2 Simple DIY Facial Masks To Help Beat Hyperpigmentation

i love her hair. [source]

Hyperpigmentation occurs when patches of skin become darker than the areas around it. This happens due to an excessive production of melanin, and is usually your skin's way of trying to protect itself from damaging ultraviolet rays. Often, when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays for extended periods of time, your melanocyte cells [cells which produce melanin] go into overdrive producing melanin to absorb the rays from the sun. This excessive amount of production is what causes hyperpigmentation; those dark spots or freckles you may find on your face, arms and hands.

Before you spend several hundred dollars on microdermabrasion, bleaching creams, and chemical peels, try a simple yet effective facial mask [mask can be used on your body as well] that can help treat dark spots left behind due to hyperpigmentation. 

Lemon & Raw Honey Facial

4 Tablespoons of fresh Lemon Juice

4 Tablespoons of fresh raw honey

 

Mix ingredients together in a small bowl. Apply to hyperpigmented areas. Cover with a warm towel for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse. 

 

About This Formulation:

Lemon Juice: The lemon juice in this formulation acts as a skin whitener and gentle exfoliant due to the amount of natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids found naturally in some fruits. An exfoliant is needed to remove damaged surface skin cells.

Raw Honey: Hydrates and softens the skin. Raw honey also helps protect from bacteria, thus reducing your bouts with acne as well.

----------------------------------------------

 

Yogurt & Green Papaya Mask

3 Tablespoons of fresh squeezed Lemon Juice 

1 Tablespoon of Organic Yogurt

3 Tablespoons of crushed Green Papaya 

Mix ingredients together in a small bowl. Apply to hyperpigmented areas. Cover with a warm towel for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse. 

About This Formulation:

Lemon Juice: The lemon juice in this formulation acts as a skin whitener and gentle exfoliant due to the amount of natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids found naturally in some fruits. An exfoliant is needed to remove damaged surface skin cells. 

Organic Yogurt: The lactic acid found in yogurt also acts as a skin whitener and gentle exfoliant. Think of this ingredient as a low-grade chemical peel without all the nasty side-effects. 

Papaya: The enzymes found in Papaya gently exfoliates damaged/dull surface skin cells, tones the skin, and removes toxins.

 

Tips for those experiencing bouts of Hyperpigmentation:

Minimize your use of essential oils that cause photosensitivity. Photo-sensitivity means that you will be more receptive to light and ultraviolet rays, which will increase your risk of sunburn. Here's a list of photo sensitive essential oils:

Ginger

Lemon

Lime

Lemon Verbena

Lovage

Angelica Root

Cumin

Cassia

Melissa

Avoid using products on your face, arms, hands [and any other areas that are exposed to sun for long periods of time] that contain alcohol or mercury, as these are also photo-sensitivity causing agents as well. 

For those with chronic hyperpigmentation, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 50, while treating the affected areas. This can speed recovery and will also help prevent the same areas from darkening again, as a single day of unprotected sun exposure can undo months of treatment.

 

Follow MTM on Twitter | Add MTM on Bloglovin' |  Like MTM on Facebook 

»»  Read More....

Skin Care Quick Tip: 5 Reasons To Eat These Five Healthy Foods

What you put in your body can actually be more significant than what you apply topically. It is for this reason that I am trying to be more careful of what I eat. My snack-time selections runs the gamut from chips, to candy, sometimes shakes, and other things I'm not proud of; but as of late I have made some healthy substitutions.

Try substituting some of these healthy snacks throughout the day and see the difference it makes in your skin!

Berries [Strawberries, Blackberries, Cranberries]: Berries are chock full of antioxidants! Antioxidants helps to protect your skin from harmful free radicals, gives your complexion a radiant glow, and fights the molecules that damage skin cells which leads to premature signs of aging . Berries also help the body produce collagen which keeps skin, soft, youthful and supple.

Nuts [Walnuts, Brazil Nuts]: Walnuts & Brazil nuts are high in Fatty Acids, so they help lend a supple, smooth appearance to your skin. Brazil Nuts are high in Selenium which helps fight free radicals and also improves the elasticity of the skin.

Oily Fish [Prawns, Tuna, Salmon, Sardines]: The Fatty Acids present helps to prevent dryness, clogged pores, and improves skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis due to healthier cell membranes. Fatty acids regulate the health of the cell by keeping toxins out, and allowing nutrients in. Healthier cell membranes means that your cells are able to retain more moisture, and more moisture means younger looking skin.

Citrus Fruits [Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruits]: Citrus fruits contains high levels of Vitamin C [otherwise known as Ascorbic Acid] that is instrumental in keeping your skin health and youthful. Vitamin C [often found in most anti aging serums and treatments] is a water soluble vitamin which means it cannot be stored by the body. This is why it's important to consume at least a few servings of Vitamin C daily. The Vitamin C found in Citrus fruits acts a powerful antioxidant that aggressively fights free radicals while keeping your skin smooth and firm.



Dark Green Vegetables [Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Watercress]: Like many of the foods mentioned before this food group, dark green veggies are high in antioxidants. The Vitamin A present in green veggies also helps regulate the production of sebum, which is good news to those with oily, acne prone skin. Vitamin A strengthens the cell membrane and also regulates the release of toxins from the cells.

[photo source]

Follow MTM on Twitter | Add MTM on Bloglovin' |  Like MTM on Facebook 

»»  Read More....

