OILS AIN'T OILS. An introduction to Essential Oils.

essential oil

noun

noun: essential oil; plural noun: essential oils

1. a natural oil typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic odour of the plant or other source from which it is extracted.   As taken from Web Dictionary

Ever wondered what scents are used to create perfumery? Look no further peeps; it may even be growing in your backyard - legal plants of course :-P Any of you have a lemon, orange or grapefruit tree? What about Jasmine, Rose or Rosemary? Yes to some of these??? Well those plants are responsible for creating Essential Oils.

Pic Courtesy of Google Images.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils through various mediums. These include; mixed in a carrier oil and used to massage; rubbing Lavender on the kids' temples; diffusing the oils in either a steamer or oil burner; a few drops into the bath; added to a base cream to make scented and therapeutic creams for use as a hand cream, insect repellent, face cream or moisturising cream.

So how does it work? Take a deep breath. Probably outside would be a good idea or in the kitchen if you are cooking. When outside I smell freshly cut grass. This takes me back to my childhood when each Saturday my Dad would mow the lawns - especially throughout the warmer months, and I would do cartwheets on the freshly mowed lawn. A sprinkler always followed. I may or may not have run through it a thousand times, even when I was told not too. Rebel in the making. Lol.

Or what about that favourite perfume of yours. When I smell someone wearing Tresor that walks past me - it takes me back to my late teens and early 20's when I used to wear it. It also reminds me of my Wedding day as I got each of my bridesmaids to wear it.

Google Images

When my husband and I put out first home (13 years ago) on the market, I made sure I had fresh flowers (Iris) and Cinnamon Oil in my Oil Burner. I knew what the atmosphere created was going to do. The real estate agent said it reminded him of visiting his grandmother when she would be baking apple pies. Needless to say, our house sold in the first few days of being on the market - coincidence?

Do you see the pattern? How powerful a scent can be to jog our memory to our past - hopefully all good memories. Essential Oils can remind us of past events; people we know and perhaps our youth.

For all you scientific persons out there; essential oils are inhaled and processed through our Olfactory System which sends messages to our brain that triggers that memory box. When essential oils are massaged onto the skin (our largest body system), it enters our blood stream to promote health and well being. In Australia, it is not TGA approved to take essential oils orally.  So you can see that our senses play a big part of the benefits associated with Essential Oils.

5 Oils to use in everyday living.

1. Lavender

Pic Courtesy of Google Images

I call this oil the mother oil. Why? Cause when a lavender plant is planted in a garden, it protects the other surrounding plants. You either love or hate the smell of Lavender. To be honest, I hated it years ago. But when I began my studies at Nature Care College; and discovered the chemical composition of the oil, as well as the benefits it has associated to it - I fell in love. Its the 'nurture' oil of all oils. Lavender can pretty much be smelled always in my home. (ooooops sorry hubby - 'our home').

Some benefits of Lavender Oil - calming, peaceful, great for winding down, great to pop one drop onto your pillow before bedtime (don't exceed 1 to 2 drops or it can have the opposite effect). Great for insect bites, burns, dry skin.

I also love the fact that Lavender is one of the few oils you can apply neat onto your skin without having to dilute it first into a carrier oil. (I will discuss Carrier Oils further down). Great for treating anxiety and fear.

2. Eucalyptus

Pic Courtesy of Google Images

You wouldn't be a true Australian (G'day mate) if you didn't know what eucalyptus smelled like. This smell reminds me of the koala bear. They munch on eucalyptus leaves. It also reminds of the tv show 'Skippy', when Sonny would blow onto the leaf and whistle. (I bet you have the theme song of Skippy playing in your head - but only if you were born prior to 1985).  See how powerful it is to jog memory.

Some benefits of Eucalyptus Oil - anti-bacterial so great for colds and flu (blend with a carrier oil and massage onto chest or pop a couple of drops into a tissue and inhale to clear up your blocked nose); great to put 3 drops into your wash cycle to kill of any bacteria or fungal infections. Put up to 6 drops into your mop bucket instead of using harsh chemicals - especially if you have children with allergies or eczema - go chemical free for health purposes as well as for the environment.

