Summer Skin Series: Remedies for Sundamage & Hyperpigmentation

I LOVE summer, sun & the beach!
Vitamin D and sun exposure are good for our mood & important for your health!
But what if you have overdone it? The Australian sun is so strong and it’s easily done to get a sunburn or also hyper-pigmentation and Sun damage in the long term. 

HYPERPIGMENTATION

Sun-damage, sunspots & hyperpigmentation are some of the major concerns for women living down under. I get asked about this skin concern a lot!!! So I thought it's about time to do a little write up about it:
Prevention is key, so do not overexpose your skin to the sun, avoid hormonal contraceptives and be especially careful during pregnancy, as hormone changes are known to bring on the sunspots.
If you already have got some pigmentation, don't fret, there are also natural treatments which help to fade, balance and lighten already established pigmentation. 

Of course, first and foremost: Always protect the affected area carefully from sun exposure, to give your skin the chance to normalise it’s pigment naturally. Wear natural Zinc based SPF, hats and keep that face out of the sun whenever possible.
To speed up the process and help brighten and fade here are my top picks:  

Max&MePurity&Grace
My All time favourite cleansing oil, which I have already shown you here.
With its Tamanu oil (a gem of the Polynesian Peoples medicine) and its seabuckthorn oil (One of the best-researched oils, which protects the skin from damage due to radiation as well as damage from too much sunlight. A magical oil with a beautiful orange tint and a delightful scent, which is said to have a wonderful effect thanks to its regenerative and rejuvenating properties.) is so good when there is much sun around. It heals protects and prevents damage with the help of the amazing talents its ingredients boast -  but also by oil-cleansing itself which is so good in keeping skins barrier happy and healthy and ready to take on any challenge.

Max&Me Mask&Wash
This is the superstar in managing, fading and also preventing hyperpigmentation, sun spots, uneven skin tone and sun damage as does the whole „sweet serenity“ line.
(Mask&Wash contains sustainably sourced honey, if you are strictly vegan, please use the other products of the Sweet Serenity Line e.g. Beauty Balm and Purity&Grace as cleanser)
I have already told you about this miracle worker, here !
But did I mention how good it is for the prevention & treatment of pigmentation?
Here is why, for the skincare nerds:

Cacao and manuka honey paired together with „hyperpigmentation healing heroes“ 
helichrysum, sandalwood and rose-geranium of the essential oil’s bouquet.

Cacao
The cacao that is used is the finest, organic Balinese cacao powder. Brimming with vitamins and minerals this cacao powder is rich in super antioxidants and has such skin brightening talents.
 
manuka honey (not vegan)
The unique flower nectar of the manuka blossoms boasts methylglyoxal with incredibly potent antiseptic and antimicrobial properties which help to clear up the skin and to tame inflammation. Raw manuka honey is also said to brighten the complexion, evening out skin tone, lightening scars and age spots. Raw manuka honey is brimming with nutrients and minerals and also acts as a beautiful humectant, drawing moisture into the skin.
 
helichrysum
this extraordinary, exceptionally effective essential oil is unparalleled in its ability to heal hyperpigmentation supporting skin’s health and healing. Very few oils can match Helichrysum italicum for its affinity and effectiveness for use on skin prone to hyperpigmentation.
 
sandalwood
helps in healing scar tissue and fades away marks and discolouration caused due to skin damage.

rose-geranium
very effective in lightening scars, blemishes and dark spots. It is considered as one of the top essential oil used in treating hyperpigmentation.

HEALING HYPERPIGMENTATION FROM THE INSIDE

Another great thing you can do is heal pigmentation from the inside out!
Edible Beauty Teas No.1, No.4 & No.8 all have powerful herbal ingredients that help you to detox, balance hormones (an important one for this issue!) and to boost antioxidant levels to protect your cells & skin from the sun.
The skincare range also has some powerful products that help with pigmentation.
They are all vegan!
Use Code "LIV15" at checkout for 15% off all Edible Beauty products for all my clients & readers!

I hope this was helpful! Enjoy Summer and the holidays!

Our Summer Glow Workshop- Roundup!

Just a week ago I teamed up with the raw food wizard (or shall I say unicorn?) Julie from Earth To Table & Naturopath & skincare expert Anna from Edible Beauty for a really fun and hands-on night teaching all about The Inside Out Summer Glow. From healing & nourishing foods and toxin-free skincare to natural makeup...
There was so much to tell, teach, demonstrate and play with!

