Massage Oils

So, for the last few months I've been saying that I'm going to introduce BSBR relaxing massage oils and finally, last night, I did some research and testing.   If all goes well, I should be releasing this new product by months end. I've been working on some really fancy names for the product and everything! I just want it to be perfect so that when you all give or get massages you will be in an aromatic heaven. 

Anyhow, I brought the tester in at work to get some feedback from my colleagues. They loved the way it smelled but they thought some of the oils I used were a bit dense.  I tested it out by offering my coworker a little massage and she loved it! I got the kink right out of her neck LoL! (I know, I should be working but we had a little down time).

But anyway, you may be asking yourself, why does she want to introduce massage oils to her collection of body scrubs? Well, the answer is easy! Everyone loves a massage (I know I do) and what's more awesome than getting a massage and getting rubbed down with a soothing, calming and sensual scented oil?

BSBR massage oil protoype

People have been getting massages for years and it was part of the health care system in ancient civilization.  The Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, Mesopotamians and Indus Valley civilizations all practiced massage therapy with the use of oils in the past.  The Chinese massages are amongst the best in all of the societies, as they have mastered the technique.

There are difference types of oils that I researched and tested out. Here are some of the oils I tested and their uses. I think you'll find it interesting.



Different Types of Carrier Oils for Massages

Olive Oil
This is most well known oil for infant massage. But, one can use it on adults too. Olive oil is a nice massage oil which tends to improve skin’s elasticity and strengthens it.
Olibe oil has been used in the Mediterranean since ancient times, for young and old alike. Regular massage with olive oil can keep the skin looking younger and glossier.
Olive oil tends to make the skin look a bit tanned for some time.

Jojoba Oil
This is most well known oil for infant massage. But, one can use it on adults too. Olive oil is a nice massage oil which tends to improve skin’s elasticity and strengthens it.
Olibe oil has been used in the Mediterranean since ancient times, for young and old alike. Regular massage with olive oil can keep the skin looking younger and glossier.
Olive oil tends to make the skin look a bit tanned for some time.

Sunflower Oil
Its a rather inexpensive oil which can be used for body massage. It flows well on the skin, is moderately thick. It is good for generating traction with hands, which is ideal for chiropractic massage.

Avocado Oil
It is a thick oil which is yellowish in color. A special extra virgin oil from a special cultivar of Avocado oil, called Hass, is bright green in color. This oil is rich in chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments. Avocado oil is great for face massage and in hot oil treatments.



DIY

Here is a quick DIY recipe to make your own massage oil at home.

• Carrier Oil  – 4 ounces
• Essential Oil – 4 – 15 drops per essential oil. Strong essential oils, like eucalypus need just a few drops. Less strong oils can be added in slight moderation.

References

www.oilhealthbenefits.com

Hyper-pigmentation and Dark Spots on Legs

This is a very personal post for me and was debating as to whether or not to share it. But I'm sure people can relate to this.  So here it goes...


After this long, cold and harsh winter in New York, I am so ready for  spring and summer! Although I adore these seasons,with it comes the fact that I have to show skin- especially the skin on my legs.

Since I was a child I have been plagued with dark spots on my legs and arms (more so on my legs) from mosquito bites! Getting a mosquito bite causes the hyper pigmentation on my skin and i'm left with an unsightly dark spot(s).  Therefore, getting ready for warmer temperatures left me wanting to hide and keep on long items of clothing.  With maturity, I learned to love myself and accept my flaws but still work to improve them. And so, I'd like to share with you some information on hyper pigmentation and dark spots, with steps to remedy them.


Hyper pigmentation is the darkening of the skin or nails caused by increased melanin. Melanin is a broad term for a group of natural pigments.


Dark spots, put simply, acne or any type of inflammatory trauma to the skin can lead to excess production of melanin which causes post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation dark spots.

So how can we minimize or lighten the appearance of dark spots on our legs caused from mosquito bites?

Figure 1.0 -(web image)

After this long, cold and harsh winter in New York, I am so ready for  spring and summer! Although I adore these seasons,with it comes the fact that I have to show skin- especially the skin on my legs.

