Here is a neat site if you haven't seen it yet and they are having a little give away from organicbeautynow.com which has a nice selection of natural beauty products...in fact it might have inspired me to try that organic perfume from Tsi-La. I'll let ya know what I think.....
Happy Almost New Year!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
My Green Beauty Attempts in 2010
I’m not one for resolutions.
When I do make resolutions they tend to be things I KNOW I can achieve, for instance next year I resolve to get more marshmallows in my diet. They are yummy and fun and who doesn’t need a little more of that in their life?
I’ve been interested in healthier skin care and makeup for years and I feel like I do relatively well using things in that category that are not only safe and healthy but pretty effective. For the last year I’ve really tried to focus even more and pay close attention to the products I put on my body and I believe it has paid off. I mean, have you seen me? (I know, modest, what can I say?)
I’ve stopped using regular old soap on my skin and now use either 302’s Face & Body Bar or one of many natural soaps I find at the health food store. (Right now it’s Tom’s Moisturizing Bar) They aren’t as bubbly, but they work nicely, smell great and I feel better about not putting frothy sulfates all over my body on a daily basis.
I've used natural toothpaste for years. One of my favorites is Young Livings Theives Ultra toothpaste, but Burts Bee's and Tom's are really nice ones too. I’ve stopped using shaving cream all together, and just use my natural soap to shave with. Again, not as frothy, but it does the job well and I don’t have that pesky stinging sensation when I’m done!
For body moisturizing I’ve alternated between 302 Body Treatment Intensive and Intelligent Nutrients anti-aging body serum which I don’t retail yet but love, love, love! (see previous posting about this product.) I find that even though it’s December and dry as can be out, I don’t have to work that hard at keeping my skin moisturized anymore and all without a bunch of gunky lotions.
I’ve experimented with several natural deodorants. Right now I switch it up between Thai Crystal and Toms natural deodorant. It seems that after a few days I have to switch to a different one because they stop working? I don’t know if this is common or just one of my freakish qualities so I’ve been alternating them. I also must admit there are days I regress and use my Dove antiperspirant because it just works so well. I know it has aluminum in it and it’s not so great for my health but there are some situations I just can’t run the risk of stinking!! It’s a minor weak point in my regimen I guess.
The other weakness in my routine is hair care. I currently own an arsenal of professional hair care products because I possess a cosmetology license and can purchase them at wholesale and my hair looks great when I use them! I have tried Burts Bees Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet shampoo and conditioner and keep in in my shower to use when possible but it just doesn’t meet my beauty standards even though it smells yummy and is free of SLS, has no petro-chemicals. Maybe I’ll keep at it and get used to it? At any rate, I plan to try other natural or organic shampoos in the months to come so I feel I’m bound to find one I can live with. I’ll let you know how that little experiment goes. I am however NOT willing to give up my highlights at this point in time. I just can’t wrap my head around that idea, so to speak. Maybe someday I’ll change my mind but I’m just way to vain about my hair. Nobody’s perfect I guess!
I’m a little slower at making the healthy transitions around the house, but when cleaning products run out I’ve been trying to make it a point to replace them with healthier alternatives. This is an area where I think I need much more information because cleaning stuff all seems to be toxic to me! Guess I better do some more reading on that subject.
Please feel free to make a comment or email me about your green-beauty attempts and what has worked or not worked for you!
When I do make resolutions they tend to be things I KNOW I can achieve, for instance next year I resolve to get more marshmallows in my diet. They are yummy and fun and who doesn’t need a little more of that in their life?
I’ve been interested in healthier skin care and makeup for years and I feel like I do relatively well using things in that category that are not only safe and healthy but pretty effective. For the last year I’ve really tried to focus even more and pay close attention to the products I put on my body and I believe it has paid off. I mean, have you seen me? (I know, modest, what can I say?)
I’ve stopped using regular old soap on my skin and now use either 302’s Face & Body Bar or one of many natural soaps I find at the health food store. (Right now it’s Tom’s Moisturizing Bar) They aren’t as bubbly, but they work nicely, smell great and I feel better about not putting frothy sulfates all over my body on a daily basis.
