Video: Oatmeal Honey Face Mask

Hi Everyone!

Here is our first video showing you how to do an oatmeal honey face mask.  It's our first attempt and a trial run, so bear with us as we hone our videography techniques!

The Paradox of Parabens

Lately there has been quite a bit of hoopla about parabens. Should we use them? Shouldn't we? You may have seen our earlier post on Skin Care Jargon, explaining that parabens are a form of anti-fungal preservative used in cosmetics. Below are a few of articles explaining parabens and their effect on cosmetic products and, possibly, you. As always, we suggest you educate yourself and decide which product ingredients you feel comfortable putting on  your skin.

The Truth About Preservatives


Parabens

Parabens - What the FDA says


Report Entreats FDA to Assess Cosmetic Ingredients

Fridays Organic Skin Care Tip #7

#7:  Organic Nail Care Soak

Here is a quick soak and care for your nails and cuticles.

3 parts olive oil
1 part lemon juice

Combine in a bowl.  Soak your nails and cuticles in the solution and massage in your nail bed.  The olive oil will moisturize and the lemon juice helps whiten your nails.  I usually do this once a week.  It makes it a bit more decadent if you warm up the oil first.  Enjoy!

How To: Properly Wash Your Hair

I know, how hard can washing your hair be?  It sounds stupid, but the technique you use to wash your hair actually has impact on the shine and bounce of your strands.

I used to wash my hair with reckless abandon.  It was fun and only took seconds to clean my hair.  But then, I learned better and learned these techniques:

1.  Brush your hair BEFORE you get in the shower.  It seems redundant, but it helps stimulate the scalp and minimizes the amount of hair that comes out while you wash in the shower.

2.  Get your hair thoroughly wet.

3.  Use only about a quarter-sized amount of shampoo and start massaging into your scalp.  Start at the roots and work your way down.

4.  Here's the difference:  take two minutes to massage your scalp.  Use your fingertips and massage your scalp and foots in a circular motion.  Start at the crown and work outwards.  Doing this massage will help stimulate the hair follicles for more hair growth.

5.  Continue to add water to help the shampoo emulsify and work properly.

6.  Rinse your hair so that all the shampoo is rinsed out.  Condition and rinse with cold water to maximize shine!

More Dry Brushing?

I know, we just did a post on dry brushing and how to do it.  But take a minute to read this article on dry brushing and whether it is healthy for you skin or not....

Is Dry Brushing My Skin Healthy?

Friday's Organic Skin Care Tip #6

#6 - No, I didn't just eat that whole turkey... I don't know what you're talking about....

Yes, the holidays rock, we know. But don't go too crazy stuffing your face with the deliciousness that is Thanksgiving dinner. Here are some eat healthy tips that will, in turn, pay off on your skin. And, in a truly different spirit, we're just going to tell you what you should eat, and not what you shouldn't. And we are aware that you are currently reaching for a bite of that pumpkin pie. It's ok, pumpkin's got great moisturizing properties!

1. Remember your yogurt: Yogurt is a great dairy product to get into the habit of eating. It's packed with vitamin A, which is important in keeping your skin looking its best.

2. Sure, take seconds from the fruit bowl: As long as your taking a lot of blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries. These fruits have lots of antioxidants to help your skin fight off that pesky thing called aging.

3. Try to wedge some other good antioxidant power into your holiday feast: Beans, artichokes, and pecans also have high amounts of antioxidants.

4. Fat is flavor: And it's good for you as long as we are talking about healthy Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Need some ideas on foods that carry these great fats? Think salmon, walnuts, canola oil, and flax seed.

5. Oil is good: When cooking your holiday meal, or preparing dressing for salads, remember to include some healthy oils. Look specifically for oils that are labeled cold pressed or expeller processed. Just remember to eat everything in moderation... even if that dressing is scrumptious!

How To: Check for Hormone Imbalances That Cause Acne

I think many of us know that acne is caused by environmental factors as well as biological ones, such as diet and exercise. One thing that may not frequently cross our minds when considering acne as we age is hormone imbalances. If you suffered from acne as a teenager, it very well could have been spurred by raging hormones. As we get older though, we tend to put that notion aside when finding causes for adult acne. However, this may be preventing us from getting to the root of our problem. Read the article below to see common symptoms for female hormone imbalances. As always, be sure to check with your physician before starting or stopping any new health regimen!


Native Remedies: Hormonal Imbalance

Winter Skin Care Tips

The weather outside may be frightful, but keep your face looking delightful with a few of these skin care tips! Winter is notorious for drying out the skin and irritating it to no end. Don't let it get the best of you. You need good, healthy fats on the inside and outside of your body to keep your skin looking its best! And as always, don't forget the water and moisturizer.

