Matcha Madness

Matcha - The green powder and tea that we see all over trendy instagram accounts, it's that cool it even now has it's own emoji! It's even taken over Avacado on toast and Chia seeds - now that's saying something!

It's worth noting that the colour determines the quality, the brighter the better. I always buy Organic Matcha Powder from either Teapigs or a pack from Goodness Direct website. See the image for a good idea on colours.

I've been having matcha powder every morning for the last six weeks, it tastes much better than its weaker sister green tea, lets face it green tea is vile! Matcha tea apparently has 137x more antioxidants than regular green tea, and one cup of matcha tea = 10 cups of regularly brewed green tea in terms of nutritional content. Plus just one little teaspoon of good quality organic matcha contains enough antioxidants to cover you for three days! three whole days! Beats the skincare we religiously slather on daily at £100+ a bottle, don't get me wrong I'm still using my Vintners Daughter a few times a week and a good Vitamin C serum every morning from Roccoco Botanicals, better safe than sorry, right? and I'm a recovering sunbed addict who needs all the help I can get.

There are so many benefits to implementing matcha into your daily life, but for me personally, I am struggling with an immunity disorder that affects my full body, but mainly exhaustion, memory loss, and my skin. I have noticed the immediate effects of increased energy but I am  yet to see any skin results, however, I have been also under extreme stress, and I mean extreme so my skin is suffering hugely. The way I have my daily matcha is in a smoothie every single morning.

Recipe
Matcha Madness
I sachet of teapigs matcha,
1 green skinned banana,
1 handful of baby spinach,
Half a pint of organic nut milk such as coconut or almond,
A quarter of a teaspoon of turmeric,
I also add in my bio-kult probiotic 
2 teaspoons of Moringa powder
1 huge spoonful of pre-soaked chia seeds and another of linseeds.
Whizz it in the blender anfd voila! a superfood smoothie, about 1 pints worth.

However, I need to address the rest of my eating habits *insert eye roll.
I am struggling now with cystic acne under my jaw, itchy weird bumps, after being acne prone since i 19 and having had accutaine  with devastating mental health results and a minimum clear skin time, I am now trying to avoid a third bout rather desperately and have turned to skincare and inner health, with not much luck thus far, however I will keep going as these things do not happen over night. Saying that the rest of my face is pretty clear after using a great skincare brand from Australia , Roccoco Botanicals Trial
So Mathca Powder is seemingly a great choice for me, especially as I am now approaching 40 fast and need a bloody miracle.

So whats to lose, right?

Nothing, except cost. A decent one is usually quite pricey, I currently use Teapigs 100% pure organic matcha, it contains 14 single serve sachets, which last two weeks at a sachet per day £12.75.
The benefits:

• High in Antioxidants - Antioxidants are the magical nutrients and enzymes responsible for fighting against the negative effects of UV radiation and free radicals, giving us younger looking skin, and help preventing lots of life threatening maladies. Also protects against inflammation in the body, these antioxidants also help eliminate acne  (I hope) and other types of skin eruptions and roughness. The strong presence of the  EGCG antioxidant in matcha slows cell degeneration to impede the ageing process, promoting smooth, tight skin tgat retains moisture and natural smooth colour tones... YES please!

• Chlorophyll - During the last few weeks of growing, matcha leaves are kept covered for protection from the sun. This results in higher chlorophyll production which is what makes matcha such a vivid green, it also makes matcha a strong detoxifying agent for the users, cleansing the bodies entire system of toxins and hazardous chemicals and other impurities, leaving the skin glowing and radiantly clean.

• Natural Antibiotics - Matcha has a variety of natural or organic substances that have a powerful antibiotic acton for the body. These include catechins, Vitamins A and  C, calcium, protein, iron and potassium. As these cleansing agents cleanse the internal system, they purify and and smooth the skin too, eliminating any blemishes or rashes. A healthy immune system also promotes clear, well hydrated and youthful skin with good elasticity and resilience.
• DIY Beauty Treatments - You can use matcha powder as a face mask, with fantastic results,  I have only tried matcha on its own as a mask but  I found some other recipes on good old google.....

Honey & Matcha Mask
1 teaspoon of matcha powder and 1 teaspoon of organic raw manuka honey pref medigrade, mix the two to form a paste, spead the mixture all over your freshjly cleansed face in circular motions and leave for 20 minutes before removing with a clean, warm facecloth.

Matcha & Yoghurt or Keffir Mask
For a probiotic rich and brightening mask try mixing with plain yoghurt or even better keffir, I used to do a plain, organic yoghurt mask a while ago, I'm not sure why I stopped actually, it gave me instant and quite shocking in a good way results. It instantly smooths, brightens and fights the acne bacteria, it plumps skin beautifully (rushes to Sainsburys for keffir). Simply mix a teaspoon of matcha with plain, organic yoghurt and apply to freshly cleansed skin, leave for 20 minutes and wash away with a cleanm, warm flannel.

I use matcha on its own, 1 teaspoon of matcha with a few drops of filtered water, go slowly stiring with the end of my mask brush stick, until its a nice consistency.  With 1 sachet (teaspoon) there was just enough to cover my whole face and under my jaw, but paying more attention and applying a thicker layer to my jawline and under, it dries like a mud mask, to remove I held on a warm wet, steaming flannel then wiped off ever so gently. This morning I found my skin to be much more settled, and some of the cysts that were struggling to break free are sratring to come out to the surface. I will be doing this 1 x a week, and another interesting one is mixing it with May Lindstrom The Problem Solver mask, although this is expensive £72 I believe every acne prone should have it in, and use 3 x a week. It lasts forever, again more on that later.

Other variations I found are: mixing with pumpkin for a firming, brightening and exfoliating mask. Mix with mashed bananas or avacado for those with dry skin. The possibilities are endless, I love a good multi-tasking product.

Anyway I digress.... back to the benefits of Matcha...

• Boosts metabolism and burns calories.
• Calms the mind and relaxes the body.
• Detoxifies effectively and naturally.
• Is rich in fibre and vitamins.
• Enhances mood and aids concentration.
• Prevents disease.
• Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar.

Please let me know what results youve had from implementing Matcha in your life.
Skincare Secrets
resources>>>
www.matchasource.com
www.naturallivingideas.com
www.matchasecrets.com

Roccoco Botanicals Trial, Review and FULL ingredients list and PRICES

Skincare Trial and Review of Roccoco Botanicals


Being acne prone I am sick to death of confusing and often conflicting information about skincare for the acne prone. I must have spent £1000's over the years only to be deeply dissapointed, and while the skin and how it reacts is a very individual thing, there are some hard and fast rules of things to avoid.

At Roccoco Botanicals Jacine herself began her foray into skincare after being sick of dissapointing results and realising not only did she still have acne at 40 but now had ageing to contend with too.


The story behind the brand is empowering, and I have grown to love these very outspoken women. In a sea of confusing skincare claims, these ladies pack no punches and most certainly do not hold back. We are often an insecure bunch desperate for clear skin, and both these ladies understand exactly how that feels.

They have a very unique way of addressing skincare concerns like acne and that's to avoid anything that can be a trigger, while others might not agree on that, it's just the way they do things. It can be a long drawn out process finding what your triggers are, or are not. This way it can be so much easier, if that's what you are looking for.