Anna had everyone mix a fresh turmeric face mask to apply, Julideliciousmonstrated the most delicious treats (I also learned a thing or two about food preparation!) and I followed with a simple Summer Glow look, talking all things foundation, highlighter and radiant cheeks.
The look we did was quite similar to my day-to-day makeup, which you can see in this video.
I was using my fave Jane Iredale Foundations: Liquid Minerals, Glow Time & PurePressed.
The key is to find the right one for your skin type and needs.
And I really can't seem to get enough of the vegan lip&cheek carrot colour pots & vanilla highlighters by Ere Perez.
We used all the beautiful skincare products for prepping the skin by Edible Beauty, which I also featured in detail in this video.
(If you want to get yourself some: Use code "LIV15" at checkout, for a special discount that applied to my clients & readers!)

We were also lucky to have the talented Gaby @ Gabriela Fearn Photography, shoot some behind the scenes of the event for us. Thank you, Gaby!!!!

The beautiful toxin-free candles were supplied by BearLakeFinds.com

As usual, I had little Faye in tow, while she had a great time with daddy and coming to visit for a while, she definitely had enough of it all by the end of the night.
I totally pushed her bedtime a little too far. Mama has still a lot of learning to do. Oops.
Forgive your silly Mum, little one, I am trying my best.
Our next workshop will happen during the daytime :)
She has been amazing tagging along with my gigs and I make sure that she gets my full attention and presence when we spent time together. I might write a little piece about this working mum business sometime soon! 

A Vibrant Facial with Max&Me

I have recently included some new & beautiful Max&Me skin care into my pro-kit as well as into my own beauty routine. I thought I share with you how I use them as an at-home facial and also as an evening/makeup removal routine. Possibly the most luxurious natural line that I have tried. The care that founder Tanja Gruber takes to source the ingredients doesn't compare. It's beyond organic and therefore very potent. I highly recommend this for any troubled skin conditions that require healing and for anyone that seeks real pampering! Thank me later ;)

All products are cruelty-free & toxin-free.
Mask&Wash does contain carefully sourced natural Manuka Honey and is therefore not vegan.
If you are looking for a vegan hydrating Mask in this range apply the Beauty Balm in a generous layer instead.

 

My Favourite Facial Oils Guide

Some people swear by using pure oils on their skin, while others try to stay clear of oils completely after a bad break out experience? Why are oils all the craze right now and how to know which one to use?

If you are a beauty nerd and love to know more details read on... If you are just after a quick What-product-to-buy-guide, scroll down toward the end of this post :)

What's in an oil?
It's important to realize that all natural carrier oils have a different composition of fatty acids, making them suitable for some skin types and purposes, yet not for others. All oils contain a different percentage of Oleic Acid and Linoleic Acid. Many skincare brands combine different pure oils to get the right balance and a variety of benefits. Besides this, they contain different nutrients. You can purchase pure carrier oils or ones that are blended and formulated out of different oils. Some are enriched with further ingredients like essential oils to address certain skin concerns and aromatherapy benefits.  

Why oils are better than creams, lotions & co
Moisturizing your skin with certified organic plant oils is possibly the best thing you can do for your skin. Pure plant oils provide moisture and nutrients to your skin without any fillers or aggressive preservatives. Water is usually the first ingredient on the list and therefore contained in the highest percentage in your moisturizer, due to the high water content moisturizers and creams will always require preservatives while pure oils don't. You basically get more bang for your buck and higher quality as water is nothing more than a cheap filler. Plant oils are very versatile and can help to balance oily skin with over active oil glands while moisturizing the very dry skin.

How to find the right oil for my skin?
Below is a guideline on which oils commonly work the best for the different skin types. You might have to experiment to find the oil that works best for your skin. If your skin absorbs the oily quickly and nicely, not leaving it shiny, but rather supple, moisturized and healthy it's right for you! You want the oil to absorb, without leaving any residue behind.

