Mid-Week Pick Me Up: Manuka Honey Face Mask

What's a better way to get you through that mid-week hump than glowing skin? One of my favorite pieces of skincare advice has to be the manuka honey mask. 

Manuka honey is different than your typical honey in a bear jar. It's unpasteurized, meaning it retains its potent and powerful dose of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This is a beneficial and rewarding product for those who struggle with acne breakouts or irritated skin. I recommend incorporating this mask into your skincare routine about once a week. First, cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser, apply to skin for about 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. However, this is some pretty sticky stuff so I recommend using a warm washcloth to help dissolve the honey first and then gently wipe off. If you feel as if a washcloth is too harsh, try using reusable cloth baby diapers (sounds weird but they're super soft!). After you take the mask off proceed with the rest of your skincare routine. 

You'll feel soft, clean, and look glowing! 

Remember, be sure to buy any manuka honey product that has the number 16 on it (it's the most powerful one). You can get this product online or at whole foods. 

References:

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/manuka-honey-medicinal-uses

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C4%81nuka_honey

http://www.manukahoney.com/

Bye Bye Gym

It's official, I am no longer a gym member. I will certainly not miss the smell of sweat, or the naked old ladies in the locker room (no offense), or egotistical men grunting after every set. The habit of working out somehow died between pre Christmas and post new years eve. I kept asking myself why couldn't I muster up the energy to go to the gym!!! Then I came to the realization that not only did I not feel motivated, I also dreaded the environment of the gym. So after 15 minutes on hold with NYSC I finally cancelled my overpriced membership. 

Now I am proudly $69 dollars less broke a month, yay! I have to say that working out at home is way more enjoyable. I am in control of the environment I create. For example, I love to open my curtains wide to let the sun in and burn a lavender (L'Occitane, of course) candle to set a zen mood. Also, I use MY equipment. Not any that someone sweated all over. Even better, I can maximize my workout time by cutting down on 30 minutes of travel time to and from the gym. Another great benefit about working out at home is that I have the confidence to try new workouts I find online or in magazines without feeling self conscious. And last but not least, I can hop into the shower post workout, get ready and go! 

If you don't have any equipment at home, it is well worth the investment! My essentials include a yoga mat, 5 lb weights, a resistance band and a Pilates stability cushion. All pieces that will cost you $40 and under if you search amazon or websites on google. However, it's totally up to you what essentials will benefit and motivate you the most to workout at home. 

Remember, if you keep your equipment out in open sight then you're more likely to be reminded that you should get some workout time in!

It's All About the Antioxidant

It's probably likely that you've picked up a food package or skincare product with the word "antioxidant" printed on the label. It sure sounds fancy and healthy, but what is it?! The concept of an antioxidant is so simple yet complex. I promise you don't need to be a science whiz to be skincare savvy. Let's start with the term "free radical". A free radical is an atom with unpaired electrons. That free radical will then start to oxidize. As a result, the free radical atom will steal electrons from healthy cells. Eventually, many healthy cells will turn into free radicals as well. Free radicals can originate from environmental stressors such as pollution and sun damage. In the long-term, if the skin does not receive a hefty dose of antioxidants then breakdown of collagen occurs, DNA can mutate, and the skin cannot heal itself properly. Scary!

For anyone who lives in a polluted city like me, I sure don't want my healthy skin cells damaged. The power of antioxidants is certainly a popular trend. Antioxidants are so important because they are capable of donating electrons to the free radicals. It's proven that antioxidants can slow down free radical damage in order to improve elasticity in the skin, build collagen, and reduce sun damage. Overall, antioxidants are a fabulous way to regenerate healthier skin cells. 

You've probably already heard of a couple of antioxidants like the famous vitamin C or vitamin E. Here are a couple of antioxidant superstars:

Vitamin C: evens skin tone and texture, repairs and maintains collagen  

Vitamin E: heals burns, protects the skin from early signs of ultraviolet sun damage

Chamomile extract: anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory

Green tea: anti-inflammatory, prevent collagen breakdown, reduce UV damage 

Remember, it's always a good idea to load up on antioxidants through foods and good skincare products! 

For a full list of antioxidants check out my favorite website: Paula's Choice Antioxidants

Also, check out this helpful video that explains the idea of antioxidants using helpful visual.

