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Two weeks ago, in the HyperPigmentation post, I mentioned that the increase of melanin in my skin is a gem, because one of the gifts is slowing down the process of skin aging.  Well I'm certainly not taking that for granted.  Two areas that I give extra TLC to are my elbows and knees.  It's possible that those with an increase in melanin can get by without as much concern, care, and adverse effects to those areas, than those with less melanin.  But why neglect something that's so easy to take care of?  When I was a young child and teenager, I remember admiring my mother's legs--so beautiful and fit.  She is now in her 60's, and I am still admiring them.  Her youthful knees look so good in a pair of shorts.

Skin on elbows and knees naturally tend to be dry, due to the lack of oil glands in those areas.  Being used more than other body parts, daily, the elbows and knees become flaky, chapped, rough, and scaly.  With the warm weather gracing you with its presence, make sure your elbows and knees are making a healthy appearance.

Dry and discolored skin on elbows and knees, can usually be repaired with these two steps:

• Exfoliation- Help in the regeneration of new, healthy skin, by gently removing dead skin cells.  Do this 2-3 times a week. 
• Moisturize- If you are using a body polish in step #1, then you are already sealing in moisture.  However, your elbows and knees will not object to adding a bit more lotion or emollient.   Moisturizing right after a bath or shower is best (45-minute window).   Remember, when you are giving that bit of TLC to your hands, feet, and neck at bedtime....love to knees and elbows, too. 

Looking for an effective, wholesome exfoliant?  Click here.

Looking for an effective, wholesome moisturizer? Click here.

Source:

Skincare-Answers.com

Justnaturalskincare.com

Itiel-Smell Goods Lady

Smell Goods '98™ Blog

I love my dark chocolate skin!  Being one of my favorite physical attributes, my skin motivates me to remain consistent with its regimen--water intake; healthy eating; exercise; giving special attention to pimples, burns, blisters; and taking preventive measures before spending major time in the sun (which I love).  Truly, the increase of melanin, in my skin, is a gift-- protection from sunlight, and it slows down the process of skin aging. But, like many with this gift, irregular pigmentation can be an issue.  Hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation

The effect of an increase in melanin, the substance in the body that is responsible for color.

There are several causes for hyperpigmentation (pregnancy, antibiotics, illness, etc.), but exposure to sunlight is the major one.  Let's say you have a pimple that accidentally gets ruptured (mmhmm, stop popping those pimples), you go out for a day in the sun, the next day, you notice a dark spot were the pimple use to be.  Maybe you already have dark patches on your skin, and after spending a day out in the sun, those patches have become even darker.  Why is that?  Melanin protects your skin from the overexposure of sunlight, but in order to do that, it has to absorb the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.  Hence, dark spots/darker patches.

When speaking of irregular pigmentation, many solely reference the face as the victim.  The face is the most exposed area on the body, but hyperpigmentation happens all over. With warm weather returning, arms and legs are anxious to make their appearance.  Be sure you're ready to protect your bronzy glow.

Cleansing- To aid your skin in regenerating pigment due to skin damage (blisters, burns, skin infections), use cleansers such as Palm Oil Soap, Organic Love, and Specialty Bar Soap, twice a day.  These cleansers are high in vitamins, vegetable oils, and raw butter.

Exfoliate- For skin cell regeneration, and a youthful glow, don't forget to exfoliate.  This time of year calls for scrubs that are fine in texture.  Plus, it's spring/summer time, so get something fun!  Sugar!  Use Mojito Sugar Smoother, or any of the DECADENCE Layered Sugar Scrubs to gently remove dead skin, for a healthy-skin-glow, and for even skin tone.

Moisturize- For a topical shade use Marinade, Whip Cream Body Lotion*, Lush Body Butter, Mojito Body Spread, Tantouchthis Body Spread*, and Matcha Body Spread.  These super emollients contain vegetable/fruit oils, and raw butters that help in defending your skin against UV rays.  They are light in weight, making them excellent for warm weather jaunts.

We're not just about making you smell good--live good. feel good. smell good.™

Product Perks

• *Whip Cream Body Lotion makes a great after-sun product.  It contains soothing whole leaf aloe vera concentrate.  
• *Tantouchthis Body Spread is known to give bronzy, sun-kissed skin.