So Roccoco Botanicals was born out of blood, sweat, tears and love and although sometimes they can cause a stir on instagram it's always for the right reasons, to help others acheive clear skin. They know their products work, and if they dont they will bloody well formulate one that does.

Products
Pore Cleansing Oil
Ingredients
Sunflower Oil, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, DI PPG-2 Myreth 10-Adipate, Tocopheryl Acetate.

They say - a gentle cleanser that effectively removes all traces of makeup without drying out your skin or leaving a greasy residue.

I say - While I enjoyed using this, it did not remove all traces of make up, I was told you only need to cleanse once on an evening, but I'm from the Caroline Hirons school of skincare, so I'm a double cleanser and always will be, but even after two cleanses I still had traces of make up left for me to notice on my toning stage, I also developed blackheads using this so I feel I can use this as a first cleanse but I need something more for a second cleanse. However I could have been doing it wrong as I have noticed rave reviews on this being THE best cleansing oil ever! Now using oil on acne prone skin might seem odd, and it took me a little while to get used to the fact that I can use oil, after many years of avoiding it, however this is perfectly safe, there is nothing nasty or potentially pore blocking or aggravating in Roccoco Botanical's products. However make up left on the skin can be an issue.

Purifying Treatment Essence
Ingredients
Water, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Sodium Lactate, Niacinamide, Aspen Bark Extract, Potassium Sorbate.

They Say - designed to unblock pores without drying out the skin, contains anti-inflammatory and exfoliating actives, niacinamide reduces inflammation and oil flow, also increases ceramides which enhances a healthy skin barrier and prevents post inflammatory pigmentation.

I Say - best toner I have ever used! It also removed any makeup left on. I didnt suffer any dry or sore skin either with the actives, I found that unlike other acid toners, this can be used AM & PM with no over exfoliating which I have found with other acid toners, you know the ones you can use with great instant results but a few weeks later your breaking out, have milia and sore red patches. winner.

Sulfur Mask
Ingredients
Water, Diatomaceous Earth, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Esters, Hydrolyzed Kale Protein, Hydrolyzed Carrot Protein, Hydrolyzed Lemon Protein, Hellianthus Annus Oil, Bentonite, Garcinia Mangosteen Peel Extract, Apium Graveolens Seed Extract, Ananas Sativa Fruit Extract, Psoralea Corylifolia Extract, Coptis Chinensis rhizome, Sodium PCA, Medicago Sativa Extract, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Taraktogenos Kurzii Oil, Kaolin, Zinc Oxide, Bromelain, Tamarindus Indica Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Hydrastis Canadensis Root Extract, Juniperus Virginia Essential Oil, Potassium Sorbate.

They Say - Sulfur mask uses kale as the primary sourve of sulfur. This mask is highly anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, disolves dead skin cells and unblocks pores, normalises sebum production and refine scars, regulate cell turnover and targets all the inflammatory pathways of acne.

I Say - This mask is a bit whiffy but not unbearable, it dries like a clay but not rock hard or flake off, It took down inflammation and redness with continued use, but I also noticed an immediate affect also, especially with any angry bumps.

Clarifying C Serum
Ingredients
Water, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Actinidia Chinensis Seed Extract, Asparagus Officinalis Root Extract, Prunus Africana Bark Extract, Phyllanthus Emblica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Resveratrol Extract, L-Carnitine, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6, Ceramide 1, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Carbomer, Xanthum Gum, Linum Usitatissimum Extract, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Potassium sorbate.

They Say
What it is: A combination of botanical extracts and vitamins that blocks the inflammatory pathways of acne and prevents hyperpigmentation. Contains a high amount of a very stable and effective form of Vitamin C. Contains ceramides and antioxidants including green tea extract and resveratrol.
What it does: Reduces sebum resulting in the skin feeling less greasy within a matter of days. Reduces inflammation quickly healing old acne lesions within days. Prevent pimples from coming to a head.

I say - This is by far the best vitamic C serum I have used, most others are oils, which we know are mosty a no-no for acne prone skin, unless a safe one (minefield) and this serum unlike other C serums requires no wait time inbetween steps, usually your meant to wait 20 minutes after applying Vitamin C to allow the product to do its thang, not with this, and oit doesnt pill up with Roccoco Botanicals moisturiser over it, however it will pill up with oils or balms. I found it so easy to use, unlike other C serums/oils it doesnt cause any irritation, when I used Zelens Power C serum (£125 a bottle OUCH) it broke me out, my face itched, my cycts inflammed hugely, and I had red dry patches. This has been a dream to use, I can use it AM & PM.Also a huge pro I need to point out is that Roccoco Botanicals packaging is second to non, everything is air tight, with pump dispensers, thick white bottles, totally stable and safe and hygenic.

Mandelic & Fusion.
Ingredients
Water, Mandelic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Denatured Alcohol, Resveratrol, Psoralea corylifolia Extract, Chamomile Extract, Sodium PCA, Golden Seal Extract, Celery Seed Extract, Chrysanthemum Extract, Garcinia Extract, Kigelia Africana Extract, Rhizome Coptis Extract, Echinacea, Violet Extract, Echinacea Extract, Black Currant Extract, Sclerotium Gum.

They say - this is a serum that kills P.Acnes and regulates cell turnover in the skin. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial and helps the skin become stronger so that the follicle walls do not break as easily.It regulates sebum, lightens pigmentation and keeps the pores clean.

I say - All my skin cleared up after a short period of using Roccoco Botanicals prescription routine, except my weird things under my jaw, I now know to be cystic acne, however i'ts not dry which confused me, weird itchy bumps that do not go away, they either get angry and inflame if I use actives or they just stay the same. We didnt know this when I first spoke with Corrine and Jacine at RB, and I have Epstein Barr Virus so my immune system is being attacked, basically means I have lots of internal inflamation and the effects are showing on my skin, the ladies at RB are formulating me my own cream called Claire Bears Cream, and i cannot wait to get my hands on it. The cream will be available to purchase soon, it's suitable to anybody who has any immunity attacks, stress acne etc, they also are noticing during the trial thats it's helping with broken capilleries. This is how amazing RB is as a company, if they don't have a solution for you, they will make one. Customer service second to non.

Ceramide Booster
Ingredients
Water, Glycerine, Sodium PCA, Urea, Trehalose, Triacetin, Polyquaternium 51, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Abysinnian Oil, Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthum Gum, Pullulan, Jojoba Esters, Glycerine, Methylpropanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Pheylpropanol, Potassium Sorbate.

They say - ceramide booster is for dehydrated and barrier compromised skins. It is a fusion of Abysinnian Oil, Cholesterol, Sugar Molecules and hydrating active ingredients that restore the skin barrier within 24 hours, reducing moisture loss.
Its the ultimate in skin hydration and barrier restoration. This serum is more hydrating that hyaluronic acid based serums. Its phospholipid based serum that is safe for all skin types and is non-comodogenic. It increases the natural moisturising factors of the skin including hyaluronic acid.

I say - Best thing ever! this serum is just WOW! far far superior to my Niod MMHC anyday! and a firm favourite with other skincare bloggers. Skin is hydrated beautifully, looks healthier than it has in a long long time, if ever.

