Abbey St Clare

Wellness / Beauty / Inspiration

September 2007


In this issue:

Ask the Abbey....
Pore Size
Ask Abbey
How can I shrink my large pores?
Pore size is genetically determined but they can be minimized and your appearance enhanced greatly by keeping them cleaned, cleared, and toned. Masques are one of the most useful products for this purpose, but other products that clean and penetrate deeply are crucial as well. Cosmetic muscle toners that emit electrical impulses are reported to be the most effective of outside treatments. (These are available for home use.)

For perspective on this from an expert, read our glossary entry on this.
NATURAL BEAUTY: Clay and Mud  

With all due respect to Cleopatra and her milk baths, clay and mud (wet clay) are probably some of the first substances discovered by early woman to enhance beauty. Somewhere in the past, a woman discovered that the mud that she was spreading over her body to deter pesky insects also resulted in healing and a smoother, clearer skin surface once it was washed off. Someone noticed, and before you knew it men were shaking their heads over the fact that their women were smearing mud over themselves even when there wasn't a black fly in sight. But women knew.

Women - and now men - still know. The therapeutic virtues of clay are rarely questioned today. It doesn't take controlled studies to appreciate the results of using natural clays in skin care. The hydration is certainly the most spectacular action. Quality cosmetic clays contain a host of natural minerals and other skin nourishing elements for overall skin health. Hydrated clays increase circulation to the skin surface, which increases penetration rates of active ingredients. The mineral content and physical structure of each type of clay determines the effect it has on the skin. (See link below for more information.) The small particle size provides a high surface area ratio and thus a high absorption capacity, providing clays with the ability to absorb debris and oil from the skin, effectively minimizing the appearance of large pores. Clean pores are most receptive to skin care actives, and there is a noticeable increase in the absorption rate of treatment creams and serums when they are applied after a masque. Clays are similarly excellent in cleansers because they are powerful exfoliants, removing dead surface cells and encouraging cellular rejuvenation. Benefits are enhanced when additional vitamins, antioxidants, and nourishing botanicals are included in the formula. The results can be remarkable on the level of appearance, especially on aging or dehydrated skin. The effects will be revitalizing and refreshing, and you will end up with soft, smooth skin that emanates a healthy glow.



Essential Earth Elements Cleanser and Earth and Herbs Mud Masque have now been reformulated and we are so pleased with the results. Next time you order, let us know if you would like a generous sample of each sent as our gift to you as readers of our newsletter.

I wanted to tell you about how helpful the Serum St. Martha has been to me and my family. I had originally bought this to fix my toenail fungus. It is the only thing that I have used that has worked, and I have tried them all. A few weeks ago, I hit my small toe on a doorway and stripped a large piece of skin off. For days it was inflamed and painful. One night I put some of the St. Martha oil on it. To my surprise, I noticed pain relief almost immediately and I could not believe the difference in the morning. The redness was gone, the pain was gone, and the wound was half its size. I am using it now on my children's scrapes and cuts. What a product! Michael K. North Carolina

Note from the Abbey: The botanical mix of oils in St. Martha are indeed healing. Essential oils though should only be applied to the wound once it has lost its rawness and formed a fibrous seal.

 


FOUNTAIN of YOUTH QUICK TIP: Dressing for the Ages  

A recent issue of VOGUE magazine highlighted dressing for different life stages. A few thoughts from them on how clothing choices should change with increasing years.

  • #1 Rule: Never overdress. Leave fussiness behind.
  • Simplify, simplify.
  • Tone down basic pieces so that they are more earth tones than psychedelic.
  • Mix traditional and vintage with trendy.
  • Choose accessories carefully. They should complement, not take center stage.
  • Use bright colors as accents, not the whole outfit.

Mother's classic adage "When in doubt, do without." can prevent many a fashion mistake. (Actually, many others as well, but that is for another day.) This also applies to what feels comfortable, and ultimately that may just be the most important criterion of all.

SKIN CARE COSMETICS: Foundation is Crucial Cosmetic  


Less is Younger ~~ Keep it Natural
Skin that is losing firmness needs less makeup, not more. Makeup tends to slide into and accentuate even tiny facial furrows. Mineral powders applied with a light hand reflect light and minimize wrinkles and sagging.

    Foundation is the most crucial cosmetic a woman puts on her face. The right foundation in the right color will erase years; the wrong one will add them. Choose wisely.

    Tips from celebrity makeup artist Rita Hazen:

    • Myth: Foundation must match skin color.
    • Truth: Foundation should enhance skin color. This may happen to be a shade slightly deeper than your skin.
    • Use top quality tools. Never compromise on this point.
    • Blend, blend blend. You don't want to look like a clown.
    • Blend especially well on the paler neck areas towards the face with long upward strokes.
    • Use a light dusting of finishing powder, especially in the T-zone with the finest, fluffiest brush you own.
    • Adjust your color to fit the season.
    • Adjust your color as your skin changes over time.

    Finally, gently mist your face to develop that immediate luminous glow.

 
WELLNESS: Popcorn for Life  

Studies show that eating whole grains can help save you from heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Quick! What is the first thing you think of when you hear the words "whole grains?" Chances are it is foods like....oatmeal. Not really exciting fare. But, throw the word "popcorn" in there and suddenly whole grains sound yummy to regular folks like us, not just to the usual nuts and berries and Birkenstocks crowd.

The Iowa Women's Health Study found that women over the age of 55 who ate at least 11 servings of whole grains a week are 35% less likely to die of an array of inflammatory diseases which includes infections, emphysema, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's Disease, gout, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Just in case you would like to expand your whole grains horizons beyond popcorn, the list of of qualified foods includes cracked wheat, brown rice, bulgur wheat, whole-wheat kernels, wild rice, oatmeal (oats), barley, buckwheat, kasha, quinoa, and various whole grain cereals. And popcorn, of course.

NOTE: Remember that there was popcorn before microwave ovens hit our kitchens. Recent issues with microwave popcorn products should not deterr you from choosing this as a snack of choice. Hot air poppers work beautifully and use not a drop of oil. In light of that, an interesting aside: Not long ago a talk show guest revealed how she lost fifty pounds on a solely popcorn (hot air popped and seasoned with a little salt and butter) and beer diet. There you have it. It's hard to argue with success.