Sano: Vitamin C Serum+ Daily Skin Revitalizer and Vitamin C Eye Gel+ with Silk Peptides #Review #SanoSerum

I have been wanting to incorporate Vitamin C into my skin care regimen after doing some research.  In the following weeks, I will be reviewing products that will focus around brands that deliver to your skin the maximum Vitamin C and hoping to see positive results. You can read my post on my research at- Topical Vitamin C use in Beauty Products Research and Information

My first to test and review is by a brand named Sano Naturals.  I liked from the get-go that they back-up their beauty products.  If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase and skin care experience, they will refund your entire purchase price, no questions asked.  They also include a bonus item with purchase and that is always a positive!

 

Sano Vitamin C Serum+:

On the bottle it states the product is of high potency and a Daily Skin Revitalizer. The bottle is a beautiful cobalt blue in color and the dark hue aids with preserving the product, which is rated at 20% concentration. I next looked at the ingredient list and you have an Organic Herbal Infusion, Aloe, and then Vitamin C. So far I am happy that water is not the delivery agent and other good quality binding ingredients were used along with the vitamin. The list goes on but everything is recognizable and friendly, not something I am use to in the “beauty world”. You get Hyaluronic Acid, which helps with inflammation (puffiness) and dry skin. It’s an ingredient you see for treating Eczema. Sano also uses kosher Vegetable Glycerin to Organic Jojoba oil. Jojoba has many good properties from being used as a fungicide and preventing mildew growth, to being able to deliver moisture without leaving an oily residue.

Results-

Even though most studies for Vitamin C ranged from a month to 12 weeks, I used the product for a period of 2 weeks. I eat a pretty balanced diet that is rich in greens, vegetables and fruit but I have those days that I wish I could say I ate bad, but it’s mostly that time gets in between meals and I eat late. Inconsistency happens! I noticed when I apply the Sano Vitamin C Serum+, my skin quickly absorbs it. It was so quick that my skin felt soft but with no product residue. I even tested one side of my face by applying just simple H2o and even water does not get absorbed at this rate. It usually would roll off but not this serum. So far I was happy with my first application and in not getting an oily appearance and/or feeling. I continued use and by day 4 saw what appeared as smoothness. Let me add no blemishes, pimples, blackheads or any skin occlusions. This serum is friendly when it comes to any acne suffers and even though people say mine is in the mild range, I myself is the one that deals with it so I rate it moderate at times to those moments that you get the monster bump that never comes up. My pores appear smaller just because my skin looks smoother and plumped up but in a good way! I continued use and noticed less was needed as I continued to use the product. My skin was hydrated enough that where I used 2 to 3 drops in one area, then changed to only needing one drop. The one drop then glided better when applied because my skin did experience positive changes. I don’t feel I have lost “years” when it comes to aging but I definitely look better. I look like I slept well, drank all my 8 glasses of water, and even ate well……even though that is not always the case. I was definitely happy with the results!

Retail Price Point: $18.95

Sano Vitamin C Eye Gel+:

This is a bonus item with purchase.  You again have a cobalt blue colored jar and I love that the product comes with a safety seal that you peel, so no air or anything that can damage or eat up the Vitamin C benefits while in storage. Easy to store and even pack in an overnight bag.

Results-

I never thought a gel could deliver moisture I was happy with but this one did the trick. Being that it’s a gel, the product goes on cold and instantly starts working on my morning’s puffy eyes. The Aloe in the product is very gentle to the skin in that area and I love how my make-up glides on after. Some eye creams would roll up sometimes due to the residue left behind and I had to then try to collect these little eye cream left-overs while at the same time not messing up my make-up. Not with the Sano’s Vitamin C Eye gel+. The product is rich in Peptides to Hyaluronic Acid. Do not be fooled, this gel does moisturize but the area is left with a supple and replenished look. I had zero eye irritations and found the gel friendly to my allergy suffering eyes. A little goes a long way, I used what I could as lightly dab out of the container, maybe the size of two rice grains per eye. The instant results alone of reducing puffiness is hard to beat and I used it with the Sano Vitamin C Serum +, just to get that extra help in my problem areas. My only small con is the product coming in jar form. I prefer bottles with pumps or that have an applicator like a dropper. I’m just not a fan of dabbing into a jar due to bacteria/germs, but due to the performance of the product, it would not deter me from buying it.

