Natural Health & DIY

Hey guys, if you haven't already, I would definitely suggest checking out the site Natural Health and DIY. This site has so many skincare and other health tips. Some of my favorite posts are on What does a toner do, how to cover a pimple, blackhead removal tool, at home acne scar treatments, antibiotics for acne, and vegan recipes and advice.
The author is a good friend of mine, and has developed this site for users looking for natural health tips, and a focus on do it yourself. The most insightful post on the purpose of toner is my favorite, I've always wondered what the point is, and thanks to the post, now I know! Toner is generally used as a treatment in a skincare routine, and also helps remove anything that washing your face missed. Oftentimes washing our faces isn't enough- makeup and oil can still stick to the face, and when you use a toner, you'll realize how much you miss by only washing your face! Check out that post here

Thanks!

Bentonite Clay Powder- How to Use & Where to Buy

Bentonite Clay, also known as Aztec Indian Healing Clay, is an incredibly effective and multi use beauty treatment. This clay is mostly used as a face mask (or masque!) as an acne treatment. Since this is a clay, it helps to absorb and draw out impurities from the skin. The clay also has healing properties.

One of the most interesting aspects of using this as a clay mask is its “pulsating effect”. After a few minutes on your face, your face will begin to pulsate, as if your heartbeat is magnified and your face is beating. Its one of the oddest feelings, and definitely recommend giving it a try! Its been said that this clay produces an electrical charge once exposed to water. This electrical charge is what helps it draw out toxins and impurities from the skin. This clay has a strong negative electrical charge, which binds to the positive charged toxins and impurities. 

This clay also has a high concentration of minerals such as silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium. These minerals can be absorbed, and used by the skin. 

Although I’ve only used this as a face mask and in my hair, it can be used for many different uses (I always love a multi-use product!) 

Some other uses include:

·       Digestive issues (Kaolin clay was actually the main ingredient in many stomach medicines such as maloz!)

·       Help with allergies (if ingested)

·       Provide the body with minerals such as silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium.

·       Detoxification

·       For external skin issues and to speed up healing

·       Insect bites

·       Cuts

·       Burns

·       Topical skin reactions

·       Chicken Pox

·       Detox bath

·       Orally

How To use:

·       On the skin: Mix the clay with water until the desired consistency is reached (start out with less water and build your way up!) Apply on the skin issue such as a burn, bug bite, or cut. Let sit for at least 30 minutes, although relief should come within 5 minutes

·       Skin Mask: Mix Indian Healing Clay mask or bentonite clay with Apple citer Vinegar, and apply to the skin. Let sit on the skin for no longer than 30 minutes, then rince clean.

·       In the Bath: Add ¼- ½ cup of clay into the water for a relaxing, detoxifying bath. This will help soothe and soften skin!

·       As a Hair Product (For INCREDIBLE Volume): Add an incredibly small amount of clay into your hand, and mix a few drops of water. Rub through the roots of your hair, and let dry. Your hair will dry as is, and will be easily manageable and matte! This gives hair incredible all day volume, and also treats and softens the hair.

·       For a tooth treatment: some say that this can be mixed in your toothpaste, or as a toothpaste alternative, although I’ve never tried this use.

Where To Buy:  

The best place to buy this is on Amazon- It's the cheapest price you'll find, and from the most reputable site out there. Click here to buy it now!

 

Can You Get Retin-A Over The Counter?

Well, this definitely depends on where you live! If you live in the United States, Canada, or most other first world countries, then its likely that Retin-A is not available over the counter. With that being said, it is definitely available online through foreign pharmacies. Ordering through these pharmacies is very easy, and issues rarely arise.

The main reason that this drug is regulated, is that if it is not used properly, significant damage can be done! So if you are planning on ordering from an online pharmacy, it’s definitely suggested that you do extensive research to understand how it works, whether it is appropriate for you, and how to use it. For example, some skin conditions such as Rosacea, or broken capillaries can be significantly exacerbated by Retin A. So to restate that, please make sure it is for you!

I have found that the best website to obtain retin-a from are Indian Pharmacies. Be incredibly careful when ordering form online pharmacies. Check reviews of the site, and make sure the site is established and has been around for a while. There are many scams out there! Remember, buying a prescription drug online is illegal- so this makes it incredibly easy for scammers to take advantage! There are many online pharmacies out there that take your money, and run! So be careful!
So you may be wondering, where can I buy Retin A online? Well, the one online pharmacy I have had great success with, as well as many other reviewres on MakeupAlley, is AllDayChemist (Google It!).

So what kind should you get?