How Manly Is Your Skin Care Regimen?

metrosexual |ˌmetrōˈsekSHo͞oəl|

noun

a young, urban, heterosexual male with liberal political views, an interest in fashion, and a refined sense of taste.

       After reading the definition of metrosexual would you add anything? I have to be honest. I think the definition readily implies that a metrosexual often keeps up with his image. Particularly, their skin care regimen. I'm most interested in how societal gender norms impact the way we assume how individuals care for their skin. It may be stereotypical, but females are more widely expected to upkeep their appearance; buy expensive anti-aging products, get botox injections, succumb to the power of plastic surgery. However, the term metrosexual implies that our views have embraced a shift in ideology. The heterosexual man is no longer limited in his choice of skin care regimen. Although at first we may see this as a break in traditional gender norms, we must examine more closely. The definition also indicates that in order for this metrosexual man to upkeep his appearance, he must be "liberal", take an "interest in fashion", and have sophisticated "sense of taste". I believe that this creates a strong split between metrosexuals and non metrosexuals. It then becomes expected for a non metrosexual to shy away from "mangrooming" and stick to the old fashioned soap and water combination. In short, I posit that while women are wholly expected to adhere to a full skin care regimen, only certain types of men are socially accepted to follow a skin care regimen. Furthermore, the structure of skin care websites reveal how we think about skin care in terms of gender.
     
       For example, websites like Kiehl's and Clarins have specific directory tabs at the top of their website. There are categories such as "face", "body", "hair", and then "men". The tab for "face" is usually categorized by concerns and collections. Resultantly, skincare "concerns" create an ambiguity in who will use the product. However, men receive their own special tab. Most companies would argue that men tend to have a different skin type; they have more rapid oil production, have thicker skin, and are more prone to irritation from shaving. This allows for the development of appropriate products. I agree with this argument to an extent. However, in terms of moisture levels (oil production), not all men are oiler. I've seen some pretty dry skin for men from my experience. In my opinion, skin care should be based on skin concerns and needs and not based on gender. However, the reality is that men have been using soap and water for a long time. As a result, marketing and campaign strategies are fostered to capture the attention of men.

       For the company Kiehl's, the "Facial Fuel" line is a whirlwind of navy blue packaging, accompanied by visuals of airplanes and manly words such as "reenergizing" and "ultimate man". The biggest upward trend and potential market for new customers in skin care companies are men. However, I'm sure metrosexual men or men who always had a complete skin care regimen were already using products. They didn't need male friendly marketing to persuade them to use the products. This is significant because it shows that the skin care industry's efforts are to draw in the typical traditional heterosexual male. As smart as these campaigns may be in regards to business, they are certainly reenforcing societal gender norms.

       From my experience I've had countless interactions with male clients. There's a spectrum of skin care clients/consumers. The lowest rung on the ladder are those males who just wash their face in the shower with soap and water (St. Ives?). Then, the second rung are the males who have the basics down, cleanser and moisturizer. Next, the third rung entails a male who is willing to add in special products such as a toner, eye cream, or serum. Lastly, the ideal male customer for skin care companies is one that uses all products which cover a full skin care regimen, shave products and body products. It certainly takes persuasion and effort to work these clients up to the highest rung on the ladder. It's a challenge but it's not impossible.

       Skin care companies would probably also argue that men have a different lifestyle. They are always on the go and don't want to take the time to follow a detailed regimen. Is it because we view males as the breadwinners? It seems like we assume all males have a corporate job that starts at 8 am, in which they cannot possibly take time in the morning to wash their faces properly. I'm not a male, but yet my life is busy. I'm a student and a worker filled with class assignments and the desire to keep my life social. Yes, I follow a full skin care regimen and make time for facials. I think that lifestyle varies in term of the individual and not gender wise.

       In an ever changing world I think that this topic is definitely up for debate and discussion. It's also an effective way to really zero in on how to further market towards the male demographic. But keep in mind, how would these marketing campaigns look like in order to deplete such strict generalizations of females, males, and categories within men?

       

Once Upon A Time...

..."Organic food was just called food." 

                     ~Hunter Professor 

Flying down train escalators. Caffeine rushes. Familiar faces, foreign faces. Oh my.

Fall semester is here. There is always a mix of emotions floating around my head at the start of a new semester. It's a feeling of nostalgia for learning new ideas, theories and knowledge. Then panic briefly strikes at the thought of long tiring nights. The days will certainly pass by and the holidays will arrive in no time. I'm sure most students are concerned about how to keep up their energy. 

