Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Sweet dreams and night creams

Retinol creams are meant to help improve the skin's appearance from acne to wrinkles. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A. It helps make healthier skin by aiding in cellular reproduction. Such as causing the body to produce collagen which shrinks pore size and softens skin. It acts as an antioxidant -- which helps protect against carcinogens by getting rid of free radicals.

There are so many creams out on the market it's hard to choose. Factors to consider are % of retinol in the cream and whether or not you are already taking vitamin A suppliments (or are pregnant - it has been known to cause birth defects) because you don't want to overdose on vitamin A. Also be careful as it increases skin sensitivity so you shouldn't be using it without sun screen. Additional ingreedients like glycolic acid works well in conjunction with retinol, making it more effective. Hydroxy acids and vitamin C can also be beneficial.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Is it me or have nails gotten confusing?

Call me "old school" if you like, but I believe painting one's nails has gotten a bit confusing. I just can't keep up with the trends.
I have a whole board on Pinterest that's dedicated to nail art -- most of which I'm not even capable of duplicating myself. (Bet my nail salon is gonna love me for that remark -- more $ for them)

Originally, I thought it was trendy to use interesting colors.
Next the idea of "crackle" or "magnetic" ripple nail polish was cool.
And if you're weren't rocking gel polish (with or without the LED lamps) you were so "10 minutes ago."
Then it was the "french manicure" but with any color combination you wanted. (I'm partial to the glossy/matte combination of black polish called "tuxedo."
Or to flip it around as a "reverse" french manicure.
After that I was informed that you're supposed to make your ring finger a different color or have that one decorated a bit more. Thank goodness for press-on nail art!
Now it's textures like "fuzzy" or "Sugar coated" and holographic color-changing paint with metal flakes (aka glitter) in it.

If you ask me -- someone has to much free time on their hands or is creating a need that wasn't there before. LOL But don't you worry, I won't stop till I've tried them all!