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Skin Care

A Better Natural Skincare Routine (and Skin) in 6 Easy Steps

December 23, 2020 by seo@globerunnerseo.com Leave a Comment

Change your skincare routine, change your skin. That’s our motto at least. And believe us, it works.

Sure, you need to invest in a quality product, but that doesn’t mean they have to be chock full of chemicals in order to work. In fact, simple natural skincare with everyday ingredients can be just as effective as designer brands, if not more.

When you stop to consider just how powerful Mother Nature can be, is it really any surprise she has the ability to transform your skin, too?

No matter whether you struggle with acne, have sun damage, or want to focus on anti-aging, there is a natural skincare routine for you.

Start with these six skincare steps and build from there.

What does “all-natural” mean?

If you’re looking to implement a DIY skin routine but aren’t sure what constitutes “all-natural” you’re not alone.  Jennifer Chwalek, MD, a dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City, explained the concept of natural skincare to Everyday Health.

“The nontoxic or natural term suggests that the product is free from synthetic chemicals that may be linked to health problems or that many people get irritated by (or both)، including fragrance, dyes, and certain preservatives such as parabens.”

Others just categorize all-natural products as anything “hypoallergenic.”

But by all means, judge for yourself. Start by looking at the ingredient list of every product on your shelf. Don’t recognize every single one? No need to throw it out just yet.

However, you do want to be on the lookout for certain additives. For instance, if you see parabens, phthalates, PEGs, SLS, or mineral oil listed, consider trading it out.

All-natural cleansers

All skin care routines, easy or involved, start with this all-important step. You might be surprised to learn that the ingredients you have in your pantry can be the best natural skincare.

Coconut oil is a standout due to its non-comedogenic properties. In other words, it won’t clog your pores. All you need is a tub from the baking aisle heated to room temp and a warm washcloth. (The cooler it is, the more difficult it will be to pry from the bottle.) Smooth onto the face and rub in a circular motion. Then use your damp washcloth to remove. It’ll naturally take away dirt, oil, and impurities with it.

All-natural toners

Repeat after us, gly-col-ic-ac-id. It’s a fruit-based toner that doubles as a gentle exfoliant, a critical part of any complete skincare routine.  However, glycolic acid doesn’t play well with some harsher products or other acids. Many prefer the always-gentle witch-hazel or rose water toner. If you’re looking for a very cost-effective solution, try soaking a cotton pad in apple cider vinegar to help tone and cleanse.  

All-natural exfoliants

Removing dead skin cells isn’t just good for preventing breakouts. It’s also healthy for your skin.

The trick is to do so gently without disrupting your skin’s natural biome. When building your route, start simply. Natural French clay provides a host of benefits like tightened pores, improved circulation, and decreased blackheads.

100% Natural Calcium Bentonite Clay is another grocery store find that can change the way you care for your skin. Simply mix with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (are you seeing a theme?) and rinse after about 15 minutes or less for sensitive skin.

Regular exfoliation is key but try not to do so more than about 2 times a week.

All-natural masks

Manuka honey is a medical-grade substance that’s been used to treat a variety of ailments from burns to germs for centuries. Its anti-bacterial properties make it the ideal addition to your regular skin routine.

It’s unprocessed and unpasteurized. Meaning, that milky color, and thick consistency can deliver some serious vitamins and nutrients when applied as a facemask. Nourishing, hydrating, and luxurious, it’s totally worth the slightly increased price tag.

All-natural serums

If you use only one serum, make it a Vitamin C. Not all are totally natural, but brands like Mad-Hippie do a great job pairing the essential with the effective.

All-natural moisturizers

No natural beauty tip for your face is more important than choosing the right all-natural moisturizer. For some, you might choose a simple oil like rosehip seed. For others, you may want to get a thicker night cream. Just make sure to read all the ingredients carefully before you commit. 

In the end, the best natural skincare routine is the one that prioritizes your skin’s individual composition. You may skew dry, run sensitive, or be in a constant battle with your concealer, but don’t give up. It may take some trial and error to find your perfect mix, or a little help from the professionals. In time, you’ll curate the ideal healthy skincare routine, regardless if it’s natural or not.

