The Benefits Of Using Aloe Vera For Skin Care And More

Aloe Vera has been used for a host of purposes since the ancient Egyptians called it the “plant of immortality.” 

Since then, its uses have become more targeted and medicinal, and it's one of the leading therapies for sunburns. 

 Aloe Vera is a cactus plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. It grows in dry climates such as those found in parts of Africa and India and has been used medicinally for centuries. 

Aloe leaves secrete a clear gel that when broken off from the rest of the plant that can be applied topically to heal wounds and soothe skin.

 

Various studies have been conducted to examine the benefits of the aloe Vera plant and it was found out that aloe Vera does in fact have several properties that are effective in treating a variety of skin conditions, from flaky or dry skin, cosmetic ailments, hair and scalp problems to many more. 

It is also said to be useful in treating wounds and burns, minor skin infections, cysts, diabetes, and elevated blood lipids in humans, and shows some promise in treating more serious and persistent conditions such as eczema, genital herpes, dandruff, psoriasis, canker sores, skin ulcers and others

Here are 8 benefits of using aloe vera gel:

1. It treats sunburn. 

Aloe Vera helps with sunburn through its powerful healing activity at the epithelial level of the skin, a layer of cells that cover the body. It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps replenish its moisture. Because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, the skin heals quicker.

 

2. It acts as a moisturizer. 

Aloe moisturizes the skin without giving it a greasy feel, so it`s perfect for anyone with an oily skin complexion. For women who use mineral-based make-up, aloe vera acts as a moisturizer and is great for the face prior to the application to prevents skin drying. For men: Aloe vera gel can be used as an aftershave treatment as its healing properties can treat small cuts caused by shaving.

3. It treats acne. 

Aloe Vera gel contains two hormones: Auxin and Gibberellins. These two hormones provide wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin inflammation. Giberellin in aloe Vera acts as a growth hormone stimulating the growth of new cells. It allows the skin to heal quickly and naturally with minimal scarring. 

Aloe is soothing and can reduce skin inflammations, blistering and itchiness, while helping the skin to heal more rapidly  Aloe is used to effectively heal chronic skin problems, such as psoriasis, acne and eczema.

 

4. It fights aging. 

As we age, everyone begins to worry about the appearance of fine lines and the loss of elasticity in their skin. Aloe leaves contain a plethora of antioxidants including, beta carotene, vitamin C and E that can help improve the skin's natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated.

5. It lessens the visibility of stretch marks. 

The skin is like one big piece of elastic that’ll expand and contract as needed to accommodate growth. But if the skin stretches too far, too fast (due to pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss) the elasticity of the skin can be damaged. That’s what leaves those unsightly stretch marks. These marks appear due to minor tears in the layers of the skin caused by sudden and excessive stretching. Aloe vera gel can help hide these stretch marks by healing these wounds.

 

6. It's nutrient rich for good health. 

This solid material contains over 75 different nutrients including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, anthraquinones or phenolic compounds, lignin, saponins, sterols, amino acids and salicylic acid. 

 

7. It soothes in periodontal disease. 

According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, it's extremely helpful in the treatment of gum diseases like gingivitis, periodontitis. It reduces bleeding, inflammation and swelling of the gums. It is a powerful antiseptic in pockets where normal cleaning is difficult, and its antifungal properties help greatly in the problem of denture stomatitis, apthous ulcers, cracked and split corners of the mouth.

 

8. It aids in digestion. 

The internal benefits of aloe vera are supposed to be just as amazing. The plant is said to improve the digestion and to relieve ulcers. Some people consider it a laxative, while others attribute that effect to its digestive qualities (which normalize the system and induce regularity). The juice is also prescribed for arthritis and rheumatism. To test any of these claims, steep the cut foliage in water or chew pieces of the fresh leaf.

10 Natural Hair Drugstore or Beauty Supply Brands With Products That Cost $10 (Or Less)!!!

There are so many ways to live this natural hair life. You can be the D.I.Y natural who buys her own oils and butters and whips amazing concoctions up in your kitchen. You can be the fancy natural who splurges on pricey hair potions and is always down to try the new and the next, regardless of the cost. Or you can be the Bella on a budget, who wants to try new things but just doesn't have the resources to break the bank on hair products.

