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

6 Tips to Reduce the Size of Your Pores

On my Instagram page (@body_scrubs_by_rebeca) I questioned my followers as to what some of their skincare concerns or issues are.  I received a few replies, both via Instagram as well as my personal email.  And so, while working, I got an alert that someone wanted to know how they can reduce the size of their pores.  I thought to myself, "hmm that's a really good question!"  Then, while at my desk, I started looking at my face, examining my skin and taking a closer look at my pores.

Me, au naturale - Owner of Body Scrubs by Rebeca
bodyscrubsbyrebeca.com 

(Pores are tiny little openings (holes) in the skin that help to produce natural oils, sebum is produced.)

I noticed that the size of them varied depending on certain situations.  A while back I noticed my pores were looking rather large and some days they looked pretty small. I payed attention to my habits to see when my pores looked their smallest. Here's what I found -

On days where I drank lots of water my skin looked very radiant. My pores also appeared to be smaller.

On days that I exfoliated (2x per week) using my natural body scrubs my pores were also smaller...

And on days I treated myself to a face mask my pores were looking fab!


I researched some more information about pores and found some really useful tips for those to reduce the size of their pores.

Here are 6 Tips to Reduce the Size of Your Pores

1.Hydrate - (drink water) all of our organs flourish with water. The same goes for your skin, so drink up!

2.Exfoliating - try a gentle sugar or walnut scrub to gently remove dead skin cells from your pores.
Exfoliating leaves your skin smooth and radiant and of course, makes your pores smaller.

3.Using a face mask- try a pharmacy brand face mask to cleanse and remove oils and dirt from your face. You should use a face mask once a week. This too will help reduce the size of your pores.

4. Cleanse - wash your face daily to unclog pores. When your face is dirty the pores expand as they are filled with dirt.

5. Tone - use a toner. It helps to close the pores.  That cool tingle you feel when you rub on the toner is helping to cool your skin so that your pores close. (Remember, warm opens pores and cold closes them).

6. Moisturize - Some people think lotion clogs the pores but its actually not true.  Moisturizing actually helps produce less natural oils that can help clog the pores, ultimately making them bigger.

So, there you have it! Six easy steps to reduce the size of your pores!

Xo,

Rebeca


*Here are some products I like - 

Dickinson's Witch Hazel

Body Scrubs by Rebeca all natural coffee scrub

Clinique cleansing bar soap

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.