Check-out the products provided by Sano Naturals at:

• Purchase on Amazon
• Online Site
• #SanoSerum

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Sano Naurals.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

 

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Topical Vitamin C use in #Beauty Products Research and Information

I have been researching and doing my homework on the effects of Vitamin C at the dermis level because even though I have tried products that contain trace amounts, I have never tried a beauty item that it’s main focus was delivering Vitamin C.

How does Vitamin C benefit our Skin:
Upon reading and even finding “home-remedies” for DIY serums to putty like creams, I decided to leave my Vitamin C manufacturing to the professionals.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a collagen builder. Collagen is a protein that helps in the growth of blood vessels, to cells (and yes, the skin kind too). Your body needs collagen to be able to rebuild and to even creating scar tissue, as this is a form of “rebuilding”. Collagen is what also gives our skin firmness and that supple look we all want due to it’s smooth looking effects. We all want to look vibrant and younger, so this where the antioxidants also play a part, something that Vitamin C contains. Antioxidants aid with everything from inflammation to neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals is what causes damage to our DNA and it’s results is aging, so may see early signs like fine lines, wrinkles, just plain old cell damage that comes from products, to the environment (oxidative damage) and sun exposure/burns. The vitamin is used for dry skin, healing wounds, helping with reduction of fine lines/wrinkles to elasticity.

The research is still limited to the total effects and benefits from Vitamin C via topical application, however I did read that the pH of our skin does effect how much we can absorb, thus benefit from the vitamin. Topical application of ascorbic acid will cross the epidermis into the underlying dermal layers, but you want the higher percentage (concentrate) to be able achieve maximum benefits.

What to look for in Vitamin C beauty products:
Like with most vitamins and my experience with Vitamin A (retinol), oxidation is a factor in deterioration of a skin product that contains Vitamin C. Just exposure to sun, air, light will start the degrading process, so look for products that come in dark colored bottles to make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck. Many of the better products will add other antioxidant rich ingredients to boost and also slow the rate of deterioration and conserve the ascorbic acid properties.

What can you expect by using Vitamin C:
I read studies both in humans and animals. Mostly noted was a high potency of Vitamin C levels being used and in combination with other binding ingredients but the main impact came from the 5 to 10% concentrations used in those studies. This may be why a high potency level will give best results. People reported elasticity changes to reduction of fine lines/wrinkles to a supple and smoother appearance. The impact is greater in people who may not consume diets rich in Vitamin C but even those that did have such a rich diet, noticed positive changes just not as apparent as those that did not. Topical Vitamin C may also have skin lightening effects in a mild form, which are caused by reductions in melanin production and melanin oxidation.

I hope the above helps when making decisions to include Vitamin C as part of your beauty routine!

Smiley: Nature’s Bounty / Optimal Solutions Hair, Skin and Nails Gummies #Review

I’m always a supporter of finding ways to improve my skin’s health to my hair and nails. Smiley and Nature’s Bounty sent me a free bottle of their gummies, which contain Biotin and other supplements that feed your beauty. I was also sent samples to distribute with coupon cards to give away, a few beauty related items, like a compact and nail file, plus a couple of hair bands.

What’s in it:
This is for a serving of 2 gummies with a Daily Value (DV) based on a 2,000 caloric daily intake diet.