Since I was a child I have been plagued with dark spots on my legs and arms (more so on my legs) from mosquito bites! Getting a mosquito bite causes the hyper pigmentation on my skin and i'm left with an unsightly dark spot(s).  Therefore, getting ready for warmer temperatures left me wanting to hide and keep on long items of clothing.  With maturity, I learned to love myself and accept my flaws but still work to improve them. And so, I'd like to share with you some information on hyper pigmentation and dark spots, with steps to remedy them.


Hyper pigmentation is the darkening of the skin or nails caused by increased melanin. Melanin is a broad term for a group of natural pigments.


Dark spots, put simply, acne or any type of inflammatory trauma to the skin can lead to excess production of melanin which causes post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation dark spots.

So how can we minimize or lighten the appearance of dark spots on our legs caused from mosquito bites?

Follow these tips -

Correcting the Dark Spots

If you couldn’t resist the urge to scratch or had an inflammatory reaction that caused hyperpigmentation spots you can try using lightening ingredients. Some recommend using hydroquinone for fading dark marks, but it can be problematic for skin of color. You can also use treatments specifically created to heal scars like Bio Oil, Mederma, and Scar Zone.

When using fade creams or ingredients to fade marks, only apply the lightening agents to the dark spots. Don’t apply to the unaffected skin.Visiting a dermatologist for a chemical peel is also a great way to remove the layer of skin affected by the dark spots. 

Natural ingredients for Fading Dark Marks

• Vitamin E applied to bite marks helps reduce redness and helps the skin heal.
• Rosehip seed oil helps reduce the discoloration and even out skin tone.
• Licorice is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that also has skin lightening properties.
• Coconut oil can lighten dark marks.
• Tomato exfoliates and lightens the skin.
• Lemons and limes are natural skin lighteners. (Try a Lemon Burst body scurb)
• Papaya helps fade dark spots and even out skin tone. Green papaya can be mixed with lemon or lime juice to help lighten spots.

Precautions

• When applying a substance for lightening spots, leave on for about 10 minutes and then rinse. It could take two to three months for spots to fade.
• Make sure that the topical ointment used is hypoallergenic and won’t cause an allergic reaction and cause further inflammation.
• When using any ingredient, be sure to do a patch test in a small area like the inner elbow to make sure you will not have an allergic reaction, which will only exacerbate the problem.
• Whatever treatment you decide to use, always protect the treated area with sunscreen. Apply sunscreen whenever the area will be exposed to the sun. Sun exposure can make the dark marks worse. In addition some people find that sun exposure also causes a bite to itch again (Source: multiculturalbeauty.about.com).

Skincare Uses for Coconut Oil

I don't think I've ever mentioned how much I love coconut oil! Coconut oil is the fatty oil obtained 
from the coconut and used in candies,confections and in cosmetics.  I first learned about 
coconut oil after starting my skincare business in 2011. When I first started making natural body scrubs I only used oils that I was familiar with such as olive oils.  I was pretty ignorant to all of the other oils out there that are beneficial for the skin but after some research I discovered the benefits of coconut oil.  I'd love to share with you some of their many benefits for the skin. 

Lip Gel:  Cracks in our lips can be a source of worry, discomfort, and embarrassment. When we apply chemical gels on the lips, it is possible to consume those gels accidentally, even though they are somewhat toxic. Some gels may be edible, but you still don’t want to eat those chemicals.

Coconut oil comes as an ideal alternative in such cases. It acts quickly and even if it goes in your stomach, it will only give you additional benefits, so everyone wins!

Skin softener: Most of us use several creams and lotions for softening our skin, especially the skin of the face and hands. Coconut oil is a great skin softener and helps you do away with dry and hard skin conditions. Simply take some coconut oil on your palms, rub your palms against each other once or twice and then on your face, hands, or wherever you want to see the moisturizing effect.

Coconut oil is also good for hardened and cracked feet, which may happen due to excessive cold or strenuous work while standing on your feet. The cracks in your feet will not vanish, but your feet will become softer within days if you apply coconut oil to the affected area.

As an exfoliant, including coconut oil as an agent with other exfoliating or grainy materials like salts and sugars can vastly improve the effects. You will successfully scrape off excess dead skin and clean out whatever substances have blocked the pores without leaving the skin feeling irritated. The natural soothing nature of the oil combines with the grainy, exfoliating material perfectly, and leaves your skin with an even color, closed pores, and a soft texture.

