The best defense is a good offense. Heard that before? Well it actually applies here pretty nicely – a good daily skincare regimen will do wonders for keeping you clear from breakouts.  Our recommended system includes 3 daily steps plus another you do 1x to 3x per week. We recommend washing morning and evening, but if you can only do it once a day, then definitely pick evening. Why? Because you don’t want to go to bed and leave icky junk on your face for those extra hours. In the morning you can just skip straight to the toner step! (And as always – look for natural skin care products that are paraben-free, sulfate-free, petroleum-free and phthalate-free for best results)

1. Wash using a sulfate-free, paraben-free face wash with either Tea Tree Oil or Glycolic Acid.  This will clear out pores and remove irritating oil, grease and other environmental elements your skin is exposed to each day. Garden Girl picks: You’re Fresh with Tea Tree Oil for normal/combination skin and At Long Last with glycolic acid for oily/acne prone skin.
2. Tone with a revitalizing and cleansing toner that will leave your skin fresh and primed for your moisturizer. For oily skin, you’ll want to look for a toner that acts like an astringent as well – such as one with amazing witch hazel. Toner is an often overlooked step that is vital for keeping skin clear. It not only removes the last traces of makeup but it also clears out pores which helps them to close back up and shrink back down. Clear pores obviously means less of a chance for breakouts. And the toner prepares your skin by balancing its pH so that it will maximize the effects of the moisturizer. After you cleanse your skin, the pH naturally gets altered so if you cleanse and then immediately moisturize your skin won’t take that moisture in as effectively.  Garden Girl pick for normal/oily skin: Even Ste(pH)en with witch hazel, skin-clearing herbal extracts, and skin-firming DMAE.
   • As a side note, toner can make a great “pick me up” on hot summer days. A quick spritz can cool off your face without ruining your make-up. As a matter of fact, it even works great to set mineral make-up. For added “ahhhh” store one in the fridge.
3. Moisturize using a face cream that yes, even has some oils in it. I know, if you have oily skin the word “moisturizer” can make you a little, um, anxious. So you tend to avoid it like the plague, right? Well, fear not, because here’s the thing: if you don’t moisturize your skin properly your skin will actually start to think that it isn’t producing enough oil. Uh oh. Because that means that it will start to overproduce oils. And that is where you can get additional breakouts. So yes – embrace your moisturizer – just find one that doesn’t irritate your skin.
   • Look for one with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid which is a humectant which means it draws moisture in and traps it in the skin. It works best in combination with other emolients so provides balanced moisture and hydration. Another great ingredient to look for is Zinc PCA which can naturally help to keep skin clear.
   • Alternatively, a moisturizer with Alpha Hydroxy Acids can help to get rid of dead skin cells which in turn keeps pores unclogged and skin smooth. And I know this may seem obvious, but choose one for faces. Don’t use a body moisturizer on your face, please.
   • Garden Girl face cream picks: No Worries (for sensitive skin, with Zinc PCA) or Nature Nurture (for normal/oily/combination skin, with AHAs).
4. Exfoliate one to three times each week. If you have sensitive skin, stick to once per week, but if it is normal to oily and not sensitive, then you should be able to handle 2-3 times per week. Exfoliating is a very key step. This is where you can really see a difference. Not only will your skin look smoother, with fewer lines and wrinkles, faded/fewer age spots and acne scars (yea!) but it will keep your pores clearer and your skin less hospitable to pimples and breakouts. Nice, huh? It’s really an amazing tool – but it has to be used correctly.
   • First and foremost – exfoliating exposes “newer” skin so your skin is highly susceptible to sun damage after any exfoliation. Be very diligent about using sunscreen that day and the next day (well really, you should be wearing it every day anyway…). The other is that it can irritate skin if it is overdone or done too harshly.There are 2 types of exfoliators – chemical (by that we mean anything from harsh chemicals to natural “chemicals” like fruit acid) and physical (anything with scrubbing pieces in it – microderm crystals, crushed dried fruit pits or beans, plastic beads  etc.). Clearly Garden Girl recommends natural choices. But they should also be safe for your skin. Crushed fruit pits (think apricot scrubs etc) or similar things can be very rough on skin causing micro-tears that can damage skin. And plastic beads? Just plain bad – especially for the environment as those things go right down your drain and into the water system. Blech.
   • Both physical and chemical systems basically do the same thing – they remove the dead skin cells and smooth skin. But a physical exfoliant is something that you scrub on your face (in a gentle, circular motion), while a chemical product is something that you put on your skin and leave on, as it does the work for you. Both are great choices – it’s just up to you how you’d prefer to do it. And if you are really struggling with breakouts, the chemical peels can be a better option as depending on the product, it can be a bit stronger and more effective.
   • For example, Garden Girl’s Break Free gel and G for Men’s smooth, are both 7.5% fruit acid (glycolic, lactic,  and pyruvic acids) and it is “unbuffered” which means it is faster acting and more effective  than most fruit acid peels you will find for home use – yet it is still safe for non-professional use. Typically you will find “buffered” peels which are somewhat less effective.If you’re interested in the physical exfoliator, then opt for Garden Girl’s Starting Over microderm scrub – which has a creamy base and natural micro crystals (the same ones used by dermatologists for their microdermabrasion treatments).
5. Fight a pimple naturally. Sometimes you just can’t avoid it, no matter how well you stick to a good skin care system, once in awhile a little “spot” pops up. Don’t panic! Here’s what we recommend – and it really works! Tea Tree Oil. But be careful when you use it – it shouldn’t be used at full strength on your skin. What we suggest is to dip a Qtip into the bottle of Tea Tree Oil and dampen the tip with the oil. Then run that Qtip under a trickle of water just enough to dilute it a bit. You’ll be amazed at how strong it still is! Then dab the Qtip on your pimple. Do this after you have washed and toned but before the moisturizer. Do it morning and evening. Usually after the first 1 or 2 treatments the pimple will start to disappear. You can find Tea Tree Oil online or at Trader Joe’s (it’s the cheapest there) if you have one near you. Tea Tree Oil is a great thing to have on hand. I have written about it in the past in a post on this blog.

