First off, how can you tell if your skin is dehydrated? It looks scaly and flaky – and, you guessed it, it looks dry. Fine lines are much more visible, and skin can even appear as if it has an additional thin layer of skin on top. I know – that’s what dry skin can look like – but it is important to remember one thing: dry skin is skin type and tends to be hereditary or as a result of the aging process, while dehydration is condition and tends to be something more temporary. Dehydration can be the result of things like exposure to the sun, wind, or dry heat. It also is often caused by drinking too much coffee, tea or other diuretics.

And don’t forget – dry skin AND oily skin can become dehydrated. Oily skin often becomes dehydrated by using strong, harsh soaps and cleansers, as well as using astringents too frequently. And when oily skin becomes dehydrated the top layers of skin cells harden and block the skin’s ability to secrete oil. You can see where this is going – oily skin that can’t secrete the oils can increase (ugh) breakouts.

So now that you can identify it better – you can treat it more effectively. For instance, just treating dehydrated skin with oils can be completely ineffective. The trick is to find a moisturizer that is designed to trap the water in your skin by forming a thin layer of film on the skin’s surface. Ingredients to look for include glycerin, glycolic acid and lactic acids (which help to bind water and draw it into the skin) and hyaluronic acid (which traps the moisture). There are other ingredients, like dimethicone, which can also trap the moisture, but since that has a questionable safety rating, we don’t use it in Garden Girl products. Lastly, it’s important to treat dehydrated skin with a hydrating face mask weekly as well.

All Garden Girl face creams and body lotions are packed with hyaluronic acid, and our Like Magic anti-aging serum is highly-concentrated with hyaluronic acid as well. Plus our Cookies + Cream masque is perfect for rehydrating your sun-parched skin. So whether you have dry skin or dehydrated skin – we’ve got you covered!

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!

These findings could result in new directions for understanding skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis. Read the full article to learn more.

Aloe Vera is one of those sometimes overlooked ingredients that should really be the shining star! It has been used literally almost forever for its many incredible qualities. It is even mentioned in the Bible in John 19. Now that’s ancient!

Topical uses range from herbal medicinal uses (like healing scars and burns, and soothing sunburns) to general skin care. The source is the aloe plant leaves which are filled with a gel. Aloe largely consists of water but the key components include minerals, polysaccarides, and amino acids. Plus it has vitamins E, C & B.

It’s great to keep an aloe plant around the house for emergencies. They are very hardy (read – people like me who seem to kill all houseplants somehow, can even keep an Aloe plant thriving). And if you get a burn – you have the source right there for immediate relief. I say this from experience. A couple years ago I burned my wrist when a sugar-sauce splattered on it. It was a bad burn (OK I’ll admit it – I felt woozy and nauseous) but the first thing I did was rip open a hunk of aloe leaf and put it on my burn. It was amazing – cooling and soothing. (Then I called my sister the doctor for more advice!)

But I digress. The reason I’m posting about aloe is that I think it’s a good reminder to understand why this ingredient is found in so many skin care products. It is in all creams and lotions from Garden Girl and for great reason. It is an incredible skin hydrator, healer and softener with anti-inflamitory properties. It helps to keep the skin soft and supple by bringing oxygen to the cells which helps to strengthen the skin tissue. It is great for all skin types – and is so mild that even those with the most sensitive skin will benefit from its properties.

So the next time you see Aloe Vera on a label, don’t be quick to dismiss it. It’s there for a great reason. It is a hard-working superstar!

Hmm. Why inject this stuff? It just doesn’t seem right, does it? Especially when there are so many topical options that work great! Like, for instance, Like Magic and Eye Can’t Believe It!! And ours are always free of parabens, sulfates, petroleum products and phthalates!

The book is an eye-opening look at the cosmetics industry and the lobbying efforts that have allowed big name companies to continue to use chemicals that are known to be harmful in humans.

The book starts by writing about a study that was done in 2004 by the American Red Cross and the Environmental Working Group, and Commonweal, a California health and environmental group. In the study, they measured chemicals in the umbilical cord blood of newborns born at randomly selected hospitals across the country. These babies had not yet been in direct contact with industrialized society. “The researchers detected a total of 287 chemicals in the babies’ cord blood, including 180 chemicals that can cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 that are toxic to the brain and nervous system and 208 that cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal studies.” OK – that was on page 2 of this book. Needless to say I was more than curious to read on.

I will continue to post learnings that I found very interesting.

Tea Tree oil can be purchased at most health food stores. The one I have is from Trader Joe’s (no duh, for anyone that knows me. My home away from home…) If you buy it, make sure it is 100% tea tree oil – not a blend.

For specific applications, I recommend that you read the articles I have listed below or search online for more information. Tea Tree oil should never be swallowed and should be used carefully. In a few cases it is ok to use it in tiny amounts directly on the skin, but generally it should be diluted. Again – I suggest reading more if you want to use it.

It is found in many Garden Girl products as well, including You’re Fresh face wash (keeps skin clear), No Worries night cream, and Hand it to You hand cream.

