Do Topical Cellulite Treatments Work? A Review of SkinQR Anti-Cellulite Cream

Cellulite. As a woman, I hate cellulite. In fact, I don't just hate it. Like most women, I loathe it. It's awful. It can haunt you no matter what you're weight and how healthy of a diet you have (though some say that diet does play a small factor in it). You can work out 7 days a week and still have cellulite. It's awful. 

What exactly is cellulite? Cellulite is actually areas of the skin that have a dimpled, cottage cheese like appearance. This is due to the subcutaneous (aka underlying) fat in deep layers of the skin. The bumpy appearance that cellulite is characterized by, is due to the subcutaneous fat pushing against connective tissue. 

There is nothing wrong with cellulite, other than the fact that its super aesthetically unpleasing. Like, really displeasing. Like, I don't even want to wear short skirts or mini dresses anymore, since cellulite often occurs in the butt area, thigh, legs, and upper arms.. basically, anywhere where there is lots of fat ::SADFACE

There are many causes of cellulite, mostly being genetic or hormonal. It also has shown to have links with high stress levels, poor diets high in fat, and low physical activity level. 

How can you prevent cellulite? Ugh. This is the hard part. Nothing has actually been scientifically proven to get rid of cellulite. There are some treatments that people say help, but again.. nothing has actually been proven to help. These treatments include.. 

- Massage (helps to increase circulation and therefore increase blood flow to the area) 

- Radio frequency treatments 

- Ultrasound

- Heat therapy

In addition, there are topical treatments that claim to help treat cellulite. These work to help diminish the appearance of existing cellulite and also preventing more cellulite from occurring. Common ingredients in cellulite creams include the following: 

- Indian chestnut

- Amino acids

- Beta-agonists and adrenaline

- Rutin

- Gingko Biloba

.. and so on. Of course, some of these ingredients can only be found in pharmaceutical-grade  creams, which you'd need to get from you physician. 

Here's what Skin QR Organics has to say about their cellulite cream: 

•  Contains top 20+ well known botanical cellulite fighting ingredients
•  Diuretic, improves circulation, reduces the appearance of cellulite overtime, Firming, detoxifying, organic and all natural
•  Light cream texture, easy to apply, fast absorbing. Creates sauna effect. (warming, not thingling or burning)

"Our fabulous creation NuElle contains a cocktail of 25 well known flub busters that assist in visible cellulite reduction overtime, like caffeine, L'Carnitine, Butcher's Broom, Bladderwrack, Ivy, and many others. Formulated to work both on the surface and in depth, this treatment offers  multiple performance that can be seen with the naked eye within 2-3 weeks. Firming on the surface, detoxifying on the inside, reducing water retention and fat cell clusters, while improving circulation and  overall appearance of the skin."

Here's the full ingredients list:

Purified Water, Organic Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe), Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Oil), Glyceryl Stearate, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Octyl Palmitate, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter), Cetyl Alcohol, Potassium Stearate, Organic Beeswax, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Essential Oil, Pinus Pinaster (Pine Essential Oil), CoQ10, Betula Alba (Birch) Essential Oil, Agathosma Betulina (Buchu) Essential Oil, Algae Extract, Pullulan, Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Hibiscus) Flower Extract, Ruscus Accileatus (Butcher's Broom), Coffea Arabica (Caffeine), Organic Cola Nitida (Kola Nut), Organic Capsicum Annuum var. Aannuum (Cayenne), Organic Juniperus Communis (Juniper), Hedera Helix (Ivy) Extract, L'Carnitine, Organic Fucus Vesiculosus (Bladderwack), Organic Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail), Organic Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut), Organic Cinnamomum Aromaticum (Cinnamon), Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen Essential Oil), Organic Uncaria Tomentosa (Cat's Claw), Organic Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo), Organic Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola), Caviar Extract, Cymbopogan Flexuosus (Lemongrass Essential Oil), Organic Joeniculum Vulgare (Fennel), Pelargonium Gravolens (Geranium Essential Oil), Seaweed Extract (Algae), Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp), Helichrysum Italicum (Helichrysum Essential Oil), Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Calophyllum Tacamahaca (Tamanu Oil), Organic Borago Officinalis (Borage Oil), Organic Linum Usitatissimum (Flax Seed Oil), Organic Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose Oil), Organic Rosa Canina (Rose Hip Oil), Allantoin, Organic Arnica Montana (Arnica) flower extract, Organic Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Organic Calendula Officinalis (Calendula), Organic Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed) Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia (Macadamia Nut Oil), Sodium Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin.

That's a long list. But, there is some good stuff in there, I assure you. In addition to the botanicals listed above, there's gotu kola, tamanu oil, borage oil, evening primrose oill, calendula, chamomile, aloe, beeswax, algae, and hibiscus. 

#SkinQR claims that you should see results in 5 days or so after using this product once a day. I apply the product immediately after showering, while my skin is still moist. It's supposed to feel like the product is "sitting" on the skin, and I guess that's true, since it's pretty thick. It does feel nice and hydrating, which is great for these winter months. 

Unfortunately, after using this product for a few weeks, I have yet to notice any improvement in my dreaded cellulite. They claim that skin should feel firmer, tighter, and of course, diminish the appearance of cellulite. The only thing I've experienced is moisturized skin. A total bummer, since I really, really hate my cellulite and just want it to go away!! I guess I'll just have to stick with trying to be healthy- going to the gym more and eating more fresh foods low in fat. 

But hey, don't take my word for it. If you're interested in purchasing this product, you can purchase a 5 oz bottle for $25. Buy it here!

Gotta Love Those Peels: A Review of Dr. Song's 50% Lactic Acid Peel

I have to say, I have been absolutely loving everything from those Dr. Song guys. Also, I'm obsessed with face peels. So, I was obviously really excited when Dr. Song sent me a bottle of their 50% lactic acid peel.

Let's talk a little about chemical peels.. people love them because they provide a deeper exfoliation than a manual scrub will ever do. By using gentle acids, such as AHA, BHA, etc.. The deeper layers of the skin are affected, helping to decrease wrinkles and scarring, while increasing even skin tone and leaving the skin with an overall beautiful glow.

The downside about facial peels? You really can't f*** around with them. If you aren't careful and following instructions, you can really hurt your skin by leaving a burn mark. So, it's extremely important to follow the manufacturer instructions (especially if you aren't a licensed esthetician) and monitor your skin carefully for any adverse reactions. Also, depending on the type / strength of the peel, tingling.. even a bit of stinging.. can be normal. It can also be uncomfortable. I have found that using those portable battery-operated fans really helps bite the sting while the peel is doing its magic.

