I don’t know if you are as confused as I was before about why sea salt began appearing in skincare and beauty products all around me— all of a sudden. The first image that popped into my mind was companies adding table salt into my skincare products—a selling point for me. Wasn’t too much salt supposed to be bad for you? It is supposed to cause bloating, water retention, high blood pressure and other health problems.  How it is supposed to be good for for your skin?

Table Salt

After some research, I realized that I was confusing table salt (refined salt) with sea salt (unrefined salt). In simple terms, the two salts are made up of sodium chloride; the major difference between sea salt and table salt is that table salt is made up of 99.9% of sodium chloride, while sea salt is 98% sodium chloride. In sea salt, the remaining 2% is made of other important minerals like iron, sulfur, magnesium and other trace elements. Basically, table salt is chemically treated and sea salt is natural.

Sea Salt

So what does this mean?

According to Buzzle.com, it means that the sea salt extracted from sea water contains minerals that are needed by our bodies in order to function optimally and maintain a balance in mineral content. There are many benefits to the natural potassium, calcium, and magnesium that sea salt contains.

Potassium helps regulate and balance the moisture level of the skin, and also provides energy to the body. It also helps relax muscles and relieve stiffness. Calcium not only strengthens bones, but also prevents the retention of water and increases circulation. Magnesium fights the retention of fluids and also helps to fight stress. Moreover, it has a calming effect on the nervous system and helps in slowing down the aging of skin.

Sure, it takes a bit of an effort on your part, but if you just try it once, I guarantee that you’ll convert.  You will see that an effort of just 30 minutes/ week (15-minute sessions, 2 times a week) can make ALL the difference in the world for your skin, especially if you mask on a regular basis.

Biocellulose Sheet Mask vs. Paper Sheet Mask

Any mask– mud, cream, hydrating– can revitalize your skin, but for those of you who are more limited on time (or just lazy!), I highly recommend sheet masks.  Sheet masks and its usage, are all the rage in Asia, and has been a trend for many years already, but it is still a new concept in the US market.  It is essentially a sheet of paper, woven cotton, or gel-masks are now created, cuz out in the shape of your face, with holes punched out for your eyes, nose and mouth.  Personally, I prefer a new generation of sheet masks made with the material called ‘biocellulose’ that molds to the shape of your face, and has a much more effective delivery system.

These masks save you the messiness of mud masks, but delivers the same results.  Each are one-time use, and the steps are as follows:

Step 1: Take mask out of package.

Step 2: Place mask on your face.

Step 3: Leave on for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Dispose mask– no need to wash anything off.

That’s it.  Do you STILL think you don’t have time for this?  Come on… it can’t get easier than this.  And another reason to convert?  Pamper yourself. Can you argue with that?  Just think about the money (and time) you’ll save in giving yourself a mini spa session at home instead of going into a spa. Give it a try, and post us a message to let us know what you think!

TIPS: Double up the results, and mask after a quick exfoliation with a gentle gel exfoliator like Restoration Clear Gel, and you’ll see even BETTER results.  Don’t know where to purchase sheet masks?  Google it, or email us, I can send recommendations.  Or, if you’re already a Marie Louise fan, you can also use our Creme a-VC as a mask by applying a thin layer all over your face, leaving it on for about 15-20 minutes, and then massaging the product in.

Moisturizing is essential to keeping skin looking young and healthy

Skin needs to maintain an even moisture-balance to be healthy. It’s simple: Not enough water and skin gets dehydrated. Not enough oil and skin becomes dry, flaky and itchy.

Dehydration—a lack of moisture—can be due to age, weather, environmental conditions, diet and nutrition. It’s also a leading cause of fine lines and other signs of skin aging. Dryness, on the other hand, is a lack of oil. When skin’s dry, it wants to create more oil, which can then lead to breakouts.

Here’s how you can make sure you’re moisturizing properly:

Use a moisturizing toner.
Most people think toner is just another excuse for someone to sell you something you don’t need. Actually, toner is a really important step in proper hydration. It creates a layer of hydration that’s sealed into the skin by the moisturizer.