So that’s it. This system will work incredibly well for most people – even those that have done the whole dermatologist thing. Save yourself some trips to the doctor’s office and try this instead. You just might be amazed at the results!

Below is a brief description of the 3 skin types and how to take care of them. Much of the “technical” information I have here is from textbooks.

Normal Skin
Normal skin is what we all hope to have but few actually do have. The best way to describe “normal” skin is that it is what most children have (before they hit puberty). In normal skin, hydration is perfect and the oil glands secrete just enough oil to keep skin soft and supple. It looks healthy, with good color, a smooth texture and it’s free of large pores and wrinkles.

Lots of things can deteriorate the quality of normal skin – with the biggest being the natural aging process. Additionally, lack of proper hydration and the lack of a healthy diet with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to provide proper cell reproduction also play a big role. Lastly, how you take care of your skin plays a role – use of harsh soaps and scrubs, the climate you live in and sun exposure through lack of proper use of sun protection.

The best way to take care of normal skin is to wash twice daily – morning and (most importantly) evening. Washing should be followed by use of a toner and a moisturizer – along with any additional anti-aging products you are using (serums, eye creams etc.). Normal skin will also benefit from weekly exfoliation. Lastly, and always most importantly, proper use of sun protection is vital.

Dry Skin
Dry skin is a common occurrence among people who are over 40, as our skin naturally slows its production of oils which cause it to look dried out and dehydrated. Additionally, many people simply have dry skin that they have had all of their lives. Dry skin is the result of sebaceous glands that are underactive – so they are not producing sufficient oils to keep skin moist and dewey. Because of the lack of oil, it is less able to maintain proper levels of hydration because the oils typically act as a barrier to prevent loss of moisture. Without the oils, the moisture is free to leave the skin layers and then the skin begins to appear dry and dehydrated.

