1/21/13

Apothederm Acne Cream

Details: Apothederm skin care science acne clarifying treatment.  Targeted skin care to answer your skin care needs.  Comes in a 1oz bottle.  Active ingredient: salicylic acid for external use only.  4 Step directions when using this product.

My Review: when I first started using this my skin went from partial break out, or just a few zits here and there, to full on break out with zits all over my forehead, chin, nose, along my jaw line and down my neck to the top of my chest.  It was awful and super embarrassing.  So I stopped using it for 3 days until everything started going away.  Once I felt like my face looked good enough again, I tried this acne cream again.  This time my skin had a different reaction.  The zits started going away, some that weren't quiet white heads disappeared before they fully formed.  Those "mature" zits went away faster than I expected.  Now I use this 2 times a day: in the morning and in the evening right before bed.

My husband uses this too.  He's used this as an off an on spot treatment when he gets those occasional zits.  For him it takes a little longer to clear things up, but he still likes how it works, and how easy it is on his skin.  For him who growing up used Proactive, he finds this very similar and really wonderful.  You don't need much just a small little squirt for each zit.  It clears things up within 3 days of use, as long as you aren't allergic.  I haven't noticed any access drying up of my face, but I use a really good moisturizer so I don't really know if that helps prevent the drying or not. Below are before and after pictures after using this product for 3 weeks.  I am very pleased with my results, and recommend this product for clearing up acne and zits in general.  This bottle cost $33, but I feel it is worth it.  I will buy this when my bottle is empty, I say this because I don't usually spend a lot of money on skin care products, but this is totally worth it to me and my husband.  I also want to tell you that your diet and what you consume food wise affects how bad your acne is. So my after picture of my chin is actually worse than my before picture, but we had tons of birthday cake, ice cream and chocolate the past 7 days, so my acne looks really bad.  In fact it will clear up in 2 days.
Before Picture of Forehead
Before Picture of Chin

After Picture of Forehead
After Picture of Chin










Pros: works quickly, works fast, easy on skin.

Cons: can cause allergic reactions, test it first, stop for 3 days if a reaction happens and then try again.
                                                                       My Rating 

1/17/13

Castor Oil Benefits

Castor Oil is one of those products that have multiple wonderful benefits, as long as you don't overdo it.

 

Why Use Castor Oil

Castor oil is an excellent source of essential nutrients such as vitamin E, antioxidants and minerals that boost skin health.  Castor Oil can be taken internally, just make sure you follow the directions exactly.  However, only a small amount of nutrients from any food source are absorbed by the skin.  Hence, external application of natural moisturizers such as castor oil that nourish the skin from within is recommended.

 

Wrinkle Treatment Benefits

Castor oil is a natural emollient that penetrates the skin and helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin which can soften and hydrate the skin. Therefore, it is a wonderful natural treatment for wrinkles since it restores and rejuvenates skin's natural youthful appearance by making skin smoother, softer and pliant. It prevents dry skin and helps to tighten loose skin, in combination with toning exercises and a well-balanced diet. You can massage castor oil directly into the skin daily. Adding lemon juice or lavender oil may also enhance its effects.
Dip a small cotton ball into the oil and apply it on wrinkled skin before going to bed. Use only a small amount of oil when applying it to the skin near the eyes. 

 

Castor Oil and Healthy Hair Growth

Castor oil is a great hair oil, but it can be very thick and viscous. So some women may end up having a bad hair experience with the oil. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a woman to get immediately turned off from using this oil because it left her hair all sticky and icky. Still this oil is simply amazing for the health of your hair and scalp. So check out these few tips on how to best use castor oil. Then try out this oil for a few weeks- who knows, you may just fall in love too!

Tips for Using Castor Oil:

1. Moisturize Hair First
Before using any emollient (i.e. hair oil or butter), you always want to make sure that your hair has been wet first (i.e. your hair that has been moisturized first). Emollients don’t “moisturize,” they simply “seal” moisture in. So the best way to use castor oil is on wet hair.