Use products with hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Hyaluronic acid holds 1000 times its molecular weight in water. Ceramides reduce water loss by creating a barrier that protects against evaporation.

Seek out products that use nanotechnology.
Yes, products using nanotechnology may be more expensive, but it’s worth the investment. Nanotechnology makes a product molecule small enough to penetrate the skin, instead of sitting on top of it. This means ingredients get to where skin needs it most and give you the best possible result.

Use products with nanotechnology to get ingredients where they can give the best possible result.

Know which type of moisturizer your skin needs.
Most consumers use moisturizers that don’t offer enough hydration. That’s what happens when we try to figure out which moisturizer is ‘right’ for our own skin.

Ask a skin care professional for a recommendation on which type of moisturizer is best suited for your skin

Only a trained skin care professional can tell you whether your skin is dry, dehydrated or a combination of both. They can recommend products and treatments to help rebalance skin and minimize the appearance of skin aging.

Drink lots of water.
Seriously. Drink at least 64 ounces of water each day. You’ll feel better, and your skin’s appearance will improve.

Here’s the truth about expiration dates…

Expiration dates are real. Don't use product after the expiration date.

Fact: Expiration dates are real
Every ingredient has a shelf life, and some products have shorter shelf lives than others. But there’s no requirement to place an expiration date on a personal care product unless it includes ingredients regulated by the FDA (such as acne-fighting and sun protection ingredients).

For more information, click here
http://www.smartskincare.com/ingredients/fda/fda-on-shelf-life.html

Fact: Most ingredients start losing effectiveness as soon as you open them
Air, moisture, temperature all influence product effectiveness. Some of the best ingredients are also the most likely to lose effectiveness. Take anti-oxidants for example. Vitamin C, one of the more effective anti-oxidants, is one of the least stable. As soon as it’s exposed to air, it loses effectiveness. In other words, every time you open the product, more air gets in and the less effective the product is.

PAO symbols tell you when to throw away product after initial opening it.

Basically, by the time you reach the bottom of the bottle, tube or jar, the product might not actually do anything. While there’s no law in the US requiring expiration dates, some manufacturers have started to adopt the PAO, or Period After Opening, symbol. It’s a jar with a number and the letter M. It’s a guide for when to replace a product after opening.

Fact: Bacteria and fungus grows over time
Unless you sterilize your hands and product dispenser every time you use it, bacteria and fungus will grow in your skin care, hair care and makeup. Plus, most personal care products are kept in the bathroom, which tends to have higher humidity and bacteria levels because of the shower and toilet.

Use applicators like sponges or brushes to keep bacteria and fungus from growing

You can slow down the growth process by applying product with applicators, rather than your fingers. For example, instead of applying foundation with your finger, put it directly on the brush, sponge or your hand. The same goes for skin care. Don’t ever add water, or worse, your saliva to moisten product or applicators. It’s a sure-fire way to accelerate bacterial growth.

Fact: Preservatives protect against bacteria and fungal growth as well as extends shelf life
Products are that preservative-free or use synthetically-produced ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ preservatives will expire sooner than products that use preservatives proven to stabilize ingredients. If you choose to use organic, natural or preservative-free products, then plan on replacing them every three to six months.

Fact: Toss products that are more than 3 to 18 months old
Mascara and other eye products such as eye shadow should be tossed every three to six months. Liquid, crème or gel products should be replaced on 12- to 18-month intervals. Powder-based products (except eye shadow) should last from two to three years.

Sunscreen and sun block also lose effectiveness over time. Toss any sunscreen or sun block by its expiration date, including skin care or cosmetics with built-in sun protection.

Want more guidance on when to keep or toss? Click here:
http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/makeovers-tips/expiration-dates-beauty-products-10000001573139/

We’ve been ‘trained’ to think that the scraping and stinging we feel after exfoliating is ‘normal.’ It’s not. We see redness after exfoliating and think we’ve done a good job getting the dead skin off. We have not. We think that if skin feels dry after exfoliating that it’s a good thing. It is not.