Dry skin tends to look thin, very delicate and often flaky. Pores tend to be almost invisible and the skin shows wrinkles and lines very easily. Obviously exposure to the sun will exacerbate the situation. Dry skin should be taken care of carefully, using non-drying face cleansers as well as moisturizers that provide a sufficient barrier to trap moisture such as hyaluronic acid. Careful use of additional anti-aging products is also recommended (eye creams, serums etc.) Periodic (gentle!) exfoliation is helpful to rid skin of the flaking and peeling, but most importantly the weekly use of a hydrating masque is crucial. It is key for people with dry skin to use products specifically formulated for dry skin.

Oily Skin

Oily skin is obviously the opposite of dry skin. Oily skin results from sebaceous glands that are over-active. It is easily recognized as it has a shiny, thick and firm appearance – and it tends to have large pores. People with oily skin often suffer from blemishes, typically on the forehead, chin and nose areas. The good news is that people that suffer from oily skin when they are young, tend to have fewer wrinkles and younger looking skin as they age. This is due to the fact that the sebaceous glands slow their production as we age, so people with oily skin typically end up with more “normal” oil production resulting in younger looking skin!

Oily skin is one of the most challenging to take care of properly. Common myths are that you want to dry skin out and that you should not use any products with oils in them so it won’t get even more oily. However, these tactics can get you into some worse trouble! If you have oily skin, you should thoroughly but gently (not harshly) cleanse your skin morning and evening with products designed specifically for oily or problematic skin. Toners again can help maintain proper skin balance and maximize the effects of the moisturizer. And yes – you definitely want to use a moisturizer, as well as anti-aging serums and eye creams. Any moisturizing product should be one that helps to regulate oil gland secretion. And most importantly, a bi-weekly use of an exfoliator is key – to keep skin soft and smooth and reduce the appearance of thickening skin.

It’s interesting because I hear from many clients that they sometimes have oily skin and sometimes dry skin. But more likely what is happening is that they have oily skin and are using products or doing something that is dehydrating their skin. It’s important to remember that your skin has layers that hold a lot of water and layers with oil. So it is important to keep it hydrated as well as maintain the proper levels of oil. So if you have oily skin that gets dry in spots it’s likely that you have used astringents, scrubs or soaps either excessively or you have chosen ones that are simply too harsh. Again, seek out products with hyaluronic acid as it can help to trap the moisture in the skin.

In this review, Jami checks out Garden Girl’s Starting Over microderm scrub, No Worries face cream and Break Free fruit acid gel. Best part? She loved them all! It’s always a little nerve wracking to read reviews – you never know where they are going to go. The reputable beauty bloggers (like Bionic Beauty and Mythbuster Beauty) give their honest opinion. That is why they are good – you know you’re getting the real scoop – rather than just random reviews you might see posted elsewhere on the web (like in beauty chat rooms). So I was thrilled to see that she loved them. And with Bionic Beauty’s highly sensitive skin, it speaks to the fact that both Starting Over and Break Free can be used very effectively on sensitive skin.

And don’t forget – this week you can save an incredible 15% on ALL ORDERS (no minimum). Just use coupon code July7 – anytime before Saturday at midnight. If you haven’t tried Starting Over, No Worries or Break Free – now is the perfect time! And don’t forget, our products are always free of parabens, sulfates, petroleum products and phthalates!

Exfoliation removes the outer layer of dead skin cells and reveals fresh, younger looking skin. It helps to keep pores unclogged and skin extra smooth. It also leaves skin primed perfectly for moisturizing, so it should be followed immediately after with your face cream (for faces) and body lotion (for body).

As you can imagine, your skin is extra sensitive after exfoliation so it is extremely important to wear sunscreen after exfoliating when you are going to be in the sun (clearly it’s important to always wear sunscreen in the sun, but after exfoliating you should be extra careful!).

Also – you should take care not to exfoliate too frequently. In general a good rule of thumb is twice a week for your face, and up to 3 times a week for your body. Oily skin can typically benefit from 3 times per week for your face, and sensitive skin should generally be only once per week. Doing it too frequently can cause damage so you want to be sure not to overdo it.

Lastly, for faces, be sure to use products that are designed for your face – NOT for bodies, which can be too harsh. And watch for products with crushed seeds or similar exfoliants as they can scratch skin and cause damage.

