How You Can Benefit From Ceramide In Your Skincare

Ceramides definitely don't get the praises that it deserves, It is one of the most underrated ingredients in skincare and it is the glue that holds the skin together. In fact, some may say its more powerful than retinol and y'all know that I love me some retinol and swear by it but I'm going to explain why. But first, you must know what ceramides are...

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links of the products mentioned. I may get a commission from purchases made from these links. Thank you so much for your support of faithhaller.com.

CERAMIDES, WHAT ARE THEY?

Ceramides make up the skin's protective barrier. Its what helps keep the skin hydrated, plump and supple. Ceramides are fat molecules also known as lipids that retain water within the skin's natural barrier and work as the skin's natural moisturizer. Without ceramides, the skin can become compromised, dry, irritated, inflamed. 

Have you ever applied moisturizer but your skin is still dry & flaky? Well, that's because your skin lacks ceramide. 

Ceramides are a component of the skin's makeup. In fact, as a part of the skin's barrier layer, ceramide helps to protect the skin from exposure to environmental aggressors that ages the skin like pollution and dry air. 

So to break it down...How do ceramides work??? Remember in the beginning when I said that ceramides are the glue that holds the skin together??? Well, imagine the floor tiles. So the floor tiles would represent our skin cells and the grout that binds the skin cells together is the ceramide. Without a strong bind, the skin cells become weak.

When the protective barrier of the skin is damaged & compromised it can allow the entry of bacteria causing inflammation, acne flareups, lack of water retention which means saggy skin, wrinkles, fine line only because the moisture is leaving the skin because the bind is not strong enough.

There are numerous factors that contribute to the loss of ceramides in our skin. One factor is Age. As we age the natural production of ceramides decreases. Seasonal changes can definitely affect the skin. The overuse of harsh soaps, exfoliants can throw off the skin's ph balance, therefore, weakening the skin's barrier. the ceramide levels. Smoking can definitely weaken the skin's barrier and deplete the skin of ceramides. Imagine someone like myself who naturally lacks ceramides within the skin.  and If you suffer from eczema, xerosis (dry skin), rosacea, or even acne than its obvious that the ceramide levels in the skin are lower than it should be which contributes to the sensitivity of the skin, dryness, and inflammation.

So what should you do to build your skin back up? Add products containing ceramide into your routine. if you have...

1. Hyperpigmentation
2. Keratosis Pilaris - Rough Skin
3. Dry Skin
4. Atopic Dermatitis AKA Eczema, 
5. Acne
6. Psoriasis 
7. Saggy Skin
8. Sun Damaged Skin
9. Fine Lines & Wrinkles

 Then adding ceramide into your routine will only strengthen your skin to prevent these following conditions. 

So before I share some skincare picks with you I wanted to share why ceramides are said to be more powerful than retinol. Y'all know I swear by retinol! In fact, I use retinol 3 times a week but here is the thing. While retinol can totally transform the skin. If your barrier is weak it won't do much good. Also if you have extremely sensitive skin retinol which is a form of Vitamin A may cause some sensitivity. Granted you can only use retinol at night because it makes your skin sensitive to the sun. Whereas, ceramides are what makes up our skin so adding ceramides will only give you better results and ceramides can do everything that retinol does without the sensitivity because it's the makeup of our skin. So there you go! So you want to know the best products to use that contain ceramides??? Well, I got some 6 awesome picks for you! Not only have I tried these creams but they're also on the top picks of many dermatologists and skin expert lists. You may want to add these on your Black Friday/Cyber Monday lists because they have some great deals online. 

1. Mario Badescu AHA & Ceramide Moisturizer

2. Cerave Moisturizing Cream

3. Pixi Beauty Rose Ceramide Cream 

4. Cerave SA Cream

5. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair BarriAIR Cream

6. Dr. Jart + Ceramidin Cream

So I Got A Vampire Facial And You Won't Guess What Happened

This post is made in partnership with Sakura Health & Beauty Spa bringing you 

So I Got A Vampire Facial And You Won't Guess What Happened

Hey Girl,

So guess what...I got a Vampire Facial and you won't guess what happened!!!  Well, I'm alive for one lol. No actual vampire was sucking my blood out of my skin Unless you want to call the doctors blood-sucking vampires.OH! And it wasn't as horrifying as the pictures of Kim Kardashian that we saw on Instagram. You know THIS ONE.

That photo was pretty dramatic and scary, And if you heard Kim's review it probably would deter you from getting this awesome facial. And I'm not going to share her review. I'm going to share my review and give you my perspective. If you would like to see her thoughts just google "Kim Kardashian Vampire Facial". 

So first off you know by nature I'm a technical person and naturally like to educate which is what I provide through my blogs. A source of knowledge. realness! I put Vampire Facial in the title because most people on social media may have heard of that terminology but the technical term for this facial is PRP Facial. PRP which stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. 

So in the process what happens is blood is drawn from your arm from a licensed and certified doctor or nurse whatever you want to call them. The point is they're licensed. If anyone else is drawing your blood and they're not licensed RUN! The blood is then spun in this machine called the centrifuge that separates the plasma from the white & red blood cells. 

