As if you needed yet another reason to disconnect, here it comes: technology is harming your skin. It turns out blue light, electromagnetic fields, and the simple posture and facial movements required during screen time does more than just expose you to radiation but actually starts to etch at your vibrant and beautiful complexion. Here are five ways tech is getting into and under your skin.

1. Tech Neck

Experts have been using the term “tech neck” to refer to the drooping jowls, sagging skin, wrinkles, and a crease above the clavicle bone that result from the act of constantly checking our phones. Every time you look down at your phone, you are essentially doubling down on the effects of gravity on your lower face, throat, and neck. The squinting doesn’t help either, as it can lead to crow’s feet. Dermatologists are witnessing the usually age-related symptoms of “tech neck” in people as young as 18 years old!

Try holding your devices at eye level to avoid tech neck. Meanwhile, enlarge the font on your phone so you don’t have to squint to read.

2. Blue Light

The blue light on your phone and computer can affect your ability to fall asleep, but it is actually doing more than just that! This high-energy visible (HEV) light penetrates your skin deeper than UV rays do and ultimately affects your DNA. This can lead to premature aging. To avoid this, search for a moisturizer that specifically protects against HEV light.

3. Electromagnetic Fields

Your tech devices also emit an electronic magnetic field (EMF) that damage skin cells. The skin absorbs these frequencies and is compromised because of it. The best way to offset this is to regularly detoxify your skin with at-home or spa facials that go deep, accessing the recesses of your skin’s layers that EMF (unfortunately) so effectively does.

4. Allergies

According to one study, nickel and chromium in cell phone casings can cause an allergic skin reaction for some people and some 10% of children. Be sure to purchase a protective plastic cover and use a headset or speakerphone when possible.

5. Acne

Your cell phone contains 10-times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Unfortunately, these bacteria can easily transfer to your face, either when you are holding your cell phone to your face, or from your fingers, which go from swiping and clicking the screen to touching and rubbing your face. To remedy this, disinfect your screen often!

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The age-old saying “beauty is pain” entails that beauty comes at a high cost – and a painful one at that. While I vehemently disagree with this adage, the re-emergence of the popularity of the derma-roller begs to differ. This needle-lined device lightly pricks the skin as it glides across the face, promising to leave that ever-so-evasive glow in its path.

To be fair, the derma-roller isn’t so painful that it should scare you. In fact, you can use it at home, without assistance, and witness incredible results. It’s effective, even if it pinches a bit.

What’s a Derma-Roller?

The benefits of the derma roller are two-fold: improve the appearance of the skin and, due to penetration of the needles, better absorb active ingredients from topical skincare treatments.

A derma-roller is a device that is equipped with hundreds of tiny needles. When rolled across the skin, a derma-roller creates micro-wounds on the skin. These punctures are what stimulate the skin to repair itself by creating new collagen and regenerating cells. Collagen and elastin are produced on overdrive to heal the wounds and, ultimately, leave your complexion tighter and plumper than it was before. For aging skin, the derma-roller is praised for its ability to fill in fine lines and wrinkles as well as to thicken and plump under-eye skin.

Essentially, the derma-roller is an at-home version of micro-needling, which is a medical procedure that is widely used to improve the complexion, but always in the presence of a trained medical professional. Unlike a more intense, in-office treatment used by dermatologists, such as the derma-pen (electronic micro-needling device that oscillates as it punctures the skin), the derma-roller is affordable and can be used in the comfort of your own home and, thankfully, with a lower pain threshold.

Does it Work?

Micro-needling is a dermatological skin rejuvenation therapy that has been proven to be a simple, safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapeutic technique. The derma-roller is a softened version of micro-needling. It is commonly used to treat acne scars, acne, burn scars, alopecia, stretch marks, crow’s feet, sun damage, rough skin texture, hair loss, wrinkles, and fine lines.

How to Use It

To begin, it is important to address that the efficacy (and potential danger) lies in the size of the needle. The size of the needle depends on what your goals are.

If you simply want to increase skincare product absorption, opt for a 0.25 mm needle, using it every other day. No bleeding or irritation will occur.

If you are looking to treat shallow wrinkles, scars, UV damage, andhyperpigmentationn, use a 0.5 mm needle, but only once every two weeks or month.

