Product Review Andalou Naturals

Hey everyone!
I'm so happy I got to review this California based company. This is not an advert. 
I love all natural beauty lines that are food inspired.  It's something I'm really passionate about. I wanted to give my honest opinion on a few of these products. I've been using Andalou Naturals for one month now, to ensure I give the best review possible. 

 I am in LOVE with the Avo Cocoa Skin Food Mask. It has a cooling sensation when applied, and doesn't dry it into a crumbly mess. It was really easy to remove too!

It contains Apple Stem Cell Cultures, Cocoa, and Avocado Oil. It is loaded with antioxidants and repairs damaged skin.

It looks and smells like dark chocolate mousse. I was tempted to taste it. You need a very small amount, and my skin felt soft afterwards. Was not oily at all!

I was also in love with their Lemon Sugar Facial Scrub. It was not astringent, It lathers slightly, and it is impossible to over exfoliate because the sugar dissolves after a minute or two.

Contains Meyer lemon extract, organic cane sugar, Manuka honey, and the same plant stem cell complex as the Cocoa Skin Food.

It smells like lemon meringue pie, but wasn't as yummy smelling as the chocolate, only because the chocolate mask smelled exactly like dessert. This you could tell was a skin product. No big deal though!

I used it every other day at night. Since it isn't a strong scrub, it's fine to use more than twice a week.

My skin looked brighter and it didn't feel dried out like with some scrubs, where you feel like you have to suck up serum right after.

I used the Grapefruit + C Exfoliating Peel.

This is a gommage exfoliant, which is an exfoliant that is rubbed off or peeled off after it dries.

I was disappointed in this product honestly. It smells amazing, but it did nothing for my skin. I read the directions carefully the second time I tried it. It took forever to dry, (even stood in front of a fan).

I am a fan of peels that peel off in big pieces, since they take off oil and surface dirt. This stuff I had to wash off with water and it was a bit hard since it was slippery. No super skin feeling.

I also loved their face washes! The Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk smells like peach oatmeal with milk. The concentrates and serums were good, but in my opinion not great. I am very picky about serums and concentrates. I would recommend them since they are affordable, and not everyone wants to spend $40 + on a serum. So for something under $20, GREAT compared to drugstore products.

Over all, it was really fun to try a new line of products that are inspired by food. That is what it's all about for me. I appreciate their honesty by showing what percentage of the formulas contain certified organic ingredients. This isn't required from skincare companies. They could have simply stated they were organic products.

I will continue to use the sugar scrub and chocolate mask as a part of my regimen now. As well as the probiotic face wash, since it's mild, and great for a mild morning wash. (I don't like harshly washing my face first thing in the morning).

They support sustainable trade, and DO NOT TEST ON ANIMALS! 

Couscous the right way

Hey guys! Quick post today! I notice on the back of a lot of couscous boxes they suggest you boil the heck out of these little balls of goodness. Please don't. There is actually a proper way of cooking couscous that doesn't require you putting your couscous into boiling water. It is virtually foolproof, and you can set it and walk away. No need to hover over the stove with this stuff!

1. Place couscous in a heat safe dish or even a bread pan like I did! Pan should not be filled to the top. We want to give our couscous some room to bloom! 

2. Add a good quality of olive oil. Just enough to coat the couscous.
3. Combine gently, and set aside for a few minutes. This prevents it from not sticking together. 
4. Heat up stock, seasoned broth, or water to a simmer.
5. Add to couscous and cover with foil. About 1/4 more water than couscous.
6. Set aside for about half an hour.

You will be left with perfectly cooked, non sticky couscous.

Add whatever you'd like. Fresh herbs, toasted nuts, a red wine reduction. Get creative!

Couscous should maintain it's shape and have a wonderful, delicate texture. It should not be treated like pasta, and traditionally, it isn't!

Don't forget to adjust your seasoning if needed!

Enjoy! 

Skin Acne Treatment - Reduce Acne Naturally

Reduce Acne Naturally

Most of us get had acne by a few goal in our lives. Although you can help various lotions or creams to combat acne, following these natural tips reduces the occurrence of acne.



Keep your be drawn against clean to shun acne, but disproportionate washing of your be drawn against possibly will dry your skin, leading to or increasing acne. Have a bath your face gently, as scrubbing opens the acne lesions and causes advance increase.

Avoid picking or popping acne.

Use water-based products on your skin to avoid clogging of pores, instead of oil-based cosmetics.



Acne breakouts reflect your stress level.

Try keeping your body and mind relaxed by doing meditation or yoga. Low stress levels allow better movement of oxygen within the body, and your face remains clearer with less acne.



Certain medications for other health problems cause acne.

Review your medicines with your doctor to reduce acne outbreaks.



