A Dry Skin Miracle... Using Shikai Products!

For some reason our house is so dry.  Maybe it's the cats, or AC causing my skin to feel dry, but either way I wake up with extremely dry skin and hands in the middle of the night and it is very uncomfortable.  It seemed I was trying so many different types of lotions, but it was especially difficult to find something that worked  for a long period of time, without harsh chemicals, perfumes, and wasn't overly priced.  I came across the products by Shikai, and started using them this past winter.  I absolutely love them so far.  So glad I tried them, and will be buying more from that brand!!

Shikai is a natural company that prides itself on truly caring about their products, and having the best ingredients.  What drew me to the Shikai products in the first place was their use of Borage Oil.  I knew that borage oil is important as a supplement because I used to take it for my skin, but I didn't realize it was actually in many skincare products.  For those of you who want to know how Borage Oil works, I took this directly from the Shikai website!!

"Many people have dry skin that just won't go away and isn't relieved with traditional moisturizers. This is why we've created ShiKai Borage Therapy. These products have an ingredient so effective, it's been proven in medical journals again and again. In other words, it really works.

Borage oil, extracted from the seeds of the borage plant, is a natural source of gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), an importantOMEGA-6 fatty acid which is required for healthy skin cell membranes. Without sufficient GLA, cells can't retain enough moisture. This can result in dry skin and other chronic skin problems.

Borage oil penetrates deep, delivering GLA and its benefits directly to the cells. As a result, skin retains more moisture and is healthier."

Here are the products I have been using... and why I love them!!:  

Borage Dry Skin Therapy - Facial Repair Cream:  I actually use this occasionally, and trade off with pure Argan oil.  This is absolutely amazing at keeping my skin moisturized.  I used to use this as a night cream, before I started using Nerium AD... but now since Nerium AD is my night cream, this Shikai Face cream got demoted to share day cream duty with argan oil! 

Borage Therapy - Advanced Formula Lotion:  LOVE THIS!! It's fragrance-free, however it has a nice scent to, which I picked up as the rooibos tea that is in this.  As a tea drinker, I was familiar with using rooibos on the skin to treat  certain ailments, so I was happy to find it in a cream.  This cream is perfect for the winter, especially when you get really red and itchy skin.  It seems to sooth the skin and get rid of what is causing the itching.  

Borage Therapy - Hand Cream:  This hand cream is unscented, and the only complaint I have from it, is that the borage oil does have a different smell because it is more concentrated in the hand cream.  It is not terrible by any means, just a stronger scent.  The hand cream itself feels wonderful because it is oily, but it absorbs immediately into the skin and you stay moisturized without being greasy.  

Borage Therapy - Dry Skin Lotion - Original Unscented:  This is my new favorite!  I actually started using this a few days ago, and have to say I might prefer this over the Advanced for every day use.  It is thicker than the Advanced, and has less of a scent.  The scent is subtle but one I really like.  

Henna Gold Highlighting Shampoo:  Since I loved the lotion, I figured, why not try the shampoo too?  Again, absolutely amazing.  The scent is great, and the henna does bring out natural highlights in my blonde hair.  The henna is non coloring, but gives nice sheen and body.  When I ran out of this, I was on vacation and had to buy a different shampoo and conditioner to try... which were crap compared to Shikai.  I am trying to use them up as soon as possible so I can start using the Shikai again.  Maybe I should just put them in the guest bath instead, and order my Shikai shampoo and conditioner right away.  My guests don't have to have beautiful hair! 

They have so many more products that I want to try.   I am very impressed with all of the products so far, and hope they get some business from me posting this blog!!!  The other producs are here on their site:  http://www.shikai.com/products/prod_index.htm

I usually order through Vitacost.com (just because I get EBates back on my orders...)  and I really like Vitacost's pricing and customer service.  Plus, Vitacost has some good gluten free food options that are well priced, and I get my supplements from there as well.  One stop shop is key for me. 

Well... time for me to order more Shikai considering I just blogged myself into wanting to order more!! Stay tuned, because I will be trying the Color Reflect Shampoo & Conditioner in Gold,  Hand soap, Coconut scented body lotion..... and who knows what else!

Product Review - Gel Haute Polish

(PLEASE SEE MY UPDATED REVIEW BELOW)

I am sure most of you have gone out and had a Gel Nail Manicure at some point... and while manicures are relaxing and pampering, sometimes you just wish you could get the same results in your own home.  This is something I was looking for for years, and have tried a few different products on the market to get 'at home gel nails'.  Actually, I remember looking online just about a year ago, and had such a hard time finding anything.   A month ago, I received an email from Luminess Air promoting their product Gel Haute Polish, which is an at home Gel Nail Kit.  So, I immediately bought it!!   I have used it twice, and wanted to share my results!:

What is included in the kit: I Purchased the Pro Kit, which includes: Pro UV lamp, Cleanser, Remover, Base Coat, Top Coat, Red Polish & French Nail Kit.

