Series 2:Essential Oils: Grapefruit

Since I started off this series with lemon essential oil, I thought it fitting that I should follow up with one of its cousins: Grapefruit.

Grapefruit is a well known diuretic, that helps in fat burning and detoxing, and is even said to help prevent cancer. There have been animal studies that show that limonene helps prevent stomach, liver, colon, as well as skin cancer. This substance is found in citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, and of course grapefruit. In a study by Brigham Young University, an 80.5% cell inhibition value for skin cancer cells was shown with usage of grapefruit essential oil. Purdue University also reported a 80% regression in breast cancer carcinomas with the help of limonene, and little toxicity.

Besides the above, grapefruit also contains antioxidants, ans is an excellent astringent for oily skin. It is beneficial for acne, and is used for muscle fatigue, and helps in hair growth. At home, its anti viral and anti microbial properties also make it an excellent disinfectant. Used in aromatherapy, it also helps with depression, mental fatigue, anxiety, and stress.

Yummy Grapefruit!

So How do we use it? No issue of this series would be complete without the Belle's 2 cents worth. So here goes!

- Use 2-4 drops diluted in a carrier oil and massage to relieve tired muscles

-Add 3- 4 drops into your bathwater in the bathtub. This helps relieves stiffness of joints as well as rheumatism and arthritis

-Add a drop to your water bottle or glass of water to perk up your mind and help with stomach discomfort.  But make sure the essential oil is food grade first!

-Use in aromatherapy burner/ diffuser, diluted slightly with water to wake up the mind, and uplift the spirits. (My favourite way to use it. This also helps kill airborne germs!)

-Add 5-6 drops to 100ml of water, shake well, and use as a mild disinfecting spray.

-Using a wet cotton bud, use one drop and dab onto acne areas. (Please use with caution and dilute further if you have extra sensitive skin. Better still, do a patch test first!)

As always, use with caution on the very young, and very old, and avoid using around pets, especially felines-citrus oils are known to be very toxic to them!

Please pardon this slowcoach being so slow with updates. I am, and will be travelling rather often this holiday season, so updates are slow. But I will try my best, so please be patient with me! (Will answer to comments soon, please bear with me!)

See you back here soon, my beauties!

DIY: Vitamin E Green Tea Toner

I love green tea. Hot, cold, with honey, sugar, milk or just on its own. I usually have quite a fair amount of green tea at home. So, I did some research on the internet, and after tinkering around in the kitchen, came up with this toner recipe some time ago. Stored in the fridge, it is not only cool and refreshing, but also helps to keep those fine lines at bay. Enjoy!

Vitamin E Green Tea Toner

Ingredients:

200ML of boiling water, preferably distilled
1 green teabag
1 tablespoon natural honey
3 Vitamin E capsules,400IU (Or you can use the equivalent in Vitamin E oil)

Pour boiling water over teabag, and allow to steep for about 10 minutes. Add in honey, and stir to dissolve. Allow to cool. Break open vitamin E capsules and add in the oil. Mix well. Store in an (preferably)airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator, and shake well before each use. (This is essential to ensure proper distribution of the vitamin E oil.)

This toner is suitable for most skin types, but dry skins will probably like this toner most-honey, a humectant and the vitamin E oil will help with dryness. And, need we say more about the antioxidant properties of green tea and vitamin E? Swipe it on with a cotton ball, or spritz in on with a spray bottle and pat it in before your other skincare products. Consistent usage will help reduce fine lines. As with all skincare products, always test on a small area, particularly if you have sensitive skin.

That's all for this post.  I will be back soon with more goodies. See you soon, my pretties!

Age of Beauty:Elixir(s) of Youth [2]- The New Kids on The Block

Don't we all love new skin care ingredients? They give us hope that the tomorrow of our skin can be better. Here, the Belle will break down some new ingredients, and what they do.

Growth Factors

These are proteins and hormones that pass the message to cells to build new collagen as well as blood vessels.