I've used natural toothpaste for years. One of my favorites is Young Livings Theives Ultra toothpaste, but Burts Bee's and Tom's are really nice ones too. I’ve stopped using shaving cream all together, and just use my natural soap to shave with. Again, not as frothy, but it does the job well and I don’t have that pesky stinging sensation when I’m done!
For body moisturizing I’ve alternated between 302 Body Treatment Intensive and Intelligent Nutrients anti-aging body serum which I don’t retail yet but love, love, love! (see previous posting about this product.) I find that even though it’s December and dry as can be out, I don’t have to work that hard at keeping my skin moisturized anymore and all without a bunch of gunky lotions.
I’ve experimented with several natural deodorants. Right now I switch it up between Thai Crystal and Toms natural deodorant. It seems that after a few days I have to switch to a different one because they stop working? I don’t know if this is common or just one of my freakish qualities so I’ve been alternating them. I also must admit there are days I regress and use my Dove antiperspirant because it just works so well. I know it has aluminum in it and it’s not so great for my health but there are some situations I just can’t run the risk of stinking!! It’s a minor weak point in my regimen I guess.
The other weakness in my routine is hair care. I currently own an arsenal of professional hair care products because I possess a cosmetology license and can purchase them at wholesale and my hair looks great when I use them! I have tried Burts Bees Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet shampoo and conditioner and keep in in my shower to use when possible but it just doesn’t meet my beauty standards even though it smells yummy and is free of SLS, has no petro-chemicals. Maybe I’ll keep at it and get used to it? At any rate, I plan to try other natural or organic shampoos in the months to come so I feel I’m bound to find one I can live with. I’ll let you know how that little experiment goes. I am however NOT willing to give up my highlights at this point in time. I just can’t wrap my head around that idea, so to speak. Maybe someday I’ll change my mind but I’m just way to vain about my hair. Nobody’s perfect I guess!
I’m a little slower at making the healthy transitions around the house, but when cleaning products run out I’ve been trying to make it a point to replace them with healthier alternatives. This is an area where I think I need much more information because cleaning stuff all seems to be toxic to me! Guess I better do some more reading on that subject.
Please feel free to make a comment or email me about your green-beauty attempts and what has worked or not worked for you!
Ah Behold, the Christmas Pimple
....also related to the vacation or wedding pimple. It shows up about a day or two before a large gathering or important occasion where there will surely be photographs.
Mine arrived today on the eve of Christmas Eve, right on my upper lip. It is so adorable.
I've already lanced it. (Not always the best decision, but it had to be done!) Applied some Acne Mist and 302 Ointment RX. I plan to spend some time later inspecting it to see if it needs further treatment. Perhaps some A-Boost and some high frequency current.
I vow to conquer the Christmas Pimple this year.
Please feel free to contact me today or tomorrow morning if you need to conquer the Christmas Pimple...
Mine arrived today on the eve of Christmas Eve, right on my upper lip. It is so adorable.
I've already lanced it. (Not always the best decision, but it had to be done!) Applied some Acne Mist and 302 Ointment RX. I plan to spend some time later inspecting it to see if it needs further treatment. Perhaps some A-Boost and some high frequency current.
I vow to conquer the Christmas Pimple this year.
Please feel free to contact me today or tomorrow morning if you need to conquer the Christmas Pimple...
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
New Info for our 302 Skincare Users
We were fortunate last week to get a visit from our 302 Skincare representative, Justin! Although I've been using and selling this product for over 5 years there are still new things to be learned! It is truely a remarkable product from remarkable company that just keeps evolving! I wanted to take this opportunity to pass the information along to my 302 using clients. If you have any questions about anything please feel free to contact me. If I don't know the answer, I'm confident I can find out what I need to know from Justin.