2. Use Less Oil
Castor oil is very thick and viscous so you don’t need to be “heavy-handed” with use. Using a lot of castor oil won’t increase its benefits- it will just make your hair sticky and limp. And with castor oil, as well as many other emollients, you will find oftentimes that when using “less is more.” Also, because it is a “heavier oil,” some women do prefer to only use castor oil on certain parts of their. For example, some may only use castor oil the edges of hair as opposed to using it all over their hair.

3. Mix With Other Oils
Since castor oil is so thick and heavy, it may be best to “lighten” it up with other oils. There’s no law that says you can’t mix your emollients. In fact, I’ve been using a great mixture that includes equal parts castor oil, olive oil and fresh rosemary. This is a wonderful hair oil- and it smells great too!


A few benefits of castor oil:

·         Is an excellent emollient and humectant for skin and hair
·         Is a treatment for hair thinning and hair loss
·         Prevents the dry and itchy scalp
·         Has anti-fungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties- so it can be effective for treating skin/scalp infections like ringworm.

My Review:  I started using Castor Oil on my thinning eye lashes.  I was diligent at putting the sticky oil on my eyelashes and around my eyes every night for 30 nights.  At the end of those 30 days, I had a lot of new eyelash growth, and my eyelashes appeared thicker.  I stopped applying the Castor Oil for the next 30 days and did not notice as significant improvement with new eyelash growth or thicker eyelashes at that point in time.  However, my new eyelashes did continue to grow.  I was very impressed by this.  I also felt like the "crow's feet"  wrinkles around my eyes had significantly decreased as well.

Pros:   I was greatly impressed at the improvement in eyelash growth and thickness I felt I received by using this product.  I plan to use this mixed with other oils for those other wrinkles that are beginning to show up.

Cons:  The Castor Oil is very sticky to use.  The more I rubbed it into my skin, the less sticky it felt.  Had I mixed it with other oils or other products, it may have lessened that sticky feeling.

My Ratings:  A thumbs  up for a great product. 

1/12/13

Ateevia Botanica


Details: Ateevia anti-inflammation cream.  3.0 fl oz bottle, cream is liquidy and thick with a brown in color.  This alleviates arthritic joints, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, tendonitis, lower back pain, heel pain, sports bruises.  3 step directions, active ingredients are magnesia phosphorica 6x HPUS, and phytolacca decandra succus 6x HPUS.   "Ateevia's Prime is a treatment invented and used successfully by a doctor decades ago.  His grandson, also a doctor, reformulated and refined the treatment to maximize safety and enhance potency.  All Ateevia Botanica products are power packed with vital phytonutrients that remedy, revive and protect the human anatomy."



My Review: When I first saw this product on Tomoson, I thought that this would be another great opportunity to get a product for a comparison review to all the other pain relief creams and ointments we here at Mom's Thumb Reviews have tested, tried, and reviewed all ready.  Showing this product to my Mother In Law, and Aunt, they were both very impressed that there was no to little scent, that it covered so many inflammatory issues that many older people get as they do age.
As I kept this out and about on the counter, or in the bathroom or in my bedroom, I tried to think about how to use this because at the time and even for the first 5 days none of my family had any issues needing to use this product.
But then one night my 3 year old was running around the living room when he slipped on the hard wood floor and slid right into the heavy wooden TV stand right in the corner and started screaming bloody murder.  My Mother In Law and I carried him into the kitchen looked at his foot, (we thought for sure he broke a toe), and carefully put some ice on it.  But after 1-3 minutes he wouldn't keep the ice on, so looking around for something to put on his foot, I saw this Ateevia Botanica on the counter.  I squirted some on my finger to rub on his foot, as we found out he didn't break a toe, but hit the soft fleshy part of his upper foot on the TV stand.   He had a huge black and purple and blue bruise, and a large lump.  He started to freak out when he saw the brown stuff on my finger (he hates all medicine that he has to swallow).  But Mam Ma told him it was honey for his foot and he calmed right down.  I rubbed the cream into his foot, and within 10 minutes the bruise was faded, the lump was gone, and he was down running around again.

