Who doesn’t want dewy, youthful, glowing skin all year long?
I know I do.
As I age I am finding that my skin feels dry, though I nourish it with lots of water and good moisturizers.
We live in an area full of wind, hot summer weather, and low moisture…so I have a few things against my skin when I step outside.
But we have lots of glorious sunshine, which in small doses, is so good for you…even your skin!
In an effort to begin a new routine of toxic free skin care, I have been researching products….and my findings have been downright scary.
From sunscreen to moisturizers and common makeup on the market….all I find are products laden with heavy chemicals known to disrupt hormone levels, cause cancer, and promote other diseases.
Ouch!
Our skin is the largest organ in our body and why not tenderly nourish it with products that gently promote rejuvenation and healing.
Forget the products out there that cause damage and are filled with chemicals designed to lengthen shelf life.
There are just a handful of companies that truly do use fresh, organic, nourishing natural ingredients.
Anderson Family Farm happens to be one of my favorites!
Their long line of spectacular moisturizers and other beauty products are all natural and beautifully formulated.
My favorite lotion…
I love that my skin feels like it just had a long, nutritious drink after using their products.
Everything is fresh and easily absorbed into your skin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Did you know that the cosmetics industry is unregulated and many products are made from poorly tested chemicals?
Makers can use almost any ingredient they choose AND the FDA can’t require safety tests or recall harmful products.
Source here…
I found a high quality makeup company and feel like their line is quite possibly the best on the market.
I was introduced through a wonderful blog, Roost.
RMS Beauty has a line of makeup that heals and nourishes the skin and is completely non toxic.
Slowly, I am ordering as the budget allows :).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you know me, you know that I am also a “do it your selfer”, and of course, I love it when I can create something that has impeccable quality and is easy on the pocket book.
I am planning an upcoming post on homemade sunscreen.
There is a lot of controversy right now as to if you even need it, but we tend to have longer exposure to the sun and I feel like it is a good thing to have on hand.
We have also generously increased our antioxidant levels and good Omega’s….but I will talk more about that later.
Today I will share a most amazing serum that requires very few ingredients…some of which you may already have on hand.
It is quite easy to make and your skin will feel renewed and moisturized.
Wrinkles will fade and the serum is chock full of vitamins and antioxidants formulated in smaller molecules so that they can absorb deep into the skin.
Serums are designed to penetrate and treat various skin conditions, such as redness, dehydration or lack of firmness, wrinkles, dark spots or to brighten the skin.
They tend to also be a fairly expensive purchase!
Serums do not replace moisturizers, so you will want to keep a good moisturizer in your routine.
Rather, serums are designed to deliver rich nutrients deep into the skin because they are made from smaller molecules.
For the best results, apply this serum after cleansing and toning and then follow up with a moisturizer to seal it in and increase the potency.
The serum contains:
Vitamin C {L Ascorbic Acid}:
Improves the appearance of skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles and protects and lessens the effects of sunburns.
It also protects the skin from free-radical attack, and prevents skin cell damage due to ultraviolet radiation.
Once L-Ascorbic acid penetrates the skin, it stays there for up to 72 hours.
This means that a properly formulated topical vitamin-C product can have a long lasting effect in the skin.
Fast acting, results can be seen in just a few days or weeks of use.
Improvement in skin texture and skin tone is easily noticeable after several days of use.
Depressed scars may take several months to be normalized.
Source
Almond Oil:
protects the skin from sun damage, relieves inflammation and irritation, rejuvenates and softens skin, reduces scarring.
Olive Oil:
Rich in vitamin E, plumps and moisturizes skin, fights free radicals, calms irritations.
Geranium Essential Oil {Optional}:
helps scars and other spots on skin to fade, facilitates blood circulation just below the skin surface, encourages regeneration of new cells, and tones up muscles and skin.
Lavender Essential Oil {optional}:
antifungal and great for eczema added to chamomile, reduces wrinkles and scars, very soothing.
Vitamin C Anti Aging Serum
1/2 tsp L Ascorbic Acid {Buy HERE}
5 tsp. distilled water {this is important as the high oxygen content in tap water will cause the Vit. C to break down faster.} OR 5 tsp. rose water
3 tsp. almond oil {source}
1/2 tsp. olive oil
3 drops geranium essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
2 oz. small dark dropper bottle {I bought mine HERE}
{You need a dark bottle as the light can cause the ascorbic acid to fade in potency.}
First mix the Vit. C crystals with the distilled water.
Stir frequently until completely dissolved. This may take up to 20 minutes, but you want to make sure you don’t have a grainy mixture.
Also, do not heat the distilled water. Heat will cause the Vit. C to break down and you want the maximum effectiveness on your skin.
Add the rest of the ingredients and then stir until mixed well.
Carefully pour into your bottle and store for up to two weeks.
After that, the serum loses potency.
{ I used my cream container to pour.}
Ascorbic acid breaks down fast and you want it to be super fresh for maximum absorption.
Apply at night after cleansing and follow up with a moisturizer.
I love how this serum feels on my skin.
Instantly everything feels firm, yet moisture rich!
Best of all the ingredients are fresh, natural, and healing to the skin.
*Please note: it is wise to test a small area on your skin first. Some people are sensitive to ascorbic acid. This product has worked wonders on my skin, but you should always test a small area first!
I also give the bottle a little shake before applying.
Looking for more great recipes for skin care…click HERE for a really good resource!
Enjoy!
~Julia
Spring is upon us and I can’t wait for warmer weather, flowers, and Easter!
