Update to Body Wash

Since our move to California, I have had to change a lot of our hair and skin products, as the air is dryer here than in Maryland, and our water is very hard.  In order to keep our skin clean and moisturized I added the following to our body wash...

• Refined Mango Butter - rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and E, restores and maintains skin moisture, as well as promotes cell generation.  It arrives as a crumbled butter material, that can be melted to mix with other ingredients.

Refined Mango Butter

• Tucuma Butter - rich in fatty acids to protect and moisturize skin.  It arrives as extra-virgin coconut oil would in a white/clear wax material.

Tucuma Butter

• Kukui Nut Oil - helps with soothing sunburn and chapped skin.  It arrives as a yellow oil.

The base of our body wash changed a bit also.  I fill the blender with...

1. 1 cup of Castor oil
2. 1 cup of Olive Oil
3. 1 cup of Honey
4. 1 cup of melted Refined Mango Butter
5. 1 cup of melted Tucuma Butter
6. 1 cup Dr. Bonner's Castile liquid Soap
7. 1/2 cup of Safflower oil
8. 1/2 cup of Jojoba oil
9. A few drops of Eucalyptus oil (this is just to give it a soothing smell)

I blend them up, and pour into a pump bottle...and we have our lovely body wash!  The end result is usually very creamy, and it does not produce bubbles.  I'm okay without bubbles as long as my skin is clean and moisturized.  This mixture needs to be altered according to your skin needs, and remember if you feel itching or experience hives while using these ingredients, please discontinue use and seek advice from your health care provider.  I hope this helps someone, until next time ;)  Please feel free to comment and follow!

Three products that I LOVE!!!!!!!

I'm not sure how many of you have heard of the brand Luvena, but it is definitely a God send!  In previous posts I have mentioned that I use Summer's Eve wipes and body wash on a daily basis.  However, after such a long period of usage the products began to dry my skin and cause the infamous skin issues that I was ever so determined to prevent.  I decided to search around for a product similar to Summer's Eve with less harsh ingredients, but with more ingredients that would be proactive in maintaining the natural flora in and around my private area.  In my search I came across a brand named Luvena, and this brand happens to be labeled as "natural".  To be honest, I'm not quite sure if the FDA has even defined what the usage of the word "natural" means with regards to the products labelled with it, but I have used and will be reviewing three of Luvena's products below.

The first product of the three that caught my eye are the prebiotic feminine wipes.

The picture above happens to be a box of their individually wrapped wipes.  I must say that having these wipes individually wrapped has come to be very convenient at times.  Most times are when I'm working out and won't have a chance to shower prior to running errands.  I can just remove one or two from my purse or pocket (since they are very compact) freshen up and go on with my day.  This definitely prevents most types of skin break-down due to sweat sitting on ones skin for a long period of time.

Individually wrapped wipe

Size of individually wrapped wipe with respect to packaging

Individually wrapped wipe after being removed from packaging

Full size of the individually wrapped wipe with respect to packaging

Luvena also has another set of the same wipes packaged similar to that of baby wipes, as pictured below.

These wipes can be used in the same manner, but since the entire package of wipes will be exposed to additional bacteria and environmental elements each time the package is opened, I would opt to use these at home (for example on night stand, in bathroom, etc.)

Multiple wipe packaging

Size of the multiple pack wipe with respect to the two different packages

LEFT:  individually wrapped wipe size, and RIGHT:  multiple pack wipe size

Another Luvena product that I keep handy is their body wash, which is pictured below.

The smell is great, with a gel consistency, and it's clear in color.  I tend to use this wash on days that are a little more active than others.  For example, on heavy workout days, heavy intimacy days, or during menstruation.

Body wash poured into my hand

Consistency of body wash

Consistency of body wash

Consistency of body wash

Now to the good stuff...these products are considered "prebiotic" because they include...

• Lactoferrin - a multifunctional protein that can be found in human milk and cow milk.  Human colostrum or the newborn's first milk has the highest concentration of lactoferrin.  As a side note, colostrum is very significant for newborns as it gives them antibodies to assist their immune system in fighting off bacteria and viruses.  The inclusion of lactoferrin in these products helps to maintain the normal flora balance in areas that are prone to bacterial overgrowth and subsequent skin break-down.  Just to give an example of its benefits, lactoferrin was given to mice with weakened immune systems and oral ulcers via their drinking water.  After consumption, the number of yeast strains, as well as the size of their oral ulcers had decreased.