As I said, there are many different types of chemical peels. #DrSong's lactic acid peel is a type of AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that is derived from milk. People tend to choose lactic peels over glycolic, for example, because they are a bit more gentle. Also, like most AHA peels, this peel doesn't require any downtime. You may or may not experience peeling. It all depends on how long you leave it on, how often you exfoliated prior to the peel,  previous treatments, etc

In the past, I mostly performed glycolic acid peels and fruit enzymes on myself and my clients. I really loved the results I got, but I have to say, I am thrilled at the results of this lactic acid peel. 50% is a bit strong, which is something else you have to consider when purchasing a peel. It doesn't just come as "glycolic acid," "lactic acid," etc., etc. There are different strengths of each peel as well, the higher the percentage, the stronger the peel. Since this is the strongest peel I've ever performed on myself, I took extra precautions to ensure i follow the directions on Dr. Song's website thoroughly, which are as follows:

Step 1: Cleanse the face and neck, and gently pat dry.

Step 2: Apply a small amount with a brush or cotton ball to the area and leave on as needed. Rinse product with water and pat dry after. Leave on for 1 minute for your first peel and slowly increase the time of each peel afterwards by 1-2 minutes as needed. General recommended time is 4 weeks between each peel. Please keep in mind, these are general guidelines, and everyone’s skin is different. Peel times vary from person to person, which can only be learned through experience and patience to avoid any burns. Skin patch tests are the most accurate method and minimize risk. 

One thing that I really like about this product is that it is neutralized with plain water, whereas many chemical peels require a mixture of baking soda / water. This is fine, of course, but obviously much easier to be able to just splash water on my face.

In regards to the application.. I cleanse my skin twice. I encourage that you do the same. This is to ensure that every single trace of dirt and oil has been removed from the skin. After all, you want a clean palate, don't you? After cleansing, I apply a very small amount of the peel to my face using a fan brush. If using a brush, I recommend using one with synthetic bristles, as it not only feels nicer on the skin, but provides a more even distribution.

I left the peel on as long as I could tolerate. I ensured that I had a mirror in front of me, so I could monitor my skin for any "hot spots." If you see any areas that are getting very red and warm, I would advise you remove the peel in that specific area. Use a bit of wet cotton to dab the area. You don't want to risk damage. After approximately 7 minutes, I couldn't take it anymore. I mean, you really feel it. I removed the peel with warm water and cotton. The important thing here is to really make sure the entire mask is off. You don't want to accidentally forget to take off part of a chemical peel. After thoroughly removing every bit of it, I went back to areas that still stung and again wiped the area with regular water. Better safe than sorry, right?

Now, I'm gonna let you in on a little secret.. the key step to ensure a good peel is making sure that you use good aftercare. So, after doing any chemical peel, I immediately re-hydrate with a soothing, moisturizing face mask. I really enjoy the hibiscus calendula face mask by Eminence Organics, however, choose what mask you like, so long as it is hydrating. This means nothing with clays, muds, etc whose main goal is to pull stuff out of the skin. You don't want that. After removing my mask, I apply a hydrating serum and a semi-rich moisturizer and do not forget sunscreen, people! It is crucial!

**A note on how much product to use: Peels are peels. You don't need them to be uber thick, you just need it to be on your face. Start small, use your brush (or gloved fingers, or cotton if you want, but I don't like it, since it absorbs precious product) and apply a thin layer to your entire face and neck. Avoid getting very close to the eye area. You definitely don't want this stuff in your eyes.

After my lactic acid peel, I noticed that my skin was immediately brighter and had a gorgeous glow to it. Even my boyfriend noticed that my skin had a gorgeous glow, and you know that most boys don't notice stuff like that!!  I absolutely love this peel, though I must caution, yet again, that anyone out there using this product is very careful, as they should be with all chemical peels. As stated above, following directions is super important, as is monitoring the skin during the peel, and providing good aftercare. And reallllllyyyyy, don't forget your sunscreen!!!!!

I love you, Dr. Song, for making my skin look so damn pretty.

You can purchase a 1 oz bottle of Dr. Song's 50% lactic acid peel here on amazon for $19.95. This is a pretty good price, especially for the size and quality. I encourage it, just be careful, as you should be with any chemical peel or enzyme.

A Review of Yalmeh's Super Youth Eye Cream

If I were famous or a beauty extraordinaire or whatever, one of my famous quotes would be that "one can never have too much eye cream." I think I'd make a lovely Marie Antoinette, aside from the fact that she was kind-of a jerk...I could easily picture myself getting dolled up in extravagant dresses and slathering my entire body in the richest of eye creams. And, I just loved her ever-so-pale pink hair. But of course, that was probably just Hollywood.

Speaking of slathering our bodies in eye cream, did you know that Madonna apparently does that? She has the $$, bless her soul, so she's able to afford the Intraceuticals' Rejuvenate Eye Contour Gel. This came from an Intraceuticals rep I used to work with, too.

But this isn't about Madonna, and I'm certainly not Marie Antoinette reincarnated. I'm here to review Yalmeh's Super Youth Eye Cream.

Let's recap about the importance of eye creams: again, the skin around your eye is the thinnest skin on the entire body. At the same time, it is, you know.. on your face, so it is *constantly* being exposed to the sun and environmental toxins. Which is why its so so sooooo important to protect it. And that doesn't just mean sunscreen and sunglasses, etc. It also means using eye cream, day and night.

This eye cream by Yalmeh is quite nice, as it has a unique gel/cream texture that feels almost like petroleum jelly mixed with a thick cream when applying. It feels great around the eye area and absorbs very quickly, leaving no residue. Let's see what Yalmeh themselves have to say about this product:

"The ingredients in this product are primarily plant based. They contain organic and natural oils, gels and extracts, along with plant based ingredients used as binders, stabilizers, thickeners and natural preservatives. 

- Contains Vitamins E and C. Contains no mineral oil, propylene glycol ,or parabens. We guarantee results. Our customers see results normally after three months of daily use both morning and evening. Results include reduction of fine lines around the eyes. People also use it around the mouth, forehead, and cheek area and have seen similar results in those areas. 

- Protects, treats, and repairs wrinkles, dark circles, reduces the look of age spots.

- Contains a combination of Organic Aloe, Alpha Lipoic and Alpha Hydroxy acids, Grapeseed Oil, Vitamins E and C for great moisturizing benefits. Protects, treats and repairs wrinkles, dark circles, reduces the look of age spots. 

- Yalmeh Super Youth Eye Cream is an effective natural solution for all types of skin. Dark circles under eye- are caused by broken capillaries or lack of sleep; Aloe Super Eye Cream can treat this problem. A sufficient amount of Aloe Super Eye Cream is the most effective way to reduce dark circles,tired eye cream."

