Your Skin Needs A Drink! Moisturizing 102

Thought you knew everything there was to know about moisturizing and dry skin? You could be wrong. In our last post, we covered the different ways you could help moisturize and protect your skin from the colder weather. Let's do a quick recap: It's really important to keep hydrated (but you probably already knew that), make sure you have a humidifier in your bedroom because we tend to dry out at night, don't take prolonged super hot showers and make sure your soap isn't drying out and that you aren't scrubbing your body so that it gets even drier. Our incredible moisturizer, Bodylicious, was our inspiration for this post, so make sure you come check it out! It has nourishing properties and ingredients, such as Vitamin E and organic aloe vera. It will make your skin soft and supple and keep your tan lasting even longer! It's a win-win for you and your skin.

Lesson #1: Don't misuse your moisturizer.
Don't be surprised...while we said it's important to use moisturizer with natural ingredients, it's just as important that you use it correctly. How? Make sure you put it on right after you shower, so the cream has a chance to soak in the water that's already on your skin. Your pores are more open at this time, too, so your moisturizer is even more effective. Want to know if your moisturizer is really effective? Put some in the palm of your hand and then flip your hand over. If the cream doesn't go anywhere, then your good to go.

Lesson #2: Clothing that gives you the creeps!
NO, we're not talking about bad fashion here...we're talking about itchy clothing. Sure, you may love that sweater, but is it really worth letting it aggravate your skin? Dry skin is extremely sensitive to irritants, which means that the more itchy that sweater is, the more likely your skin will be badly effected by it. Tips? Go with cashmere instead of wool, and cotton is always best to keep skin happy. Not ready to give up the sweater? Wear something underneath that will protect you, like a turtle neck or long sleeve shirt.

Lesson #3: What's in your Laundry? 
So this may seem like common sense, but remember that dyes and unnatural ingredients will sometimes affect your skin. It's not always the best idea to get whatever's on sale. Brands we love: Seventh Generation or EcoPath Laundry Detergent. Just remember to read the labels!

Lesson #4: Maybe your meds are to blame....
Many medications are known for drying out your skin, especially drugs for high blood pressure (for example, diuretics) and acne medications, such as retinoids. The best thing you can do is talk to your doctor, she may be able to give you a different prescription or change your dosage!


Lesson #5: Medical Conditions may be the culprit.
 Sometimes our outside reflects our insides. Hormonal imbalances or illnesses can effect our skin in surprising ways. Here's a list of conditions that may be effecting your skin:
Diabetes
Malnutrition
Hypothyroidism
Eczema or Psoriasis.
If you experience any of these issues and are also facing serious dry skin, make an appointment to see your doctor for expert advice on how to help your skin.


Want a glow that makes you look incredible? We know you do! Come see us and we'll make you look like a sun-kissed goddess! Our formula is all natural and fabulous for dry skin, too. Check us out on facebook for promos and specials! 

Your Skin Needs A Drink! Moisturizing 101

Read on for tips on how to prevent dry skin...and no, we're not going to tell you to drink water, we trust you know that tip already! 

This post is inspired by one of our new and fantastic products, Bodylicious Daily Moisturizer. It's supberb formula includes Vitamin E and Organic Aloe Vera, both which contain anti-aging and healing properties. We love it and know you will to! So, why is moisture so important, especially right now? Well, as you have probably noticed, it's getting much, much colder. The air is lower in humidity and it's windier- all factors that can lead to dry skin. And the drier your skin gets, the flakier and scalier it gets! Not only is this uncomfortable, it's not that pretty either. Good news though, it's perfectly treatable and preventable.
Other than using Bodylicious, there are some really great things you can do to prevent dry skin. Here are some tips to help you get on track to the best, sexiest and smoothest skin you've ever had!
Lesson 1: Get a Humidifier

Humidifiers are great for introducing moisture into your house, especially your bedroom, because you loose a lot of moisture as you sleep! Don't want to buy one right now? No problem! You can humidify your house simply by heating water on the stove and letting it evaporate into the air, or boiling water in your kettle and letting it steam out rather than whistle. And guess what? Humidifiers do a whole lot more than just make your skin look gorgeous: they're also known to help with breathing easy at night, help prevent and soothe sinus infections, and prevent colds and other viruses.


