We all know that hydration is crucial and that drinking plenty of water optimizes the functions of the body. What some people forget is that the body needs not only to be hydrated from the inside but also from the outside. With the summer sun sapping moisture from your skin, it’s the perfect time to introduce ultra-moisturizing shea butter treatments into your skincare regimen.

Shea butter comes from nuts of karite trees, which are only found in the wild in the savannah regions of West and Central Africa. It is said Cleopatra used to smooth shea butter onto her body to counteract Egypt’s scorching climate. Centuries later, people around the world turn to this versatile skincare ingredient for all manner of applications from soothing scrapes to treating parched hair.

closeup of shea butter and shea nuts

Shea trees can live for 300 years, but they produce nuts only once annually. It takes about 15 to 30 years for karite trees to bear high-quality fruit that is later crushed and boiled to obtain a yellowish-colored fatty extract. According to the American Shea Butter Institute (ASBI), this product, which is rich in vitamins A, E, and F, is a superior moisturizer that contains remarkable healing properties for a variety of skin ailments, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It is also used to fortify and protect cell membranes, fade scars, minimize the appearance of stretch marks and wrinkles, improve hyperpigmentation, offer natural protection from harmful ultraviolet rays, and even relieve sinus problems. Shea butter is known as one of the most effective skin healers and moisturizers ever created. Originally used by African healers thousands of years ago, shea butter remains one of nature’s most potent skin rejuvenators and hydrators.

The ASBI recommends using the cold pressed shea butter that does not contain chemicals or preservatives. The ASBI classifies products as A, B, C or F. Class A is premium shea butter while class F is poor quality shea moisturizer. Pure shea butter is also edible and has long been used for cooking in many parts of Africa. Unrefined 100 percent shea butter is available at health food stores throughout the US.

This deeply nourishing product also has a low melting point, and it penetrates quickly when it comes in contact with the skin without leaving behind any greasy residue. Shea butter’s ease of use and myriad benefits have made it extremely popular and a darling on spa menus. Shea butter is high in oleic acid – a deeply moisturizing essential fatty acid that comprises the trademark thick texture. It’s also an ideal carrier for essential oil blends and mixes well with other oils such as fractionated coconut, jojoba and safflower.

While shea butter is effective on the body, it can also help people put their best faces forward and be a saving grace for those with troubled skin. Studies have shown it to be a natural anti-inflammatory agent. It decreases any acne flare-ups while naturally hydrating the skin, hence normalizing the sebum production to avoid future outbreaks – leaving the skin less oily.

Shea butter works well on all skin types, even sensitive skin. In addition, it boasts cinnamates and other compounds that may help inhibit enzymes that contribute to the inflammatory response.

The delicate and wrinkled eye area can benefit greatly from using shea butter to plump the skin around the eye area and help erase crow’s feet. Because the eye area does not have many oil glands, the skin around the eyes easily dehydrates without the ability to reproduce oil. The use of shea butter in eye cream provides a rich and healing source of hydration to penetrate the neglected eye area, keeping it supple and helping it retain moisture.

Also look for shea butter in your all over body creams and body butters. Shea butter and Coca Butter is used to help skin of all types heal and regain moisture levels and leave a silky finish. In addition to treating the delicate eye area, lips and lip lines can also be improved with shea butter. Not only does shea butter nourish the skin but it is also used to treat troubled tresses. Warm shea butter can be applied to the shaft of the hair to heal, protect, and penetrate every strand to make hair shinier, softer, and stronger. This treatment is perfect for people with dry, damaged, or over-processed hair as it promotes restructuring of the hair shaft. It’s beneficial to those who have been exposed to the sun and ocean, or extreme elements that are damaging and drying to the hair.

No matter what your outdoor preference is this summer –whether it is swimming, hiking or simply sunning – be sure to include versatile shea butter in your skin care treatment plans!

Popularly referred as glycerol, glycerin is an odorless, sweet tasting liquid which is utilized in different beauty and cosmetic products. It is highly popular because of the different advantages that it can offer for natural skin care. It is obtained from a mix of fat that is obtained from water and vegetable oil.

Glycerin has water-drawing capacity and is non-toxic in character. It draws moisture in the skin and lets it stay nourished and moisturized. It is safe for using in skin care products and used for babies and children. It is a versatile component as it never loses its chemical constancy when combined with other elements.

Glycerin is known for its various advantages that it offers for treating dry skin. It protects chapped skin and aids in creating a smooth skin layer. It draws adequate quantity of moisture that is needed for moisturizing dry skin. This ingredient is used in soaps, creams and body lotions. It is very mild and has no side-effects. It also helps in reducing skin problems like eczema and psoriasis.

