Heal Your Heels!

Dry heels can be both irritating and really ugly! When the skin on the heel of a person’s foot gets too dry, it may become thick and hard as well as cracked and flaky. Often, dry heels are little more than a cause of annoyance and embarrassment, especially when a person must walk around in sandals or bare feet in front of others. In some cases, however, the heels may become so dry, irritated, and cracked that the feet begin to bleed. The skin of the heel becomes very hard and may even develop discoloration.

CAUSE

The primary cause of dry, cracking heels is neglect- simply not taking the time EVERY DAY to take care of your feet! I know I am so guilty of this. Other causes include poor fitting shoes, wearing open heeled shoes, age and certain skin conditions.

TREATMENT 

Exfoliation is an important part of treatment for dry heels. There are many products on the market that can help a person to get rid of dry, dead skin cells. For example, a person may use a heel smoother, which is small device designed to smooth cracked heels and slough off dead skin. A person may also use a pumice stone or even a rough towel to rub away the dry skin; there are even exfoliating creams that have tiny particles for rubbing off dead skin. Some people recommend soaking the feet in warm water before exfoliating to make the process easier and more effective.

Moisturizing is another important part of caring for dry heels. When you get out of the bath or shower, you should apply a moisturizing lotion. However, moisturizers aren’t just for after bath time; a case of dry heels probably warrants moisturizing at least twice per day. Wearing a moisturizer to bed is also a good idea, as it allows the moisturizer to soak into the foot during the night, without such impediments as shoes rubbing up against the heels.

The trick to remember is this- beautiful and healthy feet are no accident. Moisturizing two times EVERYDAY is the real key!!

Want more info on healthy and beautiful skin?
http://swissbeautyworkshops.blogspot.com

So, what is the right way to wash your hair?

Most of us think we have this all down pat, after all, we have been washing our hair all our lives. How could we go wrong with something like washing our hair? However, we might be washing our hair the wrong way and contribute to its damage without actually knowing it.

What we should remember about our hair is that the individual strands of our hair, no matter how thick or strong it looks, is actually very delicate. So we cannot just tug and pull at it, or else it would break.

So, what is the right way to wash your hair? 
The first thing you should do is to comb the tangles out of the hair before you wet it so the hair would wash easily and the tangles would not worsen. For best results wet your hair with warm water to open the scale-like cuticles of the hair and wash all the oil and dirt off. And then, you can rinse your hair with cold water afterwards to close the cuticles and add to the shine of your hair.

Rinse your hair under the shower to rid it of the leave-on conditioner and styling aids you have used previously, using gentle strokes of your fingertips. Then, pour a dollop of shampoo in the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together, and then apply the shampoo to your scalp. Take note that you should put the shampoo on your scalp and not at the ends of your hair, as the shampoo would dry your hair's ends and cause it to weaken and split. Also, do not mix your hair all over your head as you shampoo because it will get all tangled up. After this, rinse the shampoo off.

More often than not, we need to shampoo our hair for a second time. The purpose of the first shampoo is to clean the oil and dirt off; the second shampoo is supposed to let the shampoo treat our hair. So, repeat the process, but let the shampoo sit on for around a couple of minutes. Rinse the hair completely after this.

To get the excess water off your hair, just squeeze the water out. Do not pull or tug at the hair because the hair is at its most delicate when it is soaked. When the excess water is out, apply a dollop of conditioner  and apply it along the hairline, the nape and the ends of the hair. Pile your hair then inside a shower cap and let the conditioner stay there for around ten minutes. And then, rinse it off completely.

The process described here does seem tedious and time-consuming. But remember, having great hair takes a bit of time and effort. And it is definitely worth it for picture perfect hair.

Want more info on healthy and beautiful skin? 
http://swissbeautyworkshops.blogspot.com

The "bottom" line...

I know this is a bit off subject, but today I’m posting about the health of your babies bottom.

When your beautiful baby is born, her skin is often perfect in every way. It is softer and smoother than it will ever be again. You are upset when she wakes up and her bottom is red and irritated when you change her diaper. What happened! What did you do wrong? Absolutely nothing!

ALL BABIES HAVE DIAPER RASH! Having a diaper rash is a normal part of being a baby. There are many ways you can limit the amount of rash, but from time to time it will flare up again.

