Happy 4th of July!  Its going to be HOT this weekend so be sure to pack your sunscreen.  But if you do get sunburned do you know what to do? Most people don’t think about it until it’s too late.  Here is what to do if you do happen to get burned:

1)  First off get out of the sun so that your mild sunburn doesn’t turn into second degree burns with blisters.  Ouch!

2)  Take a cool shower or bath. Much like other types of burns cool water helps.  Add in oatmeal for extra soothing relief.

3)  Next it is very important to soothe your skin with Aloe Vera.  You can use your Aloe Vera Houseplant or purchase it at the local Rite Aid etc.  Apply multiple times per day for relief.

4)  Continue to moisturize. Your skin is dry and screaming for moisture from the burn.  Use a natural based moisturizer like Cocoa Butter. Cocoa Butter melts at skin temperature which allows it to sink right in.

5)  Take a pain reliever like tylenol or advil to help reduce the pain.   Be sure to seek medical attention when necessary.  If you have blisters or severe pain, it is best to see your doctor.

So what’s the deal with Preservatives in Natural Skin Care Products?  Preservatives are additives used to protect a product from developing harmful bacteria, mold, discoloration and spoilage.  Without preservatives your favorite water or aloe vera based creams and lotions will certainly spoil and grow the undesirables such as fungi or mold which may or may not be visible to the naked eye.

The good news is that there are natural preservatives that can reduce microbial activity such as Rosemary Extract, Vitamin E and Grapefruit Seed Extract.  Many people do not pay any attention to what type of preservatives are used in their favorite products.  Or they would like to believe that these products are preservative free and they think that is healthier.   But Preservative free products will not last for more than a couple of weeks and they must be placed in the refrigerator.  I don’t know about you but I prefer to apply lotion that is room temperature.

Products that are not preserved will turn rancid.   It is the same concept as food…. if you leave it out.. it will spoil.  There are some natural preservatives that will increase the life of natural skin care products and are safe for your skin called Antioxidants.  Unfortunately Natural Preservatives or Antioxidants will not keep the product as long as we would like but they will considerably slows down the process.   The top three natural antioxidants used in natural skin care are listed below:

• Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract) also known as rosemary oleoresin. Distilled from rosemary leaves, rosemary extract is perhaps the most effective antioxidant available.  Using this preservative sometimes gives off a strong smell which makes it difficult to use in some products, but works nicely in formulas that highlight the rosemary scent.
• Vitamin E ( Tocopherols) is probably the most well known of antioxidants and it has great skin moisturizing properties as well.  Vitamin E is comes in two forms which include natural and synthetic.  Only the natural form will deliver the antioxidant properties and can be used as a preservative.
• Grapefruit Seed Extract (Citrus Grandis and Glycerin)  comes from the extract of pulverized grapefruit seeds. Many people use GSE for its anti-fungal properties and some antimicrobial activity. It is considered a more powerful preservative because of its anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties.  Some manufacturers carry extracts that are made with synthetic compounds that include methylparaben so it really is a matter of the consciousness of the formulator.

Again it is important to note that the above preservatives will not make a product last forever.  Only chemical preservatives are considered broad-spectrum and will protect a product for a desirable length of time.  I prefer to use a non-toxic, paraben free  preservative to protect my products from decay.

You’ve most likely heard of Cocoa Butter.. it is one of my old favorites and probably one of the most widely used and favorite butters in the industry.  I like to use 100% Natural Cocoa Butter because it has a sweet chocolate scent.

The other reason I love Cocoa Butter is because it is heavenly on the skin.  It is used to heal, moisturize, protect and prevent.  It has been seen in many forms from creams to lotions to bars to sticks.  It is one of the most widely used and versatile natural ingredients available on the market.  Tried and true this butter is a staple in my ingredient line up.

If you want to get back to basics and use something that really works… try a nice Cocoa Butter Lotion made with simple yet very effective ingredients.  Today I made a batch of my basic cocoa butter lotion because believe or not I ran out and my skin is screaming for moisture!

First off let me be the first to tell you that I am a huge fan of all things lotion or creme..  I cannot really explain but my skin craves it and it just makes me feel better.  Nothing better than slathering on some nice, healthy Cocoa butter, Shea butter or just about any kind of butter creme.  Oh yah.

Lately I’ve discovered (sometimes I am thick headed) that I don’t have to be limited to using just lotion to get that special skin softening ahhhh feel.  I have found it also comes in other forms of moisture including body oils and bars.  Lotion or massage bars for example are fabulous gems that deliver the goods in a big way and I also found they are super easy to apply, soak in nicely and leave my skin feeling amazing.