Lesson 2: Long, hot baths and showers, while lovely, are not your friend.

Why? Why is it that everything good in this world ends up hurting us or make us fat? Ice Cream, alcohol, staying up late...and yes, long, hot showers. Sad, but true. Look, we know you're not going to stop taking those hot showers when you really, really need one...but if you're trying to be good to your skin, it's best that you cut it out. Why? Hot showers wick away the protective oils on your epidermis, which is a good thing because that's where dirt likes to hang out, but prolonged exposure to hot water will completely dry you out. The solution? Take the heat down a notch and don't stay in there forever. Also, make sure not to take baths too frequently, and when you do, try using essential oils to protect your skin.

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Lesson 3:  Soap is a slippery slope!
We know you might get grossed out by this, but a lot of dermatologists recommend only cleansing parts of the body that sweat--underarms, groin, backside, neck and sometimes the back. Why? Because most soap is not so great for your skin. It strips away protective oils, causing the skin to dry out and crack. What to do? Find a soap that's fragrence-free and all natural. Then, make sure to wash yourself gently in places that aren't neccessarily dirty. Think about it...if you work an office job, how dirty can your calves get in the course of one day? "Unless your a child or a ditch-digger, the only parts of the body that need soap or cleanser at all are the face, hands, feet, groin and underarms" says Dr.Vesna Petronic-Rosic, MD, and director of the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic at the University of Chicago Medical School. Listen, we know we're not going to get you to stop soaping up...we love our showers too! Just make sure your using healthy, natural soaps and being gentle with yourself and your skin.

Want your skin to be moisturized, protected, nourished AND have a perfect glow?
Come to Suvara, we'll make your skin look incredible and feel soft and smooth!
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Make-up Trends Fall 2011 with Tutorials!

Now that you've got your skin in order (check out our last few blogs for tips on how to keep your skin healthy, clear and beautiful throughout Fall), it's time to check out make-up for the season! We know how our clients like to balance out their beauty routine, and most of them are interested in looking their best. So, after you have your perfect Suvara tan and you've got your skin care regimen down pat, it's time to buy some new make-up for Fall 2011. Don't be left in the dust and use colors more suitable for summer, or colors that were popular last season! Read this post to find out what's hot, right now.

Red Lipstick.
So... big, bright lips are in. It's not easy to pull-off red lipstick, and depending on what shade your skin is, your personalized "red" will most likely differ than anyone you know. This is important to note, because red is not universal. Going out and buying your best friend's shade of red without trying it is most likely not the best move- improper shades of red can make women look like clowns. We recommend going to a make-up artist for your first try with red, so they can help you pick out the perfect hue for your skin tone. Check out this video with tips from Marie Claire and the red lips goddess, Poppy King.

Georgia May Jagger, Joan Smalls, Candice Swanepoel and Sienna Miller all donned some red at the same event in late September.

  

 

At the MET gala, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Swift all pucker up with red.
Here's one more tutorial video we think you'll love for wearing red.

Trend Numero 2: Smokey, Metallic Eyes. These eyes were seen ALL over the runways this season and we found some GREAT tutorials for you on how to to do this. You can even wear these eyes for Halloween if you're going to a gala or other evening event, these eyes work perfectly for so many dramatic occasions. 

This is a fabulous tutorial by high profile makeup artist  Lisa Elridge! Check it out.

Smokey eyes are always in, but try this trend with metallics or shimmery colors. Here, we have navy and silver, but you can also go with bronze or gold. Have fun!

Nail trends: Rounded nails, French Manicures come back with vengeance and a twist and military hues look stunning:

The French Manicure comes back! You'll love the tutorial on this, we promise! French manicures come back with color blocking, which is a hot look shown all over the runways this season.
Check out these sexy greens. Forest green, camo green and muted metallics are all in style.
 