WHY BABIES GET DIAPER RASH

Start with ultra sensitive skin, add the chemicals and moisture of urine and poop (yep, I used the “poop” word), cover the area with a diaper that rubs back and forth, and you have diaper rash. This damaged skin is susceptible to the invasion of bacteria and yeast, which can make the rash worse.

If you are constantly battling rash, here are some helpful hints to minimize it:

1- Change diapers frequently - at least every two hours in newborns.

2- Try different brands - if using disposables, another brand may fit a little better and cause less friction.

3- Rinse cloth diapers - add a half-cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. This helps remove alkaline irritants.

4- Wipe well - be sure to wipe all the poop and urine away.

5- Use unscented wipes or just plain water - these are less irritating.

6- Diaper rash cream - More sensitive bottoms need cream with each new diaper.For best results try a water repelling, herbal based cream.

Want more info on healthy and beautiful skin? http://swissbeautyworkshops.blogspot.com

Eyelashes Falling Out?

I get this question every so often at my Swiss Beauty Workshops...

My eyelashes keep falling out. Is this normal? Why does this happen? Is there is anything I can do about it?

Eyelashes fall out normally from time to time, just as hair elsewhere on the body does. But they can also fall out for other reasons. The medical name for this problem is madarosis, and some causes are pretty obvious - such as the way you remove eye makeup. Wiping your eyes too vigorously can pull out a few lashes: better to use an eye makeup remover that does the job without the need for rubbing. In addition, heavy mascara can actually weigh down delicate lashes and cause them to fall out, and the pressure of an eyelash curler can pull them out as well.

Some have a nasty habit of unwittingly pulling out their eyelashes without much thought to the consequences. It is never a good idea to fiddle around with your eyelashes as they take lot longer to grow back than the hairs in other parts of your body.

Other potential causes include eyelid infections from sharing makeup or using a dirty applicator. A thyroid condition (either underactive or overactive) can also be to blame. You also should investigate the possibility of infection with a mite called D. folliculorum, which can cause swelling and inflammation of the eyelash follicles.

If none of these possibilities seem to fit your case, you might consult an eyelid specialist (an oculoplastic surgeon), who should be able to figure out what's going on.

Want More Info on Skin Care: http://swissbeautyworkshops.bolgspot.com

Got Pimples?

I get this question a lot, usually from one of my younger blog readers, even though pimples can be a lifelong problem.

Is Popping Pimples Bad for My Skin?

Yes, it is. Squeezing, picking at, or pinching a pimple is a REALLY BIG MISTAKE no matter how old you are and can spread your acne and leave your skin with very ugly scars!

A pimple happens when the pore becomes engorged with excess dead skin cells, and bacteria. When you squeeze a pimple, you may force the debris from the pore deeper into the skin. That can cause the follicle wall to rupture and spill infected material into the dermis, the innermost section of the skin. Not only do you run the risk of scarring if you pick at or "pop" your pimples, you can worsen the blemish.

Picking at your pimples can spread infection, and ultimately worsen your acne. Clearly a hands-off policy is the best choice when it comes to your skin.

Want More Info on Skin Care: http://swissbeautyworkshops.bolgspot.com

7 MINUTE / 7 STEP SMOKEY EYE!

1.Apply BLACK OUT  eyeshadow on the corner of the eye with a flat brush and blend it towards the middle.

2. With a blending brush apply a BROWN(JAVA) eyeshadow on the top part where you applied the black one and work upwards till the brown dissipates.

3. In the inside of the eye lid apply VANILLA eyeshadow with a sponge or q-tip, stopping right at the middle of the eye.

4. Turn the sponge or q-tip to the other side and apply a BRONZE or DUSTY(SMOKE) color to the middle of the eyelid and blend with the BLACK/BROWN.

5. Apply a HIGHLIGHTER(SNOW) color under your eyebrow, it can be a shimmery color or white.

6. Apply BLACK liquid eyeliner just to the top of your eye, and then  apply the TRIPLE ACTION MASCARA.. Then with a WHITE eye pencil fill the inside of your eye from  corner to corner.

7. Apply the COCOA eye pencil in the outer bottom of your eye from the outer corner to your tear duct. Then from your tear duct till the inner corner of the eye apply a WHITE(SNOW) eyeshadow and mascara in the bottom lashes, and DONE!

Need more info: http://swissbeautyworkshops.blogspot.com/

I get this question all the time: Is it safe to share makeup?

Is it safe to share makeup?