Even those with oily skin can use moisturizers or a cleansers containing glycerin without excess drying effects that other products may produce. Glycerin has the capacity to reduce the emergence of fine lines and wrinkles and helps in guarding against bacterial infections. You can use glycerin or products with glycerin on a regular basis to keep skin plump and moisturized.

Many of the Vivoderm facial creams and body creams contain glycerin; including the Cocoa Butter Foot Cream, Anti Wrinkle Eye Cream and Intense Moisturizer among others.  If you are looking for natural products with glycerin that combat acne, try Vivoderm’s Zinc Repairing face cream. It helps to retain the skin’s moisture and reduce the signs of aging thanks to natural sunblock properties that reduces wrinkles and sun damage. Fifteen percent zinc also aids to reduce acne breakouts and heal acne scars.

DERMSTORE Spring 2014 Product Features the Vivoderm Intense Moisturizer and a double package of our Anti-Aging Mask two-package deal.

 

 

 

“Struggling with extremely dry skin? The Vivoderm Intense Moisturizer offers instant relief, utilizing the repairing soothing and moisturizing powers of chamomile, aloe vera, coconut oil and antioxidants to keep your skin smooth supple and hydrated for up to 12 hours. (1.6oz) $43.95″

 ” The ultimate potion to add to your weekly routine. The Vivoderm Anti-Aging Mask! This 100% natural treatment addresses fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone with powerful botanicals like rosemary, mint and green tea. Just mix it with water, yogurt, aloe vera or any of your favorite oils! (3 pieces).”

 

See Vivoderm’s Anti Aging Mask in “TAKE A LOOK” Dermascope Magazine for May 2014!

“Vivoderm’s 100% HERBAL ANTI AGING MASK uses actual pulverized herbs along with natural proactive enzymes and vitamins to regenerate skin, reduce age spots and discoloration, boost vitamin intake and provide nutrients and antioxidants to the skin. The powdered mask can be custom-blended with natural ingredients of your choice to enhance the effectiveness. Mask kit comes with a ceramic mixing bowl and wooden scoop.”

Nowadays most people are choosing to go natural for treating their skin. If you want to avoid harsh chemicals, you must choose a skincare brand that helps to clean, replenish and heal at the same time. The best brand for you would be Vivoderm. It believes in harnessing nature’s powers to restore, repair and protect your skin. The natural skin care products are safe for all types of skin.

This reputed herbal skin care brand use nature’s most potent ingredients in their products that help in healing your skin. Our skin absorbs a lot of things that comes it in contact with. All day long it is exposed to a lot of chemicals and pollutants that are harmful for the skin. Hence, it is of utmost importance that you use natural skin care products that would be beneficial for your skin.

Vivoderm Sample Kit for $1

Vivoderm offers a wide range of products that you can consider for healing your skin. From their famous 100% herbal anti acne mask to their anti aging kit, there are plenty of products to choose from. Since the Vivoderm line is so rich and effective,  you will be able to save money too.

If you are unsure whether the natural skin care products will work on your skin then you can order for a sample kit for just $1. It is an affordable and convenient way to try out the product line offered by the brand. The kit contains the full line of facial creams – zinc and intense moisturizer, foot and body cream along with a large face mask sample for anti-aging.

You can also buy the products in packages that will work out more reasonable for you. Some of the package deals include the cleanser and toner package, sun damage duo, and anti-wrinkle bundle.

Give your skin the nutrient-rich healing it deserves and avoid the chemicals.

Lavender is part of the mint family and has sweet smelling purple flowers. Earlier, it was used for washing clothes and as a bath scent. Skin care products with lavender claim to have huge benefits. You can use this oil effectively for treating your skin naturally . Natural skin care products like facial moisturizers or eye creams  use lavender to reduce inflammation and help heal skin. Lavender has been known to be quite effective for treating skin burns and healing wounds.

Natural Skin Care with Lavender

You can add a few drops of lavender oil in cool water or a natural carrier oil to treat your skin. You can also make a cool compress and use it for treating sunburn. It is very soothing for your skin when you treat sunburns with this natural oil. Lavender oil is beneficial for acne too. You can dab some oil on your pimples with a cotton pad and it will act as a natural antibiotic. Lavender oil has antibiotic properties and is highly beneficial for your skin. With this natural skin care product you will be able to moisturize and tone your skin.

One more tip: you can use it on stretch marks three times a day for effective fading .

Lavender is one of the main ingredients in Vivoderm’s anti-aging eye cream. The cream repairs, hydrates, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It is filled with other exotic herbs, minerals, and vitamins that are beneficial for the skin around the eyes. It helps to soften lines and prevents the occurrence of any future wrinkles. You will surely be able to get rid of ‘crows feet’ when you are using this product.

