Skincare is an important aspect of maintaining good health.  It helps us look and feel good, gives us better confidence, and a healthier appearance. And we all know – good skin doesn’t typically just happen. It takes some effort on our part.

But what about when it comes to tighter skin? 

As we age, our skin starts losing its natural elasticity, which can lead to sagging. Sagging skin is a natural process of aging and typically irreversible – however, what we may not know – is that we can actually improve the tightness on our skin with just a few home tips.

Here are 10 home remedies and tips to help tighten your skin!

1. Massage Your Skin Daily

Massaging your skin is a great way to help tighten your skin. Not only is it relaxing and calming, massaging it may also help tighten skin, by improving circulation and blood flow.

Try massaging each area of the skin you wish to tighten each day. This can help prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, and make your skin more elastic for a fresher look.

2. Use Honey And Lemon To Tighten Your Skin

Honey is a powerful anti-oxidant. It has anti-aging properties which can help tighten saggy skin.

Mix honey into lemon juice to form a paste and apply it on parts of your face that are wrinkled or sagging.  Leave the paste on for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water and apply your favorite moisturizer to keep your skin supple, firm, and youthful.

3. Use Aloe Vera To Fight Aging Problems

Aloe vera is a plant with soft, gel-like leaves that are used in many medicinal and cosmetic products for its healing properties.  Aloe vera extract helps in naturally increasing our collagen production,  which further helps in reducing the visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Collagen helps in decreasing wrinkles and helps in skin tightening. It also improves the elasticity of the skin. You can apply aloe vera on your face every night before going to bed. 

4. Don’t Smoke And Stay Away From Excessive Tanning

It’s no secret smoking is bad for us internally in so many ways – but it also negatively impacts our appearance. Smoking causes wrinkles and premature aging of your skin due to excessive oxidation, so it is important that you avoid smoking regularly if you want to keep your skin looking fresh and youthful. 

Furthermore, excessive UV exposure from the sun can cause you to age quicker than usual because it causes your cells to lose their elasticity, which leads to dryness and wrinkling of the skin.

5. Exfoliate Your Face To Remove Dead Skin Cells

It is important for you to exfoliate your skin regularly.  Exfoliation helps in getting rid of dead skin cells and can help slow down the aging process as well as give your face a better look. 

You can use scrubbing pads or make an exfoliating paste by mixing olive oil with sugar or honey and rub it onto your face for ten minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.

6. Use Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains properties that are similar to those found in human skin, so mixing it into the diet can help hydrate the body from the inside out.  It also helps in getting rid of dead skin cells and reduces wrinkles by making your skin appear fresh, supple and younger-looking than before.

7. Try Rosemary Oil

Putting rosemary oil in your DIY skin-tightening remedies can do wonders for your skin.  Rosemary oil is rich in compounds that help prevent the formation of wrinkles.

It also contains antioxidants that fight free radicals and reduces inflammation caused by harmful substances in the environment or food. 

8.  Use Almonds and Almond Oil

Almonds can help tighten your skin because of their vitamin content.  They contain lots of iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin E, all of which are essential for proper skin health. 

Eat a handful of almonds every day or use it in your DIY home remedies to tighten your skin by rubbing almond oil onto the areas where you see wrinkles forming.

9. Use Egg Whites To Soften Taut, Dry Skin

Egg whites are used in many skincare products because they contain protein that helps soften the skin and remove wrinkles.  Mix egg white into coconut oil to create a paste and apply on your face for 20 minutes before rinsing your face with lukewarm water.  You can use a mild moisturizer to keep your newly softened skin from drying out.

10. Add Collagen Into Your Daily Routine

Collagen is a protein found in muscles, tendons, skin, ligaments, and bones. It makes up about 30% to 40% of proteins in the human body.

When skin is taut and firm, it has collagen to thank. Collagen is made of tightly constructed fibers, which help skin maintain its structure and firmness. Both elastin and collagen production decline as people age.

Collagen production typically begins declining around the age of 25 and continues to decrease approximately 1-2% per year afterward. Skin noticeably starts to lose its elasticity in your 30s to 40s as well as in the first 5 years of menopause when women’s skin loses around 30% of its collagen. Adding collagen to your daily routine is a great way to ensure your body is getting ample collagen so it can go to work for you and your skin.