A disclaimer: I’m not an esthetician, but I’ve worked in the beauty industry for years with some of the biggest brands in the world. I’ve been lucky enough to get a one-on-one education from some of the top beauty professionals and here’s what I’ve learned:

Seek balance.

When we exfoliate, we take off dead skin cells and debris (like makeup that cleansing doesn’t wash away), but we also remove necessary hydration and oils.

Every time you take something off, you MUST put it back in. This means that after every exfoliation, applying moisturizer is mandatory. No exceptions.

To look it’s healthiest, skin has to have the proper balance of hydration and oils, and dead skin cells need to be removed to allow newer cells to strut their stuff. That’s where the healthy glow comes from.

Knowledge is power.

Over exfoliation, or exfoliating with product that’s too aggressive, can actually age your skin, like creating fine lines. Ask a skin care professional what type of exfoliant your skin needs.

There are two types of exfoliants: chemical and physical. Physical exfoliants, also known as scrubs, commonly use fruit pits or nutshells to scrape away dead skin. They can actually cause fine cuts in the outer layer of the skin. Chemical exfoliants lift dead skin, allowing it to gently refresh and revive skin. It’s especially effective on skin that’s sensitive or sensitized due to weather, medications, hormonal changes or environmental conditions.

Get professional help.

Nothing replaces getting your skin evaluated, cleansed, exfoliated and hydrated by a skin care professional. Think of it like going to the dentist: there are things you can do at home, but to get rid of the really yucky stuff you have to get your teeth cleaned. Skin is exactly the same.

Professional skin treatments on a quarterly basis—even as infrequent as twice a year—can make a big difference in how your skin looks. It’s a solid investment that can delay the need to see a dermatologist for more invasive procedures like injectables, lifts or other types of plastic surgery.

Packaging of eye patch from Biore (front view)

If steam heated eye masks are not your thing and you prefer something cooler for your eyes, then I think I might just have the right product for you. These individual packaged gel like eye patches from Biore, a large cosmetics company in Japan, offers a great alternative.

Instructions on the back of the eye patch packaging is self explanatory. The picture tells you where to place your eye patches.

I normally put these eye patches under my eyes like shown on the packaging (see picture) after I put on my eye cream at night.  Then I sleep with it on for 6-8 hours and I really see a difference in the morning.  Somehow the coolness of the eye patches make my eyes look smoother and hydrated in the morning.  It maximizes the absorption of my eye cream too.

The top side is felt material and the bottom side is gel material.

It’s a shame that Biore only sells this product in Japan. I went on their website, www.biore.com and could not find this product except on their Japanese website. I wish these Japanese companies would share more of their beauty secrets and products with the rest of the world. I really love the coolness of the gel patch under my eyes and how great I look the next day!

 I don’t know if you are like me but I’ve been having a hard time going to bed before midnight these days. My dark circles are becoming more apparent and my eyes look puffy and often dehydrated in the morning. Therefore, I was so happy to discover these STEAM HEATED EYE MASKS on my recent trip to Tokyo. 

Steam Heated Eye Masks come in a box of 5

 These Steam Heated Eye Masks come in unscented and lavender scent. I bought the lavender scent to try. 

Individual packaging makes it good for traveling.

 According to the packaging, I could use this eye mask any time from sleeping to taking a break or traveling. It is suppose to relax your tired eyes. It should have the effects of having a steam sauna on your eyes. Sounds amazing, right?

Directions on the back of the package.

 This eye mask is very easy to use. See the pictures below for demonstration. 

Lavender Scented Eye Masks

Pooh Bear demonstrating the eye masks.

Side view of the mask. The ear loops are very comfortable and should fit any face shape and size.

