Posts Tagged ‘skin care’

My Easy, Cheap, Eco-Friendly Skin Care Regimen

Friday, January 29th, 2010

A year and a half ago, I ditched traditional skin care products (cleanser, toner, moisturizer, scrub, mask) for the oil cleansing method.  All this time later, I’m still loving the simplicity of this approach.  I massage the oil mixture into my face during my daily shower, and gently remove it with a hot wash cloth.  Done!  And sometimes I skip a day when I’m not wearing makeup. 

If you don’t know what in the world I’m talking about, read my post Cleaning your face with… OIL for simple directions. 

Besides simplifying my life, the oil cleansing method is definitely saving me money.  That first bottle of sunflower oil lasted for a year.  I’m still using the original bottle of castor oil.  As such, this facial skin care regime costs me about $15 a year… a YEAR!  As a bonus, I know exactly what I’m putting on my skin (no chemicals here!) and I’m eliminating the waste typically generated by multiple little plastic bottles of a multi-part skin care solution. 

So, how’s it working?  My skin has always been blemish-prone.  I’ve noticed no worsening breakouts and a slight improvement during certain times of the month over and above my old Kiss My Face products.  During the moist, humid summer, my face requires no moisturizer at all with the oil cleansing method.  Since I’m not stripping my skin with a chemical or soap-based cleanser, my natural oil production is balanced (hurray!!!) and sufficient.  This is a HUGE improvement, since I’ve always had combination skin that’s oily and flaky.  During the winter, I apply a tiny bit of 100% sunflower oil or Weleda’s Lavender Oil (for a treat!) to my skin post-cleansing when needed.  I still like to use a scrub about once a week just because it feels good.  After I used up my store-bought scrub, I switched to baking soda – wonderful, versatile baking soda.  I keep both the baking soda and the oil cleansing solution (25% castor oil/75% sunflower oil) in little glass spice jars in the shower.  So simple.  So pure.  So cheap!

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Pregnant and Beautiful: Skin care tips for the first 9 months

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008

Facialist to Hollywood’s elite Charlize Theron, Linda Evangelista, and Lisa Kudrow to name a few, Maki Maodus is at the top of her field at the world famous Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa in West Hollywood, CA.   Creator of her own all natural and organic skin care line for mom and baby, Mambino Organics, she takes a few moments to share her wisdom on the most common skin problems during pregnancy.

A woman’s skin goes through many changes, both internally and externally over the course of a pregnancy. As a general rule: keep things simple. I’m not talking about a box of chocolate on the couch simple.  Try exercise, good nutrition and a proper skin regiment to alleviate the minor discomforts of pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, your skin changes, breasts grow, your abdomen swells and your waistline disappears.  It’s hardest in the beginning when you look like you’ve put on weight, but it does get easier as you transition into the second trimester and there’s no mistaking you’re pregnant!

Facial Care

During pregnancy some skin becomes oily or more dry than usual. Women that never had acne get breakouts (sorry) and those who are acne prone see an improvement (congratulations) in their skin.

What to do:  Good skin cleansing is step one to balanced healthy skin. Wash your face with a mild cleanser twice a day (foaming cleanser if you have more oily skin or milky for normal/dry skin). Exfoliate a few times a week. If you are breaking out, try using witch hazel astringent and clay mask to keep your pores clean and tight. A dab of tea tree oil or organic white vinegar will keep blemishes at bay. Your skin is also more sensitive to the sun, which could lead to getting “mask of pregnancy,” especially during the second trimester (brownish or yellowish patches) so good sun protection is very important with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.  Try natural mineral based make-up or tinted moisturizer.  They’re simply a healthier choice.

Body Care

As the breasts and abdomen grow, you may need extra help in keeping your skin supple and elastic to prevent tearing, scarring and stretch marks.

What to do: It will help if you gain only the recommended amount of weight (usually 25-35 pounds), and do so slowly.  Bag of chips back in the cubby, eat healthy and exercise. Natural emollients, such as oils and belly butters that are rich in essential fatty acids and natural antioxidants, should be applied daily to stomach, breasts, buttocks and thighs. Although most stretching occurs in the later part of a pregnancy, it is important to nourish and lubricate these areas in the earlier stages, especially if you are prone to dry, itchy skin. Use only mild sulfate-free soaps when washing and avoid hot showers or baths as they can dry out the skin.  Above all, remember to take the time to take care of you and embrace your blossoming beautiful body!

Written by Maki Maodus-Temesvary
Los Angeles based Aesthetician and creator of Mambino Organics.

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