Top Dermatologist Tips for Preventing Wrinkles

The beauty industry is filled with products and “miracle” creams promising to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. But if you're lucky enough to not have even gotten to the stage where wrinkles are significantly noticeable, why not work to prevent them?

Sleeping Beauty 
Though it's difficult to change your usual sleeping habits, if you don’t sleep on your back—try to! Think of it this way: sleep lines are tough to get rid of. And though a good nights rest is needed for a youthful appearance, it doesn’t end there. Your position makes a difference when hitting the sack! Avoid sleeping on your face or side with your skin all scrunched up in your sheets. This will help prevent lines on your face, especially in areas prone to wrinkles.

Beautify Gently 
When applying makeup or washing it off before bed, try to be gentle, specially around the eyes. Don’t rub around your eyes to wash out excessive eyeliner and mascara. Don’t use harsh towels, avoid vigorously scrubbing your face or stretching your skin daily to apply makeup in sensitive areas and take your time!

Like Mother, Like Daughter 
How do you know if you are prone to wrinkles and in which areas? Look at an older family member’s face—especially your mother. If you suspect an upcoming battle with creases in your future, speak to your dermatologist about preventative measures like Botox.

Kiss Lip Lines Goodbye 
Want to avoid lip lines? Don't drink from a straw repeatedly, smoke or constantly blow bubbles with bubble gum. Activities that cause you to pucker or purse your lips may result in added lines. If you are prone to lip lines— again observing family members to see if you might be genetically predisposed—, avoid pursing your lips. To further prevent lip lines, don't get electrolysis. It is a nonspecific heat probe, so as it’s killing the hair, it can inadvertently kill some collagen too. It’s rare, but it does happen. Try laser hair removal to remove hair or just bleach, thread, wax or shave.

Maintain Protection 
It is a given that avoiding the sun and using sunscreen is one of the most effective anti-aging measures. However, many people forget to reapply. Sunscreen only lasts 2-3 hours, so keep a powder sunscreen in your bag and reapply throughout the day.


What are your habits for preventing wrinkles?

10 Tips To Get A Beach-Ready Body

As summer approaches, world-renowned dermatologist Howard Murad M.D., Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and founder of Murad Inc., is sharing his top ten tips for getting beach-ready. From SPF to foods and exercise, Dr. Murad suggests effective ways to reduce cellulite and protect skin throughout body-baring months.


Tip 1: Start Wearing SPF
No one is ever too young to protect themselves from the sun. The general consensus in the medical community is that the majority of sun damage occurs before a person turns 18 years old. Younger skin is much more sensitive to sun exposure and free radical damage. And many signs of skin damage are cumulative as we age and will likely not be visible until you are much older. I recommend everyone wear SPF on a daily basis because most sun damage occurs during daily activities. This incidental exposure includes more than just direct sunlight on bare skin while you’re tanning. Light also reflects off surfaces, comes through building and car windows and penetrates through clothing.

Tip 2 Eat More Eggs
When weakened skin and connective tissue can no longer hold fat invisibly in place, it migrates up through the skin to become cellulite. To build healthy new cells with strong membranes, your body needs lecithin, which is found in many foods – including eggs, soy, spinach, peanuts, apples, cauliflower, and potatoes.

Tip 3 Try Dry Skin Brushing
This simple technique is one of the most effective exfoliating treatments for skin with cellulite and stretch marks. Use a body brush or exfoliating gloves to remove old dead and dying cells, while simultaneously increasing the blood flow to the affected areas and stimulating the body’s ability to remove built-up toxins.

Tip 4 Add More Raw Fruits and Vegetables to Your Grocery List
Applying topical lotions containing SPF is only one way to protect skin from the sun; select raw fruits and vegetables, as well as dietary supplements, can also help defend skin from the sun and the resulting damage. Add food such as broccoli, tomatoes, cranberries and spinach to your grocery list and take a supplement containing Pomegranate Extract for maximum benefits.

