Beautycounter: Anti-Aging Line + A Giveaway

A post by my youngest daughter Laura Allen:

I have been bugging my mom to start a skincare routine for years. She’s somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to beauty & skincare and wasn’t convinced anti-aging products would really make a difference in her skin.

Then my sister and I joined the Beautycounter movement in April, and my mom agreed to try it all!  She’s now using the resurfacing peel, anti-aging night cream, brightening oil, makeup line, and more, and her skin is brighter, more hydrated, smoother, and has less age spots in just a matter of months.

If you’re not familiar with Beautycounter, the skincare & beauty company is making headlines because they are committed to safer skincare products and have banned over 1500 harmful chemicals from their products (known as The Never List). They are also certified B Corp, and have a strong mission of advocacy, investing in research, and giving back.

But the icing on the cake is that the products are amazing! Especially the new anti-aging line, known as Countertime. This line contains two plant-based ingredients: bakuchiol, a derivative from the Asian babchi plant, and Swiss Alpine rose, a plant extract from the Swiss Alps. Bakuchiol has been shown to provide skin-care results that are comparable to retinol—without potentially harmful side effects—and Swiss Alpine rose boosts the skin’s antioxidant defense. Known as a ‘Retinatural Complex,’ these new ingredients have strong clinical data and rave reviews so far. The Countertime line includes:

Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil – This is a lightweight oil that removes makeup and dirt without stripping essential lipids from skin.

Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence – This is similar to a toner in that it prepares the skin to absorb products, but it also hydrates and has a lightweight, milky consistency.

Tripeptide Radiance Serum – This is a rejuvenating treatment that helps with skin firmness and elasticity, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Antioxidant Soft Cream (AM) – Provides hydration and protects the skin barrier; designed for use in the morning/under makeup.

Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream (PM) – This is a rich, hydrating night ream for elasticity and firming.

Ultra Renewal Eye Cream – This revitalizes the eye area and reduces the appearance of under-eye shadows and crow’s feet.

Giveaway: Curious to try Beautycounter?

I’m giving away Countertime samples to two Friend for the Ride readers. The sampler packs include the Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil, Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence, Tripeptide Radiance Serum, Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream (night cream). Just leave a comment by October 10 to enter the giveaway!

As a Beautycounter consultant, I’m happy to answer any questions you might have about products & ingredients or make recommendations based on your goals/skin.

 

PS: Like to get your holiday shopping finished early? The Beautycounter holiday line will launch on the website October 7th, and includes gift sets, limited edition products, and travel-sized samplers that make excellent holiday or thank you gifts.

The Beauty of Dirty Skin: A Book Giveaway

 

Just off the presses, a fascinating book about our skin. Dr. Whitney Bowe tells it all, from the technical and scientific aspects of  skin care to the emotional and psychological.

Here’s what the publisher has to say about The Beauty of Dirty Skin: The Surprising Science of Looking Radiant from the Inside Out.

In recent years, science has shed new light on the connection between the gut and the brain. Now, for the first time, The Beauty of Dirty Skin spells out the connection between the microbiome—the balance of healthy microorganisms that inhabit your body inside and out—and skin health.

In the book, Dr. Bowe provides data-driven knowledge and life-changing, actionable advice, including:

An explanation of the gut-brain-skin axis, the hidden factor of skin health

 

How you can turn your diet into a solution to myriad skin problems, including 5 fundamental dietary rules about what to eat and what to avoid for glowing skin

 

How oral probiotics are the new emerging antibiotics, and can work wonders on skin health

 

Why we have an epidemic of adult acne, rosacea, eczema, and premature aging today (including skin cancer!)

 

Why some of today’s skincare products, including organics and antibacterials/antimicrobials, can inflict lasting damage

 

How to send signals of beauty to your skin through 3 lifestyle interventions: the power of sleep, exercise, and meditation.

With simple explanations of the science behind Dr. Bowe’s findings, do-it-yourself practical skincare strategies, and a life-changing 3-week program, The Beauty of Dirty Skin will forever change the way you look at loofahs, Diet Cokes, fat-free milk, energy bars, and antibiotics.

Amazon Link: Here’s the link.

Giveaway: The publisher is offering a copy of the book to two lucky Friend for the Ride winners. For a chance to win, please enter a comment by May 15. U.S. only. Thanks!

Dr. Whitney Bowe is Medical Director of Integrative Dermatology, Aesthetics & Wellness at Advanced Dermatology, P.C., in addition to being a distinguished research scientist and a thought leader in her field. She is one of the most in-demand dermatologists in America and has lent her expertise to programs like Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, The Doctors, and Dr. Oz. She and her work have been featured in publications including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Allure, InStyle, Vogue, Elle, Reader’s Digest, and O, The Oprah Magazine.

 

Skin! 10 Ways To Start The Anti-Aging Process at Any Age

A post by freelance writer Elizabeth Rago:

It’s never too late to start the anti-aging process. From encouraging cell renewal to seeking out professionals to recommend skin care products, here are 10 tips to reviving the vibrant and youthful skin you were born with…

1. Exercise–Dinana Rodriguez of everydayhealth.com lists 5 ways working out can benefit your skin and besides boosting oxygen and unclogging the toxins in your pores, exercise eases stress making that natural happy glow shine.

2. Wear (SPF) protection–Exposure to the sun can happen any time you step outside, so choosing a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) and applying properly is key.

3. Be patient–If you are starting a new regimen, whether it isa change in diet or testing out new skin care, give your body some time to respond to the switch in routine. You are planting a seed of healthy goodness inside your body and while you can’t see the results yet, the benefits will bloom in time.