In this photo, it has just come out of the machine that separated the plasma. You can see the red blood cells at the bottom and the white is the little chunky part above the red before you get to the pure gold plasma. 

So the plasma can either be injected or used through the microneedle. I know you're saying...WAIT...Microneedle??? YES, they use a Microneedle as they're applying the Plasma onto the skin. This is how you get the benefit of the plasma because of its ability to fully penetrate into the skin. I briefly talked about this in my book but in essence, when using the microneedle it creates micro-injuries in the skin that send the skin almost into shock mode to recover faster. Just call us little wolverines. You know when wolverine would get injured his skin would start to heal rapidly...Well, this is what micro-needling does to our skin. But there is science behind this. On average at approximately 27 to 28 days the skin will regenerate itself which is why skincare is very important because when the new cells come in you want to see the results of your hard work right? Well, when micro-needling which is minimally invasive is used on the skin it is a way to rejuvenate the skin. It triggers the healing process of the skin and sends an alert out to produce more collagen, fill in fine lines and wrinkles, heal scars, minimize discoloration and so much more because there are so many benefits of PRP Facials. And when you're using your PRP with the microneedle you are using the largest component of your blood which contains so many nutrients such as:

• glucose balances the skin. It's a natural exfoliant with glycolic and alpha-hydroxy acid contents helping to maintain our skin equilibrium. It won't become too dry, or oily. You're left with a naturally radiant glow. 
• amino acid helps to strengthen the immune system, maintain hydration and skin resilience and overall healthy appearance reducing the signs of aging. 
• minerals help to treat dry skin and promote healthy complexion vitamins improving the skin from sun-damage, reversing signs of aging such as discoloration and wrinkles.
• salts get rid of the dullness of the skin making is brighter, smoother and clearer because it improves skin texture.
• carbon dioxide promotes the activity of the protein in skin urea - improves the ability to retain water in the skin and balancing hydration.
• hormones- increases hydration, the elasticity of the skin, skin thickness, therefore, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Your quality of collagen is enhanced through the hormones

As you get older it's harder for the body to produce collagen. So Microneedling is a way to trigger the collagen promoting more youthful skin and clear skin which we all want to remain youthful. PRP Facial is that fountain to youth. So since it takes about 27 to 28 days for the skin to regenerate and produce new skin cells what you do before and during that time is important. By treating the skin with your PRP you are getting more nutrients to the skin then you would using a potent serum.

So let's get to the benefits of PRP Facials...

PRP Facials is the natural alternative to botox & fillers. The benefit of using your PRP is that you get long-lasting results and what you're using is not foreign to your body because it's your own plasma from your blood. Your own immune system is stimulated through the use of your PRP, improving the quality of your skin. 

WHAT YOU SAY FAITH?!

 God created something in our bodies that's just as effective than any product out there. And through science, technology, and research God has given man the ability to figure out how to get effective results with pricks to the skin and our own plasma. That's pretty darn amazing!

Ok back to the benefits:

• PRP stimulates the collagen production & elasticity of the skin, therefore, improving the skin plumpness. Say goodbye to saggy skin. 
• Improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves skin texture
• Reduces the size of the pores
• Improves discoloration
• Improves uneven skin tone
• Improves the appearance of acne scars
• Improves dull skin
• Gives a youthful glow and smoother skin
• Improves the effectiveness of skincare products.
• Minimizes spider-veins and so much more

Ok, let's get to my thoughts and experience...

I was uberly excited about this treatment my only fear was the needle which was practically a majority of the process lol. I'd say I have a low pain tolerance so anything to me that involves infliction to my body I may consider painful. When they took my blood I felt a small pinch and that pinch wasn't painful at all.  

Then Darly went on to clean the surface of my skin and then numb it. She massaged the numbing gel on my skin like a serum to allow it to penetrate. She numbs my skin between 15-30 minutes. Who wants to feel needles pricking their skin over and over again?? NOT I! Well Kim K who's obviously superhuman wanted to feel the needles. And we saw how that turned out for her. That wasn't the wisest decision and definitely effected her review of it which I thought wasn't a fair review. But anywho..back to my review. SO once my skin was fully numb they then started the treatment session.

Darly then went in with the micro-needling pen which gives a lot more control, and precision than the tradition derma roller. She can control the depth point of the needle. '

So let's get to the question... 

Does it Hurt?

No not really...and remember I said that I had a low pain tolerance. Now there are areas on the face you will feel it more such as...forehead and around the nose near the nostrils but overall the numbing cream makes the process comfortable and tolerable in certain areas that you may feel the needle more. 

What are things to expect post-PRP facial?

Now during the consultation, they ask questions about allergies, fever blisters and things of that nature because this is a minimally invasive treatment and whatever is underneath the skin will rise to the surface which is totally normal because its the body's way of purging itself. HOWEVER, your physician need to know these things prior to starting so they'll know if they should move forward or even possibly avoid that area during the facial. Also, your skin will start to feel tight and when it heals you may see some dry areas which is why the aftercare is important. Keeping the skin hydrated, and protected will give you amazing results. 

