Keepingupwithkitvon.blogspot.com: TONER

I simply had to do one last Tea Mask with you this week before moving on from the Coffee & Tea Facials, I have been writing about lately.

This one I had been wanting to try out for a while.

I came across Hibiscus again just recently, and noticed that many articles are making claims that this is in fact the Botox Plant.

So I thought is was about time to start trying it out.

I absolutely loved this Organic Hibiscus tea from Traditional Medicinals as a mask.

I had been expecting to have to use a spice crusher on the emptied tea bag for this mask, but when I emptied the contents into the bowl, it was already perfect & finely ground.

This particular tea is a blend of Hibiscus, Blackberry Leaf & Lemon Grass.

I really like Infusions like this! When the ingredients are all derived from nothing other than plants it's always a win win situation for your face. I try and divert from harsh chemicals on my face as often as possible. And since I have I'm really starting to get this Skin Care thing down!

If that tea your planning on using has say chunks of caramel in it, or other not so real ingredients, this is a tea I would not use as a mask, so head to the Tea Cupboard and try again.

Here I am in another tea mask.

This one was Green Tea, Peppermint Leaves & Vanilla Bean with a Grape Seed Oil Base, again, all the ingredients had great benefits in skin care.

I absolutely loved this Mask.

DIRECTIONS

• MAKE A POT OF TEA

• POUR YOURSELF A GLASS

• POUR A SECOND GLASS TO TONE YOUR FACE LATER

MAKE THE MASK

• EMPTY THE DRY CONTENTS OF 2 TEA BAGS INTO A BOWL

• ADD 3 TABLESPOONS COCONUT CREME & 2 TABLESPOONS WATER & STIR

• APPLY THE FACIAL

• LEAVE THE MASK ON FOR 10 - 30 MINUTES

• WASH YOUR FACE GENTLE RUBBING THE CREAMY FACIAL INTO YOUR SKIN AND GIVING IT ONE LAST EXFOLIATION

• SPLASH, RINSE & TONE WITH THE 2ND GLASS OF TEA

• APPLY MOISTURIZER

• DRINK THE TEA

• NOTICE AND FEEL THE DIFFERENCE

DAILY TONER

GO ABOUT MAKING A REGULAR GLASS OF TEA (WITHOUT THE BOILING WATER)

• POUR HOT WATER INTO A CUP OVER TEA BAG

• LET THE TEA COOL

• WASH YOUR FACE WITH THE TEA BAG GENTLY

• PAT AND BLOT THE TEA BAG OVER YOUR FACE AND EYES

• RINSE YOUR FACE WITH THE TEA IN THE CUP

THIS WILL ALSO KEEP IN THE FRIDGE OVER THE NEXT 3 DAYS.

INTRODUCTION TO PHYTOCHEMICALS

Phytochemicals are chemicals that are derived from plants. They are the force behind all the rich vibrant colors found within plants like Flowers, Berries, Oranges and Greens.

Along with the beautiful colors created from these Phytochemicals, phytochemicals also have amazing healing properties and help make up many of the medicinal ingredient's found in many medicines such as Aspirin.

The Phytochemicals found in plants are designed to to help the plant protect themselves from disease and environment.

Point being, that Phytochemicals, though they are non-nutritive, meaning they do not provide the nutrients required to sustain human life, do however carry protective disease preventing properties, having amazing health benefits that can be used to protect our own Health and Skin as well.

Phytochemicals is a term often used in Skin Care and Aesthetics.

Although the Phytochemicals of the Hibiscus Flower include a variety of plant acids including Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Tataric Acid and more, it also has something called Hydroxycitric Acid, or "Hibiscus Acid". This acid is exclusive to the Hibiscus plant.

Other Chemical Constituent's found in the Hibiscus plant are Alkaloids, Anthocyanin's (Antioxidants), and Guercitin.