The very next day he hit his foot on something else and begged for the honey to be put on his foot. My 3 year old loves this stuff for all his little bruises and such.  I have used this on myself for strained muscles and it worked great.  I'm very impressed with this stuff.  I personally don't like the scent, I can't describe it, but its something that as a child growing up, this smell is very gross to me.  But everyone else likes it, including my Husband who doesn't like anything scented except his cologne.
Pros: works great, works fast, isn't sticky, easy to wash residue off

Cons: I don't like the smell, but I'm the only one who doesn't, its $20 for a 3.0 fl oz tube, but I'm sold on the effectiveness of this product to be willing to pay for this, others with tighter budgets might not be able to afford $20 for a tube like this.

                                                 My Rating

   I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

1/9/13

Neutrogena hand cream

 
Details: Norwegian formula of hand cream from Neutrogena, just a dab to heal dry, cracked, bleeding skin.  2 oz tube, and 0.5 oz tube sizes.  Original and Fragrance free scents.  This provides highly effective relief for even the most uncomfortably dry, cracked hands.  The Norwegian formula is so concentrated only a small amount is needed to relieve that dry painful feeling in your hands and skin.

My Review:  As a BzzAgent I got 10 free samples of this hand cream: 1 2oz tube, and 9 0.5 oz tubes to pass out to family and friends. This hand cream isn't a cream, but more of an ointment because its a little oily at first until it soaks into your skin.  A little really does go a long ways when using this.  I don't like the original scent at all.  So I prefer the fragrance free hand cream.  I have extra dry skin all the time.  But during the winter my hands get pretty bad.  Super dry, flaking and peeling, really bad cuticles, because of cold water and hard water.  This is perfect for my skin!  It lasts most of the day too.  I usually just put some on in the morning and then again at night.

Nail Tips:  When your hands are dry, it affects your nails as well.  Neutrogena's hand cream is a great tool to use to get and keep beautiful healthy strong nails all the time.  Take a tiny dab and rub it into each finger nail, all of your cuticles with your fingers.  When rubbing your finger nails start at your cuticle and rub down to the tip of your nail, the way your nails grow, to help bring all the nutrients and moisture through the whole nail.  Do this 2-3 times a day for excellent progress and results.  You can also do this to your toes, feet, and toe nails to get great looking feet all year long.

Pros: easy to find in stores, good price, works excellent

Cons: don't like the scented formulas

                                                             My Rating  

How To Rub Your Stomach Away The Crane Exercise by Stephen Chang, M.D.


Details:   Yep! You read that right.  Dr. Chang has this theory that by rubbing your stomach you can promote proper digestion, sound sleep and a healthy heart. This weight  loss method comes from ancient Chinese sages.  To help one live a long and healthy life you need to have a strong internal system.  This includes strong abs, internal organs, lungs and circulatory system.  This exercise helps with each of these.

Extremely overweight people burden their entire body.  For every inch you gain in girth, your body grows approximately 4 miles of blood vessels to nourish the extra tissue.  The digestive organs now have to work harder, as well as the heart.  Blood pressure sky rockets due the obstructions in the circulatory system.  Lower back pain and physical fatigue are other ailments one has to deal with by being overweight.

A simple and effective way to help lose weight is by doing a 2 minute exercise.  First lay flat on your back and relax.  If you are right-handed use your right hand, if left-handed use your left hand.  Put the palm of your hand on your navel.  Simply rub in a clockwise fashion from the center.  Start with small circles and then gradually expand the movement until the upper and lower limits of the stomach and abdomen are being rubbed.  Rub slowly and with gentle pressure.  Once you have rubbed in this direction for 1 minute, reverse directions.  Begin with larger circles ending with smaller circles until you are back to the center of the navel.  May repeat as often as you desire.

By doing this massage exercise,  you are you are You are using your own bodily electricity to gently massage the intestines, the blood vessels, and the digestive and eliminatory system.  The fatty accumulations and deposits are disrupted and passed into the eliminatory system and out of the body.  By rubbing in a clockwise direction you encourage proper and easeful bowel movement.  When you rub in a counterclockwise direction this helps to solidify fecal material as it passes through the intestine.  Therefore your bowls should neither be hard nor loose.