Of course- my secret weapon is Complete Collagen+. It has done wonders for my skin and hair! If you are looking to tighten up your skin a bit and reap the same benefits I have- try it today!

Try some of these tips and see how they can benefit your skin. Get that tighter skin you have always wanted!

Stay beautiful!

The human body is a beautiful and fascinating thing.

And we are all made different.

We come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors.

And our skin type is different too.

Our skin is beautiful! It has so many unique colors and textures.
But the one thing we have in common – is that you are beautiful no matter your skin type.

And there are a few different skin types. 

There are 5 basic categories for skin types.

1. Normal

If you have normal skin – consider yourself extra blessed!

Normal skin isn’t too oily and it isn’t too dry. Regular texture, next to no imperfections, and soft appearance that requires very little special care. 

But of course – just because it doesn’t require special care – doesn’t mean you can’t give it a pamper every now and then with scrubs and lotions!

2. Dry

Does your skin crack a lot or absorb the lotion instantly? Then you need to lotion again in an hour because your skin just feels unmoisturized time after time? You have dry skin.

And dry skin can be brutal. It can leave your skin feeling cracked and sometimes even cause you pain if it is too dry.

In most cases, dry skin is caused by factors such as weather, humidity and can be temporary. But there are some people that have it lifelong and it can be genetic (thanks mom!) According to a study, mutations in genes that control the production of the protein filaggrin, which plays a role in forming and hydrating the skin barrier, can cause several skin conditions.

Dry skin signs and symptoms may vary depending on different factors such as age, health, or the cause of dry skin. It is generally characterized by a feeling of tightness and roughness. It may also have almost an ashy gray color, with itching, redness, and small cracks occurring. Cracked skin is usually observed in very dry skin and presents small cracks, which, in more serious cases, may be deeper and even bleed if very severe or left untreated to worsen.

Since dry skin can crack leaving it more exposed to bacteria – it may lead to skin disorders, such as eczema, or it may be more prone to infections if not properly managed.

If you’ve always had dry skin or if it runs in your family, it’s essential that you’re diligent with daily moisturization. Specifically – try to seek our moisturizers that contain ceramides and lipids – they will help build and reinforce the skin barrier for you.

3. Oily

Is your face naturally shiny? Then you likely have oily skin. 

The one good thing about oily skin – is that your skin is constantly being moisturized by our skin’s natural oils. While the downfall is…it can lead to a lot of clogged pores.

Oily skin has a porous, humid, and bright appearance to it. It is caused by excessive fat production by sebaceous glands and is often caused by genetics and hormones.  

It can be hard to treat oily skin. But a few easy tips are:

• Wash your face. Seems simple enough right?
• Blotting papers. These are thin, small papers and while they won’t prevent your sebaceous glands from going into overdrive, they will allow you to blot excess oil from your face to help minimize shiny, greasy skin.
• Honey. Honey has antibacterial and antiseptic abilities – which may benefit oily and acne-prone skin. Honey is also a natural humectant, so it helps keep the skin moist but not oily. This is because humectants draw moisture from the skin without replacing it.
• Oatmeal. Oatmeal helps calm inflamed skin and absorb excess oil. 
• Lemons. Lemons are used in tightening the pores. The acid in lemons and other citrus fruits may help absorb oil.
• Aloe vera. Aloe is known for soothing burns and other skin conditions. And there is good scientific evidence that it helps treat flaky skin caused by oily patches. Many people use aloe vera to treat oily skin.

4. Combination (such as both sensitive and dry skin)

For me, my whole life I had combination skin, it was dry and sensitive. I used to dread the winter and how the harsh temperatures would dry out my skin. Lotions and creams were definitely my best friends in the winter months!

But I also had to be careful of what lotions I chose because my skin was sensitive and some ingredients would bother me. So applying the dry skin rule and sensitive skin rule is best. Find a good lotion that doesn’t irritate your skin and be diligent with keeping your skin hydrated!

5. Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can be difficult. Especially when you aren’t sure what your skin might react to. 

It is typically very fragile skin, that comes with discomforts such as the feeling of heat, tightness, redness, or itching. This type of skin loses its barrier (or protective) function, making it easy for microorganisms and irritant substances to enter it, and increasing the possibility of having an infection and allergic reactions.