How it works:  It's easier than I expected, and quite fun to do actually!  Here is a nutshell of the steps that I take:  

1.  Prep the Nails:  Push back (and trim) cuticles.  Wash hands with soap and water.  Cleanse nails and skin with the Cleanser that comes in the kit.  Is is very important to remove all natural oils from your nails if you want the Gel to stick.  

2.  Apply Base Coat:  To speed things up, I usually apply the base coat to the 4 fingers on my dominant hand (right), and the opposite thumb (left).  Turn on the UV lamp, and place the 4 fingers and 1 thumb under the UV light to set for 2 minutes.  The reason why you do not paint all 5 fingers on the same hand, is because it is virtually impossible to fit all of your fingers on the same hand flat under the UV lamp to dry.  

* Make sure you do not get gel on your surrounding skin, or it will make the gel not stick as well.  If you do get gel on your skin, just wipe it off with a small cloth or brush.  Apply gel to the other 4 fingers and thumb, and keep under UV light to set.  If you do dry any of the coats, and they are on your skin... I have just taken a nail file and filed it down a little. 

* I have found that applying 2 coats of the base coats seems to give me better results and that it lasts longer.  

3.  Color Application:  Apply color the same way as you apply the base coat (4 fingers, opposite thumb, 2 mins), set under UV lamp for 2 mins. You may also need 2 applications, depending on the color.

OR

4.  French Application: Apply the light pink gel color over the nails (4 fingers, opposite thumb, 2 mins), and set under the UV lamp for 2 minutes.  This gives you the natural pink base for the French Manicure look.  For the white tips, take the white gel polish, and make sure there is very little on the brush.  Starting on the dominant hand, paint the gel slowly across the tip of the nail, keeping in mind the natural arch associated with white tips.  Again, do this on 4 fingers at a time, and the opposite thumb, and set 2 minutes under the UV lamp.  It may take you a couple times to get used to painting the tips.    

5.  Top Coat:  Apply the top coat to the nails the same way as the base coat, (4 fingers, opposite thumb) and set under the UV lamp for 2 minutes.  ** Once the top coat is done under the UV lamp, your nails will still feel a bit tacky.  To set this, wipe the nails with the cleanser, and this will completely harden the nails.  I love this part for some reason, not sure why!!  That is it, usually I'll wash my hands after and add a little Argon oil with my hand cream for a luxurious finish!  

The Results:  So far, I really like it, and like the simplicity of how the french looks so natural.  I am pretty hard on my nails and have made them chip a few times after a week or so.  They  usually last me almost 2 weeks.  If I do get a chip after the 2 weeks or so, I have chipped/peeled them off.  It is somewhat easy to do, although not the right thing to do, but it's easier than the way they recommend for removal in my opinion.  

This is a very natural look, if you are not looking to add long extensions.  You can add extensions if you want to, which you can purchase at Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, etc.  I personally like the idea of using only the gel polish on my natural nails, so they can strengthen and grow at their own pace.  I also have a tendency to bite my nails, and this keeps me from biting!!  

If any of you have tried this, I would love to hear what you thought as well!! 

UPDATE 6.12.12

I am still loving this product, and feel it is a great option, instead of nail polish.  It doesn't stay on as long as they say (3 weeks), but even up to 10 days to 2 weeks is good for me.  I notice that it does peel off easily, if you try (I mentioned this above)... so I do prefer this compared to removing regular nail polish.  Although the application of the gel nails takes time... so does the drying of regular nail polish.  Nail polish is easy, and quick... but takes a while to dry.  Gel nails take longer to apply, but I think its kind of fun to do myself... so I opt for that!  

Some negatives I have are regarding Luminess Air Customer Service.  They have messed up my order 3 times.  The first 2 times they left items off the order.  They were great at getting the one item shipped, however the other was on back order.  They then sent out the wrong item on back order... I had been waiting on the India Pink color, and they sent me Nude? Unfortunately, this is something they haven't remedied.  They are very friendly when it comes to their customer service, but unfortunately they keep making mistakes.  I am just waiting on my still back ordered, India Pink, to be shipped out.  The summer is going to be over by the time I get it, and I ordered it for spring! 

Getting rid of Keratoisis Pilaris...

Keratosis Pilaris (aka chicken skin) is something I have had since I was born.  I have bumps all over my arms & the chicken skin look on my legs. Not to mention my face is not smooth, and I have the redness associated with it.  While, it is adorable to have cute rosy cheeks as a child.... as an adult, not so much!!

