Breakout Causes

Life would be much easier if any problem would have only one cause. In the case of acne, we could easily locate the source of the condition and find an effective cure to get rid of it. Unfortunately the causes for sudden acne breakouts are various. What causes breakouts varies from one person to another. Understanding what triggers your blemishes can help you control any sudden breakouts

Facial Mapping

You can tell a lot about the health or your body simply by looking at your face. Parts of the face correspond directly to different parts of the body (internal organs). The location of acne spots on your face can give you an indication of their underlying cause. By analyzing where you get pimples and "mapping" where acne pops up, you can help prevent zits from forming.

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zones 1 & 3
Traditionally, this zone is regarded as the "sister" to the bladder and digestive system. If you breakout frequently in this area, it might mean that you need to improve your elimination by drinking more water and eating more "whole" foods.

zone 2
The middle of the forehead, between the eyebrows, is related to the liver. Congestion in this zone can indicate over consumption of alcohol, rich foods, and possibly a food allergy (such as lactose intolerance). Look into digestive aids in the form of a gentle cleanse (like eating a raw food diet for a week, or cutting out meat, dairy, caffeine, processed food and sugar from your diet for a little while.)

zones 4 & 10
The ears are highly sensitive area related to kidneys. If you notice that your ears are very hot, you might be stressing them out - drink plenty of plain water and cut down on caffeine and alcohol.

zones 5 & 9
The cheeks often give an accurate glimpse into any respiratory distress. Smokers or people suffering from allergies generally experience fine, broken capillaries or congestion in this area.

zones 6 & 8
The eyes are truly a window to the body's health because they're related to the kidneys. Dark circles are made worse by dehydration and poor elimination.

zone 7
A reddened nose can indicate heightened blood pressure, or the early stages of rosacea. Congestion around the upper lip can occur if you use comedogenic lipsticks or liners.

zone 12
stomach: as with the other areas of the face connected to the stomach, you will want to look into any possible food sensitivities or allergies (they are sometimes the foods you crave the most!) Look into a gentle detox and adding more greens and fiber into your diet.

zones 11 & 13
Usually hormonal stress or changes cause breakouts in this area for women. Bulking up on greens and staying hydrated during the premenstrual cycle will help minimize any hormonal breakouts. If you are breaking out in this area all month long, you may want to look into an estrogen cream to balance out your hormones.

zone 14
usually linked to stress or a sign that the body is trying to fight off sickness (bacterial invasion). give yourself a break, take a yoga class or two, take a nap, take time to breathe deeply and know that everything always works out.





Acne caused by Candida

Candida acne is a common skin disorder affecting both males and females at any age, yet most are unaware of the cause.
What is Candida?
"Candida is a yeast-like fungus which naturally resides on our skin, in our intestines and even in our eyes – anywhere moist and warm. Like most fungus and bacteria it prefers warm, damp locations and it feeds on sugar. When the candida begins to grow out of control then a body can develop candidiasis, a Candida infection. This can occur internally and result in vaginal infections, digestive issues, and chronic fatigue. It can occur externally and result in a rash and acne. And it can result in both.
The result of Candida overgrowth is a drain on the immune system as well as the organs involved in metabolism, hormone regulation, and cellular reproduction.
In short, your body is unable to fight skin infections and acne. And you’re more susceptible to acne because Candida is messing up your hormones and your metabolism. Thus your skin only gets worse." -www.candita-yeast-explained.com

A few years ago I had started breaking out little bumps on my forehead. I was trying everything and it only got worse (I will admit my diet wasn't the best). My husband who years ago worked at a nutrition store turned me on to a product from ReNew Life called Candigone. I started taking it as well as cutting out sugars, yeast and caffeine from my diet. Within 10 days my skin had cleared up. Now whenever I have the similar flair up I do the Candigone cleanse.

To tell if you need a Candida cleanse look at your tongue when you first wake up in the morning, before brushing your teeth. It should be a light pinkish color. If your tongue has a white film on it that is caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast.