Bella's on a budget, I salute you. And please know that there are many amazing products out there on shelves at the drugstore and at your favorite beauty supply store, that will do your natural hair justice.

I have three main tips for ladies who are looking for new natural hair products, but are reluctant or unable to spend more than $10 an item.

#1 – do your research before you buy. If cost is a concern and you can’t spend all Willy Nilly on products that might or might not work, read up on products before you buy them. Read reviews on Amazon or on your favorite drugstore’s website. Look it up on blogs and on YouTube. It’s best to go into the shopping experience informed, so you don’t wind up overwhelmed and with too many products in your shopping basket.

#2 – create your own Hair Club. If you've got a group of girlfriends who live near to you – sorority sisters, floor mates in your dorm, friendly neighbors or family anything along those lines, then consider pooling your resources and going in on larger sizes of highly coveted hair products together. Just make sure you’re pooling those resources with someone trustworthy, and keep the products where access is readily available to both parties. This can be a way to make more expensive styling products affordable, if done right.

#3 – decide what you’ll negotiate on. If you’re an ingredient purist, you may find yourself spending a bit more on hair products that meet your standards. If a hair product is under $10, it more than likely includes one ingredient natural hair lovers question the inclusion of. I tend to be an ingredient purist but sometimes I still use a shine serum made with silicone, or a product that includes mineral oil – as this post by The Beauty Brains reveals, sometimes there’s more that needs to be researched beyond just saying an ingredient is bad. And sometimes these things can be washed out with a sulfate free cleansing shampoo anyway, if buildup is an issue. My best advice is to just be informed about what’s in the beauty products you’re using in general.

And now, without further ado. These are all products I've tried myself, or have heard amazing word-of-mouth things about from people whose opinions I respect. They’re all products within that $10 budget that I’m comfortable recommending, because they’re effective. Happy shopping, Bellas!!! 

Cantu

Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque for Hair, $7.99.

Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream, $4.99.

- Beautiful Textures

Beautiful Textures Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner, $6.89

Beautiful Textures Tangle Taming Leave-in Conditioner, $5.89

- As I Am

As I Am Coconut Cleansing Co-Wash, $7.99

- EDEN Body Works

EDEN Body Works All Natural Coconut Shea Leave In Conditioner, $8.49

- Curls

Curls Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste, $7.99

Curls Goddess Curl Gel, $7.99

-  Nene’s Secret

My Mom’s Hair Masque, $9.99

- Shea Moisture

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse, $9.99

- Queen Helene

Queen Helene Royal Curl Shaping Cream, $8.97

- Curls Unleashed

Curls Unleashed Organic Root Simulator Leave-In Conditioner, $9.97

- Nothing But......

Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo, $7.99

And there you have it! Those brands tend to stay below the $10 mark, and their products do work for me and for others there is more to come. Hope you find something listed that fits your needs and your budget! if you would like to let me know about more please post it to me  

5 Reasons to Start Juicing and Becoming Healthy

Juicing is one of the most talked about healthy lifestyle regimens that is used for adequate nutrition in a tasty and enjoyable way. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2009 only 32.5% of adults in the U.S. met or exceeded the daily recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. To sum it up, adults and children are eating fewer servings of fruits and vegetables year after year. Are we too busy? Maybe – but stress and everyday hustle and bustle does not have to create a barrier between you and your health.

                                                    

1) Nutrient Density

Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins A, C and K, and minerals potassium and magnesium, which are generally under-consumed in the U.S.

2) Fights Sickness and Disease

According to Cancer.org, phytochemicals such as beta carotene, folic acid and vitamins A and E found in fruits and vegetables are associated with reduced risk of many chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

3) Low in Calories

Fruits and vegetables are relatively low in calories and can used as an effective and safe way to control weight gain.

4) Taste/Variety

Maintaining a healthy diet can become monotonous if you do not allow room for moderation. Juicing is a great way to switch things up, and ad flavor to boring and bland tasting vegetables without expanding your waistline.

