Your Beauty Questions Answered

By Shelly Ballestero
Licensed Esthetician

CBN.com – Thank you for e-mailing your questions about health and beauty. I am happy to answer the most frequent questions and share them with the rest of you, as well as spread the good news about the health of your skin.

As for skin care, we women are becoming product savvy. We want to know what we are putting on our skin and we want results without side affects—not to mention we are tired of paying the high price of skincare creams. You know that miracle cream in the bottle from the fountain of youth that promises to erase ten years off your face? I have yet to find a cream that stops the aging process, even though so many companies promise the unattainable.

This brings me to finding the right product that has the least preservatives and irritants that could harm your skin and environment. Through trial and error (and my friends being guinea pigs), your skin solutions are a word away.

How do I get rid of baggy or puffy under eyes?

Use what the models use, Preparation H cream (the ointment smells fishy)— it really does work—or try a homeopathic version made by Nelsons, which can be found at www.Drugstore.com for $5.99. Key ingredients in the Nelsons version are Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut), which has been used for swelling and pain due to varicose veins and chronic circulation problems; second is Calendula, an anti-inflammatory that also helps bruising and strains; followed by Hamamelis virginiea (witch hazel), which is used to treat eye inflammations, hemorrhoids, bites, stings, and skin sores; and Paeonia Officinalis, a homeopathic remedy used for pain, swelling, ulcers, and abnormal growth.

If you prefer something that says “used for eyes” (not hemorrhoids), then you might like No Puffery by Origins or try plain, raw potato slices. Place potato slices (thin) on your eyelids for 10 minutes and then lightly remove; they also lighten circles!

Also try green tea. After you have steeped tea bags in hot water, remove excess liquid and place in an air-tight container in the fridge. When tea bags are cold, lie down, relax, and place tea bags over closed eyes for 20 minutes. The tannin in tea reduces the puffiness and revitalizes tired eyes.

How can I tighten sagging skin on my face?

Good question with a cost-effective answer: egg whites. Whip up an egg white and brush on face. Let dry 15-20 minutes. Spritz on water to soften and then wash off. I would suggest getting a couple of ice cubes, and with circular motions, rub the ice cubes all over your face. You will be refreshed and look like you had an expensive facial procedure. Follow with a good moisturizer. An over-the-counter solution can be Orjeans CoQ10 or Arbonne’s NutriMin C Reversing Gelee Transforming Lift. (It has some preservatives, but it is better than most over-the-counter cosmetic brands.)

How can I lighten brown spots?

There is a skin lightener called Kojic acid (www.youngagain.com) discovered in Japan in 1989. It is a natural product derived from a mushroom. It will penetrate the upper skin layers to inhibit the formation of pigment. As with any skin lighteners, you must wear sun protection with an SPF of 30 so that you will not get hyper pigmentation. Another one to try is Dermafade, which can be found online at www.beautynaturally.com.

I have course eyebrows and would like to soften them. Any suggestions?

Yes, I do, and it is so simple. All you need is some castor oil and a Q-tip swab. Dab on oil with Q-tip and apply to brow. By doing this every day, you can train unruly brows and condition them at the same time. While you’re at it, apply to eyelashes and it deepens the color without having to wear mascara. (Be careful of eye area.)

How can I get rid of dark circles?

Here are some natural remedies for dark circles under the eyes: one is bananas— the potassium helps eliminate circles under your eyes; the second is by using real lemon juice and honey—it’s a natural lightener as well. Mix one tablespoon of lemon with four teaspoons of honey. Smooth on dark spots or under eyes, wait 15 minutes, and rinse clean. Please be sure to wear sunscreen. An over-the-counter solution is Booth’s Black Licorice Eye Cream. It minimizes under-eye circles and smoothes away wrinkles. You can find it at Drugstore.com for $10.00.

Well, that sums it up for now. I hope I have helped you with some of your skin care struggles and turned them into skin care strengths.

Beauty is a wonderful thing, but there is beauty in imperfection, in spending time with our family, in a beautiful mind, and in using God’s wisdom in what we put into our bodies. When we choose to honor God with our bodies, He blesses us with greater contentment and confidence in our bodies and our souls. God created each and every one of us beautiful!

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised (Proverbs 31:30).

Shelly Ballestero is a licensed esthetician, make-up artist, beauty editor of Lifestyle Magazine, and author. Shelly has studied under Emmy Award winner Eve Pearl, head make-up artist for ABC's The View. In addition, Shelly is one of the make-up experts for Jane Iredale cosmetics and participates in the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa conference. Shelly and her husband, Angelo, a worship pastor, live in Windermere, Florida, with their two children. (Photo of Shelly courtesy of Katie Meehan, www.phfocus.com.)