A 0.75 mm to 1.0 mm needle thickness is the most effective for all skin conditions, but derma-rollers with such needle thickness ranges will be painful and cause bleeding. You will have to allow at least one week for your skin to heal before seeing results. Skin redness, dryness, and peeling are common. Use these size needles on your derma-roller only once every six weeks! You should only use the derma-roller on skin that is healed and free of any irritation from pervious derma-rolling treatments.

Once you have nailed down the thickness of the needle down, it’s time to cleanse and disinfect the skin and then use the derma-roller! The best step-by-step guide I found was on YouTube, presented by a certified esthetician Gin Amber.

The Takeway

The derma-roller can indeed have an impact on your complexion. However, misuse of the derma-roller can lead to irritation or even infection.

To play it safe and still benefit from the derma-roller, purchase one with 0.25 mm and/or 0.5 mm needle thickness. Graduate to thicker needles once you’ve mastered the craft on yourself and seek deeper results.

Purchase your derma-roller wisely and get rollin’!

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Not so long ago there was little thought about how what we consume affects the appearance of our skin. Today, these two concept are almost inseparable. The emergence of ingestible cosmetics for enhanced physical appearance is feeding into the staying power of the so-called nutricosmetics segment. But what exactly drives nutricosmetics? Here’s what you need to know about this major shift in the beauty industry and why what you consume may be more important (and popular) than what you topically apply to your skin.

What are Nutricosmetics?

The segment brings together the concepts of nutrition, nutraceuticals, and personal care all in one. For health food and supplements producers, it is no longer good enough to create a product that keeps customers healthy. Now, the product must make consumers physically radiate that fact. While this seems quite simple in premise, it actually didn’t catch on in the U.S. until recently.

David Pollock, an independent beauty chemist who has formulated some of the all-time best-selling beauty products, including Smashbox’s Photo Finish and Bliss’s Fabulous Foaming Face Wash, weighs in on the trend. “Nutricosmetics is nothing new. The trend of beauty from within and realizing the important role health plays in the look of our skin has been a huge category in Europe since the early 1990’s,” he says. “Vichy is a top anti-aging line in Europe sold through pharmacies. There, the pharmacist can advise the consumer one-on-one.  Several companies tried to introduce the concept here in the U.S.—including Oil of Olay—but it didn’t catch on at the time. There are several reasons. The U.S. consumer did not connect nutrition with beauty—so companies would have to repackage the products to look more upscale and similar to other beauty products or educate the consumer.”

But the last few years have seen a shift toward healthier eating in the U.S. With this has come an increased attraction for foods and supplements that promise not only a healthier internal terrain but also an added bonus of external beauty as well.

“Over the last few years, our country has learned more about the benefits of proper nutrition and supplements,” says Pollock. “This is not a fad anymore, but a mainstay that we will see grow over the next few years. Nutricosmetics will come in more forms than just tablets. We will see more enriched waters, water drops or additives, shakes, etc. Nutrition companies that have established supplements or key ingredients can easily segue the success into topical skin care using some of the same key ingredients that their consumer is accustomed to. NeoCell is a great example. They have a nutritional collagen product, as well as a topical collagen serum. We are going to see more nutrition companies entering the space, as the beauty sector tries to catch up.”

Whether enticed by pretty packaging, intelligent marketing, or the sweeping beauty benefit claims, consumers are putting their money into nutricosmetics, a segment set to have a global worth of some $7.5 billion by 2024.

Do Nutricosmetics Work?

They’re popular. But do nutricosmetics work?

Nutritional biochemist Shawn Talbott has formulated a number of nutricosmetic dietary supplements for various companies and has written at length about skin health and diet. Talbott speaks on nutricosmetics efficacy, “The science is definitely ‘emerging’ with regard to the most effective nutrients for supporting skin health – some work and many don’t – but it’s the ‘time course’ for benefits that is generally the most challenging for consumers. Nutricosmetics are generally much slower to exert noticeable effects. He continues, “For example, a nutricosmetic supplement might take 30-60 days to show a benefit on a consumer’s skin, such as for acne, wrinkles, moisture, and skin tone, while a topical product could be capable of showing noticeable benefits within a day. This leads many consumers to think that the nutritional product is not working, when it’s actually working in a complementary, but slower, fashion.”

