Rough Skin And No Moisturizer? Reach For Crisco Says Dr. Wu

Crisco. We know it makes a darn good pie crust. But it also makes for softer skin, according to celebrity dermatologist and beauty expert Dr. Jessica Wu.

We're not sure how the CEOs of major skin care companies we have interviewed for BeautyTipToday, would feel about tossing out their expensive creams and serums for a tub of all-vegetable shortening, but let's examine this further.

First of all.....do NOT throw away your skin care products. But let's be honest. The damage we do to our faces and bodies over a span of time, does not just occur because of too much time in the sun. Sure, tanning is responsible for many of the fine lines and wrinkles, but what you consume on a daily basis, plays a large role, too.

Dr. Jessica Wu's new book just hit store shelves. It's called, "Feed Your Face," (just $15.07, now at amazon.com). And the title says it all. If you eat healthier, then your skin will tell the story. And there are some simple facts Dr. Wu outlines in her book that help women deal with face and body challenges.

Dr. Wu was a guest on Good Morning America where she shared her Crisco beauty tip for softer skin:

Rough elbows, feet, knees, or hands? Don't have any moisturizer around? Reach for the familiar blue can of Crisco and rub into the rough areas of your skin.

Dr. Wu says that Crisco is all-natural, and made from soy beans, and does a super job of nourishing dry, rough skin.

Well, we have a lonely, little can of Crisco in our cupboard, and we are going to try this on our sorry feet tonight.

Rose Water: One Of Finest Natural Products For Skin

Rose water. It's one of the best toners we have ever used for our face and body. And we just read that actress Liv Tyler sets her makeup with a quick spritz of rose water. Smart girl, because the mist has a firming effect on skin.

We have received quite an education on the healthy skin benefits of rose water and rose oil, and the rich, exotic history Damask roses share with Bulgaria.

We recently spoke with Dana Vasileva, operations manager of Dama, a newly launched 100% natural and organic line of skincare and aromatherapy products. And she let us try Dama's Organic Rose Water face and body mist ($13.99, 8 oz.). And honestly, we are hooked.

"It is very rich in flavonoids and vitamins, including A, C, D, E andB3," Dana explains. "Rose water has anti-viral, antiseptic and disinfectant properties. It maintains the pH balance, and stimulates regeneration processes of the skin. It helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines and skin inflammation. It also has a calming effect on acne and sunburns. One bottle, all skin types, all ages."

In fact, Dama's Organic Rose Water is the one product that Dana Vasileva cannot live without because of its multi-purpose features:

"1. You can use Rosewater to refresh the skin/face. As our body needs hydration, so does our skin. I call it SKIN WATER as it gives my skin all it needs with just one bottle. 2. Use it on your hair: Spray on dry/damp hair. It will give the hair a healthy and vibrant look. It will also reduce split ends. 3. Air-freshener: Because Rosewater has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, you can also use it as an air-freshener and disinfectant in bathrooms, on animal beds, and for carpets."

It's interesting to note, that the Damask rose comes from far away-----in the Valley of Roses, in Kazanlak, Bulgaria The area is known for its perfect geographical and climatic conditions for growing and harvesting the oil-yielding rose.

And the Dama company is proud that their skin care and aromatherapy products all bear the USDA Certified Organic label.

According to Dana, roses are more than just beautiful, aromatic flowers. For centuries, the rose has been highly valued by many cultures for its super healing properties. Rose water and rose oil were used in the traditional medicines of China, India, Assyria, Egypt, Greece and Rome, to cure a wide range of medical conditions.

Dama also sells Rose Skin Tonic, Rose Oil, Rose Absolute, Hand-picked Rose Buds, and Lavender Oil. And the company also posts beauty tips, facts and creative ways to use their products via Facebook(damaUSA) and Twitter (damaUSA) on daily basis.

You can buy organic Dama Rose products here at dama-usa and at etsy.