3. Orange

Pic Courtesy of Google Images

Citrus oils are my all time favourite. So refreshing and reminds me of my netball days (shout out to my peeps from primary school - Kylie, Simone, Melissa, Diana, Michelle B) when we would have orange smiley faces during the breaks. They were awesome memories.

Some benefits of Orange Oil - like all citrus oils, it is uplifting, anti-bacterial which means great to use a natural alternative when cleaning - removing sticky residue on items. It is also great in the oil burner/diffuser to promote relaxation and sense of well being.

4. Peppermint

Pics Courtesy of Google Images 

Think after dinner mints. Do you know why they are served at restaurants after your meal? Peppermint is great for digestion therefore keeping your tummy from being sore. Peppermint also reminds me of a candy shop and buying those red and white candy sticks. Yummmmmm.

Some benefits of Peppermint Oil - great for digestion, headaches (can be rubbed onto the temples when mixed with a carrier oil), fabulous to sprinkle drops around the kitchen floor corners to keep Stuart Little (mice) at a distance. It is also calming and great to inhale when drops are placed onto a tissue.

5. Geranium

Pic Courtesy of Google Images

I call this plant oil the 'WOMEN'S OIL' - think pretty pink flowers, think PMS - yep that's correct - great for when you turn into a BIATCH (cough cough - Adriana; my eldest daughter who is an absolute *$%^#  just before her period).  This oil also reminds me of our garden when I was little (gees I had a great childhood). It has a rose-like smell. It is also used in many perfumes, for eg. Giorgio Beverly Hills, Gio by Giorgio Armani.

Some benefits of Geranium Oil - great to blend in a base cream and massage into abdomen when experiencing menstrual cramping. Calming when used in a diffuser/oil burner. When blended in a carrier oil, it's lovely to use as a body perfume. Even placing 1 drop onto your clothing (this can apply with all oils - you will not stain your clothing because the oil does evaporate - its a natural substance). Remember - LESS IS MORE. Too much oil can overstimulate the senses and that would defeat the purpose.

So there you have 5 oils. I could have about so many more but introducing 5 for today is plenty for you to go and begin your journey with Essential Oils if you haven't already. Whilst at Nature Care College, I studied 30 Essential Oils to use in everyday living.

You can also blend your essential oils so that they work synergistically (work together to create further positive outcomes). For example, you can mix using the ratio 10 drops essential oil to 20ml carrier oil.

4 drops Lavender                                                              

4 drops Peppermint                                                      

2 drops Orange

These total 10 drops essential oil.

to 20 mls of Sweet Almond Carrier Oil..

Pic Courtesy of Google Images

You should also note that not everyone is going to like the same oils as you. Everyone has their own scents that they enjoy.

Finally, here are some basic rules when using essential oils.

1. If you have a medical condition - high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, epilepsy, pregnancy, breastfeeding - always read the label to check if you can use that particular oil. They are all different so don't assume its all oils you should avoid. These particular oils can contraindicate medication you are on.

2. Note - Only purchase pure grade 100% Essential Oils for therapeutic value. Check out the Young Living - Australia website - I'm a distributor for this amazing company. Look for dark bottles - brown or blue - have the Name of the oil as well as the proper plant name; says that it is 100% pure oil, has a TGA number as well as an Aust L or Aust R number; if a blend that it tells you what oils are used and in what carrier oil.

3. DO NOT USE ESSENTIAL OILS NEAT ONTO THE SKIN - unless it is Lavender. All other oils should be diluted into a carrier oil - eg Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Wheatgerm, Grapseed. Use the ratio 1:2 - 1 drop of oil to every 2ml of carrier oil. So for example - 10 drops of essential oil to 20 mls of carrier oil.

4. Be cautious when using on babies and small children below the age of 12. The ratio should be 1:4 - 1 drop of oil to every 4ml of carrier oil. Again, less is best.