Body oils are often times thought of as some sort of beauty aid or something that makes the skin feel oily.  BUT man are they wrong.  Bad pore clogging oils are the ones that contain mineral oil or animal fats.  A high quality natural body oil won’t clog pores and is not greasy.  Instead it will soak in to the skin and provide super duper moisture.  High quality oils are effective because they bind moisture to the skin and strengthen skin cell membranes.  I highly recommend trying them!  You won’t be disappointed and you’ll feel great.

Many skin care companies would have you believe that their special facial cleansers, creams, serums & potions  will magically make your skin perfect.  What they offer may be good stuff… but the truth is that clear skin takes a lot of work.  You have to consider a lot of factors when choosing your skin care regime such as your skin type, diet and the environment you live in.  Yes you need to use a good product and as a rule of thumb there are always certain steps you should follow that will help you find your beautiful skin.  On a daily basis you want to cleanse, tone and moisturize.  Usually am & pm is sufficient.  Exfoliate usually 1-2 times per week depending on how dry your skin is.

One step that is often overlooked is exfoliation.  Getting rid of old skin cells can make our skin look and feel healthier by removing the old layer of dead cells so that healthy, new cells can emerge.  New skin cells can better soak up all the benefits of your new organic facial cream because your face will absorb it a lot better if the dead skin cells aren’t in the way.  Spa facials usually include some form of intense scrubbing and steaming or extraction.  These are wonderful when done properly but unfortunately Spa’s usually use high end chemical skin care products loaded with toxins.  Or they offer chemically produced products doused with essential oils.  Neither are really healthy and basically you spend a lot to damage your delicate facial tissue.

My recommendation is DO IT YOURSELF!!  Save money and just purchase the products that you trust.  You’ll have fun, feel great and be on your way to your beautiful skin.  We offer these cute little scrub mixes that you can use as part of your regime.  Just mix the liquid yourself and you have a nice gentle, all natural scrub.

If you are anything like me then you are always pressed for time.  I cannot stand going to the grocery store when I’m in a hurry.  Especially when I have to go to a store that I’m not used to and I don’t know where anything is.  I think that they should have personal assistants available when we walk in.  “Ok… I need milk, bread, cream of mushroom soup and some egg noodles.. STAT!”  That would be awesome because apparently the people who decide where items are placed on the shelves have very different views of what items should be placed where.  For example if I go to the local market which is a small yet nice little grocery store, I have to look around for everything I need because things are never in the logical place.  Soup is not in the usual canned goods isle and crackers are hidden somewhere down around the baking section.. My point is that after all the searching,  when I finally find the item I’m looking for you then I have to pick out which brand I want.  OMG!  More thinking!  Oh (Personal Assistant) PLEASE just tell me which one has the best taste so I can be on my way.   Ok I’m going overboard a little with the dramatics but aren’t we are all just trying to make the most of our time and money these days?  Money is tight but we don’t want to sacrifice quality.  Just give me the goods and make it fast, fresh and easy.

Similarly, shopping for natural products is a daunting task.   There are a million brands to choose from and who knows where to find what online or in stores.  Some folks do not even know what to look for or where to start. They know they want healthy products but don’t know how to determine what is good and what is just a bunch of crap in a pretty container.  Just like with grocery shopping we need some help figuring out how to tell what is what out there.  So let me be your personal assistant today!  Here is what you should be looking for in a good natural product:

Ingredients:  Ingredients are important.  In fact they are the most important.  Yes I know it is nice to have an awesome label and a cool looking container but really it is on the inside that counts the most.  Look at the ingredients label which should include the botanical name first followed by the common name.  The ingredient that has the highest percentage included in the product is listed first and so on down the line.  For example if the first ingredient is Aloe you are doing pretty good so far but if it is water then right away you know it is not the best stuff out there.  But keep on reading because there are a lot of ingredients listed and you want to make sure are all healthy.  (Refer to my “dirty dozen” list and avoid any ingredients listed there)

Transparency:  You should be able to read the above ingredients list on the labels of the product in question.  If you are shopping online and they are not listed on the item description then usually that means they don’t want to disclose their ingredients so BEWARE.  Or perhaps they list an edited version of the ingredients to show off the fluff but not disclose everything.  You have a right to know what you are purchasing so avoid those that do not list ALL ingredients.

Size Matters:  Many times the product is sold in pretty small quantities.  A 4oz. bottle of face wash will not last that long I’m afraid.  This is a trick to get you to think you are getting a good deal.  Organic skin care products are more expensive then the stuff you can buy at Wally world of course but check the size and make sure you are getting what you are expecting.