Here's the full ingredients list:

Proprietary Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe, Jojoba Esters, Glycolic Acid**, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Grapeseed Oil, Wildcrafted Green Tea, Organic Licorice, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Evening Primrose Oil, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Wildcrafted Eyebright, Tamanu Oil, Wildcrafted Oregon Grape, Helichrysum Essential Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Rosehip Seed Oil, Squalane (olive oil based), Lactic Acid, Palm Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10), Phytic Acid, Phospholipids, Tocopheryl, Lecithin, Pyrus Malus (Apple), Lemon, Sugar Cane, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate (peptides), Lemongrass, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Palmitate), Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Sclerotium Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol. **1% Glycolic Acid 

Ok, so let's break this down.. I'm curious to  know what's in the "organic herbal infusion." It sounds so good when products begin ingredients lists with that, but, I mean, what exactly is an organic herbal infusion?! Perhaps this herbal infusion is mostly water? I doubt it, but I'd like some more information about that.

There are some great ingredients in here, such as aloe, green tea (you know I love my green tea!) jojoba, vitamin c, rosehip seed oil, phospholipids, oregon grapes, and olive based squalane, but there are also some potentially irritating ingredients, such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, and evening primrose oil--- which is great for the skin, but has been known to be irritating for some. I get why the lactic / glycolic acids are in this- by gently exfoliating the eye area, you are reducing the appearance of fine lines. However, I really need to emphasize the "gently" here- one should never, ever use their facial exfoliator around the eye area, especially if you're using one of those awful apricot scrubs. The majority of face exfoliators are too harsh for the skin around the eyes and could cause more damage than good. Although I'm sure Yalmeh's concentration of these acids are safe and gentle enough, I still have to list them as a potentially irritating ingredient. I mean, by using this stuff twice a day, you're bound to eventually have traces of cream get in your eyes without even realizing it. Just remember this- you don't need to apply the creme all the way up to your lash line, as the lashes will pick up traces of the cream and distribute it around the lash line anyhow.

I should mention that, although I personally loved the soothing feel of this eye cream and that it absorbs quickly with no residue, other customers have reported the opposite. Rather, they report flakiness around the eye area after applying, as well as a scaly appearance. Again, I haven't experienced these side effects at all, but hey.. just gotta spread the word for what I read. After all, it is my duty.

Overall, I really enjoy this product. Although I am a tad leery of some of the ingredients, there are also some great ingredients. Lots of them. Also, let it be known that this isn't the only product on the market that contains exfoliating acids- in fact, it's fairly common. I love the way this product feels while applying and that it absorbs very quickly. I personally like to use it during the day, and I apply a heavier, specialized night eye cream on top of it when I go to bed. Plus, this seems to be a very popular product, as I've seen it pop up in a few "best eye cream" articles. If you're looking for a lightweight eye cream packed with a punch, give this a shot- but remember, don't apply all the way to the lash line!

You can purchase Yalmeh's Super Youth Eye Cream right here on amazon. It's currently selling for $24.95, so get it while it's cheap! It comes in a 1 oz pot and I can assure you that it'll last quite a while!

Proprietary Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe, Jojoba Esters, Glycolic Acid**, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Grapeseed Oil, Wildcrafted Green Tea, Organic Licorice, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Evening Primrose Oil, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Wildcrafted Eyebright, Tamanu Oil, Wildcrafted Oregon Grape, Helichrysum Essential Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Rosehip Seed Oil, Squalane (olive oil based), Lactic Acid, Palm Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10), Phytic Acid, Phospholipids, Tocopheryl, Lecithin, Pyrus Malus (Apple), Lemon, Sugar Cane, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate (peptides), Lemongrass, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Palmitate), Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Sclerotium Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol. **1% Glycolic Acid - See more at: http://www.yalmeh.com/yalmeh-aloe-super-youth-eye-cream-eye-cream-for-wrinkles-for-men-women/#sthash.G6vCaXLh.dpuf

• almeh Peerless Beauty- the Exclusive Seller of this Product. The ingredients in this product are primarily plant based. They contain organic and natural oils, gels and extracts along with plant based ingredients used as binders, stabilizers, thickeners and natural preservatives.
• Contains Vitamins E and C, Contains no mineral oil, propylene glycol or paraben. We guarantee results. Our customers see results normally after three months of daily use both morning and evening. Results include reduction of fine lines around the eyes. People also use it around the mouth, forehead and cheek area and have seen similar results in those areas.
• Protects, treats and repairs wrinkles, dark circles, reduces the look of age spots. Contains no mineral oil, propylene glycol or paraben
• Contains a combination of Organic Aloe, Alpha Lipoic and Alpha Hydroxy acids, Grapeseed Oil, Vitamins E and C for great moisturizing benefits. Protects, treats and repairs wrinkles, dark circles, reduces the look of age spots.
• Yalmeh Super Youth Eye Cream is an effective natural solution for all types of skin. Dark circles under eye- are caused by broken capillaries or lack of sleep; Aloe Super Eye Cream can treat this problem. A sufficient amount of Aloe Super Eye Cream is the most effective way to reduce dark circles,tired eye cream.Best friend gifts.Made in the USA In Our Advanced FDA Registered Facility.

The ingredients in the Super Youth Eye Cream are:

Proprietary Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe, Jojoba Esters, Glycolic Acid**, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Grapeseed Oil, Wildcrafted Green Tea, Organic Licorice, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Evening Primrose Oil, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Wildcrafted Eyebright, Tamanu Oil, Wildcrafted Oregon Grape, Helichrysum Essential Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Rosehip Seed Oil, Squalane (olive oil based), Lactic Acid, Palm Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10), Phytic Acid, Phospholipids, Tocopheryl, Lecithin, Pyrus Malus (Apple), Lemon, Sugar Cane, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate (peptides), Lemongrass, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Palmitate), Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Sclerotium Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol. **1% Glycolic Acid

- See more at: http://www.yalmeh.com/yalmeh-aloe-super-youth-eye-cream-eye-cream-for-wrinkles-for-men-women/#sthash.G6vCaXLh.dpuf

• Yalmeh Peerless Beauty- the Exclusive Seller of this Product. The ingredients in this product are primarily plant based. They contain organic and natural oils, gels and extracts along with plant based ingredients used as binders, stabilizers, thickeners and natural preservatives.
• Contains Vitamins E and C, Contains no mineral oil, propylene glycol or paraben. We guarantee results. Our customers see results normally after three months of daily use both morning and evening. Results include reduction of fine lines around the eyes. People also use it around the mouth, forehead and cheek area and have seen similar results in those areas.
• Protects, treats and repairs wrinkles, dark circles, reduces the look of age spots. Contains no mineral oil, propylene glycol or paraben
• Contains a combination of Organic Aloe, Alpha Lipoic and Alpha Hydroxy acids, Grapeseed Oil, Vitamins E and C for great moisturizing benefits. Protects, treats and repairs wrinkles, dark circles, reduces the look of age spots.
• Yalmeh Super Youth Eye Cream is an effective natural solution for all types of skin. Dark circles under eye- are caused by broken capillaries or lack of sleep; Aloe Super Eye Cream can treat this problem. A sufficient amount of Aloe Super Eye Cream is the most effective way to reduce dark circles,tired eye cream.Best friend gifts.Made in the USA In Our Advanced FDA Registered Facility.