Looking younger is a universal wish. The development of modern technologies has led to the rise of many treatments that promise to help in the process. Treatments like Botox®, laser, and surgical procedures have gained prediominance.

But often, people do not want to get into these complex treatment procedures. These treatments, at times, can also prove to be dissatisfying. Furthermore, these practices can also bring harmful effects to your skin.

So, these days have marked more and more people seeking natural products that would enable their youthful skin to re-emerge. As most of the ingredients of these products are sourced from natural extracts, they are safer to use.

Today, there are a lot of dermatologists who prescribe natural products. These skin care experts are of the view that the natural products are made devoid of any side effects.

These skin care products, as made from fruits like apples, papayas, oranges, and many more are good for the human skin. These also help in negating the vices of premature aging.

Plant oils like lavender or almond oil also help a variety of skin types to rejuvenate and revitalize. The presence of vitamin A, B, and C in these skin care products also promises much to capture the skin’s natural sheen and youth.

With all these pros, fighting aging with natural skin care products is nowadays on a constant high. So, if you wish to get best of results and that too without any hassles, you need to go for the available natural skin care products.

Long ago, when there were no synthetic products, still ladies were so beautiful. You know what was the cause? It was primarily due to the use of natural facial products as a part of their daily skin care regimen. This shows the irrefutable significance attached to these products. Such items were used by them in order to cure even more rigid ailments. Technology has changed but skin is same which has led to increased use of herbal facial treatments even in present times.

Face is undoubtedly the most prominent of all body parts. More than any body part face commands daily and effective skincare. Facial skincare is a three steps easy way. Deep facial cleansing, facial nourishing and facial moisturizing are three steps to a great facial skin.

One of the best ways to ensure wholesome skin care is through natural treatments and products as these tend to be mild and gentle on your skin. Various beauty and cosmetic products contain harsh constituents or elements which may lead to redness of the skin, allergies, burns or skin reactions. In order to avert these circumstances, it is appropriate to switch to various homemade and natural skin care treatments.

Many people say they have sensitive skin because:

• Certain skin care products, or household products that contact their skin, cause stinging, burning, redness, and/or tightness.
• Although they have no visible effects after contact with a product, it always makes their skin feel uncomfortable.

  

  Beautiful Skin

Dermatologists, doctors specializing in skin, consider the diagnosis of sensitive skin when they:

• See skin reactions such as pustules, skin bumps, and/or skin erosion.
• Observe excessively dry skin, which doesn’t adequately protect nerve endings on the skin and may lead to skin reactions from cosmetics or skin care products.
• Notice a tendency to blushing and skin flushing, which may also be signs of sensitive skin.

If you have purchased manufactured skin care products or facial masques (masks), then you have probably used chemical products designed to mimic natural ingredients. These chemical products are sometimes harsh and can do as much harm to delicate skin as they do good. Sometimes it is more beneficial for your complexion to use a facial product using fresh, natural ingredients whenever possible.

All skin types benefit from exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells), and moisturizing ingredients. Some skin care products are designed to specifically exfoliate and moisturize and can be used by all skin types. others are best for those with sensitive skin.

Herbs, fruits, dry fruits and some vegetables are generally used to make natural facial products.  At times, certain cereals might also be used to prepare them. Since natural products are free of chemicals, you don’t have to worry about the side effects as well. Moreover, on using them, your face will radiate a natural glow that can, perhaps, not be seen when you use the shop-bought beauty products.

Specific guidelines are lacking, but most “skin-friendly” products contain:

• Only a few ingredients
• Little or no fragrance
• Methyl paraben or butyl paraben preservatives

If you have sensitive skin, avoid products containing:

• Antibacterial or botanical ingredient
• Skin-penetrating solvents such as ethanol and propylene glycol; opt for nonpenetrating ingredients such as polyethylene glycol

Sensitive skin tends to be thin and delicate with fine pores. It flushes easily, is prone to broken capillaries, is frequently allergic and can easily break out in a rash. There are many degrees of “sensitivity” in the skin, from very sensitive to slightly sensitive. Pay attention and  identify and determine the resistance of your own skin.

Many people have sensitive skin today due to the overload of chemicals found in most store-bought products. Sensitive skin can be temperamental and does not take well to harsh treatments. It reacts to many environmental factors in an aggressive way, it gets red, swollen or itches because of exposure to the sun, wind, too cold or too warm water, alkaline water and many others. It may react easily to many ingredients in cosmetics, and in extreme cases, to even substances around the house. Some of the reaction of sensitive skin can be confused with some skin conditions such as: rosacea, eczema or sun damage. So you should consult a skin professional if you think your skin is temperamental.