4. Lather Up–Keeping your skin hydrated is a key element to the anti-aging process. Supple skin reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

5. Control Yourself and Don’t Over-exfoliate–“It’s no coincidence that women often start to overdo it in terms of exfoliation at midlife,” said The International Dermal Institute’s Director of Global Education Annet King.“This is when the cell-turnover begins to slow, and the skin’s overall metabolism subtly declines. In response, many women may get a bit reckless, wanting to “amp up” the exfoliation.”

6. Protect Yourself From the Sun Even In Cold Temperatures– Use a tinted moisturizer with an SPF, even during cold months when it might appear that the sun is not strong enough to cause damage.

7. Encourage Cell Renewal– In your 20’s, your skin cells were full of cell turnover energy, busting out fresh new cells every 14 -25 days. But as we age, too many poor choices like all-nighters or the overuse of alcohol starts to catch up with us, not to mention what our skin is exposed to environmentally. New Beauty Editors suggest you stay away from sweets, “Sugar will boost inflammation’s damaging effects, but eating good fats and oils, like tuna, salmon, soybeans, tofu, olive oil and avocado, help regulate cell metabolism, boost cellular repair and suppress inflammation.”

8. Get Educated – “It’s so important to interview, consult and map out the facial conditions of your client, as a free service before any product purchase and certainly before any professional service,” Annet King impresses to students who are preparing to become licensed estheticians and professional skin therapists.

9. Eat healthy – We are bombarded with the message “eat healthy”, but it’s important to take into account your personal lifestyle. The Mayo Clinic’s approach to diet “aims to teach you how to choose healthy foods and portions and to develop healthy lifestyle habits so that you can maintain a healthy weight for life.”

10. Invest In Quality Skin Care, But Don’t Break The Bank– It is important to find out from a professional what kind of skin care products you should use, but natural health and wellness practitioner, Dr. Andrew Weil, disagrees that buying expensive products ensures healthy skin. In fact, he says, “The best ways to maintain skin health aren’t very glamorous and certainly aren’t overly costly: good nutrition, adequate intake of both water and essential fatty acids, and daily use of a good antioxidant multi-vitamin and mineral supplement.”

Elizabeth Rago is a freelance writer specializing in health, wellness, and women’s lifestyle content, working with yoga studios, chiropractors, mental health, and wellness practitioners. Elizabeth writes the weekly column, The Circular Home for Chicago Shopping (an editorial partner of the Chicago Tribune) and is Senior Editor of All Things Girl, highlighting topics related to the modern domestic woman. She has been published in Mamalode Magazine, MOMentumNation.com, and thesavvyfreelancer.com.  Connect with Elizabeth on Twitter, LinkedIn, Houzz, and Google+.

Egg Whites and More: Natural Skincare Tips To Prevent Signs of Aging

A post by health writer Tara Heath:

Aging is a natural part of life, but nobody wants to look older than they have to. That’s why the cosmetic surgery industry is booming and the companies making expensive skincare products are thriving.

However, you don’t have to go under the knife or pay an arm and a leg to keep your skin from showing all of the signs of aging. There are a variety of natural methods for keeping your skin looking young and healthy, and almost all can be done right in your own home. They may not all apply to you, but chances are a few will become part of your normal skincare routine if you give them a try.

Egg White Mask

Homemade face masks are nothing new, and egg whites have been a part of them for a long time. However, egg whites are so popular in homemade facial masks because they really do work to reduce bags under the eyes and to make the skin look firmer.

To make your own egg white mask, simply separate the yolk from the white. Stir the white and chill if desired before gently rubbing it on the face. Allow the mixture to stay on your skin for about 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Almond Oil Moisturizer

Almond oil can be a little heavy for individuals with particularly oily skin, but if you have dry skin or normal skin, almond oil can be used topically to help get rid of crow’s feet and mask wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and nose. Almond oil works because it is incredibly hydrating and nourishing, making your skin look fuller and healthier – at least for a short period of time.

To use almond oil topically, simply apply a small amount all over your face. Ideally, you’ll want to do this before bed so the oil has time to absorb into your skin, which does take some time.

Cover your pillow with a towel to keep the oil from staining.

Potato Slices

You know potatoes are good for eating, but if you’re like most people, you’ve never heard about using potatoes for their anti-aging benefits before. Surprisingly, potatoes are an ideal topical treatment for helping rid your face of blemishes and areas of discoloration. Potatoes also make crow’s feet and under eye wrinkles less apparent.

To use potatoes topically, wash and peel a large white potato and cut it into slices about 1/2-inch thick. Gently rub the cut potatoes over the blemishes or discolored area until the potato warms.

You can also use potato slices over the eyes to remove puffiness and dark circles like you would use cucumber slices.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C in fruits and vegetables keeps you healthy and helps fight off illness, but it can also be used topically to boost collagen production and repair minor sun damage. Vitamin C also reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

To use vitamin C topically, the simplest method is to crush vitamin C tablets in a small bowl with about one tablespoon of purified water to make a thick paste. The paste should then be applied to the skin and left on for about 15 minutes before washing it off.

Aging might be natural, but wanting your skin to look as healthy as possible is natural, as well. While many store-bought products work well, they often have unnecessary and potentially harmful or irritating ingredients in them.

If you want to make your skin look young and healthy but want to keep it natural, try using these simple home remedies. They work surprisingly well.

Tara Heath is a freelance writer and health expert in Southern California. She spends time writing about natural ways to stay healthy, and enjoys using these methods for her own skin.