• Biotin– 2, 500 mg (833% of your DV) > Biotin is usually found in our intestinal’s bacteria and our bodies usually produce more naturally than what our body requires (DV). Biotin is what our cells need to be able to grow, produce Fatty Acids and aid with metabolizing fats and Amino Acids. Now, there are people who may have metabolic disorders, in which enough Biotin is not produced. You will also find people that have a issues producing enough gastric acid be low on Biotin, as patients who are elderly, people who consume alcohol and/or smoke. Another cause is a Immune System disorders. Another culprit that may make a person deficient in Biotin is consumption of egg whites in their raw form and on a daily basis (functional Avidin). Avidin is destroyed by cooking. Symptoms of a deficiency is hair loss, skin disorders to even neurological disorders like depression, fatigue, lethargy to hallucinations.
• Vitamin C– 15 mg (25% of your DV) > Ascorbic Acid, which is the source listed has been proven to help with oxidative stress. Being that it is classified as an antioxidant, people may see benefits in cardiovascular disease to even those who suffer from inflammation. Vitamin C also helps the immune system and is a natural antihistamine, so you will also find benefits when it comes to allergies.
• Vitamin E– 15 IU (50% of your DV) > You have probably noticed Vitamin E in many beauty products and I personally use the vitamin in oil form to hydrate and protect the skin around my eyes. Vitamin E is another antioxidant and can help with protecting lipids, neurological function, to even reducing oxidative stress.

Other Ingredients listed- Corn Syrup, Sugar, Dicalcium Phosphate, Grape juice color concentrate, Gelatin, Modified Food Starch, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Natural Strawberry flavor, Black Carrot juice color concentrate, Maltodextrin, Fractionated Coconut oil, Carnauba wax, Beeswax and Silica.

Dosage: For adults, Nature’s Bounty recommends a serving of 2 gummies once or twice on a daily basis. They suggest taking them with a meal. A full size bottle comes with 80 gummies in total, so you will run short on a 30-day supply if you go beyond the minimum requirement (once daily).

The Flavor/Taste Test:
The gummies are Strawberry flavored and sweet, with almost a corn starch after-taste. Not your usually clear looking gummy but a more cloudy and waxy consistency.

Overall Performance/Results:
I took the product until I finished the bottle and I must admit I did not like being short on a 30-day supply if I took the product twice daily (total of 4 gummies). It’s just not convenient and not a manner I usually buy or take supplements. I like the amount of Biotin and Vitamin C and E found in the blend. I found taking 1 gummy in the morning and 1 gummy in the afternoon worked best for me because 833% of a my Biotin daily value in one dose is really just going to purge out with the amount of water I tend to drink through out the day. I prefer absorbing my supplements a little through out the day versus flooding my system with higher (mega) doses. I noticed changes mostly in my nails and the growth cycle did speed up. My hair grows quickly as it is, so I could not comment there but I did not notice any significance when it came to changes in my skin. I did not have fewer or more breakouts.

A few things I did find negative when it came to this supplement was the corn syrup as first ingredient, then more sugar, to the clear window where you can see the gummies from. Vitamin C oxidizes and becomes useless when exposed to light and this is why you always see the supplement stored in dark/solid colored bottles. I know people like to view products when buying but not at the cost of potentially losing a benefit when you are seeking to better your health. I know I m not Biotin deficient and could not locate studies where a person who produces, or in our case naturally produce more than needed; needed a mega-dose on top of that to see results in skin, hair, or nails. I have been drinking more water so I know that helps with the aforementioned, and it comes at a lower cost per unit, plus you don’t get shortened on a 30-day supply there 🙂

Price Point: 80 gummy count bottle retails for $5.79 to $7.99. I found the lower price point at Walmart, with Amazon being $0.10 more and Walgreen’s being the most expensive at $7.99.

You can save by signing-up to their Newsletter- $1.00 off coupon http://www.naturesbounty.com/signup/

You can also try the product and if it does not provide you with satisfied results; get your money back here:

• 30 Day Challenge Guarantee form- http://www.naturesbounty.com/challenge/

I am glad I tried the gummies because I do believe in working from within to improve our outside. With the coupon and guarantee, I personally feel that it may be something you wish to try and see if you get results. It’s a win/win in my book!

To find more information on Nature’s Bounty and the above product, please visit them here:

• On-line– http://www.naturesbounty.com/optimalsolutions/053545
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/NaturesBounty
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/NaturesBounty
• Pinterest– http://www.pinterest.com/naturesbounty/

 

I received the above product free of charge from Smiley and Nature’s Bounty/Optimal Solutions.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

POMx: The Pomegranate Capsules by PomWonderful #Review

If you know me by now, or even just a little, it is well known that I am a Pomegranate addict. I love incorporating the fruit with savory and sweet foods alike, or just drinking a glass reduced with sparkling water because nothing makes me smile more than a fizzy POM drink. I have been drinking POM branded drinks from back when all their teas and juices came in an actual glass bottle. I still have a POM tea glass that I use today.