The ingredients in the Super Youth Eye Cream are:

Proprietary Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe, Jojoba Esters, Glycolic Acid**, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Grapeseed Oil, Wildcrafted Green Tea, Organic Licorice, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Evening Primrose Oil, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Wildcrafted Eyebright, Tamanu Oil, Wildcrafted Oregon Grape, Helichrysum Essential Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Rosehip Seed Oil, Squalane (olive oil based), Lactic Acid, Palm Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10), Phytic Acid, Phospholipids, Tocopheryl, Lecithin, Pyrus Malus (Apple), Lemon, Sugar Cane, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate (peptides), Lemongrass, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Palmitate), Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Sclerotium Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol. **1% Glycolic Acid

- See more at: http://www.yalmeh.com/yalmeh-aloe-super-youth-eye-cream-eye-cream-for-wrinkles-for-men-women/#sthash.G6vCaXLh.dpuf

• Yalmeh Peerless Beauty- the Exclusive Seller of this Product. The ingredients in this product are primarily plant based. They contain organic and natural oils, gels and extracts along with plant based ingredients used as binders, stabilizers, thickeners and natural preservatives.
• Contains Vitamins E and C, Contains no mineral oil, propylene glycol or paraben. We guarantee results. Our customers see results normally after three months of daily use both morning and evening. Results include reduction of fine lines around the eyes. People also use it around the mouth, forehead and cheek area and have seen similar results in those areas.
• Protects, treats and repairs wrinkles, dark circles, reduces the look of age spots. Contains no mineral oil, propylene glycol or paraben
• Contains a combination of Organic Aloe, Alpha Lipoic and Alpha Hydroxy acids, Grapeseed Oil, Vitamins E and C for great moisturizing benefits. Protects, treats and repairs wrinkles, dark circles, reduces the look of age spots.
• Yalmeh Super Youth Eye Cream is an effective natural solution for all types of skin. Dark circles under eye- are caused by broken capillaries or lack of sleep; Aloe Super Eye Cream can treat this problem. A sufficient amount of Aloe Super Eye Cream is the most effective way to reduce dark circles,tired eye cream.Best friend gifts.Made in the USA In Our Advanced FDA Registered Facility.

The ingredients in the Super Youth Eye Cream are:

Proprietary Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe, Jojoba Esters, Glycolic Acid**, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Grapeseed Oil, Wildcrafted Green Tea, Organic Licorice, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Evening Primrose Oil, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Wildcrafted Eyebright, Tamanu Oil, Wildcrafted Oregon Grape, Helichrysum Essential Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Rosehip Seed Oil, Squalane (olive oil based), Lactic Acid, Palm Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10), Phytic Acid, Phospholipids, Tocopheryl, Lecithin, Pyrus Malus (Apple), Lemon, Sugar Cane, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate (peptides), Lemongrass, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Palmitate), Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Sclerotium Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol. **1% Glycolic Acid

- See more at: http://www.yalmeh.com/yalmeh-aloe-super-youth-eye-cream-eye-cream-for-wrinkles-for-men-women/#sthash.G6vCaXLh.dpuf

• Yalmeh Peerless Beauty- the Exclusive Seller of this Product. The ingredients in this product are primarily plant based. They contain organic and natural oils, gels and extracts along with plant based ingredients used as binders, stabilizers, thickeners and natural preservatives.
• Contains Vitamins E and C, Contains no mineral oil, propylene glycol or paraben. We guarantee results. Our customers see results normally after three months of daily use both morning and evening. Results include reduction of fine lines around the eyes. People also use it around the mouth, forehead and cheek area and have seen similar results in those areas.
• Protects, treats and repairs wrinkles, dark circles, reduces the look of age spots. Contains no mineral oil, propylene glycol or paraben
• Contains a combination of Organic Aloe, Alpha Lipoic and Alpha Hydroxy acids, Grapeseed Oil, Vitamins E and C for great moisturizing benefits. Protects, treats and repairs wrinkles, dark circles, reduces the look of age spots.
• Yalmeh Super Youth Eye Cream is an effective natural solution for all types of skin. Dark circles under eye- are caused by broken capillaries or lack of sleep; Aloe Super Eye Cream can treat this problem. A sufficient amount of Aloe Super Eye Cream is the most effective way to reduce dark circles,tired eye cream.Best friend gifts.Made in the USA In Our Advanced FDA Registered Facility.

The ingredients in the Super Youth Eye Cream are:

Proprietary Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe, Jojoba Esters, Glycolic Acid**, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Grapeseed Oil, Wildcrafted Green Tea, Organic Licorice, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Evening Primrose Oil, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Wildcrafted Eyebright, Tamanu Oil, Wildcrafted Oregon Grape, Helichrysum Essential Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Rosehip Seed Oil, Squalane (olive oil based), Lactic Acid, Palm Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10), Phytic Acid, Phospholipids, Tocopheryl, Lecithin, Pyrus Malus (Apple), Lemon, Sugar Cane, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate (peptides), Lemongrass, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Palmitate), Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Sclerotium Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol. **1% Glycolic Acid

- See more at: http://www.yalmeh.com/yalmeh-aloe-super-youth-eye-cream-eye-cream-for-wrinkles-for-men-women/#sthash.G6vCaXLh.dpuf

Introducing Yumi Beautiful's Vitamin C Serum: A Review

I reviewed Yumi Beautiful's rosehip oil a while back, in my blog review The Battle of the Rosehip Oils. I was pretty impressed with Yumi's cold-pressed, eco-certified rosehip oil, so I was quite excited when they sent me a bottle of their vitamin c serum.

Here's the general description that Yumi states about this serum, taking directly from their website:

"Yümi Signature Vitamin C Serum contains luxurious botanicals usually found in expensive anti-aging products. Based in soothing Aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, the antioxidant power comes from vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate) and 14 organic botanical extracts. You'll be amazed at how easily it absorbs as you massage it in. You'll love how it transforms the appearance of your skin. Yümi Signature Antioxidant Skin Care Serum is a unique 25% active vitamin C blend, and the only vitamin C serum for face, neck and décolleté you'll ever need."