Sincerely,
Pam
For experienced 302 users (on 302 more than 6weeks) 302 drops will be beneficial used daily in the mornings. A good tip for applying 302 drops is to dispense one pump into palm of your hand then spray Calming Mist 4-5 times into your hand and rub hands together to create an emulsion. This makes the product spread easier and makes your 302 drops go farther!
Dry skin solutions for the winter. Try one or all of the following:
a.)Use Recovery Intensive or Body Treatment intensive as a “night crème” for the face.
b.)Use Moisturizing Drops as a “pre-wash” for dry facial skin. Let it sit on the face a minute before washing off with cleanser.
For the body:
c.)Apply Moisturizing drops to the body while skin is still wet from showering.
OR
d.)Dispense Moisturizing drops in the palm of your hand, spray Calming Mist 4-5 mists into hand and rub hands together to create an emulsion then apply to the body. Can layer Body Treatment or Body Treatment Intensive over this to lock in extra moisture.
Everyone can use 2 cleansers. This keeps the skin from getting lazy and bored believe it or not! Alternation of all products can be great for your skin and really “keep it on it’s toes”!
For instance, try a combination of Face & Body Bar in your morning shower and 302 Cleanser at night before you go to bed.
Or pair up any two of the Cleanser varieties based on your skin condition. For example, for breakout-prone skin use Sensitive Cleanser RX in the morning and Acne Cleanser in the evening.
Sensitive Cleanser RX has been improved. It is gel-like and slightly foaming. It also has more zinc in it so nicely calming to the skin. This product can be also be used in place of shaving cream! (Follow with Ointment RX)
302 Now has travel sizes in cleansers, mist and moisturizers. Great for traveling or for sampling.
What’s the difference between 302 Drops/Serum and 302 Plus?
While 302 drops/serum have only Avogen (3%) as their active ingredient, 302 Plus has 1.5% Avogen but also contains Vitamin C, Rice Peptides and Niacinamide. Vitamin C boosts collagen production and moisture retention as well as building the dermal barrier. Rice peptides have a tightening effect and stimulate the overall barrier function of the skin. Niacinamide increases the skin’s circulation.
For more information about all our products and services visit our website
www.skinessentialswichita.com
Sincerely,
Pam
For experienced 302 users (on 302 more than 6weeks) 302 drops will be beneficial used daily in the mornings. A good tip for applying 302 drops is to dispense one pump into palm of your hand then spray Calming Mist 4-5 times into your hand and rub hands together to create an emulsion. This makes the product spread easier and makes your 302 drops go farther!
Dry skin solutions for the winter. Try one or all of the following:
a.)Use Recovery Intensive or Body Treatment intensive as a “night crème” for the face.
b.)Use Moisturizing Drops as a “pre-wash” for dry facial skin. Let it sit on the face a minute before washing off with cleanser.
For the body:
c.)Apply Moisturizing drops to the body while skin is still wet from showering.
OR
d.)Dispense Moisturizing drops in the palm of your hand, spray Calming Mist 4-5 mists into hand and rub hands together to create an emulsion then apply to the body. Can layer Body Treatment or Body Treatment Intensive over this to lock in extra moisture.
Everyone can use 2 cleansers. This keeps the skin from getting lazy and bored believe it or not! Alternation of all products can be great for your skin and really “keep it on it’s toes”!
For instance, try a combination of Face & Body Bar in your morning shower and 302 Cleanser at night before you go to bed.
Or pair up any two of the Cleanser varieties based on your skin condition. For example, for breakout-prone skin use Sensitive Cleanser RX in the morning and Acne Cleanser in the evening.
Sensitive Cleanser RX has been improved. It is gel-like and slightly foaming. It also has more zinc in it so nicely calming to the skin. This product can be also be used in place of shaving cream! (Follow with Ointment RX)
302 Now has travel sizes in cleansers, mist and moisturizers. Great for traveling or for sampling.
What’s the difference between 302 Drops/Serum and 302 Plus?