Talbott is currently working on a complementary skincare regimen that includes both a topical treatment and a dietary supplement. He explains the synergy, “The acne regimen that we’re testing right now is based on a topical regimen that works quickly to reduce redness and blemishes in a day or two, combined with a probiotic supplement that reduces inflammation and immune reactions over 30 to 60 days, so the redness and blemishes don’t come back.”

Where to Find Nutricosmetics

These days nutricosmetics run the gamut, from regular food recommendations to packaged supplements that preach clear hydrated skin, anti-aging, strong hair/nails, and slim body benefits. Think about all of the trendy products that have hit the market in the past few years. And supplements like biotin, hyaluronic acid, and keratin, among others, are no longer just ingredients in a topical solution. They’re being sold as oral supplements that improve hair, skin, and nails.

HUM Nutrition is a supplements brand that doesn’t stop at the promise to improve your health. It goes on to say that it offers “nutritional solutions that help you achieve your beauty and lifestyle goals”. Its products follow the philosophy of “beauty starts from within”, with each supplement geared towards some physical goal, from clear, glowing, and radiant skin to shiny, lustrous hair and stronger nails, to a flatter tummy and overall weight loss.

Another great example is Vital Proteins, a collagen supplements brand that also preaches “beauty starts from within”. Collagen is considered a vital building block of the body including skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints. Vital Proteins offers 30+ products that are marketed with an explicit target: beauty.

The LA-based trendy Moon Juice has also played a role in building the nutricosmetics market. Its Beauty Dust is filled with antioxidants, sourced from goji berry powder, schisandra berry powder, rehmannia root extract, ashwagandha root and leaf extract, and amla berry extract. The company writes that its Beauty Dust helps to protect cells from free radical damage, preserve collagen protein, enhance elasticity of the skin, and cope with stress.

Similar botanical powder/tonic and snack companies like The Beauty Chef, Amina Mundi, Dope Naturally, Kalumi Health, and Herbalore are also riding the wave of nutricosmetics and only make for a small slice of the whole pie.

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The post Nutricosmetics: Are Beauty Supplements the Future of Health and Wellness? appeared first on EcoSalon.

The secret to a gorgeous glow isn’t all in the skincare. The key is to nourish your skin from the inside out.

We’re all familiar with the skin hangover you get from going overboard on junk food. Breakouts? Check. Dark circles? Double check. What isn’t so clear is why the way we eat affects the way our skin functions so closely. We’re not just talking negative effects either; with the right diet, you can actually work toward healing skin issues, and slow aging.

But don’t just take our word for it! Nutrition and beauty expert Paula Simpson, who is also the brains behind ZSS Skincare, has spent her entire career exploring the deep connection behind the way we eat and the impact it has on our skin. We chatted with her to find out more about essential nutrients skin needs to stay healthy, why a skin condition could be a sign of poor gut health, and got the scoop on the best glow-inducing, wrinkle-fighting foods on the block!

EcoSalon: The road to beautiful skin can be tough! Why is it so important to start from the inside out?

Paula Simpson: Dietary toxins are often stored in skin tissue. A growing body of research suggests that many of the chemicals we ingest daily through food, water, and air can build up in our system, especially when the diet lacks certain nutrients impairing our natural ability to neutralize and remove chemicals. Over time they can overload our eliminative organs, causing toxins to be stored in the skin or fat tissue. The typical western diet is acidic and concentrated with simple sugars, chemicals, and preservatives. The combination of a poor diet, lifestyle and environmental pollutants can offset the skin’s natural balance affecting its function and overall appearance.

A plant based, low glycemic and antioxidant-rich diet (similar to the Mediterranean diet,) offers the best source of nutrition because it supports skin cell renewal and metabolism (which slows as we age), alongside antioxidant defense in skin tissue to protect skin from environmental aggressors and internal stressors (such as excess sugar), keeping skin firm and even in tone. This type of diet also provides the right balance of omega fatty acids to support strong skin cell membranes that plump and smooth out skin, bringing out a natural glow and shine to hair.

ES: Sometimes it can feel like despite eating a clean, healthy diet that skin conditions don’t improve. What could be the cause of this?

