VITAMIN C - THE BRILLIANT BENEFITS AND WHY YOU NEED IT IN YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE!!

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Ever since I turned 30, I have become way more interested in and motivated to take better care of my skin. Past mistakes of falling asleep with all my makeup on or not putting SPF on when I am going outside are behind me and I now understand the importance of investing in nutrient-rich products that preserve my youthful appearance. One such nutrient-rich product (besides blue light product for those who work in front of a computer and SPF for those who work outside) that I highly recommend you add to your current routine are serums with Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is one of the most powerful anti-aging ingredients on the market today and has so many amazing benefits including being a potent antioxidant. Unfortunately, digesting it doesn’t guarantee the benefits will go straight to where you need them, but using a topical form of Vitamin C can. Further, it’s a product that is very safe to use no matter your skin type, and only in the rarest situations does it cause minor irritation.

Additional Benefits of Vitamin C Serums

  • It is a nutrient-packed antioxidant!

  • It is safe to use in conjunction with other active ingredients like Retinol, alpha Hydroxy acids, SPF etc.

  • It allows your skin to retain moisture.

  • It helps fade skin pigmentation and smooth out skin texture which helps your skin appear brighter and healthier.

  • It reduces inflammation and minimizes redness for a more even skin tone.

  • It can help fade hyperpigmentation like those sunspots you got when you were in your twenties and never wore sunscreen or Melasma.

  • It can help reduce the appearance of under-eye circles and hydrate the area.

  • It can reduce the appearance of fine lines and promote collagen production which helps retain your skin’s elasticity longer and keep things looking firm and tight.

  • It helps to smooth and replace damaged skin cells caused by the sun, by accelerating cell turnover.

  • It helps protect the skin against free radicals and environmental pollution.

When picking your Vitamin C products it is important to know that not all Vitamin C agents are created equal and some oxidize quicker than others, rendering them less potent. When choosing Vitamin C serums make sure to look for products that contain Ascorbic Acid like ‘L-ascorbic acid’ which is one of the most stable derivatives of Vitamin C. Further, make sure to store all your products out of sunlight in a cool, dry place to ensure that they don’t spoil.

When it comes to using Vitamin C products, remember that consistency is key and that they typically can be used twice a day. If you are unsure of where they fit into your current skincare routine, typically the steps in skincare go as followed: Cleanse, Toner, Vitamin C Serums, Moisturizer, SPF.

Lastly, to help you get started I have compiled a shortlist of Vitamin C products below that you can use daily to benefit your skin.


VITAMIN C SERUMS TO CONSIDER




At the top of every beauty editors list, The C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum By Drunk Elephant is one of the most popular Vitamin C serums on the market today. Packed full of antioxidants, nutrients, and fruit enzymes to visibly firm, brighten, and improve signs of photo-aging, this potent vitamin C day serum doesn’t come cheap! WIth 15% L-Ascorbic Acid not only is this product strong but it also has Pumpkin Ferment and Pomegranate Extract in it that works together with the Vitamin C to dissolve dead surface skin cells and minimize the appearance of pores. Further, this Drunk Elephant vitamin C serum also contains Chronocyclin, a peptide that mimics the antioxidant benefits of vitamin D for more youthful-looking skin. One thing to note about this product though is that a gradual introduction of this product into your skincare routine is advised and after the first use, it is recommended to store this product in your fridge to help maintain its potent antioxidant activity and effectiveness.

Price - $105 CAD

L'Oreal’s Revitalift Triple Power LZR 10% Pure Vitamin C Concentrate is a high end drugstore accessible product that contains 10% Pure Vitamin C, is formulated without water and is protectively sealed in an air-tight tube. This product can be applied every morning and evening to revive the radiance of your skin in just one week.

Price - $30.99 CAD



Last but not least, Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum is a powerful lightweight serum that supports youthful luminosity while delivering antioxidant defense against environmental stressors and free radicals. Not only does this serum contain vitamin C but it also contains collagen to smooth the look of the skin. Good for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin, this product leaves all skin types soft, smooth, and glowing.

