How I Maintain a Youthful Appearance

*Disclosure- I received the mentioned product courtesy of the sponsor for the purpose of this review. All opinions are genuine, based on my experience with the product, and have not been influenced by promotional items.

When I was younger, I used to get annoyed when someone would comment on how young I looked. Even though I am older than Jason, we'd still hear snarky comments- "You robbing the cradle with that one?" Or, going out in a group to the bar or casino, I was usually the only one to get stopped for age verification. Now that I'll be 40 in a few very short years, I don't mind the comments so much. I find it funny when someone will ask where my sister is, referring to my 16 year old daughter, or when her friends get baffled expressions upon meeting me for the first time. "That's your mom?!" 

Sometimes, a youthful appearance is all about hitting the gene pool lottery. As much as I hated my small, elfish features when I was little, they are serving me well in my older years. But, those small features can only get one so far. Establishing a good beauty routine also plays a pivotal role in keeping the signs of aging at bay, and today I am sharing my tips with you.

• Keep Skin Clean & Moisturize! Keeping the skin moisturized and hydrated is one of best ways to keep skin looking young and healthy. I wash my face twice daily, followed by an eye cream and facial moisturizer. Once a week, I apply a mud mask for tightening and toning of the skin. I started doing this in my early 20's, and am glad I didn't wait until the signs of aging popped up before starting. I believe the earlier you start this routine, the better off you'll be for it in the long run.

• Sleep. Nothing wrecks havoc on your skin and appearance like lack of sleep. While I aim for 8 hours of sleep a night, being a busy mom, in reality, I sometimes only get 6. When that happens, I do look for little breaks in my day to take a quick catnap. It all adds up!

• Eat Healthy. You are what you eat, and if you eat junk all the time, that's probably how you'll look, too. I'm guilty of sneaking in some not-so-good-for-me foods every now and again, but overall, I maintain good eating habits. Lean meats, lots of fruits and veggies, and snacking on Greek yogurt. If you eat a well balanced diet, you'll be rewarded with great looking skin, hair and nails.

• Drink water! Mainly, I only drink water throughout the day. I elimiated sugary and caffinated beverages from my diet years ago. They can cause the skin to look dehydrated, dull, and even cause acne. 

 • Sweat! Fitness has always been a big part of my life, and I think it's so important to work up a good sweat several times a week. Not only will it help remove toxins from the body, you'll build muscles that will make your body smokin' hot! 

Additionally, I rely on a little support from NeoCell supplements for an added boost to my overall appearance. I've been using NeoCell products for a little over 3 years, and absolutely love them! I was thrilled to find out they now have two new products in their lineup: Platinum Glow Matrix and Derma Matrix. 

NeoCell Glow Matrix is a dietary supplement that provide collagen supporting ingredients to deliver improved skin moisture and elasticity, and reduce signs of aging. It is crafted to support collagen health on a systemic level, targeting specific wellness concerns for total body vitality. The Ceramides act as a water barrier to prevent moisture from leaving through the skin, keeping it smooth and hydrated. Take 3 easy to swallow capsules daily to get skin hydrated from the inside out. Many people see improved results in just 15 days!

The Derma Matrix Collagen Skin Complex is one of my new favorites! It's designed to promote the reduction of fine lines & wrinkles, and support cell turnover & elasticity. It protects against cell-damaging free radicals and aids in healthy collagen formation. The Derma Matrix is a powder that dissolves instantly in water, juice, or smoothies. I love to have a smoothie after my workouts, and lately, I've been big on consuming cranberries because of the antioxidants and because they also help combat free radicals that can damage cellular structure. For an extra anti-aging boost, I put a scoop of the NeoCell Derma Matrix in as I am blending the ingredients together.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup frozen cranberries
1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
1 banana
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt (do not use Greek yogurt. It adds more tartness to the smoothie)
1/2 cup regular or almond milk
2 tablespoons honey
1 Scoop NeoCell Derma Matrix Collagen Skin Complex

Directions: Blend all ingredients together. Serve immediately. 
(If you find the smoothie too tart, add 1/2 banana more)

You can find these amazing NeoCell products right on NeoCell.com. To stay up to date on new products, be sure to follow along on Twitter and Facebook.  

*The statements here have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  

What are some of you anti-aging beauty tips?

 

NeoCell Keratin Hair Volumizer Improves Hair From The Inside Out

 *Disclosure- I received a sample product to help facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.
 

Rip! Yank! Tear! These are universal words that every mom knows and associates with playing beauty parlor with their kids. Children love giving mama a new look, and mine are no exception. For 15 years my poor hair hasn't had much of a break, unless we are talking about all the strands my kids break right off my head.

