My journey to healthy clear skin

Luminous clear skin, a coveted envied look, that many wanted and I am not exempted, who wouldn't want good skin but unfortunately not all are blessed, mine is way far from perfect, since i hit puberty skin chaos happen  I have big pores, oily to combination skin, cystic acne, blackheads, whiteheads dark uneven skin tone I think I have every characteristic of a bad skin does hahaha and it did affect my confidence .

I tried numerous ways from self thought to seeking professional help, some work some didn't & to my joy at some point my skin cleared, sadly it don't last, I still get flared acne... to make the story short I did everything I could but still nothing worked it is still there ugly skin.

But don't lose hope ladies and gents there is always a silver-lining, there is no such thing as perfect skin though some are genetically blessed, for those who are not, good news is we can still make it better and improve our condition, in many years of my struggle and battle with my skin problem here are the lessons and knowledge I learned.

1. Know the roots of your dilemma

                                                     Factors that causes acne/bad skin

- Genetics or undiscovered ailment

 - Bad habits: smoking, drinking too much alcohol, not enough sleep 

 - STRESS

 - Poor diet & lack of exercise

In my case Its genetics or undiscovered ailment I was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries which causes hormonal imbalance one of the symptoms is acne. I also want to emphasize stress which play a major role in overall health i just don't have PCOS but i also experience extreme stress that lead to my flared skin and sickness that seems hard to treat. So seek professional help take an allergy test or try to monitor what you eat or do that may cause these bad skin reactions. It is very important to know the root  cause so you wont just blindly follow a wrong skin care regimen or treatment for your condition, you will be amazed at the improvement if you know what causes it then prevent or treat it with the proper remedy, remember knowledge is power so inspect your ways and diets. 

2. Treating the underlying causes effectively

- Try to avoid stress                      

- Have a healthy habit
- Exercise & eat healthy 
- SMILE have fun

PCOS are genetics however my doctor say it can still be treated with medicine, I choose none conventional way as I sometimes see no progress in relying on just medicine, in the long run I discovered that natural remedies are still the best without any bad side effects, after all nature is a good healer. 

As I search I learned that apple cider vinegar can help cure PCOS I incorporated it with my diet and see improvement however my acne is still there and thats when stress play a big part in once health I notice that even if I have a healthy lifestyle enough exercise but if I am STRESSED it will not suffice. At some point in my career i become very stress that I am lacking of sleep and thinking too much I got serious illness and my skin is at its worst, so don't take stress lightly it does literally affect us, our body, so de-stress!!! try to read articles about stress management, go out with friends or enroll in fun & relaxing activities like yoga, zumba, painting etc. better yet try to fix its source.

Also nourishing your internal and external body can make a drastic improvement in your skin and general well-being so it is optimal to start from inside then work your way outside you will be surprise to see a faster and successful result.

My own routine:

- I like dancing to de-stress I visit Brasas at Jazz Mall
- I take Apple cider vinegar
- I like drinking teas, chamomile tea & green tea from healthy options
- I limit my chocolate intake but if I crave I always choose 80% Dark chocolate
- I try my best to drink plenty of water & get enough sleep
- I detox with blended carrot, apple & ginger I drink it before bedtime & just feeling invigorated and looking radiant in the morning.
- My face wash is Indie lee brightening cleanser very mild and effective see my full review
http://ahmygoddes.blogspot.com/2016/02/indie-lee-brightening-cleanser.html

 3. Discover what works for you

We are all different and with differences comes with disagreements so I am not trying to convince anyone to do what I did these article is just to share my experience and what works for me. What makes it even better is that we are not stuck to only one choice we have many options to choose from.

On my part I personally & firmly believe that mixing science with nature can efficiently treat & prevent any ailments, I try to always eat healthy honestly its hard, if you are already used to your old habit but it is better to try than never, I also choose organic whenever available not just for my body but skin as well, we may forget but skin is also an organ, in fact the largest organ of the body, so what we put on it, it absorbs, so i make sure to be wise in choosing my skin care regimen and I love using only the best natural/organic product that is available in the market and for me it never ceases to amaze. When you find the right regimen remember to be consistent, consistency is the key your skin will not change overnight it still needs discipline and dedication, to see visible result, luckily nature sometimes works faster.

My skin right now? is still far from perfect but it is at its best, so don't be afraid to try new things, seek a professional help or just natural self acquired skin care regimen whatever works for you.