Dry Skin
In a nutshell: Oils that are high in Oleic Acid are best for dry skin. These oils very rich and nourishing and feel oily on the skin. Some of the best oils for dry skin are Macadamia Oil, Avocado Oil, Almond Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil. More balanced oils that can also work well for dry skin: Flaxseed Oil, Argan Oil, Coconut Oil (Unrefined) 

Combo/Oily Skin
Oils that are high in Linoleic Acid are best for oily/acne prone skin. These oils are light and help to reduce clogged pores. For example, Safflower Oil, Black Cumin Seed Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil Rosehip Seed Oil Grape Seed Oil Soybean Oil These are well-balanced oils also good for oily/acne prone skin: Jojoba Oil Pomegranate Oil Sesame Oil

Extremely Dry Skins
If you are very very dry or live in a very cold climate, your skin might ask for something more. In this care try Coconut Oil or Plant Butters (e.g. Shea-, Cocoa- or Mango butter), which are also amazing for the body. These oils are high in Palmitic Acid and not recommended for acne-prone skin.

Look For Quality & Keep it Cool
It's important to look for certified organic oils of the best quality. If you use an oil that is high in Linoleic Acid, it's best to keep it in the fridge, as they tend to go off very quickly otherwise.

How To Apply
Usually, only a few drops are needed and oils are best applied on damp skin. I love spraying my face with some hydrating mist before applying oil. The right oil can be used morning and night instead of moisturizer or you can choose a different one for morning & night.

Here are my favourite Oils:
 

The Multitasker
Akhal Organic Argan Kernel Oil
This smooths and nourishes the Mr.'s beard & my dry hair but it's also fabulous on the skin.
Moisturising, repairing and fights free radicals. Good also if you prefer a single pure oil rather than a blend. Certified organic directly from Morocco.

The Healer
Happy Skincare Tamanu Oil (or also known as Dilo Oil)
Tamanu Oil is known to strengthen the skin and can even heal & improve scars and stretch marks. Everyone should have this one in their home remedy kit! This Dilo oil from Fiji is the most potent and it's 100% pure (often you buy low percentage blends with Coconut oil) this is the real stuff!

The Glow-Getter
Max&Me "I am the light"
A real luxury blend of the finest oils.
Very lightweight, sits well under makeup. For all skin types! This creates an instant radiance.
"illuminates and hydrates tired skin, releasing dullness and congestion, radiantly removing the traces of time" I could not have said it better!
Regenerating argan, moisturizing marula, repairing rosehip, antioxidant-rich pomegranate are the carrier oils. Combined with pink lotus, frangipani, white fir, neroli & rose as the added highly vibrant essential oils. It is extremely uplifting and resonates with the energy of the third eye chakra.
 

The Brightening Plumper
Edible Beauty Snowflower Illuminating Face Oil
One of my all-time favourites, this nourishes the skin so well and regenerates instantly.
Another winner for daytime under makeup (I use this in my Pro Makeup Kit)
(as well as for night time!)
With a unique combination of Native Australian Extracts including Snowflower Seed Oil and Kakadu Plum are abundant in vitamin C to boost collagen production and brighten the skin whilst Emu Apple Seed Oil has four times the antioxidants of Blueberries and natural waxes to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. Jojoba Seed Oil and Banksia Seed Oil reduce inflammation and encourage skin suppleness. 
Don't forget to use Code "LIV15" for 15% off all Edible Beauty Purchases for my readers & clients!

 

The Chaos Calmer
Max&Me "Enchanted"
My oil of choice for sensitive skin and a beautiful night time treatment.
It treats all sensitive, irritated conditions and regenerating mature complexions while embracing all skin types with its calming and hydrating talents. This is a rare blend of antioxidant-rich beauty oils each bursting with its own special talents - argan, marula, macadamia nut, rosehip, pomegranate, evening primrose - refined with a treasured and very potent blend of essential oils.

Do you have favourite Oils?
 

Postpartum Healing- My journey tips & tricks

I made a little video, trying to sum up the things that helped me postpartum...
I hope when you are watching this you might have some time on your hands, waiting for your bub to arrive. I failed to be brief... and even after this long video there were still things I forgot to mention, but I had to stop myself eventually!
I really hope this is helpful!

I have also copied the links of my pregnancy posts below:

3rd Trimester http://www.livlifemag.com/livwell/201...
2nd Trimester: http://www.livlifemag.com/livwell/201...
1st Trimester: http://www.livlifemag.com/livwell/201...