{"id":9103,"date":"2025-09-08T10:24:30","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T14:24:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/?p=9103"},"modified":"2025-09-08T10:24:30","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T14:24:30","slug":"more-beauty-bang-for-your-buck-beauty-and-health-on-a-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/08\/more-beauty-bang-for-your-buck-beauty-and-health-on-a-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"More Beauty Bang for Your Buck \u2013 Beauty and Health on a Budget"},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/a><\/div>\n

Ok ladies, listen up. If there is *anything* that most women have in common, it is the following:<\/p>\n

1) we want to look the best we can \u2013 for ourselves, for our mates, just because
\n2) we\u2019re suckers for a slick marketing\/advertising campaign
\n3) we\u2019re too busy caring for and worrying about everyone else to pamper ourselves properly<\/p>\n

Now\u2026.I don\u2019t know about the rest of ya\u2019ll but I can neither AFFORD all the crap that is advertised nowadays as the next \u2018miraculous\u2019 beauty treatment nor do I have the time to apply\/use them all.<\/p>\n

So, where is the common sense approach in all of this? And just so everyone know, every single thing I suggest here I\u2019m going to DO for the next 30 days and report back.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m as bad as the next working\/busy mom \u2013 I do and do and do and fall into bed remembering all I didn\u2019t get done \u2013 and doing for myself rarely makes the \u2018done\u2019 list.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take it step by step\u2026.<\/p>\n

Ok, let\u2019s start with the basics \u2013 Health and Nutrition!<\/strong><\/p>\n

1)\u00a0Water<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 well, this is simple \u2013 drink plenty of it. This is a challenge for me because I\u2019d MUCH rather be drinking a cup of strong coffee! But, my goal for this 30 days is to drink 4 16 oz bottles of water per day. Need a reminder of why water is important? Read this post: http:\/\/www.natural-holistic-health.com\/general\/nutrition\/10-reasons-to-drink-more-water\/<\/p>\n

2) This may seem like it\u2019s ridiculous, but it\u2019s not.\u00a0Laughter<\/strong>. Laughter is the best medicine, right? Research has shown health benefits of laughter ranging from strengthening the\u00a0immune system<\/a>\u00a0to reducing food cravings to increasing one\u2019s threshold for pain. There\u2019s even an emerging therapeutic field known as humor therapy to help people heal more quickly, among other things. Humor also has several important stress relieving benefits.<\/p>\n

a)\u00a0Laughter gives our bodies a good workout.<\/strong>\u00a0Laughter can be a great workout for your diaphragm, abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg, and back muscles. It massages abdominal organs, tones intestinal functioning, and strengthens the muscles that hold the abdominal organs in place. Not only does laughter give your midsection a workout, it can benefit digestion and absorption functioning as well. It is estimated that hearty laughter can burn calories equivalent to several minutes on the rowing machine or the exercise bike.<\/p>\n

b)\u00a0Laughter lowers blood pressure.<\/strong>\u00a0People who laugh heartily on a regular basis have lower standing blood pressure than the average person. When people have a good laugh, initially the blood pressure increases, but then it decreases to levels below normal. Breathing then becomes deeper which sends oxygen enriched blood and nutrients throughout the body.<\/p>\n

c)\u00a0Laughter protects the heart.<\/strong>\u00a0Laughter, along with an active sense of humor, may help protect you against a\u00a0heart attack<\/a>, according to the study at the University of Maryland Medical Center (cited above). The study, which is the first to indicate that laughter may help prevent\u00a0heart disease<\/a>, found that people with\u00a0heart disease<\/a>\u00a0were 40 percent less likely to laugh in a variety of situations compared to people of the same age without\u00a0heart disease<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you can\u2019t find anything to laugh about, well, just stop a minute to think of a world where women went on strike and men had to assume our roles\/duties! Now THAT would be tragically hilarious!<\/p>\n

2)\u00a0Ease up on caffeinated beverages.<\/strong>\u00a0This is another toughie for me because of the love of coffee I mentioned above, but also because my #2 favorite drink is Coca-Cola (hey, at least I\u2019m honest about it!). So, what I\u2019m doing is replacing 3 cups of coffeee or 3 glasses of coke (or combination of) with 3 cups of\u00a0green tea<\/a>\u00a0sweetened with honey. I do love\u00a0green tea<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 and the benefits of\u00a0green tea<\/a>\u00a0are impressive. Want to read about those? They are listed in this post: http:\/\/www.natural-holistic-health.com\/general\/the-benefits-of-green-tea\/<\/p>\n