5. DO NOT GO INTO DIRECT SUNLIGHT when you have had the oils massaged into your skin. You could run the risk of burning the skin and leaving a dark pigmentation-like mark on the skin.  This generally applies to citrus oils as they are photo-sensitive.

6. When using essential oils in an oil burner or diffuser - make sure they haven't been blended with a carrier oil. Only pure 100% essential oil to benefit the therapeutic value.

Pics Courtesy of Google Images 

CARRIER OILS

These oils act as a base for the essential oil. The essential oils themselves are quite potent and although they are a natural plant matter - they can also harm you hence why you should always read the label when using them if you are on medication or have a serious illness. By adding them to the carrier oil, you are diluting them to make them safe to use onto the skin. Remember, our skin absorbs heaps.

Some oils include;

SWEET ALMOND - great for skin care and for use on small children. Great for those with skin allergies or to even put into the bath.

JOJOBA - nourishing for the skin.

WHEATGERM - great to use as a preservative when making an oil blend (with 1 to 3 oils). It is also a great natural form of Vitamin E.

GRAPESEED - you will find this oil in your supermarket - in the cooking oils section. Its cheap and great for use in massage as it has great slip.

Pic Courtesy of Google Images

So there you have a brief run down of Essential Oils and their uses. I love aromatherapy (the use of essential oils) and have always been passionate about it. I could write all day on all the different oils and their wonderful uses. So for those of you who want to know more - google  'Aromatherapy' or head on over to your local bookshop and check out the various literature in the health and beauty section.

Pics Courtesy of Google Images 

Get sniffing peeps.

SK x

Disclaimer - Always read the label of the essential oil to check for contraindications. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is probably best not to use the oils if you are not familiar with them. Check with your health professional if you are unsure about medications and illnesses.

De-clutter your SURROUNDS & you will SHINE BRIGHTLY.

I'm the first to say that I would judge those on TV reality shows, that have someone come into their homes to de-clutter and clean. Well, I have slapped myself on the wrist and I have swallowed my words.

Pic Courtesy of Google Images

Enter my very own Juanita/Lei Ling/Alice - my house cleaner -  Kathryn. I think I've always wanted her in my life, but I was afraid my mother would be disappointed with my lack of enthusiasm to de-clutter.
It was a godsend when my parents recently moved house and I saw how much my mum de-cluttered her home of 28 years. Well, it was time for Sandikay to do the same. I took a stand. I booked Kathryn and I told mama bear my plans. She thought it was a great idea...... WHAT!!!!!!! Far out, I really do not know why I still care what my mum thinks. I'm 41 for pete's sake. She encouraged me to do it. Crikey, if I knew this, Kathryn would have entered my world 21 years ago, Just saying.

Pics Courtesy of Google Images 

Now I'm not making excuses why I have 2 particular rooms in my house that have become wardrobes - everything gets dumped in there; but............ here is my argument. I'm a mum to 4 kids, I'm a taxi driver for 3 of those kids, I run my own make up and beauty business, I'm a wife, I have cooking and washing that never freakin ends. When do I seriously have time to clean and de-clutter. I need 8 days in a week. I still don't think I would have enough time. Don't get me started on the ironing. I HATE IRONING - who came up with that idea that clothes should be crease free. Bet you it was a man.

Pic Courtesy of Google Images

Now what does this have to do with my love of everything beauty you may be thinking. Well, it goes something like this. Confidence begins within.  If you are happy with yourself and everything around you, then you will begin to shine from the inside out. Your hair shines and your skin becomes clearer. Even your nails begin to strengthen.

When you are truly happy, you will shine. The endorphins you are naturally making are the key ingredient to a successful road ahead. It's like a spiritual awakening really. Shedding layers and beginning to breathe again. I'm speaking figuratively here - I am losing weight too - this is a whole new spiritual journey.

Pic Courtesy of Google Images
THIS DREAM HAS NOW COME TRUE THANKS TO KATHRYN.