Sensitive skin is delicate and it needs more care to fight dryness and roughness.

For me – I react to harsh ingredients so I am very cautious about what I put on it. And I even watch for what cleaners I use and use gloves when I do clean so none of the chemicals impact my skin.

Here are some tips for those of you with sensitive skin:

• Try to take shorter showers and avoid super hot water – stick to warm if you can so the hot water doesn’t irritate your skin.
• Avoid harsh astringents and exfoliants.
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free soap and even laundry detergent if you can. 
• Use essential oils instead of perfumes.
• Try oatmeal and aloe products – they can be very calming on the skin if you have a reaction.

All skin is beautiful – some of it just takes some extra care than other types.

But remember, no matter the type of skin you have – it is important to look after it and feel good in the skin you are in!

Strawberries are hands down my favorite fruit. And when they are at their peak in the summer – I just cannot get enough of them.

I love them so much that I started growing my own so I could pick them and snack on them every day.

And one of my favorite ways to indulge in something special when it comes to Strawberries…is with…

Cheesecake!

Cheesecake is a longtime dessert craving of mine. And adding strawberries into the mix – is a duo I cannot resist!

These no-bake strawberry cheesecake bites are super easy to make! A delicious sweet treat that makes a great dessert for parties, brunch, or as an afternoon snack!

Here is what you will need:

• 1 pound of strawberries
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (you can also find a vegan option for this) 
• ¼ cup of powdered sugar
•  ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Graham cracker crumbs or crushed graham crackers (there are also gluten-free graham crackers if you need to enjoy it wheat-free!)

To Make:

• Cut off the tops of the strawberries and with a pairing knife – hollow out the inside of them.
• In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer.
• Fill each strawberry with the cheesecake filling using a spoon, knife, or a piping bag if you have one.
• Dip the strawberry, cheesecake side down, into the graham cracker crumbs. (You can even drizzle some Complete Collagen+ on there for some caramel flavor!)
• Keep refrigerated until served (ideally 1 hour before eating to really let the cheesecake settle).

This dessert is a great way to indulge and you can make them year-round if you can get your hands on some nice strawberries.

Enjoy!

Men’s skincare is a growing trend. More and more men are taking care of their skin and seeking out the best ways to do so.

Skincare for men was always a bit more traditional and simple…

But more men are now seeking healthier, younger-looking skin, so it is a great time for men to re-evaluate their skin routine and look for new ways to take care of their skin.

While I always try to tailor my articles to both men and women…

I wanted to do something just for all my wonderful male readers too.

Something specifically tailored to them and their skin.

Because what works for women…

May not work for men.

Did you know that men’s skin is typically thicker than women’s?

So it makes sense that our skincare routines will differ.

So this one is for you, gentlemen 🙂

My 5 Top Skincare Tips For Men

1. Be Aware Of Your Shaving Technique

A lot of men shave their faces. And for many, they do it for their job and have to keep a clean face. Which means shaving almost daily. Which can take a toll on your face.

Multi-blade razors can actually work TOO well and shave too closely to the skin. If you find you are getting razor bumps, burns, or ingrown hairs – try a single or double razor instead.

Before you shave, wet your skin and facial hair well to help soften it. Be sure to use a moisturizing shaving cream if you can and always shave in the direction of your hair growth.

Rinsing after each swipe of the razor and changing the blade after 5-7 shaves can also go a long way to reduce irritation.

2. Try A Face Mask

Face masks aren’t just for women!

There are a few face masks tailored to men’s skin.
Men are prone to oily skin and clogged pores so a face mask is a great way to open up pores and help diminish that oily skin.

Here is a great mask idea for men with oily skin!

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons finely-ground oatmeal
• ½ teaspoon of honey
• 2 tablespoons plain greek yogurt

Directions

• Mix all ingredients in a bowl until it forms a smooth paste.
• For the best results, the face should be pre-steamed a few minutes before applying, so it’s beneficial to use this mask after stepping out of the shower.
• Apply the mixture to the face and neck areas with clean hands or with a soft sponge or facial brush. Avoid the skin around the lips and eyes, as those areas are particularly sensitive.
• You can avoid any parts of your face that you are actively growing hair. For example – if you are growing a beard, you can skip that area and focus on the bare skin around it. 
• Leave on for 15 minutes. When the time is up, rinse with cool water.