PS: There is a gut-skin axis. Many chronic skin conditions are correlated with digestive health (i.e. leaky gut syndrome, food allergens, harmful bacteria overgrowth within the gut,) that can depress skin immunity and offset normal skin function and structure. Numerous studies have shown a correlation between increased oxidative stress, bacterial overgrowth, and chronic skin conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and eczema. Consuming a plant-based, high fiber diet with lacto-fermented foods along with dietary supplements and pre/probiotics may help neutralize toxic by-products, defend the lining of the intestine, increasing the bioavailability of nutrients and protect against infectious microbes. Promoting the health of the digestive system and can be a primary defense to restore health and balance of your skin.

ES: Which simple easy sources do you recommend to get a daily dose of good bacteria to positively impact the gut-skin axis (and are any of them vegan)?

PS: Definitely! Plant-heavy diets, in general, improve microbial diversity. Focusing on plant-based foods with pre and probiotic rich foods can build and balance a healthy skin barrier and microbiome. Prebiotic foods help build good microflora, such as fermented sauerkraut, kim chi, kombucha, and pickled veggies. Probiotic rich foods include live-cultured yogurt, kefir, miso or kimchi!

ES: While that covers skin conditions, there’s one thing none of us can avoid – aging! What beautifying foods you can easily introduce into your diet to keep skin youthful?

PS: Wrinkles are rooted from within. Aging is, of course, a natural progression, but our diets and lifestyle we choose can make our skin age faster. The most visible effect of skin aging occurs when there is a weakening in the structural foundation of skin within the deeper dermal layers (collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans). Visibly, skin becomes thinner losing its smoothness and structural strength and elasticity. When this connective tissue is healthy and strong, nutrients and oxygen can easily reach skin tissue while efficiently removing toxins and wastes. This is the site where new skin cells are produced then pushed towards the epidermal (outer) skin layer, keeping skin plump and healthy.

By adding certain protein-rich foods to your diet, you can promote a healthier rate of collagen renewal and protect your skin from premature aging. Mineral copper that is found in nuts, raisins, sweet potatoes, kidney beans, lobster, and oysters facilitates collagen production and therefore should be included in your diet. Lastly, be sure to include foods rich in Vitamin C as it is essential for collagen synthesis. Some top collagen boosting foods include; poultry, eggs (particularly egg whites,) cod, crab, lobster, oysters, oranges, tomatoes, lemons, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, sunflower and sesame seeds, almonds, raisins, adzuki, kidney, chickpeas, seaweed (spirulina, dulse).

Seeking out antioxidant-rich foods is also key! As we get older, our bodies become less efficient in neutralizing harmful free radicals that may permanently damage healthy cells (including skin cells.) Clinical studies have shown that catechins from green tea, anthocyanins from berries and red cabbage, bioflavonoids from citrus, carotenoids such as lycopene and lutein from tomatoes, and resveratrol from red wine offer potent secondary antioxidants that protect the skin cells from free radical damage. By including these types of foods more often in the diet, their additional antioxidant protection can support skin health particularly with regards to photoprotection.

ES: Are there any new superfoods on the block you think will be big this year in the beauty world?

PS: Spices are hot right now! Paprika is rich in zeaxanthin, which is a fantastic free radical fighter, especially when it comes to skin. Although other dietary sources include dark greens like kale and spinach, the purified and concentrated amounts from paprika pepper have been shown more effective to help protect the skin from premature photoaging and bring out a natural radiance and glow

Turmeric is another big one. It is a great detoxifier with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin is the active ingredient in the spice turmeric, which gives it its yellow color and promotes liver and digestive health while calming the skin. Turmeric has also been used in the treatment of cicatricial alopecia, a scalp condition caused by inflammation that damages the hair follicles and prevents the growth of new hair. Try adding turmeric to foods more often. A dash of turmeric brings color and flavor to rice, soups, root vegetables or eggs.

Let’s not forget ginger, too. Active constituents found in the rhizome and root may offer a soothing and calming effect to the skin. When it comes to hair, ginger has long been used in ayurvedic medicine as a hair treatment. The antiseptic properties help to combat dandruff and the natural source of vitamins, minerals, and essential oils help to rebuild thinning dull hair.

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The post How to Eat Your Way to Glowing Skin (and a Happy Gut!) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Any time an ingredient is said to make skin look younger, it’s going to get attention. Such is the case with collagen supplements.

Spiking your fresh juice or smoothie with collagen powder or drinking a cup of bone broth are the latest list-toppers on keeping skin healthy and youthful. But do they really work?