In all seriousness though, hair thinning, loss, and lack of nutrients is something many of us experience naturally, and is definitely common with aging. Taking care of my skin and hair has always been important to me, but even more so now that I am in my mid 30's. These past few years I have noticed a few more strands of hair come out in the shower and on my hairbrush than I used to lose. And though I try to eat nutrient rich foods to keep my body nourished, some days my hair still feels dry and brittle. It's becoming apparent that I need an extra boost to help get my hair in its best shape. Since I am a huge fan of NeoCell's beauty care products, it was only natural that I turned to them for hair help.

One of NeoCell's newest products is the Keratin Hair Volumizer. It is an all-natural nutraceutical solution for strong, lustrous, and abundant hair, containing clinically proven ingredients to enhance hair strength and reduce hair loss from every day activities*

Cynatine HNS Solubilized Keratin: The ability to convert natural keratin into a functional form that is bio-available to the body is a recent advancement. Cynatine HNS® is solubilized enabling it to be both bioactive and bioavailable in the body, which allows it to bind with hair. Cynatine HNS® has been clinically proven to reduce hair loss from washing, improve hair strength and improve the brightness and luster of hair.*

Hydrolyzed Super Collagen: Hydrolyzed Super Collagen™ is a structural component of hair, skin and nail health. Super Collagen™ is a rich source of glycine, proline, alanine and hydroxyproline, which are the main constituents of collagen in the hair. Research suggests that collagen supplementation stimulates fibroblasts at the hair root, resulting in increased diameter of the hair shaft. NeoCell's pharmaceutical grade Super Collagen™ is enzymatically hydrolyzed, providing a collagen amino acid ratio with low molecular weight for maximum bioavailability.*

Amla Extract: Amla, or Indian Gooseberry, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-aging properties. Amla provides high concentrations of Vitamin C and and has been revered for being a powerful antioxidant.*

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is an important part of optimal collagen formation.*


I have been using NeoCell Keratin Hair Volumizer supplements for a few weeks now, and can definitely see an improvement in my hair's health already. It is naturally shiny now, without having to add shine enhancing serums that I normally put in my hair daily. When my daughter was "fixing" my hair the other day, even she noticed a difference. "How did you get your hair so shiny and soft!?" she said. With my NeoCell Keratin Hair Valumizer supplements, of course! I have lost a lot of hair since being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis a few years ago, so it is going to take a bit more time to see a difference in hair volume, but so far, I am very pleased with the results.

I am taking 2 capsules twice a day. I like that they are easy to swallow, however, they do have a bit of a pungent taste to them. Thankfully, you only get a quick taste, since it goes away quickly after swallowing the capsules. Each container has 60 capsules, which is a 2 week supply. You can find them at Amazon.com, as well as Walgreens, CVS/pharmacy, and the Vitamin Shoppe.

If you would like to learn more about the Keratin Hair Volumizer, or any of the other fabulous beauty products NeoCell offers, visit them on their website.


(*- The statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.)


WIN IT!

One lucky Theresa's Mixed Nuts reader is going to win NeoCell Keratin Hair Volumizer!

The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S., 18+. NO PO Boxes will be accepted. The giveaway will run through 10/20/2014. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email or a new winner will be selected.

**All entries are verified. Please make sure you are following all task guidelines you claim entries for. Failure to do so will result in your entries being removed from the form.

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NeoCell Beauty Bursts Review

My birthday is just a few weeks away, and I am going to be 34! While I find that I absolutely love being in my 30’s, I know that with each passing year I have to worry about the signs of aging. Since I was about 18, I have been very proactive about taking good care of my skin. I use facial creams religiously, but even I know that you can only get so far with creams and lotions. What you put on your body is just the half of it. You have to be conscious of what you put in your body too! I try to eat foods that are not only nutritious for my body, but provide health benefits for my skin, hair, and nails also. With my sweet tooth, some days it’s hard to maintain a diet that keeps me looking and feeling my best. But, on the days I tend to skimp, I’ve got backup in the form of NeoCell’s Beauty Bursts!