While 302 drops/serum have only Avogen (3%) as their active ingredient, 302 Plus has 1.5% Avogen but also contains Vitamin C, Rice Peptides and Niacinamide. Vitamin C boosts collagen production and moisture retention as well as building the dermal barrier. Rice peptides have a tightening effect and stimulate the overall barrier function of the skin. Niacinamide increases the skin’s circulation.
For more information about all our products and services visit our website
www.skinessentialswichita.com
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Are your acne-care products causing more acne?
Sheesh…I hope not!
Check your ingredients!
This topic REALLY bothers me since I’ve been fighting those angry little pimples for YEARS! Makes me wonder how many products I’ve used that simply just kept fueling the problem!
Many “Acne” products contain chemicals that are known hormone-disrupters. Hormonal imbalances definitely contribute to breakouts.
It makes sense that hormonal imbalances cause acne. Think back to high-school, ahh, good times…hormones present during puberty cause the oil glands to produce more oil therefore clogging the pores, which leads to pimples of course. So please, please, read your labels. Do some research, call me and ask about your products and I’ll find out for you if you like. There are a lot of reasons besides acne to stay away from these ingredients including cancer risks and birth-defect risks in pregnant women.
I double checked my 302 products and didn’t find anything suspicious luckily so I feel like I’m definitely, FINALLY on the right track!
Here are just a few ingredients to avoid (and not just for acne-prone skin, but for anyone who is concerned with long term exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals.)
Parabens. “xeno-estrogens” that penetrate the skin, contributing to sterility and hormone imbalances. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) called parabens the most widely used preservative. Avoid these preservatives if at all possible for several reasons – including their link to breast cancer in both men and women.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate. An ingredient tested by the FDA and found to contain dioxane. (see Dioxins below)
PEG’s potentially hormone disrupting due to presence of dioxin and phthalates
Dioxins. Family of chlorine-containing chemicals widely recognized as some of the most toxic chemicals ever made by humans. Dioxins are often contained in antibacterial ingredients such as triclosan; it was also in Agent Orange. Most Acne products contain antibacterial ingredients.
Phthalates. Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found that chemicals called phthalates, which are known hormone disruptors, cause birth defects in animals. These are powerful reproductive and developmental toxicants. They do not belong in acne products, shampoos or any other products marketed to teenagers or women of child-bearing age.
FD & C Color Pigments, Perfumes. “Humans are exposed to tens of thousands of potentially harmful synthetic organic and inorganic chemicals in their daily lives in the form of pesticides, dyes, pigments, perfumes, flavorings, and other products. At relatively low levels of exposure these chemicals may promote weight gain,” contends Dr. Baillie-Hamilton, “by altering metabolic functions in the body.” According a study reported in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, these chemicals may cause hormonal disruption and damage many of the body’s natural weight-control mechanisms, playing a significant role in the global obesity epidemic.
Fragrance. Some fragrance ingredients are hormone disruptors; containing highly toxic chemicals (Environmental Health Network; FDA Office of Cosmetics Fact Sheet)
Benzyl peroxide. This may not be a hormonal disruptor but it causes skin irritation, allergic reactions & inflammation as identified in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). No one with acne needs an ingredient that causes inflammation and redness.
Information on ingredients taken in part from the following article:
http://www.articlesbase.com/acne-articles/hormone-disrupting-chemicals-do-not-belong-in-acne-products-266269.html
Check your ingredients!
This topic REALLY bothers me since I’ve been fighting those angry little pimples for YEARS! Makes me wonder how many products I’ve used that simply just kept fueling the problem!
Many “Acne” products contain chemicals that are known hormone-disrupters. Hormonal imbalances definitely contribute to breakouts.
It makes sense that hormonal imbalances cause acne. Think back to high-school, ahh, good times…hormones present during puberty cause the oil glands to produce more oil therefore clogging the pores, which leads to pimples of course. So please, please, read your labels. Do some research, call me and ask about your products and I’ll find out for you if you like. There are a lot of reasons besides acne to stay away from these ingredients including cancer risks and birth-defect risks in pregnant women.
I double checked my 302 products and didn’t find anything suspicious luckily so I feel like I’m definitely, FINALLY on the right track!
