TrophySkin.com and 5 Common Skin Sins!

5 Common Skin Sins to Avoid by TrophySkin.com

If you barely have any wrinkles (lucky you), now is the time to start preventing. If you are showing any signs of aging, now is the time to help repair and restructure your skin. Fortunately there are multiple ways to tackle wrinkles without having to go under the knife. Continue reading to find out what those tactics are and you'll already be on the road to younger-looking, smoother skin.

Avoid the Wrong Cleanser

Don't underestimate the power of a face wash. Using the wrong kind can wreak havoc on the skin. This principle also applies to bar soap- that is one of the worst things you can do to your facial skin. Bar soap is designed for the body, not the face because it can damage your facial skin's natural moisture and lipid barrier, leaving it dry, tight and pH un-balanced. Choose a cleanser that is right for your skin type (whether you're dry, oily or combo/normal).

Don't Overlook Breakthrough Ingredients

If you want to see a real improvement in your skin, you must invest in skin care products that deliver changes in the skin. Those products are formulated with innovative ingredients that work synergistically to 'communicate' with the skin cells to look and act younger as well as ingredients that encourage hydration and free-radical protection. Those ingredients include: peptides, antioxidants (especially Vitamins A, C & E), botanical stem cells, hyaluronic acid and alpha hydroxy acids (AHA's).

Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate

Did you know that exfoliation is one of the key components to a smoother, youthful-looking complexion? The proper method of exfoliation combined with the proper frequency can result in astounding results. There are basically two ways to exfoliate: mechanically and chemically (or enzymatically). Mechanical exfoliation simply means you are physically exfoliating your skin to remove dead skin cells with a grainy product such as a face scrub, or a facial cleansing brush or even a wash cloth. Mechanical exfoliation is an effective method, but you have to be careful with the product you're using because there are a number of face scrubs on the market that are too abrasive and can actually damage the skin overtime.

The most powerful and effective means of mechanical exfoliation is microdermabrasion. Most reputable spas and dermatologist offices offer microdermabrasion as a standalone treatment or as part of a facial. However, you can save yourself a bundle of money by avoiding routine in-office microderm treatments and invest in an at-home system like MicrodermMD Home Microdermabrasion Machine you can use by yourself. It's fairly simple to use and will impart the same results as what an Esthetician would do for you in the treatment room. Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week if your skin is on the dry side, or two to three times a week if your skin leans toward oily.

Get High-Tech With Your Skin

Non-invasive technology has really taken the skin care industry by storm. From microcurrent to galvanic and laser therapy, they can do wonders for our skin without the knife and scalpel. These treatments at the derm or spa can be costly, but luckily, Trophy Skin has created an at-home anti-aging superstar device that yields the same results as the derm's office, but at a fraction of the cost! The RejuvaliteMD Red Light is pain-free, fool-proof and can be used as often as several times a week. It improves the skin's laxity, firmness, texture, skin tone and wrinkles. It also helps to improve sun damage and age spots! That's why it's our go-to anti-aging gem.

Avoid the 3 S's: Sun, Smoking & Sugar

It is common knowledge that the sun and smoking are two top culprits behind premature aging and wrinkling, but let's re-cap: although the sun cannot be avoided completely, that is why it is imperative to wear sunscreen (in other words, a moisturizer with a built-in broad-spectrum SPF) all year round, rain or shine. Smoking destroys the skin, leaving it looking dull, sallow and wrinkly. Because smoking depletes the body's oxygen levels, it asphyxiates the skin, which gives it that lifeless complexion.

Sugar is another culprit behind wrinkles that many people are unaware of. The consumption of refined sugar causes a process called glycation in the skin- which means that sugar molecules attach to collagen fibers, causing them to cross-link, resulting in the breakdown of collagen, and thereby causing wrinkles.

Practice these anti-wrinkle skin care secrets, and you'll begin to notice years taken away from your complexion. Check out all the amazing skin care solutions at TrophySkin.com.