Common breakout triggers

Whenever doing a skin analysis on a client I can always tell two things, which side they sleep on and which side they talk on their phone.

Pillow: Pillows contain hair product residue, dead skin, and bacteria. Sleeping with your face pressed into the pillow clogs your pores usually resulting in blackheads along the hair and jawline. The best thing to do would be to sleep on your back, as it also results in fewer wrinkles. If you must sleep on a side use a cotton pillow case. Cotton will absorb sweat and oil where as a silk or satin case will not leaving your face to absorb it. Also wash your pillow case every few days in a fragrance free detergent, fragrance is one of the biggest skin irritants.

Phone: I know you all have heard that talking on your phone causes breakouts and it can. Clean your phone regularly with a disinfectant and avoid talking with no hands where you are pressing the phone against your face.

Touching your face: Your hands and fingers have natural oils on them and usually pick up other germs and bacteria throughout the day. Touching your face or resting it on your palm can will transfer those oils and may cause breakouts.

Hair care products: If you get breakouts predominately around your hair line and/or forehead, your hair care products could be at fault. Greasy or heavy treatments like pomades, oils, and hairspray, can be pore clogging. Whenever possible, buy hair care products labeled noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic. Also, avoid getting your hair care products on your face by applying them at least 1 inch away from the hairline.

Make-up bushes: Half of the fight against blemishes is reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria on your skin. And makeup brushes and applicators are bacteria magnets. Wash all makeup brushes with antimicrobial soap a few times each week, and thoroughly spray them with rubbing alcohol after every application. Use disposable applicators whenever possible, and dispose of after each use.

Stress: I know that for me this is often the hardest acne trigger to control .Stress causes worsening of acne in two ways. First, by stimulating adrenal glands to produce more hormones and secondly, by slowing down the healing process. Get someone to watch the kids and take time for yourself and relax :)

Looking for more help with your skin? Check out the products Sodee Naturals has to offer. Use the code: shwin when you check out and you will save 10% off your order.

Heirloom Advice Needed

 Ok Friends, I need some help. A few years back I inherited something very special from my Grandma (besides my beloved sewing machine of course) It was a vintage collection of Little Women paper dolls. All delicately cut out by my Grandma. I was touched that they would go to me. I remember the first set of paper dolls my Grandma ever gave me, it was from the American Girls collection, and I loved them, I was NOT careful with them as I was a kid and they did as paper does, rip, tear, and get wet (so ruined) My Grandma was much more careful with her things. So now I have a collection of very old very beautiful paper dolls and I don't know what to do with them. 

 The dolls are printed on a thicker card stock and are in near mint condition. 

 The detailed outfits however are printed on paper and the paper is starting to break down...

 I have been storing them in the manilla envelopes they came to me in. Then over the past years I have pulled them out from time to time to drool over the fancy styles and extensive accessories. 

 Then I smile when I see the sweet little notes my Grandma wrote on some of them. I imagine how long it must have taken her to cut out each piece and then how she cared for them all of those years.

 Every perfect little piece.

So now that I have a daughter, the question I can't seem to answer is what to do with them. So if it were you what would you do? 

I have thought about framing them somehow to showcase them.

I have thought about turning them into magnets so my daughter could play with them

Or I could leave them in the manilla envelope and just look at them every now and then....

Any suggestions? 

Thanks!

Button Inspired Top

 I love being inspired by other craft bloggers. There are a ton of crafty ladies out there and there is truly nothing better than learning from each other. Over the last little while I saw THIS from the talented ladies over at icandy and then I saw THIS made by the super fabulous Jess from craftiness is not optional. I LOVE buttons and was inspired to make a button covered top myself. 

 It was sooo easy to make. It makes for a great summer top, and a great way to be creative with buttons. It's hard to mess up since buttons are just so dang cute anyway. So let's get started shall we?

 Start with a plain tank, or tee or skirt, anything really. I used the last of my stash from the cheap tanks from walmart. (other ideas for the plain tank are HERE HERE and HERE)

 Then grab a collection of buttons and some matching thread.

