Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Recipe
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Ultimate Skin Care Preparation for Holidays: Your Self-Care Checklist
With the holiday season around the corner, it’s not just your party outfits and gifts that need prepping — your skin deserves a festive glow too! The combination of harsher weather, holiday stress and layers of makeup can leave your complexion dull if you don’t give it the care it needs. Whether you’re gearing up for a big holiday bash or simply indulging in some well-deserved self-care, now is the perfect time to refresh your skin care routine. Keep reading to learn how to prep your skin for a radiant, holiday-ready look that will keep you glowing throughout the season.
How To Prep Your Skin For The Holidays
Cleanse
Kick off your routine with the Barbados Cherry Enzyme Cleansing Powder. This powder-to-foam wash harnesses the power of enzymatic exfoliation from actinidin and papain to gently remove dead skin cells and impurities. It’s rich in vitamin C from Barbados cherry and Kakadu plum, which helps to brighten your skin and reveal a refreshed, radiant-looking complexion. Use it two-three times a week to maintain a smooth and luminous appearance.
On other days, use the Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser to keep your skin balanced and refreshed. This liquid-to-foam cleanser features micellar technology to trap and lift dirt and oil without over-drying the skin — a huge bonus in chilly weather. Kombucha ferment, rich in postbiotics, nourishes the skin’s microbiota, while ginger and jasmine work together to refresh and soothe. The probiotic and prebiotic ingredients help support a balanced skin barrier, making this cleanser suitable for all skin types.
Tone
After cleansing, restore hydration with the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist. This revitalizing toner is perfect for uneven skin, using stone crop to nourish and lavender to soothe. It also contains jasmine, which supplies vitamins and carotenoids, helping to calm and restore the look of irritated skin. Spray it on your face and neck or use a cotton pad for a quick refresh throughout the day.
Take your hydration a step further by applying the Birch Water Purifying Essence. With nutrient-rich birch water, this essence purifies while boosting your skin’s moisture levels. It features ultra-hydrating snow mushroom and antioxidant-rich reishi mushroom to visibly improve elasticity and reduce the look of puffiness. Botanical collagen helps enhance the skin’s barrier function, ensuring better absorption of the following products.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating is key for achieving smooth, radiant skin, especially before any holiday events. The Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant uses lactic acid to gently exfoliate, while natural flours (rice, chickpea, oat) polish the skin’s texture. The combination of strawberry, which contains salicylic acid, and rhubarb, rich in polyphenols, brightens and rejuvenates the skin. Additionally, the Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex hydrates and softens while the heilmoor clay deeply cleanses.
For a more intensive exfoliation, the Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Peel targets fine lines and wrinkles. With lactic and glycolic acids, this peel exfoliates deeply, while acai berry, grapefruit and goji offer potent antioxidant benefits.
Mask
Who doesn’t love a good face mask to unwind and refresh before the holidays? The Mango Exfoliating Enzyme Masque is packed with fruit enzymes from mango, pineapple and Kakadu plum to exfoliate, brighten your skin and even out your complexion. Use this when your skin needs an extra radiance boost!
For a more hydrating option, the Strawberry Rhubarb Masque is formulated with the Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex and nourishing shea butter to provide deep moisture. Grape seed oil helps support the skin’s moisture barrier, while the brightening effects of strawberry and the rejuvenating properties of rhubarb refresh and revitalize dry skin. Suitable for normal to dry skin types, this mask helps maintain a healthy glow during the winter months.
Treat
For deep hydration and antioxidant protection, the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil is a perfect choice. Rich in essential fatty acids, rosehip oil, seabuckthorn oil and jojoba oil improve moisture and skin tone while combating dryness. Rosemary leaf extract conditions the skin while milk thistle adds additional antioxidant support, helping to maintain a youthful-looking glow.
The Marine Flower Peptide Serum delivers plant peptides and marine extracts to visibly smooth fine lines and wrinkles. The Smart Collagen+ Complex helps firm the skin, while blue-green and red algae extracts enhance hydration. This lightweight serum absorbs easily, providing a youthful appearance without a heavy feel.
Moisturize
Now, lock in all that hydration! The Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream is perfect for achieving that smooth, luminous look. With antioxidant-rich arctic berries and peptides, this cream targets signs of aging and enhances your skin’s glow naturally.