#Adeline Hyaluronic Acid Serum Review

A few weeks ago,  I told you about my happy experience with Adeline Organic Eye Serum and it's healing effect on the area around the eye.

Earlier today, I gave you an account of my experience with Adeline Anti-aging Moisturizer Cream.

The focus of this review is my experience with Hyaluronic Acid Serum.  THIS is the product that, in my opinion, is the most important of the three. THIS is the healer, if you will.

NATURAL NUTRITION for your skin - Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains Retinol, a blend of Vitamin A for elasticity, collagen formation, and sun damage repair; Vitamin C for improved moisture, elasticity, and tone; Vitamin D to moisturize skin and promote healing; Vitamin E for anti-oxidant protection and non-greasy moisture!

GENTLE on skin - will not sting or burn when applied! This is the best anti wrinkle and anti aging serum available on the market. Great for even sensitive skin!
(NOTE: I did experience tingling when first applying the Hyaluronic Acid Serum -- but my skin was not in great shape -- I'd been neglecting it. It did not burn or sting.)

EASY TO USE - just apply twice daily and enjoy tighter, toned, younger looking skin in the morning. Just 60 seconds a day is all it takes to reverse the signs of aging and turn heads with your radiant, youthful skin!

IMAGINE having a smooth, even skin tone and a glowing complexion... even when you're not wearing makeup! Age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes fade effortlessly with just twice daily usage!

The Hyaluronic Acid Serum has a lovely, almost mint fragrance -- it's there and gone! You don't need very much to get great coverage of the face and neck. It absorbs quickly and leaves your face feeling cool and very refreshed.  I use this first, followed by the Anti-Aging Moisturizer Cream.  I then apply the Organic Eye Serum. I've also found that it helps me to apply after a shower and to leave my face and neck just slightly damp for maximum absorption (your pores will not have closed).

You may connect with Adeline on their website and social media pages: AdelineLifestyle on Facebook and @AdelineSkinCare on Twitter.

DISCLOSURE:
I received free products from #Adeline for the purpose of this review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item(s).

Derma Roller System Review!

When I was given the opportunity to try the Derma Roller System, I was planning on using it myself.  However, that changed when my youngest requested it.  You see, she has some acne scars that she generally covers with make-up.

After hearing about this product, she knew it just might be what she'd been needing.

The Derma Roller comes well-packaged for safety.  I like that. No chance of outside contamination or breakage.

She opened up the package to find the Derma Roller encased in another tamper-proof package. 

I really do appreciate the precautions taken to ensure that the Derma Roller remains uncompromised and ready to be used.  Care and cleanliness is all important when using ANY needle.

As you can see, the roller also has a removable cap to cover the needles before and after use. The handle is a bright orange (colour is off, sorry).  The handle plastic but quite sturdy and fits comfortably in the hand.

The handle and head gently curve and allows the roller to contour to the curves of the face for ease and comfort.

The Derma Roller is a hand-held device which has the ability to naturally stimulate collagen and elastin in the skin to promote healthier skin cells. Using the derma roller to renew your skin cells regularly, you will be able to treat common problems such as wrinkles, skin hyper-pigmentation, scars (including acne scars), uneven skin, stretch marks and even hair loss.

As you can imagine, my daughter was a bit hesitant to use these micro-fine 0.5 mm needles at first. But when experienced just how easy and pain-free it was, she gained confidence.

You can see that she has some minor acne scarring. It's something easily hidden with make-up, but she knows its there.

This was her first treatment.  Bless her, she was also sick with a sinus infection and didn't feel well at all.

She has been faithfully using her sunscreen since and will continue to do so after every treatment.

This is she after two treatments:

Can you see the difference? Less noticeable scars. Clean, clear skin and bright smile.  That's my girl!  We are very pleased with her results.