There are usually 3 different strengths, Gel, Cream or Micro or Regular. What is best??? Well, the biggest difference is between regular or Retin A Micro. The micro version is supposed to be better tolerated, although according to the reviews I’ve read, it has received lower reviews than traditional versions. The micro version contains the main ingredient that is encapsulated, and time released over time. Based on reviews, I have decided to go with the regular version vs micro.

Next, is the difference between gel and cream. Many of the reviews I have read have mentioned that the cream can often contain pore clogging ingredients, however this will be dependent on your individual skin. Its said that if you are suffering from acne, the gel would be the best route, and if you are using retin a for wrinkles, then the cream should be used.

Next, there are usually 3 different strengths: %0.025, %0.05, %0.10. If you are first starting out, its critical to use the lowest strength (%0.025) for the first 2 months (at least!) then, after your skin has tolerated it, and stopped peeling, then the next strength can be used (although this is NOT necessary). Many people have had great success using the lowest strength throughout.

***TIP*** 

To save costs, I always buy the highest strength (%0.10), and dilute it with lotion or something else. Directions say to use a pea size amount, so if you are using the %0.10 strength, but want it to e %0.025, then use ¼ of a pea size.

So yes, you can get Retin A without a prescription! But be careful, and be warned!

Home Acne Treatment - Overnight Cure

Treating acne overnight at home is one of the best ways to get rid of a pimple fast! Our skin and bodies repair while we sleep, so if you have a pimple, its essential to give it all the support to allow your body to heal it as quickly as possible! The most effective way to get rid of one of these buggers is to use a clay based mask as a spot treatment. There are many different types of clay masks, so we have a few suggestions!

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

This is one of the most effective and cost efficient masks available. This product has been around for decades, and has stayed relatively the same. Adding to this, this product is available at most drugstores. This mask can be used as an all over treatment, where you apply the mast all over in a thin layer. You can keep the mask on for between 30 minutes to an hour. I personally leave it on for an hour. This mask grabs on and dissolves oil and blackhead.

Immediately after using this mask, you will notice blackheads have seemed to disappear, and pores have tightened. However, I have found these effects to be short lived. Although the top of the blackheads dissolve, the clog pore usually remains.

If you have a particularly difficult pimple, or one that has not come to a head yet, I would recommend using this masque as an over-night spot treatment. This is an easy and cheap home acne treatment. Simply wash your face, apply any other treatments, and as the last step in your nightly routine, dab this on your difficult spots! Overnight, your pimple should diminish, or come to a head if that is needed. It helps heal the pimples much much quicker!

Reviews:

Whenever I use this stuff, my skin is much smoother and more supple. It doesn't dry my sensitive skin out at all. I love the cooling sensation I feel when I first put it on and it feels great when it hardens. It really feels like it's "vacuuming" out your pores. I love how I can tell that the oil and blackheads on my nose have been sucked up because I can see little dots on the dried mask 

I love this face mask. It smells great and keeps my skin looking even and smooth. I've used dozens of different face masks and this one is definitely my favorite... especially for the price! 

This is my go-to mask. Refreshing and really helps out with acne! You can even leave it on overnight on spots and see some improvement. My pores are significantly smaller and my sebum reduction has reduced. I love this mask.

Benzoyl Peroxide 

This is an incredibly reliable, and effective active ingredient that helps keep harmful bacteria on the skin to a minimum. Bacteria is the leading cause of pimples, so making sure the skin is clean and sanitized can help keep breakouts down as well as shrink existing pimples.

Benzoyl Peroxide works by killing bacteria on the skin. Pimples can either be caused by bacteria, which in turn clogs the pore, or can be caused by pores not maintain normal function. It works on pimples that have already been formed, and is also effective in preventing upcoming outbreaks. This is mainly a night treatment, since it can become unstable in sunlight.

One thing to keep in mind here is that this lotion, or any that contains Benzoyl Peroxide can bleach clothing and pillowcases, so be warned!

This particular product is one of the most highly reviewed lotions containing this important active ingredient. This lotion comes in a large bottle, and is intended to be used very generously. This type of treatment works best with excess!

Reviews:

I can sum up by saying this DanKern benzoyl peroxide is unscented, goes on smooth and light, and absorbs in well, with no white residue or excessive dryness. I think my skin is clearer using it twice daily than it has been in a long time. It feels a lot like a moisturizing lotion, perhaps a bit thinner. And it is a great deal. I usually buy 2 or 3 of the 8 oz. tubes at a time, so it lasts 6-9 months (to save on shipping).

I ordered the BP treatment on Amazon and started using it right away. My skin was really dry for the first month, but then it started to adjust, and my acne slowly started to dissipate. After three months, my skin is finally clear!

Really pleased with product & really large size tube which will last weeks! Even with postage costs from USA this still works out really good value for money & Ill definitely be purchasing this item again.

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