Reactive Skin Cream
Ingredients
Water, Sunflower Oil, Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, Palmitoyl tripetide-38, glycerine, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, Pola wax, Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2, Jojoba Oil, Inchi Oil, Glycosaminoglycan’s, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture, Hydrogenated Polyisobutane, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6, Ceramide 1 Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol/Lanosterol, Rose Damascena Oil, Aspen Bark Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Totarol.

They Say - contains a synergistic combination of nature derived peptides and stem cells that help to rebuild the skin's natural collagen that inflammation destroys. Helps to promote elasticty and firms the skin. Skin becomes more youthful and firm.

I say - It's difficult to tell how good each product is individually, as i used them all togther as they are designed to be, they are after all a very complex set of products that really do work hand in hand, skin is a complicated organ, and its not possible to create one cream to solve all issues, acne can be very different in each individual case plus then take on board the secondary concerns like ageing, pigmentation, and what not, so to see full and best results the whole line in needed, that's not a clever sales ploy, Roccoco Botanicals are a very unique customer led brand, with the focus very much being on the end results. That said, this night cream covers the other bases for me, anti ageing and rebuilding.

Dermal Lift Serum
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin & Acrylates Copolymer & VP/polycarbamyl Polyglycol Ester & Hydrolyzed Sesame Protein PG-propyl Methylsilanediol, Isododecane & Dimethicone & Crosspolymer-3 & L-Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Inchi Oil, Davidsonia Pruriens Fruit Extract, Sodium Polyacrylate & Dimethicone & Cyclopentasiloxane & Trideceth-6 & PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Dill Extract, Turmeric Extract, Pomegranate Fruit Extract, Green Tea Extract, Vigna Tea Extract, Resveratrol, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6, Ceramide 1, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Acontifolia, Aspen Bark Extract, Resveratrol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate & Tocopheryl Acetate & Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Carbomer, Xanthum Gum, Aspen Pine Bark Extract, Ubiquionone, Licorice Extract.

They Say - Acts as a band aid and accelerates recovery of the skin. It helps to prevent acne and heal scarring whilst also stimulating collagen and smoothing the skins surface. This serum is silicone based (no its not a baddy *rolls eyes*) and must always be used last in a skincare routine. Silicones are used on burns and wounds due to the ability to stop moisture loss while allowing the skin to breath.
I Say - I used this as a day cream, final step before make up, make up sits lovely over the top, I used both mineral powder foundation and liquid foundation of many types and experienced no piling, patching, or excessive oiliness. My foundation sat lovely all day and my skin looked healthy and plump all day.

Conclusion
I loved using RB, once I got over the initial shock of not being able to use anything else I owned, and I must admit I fought that at first, weirdly. After all I am a self confessed skincare addict. I started earlier this year, I was origionally going to wait until Jan 2017, however I jumped in, and I didnt get much results, in fact I saw nothing, except my skin became very dehydrated (noticeable by excessive oil, makeup not sitting right, looking dirty almost, patchy, and that awful skin itch feeling like you have an itchy mask on) So I ceased use, and realised it was my prescription retinol Isotrex that was causing the issues. I waited two weeks then restarted with RB to have much quicker results the second time.
I wont lie and say I missed using my other bits, but my aim is clearer, healthier looking skin.

I am deeply dissapointed my products are starting to run out now. My skin is soft, smooth, hydrated, I have noticed I have no scarring being left behind when a spot is going, and any redness I did have is almost gone or totally gone. my skin looks a nice even colour and the crepey look has gone from round my mouth and eyes, I am so happy with the results. I literally haven't had one single new spot since starting this trial, my skin is plump, hydrated, my cheeks had begun to droop slightly at the side of my nose and that has filled out. I cannot wait to receive the cream formulated just for me to hopefully tackle the cysts under my jaw due to being poorly for so long.


I recommend this brand absolutely. The ladies are super friendly, helpful and are very highly qualified formulators amonst many things. If you have any kind of problem skin not just acne then give them a look. The website is informative but they are recently expanding business bit by bit. They are happy to provide full ingredients lists to all their products if you email them, I tried to include what I could here but I can't copy and paste from the website.

They also have a small presence on Instagram and they post very informative skin facts and info about what ingredients to avoid, what each product does.
You cannot easily purchase from the website, as I mentioned earlier they are not a shop, they have a clinic, and each product needs to be prescribed as such via a consultation, mine was done via email (think Biologique Recherche).


Roccoco Botanicals Pricing in USD $
*Pore Cleansing Oil - 200ml/6.7oz $53.00
*Purifying Treatment Essence - 200ml/6.7oz $48.00
*Clarifying C Serum - 30ml/1oz $104.00
*Mandelic + Herbal Fusion - 30ml/1oz $104.00
*Ceramide Booster - 200ml/6.07oz $90.00
*Reactive Skin Restructuring Cream - 1.7  $200.00
*Dermal Lift Serum - 30ml/1oz $104.00
*Pomegranate Eye Balm - 15ml/0.5oz $90.00
*NEW Sulfur Mask - 50ml/1.7oz $52.00

Thanks for reading.
Skincare Secrets
www.roccocobotanicals.com
sales@roccoco.com.au

The Ordinary Retinoid 2% - Body Review

About The Ordinary
(Just to clarify I have only used this on my body - chest, stomach, feet and hands.)
The Ordinary released with a huge bang in August/September 2016. Instagram went crazy and bloggers bought, bought, bought. After all the umbrella company Deciem were at the root of these super priced skincare essentials.

Talking about prices, I love the theory behind The Ordinary which is how can companies charge such ridicolous prices for skincare staples like Retinoids, Vitamic C etc. This is why Brandon did what he did, released stand alone active serums and creams that do the job with no faff and fuss, and while the ingredients are fancy free and basic, we are still getting what we wanted and products that do the job. Don't get me wrong I do love a lot of the sidekick added extra ingredients formulated with other brands but for those that already have skincare they love and are just looking to add a specific active without breaking the bank then these are for you. They do need a bit of playing around with, and some like the Vitamin C is apparently a weird formula with many saying they dislike it. However you can make these work and for the prices *shrugs* come onnnnnn!

This formula is milky, it's runny too, and has a smell that I cannot describe but it's not over powering at all, in fact it's very faint. I prefer that my skincare smells natural anyway, except some balm cleansers. It sinks in beautifully leaving no traces, no tacky feel, it's just dissapears in.

So I decided to purchase The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% which is described as "A stable emulsion of next-generation forms of retinoid" for £8, yes I kid you not £8 for 30ml Victoria Health The Ordinary Retinoid £8 for 30ml  It visibily targets textural irregularities and signs of age, and the form of retinod is the same as Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Oil £85 for 30ml
 
Who is it for?
I recommend that anybody with skin 28 and up needs to incorporate a retinoid in their skincare routine in the evenings, starting off slowly 2x a week, gently and carefully moving up to every other evening and using an SPF every day in the mornings (after your Vitamin C antioxidant). The SPF is mega important as your skin will be super sensitive to the sun, and no that doesn't mean you'll get a better tan, it actually means that you will damage the new skin cells emerging actually causing more aging rendering the use of retinoid pointless. SPF is proactive in the fight against aging and retinol although if started early enough can be proactive, it's actually reactive. Retinoic Acid literally reverses the signs of aging, literally! the skin cells talk to each other whispering "be younger biatch" It is one of the FDA approved products for aging alongside SPF. Use it. Please. The results are startling.