Tip 5 Shape Up Your Self-Image
Since you’ll soon be spending more time showing off your arms and legs, take simple steps to reshape your body into a point of pride by doing some exercise you enjoy at least a few times a week. Getting in shape is more than just a matter of physical exercise, getting in shape will help you feel confident and comfortable as you show off more skin.

Tip 6 Get Your EFA’s (Essential Fatty Acids)

Add extra healthy fats to your diet, like flaxseed oil, olive oil, seeds and oil from cold-water fish (like black cod and salmon) to attract water to dehydrated cells and prevent future water loss. Healthy water-tight cells mean better overall skin health including a reduction in the skin damage cycle that leads to cellulite and sagging skin.

Tip 7 Discover Botanicals and Essential Oils
To reduce cellulite, check products for effective botanicals and essential oils such as Aloe Vera, Basil, Cat’s Claw, Cedarwood, Tiger’s Herb, Fennel, Ginger, Grapefruit, Grape Seed, Mint, Pine, Pomegranate, and Tea (black, red, white, and green).

Tip 8 Stretch
In addition to helping your flexibility and enhancing your fitness routine, stretching, including yoga, can have the added benefit of stress relief – which means less cell damage. Optimizing your cellular health is key to look your best in the long and the short term.

Tip 9 Shop Smart
When purchasing a sunscreen, be sure to look for four key basic features: full spectrum sun protection for UVA and UVB radiation, antioxidants to neutralize aging free radicals, anti-inflammatory agents to prevent redness and soothe skin, and hydrating ingredients to replace moisture loss due to sun exposure.


Tip 10 Adopt an Inclusive Health Lifestyle
A healthy body and complexion are a reflection of total wellness. Inclusive Health, a 3-prong approach to health through topical, internal and emotional self care, provides your body the opportunity to build youthful vitality at the cellular level. By optimizing these three environments, your body and spirit will have the best opportunity to thrive.

6 Beauty And Health Secrets Of The Pomagranate

I've been on a total health kick recently, trying to cut out processed foods - which is a huge accomplishment for a foodie and former junk food addict like myself. From healthy, beautiful skin to lower stress levels, the pomegranate is a valuable resource in helping jumpstart your complexion and your mood. Dr. Murad, M.D., FAAD, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and author of The Water Secret: The Cellular Breakthrough to Look and Feel 10 Years Younger, has shared six ways pomegranates can help your skin look younger and your body feel healthier. It will have you wanting pomegranates for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

1. Build Youth Back into Your Skin
Summer berries aren’t the only way to get your antioxidant fix. The pomegranate, a winter fruit, has powerful antioxidants that assist in the cellular renewal process and help cells stay plump with water. It also boosts anti-aging agents, helping to maintain skin’s collagen levels, and fights oxidative stress that ages us internally and externally. You can eat pomegranate to reap the benefits but also look for topical products that contain Pomegranate Extract to help fight free radical damage and promote overall skin health.

2. Decrease Inflammation
Winter weather is known to inflict a mild inflammatory reaction in exposed skin, like the face and hands. Studies have shown that Pomegranate Extract significantly reduces the activity of proteins that cause inflammation. It also reduces the production of pro-inflammatory compounds produced by cells isolated from cartilage.


3. Increase Your Oxygen Intake
Exercise is great way to increase oxygen flow. However, the cold winter weather can make it challenging to get daily exercise. Research shows that eating organic pomegranate seeds and drinking pure pomegranate juice can increase oxygen levels to the heart and skin cells, making the skin look fresh and smooth--without having to hit the gym!




4. Minimize Cultural Stress
A study found that having pomegranate juice every day resulted in lower stress hormones and a reduction in blood pressure, which leads to healthier, happier skin. Volunteers in the study reported feeling less distressed and more enthusiastic in their general well-being after consuming pomegranate juice.

5. Boost Your Natural SPF
Many people think that sun damage is only prevalent during summer months, yet the sun’s harmful UV rays can damage skin even through overcast weather. One of the most important foods to combat sun damage is pomegranate, which contain polyphenols, like ellagic acid. Murad’s clinical trials show roughly a 25% improvement in SPF when a pomegranate extract supplement is added to a diet because it boosts natural sunscreen levels. If topical sunscreen also contains pomegranate extract, there is an additional improvement in SPF by 20%. Studies have also shown the application of pomegranate to the skin minimizes the risk of developing skin cancer.