 As mentioned in my previous blog review, 20-25% vitamin c concentrations are the pretty standard amount for face serums. Betcha you're wondering what those mystery botanicals are that Yumi mentioned above? Well, here's a few of them:

♦Pomegranate
♦Green Tea
♦Blackberry
♦Cranberry
♦Acai Berry
♦Goji Berry
♦Noni
♦Kale

And, here's the full ingredients list: 

Aloe barbadensis Leaf Juice, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Ethoxydiglycol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Glycerin, Organic Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Organic Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Organic Punica granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Organic Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract, Organic Coffea robusta Seed Extract, Organic Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Organic Vitis vinifera (Grape) Leaf Extract, Organic Euterpe oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract, Organic Arctostaphylos uva ursi (Bearberry) Leaf Extract, Organic Lycium barbarum (Goji Berry) Fruit Extract, Organic Morinda citrifolia (Noni) Fruit Extract, Organic Rubus idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit, Organic Brassica oleracea Acephala (Kale) Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol. Dye and Fragrance Free.

Okay, you guyssss!! These are some very potent, veryyyy amazing botanicals that are being packed into this product and I get really excited just looking at the list. Kale, which has held the trophy of "uber healthy food" for quite a while now, and that's okay, because kale is super nutrient dense and stock full of vitamin a, c, and k, as well as powerful minerals, such as copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus. Acai berry, one of the well-known super fruits that is packed full of antioxidants! Pomegranate! And of course, good ol' green tea, which you seriously cannot underestimate, ever, because research studies have proven how much this stuff benefits not just the skin, but overall health as well. And, let's not forget that all of these are based in an aloe / hyaluronic suspension, which will hydrate and soothe the skin-- translate, a good vitamin c serum for those with sensitive skin!

The serum comes in an airless pump container, also unique to other vitamin c serums that mostly come in a dark dropper container. The benefit of airless pumps is that it completely protects the product for oxygenationan, which can break down the products potency and therefore lower its shelf life. In addition, it protects from contamination!

The instructions say to put this product on directly after cleansing, while the face is still damp. After squirting out this product for the first time, I realized- it is very, very thin. Like, water thin, almost. Like, you can shake it and actually hear the product.. you know.. shaking. This is unique to other vitamin c serums I have tried, which are thicker and have more of a gel-like consistency. It isn't a bad thing, I just wasn't expecting it.

It does feel good on my skin. Since the product is so thin, a little goes a long way, especially since you're putting it on while skin is still damp. It is also completely fragrance free, which is nice. I mean, I like when products smell good... however, usually it's due to some sort of synthetic added fragrance, which is never good and can also be potentially irritating.

I'm really happy with this serum and how potent it is. It makes me feel like I'm literally slathering medicine on top of my skin. Plus, it absorbs super quickly and doesn't leave any stickiness or residue.

As far as vitamin c serums go, I'd have to rank this one pretty high on the list, due to said potency and the fact that you don't even feel it on your face. Bonus points to the fact that this product will last for-ev-er.

You can purchase Yumi Beautiful's vitamin c anti-aging serum on amazon, currently on sale for $29.99. My opinion? Worth it.

What's with this Green Coffee Buzz? A Review of Life & Food's Green Coffee Bean Extract

Okay.. one of the latest huge diet supplement fads out there is definitely this green coffee bean extract. I wasn't really buying it, or even looking into it, because, please, there's a new diet fad that seems to come out every week. I can't be switching my diet around that much, and it simply can't be good for you. But, when I saw that my old kickboxing teacher- whom I highly respect- was advocating for this stuff- I decided to give it a shot. 

Here's the deal with green coffee beans.. 

They're basically just unroasted coffee beans. This stuff is inside of the actual coffee berry.. they usually gather these green coffee beans and roast them, which then turns it into the actual coffee beans that we buy and drink every day, for always, religiously. So, you ask, why don't we just  promote regular coffee the same way, as an apparently amazing way to lose weight? Becauseeeee by roasting the bean, we are losing cholinergic acid, which is the key (again, apparently) to decreasing fat. Ohhhhhh okay. 

Before I go further, let me just list what these guys at Life & Foods have to say about this stuff: 

Why Svetol?

Life & Food Green Coffee Bean Extract Gold using premium quality SVETOL grade coffee bean extract from Coffea Robusta, this version provides a more optimized chlorogenic acid concentraction of our popular green coffee bean extract supplement (see label for chlorogenic acid standardization)

Svetol utilize a traditional and non-selective method of extracting the coffee beans that gives Svetol characteristics not found in any other GCBE product on the market: a well-balanced composition of its most beneficial class of compounds- chlorogenic acids. 

Svetol have been proven in 8 scientific studies, both experimental and clinical, giving Svetol a great scientific advantage over generic GCBE products.

Fair enough. Also, Life & Food's recommended dosage for this stuff is 400 mg, three times a day, 30 minutes before each meal with 8 oz of water. That means two capsules before each meal, for a total of 6 capsules a day.. I dunno, that just seems like a lot of pills.. but, let's carry on. 

So, how's the evidence with this stuff? I mean, does it really work? 

Eh, it's actually not so great. There was this one study in 2012 where subjects lost 16 pounds in 6 weeks, but it only contained 16 subjects in the research group.. so, not very many. Not very reputable, is it. That's what I say, anyway. Life & Food has a bit more to say about it. Rather than copy / paste it all (because it is quite long), I encourage you, before making an opinion, to check it out here. 

What about side effects? You know, like with every other single dietary "weight loss" supplement out there?

Well, here's the thing. What is coffee known for? Caffeine. The caffeine is in the natural plant, it doesn't automatically show up upon roasting. This means that green coffee bean extracts also contain a lot of caffeine, which is actually a huge thing. This means that it isn't ideal to take at night, or if you have bad anxiety, diabetes, hypertension, etc etc, because it can just make it worse. 

My conclusion:

As mentioned above, the diet fad world is outta control. One simply cannot keep up with the drastic changes- I feel like, just three months ago, everybody was talking about garcinia cambogia. Then there's this green coffee stuff. And let's not forget raspberry ketones. It's just weird and doesn't make any sense. It's like, okay, I like this stuff!! And you start taking green coffee bean, for example. Then, before you know it, that's not the "best" stuff anymore, and you're expected to switch to something else. It's just not realistic and I really am trying to keep an unbiased opinion here. Furthermore, the risks seem to outweigh the benefits and 6 capsules a day turns out to be a very expensive weight loss supplement. 

My true opinion? Try it out if it intrigues you, but please be careful, because supplements are still supplements and are no joke. Most people aren't exactly thrilled about having to go to the gym and eat healthy every day to lose weight, which is part of the reason why the supplement industry is so huge.. unfortunately, there's really no way around it- if you want to lose weight, you really should consider making a lifestyle change. Not just to lose weight, but to be all over healthier, stronger, and happier. It's true, exercise and nutrition really do have a direct effect on happiness. 

So, go check out your local gym deals and start there. Maybe incorporate some more fresh foods into your diet. Or, hey, check this stuff out too. You can purchase Life & Food's green coffee extract right here, at $16.97 for for 60 capsules. 60 capsules divided by 6 capsules each day = 10 days worth of capsules. Basically $17 for ten days. My gym membership is $20 per month. But, like I said, it's up to you! 