It can possibly cause inflammation

It is quite common for the skin to become a bit swollen or even maybe a tad bit bruised if you have sensitive skin but if you have a good esthetician which I had an amazing esthetician it will be minimal. But your skin is a bit swollen is normal after the procedure and the aftercare is just as important as the initial facial. The products you use during the aftercare process must be gentle, no active ingredients, no acids, no retinol because it will sting terribly and your skin will become extremely inflamed and the reason why is because remember your skin is now open so what you put on top of it must be gentle and I suggest natural. With this process don't overthink it keep it mad simple. Cleanse, tone, use vitamin c and physical sunscreen. Your skin doctor will give you recommendations. Follow it!

How long does it take your skin to heal?

I'd say about a week. And even after that I suggest waiting to use active ingredients until 2 weeks just to be on the safe side.

How long does it take to see results?

Honestly, you can see some immediate results but I'd say about 1-2 months and if you continue this treatment ESPECIALLY if you have extreme scarring and skin texture you'll really notice the difference if you're getting it every 4-6 weeks. 

Check out the glow! This was immediately after the session!

After Care Products Used:

Alchimie Forever Gentle Cream Cleanse

Evian Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray

Alchimie Forever Kantic Brightening Mask

Sephora Collection Ultra Glow Vitamin C Serum

Alchimie Forever Kantic Intensely Nourishing Cream

Alchimie Forever Protective Day Cream 23

The products that I used are also great for sensitive skin, laser treatments, chemical peels and more. Alchimie Forever is my ride and die I talk about this brand often. This brand was developed by dermatologists specifically for treatments and those with sensitive skin. It's a vegan brand with great ingredients. 

Follow This Brand

Sakura On Instagram

Sakura On Facebook

Sakura Website (Currently under construction but will be up soon)

Issa Review: Dripping In Tahiti Lava Au Eau de Shimmer

Hey Girl!

it's been a hot minute! Well, let me briefly catch you up because a lot has happened in a short amount of time. I just turned 34 years old on April 25, and on that day released my first ebook all about healthy clear skin that you can download here and last I'm back in the workforce. So my life is no longer my own but it's all good because I have goals and I have to do what I have to do. But I'm still working on my business and still bringing you content that I feel you will love. 

Today I am bringing you a review. I haven't done an actual review in a very long time. In fact, I haven't done an actual review since April 26 of 2018. But I've done plenty of blog posts since that time. 

Summer is near and I'm sure you are ready to hit that beach in your swimsuit! Well, I have some tips that are going to keep the skin on your body hydrated glowy & I'm going to show you how to fully keep the skin protected because while we want our skin to look and feel amazing we also want to protect it. So first let me give you a few details about this product.

Captured in this photo is Tahiti Lava

Essentially True just released early spring their new Au Eau De Shimmer in translation it means Gold Water of Shimmer. This product is a seasonal product so once it's gone you may not ever see it again. So get it while it's hot and still on the shelves. Some other key things you should know is that 

• This shimmer is water-based
• It has a buildable shine (In between each layer you want to allow the dry first)
• Apply to moisturized skin
• Not sticky
• Not Greasy
• No Transfer
• Lightweight
• Retail Price: $28
• 8 oz 
• Hand-made with amazing natural ingredients & pure love.
• Available in 3 Shades: 24 Carat Shine (Intense Gold), Champagne Mami (Subtle Sheen), Tahiti Lava (bronzy hue of sun-kissed melanin)
• IT SMELLS AAAAHHHHHHMAZING!!!!

Photo Credit: www.essentially-true.com website.

This is a water-based product so it instantly quenches the skin and it also has a natural cooling effect because it is aloe based which is perfect for those hot humid summer days. The benefits of aloe vera juice are that it helps to reduce the frequency & appearance of acne, it reduces skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis. It's rich in antioxidants and vitamins that naturally protect the skin. It is said that the important compounds in aloe vera help to neutralize the effects of UV radiation that not only ages the skin but also burn the skin. It reduces inflammation and scarring and It helps to repair existing UV damage and it can help minimize fine lines and wrinkles. 

When using this product it is suggested that you apply to moisturized skin because there is a difference between your skin being hydrated vs moisturized. And if you have drier skin like myself you definitely want to moisturize your skin first. There is definitely a confusion between Hydration vs Moisturization. And as an educator of skin, it is very important for me to educate you on this knowledge so you can fully understand HOW to use this product in the most effective way. Remember that our skin is the largest organ on our body and in the summer we have to work more to keep the skin hydrated by making sure we are drinking the suggested amount of water. But remember water also evaporates. It can evaporate from sweating and it can evaporate from just pure neglect. Hydration is what makes our skin plump which builds the collagen of the skin internally improving elasticity and it keeps our skin fresh, and soft.  Your skin can be moisturized and still not hydrated. Moisturizer is topical. Hydration is from the inside and also can be applied on the outside to penetrate into the skin. You want to make sure that not only are you fully hydrated but that you are also moisturized because moisture will keep the hydration in. Think of it like this... Dehydrated skin that is moisturized but not fully hydrated will leave your skin feeling dull, tight and lifeless. While dry skin that may be hydrated but not moisturized will still flake and have a rough texture. Make sense? 