If you prefer a rich, nourishing feel, the Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer is your go-to. Coconut oil and shea butter work together to lift and firm your skin, while green apple provides lasting skin-firming benefits. It’s ideal for anyone looking to keep their skin looking soft and hydrated throughout the day.
Eye Care
Don’t forget about eye care! The Snow Mushroom Moisture Cloud Eye Cream is a super-hydrating option that helps reduce puffiness and smooth out fine lines around the eyes. It’s perfect for those holiday mornings when you need to look refreshed after a late night.
To reduce the look of wrinkles around the eyes, the Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream is ideal. It targets fine lines, puffiness and dark circles, leaving your eye area looking youthful and bright.
Body Care
For a full-body glow, start with the Cranberry Pomegranate Sugar Scrub. This exfoliating scrub uses finely milled sugar crystals to gently buff away dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth and refreshed. The blend of cranberry and pomegranate infuses your skin with antioxidants, helping to protect against environmental stressors while enhancing your skin’s natural radiance. It’s the perfect prep step for achieving softer, polished skin all over.
After exfoliating, lock in moisture with the Monoi Age Corrective Night Body Cream. This rich, hydrating cream harnesses the power of monoi, a Tahitian gardenia flower soaked in coconut oil that delivers lasting hydration. The formula works to firm and tighten the look of the skin, making it look more youthful and supple-looking. With each application, you’ll notice a smoother texture and a boost in skin elasticity, perfect for keeping your body soft and nourished during the colder months.
With this holiday skin care routine, your skin will be glowing and ready for every celebration. From deeply hydrating treatments to gentle exfoliation, each step helps you achieve radiant, nourished skin all season long.
To learn more about customizing your holiday routine, reach out to your favorite Eminence Organics Spa Partner for a personalized recommendation.
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Chocolate Espresso Energy Balls
The next time you have an energy slump, make these Chocolate Espresso Energy Balls!
Chocolate Espresso Energy Balls are a quick and easy snack to boost your energy levels with a little espresso and healthy fats to keep your hunger at bay.
They’re made with dates which are rich in fiber and potassium and a source of simple carbohydrates — our bodies primary and preferred energy source is sugar — and a mix of healthy fats, plant-based protein, and minerals.
The post Chocolate Espresso Energy Balls appeared first on Nutrition Stripped.
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What Are The Benefits Of Pumpkin Face Masks?
Fall is here, and you know what that means. Pumpkin everything! From drinks to desserts and even skin care, not only does pumpkin pack a delicious punch in your favorite recipes, it’s also a beauty-boosting superstar. Once you discover the benefits of pumpkin skin care products, they may quickly become your next favorite treatment. Read on to learn why a pumpkin face mask or peel is exactly what your skin needs, as well as which Eminence Organic Skin Care pumpkin products complement your skin care routine.
Benefits Of Pumpkin Skin Care | Benefits Of Pumpkin Face Masks | Top Pumpkin Picks | Holiday Skin Care Ritual Ideas
Benefits Of Pumpkin In Skin Care
Often evoking memories of a tasty coffee, cake or pie, a luscious layer of pumpkin on the face not only smells heavenly, it also leaves your skin baby soft and silky smooth. Benefits range from adding nutrition and hydration to the skin and brightening the appearance of the skin. So, what makes pumpkin so special? It’s pulp and seed oil contain a wide array of beneficial nutrients including minerals, fatty acids and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These acids are key to a glowing and radiant complexion, helping with exfoliation, moisture retention and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Adding to this glowy goodness, pumpkin is also rich in antioxidants, specifically vitamins A and C. As our Product Support Team explains, “Vitamins A and C help to defend against oxidative damage. Vitamin C is especially fabulous for treating and reducing the look of dark spots.”
