Blog Posts by Carol Belanger

Oatmeal in skin care products has been around as long as I can remember and I will say that I am now over 50 years old. As a teenager I recall using facial masks and bath and body products that contained oatmeal. I loved oatmeal skin care products then, and to this day I still use oatmeal in my skin care routine. The only difference now is that I make my own oatmeal scrubs and masks and will soon try my hand at making some oatmeal bar soaps.

Oatmeal has wonderful properties that can nourish and heal and good for all skin types. It is hypoallergenic and contains amino acids which will keep the skin will hydrated. As we all know amino acids have a positive effect upon cells. They can help improve skin that has been scarred and I have read that they are more powerful than alpha-hydroxyls in terms of smoothing the skin and improving tone and color. Another plus is amino acid is not photosensitive and does not cause irritation that alpha and beta hydroxyls have.

Additionally

With the onset of the H1N1 pandemic and the normal flu season at bay, it is no wonder that hand sanitizer sales are on the rise. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers kill harmful bacterial, such as streptococcus, salmonella, staphylococcus, E. coli and shigella. Hand sanitizers physically destroy the germs however these products do not claim to kill viruses.

While hand sanitizers can be useful when soap and water are not available, there are key elements that make them effective. For a hand sanitizer to be effective it must contain at least 63% Ethyl Alcohol, any percent less than that will not be effective in killing germs. Unfortunately there are hand sanitizers on the market with an alcohol content of 40% which will have no effect when sanitizing the hands. Always check the label for the concentration of alcohol if buying an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

Furthermore, just like properly washing your hands a hand sanitizer needs to be applied to the top, bottom, sides, inside

Emu oil is made from the fat of a large bird called the Emu. These birds are native to Australia and history has it that this oil was used by the Aborigines for treatment of wounds, burns, scars, and muscle and joint paint. Emu oil is comprised of approximately 70% unsaturated fatty acids including an omega -6 and an omega-3 fatty acid.

The cosmetic properties of Emu oil were studied at the University of Australia and their findings were remarkable. They found that it is a very effective moisturizer and offers skin softening and skin cell rejuvenating properties. Emu oil penetrates deep into the dermal layers of skin thus diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally it has anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory properties, which will help heal sunburn, skin rashes, eczema and other skin disorders. It is also non-comedogic, non-greasy, and hypo-allergenic.

The latest research in skin care indicates that essential fatty acids are important to achieve great skin and great

History
The oldest use of essential oils goes back as far as 6000 years when Egyptian physician, Imhotep, the then God of Medicine and Healing recommended fragrant oils for bathing and massaging. In 4,500 B.C. Egyptians used myrrh and cedar wood oils for a embalming their dead and 6,500 years later the preserved mummies prove the fact discovered by the modern researchers that the cedar wood contains natural fixative and strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties. From that time forward there has been numerous instances recorded on the use of essential oils in healing.

Today, research has proved the valuable and multiple uses of essential oils. Medical research in the recent years has uncovered that the odors we smell have a significant impact on the way we feel. Smells act directly on the brain like a drug according to scientific research. For instance smelling lavender increases alpha wave frequency in the back of the head and this state is associated with relaxation.

Fashion isn't just the clothing you put on; it includes the color of your eye shadow right down to the color of your fingernails. Pretty well manicured fingernails can add so much to your overall look.

So what are the latest trends in fingernail polish and shape? Well after some thorough investigation it appears that dark colors are the trend this year. Colors such as dark orange, coppers, wine, lavender, navy, plums, reds and dark browns are the color of the season. Additionally shimmer, glittery or sparkly is in for fall. These dark colors and shimmering colors are great for the night on the town! For the office consider nude/opaque colors and light pinks.

In addition to making a fashion statement with your new nail color, this season's style seems to opt for the shorter length. Fingernails that extend slightly past the tip of the finger are the idea length. The shape of the fingernail this season is somewhere between oval and square. The trend seems to have moved

There seems to be a debate on whether or not a toner is necessary in your skin care routine. I for one am a dedicated toner user. Toner has been part of my skin care routine since I was in my twenties and I am now over 50.

Toners are used after cleansing your face but before moisturizing. They are meant to remove the last bits of cleansing lotion, dirt or debris and to restore the skin's pH balance. Additionally, depending on the type of toner and the ingredients they contain, they can offer anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Toners refresh and cool the skin and prepares your face for the next application of your skin care routine, such as applying your moisturizer or makeup, if any.

All skin types can benefit from a toner. However be sure to use the right toner for your skin type. Furthermore, find a toner that is free irritants such as acetone, mint, menthol and SD alcohol, and ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol is very drying to the skin and harms the

Homemade skin care is fun, easy to make and both effective and inexpensive. Hope you can try some of these recipes and let me know what you think.

Toner for Large Pores

10 drops Patchouhli essential oil

2 fluid ounces of distilled water

Mix both ingredients in a small spray bottle. Shake well to blend oil and water prior to each use. Spray on clean, washed face.

Patchouli offers many benefits in skin care products. Has a toning and tightening effect due to its astringent properties and therefore cools inflamed skin and heals rough cracked skin, sores and wounds. Also have diuretic properties which prove valuable for water retention and cellulite. Patchouli also proves effective for aging skin as it is believed to be a tissue regenerator thus promoting growth of new skin cells.

Firming Face Mask
1 Tbsp. honey
1 egg white
1 teaspoon glycerin
¼ cup flour
Blend & smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse

Softening Facial

I suffer from under eye bags and puffiness in the mornings and I was ecstatic when I received Olay's anti-aging roller for eyes to review. How exciting!

On first glance, I was intrigued. The product is about the size of a marker with small rollers on one end. A couple of clicks on the other end send the fluid to the rollers. Application is easy; just roll on under and around the eye area and then massage with fingertips.

Olay's claim for this product is to "reduce eye puffiness, regenerate skin's appearance to diminish fine lines and wrinkles." So knowing Olay's claim, I used the product everyday as directed and evaluated whether there was any improvement in diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and eye puffiness.

The first thing I noticed was how cool it was on the eye area and found it to be very soothing. Additionally, it is a lightweight and non-greasy formula that quickly absorbs into the skin. It is also a fun product to use and I can see how the rollers can