Category Archives: Skin Care Ingredients

Starflower = Star Power with this GLA

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Beautasia

This superstar little plant comes from European and Asian countries. Known as “Starflower”, the seed from this plant produces Borage oil, which contains about 20 percent GLA.

GLA - Stands for Gamma-Linolenic Acid. It is a polyunsaturated fatty acid and is in the omega-6 group. Like all other essential fatty acids, GLA must be obtained with food, as our bodies are unable to synthesize it alone. GLA is involved in hormone synthesis, reproductive processes, metabolism regulation and skin moisturization, to name a few.

GLA and Skin Health

Not only does this SUPER star oil have incredible benefits to the skin to keep it supple and moisturized, it is also a powerful anti-inflammatory. It is great in the fight against:

  • Eczema - Reduces transepidermal water loss.
  • Acne - Breaks down sebum build up, reducing the chances of pores becoming clogged.
  • Psoriasis – Reduces inflammation and increasing circulation at the dermal level; itching and irritation are diminished.

*Beautasia Tip: I always say dehydration leads to irritation and inflammation, which will trigger multiple skin and joint disorders.

GLA for Body Health

The anti-inflammatory benefits internally will help in the ailments of:

  • Depression – Aiding in hormone synthesis.
  • Muscle Pain – Reducing inflamation in joints and muscles.
  • Osteoporosis – Promoting calcium absorption.

Other Sources of GLA’s:

Evening Primrose Oil

Hemp Seed Oil

Olive Oil *Beautasia Favorite

Keep it Clean and Green
Spirulina

For more detailed information on GLA’s

Beautasia Product Pick

I’m in LOVE with this Omega Daily Moisturizer from Sophyto. I noticed a tightening effect immediately and it provides a perfect base for my loose mineral foundation.
Must have!


If you’ve enjoyed my post, please leave a comment below and as always B-SWEET and RE-TWEET ;)

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New Meaning to the Term “Pumpkin Face”

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Beautasia

Hi, Superheroes in training! I have a special treat for you! One of my SUPER FRIENDS, Kelly Crookston of Beauty Obsessed, shared this amazing recipe for a pumpkin facial mask.

Pumpkins are rich in vitamin A, Zinc and Salicylic acid. Vitamin A, stimulates cell growth (who couldn’t use extra that!) Zinc is very wound healing and acts as an astringent. Salicylic Acid, which you’ve heard me talk about, is great for acne because it can actually penetrate oil, go inside the pore and loosen it up. These three ingredients work synergistically and create a force of healthy, beautiful, glowing skin with acne busting powers!

I know some of you are carving pumpkins with the kiddies this time of year, so DON’T throw out that yummy goodness – save it for your face!

Below is everything you need:

Ingredients:

- 2 teaspoons of cooked pumpkin (you can also use canned pumpkin)
- 1 egg
- Splash of milk

Optional Ingredients:

For Dry Skin- You can add a small amount of honey-  it will attract and keep moisture inside your skin where it belongs.

For Oily Skin- Mix in a splash of apple cider vinegar for an astringent effect.

Directions:

  1. Whisk together the pumpkin, egg and milk.
  2. Add any optional ingredients and mix gently.
  3. Apply to your face with either your fingers or an old makeup brush (avoiding the eyes)
  4. Relax, read, do chores or whatever you would like for the next 15-20 minutes
  5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and apply your regular moisturizer

*Put an old shirt on that you don’t mind getting ruined and put a towel on your counter or floor. If you drop some, you don’t want it to ruin your clothes or floor.


Contributor
Beauty Obsessed
@kellabel

http://beautyobsessed2.blogspot.com/

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Recession-Zapping Skin Food

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Beautasia

Today’s world is filled with energy zappers out to destroy our skin cells. Here are a few ingredients that will protect you from the harsh environment. I’ll continue informing you regularly about more of these skincare essentials but to avoid a brain overload, I picked just a few of my favorites here…
Tea Tree Oil- This essential oil is know for its antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties. It’s fantastic for conditions like acne and perfect for healing cuts, infections, and burns.
Beautasia Tip: For sensitive skin, try mixing a little with your favorite moisturizer.