Xoxo,

Gina

Get glowing by clicking the Skin Care tab on ginasplatform.com to find the best skin care salons in your area or use Gina’s Platform app to find an esthetician near you.

Filed Under: Business, Lifestyle, Skin Care Tagged With: natural cleansers, natural exfoliants, natural masks, natural moisturizers, natural serums, natural skin care, natural skincare, natural toners, skin care, skincare

Get A Glowing Complexion With This At-Home DIY Facial

December 15, 2020 by Mia Torti Leave a Comment

Who says you need expensive products and facials to revamp your skin? While it is nice to treat yourself to these items, you can get a similar effect from the comfort of your home. 

The seasons are continuing to change and that means your skin has to adjust to the climate. Wherever you are in the world, you may be feeling the wear and tear on your face and neck. Let’s give your skin a fresh drink of healing with an at-home DIY facial. Follow the steps below to revitalize your skin. 

01. DUST OFF YOUR CANVAS

Remove all of the makeup from your face, eyes, and lips using a wipe, micellar water, or your preferred choice of product. We love the OG wipes by Neutrogena. 

Hot tip: if you are in a bind and out of makeup remover, petroleum jelly works like a charm to remove eye and lip makeup. Avoid from using on your face as it can clog your pores. 

02. CLEANSE 

It’s time to cleanse. Use your favorite face wash to clean out all of the impurities. Everyone’s skin is different so make sure you are using the right cleanser for your type. 

Hot tip: Cleanser brushes can actually do more harm than good to your skin. They can hold dirt and grime in the bristles when not cleaned properly. Try a rubber cleansing pad to work in that product instead. 

03. STEAM 

No steamer, no problem. Simply boil water and transfer it into a bowl. Stay several inches away to avoid any harm to the skin.

Hot tip: Sit with a blanket or towel over your head and the bowl like a fort to trap in the steam. 

04. SCRUB 

Once you have loosened the dead skin cells and oil plugs from your face, you can then exfoliate. This step will really remove all the grime from your face. You can’t go wrong with a St.Ives scrub that won’t break the bank. 

05. MASK

Next up is a mask to purify your skin, moisturize, sooth, and potentially tighten your pores now that the impurities are out. 

06. TONE 

Use a light toner to make sure any remaining products are removed from your skin. 

07. EXTRAS

This step is up to you and your skincare regimen. If you have eye creams and other special oils, this is the time to use them and spot treat. 

08. MOISTURIZE 

At the end of your facial, it’s time to put on your final product. Use a moisturizer to solidify all of your previous steps. If you don’t plan on leaving your house, you can apply a rejuvenating night cream to give it that extra oomph after your DIY facial. Our pick is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream. 

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Skin Care Tagged With: athome, diy, facial, facialathome, skin, skincare

Signs Of An Unhealthy Scalp and What to Do About It

December 1, 2020 by Noelle Sim Leave a Comment

In the latest HUDABEAUTY post, Gina and other pros give advice on how to identify problems with your scalp and what you can do about it.

The article covers most problems we might encounter in this often neglected area of our body, and gives recommendations on products and daily routines to help return our scalps to good health and foster hair growth.

To read the full article, click here.

Credit to: Wendy Gould

Filed Under: Business, Hair Care, Lifestyle, Skin Care Tagged With: dandruff, haircare, hairloss, healthyscalp, healthyskin, itchy scalp, scalp, skincare

You’ll Love Glove And Souffle, Your Clients Will, Too, by Gina Rivera, Phenix President, Founder and Hair Expert

June 9, 2019 by coloursbygina Leave a Comment

I dried my hands with a towel and could feel them start to itch and tingle even as I turned back to my client. That wasn’t uncommon. All of the washing and rinsing we do in salons leaves our skin parched and damaged. And here in Colorado the air can be so dry. But on this particular occasion a few years ago, I then decided that since I hadn’t found a really great lotion to revitalize and protect my hands, Phenix should make one.

My husband, Jason, and I had decided to create a line of really fantastic hair and skin products. Including a high-quality lotion that feels wonderful and provides lasting protection was an obvious choice. We call it Glove. Try it, and you’ll see why. We made it with salon professionals in mind, believing that if we love it, everyone will want it.