The complete Derma Roller System includes the revolutionary Derma Roller bundled with a FREE Travel Case and a FREE Collagen Facial Moisturizing Mask (Value $15). Try the system risk-free for 60 days to see how life-changing it can really be. Order today and get started with your very own Derma Roller System!

The concept of skin renewal can be described simply as wound and heal. The youthful glow on a baby's skin is the result of constant skin renewal, which is the shedding of old skin cells continually being replenished by new ones. As we enter our teen years and beyond, skin renewal starts to slow. Research has shown that when people reach their 40's and 50's, skin only sheds approximately once every fifty-three days. Skin with unshed cells build up on the skin's surface, and becomes a dual culprit to our skin's dull, aging appearance.

When we try to resurface the skin, we are targeting treatment within the epidermis (top layer of skin). Lotions such as collagen creams applied on your skin are only able to stay idly on top of this layer of skin because collagen molecules are too large to penetrate through the skin. When we need to remodel the skin for wrinkle treatments, scar treatments, etc., we are targeting treatment within the mid-dermis. The derma rollers' fine needles create small micro-channels in the skin leaving the epidermal barrier fully intact, treating only areas in the mid-dermis. Using the Derma Roller System with a nourishing lotion, allows the large collagen molecules to penetrate through the top layer of the epidermis through the micro-channels and repair the skin from the inside out without damaging the surface of the skin. This eliminates the risks and negative side effects on the skin commonly encountered with chemical peeling, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing.

I'm very pleased with my daughter's results and I know that she is as well.  We couldn't have asked for a more positive experience.

The Derma Roller System retails for approx. $99.95 but if you order now, you can purchase it for just $49.95.

DISCLOSURE:
I received the Derma Roller System in order to facilitate this review. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own knowledge and experience with the item.

Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash Review and Giveaway! 2 Winners, Ends 3/12/15

Happy Husband and I both have dry skin.  Mike's skin, however, is quite sensitive and easily irritated.  We are always searching for soaps and body washes that promise to moisturize our skin.

When given the opportunity to try the new Miracle Oil Body Wash from Dial, I jumped at the chance!

So, what is the oil described as Miracle?  It's Marula Oil.  

 MARULA OIL:

Marula oil is extracted from the kernels (nuts) of the Marula tree. 
Marula oil is traditionally used in cosmetics, but has many others as well. 
The women of South Africa and Mozambique have used the oil as a moisturizing body lotion and massage oil. 
In the past, women often used Marula oil rather than water to clean themselves.

Mike and I have both used the new Miracle Oil Body Wash twice each.  We are both impressed.  The body wash has a fresh, citrus-y fragrance that's very light and pleasant.  It lathers up nicely, too, and a little will go a long way!

It's the AFTER shower effect that is most important: the skin feels silky and re-hydrated for hours.  There has been a noticeable effect on the driest patches of Mike's skin.  He tells me it's not itching as it did just a few short days ago.  I can see that it's not as red and flaky. Mike works outside daily... to be free from the constant irritation of  intensely dry skin is a blessing to him (and me).

I completely understand why Dial has named the product Miracle Oil! 



The always generous folks at Dial has kindly offered TWO of my readers the chance to try a bottle of Miracle Oil with Marula Oil for FREE! Isn't that nice of them?

You may purchase Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash at stores everywhere. ARV: $4.49

Just follow the instructions below for your chance to enter to win!

In the meantime, you may connect with Dial on their website, Facebook, Youtube, and @dial on Twitter.

Open to USA, 18+, No PO Boxes, please.

Winners will each receive one (1) coupon for a FREE (up to $4.49) bottle of Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash.

DISCLOSURE: I received a bottle of Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash to facilitate this review. I received no monetary compensation.  The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.

Entry-Form

Nature Beautanicals Facial Recovery Blend Review and Giveaway, Ends 3/8/15

Like most women, I am always searching for that one product that will make me feel and look younger with every use.  

I do believe I've found that one.

About a week ago, I was blessed to receive a bottle of  Facial Recovery Blend from 

www.naturebeautanicals.com.