Having beautiful and radiant skin has never been so easy, or tasty! NeoCell Beauty Bursts are delicious soft chews that you eat daily. Each chew packs a punch of flavor, and delivers high absorption nutrients to the body. It provides:

Collagen Type 1 & 3 For Firm, Smooth Skin & Strong Hair & Nails

Hyaluronic Acid For Skin Hydration & Renewal

Vitamin C:  Collagen Enhancer

Each bag contains 60 soft chews, which should last a month when you take the recommended 2 chews per day. The chews contain 2,000 mg of collagen per serving (2 chews), that is beneficial to improving skin, hair, and nails. As we age, we lose collagen, and these chews are an excellent way of helping to replenish what aging takes away from us. Each chew is individually wrapped and stored in a zip top bag for ultimate freshness. The chews are actually kind of hard when you first put it in your mouth, kind of like a frozen Tootsie Roll, but within a few seconds it starts to soften and is really easy to bite into. They are not sticky/do not stick to your teeth when chewing. Each chew is really packed with flavor too! I would say there is more of a mint flavor over chocolate in the Chocolate Mint chews, but they were still really tasty! As much as I do love chocolate though, I preferred the Fruit Punch chews. The Fruit Punch Chews left a yummy after taste, and actually had me craving more! And at only 20 calories each, I don't feel guilty indulging in an extra piece or two. I have only been using the chews for a few weeks, so I haven’t noticed a dramatic change in my skin’s appearance, but my nails do feel stronger and I haven’t noticed them peeling like they normally do.

 

 

NeoCell Beauty Bursts are all natural, containing NO gluten, soy, palm oil, lactose, starch, yeast, wheat, or artificial flavors. Each 60 count bag has a MSRP of $19.99, but they are available online at Amazon for $15.40. You can also find them at local retailers in your neighborhood, such as Whole Foods, GNC, The Vitamin Shoppe, and many more!

If you would like to learn more about Beauty Bursts, or any of the other products in the NeoCell line, visit them on their website.

*Disclosure- I received the above mentioned product courtesy of the sponsor for the purpose of this review. No monetary compensation was provided. All opinions are genuine, based on my experience with the product, and have not been influenced by promotional items. I am not a health care professional. I am simply sharing my results from using the product. Please consult with your doctor to see if this product is right for you.

NeoCell Fish Collagen Review & Giveaway

As I get older, I start to think more about what I put into my body, not only for health benefits, but also to help maintain a youthful appearance. I have always been very religious about applying creams and lotions to my skin, but I never realized that vitamin supplements also play a key role in keeping the skin strong and firm. Collagen production starts to slow after the age of 25, at about 1.5% per year. As I inch closer to my mid 30’s, I find myself scanning the health and beauty section more often looking for products that might help slow down the signs of aging. You already know that I am a huge fan of NeoCell’s skin care line. (If you aren’t aware, you can read my full review of NeoCell skincare HERE.) So, when I was asked if I would also like to try their Fish Collagen tablets also, I certainly couldn’t pass up the opportunity!

NeoCell's Fish Collagen + HA is designed to promote healthy, strong and hydrated skin by delivering bioavailable Collagen to the body, which helps the skin retain firmness and elasticity. The Hyaluronic Acid hydrates the skin, and a Collagen support complex optimizes collagen production in the dermis. These tablets pack a powerful punch when it comes to fighting the signs of aging!

The Main Benefits of NeoCell Fish Collagen + HA:

• Promotes strong and resilient skin matrix
• Promotes skin elasticity and firmness
• Provides the building blocks for collagen synthesis
• Assists in cell turnover in the skin
• Antioxidant for UV generated free radicals
• Fish collagen 120 caps, nature's rejuvenating source for joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, muscles, skin, hair and nails - replenishes body's own collagen supply
• Provides essential antioxidants - corrects weak, split and damaged nail beds - increases circulation and provides elasticity
• Slows hair loss and thickens fine hair
• Promotes Eye Health 

My review:

The bottle comes with 120 2,000mg capsules. The instructions say to take 2 capsules twice daily, 30 minutes before eating. I was a little leery about taking these on an empty stomach, as mine gets upset very easily. I did as instructed anyway, and waited for some kind of nausea to hit. To my surprise, I felt perfectly fine and was able to eat as directed 30 minutes later. The capsules were small, smooth and easy to swallow.

Within a few days I did notice some slight changes to how soft my skin felt. Nothing huge, but definitely enough to notice. I have been using the NeoCell Fish Collagen for over a month now, and have seen quite a bit of improvement on the fine lines around my mouth. My nails are much stronger and seem to be growing a little quicker than they used to. The main benefit for me though is the improvements it has made on my joints. I am an ulcerative colitis sufferer, and one of symptoms of my illness is joint pain and arthritis. I have seen a drastic decrease in flare ups in my joints since taking the supplements. I was able to walk around Disney World last month for 5 days straight, and was thrilled that I didn’t have to make frequent stops waiting for a flare up to subside. I was able to keep up with my kids the entire trip!