It actually took years to research and design Glove, working with chemists and experts to create a luxurious, nourishing experience in a product that shields your skin without feeling greasy at all. This formula is absolutely unique. There is nothing else like it.

Souffle is an indulgent body scrub that we created alongside Glove. We found a soft, almost creamy salt from the Dead Sea, infused with nourishing minerals and vitamins. The formula gently exfoliates dead skin cells, leaving your skn clean, silky smooth and revitalized. This is perfect for the shower or pampering yourself in a bath. Again, we believe that if salon professionals love it, our clients will, too.

We’ll be introducing other wonderful products in coming months. Stay tuned. Please give Glove and Souffle a try. We know you’ll love it.

As always, be open to change!

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Skin Care

Spotlyte: Is LED Skincare the Secret to Firm, Clear Skin? We Investigate Featuring Gina Rivera

March 16, 2019 by coloursbygina Leave a Comment

Skincare gadgets are having a moment — and they’re becoming increasingly galactic-looking.  Full-on light up face masks, like the Dr. Dennis Gross® Spectralite® Skincare Pro ($435), make users look like they stepped out of a Star Wars® set, not a Sephora®. And respected drugstore brands are in on the seemingly far-out trend, too — just look at the Neutrogena® Light Therapy Acne Treatment ($38).Courtesy

One thing many of these techy skincare tools have in common is LED. Recently, the category has expanded to infinity and beyond, including full-coverage masks, targeted wands, and even hair tools. Despite its abundance, LED can still seem somewhat nebulous. Even the most skincare savvy among us might still be in the dark about what, exactly, LED is — and what it can actually treat.

As it turns out, the answer is a heck of a lot: “LED light has been proven to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and [skin tone],” says Victoria Lewis, Medical Aesthetician at Tribeca MedSpa™. “It is also good for rejuvenating the youthful glow of the skin and brightening the skin.” To top it all off, LED treatment is non-invasive and completely painless.

What is LED light?

“LED stands for light-emitting diodes,” explains Gina Rivera, founder of Phenix Salon Suites™ and By Gina® (which sells hair tools with LED light). These wavelengths generate heat, which in turn breathes a sort of energetic life, if you will, into skin cells. In science-speak: the energy spurs the skin cells to generate ATP production, which ultimately triggers fibroblasts to produce collagen, Dr. Gross previously told Spotlyte™.

According to Dr. Maryam Zamani, founder of MZ Skin® and creator of the Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device ($625), “There are receptors within the skin that will respond to the LED light to replenish and boost skin cell turnover.”

It all sounds rather futuristic, but the skin-supporting benefits of LED have been known for a few decades — almost 30 years, says Zamani. “These LED treatments were originally developed for astronauts to help with tissue healing and repair,” she adds.

But you don’t have to be an interstellar explorer to reap the rewards. In fact, almost anyone (regardless of skin type) can benefit from LED light therapy, Zamani says.

Are there different kinds of LED light?

Depending on the skin issue you’re treating, you’ll benefit from a specific wavelength. These wavelengths produce varying colors and address different concerns:

Red Light: “Red LED light therapy stimulates cellular activity, and is used to trigger healing and produce collagen. Red light helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, combats sun damage, reduces stretch marks, and deals with redness,” Lewis says.

Blue Light: “Blue LED therapy can be used to kill bacteria that causes acne,” Lewis notes. This wavelength does not sink as deeply into the skin as red does. Instead, it targets the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, to prohibit generation of acne bacteria, adds Kyunghee Kang, LeBody USA expert.

Yellow Light: “This has been clinically proven to increase the overall health of the skin,” says Lewis. “Yellow light addresses skin problems, helps rejuvenate the skin, hastens wound healing, improves blood circulation to the skin tissues, and reduces signs of aging like fine lines or wrinkles.” Additionally, yellow soothes the skin from sensitivity and redness, adds Zamani.

Luckily, any professional LED device — as well as most at-home tools — allows you to toggle between the different wavelengths. This helps you address a range of skin concerns (and have fun while doing it).

How often do I need to get LED treatments?

As with many beauty treatments, consistency is key: you won’t necessarily see instant results from one session with LED. You’ll need to use an at-home LED device frequently — around 15 to 20 minutes every day.

