Homemade Facials: Strawberry and Honey + A Banana and Molasses Facial

A few years back when I first got into homemade beauty and skin care my first ever facial was a strawberry and honey facial. It was my go to for face masks and it always left my skin feeling ultra soft and clear. Now that strawberries are in season I decided to revisit my favorite face mask. It’s been a while since I have done a strawberry/honey facial so I decided last weekend to give myself a treat.

Strawberries are not only delicious when in season, but it’s very beneficial for those with oily skin thanks to it’s natural astringent qualities. Strawberries also contains Salicylic Acid (one of the AHA’s/BHA mentioned here) which naturally exfoliates the skin of dead skin cells leaving you with soft and glowing skin.

Strawberries and Your Skin

Combats excess oil

Helps ligthen skin

Helps clear acne

Tightens pores

although not skin related…..Strawberries also helps whiten teeth naturally.

Honey of course is a natural moisturizer and a natural antiseptic keeping pimples and blemishes at bay. Which is why I like to use this facial when I have pimples. So now that they are in season put them strawberries to use.

I also discovered a new snack, honey dipped strawberries, ultra satisfying for my hard to manage sweet tooth……..

Banana, Honey and Blackstrap Molasses facial

So I had a half eaten Banana lying around the other day which I saved for a facial. I love Banana facials because it gives my skin this amazing glow and ultra soft feel.

So I took it out of the peel and it was perfect for a facial.

You can just add the honey for it’s rich moisturizing benefits…..

But I decided to add Molasses too.

Molasses contains Glycolic Acid which is also a natural AHA. It naturally exfoliates your skin allowing for new healthier skin cells to take over.

I just mixed the honey, molasses and banana together and left it in for about 15 mins. I rinsed and was left with soft glowing skin.

I tend to do one or the other facial once or twice a week, especially before a big night out since it tends to make my makeup look 10 times better. You can easily try these facials as well as add a wide variety of ingredients, like yogurt, milk,essential oils or whatever your skin may need.

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Homemade Facial Scrub: Aspirin

Aspirin, also known as Salicylic Acid, is a great base to use when you want to give yourself a simple yet effective homemade face scrub. Salicylic acid {a Beta Hydroxy acid} cleanses through the natural oils the skin produces (sebum) much easier, especially for those with oily and acne prone skin types. This simple and handy ingredient cleanses deep down to the pores targeting clogged pores and blackheads. Aspirin also has excellent anti inflammatory properties which helps calm and sooth pimples.

I have very oily skin and have been dealing with it more often than not. Even my lids are oily for god sake! Recently I have been slacking on my water intake so that may be the problem and not to mention that time of the month outbreaks. So I’m paying strict attention to my daily water intake while trying to do some topical control as well. This scrub helps keep things at bay especially when breakouts come out of nowhere.

For this versatile and simple scrub, you will need preferably uncoated regular aspirin. This way it will dissolve quicker.

You can add a myriad of things to this scrub. Here are a few of my favorite additions:

Honey contains moisturizing and antibacterial qualities

Yogurt cleanses, soothes and evens skin tone

Strawberries ideal for oily skin, natural astringent

Bananas moisturizes and nourishes
Oatmeal another great mild cleanser which soothes and controls oily skin

Oils are also very beneficial when added to an aspirin mask. Here are some oils I have come to love:

Vitamin E anti aging, prevents loss of moisture (humectant), treats scars

Sweet Almond Ideal for mature, dry and itchy skin

Grapeseed Oil anti oxidant, tightens and tones the skin, penetrates skin much easier

This scrub will get deep down into those pores where blackheads love to linger especially on my nose.

*To prevent irritations or allergy reactions, please make sure you are not sensitive to aspirin especially for those with sensitive skin. As with most Alpha Hydroxy Acids you are much more sensitive to sunlight so make sure you wear a suitable sunscreen*

I do not really SCRUB my face. I say this because I have seen people actually use a fist to scrub their face. Remember that no matter what your skin type, your skin is very sensitive. If you use too much force you risk wear and tear. Instead use very gentle and massaging strokes. I tend to use scrubs once every two weeks. I used to over exfoliate a lot and the signs are usually large pores, dry skin and weird patches. So always keep in mind that less is more. 