InstaNaturals Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Night Cream: A Hydrating Revolution

I was pretty excited to try #InstaNaturals niacinamide cream, as I've never tried a product that featured niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) as its featured ingredient.

Here's what the deal is with niacinamide / vitamin B3: when applied topically, it increases fatty acid levels in the skin, prevents the skin from losing water, and also increases circulation within the epidermal layers. It is also becoming more popular as an anti-inflammatory, so people like to use it to help even out skin tone and fight breakouts.

Sounds pretty awesome to me. In addition, this product contains vitamin c, rosehip oil, and matrixyl 3000, a powerful antioxidant that is apparently more potent than vitamin c and therefore does an even better job fighting wrinkles.

Here's what the InstaNaturals crew has to say about this product:

Revive Aging Skin with this Specialized Blend of Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Rosehip Oil, Argan Oil, and Matrixyl 3000 .

InstaNatural's Anti-Aging Night Cream Moisturizer is a perfect anti-aging & hydrating solution. It's especially good for those looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's also great for sensitive skin and for those prone to breakouts and other skin care issues:

- Blemished, irritated skin
- Scars & hyperpigmentation
- Uneven skin tone
- Age spots, wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots and other discoloration
- Dry, rough texture

Our professional formula was created in mind to deliver extra nourishment and results for a smoother, brighter, clearer complexion:

- Restores firmness
- Heals sun damage
- Increases skin elasticity
- Erases age spots, dark spots, even wrinkles
- Improves texture of skin for smoother result
- Minimizes skin irritation and blemishes
- Reduces appearance of acne scars
- Increases skin brightness

With InstaNatural, rest assured you will receive the best customer care and highest-quality ingredients around.

- Made in the USA
- Cruelty-free; not tested on animals

The rosehip oil in this product will help to restore injured skin- it is great to apply immediately after getting a ::gasp awful acne scar. Also, its great for sensitive skin. Argan oil is also very hydrating. 

This product is definitely a bit heavy, and that's okay, since night creams should be heavier so they can hydrate throughout the night. I actually love the way this product feels on my skin and I like knowing that there are so many different ingredients targeting, well, everything I want it to target. Upon waking in the morning, my skin felt much more hydrated and luxurious (isn't luxurious a great word?) Plus, it comes in a large airless container, so you don't have to be worried about contamination.

You can purchase this power-packed product on Amazon- $19.95 for a 3.4 oz container that will last for quite a while. Sounds like a good investment, whether you want to fight aging or just prevent blemishes.

More Hyaluronic Acid -- A Review for Morea Hyaluronic Acid

I know I've written what feels like 100 posts on hyaluronic acid. And, lemme tell ya, it's not gonna change anytime soon, because  hyaluronic acid is way popular, and for a reason (it works!) I feel like I've become an expert in hyaluronic acid and their low, medium, and high weight molecular structures. The different textures I've experienced are wide and have varied. So, when Morea Naturals, a San Diego based company that prides itself on its eco-friendly nature, sent me a bottle of their hyaluronic acid, I was curious to see what this one had in store for me. 

First of all, this hyaluronic acid is different from any other one that I've tried because it comes in a solid white airless pump bottle (all of the others have come in a dark brown glass droplet container). See? This is what it looks like:

Hi!

Here's what Morea Naturals has to say about their product: 

This serum is great for busy women who want to pack a powerful punch of ingredients into one product. Also great for organic minded women. Hyaluronic acid is known for its proven ability to reverse the signs of aging. This silky smooth formula is loaded with antioxidants Vitamin C and Green Tea to promote collagen production and protect your skin from UV damage.
• Instantly plump fine lines while reducing the appearance of wrinkles gradually
• Add intense moisture to dry skin
• Instant glowing complexion
• Improve appearance of dark under eye circles
• Safe for all skin types including sensitive skin

Our unique formula is so safe and effective it passed the rigorous standards to be sold at Whole Foods.

• Paraben Free
• 72% Organic
• Cruelty Free
• Airless Pump Bottle Keeps Ingredients Potent
Our serum is handcrafted in the U.S.A. in small quantities for maximum quality.

And, here's the full ingredients list: 

Ingredients: Organic Herball Infusion, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (botanical hyaluronic acid), Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Wildcrafted Camellia, Sinensis (Green Tea), Pelargonium Gravolens (Geranium Essential Oil), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Tocopheryl Acetate(Vitamin E), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin

After using the serum every morning and night, before applying my moisturizer and right after toning my skin, I noticed that this serum is very lightweight and absorbs quickly. Also, it has a very nice, silky gel consistency, which I only experienced in a few of my hyaluronic acid serums. It also don't contain any fragrance, like every other hyaluronic acid I have tried. One thing to note is that the instructions for this serum is to apply it when your skin is already dry- unlike other hyaluronic acids, where they ensure that you put it on when your skin is still damp. My guess is that this may have something to do with the molecular size of the hyaluronic acid. Either way, I followed Morea's instructions and applied when dry. 

After applying my skin felt luxurious and made it easier to apply my moisturizer. I didn't experience any breakouts; however, after looking at some other reviews, it looks like those with sensitive skin have experienced some breakouts and irritation from this particular brand of hyaluronic ::Insert sad face here. Side note: I see that the product does contain geranium essential oil, which can be irritating- I'm just going to guess that maybe this is why people are breaking out from it.

Overall, I think this is a good product. The texture is great, it isn't sticky and it absorbs quickly. In addition, it has some great additional ingredients, such as green tea, vitamin c, and jojoba oil. Unfortunately, some people have experienced irritation and breakouts from this product, so maybe look for a different hyaluronic acid serum if you have uber sensitive skin. Otherwise, you can purchase this #MoreaNaturals product for $19.99 on Amazon for a 1.7 oz bottle that is sure to last quite a while.

Finally, Something to Help those STRETCH MARKS!? A Review for InstaNaturals and Body Merry's Stretch Mark and Scar Cream

Stretch marks. Scars. You probably got 'em if you're a female that has gone through puberty.. or gained weight, then lost it rather quickly. Or just gained a significant amount of weight at some point, period. However, the award for "most likely to get some crazy stretch marks" goes to pregnant women. I mean, the stomach is getting stretched out because, you know, there's a baby in there. I am without child, but I've def got some pretty awesome stretch marks on my hips (which I've chosen to cover with cute animal tattoos) and on my lower back (thanks, puberty).

In the case of scars, you probably got it as a result of an injury. Or whatever. I can tell you that  I  am kind-of a klutz and therefore have some pretty gnarly scars.. but the scars don't bother me as much. I mean, they have stories to tell. I have this one crazy scar on my knee from when I was drunkenly climbing these super jagged ocean rocks in Tulum after throwing back some Mexican beer (okay, beers) with my temporary Swiss boyfriend. I NEVER WANT THAT SCAR TO GO AWAY! Still, most people hate their scars. And REALLY hate their stretch marks. 

