Mature Skin + Acne-prone Skin = Not Fair

If you are old enough to remember using a phone attached to the wall with a handset connected by a spiral cord but have blemishes that belong on an iPhone-toting teen, this post is for you.

I suspect you would prefer a natural skin care line that will work to improve your skin tone, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while eliminating blemishes. If so, read on.

Dermatologists recommend the following routine for those battling gravity and acne:

Highlighted in green are my product recommendations for ingredients that support both anti-aging and blemish concerns.

1. Use a light antibacterial cleanser that will not clog your pores.


Detox Soap Bar:
Treatment Detox Bar-detoxifying soap with essential oils of lavender & tea tree for blemishes


Liquid/gel-type Face Wash: 
Grumpy Wash-gentle cleanser with essential oils of lavender & tea tree for blemishes


Creme Cleanser: 
Grumpy Creme Cleanser-with 2% salicylic acid this creme cleanses and exfoliates enough that you can combine steps one and two with this individual product. Hooray!

2. Gently exfoliate without disturbing your grumpy oil-producing sebaceous glands.


Making those guys angry just makes them produce more oil which clogs your pores making more blemishes. It's a vicious cycle. Exfoliating will wipe away dead skin cells and pore debris that are just waiting to invade and clog your pores.


Gentle Exfoliation Minerals:
Oatmeal Cookie Minerals- antioxidant-rich roots, extracts, herbs, grains and 2% salicylic acid for blemishes (no need to use this & Grumpy Creme Cleanser on the same day; too much salicylic acid can be harmful)

3. Apply an alcohol-free toner that will clear and tighten pores, reduce shine and redness and soak up excess oil without stripping natural oils.

Believe it or not, you want the natural oils. These little sweethearts actually reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.


Spray:
Grumpy Astringent- balances your skin's pH level fighting off bacteria that want to invade and infect your pores; soothes & moisturizes while removing excess oils to prevent future break-outs.


Pads:
Cleansing & Toning Complexion Cushions- antioxidant-rich infusion of botanicals works well with acne and blemish-prone skin while helping to improve mature skin.

4. Hydrate your skin with a moisturizer made with ingredients that will not clog your pores or cause your skin to produce excess sebum.

If you don't moisturize, your skin's age will show through. A moisturizer will speed up your skin's cell renewal and provide the vitamins and minerals necessary to heal your skin. This is a step that is not to be missed!


Light Daily Moisturizers:
Each of these moisturizers begins with my very light antioxidant-rich Shea Soufflé recipe. The natural botanicals in Shea Soufflé are known for their numerous skin healing, soothing, moisturizing, wrinkle-diminishing & UV protection benefits. Can be worn alone or under makeup.
Grumpy - Contains a variety of natural plant ingredients specifically chosen for acne, blemish, redness and scar-reducing benefits. These ingredients are known to heal the damage caused by acne while improving overall health of the skin without drying.
Cape Gold- Includes South African Helichrysum for minimizing scarring, redness and inflammation while soothing and filtering UV rays.
DrAc- Blended specifically for the relief of dry acne; healing & moisturizing.

Serums:
Can be used day &/or night; alone or under makeup. My personal favorite type of moisturizer! If your skin is extremely oily, these may prove too much for you.
DRENCH- 100% pure Moroccan Argan Oil is an antioxidant-rich skin nourishing oil that not only helps fight the signs of aging, but regulates the production of sebum (oil) while accelerating healing of acne scars. Penetrates skin tissue quickly & deeply. 
The Nutty Polynesian- A blend of three amazing nut oils known for numerous anti-aging and acne skin care benefits; antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, firming, regenerating, nourishing, UV protection, elasticity, acne-reductive...

Night Cremes:
Ginger Curry-  These antioxidant-rich botanicals increase skin radiance & evenness while fighting acne, lightening age spots and neutralizing toxins; invigorating your complexion while you rest. Thick & rich creme. 


5. Use a spot treatment containing ingredients that will treat and heal breakouts while helping to prevent future breakouts.

This is a treatment that you can place directly on the blemish.

Spot Treatment:
SPOT- Astringent & toning; treats redness, inflammation & infection caused by acne. Protects & heals; lessens appearance of acne scars.

