Olive Oil - Anti-Aging Skin Care Secret

When we suffer from a chronic illness it saps our energy and makes routine heatlh and skin care difficult. Daily routines we once accomplished in an hour now take three, and especially so during flares. Grooming is so important to our self esteem and it's a vital part of coping with a chronic illness.

Putting on a face to greet the world each day was always a habit with me, like brushing my teeth. Rarely did anyone see me without full makeup. Being a professional makeup artist most of my life this came as second nature.
These days it's a differnt story all together. I wear makeup maybe once a week or if there's a special occasion. It takes a lot of energy to do ones hair and makeup, and I never realized that until I struggled with the flares of RA.
Now, I have found that my skin is healthier because I don't use products that aren't organic. I enjoy the early morning sun and as the years go by I find the natural look more appealing.
Not that we should let ourselves go, not at all. But we can stop worrying so much about our looks, while doing the little things that made us feel pretty and glamourous.

Anti aging makeup tricks can help us girls look years younger and organic olive oil is one of my favorite skin care secrets. As a seasoned makeup artist I always focused attention on the eye and lip area since these age faster than other areas of the face. Larger lips and an open eye look give you a youthful appearance and are achieved with artistry tricks.
Makeup techniques take years off your appearance and these tips can be easily taught so you can duplicate the look whenever you desire.
A primary step for good skin care each week is exfoliation, this will help your skin look younger immediately and absolutely radiant after makeup application.
Like the famous Italian actress Sophia Loren, I use olive oil every day. The famous actress Sophia Loren, who is now well over 70 and considered one of the most beautiful woman in the world uses it daily too. Olive oil is an ancient Roman beauty secret and I’ve suggested it's use to my clients for many years.
Try a dab of organic extra virgin olive oil( first cold press) several times a week. It is also a total body moisturizer. Olive oil, or ‘Liquid Gold’ has been used throughout the Mediterranean for thousands of years as both a health and beauty aid. This precious oil has been treasured as a beauty aid because it protects, tones and moisturizes the skin. Olive oil is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients that are easily absorbed and water soluble so it won’t clog pores. Premium Olive Oil actually ‘feeds’ your skin to make it firmer, truly ‘anti-aging.’
Scientifically it’s proven Olive Oil is a natural anti-inflammatory agent for total body health. As we age the inflammatory response is higher making Olive Oil benefits of greater value…. ‘Good health to you!’
Directions as a moisturizer for the face: Warm a tiny amount in your hands, pat in gently and not too close to eyes,( makes them cloudy) allow to absorb for 10-20 min., then pat off excess with a soft cloth and proceed with your usual beauty routine. It’s natural, healthy, and gives you a youthful glow! As the saying goes, ….

”You will love the skin your in!”

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.

Red Wine Fights Inflammation

*Red Wine fights inflammation, and the diet-inflammation connection has been well established. This is good news for those of us who suffer from autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Studies show drinking a glass or two of *Red Wine daily along with changes in our diet and lifestyle slow down aging, support a healthy immune system, and decrease chronic inflammation significantly.

Chronic inflammation is caused by many factors including genetics, environment and lifestyle but recent studies prove a connection with diet.
The Western diet promotes inflammation, obesity and has largely contributed to the health crisis we face today.
Red wine and a host of other antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dark chocolate, green tea, and turmeric are a *'line of defense' against inflammation.
In a recent study published in May 2008 (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) it states, "by selecting foods based on total antioxidant capacity it has a 'marked effect' on decreasing inflammatory markers."

Choose Organic *Red Wine to limit pesticide residue.
Green living trends give us great wines from Organic farms and introduce a variety of wines at affordable prices. You can find many at your local supermarket. One of my favorites is a Pinot Noir from California for $13.00. But, I also enjoy many Italian and French wines. We are individuals so our tastes will vary.
'Line of Defense' - Decrease inflammation when cooking by using a variety of spices and herbs like fresh ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, red pepper, raw onions and garlic.
Add raw garlic last to retain nutritional value.

"Good Health To You"

*If you're taking medications or drug therapies they may conflict with a natural approach so please consult your healthcare professional before the use of alcohol including red wine.

Red Wine - Italian Style > http://www.lifeinitaly.com/food/nonna/red-wine.asp
Inflammation & Red Wine > http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090730103742.htm
*2 Glasses! > http://getsomehairapy.wordpress.com/2007/11/28/women-of-the-world-rejoice-two-glasses-of-red-wine-a-day-good-for-you/

www.jimdowningphotography.com - photo by Jim Downing

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.

Need Support? Time to Reach Out!

Scientists have found that people who have a strong support network can improve their overall health. People who suffer from a chronic illness like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can build their own support networks to include family members, *close friends, coworkers, and health care providers.

Having a wide support group will help ensure you get the emotional, social, spiritual, and physical support you need to better manage your condition.

Unless we let others know what we're dealing with on a daily or weekly basis they won't understand our limitations. We can't sit back and suffer in silence. Speak up and ask for the help you need.
Here are a few examples of how to do this.
Involve your family members in decisions about chores around the house. If you have older children at home teach them how to do simple tasks, such as doing laundry or vacuuming. As an added bonus, children will benefit from knowing they are helping and become self-confident and learn compassion.

Educate friends and coworkers about your chronic illness. If they understand how the condition affects your life they are more likely to be supportive when you need to postpone plans or need help.

The people in our lives who care about us want to know how they can help, but we must learn to reach out to them.

"Good Health To You"

*Photographer - Harley Winborn
Harley is a friend who suffers a chronic illness yet he reaches out to others with cheer and support in spite of his personal battle.
He brightens my day often with email or gifts like the Photo used for this post. Thank you Harley!

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.