 Lay out your desired design. I went through a few options before I chose one but thought I would share them with you incase it gets your ideas flowing. You can do a lot of buttons.

 Only a few buttons.

 Or the design I settled on clusters at the corners that add a stripe like detail.

 Stitch the buttons on and then you are done.

 I love the little details and pop of interest it adds to the top.

Enjoy!

Banish Blackheads

I have received so many great skin care questions, more than I could answer in one post so I have decided to conquer one subject at a time.

Today is the ever quite stubborn blackheads.

Blackheads are caused by excess oil that has clogged a pore usually causing dead skin cells to block them making them very hard to remove.

How do you get rid of existing blackheads?

There are many topical solutions to help clear up blackheads.

(Dr. prescribed) Tretinoin (Retin-A, Avita, Renova) is the mainstay of treatment for whiteheads and blackheads. Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A and works by increasing cell turnover and reducing the "stickiness" of the sloughed cells. It helps expel the plugged material returning the pore to normal.

Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect and may also decrease the chemical reaction that changes the lining of the hair follicle. This may help reduce the plugging that causes blackheads. You can find Benzoyl Peroxide in Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment and proactive products.

Salicylic acid is especially helpful in treating acne because of its ability to penetrate the follicle. It encourages the shedding of dead skin cells from within the follicle, helping keep the pores clear of cellular debris. In this way, it reduces the number of pore blockages and breakouts on the skin. You can find Salicylic acid in Dermalogica Medicated Clearing Gel, Noxzema Anti-Acne Gel and Murad acne spot treatment(my favorite).

Essential Oils are a great and natural way to treat clogged pores. Among the best suited for blackheads is Tea Tree Oil, Lavender, Clary Sage and Eucalyptus. Just apply a drop or two after cleansing and let it absorb before applying your moisturizer.

Exacting blackheads: Removing debris from inside of the blackhead helps the skin heal by relieving the pressure which causes the damage. To make blackheads easier to extract mix together baking soda and distilled water until it makes a paste. Apply to the congested areas and apply steam for 5-10 minutes. (follow our facial steam tutorial) The steam combined with the baking soda opens the pores allowing to remove the clogged pores.

To extract gently apply even pressure to both sides of the blackhead by pushing down then up around the blemish. If nothing comes to the surface it can help to lift the skin off the blackhead. Using a sterile needle lightly prick the skin covering the blackhead and try extracting again. You can also use a lancet which is a great tool to extract blemishes. Only attempt this once or twice. If it does not "pop" you may bruise the skin, make the blackhead worse and could cause scaring.

How do you keep from getting new blackheads?

Cleanse regularly. The most important thing would be to make sure to clean your face both morning and night. Since blackheads are initially caused by oil and debris clogging pores it is also necessary to cleanse after working out our any strenuous activity that would cause you to sweat. Finding the right cleanser is just as important. Do not use bar soap! Bar soaps are alkaline causing that tight squeaky feeling which can be mistaken as clean but in actuality leaves a film on the skin which will make blackheads worse.

Tone after cleansing. Toner is an everyday skin care necessity. Even after cleansing you may still have oil, makeup and other pollutants on your skin that toner will remove. Toner also balances your skins ph and makes for better penetration of any serums or moisturizers. Most brand of toners all achieve the same results. Anything labeled as a skin freshener or toner are good to use, but stay clear of astringents. Astringents have a much higher alcohol percentage and can dry out the skin. Have sensitive skin? Apply witchhazel or our skin brightening toner tutorial. To use: Apply to cotton ball and swipe over skin. Repeat until there is no longer any residue on cotton. (this may take 2-3 cotton balls)

Exfoliate. The reason most blackheads are so hard to get rid of is because of a thick build up of dead skin cells. Doing at home exfoliating treatments and still seem to have thick congested skin? Doing microdermabrasion or chemical peel sessions at a spa would help to slough off those dead layers of skin. In next weeks post on advanced spa treatments I will go into further detail on these and other treatments.

How can I achieve smaller pores?