3. If You Workout – Wash Your Face!

Men typically tend to sweat more than women. Weight, level of physical fitness, temperature, and genetics can influence how much sweat men and women produce. And while women have just as many active sweat glands, men actually produce more sweat per gland than women do – this is why men sweat more than women.

And working out produces a whole lot of sweat!!

But one thing a lot of men may not think of is to wash their face after a workout. After your workout, you should wash your face to cleanse away sweat and bacteria to prevent your pores from getting clogged.

Ideally, this should be done within 15 minutes or so of completing your workout. Since sweat contains salt, leaving it on your face after exercising can cause irritation and dehydration.

4. Use Natural Products and Be Sure to Read Labels

So many of us tend to buy what looks good and what is cost-effective without much thought. But there are so many products that can do more harm than good on the skin. Try and read labels before buying anything you put on your skin.

Consider product labels and ingredients. The skincare products you choose will depend on your skin type. For men with acne-prone skin, look for cleansers and moisturizers that say oil-free so they won’t clog your pores more.

If you have sensitive skin, use mild, fragrance-free products, as products containing fragrances can leave skin feeling irritated and dry. However, be cautious of products labeled unscented as many of these contain masking fragrances that can still irritate your skin even more.

You can even dry some homemade products!

Like a homemade aftershave.

Homemade aftershave is so incredibly easy to make and you can know exactly what is going on your skin. And it typically only requires two base ingredients: vegetable glycerin and witch hazel. But you can also add in essential oils for fragrance or added touch.

Here is a super easy aftershave you can do at home:

You will need

• 8-ounce bottle for the liquid
• 1 tbsp vegetable glycerin
• 3/4 cup witch hazel + 2 teaspoons (to fill the 8-ounce bottle)
• Optional – 15 to 25 drops of essential oil (lavender or cedarwood is quite popular!)

Instructions

• In an 8-ounce glass spray bottle combine the glycerin and essential oils.
• Swirl to combine, then add the witch hazel until the bottle is almost full. 
• You’ll need about ¾ cup and 2 teaspoons of witch hazel, but it isn’t necessary to measure–just fill the bottle. 

And apply as you normally would after a shave!

5. Wear Sunscreen

Sunscreen is for everyone – that means you too, men!

Sun damage attacks us all. So to help prevent sun damage that can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and other serious skin concerns – applying sunscreen to all exposed areas of the skin is essential. This includes your ears, neck, lips, and scalp for you men with thinner or even no hair!

For best protection, use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. 

If you do find you got a little too much sun – read our article here on sunburn home remedies!

Our skin is our biggest organ, so taking care of it is essential for us all – men and women!

So all of you men out there – try to give that skin of yours some love!

One of the things I love most about Complete Collagen Plus is…

It’s so versatile!

It can be added to your daily routine in so many great ways!

So if you have been using it for a while and want some ideas…

OR if you are just starting out with it and wondering how to use it…

Here are 5 ways you can use your Complete Collagen Plus

1. Old Faithful – The Spoon.

The easiest and most common way to use Complete Collagen Plus is to just take it right off the spoon.

Quick, easy, tasty….and delicious!

We would recommend taking a full packet a day to get the maximum nutrition.

2. Add To Your Morning Coffee.

Adding a packet to your morning coffee is a great way to add a little flavor kick to your cup of joe. It can even replace sugar if you normally add that in. Add in that sweetness without loading your coffee with all that sugar!

I typically wait about 10 minutes after I pour my coffee to add it in. Just a little bit lukewarm or room temperature. Then I add a packet and mix it right in. It is just a great combination of coffee and caramel. 

Of course, this doesn’t have to just be taken in the morning. Complete Collagen Plus can be taken any time of the day. So if you have afternoon coffee – feel free to add it in then!

3.  Shake Up Your Smoothie.

Adding Complete Collagen Plus to your smoothie is a wonderful way to incorporate all the benefits of the product while also getting ample nutrition from the smoothie itself.

In fact – read our Energy Boosting Smoothie for a great Smoothie recipe!