SKIN BENEFITS OF HIBISCUS, 'THE BOTOX PLANT'

Contains Those Well Loved Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA's)

Exfoliates Skin

Speeds Up Cell Turnover

Facial Firming and Lifting

Pore Tightening

Acne Reducing

Anti Inflammatory

Contains Antioxidants

Anti Aging

Fights Free Radicals

Improves Elasticity

Regulates Oil Production

Improves Skin Tone

Moisturizes

The mucilage content in the Hibiscus plant makes it a Great Moisturizer.

The results of this great plant include Fresher, Firmer, Younger Skin.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF DRINKING HIBISCUS TEA

Don't just do a face mask, pour yourself a glass and let your body soak up all those added health benefits the Hibiscus Plant provides.

Clears Skin From The Inside Out

Stimulates Hair Growth

Aids In Weight Loss

Lowers High Cholesterol

Rich In Antioxidants

Soothes Soar Throat

Healthier Immune System

Lower Insulin

Nicknamed the Sexy Detox

Hypertension

Loss of Appetite

Aids Various Gastric Diseases

Combats both Gas & Constipation

Contains Antioxidants

Good For Urinary Tract Health

Good For Kidney Health

Combats Against Cancer

Combats Against Heart Disease

Combats Against Diabetes

Combats Against Cancer

Combats Against Loss Of Appetite

Has Microbial Activities

BONUS 3 WEEK EXPERIMENT

THE HIBISCUS EXPERIMENT

HYPOTHESIS

Since I did have immediate results with the first face mask, including; over all Skin Firmness, Tighter, Cleaner Pores, Smoother more Radiant Skin, and a noticeable difference in the Reduction of Eye Puffiness, I wanted to see what the Hibiscus Plant could do over time, when used daily.

I did in fact believe that since the results of the first mask were so amazing, and such a quick fix for my skin, that daily use of a Hibiscus Skin Care Routine, really could be the absolute most beneficial plant I have learned about yet for facial application.

So I decided to experiment with Hibiscus, for the duration of 3 weeks (or 21 days) to see if the plant could indeed make a substantial difference in the over all health and appearance of the skin and face.

Can Hibiscus really stand up to its nickname, THE BOTOX PLANT?

PROCEDURE

• TEA MASK TWICE A WEEK

I'm using two different Hibiscus Masks during the duration of this experiment.

One mask is infused with Grape seed oil, and the second is a mix of Hibiscus and creamed coconut.

• TEA FACIAL WASH AND TONER TWICE A DAY

Every 3 days I am making a new jug of Tea, leaving 2 bags in. I am placing the container in the fridge.

Twice a day I am gently washing my face using the tiny tea bags, and then I am using some of the tea as a splash to tone. However I am not wearing make up.

If you are wearing make up you will want to wash your face with Coconut Oil, and get all your make up off first. Coconut Oil is really great at removing tons of make up while giving you a nice squeaky clean, super soft face. I really suggest trying this method of washing your face as well.

The container is then placed back in the fridge until the next time you wash your face.

I AM DOING THIS EXPERIMENT OVER THE COURSE OF 21 DAYS

EXPECTATIONS & RESULTS CHECK BOX

- A NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE IN SKINS FIRMNESS - YES

- CHECK - TIGHTER PORES, CLEAR SKIN, HIGH EXPECTATIONS OF BEING ACNE FREE - YES

- FIRMER EYE AREA AND A REDUCTION OF EYE PUFFINESS

A BRIGHTER MORE EVEN SKIN TONE - YES

- REDUCTION OF WRINKLES OR FOLDS SUCH AS MARIONETTE LINES OR OTHER FOLDS RESULTING FROM COLLAGEN LOSS - YES

- IMPROVEMENT IN OVER ALL SKIN HEALTH - YES

- REDUCTION OF SUNSPOTS OR ANY EYE DISCOLORATION UNDER OR OVER THE EYE - YES

- A GREAT RECOMMENDATION FOR SUSTAINABLE SKIN CARE - YES

- A REGULATION IN OIL PRODUCTION - YES

- HYDRATION AND MOISTURIZATION - YES, HOWEVER...