Green Tea- It’s not only a fantabulous, antioxidant-rich drink for the inside out, it’s great for digestion after a meal! If you see this ingredient on a label, grab it for ultimate environmental protection.
Beautasia Tip: If you have leftover tea, try washing your face with it tonight before bed.

Yogurt-This breakfast favorite is super delectable for the skin. Not only is it rich in zinc, which aids acne prone skin, but the fat from yogurt is a great skin softener and the lactic acid acts as a gentle exfoliant. I’m a big fan of the probiotics in yogurt to maintain intestinal and (ahem) vajayjay health. :)

Beautasia Tip: Use plain, full fat yogurt as a mask to achieve optimal benefits. Just apply a thin layer to your face for 10-15 minutes.

I hope you had as much fun reading this as I had writing it. I would love to hear about your own “at-home” recipes below.

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AHA’s/BHA’s – What’s the dif?

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Beautasia

Here’s another confusing acronym we see on a lot of skincare products.

AHA’s – stand for Alphahydroxy Acid. These are a family of acids that are usually derived from natural sources. Alphahydroxy acids work by removing the buildup of dead skin cells. They are designed to loosen up the cellular glue, stimulate the cell renewal process and “shed new life” to your skin. The most common alphahydroxy acids you see are lactic and glycolic.

Lactic acids are derived from milk and are much gentler on the skin. My favorite thing about lactic acid is that it is a humectant. Which mean it retains water. So, lactic acids are fantastic for dry, sensitive skin types

Glycolic acids are from sugar cane and are the smallest molecule, so it is the most effective in penetrating the skin. This is a very drying acid, so take special precautions if you are dry and sensitive.

BHA’s – stand for Betahydroxy Acid. The difference between the two acids (AHA and BHA) is that they are separated by one atom. I’m trying to keep this from being a chemistry lesson, so let’s move on. ;) Betahydroxy acids usually come from wintergreen leaves and are lipid (oil) soluble. Which means it penetrates oil. So its very effective for acne. Yay!

Both of these acids reach the superficial layer, or stratum corneum, of the skin (see diagram below). When getting these treatments done in spas and medical facilities, they are usually pretty safe and great to refresh skin or to control acne.

Deep, resurfacing peels are called mid-depth peels and should only be administered by a doctor or under a doctor’s supervision.

Hope this cuts out some confusion. Please let me know if I can answer any questions.

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Skincare Ingredients

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Beautasia

We see and hear a lot about anti-aging, antioxidants and free radicals. We need antioxidants to fight off the free radicals that are trying to attack and destroy our cells. Here are the basic antioxidant vitamins you see in most skincare product lines. Think of these as the force field that will protect you from the evils of aging.

VITAMIN A- This snazztastic vitamin comes in many forms. The most common on the market are Retin-A and Retinol. In these concentrated forms it can stimulate collagen production in the skin and create a ‘turn over’ effect. The results will help with acne, reduce the appearance of discoloration and fine lines. Retin-A is the strongest form and can only be prescribed by a doctor. Retinol is not as concentrated and can be bought at local drug stores. Retinol is great for sensitive skin and will be more progressive. Where Retin-A, comes in many prescription strengths and will peel and flake the skin. If you can handle the dandruff face look with Retin-A your skin will love you for it. Make sure you always protect your self with plenty of sunscreen when using either of these products. Sensitivity is a given.

VITAMIN C- Is your protector from all things evil. This guardian vitamin will wrap itself around the cell and not let the destructive forces of stress and environment effect it. I think anyone concerned with sun damage or going through treatments to reduce the appearance of discoloration on their face should have vitamin c in their magic power belt, or medicine cabinet. Whichever you may have ;)

VITAMIN E- This nurturing vitamin will assist in repair of the cells. Keep this one handy for reduction of scars and to soften dry skin.

VITAMIN D- This vitamin is produced in the skin when exposed to UVB rays. We need vitamin D for healthy skin function. Something to think about; You only need about 30 minutes of sun exposure before you start to do damage to the skin cells. No need to bake in the sun or you may end up like this:

get out while the gettin’s good and opt for this instead


Feel free to leave comments or questions below

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