Skin Reactions
It's possible, in fact it's a rite of passage that if you have any congestion you will purge, this doesnt mean it's broken you out, it just means that the congestion timeline has speeded up. As the skin cells begin to communicate the skin will start to shed faster and any congestion you had invisible under the skin pops up, keep going. It will or it should start to clear up. Another reaction if you are not used to retinoids will be that your skin starts to show signs of peeling, flaking, maybe even a little tight and sore, again...keep going. You can use a buffer if you like to start off with, a hydrating serum after cleansing and toning such as Jordan Samuel Hydrate Serum $29 for 30ml is a super popular choice with beauty bloggers or Ceramide Booster from Roccoco Botanicals or even Hylamide Booster Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid £15.30 for 30ml or Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic-Complex 15ml for £38 both from Deciem under neath. I have preffered to use mine after application though, I wait around an hour then apply a hydrating serum, or just Sunday Riley Tidal Moisturiser £60 and/or a good oil before bed, when I was using a retinol.

How to use
Retinoids always work better on clean, dry skin. I will usually wait around 20-30 minutes after toning before applying any retinol to allow the skins pH to balance. If you wanted to use a buffer or cant get past the tight flaky stage then apply the buffer straight after toning and wait 20-30 minutes before applying your retinoid of choice. I love to use a realy great moisturiser after my retinol, I wait around an hour to apply it, then maybe even a luxuriuous oil before bed, a favourite is by May Lindstrom The Blue Cocoon £128

However I have used this on my body. I waited 20 minutes after a shower for my skin to settle, no buffer cream. I either applied straight on to my chest, stomach, hands and feet or you can mix it in with a favourite body lotion. Be aware that you cannot be waxed if your using a retinol so be wary on where you apply it.

Results
Within 2 weeks I noticed a huge difference, my stretch marks are just hardly there, my stomach and chest appears to have firmer, healthier skin and my feet and hands look super soft, just younger looking! It was indeed startling. I do apply an SPF every day after my shower on any areas that might be exposed like my arms, ankles if I'm wearing shorter jeans and I now use SPF as a hand cream.


I'm really lookimg forward to incorporating this into my face skincare routine, I'll be careful to remove any acids, and masks that are aimed at drying like clays, or ones aimed at exfoliation like enzyme masks. In fact just using a hydrating one such as Dr Jart Hydrating sheet masks, Aveda Hydrating Mask, Indeed Labs sheet mask, anything like that is perfect. There is a lot of evidence of using acids alongside retinoid acids giving apmplified results, but wait until your skin has gone through the tight stage and as always use a low strength one and start slowly.

What's great about it
Whats great about retinol is it works, clinically proven and tested. Our American sisters and brothers are way ahead of the game than us lot. They pay to see a dermatologist and have super strength Tretinoin prescribed and they use it. In the UK it's usually something only someone with acne can get prescribed from their derm, however I hated my prescribed one, it was far too harsh for my skin, although I know the results are so much better, I also didn't want to give up my other skincare items as presription strength retinol is no joke and as I learnt you cannot use anything other than the most basic of skincare routines alongside it. Over time I will change back to prescribed but for now I'm wanting something more gentle after having spent years on super strength acne medications.

Whats not so great about it
The side effects, the purging, the tightness and flaking, sore skin. But if you go easy and listen to your skin it will be the best thing you ever decided to do. Also there are so many options and brands to choose from. Chose one more suited to your skin type acne and oily maybe go for a true serum like this one, or skinceuticals and of your skin can take oil try the Pestle and Mortar Superstar or Sunday Rileys Luna -although non are priced as consumer friendly as this one. It will be hard to beat on price.



Conclusion
I am so happy with my results of The Ordinary, I have ordered the Hand Chemistry retinol oil for my body It's by the same company (yes, they get everywhere), although its only 1% and it's an oil, I'll give it a go. I am on the hunt for a higher strength body retinol that's not an oil and that comes in a bigger quantity for money.

Now I have used this formula on my body, I have decided it's the one I want to try on my face, I have used prescription strength in the past but I find it far too strong and my skin is sensitive and I don't want to give up my other products just yet. I will also purchase Skinceuticals retinod serum as it's a true serum formula, unlike my Sunday Riley Luna sleeping oil which I'm so unsure about with it's oil base and blue dye.

Visit Victoria Health to view the whole range by The Ordinary, there is something for everyone and I am excited to try some more. The Ordinary Full Range

As always all views are my own. I purchased this serum myself. Always patch test new products and read the labels. 

Thanks for reading

Skincare Secrets X0X0

I thought I would do a little post about my current skincare routines, especially after damaging my skin so much last year by over-exfoliating click here to see the post

History
Last year I made a stupid mistake to have a contraception hormone injection, the one that lasts 12 weeks depo provera. Within 2 weeks my skin had broken out in an awful way and in a totally new place - my jaw and under it, with the occasional ones sneaking up onto my cheeks, think acne beard and you'll get the gist.  I dutifully saw my derm who insisted on prescribing me with isotretinoin...again! I have had two bad exeperiences with this acne wonder drug and I felt that I didn't want to use it again, if I could avoid it. Plus I knew why I had the acne and felt that isotretinoin was far too strong on my already delicate physical and mental health, so I set about trying to manage it with skincare. Cue the Instagram skincare account.

I joined 1000's of other skincare addicts in the realms of Instagram mostly and dutifully following skincare gurus such as Caroline Hirons Caroline Hirons and Dr Sam Bunting Dr Sam Bunting .This coupled with some relationship issues triggered off a total obsession. When I joined the community I had barely anything and following these other skincare people and seeing all the amazing skin treats they had and learning what they do, well let's just say the buying commenced which I now know is a rite-of-passage to all new skincare accounts. This on it's own is ok but when your buying the things you feel you need and your just using them, with no steady introdcution of the various active ingredients. To start with my skin was amazing but the more I bought and added in, the more my skin reacted until I had cysts instead of just acne bumps.


Then, did I stop, nope! I was so stressed out with what was happening at home I barely gave it much thought except to think I must throw more things at it. My skincare routine was so inconsistent and very quickly became stressful rather that enjoyable. To top this off I massively over-exfoiliated which now I am actually glad happened as it meant I had to stop everything and stick to a very basic routine, giving birth to a better way of caring for my skin.

From all the things I have learned about skincare (tip of iceberg I'm no pro), I did learn that if I were to continue using skincare I must do it in a much more controlled way. The first thing I did was have a think about what actives I would like to use, so my first choice was an antioxidant. 

What is an antioxidant?
Antioxidants protect the skin by limiting the production of free radicals, which can damage skin cells. Antioxidants in skincare products can do a lot for the health and appearance of your skin, including reducing the signs of aging.
Most common antioxidants-

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin C

• Resveratrol

• Retinol

• Green Tea

Hers is an excellent article on each of these and what they do. Antioxidant Article

This is the routine I am using, which started off so carefully and starting one by one so very slowly until I have this lot, and others in the pipeline.

