Because today’s consumers are more conscious of their health and the environment, there are more organic skin care products available than ever before. Other people may have developed allergies to all of the toxins and chemicals used in commercial skin care produts and are looking for a healthier alternative. Some commonly used ingredients in commercial products include fragrances, dyes, and various types of acids.

By contrast, organic skin care products contain natural ingredients such as vitamins A, C, or E, essential oils, antioxidants, or proteins. These are necessary to replace the skin cells lost as we age. As the body gets older, it produces less collagen and elastin, which leads to dry, wrinkled skin. Re-hydrating the cells from the outside is the only way to repair this age-related damage.

You can now find organic skin care products in almost any pharmacy, drug store, or health food and nutrition store. If you do not have access to any of these places, there are many retailers online to choose your natural cosmetics from. Some spas and salons have also added organic products to their inventory, so you may want to look there as well. Most of these products are free of fragrances and dyes and will not cause or aggravate existing allergies.  Read more...

It is true that this world is full of suffering, disease and pain – but mingled in the midst of the darkness are points of light which shine very brightly. Kristen is one of these lights. In order to raise money for children with cancer, Kristen will be shaving her head on March 20, 2010. In this  ‘Appearance is Everything’ culture where women spend *billions* on beauty products, this courageous lady will  shear her locks to help raise money to save a child. Read her story and then make a donation – even $1 will help fund the research to save the lives of thousands of little ones who are battling this deadly disease. ~Dee

In Kristen’s own words…

I can’t imagine watching one of my four children dying. Even worse, I can’t imagine watching them suffer before they passed away.  I can’t fathom watching one of my sons or daughters lying in a bed…unable to move…spitting up blood and screaming in pain.  I don’t think any parent can .  Read more...

‘Man skin care’ would seem like an alien topic to some men. It would have been even more alien a few years back. However, more and more men are now realising the importance of man skin care (and hence you see markets flush with man skin care products too). Even though the male skin is very different from that of a female, ‘man skin care’ is very similar to the skin care for women.

‘Man skin care’ too starts with cleansing. Water soluble cleansers are preferred. Cleansing helps remove the dirt, grease and pollutants from the skin and helps in preventing pore clogging. The inherent oily nature of male skin makes cleansing an important part of man skin care procedure. Cleansing should be done at least once every day, even better if it is done twice a day. Using soap on the face is discouraged.  Read more...

Fall, like Spring, is a time of extreme change for many living in non-temperate areas. The air becomes drier or in some circumstances wetter and cooler. These and other changes can foster the dreaded cold or flu, which would normally be fought off by your body. Emotional stress tends to be stronger in the Fall as we tend more torward reflection. To assist in staying healthy, there are a number of things you can do using essential oils in your environments.

The air becomes drier in the Fall. The membranes in your nose can become dry and non-effective. This lack of proper filtering of air can result in germs and bacterial agents gaining access into your body and causing problems. Thus, creating a moist environment in your home or work space is vital. Many people today use a central ventilation system which includes humidification. Since mold, bacteria and other foreign Toxins can rapidly grow in stagnant water, be sure to have your system properly serviced and ask if it is suitable to add essential oils to the water being used.  Read more...

Supplies: Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera Gel and glycerin.

Remedy: (after waxing) This remedy works on extra sensitive areas. Aloe Vera Gel and glycerin are an excellent soothing additive to the Tea Tree Oil.

Remedy: (after shaving) Apply a few drops of Tea Tree Oil. Redness usually subsides within a day. Tea Tree Oil can be applied onto razor blade while shaving, to help cut down on nicks.

Apply a few drops of Tea Tree Oil as an after shave, to act as an antiseptic and eliminate ingrown hairs. Add 5 drops of Tea Tree Oil to 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel. smooth over shaved area.

Sensitive skin care is a challenge for many people, especially those living in difficult climates. There are certain external conditions that should be avoided, as should the chemicals in most commercial cosmetic products. How do you know if you have sensitive skin? Here are a few factors to consider when deciding if you need specialized sensitive skin care products:

* Do you break out or have redness after being exposed to environmental stressors like shaving or weather?
* Do you have tingly or tight skin with no other explanation for it?
* Have you noticed any dryness, irritation, or redness on your skin?
* Does your skin react adversely to household cleaning products or cosmetics?
* After answering the rest of these questions, has your dermatologist ruled out any other skin conditions that could be causing the problem?

Sensitive skin can be even more challenging to deal with in adverse weather conditions. If you live where the weather is extremely cold or hot, you may need to use sensitive skin care products to protect yourself.  Read more...