When I saw the POMx pills come out, I was super curious and just could not wait to get my paws on them. Paws has pills!

What does POMx offer:

One capsule is the equivalent to the antioxidant dosage you would get from a 8 ounce glass of 100% Pomegranate juice. That is a powerful little capsule and even though I love the flavor of the juice, sometimes I just do not want the calories so this fits well being zero calories. POMx states in their pamphlet that there are more antioxidant properties in their capsule versus any other 100% natural antioxidant supplement! You get 1000mg of natural Pomegranate Polyphenol extract in every capsule. No artificial sugars, colors/dyes, or fillers. No preservatives and the pills Vegan and Kosher friendly. The capsules are made with the same California Pomegranates that POM makes their juice from and I am also a fan of their fruit.

Free Radicals and why you should “x” them out:

This super-pill helps with the everyday exposure to free radicals. Free radicals are those molecules/atoms which destabilize and start to misbehave but in a seriously bad way. It goes beyond just sending them to “their room” because they have the potential to damage the cells in your body. A damaged cell does not seem like a big thing since it’s not like we don’t have plenty of cells running through our bodies. The theory is that cells become oxidative. Think of cells like sticks of dynamite, alone and unlit the sticks cause no worry or hazard. Have someones drop a match and you have trouble! Once this trouble starts, you want to quickly diffuse it. Diffusing it would be where the naturally occurring antioxidant superoxide dismutase comes in. It’s what takes the potential harm away from a healthy cell……It’s the bucket of water!

Antioxidants are helpful in reducing and preventing damage from free radical reactions because of their ability to neutralize the radical without forming another.

This has led to the theory that large amounts of antioxidants with their ability to decrease the numbers of free radicals, might lessen the radical damage causing chronic diseases, and even radical damage responsible for premature aging.

Where I come in on this:

I feel aging is a part of life and it’s not like taking these pills will provide us with magical shoes that will allow us to remain young. I am a strong believer of making the best of what you have and just not putting out a welcome mat for ailments if I can help it. I go by proven facts that reducing inflammation helps and a diet rich in antioxidant foods is usually not shunned by anyone. Pomegranates are placed highly on the scale when it comes to antioxidants and if they could help with other things like aging and maybe saving me from ailments….I’ll take it.

POMx was very clear when it came to the claims and made sure to use “preliminary studies” in their wording. Clinically tested and 15 studies have been published regarding the POMx pills.

I took the leap and was happy with the daily pills. I felt the same effects like do when I take the juice, which is also great in preventing or relieving bloating. Think of a cranberry but with a superhero’s cape, that is how I see Pomegranates.

Price Point: 1 month supply of 30 superpills is $29.95, plus $4.95 for a trial bottle. You can opt auto-shipment on a monthly basis (cancel at anytime) and the shipping fees are waived. Save if you have them ship quarterly (3-month supplies when shipped), where each bottle is then $25.95 and shipping is still free. Cheaper when it comes to each pill yielding the same benefits you would get if you purchased the juice and consumed 8 ounces of pomegranate juice a day. POMx provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so they do stand by their products.

Get your POMx fix at:

• On-line– https://shop.pomwonderful.com/pills/buy_pills.aspx
• POM on Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/pomwonderful
• POM on Twitter– https://twitter.com/pomwonderful
• Capture the fruit in pictures on Pinterest– http://www.pinterest.com/pomwonderful/

I received the above product free of charge from POMx.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Tropical Tradition’s: Virgin Coconut Oil, Gold Label USDA Organic

I have enjoyed coconut as a child from the fruit to the water, and became more curious about the oil when I purchased a product (spread) that contained Coconut oil and real Butter. I thought I would get a strong flavor that went with the fruit and while this is a plus for me, it is not for my anti-coconut husband, but he enjoyed the product after trying it. I started seeing the oil pop up in markets like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and even your standard everyday superstores but the jars were not all created equal. So much separation and so many color changes in brands that I did not know where to start when it came to making an actual purchase. Then I started investigating what makes one better than the other, because nowadays making a bad buy not only fills you with regret, but who needs a ding in the pocket book?