3)\u00a0Eat breakfast.<\/strong>\u00a0Now, I HATE eating breakfast \u2013 I\u2019m never hungry and if I eat a large breakfast I become nauseated. But, when I eat nothing, I end up going hours on ONLY coffee and then binge eat like a starving, rabid person. The way I\u2019ve solved this? I bought generic Ensure (chocolate flavor, of course) and drink one of those each morning. It gives me something substantial AND gives me some protein. I\u2019ve actually lost weight doing this, even without changing any other part of my lifestyle.<\/p>\n

4) Eat\u00a0brightly colored fruits and vegetables<\/strong>. Substitute snacks of cookies or chips with an apple, fresh broccoli sprinkled with\u00a0Olive Oil<\/a>\u00a0and Lemon, a spinach salad, etc\u2026you get the idea.<\/p>\n

5)\u00a0Cut down on anything with high<\/strong>\u00a0Saturated Fat<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0(fried foods!) and refined flours and eat more fish (especially Alaskan Salmon), turkey and chicken. Diet IS linked to\u00a0Acne<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 no matter what the \u2018experts\u2019 may say. Want to know more? Check out Dr. Perricone\u2019s site.<\/p>\n

6)\u00a0Take your\u00a0vitamins<\/a>.<\/strong>\u00a0Of course, we could make a list 3 miles long of so-called \u2018amazing\u2019\u00a0supplements<\/a>, right? Well, I have three goals with my\u00a0supplements<\/a>: 1) general good health 2)\u00a0heart health<\/a>\u00a0(heart disease<\/a>\u00a0runs in my family) and 3) beauty.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what I take:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1) A solid\u00a0Multi-Vitamin<\/strong>\u00a0will help you get all of the nutrients,\u00a0Vitamins<\/a>\u00a0and Minerals you may need. Although, remember, the best way to get what your body needs is by eating right!<\/p>\n

2)\u00a0Alpha Lipoic Acid<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Alpha Lipoic Acid<\/a>, also known as lipoic acid is a powerful, natural\u00a0antioxidant<\/a>\u00a0slowly becoming recognized as having some unique properties in the therapy and prevention of a broad range of diseases. We have all heard the term \u201cfree radicals<\/a>\u201d in connection with youth and aging.\u00a0Antioxidants<\/a>\u00a0are what help battle these\u00a0free radicals<\/a>\u00a0and keep us healthier and younger looking.<\/p>\n

3)\u00a0Hair, Skin and Nails<\/strong>\u00a0by Rexall (great multi-vitamin specifically for hair, skin and nails that includes\u00a0Biotin<\/a>!)<\/p>\n

4)\u00a0Fish oil<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 2000 mg a day \u2013 great for heart and for soft skin and terrific source of\u00a0Omega-3s<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 More info on\u00a0Fish Oil<\/a>\u00a0here: http:\/\/www.natural-holistic-health.com\/herbal-product-spotlight\/xtend-lifes-omega-3<\/a>–dha<\/a>–esters<\/a>\/<\/p>\n

5)\u00a0Flax oil<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 1000 mg a day \u2013 Read more on the benefits of flax here: http:\/\/www.natural-holistic-health.com\/general\/the-health-benefits-of-flaxseed<\/a>-oil\/<\/p>\n

6)\u00a0Vitamin\u00a0B-Complex<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Over 60 different bodily\u00a0enzymes<\/a>\u00a0require vitamin\u00a0B6<\/a>\u00a0to perform properly. In addition, vitamin\u00a0B12<\/a>\u00a0relies upon its B cousin for assistance in adequate absorption into our bodies. Vitamin\u00a0B6<\/a>\u00a0promotes\u00a0healthy skin<\/a>\u00a0and hair; therefore, it is not suprising that a\u00a0B6<\/a>\u00a0deficiency could easily lead to a skin disorder. I personally love\u00a0No Shot<\/a>\u00a0B-12 and B-6 by Superior Source.<\/p>\n

