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This brings
me to finding the right product that has the least preservatives
and irritants that could harm your skin and environment. Through
trial and error (and my friends being guinea pigs), your skin solutions
are a word away.
Q: How do I get rid of baggy or puffy under eyes?
A:
Use what the models use, Preparation H cream (the ointment smells
fishy)— it really does work—or try a homeopathic version
made by Nelsons, which can be found at www.Drugstore.com for $5.99.
Key ingredients in the Nelsons version are Aesculus hippocastanum
(horse chestnut), which has been used for swelling and pain due
to varicose veins and chronic circulation problems; second is Calendula,
an anti-inflammatory that also helps bruising and strains; followed
by Hamamelis virginiea (witch hazel), which is used to treat eye
inflammations, hemorrhoids, bites, stings, and skin sores; and Paeonia
Officinalis, a homeopathic remedy used for pain, swelling, ulcers,
and abnormal growth. If
you prefer something that says “used for eyes” (not
hemorrhoids), then you might like No Puffery by Origins or try plain,
raw potato slices. Place potato slices (thin) on your eyelids for
10 minutes and then lightly remove; they also lighten circles!
Also try green
tea. After you have steeped tea bags in hot water, remove excess
liquid and place in an air-tight container in the fridge. When tea
bags are cold, lie down, relax, and place tea bags over closed eyes
for 20 minutes. The tannin in tea reduces the puffiness and revitalizes
tired eyes.
Q: How can I tighten sagging skin on my face?
A:
Good question with a cost-effective answer: egg whites. Whip up
an egg white and brush on face. Let dry 15-20 minutes. Spritz on
water to soften and then wash off. I would suggest getting a couple
of ice cubes, and with circular motions, rub the ice cubes all over
your face. You will be refreshed and look like you had an expensive
facial procedure. Follow with a good moisturizer. An over-the-counter
solution can be Orjeans CoQ10 or Arbonne’s NutriMin C Reversing
Gelee Transforming Lift. (It has some preservatives, but it is better
than most over-the-counter cosmetic brands.)
Q: How can I lighten brown spots?
A:
There is a skin lightener called Kojic acid (www.youngagain.com)
discovered in Japan in 1989. It is a natural product derived from
a mushroom. It will penetrate the upper skin layers to inhibit the
formation of pigment. As with any skin lighteners, you must wear
sun protection with an SPF of 30 so that you will not get hyper
pigmentation. Another one to try is Dermafade, which can be found
online at www.beautynaturally.com.
Q: I have course eyebrows and would like to soften them. Any suggestions?
A: Yes, I do,
and it is so simple. All you need is some castor oil and a Q-tip
swab. Dab on oil with Q-tip and apply to brow. By doing this every
day, you can train unruly brows and condition them at the same time.
While you’re at it, apply to eyelashes and it deepens the
color without having to wear mascara. (Be careful of eye area.)
Q: How can I get rid of dark circles?
A:
Here are some natural remedies for dark circles under the eyes:
one is bananas— the potassium helps eliminate circles under
your eyes; the second is by using real lemon juice and honey—it’s
a natural lightener as well. Mix one tablespoon of lemon with four
teaspoons of honey. Smooth on dark spots or under eyes, wait 15
minutes, and rinse clean. Please be sure to wear sunscreen. An over-the-counter
solution is Booth’s Black Licorice Eye Cream. It minimizes
under-eye circles and smoothes away wrinkles. You can find it at
Drugstore.com for $10.00. Well,
that sums it up for now. I hope I have helped you with some of your
skin care struggles and turned them into skin care strengths.
Beauty is a
wonderful thing, but there is beauty in imperfection, in spending
time with our family, in a beautiful mind, and in using God’s
wisdom in what we put into our bodies. When we choose to honor God
with our bodies, He blesses us with greater contentment and confidence
in our bodies and our souls. God created each and every one of us
beautiful! Charm
is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the
Lord is to be praised (Proverbs 31:30).
Do you have
a beauty problem that requires expert advice? Email Shelly your
question to shelly@shellyballestero.com.
Please include "quick fix" in the subject line.
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