Overall, I am extremely pleased with NeoCell Fish Collagen and will definitely be keeping it in my daily supplement routine. If you are interested in purchasing it for yourself, you can find it HERE on Amazon for about $13.50 per 120 count bottle (1 month supply). It is also available for purchase at your local GNC, Whole Foods and The Vitamin Shoppe.

NeoCell offers a wide range of health and beauty products that are not only effective, but affordable. If you would like to learn more about the other wonderful products that NeoCell carries, you can find them on their website.

Win It!

NeoCell is generously offering 1 Theresa’s Mixed Nuts reader a 2 month supply of Fish Collagen. The giveaway will be open to residents of the USA, 18+. No PO Boxes will be accepted. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email or a new winner will be selected. The giveaway will end on 12/22. Please enter on the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!


*Disclaimer- I received the above stated product for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was provided. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.

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Neocell Review

Every day I feel like I am battling the elements to keep my skin healthy. From the sun, to the wind, to the bitter cold, my skin takes a beating. Protecting my skin is so important to me, especially as I am drawing nearer to my mid thirties. To keep my skin in tip top shape, I rely on sticking to a consistent skin care routine. Choosing the right products is also essential in maintaining healthy and youthful skin. When I heard about Neocell and how they use natural and collagen based ingredients in their products, I couldn’t wait to try them. Neocell offers many products ranging from facial serums, to supplements, to products for our pets. Neocell believes in treating common aging issues from the inside out, which I love, because when you feel good on the inside, it shows on the outside! 

 

I was sent 3 Neocell products to try- Hydra + H.A. Serum, Collagen Radiance Serum, and a Refreshing Herbal Mist.

I started with Hydra + H.A. Serum first.

I applied it first thing in the morning before my makeup. I put 2 pumps in my hand, which was enough to cover my entire face and neck. What I noticed right away was it had a pleasant scent. Nothing can turn me off quicker than a stinky face care product, so I was really happy that this one was very sweet and smelled of citrus. It reminded me of an orange or maybe a lemon, but it was subtle, not overpowering at all. I really enjoyed it! It absorbed into my skin quickly without leaving any greasy or oily spots. I was able to apply my makeup almost immediately after rubbing this in. Even after the first use, I could feel my skin tightening within minutes of it drying. My facial skin felt very smooth and soft after use, almost like new skin! This serum penetrates the skin with skin plumping hyaluronic acid, soluble collagen, and antioxidants in a time release formula, so this product keeps working long after it has been applied.

 After running errands all day, my skin needs a little pick me up. The Refreshing Herbal Mist comes in handy for those much needed boosts during the day. The spray bottle is 1 ounce, so it is perfect for stashing in your purse and pulling out to mist your face for some instant hydration and rejuvenation. What I liked about this product was it can be spritzed on right over your makeup. Since it’s a light mist, you do not have to worry about your makeup running or ruining with application. It dried quickly and left my skin feeling refreshed and glowing, with no oily or sticky residue left behind. The Refreshing Mist can also be used on hair, and is recommended for all hair types. It is lightweight, oil and lanolin free, and has no artificial fragrance.

At bedtime I use the Collagen Radiance Serum. It contains Vitamins C and E Complex, and the collagen stimulating ingredients deliver essential fatty acids to enhance skins firmness and elasticity. Again, just 2 pumps to cover my face and neck, so a little goes a long way! I did not notice any scent with this serum. It smoothed over my face easily and dried quickly, leaving my skin ultra hydrated.

Since I believe in starting a beauty care routine before the signs of aging start, I have been using facial creams and serums since I was 18. Over the years I have tried many different products that make promises that just don’t live up to their hype. In the few weeks that I have been using Neocell, I have been nothing short of amazed. My skin looks firmer, my pores look smaller, and my skin feels softer and more hydrated than ever. I am so impressed with how gentle, yet effective, Neocell’s product are. Neocell beauty products are great for all skin types and are affordable. You can purchase Neocell products on Amazon and iHerb. If you would like to learn more about Neocell you can visit them on their website.

Win It!

One lucky Theresa’s Mixed Nuts reader is going to win all 3 of these fabulous Neocell products! Winner will receive a Neocell Collagen Radiance Serum, Refreshing Herbal Mist, and Hydra + H.A. Serum, a $60 value! The giveaway will run until 10/20 and is open to residents of the USA and Canada. Winner has 48 hours to respond to winning email or a new winner will be selected. Please enter on the Rafflecopter form below.

 

*Disclaimer- I received the above mentioned products complimentary for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was provided. My opinions are based on my experience with the products and may differ from yours. 

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