Makeup Remover: Coconut oil can also be used a makeup remover. This is not common, but women have begun using it for removing the makeup of the face and eyes, without worrying about the harsh chemicals of other removers getting into delicate or sensitive areas.

Skin disorders: It is claimed that coconut oil is good for several skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Several readers have reported this benefit. However, scientific research is ongoing in order to prove or disprove these claims. Much of the research that is there speaks to its protein content, since the replacement of sick or dying cells that can occur with various skin disorders, are quickly replaced by new, healthy cells. In this way, coconut oil not only treats the infection by battling the microbial bodies, they also heal the damage or the visible marks of that skin disorder; it is a two-in-one solution!

www.organicfacts.net

Spring,Hair Removal and Exfoliation

You probably wouldn't think that spring, hair removal and exfoliation are something that go together hand in hand, but it's been a very long winter, and as we transition from colder temperatures to warmer temperatures, we have to be mindful about what our skin has gone through and how to properly prepare our skin for the spring- especially when it comes to hair removal.  


Our skin has been dry, scaly, rough, overheated and undernourished during the cold winter days and if your like most women you've paid less attention to your body hair and its time for some immediate de-fuzzing!  According to Claudia Spagnolo, among the best things you can do for your skin is a full-body exfoliating scrub before you shave, wax, Nair or whatever else you do to remove your unwanted body hair.

"If you use a mild natural ingredient like brown sugar to gently, and I repeat, gently rub your body several days before having a waxing or chemical hair removal, you'll loosen and remove dead skin cells, which will not only make your hair removal easier but also safer," says Spagnolo, director of the DeFranco Spagnolo Salon and Spa in Great Neck, N.Y.

Body Scrubs by Rebeca - Sweet Honey Almond scrub - $20 www.bodyscrubsbyrebeca.com 

Spagnolo says that the full-body scrub is also a great way to get ready for an application of any faux tanning product, adding that it "helps to ensure a more even application with less streaking."

Source: www.webmd.com

10 Winter Skincare Tips To Keep Your Skin Healthy

For many people, including myself the cold clear days of winter bring more than just a rosy glow to the cheeks. They also bring uncomfortable dryness to the skin of the face, hands, and feet. For some people, the problem is worse than just a general tight, dry feeling: They get skin so dry it results in flaking, cracking, even eczema (in which the skin becomes inflamed).

As soon as you turn the heat on indoors, the skin starts to dry out, it doesn't matter if you heat your home using oil, wood, or electricity. The skin gets dry.

Check out these 10 tips to keep your skin healthy during the winter months:

1. See a Dermatologist

If you go to your local drugstore, you'll be hard put to find a salesperson who can give you good advice. That's why going to an esthetician or dermatologist even once is a good investment. 

2. Moisturize 

You may have found a moisturizer that works just fine in spring and summer.  But as weather conditions change, so, too, should your skin care routine.  Find an "ointment" moisturizer that's oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion.

3. Use Sunscreen

No, sunscreen isn't just for summertime. Winter sun -- combined with snow glare -- can still damage your skin. Try applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and your hands (if they're exposed) about 30 minutes before going outside.

4. Protect Your Hands

The skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands. That means it's harder to keep your hands moist, especially in cold, dry weather. This can lead to itchiness and cracking. 

5. Exfoliate

During the cold months skin is very dry. With dry skin your skin needs to be exfoliated more. Try a good exfoliant. Exfoliating helps to remove the dead skin cells that you collect over time leaving your skin smooth and soft during the winter months. Try exfoliating with Body Scrubs by Rebeca.

6. Hook Up the Humidifier

Central heating systems (as well as space heaters) blast hot dry air throughout our homes and offices. Humidifiers get more moisture in the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out. 

7. Hydrate for Your Health, Not for Your Skin

If you've heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times: Drinking water helps your skin stay young looking. In fact, it's a myth. Water is good for your overall health and "the skin of someone who is severely dehydrated will benefit from fluids.

8. Grease Up Your Feet

Yes, those minty foot lotions are lovely in the hot summer months, but during the winter, your feet need stronger stuff. Try finding lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerine instead.

9. Pace the Peels

If your facial skin is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin.