Our bodies are powerful engines. Yes, they can be fully energized. But, there needs to be the right conditions for our body to emit energy. I recently finished an enlightening self help book by Certified Nutritionist Kimberly Snyder called "The Beauty Detox Solution". Snyder unveils the simple truth of how food effects our digestion process. Our body can process fruits, vegetables and nuts a lot more quickly than starches and animal protein. The longer the digestion process more energy is required by the body to digest the food. Therefore, our bodies are hard at work leaving less time for the cells to carry out processes that can leave our skin glowing and maintain physical/mental energy. 

Why is it that we are so tired after eating large holiday meals? It's because we are most likely stuffing animal protein, starches, vegetables and dessert all in a matter of an hour. Our digestion system becomes clogged and our body is hard at work. Some call it the "itis"! 

Hopefully this semester you can tweak your eating habits to help you through those all nighters and finals. Try to follow these simple philosophies.

• Before a meal eat your fruits and vegetables first so your stomach can easily absorb its nutrients
• For efficient digestion pair animal protein (beef, chicken, fish) with vegetables/fruits, if you decide to eat starches/carbs (pasta, bread, grains) also eat it along with vegetables/fruits
• Try to avoid eating starches/carbs and animal protein together, it's a full blown workout for the digestive system!
• Hydrate throughout the day, add lemon, don't drink it all at once or else you will have to pee often
• Try a B Multi vitamin (time released) to sustain mental energy throughout the day 
• Incorporate probiotic pills for a delivery of good bacteria in the stomach 
• Take enzyme capsules or drink Kombucha to help aid the digestive flow 

Remember, efficient and easy digestive flow with yield more mental/physical energy!

First Time Experience at an All-Inclusive

Vacations are meant to be a change of scenery and routines. Recently I spent a week in Punta Cana, I enjoyed the gorgeous beaches and refreshing pool with my boyfriend and friends. My mind felt at peace while I felt the motion of the waves in the Ocean. However, it was certainly a challenge to upkeep my eating habits. The resort was all inclusive meaning unlimited choices of food. I managed to eat my fruits and vegetables, guzzle lots of water and stick to small portions. The downside about the food is that you can definitely tell everything is drenched in sauces and tons of salt to ensure good taste. My stomach was not used to all the added stuff on top of my vegetables. 

I do admit that I am a crazy sweet tooth. I couldn't help but try the desserts because I knew it would be regretted. Also, the all you can drink part of the package only added to my bloated feeling. No one is perfect including myself. Coming home I really felt like crap. My stomach was bulging and I felt sluggish. I truly missed the way I ate when at home. For next time, I would want to only stick to dessert once a day and limit myself to only two drinks a day. 

As I'm writing this I'm enjoying a wonderful snack of carrots and a tbsp of hummus. Oh how I've missed eating healthily :) 

How To Get Back Into the Healthy Groove Post-Vacation

• Remind yourself of the feelings that good eating brings to your body
• Drink plenty of water, and add lemon to bring down bloating
• Eat lightly 
• Eat fruits and vegetables that contain lots of water (watermelon, lettuce) to alleviate bloating 
• Go for a run, dance to your favorite music or hit the gym to get your metabolism up 
• Nourish your body with an exfoliating wash
• Rehydrate your face with a yogurt, honey, and brown sugar scrub  

Mind Game: Rethink the Fried Chicken

The whole train cart reeked of fried chicken. Directly across from me a large women chomped on her Popeye's drumstick. My first reaction...damn, that smells good. However on second thought it was truly repulsive. She seemed to mindlessly intake the fried chicken like a zombie. Perhaps she had a bad day or could only afford Popeyes, but it kept me thinking about how psychological eating choices are. 

Making constant healthy eating choices is definitely a habit I have worked towards and struggle to maintain. Lately I've noticed that when I wake up in the morning and pop open my fridge I actually demonstrate conscience thought. Yes, my eyes are still heavy with tiredness but I truly ponder about what foods are going to respect my body. What foods are going to deliver antioxidants, keep me full but not bloated, boost up my metabolism and energy levels? 

I think this is  habit is worthy for everyone to try. Even if you just start at breakfast. Pause and evaluate what foods are going to really be beneficial for your health.