The reported benefits of consuming collagen seem too good to pass up. Before you go spending a decent chunk of your hard-earned cash on a jar of the stuff, let’s take a look at how collagen works in the body and if collagen supplements provide those same benefits.

What is Collagen, Anyway?

Collagen is the primary structural protein in our bodies, found in skin, bones, and connective tissue. Its job is to hold the body together, providing strength and structure. Around the age of 40, the body begins to produce less collagen, and existing collagen breaks down due to things like sun damage and natural aging. This collagen loss and breakdown causes sagging and wrinkling of the skin.

Collagen can be injected into areas of the face to give a fuller, smoother look. If going under the needle in the name of wrinkle reduction sounds extreme, there are easier ways to get ahold of collagen.

To get collagen back into your body, it comes from animal sources. It’s essentially Jell-O (gelatin) without all the neon colors and flavors. It’s typically sourced from animal bones, hooves, and other meat industry byproducts. So, vegans, this is not for you. Fortunately, for vegans, certain natural ingredients in skincare support collagen, like rosehip oil and avocado oils. Also, making sure you eat enough vitamin C daily also helps support your body’s natural collagen production.

Drinkable Sources of Collagen

Drinking collagen is a big deal right now. Certain experts feel that collagen supplementation can give back some of what’s lost and make skin look younger. And science may back this up. A 2014 study on a hydrolyzed collagen peptide (Verisol) showed a 20% reduction in eye wrinkles and a 65% increase in collagen production.

Pretty impressive. But you are probably more interested in those readily available collagen supplement powders easily found in online wellness shops and your local health food store. These supplements are easy to use. Simply add to your daily smoothie, coffee, or tea.

I tried a collagen peptide powder from Whole Foods called Vital Proteins. First off, this stuff isn’t cheap. A large jar (and large seemed to be the only size available) is right around $40. As advertised, the powder has absolutely zero taste and no grit. I whipped up a latte with espresso, ghee, milk, and the collagen.

There is another popular way to drink collagen. Bone broth. Yep, just like it sounds. Broth made from bones. People use beef, chicken, and even fish bones to create this stuff. Fish and oysters are two foods that support collagen production. Keep that in mind for your next visit to the shore.

I bought a pre-made organic bone broth to diminish the ick factor a bit. Is it just me, or is there something super gross about boiling bones? In my experience, drinking the broth wasn’t much better than the thought of making it. If you go the bone broth route, my advice is to chug it down while it’s hot because it doesn’t get better as it cools. Or use it in your cooking and avoid the whole cup o’ broth scene entirely.

Do Collagen Supplements Actually Work?

Ok, now for the results. I will admit, I didn’t see the skin firming action I’d hoped for. Maybe I need to use the supplement longer to reduce wrinkles and give skin back some springiness, but for now I have noticed that my skin feels a bit less dry. Not a bad thing and maybe the first step to a collagen-boosted face.

If you feel like taking the collagen plunge, there is little risk in giving it a try. Although, people with sensitive digestive systems may experience discomfort. It’s always best to discuss with your primary care physician before adding any dietary supplements to your regimen.

3 Collagen Boosting Beauty Products

1. The Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost

A beauty-full ingredient rich supplement with probiotics, antioxidants, and vitamin-rich fruits. Add to any drink you prefer.

2. Moon Juice Beauty Dust

Not an actual collagen supplement, but the powerful ingredients in this powder help to support collagen production. I do see visible results on my skin with Beauty Dust, and they are almost instant. Love it!

3. Linne Botanicals Repair Face Oil

A powerful rosehip oil blend high in antioxidants to moisturize and protect the skin, and boost collagen production. Rosehip oil is also great for reducing the appearance of dark spots and evening out skin tone. This beauty includes sea buckthorn oil for a happy glow.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post Do Collagen Supplements Really Make Skin Look Better? appeared first on EcoSalon.

Winter is coming right up. This means cozy fires, hot cocoa, and playing in the snow. It also means extremely dry skin and cracked hands.

Why do our digits seem to get hit the hardest in winter? Sandpaper skin and gnarly cracks are not only unsightly, but painful too.