    

6. Deep cleanse a couple of times a week depending upon your skin's tolerance.

Deep Pore Cleansing Masks:

Everything but the Kitchen Sink- mud-based mask can be used all over or just to spot treat blemishes

Grumpy Clay Mask- clay-based mask; just add water or other liquid for deep cleanse

7. The skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most delicate skin we have. Take care with a product specifically formulated for this delicate skin.


For many the moisturizers and serums are enough. Unfortunately, some of us need a bit more oomph, and so, a product specifically aimed at the delicate skin surrounding your eye is recommended.

Eye Serum:
Depuff & Stuff- Natural blend of 16 plant oils & extracts chosen for their gentle yet effective performance on the easily wrinkled, darkened and swollen eye area. 


So, there you have it.

Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

Witch hazel refers to a small shrub or tree with oval leaves. The tree stems flower in the autumn and early winter months.

Witch hazel grows in parts of the south, midwest and eastern coast of the United States as well as much of eastern Canada. Its spooky name comes from the Old English word wiche, meaning bendable; and its similarity to hazel twigs from England. 

Witch hazel's healing uses were introduced to the early U.S. settlers by Native Americans who had been extracting witch hazel for many years. 

Witch hazel bark and leaves are steam distilled to create a hydrosol or distillate. 

The hydrosol's components are known for the following qualities:

• astringent (firms skin-reduces pore size-reduces puffiness)
• anti fungal
• anti-inflammatory
• antiviral
• antioxidant-rich (think anti aging)
• cytotoxicity (can kill cancerous cells without causing damage to healthy cells)
• catechin (protect skin from UV radiation damage)
• anticancer
• antibacterial
• analgesic (relieves pain)
• antiseptic
• vitamin-rich
• mineral-rich

These qualities make witch hazel hydrosol fantastic for treating everything from acne to hemorrhoids to skin disease and varicose veins.

The hydrosol is gentle enough for most ages and types of skin; even sensitive. It can relieve the itch from eczema & psoriasis, insect bites and poison ivy while helping the skin to heal from the same. 

Use witch hazel hydrosol for healing blistered, bruised, burned and cracked skin. It is fantastic for most skin types but especially acne-prone and mature skin.

As a skin care crafter, I love using witch hazel hydrosol whenever possible. I currently use it in all of my toners and body sprays. I use it in some of my cleansers, too. This gentle hydrosol is safe for use with many pets and so I use it in some of my hand crafted pet products as well.

I even clean my work surfaces with a blend of witch hazel and essential oils.

Much research is currently being conducted on the use of witch hazel and its constituents effect on cancerous tumors and cells, diabetes and arthritis. Very exciting!

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT the witch hazel you find in your local drug store. Sadly, that product does not contain all of the components found in pure witch hazel hydrosol. It includes the addition of alcohol, usually 14%, used as a preservative. While such a product certainly has its place, it's not one I would recommend for skin care.

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Queen Anne's Lace

Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Daucus carota

Also known as  "Queen Anne's lace", "bird's nest" and "bishop's lace".

Carrot Seed essential oil is steam distilled from the seeds of the wild carrot flower. The organically grown carrot seed oil that I am currently using comes from the Himalayan Mountains. 


This particular oil is very high in carotol; almost 70% carotol in fact. Carotol is very helpful in regenerating aging skin. It detoxes the skin helping to avoid wrinkling by providing elasticity and toning.

Carrot seed oil is also rich in:

• Vitamins B, C and E
• Antioxidants (repair skin damage & prevent future damage)
• Beta Carotene (think natural UV protection)

Carrot seed oil is also known to:

• Cure and Prevent Skin Infection
• Prevent Tetanus
• Neutralize Toxins
• Heal Wounds & Ulcers
• Heal Eczema & Psoriasis
• Balance All Skin Types
• Regenerate Burned Skin
• Heal Scarring
• Improve Skin Tone
• Offer Healing & Protection from the Sun, Free Radicals, Radiation & Environmental Damage

Incredible research is being performed on the ability of carrot seed oil to cure some cancers. 

I currently use Carrot Seed Essential Oil in Queen Anne's Lace Moisturizer and Night Complexion Creme. This pure undiluted essential oil is also available in my store.

Sea Buckthorn Berry

Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil

Hippophae rhamnoides

Also known as "Miracle Berry" or "Seaberry".

These pretty orange berries grow on the sea buckthorn shrub across Asia and Europe.