• Lactoperoxidase - an enzyme usually secreted by mammary, salivary, and mucousal glands that functions as a natural antimicrobial.  To give an example of its benefits, it has been used in preserving food, cosmetic products, and eye drop medications.

• Lysozyme - an enzyme that attacks the cell walls of bacteria such as Bacillus and Streptococcus.  

• Pramoxine Hydrochloride - an antipruitic or anti-itch agent that temporarily relieves burning, itching, and discomfort associated skin irritation or inflammation.

In my mind, I immediately confuse prebiotic with probiotic!!???  So, just for my clarification

• Probiotics - are live bacteria found in yogurt and other diary foods or pills, and
• Prebiotics - are enzymes that assist the "good" bacteria with growth.

With the inclusion of the above ingredients, the products seem to have "bad" bacterial overgrowth under control, which has the potential to leave room for the "good" bacteria to overgrow...this is where use moderation comes into play.  So, if you start to utilize the wipes too often in conjunction with not allowing the area to dry, there is a possibility that you could experience "good" bacterial overgrowth...enters the the infamous "yeast infection"!  Yeast infections in my opinion are the most annoying, inconveniencing infections EVER...I digress...they cause a lot of irritation that can lead to skin breakdown.  The question becomes...are these products worth the moderation headache?  The truth is...I can't make that decision for you...hoooooowever, I can share what works for me and my ideology behind it.  

I KEEP all three products in my home at ALL times, and I also have these products scheduled for automatic re-order every 30 days.  As if that's not enough to slant your view...I choose these products because:

1. they conveniently prevent instant skin breakdown after workouts and intimacy marathons when instant showering isn't optimal,
2. they also prevent skin irritation due to my body's excessive self cleaning mechanism and ovulation discharge,
3. when thorough cleansing is needed (during menstruation, at the end of my day, etc.) the body wash is "money", and
4. MOST importantly this prebiotic formula/combination is available in two compact and convenient forms for use anywhere I may need them.

So, in case I didn't make it apparent before, I will gladly accept a few random yeast infections versus frequent, multiple, predictable, and preventable skin irritations and/or other infections.  My skin is very sensitive with a natural bacterial equilibrium that is easily imbalanced...over the past year Luvena has earned my thumbs up :)

On another note, just as I share the sweet side of these products, I must share the sour side as well.  Here are a few issues regarding the products that I would like to share briefly:

• The body wash has lanolin as an ingredient, which can cause eczema flares or skin irritation. 
• The wipes have tea tree oil as an ingredient, which can be used topically to kill bacteria and to minimize inflammation.  On the flip side, tea tree oil can dry the skin out.
• Luvena products have been a little hard to come by for the past few months due to an issue with their claims of being prebiotic.  You can read about this topic at the following websites Women's Health Law Information, The United States Dept. of Justice, and Class Action News.

Please discontinue the use of any product that causes irritation or discomfort.  As always, thank you for reading and until next time :)  Please feel free to comment, repost, and follow.

Update on Alabu Soap

I have had the opportunity to try an additional soap formula from Alabu, and I love it.  I initially clung on to their Tea Tree bar of soap because I needed a cleaner that would clear up body acne from workouts with excessive sweating.  The Tea Tree soap definitely cleared up my acne, but in the process it dried out other very sensitive areas.  There had come a point where the Tea Tree soap was drying out the skin around my outer private area, and that was very uncomfortable and itchy.  I knew I needed to try another soap for everyday use and keep the Tea Tree soap for heavy workout days.  We tried Alabu’s:

• Oats and Honey soap – calms our son’s eczema patches and itchiness
• Sara’s formula – sensitive enough to be used over the entire body numerous times a day, and the    best part is that it continues to moisturize your skin with each usage.  After a shower, my skin does not feel dry or like it wants to crack.  My skin is very moisturized, soft, and smooth after using only two bars of this soap.  Also, I was concerned about the workout acne I had begun to accumulate on my buttocks...I had no idea that this soap would clear it up, but it did, and resulted in extra moisturized and smooth skin.