Have fun with your new make-up trends and remember: being pasty is never in style! So come visit us at Suvara and we will make you glow like a goddess!
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5 More Tips for Naturally Gorgeous Skin: Part II

Don't forget about getting a beautiful tan at Suvara

You can't have enough tips for good skin; not all suggestions are proper for each person, and it's important to keep experimenting until you find what works. Before we dive in to talk about more great skin tips, we want to remind you that Fall is upon us and your skin is most likely becoming dry, flaky and pasty. Remember that Suvara's all natural formula nourishes, moisturizes and protects your skin with antioxidants, organic aloe vera and COq10; not to mention the fact that it gives you a gorgeous glow that's perfect for your skin type! Come see us and keep glowing throughout the winter.
Now, onto the tips for perfect skin.

1. Keep your routine. Last time we spoke about good skin habits, we addressed the importance of staying with the same products to avoid over-drying and truly seeing the real effects of a product on your skin. This tip has to do with your daily routine. Make sure you wash your face around the same time everyday, morning and night. This not helps to regulate your skin, but it helps you to monitor whether or not your cleansers are too harsh. For instance, if you wash everyday at 8:30 a.m and by 9am your skin feels oily, chances are your cleanser is drying out your skin and it's overcompensating by pumping out oil. On the flip side, this tip helps you to see if your skin is drying out shortly after cleansing, in which case you should see about changing your product or adding on a moisturizer.

This lady didn't get the memo

2. Keep your hair and hands off your face. We don't realize it, but there are tons of harmless germs on our hands at all times...harmless of course, unless you consider the effect they have on your skin. Impurities transferred from the hands to the face an result in break-outs, excess oil and clogged pores. Our facial skin is very fragile and sensitive and reacts differently than other parts of our bodies. Use applicators, not your hands to put makeup on your face.

3. Temperature matters. Hot water opens pores, cold water closes them. When first washing your face, use water water, then to finish, splash your face with cold water. Your pores will appear smaller because they shrink with the cold water, giving your skin a smoother, more even tone and texture. Extra tip: This also works on hair, and seals your locks so they retain moisture.

4. Don't pick, squeeze, coax or pull at your break-outs or pores. We know it's tempting to take those little buggers into your own hands, but believe us, it only spreads oil, germs and causes scarring. Apply a topical ointment with a cotton ball or Q-tip and leave it alone.

Toner might not be the best option

5. Ditch the toner. Toner was developed before pH-balanced cleansers, so if you are using one now, there'sno use for it. Toner easily dries out the skin and makes it flaky and cracked if used with the wrong cleanser. Love your toner? Make sure your using the product lines corresponding facial cleanser; if the product line is any good, they will compliment each other and keep your skin healthy, clean and balanced.

                                            Bonus: Here's a great do-it yourself mask tutorial

And of course, for a gorgeous, safe glow all year long, come visit us at Suvara. Like us on facebook and we'll keep you updated on promos, discounts and specials!

5 Tips for Naturally Gorgeous Skin Part I

Other than getting Suvara's air-brush tan weekly, which is an awesome way to get nutrients into your skin, there are some great ways to take care of your skin (that you may have never thought about!).

First, it should be said that genetics are the number one reason why some people have gorgeous skin without any effort (just like those girls who can eat Chinese, pizza, bagels and never gain an ounce!)--simply because their genes are good. If you are one of those lucky few, we wish you could share the good fortune. If you are like most of us and have less than perfect skin, you may want to try out some of these suggestions.






               1.) Toss those smokes!
 Look, we know that YOU know that they are bad for you. But if vanity is going to be the only way to get you off of them, then let it be. Cigarettes cause wrinkles, fine lines, grayness and sallow coloring of the complexion (yuck!) and may even be a cause of breakouts.
Not only are the chemicals bad for your skin, but the smoke depletes your lungs ability to take in oxygen, which further frustrates your blood circulation. Bad circulation isn't good for any part of your body, and it's certainly not good for your skin. Can't do it alone? There are support groups in every major city as well as the patch and gum for quitting. Think about your skin, and your life...and how much more gorgeous both will be once you quit! Bonus: The money you spend on smokes can be spent on skin care products to help the damage you've cause!