If you have sensitive skin, never fear, with proper care, you can help your skin to find the right balance and look great for many years. First, your skin needs to be clean. Use a very gentle product twice a day, followed by a light toner. Your toner should be alcohol-free. You need to use a rich, but water-based
moisturizer. Avoid greasy products, lanoline, mineral oil, and other ingredients that may block your pores and cause black heads or pimples.

Although your sensitive skin is delicate, you may still use hydrating masks and a very gentle exfoliant once a week. Avoid steam during facials, and in general, avoid drastic temperature changes. Hot baths, saunas and steams may cause broken capillaries in your skin.

If you get professional facials, always tell your esthetician before starting that you have sensitive skin. She may not be able to extract as much as needed, but it is better than irritating your skin. Facial massages are good for you, because it stimulates circulation and relaxes the muscles. Be sure to have facials in a reputable day spa or medical spa where hygiene is paramount. If you have extremely sensitive skin, you should visit a dermatologist.

It is important to drink water to keep your system clean and hydrated. You need to pay attention to your diet to help your skin find the right balance. Try to eat fresh foods rich in nutrients. Some supplement of Omega-3 may benefit your skin. You can also consume this oil in flax seeds or salmon; among others. Choose butter over margarine and a little of butter or olive oil is good for your skin.

The objective of using a mask is to protect, soothe and combat inflammation and irritation on the skin. Sensitive skin needs very refreshing and calming ingredients that will not shock or irritate it. At home you may use Aloe Vera with a couple of drops of blue chamomile essential oil. To calm your skin, use natural products that contain calming ingredients like chamomile, oatmeal, cornflower, milk and licorice.

Blueberry Toner
Make this mask the day you plan to use it, and do not store.

3 tablespoons steamed, crushed blueberries
1/2 C. sour cream or plain yogurt
Purée ingredients in a blender at low speed until well mixed and fluffy. Apply to face and neck. Let penetrate for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with tepid water. If you find the mask is too runny after blending, you should refrigerate for one hour or until of the consistency you desire.

ALMOND FACIAL MILK
The herbal waters are antiseptic and toning. Grapefruit seed extract is available in health food stores, and is included in the recipe as a preservative.
• 1/2 cup rose, lavender, or distilled water
• 1 teaspoon pure vegetable glycerin
• 1/4 to 1 teaspoon cold pressed organic almond oil
• 12 drops grapefruit seed extract
Make the rose or lavender water by placing a small handful of dried organic rose petals or lavender in a pint mason jar and adding boiling water to cover. Let steep overnight, then thoroughly strain. Combine the remaining ingredients in a glass jar and shake to blend. Dab some on your fingers or a cotton ball and massage into your skin. Rinse with warm water. Keep stored in the refrigerator for no more than a month or so. Discard at the first sign of mold.

Apple Face & Neck Gelee

Yield: Approx. 2 applications
Ingredients:
4 teaspoons hot distilled water
1 teaspoon freshly juiced apple juice
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin
1 heaping teaspoon powdered pectin

Add the glycerin to the water/juice/gel combination and stir to fully incorporate. Add the pectin while the liquid remains quite warm (if it cools, place it in the microwave or a double boiler to raise the temperature) and use a hand held electric mixer to blend, or stir vigorously to dissolve the pectin. Once the pectin has fully dissolved, a light gel will begin to form. This may take from 15 minutes to 1/2 hour. Once the gel sets, Apple Face & Neck Gelee is ready to use. Apply the gel in a layer to your clean, damp face and neck. Rest for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and follow with a light moisturizer if desired. Leftover product can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Enjoy!! The shelf life of this product is necessarily limited by the fresh apple juice. It should be used within a few days after it is made.

APPLE SKIN TONER

Intended for slightly oily skins, we’re told by our skincare team that Apple Toner is an excellent substitute for rubbing alcohol (a real no-no, as it actually stimulates the oil glands to produce more oil).
Combine 2/3 cup witch hazel,
1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar,
and several drops of Lavender Essential Oil (or essential oil of your choice).

Mix, and add to clean bottle. Shake bottle well before using, and then dampen a cotton ball or pad saturated with your toner, and swab over face. Witch hazel is a gentle astringent, apple cider vinegar will help restore your skin’s natural ph balance, and lavender soothes sensitive skin.

BASIL ACNE TONIC

Basil is known for its “soothing and toning” properties.
2 to 3 teaspoons dried basil leaves
1 C. boiling water
Steep basil leaves in water for 10 to 20 minutes. Cool, then apply to face with a white cotton ball. Keep tonic refrigerated. Recommended shelf life: 90 days.