How to Soothe a Sunburnt Face

I hope everyone had an AMAZING Memorial Day weekend! This was the first year I was actually able to go away for a mini vacation in Rehoboth Beach, Deleware. That beach town is absolutely pristine and I really appreciate the pride and hard work the residents put in to make it such a wonderful place.

We had such beautiful weather all weekend but I have to admit, I got a little toasted...in more ways than one! LOL  With all the sunless tanning products I use, I sometimes fool myself and forget that I have absolutely no natural protection from the sun and fail to reapply sunscreen throughout the day! This can be pretty disastrous, especially if you use retinol and retinoids that make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. This is what I woke up to this morning :(

SO I immediately prepared a great soothing face mask to help calm my sun kissed burnt skin! Here is the recipe:

Yogurt Face Mask for Sensitive & Sunburnt Skin

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Natural Yogurt (out-of-the-fridge cold)



I like "Fage Total" because of its rich and creamy texture.

• 1/2 cup Oatmeal (any basic type will work)
• Optional Ingredients
• 2 Tablespoons Honey
• Blended cucumber

Directions:

1. Mix ingredients together. I like to keep the mixture cool up until the moment I use it.
2. Rinse face with cool water, use a gentle cleanser if needed. Be sure not to scrub your skin.
3. Apply mixture to skin for 15-20 minutes, can be used anywhere on your body!
4. Remove mixture with a washcloth soaked in cool water, again be sure not to scrub your skin.
5. Apply your favorite moisturizer or pure aloe vera to keep skin hydrated!

Let me know what you think! I know you will be very happy with the results! 

Enjoy!

DIY: Make Your Own Facial Toner!

Do you use a toner in your skin care routine? If not, here is a creative and cost-effective way to try it out!

A toner is a water-based liquid that will help remove the last traces of dirt & makeup and infuse skin with beneficial ingredients that help repair, replenish, and brighten. Apply toner to clean skin with a cotton ball or cotton round, and allow the solution to absorb. You can follow-up with a moisturizer to help minimize water loss and provide more vitamins and skin-identical ingredients. All these ingredients like antioxidants will enhance the repair process and reduce inflammation to promote healthier skin! Follow the directions below and make your own toner!

You Need:

• French Press
• 2 Cups Distilled Water
• 10 tsp. Chopped Green Tea and/or White Tea Leaves (loose leaves are best!)
• 1 Tbsp. Pure Aloe Vera Gel
• 6 Drops Rose Hip Oil
• 2 Vitamin C capsules
• Small (clean!) Spray Bottle (if its new, most likely its clean as can be!)

Instructions:

1. Place chopped green tea and/or white tea leaves in a french press. If you do not own a french press, I suggest you buy one.   ...LOL, just kidding, you can always boil the leaves in a small pot and use cheese cloth to drain, but really, a french press makes the most amazing coffee!
2. Boil distilled water in a separate pot. Once the distilled water reaches a rolling boil, pour it over the herbs.
3. Stir the mixture, cap the french press, and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Plunge and allow the solution to cool to room temperature.
4. Pour aloe vera gel, vitamin E capsule contents, and rose hip oil into your clean spray bottle. Fill spray bottle with contents of the french press and shake well! Shake it baby! Shake it!
5. Spray the toner directly on clean, dry skin. Allow it to dry on its own, or apply a moisturizer while it is still damp to really lock in the moisture! Use it whenever you need a little pick me up for an energizing boost.
6. Store your new, homemade toner in the refrigerator. Remember it doesn't contain any preservatives like alcohol or parabens, so it won't last forever! It's hard to put an exact expiration date on it, but I would say no longer than 1.5 - 2 months. Regardless, spraying this cool toner on your face will not only be refreshing, but will shrink pores and be amazing for your skin!

Oh yeah, this toner is best applied at night, vitamin C doesn't stand up well to sunlight! But if you do use it in the morning, a moisturizer with SPF of 15+ should help. I mean, you ARE already using a daily moisturizer with SPF 15+ because I taught you that....right?!?!

Enjoy!

Ross