Leave on for 15 mins and rinse

Always avoid the under eye area

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Amal Oils: Moroccan Argan Oil Giveaway (CLOSED) + Sugar Cane Syrup Face Mask

Earlier in September Jalila Bouchareb of Amal Oils (100% Organic Argan Oil), a company founded by Jalila, contacted Hell Notes for Beauty to sponsor not only a review but a fabulous giveaway to a lovely reader as well! Amal Oils is a fascinating company considering it stands on the foundation of Jalila’s sensational entrepreneurial spirit and her strong connection with the women of her native country, the beautiful Morocco.

Argan Oil (argania spinosa) exclusively known to Morocco, has been all the hype lately, especially in hair and beauty products. Coming from a tree that can live for up to 200 years, withstand droughts and overall difficult conditions, it is of no wonder why Argan Oil has been used to also withstand and tackle the ravages of aging skin and dry hair for generations.

 Amal Oils 100% Organic Argan Oil has been a great treat because when I started hearing all the rave about Argan Oil I was rather discouraged because most products were made with Argan Oil. It wasn’t the Argan oil itself. I wanted to try the oil itself, not products infused with it.

 This is why I was excited that Jalila had contacted me because not only did she have the highly talked about Argan oil from Morocco, but 100% organic, free of parabens, toxins, preservatives and fragrance. I finally had the main ingredient itself not just a product with the oil, which is usually found at the bottom of the ingredients list anyway.

  Argan oil also possesses a variety of culinary and health uses as well, not just cosmetic. For generations it’s been a part of Moroccan cuisine as well as known to help with cholesterol levels making Argan Oil even more interesting. However, Moroccan women use it for a variety of beauty regimens and here are some of the reasons why:

 
***
Antioxidant properties

High Vitamin E content

Anti inflammatory

Improves skin elasticity

Gives hair and nails strength and shine

Softens skin

Anti aging qualities

Eases skin issues such as dry skin, eczema, psoriasis 

Heals sun burns
Reduces excessive skin oil production

Treats acne
***

Amal oils (hope in Arabic) is dedicated to not only the preservation of beauty and youth but also preserving the livelihood of poor Berber women. In turn this ensures that the women who help produce this oil are fairly compensated for their very hard work by donating a portion of sales back to the women of Jalila’s country. It’s great that Amal oils is part of a cooperative that prides itself in helping women take part in their local economy. This gives poor Berber women hope through health care, education and overall woman power in a largely male dominated society.

I have tried several products that contain Argan oil and in fact have had great experiences with them, however as a lover of all things natural, I had to give Amal Oils a try and the first thing I started off with since receiving the oil 3 weeks ago was with my hands. I use about 5 drops for my hands and cuticles and my hands feel so velvety and soft I almost feel guilty using such a luxurious oil on my hands.

 I also incorporated it into several deep conditioners I have been meaning to get rid of. I’ll have a hair review coming soon in the mean time here’s a face mask I did using:

Read more to Enter the Giveaway and see how you can make you own fabulous Argan Oil facial using

Sugar Cane Syrup (melao in Spanish )

Amal Argan Oil

Plain Greek Yogurt

Banana

Leave mask on for 15 minutes until it dries
I like to use it maybe once or twice a week especially before a special night out, party etc.

This is a great facial mask because it contains 3 of the 5 main Alpha Hydroxy acids I mentioned in my earlier post.

Bannana (Malic Acid)

Bananas contain antioxidants as well as a variety of vitamins protecting and nourishing the skin. Malic Acid is also found in bananas which helps increase collagen production, minimize fine lines and tightens pores.



Plain Yogurt (Lactic Acid)



This is my first time trying Greek Yogurt and have to say its so much better because it’s so thick, feels like a cream and smells like vanilla even though it’s plain! I love using yogurt because the Lactic Acid that yogurt contains helps sooth the skin and refine pores. Yogurt’s antibacterial properties are also ideal for oily and acne prone skin types.



Amal Oils Argan Oil (external use only)



Argan Oil contains a vast amount of Vitamin E ideal for softening the skin and treating scars.

Argan oil is also great for those who deal with eczema or severe dry skin. For oily skin types Argan Oil also reduces excessive oil production.