The aim is to use a retinol 3x a week, stronger acids maybe 2x a week, Sunday spa sesh as always in the evenings. In the mornings will be Vitamin C or D and SPF focused.

AM Skincare Routine

Step 1 - Cleanser
My first choice was a good cleanser, and after ignoring my skin needs for ages by using a balm I realised having oily skin like mine I need a good purifying cleanser. Hello Neils Yard Palmarosa range. This cleanser is absolutely gorgeous and its only £16 for 100ml, the smell is gorgeous, It's a clear gel like substance and you need only 1 small pump so I know the bottle will last forever. This for me is a perfect morning cleanser, it cuts all the previous nights sweat, oil and products off without making my face awful and tight. There is no way I would now pay £50 for a purifying cleanser ever again (ok maybe).

Step 2 - Toner
I decided to use a clarifying toner I have by Dr Haushka £22.95 for 100ml, it's another green beauty find and was very kindly gifted to me by the brand. I love how this smells but above all I love what it does, again this is me listening to my skins needs (finally). I find using this toner helps my skin absorb much more of the serums, plus it's clarifying and it's suited to my skin.

Step 3 - Antioxidants
I decided on a Vitamin C serum to use every morning, straight on the skin after cleansing and toning. My choice was Roccoco Botanicals Clarifying C Serum, I adore this it does not break you out or aggravate in any way unlike others, this has now run out so I'm testing NuMeeGlo cruelty free vitamin C gel. This is the first active I introduced back in after a very plain routine for a few weeks.

Step 4 - Hydrate and Moisturise
I have been using a hydrating serum by Roccoco Botanicals called Ceramide Booster, which is the most satisfying hydrating serum I have ever used. It boosts barrier function by enhancing production of ceramides and delivers a powerful hydration boost. I can't easily find the prices or Roccoco Botanicals but I'll provide a link at the bottom as you have to contact them direct for a skin prescription and to purchase.

I then seal everything with Sunday Riley Tidal containing two weights of Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, Papaya Ezyme and White Bird of Paradise extract for brightening. This is the best moisturiser I have ever used, I reckon I could use this alone or over Vitamin C and it would be more than enough (with an SPF over of course) it's £60 from Space Nk. The only downside I have is that I have to apply an SPF over or make sure it's in my make up.

This has been more than enough for my morning routine, I'm tempted to leave out the Ceramide Booster or even add in my Zelens Power D somewhere but I'm adding in things slowly and taking notes of how my skin reacts now. I have tried it a few times but it seems to make my spots itch, yet the rest of my face see's and immediate plumping wow kinda effect, so it's something I may use post retinol at a later date. Please Dr Marko Lens reformulate your three Power A, C and D as a true serum for us acne prone *praying hands and pleading eyes*.

I am also occasionally using Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30, I am worried about the shea butter content however Josh assures me it's acne safe, I will be using this fully when I incorporate a retinol.

PM Skincare Routine
Step 1 - First Cleanse
After a quick swipe with Micellar Water to remove the bulk of my make up, my first cleanse is at the moment and has been for 2 weeks Oskia Renaissance Gel, It's award winning and I can see why. I hated this cleanser at first but now im loving it, the only gripe I have is the addition of coconut oil, for this reason I may not repurchase, please change it Oskia. It's described as a gel, yet applied to dry skin it feels like an oil, ohhhh I love it! it destroys any make up and SPF easily. I give my face a really good lymphatic massage for ages with this, it has great slip not grip as Caroline Hirons would say, yet as soon as you add water to your finger tips it literally emulsifies and just falls away leaving clean and very plumped skin in it's wake. £29.50 for 100ml Space NK, this cleanser lasts forever and I truly love the pump packaging.

Step 2 - Second Cleanse
I have been using Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser £35 for 125ml you need one tiny pump, this cleanser foams just a little but doesnt strip my skin. I now understand my skin enough to know my second and morning cleanser needs to be one that cleans my face like this rather than an oill or balm sadly, as much as I love them I end up with more congestion and even blackheads if i dont do this. It has a funny smell like washing up liquid, I can see that this is really only suitable for oily skin as I'm sure it would feel stripping to anybody else. It's also versatile and can be used mixed with any of Sunday's oils or even Good Genes to make a flash facial mask, I'm just not ready for that again yet though. Will I repurchase? I'm pretty sure I will do. Just to add its a runny consistency, almost feels like an egg white serum, it's a very pale brown colour, creamish, not what I expected it to be.

Third Step - Toner I either use Roccoco Botanicals Purifying Essence under £25 for 200ml as a toner but as it's an acid toner I am going easy with these acids it's only maybe 1-2x a week for now and that's all I seem to need since I'm cleaning my face correctly, this is a super gentle acid toner though. It has a spray nozzle on the top which I love as it stops you wasting so much product. It will easily last 3 months and thats with using 2x a day I reckon.


So either followed by Josh Rosebook Hydrating Accelerator £32.50 for 120ml or just using HA alone as a spray hydrate toner. YUM! adore it. It always goes out of stock though so be quick it's from a beautiful world or from Josh direct but watch out for customs charges if your in the UK. It has THE best spray nozzle in my opinion. It's suitable for all skin types but always check the inci list.

Step 4 - Active Serum
So these are my new introductions. Acid serum and or Retinol,  I started using Good Genes by Sunday Riley again last week, after waiting to see how my skin reacted to adding an antioxidant back in, I decided to bite the bullet and try this lactic acid serum. I apply straight to clean, dry skin. Then I wait around an hour to let it settle in. I'm really wanting to expand my acid collection but need to go so carefully with this stage. I have used Lotion p50 before (acid toner from Biologique Recherche) but as it's so potent it truly can wait a while. I'm considering Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic and Retinol over night serum as it's a multi function. I am however on the search for other acid serums and I really wanted to give the Zelens PHA pads a go, but for the price I don't want to risk it, in the past I don't seem to get on with any skincare pads. Good Genes will be upped to 2x a week, and alongside the gentle acid toner 2x a week, for now I need nothing more.

Retinol - This is something I truly want in my routines in the evenings, and after having had a bad experience with prescription retinol I don't feel it needs to be that strong. over the counter has amazing results so why bother putting that level of stress on my skin? The ones I have are Sunday Riley Luna £85 for 30ml Space NK , I have a feeling I won't get on with this as it's an oil, I also have The Ordinary Retinol 2% £8 for 30ml (best value ever) which I have been using on my chest, stomach, hands, feet and legs with Ahmazing results and I mean WOW factor results. So before I splash out on Skinceuticals Retinol these will be my go-to's when I am ready. As I have already learned I will take it very slowly, using a hydrating serum as a buffer to start with before upping my game.

Step 5 - Hydration
Ceramide Booster is what I use right now, as my hydrating layer and I would love to try Jordan Samuels Hydrate $28 for 30ml serum, but I have promised myself to go easy on purchasing for now and use what I have. The Jordan Samuel Hydrate has Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C with a few other lovely sounding ingredients so *shrugs* I need it. Maybe I will purchase when I up my retinol game.