10. Easy On the Hot Showers and Baths

Sure, soaking in a burning-hot bath feels great after frolicking out in the cold. But the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. "You're better off with just warm water," LaPlante advises, "and staying in the water a shorter amount of time." A lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda, can help relieve skin that is so dry it has become itchy.

I hope you find these tips helpful. Thanks for reading!

Source: www.webmd.com 

Healthy Living and Great Skin

Having a healthy diet and regularly exercising are key to having great skin. Certain foods can cause acne and make the skin look dull. Here are some healthy tips to keep your face and skin flawless -



Drink up. Aim to get 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. The water will clear your skin and make it glow because it makes it easier for your body to flush out toxins quickly.

• Carry a water bottle with you all day to make sure you always have water on hand.
• Drink herbal tea or other decaffeinated beverages to hydrate when you're tired of water.

Healthy eats. Healthy proteins and nutritious fruits and vegetables go a long way toward making skin glow. Add these elements to your diet to see quick results:

• Omega 3 fatty acids. These are found in fish and walnuts, and are especially beneficial to your skin.
• Vitamin C. This will help existing pimples heal faster, so eating a few servings of citrus fruits and spinach will help.
• Fiber-rich foods. Fresh vegetables, nuts, and unprocessed fruit helps keep a fine balance and to be regular, not sluggish, in the gastrointestinal area. You may look and feel tired and sickly (headache and abdominal complaints), if you do not have regularity of elimination/movements once or more every day.

Taking Care of Your Skin in Your 30's

So, it's no secret that I've reached the rightful age of 30 earlier this year. Being 30 is something 
that I have embraced and am very proud of.  Being 30 isn't "old" as I once thought as a child, but the fact of the matter is, I'm not going to be getting any younger, BUT I sure can LOOK younger than my biological age.

As we get older our skin begins to change- we lose firmness, get fine lines, the parenthesis around our mouth and for some, early signs of wrinkles. Well, Rebeca doesn't have time for that! So here are some of the things I do to make sure my skin stays youthful for years to come.


Anti- Aging Skin Care Remedies

1. Water, Water, Water (Hydration)!!

If your skin is not getting the sufficient amount of water, the lack of hydration will present itself by turning your skin dry, tight and flaky. Dry skin has less resilience and is more prone to wrinkling.

As water is lost in large quantities every day, you need to replace it somehow. The unfortunate truth about drinking water and skin is that water will reach all the other organs before it reaches the skin. So, it's important to apply water to our skin and keep it there - this will not only show a visible difference in hydration, but it can prevent wrinkles, as well.

So what is the best way to add water to the skin?

• Apply a hydrating moisturizer within 2 minutes of leaving the bath or shower. The skin is still porous and is vulnerable to products that are applied following the bath or shower, allowing better absorption.

• Drink more water. Drinking at least 8 glasses a day will help rid the body and skin of toxins. Everyone will not agree that water consumption will improve skin… but it certainly can't hurt. Many people often report that by increasing their water intake, their skin has a more radiant glow. Those who suffer from acne have reported the same results. Nothing will happen overnight, but even a good couple of weeks of increasing water intake should be enough for you to see how hydration affects your own skin.

2. Sunscreen

Studies have shown that sunscreen doesn't only protect one from sunburns and skin cancer, sunscreen also has excellent anti-aging effects for the skin.  A 2013 research study by Australian scientists stated "regular sunscreen use protects against photoaging: the wrinkling, spotting and loss of elasticity caused by exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation."

Apply that sunscreen guys (yes, even black people)!

3. Exfoliate!

Exfoliation is the removal of the oldest dead skin cells that cling to the skin's outermost surface, or the epidermis.  Exfoliation is an important part of both facials and body treatments.  When done correctly, exfoliation leaves the skin feeling smoother and fresher looking.

There are two types of exfoliating processes - mechanical and chemical.  The mechanical method of exfoliation is my preference because I rather not use chemicals with all of those funny spelling ingredients.

I mechanically exfoliate by using Body Scrubs by Rebeca hand-made, natural body scrubs.

Body Scrubs by Rebeca gently exfoliates the skin leaving it soft, smooth and refreshing!

Well guys, I hope you find these anti-aging tips helpful as I practice them myself, daily to maintain my skin. 

Remember, getting older is truly a milestone and a blessing but we can choose the way we wish to age. Water, sunscreen and exfoliating will all help with that!

Xo,

Rebeca