GOOD FOR YOU GIRLS BEAUTY TIPS
There is so much to talk about when it comes to beauty. There is beauty on the outside and beauty on the inside. One of the most important things to remember about teen skincare is that what you put into your body is just as important as anything you put on it. So always try to make the best choices when it comes to what you eat, because it really does affect the appearance and condition of your skin. Skin is also influenced by genetics, hormones, your lifestyle and your skin care routine. So keep up those good habits.
SKIN FACTS
Cold sores, or fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus. We don't know exactly why they appear but have been linked to stress, eating excess sugar, or if you have just been sick with a virus. They usually begin with a tiny red spot at the corner of the mouth or nostril, which quickly turns into small blisters. Sometimes there's just one; sometimes a whole cluster of blisters appear. After these blisters break, a scab forms that can take one or two weeks to heal.
Avoid getting cold sores in the first place by not sharing stuff like lip balm, toothbrushes, or drinks with other people who might have cold sores. The virus that causes cold sores is transmitted through the nose (in mucus) and the mouth (in saliva). If you do get a cold sore, here are a few tips to help ease the pain until it heals:
- Suck on ice cubes to ease pain and keep cold sores cool.
- Stay away from acidic foods (like oranges, tomatoes, and lemons) and salty, spicy foods, which can cause irritation. Also stay away from chocolate, peanuts and other nuts, seeds, and cereal grains.
- Don't pick at cold sores while you're waiting for them to go away. They may bleed or become infected with bacteria.
- Zinc used topically can help to heal cold sores. Use a zinc lozenge--the kind used for sore throats--and let it dissolve on the lesions, zinc cream will not work as well.
- Usually, cold sores go away on their own after a week or two. But if you get them frequently or they're a problem, talk to your doctor or dermatologist.
SKIN FOOD OF THE MONTH
Cranberries are powerhouse fruits. They are packed with antioxidants to neutralize all the yucky stuff we are exposed to on a daily basis. When compared to 19 other common fruits in a recent study, cranberries were found to contain the highest level of cancer-fighting antioxidant phenols which are really good for our body. Fresh cranberries are better than dried ones, the good news is that you can freeze bags of fresh berries and seal in the good stuff. They'll last for years!
So help your mom make fresh cranberry sauce during the holiday season. See my recipe for a really easy way to make a great tasting and healthy side dish.
Great Tasting Cranberry Sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, peeled and pureed
- 1 apple - peeled, cored and diced
- 1 pear - peeled, cored and diced
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
In a medium saucepan, boil water and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat to simmer, and stir in cranberries, pureed orange, apple, pear, pecans, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst. Remove from heat, and let cool to room temperature.
BODY BEAUTIFUL
We just simply can't get enough cranberries this season! Check out this Cranberry Mask. Also you can use cranberry oil (found in health food stores) all over your body after your shower. It is absorbed easily through the skin, acts as a great moisturizer, and helps to relieve itchy, scaly, irritated winter skin.
Do-it-yourself Cranberry Mask
¼ tsp. bentonite clay (found at natural food stores)
1 tsp. organic yogurt
1 tbs. organic honey
½ cup cranberries that have been blended to a pulp
¼ cup cranberry juice
Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Apply to face and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cold water. Follow with GYFG moisturizer.
MIND GAMES
The holiday season can be a really stressful time for everyone. We are so caught up in the marketing of the season, that we often forget to have some quiet time to reflect what this season is all about to us individually. Remember to take that extra time each day, breath deeply and be thankful for all the great people in your life.
REMEMBER
True beauty comes from within. Respect yourself and take time to see the beauty in others. - The Good For You Girls
