I love a product that surpasses my expectations!

I had only just received an inquiry about Derma E products, when I received a sample of their Microdermabrasion Scrub packaged neatly with my Skin Botanica order.  But there are so many scrubs on the market, and few actually perform as promised.

Well, this trial was an absolute success!  I am utteryly adoring this beaded exfoliator.  It’s fabulous!

And as for the ingredients, I have provided a complete list below.  And here is a verifying statement regarding gluten in their products–I love, love, love that they are aware of the dangers of topical gluten for some of us:

Gluten Free

derma e® recognizes that some individuals with gluten intolerance may have an allergic reaction when gluten is applied topically. Most derma e® products are gluten-free, however the following may contain remnants of gluten such as oat extract:

• Stop Itch (Item #88300)

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Magnesium Oxide, Silica, Volcanic Sand, Pearl Powder, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Glycerin, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Caprylic Acid, Glycine, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate

I am in a wonderful state of skin shock!

At Tuesday night’s Gorgeous and Green, I was very fortunate to meet Karen Behnke, founder of Juice Beauty.  I have long been a fan of Juice Beauty’s Blemish Clearing Serum.  So when I heard back from a customer service rep that the products cannot be confirmed as gluten free, I was quite distraught about finding a replacement. 

On Tuesday night, however, Karen was shocked to hear this news and confirmed that the product is in fact gluten free!  She was unsure of how this misinformation came my way, and very appologetic, but most importantly, proud to review with me the organic ingredients she uses in her products, all of which are gluten free and !

Now, I have been blogging a lot lately about how nothing can ever compare to my 100% Pure Organic Healing Balm facial moisturizer, but last night I just may have found it’s match–and it contains an SPF.  A quick spritz of the Juice Beauty’s mist and application of moisturizer, and I woke up with soft, supple skin.  I’ll continue my trial to be sure, but I just may be loving these other Juice beauties already!

So what ever became of my Dr. Hauschka skin care trial?  I fell completely off the wagon.  I do adore so many of Dr. Hauschka’s products, but in my hasty packing for a Thanksgiving trip, I only grabbed some samples of the 100% Pure Organic Healing Balm and knew that my brother would have plenty of Sircuit Skin products on hand at his place. 

My skin was immediately softer and more supple, leaving me infinitely grateful to be using the Healing Balm again.  I can see how the toner is a nice addition, and would’ve been good to have while travelling, but I did sneak a bit of my new Naturopathica Environmental Defense Mask along with me, and used that to spot treat any blackheads or spots. 

What surprised me the most, however, was when I saw my mom.  I hadn’t seen her since the summer, and her skin looked positively radiant!  My mom is nearing 60 and looks like she’s in her 40s, she absolutely has great genes, but her skin was different since I’d last seen her.  Her skin was soft and glowing, and I had to know how! 

Surprise!  Mom’s been using the 100% Pure Organic Healing Balm for the past few months.  She absolutely loves it, and was telling everyone at Thanksgiving who was willing to listen.

So all in all, I am back onto my regular skin care routine, though maybe I’ll give the Hauschka facial oil and toner another try. Either way, I adore Dr. Hauschka’s bronzer, mascara, eye liner and lipstick. And I’m sure he has plenty more amazing products to offer that I’ve yet to try.

Well, I am continuing my use of four of the five Dr. Hauschka products that I have been trying, but one, is sadly, already out for the count.

The Cleansing Cream is just not for me.  If you’re familiar with Jurlique’s Daily Exfoliating Cream, it is similar, though I actually prefer Jurlique’s.  The Cleansing Cream is a pasty consistency and is meant to be pressed into the skin to deeply cleanse while also exfoliating.  The issue is that I prefer a cleanser that a) also removes makeup b) goes a long way so I can also use it down into my decollage and c) can be used on the entire face which again, helps in removing makeup.  Plus, it contains wheat germ oil, which means, it’s probably not gluten free.

So I’ve moved on.  I am not trying the Sircuit Skin X-Trap Face Wash, which is a concentrated gel.  And to help remove all of the dirt and oil that’s built up, I am presently wearing my Environmental Defense Mask by Naturopathica.

I will continue to try out the Toner, Moisturizer and Facial Oil–until I simply can go no longer without my 100% Pure Organic Healing Balm, that is.  Seriously though, I do think there is something to using a toner and an oil.  Time will tell . . .

So I have been using the Dr. Hauschka products for a few days now, and I really don’t have an results yet. Each day I hope that my skin is less oily, and perhaps it is a bit, though I may simply be hoping for it to be less oily.  My skin looks good, though I am not sure whether it is improved, slightly less radiant than before or just the same.