So it doesn't matter what your skin type is..understanding that our body needs both hydration & moisture is what is important. Now I will share that normally when we're talking about the order of how you should apply your products it would be to apply your hydrating products first then to seal with a moisturizer to lock the moisture in. Check out my post on The Correct Order To Apply Skincare Products Which is true in most cases or many cases. BUT! There is a but here...Knowing the purpose of the product is what's important and knowing how you may be using the product can also alter this rule. So I use this product in different ways. The original direction is to apply it to moisturized skin because it is a body shimmer. Most times you're not using a "body sh

immer" as a "skincare" product. You're using it because you want the benefit of the glowy shimmer correct? So you can definitely apply it as instructed. The more layers you add the more shimmery and pigmented it will be. Remember it's buildable. You have to let it dry in between each layer.

\

Now I personally prefer more of a glow rather than a shimmer and that's just personal preference. So I apply this mainly in the order as I would apply my skincare because I like more of a glow from within and I like the benefits of hydrating my skin and sealing it with moisturizer whether doing it the other way around because I have dryer skin. I still can build the layers and then apply my moisturizer. Remember earlier in this post that I mentioned the benefits of aloe vera juice and how it's a natural protectant of the skin? While that is VERY true guess what? You still should add sunscreen and the reason why is because it goes along with what I said about Hydration vs. Moisture. Hydration alone is not enough. You need to moisturize so having a sunscreen that has moisturizing benefits will help elevate this product. So there are three ways you can use this...

1st Way: Moisturize Skin, Apply Eau de Shimmer, Apply Sun Protection

2nd Way: Apply Eau de Shimmer, Apply Sun Protection

3rd Way: Apply Eau de Shimmer. Apply Moisturizer, Apply Sun Protection

BONUS: Exfoliate Skin with the Sweet Lips Scrub from the "Pretty Kitty Collection"  (which is very moisturizing and will slough off the dead skin. It can be purchased separately from the kit which is amazing!), Apply Au Eau de Shimmer, then Apply Sun  Protection

I personally prefer the second way. I apply to my desired layer and then I seal with a moisturizing sun protector. My current favorite is actually a product that was highly suggested by Jennifer Lopez makeup artist Scott Barnes who revolutionized what we know as the "JLO GLOW". 

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist SPF 70

What I like about the body mist vs me physically applying a sunscreen with my hands is that once you apply your desired layer of Essentially True's Eau De Shimmer you can mist your body without physically touching your body to moisturize and protect. This just adds another boost of untouched glow to the skin and ultimate protection because you will be outside. You can consistently apply without feeling like you have tons of product on your skin. It's also quite refreshing & it provides UVA & UVB protection. So these are my tips on how you can elevate your glow.

Stop by her page and check out this amazing product. Remember it is a seasonal product so once it's gone it is gone! Au Eau de Shimmer 

Did you enjoy this??? 

If you enjoyed this I have something else that you will enjoy!!! ISSA GIVEAWAAAAAAAAAAY!!! I was sent an extra Au Eau de Shimmer from Essentially True to giveaway to you all! I'm excited for you to try it. It's the shade Champagne Mami. It's going to give you a glow from within sheen. 

Give Away Entry Rules

1. Follow My Page @FaithHaller & @EssentiallyTrue 

2. Subscribe To My Newsletter & Get My FREE Ultimate Clear Skin Guide (You will get special discounts, exclusive giveaways, exclusive tips from not just me but experts & more...

3. LIKE My Most Recent Post 

4. Tag 2 Friends 

5. Bonus Entry - Post Photo to your page. (Stories or Feed. If you post to both it's an extra entry per post. Make sure you tag both me & essentially true in the post & on the photo)

Be sure to check out Essentially True's website to see everything that's carried. Essentially true is a Natural Wellness company that carries an away of natural feminine products. Be sure to use my code "FAITH" to get 10% off

Oh by the way Essentially True is having a Mother's Day Sale where you can get 20% off of entire purchase using Code: LOVEMOM. This code can not be combined with my code for extra discount. I'd suggest just using the 20% off code that lasts through Sunday. If you miss out on this Mother's Day sale then you'll always have access to my code to get 10% off on each of your purchase. 

The Best Oxygen Facials For Glowing Skin

Hey Girl!!!

This year is all about Glowing Skin! I mean what year is not about glowing skin???? Glowing skin is always in and you can definitely achieve it without using tons of highlighters & makeup and one of the quickest ways to achieve that is through an oxygen facial. 

An oxygen facial is an anti-aging facial that gives you immediate results and giving your skin a smooth, moisturized surface. With the oxygen treatment, you will notice that...

• Your expression lines are less prominent because the oxygen treatment will plump the skin.
• Your Skin Elasticity will improve (The more elasticity your skin has the more youthful you will look)
• A deep infusion of oxygenated vitamins & antioxidants to protect the skin from sun damage that can age the skin. 
• This treatment is non-invasive. So you can carry on with your regular schedule, you can wear makeup. 
• It naturally exfoliates the skin so you will notice the clarity of the skin is healthier and the skin is brighter and radiant. 
• It minimizes breakouts- & scarrings because it detoxifies the skin

So now that we got that out of the way I am going to share just 5 At-Home oxygen treatments that do all of the amazing things that I listed above!