Price - $60 CAD


One of my all-time-favorite brands, Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate 12.5% Vitamin C skincare serum reduces the look of fine lines with a formulated light weight cream. It also helps to improve the skins texture by reducing the appearance of pores and correcting uneven skin tones. Additionally, it is free of parabens, and phthalates, can be used twice a day and contains pure vitamin also known as L-Ascorbic Acid which improves the appearance of skin aging and protects from skin damaging free-radicals.

Price - $109 CAD



For those who are price conscious, The Ordinary Vitamin C Serum Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% could be the perfect product for you. Priced at $5.80 CAD this water and silicone-free formulation suspends a whopping 23% pure l-ascorbic acid stably and is formulated without parabens, sulfates or phthalates. It is also vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without oil, alcohol, silicone, nuts, gluten, and fragrance, and works for all skin types. Not only that but The Ordinary Vitamin C Serum is equivalent to a single grande latte at Starbucks!

Price - $5.80 CAD!!!!




Glow Recipe’s Pineapple Vitamin C Serum is
a potent, lightweight Vitamin C and AHA serum concentrated with smoothing pineapple juice and hyaluronic acid to brighten and even out your skin tone. Good for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin, Glow Recipe’s Pineapple C Bright serum’s liquid formulation bright, smooth, and hydrated as well as provides calming effects thanks to its inclusion of Chamomile. A few important things to note, this product is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, and is a clean product formulated without sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, and more

Price - $68.00 CAD



If you have any questions or comments about the benefits of vitamin C or have a vitamin C serum you want to recommend to me to try, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below!


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IS BLUE LIGHT FROM YOUR PHONE/COMPUTER DAMAGING YOUR SKIN? YES! HERE'S WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT!

* Please Note - Some links in this post may be affiliate links *

Since I relying heavily on both my computer and phone for work as well as for entertainment (Thanks COVID!), I am spending so much time in front of a screen these days! I was shocked to learn after a recent visit to my dermatologist, that the dark spots (hyperpigmentation) I recently noticed that had appeared on my face (especially around my eye area) were due to the blue light that emits from my computer and phone screen! I knew it was a culprit for eye strain, cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye diseases, but was completely unaware of the damage it was causing to my skin!

WHAT IS BLUE LIGHT AND WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF BLUE LIGHT?

In a nutshell, blue light is a high-energy, short-wavelength light that emits from the sun, indoor lights, and our screens. Normally this wouldn’t be an issue but now, since most of us spend over 50% of our day in front of a screen, the damage it is causing to our skin has become even more apparent!

Currently, there is evidence showing that blue light contributes to the development of brown spots and skin hyperpigmentation around the mouth, eyes, and face such as melasma. Currently, research is being done to see if it could also be the possible cause of premature photoaging and the breakdown of collagen known to cause wrinkles and impact skin laxity. Further, Dr. Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine says, "There's also evidence that as blue light penetrates the skin, reactive oxygen species are generated, which leads to DNA damage, thereby causing inflammation and the breakdown of healthy collagen and elastin, as well as hyperpigmentation."

WHAT INGREDIENTS PROTECT AGAINST BLUE LIGHT?

Both my dermatologist and Marchbein recommend finding a product that you can use daily that contains iron oxide and antioxidants in the ingredient list. Both of these ingredients help create a protective barrier from blue light rays that emit from our phones and computers as we continue to work from home. In addition, my dermatologist also always tells me to wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 even in the winter or on cloudy days as skin damage from the sun’s rays is still an issue even if the weather gives you a different impression.

In addition to adding products to protect your skin from blue light, lowering the brightness level on your screens to 50 percent or switching on the darker "Night Shift" setting (as long as you don’t dim it so much that you're straining your eyes) are two additional suggestions to helping prevent skin damage from blue light along with going hands-free as much as possible and ironically social distancing from your devices. LOL!!