I do miss my regular face wash, the Seafoam cleaser, it foams so nicely, the Dr. Hauschka Cleasing Cream is just not the same.  The concepts of using a daily toner and facial oil do intrigue me, and could become staples of my routine. 

One  aspect of the Hauschka philosophy continues to trouble me: they believe that because cell regeneration happens overnight no skin products should be applied to go to sleep.  Night time regeneration is no new concept, that I fully believe in.  But then, if not at night, when am I to use my anti-agers?  And even more confusing, I just received a mail sample of a new Dr. H repair product, to be used at night.  Hmmm.  This is all so confusing.

I have learned by now that one product line is not always the best answer. But still, Holiday gift packs and discounted sets often do start reeling me in. As do sample bags filled with products recommended specifically for my skin after a free consultation.

As I left the house yesterday I felt quite good about the state of my completely make-up-less skin. I opted to forego even a swift application of mascara or concealer in order to demonstrate to the esthetician my skin in it’s most natural state. My tried and true product routines have done me well, I have discovered a few new masks for deeper cleansing, and I really have no complaints. So when I sat down with an esthetician from Dr. Hauschka as we formulated my ideal Dr. H skin care routine, everything sounded hope-filled and wonderful, but I still came home questioning whether I really can achieve all that I want with just one product line.

Last night I began my new system, and this morning was eager to continue this new routine. Here is what I am using:
Lavender Bath
Cleansing Cream
Facial Toner
Moisturizing Day Cream
Normalizing Day Oil

I am told that the oil will train my T-zone to stop producing excess oils throughout the day.  And that the toner–a product I often forego, is quite essential to balancing the PH levels of the skin post-cleansing.

I will certainly keep you posted on my progress.

For more information on the effects of gluten in skin care for the gluten sensitive, please visit my latest blog on Celiac.com.

Anyone who has ever done my make-up knows how I abhor thick, liquid foundations.  My skin feels suffocated, unable to breathe and cakey.  Of course, because of my now-mild rosacea, everyone loves to cover it up, even it out, mask my skin in thick make-up.  Powder foundations are perfect for me, but what if I do desire that extra bit of evening, or a tinge more color?

I have just discovered Dr.Hauschka Translucent Bronze Concentrate and am simply loving it.  It is a therapeutic liquid bronzer that not only adds color, but also softens the appearance of red blood vessels and uneven pigmentation.  I apply it in the mornings, mixing it in with my moisturizer between my palms and then gently pressing it into my face.  My skin is softer, tanner and overall healthier looking.  Plus, my rosacea is nowhere to be seen and the dry patches on my cheeks are finally softened.

Because the Translucent Bronzer is a concentrate, it is practically foolproof to apply: simply mix it with a dollop of your usual moisturizer and press into your skin to apply.  You can even mix it with your favorite sunscreen!  And if you desire a darker or light shade, simply use more or less bronzer.  It truly is . . . fabulous dah’ling!

**Dr. Hauschka’s Translucent Bronze Concentrate is Gluten Free

Recently, I have discovered two swampy green looking skin saviors which have become utterly essential to my mornings: with breakfast I consume one glass of Amazing Grass Green Superfood mixture, upon showering I wash my face with 100% Pure Lavender Seafoam Cleanser . Perhaps my Louisiana heritage has guided me in adding swampy green mixtures to my day. But then, whatever (is green, gluten free and) works, right?

(Click the image for purchase) 
 
To be honest, I am not a fan of raw fruits or veggies, and so a glass of swamp green liquid is not something I tasted willingly. However, once I braved a sip of (gluten free, organic) Green Super Food mixed with apple juice and water I came to really like the taste, and the goji energy it gave me was amazing! Plus, vital to my skin clarity and radiance is the wheat grass blend, which helps to naturally clear my body of toxins through the digestive tract, so they do not process out of my skin, which can cause annoying acne.

After energizing and nourishing my body, I then go for a deep facial cleansing with the swamp mud looking 100% Pure Lavender Seafoam Cleanser (gluten free). At first glance, this facial wash is quite deceiving, but a quick sudsing with it produces an amazing, deep cleaning lather. My pores have never been so clear, and my skin feels utterly clean sans stripping.

So at first sight, yes, these two morning rituals of mine do appear a bit unappealing, with their swampy green colors. But if you can conquer the color, the results are far worth it. Amazing Grass Super Food mixed with a bit of water and apple or cranberry juice is a power packed formula to feeling great, staying healthy and looking amazing. 100% Pure Seafoam Cleanser is like a gentle, yet utterly effective daily facial–your pores will love you for it!  So get over your fear of swampy green beauty already, and try these two gluten free, organic beauty marvels. Green beauty doesn’t get any better than this!

**Amazing Grass Green SuperFood and 100% Pure Organic Lavender Seafoam Facial Cleanser are Gluten Free