So this week’s sale is giving you a big ol’ 20% off all of our exfoliation products -

Starting Over Microderm Scrub – this is our first facial exfoliator and a personal favorite. It uses the same microcrystals used by the dermatologists to do the very expensive microdermabrasion treatments. But this way you can get similar results at home -for a lot less money! This scrub is in a natural, paraben-free, creamy base that leaves your skin soft, smooth and hydrated and helps to even skin tone, reduce fine lines and unclog pores. (NOTE: The offer is good on both the 2 oz. jar as well as the 2 oz. eco-friendly refill package!)

Break Free fruit acid gel – Break Free is the newest addition to our facial exfoliators – and quickly rising to the top. It is a fantastic dermatologist-grade product that is amazing for oily/problematic skin as well as dry skin (however, it is not recommended for sensitive skin). Break Free has three alpha-hydroxy acids that pack a punch. Simply apply in a thin layer on the face (avoiding eyes) and leave on for 1 to 3 minutes. Then rinse with cool water. You know immediately that it is working as it tingles, signalling that it is removing the dead skin cells. Repeated use of Break Free can result in a reduction of thickened skin, the evening of skin tone, and a reduction of breakouts and blackheads. Oh – and of course fewer fine lines and wrinkles!

Pucker Up Coconut – Pucker Up is our body exfoliator. It is perfect for the summer – and because it is a sugar scrub (not a salt scrub) you don’t have to worry about stinging! Pucker Up is packed in a rich, thick and creamy oil that leaves your skin incredibly smooth and soft and hydrated. Bonus – it’s fantastic for shaving!

Don’t forget, all of Garden Girl’s products are carefully crafted in the US with the highest quality ingredients and are always free of parabens, sulfates, petroleum products and phthalates!

This week’s offer is at www.gardengirlskincare.com and it is valid thru Friday, July 3rd at midnight. But to take advantage, you have to sign up for our email list! Go to www.gardengirlskincare.com and sign up right there on the home page. You will get a $5 coupon emailed to you, plus we’ll send you the email with this week’s offer code.

The contest is totally easy and fun – just go to:

www.gardengirlskincare.com

then search the website until you find the 3 new products. (Hint: They are clearly labeled as “new” so it won’t take long!) One of the products was based on customer feedback – for those of you who participated in the survey a couple of months back when we asked what product you would be most interested in – we used that information to develop this product!

Once you have found the new products, send an email to contest(at)gardengirlskincare.com and list:

1) The names of the 3 products. HINT: One product sort of counts as two – it’s the same but 2 versions. The Hand it to You pump bottle is not new – although clearly I need to change that on the website
2) Why you would like to try them

It’s that easy. Then we will select a winner on Wednesday and post the results on Thursday!

Now for the best part – the winner receives ALL THREE products!! Wahoo! Once you find out what they are – I think you’ll be very eager to win. They are all really great.

So what are you waiting for? Start searching!

Well this week – we thought it might be fun to let YOU choose the sample. That means no matter what size order you have – you will receive a travel-sized bottle or jar of the product that YOU choose. Sounds fun, right?

But we’re going to make it even better (ok this sounds like an infomercial – “order now and you’ll get…”) – if you place an order over $75 you can choose any TWO samples. Even better? If you order more than $125 worth of products, then you can choose THREE!! Not bad, eh? Each of these samples is big enough to last up to a month! (that’s what I mean when I say sample is an understatement)

We don’t offer all of our products in these sample/travel sized but you can choose from:

0.5 oz Jars:

• No Worries face cream for dry/sensitive skin
• Nature Nurture face cream for normal/oily skin
• Starting Over microderm scrub
• Cookies + Cream purifying masque
• Hugs vanilla body butter
• Smooches chocolate mandarin body butter
• Pucker Up Coconut sugar scrub
• Zippity Do Dah peppermint foot cream

1.0 oz Bottles:

• You’re Fresh face wash for normal/oily skin
• Oasis for Faces face wash for dry/sensitive or mature skin
• Even Ste(pH)en toner
• Hand it to You hand cream
• Chill Out body lotion
• Jump Start body lotion
• Mellow body lotion
• Alive body lotion

Taking advantage of this very unique offer is easy. Simply go to:

www.gardengirlskincare.com

Then, when you are checking out there will be a comments section (not the coupons section). In that comments section, simply write which sample you would like. If your order is above $75, you will write the two you’d like. And if you order over $125 you can select THREE!