How exactly do stretch marks happen anyway? This is really simple- literally, the skin is being stretched. Sometimes hormones can play a part in this too (cortisol) and if it does, the stretch mark cases can be more extreme. The color of your said stretch marks can vary, from a brownish to a pinkish, purplish.. heck, mine almost look translucent.

Scarring, on the other hand, is a natural part of the healing process after injury. I'm trying to remember which stage of wound healing its in, but it is. Scars are formed from the same protein that regular tissue is formed from- collagen-- however, the fibers are different and leave a different composition.. so yes, hence, scars. 

People hate stretch marks (and scars) because most women (and people??) would consider them aesthetically displeasing. Aside from that, there's nothing wrong with them. It doesn't mean that you are sick or have some crazy disease or have weird little parasites traveling through your body (which is what I actually thought when I first noticed my first stretch mark, at 12 years old or something crazy, GO ME). The problem with them? They are super hard to get rid of. People used to swear by cocoa butter, then it was coconut oil, then that Bio-Oil stuff came out, but still people aren't satisfied. Other treatment options include microdermabrasion, laser therapy, retinol creams, etc.. the former of which can be quite  expensive. All that for a few stretch marks? I mean, isn't there another way!??!! 

Well, sort of. This review is for stretch mark / scar creams from two bodaciously awesome companies,  InstaNatural and Body Merry. The claims from each of these companies is that the cream will not only help diminish the appearance of these unsightly beasts, but also hydrate the skin and help prevent new ones from forming.

Key ingredients of both of these products include vitamin C, cocoa butter, evening primrose oil, and grapeseed oil, all of which will really help to hydrate and moisturize.. in addition, that good ol cocoa butter is already known to be great in treating stretch marks. Plus, the vitamin c will gently exfoliate the skin, which, in theory, can help to lessen the appearance of stretch marks. 

Other key ingredients of the Body Merry Cream include the following...
Shea Butter, Vitamins E, C, B3, B5, Sunflower Seed Oil, Plant Stem Cells (oo lala!) Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil,  Raspberry Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Organic Gotu Kala, Algae Extract and Japanese Green Tea Leaf Extract 

And here's the full  InstaNatural ingredients list: Deionized Water, Organic Aloe Vera, Glyceryl Stearate, Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) Cetearyl Alcohol (Plant Derived) Safflower Seed Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) Stearic Acid, Sunflower Seed Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Mango Butter, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Rosehip Seed Oil, Organic Evening Primrose Oil, Tranquil Sea Fragrance, Avocado Oil, Macadamia Oil, Palm Oil, Tamanu Oil, Noni (Morinda Citrifolia) Decyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Antioxidant Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Honeysuckle Flower Extract (Lonicera Caprifollum) Honeysuckle Extract (Lonicera Japonica)

These both have some pretty powerful ingredients in them. I'm particularly interested in Body Merry's key ingredient selection, which include raspberry seed oil and gotu kola, both of which can be used to help balance hormones. In addition, I know that gotu kola is pretty popular in its usage as an anti-inflammatory. Plus, the plant stem cells and green tea, and algae.. that all sounds very appealing to me, personally.

The scent of the InstaNatural's cream is delicious. Something about it is very cleansing and refreshing. Also, it has a great texture- not too lightweight, not too heavy. Body Merry's cream is quite heavier- in fact, it's super heavy, almost like a paste like texture. This is good for the winter months, when we need all of that extra hydration. Also, the scent of this one is quite different, and I have to say that I'm not a fan of it. I'm not even sure how to describe it, but I definitely wouldn't call it cleansing or refreshing.

After using these products for a few weeks each, I have to say that I don't notice a very dramatic appearance in my stretch marks or scars. I personally feel that we just haven't reached that level when it comes to topical applications and stretch marks. However, my skin feels way more hydrated and beautiful. Also, the tone appears a bit more even overall, and that's saying something, for sure.

These are both great products. Body Merry's cream comes in a 4 oz tub and can be purchased on amazon for $19.99. InstaNaturals' stretch mark / scar cream is a bit bigger, as it comes in a 5 oz size. Also, it's in a pump bottle (see pictures of each below), for those people that don't like digging their hands into the same tub repeatedly  and potentially contaminating it. At the same time, if we're the only ones using it, does it matter?! It's a personal choice. 5 oz of InstaNaturals pump bottle magic can be purchased on amazon for 23.75. Given the above review, both products have wonderful advantages and benefits. It really comes down to what you want, my dear readers. I will say, if you're an extreme germaphobe.. maybe go for the InstaNaturals, since its got dat pump bottle. Also, if you're sensitive to smells, go for InstaNaturals. On the other hand, if you want an uber rich product with some potent ingredients, go for Body Merry.

Pump bottle!! I hate germs, so I want this bottle!

Actuallyyyy, only my own grubby hands are gonna be using this stuff, so I could care less! I like being able to see how much product I have left. Yay for tubs of yummy creams!!

Gasp and Behold! InstaNatural's Anti-Aging Skin Clearing Serum ::drool

Those awesome InstaNatural folk are at it again- this time I'll be reviewing their anti-aging skin clearing serum (say what?!). We could probably all use a bottle of each of these, right?

You all know how much I love this company, who prides themselves on using natural, plant-based products as much as necessary. In addition, they have tons of amazing products, all of which I have loved so far.

So I was especially excited when I received their anti-aging skin clearing serum. As a 31 year old super stressed out nursing student with oily skin, I can definitely benefit from something like this. After all, it isn't every day that you come across a serum that prevents aging and helps fight blemishes in one bottle. Like, seriously!

The main ingredients of this serum contain 2.5% retinol, 20% vitamin c, and and 2% salicyclic acid. Other key ingredients include niacinamide, tea tree oil, hyaluronic acid, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane..meth-yl-sulf-on-yl-meth-ane. Say it slow. It's a chemical found in plants, animals, and humans. In this case, it obviously comes from plants).

Okay, so let's break these ingredients down.

- 2.5% retinol is a pretty standard amount. As in, you can buy an entire bottle of retinol and it wouldn't be uncommon for the amount to be in the 2.5% range. Which means, hey now! This is just one tiny ingredient in a bottle of awesomeness. As you know by all of my previous retinol reviews, retinol will help firm skin, prevent blemishes, and even out skin tone, as well as give dat glow.

- 20% vitamin c. Also a pretty standard amount for a bottle of vitamin c serum alone! Will help even out skin tone, definitely provide a glow, and help fight aging. Let's not forget how good of an antioxidant vitamin c is.

- 2% salicylic acid. Again, standard amount. Salicylic acid is the ingredient for blemish fighting. It's bad ass. However, it can be a bit drying if used excessively. Read on.