I have tried sooooooooooo many things through the years, and most things are hit or miss.  I am starting a new regimen, to see if this helps!! Here is what I am doing:

Dry Skin Brushing:  I am doing this before showering... to help exfoliate the skin and increase circulation.  You can use circular or long strokes.  I prefer long brush strokes because I feel like I get more even coverage.  I also start on my feet and work my way up to abdomen, then finish with the arms.  I haven't tried dry brushing my face, as it is not recommended with the body dry brush.

Vivite Glycolic Acid Scrub:  This facewash is great, because it is the perfect consistency for gritty exfoliation and it also has glycolic acid in it.  I have used this in the past, and although it does help with the exfoliation, it hasn't helped with the redness.  I usually use this in mornings.

Reviva Labs Glycolic Acid Face Wash:  Another great glycolic facewash which is natural, and water activated.  I usually use this in the mornings and absolutely love how silky it makes my skin feel!!

Body Scrub Gloves:  In addition to the dry skin brushing, I am also exfoliating in the shower with gloves.  Hopefully this doesn't over do it, but I try to just keep it gentle.

Reviva Labs Glycolic Acid Face Cream:   I also love this so far!  It is moisturizing, and leaves my skin feeling soft.  Although it stings a little when putting it on, it is well worth it.  Because I don't want to get it near my eyes, I usually use Argon Oil to remove my eye makeup and act as a moisturizer around the eyes BEFORE I put my glycolic acid cream on.  I use airbrush makeup too, so this moisturizer acts as a good base.

Shikai Borage Therapy Skin Cream:   This works wonders.  It doesn't seem to help with the redness or bumpiness, however... it is amazing for moisturizing properties, and keeping down any irritation associated with dry skin or keratosis pilaris.  My brother even started to get poison ivy and he said this helped to stop the itching.

Supplements!!:
Shakeoogy whole food shake:  As I mentioned before this is packed with nutrients! The main ones that I focus on for skin are Vitamin A of 5,000 iu's & MSM of 150mg.

Vitamin D:  I try to get out in the sun, but if not then I take a drop of Vitamin D supplement which is approx 2,000 iu's.

Magnesium:  Approx 250mg a day.  This is for more digestive help, and overall health. I take the CALM version which is a drink.  My fave is the Raspberry Lemon flavor!!

L-Tyrosine:  1,000mg.  I had my check up recently and bloodwork done.  Everything was fine, except for my thyroid numbers were slightly elevated.  So I am helping L-Tryosine should help!

I need to take Cod Liver Oil, but haven't started!! I have a bottle of cod liver oil pills I keep in the fridge to make sure the fish taste stays down after eating them.  Its just a matter of going to the fridge and remembering to take them!!

Hopefully this all will help with some of my skin issues. If it works, I will post before and after pictures...   If not, I will try something else!! I am determined...  I would love to hear if anyone else has any success with a serious case of Keratosis Pilaris.

Is Shakeology too good to be true?

Before 3 weeks ago, I was the worst person at eating breakfast in the morning.  I would always eat an early giant lunch and a giant dinner, and snack in between.   Usually I would try to make something to eat  for breakfast but once in a while I was just not hungry enough for food, and by the time I was I figured I'll just wait for lunch.

The food I would eat for breakfast was either, a natural gluten free cereal with almond milk, or some sort of eggs and potatoes.  The cereal never filled me up, and the eggs/potatoes made me too full!   Not to mention, I started eating gluten & cane sugar free (for the most part), because I have a sensitivity to them.  So that's my breakfast history, exciting huh? (I wish there was a way to emphasize sarcasm via a specific punctuation mark!)

Recently I was invited to a Shakeology party with my mom.  All I knew was that it was a supplemental meal replacement, whole food shake that people take in the morning. Me, I was wanting to go, but was immediately skeptical.  It sounded too good to be true.  There are so many health food drinks available, and a good many I have tried, but after further research usually made me realize the ingredients are not so good.  Plus, so many of them have sugar in them,  or are just protein only.

Because I was skeptical, I decided to do my own research about the product so I knew about it before the party.  I went online first to look at the ingredients.  The first thing I noticed is that it is gluten free, and free of refined sugars or artificial sugars, making it 'certified low' on the Glycemic Index.  (It's sweetened with stevia & NON GMO fructose)   The protein looked good to me, 15g of whey protein which I thought was good so far.   They also have a vegan blend, made with brown rice protein.  