This exercise has been compared to a gentle yet natural colonic irrigation.  Begin by doing this twice a day for at least two weeks.  This exercise works better if you imagine and concentrate of feeling warmth within the area being massaged.  This heat helps melt fat.  Also visualize energy filling the lower part of your body.  This exercise will not benefit you nearly as well without the visualization part.  Another benefit to doing this, especially as you go to bed, is that the blood is drawn away from the head and brain, your usual mental chatter will be calmed, and you should experience a restful sleep.
  
My Review:  My husband and I had tried this years ago, and recently ran into this booklet again and decided to give it another try.  He has put on excess weight in his stomach area, and I become constipated if I don't keep up with my calcium/magnesium/zinc tablets.

The first night we tried it, it was a rather cool late fall evening.  The first thing we both noticed was after two minutes of rubbing (1 minute in each direction) how warm we felt, even down to our toes.  We did sleep better that night, but at first didn't think it was related to the rubbing.

We did this every morning and every night for 2 consecutive days when I definitely noticed a difference in my bowl movements.  It was working at least for me.  It took almost a full week before my husband noticed an increase in his bowl movements.  We did sleep better, but still hadn't paid attention to the relationship of rubbing our tummies with sleeping better.  After doing this review, it made us realize that the sleeping part is absolutely true for us.

We still have a hard time remembering to be consistent in rubbing our tummies every morning when we wake up.  We are pretty good at remembering to do this at night.  The other thing we need to be sure to do is to visualize our stomachs getting rubbed away, our health and vitality and energy all improving as we perform this quick and simple exercise.

Sometimes I think it is the simple and quick things that are so good for you that we overlook or put down because they are almost too good to be true.  But this is one of those things that I feel we will all benefit from by trying.

Pros:   Like I mentioned, I noticed an improvement in 2 days.   I really like how warm I feel after rubbing my stomach, especially prior to going to bed.  It is still winter time.  When I do not perform this exercise, I notice an immediate difference.  The days I do the exercise upon rising in the morning, I feel more energized during the day.  I feel like I accomplish more and that my mind is actually more clear and focused.  My husband likes doing it at night because it usually puts him right to sleep.

 Cons:  Since we haven't been exactly consistent in doing this both night and morning, my husband feels like he isn't gaining the benefits that are mentioned.  He also acknowledges that he needs to be more consistent.  It is our New Year's goal to do this twice a day for 30 days.  Even if we are up and dressed before rubbing our tummies in the morning, we are going to make sure we do this as soon as we remember. 

  My Ratings:  A thumbs  up for such a simple, natural way to help the elimination process, as well as to improve the circulation in my body. 

1/8/13

Dream Fresh BB 8-In-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector


Details:  BB creams combine skincare + makeup in 1 simple step
8-in-1 Skin Perfector:
• Blurs imperfections
• Brightens
• Evens skin tone
• Smoothes
• Hydrates
• Enhances
• Protects with SPF 30
• 0% oils and heavy ingredients


Available in 5 fresh skin tones for every skin color. You might want to look at their website for more information . Maybelline Dream Fresh BB 8-in-1

My Review:  I've never been one to wear much base make-up.    However, now that I am getting older, I find the need to do so more prevalent than before.  I've tried a few products which I liked, then I received a sample of the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB 8-in-1 Beauty Skin Perfector.

The first time I tried this product, I applied full strength.  I was very impressed, at how it really did even out my skin-tone, but I felt it was just a hair to thick for me.  So the next time, I added just a pinch of lotion and found I liked the results a whole lot better.  It covered my dark spots, and my sometimes adult type acne spots.  It's wonderfully light, and I don't feel like it rubs off during the day, smudges, creates creases etc. at all throughout the day.  It looks as good at night when I'm ready to wash my face prior to bed time, as it did when I first put it on in the morning.


I felt like this product did exactly what it says it will do. This is now my choice for a foundation type makeup.   I use the Light/Medium sheer tint. 

They also provide this product with Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

Pros:   This is one of those products that actually does what it says it will do.  I love it!

Cons:    Just slightly pricey at about $7.50 per 1 ounce.

My Ratings:  A thumbs  up for a great product. 