Sirtuins

Protein enzymes that repair cell damage, and so far, the only ingredients known to make cells live longer in the lab. Studies have not been conclusive, but they may help to increase the rate of collagen production.

Peptides

Some forms of peptides are known to shrink eye bags (goodness knows how much the Belle needs this) by improving lymphatic circulation, others improve the appearance of wrinkles by relaxing muscles that cause wrinkles. Others increase collagen production to make your skin firm.

Rhamnose

Signals to cells to 'behave' younger. Elastin and collagen production is increased, and enzymes that break down collagen are diminished.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Free radicals have nowhere to hide with this anti oxidant. It is also both fat and water soluble- meaning, it can work both inside the cell as well as the cell membrane to achieve the effect of anti aging.

Phloretin

An antioxidant that is extracted from apples. When it is combined with Vitamin C and ferulic acid, it nips the problem of brown spots and wrinkles right in the bud- before they even start. Pretty cool, I say.

Pro-Xylane

Simply, a long lasting synthetic form of hyaluronic acid. It not only holds up to 1000 times its volume in water, but also helps in the production of collagen, by increasing cell to cell communication.

Now, the list is, of course not conclusive. New skincare ingredients come up everyday.  Do note that the Belle has not tried these ingredients in her skincare yet, so do take heed and proceed with caution.

Conclusion to the series on antiaging next. Do come back soon! Comments welcome!

Age of Beauty: Elixir(s) of Youth [1]

As promised, skincare ingredients that have tested true to help with retaining your youth. In short, the most common in antiaging.

AHAs & BHAs

Mode of Action
AHAs help sun damaged skin by binding moisture and improving collagen production and smoothing skin texture. BHAs work well on oily, breakout prone skin and also helps reduce redness from rosacea. Both work via exfoliation of the skin, encouraging new skin growth.

Things to Note
Sensitivity to sunlight is increased, so usage of a broad spectrum sunscreen while under treatment is a must. Those with darker skins need to be more careful as darker skins tend to scar more easily, especially with glycolic acid. Mandelic acid and malic acid tend to be safer options.

Retinoids

Mode of Action
Derived from Vitamin A. Cell turnover rate increases, leading to brighter smoother skin. Cellular structure damage is repaired in the epidermal cells, as well as dermaal collagen and small blood vessels, resulting in tighter skin. Oil glands and appearance of pore size shrinks. Scars decrease.

Things to Note
Again, a good sunscreen is a must as skin tends to be more sun sensitive with usage of retinoids. Concentration needs to be high enough for retinoids to be effective, and air tight packaging is needed to prevent the products from becoming unstable in the presence of sunlight. Retinoids should be used with caution, especially in sensitive skins. Pregnant women ahould also try to avoid topical retinoids as it they have been shown to be harmful to the foetus.

Vitamin C & E

Mode of Action
Effective antioxidant, Vitamin C reduces damage by free radicals and boosts the effectiveness of sunscreen by helping us withstand and counteract the effects of sun exposure. It also increases collagen synthesis, which may help to diminish fine lines. It also helps with depigmentation at 5% or higher concentrations. Vitamin C boosts the effectiveness of Vitamin E, which is effective towards protecting our cell membranes. Vitamin E works to protect the cell and bodily structures considered to be 'oily'. It is effective both orally and topically. It is thought to help to protect agains age spots and scarring. Vitamin E also helps to retain skin moisture, by boosting the skin's natural moisture retaining mechanisms.

Things to Note
Look for reputable brands as Vitamin C in skincare tends to break down easily and become ineffective if not properly stabilized. Also, both Vitamins should be used with caution in sensitive skins.


Next up, in Age of Beauty: Elixir(s) of Youth [2]- the latest in anti aging, and why you should be using them. Stay tuned!

Age of Beauty: From the Belle's Dressing Table

My apologies for the slow updates!

 Without further ado, the must have products right from the dressing table of the Belle.

