HEALTH & BEAUTY: Spruce Up Your Beauty Care

It’s the start of a new year. A time for resolutions. For 2015 to be an even better year.

The holidays have come and gone, and we’re starting off the new year by decluttering. Getting out from under the pile of boxes and mail that we set aside these past several months. Being organized contributes to our overall health and well being. And, this applies to our beauty routines as well. This means, cleansing our medicine cabinets of beauty care products that are toxic, have expired or gone rancid. Old and expired products may no longer be as effective and bacteria can build up that can lead to infections and breakouts.

Here are a few tips to organize and spruce up your beauty care:

  • Be cautious of products that include parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances and artificial colors that can be harmful to the body. Rid your cabinets of products that contain these toxic ingredients.
  • Use the “sniff” test to help determine whether products should be replaced. If it smells bad, toss it.
  • Discard expired products. Cosmetic and beauty care products that are over a year old or have passed their expiration dates should be thrown away. This includes sunscreen, mascara, lipstick, eyeliner, moisturizer, etc.
  • Clean your makeup brushes and applicators. Use a gentle cleanser to avoid drying the bristles and let the applicators dry thoroughly before using.
  • Use bins to organize your makeup and beauty care products. If you have plastic storage containers or zip loc bags, those work too.

Take some time to cleanse and organize your beauty cabinets. Your body will thank you for it.

We wish you a wonderful and healthy 2015!

published by Susan Ng | www.NaturallySusans.com | www.NaturallySusans.Etsy.com

HEALTHY & BEAUTY: Prep Your Body for the Holidays

We're all busy. And, we seem to be getting busier every day, leaving us less time to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With the holidays fast approaching, more travel, family gatherings and social engagements often fill our already full calendars. Yet, when that happens, it's even more important to find ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  

So, how are you prepping your body for the holidays? Here are some tips that may help: 

1. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is important to maintain proper bodily functions and to flush toxins from the body. When exercising or traveling, it's important to drink even more water to replenish our bodies since exercise and dryer environments can deplete more essential fluids. 

2. Exercise. We admit that we're not the most diligent about following a regular exercise routine, yet we're constantly on the move when it comes to our market life. So, whether you enjoy jogging, swimming, or practicing yoga, continue exercising to keep your body active and in shape.

3. Eat right. Fill your plates with more fruits, fish and nuts. Fruits such as berries are high in antioxidant vitamins like A and C, and consuming more fish and nuts such as almonds that are rich in essential fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and keep the body healthy. 

4. Get eight hours of sleep. Can we tell when we've gotten at least eight hours of sleep? Of course we can. We look and feel younger and more refreshed!

So, stay healthy this holiday season. We wish you a wonderful time with your family and friends!

published by Susan Ng / www.NaturallySusans.Etsy.com / www.NaturallySusans.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY: A Common Question About Sunscreen…

Summer is here! And, a question we’re often asked is…”What’s the best sunscreen to use?”

We tend to think of using sunscreen more during the Summertime since the sun is stronger and the days are hotter. Yet, it’s important to wear sunscreen on sunny, cloudy and cold-weather days to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays year-round.

It’s best to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays that can damage your skin, cause premature aging and could lead to skin cancer. The majority of skin cancer cases occur on areas of the body that are most exposed to the sun such as the face, hands, ears and neck, so be extra diligent when applying sunscreen to those areas. If you frequently forget to apply sunscreen, try using a daily all-over-body moisturizer that already includes an SPF (sun protection factor).

Look for products that have an SPF of 30 or higher and that include titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, a powdered mineral that provides more natural protection. And, look for products that are free of artificial chemicals such as homosalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, petrochemicals, PABA, parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances.

In addition to using the proper sunscreen, there are several things you can do to further protect your skin.

1) Keep covered. Clothing can offer a moderate amount of protection from UV rays. Wear cotton and breathable material to keep cool and to get some protection. Or, wear clothing with sun protection technology already built in.

2) Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face and eyes from damaging rays.

3) Stay indoors between the hours of 10:00am to 4:00pm when the rays are strongest.

4) Seek shade. Umbrellas and natural shade can also offer moderate protection.

Remember…your skin is your largest bodily organ, so protect it and be kind to it this Summer and all year round!

by Susan Ng / Naturally Susan's skin care / www.NaturallySusans.Etsy.com