1. LumionSkin Oxygen Serum 
On the Think Dirty App Lumion Skin Oxygen Serum is rated a 0 which is the cleanest product to put on your skin. This Serum is an effective yet lightweight serum that defends the skin against... Signs of aging, soften fine lines, and aids in the reduction of skin irritations. This product mimics the body's natural immune defense system and contains HOCL that softens, hydrates, clarifies, purifies and illuminates. And through the oxygen, it promotes skin cell turnover. 

2. Dr. Brandt Oxygen Facial Mask 
Give your skin a breath of fresh air through Dr. Brandt oxygen mask. This mask instantly foams up into bubbles and detoxify, purify, and hydrates the skin leaving it soft, supple, and radiant.

3. Pixi Skintreats Glow O2 Oxygen Mask
If you are looking for a more affordable This oxygen treatment mask revives dull, tired skin, providing an immediate anti-fatigue effect –perfect before a big event or makeup application.

4. Twinmedix PRO: Essentials O2
Twinmedix Oxygen Skin Transformer is a pro favorite! This mask releases oxygen into the skin so your complexion instantly looks fresher and brighter. This formula is rich in antioxidants to fight free radicals that agest the skin, and cleanses deep into pores while removing dirt and all impurities. Moisturizing botanical extracts combats the appearance of age spots and visibly repairs premature aging. This mask is designed to clear skin and maintain a healthy and youthful glow.

Skincare101: The Correct Way To Layer Your Skincare Products

*This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through affiliate links helps to support this website.

I'm so excited to bring you an updated version of my original post from back in the dinosaurs age of 2016 lol...

OMG!!! You've Been Applying Your Skin Care in the Wrong Order

 Since then we've seen new editions to the skincare family and a lot of these things aren't new at least to the Koreans but to us AMERICANS, as usual, we're always 100 steps behind.

Everyone finds value in different things and mines just so happen to be skincare. And with all the new technology and products such as cleansers, toners, essence, serums, and more that's out there I'm sure it can become overwhelming. When I first got into the beauty industry it was overwhelming getting sent tons of skincare products but not knowing how to use it effectively. And the more the industry evolved and new innovative products came out the more confused I became UNTIL I followed the basic rule of thumb when it's pertaining to the application and what order to apply your skincare products in. 

The general rule of thumb is to layer your products from thin to thick and water-based to oil base. If you follow this logic you won't be confused. This is important to know because you want the products to penetrate the skin and do their job. Applying in the wrong order won't allow you to get the most of your products and what happens is not only are you not getting the benefits but you're wasting product time and money. So I'm here to share some nuggets with you that will get your skin back on track. 

CLEANSE YOUR SKIN

This is the first thing in your skincare routine that you want to do. If wearing makeup you definitely want to go into it differently. Especially when you're wearing eye makeup such as mascara and eyeliner. If waterproof you need something that's going to grab hold to the product and the key is to use something with oil. I like to use coconut or olive oil on a q-tip to remove the product. But I have tried other products if you prefer to purchase a product from the store. 

Try These: Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Liquid, Neutrogena Hydrating Eye Makeup Remover Lotion, Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water La Roche-Posay Micellar Water

I also like to take a clean spoolie brush (it looks like a mascara wand) and a q-tip to assure that the residue is removed from the eyes with the eye makeup remover. Then I follow up with my cleansers. I have many products but I alternate between a few cleansers that I know will thoroughly clean my skin without leaving it totally dry. 

Try These: Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser, Alchimie Forever Gentle Cream Cleanser, Alchimie Forever Purifying Facial Cleanser, Pixi By Petra Double Cleanser

EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN

Exfoliating your skin is something that you don't necessarily have to do but I recommend it. It's an important step and should always come after the cleansing phase or you can merge it with your cleanser to kill two birds with one stone. Consider exfoliates like an abrasive cleanser that scrubs the dead layers away. There are different types of exfoliating methods. You have exfoliants with microbeads in them, you have exfoliated tools such as the Clarisonic and Foreo luna, and then you have the natural exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and enzyme peels that a form of exfoliant. The reason why I recommend exfoliating your skin is that it's important to lift the dead layers from your skin to reveal the new. And if you are someone that suffers from acne scarring, blemishes, and other skin conditions then you want to add exfoliates to your routine. I guarantee you will start to see results. 

Try These: Mario Badescu Almond & Honey Face Scrub, Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads, Pixi Peel & Polish, The Body Shop Youth Liquid Peel, Alchimie Forever Gentle Refining Scrub,

MASK YOUR SKIN

Masking is not something you have to do but I will say it makes a difference. And with masking, you want to make sure you do it after you cleanse and exfoliate. I try to be consistent with my masks but I have used a plethora of masks for different purposes that I really liked. There are moisture masks, clarifying masks, detox masks, exfoliating masks and more. 

