Ayurvedic skin care: the hot new way to achieve natural, gorgeous skin. A form of alternative health, ayurvedic products are becoming increasingly popular. And with the movement of incorporating natural elements into skin care and beauty routines comes a barrage of companies and products hoping to make their way into your bathroom.

I’m willing to try anything in the name of beauty, people, let’s face it. I love being able to run to Target and pick up a cheapo cleanser, but I also like the allure of using natural salon-quality products to achieve the best skin I can have. So when I had the opportunity to try the Sakala Ama Release Tonic by DoshaCare, I was all over it. Here are my thoughts:

What this tonic claims to do: Purify the pores of congested skin and combat blemishes. Sounds good to me.

How it works: This light liquid tonic (feels like you’re rubbing water on your face) is 98% botanical and organic. It gently exfoliates the skin (no little scrubbies or bursting balls here) to reveal a brighter, more even complexion. This is something those of us with acne scars or blotchy skin can really appreciate.

Key Ingredients: Of course, you’ll find the standby Salicylic Acid in this product, a definite must for any acne product. But in addition, you’ll find Ginger, which stimulates circulation and helps remove toxins, and Lime, which works as an antiseptic and astringent to clear oily skin.

It’s even good for the environment: You might look at this tonic as a “green” product of sorts since it is of a natural origin, contains many organic ingredients, is biodegradable, imparts no testing on animals and is packaged using recycled materials. Impressive.

Final review: All these benefits sure sound all well and good, don’t they? But the bottom line is that this product does live up to the hype. I’ve used it both as a spot treatment on a problem area (jawline) and as an all-over add-on (both are suggested uses by the company). What I found was, indeed, a brightening of my look overall and a minimization of the trouble area along my jawline. I am convinced that regular usage of this tonic would produce even greater results.

Where to find the Sakala Ama Release Tonic: You can snag this tonic for yourself for about $32. It comes in a 1.7 fl oz bottle, which, considering how little is necessary for use, is a great deal. Purchase this at:

• www.doshacare.com
• Apothia at Fred Segal
• Chopin Chemists in New York
• Laser Solutions in Beverly Hills

Of course, you can find a slew of products on the DoshaCare site that are completely customized to your skin type. If acne is not a problem for you, no worries. There are formulas for all types of skin. Enjoy!

Image: DoshaCare.com

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As we see cosmetics companies trending toward using more natural elements in our beauty products, one can’t help but ponder what next year’s wonder ingredients will be.

Thanks to Pierce Mattie Public Relations, we can now take a sneak peek into what we might be slathering on our faces, limbs and strands this year. Take a look at your Top 10 Beauty Ingredients for 2009:

1. Argan Oil: This incredible skin care miracle, known for being one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin E with 80% essential fatty acids, has been a beauty secret of Moroccan women for centuries. It can be dually used on skin and in hair for its high level of antioxidants and ability to replenish hair and skin’s natural moisture.
2. Acai: Sometimes referred to as “The Fountain of Youth,” this Brazilian berry contains antioxidants, amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and protein that positions itself as a formidable fighter in anti-aging products. Acai can be found across the board in skin care, cosmetics and hair care products.
3. Goji Berries: This nutrient-rich berry, well known as Wolfberries in the Himalayas, has often been called a “super food” due to its abilities to fight free radicals and boost the immune system. While there are no inherent benefits of Goji in fragrance, that hasn’t stopped perfumers from including this sweet yet tart scent into their perfumes.
4. Baobab: Rich in riboflavin, niacin and vitamins C, A, D and E, baobab has incredible anti-aging properties although you won’t just find it in creams and moisturizers, but also in exfoliating scrubs and hair care.
5. Acerola: Ingredients high in Vitamin C, like acerola, are being used more often due to their ability to even out skin tone and brighten complexion. Skin care brands will be using acerola more to target those who have issues with skin redness and inflammation.
6. Blueberry: Chock full of amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, blueberries are another super food that will be used to fight aging in beauty products. Also known as a “super fruit,” blueberries have long been known for its ability to revitalize the skin; it was just a matter of time before beauty brands began to incorporate it more into their skin care products.
7. Probiotics: Last year Pierce Mattie PR termed probiotics a “buzzword” among beauty brands, but now those brands are delivering more than just buzz with this sister category to Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals. Probiotic skin care will be branded as another “clinical-like” line of products, which beauty consumers tend to lean towards as science-based.
8. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3: This Cosmeceutical that is becoming found more often in anti-aging products to fight fine lines and wrinkles will be even more prevalent in 2009. Products that contain Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3 will be branded as a temporary alternative to cosmetic procedures.
9. Myrrh: With the increasing popularity of Ayurveda in the Unites States, this ancient ingredient is also resurging in perfumes and skin care products. The rich royal resin with the slight vanilla fragrance so popular in incense also stimulates circulation and has lifting effects.
10. Turmeric: A highly regarded ingredient in India, Turmeric is widely known for its medicinal properties. Turmeric will be found in acne-related creams and lotions, as it is an antiseptic and can aid in preventing and removing blemishes. It will also be found in hair removal products as well as in the formulation of sunscreen in more natural products as well.

Some interesting surprises in there, but all these ingredients show such wonderful promise. I can hardly wait to investigate new products just to see how these natural ingredients work!

A special thanks to my friend Shannon of Pierce Mattie PR (and of Makeup Minute) for sharing this excellent list with us!

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Image details: Young woman holding finger into bowl served by picapp.com

Happy Weekend, everyone! So this week’s Beauty Tip Friday just happens to land on…Sunday! Close enough, right?

Anyhoo, in our never-ending quest for fabulous skin, I have these 5 simple and fabby tips for you which you can do starting TODAY. Incorporate them into your skin care regime to get (and keep) great results and a gorgeous glow!

1. Washcloth = Cheap Exfoliator: We all know that removing the dead skin cells that build up and clog our pores is key to a beautiful complexion. And while there are a zillion great products on the market that will do the trick, try looking right in your very own linen closet for the cheapest answer. The fibers of a soft wash cloth will gently resurface your skin with whatever cleanser you have on hand. Just be sure to use circular motions and a wet cloth for best results.

2. Cool Glow: Think cool and crisp instead of warm and steamy when it’s time to rinse your face. Using cold water will instantly tighten your pores and make your skin appear more even and glowing.

3. Be a Smooth Operator: While it might be instinct to rub your face dry with a towel after washing, the friction caused by doing so may leave your skin irritated and blotchy. Instead, use a soft, fluffy towel and gently dab your face dry. Your skin will appreciate the pampering, I promise.

4. Left-Overs Be Gone: Ever emerge from the shower only to find that you resemble a certain nocturnal animal known for its black eyes? Avoid the raccoon look by removing your eyeliner and mascara before cleansing the rest of your face. Cleansers alone usually cannot handle the task unless you pull, stretch and tug the skin (which will lead to wrinkles later on), so reach for a good eye makeup remover or a jar of Vaseline to do the trick.

5. Give Skin a VIP Pass: Know how special you feel when you get to keep something indulgent all to yourself? Well give your face the same royal treatment by designating a towel meant just for it. Keeping things separate will protect your skin from the other pore-clogging contributors (such as body wash or hair products) that can be found on a one-size-fits-all towel. And after all the work you put in sticking to Tips 1 – 4, I know you don’t want to blow it now!

These great tips were found in a recent issue of Woman’s World magazine.

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