Step 6 - Moisturise
Tidal again, I adore this moisturiser. However I prefer this for day use, and I have been using a new product from Roccoco Botanicals named Claire Bears Cream made specifically for me! it's aimed at stubborn acne and cysts and I am currently trialling it, I'm using it as a final even step.

Step 7 - Oil
Now so far I have not done this as I'm already feeling I have enough layers BUT when I do start using retinol and other acids I feel I would like to use either May Lindstrom The Blue Cocoon £128 Cult Beauty or maybe La Belle Lune Organic Skin £48 30ml , I do have lot's of true face oils like Sunday's UFO and Artemis, and I have serum oils like Vintners Daughter and May's The Youth Dew which I much prefer to apply straight after a hydrating serum with no moisturiser.

Additional Step - Masks

• Clays - May Lindstrom The Problem Solver, Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask, Dead Sea Mineral Hydrating Clay Mask, Roccoco Botanicals Sulfur Mask.

• Enzyme - Josh Rosebrook Enzyme Exfoliating Mask.

• Hydrating - Josh Rosebrook (the new hydrating one), Dr Jart Hydrating Sheet Mask

I look forward to being able to use my oils again, but for now they are a bare minimum if at all until my skin is under some sort of control I am trying to stick with true serum formulas.


Summary
I am feeling much better about my skincare choices now, more informed and that I understand my skin that little bit more. I still feel I am missing some vital skincare things like more antioxidants and acids, however slow and steady wins the race. This time I'm going slow, gaging and testing as I go. Adding something new in only when and if my skin isn't being reactive and only purchasing items I either do not have, repurchases or replacement items.

Thanks for reading Skincare Secrets
X0X0 

Over Exfoliated - what to do....

What it is, and how to fix it.
So, someone may or may not have over exfoliated their face *looks around innocently*. Well don't worry most of us have done this at one tine or another, especially with the trend of acids in daily skincare routines, we have cleansers with acids, acid toners, flannels (wash cloths, muslins, face cloths), manual exfoliators like scrubs, electic gadgets like the god awful clarisonic, then we have acid peels DIY kits, acid serums, enzyme masks, clay masks, moisturisers with ezymes in. Thats just the ones off the top of my head.


With every skinare guru telling us how important these acids are for glowing skin, a clarisonic agent in every store, a blogger photographing routines with Sunday Riley Good Genes serum, which weirdly we are told to use am and pm! It's easily done, but what does it look like and how do we help our skin recover?

If you have suffered this before, you know well the feeling of very sore skin, random breakouts that are kinda flat and very red. Weird red bumps and dots all over the face and the awful tight feeling. Also if you check back at what you've used on your skin over the past few days I can almost guarantee there will be something you've used that you could think hmm, yep!

How to deal with it.
First you need to work out if this is why you have broken out, usually when skin becomes very reactive to literally everything you put on it, it's a sure fire alarm bell that something isn't right. Whether you have over exfoliated or just have reactive stressed out skin the following can help anyway.
It can often feel like you ought to throw more things at the skin, a clay mask since you've broken out, an acid serum, a face peel after all you have broken out, right? Please don't, something I did learn over this past year is that when your skin is like this, it's begging you to stop what your doing and be kind and gentle and nourish and hydrate your beautiful skin.


Some will tell you stop everything, don't even was your face, but let's say you have work or a reason to apply make up. In an ideal world if you sat at home for the next few days I would suggest the above. Do nothing! not even splash your face. Allow the skin barrier to heal naturally, but maybe you don't have that luxury, so the best thing is to go gentle, very gentle.

What I used
My morning routine for two weeks;
In my skincare arsenal I have a few sachets of Dermalogica samples. My favourite is The Ultra-Calming Cleanser (around £28 for 250ml) it's a gentle cleansing gel for reactive skin. I didn't use a flannel, and I didn't towel dry as both are forms of exfoliating and I have done enough of that. On damp skin I applied Gentle Soothing Booster or Skin Hydrating Booster both from Dermalogica.

The Gentle Soothing Booster around £34 for 30ml - is a fluid concentrate to relieve sensitivity. Helps reduce irritation and restore moisture levels, it can be applied straight to the skin after cleansing or mix in with a moisturiser, I prefer to apply straight to the skin.

The Skin Hyrdrating Booster around £39 for 30ml - relieves dryness and fine lines, lift and restore moisture levels, applied either direct  to the skin, or mix with a moisturiser. Again I prefer to apply straight to the skin.

These are both a clear slippery serum and both have no discernable scent. You only need the tiniest amount, both give instant hydrating results. The skin seemingly plumps in front of your eyes and feels soothed. These are on my wish list for the full size.

There are lots of lovely moisturisers at Dermalogica, one of my preferences is the Skin Smoothing Cream - deep moisturising with aloe-gel and arnica to soothe and hydrate the skin restores suppleness and tone.

But my favourite is Barrier Repair £29 for 30ml - a velvety moisturiser helps fortify sensitized skin and restore healthy barrier function. It feels like very siliconey actually, it claims to not blockpores and I have never had that issue with this product and I am easily blocked.

After a few days I added in Zelens Power D serum £125 from Cult Beauty, as it's a barrier repairing serum. It does contain essential oils which is why I waited as it could have caused even more sensitivity, over exfoliated skin is a very damaged an unprotected skin barrier, essential oils can be very aggravating. It did itch a little if im honest. After 5 days off this I stopped, used no oils at all sticking with hyaluronic acid for super plumped and repairing results.

For the evenings I used a different approach, I went for super-nourishing, repairing green beauty products, the very best in my stash.

Since I had to wear makeup a few times I used an oil or balm cleanser. My favourites being Roccoco Botanicals Pore Cleansing Oil (can't find a price I believe it's under £30) and Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm £48 Cult Beauty to melt away makeup (I usualy hate this cleanser but it was perfect for the job). I left whichever one I chose for around 5 minutes in a steamy bathroom, usually when the shower is running, to melt away my foundation and SPF. Then dabbed very gently with a warm face cloth. NO RUBBING. Then applied Josh Rosebrook Herbal Infusion Oil £32.50 from abeautifulworld.com to protect my face while in the shower. It always absorbs deeply into the skin.

For my second cleanse if I didn't get in the shower either Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleanser or May Lindstrom The Honey Mud £64 Cult Beauty left on as a mask for extra hydration, another fab idea is Hydraluron Moisture Jelly £24.99 from Boots as a leave on mask, and another choice that I reserved for the bath was May Lindstrom The Blue Cocoon £128 Cult Beauty, now this is mega expensive but bloody gorgeous. I just left on after an oil cleanse. Soaked in the bath for ages then that's it! leave it on.

I also used just The Blue Cocoon as a cleanser and leave on treatment when I hadn't worn make up.
(*note on TBC - Although I do find after using TBC daily for a few weeks and only an oil cleanser I did begin to get blackheads, however they are easily treatable and my skin needed that routine.)
However you may not have access to these, if you don't -  check your skincare stash for the blandest cleanser you can find, no actives, no scrubs, no clays just a gentle non abrasive cleanser.