The other ingredients basically add more "OOMPH" when it comes to anti-aging and fighting blemishes. It's full of badassness. Also, the hyaluronic acid will provide some yummy hydration to help balance out any potential dryness.

This product comes in a 1 oz dark blue bottle- very standard for quality serums, as exposure to sunlight can kill off some of the active ingredients. So, the dark bottle is essential. Also, side note: store this stuff in a dry, dark space. If you live somewhere tropical (first of all, JEALOUS) maybe consider storing it in your refrigerator.

The texture is SERUM DUH. But, it's nice. I only use a tiny amount- 5 drops or so. I use it at night only because using this potent of a serum twice a day seems scary to me, I'm afraid it'll dry out my skin... even though it has the hyaluronic acid.

BUT IT HASN'T DRIED OUT MY SKIN YET. AND I LOVE IT.

Like, I really, really do. I'm soooo obsessed with the fact that there's this tiny little bottle stock full of SO MUCH GOOD STUFF that will fight aging, prevent blemishes, and just make my skin look awesome overall.

PS- It doesn't sting. Some people are afraid of retinols and vitamin c stinging their skin. It didn't. I swear.

I'm all about it, guys. They should just rename it to "Bottle of Badass by InstaNaturals." Buy it on amazon for a mere $23.45 for a 1 oz bottle. 1 oz bottle divided by 5 drop application 1 x a day = I HAVE NO IDEA BUT ITS WORTH IT. 

Wish I could have all of these. ::drools::

The Magic of Mandelic Acid: A Skin Cleanser by Vivant Skincare

THIS STUFF!!!! Soooooo good. Honestly. Ob-freaking-sessed, and I swear that it's not because of the adorable little letter these guys sent me with their fabulous 3-in-1 mandelic wash. Check this out!

If you can't read this- and you probs can't, unless you have magical eyes, Vivant basically flattered the eff out of me, talking about how they love the name of my blog.. which is hilarious, because I am so in desperate need of a new name.. something better than "BEAUTY REVIEWS FOR YOU," guys. Any suggestions, comment PLEASE!!

Here's some really cool stuff about Vivant Skincare- The founder, Dr. James Fulton, is the developer of Retin-A... you know, Retin-A? RETINOL!!?!?  When I heard this, I was super stoked (like, can I get your autograph?!) and obviously had high expectations for this cleanser. They did not fail to impress.

Also, Vivant Skincare isn't a new line or anything- rather, they've been formulating skincare products for over 20 years. They're more geared towards treating acne-prone and hyperpigmented skin, but even the person with the most perfect skin ever seems to love their products. 

Vivant Skincare sent me this bottle of their mandelic acid 3-in-1 wash. Here are their claims for this product:

" This powerful yet gentle antioxidant wash has mandelic acid derived from almonds, green tea extract, grape seed, kiwi fruit and honey extracts.  Mandelic is ideal for adult acne because of it's anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. On blotchy skin it "lifts" skin discolorations and dark spots, while also having the benefical side effect of rejuvenating fine lines by helping to generate new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. A powerful yet gentler form of Alpha Hydroxy Acid, mandelic is also ideal for treating sensitive Black, Hispanic, and Asian skin that becomes irritated by harsh benzoyl peroxide products.
Helps ingrown hairs and can also be used as a shampoo on scalp to control dandruff and acne."
 
I have to admit, I was a little confused as far as how to use this product at first. I meannnn, there are sooo many different exfoliators out there.. scrubs, peels, enzymes, etc. Now, I have a regular cleanser with mandelic acid right in it!? What's a girl to do? I meannnnnn, do I continue using my regular exfoliator, cut down, or eliminate it altogether while I use this? I emailed "S" from Vivant about these exact concerns. Here's what she said:

"Our Mandelic 3 in 1 Wash would be part of a skin care regimen that would replace glycolic peels and any gentle exfoliators. Mandelic wash and Mandelic toner twice a day, then a corrector such as Derm A Renew (for sensitive skin) or Mandelic 8% serum. AND ALWAYS Day Treatment Lotion or another sun screen. The issue with glycolic peels is they are irritating and can cause inflammation.  Also many washes,or products for that matter, do not have key active ingredients that will effect much change on your skin. Vitamin A propionate, very important and actually the basis of our line, has a short chain that will penetrate skin and work to regulate cells accountable for the deterioration and aging of skin. Mandelic acid has a carbon chain a bit longer, ergo gentler, but also effective in flushing out impacted pores and gently lifting discoloration. The main thing to look for in skincare is 
1. effective key ingredients and 2. formulations that keep those key ingredients stable." 

Holy informative! So, to sum it up for you ADHD folk.. this mandelic cleanser can replace any peels and exfoliators, assuming that you also use their mandelic toner and serum. She also stressed the importance of using a treatment lotion after cleansing with this product. This makes complete sense, since the mandelic acid is exfoliaitng and making the skin more susceptible to sun damage (like any exfoliating does, don't think mandelic acid is super bad or anything, guys!)

Now, let's get down to the nitty gritty of this product.. since I keep raving about how awesome it is, but haven't told ya anything about it yet. First of all, super foamy. Really, really lathers. I love this, since I'm one of those weirdos that feels like you need a good lather in order to have clean.. skin, hair, etc. Anyway, this also means that you need sooooooo little of this product. So little. It smells nice and light, clean and refreshing. Also, did you see where "S" mentioned the kiwi extract in this product? I've never seen kiwi in a face cleanser before. The Vivant folk tells me that it is a great antioxidant, potentially more rad than green tea, and that's saying a lot. There's also honey in it, which is exciting, as honey is soothing and moisturizing- my guess is that this helps to balance out the exfoliating and deep cleansing properties of the mandelic acid.

Now.. the instructions for this cleanser state to begin using it every other day, then slowly increase. "S" would probably frown at me here, but I have currently been using it every other day (once a day) and using my gentle exfoliating scrub on the alternate days. However, this is mostly because I like to switch things up. I have experienced zero irritation from Vivant's mandelic wash. Perhaps this is because my poor skin is constantly trying out new products and scrubs and peels and has now given up and is desensitized.. or perhaps its because this product is magic. I go for the latter.

After using the product, my face felt super clean and.. NOT DRY!! Like many gel based cleansers that tend to strip away the good stuff on the skin, my skin felt just wonderful after using this stuff. Like I said, I'm sure we can at least partially thank the honey for that.

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN!!!

I can only really, reallllyyyy hope that these guys, ahem, need me to review more of their stuff.. I mean, because, ahem, I meannnn, I would really like to do the whole regimen together and see what the results were like.. I meannnn, right!? AHEM.

You can get this gorgeous, magical, fairy-like, 3-in-1 cleanser at amazon for $31 for 8 oz... did I mention that it lasts forever? A GREAT DEAL. I want this in my medicine cabinet for always.