SUMMARY

KNOW then ACT, have a healthy lifestyle mixed with your healthy skin care and most importantly enjoy life ;)

HumanHeartNature Summer Essential Kit + Reviews

Yeeeey! summer is here...beaches, swim wear, big hats, colorful maxi dresses,cool drinks and a lot of fun who isnt excited for summer right but along came with the season is the harmful UVA & UVB rays of the scorching sun do dont forget to pack your summer essential kit.

100% Natural Hand&Foot Salve

Cost: Php 175

Ok I decided to buy a hand and foot cream because they do need extra attention too as they are mostly exposed and over used and they are prone to aging as well, so I say let those hands and feet be pampered but of course only the good. 

First Impresion

The smell is soooooo nice, one of the reason that makes me wanted to buy more Human Nature products is that their scent is very mild and not overwhelming that is one of my major qualification in approving a certain natural/organic product it must smell natural & not chemically so this one is a thumbs up, it is thick in consistency and creamy, It is very moisturizing and absorbs by the skin fast. I think I'll be using this quite often.

Ingredients: Strawberry scent - aqua (water), stearic acid (vegetable-derived), glycerin (vegetable-derived), glyceryl stearate (vegetable-derived), caprylic/capric triglyceride (coconut-derived), sorbitan stearate (vegetable-derived), sodium lactate (sugar cane-derived), sodium gluconate (sugar cane-derived), Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, Persea gratissima (avocado) seed oil, olus (vegetable) oil, Glycine soja (soybean) oil, dicaprylyl ether (vegetable-derived), fragrance (all-natural), isostearyl hydroxystearate (vegetable-derived), diheptyl succinate (vegetable-derived), capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer (vegetable-derived), tapioca starch,  xanthan gum, Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, glyceryl caprylate (coconut, palm and glycerin-derived), p-anisic acid (anise seed-derived), phytic acid (rice bran-derived), farnesol, linalool

100% Natural Conditioning Hair Mist

Cost: Php 249.75

Due to the heat plus pollution our hair tend to get dry, icky & smelly, maybe this could be our mane hero! lets find out

Review

I've been using this for quite some time now and it really does help my hair detangle & soften, again the smell is divine subtle flowery scent just refreshing although gets little sticky on hair when applied too much so I suggest use it sparingly or if just needed It must spray on dry hair nevertheless I love the product cant leave the house without it especially now that its summer.

Ingredients: aqua (water), ethyl alcohol (sugarcane-derived), hydrolyzed jojoba esters (plant-derived), decyl glucoside (plant-derived), hydrolyzed corn starch, Beta vulgaris(beet) root extract, fragrance (all-natural)

100% Safe Protect spf30 PA++++

Cost: Php 300 

Cant go out and have fun without sunblock ladies and gents we need protection we need to be vigilant in protecting ous skin against harmful rays of sun it can cause aging, melasma/dark spot or even cancer so slap that trusty sunblock of yours in my case I only choose natural or if ever available organic one as it safely protects without the toxins that can cause more damage than protection.

Review

Warning! it is oily in consistency as its base is coconut oil & castor oil but fear not and be merry as these basic ingredients does wonders to your skin

Castor Oil Skin Benefits

1. Heals Inflamed Skin

2. Fights Signs Of Aging

3. Reduces Acne

4. Moisturizes Skin

5. Fades Blemishes

6. Prevents Stretch Marks

7. Reduces Pigmentation

Coconut Oil

1. Retains moisture

2. Anti microbial

3. Repair skin

4. Anti aging etc...

Who wouldn't want a sunblock that works like this just awesome I dont break out gives glow to my skin and  has instant whitening that is different from conventional one it looks natural and radiant. first application is sticky I admit but as it settle on your skin you wont feel that anymore. I wear this under makeup powder as it has moisturizing effect and voila a good primer 

TIPS: if it is too oily for you on the face after the product sets in your skin blot the excess oil by facial tissue or oil absorbing film then do your usual makeup routine.

Ingredinets: Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, Ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, hydrogenated castor oil, zinc oxide, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, dicaprylyl ether, Cera alba (beeswax), Glycine soja (soybean) oil, fragrance (all-natural), glyceryl caprylate, tocopherol (vitamin E), p-anisic acid

First Impression Kora Organics by: Miranda Kerr

About

KORA Organics is a range of 100% Australian-made skincare products offering a blend of natural and certified organic ingredients. KORA Organics was co-founded by Australian-born international supermodel Miranda Kerr, she wasn't able to find organic products that consist of the ingredients that she believe in thats why she created her own line with the help of organic chemists, aromatherapists, and formulators from Australia in October 2009  and is produced and manufactured in Melbourne, Australia.

