• Shea Butter – rich in fatty acids and vitamins like A, E and F; but, because it’s very thick, it’s better to use on the body and NOT the face.
• Lanolin Oil – prone to aggravating acne.
• Mineral Oil – creates a film on the skin which can trick your skin into thinking it’s actually hydrated. It’s also thick and clogs pores which may lead to breakouts.

Here are a few brands without these ingredients!

• Kiehl’s - Ultra Facial Moisturizer Moisturizer SPF 15
• Anthony Logistics – Oil Free Facial Lotion & w/SPF 15
• Lab Series – Instant Moisture Gel
• Jack Black – Double Duty Face moisturizer SPF 20
• Molton Brown – Ultra light Bai Ji Hydrator
• Dermalogica - Active Moist

*Source: New Beauty Magazine

Here are a few reasons why you may want to re-think this option…

• Very little or no carbohydrates in your diet can deprive your body of glycogen (glucose).  - when your body lacks glucose, the signs of dehydration can be seen on your skin and especially your face.
• A diet absent of glucose doesn’t give fuel to the muscles and tissues, which can lead to saggy skin that lacks proper tone - says NYC aesthetician Claudia Pinto.
• “Cutting out carbs for long periods of time is horrible for your body – it can lead to osteoporosis, kidney stones and high cholesterol.” - Quote from New York City nutritionist Oz Garcia

Hey we all want to look good “now”, but the long term affects of this diet may not make us look too good later!

So here are a few recommended modifications…

(1) Instead of cutting out carbs altogether, it’s best to eat them in moderation and be wise about your choices.

(2) Replace white carbs (ie. white breads, pastas)  with whole-grain ones, like brown rice.

(3) Also consider more fruits and vegetables.

This post continues to be one of my most popular! Trust me… your skin & hair will thank you! ____________________ /

Ever taken a cold shower and noticed the difference in the way your skin feels vs. when you take a warm one?  What about after you shave…does your face feel better after a splash of cold water?  Or, have you ever hopped out of  a warm shower and struggled to get your hairstyle just right?

 Well, here is the secret.  Cold Water. 

From the top of our heads, to the bottom of our feet,  our body is alive.

GOOD FOR HAIR:

When you are finished shampooing and conditioning your hair, give it a final rinse with cold water.  Why? Well, it closes the cuticles that are on each and every hair follicle.  Your hair will not only feel cleaner but it will give off a great natural shine.

GOOD FOR SKIN:

This is good for your post-shave and the final rinse in the shower, as well.  Cold water closes the pores, so your skin will feel cleaner, look shinier and will make better use of the topical products (i.e. after shave balms and moisturizers) you put on after drying off.  Not to mention, if you were still trying to wake up, cold water can take care of that too!

So there you have it!  Who said keeping cool and looking good couldn’t go hand in hand?

So just about two months ago, I ran out of my daily multi-vitamin, and asked my wife to pick up a new bottle whenever she had the chance.  I’m not quite sure where in the conversation my request was lost because she returned with 5 bottles!?!  She claimed she researched the best combination of vitamins for a man’s body to function at it’s best (I know, I know…how sweet!).

Now I know, who really wants to take five bottles of anything?…(well, maybe beer for a lot of you).  But based on research, there really isn’t one vitamin that is capable of satisfying what your body truly needs to function at its fullest potential.  So before you click off this topic on to another, hear me out! 

I had absolutely no interest but, I gave a shot anyway.  In less than 2 weeks, not only did I rest better and feel better,  my skin looked clearer and smoother! 

This is a “cocktail”, that is an absolute MUST TRY!!! 

Especially if you are interested in feeling and looking healthier.  Hey, who said looking good was easy?  Give it a try, it worked for me!  Let me know how it worked for you.

The “Perfect Skin” Cocktail

• Male Multiple by Solgar (3 times a day)

Remaining vitamins below will give your body that extra umph! (stick to the recipe, no extras…ok?)

• Vitamin E (1 a day – 400 I.U.) – for strong immunity, and healthy skin and eyes

• CoQ10 (1 a day – 200 mg) – helps to boost energy and speed recovery from exercise

• Vitamin C (1 a day – 500 mg) – protection against immune system deficiencies and even skin wrinkling

• Mega Fish Oil EPA-DHA (1 a day) – boost heart health, control triglycerides, and lower blood pressure