Try These: Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask, Hey Honey Take It Off Exfoliating Honey Peel Off Mask, Achimie Forever Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask, Pixi Glow-02 Oxygen Mask

TONE YOUR SKIN

Some dermatologists are saying that toner is not needed for the skin. And that may be true with all of the additional skincare products added you don't necessarily need toner. I've tried both with and without toner and I've been fine. The goal is to put the moisture back into the skin and you can definitely do that without a toner. But if you can't afford essence or a good hydrating serum having a good toner is still important for your basic skincare. There are many toners out there and a few I'd recommend. But if you know me very well there is only one toner that I consistently use and that's Pixi Glow Tonic but I'm going to give you some other recommendations also. 

Try These: Pixi Glow Tonic, Derma E Radiance Toner, Derma E Anti Wrinkle Toner, Derma E Purifying Toner Mist, Pixi Rose Tonic, Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner , Fresh Rose Floral Water Evian Facial Water Spray, Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner

SPOT TREATMENTS/MEDICINE

When it comes to prescription medication for the skin you want to ensure that the product absorbs so you want the product to be on clean skin so they can fully absorb and do their job.

Try These: Burts Bees Spot Treatment Cream, Burts Bees Targeted Spot Treatment, Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment , 

ESSENCE IT UP

Essence is a Korean method which most times is a form of a serum because of the active ingredients and the benefits you get from it. Depending on the texture will determine in what order it should come. Most essences I've tried or seen or either in liquid form or it's more of a creamy gel consistency. But there are come cream essences and if you ever run into one and decide to try it, instead of putting it before the serum you would put it after the serum. Remember the rule of thumb. Gel always comes before creams because gel is light in consistency so you always want to make sure the product penetrates the skin. 

Try These: Farmacy Skin Dew Hydrating Essence, Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Mist, Saturday Skin Daily Dew Hydrating Essence, Fresh Black Tea Essence

TREATMENTS & CREAMS

Now it's back to your skincare products. The order of your products is determined on the consistency of the products. Remember thin always comes before thick and this is the rule of thumb you should follow no matter what. When it comes to getting the results in your skin this is it! I am an advocate for them even though they cost the most it's totally worth the investment because they're highly concentrated which means you will definitely see results. Remember earlier when I recommended exfoliants and why I felt they were important? Once you remove the dead layers of the skin which you only have to do 2-3 times a week. You would treat the skin with a serum. There are different serums for different purposes. I use Hydrating Serums, Glycolic Acid Serums, Hyaluronic Serums, Vitamin C Serums, Retinols and more...These serums, oils, and creams promote healthy skin and are anti-aging. I use all of these at night because the skin regenerates overnight and these products help in evening out my skin tone by fading hyperpigmentations, it helps diminish fine lines & wrinkles and gives a boost of hydration. If my skin is a bit drier than normal I'll add a few drops of Derma E Radiant Glow Face Oil or Pixi Rose Oil to my cream.

Try These: Alchimie Forever Advanced Retinol Serum,  Alchimie Forever Pigment Lightening Serum,  Pixi Hydrating Milky Serum,  Pixi Overnight Glow Serum Pixi Rose Caviar Essence,  Derma E Vitamin C Serum,  Derma E Peptide & Collagen Serum, Derma E Radiant Glow Face Oil,  Clarins Double Serum , Pixi Rose Oil Blend, Clarins Multi-Active Night Cream,  Alchimie Forever Kantic + Intensely Nourishing Cream 

Now that you've read this post are you a bit more comfortable with your skincare routine or adding new steps to your routine? Let me know in the comments below. 

How Yoni Therapy Gave Me Full Control Over My Life

Yoni Therapy also known as vaginal therapy was a topic that was uncomfortable for me to talk about for multiple reasons. But as you know for over a month I've been talking about yoni health and the power of it when you take care of it. 

*This post is in partnership with Essentially True. All thoughts and experiences are my own. 

So back to my story and I promise I'll keep it short. (MAYBE LOL). So at the beginning of this post, I mentioned that this topic was hard for me to talk about for a couple of reasons...

1. Well, It was embarrassing and I thought I was the only one going through what I was going through
2. Well being the daughter of a pastor and with the strong upbringing I had, I guess I thought it would be taboo to talk on this subject because I never heard anyone around me talk about Yoni/Vaginal Health or the things women go through. So I guess I thought that it wasn't normal to talk about or it was a sin to talk about.

But I'm guessing no one talked about it because this topic was always private. If there were ever an issue what the women did was just go to the doctor. And there wasn't much of a need to talk about it. But times have changed. In the world of technology, information is readily available to us and now people seek more for information and now people are discussing this topic because women's health is really important to talk about and we shouldn't feel awkward  in discussing these things because every woman at one time in their life has had questions about and possibly experienced certain things such as BV, UTI and more. It's not a disease, it's not a curse. Well, it may be a curse that Adam & Eve started but we won't get into all of that. My point is that I'm not alone and you're not alone. There is a way to cure this and I'm going to be talking about this. But first, let me share my story...