Here are just a few ingredients to avoid (and not just for acne-prone skin, but for anyone who is concerned with long term exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals.)
Parabens. “xeno-estrogens” that penetrate the skin, contributing to sterility and hormone imbalances. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) called parabens the most widely used preservative. Avoid these preservatives if at all possible for several reasons – including their link to breast cancer in both men and women.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate. An ingredient tested by the FDA and found to contain dioxane. (see Dioxins below)
PEG’s potentially hormone disrupting due to presence of dioxin and phthalates
Dioxins. Family of chlorine-containing chemicals widely recognized as some of the most toxic chemicals ever made by humans. Dioxins are often contained in antibacterial ingredients such as triclosan; it was also in Agent Orange. Most Acne products contain antibacterial ingredients.
Phthalates. Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found that chemicals called phthalates, which are known hormone disruptors, cause birth defects in animals. These are powerful reproductive and developmental toxicants. They do not belong in acne products, shampoos or any other products marketed to teenagers or women of child-bearing age.
FD & C Color Pigments, Perfumes. “Humans are exposed to tens of thousands of potentially harmful synthetic organic and inorganic chemicals in their daily lives in the form of pesticides, dyes, pigments, perfumes, flavorings, and other products. At relatively low levels of exposure these chemicals may promote weight gain,” contends Dr. Baillie-Hamilton, “by altering metabolic functions in the body.” According a study reported in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, these chemicals may cause hormonal disruption and damage many of the body’s natural weight-control mechanisms, playing a significant role in the global obesity epidemic.
Fragrance. Some fragrance ingredients are hormone disruptors; containing highly toxic chemicals (Environmental Health Network; FDA Office of Cosmetics Fact Sheet)
Benzyl peroxide. This may not be a hormonal disruptor but it causes skin irritation, allergic reactions & inflammation as identified in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). No one with acne needs an ingredient that causes inflammation and redness.
Information on ingredients taken in part from the following article:
http://www.articlesbase.com/acne-articles/hormone-disrupting-chemicals-do-not-belong-in-acne-products-266269.html
Friday, December 3, 2010
Intelligent Nutrients - "What's IN"
This is a new line I've been testing out to see if I want to retail it. I was oringinally attracted to it by thier Certified Organic Multi-Functional Aromatics category. Since perfume usually makes me look like I've been attacked by killer bees I was interested to see what organic perfume might do to me.
I tried Certified Organic Intelligent Nutrients Innercalm™ - Wind Down. I LOVE the smell and didn't see any freakish reactions on my skin which is always a plus! The only down side to this perfume is it doesn't really last long, after about 2-3 hours it seemed to be gone. Of course the absense of chemicals is probably to blame for the weak staying power so I guess that could be counted as a benefit depending on how you look at it. However $50 for a .94oz bottle might be considered steep for the length of time the scent lasts but I think it's probably worth it since the bottle is small enough to keep in my purse for multiple spritzes a day so I'll take it!
I'm kinda Ga-ga about thier Certified Organic Total Body Elixir. I purchased the "Restore" formula and I am in love with it. It is so much nicer than traditional lotion. It's a thick, yet dry oil that you massage into your skin. I've been doing it after I shower for the last week and I smell really good if I do say so myself! (It has Patchouli in it which I've always loved anyhoo.) The scent does stick around all day too, but it's not overbearing, I'm not sure if anyone around me has noticed it but I like that I can smell it all day. Also for something with such a strong scent it hasn't caused any irritation on my skin which tells me it's truely an all natural fragrance. I can't wait to use all the flavors of this product now!
The jury is still out on the facial items. With ingredients like Argon, Black Cumin, Pumpkin, Red Raspberry, Red Grape and cranberry I was definately curious to see how it worked out. It falls into my requirements of non-acid and no artificial fragrance etc., but it may take a little while to see how it effects my freak-of-nature skin type. So far, there have been no ill effects using the facial serum and moisturizer although I do think I smell a little like spaghetti after I use it, not that that is a bad thing, just kind of interesting I guess. I do wonder though if that particular scent would be a little too much for clients though....