Whilst Kathryn was busy cleaning our humble home, I was able to attend to a lovely client that wanted some make up tips on application and products. It felt great knowing while I worked, the house was getting cleaned. (Let me clarify what I mean by 'getting cleaned'. Between myself and the kids, we vacuum, mop, clean the bathrooms, they clean their rooms and generally everything is clean. But, its the clutter and my obsession with hoarding everything (guilty as charged) that needed to be addressed.

Little things that just sat there were thrown away - see you later. I suppose its true if you haven't used it or worn the piece of clothing for over 12 months then dump it. Except if your weight fluctuates like mine, then you will find Size 12 to Size 18 in my wardrobe. Okay, you may find a few size 8's and 10's = these are just a reminder of my build many years ago - when I was thin. Pfffft who am I kidding keeping those. I have to be realistic. I'll never be a size 8 or 10 again. But that's ok. I'm happy and comfortable in my skin as a Size 14 to 16. I just hope I stay like that.

So I thank Kathryn for opening my eyes and encouraging me to let go of those items that are not necessary to keep. I do feel mentally better and the shedding process made me see things in a different light. Perhaps I am finally turning into the butterfly I always yearned to be. Waited 41 years but it was soooooo worth it.

I congratulate those people who are brave enough to go on Reality TV to de-clutter their homes. I recall one episode of Oprah (gotta love Ms O), where they suggested if you wanted to purchase a new item of clothing or an item for the home - get rid of one you already have. What a great tip. Replace the old with the new.

My aim is to have this house in top shape by Christmas. I wouldn't want Santa to stumble over any crap I have accumulated. Maybe, he can give me a special gift this year too - you know, for being all good and that. {Hint: I like bags, shoes, clothes and diamonds}. I hope hubby has time to read this blog.

Pic Courtesy of Google Images

So ladies, its been said by a dear friend of mine (Hi Snjezana) that you can't look fab and have a clean house - you can only have time for one or the other. I freakin don't know where I got lost, as I looked crap for ages and still had a messy home. Although, Kathryn did say my place was one of the 'neater' messy homes. She said it was an 'organised mess'. I'm happy with that diagnosis. It really was only the back family room and the study that needed an overhaul. I've put it off for way too long and finally its getting there. You BEAUTY. (see what I did there. Pardon the pun. lol)

So now I can enjoy my time with the kids and hubby, put that lippie on, dress pretty - not just my tracksuit pants - and look refreshed, AND my house will once again be beautiful, like it was pre-four kids. (My house was actually a lot more organised whilst the kids were babies and toddlers - go figure). :-P

Pic Courtesy of Google Images.

SK x

GOING STEADY! How steady is your hand when applying lipstick, liner, nailpolish?

MAKE UP APPLICATION
Pic courtesy of Google Images.

Frustration can hit in an instance when applying make up or even nail polish. Do any of these pics looks familiar ladies???? and Gents????

All pics are Courtesy of Google Images 

I cringe each time I see gel liner applied terribly on girls, not to mention lippie that makes one side of the lip look bigger. Or is it the Botox that went wrong there???? One has to wonder.

Make up application is an art form. You have a canvas and you can either paint a Mona Lisa, or you could create the wonderful scene out of Mr Bean's movie!!!! You know the one; "Whistler's Mother" painting.

'Whistler's Mother' - Pic Courtesy of Google Images 

But it doesn't have to be so technical. It comes down to having the right tools and of course a STEADY HAND. Oh, and I forgot to mention - you need PATIENCE.

EYELINER/GEL LINER APPLICATION.

Nothing spells GLAMOUR than a perfectly drawn winged liner. Please don't mistaken me for actual freaken wings drawn on, like they are about to take off. It's the elegant line that graces the top lash line as well as the bottom lash line. There is no rule you must do both. You can do one or the other too. By popping on liner on the top lash line, you are completing the eye and giving it definition. By concentrating on the outer corner of the eye, you can draw in the bottom lash line only midway.

Liner does NOT have to be black. It can be brown, blue (don't go crazy women of the 80's please), charcoal, etc. It doesn't have to be thick - in fact the thinner it is on a mature woman (notice I did not say OLD) the more elegant it is. Remember, less is more!