Once we turn on the indoor heating and the air brings a bit more chill, our face shows extra dryness right away. And we adjust our skincare routine accordingly. We turn to a more emollient moisturizer, or add an oil or balm to our skincare regimen, and our facial skin issues are usually resolved. But the skin on our hands is thicker than elsewhere on the body, and doesn’t show signs of dryness and irritation as quickly. We often don’t notice our dry hands until we have redness, scratchy skin, and deep cuts.

Preemptive care is essential in staving off extremely dry skin this winter, and keeping hands soft, smooth, and pretty straight through to spring. The key is to start now.

Stock up on hand cream and start using it even before your hands show the signs of winter drying. Keep one near each sink in your home, one in your purse or gym bag, and another on your nightstand for easy access. At nighttime, the glove trick works like a charm to give hands an infusion of moisture. Don’t be afraid to slather it on before bed and don gloves (or a pair of socks) for deep hydration.

Exfoliate, if you are already to the cracked skin stage, wait until your skin has healed to do any exfoliating. To keep skin smooth and ready to soak up moisture, use a scrub twice weekly to slough away dry skin. This sugar and honey lip scrub (honey is great for softening skin!) does double duty as a hand polish.

Soap and water is drying. Yes, it is a good idea to keep hands clean any time of year, especially in cold and flu season. But washing with a soap made with harsh surfactants is ultra drying. Opt for an organic hand wash, like SKIN Naked Foam unscented shave cream and wash, made with natural oils, and remember to apply hand cream afterward. And unless hands truly need washing, substitute a nontoxic hand sanitizer. EO is the pro at making safe sanitizers and offers a wide variety.

Protecting skin from wind and cold also helps to keep them from becoming dry. Score a pair of glam gloves to, you know, go with your ear muffs.

Choosing the best hand cream for extremely dry skin is super important. Certain natural ingredients are better than others at protecting skin and warding off dryness. Olive, avocado, and coconut oils are all beneficial to dry skin. Shea butter helps to seal in moisture and protect hands.

To heal deep cracks and callouses, apply a salve to affected areas. SKIN Healing Calendula Salve and Laurel – Healing Balm are both good options.

Best Hand Creams for Extremely Dry Skin

1. SKIN Lemon Mousse Extra Dry Hand Cream

2. Pai Fragonia Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream

3. Amala Hydrating Hand Cream

4. Lavera Basis Hand Cream

5. Cocovít – Coconut Oil

6. 100% Pure Coconut Hand Buttercream

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post The 6 Best Hand Creams to Combat Extremely Dry Skin appeared first on EcoSalon.

We’ve all been there. A blemish crops up at the least convenient moment. Learn how to cover up a pimple fast and love your skin.

To cover or not to cover? That’s the big question. Sometimes trying to hide a blemish only seems to draw attention to the problem. But a big, red spot isn’t an appealing option either.

Relax. A few tips and the right products, that mark will be a distant memory and you can get to your date, meeting, or rendezvous completely spotless. (And looking better than these models and movie stars with too-thick makeup.)

How to Cover Up a Pimple in 4 Quick Steps

1.  First step, assess the damage. You’ve been told repeatedly Not. To. Pick. True, this often does more harm than good. But there are times when a zit just has to go. Whether you are dealing with a swollen red mark or damage due to popping, toning down swelling and redness is the first step in the prep. Hold an ice cube on the spot for several seconds to calm the area down.

2.  Before you go covering with makeup, think treatment. Applying a thick coating of concealer not only looks bad, it doesn’t help the spot to heal. Use a BB Cream with skin clearing ingredients. Vapour Organics Beauty Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector brightens skin, makes the spot less noticeable, and helps makeup to stay put. It also contains elemi oil to get rid of the pimple fast. If you use a BB Cream that does not contain pimple healing ingredients, use a touch of acne treatment (Amala Purifying Blemish Treatment works great) before applying the cream.

3.  Next up, the concealer. Oily skin does best with a less moisturizing product. Benecos Natural Concealer contains talc to absorb excess oil while it camouflages. Flaky spots are another story. Before applying Step 2, very gently massage the area with a soft washcloth to remove dry skin buildup. Then opt for a more emollient concealer, like RMS Beauty Un Cover-Up. When applying this step, a little dab will do you. The BB Cream has created a nice base so you don’t need as much product.