HYDRATION AND MOISTURISATION NOTE:

IT IS STILL NECESSARY TO FOLLOW UP WITH A GREAT MOISTURIZER. HIBISCUS MAKES A WONDERFUL INFUSED OIL WHEN ADDED TO GRAPE SEED OIL. HOWEVER YOU WILL ONLY WANT TO USE AN OIL MOISTURIZER MAYBE HALF OF THE WEEK, AND YOUR HYDRATING MOISTURIZER THE OTHER HAL,F AS TO MUCH OIL TENDS TO SMOTHER THE SKIN WHEN USED TO OFTEN.

HIBISCUS WILL HYDRATE BUT IT WILL NOT MOISTURIZE. THERE FOR YOU MUST FOLLOW UP WITH YOUR FACE CREAMS FOR PROPER HYDRATION AND MOISTURIZATION. DO NOT EXPECT HIBISCUS TO DO ALL OF THIS, IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT THAT YOUR FACE GETS THE PROPER HYDRATION IT NEEDS AND THAT MAKES A GOOD FACE CREAM NECESSARY.

CONCLUSION

The Hibiscus plant is truly an incredible plant that can achieve incredible results. Results in which I could not be more thrilled with, and I do recommend adding the Hibiscus Plant into your daily Skin Care Routine.

Wash and tone your face daily using your Hibiscus made tea toner. Make a glass of tea, keep the bag in and use the bag as a tiny face cloth and the tea as a rinse.

Then make sure to do a Hibiscus Tea Facial Mask twice a week using either coconut cream or grape seed oil as a base. You can also use this mask as a scrub while applying and removing for a great exfoliation scratch free.

If your still looking to for more ways to get the Hibiscus Plant on your face, like I was...

Hibiscus is also really great as an infused oil.

I like to use grape seed oil for my infusions as it is a wonderful moisturizer that is so gentle it is great for Sensitive Skin. Grape seed oil is also Hypoallergenic which makes it safe for everyone's Skin Type. Just pour a tiny amount of oil over a fresh dry tea bag in a bowl. The oil will immediately turn a gorgeous deep red. Use this oil on your face as a absolutely gorgeous face lift infused moisturizer.

Is this THE BOTOX PLANT?

Though I have my differences with this term, as Botox is a Muscle Relaxer that paralyzes muscles, found to work great in the world of Cosmetics, but also used in Hospitals to stop muscle spasms and other spasmy stuff..

There is no paralyzing of anything going on here when using the Hibiscus Plant in your Skin Care Routine.

Botox is used to prevent quirky muscles from over reacting along with your facial expressions. It is a preventative measure for wrinkles caused by facial expressions.

In no way does the Hibiscus Plant do this, and you are absolutely free to use all of your facial expressions, exactly the same.

So I admit I had my very skeptical expectations, and believed the name to be 100% wrong, entirely Bogus, and I was simply Mind Blown.

So with great thought and discussion among friends, as well as tracking my results...

I have been lead in the direction, and can possibly see how the relation to the term may come from the idea of BOTOX, as you do see that firmer, less stretched out appearance caused by your daily facial expressions, and the lifting does have the same relevance in the youthful appearance that BOTOX provides.

Since the appearance of the skin does have such a drastic change in over all firmness and eye puffiness and over all complexion, and because the plant does in fact pull out and tighten those perhaps sunken lines, I will, with hesitation accept the term THE BOTOX PLANT. Only because, the results over time are again, in likeness to BOTOX, as skin truly does appear more youthful.

However I would rather have seen the term THE FACE LIFT PLANT, and found that entirely more fitting, there would have been no eye brow raised.

However now we have the real culprit... Expression Lines.

So if you need the BOTOX because your expression lines are starting to frame your face.. Your still going to need to get the BOTOX. No plant or cream can combat Expression Lines. The only way to combat expression lines is to stop the expressions, by paralyzing the muscle using BOTOX.

What this does is prevent the muscle from moving, there fore decreasing your Superficial Lines, and correcting the facial glitch that will cause a major wrinkle in your face later.

Its about giving your face a good look down, and seeing what is absolutely preventative.

