I have been reading the data about this new skin care product my company is retailing.  I ordered it.  When it arrived I cleansed my skin, put my toner on, applied it and I thought I saw practically instant change on my face and on my hands (believe me; I have a long way to go with my hands!)

Matriskin, a skin changer!

It is called Matriskin and it is a glass bottle, a deep penetrating, and light viscosity silky smooth product..  It seems to be absorbed quite rapidly without an oily look.  To some degree it tightens and firms on application or within a few minutes, but what is most exciting is how it has been proven to change the skin over time.  As usual, I will be my own Guinea Pig and will let you know.

I want to highlight what is most exciting about this product; it is considered safe for Rosacea sufferers and dramatically reduces acne in 3 days.  At $150.00 per ounce, I am expecting great things!  I love the ingredients listed in this product and I am looking forward to seeing a difference over time.

If you want to look over the product, here is the link for Matriskin.  I would love for you to tell me what you think.  If you choose to test it with me, I will send you a free gift in exchange for your testimony but, I want you to allow me to coach you on how you are caring for your skin.  Please contact me privately along with a current picture and your skin regime.  Cheers, to looking younger!

via Stop Using ‘Natural’ Deodorants Until You Read This.

TUESDAY: YOUR METABOLISM 101

Link to Jillian Michael’s website

The Truth About Your Slow Metabolism

You probably know someone who can eat everything in sight, but still struggles to keep weight on. I don’t know about you, but I can’t do that. My metabolism certainly doesn’t allow it — and I am guessing yours doesn’t either. So where does a slowpoke metabolism come from and how do you change it? You probably want to blame bad genes for your metabolism. Sure, blame your parents! That’s the easy way out. Genes are only a piece of the picture — it’s the choices you make every day that are to blame. Wise up and take the responsibility yourself!

When we starve ourselves on yo-yo diets, eat processed foods, surround ourselves with toxins, work beyond the point of exhaustion, all these choices influence the way our metabolism processes food, burns calories, and regulates weight. To learn how to manipulate our biochemistry to our benefit, we have to understand how our hormones have already been manipulated to our detriment. Here are some of the ways.

Too many lazy years: You’ve spent a lot of time on the couch. Don’t blame your lagging metabolism just because you never exercised.

Too many yo-yo diets: Instead of maintaining a stable weight, you’ve developed a frustrating up-and-down weight-loss pattern. You know the drill: You’ve repeatedly gone on extreme diets and lost weight, then you’ve slipped back into your old ways of eating and regained that weight.

Too many of the same foods, all processed: You’ve consumed frakenfoods that your body doesn’t recognize as real food — because they’re not!

Too many pesticides in our food: Some farmers spray harmful pesticides on our food, and you’ve chosen those over organic foods.

Too many toxins in our environment: More than 100,000 synthetic chemicals have been registered for commercial use — with 2,000 more added each year — but very few of them have been tested adequately for toxicity. You’ve been exposed to many synthetic chemicals in products in and around your home.

Too many bad bugs — and not enough good ones: You’ve tried to rid yourselves of pests with an onslaught of antibacterial products, which is pointless and not beneficial for the healthy functioning of your immune system.

Too many hours at work — and not enough in bed: You’ve let yourself get stressed out. Stress is like kryptonite for your hormones — even just a bit of it can throw them entirely out of whack.

Too many pharmaceuticals — even in our water: You’ve taken prescriptions dashed off by your doctor and haven’t always checked out how they might interact with certain herbs, vitamins, or other supplements or prescriptions. All these pharmaceuticals could have a serious impact on your hormonal health.

Too many cigarettes: You’ve ignored all the medical findings on the damage smoking can cause. Smoking negatively impacts endocrine glands, which produce hormones, in addition to pretty much every cell in your body.

Basically too much, period! Yes, there is no denying that we are struggling with an environment that conspires to make and keep us fat. But you have the power to do something about it! You need to realize that your metabolism and hormones can start working for you again — just clean up your act with a healthy home and healthy eating, and you’ll be able to tip the balance toward staying naturally skinny.

Don't itch!

Your skin is one big body organ…  and indicator of your health.

Supplementation is very beneficial for the skin with fish oils to improve healthy skin texture, however, I am allergic to fish.  I may struggle  more than most with dry skin.  To compensate, I supplement myself with other Omega 3’s sources, I try to consume flax seed and walnuts and a quality consumable Aloe Vera drink daily.