The oil extracted from the berry, or fruit, is more exceptional than the oil that is extracted from the seed or kernel. The berry oil has proven to hold far more skin care benefits. So, the berry oil is what I will refer to in this post.

Sea buckthorn berry oils is fantastic for treating skin diseases like acne, eczema and psoriasis. I have read reports on how this oil has changed the lives of those suffering from a variety of skin diseases.

It probably comes as no surprise that this amazing oil also helps with hair and nail health.

Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil is rich in:

Vitamins A, B, C, E, K and P

Antioxidants (destroy free radicals)

Carotenoids including Beta Carotene (think natural UV protection)

Fatty Acids and Essential Fatty Acids; Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9

Because of the large amount of Beta Carotene in the sea buckthorn berry, the oil is a reddish color making it a great tan enhancer or skin bronzer. At high concentrations it can stain clothing and sheets.

Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil is known to:

Brighten the Complexion

Calm Skin and Redness

Condition, Nourish and Moisturize

Diminish Age Spots

Improve Skin Elasticity and Tone

Neutralize Toxins

Offer Protection from the Sun, Free Radicals, Radiation and Environmental Damage

Promote Collagen Production and Youthful Skin Tone and Texture

Reduce Inflammation

Regenerate Skin Cells

Relieve Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea and Sunburn

Reduce Blemishes, Scarring and Wrinkle Formation

Slow Down Skin Aging

Treat Burns, Ulcers and Wounds

SRBBB offers a Seaberry Protection Oil for dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis as well as the superstar Seaberry Serum for aging skin concerns.

WEEDS: St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort Oil

Hypericum perforatum

I handcraft my St. John's Wort oil, and all of my herbal oils, from scratch using organic St. John's Wort leaves and flowers steeped in organic olive oil. A small amount of natural Vitamin E is added for additional healing properties and natural preserving. 

St. John's Wort Oil is an amazing anti-inflammatory used to relieve muscle spasms and aches, back and nerve pain, sciatica, varicose veins, headaches and migraines, shingles, cold sores and genital herpes.

Speeds healing of bruises, burns (including radiation), stings, cuts and wounds-making it a fabulous addition to breast health and trauma blends.

St. John's Wort is an astringent. It tightens, binds and contracts the skin tissue back to normal. Because of its antiviral properties, St. John's Wort inhibits the grown of viruses.

St. John's Wort-infused Oil is so magnificent that I have added it to several of my blends; Baby Bum, Breast Health & Trauma Oil. I also added it to my Baby Bum Salve.

Chaste Berry: Feminine Tonic

Chaste Berry or Vitex Berry

Vitex agnus-castus

"Feminine Tonic"

The berries, a peppery fruit grown on this Turkish shrub, have been used hundreds of years for a variety of complaints including constipation and hangovers. 

The name "chaste" comes from its use during the middle ages when women used the berry to keep them chaste while their husbands were away at battle. Today, there are no studies to support this particular use of the chaste berry.

However, the berry is used for acne-prone skin, breast health, headache and fatigue. 

Said to work well with the glands of the endocrine system; pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries. Balancing to hormones and estrogen cycle.

Clinical trials have shown that the berries offer relief for symptoms of PMS including mood swings, abdominal bloating, constipation, edema and breast tenderness. 

Said to enhance fertility and normalize reproduction functions because of its ability to balance hormones thus regulating ovulation.


Because of its ability to reduce inflammation, chaste berry is also used to reduce fibroids of the uterus

Studies have shown the berry to ease menopausal issues of excessive bleeding, night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings and vaginal dryness.


Research is being conducted on the positive effect of chaste berries on fibromyalgia, parkinson's disease, and its ability to repell insects.

Berry Elements:

• aucubin: antitoxin
• agnuside: anti-inflammatory
• casticin: anti-tumor
• chrysophanol D: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
• alpha pinene: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic, antiviral
• beta pinene: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic
• isovitexin: antioxidant
• vitexin: anti-tumor
• progestins: hormones

Should not be used during pregnancy or breast feeding. Not recommended for use by men. As with all herbs, please consult with your physician prior to trying anything new especially if you are taking medications.

Latest Buzz in Skin Care- Mineral Cleansers

Mineral Cleansers

Completely natural and organic way to cleanse, exfoliate, detoxify, balance and nourish your skin. 

Gentle enough for daily use on even the most sensitive skin. But tough enough to make a difference in the appearance of your skin. 