6. Help Banish Breast Cancer
Murad recently partnered with City of Hope to help raise funds for breast and women’s cancers research, education and treatment. So it only makes sense that the internationally acclaimed hospital would find the pomegranate to be as amazing of a superfruit as Murad did. City of Hope researchers identified six chemicals in the pomegranate that suppress aromatase — a substance in the body that helps produce estrogen. About 70 percent of breast cancers need estrogen to grow, so pomegranate is a prime candidate as a breast-cancer-blocking super food. Other scientists have also detected two substances in the fruit with the potential to fight both colon cancer and diabetes.

Oh, and in case you want to do more then just eat pomegranates, Dr. Murad also has a whole pomegranate skincare line. 

Winter Beauty Tips From Prevention Magazine

Don’t sacrifice your beauty because of cold weather!  Bone-dry hands and chapped lips are all too frequent this time of year, but Prevention magazine has the solutions. 

And don’t forget about those eyes, especially when wanting to brighten up your dull looking skin during the winter months.  Below you'll find a list of the season’s inventive new mascaras that will fulfill your lash fantasies.

HANDS
Step 1: Exfoliate – Slough with a gentle, oil-infused scrub like:
· Freeman Bare Hands Hand & Cuticle Renewal Scrub ($4; drugstores).

Step 2: Slather
· Aveda Hand Relief ($7.50; aveda.com)

Step 3: Wrap – Cotton gloves (or even plastic wrap) lock in moisture while body heat speeds treatment.


LIP COLOR FAVORITES
· L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Lipcolour Compact ($12; drugstores),
· Jane Iredale Lip Fixation ($29; shop.janeiredale.com)
· Mark Gloss Gorgeous Stay-On Lip Stain ($9; meetmark.com) – a clever 2-in-1 formula.

MASCARA WANDS

1. Pump the Volume
· Maybelline New York One-by-One Mascara ($8; drugstores)

2. Fanned Out
· L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Explosion Mascara in Carbon Black ($6.99; Ulta).

3. Curly Cue
· Flirt! It Curl ($14; kohls.com)

4. No Running!
· CoverGirl LashBlast Volume in Waterproof ($8; drugstores).

5. Go Long
· Revlon CustomEyes Mascara ($9; drugstores)



GROW FOR IT!

OTC lash enhancers provide conditioning benefits to prevent breakage and slow the fallout rate. Try:
· Revitalash (RevitaLash), which claims to boost lash length and is used by Kim Kardashian.
· Wet ‘n Wild Clinical Serum ($7; Walgreens)

MASCARA MISTAKES

Applying only at the tips.
· Start each stroke at the very roots of lashes says. If you coat the tips only, you won’t get as much length and you’ll weigh down the curl

Overdoing it on bottom lashes.
· You want to tint lower lashes, not add length or volume says Ahnert unnatural. Try:
o Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara ($10; clinique.com)

Leaving it on overnight.
· Sleeping in mascara causes lashes to dry out and break. Keep towelettes approved for the eye area, such as:
o Garnier The Refreshing Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($6; drugstores)

Tips to Winterize Your Hair & Skin‏

1. Assess Your Hair Style:
Depending on your hair type, you might need to change your hair style from your summer hair style to a more appropriate winter cut and length. If you wear bangs, they can be worn shorter in the winter compared to summer due to lack of humidity. In the winter months, the bangs as well as rest of hair will not shorten due to hair soaking up the humidity. If you have curly hair, your curls will be looser in the winter months again due to absence of humidity.

2. Change Your Hair Products:
In the summer months, you might tend to use a smoothing shampoo to control the frizz, but as you move into the winter season, you will need to switch to a moisturizing shampoo. Profound, Goldwell and Redken all have great moisturizing hair products. You need this added moisturizer for your hair due to the added dryness in the air...both inside and out.