If you have a serum thats hydrating use that, maybe Niod multi molecular hyaluronic complex £38 various online stockists. Jordan Samuels' Hydrate serum (ship in from USA) or some usually clear-ish non active serum, check the ingredients list for soothing ingredients. Then apply the most basic moisturiser you have (if you dont have the serum dont worry at all) something non active, you can usually tell these as they make no claims except to soothe, maybe even cetaphil, cerave something along those lines. Thats it, nothing for maybe a week. If you need to apply make up, do so very gently using finger tips rather than a brush or sponge, go for bare minimum if you can and double cleanse very gently in the evening.

I used Dermalogica as thats what I have in, I'll be buying the full sizes actually as I have come to realise these are my baseline skincare products, the ones I like to use when I'm testing out a new item (or I should do).

and above all, don't do it again. Silly Billy *eye rolls*

Thanks for reading

Skincare Secrets

Superfood Skin Smoothie

This smoothie is THE bomb for skincare, looking after your skin inside out! it is after all the largest organ we have and often the least thought about in terms of what we eat. Thanks to some current trends people are becoming more savvy about ingredients and this includes food and how it actually affects us, what it really does.

Matcha Madness
Half a pint of nut milk (almond, coconut, hazelnut etc)
Handful of fresh baby spinach
1 green ish banana
1 sachet of Matcha powder
A quarter of a teaspoon of turmeric (work your way up to one or more if you can stomach it)
1 tablespoon of high grade manuka honey
A quarter of a teaspoon or Moringa powder (work your way up to a tablespoon)
1 heaped tablespoon of pre-soaked chia seeds (soak in water for a minute to stop them thickening your smoothie)

Why?
Spinach - Low in fat and even lower in cholesterol, spinach is high in niacin and zinc, as well as protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and manganese.
Rich in vitamins and minerals, it is also concentrated in health-promoting phytonutrients such as carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin) and flavonoids to provide you with powerful antioxidant protection.

Anti-Aging Benefits
Your skin naturally loses its elasticity and thins as you get older. Free radicals are molecules produced when you digest food and through environmental toxins, such as air pollution. They destroy your cells and accelerate the aging process of your skin. The vitamin A in spinach has antioxidant activity. It keeps your skin cells healthy and repairs wounds. One cup of spinach contains 943 micrograms of this nutrient, which is more than the recommended daily value for adults.

Skin Repair
Vitamin C is another antioxidant in spinach that works to repair skin cells and keep your skin looking beautiful. You need vitamin C to make collagen, a protein used to manufacture new skin cells. Without adequate vitamin C, you will experience dry, scaly skin. One cup of spinach contains 18 milligrams of vitamin C, or 20 and 24 percent of the RDA for men and women respectively.

Rosy Glow
Spinach is an excellent source of iron. Iron is an essential part of hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen throughout your body. Without adequate iron, you can’t transport oxygen as efficiently, which can leave you with pale-looking skin. Your body doesn’t absorb the iron in spinach as well as it absorbs the iron in animal products. You can, however, add lemon or lime juice to your spinach or enjoy it with a glass of orange juice. The vitamin C in these foods promotes iron absorption. One cup of spinach contains 6 grams of iron, which is 33 percent of the RDA for women 50 and younger and 75 percent for all men.

Under-Eye Circles
Dark circles under your eyes are caused by lack of sleep, genes, nasal congestion, alcohol and aging. Vitamin K is naturally found in spinach. This nutrient is needed for blood clotting and to strengthen blood vessel walls, which helps diminish dark circles. It also keeps your skin clear, reduces skin inflammation and enhances blood circulation. The adequate intake of vitamin K for men is 120 micrograms and for women 90 micrograms. One cup of spinach gives you almost 900 micrograms of this nutrient.

Hydration
One cup of spinach contains 164 grams of water, or 5 ounces. Your skin comprises cells that rely on water to stay healthy. Without enough water, your skin will become dry, taut and flaky. It’s also more likely to wrinkle.

Almond Milk
Almond Milk as an Antioxidant
Almond milk is an excellent source of vitamin E, a known antioxidant. Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals alter cell genetic code, resulting to mutated proteins. When mutation happens, cancer may develop.

Sun exposure and exposure to environmental and man-made pollutants are harmful to the skin; vitamin E acts as a shield by protecting the skin from these harsh elements. Daily skin application of vitamin E-enriched almond milk lotions and creams before sun exposure helps minimize skin damage.
Vitamin E also has natural healing properties. Almond milk can effectively treat sunburn and other minor burns.

Almond Milk has Anti-Aging Qualities
Free radicals often cause irreversible damage to the skin; it contributes to collagen and elastin depletion. Collagen and elastin are important substances that give the skin its elasticity and firmness. The collagen and elastin supply of the skin are depleted after prolonged exposure to free radicals. As you get older, your body is unable to replenish the depleted supply; this is the primary cause of wrinkles, fine lines and other skin blemishes.
Vitamin E, present in almond milk, protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals; this makes the skin healthy and younger-looking.
Almond milk, in the form of topical solutions, is an excellent treatment for dry, flaky skin. Well-moisturized skin prevents premature aging.
Almond Milk Hydrates the Skin
One of the common skin problems--that leads to other problems--is dry skin. Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin is found in abundance in almond milk. It helps the tissues of the skin, hair and nails to use oxygen. Riboflavin also assists in synthesizing tryptophan--an amino acid--and producing niacin in the process. Niacin, also referred to as vitamin B3, aids in circulation. The skin benefits greatly from proper circulation. Niacin also helps in hydrating the skin by trapping moisture in the cells.

Almond Milk's Role in Oil Regulation
Some common skin problems, such as acne, blackheads and whiteheads, are caused by dirt and oil trapped in the pores of the skin. Almond milk contains essential fatty acids. They are important in controlling the amount of oil secreted by the sebaceous glands.

Bananas
eat only one banana a day. Bananas have the phytochemcial fructoOligosaccharides, which feeds the good bacterial in your colon. By feeding the good bacteria, you prevent the bad bacteria from overtaking the colon and producing toxic acids that get to the skin and create acne.

Matcha Powder
Antioxidants
The formidable antioxidant content of matcha like polyphenols and catechins battle and control the harmful effects of UV radiation and free radicals, helping greatly in protecting the skin from sun, wind and all extremes in weather conditions. Also protecting against inflammation in the body, these antioxidants also help eliminate acne and other types of skin eruptions and roughness. The strong presence of the EGCG antioxidant in matcha slows cell degeneration to impede the aging process, promoting smooth, tight skin that retains moisture and natural, smooth color tones.

Chlorophyll
Throughout the last three to four weeks of their growing time, right before harvest, matcha (camellia sinensis) leaves are keep covered for protection from the sun. This results in greater chlorophyll production which is responsible for the vivid green color of high caliber matcha. It also makes matcha a strong detoxifying agent for the bodies of users, cleansing the body’s entire system of toxins and hazardous chemicals or other impurities, leaving the skin glowing and radiantly clean.

Natural Antibiotics
Various natural or organic substances found in matcha have powerful antibiotic action for the body’s great benefit. These ingredients include catechins, Vitamins A and C, calcium, protein, iron and potassium. As these cleansing agents clean the internal system, they purify and smooth the skin, too, eliminating any blemishes or rashes. A healthy immune system also promotes clear, well-hydrated and youthful skin with good elasticity and resilience.