5 Benefits Of Pumpkin Face Masks According To An Expert
You’re probably wondering why pumpkin is a sought-after ingredient and how estheticians use pumpkin in the treatment room. This humble orange squash has five key benefits:
Infuses the skin with bioflavonoids that aid in the absorption of skin-friendly vitamins
Deeply hydrates and plumps the skin
Stimulates collagen production to reduce appearance of fine lines
Provides antioxidant benefits, including the alleviation from dryness associated with environmental stressors
Delivers beta carotene, amino acids and fruit enzymes to the skinThe benefits of pumpkin leave you with the complexion of your dreams year-round, but this fall-favorite ingredient is especially helpful as the seasons change. Using this ingredient helps alleviate skin care woes such as dehydration and redness caused by dryness.
Our Product Support Team sums this up perfectly, saying: “As the seasons change, our skin tends to suffer moisture loss and can use a boost in exfoliation. Whether it’s fine lines and wrinkles, post summer UV exposure, or the change in environment from central heating or air conditioning, the skin can usually use a little TLC and pumpkin is here to help.”
With so many benefits, this multitasking ingredient is the perfect choice to incorporate into your daily routine for fall or any season.
Top Pumpkin Picks
Adding the pumpkin ingredient into your skin care ritual is easy. Our options that feature this delightful ingredient range from at-home to in-spa treatments, ensuring your skin stays smooth and supple regardless of the treatment you choose.
Our Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque is one favorite that leaves the skin looking smooth and vibrant. This pumpkin-infused face mask helps restore natural moisture balance at home, with vitamin E and omega 9 fatty acids. Additionally, this dreamy pumpkin puree reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For a real seasonal treat, we recommend blending a mixology of the Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque followed by the Stone Crop Masque. This combination is easy for you to mix at home.
Our award-winning Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5% is an at-home exfoliating peel containing lactic and glycolic acids. This treatment refines and evens skin tone, including the look of dark spots, and provides gentle exfoliation without any irritation. This peel needs to be rinsed thoroughly after applying and neutralized with our Soothing Chamomile Tonique.
For those seeking a deeper exfoliation, you can visit your nearest Eminence Organic Spa where an esthetician can apply our concentrated Yam & Pumpkin Pro Enzyme Peel 20%. This peel accelerates the exfoliation process and removes dead skin cells to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Holiday Skin Care Ritual Ideas
Now that you’re familiar with some of the most effective and divine-smelling pumpkin products on offer, we’ve gathered some routine ideas.
1. Cleansing
Start off with the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser, a versatile product suitable for all skin types. This milky gel lightly lathers to slough off dead skin without manual exfoliation or over-stripping moisture from the skin. The Lactic Acid Complex and mangosteen in this cleanser work together to restore a smooth, radiant complexion.
If your skin type is normal to dry skin, the Firm Skin Acai Cleanser is another great option. This cream cleanser blends hyaluronic acid and seabuckthorn oil to restore the appearance of elasticity to the skin and present a more youthful look.
2. Toning
For all skin types including dry and dehydrated, a spritz of the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist refreshes the skin. Once you cleanse the skin, apply one to two sprays onto the face and neck or apply with a cotton pad, avoiding the eye area.
For combination to normal skin types, the Mangosteen Revitalizing Mist is designed to balance the skin. It contains a refreshing combination of antioxidant-packed mangosteen, energizing ribose and pore-refining red clover.
3. Exfoliation
For at home, you can apply the Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5% for a fall treat. This peel is ideal for those looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as brighten the complexion by removing dead skin cells.
Another at-home exfoliating option is the Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System. This three-step peel and peptide system contains the Arctic Berry Enzyme Exfoliant, the Arctic Berry Advanced Peel Activator MA10 and the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream. You’ll notice your skin appearing more refined and smoothed over time.
4. Facial Masks
Embrace the changing seasons with two masks inspired by fall ingredients. For all skin types, replenish the skin’s moisture and fight the visible signs of aging with vitamin E, omega 9 nutrients and antioxidant-rich pumpkin in our Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque. Another popular option is the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque which combines citrus, leafy greens and avocado oil to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
After the mask step, you can peform some additional add-on neck, hand, foot and eye treatments.
5. Essence
Gently apply a a few drops of the Kombucha Microbiome Balancing Essence onto your hands or on a cotton and pat into the skin. This is a beautiful, lightweight essence that helps restore the look of hydration.
6. Serum And Facial Oil
Treat your skin with the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum (for all skin types) to target the visible signs of aging. Follow with the Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil to deeply hydrate the skin and deliver a firm, plump and lifted appearance. This oil is suited for normal to dry skin types.