Nature Beautanicals Facial Recovery Blend is an all natural moisturizing blend redefines your pores and leaves your face feeling silky smooth. The blend contains natural sources of Retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin C, D and E in the form of Rose Hip, Rose Flower,

Sweet Almond, and Jojoba Oils.

These vital nutrients are all necessary to fight the signs of aging and repair sun damage. 

The anti-inflammatory effect of these ingredients helps to control acne breakouts.

Use the dropper to place a couple of drops on your fingertips, then

apply 2-3 drops to an area on your face. Massage into your skin in a circular motion.

Be sure to cover both face and neck for maximum effect.

NOTE: Apply sparingly! A few drops goes a looooong way! No need to use too much!

I suggest using sun protection daily when using this product -- you do not want want sun-burned skin!

You can wear the Facial Recovery Blend under your makeup without issue.

I've been using it for a week now.  I hope this photo shows the difference in my skin.  I am a lousy photographer. 

One of the best things about this product is the way it slowly absorbs into the skin of the face and neck. It's by no means heavy and it doesn't leave you feeling greasy or oily -- even though it's made of an oil blend.

It does leave your skin feeling soft, supple, and moisturized.  I'm very pleased with the result! 

I really must mention the lovely fragrance. It is the scent of Old Roses.  It reminds me of my Nanie's Roses that were planted outside my bedroom window. It's intoxicating. 

www.naturebeautanicals.com offers a free 1-ml size sample  of the Facial Recovery Blend on their website. Try it and you will love it, too!

As a special gift, Nature Beautanicals is offering my readers a *one time* 15% Discount on your total purchase order!  Just use the code: 15OFF4ME at checkout to receive the discount!

You may connect with Nature Beautanicals on their Facebook page and @NBeautanicals on Twitter.

They have very generously offered one of my readers the chance to win a full-size bottle of  the Facial Recovery Blend for their own! Fabulous!

Just follow the instructions below for your chance to enter to win!

Open to USA, 18+, No PO Boxes, please!

DISCLOSURE:
I received a bottle of Facial Recovery Blend for the purpose of this review. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.

Entry-Form

COSMETIQUE: Review and Giveaway, CLOSED!

CONTEST CLOSED!

Recently, I received a wonderful skincare package from Cosmetique!

It's the amazing Rejuvenesse Skin Care Set from Jean-Michelle.
This 3-Piece luxury skin care set includes a rich, rejuvenating facial treatment cream, an on-the-spot quick fix targeted serum for fine lines and instant firming, and a hydrating and soothing 10-minute miracle mask. Reveal glowing skin with Rejuvenesse from Jean-Michelle!

I couldn't wait to try it! :)

My almost 50 year old skin definitely needs a bit of pampering and rejuvenating!

First, I used the Rejuvenesse Masque Hydratant: (ARV: $20) This delicately-scented mask hydrates and softens parched skin in just 10 minutes. Use this moisture-boosting cocktail whenever your skin needs a rejuvenating lift, and enjoy the beautiful glow that comes from well-nourished skin.



I love it. It really makes the skin feel cool and silky-smooth. It's like a mini-Spa treatment! I leaned back in the recliner, put on some soft music and took a 10 minute-fantasy trip to the Scottish Highlands!

For everyday use, It's the Rejuvenesse Creme Beaute Ultra Fermete: (ARV: $45) This rich, hydrating facial treatment cream provides instant nourishment to lackluster complexions. Infused with moisture-binding ingredients and antioxidants like White Tea Extract, this moisturizer works to reveal silky-smooth, younger-looking skin.



This my go-to moisturizer! It's silky, it's light, it's never too oily or too heavy. It's perfect for my combination skin. I use it daily and I can see the difference. Fine lines are disappearing and the redness in my face has diminished greatly.