You can check out my BOTOX REVIEW right here,

http://keepingupwithkitvon.blogspot.ca/2015/10/what-is-botox-most-of-us-wouldntknow.html?m=1

I'm actually due for a FOLLOW UP on my REVIEW, so you'll be able to check that out soon as well.

RECOMMENDATION

As per mentioned, I definitely recommend using Hibiscus Tea in your daily Skin Care Routine! It's better than pro active and its a great lift for your face. There is no product on the market that can achieve the benefits for your skin that the Hibiscus Plant can achieve, and that is why it getting such a great reputation.

Interpret my routine into your own routine today, that is the best advice I can give you to date!

.. That is all.

XOXO, & Goodbye for now!

I'll be seeing you next ime under EcoBlonde.com

(CHANGES UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

KIT VON

I have heard about Wheatgrass before, but only recently did I actually take notice to it.

After seeing this wheatgrass in my local Booster Juice, whilst ordering my usual Bananas-a-whey.. I quickly got to googling..

Just what is this grass drink I'm looking at??

Intrested, I finally decided to try this super food grassy drink.

Turns out I have ignored this little green shot far too many times!

The number one benefit that concerns me with wheatgrass is the ant aging effect it has.

The benefits of Wheatgrass works from the inside out aswell as the outside in!

It can br drank as a shot, and can also be used as tonic or mask for the skin. Wheatgrass is amazing for wound healing, acne rashes & burns..

Even such rashes from poison ivy can be cured with Wheatgrass. Just take a shot and go.

My favorite thing about Wheatgrass is that it actually promotes Collagen growth.

In our early 30's we have to start adressing collagen loss.

Collagen loss is responsible for sagging skin, folds and wrinkles.

You may ask yourself, "Where have my plump cheeks gone?, Where did these wrinkles come from?"

.. I know I have anyways.

The trick to Collagen is to find ways of getting your body to produce it, by researching and using plants abundant in nutrients like Wheatgrass.

Sadly to say, all the chemical induced products promising collagen renewal simply cannot deliver exaclty what they promise.

They can promise and deliver a firmer skin appearance, but this is not the collagen that is being infused.

The collegen molicule in the product itself, is simply too big to actually penetrate the skin, proving to be useless in achieving Collagen renewal through the use of skin care products.

Suprisingly, Wheatgrass has everything necissary to get your body to produce more of this collagen and get your skin back in it's best most youthful shape.

The molecules in Wheatgrass are not man made and are infact small enough and highly absorbable by your body, which makes Wheatgrass an effective delivery system for your over all Skin & Body health, able to actually help you produce your own, real collagen, along with MANY it's various other benefits!

Wheatgrass is also filled with your vitamins A, B Complex, C, E & K, also 17 Amino Acids. It's 70 percent Chlorophyll, antibacterial, aswell as purifies the liver, strengthens the heart, refines & renews tissue, washes away drug deposits, and balanced the bodies PH.

A balanced PH has everything to do with impeccable skin and body health!

Wheatgrass even resembles hemoglobin found in blood and increases over all blood health, whicj increases over all body health!

The benefits of little greeny here, are just entirely and incredibley ongoing, supplying you with almost every nutrient the body could possibly need.

I use Wheatgrass in 2 ways. I drink the shots as like most people do..

But I also like to use Wheatgrass as a toner for my face.

To keep Wheatgrass FRESH as a toner:

A) Use Fresh:

Use Wheatgrass as a toner while drinking your morning/daily shot.

The benefits of Wheatgrass are at their highest potential when used freshly cut, and freshly juiced.

B) Facial Toner Ice Cube Tray:

Fill an Ice Cube tray with freshly juiced Wheatgrass and freeze, removing one ice cube as per needed.

Ice Water Face Dunk is actually known as a "Hollywood Secret". This is where you dunk your freshly washed face in ice water for 15 seconds.

So these little ice cubes really are a great idea.

C) Grow It:

Grow Wheatgrass in your bedroom room for better Oxygen and a more enjoyable, healthier nights sleep.

Then.. Snip away as needed.

It's easier than you'd think. Grass is pretty easy to grow. Once you cut the Wheatgrass it will grow back.