The precious powders feed your skin with vitamin and mineral-rich ingredients like milks, oats, clays, rice, fruit & vegetable extracts, flowers, essential oils, nuts and seeds.

It takes a very small amount of the minerals to get the job done.


You simply pour a tablespoon or so into your palm, add liquid, stir with your finger and apply to your face in a circular motion. Rinse and pat dry. That's it.

I usually recommend water as the liquid. However, you can add yogurt, milk, apple cider vinegar, aloe, fruit or vegetable oils, eggs, wine or hydrosols.


I love Mineral Cleansers so much that I created an entire line of them!


It all started with Pixie. I created her for all skin types. She is a wonderful combination of rice, oats, lavender, chamomile & calendula flowers, vitamin e and gentle essential oils.


Then came Tres Leches; or Three Milks. A super softening and moisturizing combination of coconut, butter and goat's milks plus oats and clays. Great for most skin types, especially dry.

As I began to age, my skin care line expanded to include anti aging products. Geisha is a wonderful combination of antioxidant-rich ingredients including green tea, rice bran, parsley, strawberry extract, coconut milk, oats, rose buds, vitamin e plus a synergy of essential oils for a more youthful appearance.

Next up was California Girl. She is a beautiful combination of cleansing rice powders, soothing oats, skin polishing almonds, detoxifying clays, pore-reducing strawberry extract, healing honey, refreshing cucumber extract, vitamin e and skin nourishing essential oils. Suitable for most skin types.

Similar to Tres Leches, but a bit bolder, is Hula Girl. She's got the soothing and softening oats, clays and coconut milk plus the invigorating and illuminating pineapple enzyme; Great for most skin types, especially more mature.


Finally, my most recent formula was added for most skin types, but especially acne-prone and oily. During the testing phase (which consists of family, friends, anyone who will sit still long enough, and myself trying out the products) I decided to call this one Oatmeal Cookie. Why?  Well, that's what it smells like. 
This girl is packed with plant extracts, roots, barks and grains. These lovelies are soothing, cleansing, exfoliating, pore-refining, wrinkle-preventing, blemish-healing, dirt and oil-absorbing, skin balancing, irritation, itchiness and redness relieving, elasticity improving and polyphenol, antioxidant, mineral, silicon and emollient-rich.


Did you forget why you need to exfoliate? See my previous post on exfoliating.

Why Exfoliate?

E X F O L I A T E

What?

According to the World English Dictionary, exfoliate is a verb meaning to wash (a part of the body) with a granular cosmetic preparation in order to remove dead cells from the skin's surface. 

When?

I tend to use a gentle exfoliator (minerals cleansers) daily for my complexion, neck and décolleté. I like to use it at night so that my toners and moisturizers sink right into my skin. I love waking up with a polished radiant complexion.

I use a more coarse sugar or salt scrub several times a week on the rest of my body. I like the oiler scrubs in the winter months because my skin becomes so dry. They are great to use before shaving to help with a closer, smoother shave with less chance of in-grown hairs.

Oilier skin tends to need exfoliated more often. Age and climate also play a roll in how often you need to exfoliate. You know your skin. If it feels or looks dull, you may need to exfoliate more often.  

Why?

• removes dead skin cells improving texture and tone
• stimulates cell renewal making way for healthier cells
• nourishes skin
• leaves skin softer and smoother
• boosts circulation
• tightens skin without removing natural healthy oils
• unclogs pores and helps to rid skin of blackheads
• allows for easier, deeper infiltration of toners and moisturizers 
• prepares skin for a smoother shave
• smoothes rough skin
• reduces blemishes and rashes
• reduces occurrence of in-grown hair
• provides perfect canvas for a more even tan from a bottle or the sun

How?

Brush your skin with a long-handled natural bristle body brush before bathing. Start with the soles of your feet and work in a circular motion toward your heart. Rinse with warm then cool water. Moisturize.

Use natural mineral cleansers, salt or sugar scrubs:

- Wet and apply in a circular motion. Rinse with warm then cool water. path dry. Apply a natural toner and moisturizer or serum.

- Apply salt or sugar scrubs to dry skin. Rinse off in the tub or shower with warm then cool water. Pat dry. Apply a natural toner and moisturizer or serum.

Use a natural loofah or exfoliating wash "cloth" or glove to apply natural cleansers.

Pumice stones work well on heels and other tough spots.