You don't have to just use the liquid or gel liners (although they are my favourite), you can also use a eyeliner pencil, crayon or even plain ole' eyeshadow. The secret to the success of these applied to the eye area ladies, is the tool you choose to use.

EYE LINER BRUSH

There are a few different brushes you can use to perfect this. There is the small liner brush which works well with liquid liner. Then there is the angled brush which is my fave tool for applying gel liner. Both can seem daunting, but I've always told my students, that if you take your time, and slowly draw the line closest to the lash line, you will accomplish this look. Don't rush in and try and do one long line from left to right ........ especially when you are trying it for the first time. Do short strokes - almost like a dot-to-dot.

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You can also cheat when you are wanting a perfect winged liner. Place some sticky tape (not gaffer tape peeps, just some 3M invisible tape will do). Simply line up the tape from the outer edge of your brow and the outer edge of your eye. Draw in your liner and when its dry, gently remove the tape. Wolah!!!! 

Practice makes perfect so don't get disgruntled if it doesn't look good. Have cotton tips on hand to tidy up any excess liner. TIP: use Primer as an eraser when trying to remove gel/liquid liners.

LIPSTICK APPLICATION.

Lippie is pretty straightforward. Especially if you choose to wear the likes of a gloss or lacquer. Can't go wrong in applying these. It's when the RED LIPSTICK or any dark lippie for that fact, that I see it go all wrong.

Even as a professional Make up Artist, I too have difficulty sometimes trying to apply the lippie on my client, without it looking like someone just gave you ''pash rash". I personally find if I concentrate too hard to try and apply the lippie properly, I tend to make a boo-boo. Get right into it and go for it. Whats the worst that can happen? You look like a clown. Big Deal. Just start again.

LIPSTICK BRUSH

You can apply your lippie straight onto your lips but if you want to build the colour to intensify it, I suggest using a lip brush. It gives you precision and keeps your lippie free from any bacteria that you may have transferred from your lips.

LIP LINER

Lip liners are designed to stop the colour of the lippie from bleeding through. Please don't do the whole 'dark lipliner, lighter lipstick' look. It looks so 80's and I personally think it ages you. If fact, I don't even use lipliner, unless a dark colour is being worn. I like to feather-in the entire lip with the liner so that it creates a nice base for the lippie or gloss.

DON'T forget to accentuate your CUPID'S BOW! (What? you ask). You know, the middle bit of your upper lip - the pout. By accentuating it, it will give the appearance of the perfect lip. When going off to a special event (for me that's pretty much going shopping!), highlight the cupid's bow with a illuminiser or highlighter to define the lip even further. Looks great in photos.

Lippie Tip: When wearing Red Lipstick, to avoid the colour getting onto your teeth, simply pop your finger into your mouth and press hard onto it and then pull your finger out. Excess lippie will come off as opposed to staining your pearly whites.

NAIL POLISH APPLICATION.

Before I studied my Diploma in Beauty Therapy, I was the girl who had a perfect manicured left hand and a crappy looking right hand. Sound familiar????? I had better control of my right handing painting my nails on my left hand. I will admit, that over the years prior to my studies, I was beginning to improve.

IF you do get polish all over your skin as opposed to your nails; remove with a cotton tip dipped in acetone. STAT. Like ASAP. Nobody wants to see the crappy nail polish all over your hand.

I do find that brands like O.P.I, Essie, Sally Hansen, Rimmel have great brushes for painting. They are firmer and not flimsy like some others. I have better control with applying my nail polish when the brush is perfect.

Pics Courtesy of Google Images.  

The right way to apply nail varnish. 

So to finish up, in order to achieve a flawless make up finish (without having to pay someone like me to do it); you have to have the right brush tools. With patience, you will find your technique will improve and you will have mastered the look.

Ciao!
SK x

TO BB OR CC AND NOW DD. WHAT WILL YOU CHOOSE TO WEAR ON YOUR FACE?

