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Body

Canadian Beauty

Treating My Keratosis Pilaris: My Exfoliating Body Routine

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition I have dealt with on and off over the last few years, and unfortunately, the time has come (yet) again. The good news is that I have narrowed down a routine that has been helping me clear it over the last few weeks. I wanted to share what I’ve been doing and using to help clear it up in hopes that it helps anyone looking for an effective solution to KP.

You may be wondering, what exactly is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris (also referred to as “chicken skin”) is a common, harmless skin condition that causes tiny, rough bumps, often on the arms and legs. It happens when keratin, a protein that protects the skin, builds up and blocks hair follicles. It’s more noticeable in dry weather and can be managed with moisturizing and gentle exfoliation. Skin also tends to feel rough and is prone to redness.

Having just come out of the colder months, mixed with multiple laser hair removal sessions over the last year, my skin has taken a bit of a beating. I vowed to get to the bottom of it now that summer is approaching by being more diligent with my body care routine. The best part? It is budget-friendly!

Here are the steps I’ve been taking to bring my skin back to a smooth and healthy state:

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub
First, I’ve been alternating between physical and chemical exfoliants in the shower. I’m currently using up the ones I have, including the Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub and the Naturium Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash. The mechanical action of the sugar scrub helps slough off dead skin cells and polishes the skin underneath. Since it is rougher on the skin, I used this twice a week. On the other days, I prefer the Exfoliating Body Wash, and the Naturium one is a personal favourite with 5% glycolic acid. I also like that it is gentle on the skin and fragrance-free.

Since my skin has been extra stubborn this time, I also layer more exfoliating products once I’ve patted my skin dry out of the shower. I’ve been alternating between a few different products with different types and concentrations of acids:

Skin Proud Detox Daily Exfoliating Tonic
I started with the Skin Proud Detox Daily Exfoliating Tonic* to get my skin accustomed to daily exfoliation. This product contains 5% glycolic acid and 5% lactic acid. Lactic acid is gentler and better for dry or sensitive skin, while glycolic acid can be stronger and penetrate deeper. Having both together in the same formula has worked well for my skin for the first couple of weeks.
Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliating and Brightening Toner
Another option that works well for beginning exfoliation without over-irritating the skin is the Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliating and Brightening Toner*. I had been using it for years on my face, and when I was looking through my collection, it clicked: why not try it on my KP-prone areas? I’ve been applying it directly to my skin and letting it soak in before moving on to the next step.
Prequel Multi-Acid Milk Peel AHA Exfoliating Solution
For a more heavy-duty option, I’ve been reaching for the Prequel Multi-Acid Milk Peel AHA Exfoliating Solution, which contains 15% glycolic, phytic, malic, mandelic and lactic acids with enzymes to help boost skin renewal. This one has been the most effective one for me, but I definitely had to build my way up for my skin to tolerate it, as it is a much stronger concentration. I like how user-friendly it is with the bottle that gets the product out quickly in just a few shakes.
Alpha Skincare Renewal Body Lotion

To lock in the above products, I’ve been using the Alpha Skincare Renewal Body Lotion* with 12% glycolic acid. Despite its higher AHA content, my skin tolerates it quite well. It is a slightly thicker lotion, however, it is easy to spread in a few strokes. I also like how soft it leaves my skin and how it improves its texture, and that it is fragrance-free.

Using a combination of the above products for the past month, my skin is finally on the road to recovery! I’m so happy to have found these to help speed up the healing of my textured skin.

Do you deal with keratosis pilaris? If so, which products have you had success with?

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*Product was provided for review consideration. Some affiliate links provided.


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Cosmetics

Full Body Reset with the CurrentBody Infrared PEMF Mat

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


This post is sponsored by CurrentBody

I first became curious about PEMF therapy after learning about the effects it can have on muscle recovery. While I am not an athlete of any kind, I do work a physical job on my feet.

As a 41 year old full time makeup artist, I stand for many hours at a time, often on hard floors, and by the end of a long day, as much as I love my job, my body hurts. As I look to the future, I hope to do this job for another 20 years if I can.

I have struggled with tendonitis in my right wrist and overall fatigue, feeling pretty wiped out after a large wedding party or a long 10 hour commercial shoot day.

As I often worry that my physical body won’t keep up as long as I want it to, I’ve started looking for ways to keep myself in the game, both mentally and physically.

I recently got to try out a PEMF mat thanks to CurrentBody, my go to source for any type of beauty device.

CurrentBody Wellness Infrared PEMF Mat

What is PEMF Therapy?

PEMF stands for pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. This is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses pulses of electric current at a low frequency to energize the body’s cells.