High-Tailing It: Everything You Need To Know About The Phony Pony

Wearing a phony pony is a great way to give yourself a break from the hassles of styling, while still maintaining a nice, sleek look! They are economical [Human hair ranges from $15-$25, Synthetic pieces run from $10-$15], easy to install, and comes in a variety of colors, textures, and styles. 

Benefits of wearing a phony pony:

Protects the ends of your hair: Phony ponies can protect the most delicate portion of your hair; the ends. By covering the ends, you run less of a risk of splits, breakage, as well as exposure to harsh weather and/or UV rays.

Helps cut down on excess manipulation and mechanical damage:

Wearing a phony pony means that you don't have to worry about excessive styling, combing, detangling, which equals more length retention for you [provided other aspects of your regimen are healthy].

Makes a sleek go-to style for nights on the town: Instead of fussing over your hair for your next outing, sweep it back into a chic ponytail, and slap on a phony pony! This is perfect for those that have yet to perfect other natural styles, but still want to avoid using heat and even those that are in a time crunch!

Don't like the variety of phony ponies in your local Beauty Supply?

Check out your local wig shop or an online source like Hair Sister's , Especially Yours and Claire Hair.

Tips:  

• Do not wear your phony pony in the same spot for longer than one week, as it can cause thinning in that area. 
• Think the phony ponies have too much hair? Try a children's phony pony instead. 
• To lessen the amount of tension placed on your follicles, take down the ponytail at night. 
• At night, gather the hair into a loose ponytail and tie down with a satin scarf to keep your hair laying smooth.This should prevent you from having to brush your hair everyday. 
• Freshen up the style in the morning by tightening up the ponytail, spritzing your hair with water [this will reactivate any gel you may have added from the day prior], and adding a little pomade to tame flyaway's. Make sure to tie your hair with a satin scarf for at least 20-30 minutes to lay your hair down nice and smooth until the top portion dries.
• Ease styling worries by choosing ponytails that are highly textured, in doing so, it will be less pressure to get your real hair super straight. 
• For more of a natural looking pony, try to find hair pieces that are layered 
• To detangle synthetic & human hair pieces, lightly spritz them with a homemade Apple Cider Vinegar + water mixture [1 cup of water + 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar].
• Make sure to practice these healthy bunning & ponytail guidelines, as they will help keep your hair healthy, thick and free of breakage. 

Check out some of these products to help you nail this style!

Hair Accessories by Vidal Sassoon
Beauty Tools by Erico

Ouchless Rubber-bands: These rubber-bands are free metal, thick, and offers a firm hold

Eco Styler Gel: One of my favorite alcohol-free gels. Alcohol-free means you won't experience the harsh drying effects like you would with gels formulated with alcohol.

Fantasia IC Hair Polisher: Another stellar alcohol-free gel! This gel is formulated with Olive Oil for additional moisture and delivers long-lasting hold!

Bobby Pins: To hide shorter pieces, reach for good quality bobby pins with thick rubber tips. Goody & Vidal Sassoon are my favorites.

Garnier Wax: If you're wearing your hair pressed or straightened, try this wax by Garnier! It imparts mega-shine, tames flyaways, and offers all-day hold! 

Tip: I especially like using this product around my hairline and nape area, it keeps the hair uber shiny, smooth, and tamed.

[photo source]

Follow MTM on Twitter | Add MTM on Bloglovin' |  Like MTM on Facebook 

»»  Read More....

Mixology Quicktip: Make Your Own Anti-Aging Serum

Nia looks absolutely wonderful in these photos. However I was floored when I found out she was knocking on 40's door. Granted her budget may allow for more pampering and R&R, but don't count out youthful just yet. - You can make spa quality treatments at home minus the preservatives, pretentiousness, and high price tag with just a few ingredients. 

Here is a simple anti-aging serum formulation that will tone, tighten and bring that youthful glow back to your skin!

You Will Need:  

A scant pinch of Hyaluronic Acid [in powder form]

A scant pinch of L-Ascorbic Acid [in crystal form] 

1/4 cup of Aloe Vera Gel 

To Make: 

Add Aloe to small bowl and drop in Hyaluronic Acid & L-Ascorbic Acid. Mix well until H.A & L.A is well blended.

Transfer mixture to clean container with a secure lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

To Use:

Apply a small amount of this facial serum on your face and neck nightly. Allow your skin to soak up the properties of the serum for up to 15 minutes before applying a moisturizer.  

Where to purchase ingredients?

All ingredients can be purchased at The Herbarie or via your favorite raw ingredients vendor.

About This Formulation:

• Hyaluronic Acid is found in healthy, supple skin. As we get older our levels of HA tends to drop. Adding Hyaluronic Acid to this formulation will increase the skin's ability to retain moisture, and will also keep skin soft, smooth and supple.

• L-Ascorbic Acid also known as Vitamin C is one of natures best natural anti-oxidants. The L-Ascorbic Acid in this formulation will help soothe and protect your skin.

• Aloe Vera Gel is filled with regenerative properties that help soothe and protect the skin [AVG is filled with anti-oxidant and anti-viral properties]. Aloe Vera Gel is also chock-full of skin loving nutrients and enzymes that will impart a radiant glow and fade blemishes if used regularly.

[photo source]

Follow MTM on Twitter | Add MTM on Bloglovin' |  Like MTM on Facebook 

»»  Read More....