For "touch-ups", I am thrilled with the Rejuvenesse Serum Fermete Anti-Rides: (ARV: $27) With a powerful blend of Retinol and Vitamins C and E, this serum is an on-the-spot quick fix to target fine lines and wrinkles. A fast touch-up with the wand applicator helps significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and firm skin, while helping to prevent new wrinkles from forming. You’ll love this convenient way to improve your skin, instantly.

I keep it in my handbag ALL of the time! :) It's my newest, best secret weapon! A quickt trip to the powder room and a dab of the serum and I feel (and look) 100% better.

Hey, I may be fast approaching 50, but I sure don't have to LOOK like it!

All of the above items may be bought as a set (ARV: $75) or separately!

Now, thanks to the lovely folks at Cosmetique, you, too, can experience the Rejuvenesse Skin Care Set from Jean-Michelle.

Just follow the instructions below for your chance to enter to win!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS OPEN TO OUR USA FOLLOWERS, ONLY PLEASE!

***NOTICE: You *MUST* leave your email address in the body of your comment or make your email address visible in your profile. If I cannot contact you -- you can't win!***

Please leave a separate comment for EACH entry!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Please visit Cosmetique and tell us another cosmetic or skin care product that you'd like to have. Leave the link to that item!

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

1. "LIKE" (Fan) Cosmetique on Facebook. Post on their wall and tell them Terri and Liz from Gathering My Roses sent you!

2. Subscribe to the Cosmetique Blog feed!

3. Follow Gathering My Roses PUBLICLY via Google Friend Connect (Located on the sidebar)

4. Follow Gathering My Roses via Facebook Networked Blogs (Located on sidebar)

5. Become a fan of Gathering My Roses on Facebook (link on Sidebar!)

6. Follow @GeorgiaMist on Twitter

7. Tweet about this contest (no more than twice daily, please!)
@GeorgiaMist Win a Costmetique Rejuvenesse Skin Care Set! Ends 6/28/10 http://bit.ly/d5hGaB

8. Post about this contest on your blog and link back here!

9. Enter another contest on our blog and then come back and tell us which one.

10. Grab our button and post it to your sidebar or favourites page!

This contest will be open from Monday, June 14th until Monday, June 28th. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 29th.

Disclosure:
We were provided with a complementary Rejuvenesse Skin Care Set for the purpose of this review and giveaway. We were inder no obligation to review these items. We received no other compensation. Our opinions are based solely on our own experience and use of the items reviewed.

South of France Spa Naturals: Review & Giveaway CLOSED!

CONTEST CLOSED!

I reviewed some wonderful Body & Bath products from South of France Bodycare back in mid-February. I loved it -- the soaps were so fragrant and clean. The body lotion was rich and creamy.
So, I was very happy to learn that South of France was introducing a new line called Spa Naturals

Of course, I HAD to find out more!

The wonderful folks at South of France sent over a wonderful sample package of their new products and I've spent the last several days luxuriating in the mositurizers, masks, scrubs, and soaps! Ah, bliss -- my own personal day-spa!

My package came in a sweet little Abaca tote and was filled with goodies: Cucumber Aloe Facial Soap and Scrub, Orange Ginger Mask and Refreshing Moisturizer, and Citrus Mint Energizing Cleanser!

Spa Heaven!

I dove right in -- literally! I immediately grabbed my goodies off to the bath I went. I put the jar of Cucumber Aloe Scrub in the shower, the facial bar by the sink and the mositurizer by my computer.
Yes. Sadly, I sit at my computer in the morning, drinking my water and putting on my moisturizer. At least, I remember to use it that way! :)

I gave myself a facial this weekend: first I used the Cucumber Aloe Scrub, then the Orange Ginger Mask, then polished it off with the rich and creamy Orange Ginger Moisturizer. My skin felt so good: clean, refreshed, and soft. I smelled good, too! The fragrance is light and airy, not over-powering. That's a HUGE plus for me.