7)\u00a0DMAE<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 DMAE can lift ones mood level to a more positive side, counter depression and bad moods, and raise and improve cognitive functions (such as memory and concentration), dmae can even increase intelligence. Physician\u2019s closely watching patients on\u00a0DMAE<\/a>\u00a0have reported that such people are more. upbeat, and have greater positive mental acuity. Also, people taking it often, have reported sleeping depper and having much more energy when awake. Finally, one of the most promsosing\u00a0DMAE<\/a>\u00a0benefits is that it promotes\u00a0healthy skin<\/a>, by stopping the process of arachidonic acid being manufactured, which is a substance that can lead to\u00a0wrinkles<\/a>\u00a0and aging of the skin. Because of these purposes, the nutrient can be taken internally as nutritional supplement or applied orally through certain creams.<\/p>\n

\"More\u00a0Cod Liver Oil<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Healthy skin<\/a>, Strong bones and teeth, Healthy joints, A healthy\u00a0cardiovascular system<\/a>, A healthy nervous system and prevention of depression and other\u00a0mood disorders<\/a>, A healthy lining for your digestive tract<\/p>\n

Now, isn\u2019t it funny that things we do for \u2018health\u2019 have the side-benefit of improving beauty?<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s two more suggestions for general health AND beauty \u2013 and ones I will swear by!<\/strong><\/p>\n

1)\u00a0Dry skin brushing<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 The skin-brushing itself will change the health of your whole body. Circulation, skin softness and quality, skin infections and irritations, whole body freshness, treatment of\u00a0cellulite<\/a>, your level of stimulation, the prevention of\u00a0colds<\/a>, and you personal rejuvenation are all areas of improvement you can look for, when you make it to a regular habit.<\/p>\n

What brush to use? Well, even though there are \u2018specialty\u2019 skin brushes sold for 60 bucks and more (eye roll) I\u2019ve found that a normal natural bristle brush \u2013 made by Goody and available at any drug store, WalMart, Target or Kmart \u2013 works JUST as well. Don\u2019t get caught up in the marketing!!!!<\/p>\n

The best instructions I\u2019ve found on how to dry skin brush are from http:\/\/www.naturalhealthtechniques.com\/HealingTechniques\/Dry_Brushing_Technique.htm<\/p>\n

How to Dry Brush (Easy, Fast Instructions):<\/strong><\/p>\n

1) Begin with your feet and brush vigorously in circular motions.
\n2) Continue brushing up your legs.
\n3) Proceed to your hands and arms.
\n4) Brush your entire back and abdomen area, shoulders and neck.
\n5) Use circular counter-clockwise strokes on the abdomen.
\n6) Lightly brush the breasts.
\n7) Brush upwards on the back and down from the neck. Better yet, have a friend, spouse or family member brush your back.<\/p>\n

After brushing, take a hot shower with soap (about three minutes in duration), followed by a 10-20 second cold rinse. Repeat this procedure three times. If the hot\/cold showers are too extreme, a warm shower can be used. Follow the shower with a rubdown with either a sponge or towel to remove dead skin.<\/p>\n

2)\u00a0Now, once a week, follow your dry skin brushing with this instead of with a shower\u2026.A detox bath.<\/strong><\/p>\n

My first question about these were\u2026.\u201dHUH? What FOR????\u201d So, here\u2019s what for:<\/p>\n

Detox baths are a simple and valuable adjunct to normal self-care health maintenance. They can be very helpful in facilitating the elimination of toxins that are released into systemic circulation by massage and bodywork therapies, as well as encouraging the ongoing immune and eliminative functions of the skin. Best of all, baths are enjoyable and relaxing \u2014 medicine that \u201ctastes good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Epsom salts<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0baths provide a broad spectrum cleanser, clearing lymphatic congestion, removing some heavy metals (mercury, lead, aluminum, arsenic), and eliminating residual radiation from medical tests (X-rays or CAT scans), computer monitors and televisions, and UV exposure from frequent air travel.<\/p>\n

Baking Soda<\/a>\u00a0&\u00a0Sea Salt<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 A hot bath with equal parts of\u00a0baking soda<\/a>\u00a0(sodium bicarbonate) and\u00a0sea salt<\/a>\u00a0assists in\u00a0detoxification<\/a>\u00a0from exposure to heavy metals and radiation. It is also beneficial for cleansing the auric field and for soothing\u00a0itchy skin<\/a>.\u00a0Sea salt<\/a>\u00a0is recommended, as opposed to rock salt or common table salt, which are depleted of nourishing minerals.<\/p>\n