This is another question I get almost every day, usually from teenage girls who are using discount makeup products or spending a lot of time at the makeup counter at the mall. Let’s face it, there are times when we all are tempted to share makeup…

When it comes to makeup, it’s best to be selfish and keep your products to yourself. While most cosmetics contain preservatives to help slow the growth of bacteria and fungus, sometimes this isn’t enough to prevent your makeup from getting contaminated. In fact, in one study researchers found bacteria such as staph, strep and E. coli in department store makeup testers. Each time you touch a lipstick or mascara, you are potentially introducing germs to the product. And the more people who use it, the greater the likelihood of spreading infection. Since mucous membranes are more susceptible to getting infected, lip and eye products should never be shared under any circumstances.

PRODUCT REVIEWS

PRODUCT REVIEW

Arbonne Digestion Plus

I  have now used this new product from Arbonne for 30 days and love the way that it works. This single-serving stick packet contains a mild-flavored powder that can be added to any cold or room temperature liquid. Provides prebiotics, probiotics and enzymes to help support optimal digestive health.

Key Ingredients: Arbonne enzymes, bacillus coagulans, Arbonne probiotics

A robust, patented strain of probiotics that are clinically proven to help support gastrointestinal (GI) health.

Verdict:  Recommend

PRODUCT REVIEW

Arbonne RE9 Advanced Cellular Renewal Masque

I have used this product for some time now and WOW I just love it! This is Arbonne's latest addition to the RE9 Advanced line that I feel really completes the system. The Cellular Renewal Masque has alpha and beta hydroxy acids, vitamin C, marine lavender, kudzu, algae extracts, pineapple and papaya enzymes, combined in the mask. This aids in improving skin tone and texture, in addition to pore minimization. In a nutshell, this product is the answer for people with skin discoloration, uneven texture and large pores — sounds like me!

The Renewal Masque is designed to be used on all skin types, is gluten free, vegan certified and dermatologist tested. Speaking of testing — what’s interesting according to a press release, “89 percent of participants reported an immediately smoother, softer texture to their skin after just one use of the Renewal Masque.”

The Anti-Aging Cellular Renewal Masque is just one of 12 products in the RE9 Advanced system. According to Arbonne, the system synergizes nine major age-defying elements and botanicals and is clinically proven to start working within 24 hours. The products within the system include a Smoothing Facial Cleanser, Collagen Support Dietary Supplement, Regenerating Toner, Nourishing Body Wash, Intensive Renewal Serum, Firming Body Cream, Corrective Eye Crème, Instant Lift Gel, Restorative Day Crème SPF 20, Age-Defying Neck Cream and a Night Repair Crème.

Verdict:  Recommend

PRODUCT REVIEW
Heys USA eCase

Just got a close-up look at the Heys USA eCase at a women's show in Las Vegas. One of the skin care consultants I know "rolled” in pulling this stylish case. This is a fantastic case that is just the right size for carrying your files, skin care products/ displays, laptops etc. I highly recommend this hard sided case that can be ordered in many colors and has a TSA approved lock. The case that I saw was a leopard print but I am leaning toward an orange or gold case to match my skin care samples and displays.

Verdict:  Recommend

PRODUCT REVIEW
Jergens Naturals Glow Daily Moisturizer

No self tanner is perfect but Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer satisfies many who want a tan without the harmful effects of the sun. This subtle self tanner works over a period of days to gradually build up a non streaky glow. It doesn't look orange or fake- but on the other hand I don’t think it moisturizes the skin very well and doesn't smell all that great. Being very fair skinned, I have always had trouble with self tanners. I always ended up a very streaky orange color, if the product even worked at all. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer worked with just two applications. No streaks, no orange tint. It looked natural and stayed on for a week after I stopped applying it.   Reviewed by: Andrea D

.

Verdict: Recommend with reservations- interesting smell, contains petrolatum, mineral oil, plus other negative ingredients. Questionable as a moisturizer...

PRODUCT REVIEW
ARBONNE Herbal Detox Tea

Clean and refreshing. This cleansing, purifying tea contains herbs that assist the liver, kidneys and blood by supporting overall health and preparing the body to achieve weight loss goals and maintain good health by helping to eliminate toxins.

Verdict:  Recommend

PRODUCT REVIEW
ezTowel

Ok- this is just about the best product to ever come along! It's called the eztowel. I take these everywhere. I travel with these and they are awesome to use to wash my face morning and night.
I use these at all of my Swiss Beauty Workshops- I just hand them to my guests and the problem of washcloths is solved! They are the size of a nickel when you take them out of the pack and then just add water and they grow into a full size washcloth.