3. Increase Facial Moisture:
In the summer, the humidity is a natural moisturizer for the body and face. As you notice in the dryer, winter months, your skin seems to soak up applied moisturizers in a higher quantity than summer. In the winter, you need to boost up the moisturizer. Lancôme has a great facial moisturizer that keeps your face supple all day long.

4. Ensure Moisturizer is Dry:
Allow at least 5 minutes after moisturizer application before applying foundation. If you are short on time, then you can blow dry your face on a low setting to quicken the process. Particularly this winter season I am seeing the growing popularity of powder bases...if you apply these on damp moisturized skin, the foundation will crack.

5. Hair Tools Might Change:
Depending on your hair type, you might be able to put the flat iron away for a few months and switch to a large barrel iron, giving the hot loose big round curl look.

6. Reduce Hair Product Quantity:
In the winter, you don't need to use as much hair gel or other products to get the same effect as in the summer. The summer humidity interferes with your top layer of your hair and this barrier is removed in the winter, allowing you to use less.

7. Time Saver When Blow Drying:
It takes less time to dry your hair in the winter compared to summer. In the summer, I recommend blow drying twice to ensure all moisture is removed. In the winter, due to eliminated humidity, you can skip the second blow through, hence saving time. Of course, rainy days are an exception. I recommend using an ION blow dryer to further save time.

8. Use More Makeup:
As with a moisturizer, your skin seems to absorb more and you cannot get away with the light, airy, summer make up look. Concentrate on adding more lip color (be sure your lips are moisturized and not cracking) and cheek color this season. MAC offers a great variety in its palette of colors.
Source/Image

Skincare Routine And Tips For Clear Skin!

I skipped this months September Favorites, because I just felt like doing an updated skincare routine (which is ALSO a review of new favorites products I've been using) because I'm really ecstatic about the fact that I am barely ever breaking anymore. For once I feel like it's smooth sailing for me and my skin.
Age: 24 years
My skin-type: oily/acne prone
Wear make-up: everyday


Without further a do:

1. Clean & Clear : I recently ran out of my old cream cleanser which was by Noxema and utterly useless (I'm not even kidding), and hoping for the best I picked up this brand. "Hmm... she has oily skin and uses a cream cleanser?" you ask. Though exfoliating had been helping to keep my skin clear and remove  make-up, I didn't want to be TOO harsh and age my skin with daily over-exfoliating or by using drying face washes. That's why I like cream cleansers, because they're recommended for dry skin and thus leave skin soft and not tight.
I remember using this cream cleanser in my teens, when I'd find myself rummaging around at the drugstore hoping to find a miracle product to banish my breakouts. It didn't help dry up my pimples back then, but now that my acne is much more under control I fully appreciate what this cleanser has to offer.
It's thick, white and comes out looking like a paste, but as soon as it mixes with water it's ready to do it's job.

So in summary:
*gives a minty,tingly scent and feel to skin.
*removes most make-up (even my Revlon Colorstay foundation which is hard to remove)
*lathers up nicely even though it's a cream cleanser
*budget friendly: only $6

I do use my Pond's Cold Cream after to remove any left behind traces of make-up (since I use Revlon Colorstay which doesn't come off easy).

2. Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Toner : This toner is just Ah-mayh-zing. It's not your regular toner, because it's also meant to fade away post-acne scars! Sure I do have a few stubborn scars here and there which won't entirely go away, but I feel like this has really helped even out most of them.

PRO's:
*available at drugstores/Walmart
*only $7
*really helps fades post acne scars
*helps with preventing acne and deep clean pores to remove dirt/make-up traces

CON's:
*may be drying
*alcohol smell is noticeable and feels strong due to that

3. The Body Shop face brush ($4) : I bought this brush 2 years ago but didn't use it for long. After I saw Sephora had come out with their own version I remembered about it. Now, I wouldn't say this is THE softest brush but when used gently I feel this brush + my cream cleanser do a good job of removing make-up without being harsh.
I try not to use it every day, only at night when removing make-up and when I really feel I need it.