OMG. Talk about confusion for the ordinary shopper. Lucky you guys have me to spell it all out for you. Heard of BB Creams? And CC Creams? Well now the DD Cream is making waves to the beauty shelf at a counter near you.

Pic Courtesy of Google Images. 

Confused much? I bet you are. Sounds a bit like an alphabet rap - "You need to BB or get the CC and lose the DD" - (if I was a rapper ........ I'll just stick to my day job as a Make up Artist / Beauty Therapist / Blogger / Mum / CEO of the household...........) I seriously don't get paid enough. Anyways, I'm a little off track here. Sorry.

I will spell it out for you (no pun intended.......sure Sandra!) the differences between these creams - so that when you go to purchase them, the person behind the beauty counter will be impressed with your vast knowledge of everything BEAUTY.

THE BB CREAM - the first one that appeared.

Pics Courtesy of Google Images. 

* BB stands for Blemish Balm or  Beauty Base - different wording but they all mean the same thing.
* The concept of the BB cream first made it big in the Asian Markets.
* The BB cream was developed by a German Dermatologist who wanted to "create a single cream to protect skin and provide coverage after laser treatments. The all-in-one formulation became a sensation in South Korea and then spread throughout Asia".

THE CC CREAM

All pics courtesy of Google Images. 

* Stands for Colour and Correct.
As taken from the good old Wikipedia (DID YOU KNOW Wikipedia Is not a valid source of information to use in assessments)..........
* "CC cream is a marketing term coined in the wake of the marketing term Blemish Balm cream or Beauty Balm".
* "CC cream" is used by some brands to mean Colour Control cream, or Colour Correcting cream, and some brands claim to reduce the appearance of skin redness or sallowness or to improve uneven skin tone".
* "The difference between BB and CC creams is subtle—CC generally stands for “colour correcting” and the products are meant to address issues like redness or sallowness (usually with light-diffusing particles), whereas BB creams are like lighter foundation with a few skin care benefits thrown in".

When they talk about redness and sallowness guys, they are referring to corrective concealing. Think of those coloured concealers - orange, green and purple.

Orange - evens out blueness especially under the eyes.
Green - evens out redness on the skin - ie. blemishes, rosacea, red pimples.
Purple - evens out sallow looking skin - think yellowish and pigmented skin.

These 3 corrective colours sit opposite on the UNIVERSAL COLOUR WHEEL the colour they are evening out.

THE DD CREAM
(bet you haven't even heard of this one. Not going to lie to you. Neither had I until one of my clients asked me about the BB Creams - Thanks Ashleigh x)

Pics Courtesy of Google Images. 

* Stands for Daily Defence or Dynamic Do-All.
* As taken from www.thegloss.com, they go on to quote "These Dynamic Do-All creams are supposed to combine the qualities of BB and CC creams and focus on anti-aging,” says Papwroth. “The main promise of DD creams is to diminish wrinkles and give your skin a more youthful appearance.”

Read more: http://www.thegloss.com/2014/01/24/beauty/what-are-bb-cc-dd-creams/2/#ixzz3F79e8Q2E
See, it wasn't that bad was it? Now with all this new found knowledge, if you are after a lighter foundation, perfect for daily wear, head on over to your favourite beauty counter and give them a go. For affordable ones, try Priceline - they have a fabulous beauty range with a kind price tag.

SK x

101 reasons for that bump on your skin.

Perfect skin one day......... What the hell, the next.

Don't you hate it when the unexpected bump arrives to its new destination - your face. If I had a dollar each time a bride or bridesmaid said, "look at the zit I just got" on the morning of the wedding - I could retire and indulge in my small fortune.

Here are some explanations to the various bumps you may discover on Planet Body. Well they are like little aliens - no invite and just show up out of nowhere.

1. The Zit

Pic courtesy of Google Images. 