4.  Jazz Up Your Yogurt!

Yogurt can get boring. Sometimes you need to jazz it up a little. Oats and berries are a great way to start but I also started to add a little bit of my caramel goodness to it and wow!

Just brings it all together so well!

Try adding a packet to your yogurt!

Is there a way that you like to take your Complete Collagen Plus that I didn’t list here? 

5. Indulge a little! Add it to your Ice Cream!

Caramel drizzle on top of ice cream? Yes, please!

When I feel like indulging a little bit, I add a bit of Complete Collagen Plus to my ice cream. It makes a great sugar-free drizzle for many different desserts.

And it doesn’t have to be a guilty treat you add it to. You can even use it as a dip for your fruit-like apple slices!

The sky is the limit of what tasty treats you can add this caramel sauce on. Taste plus amazing benefits, it really is a win-win. 

I love hearing new ways to incorporate Complete Collagen Plus into my day! Please feel free to send me an email at support@everbella.com and let me know how YOU use Complete Collagen Plus! 

Beauty sleep is a phrase that we have all heard before.

I heard this my whole life.

And really paid no attention to the fact that it might be real…

But now that I am older – I have to come to realize…

That it is REAL and very much accurate. 

Why do we need beauty sleep?  

In order to function at our best each day, what we eat is important. What exercise routine you follow matters too. But when it comes down to getting a good night’s rest, sleep is the most important component.

The National Sleep Foundation suggests that healthy adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night – while babies, young children, and teens need even more sleep to enable their growth and development. 

But the problem is…

So many of us aren’t getting enough. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine reports that about 30% of adults in the U.S. regularly do not get enough sleep.

We know that lack of sleep can affect our wellbeing such as our cognitive function, stress levels, increase our blood pressure, cause weight gain, and lower our immune system. But what we might not realize is that our sleep also plays a huge role in the quality of our appearance.

5 Ways Sleep Impacts Our Appearance

1. Getting enough sleep can help save our skin from breakouts.
When we don’t get enough beauty sleep, our bodies release too much of the stress hormone cortisol, which can cause breakouts like pimples and blackheads, even in adults. And no matter what age you are, everyone HATES pimples.

2. Sleep encourages healthy blood flow to your skin, which can even out your skin tone. During sleep, your skin’s blood flow increases, and the organ rebuilds its collagen and repairs damage from UV exposure, reducing wrinkles and age spots. This can also help to prevent veins from peeking through and causing visible discoloration. 

3. It can make us look happier!
Lack of sleep can actually cause the corners of the mouth to droop, making our face look sadder than we would after a good night’s rest. We also tend to frown more. If people say we look tired, it is because it really does show with our expression. Red, swollen eyes, dark circles, sagging eyelids, and paler skin can also signal to others that we are exhausted. Plus, when we sleep, we feel rested and more energized. When we have more energy, we feel more ourselves and feel more prone to showing off our beautiful smiles!

4. Now, it isn’t just about skin. Hair loss, breakage, damage, and even growth can all be affected by lack of sleep. Hair follicles (where hair growth begins) gain nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from blood flow. Since blood flow decreases when we’re short on sleep, our hair gets less nutrition and it weakens and can have difficulty growing.

Lack of sleep can also increase our stress levels. And this can lead to an increase in the hormone cortisol, which can lead to hair loss.

5. When we enter deep sleep, our body goes into recovery mode and produces growth hormones. These growth hormones create new cells that help heal our skin from any damage done during the day. Our skin actually uses the hours we sleep to heal itself from the day’s damage. So when we sleep, our skin gets the chance to improve. That rosy glow in the morning is real!

These growth hormones also include repairing collagen-producing cells. So our skin makes new collagen when we sleep too. Collagen is necessary to fill out your skin and prevent wrinkles from developing. The growth hormones ensure that your skin is producing enough collagen, which keeps your skin tight and elastic and allows your skin to repair acne and scarring across your body.

So as you can see, beauty sleep is real! And can greatly impact your skin and hair. Be sure to get as much sleep as you can. If you are having trouble sleeping, take a look at our article on ways to unwind. When we feel more relaxed, the more likely we are to be able to fall asleep at night! 

Adding a collagen supplement to your regime is always a great idea too! Try out Complete Collagen+ to give your skin the benefits it needs and deserves!

Resources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25266053/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29073412/