Hydrogen Peroxide<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Adding hydrogen peroxide to bathwater increases oxygen available to the body. One of the reasons rain feels so refreshing is because the moisture (H2O) in the air picks up an extra molecule of oxygen (O2) as it interacts with ozone (O3) in the atmosphere, and as the raindrops fall they contain an abundance of this natural hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). When hydrogen peroxide is added to bathwater, the extra molecule of oxygen is released. The famous healing waters of Lourdes, in France, contain concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide baths often leave the body feeling alert and revitalized, like spending a day in the fresh country air. This gentle bath is antibacterial, antiviral and cleansing to the emotional and energetic bodies. It is believed to be helpful in eliminating some chemicals and some radiation from body tissues. It has been found to be a good support during chemotherapy.<\/p>\n

Apple Cider<\/a>\u00a0Vinegar<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Apple cider\u00a0vinegar<\/a>\u00a0baths restore a natural pH to the skin and hair, as well as rejuvenate and build up the body\u2019s resistance. This bath helps restore acid mantle protection to the skin, which is lost from swimming and from routine use of soaps on the skin. Thus,\u00a0apple cider<\/a>\u00a0vinegar<\/a>\u00a0baths help combat \u201cunfriendly\u201d bacteria, fungal overgrowth, and are helpful with vaginal and\u00a0bladder infections<\/a>.\u00a0Apple cider<\/a>\u00a0vinegar<\/a>\u00a0baths are soothing to the skin, alleviating itchiness,\u00a0poison ivy<\/a>\u00a0and sunburn discomfort. As with all hot baths, it causes the pores to open and aids in general systemic\u00a0detoxification<\/a>. Apple cider vinegar contains potassium, phosphorus, natural sodium, magnesium, natural fluoride, iron, silicon, sulfur, and other trace minerals which are nourishing to the skin.<\/p>\n

Now for the bath recipe:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fill the tub with water<\/p>\n

* 1\/2 cup\u00a0sea salt<\/a>
\n* 1\/2 cup of\u00a0baking soda<\/a>
\n* 1\/2 cup of\u00a0Epsom salt<\/a>
\n* 1\/2 cup of peroxide
\n* 1 cup of\u00a0apple cider<\/a>\u00a0vinegar
\n* 20 drops of\u00a0oregano<\/a>\u00a0oil (optional)<\/p>\n

Add to bath water, stir until dissolved. Bathe in water for at least 20 minutes<\/p>\n

On to the Face and Neck!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ok, no matter WHAT the ads tell you, the BEST things you can do for your skin are:<\/p>\n

1) Drink plenty of water<\/p>\n

2) Get enough good rest<\/p>\n

3) Minimize Stress \u2013 and don\u2019t STAY stressed \u2013 breathe, meditate, dance, whatever it takes to de-stress (remember \u201claughter\u201d above???)<\/p>\n

4) Good nutrition \u2013 you\u2019d think this would be a \u2018duh\u2019 \u2013 but it really is one of the most often over-looked must-do\u2019s<\/p>\n

5) Exercise \u2013 yes, exercise \u2013 walking, running, aerobics,\u00a0yoga<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 heck I blast my 80s rock and 70s disco while the kids are at school and dance like an idiot while no one is home to watch! No one says exercise has to be boring, ritualized nor uniform. And, dancing has the added benefit of being FUN\u00a0\"More<\/p>\n

6) Take those\u00a0supplements<\/a>\u00a0up there \u2013 the multi-vitamin, flax, DMAE,\u00a0Cod Liver Oil<\/a>, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, and\u00a0omega-3<\/a>\u00a0fish oils<\/a>\u00a0especially. You\u2019ll be amazed at the difference in your skin.<\/p>\n

7) LOVE YOUR SKIN \u2013 ok, this sounds silly, but I\u2019m serious. Thought creates reality. What the mind professes, the body expresses. Love your skin. Massage it, caress it, LOVE IT.<\/p>\n

Now, for some no- and low-cost solutions for your skin\u2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n

1)\u00a0Facial massage<\/strong>. Forget the creams for a minute. The single thing (besides general good health) that will benefit your face? Massage. Seriously.\u00a0Wrinkles<\/a>? Massage them. Sagging jaws? Massage them. Double chin? Again, Massage. Now, you can do this with your finger tips, with your favorite *rounded end* crystal or even with an electro-acupuncture<\/a>\u00a0device. But, bottom line is, massage!<\/p>\n

