Tag Archive for: natural

Natural summer skin + nails + hair

Summertime means more time outdoors in the sun, water and heat. Taking sun safe precautions is the most important step but what about easing up on all the beauty treatments that can cause annoyance and waste time during summer months. Skin, hair and nails all need a break and summertime is the best time to utilize warm temperatures and humidity.

Screen Shot 2015-06-09 at 10.58.06 AMPhoto via Dust Jacket

As skin regimens change in the winter they also need to be adjusted for the summer. If you live in an area with high humidity ease up on the heavy moisturizers and protective oils. Heavy hydrating products can cause clogged pores and breakouts during warm months. Try transitioning into a hydrating serum that contains lightening agents like Alpha Arbutin or Kojic Acid. Not only will this eliminate one step from your regimen but a treatment serum can also help to protect and reverse sun damage and dark spots. Botanical oils and dry oils can also serve the purpose of a serum, treatment and moisturizer in one. Oils should never contain Dimethicone (can clog pores) so read the ingredients before purchasing.

Easing up on exfoliation during the summer can be beneficial for the skin too. Although important in a healthy skin regimen, exfoliation whether physical or chemical may cause redness and irritation if overdoing. Ditch the acid wipes and pads and try a gentle lactic acid mask once a week. Lactic acid is particularly appropriate for sun damaged skin, dark spots and Hyper pigmentation. Lactic acid molecules are larger than Glycolic molecules so they don’t go as deep as fast, therefore targeting the top layers of the skin (where the darkness appears). Scrubs can take a back seat during the summer too. Over scrubbing can make skin red and dry especially if skin has been exposed to the sun or sea. Save scrubbing for a few times a week ( if needed) and focus more on finding a refreshing, rejuvenating cleanser that gets the skin clean. Gel based cleansers that are formulated without harsh chemicals are the best for summertime.

Gel nails look amazing but they really can cause damage to the nail bed and cuticles. After just a few months of continuous gel manicures, nails are left soft, thin and peeling-usually breaking off after the gel is removed and then not reapplied. Try keeping the nails short by cutting them often which will allow new healthy nail to grow. Always use a hand lotion or nail oil (vitamin E) to moisturize the nail bed and cuticles. Nails are made up of the protein Keratin, try soaking in milk, which has protein and whitening properties.

Over shampooing, coloring and styling-tool use can dry and frizz hair. During the summer the temperatures are high enough and if you happen to live in hot and humid weather you can kiss that blow out goodbye. Try skipping the hair dryer and opting for a damp lose braid. After washing make sure all the water is towel dried out of the hair. If you have curly, frizzy or wavy hair use an anti-humidity product or a keratin based product. Braid hair to the side very loosely and let dry. Humidity can be your friend if using the correct products. You’ll look beach ready in no time. If you have flat or straight hair try a salt or beach spray. Apply using the same steps.

Nothing is more beautiful than being natural Happy summer!

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Mother Nature’s Medicine Cabinet

Stressed, can’t sleep, depressed, feeling anxious? These are the complaints that send people running to their Doctor looking for a miracle cure. One in ten Americans takes an anti-depressant. For women ages 40-50 the number is one in four. That is an alarming jump in the past decade. With the popular belief being an anti-depressant or Xanax just takes the ‘edge off’, more and more people are going on them. The issue is these are serious drugs that are habit forming and difficult to ween off of. Before you go running to your Doctor for a prescription take a look at some natural alternatives to staying mentally and physically healthy and feeling good.

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Photo via DIY Ready

Ashwagandha is a plant which roots and berries are used for medicinal purposes. Ashwagandha in Sanskrit means horse smell, which got its name due to the smell of the root resembling the smell of a horse. Ashwagandha is also frequently called ‘Winter Cherry’ or in the Ayurvedic world ‘Indian Ginseng’. Ashwagandha can be taken in liquid form or in capsules and is said to help with many ailments such as arthritis, anxiety, insomnia, asthma, bronchitis, fibromyalgia, menstrual issues and chronic liver disease. It has also been responsible in helping increase sexual desire in both men and women and fertility in women. It ca also aid in concentration ability and lower cholesterol. Ashwagandha also contains chemicals that can calm the brain down, reduce inflammation in the body, lower blood pressure and alter the immune system. This is a great alternative to drugs like Xanax or sedatives, while also being a great replacement for high blood pressure meds. However, if you’re already on these medications you should discuss with your Doctor first and then stop taking them first. The Ashwagandha can interfere with many western prescription drugs.