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To help you combat this new skincare issue, I have compiled a shortlist of products below that contain the recommended ingredients you need to combat blue light that you can use daily to protect your skin.

If you have any questions or comments about blue light skincare products or the effects of blue light on the skin, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below!


SKINCARE PRODUCTS FOR BLUE LIGHT

Since its launch, Vivier Skincare’s ‘Sheer SPF 30 Mineral Tinted Moisturizing Lotion with Antioxidants’ has been part of my daily skincare line up. Its ChromaTint™ technology gives my skin an instant natural looking glow while also providing protection from damaging blue light rays emitting from the sun and computer. Further, it also features a light weight formula with anti aging benefits thanks to the added antioxidants!

Great for all skin types, Vivier’ Skincare’s Sheer SPF 30 Mineral Tinted Lotion can be used daily on the face, neck and chest area.

On days that I don’t feel like wearing makeup I always reach for my Vivier Sheer SPF 30 Mineral Tinted Lotion. I find that it smooths out any imperfections I may be experiencing while also evening out my uneven skin tone. The fact that it give me a nice glow, protects me from damaging blue rays, and moisturizers my skin while also providing anti aging benefits, is just an extra bonus!  

Price - $48.00


One of the first tinted moisturizers I ever owned was the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. It has a lightweight, oil free formula great for combination and oily skin, and it acts almost like a lightweight foundation. Although this product doesn’t have SPF it does give a boost of moisture to your skin and helps with oil control on acne prone or sensitive skin. It also comes in a range of light skin tones.

Price - $59 CAD




The NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is a lightweight tinted moisturizer great for people with normal, dry and combination skin. Like a translucent veil, this tinted moisturizer offers blue light protection while also evening your skin tone. Infused with naturally derived ingredients, NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer helps keep thirsty skin hydrated. Oil-free and luxurious, it obscures the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores, and other imperfections. It is also paraben, sulfate, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dye, petrochemical and GMO free, and comes in a range of light to medium skin tones.

Price - $58 CAD

A new product to pop up on my radar, bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Defense Radiant Protective Vail is bareMinerals answer to the effects of blue light. I was recently sent a sample of this product to try and found it to be to my satisfaction. I noticed some reviews online that mentioned it had a ‘funny smell’ but personally I thought it to both smelled and look just like an unscented sunscreen. With that being said bareMinerals is a clean beauty company that doesn’t add artificial fragrances to their products and considering it has a 30 SPF in it, I found no reason to be put off by its smell. One thing I would note about this product is that when applied, the cream does leave a sheer white layer which makes me believe it would be better suited for fair to light skin tones. Additionally, I do think this would make a great product for men who are concerned about blue light but do not want to wear a tinted product.

Price - $39.00



One of my all-time-favorites, the Origins GinZing™ SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer is a light weight, oil free tinted moisturizer that is good for all skin types. Not only will it help you fight off the negative effects of blue light but it also hydrates, helps cover up uneven skin tone and brightens and smooths out your skin texture. Additionally, it comes with great SPF protection, is great for guys that don’t want to look like they are wearing makeup and is made with the high quality ingredients. Origins GinZing™ SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer is a clean skincare product which means it’s also free of any parabens, sulfates, petrolatum, paraffin or formaldehyde. In all honesty, mine doesn’t leave my desk!

Price - $52 CAD



A ‘Best of Beauty’ Award Winner, bareMinerals COMPLEXION RESCUE™ Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30 come in a large range of shades from light to dark skin tones. Great for both dry and combination skin, it offered a medium foundation coverage and a natural radiant finish - almost like it combines the benefits of a BB cream with a CC cream. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue™ is a dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, oil-free, silicone-free, and fragrance-free product that is also free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates. It offers 30 SPF protection, is formulated with mineral electrolytes and has heart-leaf globe daisy antioxidants, all of which protect you skin from environmental stressors and pollution.

