Calamansi & Egg White Skin Routine

As promised on my previous post explaining how calamansi and egg white work wonders for the skin, here are the instructions on how to do it:

• Prepare 1 tsp of egg white and 1 tsp of calamansi extract
• Wash the face with soap and water then pat dry.
• Apply the calamansi extract and leave it on for 5 minutes
• Rinse off and pat dry
• Apply the egg white into the face and leave for 10-15 minutes or until it hardens
• Rinse off with water

Do this 3x a week and notice the improvement of your skin a week after. The results may vary for each individual. If you are prone to skin reactions, use it at your your discretion.

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Calamansi and Egg White for Skin Care

These kitchen regulars do not only make useful ingredients to a satisfying meal. They also double as natural remedies to skin problems and as beauty enhancers. They I just say the magic word? Yep, beauty with a capital B. If that got your vain self more interested in knowing how, read on.

My 13 year old niece asked for my help in an investigatory project she had at school. She wanted to prove if calamansi and egg whites had beneficial effects on the skin, thus she enlisted us as her guinea pigs. The idea of dabbing citrus on my face scared me. Not out of fear of turning my face sour, but due its acidic nature which may be irritating. Then I remembered the recent routine that I apply daily on my skin consists of acid nonetheless. I’ve been putting glycolic acid to facilitate exfoliation and skin renewal to get rid of my pesky acne pock marks.

Calamansi as a Fruit Acid

Glycolic acid is classified under alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), a group of naturally occurring chemicals derived from fruits. Sugar cane, beets, pineapple and grapes are common sources. Calamansi (citrus microcarpa bunge), likewise, is a rich source of fruit acids. AHAs are widely used in the cosmetic industry. Owing to their acidity and solubility, they penetrate the skin and loosen the bonds that hold the dead skin cells together, hence allowing exfoliation.

As we may know, dead skin cells contribute to acne formation by blocking the pores. They also give the skin an uneven texture. While Calamansi is being promoted as a skin whitener, the lightening effects may be mostly due to its exfoliating effects, revealing a fresher and smoother layer of skin.

Fruit acids do not only exert a peeling effect on the skin but also stimulate the formation of collagen and elastin on the dermal layer, which are diminished as we grow older. In addition, the anti-oxidant properties of fruit acids fight off free radicals which give our skin a worn out look. By attaching itself to the free radicals, we are saved from further damage to the skin cells, lessening premature wrinkles and age spots. Whether as an acne treatment or beauty enhancer, fruit acids are shown to be beneficial in our unending quest for beauty.

The Miracles of Egg White

There’s more to egg whites than melting in our mouths as a delectable meringue. For the beauty savvy, I am certain that you’ve heard about its use as a facial mask. Although there is a lack of scientific evidence proving the efficacy of this technique, the positive testimonials from women who have tried using egg whites in beauty rituals are not to be ignored.

Egg whites contain around 40 different proteins dissolved in water, among which, albumin comprises the most part. The skin- clearing properties of egg whites may be partly attributed to the lysozyme, an enzyme which digests bacterial cell wall, thereby fighting acne. This enzyme has also been used as an ingredient to prevent food spoilage.

The egg white contains the enzyme hydrolysate which promotes the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in fibroblasts at the dermis. Fibroblasts, in turn, produce collagen. Simply put, egg whites have amazing anti-aging properties.

Tightening and shrunken pores are noticed immediately after the application of this protein-rich poultry product to the skin. Whether or not it has long term beneficial effects, it remains to be seen.

The base pH of the egg white makes it an effective neutralizing component in facial masks utilizing other natural products like the calamansi (note: although the pH of lemon is acidic, it is considered an alkalinizing food when taken in because of the chemical reactions inside the body). With the combination of the effects resulting from both ingredients, they make quite a powerful skin care tandem.

So how do you apply this natural skin care regimen? Find out on my next post. Til then!

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Aspirin Mask

Among the common DIY remedies, aspirin mask has gained quite a massive following due to its reported effectiveness in battling the perennial problem of acne.

Medical uses of aspirin aka acetylsalicylicacid include anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects and the prevention of blood clotting. The anti-inflammatory reaction is most likey responsible for shrinking zits and decreasing their redness. Salicylic acid, a metabolite of aspirin is known as a keratolytic that sloughs off the epidermis more readily. This prevents the pores from clogging.

I have tried a modified version of the aspirin mask by mixing it with my astringent and applying it on the affected areas. I don’t know if the astringent will destroy the potent properties of the tablet but I do notice a decrease in the erythematous appearance of the pimple afterwards.

Here is the classic way of preparing the aspirin mask:

• Choose lightly/noncoated tablets of aspirin ( coated formulations are made to prevent the irritant effects on the gastric wall)
• Get 3-5 tablets of Aspirin and dissolve it in distilled water, just enough to work a creamy consistency.
• Apply it on a clean, dry skin. Focus on the affected areas and the oily zone of your face.
• After drying, scrub it off with a clean, slightly moist cotton pad, in small circular motion.
• Do this 2-3x a week and gradually taper when skin improves. For dry and sensitive skin, lessen the frequency.

A moisturizer will aid in lessening the drying effects of this procedure. Variations are done by replacing water with honey, yogurt or facial cleansers. I have yet to try these but they are said to flake off less than aspirin with water.

Be careful not to apply this very near the eye because the skin surrounding that area is very delicate and sensitive.

This is an inexpensive answer to your acne problems but don’t be tempted to overuse it. It may be drying in the long term so be cautious. This is a quick fix but doesn’t guarantee that you acne will be gone forever.

Until the next beauty tip!

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Make Your Own Palette of Lip Colors And Pressed Eye Pigments

I’ve been running out of space in my train case. My makeup stash keeps on growing that i have to put the others in separate cheaper plastic cases from handyman. In the end, I forget about them and some makeup samples are still left unopened up to this day. They are gorgeous colors that would have been great in photo shoots but bringing all of them inside my professional train case would take up too much space.

Pressed eye minerals

I’ve always been a fan of mineral makeups because they really work for my acne-prone and oily skin. The wide array of eyeshadow and blush colors are drool-worthy. Plus, the absence of harmful chemicals make it a healthy alternative to expensive conventional makeup brands. However, I find it too messy to apply on models during shoots or clients for different occasions because they come in loose form. It’s probably the reason why not a lot of makeup artists use them. No matter how tightly they are closed, some still end up spilling on my train case. For that, I have to resort to hoarding MAC eye shadows which are awesome but a little pricey compared to mineral makeups.

I have tons of lipsticks too, which I cannot stack up in my case. Some have turned rancid and thus I had to throw them away despite their designer brand names. Some are still in excellent condition but are cut in halves or too short already.

Lately, after surfing tutorials on the net, I found a way to re-organize my stash by coming up with my own customized palettes. I pressed eye shadow minerals using alcohol as binder and coins and clean fabric to press them on empty eyeshadow cases. Some were more difficult to press, though.

The easier task was to customize my lip colors. I melted the lipsticks, added some jelly and vitamin e to prevent them from turning rancid anytime soon. I mixed colors
to come up with my own customized colors as well. Since I can’t find empty lip palettes for sale, I used water color containers for this. They sell for about P37 or P67 at national bookstore. I transferred the water colors in mini jars. It’s good enough vs busting $22 for an empty lip palette sold online in the US. Shipping fee excluded. I enjoyed this so much that I intend to buy more watercolor palettes. I just hope the kids don’t find out who’s been making the watercolor palettes on National Bookstore extinct.

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