The things I learned are that like everything else, the cost of the product does not equate quality. You want an oil that is derived from a good, trusted source and a product that has not been exposed to light or variances in temperature. coconut oil does not go rancid as quickly as other oils and while it’s more forgiving in that department, you still don’t want an abused jar that could have lasted longer if the manufacturer had cared. I have used coconut oil for beauty purposes and found it wonderful for the skin above my eyes that is more delicate. After going through an allergic reaction from an eye primer, coconut oil mixed with vitamin E oil is what helped my skin come back to normal, so I am a believer of it can do for the skin’s health and it’s restoring powers!

Now, you all know I love baking, but also cooking savory foods so with this product test, I just jumped in and went with what I had in hand. I marinated two large chicken breasts (cut into strips) over night with cayenne pepper, smoked sea salt, parsley, mustard powder, a dash of smoked paprika, oregano, three pepper blend from the mill and then added one cup of buttermilk, plus one bay leaf. You can use coconut milk in place of the buttermilk if you want a more “tropical” flavor. This is my recipe for fried chicken but I was making both fried and roasted this time. After everything marinated, you will notice that the buttermilk/coconut milk will be well absorbed by the meat and this also aids with tenderizing. I then made 2 batches, one coated with (seasoned) flour for the deep fried portion and the other went in the oven as-is (on parchment paper) and I cooked it for 15 minutes at 400 degrees. These are chicken strips and cook rather easy but I was not done with the roasted chicken yet!

(Above) Just out from the oven and not browned with Tropical Tradition’s Virgin Coconut Oil

I then placed the strips in a pan with the Tropical Virgin coconut oil. I used just about 1/2 tablespoon and the oil melts clear and beautifully. Coconut oil has a smoke point of 350 degrees so I kept this in mind when browning. You will notice in the pan that because the chicken went in the oven with no oils/fats, it did not brown nicely but this is when the magic happens. I sauteed the chicken and it browns quickly and nicely. The top layer was so crisp that you would swear I coated it with some kind of batter. The meat remains juicy and tender, plus I noticed this oil was not quickly absorbed like other oils I have used. After I was done, I had at least 1/4 of it left in the pan and I like when fats don’t oil log foods.

(Above) Browned and resting after cooking with Tropical Tradition’s Virgin Coconut Oil

I allowed the chicken to rest and then sliced it to serve over a salad. My salad contained 5 different lettuces, plus some cabbage and kale. I boiled a small egg and also added a whole small avocado. Sprinkled some poppy seeds, smoked paprika on the eggs and pepper medley over the entire salad. I placed the chicken on top and had a meal that was not only filling but delicious and nutritious. My husband had a bite of the chicken and he could pick up a hint of the sweetness but not the coconut notes he dislikes. Let’s say you smell the coconut fruit in the pan while you cook but you do not taste it on the meat. I like my greens how they taste so I opted for a dressing I make that is just a plain vinaigrette (smoked sea salt, pepper medley, red wine vinegar and any oil of your choice). I will definitely be purchasing my coconut oil from a trusted source like Tropical Traditions because it is the best I have ever had!

You smell the coconut’s sweetness but even when you taste it from the jar, the product has more of a nutty like flavor versus what you expect taste wise from the coconut’s fruit. I also like how clean and non-oily it tastes. You do not get that unwanted oily film feeling that covers your mouth like with other oils. Try it today and from Tropical Tradition’s because they have a 100% Money Back Guarantee on 16 oz. trial size!

Guarantee as stated from their site:
Order Risk-FREE!

“We are so convinced that you will love this oil, that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our 16 oz. trial size. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with your trial size in the first 30 days, get a full refund – no questions asked!” So try it today and start enjoying this wonderful oil!

Tropical Traditions has a large array of products and you can check them out at:

• Their Website
• Buy Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil
• Watch a video on Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!
• Their Twitter
• Their Facebook
• Their Google+

I received the above product free of charge from Tropical Traditions. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.