4.  Finally, a dusting of powder helps to further hide the pimple, decreases any shine, and refines the look of skin. RMS Beauty Un Powder is absolutely translucent, very light, and disappears into skin while creating a perfect finish. It is also the softest powder you will ever use. Dust lightly onto skin and swipe over the area with a clean makeup brush to remove excess.

This zit concealing process should last. If you see any shine or redness return, another dab of powder should do the trick. Now, remember to wash your face before going to bed.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post How to Cover Up a Pimple in 4 Quick Steps (and Get On With Your Life!) appeared first on EcoSalon.

How many times has it been jammed down your throat that coconut oil is absolutely, positively the most amazing miracle oil to ingest and slather all over your body? More times than you’d care to count, I’m sure. But is it really true? Is coconut oil good for your skin or just a crock of coconut sh… You know where I’m going with this.

It works wonders, they told me. It’s great to use as a facial moisturizer, they said. So now here I am with a face I almost don’t recognize. Who does this skin belong to? Certainly not me. I did everything they said. I followed steps and regimens. But alas, this is my skin… My comedone sprinkled and inflamed skin. It’s pretty upsetting when you’ve gone most of your life having primarily flawless skin. Then it finally dawned on me one day. Nothing else in my beauty regimen had changed except… My moisturizer. I caught myself staring in the mirror, bewildered and perplexed, asking myself: “Is coconut oil good for your skin or have you just made a grave mistake?!”

Upon my frantic internet research, desperate for an answer, I came to terms with the unfortunate fact that not nearly enough websites or blogs acknowledge the negative characteristics or side effects of coconut oil. Instead, too many online sources dedicate their entire existences to worshipping and praising this oil. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m actually a huge fan of the stuff. I use it for cooking and baking, as a replacement for butter on my toast, and as a moisturizer for my hair. I’m not completely bashing it, but I felt largely disappointed that basically only two or three blogs were actively trying to bring to light that coconut oil ain’t all that and a bag o’chips (maybe I should’ve just wiped chips all over my face instead?).

After what I thought was turning out to be a fruitless attempt to find an explanation for my dilemma, I finally stumbled upon a blog for all things coco-related. A post I saw about coconut oil clogging pores sang to me like an angel from above. What I learned completely blew my mind. It turns out coconut oil is not as universal as it’s been made to seem.

After being fed so many pieces of general and misleading information, I read on to find out that using coconut oil on your face is actually person-specific. Meaning, not all of us will have the same reactions. Some of us will see positive results and others (myself included) will have a much less desirable experience to report. It apparently all comes down to what type of skin you have. So if you’re asking, “Is coconut oil good for your skin?,” I recommend thoroughly examining your skin and doing a little detective work online.

Image via Veganbaking.net

Coconut oil is considered a comedogenic. I KNOW. I was just as surprised as you to read something not so nice about this popular oil. A comedogenic substance is one that can possess the ability to clog pores. This is where it’s beneficial to know if you have larger or smaller pores. Larger pores are undeniably more susceptible to clogging. Wait a minute, smaller pores. You’re not in the clear yet, either. Small pores can still get clogged, and when they do, it can be much worse.

The rumors aren’t always true. Yes, coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. No, it is not always the perfect solution for acne prone skin. Coconut oil can actually have a negative tendency to be unconducive to acneic skin. If dirt and oil are getting all up in your pores’ business, coconut oil might decide to join the party and become trapped with everything else, further exacerbating the situation instead of fighting to clear it up. Now cue the painful breakouts and bumpy textured skin.

If your skin is naturally pretty oily or you aren’t a stranger to blackheads that generally means you have larger pores so it may be unwise to go slapping the CO on your face. It’s also been said that overuse of coconut oil on the face is not very successful due to its high fat content which can instead lead to the transpiration of future skin issues. If you’re going to use it, use it in moderation. I also read some suggestions stating that mixing a bit of coco oil in a cleanser is a much better idea than just using it solo. So if you’re hell-bent on continuing to use this stuff, you shouldn’t use it alone!

My final tips to you, fellow readers, coconut oil enthusiasts and critics alike, are to fully research the effects of coconut oil being used topically, study your own skin thoroughly, and don’t believe everything you read or hear. Don’t let the coco get you all cuckoo! Good luck!

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Top image: Just another wretch

The post Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Skin or Just a Pain in Your Pores? appeared first on EcoSalon.

Discover 6 detoxifying and delicious juice ingredients that you can drink and apply topically for gorgeous, glowing skin!