Eat a healthy diet of vegetables and fruit which include sufficient fiber.

Avoid iodized and sugary foods as these often cause acne.



Drink sufficient water to clean your system and wash out toxins.

Insufficient water levels in the body hamper excretion of waste products. These can erupt as acne.



Wear loose clothing.

Tight clothes accumulate sweat and block skin pores, increasing acne on your back and body.



Herbal medicines may produce positive results for acne as they clean your body inside and outside. They also clean your system of different toxins.

Acne Scars - Types of Acne Lesions

Types of Acne Lesions

We often pick up baffled with the expressions once we read not far off from acne. For case in point, the diverse types of lesions like papules, cysts and comedones or the value of the word lesion itself. These definitions be supposed to help you in learning not far off from your particular need in favor of treatment.

Lesions

Any animal alteration in the body tissues caused by a disease or an injury is called a lesion. This could be either outside (like acne, skin cancer, or even a knife cut) or home (like lung cancer or liver cirrhosis). An acne lesion is a animal alteration caused by a unwell process in the sebaceous follicle.

Comedo lesions

Comedones (plural of comedo) are skin-colored, small bumps so as to are as a rule commonly found on the chin and brow of individuals who suffer with acne. A comedo is a sebaceous follicle. Dead cells from this follicle, sebum, tiny hairs and even small bacteria every now and then plug the sebaceous follicle. The cells lining the sebaceous pipe increase in acne (this is called cornification) and the consequence is formation of a comedo.

Some are so small so as to they could not be visible to the naked eye; these are called ‘microcomedones.’ An begin comedo is called a blackhead as the exterior of the plug appears black due to exposure to air. A stopped comedo so as to appears as a bump in the skin is called a whitehead. Whiteheads and blackheads be supposed to simply be extracted under sterile conditions by a qualified dermatologist. If whiteheads and blackheads are squeezed or picked, staphylococci, streptococci and other skin bacteria possibly will infect the area.

Papule

A localized cellular reaction to acne produces a papule. It is a small, solid lesion elevated above the surface of the skin. Although a group of papules and microcomedomes may be invisible to the naked eye, they may give a ‘sandpaper’ feel to the touch.

Macule

A macule is a temporary red, or red-pink, spot that is left after the acne has healed. This has a well-defined border and may stay for many days before disappearing.

Pustule

A pustule is a fragile, dome-shaped lesion that contains pus (white blood cells, bacteria and dead cells). If a pustule does not worsen into a cyst, it does not leave a scar.

Cyst

A cyst is a severe form of acne, a sac-like lesion containing white blood cells, bacteria and dead cells in a liquid or a semi-liquid form. This is inflammatory and may damage the deeper layers of the skin and cause scarring. Treatments for this lesion are usually not very effective. It is usually very painful.

Nodule

A nodule is the most severe form of acne and sufferers should seek therapies like isotretitnoin. A nodule is a solid, irregularly shaped lesion. It is inflammatory and may penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, causing tissue destruction and scarring. A nodule is generally very painful.

A nodule and a cyst often occur together. That form of acne is called nodulocystic acne.

Food Trends

Hey guys! I thought it would be fun to share with you a few trends this year that I am seeing become more and more popularized. Just like the fashion world, the culinary world has its trends. It is also important to keep dishes current, fresh, and exciting. Notice how popular macaroons have been this year?

I also love timeless dishes that are often left in their true and original form, with a little modern element added. Best comparison would be a Coco Chanel's vision of the 'little black dress'. It is timeless, and slightly evolves, while maintaining it's spirit.

Food is often compared to a lot of things that are considered artistic, like music & fashion. So here are a few trends I have noticed popping up this year:

Spherification photo courtesy bakingasitshouldbe.com
Spherification is molecular gastronomy 101. The process requires you to know a specific pH balance of an ingredient. Depending on the acidity, you add the needed amount of sodium alginate. This mixture is usually placed in a syringe, and carefully dropped into a calcium chloride solution. Now you have gorgeous spheres that burst into your mouth. It is really fun to do, and is a conversation starter. It has become more and more popular within the last year or so.

Another way to spherify your food without alginates is by taking powdered agar (found in Asian markets), combining with an acidic compound, and dropping it into a neutral oil (canola). The texture is much different, and it is a process that takes a little know how to avoid a grainy texture. I used a wild blueberry reduction using the agar method over a coconut and ginger spiked mousse.

Powders: photo courtesy scrumpiousdelecicies.com 
Tapioca Maltodextrin is super simple to use. It is a starch that turns fats into a powdered form. When you taste the powder, it dissolves and turns into a velvety texture. You just have to know how much to use. Too much and your powder turns into a gummy mess. Peanut butter, olive oil, and coconut are very popular. To infuse flavors, you may take a previously prepared infused oil, or blend and strain a clarified butter with desired flavor component. It's a really fun finished product.