Review

Soooo I decided to try their Age Defying Set although they have a lot of good choices and best sellers but just because I believe that prevention is always better than cure haha so start young and see good result in the long run & I really need to mention this I love how Miranda is so passionate about inspiring and educating people of having a healthy body & mind she include her Empower Yourself Cards just love it.

I got kora from their website koraorganics.com and it did take a lot of waiting but never the less I am very excited that my product arrive safely yey! and cant wait to try it.

Age Defying set consist of the AHA facial exfoliating scrub and Phytox Oil. 

Age Defying AHA Facial Exfoliating Scrub

Claim 

This superb AHA Facial Exfoliator will revitalise the look and feel of your skin. Enriched with the latest researched plant actives and fossilised diatoms it will assist a smooth and renewed appearance of the skin, leaving your skin looking and feeling soft, glowing and radiant. Use this age defying treatment every third day to enjoy younger looking skin.

Key ingredients such as, certified organic Chamomile, Oat, Green Tea, Olive, Noni & Aloe Vera plant extracts help restore the skins natural radiance and brighten complexion.
AHA stands for Alpha Hydroxyl Acids. Our Megafruit AHA Activated Blend contains a number of certified organic, naturally occurring AHA’s which have been shown to promote smoother, younger looking skin by increasing the rate of cell renewal. AHA’s weaken the bonds that hold the dead cells together meaning they can be shed from the surface resulting in skin appearing fresher, smoother and younger.

My thoughts

First Impression the packaging was a tad tiny and the first thought that pop on my mind was to not use it that much so I wont consume it that fast I dont mind the price if its worth the buy but the tax in here is so over the top I paid the exact same amount of the product and they always always like to delay things when they can make it faster urgh the nerve anyway back to review haha.... yes its tiny and the smell is earthy and aromatic and it come of very strong but for me its just fine just smell so organic.

It has big exfoliating beads all natural derive from bamboo, sugar cane & maybe from other fruit seeds too. The instruction says to cleanse and dry skin first and make a mask for 5min to allow the plant acid to soften the dry dead skin cell then wet hands then scrub it in circular motion and remove with water. After use my face feels very soft no tightness no tingling & itching even during masking time, my face does really feel revitalise. The instruction says to use it once a week but I will be using it 3x a week as I have lots of dead skin and my face lack lustre so I need exfoliation more often. 

Ingredients

Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Megafruit Complex - Water (and) Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract (and) Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar cane) Extract (and) Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract (and) Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract (and) Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Lactic Acid & Trehalose, Glycerin^, Diatomaceous Earth, Cetearyl Glucoside (and) Cetearyl Alcohol, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Matricaria chamomilla (recutita - chamomile)*, Camellia sinensis (Green Tea)* and Olea europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract*, Morinda citrifolia (Noni Fruit) Extract*, Potassium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Persea gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Rosa eglentaria (Rose Hip) Oil*, Bambusa arundinacea (Bamboo) Stem Extract, Tocopherol (and) Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Macadamia integrifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil*, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Anthemis nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Oil*, Citrus aurantium (Neroli) Flower Oil*, Beta Carotene, Olea europaea (Olive) Oil, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, linalool**, geraniol**, limonene**. *Ingredient from Organic Farming. ** From essential oils. ^ Made using Organic ingredients. 97.79% of the Total ingredients are from Natural Origin. 75.26% of the Total ingredients are from Organic Farming.

Age Defying Phytox Oil

Claim

Experience KORA Organics revolutionary timeless beauty oil featuring Phytox™ booster, our premium formula for addressing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Our Age-Defying Phytox™ Oil contains a rich source of anthocyanins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Infused with natures elite; Acai, Rose Otto, Jasmine, Sandalwood & Frankincense to help refine the appearance of skin texture and the look of fine lines and wrinkles is softened. Skin appears softer, smoother, more radiant and younger looking.

Phytox™ is a trademarked combination of plant-derived ingredients revered for their anti-ageing properties that have been extracted using the most pure and advanced methods to preserve their capabilities and performance.