TIP: I'll alternate this brush and use an exfoliating scrub instead (by Garnier Fructise). I like mixing my exfoliating scrubs with my cream cleanser to create a gentle scrub that can be used everyday. All you need is one drop of your scrub and a dime size of your regular face wash.




TIP : don't let oil sit on your face. This may sound silly, but I didn't realize till recently that on days I wasn't wearing make-up, THIS was giving me break-outs. When you're not wearing make-up, chances are there's no powder or other product there to soak up oil being produced by skin. This leads to oil and dead skin cells clogging up pores and usually causing whiteheads and pimples.
So now when I'm at home and not wearing make-up I make sure to rinse my face with water every few hours. And if you're at school or anywhere, make sure to blot your face with tissue or special blotting papers.

4. Moisturize : I've been using Oil of Olay's Total Effects moisturizer, to restore moisture and counteract any drying effects of toner. I don't use this over, just around my laugh lines, eyes, and forehead. And even though it's a rich cream, it doesn't break out my oily skin.
You can use any moisturizer that works for you though, just make sure you're face isn't getting too oily (see point 6 again).


5. Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Gel : I use Neutrogena or Clean & Clear for those occasional whiteheads or pimples that pop up. And I use it under make-up so the gel can do it's job during the day too and dry up any spots. Then I use some at night again for emergency treatment.

This is just what's been working for me and what I do to keep my skin clear while freely wearing make-up on a daily basis. If you have any questions don't hesitate to shoot me a message and feel free to add your own tips.:)

Is Your Make-up Harming Your Skin And/or Body?

 The other day the Boyfriend was trying to bring to my attention that make up ruins skin and how so many women look terrible by the time they're in their 50's, due to so many cosmetics used during their lifetime. As you can guess, I brushed those remarks off as him being too worried, and continued carefully applying my blush and gloss.

Later, I couldn't help but wonder: was he right? Was I really preventing my skin from "breathing" by slopping on these chemicals?

I asked a few people about their experiences and opinions and even googled here and there. But at the end of the day, there's no predicting exactly how some one's skin will react after years of using beauty products.






Did you know that make up, fragrances and all cosmetics are not subject to any FDA approval in the US and no claims made by these companies are required to be true (as per laws and regulations)?
Did you know that over time you will ingest several ounces of lipsticks and glosses?


Some time back I began making a post about the topic, but never got around to finishing it. I was reminded about it when I found an interesting video about the topic on Youtube from SPNation where he talks about a few precautions you could take when using make up and skin care products (mineral make up, powders, glosses, fragrances, etc.) and some precautions to take - gathered from Dr. Oz's show.





My recommendations and precautions:

• Make sure to properly remove ALL your make up:

If you DO use make-up, your cleansing method is crucial. I used to use Olive oil as a make up remover, along with a gentle face wash. But if you're like me and use even a bit of foundation on a regular basis, you may not be aware that not all make up removers nor olive oil get your skin deep clean. I used Revlon Colorstay foundation which gives heavy coverage. So here's my make up removal routine:

1. Olive oil: natural and great for removing powder products and most eye make up. Plus it adds moisture to your skin. But it's NOT enough to remove foundation and dirt.
2. Pond's Cold Cream: If I could I'd shout it from the mountain tops: "this is my favorite, Holy Grail product for make up removal and I can't live without it!!" It's so gentle and moisturizing, yet it astounds me how deep clean it gets my skin. (P.s. if you have dry skin it can even double as a moisturizer).
3. A gentle facial cleaner: I can't wait to get the Philosophy facial cleanser, but in the meantime I'm using an extra gentle cleanser from Noxema, so as not to strip my skin of too much moisture, even though I have oily, acne prone skin.
4. Toner (optional)

• Use less make up, fragrances and skin products (duh!):

This goes without saying but you need to use this stuff less. Have make-up free days whenever possible and take it off as soon as you can. And whenever possible switch up your lipstick and gloss for a less chemical beeswax lip balm.

• Be careful when using Talc and other powder products:

You don't want to be inhaling the dust particles (which you may not even be able to see!) while applying your translucent powder, blush, shadows or mineral make up.



