bookmark_borderHow to Take Care of Your Skin on Spring Break

So, you’re heading out on spring break? While you’re obviously excited and hopefully already have your bags packed, we’re sharing a few words of caution to make sure your trip is comfortable and fun. Spring break introduces a variety of skin challenges, ranging from intense sunburn to poor water quality. Here are a few ways to take care of your skin on spring break.

Be sure to pack and use sunscreen. Ideally, you should pack a few different sunscreens for each activity you plan on participating in. For example, if you’ll be swimming all day, make sure you have a waterproof version that won’t slide off. Look for formulas that contain SPF 30 or higher and also have high levels of zinc oxide. If you anticipate a burn (or are being extra careful), bring some natural aloe vera to soothe burns.

Be prepared for a breakout or two. Chances are that if you’re spending time in a warmer climate, you will inevitably be sweating more and producing more oil. This can cause surprise breakouts, so it’s best to be prepared with a spot treatment or acne-clearing face wash. And throw in a small pot of concealer while you’re at it!

Exfoliate when needed. If your skin does start peeling or gets dry or damaged from the sun/climate, you’ll want to bring a gentle exfoliator, like Shinso Glow, in your suitcase. This helps get rid of the skin cells you no longer want and lets your healthy skin breathe.

Stick to the basics. You can’t carry your entire bathroom with you on vacation, so be sure to pack only what is necessary. You don’t want to spend your entire vacation applying lotions and creams, do you? Look for products that serve multiple purposes, like moisturizers with a hint of color for a natural (and safe) glow.

bookmark_border3 Things To Stop Doing for Great Skin

There are various actions you can proactively take to help improve your skin, ranging from eating the right foods to using the correct products for your skin type. In addition, there are a few things you should stay away from if you want a clear and glowing complexion. Below are just a few things to stop doing if you want good skin.

  1. Smoking.  Smoking depletes your body of nutrients that it needs, like Vitamin C. Smokers often see negative effects on their skin, including bags under the eyes, premature aging, a loss of a natural glow and even redness or other skin tone issues. Studies show that after only 10 years of smoking, it’s already possible to see the effects in the faces of young adults.
  2. Taking hot showers. It can be tempting to take hot showers or baths, but in reality, they are bad for your skin. When you shower with very hot water, you will notice that your skin will get redder than usual. This is how you’ll know it’s too hot. When you shower in that temperature of water, it strips away the skin’s natural and healthy oils and moisture. Without these oils and moisture, your skin becomes dry, itchy and cracked. So cut the shower a bit shorter and adjust the temperature just a little to see instant results in your skin’s health and quality.
  3. Letting stress get the best of you. Stress affects everyone differently, ranging from mood swings to bad skin. Stress causes a chemical response in your body that could lead to various reactions. These reactions often include breakouts, hives or rashes to name a few. If you have an existing skin condition, such as psoriasis or rosacea, stress can worsen the symptoms and appearance. To reduce stress to improve your skin, be sure to continue taking good care of your skin and health (such as exercising and eating right).

bookmark_borderHow to Get the “No Makeup” Look

A trend we’ve been seeing all over the runways and magazines has been the “no makeup” makeup look. If the whole concept confuses you, let’s break it down. The “no makeup” makeup look uses just a few products to give your face a healthy glow and natural flush. It doesn’t include anything bright or glittery or bold. Here are a few steps and tips to achieving the look.

  • Perfect your skin. When your skin is healthy, moisturized and (mostly) free of blemishes, you don’t need to use as much makeup. You can skip the primer, foundation, concealer and powder and opt instead for a tinted moisturizer. To get your skin in tip-top shape, be sure to use an exfoliator and moisturizer hand-in-hand on a daily basis. If you do have flaws, use a concealer in the same shade as your skin to cover them up.
  • Enhance your best features. If you have naturally thick eyebrows, just tidy them up a bit with tweezers and a tinted brow gel for a natural look. If you love your lips, apply a lightly tinted lip balm for a “my lips but better” shade that gives them a touch of sheen. By working with your best features and highlighting them, you’ll end up using less products all together.
  • Give your cheeks a natural flush. Pinch your cheeks and notice the color they turn. This is the shade of blush you should look for when shopping for makeup. It mimics the natural flush when you are flattered- and it will leave you looking healthy, pretty and natural.

bookmark_borderThe Importance of Vitamin C for Your Skin

Everyone knows how important vitamins are for your health- they help improve your health, skin, hair and more. One of the best vitamins for you is vitamin C. Vitamin C can be found in bell peppers, dark leafy greens, kiwis, broccoli, berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, peas, papayas and more. It also can be found in various skincare products. Below are just a few reasons why vitamin C is so important for your skin.

  • Vitamin C works to maintain healthy and young-looking skin. Young skin is full of vitamin C, but as you get older, you lose the nutrient. People who smoke cigarettes, are exposed to lots of UV light or live in a highly-polluted area may also be lacking vitamin C. Vitamin C works to reverse the aging process in your skin, especially on your face.
  • Vitamin C fights wrinkles and reduces their appearance. Vitamin C works to produce collagen, the protein that gives skin elasticity. Collagen breaks down as you age, which results in wrinkles. To keep your skin from forming wrinkles, take or use products with vitamin C in them to counteract the loss in collagen.
  • Vitamin C helps reduce the appearance of age spots and skin discoloration. Many women deal with uneven skin tone or dark spots. Sometimes these can be from the sun or from general aging. Whatever the reason, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that works to reduce the number of damaged skin cells and reverse the damage to your skin. Using a skincare product with vitamin C in addition to daily sunscreen is your best bet to healthy, ageless skin.

bookmark_borderBeauty Benefits of Coconut Oil

Cococonut oilconut oil has been around for centuries, yet it seems that it has just gained mainstream popularity in the past year or two. Coconut oil can be used in cooking, cleaning and even on your hair and skin. It’s a great alternative to over-the-counter products since it’s all-natural and safe. Here are a few of the beauty and skincare uses and benefits of coconut oil.

The main use for coconut oil is as a moisturizer. Apply it to your dry, cracked hands if winter has ruined them (or if you work with your hands a lot and they become rough).

If you run out of shaving cream, coconut oil is an awesome alternative. It’s naturally anti-microbial, so it holds up well in the shower and bathroom areas.  The oil’s skin-soothing properties will also leave your legs looking hydrated.

Coconut oil can be used as a natural highlighter. Dotting the oil on the tops of your cheekbones adds a natural shine and sheen without being too greasy. Skip the expensive highlighters and try coconut oil out.

Not only does coconut oil work as makeup, but it also removes makeup just as well. Smear a spoonful of coconut oil around your eyes to remove mascara and eyeliner. It helps if the oil is a bit warm, so you can always rub a bit in your hands before applying. Then wipe away with a clean washcloth and you’re done.

Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial, antifungal and moisturizing. Many women use it as a nighttime moisurizer on their face and neck.