Overall I think it's a great brand with some smart concepts (like organically growing ingredients on thier own farm for research and use in thier products).
I will definately be retailing the body exlixirs and quite possible the perfume in the near future. If the facial products make me look gorgeous you'll be seeing them on my shelves as well!
This is the company's description of "Restore" Certified Organic Total Body Elixir, and I'd have to say it's pretty acurate in my opinion:
Mental rehab & refuge. Deep, spicy, ancient medicinal oils of ravintsara, oregano, everlasting and cinnamon rest, on a bed of regenerating patchouli, rosemary and thyme oils to help promote personal restoration. This multifunctional certified organic oil uses our Intellimune seed oil and other essential oils to take care of the cells and the system while it makes skin smooth. And that's sexy. Completely free of mineral oil or other petrochemicals. Also available in certified organic mist form for daily personal aroma. Smells like: A haute bohemian with a wee bit of incense and some definite spice. Feels like: Your emotions were just cleaned, polished, massaged and fully moisturized.
You can read more about this product on the companies website:
http://www.intelligentnutrients.com/
I tried Certified Organic Intelligent Nutrients Innercalm™ - Wind Down. I LOVE the smell and didn't see any freakish reactions on my skin which is always a plus! The only down side to this perfume is it doesn't really last long, after about 2-3 hours it seemed to be gone. Of course the absense of chemicals is probably to blame for the weak staying power so I guess that could be counted as a benefit depending on how you look at it. However $50 for a .94oz bottle might be considered steep for the length of time the scent lasts but I think it's probably worth it since the bottle is small enough to keep in my purse for multiple spritzes a day so I'll take it!
I'm kinda Ga-ga about thier Certified Organic Total Body Elixir. I purchased the "Restore" formula and I am in love with it. It is so much nicer than traditional lotion. It's a thick, yet dry oil that you massage into your skin. I've been doing it after I shower for the last week and I smell really good if I do say so myself! (It has Patchouli in it which I've always loved anyhoo.) The scent does stick around all day too, but it's not overbearing, I'm not sure if anyone around me has noticed it but I like that I can smell it all day. Also for something with such a strong scent it hasn't caused any irritation on my skin which tells me it's truely an all natural fragrance. I can't wait to use all the flavors of this product now!
The jury is still out on the facial items. With ingredients like Argon, Black Cumin, Pumpkin, Red Raspberry, Red Grape and cranberry I was definately curious to see how it worked out. It falls into my requirements of non-acid and no artificial fragrance etc., but it may take a little while to see how it effects my freak-of-nature skin type. So far, there have been no ill effects using the facial serum and moisturizer although I do think I smell a little like spaghetti after I use it, not that that is a bad thing, just kind of interesting I guess. I do wonder though if that particular scent would be a little too much for clients though....
Overall I think it's a great brand with some smart concepts (like organically growing ingredients on thier own farm for research and use in thier products).
I will definately be retailing the body exlixirs and quite possible the perfume in the near future. If the facial products make me look gorgeous you'll be seeing them on my shelves as well!
This is the company's description of "Restore" Certified Organic Total Body Elixir, and I'd have to say it's pretty acurate in my opinion:
Mental rehab & refuge. Deep, spicy, ancient medicinal oils of ravintsara, oregano, everlasting and cinnamon rest, on a bed of regenerating patchouli, rosemary and thyme oils to help promote personal restoration. This multifunctional certified organic oil uses our Intellimune seed oil and other essential oils to take care of the cells and the system while it makes skin smooth. And that's sexy. Completely free of mineral oil or other petrochemicals. Also available in certified organic mist form for daily personal aroma. Smells like: A haute bohemian with a wee bit of incense and some definite spice. Feels like: Your emotions were just cleaned, polished, massaged and fully moisturized.
You can read more about this product on the companies website:
http://www.intelligentnutrients.com/
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