antioxidants

Beauty Food: Blueberry Hyaluronic Acid Liquid

April 12, 2012

For a while I’ve wanted to try a Hyaluronic Acid (HA) supplements, I’ve used skin care products that contain HA but I’ve heard quite a bit about the skin care benefits of oral supplements.

Almost 50% of the Hyaluronic Acid in our body is found in the skin, the rest is found in almost every cell in the body. What is does is quite miraculous – with the help of water HA lubricates movable parts of the body, such as joints, eyes and muscles improving joint condition. HA binds to water creating a gel-like substance that hydrates tissue and keeps the collagen nourished and healthy, resulting in firm skin. And since Hyaluronic acid moisturizes skin from the inside it smooths out wrinkles making it the perfect natural anti-aging ingredient.

From the NeoCell website:

“Hyaluronic Acid Blueberry Liquid™ with the added benefits of powerful antioxidants from pomegranate and green tea, is an all-natural dietary supplement that counteracts the effects of aging in a more effective way than topical HA application alone. By nourishing and moisturizing the skin and connective tissue from the inside, it is like creating a more youthful, healthy inner environment overall. With green tea in the mix, the health benefits include: anti-inflammatory effects, potential delay or prevention of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases as well as assistance in lowering LDL cholesterol, increased fat metabolism, and diabetes prevention. Made with organic agave nectar, this natural sweetener has a lower glycemic index. It also has blueberries and pomegranates which are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and other health supporting benefits.”

The problem is as we get older we tend to produce less and less HA in our bodies. So supplements are a great option to add more HA to our bodies to keep our bodies working well and keeping our skin plump and smooth. So I decided to give these supplements a try and for almost three weeks I’ve been taking NeoCell Hyaluronic Acid Blueberry Liquid™. This liquid supplement can taken by the spoonful or mixed in water or juice. I prefer to just take the tablespoon because it tasted really good, its a perfect blend of sweetness and tartness mixed together. Since I workout quite a bit I’ve noticed some joint stiffness, especially in the past year but lately I haven’t had a problem with hearing my joints “crack” which is great because honestly who wants to hear that and be reminded that they’re getting older! My skin also feels plumper but alas I still have a few fine lines. So I’ll keep taking the supplement in hopes that there will be some improvement in this area. Overall I really love how easy and pleasant it is to take Hyaluronic Acid as well as the multitude of long term health benefits that it offers.

Have you tried any Hyaluronic Acid supplements?

NeoCell Hyaluronic Acid Blueberry Liquid™, $19.99

Disclosure: The products featured in this review were provided for editorial consideration. Receipt of this product did not guarantee review and all opinions are my own.

Unexpected Find: Trader Joe’s Spa Gentle Facial Cleanser + Regenerating Antioxidant Moisturizing Face Lotion

January 7, 2011

As a blogger, my taste in creams and cleansers tends toward the uber-fancy. We all know that while drugstores have some good old standards, the CVS experience isn’t as exciting as toting home a tiny, pretty shopping bag stocked with high-end lotions and potions. In fact, I would have never given this sleek and stylish cleanser and lotion combo a second glance on a recent trip to Trader Joe’s had it not strongly reminded me of the clean lines in the packaging of Ren Skincare.

Stocked unobtrusively among the paper towels and vitamins, I spotted Trader Joe’s Spa Gentle Facial Cleanser and Trader Joe’s Spa Regenerating Antioxidant Moisturizing Face Lotion. I surreptitiously sidled up to the shelf and examined the slim cylinders, giving the ingredients list a quick perusal. The citrus-scented formulations lacked parabens, mineral oil fillers, and boasted Vitamins A and C in addition to skin-friendly aloe vera juice and super-hydrophilic hyaluronic acid. At far less than $10 a pop, I could not place them back on the display, and into my cart they went.

Some cursory research indicated overwhelmingly positive reviews of the product, and I followed the tip of massaging the cleanser into dry skin for enhanced chemical exfoliation. (That sounds scary, but it just means scrubbing without scrubbing.) The cleanser tingles, but not in a bad way. It rinses off with low foam, and feels almost like a mini peel. I followed with a generous application of the Regenerating Antioxidant Moisturizing Lotion, and my skin drank up the moisture- resulting in a clean, but not dry or tight result.

After two weeks of use, I have not required a manual exfoliant once. My skin glows and hasn’t succumbed to winter dehydration, a frustration many of us oily-skinned girls can experience when temperatures plummet. I’m almost mad at Trader Joe’s for depriving me the joy of scanning the counters for a pricey cream and serum to combat cold-weather flakes, but then I remember how awesome my skin feels and all is forgiven.

What beauty finds have you come across in unexpected locations?

Review: Lavanila, SPF Gets Healthy

July 24, 2010

Lavanila Healthy Sunscreen SPF 40 is a highly nourishing and safe alternative to chemical-laden formulas, the Healthy Sunscreen is developed with a new generation of natural mineral sunscreens that offer superior protection, youth-promoting antioxidants and immune supporting botanicals. Perfect for sensitive skin, the fragrance-free, ultra-sheer formula glides on smoothly with no white residue.

While many sunscreens contain PABA, parabens and synthetic fragrances Lavanila Healthy Sunscreen is 100% natural. This deodorant contains Shea Butter to soften, moisturize and protect as well as Green Tea which is a powerful antioxidant. Some of the healthy benefits are protection from UVA & UVB rays which cause sunburn, dryness and premature aging as well as botanicals and amino acids to help hydrate and replenish skin. This formula is non-coledogenic, clinically tested, biodegradable and not tested on animals.

This sunscreen felt incredibly light on my face, like I wasn’t wearing anything at all and it didn’t feel greasy. Many sunscreens for the face feel sticky to the touch but not Lavanila, there is also hardly any scent at all (which I can appreciate). I think that it’s important that a sunscreen is free of chemicals because over time chemicals can accumulate in the bloodstream and cause irritation or allergies. This one is certainly a winner!

Lavanila Healthy Deodorant is $28.00 for 1.8oz. and can be found at Sephora, Sephora.com or lavanila.com

Disclaimer: The product mentioned in this post was provided for editorial consideration by a PR company.

Be Kind and Be Fine to you Face

March 1, 2010

Once a week I like to treat my skin to facial mask for a little deep cleaning. Be fine makes beauty products that are Paraben free, Allergen Free and made from vegetable protein. The product that I tried was Be fine’s Cooling Peel Off Mask with Apple, Lemon & Green Tea. This mask cools instantly upon contact and felt tingly on my face (it didn’t sting). The apple and lemon have natural occurring alpha hydroxy acids to help remove impurities and support new skin growth. The green tea which nourishes your skin while helping to prevent free radicals which age your skin.

It took about 15 minutes for the mask to dry completely. Even after removing the mask my skin still felt tingly and also incredibly soft and smooth almost like I just exfoliated. My skin didn’t feel tight like I does when I sometimes try new facial cleansers. I also liked that the product contains many natural ingredients and that it’s not tested on animals. One things that I did notice was that my skin my slightly red after I took the mask off but the redness toned down after about 10 minutes – my skin still felt tingly as if I just came from a spa facial. Overall I loved the results and thought that the mask felt great and was very relaxing.

The mask is sold as a kit with a one use cleanser and retails for $20.

*I did not use the cleanser as part of my facial.