Nerium: get rich quick or miracle cream?

As a master esthetician, I have learned to do my research before using and potentially purchasing a product. Nerium has been one of the miracle creams recently surfacing, claiming to lighten surface spots, restore skin glow, and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Many middle aged women are aiming to improve their skin and willing to try anything! So, when they hear Nerium is made straight from the Nerium Oleander plant, it seems legit, and it was under excessive research so it must be real! Wrong. Nerium Oleander is an extremely toxic and potentially deadly plant that can cause dermatitis, red, inflamed skin, heart failure, etc. I found this information from a former ER physician, which can be read for yourself here. 

Nerium was discovered as researchers were looking for a cure for cancer and found it kills your cells. Sounds great if you are killing my cancer cells, but on my face? No. It may give the appearance of results, but there isn't any long-term benefits. Find more information on the testing, toxicity, science and results of Nerium Oleander here.

First, if you are truly concerned about your skincare, and the conditions of your skin, you shouldn't be purchasing skincare products from a friend that is a stay-at-home mom with no knowledge or background of the skin or its structure. Now, in no way am I knocking stay-at-home moms- they are the hardest working individuals. However, if you truly have skin concerns and want to improve your skins health, wouldn't you go to a professional and get their opinion? Skin care professionals are trained and knowledgable about your skin and the concerns you may have and are looking to improve.  Second, if you do not do your research with each product and the ingredients, you are harming your skin, and the outcome! Large companies are currently advertising 'miracle products' that claim to clear acne, help with aging and pigmentation spots, and help iron our wrinkles. In reality? The products have ingredients in them that aren't right for your specific skin type, and can thicken the skin, making it appear clear and free of pigmentation issues. However, when you do get on a good skin care regimen, the issues and concerns will surface, as they are past issues being exposed because they weren't fixed, just covered. Third, there isn't a quick fix for ANYTHING. If you are looking to improve your physical appearance, you can't just go on a diet, lose 30 pounds, then go back to your old eating habits and maintain the same body you had while dieting. You have to change your eating habits and lifestyle. It's the same with skincare- if you want to improve the health and appearance of your skin, you need to start with the basics. A great skincare regimen and healthy diet is essential when trying to improve your skin. With good skincare, a skin care professional can help analyze your skin, address the concerns you have, and suggest products that will benefit you and improve your skins condition.

Now, I'm sure your thinking, well my friends use it and they say it works, regardless of what an LME may think. That's the get-rich-quick part. The company was creating by a man known for MLM and claims you can make thousands by working from home. All you have to do is get at least three people to sign up and purchase the product monthly and you will receive your product for free. Sound too good to be true? Use your gut instincts- myself? I wouldn't touch that stuff with a 10-foot pole.

This goes for anything you are trying. Read and research. Don't just listen to a sales pitch and watch a tv advertisement and think it has to be true. Its always good to do research. We are in the age of technology, do searches for products and also for the ingredients in the products. 

Microdermabrasion FAQ

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a deep exfoliation through the use of micro crystals that sweep across the skin, removing dead skin cells, and creating a youthful glow. One session is beneficial while a series of sessions may result in beautiful skin while eliminating pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, blackheads, dry skin, stretch marks, and more.

What are some of the benefits of Microdermabrasion?

Youthful glow: through microdermabrasion, dead skin cells are swept away, revealing fresh, youthful skin that will leave you feeling clean.

Comfortable: your esthetician will do all the work, while you relax and enjoy the benefits and feel of a microdermabrasion treatment. This is a less abrasive, deep exfoliation that requires little to no down-time post-care.

Instant Results: Because a microdermabrasion is an in-house procedure, you will be able to see results instantly after receiving the treatment. This is a fast-acting treatment and you will be able to see and feel the results.

Improved Product Penetration: One of the reasons microdermabrasion can be so beneficial, is it increases the penetration of product, resulting in less product needed and a noticeable difference in the skin.

What are some of the long-term benefits of microdermabrasion?

Clean Pores: each procedure helps to decrease the size of your pores, resulting in a flawless look. It also helps with acne and reducing excess oils.

Smoother Skin: Because it is a form of exfoliation, a microdermabrasion session will leave your skin baby soft with a clean, refreshed feel free of blemishes, pigmentation, and fine wrinkles.

Reduce Scarring and stretch marks: often after having a baby, women have stretch marks they are often not proud of. A combination of microdermabrasion, which breaks down the skin cells, and body wraps will reduce and possibly eliminate stretch marks. Each treatment can also break down the scar tissue in scars, reducing the appearing of harsh scars.

I have attached a video of how a typical Microdermabrasion treatment goes- please note this video is not a personal video, and is one I found beneficial to use on my blog from YouTube.

Video HERE

Tip of the Day- Dry Lips

Dry lips:

Living in Utah, you may experience the dry, flaky lips we all know comes  with each winter. Lip color is big this season and it doesn't exactly look smooth with the flaky, cracked winter lips. So, here's your tip of the day.

Use an old mascara wand to exfoliate your lips. Skin on your lips is often neglected due to the different pigment, but your lips need to be pampered too! Every 3 days, exfoliate your lips with an old mascara wand. If you don't have on handy, head to your local beauty supply store and purchase a pack of 10 for under $5. Gently rub the wand against your dry lips before bed, following with a quality chap stick. Also, make sure you are drinking your required daily amount of water to keep yourself hydrated during the winter season- we are often dehydrated but unaware because we are always cold and don't think about our need of water.