The two purple squares warm up once it is exposed to air, but not too hot and at a very comfortable temperature. The steam is released slowly so that I could actually feel it on my eyes and the lavender scent is so soothing and calming. I tried this eye masks right before going to bed and after applying my eye cream.  The scent and the heat made me really sleepy and I fell asleep within a few minutes. 

Conclusion:  The skin around my eyes looked refreshed and hydrated the next day. I’m definitely buying some more when I go back to Japan again.

On my most recent trip to Tokyo, I noticed these delightful BLACK Q-tips everywhere. I love how they have both a smooth end and a spiral end. Black seems to be the  “IN” color for a lot of  items including blotting tissues, toilet paper, facial masks, shampoo, toothbrush, and even their chopping boards.

Black Q-tips

Notice how they are individually packed, so I can carry them everywhere with me to retouch my makeup or on a weekend getaway. The spiral end is perfect for combing through my eyelashes and smoothing out the clumps of mascara. 

Individually packed

 Here’s a close up:

Normal and Spiral Ends

If anyone is interested in trying this, you can buy it online here for only USD 2.99.

Every day living takes a toll on skin… Makeup, oil and dirt from our fingers, even dust and smog settle on the skin, creating a really disgusting stew of yuck. Sure we wash our face at least once, hopefully twice a day, but how do you know you’re really getting skin clean? Another reason why you want clean skin is that it allows for deeper product penetration, which means you’re more likely to get the result you want in the first place.

Here are a few simple tips:

Oil is good. To get skin really clean, use an oil-based cleanser -like Marie Louise Cleansing Clear Gel – before a regular cleanser. Make-up is oil-based, and only an oil-based cleanser can safely remove it.

Double up. Double cleansing is the only way to make sure skin is truly clean. After washing with Cleansing Clear Gel, use a mild cleanser like Marie Louise Washing Foam to remove any residual dirt and debris.

Take a time out. It takes two full minutes of massaging skin in circular motion with your fingertips to fully cleanse your face and neck. Want to know how long two minutes is? Sing the “Happy Birthday” song at four times in a row.

Wash twice a day. It is important to cleanse in the morning also because we sweat when we sleep at night.

Choose wisely. Understand what your true skin conditions are to help you make a better decision about the cleansers you should use. An esthetician is the best person to consult.

I asked her what her secret was…. Good genes?  Foreign products made in silence by monks? Nope: “I scrub my face like crazy with a loofah every morning under the hot shower. Scrubbing dead skin away is the key!”

So I tried it. The results? Well, lets just say I didn’t feel like going out that night.  Not all of us have thick skin! But it got me thinking: there’s got to be a better way to shed the dead skin cells that are clogging my pores. And that’s when my desperate search to properly exfoliate my skin started!

Remember that whole at-home-microdermabrasion-craze? Sure, massaging my skin with pea-size beads made out of walnuts shells and ingredients I could not pronounce exfoliated dead skin. In fact, it exfoliated most of my skin away, leaving it blotchy, red and sensitized. NOT what I was looking for. Neither were all the scrubs, peels, serums and magic washcloths that followed: the chemicals in most of the products only managed to assault my skin, causing it to flare-up!

Little did I know that over-exfoliating, just like hard water, weather and pollution, is actually harmful to your skin. So what’s a girl to do?

Please meet Marie Louise’s Restoration Clear Gel. First of all and most important, this exfoliating gel is actually hydrating and nourishing, thanks to ingredients such as desalted deep sea water, glycerin and algae extracts, known to help the skin retain moisture.  It literally melts as your skin absorbs it, dry grains gently (and that’s the key word one should look for in all products) lifting away impurities and dead skin. Once they have ceased to appear and have been rinsed off with warm water you are left with a bright and pure complexion. Since it’s gentle enough, you can use it more often; this regular regimen will allow your skin to absorb all the benefits your moisturizers, masks and serums have to offer, thus making them more effective! It will also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles- after all, it’s no secret that the cleaner your skin is, the younger and healthier it looks!

Just remember: you shouldn’t need sandpaper to get results!