For professional LED treatments, the number of sessions required depends on your specific skin concern. Ultimately, it is less time-intensive than at-home devices because the lights are medical strength. But if trekking all the way to a pro’s office seems a burden, an at-home version might be a better option. “It is difficult to find time for frequent in-clinic appointments and it is so much easier to find 15 to 20 minutes at home to give yourself the gift of glowing skin,” Zamani points out.

Product prices may vary from the time this article was written.

Allergan® may receive commission for purchases made through links in this article.

Credit: https://thespotlyte.com/1122419/led-light-therapy-skincare-devices-benefits

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Skin Care

Gina Rivera Shares Her Daily Beauty Routine Which Includes Good Skincare & Bible Devotion

February 26, 2019 by coloursbygina Leave a Comment

What I love about Gina Rivera’s story is that she comes from a family of salon professionals. Born into the industry, she loved seeing how providing a service can truly uplift someone else’s spirits.

But as so many women experience, after having her firstborn child and threatened by the salon she worked at that she would loose her styling booth, she had an “aha” moment. Rivera wanted to give salon professionals freedom to own their own salon and launched Phenix Salon Suites, one of the fastest-growing salon-suite concepts in the US. She also created a line of styling tools and products that focus on restoring and protecting damaged hair.

You may recognize her from “Undercover Boss” that had a tremendous effect on making Gina a bit of a household name, and we couldn’t wait to interview this serial beauty entrepreneur and learn about her personal beauty habits.

Read the full interview below:

Growing up, what were some of your first beauty memories?

I remember the scent of my late mother’s facial moisturizer. It always smelled so fresh and clean. She always loved the Clinque’ line. I can still smell it to this day.

Who taught you about beauty or was it something you discovered on your own?

My mother always taught me to take care of my skin. She was a stickler on telling me to take my make up off at night. She would always tell me to not skimp on facial products.

Who is your favorite celebrity that always slays her beauty look?image credit Jaclyn Smith Facebook page

Jaclyn Smith is so beautiful. To this day, she has flawless skin. She’s simply stunning.

What are your Beauty-rituals?

A.M.

I love the Zo Skin Health by Zein Obagi product line. In the morning I cleanse my face with their gentle cleanser.

Next, I use the Ossential Daily Power Defense. Then, I use their Oclipse Sunscreen. I love the sunscreen because it also acts as a primer underneath my make-up. I finish by applying my make-up.

P.M.

My nightly regimen consists of again using the Zo Skin Health by Zein Obagi product line. I begin with their Gentle Cleanser and finish with their Hydrafirm Eye Brightening Repair Cream and finally, their Growth Factor Serum.

When traveling, what’s a must-have product in your carry-on?

Daily Power Defense by Zo Skin Health by Zein Obagi. Being in different climates and traveling on airplanes makes my skin become very dry. This is terrific for combatting dryness and keeping the skin fresh looking.

What does self-care look like for you?

Self-care consist of being mentally healthy with my Daily Bible Devotions. A good exercise program also plays an important role, even if I can only get in 20 minutes.

Plus, a good skin and hair care regimen helps to keep me looking and feeling my best.

How do you pamper yourself?

I make sure to get a massage at least once a month. It’s refreshing and helps me to destress.

What’s your favorite go-to local spots to get a treatment?

I really enjoy the Omni La Costa resort in Carlsbad, California. They have an amazing spa which is great for my massages and my skin care treatments.

The skin care treatment that I love most is my monthly facial that I get from Skin Care By Shan at Spa Violet in Del Mar, California.

Do you give yourself facials / body treatments at home? If so, how?

For my body, I use a good moisturizing lotion daily as well as a good sunscreen. Living in San Diego I have a lot of exposure to the sun. I use the Aveeno Protect & Hydrate Lotion with broad spectrum with 50 SPF for my face and the 30 SPF for my body.

Are you a bath or shower person?

I just love my hot baths. There’s nothing like coming home after a long day and soaking in a tub.

Read the full interview at Beauty Something: https://www.beautysomething.com/interviews/gina-rivera/

Filed Under: Body Care, Lifestyle, Skin Care, Wellness

 

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