So, long story short, the Tea Tree soap may be better used for acne break outs, or for a patron with very oily skin, but not daily as it has the potential to dry out your skin.  The Oats and Honey would be great for everyday usage, especially for those with a dry skin condition such as eczema, because it’s calming and moisturizing.  Sara’s formula is very good for everyday usage especially for those patrons with extra dry skin + sensitive skin.  All in all, this company does an exceptional job with their natural products, and I will always shop with them.

Check them out here Alabu Skin Products

Health & Wealth

GiGi's Professional Brazilian Hard Wax System

Well Everyone, I have officially tried my new at home was kit, and its AWESOME.  Of course, my husband had to help me with the area I could not reach, but the wax cleans your hair away like "no other"!  We just watched the dvd that came along with the kit, and I had a lot of experience with Brazilian waxes as I used to go to a spa to them every 6-8 weeks.  There is nothing like being able to groom oneself at home while saving money :)  I'm sure I will have saved us close to $400 a year by purchasing this kit instead of going to the spa.

I will say that if there was anything I would change about the kit, it would be the number of application sticks that come in kit, and I would also include an oil like Azulene oil (it removes left over wax very easily).  All in all this was an EXCELLENT buy :)

Health & Wealth
ModelMomMD

Should we wax or shave our "Candy Box"?

In my opinion, I will always vote for waxing the vagina, as it creates a very clean and smooth feeling afterwards, and it tends to last longer than shaving.  Also, waxing pulls the hair out of the follicle instead of cutting the hair off at skin level as with shaving.

I choose to Brazilian wax, which is the waxing of the hair from the front all the way to the anus.  It does not mean you will be completely bald, because you can opt to retain a landing strip on the front. I choose this type of hair removal for a few reasons:

• I feel more clean
• It's more comfortable
• It is very convenient , as someone else has to actually provide the service while I relax
• It makes me feel sexy and well kept 
• It hurts less the more you do it
• My hair grows back thinner each time
• It prevents me from getting ingrown hairs
• It prevents yeast and bacterial infections in that area

When I used to shave I would instantly get razor bumps, with itching and swelling along the shaved area.  As soon as the hair began to grow back, I would have extreme itching sessions...VERY EMBARRASSING!

Finding facilities that provide Brazilian waxes are easy to find.  However, they all are not sanitary nor are they all licensed to provide such services.  I would only go to a licensed aesthetician, and always watch to make sure that the aesthetician does not double dip (use the same stick for the entire process) in the wax.  Each distribution of wax should be done with a new clean wooden applicator.  When selecting a facility for your wax, take this in to consideration:

• The facility itself should be a salon or spa, and it should be clean (presentation is EVERYTHING)
• Ask if the waxing technician is a licensed aesthetician
• Make sure the technician has the ability to use hard wax, as it does not hurt as much because it sticks to your hair and not your skin
• Try not to use strip paper wax, as it hurts more and really irritates your skin

I have found that there are a few things one needs when getting Brazilian waxes frequently:

• Baby powder to prime your skin prior to waxing
• Tweezers to pull any stubborn hairs
• A large mirror to see all angles
• Jumbo cotton balls to apply products after your waxing
• Parissa Azulene oil to remove left over wax and to moisturize the waxed skin
• An astringent, such as Tend Skin or witch hazel to prevent ingrown hairs or to prevent infection from ingrown hairs

I used to go to a spa every 6-8 weeks for my waxing and spend on average between $50-$85 for my Brazilian waxes.  However, since I have stopped working and my husband and I are trying to become more economical with our spending, I chose a home wax kit, and it's AWESOME.  The name of the kit is GiGi Brazilian Waxing Kit, 14 ounces.  I purchased it from Amazon.com for about $31.  

This kit comes with everything you would need, including a warmer.  Be sure to always view any and all dvd's that may be included with this kit, as it will help you familiarize yourself with the product as well as prevent you from getting burned from extremely hot wax.

Here is a picture of the Parissa Azulene Oil:

This oil is such a life saver, it instantly removes any and all wax that may be left over in your hair or on your skin without much rubbing at all. It costs about $7 on Amazon.com.