Wanna check to see if your make-up is "safe"?  Check out cosmeticsdatabase.com to see if it ranks as a "High", "Moderate" or "Low Hazard". I love this site and the only thing I didn't like was the fact that most of my products ranked as a "health hazard". Pretty scary facts.



What do YOU think about the subject: does make-up damage skin or is that just a myth? Have you seen cases where this has happened? If you're taking precautions, feel free to share them.

Get A Natural Face Lift

Need an instant face lift the non-surgical way?

You COULD spend a wad of cash at the beauty counter by purchasing firming creams to tighten your face up. But try this instead.

Step 1:
Crack one egg, remove the yolk and beat the egg white until frothy.

Step 2:

Apply the egg white froth generously to your face and neck and it allow to set for at least twenty minutes. Don't eat or move your face though.

Step 3:
After a few moments, you’ll immediately start to feel the ‘tightening’ effects. Lightly rinse with tepid water when finished.

Bedtime Beauty Tips/Routine

Everyone wants to age well. Well I'm only 22 but I have already made it a point to try and (hopefully) fight the aging proces so I won't need to resort to drastic measures later on. And I obviously want to look good NOW too.

"Looking good makes you feel more vibrant. You can hold your head up. You feel more confident in your day-to-day goings-on," says Cochran, who is an international trainer and makeup artist for Chicago-based Fashion Pair Cosmetics.

Sure, make up helps cover flaws, but at the end of the day it comes off, and you want to still be content with what you see in the mirror.

Here are some tips to follow before going to bed so you wake up and maintain your healthy glow:

* FACE,HANDS,LEGS:
Apply a suited moisturizer for your skin type before going to bed (oily,dry,combination or sensitive skin). Moisturizer help firm the skin and fight aging. Before applying moisturizer, cleanse your face and apply toner.You can massage your hands and legs with baby oil or use moisturizer. Exfoliate skin in the shower if possible (every other day) to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. This also reveals newer skin cells, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and promotes blood circulation.

* LIPS:
Apply lip balm or petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Brush your teeth before going to bed. Use mouth wash/Salt water(should be warm) to gargle.This kills the bacteria in mouth. Mouth washes may also be used to help remove mucous and food particles deeper down in the throat. Also, check out my post on Lip exfoliation.

* EYES:
You might be working for hours infront of the computer. Place a piece of cucumber on your eyes to reduce tension. This will reduce dark circle around eyes or may prevent dark circles from forming. (You don't need to do this EVERYDAY though). I apply an eye cream before bed though.

* SLEEP AT YOUR BACK:
Smashing your face into a pillow creates fold lines that eventually become permanent if they're repeated every night. (I'm sooo guilty of doing this). Spending time on your back also helps counter the effects of gravity that accumulate during the day.

In a recent study of 38 women and men, Japanese researchers found there was greater wrinkling in the afternoon than in the morning; they concluded that the face literally falls with gravity as the day progresses. At night, you get a chance to reverse that.

*WATER WATER WATER!
 Drink it!

Shrink That Pimple By Tomorrow!

Yes folks.. that age old question "how do I get rid of this pimple in 1 day?"
I can finally say that I think I have the answer. I love trying out products - beauty and make-up, but especially those claiming to fight acne. You name it, I've probably tried it (mostly during my teen years). But even though I'm in my 20's and have it under control, I still get the occasional pimple.

Clean n Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment ($6.50) claims that "100% of people showed clearer skin in just 1 day!" Too good to be true? I put it to the test on this one zit which refused to shrivel up and die and... it worked! I'm never going back to any other acne-on-the-spot treatment until this one fails me of course (or unless an even better one comes out:p).

This miracle in a tube contains 2% Salylic Acid and won't over dry skin. Within 8 hours it reduces pimple redness, size and swelling. And what's even more baffling is that it's so cheap too. Definatly one of my new fave beauty products.

Side note: after trying this spot treatment I took a look online and saw Clean n Clear also has a whole 3 step kit available. (Check out my other post about 3 step kits "say bye bye to acne for good"). For those of you looking for an alternative to, let's say Proactive, this one seems perfect, and only costs $18.