Sugar Cane Syrup (Glycolic Acid)

Last but not least, Sugar cane which contains Glycolic Acid. Glycolic acid helps exfoliate, soften and even skin tone as well as promote collagen production essential for supple skin.

I’ve always loved adding bananas to my face masks because when you put it on you feel a tingling sensation which lets you know the ingredients are working. This was one of my first facial mask I experimented with when trying out natural facial recipes, I usually add honey but lately I’m using Argan Oil for most of my facials and love how soft and clear my skin has been feeling.

Amal Oils Argan Oil is stored in a glass bottle, similar to the bottles most of my essential oils are stored in which helps preserve the oil much better. It has a very light, almost faint scent which you have to really stick your nose into your skin to catch it’s light nutty scent. Which I prefer, since I tend to be a bit sensitive when it comes to scents.

It also has a handy built in dropper so you use just the right amount you need.

So it’s finally time that you try this oil out for yourself. This is why One lucky reader will go away with a 2 oz bottle of Amal Oils 100% Organic Argan Oil!!!!

******

Rules

*Must be a Subscriber of Hell Notes for Beauty

*Open to US and Canada Residents Only

*Follow Amal Oils Via:

Twitter

and

Facebook

*Simply leave a comment telling me you have done the above mentioned……

*****Giveaway Ends Friday October 22*****

Hell Notes for Beauty is my personal Blog. The product was sent for review purposes only. Review of this product is based purely on my own experience and opinion. I’m in no way paid/work or am affiliated with Amal Oils.

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The Natural Health and Beauty Uses of Chamomile

Chamomile (manzanilla), like most herbs, can truly become a beautiful sight especially when growing them. However, many do not know or understand the great benefits herbs can provide. This is why chamomile is so popular. A fascinating and easily accessible herb used for thousands of years for a variety of health ailments and beauty treatments, it is of no wonder why chamomile is still widely used to this day.

Loose Camomile Herb found at my local market

Chamomile is great for many stomach problems. A simple tea can treat menstruation cramps, gases, constipation, nausea and indigestion. With just 5 mins of steamed inhalation, several times a day, chamomile can also help with respiratory issues such as sinusitis (sinus allergies) sore throats, and even asthma. For insomniacs, chamomile helps ease and calm the mind enabling those with trouble sleeping to relax and wind down making it an ideal tea before bed to ensure a restful night.

As a child during the dead of winter my mother would always make my sister and I chamomile tea with guava paste toast. The soothing and warm feeling a warm cup of chamomile tea can provide you with is rather simple yet amazing. Chamomile’s calming qualities allows you to release the day’s stress, tension and look forward to a rested mind and nervous system. Now that fall is here, it’s the best time to indulge in a variety of teas and chamomile can be a great start if you are not too familiar with teas.

As with every fall, this tends to be a time where most will be getting sick with the change of weather and all. Most likely you or someone around you will deal with one form of a cold or the other soon come winter. With chamomile’s immune enhancing, antibacterial and antiseptic properties chamomile can be an ideal tea for treating and preventing the cold and flu symptoms many will dread this coming winter (fever, nausea, pain). Chamomile is also known to be used as a mouth wash killing harmful bacteria existing in the mouth.

This tea however, I did not make to drink. Instead I chose to give myself a steam facial not only to benefit my skin but keep my rather bothersome sinuses at bay.

I bought a small package of loose chamomile tea at my local produce market for $1.You can also find it from many vendors online as well as most natural health stores. This facial steam can be done with regular chamomile tea bags as well. A steam facial can help open your pores and provide you with a clearer complexion. Adding chamomile to the mix can sooth irritated skin (like my nose). Chamomile is also known for dealing with eczema, skin inflammation and itchy skin conditions.

To give yourself a steam facial simply boil water and add your chamomile. Once your water has boiled let it sit for a minute or two and grab a towel. Make sure your hair is out of the way and your eyes are closed. Keep an ideal distance between you and the pot and place the towel over your head. You want to stay under the towel enjoying the steam for about five minutes. You can follow up with a face mask of your choice or simply rinse with cool water to close you pores and follow up with a moisturizer.

I made a lot of tea so I saved a little to experiment with a homemade toner I have been meaning to do. Either way chamomile has many great qualities for both your health and skin leaving you with an array of health benefits and possibilities.