The Cucumber Aloe Scrub polishes the skin as it cleans, but it is NOT harsh! In fact, it just leaves a lovely tingle on the skin. I also used it on my elbows! The Orange Ginger Mask offers a deeper clean to remove impurities. The moisturizer, of course, re-hydrates the skin and leaves it silky smooth.

Spa Naturals made me feel pampered!

I plan to repeat this regimen on Thursday afternoon before Mike takes me out for our 20th Anniversary Dinner. Gotta look good for my fella!

So, just what is the Spa Naturals line from South of France?

Spa Naturals, the 100% natural skincare solution for all skin types that simply fits your life. South of France has spent the past two years researching and developing Spa Naturals in an effort to bring you a product line that you can feel good about using every day, every step of the way.
From the 100% natural ingredients, to the BPA and Phthalate Free recyclable canisters, to the fact that our canisters meet travel size requirements, Spa Naturals products are eco & body friendly, effective and a simple solution for your life.
The best part? Spa Naturals was designed by you every step of the way -- from our scents to our ingredients, packaging, pricing and more, we've listented to what people just like you had to say about what they like and don't like about their old skincare system. So stick around; we're going to change the way you think about skincare.

Would you like to try a sample of Spa Naturals?

Just Request a Sample and they will send you a complimentary South of France Spa Naturals sample kit. The kit includes a 1.25 oz. Orange Ginger Facial Cleanser Bar, .25 oz. Citrus Mint Facial Scrub and .25. oz Cucumber Aloe Facial Moisturizer -- all in a reusable organza bag with a coupon for yet another great South of France Spa Naturals offer!

Spa Naturals is also offering a great savings deal for the month of May!
Use promo code NATURAL at checkout to save 20% Off Spa Naturals orders of $30 or more.
Use promo code SPAKIT at checkout to save an incredible 30% Off Spa Naturals orders of $45 or more.
Offers good through May 31, 2010.

You can connect with Spa Naturals by subscribing to their free newsletter,
following the Spa Naturals Blog, following @SoFSpaNaturals on Twitter, and *LIKE* South of France Spa Naturals on Facebook!

The generous folks at Spa Naturals have graciously offered one of our lucky readers the chance to win a Spa Naturals Gift Pack in the winner's choice of Energizing Citrus Mint, Refreshing Orange Ginger, or Soothing Cucumber Aloe! How cool is that?

Just follow the instructions below for your chance to enter and win!

Open to USA only, please.

***NOTICE: You MUST leave your email address in the body of your comment or make your email address visible in your profile.
If I cannot contact you -- you can't win!***

Please leave a separate comment for EACH entry!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit South of France Spa Naturals and tell me which set of Spa Naturals you want to win!

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

1. Follow South of France Spa Naturals on Facebook and post on their Wall -- tell them Terri from Gathering My Roses sent you!

2. Follow @SoFSpaNaturals on Twitter

3. Follow the Spa Naturals Blog publicly via Google Friend Connect!

4. Follow Gathering My Roses PUBLICLY via Google Friend Connect (Located on the sidebar)

5. Follow Gathering My Roses via Facebook Networked Blogs (Located on sidebar)

6. Become a fan of Gathering My Roses on Facebook (link on Sidebar!)

7. Follow @GeorgiaMist on Twitter

8. Tweet about this contest (no more than once daily, please!)
@GeorgiaMist @SoFSpaNaturals Win a Spa Naturals Gift Pack from Gathering My Roses!
Ends 5/11/10 PLS RT! http://bit.ly/bbwqAp

9. Post the link to this contest on your blog, Facebook, or MySpace page(s) and link back here!

10. Enter another contest on our blog and then come back and tell us which one.

This contest will be open from Monday, May 3rd until Tuesday, May 11th. Winner will be announced on Wednesday, May 12th.

DISCLOSURE: We received a complimentary Spa Naturals Kit for the purpose of review. We were under no obligation to review this item. We did not receive any monetary compensation. The opinions expressed herein are our own and based on our own personal use of and experience with the item.