Some key facts:

• It is a natural antifungal, antiseptic, antibiotic, and antiviral ingredient
• Comes from the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree or bush native to New South Wales, Australia
• Can be a mild pain reliever for wounds and burns
• Fights acne and reduces blemishes
• Excellent for fighting dandruff and dry scalp
• Works on eczema and dermatitis (I used it on my face for perioral dermatitis and it cleared it up – along with a sulfate-free toothpaste! Darn sulfates. Who knew they were hiding in toothpaste?)
• Clears up cold sores and canker sores
• Clears up athlete’s foot and toenail fungus – ICK, I know – but good to know!
• Great for bug bites
• Works for pest control – and much safer than those terrible sprays!
• Great as a household disinfectant/antifungal spray

These are only a few of the uses, but if you are interested, there is a ton of information on the web (but be selective – some is more hype than fact). The sites I keep bookmarked are: http://www.socal.com/artman/publish/printer_450.shtml
http://aztec.asu.edu/iaha/articles/Tea_Tree_Article/tea_tree_article.html
http://www.living-library.com/dodt/teatree.htm

Sometimes it makes you wonder why we have so many of these terrible harmful chemical laden things when there are natural alternatives that really do work – safely!

But the fact is, being in my late, late, late 30’s, I have noticed that my neck is beginning to sag a bit, and my eyes are getting a little droopy. So when Perricone says “The Three Day Nutritional Face-lift focuses on food, the most powerful ally in the fight against wrinkles, sages and loss of skin tone. Once you see and feel the results you will realize that there is a face-lift in your fridge.” – I knew I had to try it. For the sake of research for Garden Girl, at the very least.

I can give up bad stuff for 3 days, right? So off I went with my shopping list to Costco. Thank goodness for that store. I bought almost everything I needed there. What I didn’t get there, I got at Trader Joe’s – my true love. Yes – they greet me there with a big smile each time I go (about 4 times per week…) thinking “How much will she buy today?”

Anyway – I spent a total of about $85 for the food. It is more than enough for my husband and me for the 3 days. I looked like a lunatic though with huge bags of fruit and lettuce and spinach. And I could barely fit it in my fridge.

I will admit, I was more than slightly disappointed that the samples weren’t out yet when I was at Costco. I had eaten an organic pop tart for breakfast, and then slid right into Krispy Kreme when I left Costco. There – that should be enough sugar, fat and carbs to get me through the 3 days, right? Disgusting? Possibly. Tasty? Truly. Do I get bonus points for trying the Whole Wheat donut? Or does that just mean that I’m a sucker?

So, here’s the diet I’m looking forward to for the next 3 days:

Breakfast:

• “Omelet” of 2 egg whites and 1 whole egg (I’m convinced they call this an omlete to make it sound much more enticing than scrambled eggs, which is what it is)
• 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal. Plain. Yuck. (I usually layer mine with a healthy sprinkle of brown sugar)
• 1 c. cantaloupe and 1/4 c. berries.
• 8-12 oz. water BEFORE breakfast and another 8-12 WITH breakfast

Lunch:

• 4-6 oz. grilled salmon or canned tuna
• 2 c. romaine lettuce with 1 T. olive oil and lemon juice
• 1 c. cantaloupe and 1/4 c. berries
• 8-12 oz. water

Snack: (This CRACKS me up)

• 2 oz. low salt turkey breast
• 4 raw, unsalted hazelnuts (I did almonds)
• 1/2 green apple (why 1/2?? not sure)
• 8-12 oz. water (do you see a pattern?)

Dinner:

• Same as lunch but add 1 c. steamed spinach or broccoli

Snack:

• Same as afternoon snack.

Well, I made it through the first day quite easily actually. I started at lunch, and was darn proud of myself. This was the first “diet” I had ever done. I will admit that the snack of turkey and an apple did not seem appealing as I typically reserve evening snacks for my sweet tooth. But both my husband and I were surprised at how satisfying (ok, that’s a stretch – how about, not terrible?) it was.

Let’s see how it goes tomorrow.

So that is how I’m approaching this blog. I’ve just really started getting into blogs. I know, how “turn of the century” of me. But now that I’m into them, I love it! I love hearing people’s perspectives on so many topics. Some relate to business, others are more fun or personal. So I figured, why not? I’m rarely at a loss for things to say (…) so why not write some of them down? And if people read it, and even better COMMENT on it? How cool is that?

That brings me to why I chose today to start this blog. I’ve been thinking about it for awhile (see? the analyst in me) but just never found a good time. But I decided this was a good time, mainly for my own purposes. Why?

Well, I just started Nicholas Perricone’s 3 day “Nutritional Facelift” diet. For those of you who don’t know, Nicholas Perricone is a leading skin care expert and dermatologist. He has written numerous books on aging and how to combat it’s effects on your skin. Since I started Garden Girl natural skin care last year, http://www.gardengirlskincare.com, I have been reading everything I can about skin care. Nicholas Perricone is one of those “must reads”.

The book I’m reading currently is The Perricone Prescription. It is really interesting. In it he has a 28 day diet. Since the thought of that scares the bejeepers out of me, I decided instead I would opt for his 3 day diet. For the next few days, I’ll give you an idea of how it is going. BTW – I hoodwinked my husband into doing the diet with me. He was just falling asleep when he agreed to do it. He had no idea what he was getting into!