Drink your way to clear skin. (No! I'm not talking H2o)

Here is a yummy treat which will also give wonderfull results. Multi tasking:)! A friend of mine told me she tried it and she ended up with such clean, glowing and clear skin. It's called a Creamy Mango Smoothie.

Ingredients:
1 mango
1 bannana
wedge of fresh coconut
1 orange (freshly squeezed)


Instructions:
Blend the mango, banana and coconut. Add the orange juice, mix well and serve. That and use a good acne face wash/regime.

Also: Drinking hot water and half of a freshly squeezed lemon first thing in the morning before eating is a really good way to boost the metabolism and clear your pallette.

Skin: Strange Beauty Tips (That Work Of Course!)

Here are a few beauty tips from which your skin will benefit:

1. Customize Body Lotion
Instead of sheling out alot for an expensive perfumed body product, you can make your own by pouring a few drops of fragrance into any scent-free lotion. Rub it on-the scent will last for hours.
If you don't have time to book a self-tanning session, mix a few pumps of body bronzer with regular hand lotion and pat it on your legs for a gradual dose of sexy, beachy color.

If you're craving shiny legs that aren't greasy, blend a drop of baby oil into your normal body lotion for extra luster.

2. Exfoliate Your PitsIf your underarms start to look dry and flaky, an easy trick is to exfoliate them with a gentle face scrub/loofah to keep that skin pretty when going sleeveless. Not only that but it will get rid of all the residue left behind by deodorant and helps skin re absorb it properly.

3. Shave with ...
Ran out of shaving cream? Do double duty by coating your stems with a thick hair conditioner or even body lotion. It softens the hair so it's easier to shave off and makes legs feel amazingly silky.

4. Press a Tea Bag on SplotchesIf your skin is sensitive or just looking irritated and puffy for some reason, steep a bag of green tea for a minute or two, let it cool down, and dab it over your face. The antioxidants in the tea take down inflammation.

5. Put Diaper-Rash Cream on Dry SpotsSlather on a thick layer of diaper-rash cream to heal cracked elbows and feet.

6. Scent your clothes
You know those fancy bars that are actually too pretty to use? Toss them in your underwear or tee-shirt drawers to make your skin smell delicious.

7. Soften Your Bod with AvocadoTake a ripe avocado, remove the pit and skin, and mash it up in a bowl. Slather it all over your body, let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse off. Your skin will be sooo soft — avocado is a natural moisturizer.

8. Cure Calluses with Vaseline
Slather on the petroleum jelly, and put on socks before bed to dissolve tough calluses overnight.

How To Get Bacne Free

If you suffer from occasional body acne break outs you're not the only one. I occasionally get em too and envy those who have perfect skin.

After searching for various products (Clean & Clear was one of them) which never really seem to work I think I found a better solution: NEW! St. Ives Clear Pore Body Wash.

You can get it for only...
/drum roll
a few bucks!! ($4.00).

On the front of the bottle, St. Ives claims that “this oil-free formula clarifies pores to keep skin fresh and clear ”... “pores all over your body can get clogged with dirt and oils. St. Ives Clear Pore Body Wash with tea tree is naturally effective and 100% oil-free, so it keeps skin fresh and clear from head to toe.”

Tea Tree is a pure oil that is primarily found in Australia. It's widely known to have antibacterial properties and is recognized as an antiseptic by the FDA. It also used as a topical agent for the skin for minor cuts, rashes, stings, & blemishes. Tea tree oil is very similar to benzoyl peroxide, but doesn’t leave the skin as dry.

I was am also so pleased with the nice refresing scent of it since so many other products which contain tee trea don't smell as nice. It also foams up so well to boot and my skin is left feeling soft. So far it's been keeping my acne in check and I use it on my face too if I'm in a hurry and in the shower.
Sooo.. I definatly will be buying this again and I recommend it to any of you who wanto to keep your skin clear.

If you have more severe acne look into Neutrogenas Rapid Clear treatment pads. I tried em and it worked really well too.