You also want a pair of tweezers that are effective in pulling out left over coarse or stubborn hairs, so you are not left tugging at your sensitive skin for lone hairs.  You can purchase the tweezers alone from Sephora for $28. Here is a picture of the eyebrow set that includes a pair of very effective tweezers:

So, after reading this...will you be shaving or waxing the time you have to make the choice?

Health & Wealth
ModelMOMMD

Summer's Eve Feminine Products

Ever had that moment where you needed to clean-up fast, but the only thing you had access to was hard toilet paper?  In your mind you are thinking:

• "This toilet paper is not going to cut it"
• "I'm not going to be able to get everything off with this"
• "I need something wet, like NOW"
• "The smell is still going to be there"

Well ladies, I have been using Summer's Eve cleansing wipes for over five years, and I absolutely love them!  Now, just remember everything in moderation.  You don't want to over-due the usage of the wipes as the main purpose of the wipes are to take away smell causing bacteria.  However, some of that smell causing bacteria is needed in order to keep the normal flora of bacteria in our vaginal area at an equilibrium.  For example, cleaning our vagina's too much with any cleanser can lead to yeast infections, as there will be no other bacteria in that area to keep the yeast under control.  I have also found that the purple colored (Delicate Blossom) cleansing clothes and wipes are the most delicate for my skin.  There are times that Delicate Blossom is not available and my fall back scent is pink or Simply Sensitive.  

I use the cleansing clothes and wash.  The wash usually lasts me for awhile, as I only use it in my vaginal area, not my entire body.  The wipes aren't so lucky, as I use them more often especially during menstruation, after intercourse if I'm not in the mood to shower, and after any strenuous activity if I'm unable to get to a shower.  Now, some women may like the individually wrapped clothes, but my favorite are the soft packs, they are packaged like travel baby wipes.  They appear to thicker and easier to use.  I also found that the wipes are good for wiping and/or cleaning your underarms when in a rush, and the cleansing wash is great to place on your underarms when bathing, allow it to soak there while you clean the rest of your body, and go over your underarms last.  This enables the cleanser to clean away the smell causing bacteria under your arms, and prevents any type of left over smell or deodorant build-up.

Hope this helps some of you, please post your experiences or questions...health and wealth to all!

Check them out at Summer's Eve Products

Skin Care Products

On another note, I was having some issues with my face being very sensitive, as I have eczema all year round (it causes flaking, dry skin around my mouth and nose...it even makes those areas lighter if I don't address the issue properly), and I get pimples prior to menstruation.  I have been using natural products for my family's skin care needs for the past four years, and we all love them.  We have been using:

• Evan Healy for our facial needs:
• I use the "Blemish treatment" set
• My husband uses the "Blue treatment" set
• Check them out at Evan Healy

• Alabu soap for our entire body needs:
• We all use the "Tea Tree Ultra-moisturizing & Soothing Goat Milk Soap"
• It keeps our eczema, and skin irritations from frequent exercise under control
• It is also very good for very sensitive skin, which all three of us have
• I also use their "Facial Moisturizer" for my facial eczema
• They have so many different soaps to choose from depending on one's skin conditions
• Check them out at Alabu Soap

• Oyin Handmade for skin moisturizer needs:
• We all use the "Whipped Pudding"
• Its moisturizing abilities for the skin are ridiculously amazing!
• I originally purchased it for our hair, but it works better for our skin, and it can even be used on your face (I use it on my 5 year olds face and body everyday)
• Check them out at Oyin Handmade

• Azulene Oil after a female waxing:
• It calms and moisturizes that delicate skin
• It also painlessly removes any left over wax
• Check it out at Azulene Oil

• Tend Skin is used by my husband for his face after shaving:
• It prevents African American men from getting in-grown hairs on their face after shaving
• It works wonderfully
• He has been using it for years now
• Just beware of its smell!
• Check it our at Tend Skin Home page, and Tend Skin on Amazon.com

I hope this product list can help some of you, as it took me a while of trial and error to get to this point.  Hopefully I can save some of you some time :)  Please email me or post any questions you may have, or experiences with these products.  Please remember that these products work well for me and my family and may not work well for everyones skin types.