I've suffered from chronic reoccurring Yeast Infections and UTI. To give you around estimate I may have gotten UTI's 1-2 times a year and as I've gotten older my yeast infections increased. I mean I can't even give you a round estimate because I felt that it was a part of my life. I just couldn't shake it off. From as far as I can remember I think I started having issues when I started going to college and it was scary because I didn't know what was wrong with me and why these things were continuously happening to me. I didn't do anything for it to happen. I wasn't sexually active. So what was going on??? That was my question. And the scariest thing for me was to tell my parents because I didn't know what it was, neither did I know how to describe it or what to expect when I told them. And remember guys I was in college. I thought there was a curse over my life. Eventually, I did tell my mother because it was torture. So we went to the doctor and they prescribed me with (roll eyes) "Antibiotics". I guess this was "THE CURE" back then. I don't know but they never said why I was having these issues. No explanation just a prescription and out the door I go. 

So over the years it increasingly has gotten worse and it was so embarrassing to the point I didn't want to be around anyone because of the discomfort I had with the itching and the unbearable scent, the inflammation. No bath, could get rid of the scent or soothe the inflammation and itching I would get from it. It was torture. It got to the point where 2-3 years ago I started looking into alternatives because it was really affecting my life overall. Because when I start missing church it's time to make a change.  Mind you...your girl is 33 now. I got tired of being prescribed with antibiotics, with no explanation. of why this was happening. I was tired of the creams that didn't work and the over the counter pills that didn't work. I was tired of not knowing. No one would or could explain to me what was going on. And I got weary. So I started doing my own research. I knew that it had to be something out there to help me with what I was going through. I knew I couldn't have been the only one going through what I was going through. And when I googled I seen so many stories about women that were going through what I was going through. And that's when I ran into a topic on Yoni Health! 

I was like WTHECK is "Yoni"??? It made me want to dig deeper into this topic and I was amazed at the different things that women did to care for their yoni and was like GEESH this has been going on for centuries!!?? More women need to know about this! Why haven't I heard about this??? Why don't the women in my church know this? And if they do know how come they holding back information? Honestly, the women in my church didn't know because if they did I wouldn't have been walking around the way I was for so long. 

So as you know, for over a month now I've done a series on Yoni Health and ladies if you're new to this topic I want to share some past posts that you should definitely check out. 

• The Introduction To The Yoni
• Self Care: Yoni Steaming
• Yoni Series
• Essentially True
• Probiotics For The Yoni
• A Natural Alternative For Douching
• Benefits of Raspberry Leaf For The Yoni
• Benefits of Lavender For The Yoni

Ok, so back to the story...Earlier this year after learning about the yoni I knew I wanted to talk about it on my blog but at the time didn't know how to approach it. And some months ago, I was reached out to by Essentially True. Essentially true is a Beauty & Feminine Health company that was birthed by Aressia. I'm so excited to be doing an interview with her because I wanted to learn more about this woman also known as the "YONI WHISPER". She's very active on Instagram so be sure to follow her page. 

Check out the Interview >>> Interview With Essentially True Founder Aressia

I was sent a beautiful package of feminine goodness that you all already know about because I shared on social media and on here. I've had the chance to thoroughly use everything that I was sent so I'm able to share my experience. Life-Changing is probably an over-used word but let me tell you something... When you have had BV for years and there was nothing that helped you, this brand was literally God sent for women around the world. So I was sent...

🌿 3 Packs of Yoni Steam $45
🌿 4oz Uplift Yoni Spray $15 
🌿 4oz Yoni Oil $30 (The 4oz Yoni Oil is no longer available for purchase. The only option you will have is the 2oz. But remember a little goes a very long way!)

These products are made by hand from scratch with a lot of love. So yes everything is organic and cruelty-free.

Here are my thoughts and breakdown of each product.

YONI BALANCING OIL

Essentially True Yoni Oil is packed with amazing herbs and essential oil blends and is one of the top-selling products on the online boutique store.  There is a reason why though... Not only does it help in prevention but it naturally heals and restores vaginal balance. The pH Balance is important because when there is an imbalance, bad bacteria can grow and we can develop irritations, odor, inflammation, and infections,  such as BV (Bacterial Vaginosis), which is the most common vaginal infection for women and there are women that suffer from endometriosis which is an inflammatory disease and so much more. So the PH Balance is an important factor when it comes to vaginal health. And I can attest to all of this because as I said above, I suffered from reoccurring BV and this product has been a lifesaver. Normally around my menstrual cycle which is when the hormones increase... I noticed that my vaginal flora would become very sensitive and that's when I would experience the itching, burning, inflammation and all of the things that come with BV.  I started using the yoni balancing oil and noticed immediately the relief I would get. And now I use it more for a preventative care and have noticed that I have not had any major issues. And it also promotes freshness because as I mentioned when you suffer from BV you will notice not only a strange discharge but almost a fish-like or fungus scent that is not pleasant. I've also noticed that I've been very lubricated down there. 

*Quick Tip: When needed I would apply this oil on an organic tampon and insert it in and apply a little on the outside of the vagina and vulva area. After 1-2 hours I would remove and toss. 

Because this yoni oil is natural it can also be used all over the body, it can help in healing acne/acne scarring, it gets rid of hair bumps and discoloration and much more. 