7. Eye Care
Treat the delicate skin around your eyes with Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum followed by Snow Mushroom Moisture Cloud Eye Cream. Neroli oil is used to refresh and hydrate the look of the skin, while a Natural Retinol Alternative Complex is designed to smooth the appearance of wrinkles. Apply a thin layer to the cleansed eye area with light blending movements until it’s absorbed. Leave the product on.
Snow Mushroom is an ultra-hydrating super-humectant that pulls moisture into the skin so that your skin appears supple and plump. Apply the Snow Mushroom Cloud Eye Cream to the entire eye area twice daily, patting gently with fingertips until it is fully absorbed. Leave it on.
8. Moisturizer
For combination to normal skin types, finish with our Firm Skin Acai Moisturizer as a moisturizing step. The deeply hydrating botanical hyaluronic acid and acai berry juice in this antioxidant-rich moisturizer give your skin the plumping it needs to look younger and wrinkle-free. Another great option for all skin types is the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream.
9. Sun Defense
For all skin types, you can apply an SPF sunscreen to finish and protect your skin. After the application of a peel treatment, skin will be more sensitive to the sun. A high SPF product is mandatory after treatment to help the skin heal. Wear protective clothing, stay indoors and limit sun exposure after each treatment and for a week afterwards.
10. Lip Care
Treat your lips with the Lip Comfort Plumping Masque. This antioxidant, vitamin-rich and age-defying mask deeply hydrates and replenishes. Make sure to extend the application to the fine vertical lines around the mouth area as well as the marionette expression lines. Use our Citrus Lip Balm or the Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm SPF 15 to protect and finish your lips. The Citrus Lip Balm is a petroleum-free citrus treat for the lips with shea butter and sunflower seed oil, while the Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm moisturizes and protects dry lips with an SPF factor of 15.
11. Body Care
To prep the skin on your body, apply the Stone Crop Body Lotion. This lotion contains stone crop, which reduces the appearance of unevenness to leave the skin looking youthful. Simply massage it in and leave it on.
Our Product Support Representatives also recommend the Cranberry Pomegranate Body Scrub. This scrub gently exfoliates and buffs your skin, while also enriching it with vitamin-rich cranberry and pomegranate. The result is silky, smooth-looking skin. Apply a layer of the scrub to damp skin, preferably during the last part of a shower or bath. Massage in circular motions on any part of the body that needs a scrub. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry.
12. Massage
For all skin types, apply the Linden Calendula Treatment (for the face) or apply a body lotion or oil for body massage options. Which product is your fall favorite? Let us know in the comments below or on social media!
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Caraway Cast Iron Cookware Review: Our Dietitians Put It To The Test
Caraway Cast Iron Cookware Review: Our Dietitians Put It To The Test – The Real Food Dietitians
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Sensitive Skin Care: The Signs & Symptoms
Does your skin have a sensitive side? Caring for this skin type can be a struggle — and choosing the right skin care products can feel like rolling the dice. One misstep and you could aggravate your temperamental complexion, bringing about a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Here is everything you need to know about sensitive skin, as well as our tips for keeping it calm, cool and collected.
What Is Sensitive Skin?
With its wide variety of symptoms, sensitive skin does not manifest the same way for everyone. Its severity can range from moderate discomfort to severe reactions, and its frequency can fluctuate from the occasional flare-up to more persistent, daily sensitivity. If you are already certain you have sensitive skin, check out this skin care routine designed for your skin type.
Eminence Organics Product Support Representative and Certified Esthetician Josie Barton says: “Sensitive skin is typically described as skin that endures the regular occurrence of unpleasant sensations such as heat, stinging, burning and tingling caused by forms of stimulation that wouldn’t normally create this type of reaction in a ‘normal’ skin type.” This skin type frequently experiences unpleasant sensations like heat, stinging, burning and tingling from stimuli that wouldn’t typically cause such reactions in normal skin.
Irritant Sensitivity Vs. Allergic Sensitivity
According to Dr. Hooman Khorasani, Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgeon, there are two different types of sensitivity — irritant sensitivity and allergic sensitivity.
