a lotion on afterward.

8 Now you have a clean, as well as chocolaty, face! **Enjoy!**

A La Mode Facial Mask

If you want a side of cream with your pie, try this one... 

Heavy Cream Easy-To-Use Facial Mask

Ingredients :

• Heavy Cream ( Milk Cream )...................... 1 Tablespoon
• Honey ....................................................... 1 Tablespoon
• Baking Soda ............................................. 1 gram

How To :  

Mix the baking soda with the cream until it acquires the consistency of men's shaving foam - Add honey and mix, smooth the skin of face and neck for 20 minutes

This is the quickest mask to prepare it has also the quickest effect, since it contains medium chain fatty acids in the free form, sugars, vitamins (specially vitamin A), minerals and trace elements. It will leave your skin very smooth.

Sugar & Spice Facial Mask

With fall upon us lets celebrate with a sugar and spice mask to take the day away. Here's the easy recipe to fall into relaxation. Honey Face masks are popular because of several skin benefits honey offers. Honey is good for you in both the ways either taken internally or applied topically to the skin. Honey as a basic ingredient in a facial mask furnishes many skin care remedies. Honey helps to cure acne, scars, wounds, wrinkles and even dry skin.  To read more about Honey and the skin go here: http://goo.gl/qGpyOo

Sugar & Spice Facial Mask

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

2 tbsp honey

Mix all together and cover your face. Spices should be enough to bind the honey. Relax for up to 15 minutes, then rinse.