Health Benefits of Camomile

Herbal Treatment of Children: Western and Ayurvedic perspectives

 By Anne McIntyre

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What are Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids?

Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids are found in many skincare products especially for mature and acne prone skin types. AHA’s and BHA’s are naturally found most commonly in fruits, beneficial for the skin (fine lines, sun damage) and in some cases health as well. Alpha Hydroxy acids are mild exfoliants that help break the bonds that holds dead skin cells together aka dry skin, leaving you with smooth, moisturized and renewed skin.

The skin is made up of many layers but the two main layers we are most familiar with are the epidermis and dermis. Alpha Hydroxy Acids exfoliate the top layers of the skin (epidermis) helping promote the growth of healthier skin cells by way of the dermis (second main layer). The second main layer of the skin (dermis), is where most of our moisture, collagen and elastin exist.

Collagen is what helps structure the skin while elastin helps the skin stretch and take form. Naturally derived AHA and BHA’S, as well as synthetic types that professionals use in higher concentrations (such as chemical peels), are ideal for treating wrinkles, fine lines, dryness, acne, sunspots and helps even out your skin tone.

However, you can make your own natural and mild exfoliants using Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids by simply using natural products you can easily find in your house and local food market.

*Please make sure that you are not sensitive or allergic to any of the ingredients mentioned. Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids can cause sun sensitivity and irritation, especially in higher concentrations.*

There are five types of

 Alpha Hydroxy Acids:

1.Glycolic Acid:

Glycolic acid is one of the most familiar acids. It’s derived from sugarcane and naturally exfoliates the skin. Ideal for mature skin and fine lines, scars and hyperpigmentation.

2.Lactic Acid

Found in milk, yogurt, tomato juice. Like glycoic acid, lactic acid naturally exfoliates the skin while also soothing sensitive skin types. Lactic acid also lightens dark spots left over from acne or scars in general. Yogurt is also astringent ideal for those with oily skin while also moisturizing at the same time.

3.Malic Acid

Bananas, apples, nectarines, pears all contain malic acid which is an antioxidant helping reduce wrinkles and allows the skin to retain moisture while clarifying. Malic acid is great for not only the skin but overall health as well. It’s essential for energy production in the body and is said to be beneficial for those who suffer with fibromyalgia, helping maximize energy levels while reducing pain.

4.Citric Acid

Pineapple, oranges and lemon juices, helps lighten and brighten the skin getting rid of old dead skin cells, also astringent.

5.Tartaric Acid

Found in grapes, apples, pears, tamarind. Improves wrinkles, evens skin tone and sun damaged skin.

Beta Hydroxy Acids (Salicylic acid)

There are several types of Beta Hydroxy Acids but in skin care only salicylic is known to be used which is a very familiar ingredient for those who deal with acne and oily skin as well. Salicylic Acid, the only Beta Hydroxy acid used in dermatology, is known to get deeper into the pores and is found mainly in willow bark and aspirin. Unlike the Alpha Hydroxy acids, Salicylic acid penetrates through the skin’s natural oils (sebum), thoroughly cleaning out clogged pores that causes blackheads and breakouts.

Here I will make a simple facial using yogurt (Lactic Acid)

Read More so you can see how it’s made…

Even though summer is nearly drawing to a close some have to deal with oily skin year round. So I usually do this quick and easy homemade face mask which always does the trick for me.

Yogurt (lactic acid) naturally cleanses and exfoliates the skin ridding it of old dead skin cells, it’s also a mild astringent (controls oil, closes pores), and antibacterial, ideal for keeping pimples and blemishes at bay. Oatmeal also tackles dryness and it’s known for dealing with eczema, sunburn, and soothes the skin while also cleansing the skin of oils and dirt.

For this facial you just need 2 basic ingredients:

Regular plain oatmeal and regular plain yogurt, no sugars or flavors

(If you can get Organic Greek yogurt, go for it )

Yogurt usually has a bit of water on the top, use this “juice” to moisten your mask to your liking. To thicken it just add more oatmeal. Leave the mask on for 10-15 mins or until it dries completely.

 Honey is naturally antibacterial and moisturizing making this facial an even more fabulous hydrating facial.