Verdict:  Recommend- one of the best products ever!

PRODUCT REVIEW
Arbonne FC5 Nourishing Daily Shampoo with fresh kiwi cell extracts and Moisture Fresh™ Complex

A few friends have recommended this shampoo to me and I have fallen in love. This shampoo is a rich, moisture-infused shampoo that helps restore hair’s luster and improves shine, leaving it soft and manageable. Safe for color-treated hair.

Key Ingredients: fresh kiwi cells; Moisture Fresh Complex of cucumber, birch leaf, watercress, clover blossom, St. John’s wort; lemon verbena botanical plant, rose geranium botanical plant, vitamins A and E, wheat protein, biotin, hops extract, nettle extract, panthenol

Hair Types:all

Verdict:  Recommend

PRODUCT REVIEW
Arbonne FC5 Nourishing Daily Conditioner with fresh carrot cell extracts and Moisture Fresh™ Complex

This daily conditioner that works along sideof Arbonne's FC5 Shampoo helps hydrate, maintain and protect hair, leaving it soft and manageable. Safe for color-treated hair. 

Key Ingredients: fresh carrot cells; Moisture Fresh Complex of cucumber, birch leaf, watercress, clover blossom, St. John’s wort; rose geranium botanical plant, lemon verbena botanical plant, golden jojoba oil, hops extract, nettle extract, yucca extract, vitamins A, C and E

Hair Types: all

Verdict:  Recommend

Let me know if you have had a good experience with a product and I will look at it and maybe include it in the blog.

Reviews posted reflect the “opinion” of the person who wrote the review. As such, we accept no liability for any statements made in reviews, nor can we make any guarantees about the accuracy of information contained therein. In some instances the person who wrote the review may also be a distributor for the product reviewed.

Omega 3: Fish or Supplements?

Omega 3 supplements are some of the fastest growing biggest selling supplements on the planet, and  for good reason. Science has confirmed over and over that Omega 3 fatty acids are extremely good for us, and we all ought to be eating more.

But because fish is expensive and normally contaminated with some heavy metals like Mercury, we shouldn’t eat it all the time. So Omega 3 capsules are usually taken.

But there is also a link between Omega 3 and skin health. And so many people who take Omega 3 capsules do so for better skin as well as for better health.

Studies have shown a lessening of wrinkles after some months of Omega 3 supplementation, and an improvement in skin firmness

Contact me at: naturalswiss@earthlink.net

MINERAL OIL- a polite name for refined crude oil.

Mineral Oil is refined liquid petroleum (crude oil). It is colorless, transparent, odorless and tasteless. It is an occlusive oil, which means that when used in skin care formulations it sits on the surface of your skin. Because it sits on the surface- your skin only “feels” smoother. If poorly refined it can clog pores.

Some premium skin care lines choose not to use mineral oil because they believe it is not beneficial for daily skin care use. It may be disruptive to normal skin functions and may hinder delivery of beneficial ingredients deeper into the skin.

Instead of mineral oil, many lines choose to use natural oils that have moisturizing and conditioning properties such as jojoba, almond and wheat germ that do not have extreme occlusive properties.

How to Spot Mineral Oil in a Product?  You can detect it by its aliases, "petrolatum," "petroleum jelly," "isoparraffin," and "parraffinum liquidum”.

 

Contact me at: naturalswiss@earthlink.net

You have got to be kidding me!

No matter what you may hear at tanning salons, the cumulative damage caused by UV radiation can lead to premature skin aging, wrinkles, lax skin, brown spots, as well as skin cancer.

Contact me at: naturalswiss@earthlink.net

My 7 tips for healthy skin...

1. Protect yourself from the sun

A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, freckles, age spots and rough, dry skin. Sun exposure can also cause more-serious problems, such as skin cancer. For the most complete sun protection:

Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

Wear protective clothing.

Use sunscreen when you're in the sun. 

2. Don't smoke

Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity.

3. Treat your skin gently

Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin, so keep it gentle:

Limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin.

Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers.

Shave carefully.

Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry.

4. Eat a healthy diet

Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

5. Manage stress

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems.

6. Get enough sleep (see above)

7. Find a great skin care line and STICK WITH IT UNTIL YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR SKIN!

Contact me at:  naturalswiss@earthlink.net