Pie Pops: photo courtesy etsy.tumblr.com 
 Cake Pops are a huge craze, and now, pie pops are starting to take notice. I think they're really cute. You can purchase a pie pop machine to make them, or do it manually. I'd love to make some little pop tarts!

Rainbow Confections: If you have a tumblr account, you have seen more than 200 pictures of rainbow desserts. I love the idea. it's so fun. I made some rainbow meringues with the kids a while back. Recipe here: It was such a fun project with my kids. I appreciate the rainbow craze because it does take some time and effort to make the confections come to life. I always appreciate anyone's time valued in the kitchen. It shows a lot of heart and creativity.

I hope you enjoyed seeing these cool trends that are taking notice! What are your current favorites?


Amber~

Acne Spot Treatment with Matcha Tea

Hey guys! I'm  in love with green tea & skin health. As you may know by now from previous posts, green tea contains antibacterial agents that keep the skin looking squeaky clean.

This doesn't mean you'll never break out again. Unfortunately, stress and hormones play a huge role in breakouts. I'm so busy most days I have a day planner app on my phone to keep me on top of deadlines, the kids' school projects, and to remember to pick up the dry cleaning. I've also noticed a change in my body. I'm close to entering my 30's, and I notice I break out more before I start my cycle. TMI? You're over it! I'm a woman, and you may be one.

I started doing research on matcha tea. I am quite fond of this stuff, and even though it is a bit pricey, a tiny bit goes a long way. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I accidentally made a mud smoothie instead of a nice matcha tea.

It's loaded with even more antioxidants and yummy goodness for your body and skin. This is because during processing, it is not exposed to oxygen. Simply take a tiny amount of matcha tea, and form a paste using water, or a blend of raw apple cider vinegar and water.

Using a clean, lip brush, dab on a small amount and leave on until it drys. Matcha also makes an amazing mask, but I will be honest, it's a bit messy.

For cost practicality, I suggest using it for spot treatment, but don't be afraid to indulge.

Enjoy!

Amber~

Hormonal Acne - Hormonal Acne in Woman

Hormonal Acne in Woman

For millions of women, it happens like clockwork each month: Cramping, bloating, mood swings, and acne. Experts know with the intention of acne is influenced by hormones, but delve into on the business has been relatively imperfect until at the present. A hot study conducted by dermatologist Alan Shalita, MD, complete with the intention of just about semi of all women experience acne flare-ups through the week preceding their stop. This fastidious kind of acne hormonal acne might fail to respond to traditional therapies, such as topical retinoids and systemic or topical antibiotics. Several clues can help your doctor identify hormonallyinfluenced acne :

Adult-onset acne, or breakouts that appear for the first time in adults

Acne flare-ups preceding the menstrual cycle

A history of irregular menstrual cycles

Increased facial oiliness

Hirsutism (excessive growth of hair, or hair in unusual places)

Adult Hormonal Acne - Puberty: Where it all begins. Starting sometime before adolescence (around the age of nine or ten) the adrenal glands begin to produce dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), an androgen. Other androgens the "male" hormones at work in a woman's body



such as testosterone and dehydrotestosterone (DHT), join in at the onset of puberty. All of these hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to secrete more of the skin's natural oil, or sebum. This is why oily skin and acne are so prevalent among teenagers. Naturally, since boys have more

"male" hormones, teen acne tends to be more severe in males. The treatment of acne in teenagers can be challenging, because their hormones are in a constant state of flux. They may initially respond very well to first-line treatments, such as topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, perhaps accompanied by an oral antibiotic. As their bodies develop, however, they may undergo severe hormonal shifts and stop responding to the current medications. Courses of acne treatment may need to be adjusted more often with teenagers to accommodate these hormonal changes. More about teen acne.



Adult Hormonal Acne - A vicious cycle. Many women pass into maturity exclusive of "outgrowing" their acne. Others might not develop it until their 20s or 30s, experiencing persistent breakouts the week sooner than their stop. Why? During the module of a habitual menstrual cycle (if a woman is not taking at all kind of hormonal birth control pill), estrogen levels highest by mid-cycle, after that decline as she nears her stop. After ovulation, the ovaries make a start to yield progesterone, an additional hormone which stimulates the sebaceous glands. And with the very oil comes acne. Hormones are as well reliable intended for acne in a percentage of pregnant women, as well; the sebaceous glands shot into soaring gear through the third 10



Trimester, causing greasy skin and frequent breakouts. Some women even experience acne like menopause, as estrogen levels make a start to taper rancid and testosterone becomes the dominant hormone.