Price - $40 CAD




tarte Maracuja Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer is a vegan, lightweight tinted moisturizer that delivers a beautiful sheer coverage that hydrate, soothe and brighten your skin’s appearance. Infused with Maracuja Oil super fruits, Hyluronic acid, and Turmeric root extract this product provides coverage and hydration for up to 12 hours. Further, it is also cruelty-free and gluten-free as well as parabens, formaldehydes, phthalates, mineral oil, and triclosan free. I am also happy to share that out of all the above products recommended, this one comes in the largest range of skin tone shades from light to dark!

Price - $38.00


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BRIGHTENING TURMERIC FACE MASK - BENEFITS OF TURMERIC FOR SKIN

I have been trying to find ways to pass the time while in self-isolation and recently came across an amazing brightening face mask with turmeric that I wanted to share with all of you.

TURMERIC BENEFITS FOR SKIN

Turmeric is one of those magical ingredients that can do just about everything! It has spectacular antibacterial properties which are great for anyone who suffers from acne. It also is full of antioxidants which slows down cell damage from aging. It is an anti-inflammatory which means it will help reduce redness and any skin irritation, and lastly, it also makes for a great exfoliate! That is why I wanted to share this face mask with turmeric you so you can take advantage of all the amazing benefits of turmeric for skin right at home!

BEFORE YOU TRY THIS MASK OUT, I just want to warn you that TURMERIC DOES STAIN so be careful not to get it on anything you really care about and make sure to wipe your counter clean quickly to avoid any permanent markings. Also, when you go to remove the mask, I recommend using a dark towel or paper towel with some warm water and a cleanser to help it along.


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INGREDIENTS:

1 Tsp of Turmeric
1 Tsp of Honey
1 Tbsp of Yogurt

DIRECTIONS:

- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well blended.
- Apply to a clean face and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing it off in a circular exfoliating motion with warm water (you can use a paper towel to help assist with the removal).
- If you need more help you can use a cleanser.
- Follow the removal of the mask with a moisturizer to finish off the treatment.

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I have been trying to find ways to pass the time while in self-isolation and recently came across an amazing brightening turmeric face mask that I wanted to share with all of you. Turmeric is one of those magical ingredients that can do just about everything! It has spectacular antibacterial properties which are great for anyone who suffers from acne. It also is full of antioxidants which slows down cell damage from aging. It is an anti-inflammatory which means it will help reduce redness and any skin irritation, and lastly, it also makes for a great exfoliant! Before you try this mask out thought I just want to warn you that TURMERIC DOES STAIN so be careful not to get it on anything you really care about and make sure to wipe your counter clean quickly to avoid any permanent markings. Also, when you go to remove the mask, I recommend using a paper towel and a cleanser to help it along. INGREDIENTS: 1 Tsp of Turmeric 1 Tsp of Honey 1 Tbsp of Yogurt DIRECTIONS: -Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well blended. -Apply to a clean face and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing it off in a circular exfoliating motion with warm water (you can use a paper towel to help assist with the removal). -If you need more help you can use a cleanser. -Follow the removal of the mask with a moisturizer to finish off the treatment. I hope you enjoyed this little at home spa treatment! If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments below! - Soheila : #homesweethome #canadiangirl #selfcare #turmeric #facemask #distillerydistrict #torontoblogger #torontolifestyle #facial #selflove #selflovemovement #torontolife #torontobloggers #facialtreatment #stayathome #wellness #diyskincare #facialtreatment #athomefacials

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I hope you enjoyed learning about turmeric benefits for skin and doing this little at-home spa face mask with turmeric! If you have any questions about turmeric for the skin or this face mask with turmeric feel free to leave them in the comments below!

- Soheila


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AUGUST FAVS!

Your girl is back with a new video and this time I am spilling the beans on all my August hair care and skincare favs!