1/4/13

Nutra-Lift Grape Seed face polish

 Details: Ultra-nutrient gently, stimulating, moisturizing grape seed foaming face polish.  With the intense anti-oxidant power of the renown Muscasdine Grape seeds and skins in organic honey base.  4 oz bottle.  6 step directions.
Apply to wet face and gently scrub for thorough cleansing.  After scrubbing leave on face a few minutes for deep cleansing and the absorption of nutrients into inner skin.  Avoid eye and sensitive skin areas.  For best results use 2-3 times a week.  Spot test if you have sensitive skin.



My Review: This is the first ever face polish, face scrub, facial exfoliatants that has actually done what I wanted it to do.  My pores were cleaned, and deep cleaned each time I used this face polish.  I loved the scent, the way it feels on my face.  As you let is sit on your face it hardens into a face masque.  I have reviewed many different types of cosmetic products, but this is the first one I have really fell in love with.  It makes me feel pampered, its a spa day every time I use this Grape Seed foaming polish.

Pros: works great, smells great, I totally love it

Cons: it is $22 a bottle, but this stuff lasts a long time, so it is worth the price to those who can afford this


                                                   My Rating 

Nutra Lift Vitamin C Ester complex

Details:   20% Vitamin C Ester Complex,  Nutra-Lift Maximum C Plus Growth Factors with Mushroom Beta Glucan, SOD & L-Carnitine.  Contains Growth Factors which aid in Refinishing & Repairing, Firming, Energizing, tightening & Brightening, as well as Moisturizes & Nourishes ALL in One Step. Also works as a mild skin lightener and brightener.  This product will activate cellular growth, new cell and blood vessel production, and help with collagen and elastin production.  Plus contains clinically proven ingredients directly into the skin to help reverse visible signs of aging.  Reduces the look of wrinkles. Energizes , Tightens , Brightens , Protects, Moisturizes & Nourishes ALL in One Step. 

My Review:  This product says to use 1 - 2 times a day.  I have found that using this once at night along with the product Rejuvenating "A" Nano Reneau Plus Growth Factors by Nutra-Lift is a great combination of Products for my face, neck and hands.  I use one squirt (it is a pump operation which I really like) per application to cover my entire face, neck and hands.  Therefore, I feel it goes a long ways.  I like the immediate tightening feeling I get when I use this product.  My crow's feet instantly go away.  I'm not sure how long it lasts, as I feel like the wrinkles are back by morning.   I do feel like the skin around my eyes are slowing getting more plump however, which should eventually reduce the wrinkles.  I've only been using this product for 3 weeks, and it does mention it could take 6 months to see a noticeable difference.  What I have noticed after about 10 days of use is that my sun spots from earlier days spent in the sun, are now considerably lighter.  I am impressed.

Pros:   My sun spots and other dark marks on my skin are fading away just after 3 weeks of daily use.  I noticed a big difference within just 10 days of daily use.  I feel I will see a big difference by the time 6 months of daily use have gone by.

Cons: The initial price is higher than I like to pay.  However, if this works as well as it says by the time 6 months are up, it will definitely be better than paying for some other anti-aging products such as Botox.  1 oz bottle is $34.  

UPDATE:  I have been using this product along with the Nutra Lift Anti-Aging Complex that has the gold in it for the last 30 days both morning and night.  Using the two products together has definitely decreased the wrinkles on my face, but more especially the crows feet around my eyes.  On day 30, my husband commented on how smooth and nice my eyes looked.  He was amazed.  From my experience, using either of these two products alone is not enough.  When used together, (and I just squirt a little of each in my palm and mix together) they work wonders. 
  My Ratings:  A big thumbs up. 

Nutra Lift Anti-Aging Complex


Details:   Maximum Anti-Aging Peptide-8 Complex Rejuvenating "A" Nano Reneu Plus Growth Factors with Nanoconjugated Gold Particles for Firmer, Younger Looking Healthier Skin.  More Peptides at 8%, More Moisture, More Organic Extracts & Anti-Oxidants, plus a Mild Exfoliant for healthy younger looking skin.  Golden Collagenine is the latest weapon in the Anti-Aging war, to achieve younger looking more beautiful skin. A NEW peptide Nanoconjugated to 24KT Gold Particles with a remarkable effect on Collagen outgrowth. 30 day studies conducted on Golden Collagenine indicate increases in Collagen by up to 205%, increases in Elasticity by 41%,Hydration by 31%, and can reduce the look of wrinkles by up to 55%.