You can combine the following facial exercises with your\u00a0skin care<\/a>\u00a0program. Due to the fact that skin responds well to this type of stimulation, you will see results in lines, complexion, tone and elasticity. As an added bonus, this type of massage strengthens the underlying muscles and results in the\u00a0signs of aging<\/a>\u00a0becoming diminished.<\/p>\n

Use the balls of your fingertips as well as the palms of your hands. For all exercises, use gentle, but firm, pressure \u2013 this is not supposed to hurt!<\/p>\n

If you notice that some spots you massage are tender this means you are probably hitting the precise spots. Tenderness will diminish and disappear altogether with time.<\/p>\n

Toning around the eyes<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"More<\/p>\n

Using your favorite moisturizer or essential\u00a0oil blend<\/a>, use your middle fingers to work around each eye simultaneously. Use slight pressure \u2013 be gentle with the eye area \u2013 and circle the eyes from the inside corner of your eybrows, following the entire eybrow, and back around to where you started.<\/p>\n

Repeat this circular massage 30-35 times (in one sitting) each day.<\/p>\n

This type of stimulation of the facial muscles will tone, relax and increase circulation to the eye area, which in turn results in diminished\u00a0signs of aging<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Revitalizing the Eyes<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"More<\/p>\n

In this exercise, the\u00a0acupressure<\/a>\u00a0point at the side of your face, approximately 1\/4 inch past the outside corner of your eye (this is right on the outer curve of the bone around the eye), is stimulated. The second point to stimulate is directly in line and under your pupil on the top edge of the cheekbone.<\/p>\n

This massage can soften lines and wrinkles in the eye area. Starting with the corner points, press each simultaneously for 3 seconds and then release for a count of three. Do this 30 times and then move on to the point on the cheek bone. Do all of this in one sitting and repeat these sets 3 times a day if possible.<\/p>\n

Full Facial Acupressure Treatment<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"More<\/p>\n

This is similar to the above exercise except it involves many more points. It is recommended that you do this full facial\u00a0acupressure<\/a>\u00a0treatment twice per week. Follow the hold and press with the balls of your fingertips instructions from the Revitalizing the Eyes exercise. All points which are on both sides of the face, do simultaneously. The forehead, upper lip and chin points are done singly.<\/p>\n

You can combine therapies with this easily by choosing a rounded-end crystal with which to press\/hold or massage your face. This incorporates the healing power of crystals as well as\u00a0color healing<\/a>\u00a0into your beauty massage routine.<\/p>\n

This is the premium\u00a0face lift<\/a>\u00a0acupressure<\/a>\u00a0massage routine. Trust me, if you get into the habit of doing this, you WILL notice a difference in your face and you won\u2019t have spent a dime to get it.<\/p>\n

2)\u00a0Water<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 yes, yes, I know I spouted off about water before, but it\u2019s important. Internally AND externally. Make SURE you wash your face twice a day \u2013 finishing the wash with a cool water rinse. And, when you have a few spare minutes\u2026.don\u2019t just hastily put the cleanser on and rinse off \u2013 take a couple minutes to massage your face \u2013 during the wash and during the rinse.<\/p>\n

3)\u00a0Oxygen<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 I know this sounds silly, but oxygen is important \u2013 as a matter of fact, it\u2019s crucial. So, BREATHE \u2013 breathe deep and long. Start by breathing in for a count of 4 and out for a count of four \u2013 do this five times. See if you can work your way up to a count of 15 \u2013 practice it throughout the day, but do it at *least* once a day. Sun and\u00a0free radicals<\/a>\u00a0aren\u2019t the only things that cause\u00a0wrinkles<\/a>, ya know \u2013 stress does too. And what do we do when stressed? We breath more shallow, our heart rate goes up, our digestion stops, our blood pressure goes up and blood is diverted to the limbs from all \u2018non-essential\u2019 body systems. Bring the blood and oxygen back \u2013\u00a0BREATHE<\/strong>. Speaking of oxygen\u2026 try to get some fresh air each day too!<\/p>\n

Topically<\/strong><\/p>\n

1)\u00a0Cleansing<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 At the very least use a mild and gentle cleanser such as a Dove beauty bar. If you want a cleanser that \u2018works\u2019 for your skin, get one with\u00a0Alpha Lipoic Acid<\/a>,\u00a0Vitamin C<\/a>\u00a0and DMAE.<\/p>\n