More well known than Ashwagandha is St. John’s Wort. Often being used and advertised for depression this herb offers more than just that. St. John’s Wort is native to Europe but now farmed in Australia where 20% of the world’s supply comes from. St. Johns Wort is an herb that is found in forests and meadows. The flowers and leaves are what is used to make the actual medicine which can be made into an oil(for topical use), capsules or liquid drops. The main uses of this herb are for depression, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, moods associated with menopause and SAD. St. John’s Wort contains the phytochemical hyperforin and hypericin, both of which act on chemical messengers in the brain and nervous system to regulate mood. As mentioned St. Johns Wort can also be made into an oil and applied topically for issues such as bruises, inflammation, muscle pain, burns, bug bites and hemorrhoids. However, when using topically be sure to stay out of the sun as skin will be sensitive to light. This is also why the oil will come in a dark or amber colored jar.

Rhodiola, Golden root or Rose root is another terrific plant to add into your diet. Rhodiola plant grows at high altitudes which makes it very strong and powerful. This root is used for enhancing physical energy and performance.  Considered an Adaptogen, Rhodiola is different than a stimulant like caffeine or amphetamines, while still boosting mood and energy levels. Sometimes found in energy drinks, many professional athletes use this natural enhancer. Rhodiola helps to oxygenate the brain and muscles which makes them work better and quicker. This root is extremely beneficial for stamina, energy increase, athletic recovery, irregular heart beat and high cholesterol.

Always discuss the switch from western medicine to medicinal herbs with your doctor. Mother nature is the best medicine cabinet, so when choosing your medicine take a look at what your local health food store offers in the way of herbal supplements and vitamins as well as what you’re putting into your body for food. Stay happy + healthy!

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Are your Beauty Products making you Sick?!

Breast cancer awareness month is the perfect time to take a closer look at what you’re putting on your body. We all know how important a healthy diet, exercise and screening is for cancer prevention. But what about your hair care and skin care, they can be causing you more harm than good. Absorption rate on the face and scalp is 5-10 times higher than the rest of the body. In today’s world there are so many healthy clean alternatives to traditional hair and beauty products. It may seem like a daunting task to change all your products at once but it doesn’t have to be. Start one at a time and ease into a healthier beauty regimen. Below are some ingredients to be aware of and stay away from.

Screen Shot 2014-10-08 at 11.03.07 AMPhoto via Cloudy With A Chance of Wine 

PEGs and glycols: Including polyethylene glycol (PEG), butylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or anything ending with “eth” or “oxynol”

Lauryl and laureth sulfates: Includes sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate

Petrochemicals: Including mineral oil, petrolatum, light liquid paraffin, petroleum distillate, mineral jelly and petroleum jelly

Synthetic chemicals and dyes: A cocktail of potentially hundreds of chemicals

Triethanolamine: Often listed as TEA

Triclosan: A popular antimicrobial agent used in sanitizers and hand soaps

Phthalates: A plasticizer used in lipsticks, nail polishes, fragrances and hair sprays.

1,4 dioxane: A contaminant formed as a byproduct during manufacturing of detergents, foaming agents, emulsifiers and solvents. The FDA does not require it be listed as an ingredient, but it can be found in ingredients listed as PEGs and glycols.

Silicones: Methicone, Phenyl trimethicone, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Dimethiconol, Dimenthiconol copolyol

Now that you know what not to use, what are the alternatives? We have so many favorites to share!

Skincare can be tricky in the hydration department. We want our skin to be hydrated and feel hyrdated. This is usually achieved with the ingredient dimethicone. While dimethicone has been labeled safe by the FDA and remains on the ‘low risk’ list with the Skin Deep Database, there is still reason for concern.  Dimethicone is a silicone  that gives haircare and skincare products that luxurious slip. The issue is that silicone coats whatever it is applied to. This can cause allergic reactions and dry skin. Because your skin is coated it cannot properly breathe and accept natural oils and humidity. Think of dimethicone products as a barrier over the skin, none of the good ingredients are able to be absorbed. So what to do? Look for skincare products that are free of silicones. Good ingredients to look for that will deliver hydrating results are Vitamin E, avocado oil, coconut oil, or naturally derived hyaluronic acid. Our Wake Up Call is the perfect example!
Screen Shot 2014-10-08 at 11.06.03 AMFor haircare our goto is Rahua which is organic, free of parabens, silicones and sulfates! A rare Amazonian nut produces an oil that give Rahua its magic. “The key to Rahua’s outstanding performance is its molecular structure. Unlike other botanical oils that simply coat strands, the extraordinarily small Rahua oil molecule deeply penetrates the hair’s cortex – bonding and repairing it – while simultaneously smoothing the hair’s cuticle.” Not to mention it smells delicious!

When trying to live a healthy, clean, cancer-free life every little bit helps. Join us in spreading the word to other women about getting screened, eating organic, exercising, not smoking and getting educated on what goes on your body can be as important as what goes in it!

 

 

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