The GOLD Standard in Skin Care with Anti-Aging Peptide-8 Complex plus Nanoconjugated Gold Particles for remarkable collagen growth. A New & Improved Tissue Repair formula with natural & organic ingredients with 3 times more moisture & 20 times more anti-oxidants that aid in cellular regeneration. Rejuvenating "A" NANO RENEU™ stimulates production of collagen and elastin, minimizes hyper pigmentation and protects the skin from free radicals. For younger looking, healthier skin. Mildly Exfoliates, Moisturizes, & Reduces the Look of Wrinkles.


My Review:  This product says to use 1 - 2 times a day.  I have found that using this once in the morning along with  the product Maximum C Plus Growth Factors by Nutra-Lift is a great combination of products for my face, neck and hands.  I use one squirt (it is a pump which I really like) per application to cover my entire face, neck and hands.  Therefore, I feel it goes a long ways.  I like the immediate tightening feeling I get when I use this product.  My crow's feet instantly go away.  I feel my eyes look younger for a couple of hours, and by night they are ready for the Maximum C .    I do feel like the skin around my eyes are slowing getting more plump however, which should eventually reduce the wrinkles.  I've only been using this product for 3 weeks, and it does mention it could take 30 days to see a noticeable difference.  What I have noticed after about 10 days of use is that my sun spots from earlier days spent in the sun, are now considerably lighter.  I am impressed.

Pros:   My sun spots and other dark marks on my skin are fading away just after 3 weeks of daily use.  I noticed a big difference within just 10 days of daily use. 

Cons:  The initial price is higher than I like to pay, but is definitely less expensive than other anti-aging products such as Botox.    This product mentions that 30 day studies conducted on Golden Collagenine indicate increases in Collagen by up to 205%, increases in Elasticity by 41%, Hydration by 31%, and can reduce the look of wrinkles by up to 55%.  After 4 weeks of use, I have not noticed a big difference in the reduction of wrinkles.  2 oz. pump bottle $46.

UPDATE:  I have been using this product along with the Nutra Lift Vitamin C Ester complex for the last 30 days both morning and night.  Using the two products together has definitely decreased the wrinkles on my face, but more especially the crows feet around my eyes.  On day 30, my husband commented on how smooth and nice my eyes looked.  He was amazed.  From my experience, using either of these two products alone is not enough.  When used together, (and I just squirt a little of each in my palm and mix together) they work wonders. 


  My Ratings:  A big thumbs up for fading dark spots.  A thumbs down for no noticeable improvement of collagen, elasticity or hydration that would reduce the look of wrinkles.  I took before and after pictures, and my husband agrees that the before pictures had less wrinkles than the after pictures 30 days later.


Nutra Life Herbal Non Soap


Details:   Nutra-Lift Moisturizing Cleansing Gel Herbal Non Soap.  Contains Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin C for extra nutrition, along with aloe vera gel , wheat germ and other anti-oxidants. Works well with all skin types. It is a cleanser, a mask, a toner and a make-up remover all in one. leaves no film ( important so skin treatments can be absorbed) on the skin. Non-Detergent natural foaming agent made from wheat germ.

My Review:  When I read this was an herbal non-soap product I was a bit worried.  I recall my aunt trying various non-soap products and most were sticky and gooey.  This multi-herbal product is a wonderful gel, unlike hand sanitizer gel. This is a wonderful fruity smelling product.  I love how my face feels so silky and smooth after washing with it. I don't feel I need to use a toner afterwards.  I also like how you only need to leave the product on for 30 seconds, not minutes like most.  The product says to lather with wash cloth.  I figured this was to provide extra exfoliation to the skin.   The  Nutra-Lift Moisturizing Cleansing Gel Herbal Non Soap is an excellent make-up remover. 

Pros:   Skin is soft and silky after using the product.  It smells wonderful.  My face seems to glow after using the product.

Cons: I haven't discovered any cons to this product other than the initial price.  However, for a product such as this, it is will worth it.  8 oz bottle for $24.

  My Ratings:  A big thumbs up.