“An irritant sensitivity is something that irritates everyone’s skin and is independent of your immune system. Although most skin reacts to an irritant, someone with sensitive skin would see a more dramatic reaction,” explains Dr. Khorasani. These symptoms may include itchiness, redness, dryness, rashes or breakouts. In comparison, an allergic sensitivity is dependent on your immune system, and it requires prior exposure to the allergen. Because an allergic sensitivity is due to each specific immune system, unlike an irritant sensitivity, only a portion of the population is impacted.
Regardless of the causes, sensitive skin is a skin type, caused by a genetic predisposition to skin sensitivity and irritation. It’s also a common symptom of genetic conditions like psoriasis, eczema and rosacea. You can’t change your skin type, but you can adjust your daily habits and skin care routine to manage its symptoms.
How To Know If You Have Sensitive Or Sensitized Skin
Another point of confusion with your potentially sensitive skin is whether it’s sensitive at all — or whether it’s actually sensitized. Sensitized skin is a skin condition, which is characterized by skin irritation that builds over time due to environmental influences and lifestyle choices. Skincare by Alana says: “Some of the biggest factors causing sensitized skin are pollution, stress and alcohol consumption.” Unlike sensitive skin, the symptoms of sensitized skin can be “fixed” over time with targeted skin care products and lifestyle changes.
Sensitive and sensitized skin share a key characteristic — a compromised lipid barrier. Your skin’s lipid barrier is its protective, fatty outer layer that performs two functions: It keeps water in and environmental stressors (like UV rays, harsh chemicals and pollution) out. Emily Newsom, MD tells SELF: “You can think of your skin barrier like a brick wall put together with mortar between the skin cells.” In sensitive or sensitized skin, that mortar has been weakened and is more permeable. When an irritant sneaks through the lipid barrier, your immune system issues an inflammatory response. That response, characterized by redness, pain and itching is what you experience as sensitivity.
Sensitive Skin Symptoms & Signs
Signs of sensitive and sensitized skin also overlap. However, sensitized skin symptoms often disappear once its lipid barrier has been repaired, while in sensitive skin they tend to be more persistent. Both display a range of symptoms that occur minutes to hours after contact with a particular ingredient or environmental trigger. Here are five telltale signs of sensitive skin:
1. Flushes Easily
Whether your face turns red after cleansing or just from facing a gust of chilly wind, your skin’s propensity to flush is a sign that its barrier function is compromised.
Everyday Health says: “Whether your face turns red after cleansing or just from facing a gust of chilly wind, your skin’s propensity to flush is a sign that its barrier function is compromised.” This redness results from an inflammatory response, with blood rushing to the skin’s surface to promote healing.
2. Prone To Rashes & Bumps
When sensitive skin on the face is exposed to a trigger, it will often react with a red, flaky or bumpy rash. Healthgrades says this is especially true for topical products like facial serums and moisturizers that are meant to be left on the skin rather than rinsed off.
3. Itchy
Sensitive skin often feels itchy and tight, especially after using cleansers with harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. It’s often accompanied by dryness and/or dehydration, which can also leave skin feeling prickly and parched.
4. Beauty Products Sting Or Burn
Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi tells Allure: “You know you have sensitive skin if the majority of the products you place on your skin causes stinging or redness.” Because sensitive skin has a broken lipid barrier, fragrances and active ingredients can penetrate more easily and deeply, causing a stinging, burning or prickling sensation.
5. Reactions To Fragrance
Dermatologists agree that fragrance is one of the most notorious causes of skin irritation and sensitivity. From laundry detergents to personal care products, many consumer goods contain synthetic fragrances that can cause a reaction in sensitive skin.
In addition to avoiding triggers, you can follow a sensitive skin care routine with gentle products free of harmful chemicals like added parabens, petrolatum, mineral oils, propylene glycol or sodium lauryl sulfate. Look for comforting ingredients like chamomile, calendula and stone crop which heal and soothe redness.
Are you unsure whether you have sensitive skin? Watch this In The Mix as Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar demonstrates three easy steps for categorizing your skin.
To learn more about what you can do for sensitive skin, check out this step-by-step skin care routine designed for your skin type. Let us know in the comments below or on social media how you cope with your skin type.