2)\u00a0Frownies<\/a><\/strong>!!! \u2013 I swear, these work! They are inexpensive and look silly, but I, along with a host of Hollywood beauties, will swear by them.\u00a0Frownies<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0are\u00a0facial pads<\/a>\u00a0made from natural, skin-friendly materials.\u00a0Frownies<\/a>\u00a0are applied to the forehead and corners of the eyes and mouth to gently re-educate the underlying muscles to assume their correct, relaxed and natural appearance.\u00a0Frownies<\/a>, in fact, allow the deep expression lines to heal leaving younger, relaxed-looking skin. Best part? Under $20 \u2013 AND 100% money-back guaranteed. And, believe it or not, a mom invented these for her daughter in, get this\u2026.1889! Worth the money, worth the hassle \u2013 this is the ONE thing I wouldn\u2019t do without!<\/p>\n

3)\u00a0DMAE<\/a>\u00a0Cream<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 This is a must and be sure to get one that also has\u00a0Vitamin C<\/a>\u00a0and Alpha Lipoic Acid. The combination of\u00a0Alpha Lipoic Acid<\/a>,\u00a0Vitamin C<\/a>\u00a0Ester and DMAE Cream has been proven as an unbeatable anti-aging\u00a0Skin Care<\/a>\u00a0treatment.\u00a0DMAE<\/a>\u00a0Cream has been called \u201cface lift<\/a>\u00a0in a jar\u201d by some skin specialists. It helps firm and tighten facial and neck skin. With continued use, it helps strengthen and stabilize cells\u2019 plasma membrane for a more defined youthful appearance.<\/p>\n

4)\u00a0Sunscreen<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 I know, I know, you\u2019ve heard it before! Well, listen this time! Protect your face from the sun! Excessive sun exposure is one of the leading cause of wrinkles and dry skin.<\/p>\n

5) Using\u00a0essential oils<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0for beauty instead of chemicals \u2013 I LOVE\u00a0essential oils<\/a>\u00a0(which is probably why I became a Certified\u00a0Aromatherapist<\/a>!) \u2013 Oils are amazing. They penetrate the skin and they can address all sorts of complexion issues and skin conditions.\u00a0Essential oils<\/a>\u00a0have a profound effect on skin. And, although I don\u2019t have room to tout the benefits of every oil, here are the top contenders:<\/p>\n

a)\u00a0Helichrysum<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Great for Skin Conditions (Eczema<\/a>,\u00a0dermatitis<\/a>,\u00a0Psoriasis<\/a>) May help blood Circulation,\u00a0Scar<\/a>\u00a0Tissue, and\u00a0varicose veins<\/a>. It helps regenerate tissue,\u00a0Detoxify<\/a>\u00a0and stimulate liver cell function.<\/p>\n

b)\u00a0Bergamot<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Anti-inflammatory<\/a>\u00a0(Acne<\/a>\u00a0IS an inflammatory disease, remember!) Helps oily complexion.<\/p>\n

c)\u00a0Carrot Seed<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Amazing for\u00a0Skin Care<\/a>. Carrot Seed is awesome for Dry Skin, Wrinkles,\u00a0Eczema<\/a>,\u00a0Psoriasis<\/a><\/p>\n

d)\u00a0Cedarwood<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 may help with\u00a0Acne<\/a>, Anxiety,\u00a0Dandruff<\/a>,\u00a0Psoriasis<\/a>, skin diseases. It also helps to reduce oily skin.<\/p>\n

e)\u00a0German\u00a0Chamomile<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Promotes the regeneration of skin and can be used for abscesses,\u00a0Burns<\/a>, Rashes,\u00a0cuts<\/a>, and\u00a0dermatitis<\/a>. It is also helpful for Acne,\u00a0Eczema<\/a>, infected nails, sores, Skin Disorders, Stress-related complaints, and wounds.<\/p>\n

f)\u00a0Roman\u00a0Chamomile<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Neutralizes\u00a0Allergies<\/a>\u00a0and increases the ability of the skin to regenerate. It is a Cleanser of the blood and also helps the liver discharge poisons. This oil may help with\u00a0Allergies<\/a>,\u00a0Bruises<\/a>,\u00a0cuts<\/a>, Depression,\u00a0Insomnia<\/a>,\u00a0Muscle Tension<\/a>, nerves (calming and promoting nerve health), and Skin Conditions such as\u00a0Acne<\/a>,\u00a0dermatitis<\/a>,\u00a0Eczema<\/a>, Rashes and sensitive skin.<\/p>\n