Here is where I started to get impressed:  While reading through the ingredients, I notice it was packed with  vitamins & minerals... some more than others.  For me the most important was vitamin A, vitamin D,  and the B vitamins for my skin & energy.  I then noticed they have probiotics and digestive enzymes included which is huge for me.  Not many people know the value of keeping a good digestive system full of healthy bacteria,  nor do they realize the importance of digestive enzymes.   Lastly, its full of superfoods, and adaptogen herbs, and some super-greens.  The supergreens include Chlorella & Spirulina, which if you are not familiar with is a single cell algae packed full of  health benefits, and are considered a perfect food.  I will elaborate more on the ingredients in another post... do not want to bore you too much here!!

Long story short, I went to the Shakeology party, tasted some of the different flavors which are Chocolate, Greenberry & Tropical Strawberry (vegan).  Beachbody is the company who makes Shakeology, and they offer a variety of work out programs, and other supplements associated with the work out programs. Some programs you would be familiar with such as p90x, insanity, turbo fire, and the one that I decided to give a shot... Brazil Butt Lift.  With being slender, I am still flabby..... need to tone up, and lift my butt so I am slender and in shape... not just slender and frail!  Another post will be about my Brazil Butt Lift experience so far, which I love!

I have been taking Shakeology every morning for the last 3 weeks, and so far I love it.  The first few days you do have to get adjusted to the taste, which I absolutely love.  (It's like trying any new food, or different brand of something... just a different type of chocolate for me.)  And, since it is cleansing out your system, and flooding it with nutrients, you may go through a detox process and have some digestive adjusting to do for a few days.  There are various recipes too for the shakes.  I usually make mine with almond milk, and add a little almond butter and half a banana which is yummy for me.  Today, mine has frozen cherries in it... so a frozen cherry chocolate drink for breakfast with no sugar.... yum!!

Three weeks in, and I can feel my energy is higher, my digestion has improved, and my skin is starting to feel softer which is huge!!  As I am new to this Shakeology and Brazil Butt Lift I  would love to find some of you to join me in my journey and try it with me.  It would be great to keep each other motivated, answer questions and just give support!!   When I ordered Shakeology and my Brazil Butt Lift though Beachbody, it automatically made me a "Coach", therefore, I have my own site if you decide in the future to get more information on anything, please visit my Beachbody Coach Page:

http://www.teambeachbody.com/jessicaallison 

You can also order the programs directly from my page.  I did the 'challenge pack', which includes a work out and the Shakeology.  Just click on BE A COACH, and you automatically become coach status when you order a 'challenge pack'... so that's what I did!

Like I said, I am new to this... but, feel free to ask any questions you may have, and your own experiences are welcomed!!

A quick background...

Blogging about myself is sort of new to me, so I am giving it a shot.  I have blogged in the past, but have blogged about things related to my business.  As being an owner of a kitchen & bath design business, blogging about anything in the interior design world comes easy to me.  Talking about myself, however, does not come easy!!  Either way,  I just wanted to give you a quick background, and explain why I am starting this blog.

If you read my 'about me' you will know that I have struggled with being too skinny, while also having Keratosis Pilaris aka "chicken skin".  The Keratosis Pilaris I have had since I was born.  I have a bad case on my arms, a little on my legs but mainly on my face.  For those of you who are not familiar with KP it is a skin disorder which causes tiny red bumps on your skin.  Most people have it, and I have a severe case of it.  I also have the Keratosis Pilaris Rubra Faceii too, which gives me very rosy cheeks, nose, chin and ears.  As a little girl... I was really cute with rosy cheeks, but as I got older the redness got worse, so now I rarely go out without foundation.  I have been trying so many creams, treatments, supplements for my KP over the years.  I feel I have tried EVERYTHING, and nothing works!!!  So, hopefully I can find something that can lessen my KP, so it is not so severe!

Lastly, I am naturally very thin.  My metabolism is very fast, and do not put on weight no matter what I eat.  This never bothered me until people would say comments.  "Why are you so skinny?", "Go eat a cheeseburger", "I bet you never eat anything".  Girls in college would call me anorexic.  So, since I never watched what I ate, and ate pretty much anything, every time they said something it really offended me and bothered me.  For a while, I would eat fast food, anything high in fat and calories so I could try to put on weight.  It didn't work, and it ended up making my skin worse, and made me feel crappy.  While I was putting calories and fat in my system, I wasn't nourishing my body.  In addition, I also didn't work out for fear that it would make me loose more weight.

Luckily, I have come to accept my naturally slender figure, and rosy bumpy skin.  Although I accept it, it doesn't mean I will give up completely on doing anything about it!!  I have also started working out on a regular basis, and eating better with whole foods, and foods high in healthy fats.  As I try more supplements, and go through my work outs, I will share the progress with you.  I also LOVE trying new beauty products, especially to see what helps my KP.  I will be sharing those as well!!