I have been so fortunate to be able to try so many new products these past couple months - some of them I purchased, some of them other bloggers recommend to me, some of them brands have sent with hopes to make it into a video like this. Ready to see who made the cut?! Keep watching!!!!!

If you follow me on my social platforms you would of seen by now that in conjunction with this video I am also doing a giveaway! I have accumulated as many full size samples of these products as I could so that I could share them with you because I wanted you to try them out for yourself!

To enter the giveaway you must:
- Already follow me on Instagram! If you don't just go ahead now and hit that follow button
- Tag a friend in the comment section on Instagram you think would also like this giveaway!
- Subscribe to my YouTube channel and like this video!

DAS IT! I will be checking so make sure to do all those things.

Contest is open until Friday September 1st 2017!

AND NOW for my usual disclaimer: Although I have worked with some of these brands in the past on campaigns or have been sent products from some of these brands this video was NOT sponsored. I am not getting paid for this video however these brands were nice enough to give me some product to pass onto you! YAY

I also just wanted to remind you to subscribe to my channel and follow me on my social handles if you aren't already! When you follow me I know I am dong a good job and will be more amped up to produce more videos and do more giveaways for you!

Alright lets do this!

Subscribe to my channelgoo.gl/iidBfF
Instagramgoo.gl/n8WdGv
Snapchatgoo.gl/vBsoGd
Twitter goo.gl/xR6W14
Periscope ▷ SoheilaOnline

Want more of my shenanigans! Bring it on!

Soft Cut Crease Makeup Tutorial goo.gl/cah1rm
Copper Red Smokey Eyegoo.gl/9He6nD
Tartelette In Bloom Palettegoo.gl/LFqwEq

Products I Showed You In This Video

L'Oreal Professionnel - Mystic Hair Oil
Garnier Whole Blends - Honey Treasures Repair Shampoo -
Product donated to giveaway by Sheblogs!
LaCoupe ORGNX - Coconut and Macadamia Oil Intensive Repair Treatment
Lush - Bubbly Shower Gel
L'Oreal Professionnel - Liss Unlimited Leave In Conditioner
Anthony - Aluminum Free, Alcohol Free, Paraben Free, Sulphate Free, Deodorant
Anthony - Shaving Cream
Vasanti - Brighten Up! Exfoliating Cleanser
Aveda - Tulasara Wedding Masque - available at Aveda Experience Centers and Salons
Cake Beauty - 'Do Gooder' Dry Shampoo

 

If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments below along with any tutorial request you may have! That's it for today and i'll see you guys again soon!

xo

-Soheila

THE IMPORTANCE OF SCALP HEALTH WITH PRAMASANA BY AVEDA

A couple months ago Aveda launched a collection of products dubbed the ‘Pramāsana' line and wouldn’t you know your girl got to try it out first hand. As a proud Leo-lady (I am woman hear me ROAR) you know I take huge pride in my mane and the Pramāsana line deals strictly with scalp health which is why I was so curious to learn more.

You may be asking yourself why is it so important to clean your scalp? And aren’t I doing that already every time I wash my hair? Well here’s a couple things that may surprise you off the bat:

  1. Your hair is alive only at the root so nourishing your scalp leads to better hair follicles/roots, faster growth, increased hair strength and better overall nourishment in the long run.

  2. When your root or hair follicle is ‘clogged’ hair growth is slow (and sometimes non existent), the hair that does grow is lacking nourishment and therefore can break easier and lack luster.

  3. Shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, moose, gels etc. can actually leave 'product buildup’ on your scalp. This with the added sebum (an oil that our body naturally produces to protect the scalp) and general air pollution, roots/follicles in your scalp can actually easily become clogged.

