Skin Care Recipes with Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is commonly used in skin care products because it offers so many benefits. It can soften, soothe, and hydrate and has the ability to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin to promote cell regeneration. Additionally it has both antiseptic and antibiotic properties which makes it highly effective in treating skin irritations such as cuts, burns, eczema, and sunburns and will also relieve the itch from poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac.

The active ingredients in Aloe Vera are quite remarkable. Although the plant is 96% water, the remaining 4% contains active ingredients such as seven amino acids, minerals and vitamins (A, C, E, B, B12, Folic Acid) and enzymes. The Vitamins A, C, and E contain antioxidants, which are why they are so widely used in skin care.

Another reason Aloe Vera is used so heavily in the cosmetic industry is because very few people are allergic to this wonderful plant. However, as with any new product a patch test is recommended. To do a patch test, break off a small portion of the plant and apply a small amount to the inside of wrist, wait 24 hours to see if there is any indication of an allergic reaction.

Growing your own Aloe Vera is recommended. They are a hardly plant and easy to care for. In many households, they are often grown on windowsills so that the wondrous properties of the plant are always available. Store bought gels, although effective, will never compare to the effectiveness of a freshly cut leaf. This is due in fact to the time that has elapsed from harvest to the final product and display.

If you decide on purchasing your Aloe Vera gel, read the label to ensure that it is 100% pure.

Below are some easy Aloe Vera skin care recipes:

Aloe Vera Moisturizer

Mix together 1 tablespoon olive oil, and gel from one large leaf Aloe Vera plant. Apply a light layer every evening for a deep penetrating moisturizer. Keep unused portion in refrigerator for up to three days.

Oily Skin Facial Mask
1 teaspoon green clay
1 teaspoon Aloe Vera gel
1 teaspoon Witch Hazel
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Mix all ingredients to make a paste. Apply to face and let set for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water then cool water.

Softening Face Scrub
1 Tablespoon Aloe Vera gel
1 teaspoon honey
2 Tablespoon finely ground oatmeal or cornmeal
Mix all ingredients and massage into skin. Rinse with warm water then cool water.

Get more skin care recipes, skin care articles and beauty tips at Complete Skin Care Therapy or check out Skin Energizer and get 15% off skin care products!

Free Skin Care Samples - Check it out

2011 Best Beauty Products

On the September 21st Today Show Ms. Linda Wells, editor and chief of Allure magazine revealed the best of the best beauty products for 2011. Below are the products they featured on the Today show. So what do you think of these products? Have you tried any of them and if so do you think they are the best of the best? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Maybelline Volum' Express  - It's not mascara, it's false lash glam in a tube, instantly patented spoon brush and pro keratin fiber formula instantly build 8x more volume without clumping. Unique flexible wand helps lift and separate, to provide the look of 3x more lashes.

NARS Blush - Orgasm - Made with transparent pigments for a soft and sheer look. Imparts a natural, healthy glow for any skin tone and may be worn alone or layered together for more depth and intensity.

Living Proof NO Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner - Developed for all hair types, No Frizz shampoo contains the same frizz-fighting technology as our styling products. The first new anti-frizz technology in over 30 years, it does what silicones can't;eliminate frizz by blocking humidity-without weighing hair down. No Frizz shampoo enhances the benefits on No Frizz Stylers, leaving hair deeply hydrated, incredibly soft, smooth and, of course, frizz free.

Yves Saint Laurent Gloss Pur - Yves Saint Laurent GLOSS PUR Pure Lip Gloss creates a beautiful and glossy sheen to the lips without sparkle. The wand allows you to glaze your lips with the utmost precision as it delivers a flash of luminous sheen and rich tint

Loreal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolor - Indulge in the color of pure luxury. Color riche nurturing and protective lipcolour is now richer, creamier and more moisturizing than ever before. In addition to nourishing ingredients like omega 3 and vitamin E, the formula has been enriched with argan oil.

 

Sally Hansen Nail Strips - Nail art is becoming really fashionable. According to Allure these nail strips are easy to apply and last for up to 10 days.









For more product reviews pick up the October issue of Allure magazine. It lists 193 products they consider to be the best of the best.

Also, stop by Complete Skin Care Therapy and read more about skin care and hair care. or do the skin care interactive crossword puzzle here.

Skin Care Crossword Puzzle

Test your skin care knowledge.  You can either print this out or complete it online at Complete Skin Care Therapy

DOWN


1: removes last traces of cleanser and can restore pH balance
2: condition where skin starts to show signs of ageing
3: topical applications that are used to correct dryness and scaling of the skin
4:an acid ingredient found in many over the counter acne products (two words together)
7: chemicals that neutralize free radicals
9: ingredient that lightens skin
11: acne like condition characterized by redness
15: abbreviation for sun protector factor

ACCROSS


5: another word for Vitamin A
6: protein found in the connective tissue that makes the skin resistant to stretching
8: acid commonly found in skin care products and often used in chemical peels –abbreviation
10: another word for age spots (two words)
12: soothes dry skin, often used after cleansing
13: method used to slough off dry, dead skin
14: another word for facial wash
16: preserves the moisture or water content in the skin

Selecting the Right Shampoo and Conditioner for Your Hair Type

Beauty supply stores and retail discount stores have a plethora of products to choose from. Therefore, selecting the right hair shampoo or conditioner can be a bit overwhelming. Just as like choosing any skin care product understanding the condition you are trying to address will aid in selecting the right product.

When selecting your shampoo and conditioner, the questions you should ask is "what is my hair type" and "what problems am I trying to address".

Coarse and dry hair is caused from lack of moisture to the ends of the hair. This lack of moisture is also the reason for split ends. When selecting shampoo and/or conditioner seek out ingredients that are rich in moisture such as shea butter and emu oil to name a few. Damaged hair will also benefit from moisture rich shampoo and conditioner. Additionally, hair masks that add protein and moisture will alleviate dry coarse hair.

Recommedation: Emu Shampoo and Conditioner






Hair that is limp and fine is usually on the oily side too. While this hair type does not necessarily need a conditioner it may need a volumizing shampoo and a spray mist for detangling. Spray conditioners or detanglers are perfect as they do not reach the scalp and add any unwanted oil.

Recommendation: Oily Hair and Scalp Kit

Breaking hair is the result of not enough moisture to maintain flexibility. This is a common occurrence in Black and African American women due to the hairs naturally and tightly wound nature. A conditioner that adds protein and amino acid will alleviate breakage and repair the cuticle layer. Additionally, some homemade protein masks will do wonders.

Recommendation:  Nourish for Dry Brittle Hair

For those lucky enough to have normal hair (no obvious signs of damage, split ends, to oily or to dry) select products that will add shine, bounce and luster.

For more hair care articles and recipes visit Complete Hair Care Therapy.

Also check out Healthy Hair Plus and and get 15% off great hair care products.