The yoni oil that I have is the 4oz bottle and is now discontinued but the 2oz and 1oz bottle are available for purchase and little goes a long way. 

Purchase at this link: https://essentially-true.com/shop?olsPage=products%2Fyoni-oil

UPLIFT YONI SPRAY

The Uplift Yoni Spray is an organic Feminine Hygiene Spray that freshens and clears odor fast. It's natural and gentle and formulated to be used in your most sacred area. It helps to maintain a healthy pH balance, supports the natural acidity and helps to prevent infections from yeast or bacteria. I've also used this product as a step in my skincare routine. It is a great skin toner, makeup misting spray and a great underarm spray.  I've also used it on my scalp to treat my hair while wearing wigs. 

Ingredients:

Aloe Vera Juice - Aloe Vera is a rich source of antioxidant and vitamins and is great in treating skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis and more. Aloe Vera is our source of protection and is hydrating for the skin. 

Lavender Water - is a great source for acne prevention. It is ant-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. 

Jasmine Water - jasmine is a natural oil that won't clog the skin. It hydrates providing natural moisture to treat dry skin and it evens the skin tone. 

Witch Hazel - Is known for treating problematic skin such as acne. It helps in reducing inflammation, it helps treats bacteria and helps in healing scars, scabs, and infections. 

*Quick Tip: When using as a facial mist I have a smaller spray bottle that I purchased from Target from the travel section and I poured some of my uplift yoni spray in it and added a couple drops of lavender essential oil and tea tree oil to treat the skin on my face and my scalp. The uplift spray can work alone but I like to kick it up a notch. 

With using this product it has maintained the freshness and in combination with the yoni steam (which I'll be talking about next) and yoni oil it has helped in maintaining the pH balance and has helped clear the irritations. I treat that area like I do the skin on my face. I only use the best and only use natural products. 

Purchase this product here: https://essentially-true.com/shop?olsPage=products%2Fuplift-yoni-spray

Essentially True - Yoni Steam

The foundation of yoni health I feel is the yoni steam kit. In this kit, I received 3 yoni packs that retail for $45 but if you're wanting to test it out you can just get 1 pack that retail for $15. Ok, I mentioned that to me this yoni kit is the foundation and what started it all for me. I have noticed a TREMENDOUS change in my menstrual cycle and how I feel before, during and post my cycle. I've also noticed a shift in my infections that I was having. First,...my menstrual cycles would originally range from 3-4 days. Most times it would start vacating the house on the 3rd day and then on the 4th day I would have the little minor clean up. My menstrual cycle has now extended to 5 days. I know you're probably thinking...What's good about that??? LOL well, remember that our cycle is our purification or detox phase and the fact that we have it is a blessing. Despite the cramps, migraines, and pain that we may have to endure, the benefits far outweigh those things that we suffer through. 

- Having a cycle helps in warning us about future diseases

- The menstrual blood’s color, length, and odor can offer hints of our medical condition.

When you don't have a menstrual cycle it's an obvious sign that you have either a heart disease, diabetes or other reproductive health-related problems. So that's why it's a blessing to be a woman because with us we can spot things faster if we pay attention.  

And this is where the topic of yoni steaming comes in. Although not cleared by FDA so many women have made claims of how yoni steaming has regulated their cycles and have basically changed their lives. Many of these women didn't even have cycles. They had to take hormone pills to regulate it. But just because it's not cleared by the FDA doesn't mean it doesn't work! Also, women have reported that yoni steaming has helped and possibly cured them of endometriosis, fibroid tumors, cysts and more...These are testimonials!

As for me, as I said earlier I suffered from Chronic Bacterial Vaginosis. It was literally torture for me. When I first did my yoni steam I felt I was releasing all of the pain that I was going through. It was liberating, to say the least. I didn't start to notice a difference until my second steam and that's when I recognized that my period was extended and not only that but it also shifted the time that my cycle would come in. So normally my cycle would come around mid-month but now it comes at the end going into the beginning of the month. I also noticed a difference in how I felt before my cycle, during my cycle and post my cycle. I've never had cramps so I can't speak for that but I would have migraine headaches that were unbearable! I also would feel groggy but after that second steam, I noticed a major difference in how I felt. My headaches weren't as painful nor did they last throughout the duration of my cycle. Also, I noticed that my Yeast Infections would be minimal to non-existent. I haven't had any relapse or discomfort from BV since I've started using Essentially True. I feel free because I am free. And also keep in mind that our diet also plays a huge roll in how our yoni feel. A healthy diet with self-care will promote a healthy yoni! 

Yoni steaming has so many benefits you have to check it out! It's UNBELIEVABLE! I did a whole post about it that you should check out >>> Self Care: Yoni Steaming

Purchase Your Yoni Steam Here: https://essentially-true.com/shop?olsPage=products%2Fyoni-steam

Overall I would recommend this product and also would recommend looking into alternatives and talk to a doctor that also specializes in holistic alternatives. 

For more information about these awesome products be sure to check out www.essentially-true.com

Get 15% Off using my Code "FAITH1"

Check out the Interview >>> Interview With Essentially True Founder Aressia

Keep it Natural Keep it pHresh!