Green & Gorgeous: Natural Moisturizers for Winter Skin Care

Eco Living: All Natural Autumn and Winter Skin Care

Fridays' Organic Skin Care Tip #5

#5 - Need to take care of some dry skin on your lips?

Make them smooth and slough off that dry skin with a little baking soda!  Take a tiny bit and massage in circles into your lips.  Rinse.  Other options?  An old toothbrush with some shea butter on it or a washcloth!

Keep those lips smooth!

How To: Dry Brush for Exfoliation

You always need to exfoliate your skin to rid yourself of dead skin cells.  One technique to employ to exfoliate is dry brushing.  You may have heard of it, but never got into it because you weren't sure what it entailed.  Well, here is a great and simple start to dry brushing:

1.  Find a body brush with soft and natural bristles.  You don't want something with really stiff bristles; you don't want to scratch yourself!

2.  Start at the ankles, brushing upwards.  Brush over each spot seven times, always brushing towards the heart:  you're also promoting circulation!

3.  Work over your entire body - avoiding those areas with thinner skin like the chest and face.

Feel free to do this every day!  This helps keep dead skin cells from building up and helps keep your skin glowing!

Does Caffeine Lower Your Risk of Skin Cancer?

Everyone loves themselves some coffee, tea, or some sort of caffeine in the morning.  Let's face it, caffeine really helps people get started in the morning.  Over the years, we have heard through the grapevine that tons of caffeine may not be so great for you...but wait!

Check out this article from Skin Inc.  Does caffeine really lower your risk of skin cancer?  How!?  I want to know!

Caffeine Lowers Risk of Skin Cancer

Friday's Organic Skin Care Tip #4

Winter is coming...beware! One of the worst winter skin drawbacks are chapped lips. You go outside, bundled up in your adorable new parka, why yes these mittens are new, slip in a coy smile and.... BAM. Cracked lips. But not to fear, here are a few simple reminders on how to keep those lips looking lovely all winter long!

1. Use lip balm (Duh, I know, right?): Be sure that your lip balms contains natural or organic ingredients such as jojoba oil or vitamin E oil to keep your lips moist. Some lip balms can actually make lips drier! You aren't looking for a lip balm that you feel needs to be reapplied every 10 minutes.  Instead, find one with nourishment that lasts.

2. Stop licking your lips: I know that lip balms often taste delectable, but save it for the dinner table. Licking your lips will make them dry and crack more quickly.

3. Don't pick: Sometimes, after we have (oops) licked our lips too much, we are left with chapped and cracked lips with dead skin. The natural reaction is to pick at it a little because it is so irritating. But don't! Just leave it alone! Picking at your lips will cause open wounds which can open you up to harmful infections.

4. Exfoliate: Once you have gotten your lips back under control, exfoliate them once a week with baking soda. This will help keep them soft and remove any old skin that hasn't sloughed off yet. To do this, just put about a teaspoon's worth each of baking soda and water in your hand, dip your finger in, and lightly scrub your lips. Rinse off with warm water.

The New Facial Exfoliation Technique...Shaving??

Today I read some very interesting articles regarding female facial shaving. Is this perhaps one of the easiest, cost effective, and organic ways to get your skin in better condition? You may be asking yourself, isn't there another way to remove that peach fuzz on my face? Sure there is, but let's look at the alternatives:

1. Waxing: Ouch!! And, you have to wait for the hair to grow back out to a length that is able to waxed. Not to mention the red, irritated skin that is sure to follow
2. Bleaching: Works well if you have darker hair on your face, but if that peach fuzz is already blonde, then you're out of luck. Plus, it doesn't actually remove the hair, it just makes it less noticeable
3. Laser Hair Removal: A more permanent option, to be sure, but a very expensive and (ahem) non-organic one at that!
4. Threading: Just about as painful as waxing and can cause side affects due to irritated skin.
5. Dermaplaning: Have you heard about this option that you can add to your facial? Guess what it is... Yep. They're shaving your face ladies, and charging you for it!

Below are some articles and blog posts regarding shaving your face. Apparently this is a pretty common skin care regimen in Japan, and it supposedly helps with wrinkles, skin texture and skin clarity. Perhaps it's worth a try... or at least some research. Don't worry, we won't tell!

Anti-Aging Skin Care: Shaving Face is Saving Face

Facial Shaving for Women

Women, Shave Your Face!

Sleep Tight!

You have heard of "beauty rest" before, right? Well, it turns out that it's not just a great excuse to avoid a late night road trip with friends to see the world's largest ball of yarn. It's actually a necessity! Curious as to how much rest you'll need to look your best? See the articles below for information on getting dreamy skin...

A Good Night's Sleep for Great Skin

Good Sleep is Essential for Good Looks

A Good Sleep Can Make You Look Younger