g)\u00a0Elemi<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Widely regarded today for protecting and rejuvenating the skin, reducing\u00a0Wrinkles<\/a>\u00a0and Scarring and stimulating nerves.<\/p>\n

h)\u00a0Geranium<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Balances the sebum, which is the fatty secretion in the sebaceous glands of the skin that keep the skin supple. Helps cleanse oily skin and restores and enlivens pale skin.<\/p>\n

i)\u00a0Jasmine<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Beneficial for the skin, uplifting. Ideal for\u00a0Skin Care<\/a>\u00a0and for dry, oily, irritated or sensitive skin.<\/p>\n

j)\u00a0Rosewood<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 May create skin elasticity and is soothing to the skin. It is recognized for its ability to get rid of\u00a0Candida<\/a>\u00a0of the skin and slow the aging process. It may also be beneficial for\u00a0cuts<\/a>, tissue regeneration and wounds. It helps to create a synergism with all other oils.<\/p>\n

To read more about using\u00a0essential oils<\/a>\u00a0for beauty, click here: http:\/\/www.natural-holistic-health.com\/alternative-therapies\/aromatherapy<\/a>\/essential-oils-for-beauty\/<\/p>\n

The Challenge\u2026.Are Ya Up For It?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s my challenge \u2013 to myself and all of you (and I want to HEAR about if you did it, how well you did and what results you had!!!)<\/p>\n

I will\u2026\u2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n

1) Take one hour a day for ME. I know I waste at LEAST an hour a day on stupid stuff (such as worrying, staring off into space, whatever) In that hour I will enjoy washing my face, doing my\u00a0acupressure<\/a>\u00a0massage, my slow\/deep breathing and my dry skin brushing. That\u2019ll take, what? 30 minutes? Ok, the other 30 minutes is going to be\u00a0yoga<\/a>\u00a0or dancing or any other form of exercise I can think of \u2013 even climbing the steps in my house 15 times in a row \u2013 whatever it takes!<\/p>\n

2) I will drink at least 4 bottles of water a day<\/p>\n

3) I will replace ONE snack a day with a yummy fruit or vegetable.<\/p>\n

4) I will replace 3 cups of coffee and\/or 3 glasses of coke with 3 cups of\u00a0green tea<\/a>\u00a0(or herbal tea).<\/p>\n

5) I will take my\u00a0vitamins<\/a><\/p>\n

6) I will LIKE me, dangit \u2013 I will remind myself at least once a day that I\u2019m pretty cool and I will spend a few minutes just enjoying being me.<\/p>\n

7) Once a week I will do the detox bath and the full facial massage \u2013 twice a week on the massage if I can fit it in.<\/p>\n

\"More\u00a0I will at LEAST drink a protein\/Ensure drink every morning to get my day started right. (heck, a V-8 would work too!)<\/p>\n

9) I will LAUGH<\/p>\n

and\u2026<\/p>\n

10) I won\u2019t stop doing this when the month is over nor will I \u2018give up\u2019 on the plan altogether if I get too busy or forget to stick to my plan!<\/p>\n

Your turn\u2026.and remember, you gotta let me know how you do!<\/p>\n

Sources:
\nhttp:\/\/vibrantskin.net\/3\/pop3.htm
\nhttp:\/\/www.healthynewage.com\/facelift.html
\nhttp:\/\/www.naturalhealthtechniques.com\/HealingTechniques\/Dry_Brushing_Technique.htm
\nhttp:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/life\/humor_laughter_health.htm
\nhttp:\/\/stress.about.com\/od\/stresshealth\/a\/laughter.htm<\/p>\n

Enrich your life and the lives of others<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0by learning Aromatherapy, Reflexology or Color\/Crystal Therapy at the\u00a0<\/span>Alternative Healing Academy<\/strong><\/a>!\u00a0Convenient and easy-to-handle payment plans are available!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ok ladies, listen up. If there is *anything* that most women have in common, it is the following: 1) we want to look the best we can \u2013 for ourselves, for our mates, just because 2) we\u2019re suckers for a slick marketing\/advertising campaign 3) we\u2019re too busy caring for and worrying about everyone else to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9103","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-beauty-skin-care"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9103","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9103"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9103\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9103"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9103"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9103"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}