Usually they have their own postcode on your skin. Not only red, but come with height too. No amount of concealer is going to disguise that height. Remember, the rule in make up - Less is Best. It will however reduce the redness. For really red pimples, try a green concealer or even better; a green medicated stick so not only will it camouflage the redness, but it will add anti-bacterial properties so that it doesn't spread. SPREAD? Yes, the contents of a zit if squeezed, can be rubbed off to the rest of the face and leave an adopted family behind. The yucky pus is like poison so if your constantly touching your face with dirty hands, you will spread the bacteria to the rest of the face. Application of tea tree ointment is beneficial too as it has anti-bacterial properties and reduces fungal infection.

2. The Bump

Pic courtesy of Google Images. 

Ok, so you discover a bump on your face. It doesn't look like a pimple but yet it is raised. This is a blocked pore. Usually I get these when I wear a really thick SPF sunscreen. They will also appear if you tend to wear really thick foundation - hence why Napoleon Perdis always says "Its a crime not to prime" - bless his cotton sox.  Best way to get rid of them; as they appear in clusters the little bastards, is to gently exfoliate them - only once a week, unless you have extreme oily skin; then twice is okay. These bumps will eventually diminish. I try not to wear thick sunscreen, rather a non-greasy matte one.

3. The Chicken Skin on the upper limbs.

ABOVE Pics courtesy of Google Images.
 

Do you have red spots on your arms that resembles chicken skin? Well my dear, that condition is called KERATOSIS PILARIS (KP). Fancy isn't it? Looks like crap on your arms though. I have this condition. To my dismay, my mum informed me that I had it cause of my weight - blame everything on my fat.....go on!!!!!! WRONG. GUESS WHAT MAMA! It's hereditary. As taken from the Dr Oz website - "Inflammation within each hair follicle can cause embarrassing pinpoint red or brown polka dots to form beneath each miniature mound of keratin. Seasonal fluctuations can be seen with improvement more likely during the summer." See, skinny people get it too. Allelua - no offence intended. To treat this condition, ask your GP or Dermatologist as there are ointments specifically for it to assist in healing. Alternatively, Glycolic Acid, Vitamin A treatments - consisting of retinol (so do not use if you are pregnant), and a gentle body exfoliate using a mitt will help eliminate the visible signs of KP.

4. The Broken Capillary - Correction; they are not broken. Correct term is DIALATED CAPILLARIES.

Pic courtesy of Google Images. 

Do you see tiny red vein-like decorations on your face, arms, legs or even any other part of your body? That my friend are dilated capillaries. What are they? Google has it summed up for you (getting lazy here to put in my own terms for you...... but this pretty much sums it up) - "When a large number of capillaries are clustered together they may have the appearance of a red patch or a bruise that never disappears. Besides the legs, dilated capillaries are often seen on the face and nose. Unlike the slightly larger spider veins, dilated capillaries respond poorly to Sclerotherapy."
To prevent these little suckers from appearing on your skin, avoid excesive alchol drinking as this raised your blood pressure which in turn causes the veins in your face to dilate. Be gentle with washing your face too. Don't use freezing or hot water as this can shock the skin. Stick to luke warm. Don't rub your face with a towel when drying off. Gently pat dry your skin.

5. White Milk Spots

Pic courtesy of Google Images. 

You usually see these tiny spots on newborn faces and under the eyes. What are they? Are they really caused by too much milk? Good news - no they are not. These white spots, also known as MILIA spots are tiny blocked balls of fat under the skin layer. I also get these with heavy use of sunscreen or an eyecream that is too thick. It literally is a ball of fat that is trapped. If you try to squeeze it, it basically does not budge. Grrrrrr. Leave it to your Beauty Therapist to remove these. Its painless really. Once a minute incision is made with a lancet on the milia spot, the therapist gently squeezes the contents and a fat, hard ball is released. Grose. Yep. That's all it is. A ball of fat.

There you have it - 5 different skin conditions that you have learnt about today. See I was right when I constantly stress to LOVE YOUR SKIN, NURTURE SKIN, PROTECT YOUR SKIN.

SK x

DON'T FORGET PEEPS, ALWAYS SLIP SLOP SLAP WHEN OUT IN THE SUN, ESPECIALLY WHEN UV RAYS ARE AT THEIR HIGHEST BETWEEN 11AM - 3PM