Hada Labo Lifting & Firming Lotion

I have reviewed this lotion quite some time ago, and I am still loving it! After continued usage in conjunction with my regular skincare, the fine lines on my neck have diminished. Retinol in the lotion helps to exfoliate and reveal healthier, younger looking skin.

Chamomile + Green tea Toner

This toner tightens skin and prepares it to absorb skincare afterwards. Chamomile soothes itchy skin. Regular usage helps to reduce dark spots associated with aging. (View my previous post for how to make this simple DIY toner!)

All too often, women are on the lookout for the miracle cream in the bottle. For me, I prefer to keep things simple. Why? Not because I do not trust modern technology, but because of the simple fact that once you start using stronger products, it is hard to go back to simpler products. So start with something simple, then gradually adjust the intensity of your routine as your skin needs it, until your skin finds the lowest concentration possible that is needed to keep it in optimum condition.

Next up, ingredients to look out for when shopping for your next youth cocktail.

Come back soon!

Age of Beauty:Hall of Virtues:Eat Up!

You know what's good for you! I will not give you a list of hard to find foods, or  expensive supplements that promise to make you 50 years younger. That's not my style,you know. Here, a list of readily available foods from your local supermarket, for you to eat yourself young.

1)Leafy vegetables-Mummy dearest was right (and so was Popeye). Spinach (Along with turnip greens,collard greens, and romaine lettuce) contain lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants prevent Age- related Macular Degeneration. And get this, Spinach contains plenty of folate, which helps to prevent heart disease. Of course, not forgetting the Vitamin C. So, you look younger with this power packed package. Now go eat your greens.

2)Berries-All sorts. They are rich in anti oxidants that fight aging--more than most other foods. As an added bonus, they also lower the risk of disease, and memory loss.

3)Salmon-Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, it not only fights heart disease, it also keeps your skin supple. The vitamin B12 in it is also fantastic for heart health.

4)Nuts-Filled with good proteins that replenish your collagen levels and heart friendly fats.Also magnesium, as well as vitamins B and E aid in the war against heart disease and cancer. Five small fistfuls a week help keep the dermatologist away!

5)Yellow and orange vegetables-Protects skin from sun damage, lowers cancer risk, fights colds and other infections. The potassium in them also keeps blood pressure down.

6)Yoghurt- Excellent source of B Vitamins, protein and calcium. And if probiotics are present, disease causing germs also exit. Need I say more?

7)Vitamins A,C, and E. Potent antioxidants that you should supplement your diet with, especially for the busy working parent who simply has no time to eat right. They fight free radicals and keep you looking and feeling good.

Just little tweaks to your diet could make a great difference in the way you look and feel. This list is by no means conclusive, but it contains foods readily available which you can pop into your cart at your next trip to the supermarket.

Eat up, and stay beautiful, ladies and gentlemen!

Review: The Body Shop Vitamin E Hydrating Toner

I  came across this toner by chance.

Recently, the weather in Singapore has been extremely erratic. One moment rainy, and blazing hot the next. So, my skin has been just as schizophrenic. One moment, it is dry and tight, the other moment, my oil glands start working overtime to compensate for the lack of moisture. I needed something in addition to my regular skincare  to soothe and add moisture but at the same time, not cause breakouts in Singapore's humid weather.

I have always loved The Body Shop products, due to their environmentally as well as socially responsible practices. Therefore, when I came across this toner on a discount (SGD12.9 VS the usual SGD22.90) at The Body Shop, it was a shoo in candidate. So here goes.

Pros

-Hydrates and prepares skin well for other products--other skincare absorb better after that.
-Skin feels soothed. Non irritating.
-After about 3 weeks of use, skin looks less tired.
-Removes any last traces of impurities after cleansing .
-Hormonal breakouts are reduced
-Smells great!

Cons
-None for me at the moment.

Verdict:

This product is a keeper. I normally prefer toners to have some sort of whitening effect, being prone to  spots genetically. However, the Vitamin E (which functions as an antioxidant) in the product makes up for this. Skin is visibly brighter following consistent use. I would purchase this product again in a heartbeat.