5) Convenience

There is a reason why children and adults are eating fewer servings of fruit and vegetable per day and it’s not only taste. Convenience! Let’s face it – preparing fruits and vegetables can be time consuming and boring. Juicing will save time, add taste and bring excitement back to your nutrition!

soooo get juicing and keep me posted 

NYX coming to CVS nationwide in 2014 So did ya hear the news? CVS Beauty Club posted this on their Facebook page

I obviously don't know exactly when, but I would assume it will be at the beginning of 2014 based on CVS releasing this info now.


I see some awesome BOGO1/2OFF and Extra Bucks deals in our future, NYX fans!

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser has landed in the US!!!!

the one product that I've heard the most people wish and hope and pray would come to the US is Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser. This product is very popular in other countries (you can search Google for tons of reviews) and up until now, you could only order it via sites like Sasa if you were in the US.

                                       

You can be SURE that I'll be reviewing this primer once I get my hot little hands on a tube. Until then, are you excited that this product has FINALLY come to the US?

New Holiday 2013 Urban Decay 3 Naked Palette dupes

It's been a while since I posted about any makeup lately but today i composed a beauty list of Naked Palette dupes. 

First up, the Sonia Kashuk Holiday 2013 Limited Edition Neutral Eyes Palette:

 

Sonia Kashuk Holiday 2013 Limited Edition Eye On Neutral Matte/Shimmer Palette

(retail: $29.99 at Target)

this palette is not on the Target website as of the time of this post So if you can't find it in stores yet, hold tight. It should be there soon. As you can see, this palette features both the original Eye on Neutral Matte and Eye on Neutral Shimmer palettes, all together in one palette. Since those two palettes retail for $19.99 each, this is a nice value for $29.99 

Over at Ulta, there's the LORAC Holiday 2013 Rockin' Red Hot Pro Palette:

 

LORAC Rockin' Red Hot Set

(retail: $39 at Ulta)

This set features the regular LORAC Pro Palette, but it comes with a liquid liner and eye shadow primer for $39 (the original Pro Palette comes with eye shadow primer and retails for $42).

And last but certainly not least:

I want to take a moment to discuss the Holiday 2013 Profusion Twinkle Twinkle 5-pan palettes that are now popping up at Walgreen's for $1 each. Several of you have mentioned these to me in the past few weeks, 

If you know of any other recent UD Naked dupes that are not on this list, I would LOVE to hear about them!

4 Super Moisturizers for Natural Hair

Moisturizers serve two primary purposes. 1.) add moisture 2.) prevent loss of moisture. In this article I will identify 4 of the best moisturizers to include into your hair regimen.

Water

Water is the ultimate moisturizer. Water equals moisture. To introduce or retain moisture, water must be present in your daily hair routine and diet. That’s right, moisturize your hair and body from the inside out by drinking water.  Also, using water-based products will combat frizzy dry hair.  Limit any hair care practices that deplete your hair of water such as excessive blow drying or coloring.

Humectants

Humectants naturally draw moisture from the environment into the hair. One of the most common is glycerin. Make sure your humectants are present in the first 5 ingredients of your hair products. You can purchase vegetable glycerin at most grocery and health food stores. Other humectants include honey and agave nectar.I add a 4:1 ratio of water to vegetable glycerin to my spray bottle for a daily hydrating mist. When using vegetable glycerin its important to use a sealant. I recommend a natural sealant like shea butter.  This will lock in moisture.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a natural moisturizer and pH balancer for hair.  It doesn't matter if you’re using the juice or the gel; the properties are the same. I like to mix Aloe Vera gel with my homemade flax seed gel or whipped shea butter.

Hair Penetrating Oils

Coating Oils or oils that are impermeable to hair are not moisturizers. And oil and water doesn’t mix but hair penetrating oils are the exception to the rules. These oils aid the hair by increasing its ability to absorb and retain water molecules. These oils are coconut, olive and avocado oils. (Also read: Why These are the Best Oils For Natural Hair) I like to mix all three of these oils together and moisturize using the LOC method.Read 5 Ways Coconut Oil Prevents Hair Damage