As always, our products are all free of parabens, sulfates, petroleum products and phthalates. Enjoy – and have fun choosing your samples!

Choose from two travel kits:

1) Oasis for Faces face wash for dry/sensitive skin (1 oz), Even Ste(pH)en toner (1 oz), Starting Over microderm scrub (0.5 oz) , and No Worries face cream for dry/sensitive skin (0.5 oz)

2) You’re Fresh face wash for normal/oily skin (1 oz), Even Ste(pH)en toner (1 oz), Starting Over microderm scrub (0.5 oz), and Nature Nurture face cream for normal/oily skin (0.5 oz)

All face kits come with a small card that gives you an easy morning and evening routine that takes less than 3 minutes. And of course, as with all Garden Girl products, the kit has no parabens, sulfates, petroleum products or phthalates! And if you want to swap products between the two kits – just let us know in the comments section.

To take advantage, simply go to:

www.gardengirlskincare.com/facecare

choose your travel face kit (along with $40 of your choice of other products) then use coupon code

JUN1

Enjoy – and don’t forget to let your friends and family know about our big offer!

So we have decided to take 20% off all of our gift kits! What better way to thank a teacher or congratulate a graduate than to give them a fun, pretty and pampering gift.

Choose from:

Piggies + Pointers - a fabulous treat that includes Zippity Do Dah peppermint foot cream, Hand it to You hand cream, plus cotton gloves, cotton booties and our Not So Rough foot smoother

Piggies in a Blanket - the perfect kit to keep tootsies in tip top shape for summer! Zippity Do Dah peppermint foot cream, cotton booties and our Not So Rough foot smoother

Pointers with Panache - keeping hands well hydrated and younger looking is easy with this simple kit. Our cotton gloves matched with the top selling Hand it to You hand cream

Bod Squad - a simple but always appreciated gift set. One bottle of lotion and one of shower gel in your choice of our fabulous essential oil scents: Chill Out, Alive, Jump Start or Mellow. Want to mix and match? Just let us know!

Face It! face care kit - a great gift for someone who is looking for incredible skin care that will help their skin look its absolute best. Four full sized essentials – Face wash (You’re Fresh or Oasis), Even Ste(pH)en toner, Starting Over microderm scrub, Moisturizer (No Worries or Nature Nurture). 2 sets are offered, but you can mix/match – just note it on the order.

Nitty Gritty Face Committee face care kit - a great starter kit with Face wash (You’re Fresh or Oasis), Even Ste(pH)en toner, Moisturizer (No Worries or Nature Nurture) and our pink terry spa headband. Again, 2 sets are offered, but you can mix/match – just note it on the order.

Ok – now that you see all these great offers, it makes it even more inviting doesn’t it? Why not grab something for yourself as well! The face kits are already a fantastic deal – adding 20% off makes it almost a steal. And because it is all free of parabens, sulfates, petroleum products and phthalates you can feel great about giving it as a gift – or using it yourself!

Just go to:

www.gardengirlskincare.com

and then use coupon code:

MAY18

This offer is valid through Friday, May 22 at midnight. So have fun! And if you need this by a certain deadline, be sure to let me know so we can get it out asap.

Have a fantastic week!

Save $5 on all orders under $75

Save $10 on all orders of $75 or more

Nice and simple – and you get to save on whatever you choose. Face care, bath + body or even baby care. All free of parabens, sulfates, petroleum products and phthalates.

Simply go to www.gardengirlskincare.com and enter

5OffMay if your order is under $75
10OffMay if your order is $75 or more

This offer expires at Midnight on Friday, May 8th.

Have fun and enjoy the savings!