How to Soothe a Sunburnt Face

I hope everyone had an AMAZING Memorial Day weekend! This was the first year I was actually able to go away for a mini vacation in Rehoboth Beach, Deleware. That beach town is absolutely pristine and I really appreciate the pride and hard work the residents put in to make it such a wonderful place.

We had such beautiful weather all weekend but I have to admit, I got a little toasted...in more ways than one! LOL  With all the sunless tanning products I use, I sometimes fool myself and forget that I have absolutely no natural protection from the sun and fail to reapply sunscreen throughout the day! This can be pretty disastrous, especially if you use retinol and retinoids that make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. This is what I woke up to this morning :(

SO I immediately prepared a great soothing face mask to help calm my sun kissed burnt skin! Here is the recipe:

Yogurt Face Mask for Sensitive & Sunburnt Skin

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Natural Yogurt (out-of-the-fridge cold)



I like "Fage Total" because of its rich and creamy texture.

• 1/2 cup Oatmeal (any basic type will work)
• Optional Ingredients
• 2 Tablespoons Honey
• Blended cucumber

Directions:

1. Mix ingredients together. I like to keep the mixture cool up until the moment I use it.
2. Rinse face with cool water, use a gentle cleanser if needed. Be sure not to scrub your skin.
3. Apply mixture to skin for 15-20 minutes, can be used anywhere on your body!
4. Remove mixture with a washcloth soaked in cool water, again be sure not to scrub your skin.
5. Apply your favorite moisturizer or pure aloe vera to keep skin hydrated!

Let me know what you think! I know you will be very happy with the results! 

Enjoy!

Ross' Product Pick of the Week!

This week's product pick is a cult favorite among the skin care gurus! This peel-off facial mask by Boscia literally looks and feels like tar BUT works wonders!! The formula includes potent Vitamin C to brighten and even out skin tone, some interesting but beneficial plant extracts, and the astringent witch hazel water. Witch hazel contains great antioxidants but it can have irritating properties...that being said, a product like this is only used weekly so the witch hazel is not a concern of mine.

What makes this mask special is the clay it contains. It is based with Calcium Montmorillonite Clay which contains 67 minerals and helps remove excess dirt and oil from your skin. Ignore the "detox" claims, thats just a gimmick!

Oh, Hey!

It really does come off in one sheet! Just pull slowly.

How to use it: I apply this mask to a clean, freshly shaved face. When spreading the product, a thick layer is not need but it IS important to apply the product evenly! This way the product peels off in one whole piece. Also, avoid hair such as your eyebrows and hairline, any hair that gets stuck in the mask will be pulled on during the peel-off process, that can be painful! Allow the product to dry on your skin for about 20-30 minutes then peel away! It may feel like pulling off a band-aid at times, but that helps remove all the dead skin cells to reveal a brighter complexion! Any piece of the mask that doesn't peel off can be easily removed with a damp washcloth. I do not recommend using this mask more than once a week!

Enjoy!

Here it is on Amazon.com:

Some other products in the Boscia Black line:

Vitamins for Great Skin: The Details

When it comes to skin care, this topic is right up my alley! Of course you can improve your skin with products applied topically, but there is a whole other side to the story: nutrition! With a healthy diet and vitamin supplementation you can make amazing impacts on your skin from the inside out! Watch this video first, then I will further discuss the benefits of each vitamin and other concepts behind my vitamin regimen:

Benefits of each vitamin supplement

• Vitamin A
• Sources: Fish and liver oils, milk, eggs, orange and yellow vegetables (sweet potato, carrots, etc.)
• Benefits: Involved in cellular communication and reproduction, reduces oil production, impacts pore shape and pore lining.
• Note: This is a fat-soluble vitamin. That means it can be stored in your body's fat cells and may build up to toxic levels. Although this is unlikely with OTC vitamins, it is still an important consideration.
• Vitamin C
• Sources: Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwifruit, red & green peppers.
• Benefits: Antioxidant, protects cells from damage from free radicals, especially UV radiation. Aids in collagen production, an important protein for wound healing and skin health.
• Note: Water-soluble vitamin, proven to enhance immune function.
• Vitamin E
• Sources: Vegetable oils (sunflower, safflower oils, etc.), nuts (especially almonds!), green vegetables.
• Benefits: Super antioxidant! Has potent antioxidant properties that protect your skin from free-radical damage. Promotes all-over skin health!
• Note: Fat-soluble vitamin, take with meals.
• Fish Oil
• Sources: Fish (salmon, tuna, anchovies).
• Benefits: Fish oil is an amazing source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. These healthy fats allow cells to maintain a healthy shape and consistency. Fish oil also hydrates skin and reduces inflammation by promoting the production of anti-inflammatory hormones.
• Note: Fish oil is a great supplement for overall health, it promotes a healthy heart and healthy blood vessels! An all-around winner!
• B-Complex
• Biotin (Vitamin B7): Helps fatty acids and also instrumental in releasing carbs. Important for healthy hair and skin.
• Cobalamin (Vitamin B12): Assists nervous system function, formation of red blood cells.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Improves circulation. Helps body metabolise fats, carbs and proteins. Deficiency can cause acne.
• Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6): Helps your immune system to function. Deficiency can cause acne.
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Maintains mucous membranes in the digestive tract, along with Vitamin A. Vital for healthy skin, hair and nails. Acne is one sign you are deficient in Riboflavin. 
• Source: http://www.safesupplements.co.uk/how-can-vitaminb-complex-help-skin.html

This is a great option for Hair, Skin, & Nails. Inside the box, the bottle is transparent dark green which is OK for protecting the integrity of the vitamins, especially since the bottle is packaged and shipped inside a box.

Synergy

• It is important to understand the concept of synergy! These vitamins will work better when taken together, than taken individually. Look at it this way: Vitamins A & E are fat-soluble, in order for your body to use them appropriately, a fat source MUST be taken at the same time. Fish oil is a great source of healthy fat and additional vitamin A. This means that taking fish oil with your other vitamins will allow them to have maximum efficacy! I typically take my vitamins with a meal but when you combine them properly, taking your supplements with food isn't always necessary. 

Product Recommendations

Back on track with Music Monday & a new video!

There's no better way to kick off the week than with a productive Monday! A sense of accomplishment is always good for the soul and keeps you motivated and focused on your goals. As today settles down, here is a jam to help you unwind. I really like the message this song is putting out there :)

John Mayer - "3x5"

Also! Check out my latest YouTube video: "Vitamins for Great Skin!" Tomorrow, I will post it here with additional discussion. 

Have a great night!

Ross

A Quick Update!

Hey guys!!

Just want to let you all know that I haven't forgotten about you! I'm finishing up my nursing program at Thomas Jefferson University and graduating on May 14. Things are really getting down to the wire and I MUST stay focused on school for the next two weeks if I want to finish!

I am very excited for this summer, I'll be free of schoolwork and spending much more time creating videos and connecting with all of you! I have some lofty goals for MensSkinCareWithRoss including posting ~40-50 videos, I have A LOT that I want to share!

Bare with me as I wrap up school and enter the realm of eternal school loan debt. LOL I guess its my own damn fault for getting a degree, realizing that it wasn't what I really wanted, then going back to school a second time. Oh well.

Have a great weekend, its supposed to be a beautiful day here in Philadelphia tomorrow.

Ross