How do you help your skin?

[TransformationSoup]

Just wondering what everyone is doing to help their skin along during the program?

I have wrinkly skin under my belly button still there from pregnancy. It used to be firm but now it is empty! The deep and wide stretch marks have lost their colour, but their texture is still there.

I am doing some Dry Skin Brushing before my shower, all over my body, and having a good go on my belly until it goes red (to get the circulation all buzzing), then after my shower using Bio Oil from hip bone (bones!!) to hip bone. Seems to be helping which is nice. My skin feels smoother anyway!

Skipping high impact exercise for now, but still doing some slow yoga is keeping my strength up.

I have a feeling that I used to rest on my belly when sitting, and now there is no belly I slouch. So, to keep my core muscles strong I have been doing some strengthening exercises on my fit ball.

My husband and I have also started Project Summer Arms! We invented it ourselves. We use our hand weights and work on our biceps, triceps, shoulders and chest muscles. Then we stretch.

What lotions and potions are you finding works best on your skin?

It is obvious that taking EFA has improved my skin's elasticity, no doubt all the water has helped too, plus, the zinc in my multi-vitamin has really improved the strength of my nails.

I have heard rumors that caffeine gathers in the luggage under my eyes. Anyone else heard this?

My greatest discovery this year is Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream. Use it on any cuts or mozzie bites, every 8 hours for about 2 days and there is a huge improvement. It may be the Calendula in it, so am going to get some on it's own when I run out to see if I am right.

I think what will also help is getting the circulation pumping with some good exercise.. I know this keeps my body warmer at bedtime, so something to look forward to!

[Gremlin]

It could be the calendula, because from memory EA 8hr has alottt of mineral oil in it too which isn't too flash for skin. I used to use one of Jurlique's calendula creams and it was amazzinnnggg!

[fornight]

Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream on mozzie bites???? I never knew that! It has always been my HG for moisturzing my terrible chapped lips but I have never thought of using it on mozzie bites. thanks for letting me know!

As for my skin, I make sure that I am taking adequate Omega 3 supplements. Omega 3 helps the skin too and I do notice a significant difference.

I am also using some body firming creams. I have various kinds due to past impulsive purchases. For example Palmer's cocoa butter, L'oreal firming cream (the one that comes with a massager and the firming cream is purple in colour) and Nivea firming cream. I particularly like the L'oreal firming cream.

[Tantravaya]

I use Emu Oil on my skin and also take it as a supplement (full of omega 3,6,9). It is an oil that is recognised as being the deepest to penetrate human skin and is now being used as a base for pharmaceutical ointments due to its deep penetration. It has cleared up extensive dark spots on my arms and back caused by sun damage over the years. Internal use has also eradicated small scaly spots on my feet and lower legs. My beauty therapist has observed my skin go from dry and papery to being fully moisturised just from using emu oil. Once she couldn't massage my face due to the skin's thinness and fragility. Now she tells me that she rarely sees clients so moisturised and she can massage my face continually as long as she (and I) likes.

[carrieanne_c]

I wonder if I can find EMU cream over here!

[MH76]

thought i would bump this up! My friend is the founder of an organisation called Op Therapy - she makes beautiful products -

http://optherapy.com.au

I'm sure she can help : )

M

[lisadawn]

Great link, she has got great stuff