2.) Keep it simple: So many of us end up trying new products and skin care regimens, only to ditch the products after 2 weeks because we aren't seeing any progress. Well, we're here to tell you that switching products over and over again is actually causing your skin a lot of stress, and that you should stick to a program! Choose a skin care line specific to your skin type, and try to get something that comes highly recommended. At Suvara, our products are all natural, and we use organic ingredients whenever possible. 


3.) Don't be a stress-bucket! 
  Stress is often a major component in break-outs, chafing and even dandruff. The body responds to stress in very interesting ways, and your skin is a good indicator of how you're handling what life is handing you in the moment. If your skin has gone from glowing to ghastly and nothing has changed other than your stress levels..chances are they are the reason why your dealing with skin problems. How to control stress? Experts suggest exercise, meditation, yoga, being out in nature, having a predictable routine during major transitions (such as an activity at the same time each day that calms you) and creating loving support systems around you to help when times get tough. 


4.) Excercise isn't only good for stress...
 It's also good for your skin! Why? Exercise boosts the amount of blood flow in the body, which in turn boosts circulation to the skin. This circulates oxygen as well, bringing fresh O2 to your face. Not only does this keep your skin glowing, it also fortifies and helps heal it. 


5.) What are you wiping your face with? If your work out makes you sweat, make sure you bring a clean towel to wipe your face off...using a not so clean on could make you break out more. With that said, it's also important to make sure your detergent is healthy for your skin. Just think about it: Your pores are open when you sweat, so whatever gets put on them will get soaked up. If your detergent uses lard (don't scowl...many detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets use animal fat) then it could make you break out. Use the Suvara method: free, clear and organic. 

Until next time...come visit us on the web here. To see our locations go here. 

Your Skin Care Guide for Autumn

Oh summer...how we will miss your warmth, fun and excitement. Enter Autumn, which comes with it's own loveliness. Why we may be sad about summer going by, we might be even sadder about the effect of this season on our skin. If you're like many, you may have stepped outside for a while without sunscreen a handful of times or more, and the end result is post-summer skin damage and dehydration. If you are wondering if you did some damage this summer, ask yourself if these statements apply:

• Your skin looks dry
• Your skin feels dry
• New lines or original fine lines appear to become considerably visible
• Your skin tone is looking dull and sallow
• You have new sun and age spots appearing
• Your skin is flaky 
• Your skin is irritated
• Your skin is sagging more than it did a few months ago
• Broken capillaries are becoming more and more visible 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, chances are you're dealing with post-summer skin damage. There are a few ways to combat this:

• Begin taking Vitamin E and C capsules to help healing from the inside out. Vitamin E has been used for ages for healing and the treatment of wounds, and it is powerful taken as a capsule as well as on the skin. Vitamin C is chock-loaded with antioxidants that help rejuvenate you from the inside out.  
• Change your diet. Begin to include antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables to your diet to help aid your body in producing it's own healing abilities. A good start would be to load up on fruits, vegetables, dark berries (especially strawberries, blackberries and blueberries) and dark leafy greens, such as spinach and kale. Dark leafy greens also have the added benefit of containing calcium and iron as well as vitamins C. Eating fish and organic eggs will boost your vitamin B intake, which will assist in nerve functioning and skin cell repair. If you don't eat animal products, be sure to get a B complex supplement. 
• Apply aloe vera ointment (you can buy a plant and apply it straight from the leaf or buy some aloe vera gel) and vitamin E oil to your skin. 

And if you are interested in keeping your sexy summer glow without the side effect of skin damage, make sure you come over to Suvara and check out our air-brush tanning solutions. Our all natural formula is incredibly healthy for your skin, containing aloe vera and antioxidants that nourish and protect your skin from further damage. It's super important to take good care of your skin to prevent skin cancer and the ageing effects of sun exposure. Why not have your cake and eat it too? With our treatments, you can have a gorgeous glow all year long AND be taking care of yourself. It's a win-win, all around, for both you and your skin!

Come heal that sun-damaged skin and treat yourself to a world-class, organic and natural solution:Come find us at  http://www.suvaraworld.com/ and on facebook!