Juicing is one of the biggest health trends that goes hand in hand with kale chips, yoga and veganism, and for a good reason, too. The benefits of introducing the mass of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants to your body through pure, low calorie juice ingredients is a boon to your being. Learn which juice ingredients will make your skin glow from the inside out, and then utilize the leftover pulp to make de-clogging and regenerating facial masks!

1. Carrots
Carrots are the number one vegetable source of beta-carotene, which is an amazing antioxidant that prevents cell degeneration, helping keep your skin vibrant and youthful. Less known is the fact that these orange root veggies contain a fair amount of vitamin C, which is essential for the natural production of collagen to help keep skin elastic and wrinkle free. Carrots ale contain potassium, helping generate new skin cell growth and also promote liver detoxification, which in turn helps keep your skin free of blemishes and dark spots. Use the green tops too for a light parsley flavor!

2. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are very high in water content, and so have the ability to flush toxins out of your body. Cucumbers also have a calming and soothing effect when applied topically, and may help soothe inflamed, burnt or over-heated skin. These green fruits also contain high amounts of phytonutrients and silica that act as skin tighteners, helping to prevent wrinkles and cellulite when ingested or applied topically. Recent studies have shown that cucumbers have been used to lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol, both of which are important for keeping your skin smooth and not puffy or inflamed.

3. Parsley
Parsley is an extremely cleansing herb and tasty juice ingredient that is very high in vitamins A and C, helping to keep skin tone even and pores open. Use parsley to activate the liver, kidneys and urinary tract, all organs that help to filter and flush toxins out of your body and away from your skin. High levels of vitamin K can also be found in parsley, which helps heal wounds and improves skin elasticity and smoothness.

4. Beets
Beets are a pretty  powerful skin cleansing juice ingredient, as they filter toxins out of your body to keep your blood clean and your circulatory system healthy and functioning. Since raw beets are so potent, it’s important to never use more than half of a medium sized one, and best to avoid them if you have kidney stones. Beets are high in iron, potassium, copper, vitamin C, niacin, zinc and manganese, all minerals and nutrients that help keep your energy levels high, boost your brain power and keep that healthy blood circulating around your body’s largest organ, which is the skin.

5. Apples
Apples are wonderful ingredients for a low sugar method of sweetening fresh juices, but also come with a handful of benefits for your skin. Apples, especially green ones, are great for toning and brightening skin as they contain high amounts of vitamins A and C. Certain apple varieties also offer copper in high densities, which helps the body produce melanin, a natural pigment that provides the skin with sun protection.

6. Ginger
Zingy and zesty ginger is a gorgeous addition to any juice, and also helps to boost the immune and circulatory systems. Although slightly spicy, ginger root is actually a specific for inflammation, making it ideal for treating acne and other inflamed skin irritations.  Ginger is also high in magnesium, manganese and vitamin B6, all of which help slow the aging process of your skin.

Recipes
Try the two tasty and healthy recipes below using the ingredients we’ve pointed out to create your own juices and masks for glowing skin.  Simple use a juicer or a blender and a sieve to make the juice. Use any leftover pulp to make a facial mask. You can choose to mix some olive, avocado or walnut oil to the pulp create more of a hydrating mask, or alternatively mix in plain yogurt for oilier skin. Gradually add the oil or yogurt to the pulp until it turns into a smooth paste.

Sweet & Spicy              Green Goodness
4 carrots                            1 carrot (and its tops if you have them)
1/2 apple                           1 large cucumber
1/2 beet                             1 small bunch parsley
1 T grated ginger             ginger to taste

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Image: FoundryParkInn

Sources: WellandGoodNYC, SacredSourceNutrition, Shape Magazine

The post 6 Juicy Ingredients to Drink and Wear for Glowing Skin appeared first on EcoSalon.

The first Ecosalon Beauty Awards are here and we are excited! We asked our panel of 8 natural beauty experts to pick their favorite products in 14 categories and now YOU voted on the winners for each.

There’s a pretty amazing cross-section of natural beauty brands listed below (all of us were pleasantly surprised by the incredible width and depth of the choices that are now available to all of us who care about our health and the health of the planet). UPDATE: Voting is now closed, but you can see what the judges picked below! 

We will be announcing the winners on December 3rd!

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