“Effective scalp cleansing can help normal skin cell turnover. Deep cleansing encourages a clean, healthy scalp.” - Dr. M. Julie Thornton, Ph.D., University of Bradford in the UK

The Pramāsana Scalp Care line is made up of three parts - The Exfoliating Scalp Brush, the Purifying Scalp Cleanser, and the Protective Scalp Concentrate - and is 98% naturally derived. Although the product line is available at any Aveda store to take home you can also learn more and test out the line first at any Civello’s Salon. Part of my learning experience was receiving a full Pramāsana treatment at Civello’s Salon on Queen West and I’m happy to say I walked away being a believer in the importance of scalp health!

“Consider yours scalp the soil from which you hair grows. Once you think of it that way, it shouldn't be hard to understand why you might need to give it extra care.” - Justina Majia-Montanta, VP, Global Product Development at Aveda.


The entire treatment takes about an hour (or less if you are doing it at home) and is safe to do once a week. The first step to the treatement is to exfoliate your scalp using the Pramāsana ‘Exfoliating Scalp Brush’. This special brush has looped bristles designed to loosen impurities and buildup prior to cleansing all the while not tangle your hair. Simply place the brush on your head with a bit of pressure and move it around in small circles to massage the scalp. 3-4 minutes is really all you need!

Next apply the Pramāsana ‘Purifying Scalp Cleanser’ directly to your dry scalp (yes you haven't even wet your hair yet) and massage this in. You will notice right away that it starts to foam. This is the cleanser removing impurities and cleaning the scalp which will balance sebum levels and scalp pH. Again 3-4 minutes is really all you need!


Now is when you would wet your hair and add shampoo. Any shampoo can be used in conjunction with the Pramāsana line except Aveda’s Invati line because Invati has a scalp cleanser already in it that can cause your scalp to have adverse effects and actually become dry. So once your done with the Purifying Scalp Cleanser, wet and shampoo your hair as you normally would.

At this point in the treatment and if you are in an Aveda salon you can opt in for the Pramāsana ‘Nourishing Scalp Masque’ (available only at the salon) which is specifically designed to nourish your scalp after it is properly cleansed. Think of it as the serums or brightening mask you would apply before the moisturizer you would use. It’s an intensive hydrating and nourishing treatment for your roots!

“Cleanse your Scalp. Shampoo is for hair.” - Aveda


Whether you do the mask or not you can go ahead at this point and finish your routine of conditioning and washing your hair. Before you blow dry and add in your heat protection products now is when you use the Pramāsana ‘Protective Seal Concentrate’. This lightweight serum sinks into your scalp and nourishes the skin while also protecting it from further future build up. The Protective Seal Concentrate can be added to both wet and dry hair. In my case Gabo, my Senior Civello Stylist, applied it directly to my roots on the top horseshoe portion of my hair before massaging it in (again 3-4 minutes is really all you need) before finally blowdrying and styling my hair.


Further things I learned about the Pramāsana line:

  • The aroma features grapefruit, neroli and cypress!

  • The treatment at Civello is $65 without the ‘Nourishing Scalp Masque’ and is $95 with.

  • Both males and females should consider looking into the health of their scalp especially if they are experiencing hair loss, breakage or malnourished hair.

  • It doesn’t effect colour treated hair however it shouldn’t be done until 4-5 days after you get your hair newly coloured since your roots will be sensitive from the dyes you used during your colouring.

Lastly did you know that all Aveda products are cruelty free!? That’s right, no testing on animals! All of the products (except the Nourishing Scalp Masque) can be purchased in an Aveda store or at Aveda Salon’s and Spa’s and retail for:

Pramāsana Exfoliating Scalp Brush - $28 CAN

Pramāsana Purifying Scalp Cleanser - $45 CAN

Pramāsana Protective Scalp Concentrate - $57 CAN

I thoroughly enjoyed my treatment and, like I said before, walked away believing in the importance of a healthy scalp. It’s definitely safe too say that I will be using the Pramāsana line at home and incorporating it weekly into my routine - not to mention doing a whole lot more hair flipping! LOL