The first step to smaller pore is to keep them clean of dirt and debris. Your pores expand when clogged so once your pores are kept clear they will return to their normal size. If you naturally have large pores having clear skin alone wont reduce the pore size. There are pore minimizing products that you can use. Some of the best I have found are: Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector, Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher and Murad Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer.

Other options would be medical strength chemical peels which will be covered next week.

Have anymore questions? Let us know, and make sure to check back every week as we cover different topics.

Looking for more help with your skin? Check out the products Sodee Naturals has to offer. Use the code: shwin when you check out and you will save 10% off your order.

Dolce Dreams Giveaway

**Giveaway is now closed**

I have said it before (and I will say it again) but we have a fabulous (and I mean fabulous) new sponsor to share with you today and of course a new giveaway for you! 

Let's give a nice warm welcome to Dolce Dreams!

This shop is beautiful elegant, welcoming and soothing. 

I imagine angels singing when you simply click on over to the shop. 

Her items are all a little close to my heart since if you have been around the blog for a while you know I have a true love of needle point. All of her items are hand embroidered. Yes HAND embroidered, and it shows you can see the love and care in every lovely stitch. I am just in love. She has items for Baby and Mamma. Let's shop a little shall we?

 She has some gorgeous eye pillows. I love this Dream one it looks like a dream. Filled with Lavender from france and Organic flax seed, you simply heat the insert and then lay the warm and scented pillow on your tired eyes...Heaven...

Next up some of her lovely satchels. 

She does several custom designs. I love the "la dolce vita" one. They are all filled with lavender from Provence France. Perfect to freshen up a car, sock drawer, closet, room, lavender is relaxing and lovely. 

 I also loved this one. I know mother's day is past but what mom wouldn't want this anytime of the year? Her embroidery is just stunning.

Next up some lovely items for baby...

 Like this sweet little lovey. A gourgeous combination of prints and some lovely embroidery in the middle.

 She also has some drop dead gorgeous heirloom quilts. Hand embroidered.

 They are created with love and care and using soft high quality cotton. They are just stunning and any baby would love to have one of these.

 Everything from Dolce Dreams comes beautifully packaged. Which also makes them perfect gifts.

 I love all the pretty wrapping. It shows all the care that is given to each item.

Ok now for the best part! The giveaway!

Dolce Dreams is offering one of our lucky readers: 

*A custom Lovey for baby 

and 

* A custom satchel for mamma

That's right two amazing items! Customized just for you!

If you want to enter here is what you have to do:

*Please leave your email so I can contact you if you win*

Become a fan of Dolce Dreams on Facebook and leave some love on her page.(leave a comment telling me you did so)

Extra Entries:

*Follow Dolce Dreams Blog found HERE

 *Visit Dolce Dreams Etsy shop and comment with your favorite items. 

*Blog, tweet or facebook about the giveaway (leave a separate comment for each)

*Follow shwin&shwin. 

Giveaway Closes Thursday June 9th at 11:59 P.M (MST) 

Good Luck!

**Giveaway is now closed**

Winner!

And the winner of the Terra's Treasures Giveaway is......

Drumroll please.... (this is where you pretend to drum roll) 

Random.org selected #12 as our lucky winner and that goes to...

So congratulations to "The DeGiulio's" You are the the lucky winner and I will be in touch. 

Thanks to everyone who entered! 

Where have the tutorials gone?

Photo Source

So things have slowed down a little around here. We put an offer in on a house and finally everything went through and is finalized, the catch we are signing in less than 2 weeks. Yep, we have less than two weeks to pack, move and get our house ready for the renters to move in, along with everything else that has to do with moving. So my crafting stuff will be packed up here (soon I mean it will be the last to be packed) If I were super organized I would have gotten some amazing guest posts for you, but it came as a bit of surprise for us. I do have some projects up my sleeves, but things will be a little slower for the next few weeks as we make the crazy adventure. Anyone have any advice of fun ways to keep two kids happy while packing all of their things up for a move? There have been some tears already... Thanks! Also Shwin is putting together the amazing skin post I know you are all waiting for!