I ‘ve been using essential oils in my facials lately and it has become a very interesting and welcoming addition to my regimen. I like to add 1 drop of lavender oil or 1 drop of ylang ylang to this very facial. Lavender oil helps heal the skin while providing you with antibacterial properties ideal for pimples and acne prone skin, which oily skin types deal with on a regular basis. Ylang Ylang is great to help balance any skin type great for oily or dry skin as well.

This Face mask leaves my skin glowing and helps minimize my pores. I can truly see how great the results are when I apply my makeup. You can make this mask with just the yogurt and oatmeal or just add any ingredient ideal for your skin type. Strawberries are also astringent great for oily skin types while a banana can give you an extra boost in moisture.

Sources:
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beautiful Skin By Marsha Gordon, Alice E. Fugate
Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice By Leslie Baumann

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Concha De Nacar Review

The other day on my quest to the beauty supply store I stumbled into the skin care section and immediately was reminded of this Vitamin E with chamomile facial moisturizer I was using about 2 years ago. Back then my skin was very clear hardly any breakouts and dark blemish spots were unheard of while using this facial moisturizer. So I got excited when I spotted the line “Concha de Nacar”. The place I used to buy it from stopped stocking it so I switched to a few others (currently using cethaphil), but have been really meaning to head out and buy this moisturizer again.

So I ran into the Concha de Nacar line and mistakenly picked up the bleach cream instead of the daily moisturizer like I thought. The packaging are all very similar so it was bound to happen. I have never used a bleach cream in my life, but seems like my subconscious mind made me pick it up because I’ve got some really ugly nasty breakouts from trying Revlon’s photo ready foundation, (nothing against Revlon photo ready, just that my skin is super sensitive with basically ALL foundations I have tried so far) and so I really needed something to deal with those dark spots left from my breakout.

I became very skeptical of this cream because my first thought was Hydroquinone and all the issues surrounding it. But then I remembered that Concha De nacar prides itself in using natural ingredients, so then I turned to read the box when I got home that night and was impressed with the ingredients.

Glycerin, zinc oxide, ground barley, water, oyster shell powder, lemon juice, honey, witch hazel bentonite, papain, irish moss powder, salicyclic acid, fragrance.

It contains several natural lightening agents I’m familiar with such as papain and lime juice. It also contains bentonite and witch hazel which helps draw out dirt and impurities deep down in your pores. Another set of ingredients I’m not too familiar with are Irish moss powder, ground barley and oyster shell powder. Oyster shell powder is basically what the Skin care line is named after since most if not all of their products contains oyster shell powder hence the company’s name in spanish. It also contains salicylic acid, Fragrance and zinc oxide. The fragrance part put me off a little but I was still curious to see what this cream can do.

To start this is not a cream really. It’s more like a face scrub with very fine grains. When applied, it goes on white, and has a light scent to it. The box recommended that you leave it on for 30 mins but since my skin tends to be sensitive I left it on for 15 mins.

I did not notice any fades ( obviously first try ) but my face was very soft, bright and had this very soft glow. After I rinsed and moisturized with cethaphil I put on some concealer a jane blush, bronzer and mascara and was on my way. My face day one had a very nice glow, the blackheads on my nose, who have taken up permanent residence there, were less noticeable. The pimples I had on my forehead from my foundation nightmare were shrinking and were less noticeable.

By day two I still had that nice glow so I waited 2 more days and tried it again and this time it was for 20 mins or so. My boyfriend was over that day and had these very ugly pimples on the one side of his face so I suggested he try the mask and of course he refused it like the plague. But I insisted and he tried it and left it on while he showered and 10 mins later they were gone! Even he was impressed, he even had that same glow I had.

I have been using the concha de nacar bleach cream for about 2 weeks every 3-4 days just to see how long it will take to ligthen my dark spots like it claims. So far so good in terms of decent results. Although I’m also using Vitamin E capules to fade my dark spots as well, going on three weeks, I have to admit I’m noticing improvements in terms of the blackheads on my nose since using this cream.

The Concha de Nacar line is a very versatile skin care line with a variety of products to choose from and very affordable as well. Check out their website:

*I’m in no way affiliated with concha de nacar I paid for this cream with my own money and i’m posting my own opinions

 Perlop costmetics Concha Nacar

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