Prior to recognizing there were other ways to supplement my diet, I visited my family physician.  He told me that there were several things contributing to my skin condition and un-affectionately called it “Winter Itch“!

1. I was taking too hot showers or baths.
2. I needed to run a humidifier during winter heating.
3. Using allergy or sinus medications were poorly treating my sinus situations because exacerbating the issue, I was not using a humidifier in my bedroom at night.
4. Avoid detergents with strong odors opting for clear or baby cleaning products and soaps.
5. And lastly, after bathing, apply a non fragrant lotion while your skin is moist to retain water locking in the moisture.

So to go into these items in a bit more detail…  1.  Yes, I hate not taking a pretty hot shower!  I can’t help it!  Nothing feels better than a hot shower or bath!  But, when you want relief reduce the shower temperature, what can you deal with?  Another shower or bath tip is removing the chlorine with a filter a very harsh chemical on the skin.  You really need to, not to mention chlorine in shower water is really tough on asthmatics, a current epidemic especially with our children.

2. A humidifier or at least a vaporizer in your bedrooms, do you have an in house humidity tester?  But let me also warn you!  To avoid growing bacteria’s and blasting them throughout your home, you must routinely (weekly) clean out these units with vinegar, soaking them and letting them dry out.  (I buy vinegar in the gallon size, it is a great disinfectant!)  To reduce the little white particles that will float and cover your woodwork, the are minerals from you water, you may want to purchase ones that filter, you might want to refer to  Consumer Reports who have some nice buying tips on their website.

3.  Medications, even the ‘over-the-counter’ meds can cause you trouble.  Refer to the fine print and educate yourself!  You have to do this because no one else will!  I like using a Neti pot, it certainly does help!

4.  When skin is becoming irritated, you can get into a vicious cycle making relief a more difficult balance.   Especially if you are sensitive (like me, the Queen!).  There is nothing more irritating than perfums or fragrances, the things manufacturers put into your products to cover up smelly ingredients.  Unfortunately not all products are very healthy either so lets make this simple.  I like to recommend something very natural.

I love coconut in all forms, the oil for cooking and my skin, the flour and the raw meat. LOVE, LOVE, LOve IT!

I like to use Coconut oil (food grade).  Coconut is quickly becoming one of the most useful products in my kitchen.  After I get out of the shower I let it melt in the palm of my hands and rub it all over.  It quickly moves into the skin and it is simple and pure.

Lastly, by no means do I want you to NOT go to the Doctor should your conditions worsen from an irritating mild case of itch.  I am trying to share with you common sense daily tips  but allow me to caution you, there can be many medical reasons for dry skin, so please don’t overlook the fact that you may need to see a Doctor.  Stay healthy and happy this 2010 while I will continue to commit to working hard to helping you be more beautiful too!

Are we making a trade? Vaccine questions.

Why is the Epidemic in Learning Disabilities Linked to This Failed Policy?.

The motives by Lauren Ridinger Cosmetic line is my preferred product.

HOliDAY GLaM!

How to know you are safe when someone else applies make-up on you.

Fear the make-up counter employees!

I recently was walking the Department Store Make-up Counters when once again, I watched a Mac make-up employee apply cosmetics without using sanitary methods.  Dirty brushes placed into the makeup pots and on the face over and over again.  STOP!

You are taking a chance of getting someone else’s eye infection… staph … you name it.  These disgusting habits need to end.  You can’t let them handle products this way.  You are the victim all in the name of being more beautiful.  Are you kidding me?

Hey, the filth doesn’t stop there; this summer, I witnessed a makeup artist in Cape Cod work with dirty brushes and product.  I was appalled.  Why do they continue to get away with these practices?  I hope you answered the question logically; the correct response is because we let them.  You have to be your own health advocate.  Don’t let the name “make-up artist” make you think we all adhere to the same sanitary habits.  Some ‘professionals’ are the worst!

When a disposable or a brush is being used, it cannot be put back into the product and then reapplied to the face.  I load my brush or a disposable plate with product and work from that surface only touching my product with clean utensils.

Before you let anyone touch your face with cosmetics, watch how they work and handle product.  I am particular and you should be too.  You are paying a premium price for these items.  Your money, your face!  Don’t allow them to use ‘double dipped chip’ makeup brush on your face!