My thoughts

Had strong smell too, earthy and aromatic but slowly fades away, of all the oil I have tried so far this is the oil that absorbs by my skin really fast I'm quite amaze I must say, I rub it on my hands and tap and press all over my face avoiding the eye area I first tried it before bed time and as I wake up it does look lively and not tired no irritation as well lucky! :) because my skin tend to react badly on products that have lot of ingredients to it and sometimes even on natural one so I thank the heaven for no bad response to both products haha as I had a terrible experience with the customs and delivery but all's well that ends well important is the products are compatible with my skin "So far so good" :)

Ingredients

Macadamia integrifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil*, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil*, Rosa eglentaria (Rose Hip) Oil*, Phytox- Euterpe oleracea (Acai) Fruit Oil*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyeride (and) Lavandula Stoechas Extract, Tocopherol, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Oil & Hippophae rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Oil*, Morinda citrifolia (Noni Fruit) Extract*, Santalum spicatum (Sandalwood) Oil*, Rosa damascena (Rose) Oil*, Jasminum grandiflorum (Jasmine) Oil*, Rosmarinus, Officinalis Leaf Extract*, Boswellia carterii (Frankincense) Oil*, Parfum (Natural), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Cananga odorata (Ylang Ylang) Oil*, Pelargonium graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil*, geraniol**, citronellol**, citral**, linalool**, benzyl benzoate**. *Ingredient from Organic Farming, ** From essential oils. 99% of the total ingredients are from Natural origin, 96.65% of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming. 

Over all

I like that Miranda included exotic component on the overall formulation Noni Juice is jam packed with antioxidant so I have high expectation result. My general first impression? so far soooo gooood...but of course will still continue using for a thorough review for the full result so stay tune ;)

* I got the pair for $89 at koraorganics.com go check it out and try it :)

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser Review: Updated

Meet Indie Lee

After conquering a life-threatening brain tumor that pointed to environmental toxins as the culprit, Indie Lee awoke on April 22, 2009 with a new lease on life and the passion to create a chic and eco-friendly namesake collection. Comprised of the finest all-natural ingredients around the world, the line is designed to enhance the face and body with gratifying green glamour. Indulge in the luxurious feel and beautiful benefits of Indie Lee products while protecting the Earth– and your body. Unleash your inner and outer beauty with Indie Lee, an eco-chic collection of skincare products that combine style and sustainability without sacrifice.

Review

I have combo acne prone skin and my usual cleanser is Neutrogena fragrance free for sensitive skin It is  a good facial wash and I don't had any bad reaction while using it & my face clear up too however I notice that my skin looks dull and lifeless so I decided to look for a much better one a clarifying and a nourishing cleanser as well and so while looking I find IndieLee products and decided to buy her brightening cleanser to try.

I am using my Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser for two weeks now and I can already see the difference It does really help brighten the face its a very mild cleanser but still does it job removes dirt and sebum does control my acne too but not drying, I love using it with my Clarisonic brush once in a while for a deep refine exfoliating experience and after washing, my face looks more clear, fresh and nourish plus the scent is so yummy!!! but not too overpowering  as it uses natural oils it awakens your senses and calms you this product does make me feel always excited and eager to wash my face so no more lazy washing haha. Great mild cleanser & it is natural !!!(a fanatic of natural organic products here) a must try product will definitely repurchase, now It pique my buying prowess again so lets go on the hunt for the next IndieeLee product (browse browse brows :)

* Bought from www.beautylish.com for $32

Ingredients

Purified Water, Decyl Glucoside (Veg. Oils & Sugar), Disodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate, Coco Glucoside Oleaste (Coconut and Sunflower Oil), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein*, Xanthan Gum, Fragaria Chiloensis Seed Oil (Strawberry), Lycopene, Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin (both derived from natural sources). 

*Note: contains gluten. 

Update Review

So Ive been using this cleanser I think for about 1month and half and it really delivers! my skin become even no breakouts it controls my oily skin and the look of my skin is much brighter than before it did make my skin glow very  mild cleanser and I like that Indiee uses minimal ingredients but with effective result. Big Love and thumbs up for this product its a blind buy that turn out sooo well. 

Human heart Nature Pure Rosehip Oil

Human Heart Nature is a pro poor, pro environment and pro Philippines that cater natural products that benefits the farmers of Gandang kalikasan. I do admire their mission and vision thus I support their company and they do produce high quality and effective products I am so proud that it is Filipino owned natural brand I do hope they continue to grow and innovate new natural products.

Pure Rosehip Oil

Review

After thorough research and review reading on this natural oil I finally decided to buy and the brand I choose to try is Human Heart Nature all their products are very engaging and they have tons of list of wonderful products one of my fave is their sunflower beauty oil and Ive been using it ever since they just started and It works wonders. (review on beauty sunflower oil soon)

The packaging is so luxurious and looks so expensive but fear not it is not, as you can see it only cost P695 quite cheap for a high quality product and it is natural yey!.

The consistency is of course oily and you have to rub or massage it on your face to fully absorb it no strong smell its a plus points for me I am just using this product for just 3days so I cant tell for sure If my dark spots are lightening or fading but it does look lighter than before so I have high hopes for this one I will just continue using it and I will be back for a full review. It does looks promising ;)