Eating for Healthy Skin

What you put into your body to keep it healthy is just as important as what you put on your skin. Below you'll find some articles listing foods that will help keep you healthy and your skin looking great. Remember, skin is a great barometer for what is going on inside your body!

Foods for Healthy Skin: You Are What You Eat

What to Eat for Glowing, Healthy Skin

9 Winter Foods for Beautiful, Healthy Skin

What Are the Best Food for Healthy Skin?

Friday's Organic Skin Care Tip #11

Organic Skin Care Tip #11 - Need a general all-body moisturizer?  Try coconut oil!  Coconut oil has anti-bacterial and anti-viral qualities and will help keep skin moisturized.  Simple rub in the coconut oil right after stepping out of the shower.

Can you use it on your hair?  Sure thing!  Massage into your scalp and hair, and let it sit for 30 minutes.  Wash your hair as usual.  You can also use it, lightly, as a frizz tamer.

We love coconut oil!

Skin Care Beyond the Hairline

When we think of caring for our skin, it often stops at our hair.  Do we need to care for our skin past the hairline?  How do we care for it?  Want this information?  Read the article linked below:

Should Skin Care Stop at the Hairline?

Need More Information on Essential Oils?

As we explore natural options for skin care, essential oils play a big part.  Want a little more information on essential oils and what each one is good for?  Check out the following links for a bit more information!

Mountain Rose Herbs

AromaWeb

Oilganic

Pure Inside Out

Enjoy!

Happy New Year! What are your Goals for 2012?

Happy New Year!  Chi Naturals is back after a short holiday hiatus!

As we embark upon 2012, I know that I am going to be continually working towards living my life as organically as possible.  No, I don't mean hairy armpits and living in a treehouse.  I mean the products that we use on our bodies and in our home.

I am amazed every day all the items in our home and lives that contain chemicals.  From cleaners to hair products to cough medicine and beyond!  As we nonchalantly use these products, we are blissfully unaware of any long-term effects that they could have.

Because I am unaware, I don't think it is the best idea to use all these products willy-nilly.  For this reason, I am going as organic as possible in 2012.  Once again, I mean with products.

What are your goals for 2012?

Friday's Organic Skin Care Tip #10

Alright, so the week dedicated to honey is almost at an end. We've gone over some science on why honey is so beneficial, we've also shown you a few simple do-it-yourself face masks. So what's left to say about honey? Eat it! Yay! We're telling you to eat sweets!

Honey is a great substitute for refined white sugar in many recipes. Plus, honey is easier for your body to digest, thus being more gentle on your organs and skin.

Pass the Honey Please:

1. Use honey in your morning cup of tea. Simple and delicious!

2. Mix one to two tablespoons honey and one tablespoon apple cider vinegar in hot water. This drink soothes the throat and the apple cider vinegar can help naturally balance your pH levels.

3. Substitute honey, cup for cup, in many baked goods recipes. Follow the additional instructions below to make sure those brownies still turn out delicious!

      - For each cup of honey used, reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe by 1/4 cup.

      - Add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda for each cup of honey used. This will neutralize honey's acidity and 

        help the food rise.

      - If the recipe contains sour cream or sour milk, however, you may forego adding baking soda.

      - Reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent over-browning.

      - When using honey in jams, jellies, or candies, increase the cooking temperature just a bit to allow the 

         extra liquid to evaporate.

How To: Create Your Own Honey Skin Mask

Below you'll find a few face mask recipes containing honey. The first is a recipe is one that I tried on my own face just the other day and it worked wonderfully. I'm not talking miracles here, people. But my pores were clearer and my skin felt great afterward. I used unheated and unprocessed honey on my face, but in the future will probably use organic, raw honey in the future.

Honey and Nutmeg Mask

1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon nutmeg

Gently rinse face with water. Mix together (I find mixing with a fork on a small plate works best), and put a fairly thick coating on your face. Leave on for 30 minutes and rinse off.

The nutmeg helps with inflammation and, in time, can help even out skin tone and lighten acne scars.

** Note: The nutmeg should be safe for most skin types, but if you have skin sensitivities, be sure to test it on a small patch of skin first.

Honey, Nutmeg and Cinnamon Mask

2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Follow the same instructions as above.

The cinnamon adds extra exfoliation properties to the already existing benefits of honey and nutmeg.

**Note: Do not use this on your skin if you have sensitivities, as it will be too harsh.

Honey and Milk Mask

2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon milk

Follow the same instructions as above

The milk will add gentler exfoliation than the cinnamon.




Honey,

How To: Care for Your Neck, Chest and Hands

Before we start showing the inevitable signs of aging, we all think that we are going to live forever.  It's an awesome feeling...while it lasts.  

The first signs we show aging on our skin is on our face, neck, chest and hands.  Even though some women may show a young face, a quick glance at their dry, sun-spotted hands shows their real age.  

Here are some tips for caring for those sensitive, quick-to-show-aging spots of the neck, chest and hands:

1.  Care for your neck, chest and hands the same way you would your face.  Every time your moisturize, exfoliate and apply sunscreen to your face, be sure to also apply it every time to your neck, chest and hands.  

2.  When driving, try wearing gloves, scarves and/or a hat.  Now this may seem a bit retro, but it will protect all these areas from UV damage over the years, especially if you spend a lot of time commuting!

3.  Moisturize your neck, chest and hands before you go to bed every night!  The moisturizer, combined with the reparative sleep will help keep these areas looking young.

4.  Try wearing gloves when doing dishes or any other chores that may be rough on your hands.  Not only will it minimize injuries and skin breaks, but it will also keep the skin from drying out.

5.  Sleep on your back!  This will help minimize wrinkles all over.

6.  Eat foods rich in antioxidants to help repair and protect skin from the sun.  Try cantaloupe and tomatoes!

7.  Drink green tea: it has been shown to help protect the skin from UV damage!

Above all else, always remember to care for your neck, chest and hands with the same care you use with your face!  All of these areas can sport some delicate skin and are easily damaged. 

What's Your Favorite Position...When Sleeping?

We all know that sleeping is beneficial for us, but do you really know what it can do?  In addition to refreshing our bodies and minds, sleep is extremely beneficial for our skin!  Take a minute today to read some of the article below on sleep and what it does for us and our skin....

Sleeping Beauty:  Sleep Your Way to Better Skin and Hair

Does Sleep Deprivation Cause Acne?

Which Sleep Position is Healthiest?

Friday's Organic Skin Care Tip #8

Along with snow and cold weather, winter often brings along dry, cracked skin... particularly on your hands and fingers. Below are some simple and quick tips to help get your hands back in shape:

1. Apply olive oil, just as you would lotion, to moisturize your hands. Remember that consistency is key.
2. After you have moisturized your hands, put on some cotton gloves. You can sleep in these and this will help lock in the moisture.
3. Paraffin wax treatments work great to moisturize and soften your hands. You can buy a paraffin wax kit so that you can use them at home, or treat yourself and go to a spa!
4. Limit your hand's exposure to the cold as much as possible.
5. Don't bite or pick at your fingers, this will only irritate the skin and dry it out more.

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!

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!

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.