Turmeric
Reduce inflammation
This is turmeric’s shining quality – it’s incredibly anti inflammatory. Acne is inflammation, so we definitely want this!

Detoxify your liver!
Your liver is your body’s insurance policy, and keeping it tip top will help to keep your body stay healthy.

Fight free radicals
Free radicals disrupt and damage the sebum and cells in your skin, so we want them gone.
Sooth the digestive tract. Many acne problems start with poor digestion, so relieving digestive discomfort is a major plus.

Moringa Powder
100 grams of dry Moringa leaves contain 17 times more of calcium than milk and 25 times more iron than spinach. Their beta-carotene content is 10 times more than carrots. They are rich in minerals like potassium, iron and zinc and in Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins.

Moringa Powder has been heralded by Vogue magazine as "redefining beauty from within."
It is packed with skin-loving vitamins including:
Vitamin A: 32.5% of NRV
Vitamin E: 16.9% of NRV
Vitamin A is essential for healthy, radiant skin and Vitamin E protects cells from oxidative stress helping fight the signs of ageing.

Moringa has one of the highest antioxidant contents of any food. With an ORAC value of 157,000³, it has 6x the antioxidants of goji berries and comparable levels to the antioxidant powerhouse matcha.
Antioxidants are essential for protecting, repairing and preventing cell damage, helping support the ageing process of the skin in the long-term. They counteract oxidative stress and the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen causing skin dryness, fine lines, wrinkles and premature ageing.

Chia Seeds
PROTEIN
The protein in chia seeds may not seem high, but it is extremely powerful. The protein in chia seeds helps maintain collagen in the skin. Collagen is made of amino acids from protein, so getting good sources of collagen into your diet is important for great skin, hair and nails.

Chia contains more magnesium than almost all other plant foods except cacao, making it one of the best sources you can consume. It has so many healthy benefits, and in terms of your skin, it’s important for a few reasons. First, magnesium helps regulate your blood sugar, this helps keep your hormones healthy. Secondly, magnesium ensures your nervous system works properly, which keeps anxiety at bay, also helping to prevent uneven hormone levels that can lead to bad skin. Thirdly, magnesium helps increase your energy, which helps keep your blood flowing, helping to ensure your skin looks radiant, not pale and lifeless.
Chia is rich in zinc, just to name one of the many minerals it is abundant in. Zinc is an important mineral that is thought of as a miracle anti-aging mineral. It helps fight acne too, as a major bonus. Zinc helps keep your skin looking taut and supple, while also combating inflammation.

OMEGA 3 FATS
Omega 3 fats are found in chia seeds, just like fish, but chia actually contains more omega 3 fats than salmon! Omega 3 fats combat acne, wrinkles, help promote smooth skin and also even keep your hair, nails and metabolism in good shape too! Omega 3 fats are also great for depression and your hormones. Keeping your hormones healthy is so important for your skin.

So THAT is why you need Matcha!


Skincare Secrets
Disclaimer:
This content is copied from a variety of websites. It's the best info I could find gathered together purely to demonstrate the goodness of the smoothie I make daily.


www.livestrong.com
www.fitday.com
www.theindianspot.com
www.aduna.com

Good Genes - Miracle in a Bottle?

Good Genes from Sunday Riley.

I'm sure you've seen this little bottle all accross Instagram and wondering whether to take the plunge but priced at £85 a bottle, is it really worth it?

Miracle in a bottle? Clinically proven to immediately and significantly plump fine lines and boost radiance in just 3 minutes. Sunday Rileys' Good Genes has a huge cult following with bloggers and skincare accounts accross the world.

• 100% of women said their skin looked and felt significantly smoother, more radiant, with visibly reduced lines and wrinkles, after application.
• 100% of women said this was the most effective skin plumping product they have ever used and would definitely recommend this product to a friend.

What is it? Everyone wants the unmistakable look of having “good genes”. This amazing lactic acid based treatment is an instant complexion booster, plumping fine lines and exfoliating to reveal brighter, newer skin. Licorice reduces hyper-pigmentation while lemongrass increases circulation for immediate radiance. It's a milky white almost finely grained feeling serum, not too watery nor too thick, it absorbs into the skin beautifully, you only need half of a pump too to cover the whole face and decolletage. It has a very unique scent almost lemon, sourish hard to describe, some hate the smell but personally I like it.

Who is it for? Sunday Riley says "all skin types" however although lactic acid is one of the more gentle ones, personally I wouldn't use this if you have really sensitive skin, using any kind of prescription acne medication or have a damaged skin barrier.

What does it do? Long term use will help restore damaged skin, reduce hyper-pigmentation and scars, reduce the depth and number of lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, and increase epidermal firmness.

How often? Sunday Riley says "daily am and pm as a serum or as a mask" I would start out going slow with this product, maybe try it and see how your skin reacts, preferably on an evening after a basic cleanse and non acid tone, then apply a good water based moisturiser over the top of Good Genes after 20 minutes. If you react well use it every third evening, I know some people use it daily but your skin really doesn't need it that often and it's so expensive.
Another favourite way to use Good Genes is a mask, apply a thicker layer and leave on for 20 minutes - perfect for a pre-night out or special event boost.

Warnings Like always if your introducing a new product especially an active one, go slow, use a small amount and always use a very basic gentle routine alongside it. Over-exfoliating is a thing and it's awful. Sore skin reacting to anything you apply it's not worth the going in too fast. It may sting a bit the first few times you use this, thats normal. However if it's unbearable wash off immediately with tepid water no wash cloth and pat dry then apply a good moisturiser.

But does it really work?  If your not much of an acid user your probably going to have a wow factor the next morning, and even if you are, your still going to notice an almost immediate difference, and over long term use the results are amazing, just go steady, less is often more and slow and steady wins the race.

How much and where from? It's priced for luxury at £85 a bottle for 30ml. That's quite a price but it's classed as high-end luxury skincare bought from the likes of Cult Beauty and Space NK.

Cheaper alternatives and dupes? I also love The Ordinary Lactic Acid Serum they do two strengths 5% and 10% so you can start at a lower dose. I have seen other bloggers say they have had better results with The Ordinary product, however I love both. Good Genes has lots of other ingredients and the PH is lower making it apparently more effective. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% plus HA 2% is £5.80 for 30ml making it superbly priced and it contains Hyaluronic Acid 2% with 3.8 pH. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% and HA 2% is £5.50 for 30ml also has Hyaluronic Acid, both described as a superficial peeling treatment and can be purchased online from Victoria Health.

Also another firm favourite is Bravura London 10% infused with Rose £9.59 for 30ml, Lactic acid is a mild chemical peel (Apha Hydroxy Acid or AHA) and is thought to be more accepted by the skin than other AHA's as our body produces lactic acid. This alcohol free chemical peel is infused with Rose Water and is the perfect treatment for dry or dehydrated skin suffering from hyperpigmentation, acne, dry/dull skin, ageing skin or to just freshen the complexion and revive your natural glow. PH 3.75. Purchase online at Bravura London (take a peek at Amandas' other beautiful skin concotions while your there.
Thanks for reading
Skincare Secrets