The PEMF current can increase blood flow, increase oxygen delivery to cells, promote healing, reduce inflammation, relieve pain and can even assist with bone healing.

Simply put, these are like messages that tell your cells to do what they need to do.

PEMF therapy has been used both in humans and animals, particularly horses.

Alternating rows of amethyst and obsidian stones

CurrentBody Infrared PEMF Mat

The CurrentBody Wellness Infrared PEMF Mat contains 6 electromagnetic coils that deliver 9 PEMF intensity levels, 1-30 Hz, plus infrared heat 95-167˚F.

It also contains thousands of Amethyst and Obsidian stones to help with relaxation, circulation and heat retention.

PEMF Levels

Level 1-3: Relaxation, stress relief, and improving sleep.
Level 4-6: Muscle recovery, improved circulation, and mild pain relief.
Level 7-9: Deep tissue healing, joint pain relief, reduces inflammation.

PEMF Therapy Safety

While safe for most people, there are some individuals who should not partake in PEMF. 

Do not use a PEMF mat if you:

  • Have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device
  • Are pregnant
  • Have cancer
  • Suffer from epilepsy 

How to Use the PEMF Mat

Unfold your mat where you plan to use it. It’s very heavy so you’ll want to make sure you have enough room before spreading it out.

Select your desired time (shown in hours), heat level shown in celsius and PEMF setting, ranging from 1-9.

Lay down, close your eyes and relax. You might choose to meditate or even fall asleep. I almost always end up falling asleep, even if I don’t plan to.

Of course you might prefer to do some reading, watch a show or scroll on your phone.

When you are done, wait until your mat is cooled down then fold it up.

My PEMF Mat Experience

I’ve been trying out this mat for the last 3 weeks, using it on a near daily basis. Here’s what I’ve noticed from my experience. 

I’ve mostly been using it after work, using my time on the PEMF mat to reset and recharge before dinner. I’ve been using the mat on settings 1 through 5 as I don’t currently need any extreme muscle repair.

On levels 1 through 3, I experienced the refreshing effects of a long nap in a much shorter time.

I’m not super proud to admit it, but I used to be a daily napper, and my naps were almost always 2 hours. After about 45 minutes of snoozing on the PEMF mat, I felt just as refreshed as I would from a nap, without the confusion or grogginess.

This is helping me save time, obviously, but also just feeling more reset and truly refreshed. Instead of feeling slow and out of it, I feel ready to take on a few additional hours of work or enjoyment. 

I feel warmth and relaxation while using it and haven’t experienced any tingling, dizziness or pain of any kind.

PEMF Mat Tips

Likely due to the amount of crystals and stones embedded into the mat, the CurrentBody Wellness Infrared PEMF Mat is quite heavy. For this reason, and to protect your back, I recommend storing somewhere low, like under a bed, so you can just slide it out when you’re ready to use it.

I suggest storing it in the room you’re most likely to use it. For some, that may be your bedroom, for others, perhaps a home gym for post workout recovery.

Because of the trifold nature of the mat, you can fold it into a seated position and still get the benefits while sitting upright. This could be nice for more active relaxation like watching a show or reading a book.

For even more active PEMF therapy, you can do yoga poses or stretches while on your mat. 

A small pillow is nice if you plan on taking a PEMF nap. There’s room for it at the top of the mat where the logo is, without covering any of the mat’s main area.

Practice the concept of “habit stacking” by doubling up on your device. I often start out my PEMF mat therapy wearing my CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask.

Habit stacking with my CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask

Will I Continue PEMF Mat Therapy?

Being that I am only beginning my prime wedding season as a makeup artist, you bet I will. I have a feeling I’m going to be looking extra forward to my PEMF naps after every Saturday wedding. 

Those types of jobs require me to get up super early, talk the entire time and be high energy for 4-6 hours at a time. The older I get, the more it wipes me out and now I have a tool to help combat it. 

CurrentBody Discount Code

If you feel like you could also benefit from a PEMF mat, CurrentBody has given us a generous discount. Use code IVYPEMF to save $120 off.




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Beauty

Nourish Your Skin with a DIY Coconut + Honey Body Wash

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


I’m on a mission to detox my beauty products and replace them with natural DIY alternatives. Whipping up a homemade body scrub is an addicting starting point because pretty soon you start thinking, what about the stuff I use every day? The first two I tackled were biggies—deodorant and toothpaste—and now I’m on a roll! Next up: a body wash with 2 of my favorite ingredients, honey and coconut oil, for a nourishing and wonderfully-smelling honey body wash.

Homemade Body Wash with Honey + Coconut Oil