Purifying Skin Solution for Run, Yoga and Workout +Giveaway #DermaeDetox16

This post and giveaway are sponsored by Fitfluential on behalf of derma e, however all opinions and enthusiasm are my own!  

Greasy, sweaty and covered in city grime. Eek, that sure sounds yucky as I type it out, but that’s pretty much describes the condition of my skin on a daily basis. Well, that is, until I started using the Purify line from derma e.  One of my favorites is the 2-in-Charcoal Mask – more on that below!

jennifer face mask

I knew I had to do something to freshen up my skin and stat. Many days (okay, most days), I live in my fitness clothes from dawn until dusk — sometimes it’s because I’m knocking out two-a-day workouts, and sometimes it’s just because I don’t know exactly when I’m running or hitting the gym — and I want to be dressed ready! Anyhow, I was getting breakouts from not being able to jump in the shower right after exercise.  Plus, my skin just looked dull and sallow from lack of attention, (ahem) middle age, pollution, and who knows what else. Obviously, had made a priority out of taking care of my body, but not so much my skin!

I couldn’t have discovered the products from derma e at a better time. I had booked for some fun jobs booked where I would be in the public eye in January and I hoped to put my best foot (and face) forward! The perfect time for a derma e New Year’s Detox!

dermae skincare

There are so many fabulous products in the Purify line – Gel Cleanser, Daily Detox Scrub, Toner Mist, Oil-Free Moisturizer, Youth Serum and 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask.  All are designed specifically for oily and active skin types and work to draw out toxins, replenish vital nutrients and help skin resist oxidative stress. Two thumbs up to the “Green Chemistry” what combines the best of modern science with eco-friendly, sustainable and plant-focused ingredients to create natural, planet-friendly products that really work! And, of course, the company is cruelty-free when it comes to testing their products.

dermae skin care purifying mask

One of my favorite products is the Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask – it makes me feel like I’m getting a special spa treatment! The dual-action formula purges pores of deeply rooted toxins and yucky stuff and exfoliates everything away until I’m glowing! Look for new derma e Purifying products at your local health food store as well as Whole Foods Markets (on sale at Whole Foods through end of January).

Don’t just take my word for it! Enter for a chance to win a derma e New Year’s Detox Kit! The lucky winner will win the entire @derma-e Purifying line (including the amazing 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask pictured above). It’s a $150+ value!

Follow these steps to enter:

 One winner will be chosen on Jan. 31, 2015.  Contest is open to USA and must be 18 years or older to enter. Enter as many times as you like but spam and giveaway accounts will be disqualified. Thank you to @derma_e for sponsoring this great giveaway — I have personally been delighted with the detox!

DIY Cranberry Vanilla Sugar Scrub #BerryBeautyTrends #AzoCranGummies

Creamy Cranberry Orange Smoothie - TheFitFork.comSome people only think of cranberries during the holidays, but these little tart berries are awesome all year ‘round! Especially in summer tossed in recipes like my Creamy Cranberry Orange Smoothie, whirled up and frozen into fruit pops or tossed atop salads. Having a hard time tracking down fresh packages of this bog berry in warm weather months? Then, do what I do – stock up at the produce section right after Thanksgiving and Christmas (they are often also on sale) and then stick the straight into the freezer in original packaging where they’ll stay good for at least six months – or longer if packed air tight in a zip-top freezer bag.

You can also use cranberries to make a really effective and inexpensive sugar scrub! Natural beauty experts say that skin-care with cranberries is perfect for the acne-prone or those who have oily skin because – you can thank the berry’s inherent antibacterial properties. Used in a sugar scrub, cranberries also help to smooth skin texture and brighten your complexion.  My DIY berry beauty treatment only takes a few ingredients and few minutes to whip up — the “recipe” for Cranberry Vanilla Body Scrub makes enough for you and another container to give as a gift!

Make your own Cranberry Vanilla Sugar Scrub that is great for acne-pron and oily skin -- plus is softens and smooths!

Another important health benefit of cranberries is the prevention of urinary tract infections. After the flu and the common cold, urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most common medical complaint among women age over the age of 18 – and the majority of us will experience the significant discomfort (to put it mildly) of a UTI at least once during their lives. If you’ve ever had one, you know UTIs are a real pisser, to put it bluntly.

You’ve probably heard that drinking cranberry juice may help prevent UTIs. But why? According to WebMD, researchers used to think that cranberries created a more acidic environment that bacteria wouldn’t want to grow in. Now they believe that cranberries contain compounds that prevent infection-causing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls – while research is still evolving, it appears that either the antioxidants in cranberries alter the bacteria in some way or create a slippery coating on urinary tract walls that keep bacteria from adhering or maybe both.

azo bottleBut, what if you don’t like the taste of cranberry juice, can’t drink it for dietary reasons, or it’s just not convenient to have a jug of the juice on hand at all times? You should try AZO Cranberry Gummies – just two of these mixed berry-flavored gummies provides the equivalent health benefits of a 10-ounce glass of cranberry juice**.  AZO Cranberry Gummies contain Pacran®, a super-concentrated cranberry powder that helps flush the urinary tract to maintain cleanliness.  The gummies taste really great and are an easy solution if you are worried about UTIs — AZO also has a bunch of other products that help women dealing with other delicate problems.

azo prizeAlso, don’t miss out on the Berry Beauty Sweepstakes – you could win a Berry Beauty Basket full of Sephora Goodies!

 

 

Have you ever made a DIY beauty product? Do tell! Share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer 

 

Disclaimer Stuff: I am being compensated to share my honest opinion of AZO Cranberry Gummies. **Biological activity of 10oz cranberry juice cocktail. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. AZO Cranberry® used under license by i-Health, Inc. Pacran® is a trademark of Naturex.