Adore the skin your in...

I love receiving your e-mails! They make fantastic topics!


My best friend Briana is visiting from Texas next week! I spent Saturday with Lakisha and Tiffany, checking in soon-to-be contestants during one of many, open calls in Florida. Working with National American Miss is always a blast! Kick painful leg cramps aside, and I had so much fun; there was a great turnout! The next one is in Altamonte Springs on March 16! It starts at 6:30pm and 100+ have already signed up; Join the list and hang out with us :)


Nadgeena J. writes;




Hi, Alyssa.
I always seemed to notice that your skin looked very clear, clean, and glowing. If you don't mind me asking, what make-up do you use? I'm growing into that teen phase where I break out constantly. I usually break out on my forehead and it's VERY noticeable. I also wanted to know what type of moisturizer you use. I am having some trouble finding a good one. I drink two bottles of water a day. Have you had any leftover scars? Any thing you recommend?

A: Hey girl! Thanks for the compliments, your super sweet! Flawless faces don't begin with make-up; but start from within.. (lol, seriously.) The products used to care for your face also play a factor. I definitely know how it feels to have your skin betray you. I finally developed a method that works, and I'm excited to share it!



Step 1- Pile your plate

Everything you eat becomes a part of not only your inner being, but the outer fabric of your body as well. "The healthier the foods are that you consume, the better your skin will look," -Samantha Heller, MS, RD, a clinical nutritionist at NYU Medical Center

Skin-loving foods:
Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, whole-wheat bread, green tea, turkey, tuna, brazil nuts, plums, low-fat yogurt, carrots, canola oil, spinach, walnuts, flax seed, salmon, and water!

Water is essential! I’m glad to hear you're drinking it, but two bottles a day isn’t enough. We need 6-8 glasses! This might seem like a lot, but you actually drink more of other liquids daily, so skip soda and coffee.

Step 2- Deconstruct your skin regimen area

Until recently, I kept my make-up in a cluttered, careless mess of near expired tubes. I realized my former skin regimen, wasn't very caring nor did I get a glistening, radiant outcome; I was only hurting myself. The way you treat and store products you apply to your face, actually makes a difference. It's never too late to start fresh -the sooner the better right? If your putting a cream/powder on your face,you want it to be clean. By organizing your skin care products, you'll not only be able to find them faster, but keep what you invested, in great condition.


Step 3- Pre Applicay


Squirting a dime sized amount of sanitizer
onto your palms before touching your face helps prevent
spreading bacteria. Keep a mini bottle in your purse for touch-ups.
I recommenced one that contains aloe vera, just because it doesn't dry your hands out.


RESTOCK

Throw away mascara and eyeliner after 6-8 weeks!
If you use make-up sponges, use a new one each time.
If you own pro brushes deep-clean them weekly
with baby shampoo and warm water; lay them to dry upside down. Use a brush disinfectant between uses. I just ran out, and suggest:


Lasts 6 months

Soaps, scrubs, moisturizers -oh my!

Only use products on your face that are specifically made for your face! Common sense; but you would be surprised to know how many people actually use dial hand-soap/dish detergent as a facial cleanser, or magenta glitter body lotion for a moisturizer, and have no idea why there experiencing problems. These products contain chemicals that aren't designed for those purposes.


Step 4- Select Correct

When choosing a facial cleanser look for phrases like fragrance free, hypoallergenic, and noncomedogenic (won't clog pores.) Products that are specifically designed for a variety of skin combinations (dry, oily, normal, and combination) are avalible so thats something to keep in mind. Bar soap can be gross, but I use the moisturizing oatmeal bar for dry skin from Avenno ($3.48) I buy a new one weekly and keep it in a case; If you prefer a pump I recommend Avenno Positively Radiant facial cleanser ($6.69 6.7oz) Moisturizer acts as a barrier to damaging pollutants in the air, sun rays, and keeps your face supple, invest in one thats oil free and contains SPF 30 or higher. I use Avenno Positively Radiant in SPF 30 ($16.99 2.5oz) Moisturizing helps fade acne scars. Don't overuse exfoliating scrubs! Harsh granules can irritate acne and also cause your skin to produce more oil. But if you find yourself with flaky patches, I LOVE Avenno's skin brighting scrub. ($7.49 5oz.)

Avenno active naturals improved my sensitive, acne prone,
combination-dry skin


-Dermatologists-

Make an appointment with one! They have the power to prescribe stronger topicals to clear up what over the counter creams can't. (It can get costly, ask for samples!) Be warned they like to test things out.. and get paid by companies to recommend products to their patients that sometimes, aren't the best. Stay away from: Differen Gel, even some Cetaphil and Clinque (sorry fans! A majority of teens agree these products did nothing for them, nor did it improve my skin for the 2+ years I used them.)


All make-up IS bad!

No mater what brand you choose, "when you go to sleep without washing your make-up off it ages your skin 13 days and is a direct route to clogged pores and all sorts of skin issues." -N.Y.C. dermatologist Laurie J. Polis. Theres no substitution for soap and water, but If your like me and are either guilty of laziness or find yourself falling asleep before having a chance to remove it, facial cleansing wipes might be for you! They can be used laying in bed and don't require water. Swipe one before drifting off to dreamland, leaving your face undamaged and refreshed by morning.


Bloom Off & Away Cleansing Wipes
-alcohol free, enriched with cucumber, camellia leaf, & aloe vera! $12 at Ulta


Extra:
You press your face against your pillow when you sleep
where pore-clogging oils from your hair end up.
Change your pillowcase frequently!




With Love, !
Alyssa