Source:  Find out who makes these products.  Are they mass produced?  Is the manufacturer some large corporation?  Then chances are they are choc full of toxic preservatives.  Products made in large quantities are loaded with preservatives so as to extend the shelf life. This is bad.

Preservatives:  On that note I should mention that non toxic preservatives are good.  Without a preservative system the product in question will spoil and can be loaded with harmful bacteria.

To sum it all up my best advice is you should purchase goods from a company that is passionate about what they do and are transparent because they have nothing to hide… they are the ones who eat, sleep and breath their product and care about their customers.

When I want to have a special meal for family and friends there is nothing better than serving up a warm, soft, freshly made loaf of Italian bread straight from the bakery.  I mean come on!  It makes the meal really don’t you think?  Add a side of EVOO with a little parmesan and you’ve got it covered.  Nothing better than fresh wholesome goodness..  Food for the soul.

That is why to me, food we put on our skin is just as important as food we put in our belly.  Would you settle for plain ol’ Wonder bread instead of freshly made Italian on that special night?  I wouldn’t… so why settle for less for your skin?

I get the warm fuzzy’s when I make a fresh batch of lotion or balm..  Nothing like the feeling of warm, freshly made Shea butter lotion slathered on my skin… Ahhhh.. the sweet smell of essential oils and fabulous, oh so good for your skin creams.   (Did I mention I love the word “slather?”)

Anyway you get the gist.. Fresh is best.. Fine skin care the el’ Natural way, made from wholesome, down home ingredients and a little love..   Food for the mind, body and soul!

Look at this face…

So why should you avoid Chemical Ingredients?

I come across people almost daily that think that the products they buy at there local stores are fine.  They don’t understand what is wrong with commercial personal care products.   Yes store brands are much cheaper but in the long run its hard to put a dollar amount on our health and the health of our children.

Did you know that the average adult uses about 9-10 personal care products daily??  Many don’t even realize that there are about 120 or more harmful chemicals spread between them all and ending up in their bodies.  Toxins penetrate your skin and end up in your bloodstream so its time to stop and realize how important this really is.  Beauty is more than skin deep!

The chemicals listed below are what are commonly referred to as the ‘Dirty Dozen.’ From the “Green Guide” These chemicals are the most important to avoid.  Even though they are not likely to cause adverse effects right away, used frequently and over time they can prove to be harmful.   Have you checked the labels in your bathroom lately?  You’ll probably be irritated once you do but you are doing yourself a favor.

Avoid these BAD Ingredients known as the Dirty Dozen:

1) Antibacterials
Overuse of Antibacterial chemicals can prevent them from effectively fighting disease-causing germs like E. coli and Salmonella Enterica. (Reminds me of the overuse of antibiotics problem several years ago.)  Triclosan, a chemical which is overly used in soaps, toothpastes and deodorants, has been detected in breast milk, and one recent study found that it interferes with testosterone activity in cells. Numerous studies have found that washing with regular soap and warm water is just as effective at killing germs. (just make sure you use the good stuff!)

2) Coal Tar
Coal tar is a known human carcinogen used as an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams. Coal-tar-based dyes such as FD&C Blue 1, used in toothpastes, and FD&C Green 3, used in mouthwash, have been found to be carcinogenic in animal studies when injected under skin.

3) Diethanolamine (DEA)
DEA is a possible hormone disruptor, has shown limited evidence of carcinogenicity and depletes the body of Choline needed for fetal brain development. DEA can also show up as a contaminant in products containing related chemicals, such as Cocamide DEA.

4) 1,4-Dioxane
1,4-Dioxane is a known animal carcinogen and a possible human carcinogen that can appear as a contaminant in products containing Sodium Laureth Sulfate and ingredients that include the terms “PEG,” “-xynol,” “ceteareth,” “oleth” and most other ethoxylated “eth” ingredients. The FDA monitors products for the contaminant but has not yet recommended an exposure limit. Manufacturers can remove Dioxane through a process called vacuum stripping, but a small amount usually remains. A 2007 survey by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that most children’s bath products contain 10 parts per million or less, but an earlier 2001 survey by the FDA found levels in excess of 85 parts per million.

5) Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde has a long list of adverse health effects, including immune-system toxicity, respiratory irritation and cancer in humans. Yet it still turns up in baby bath soap, nail polish, eyelash adhesive and hair dyes as a contaminant or break-down product of diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium compounds.

6) Fragrance
The catchall term “fragrance” may mask phthalates, which act as endocrine disruptors and may cause obesity and reproductive and developmental harm. Avoid phthalates by selecting essential-oil fragrances instead. (Exactly)

7) Lead and Mercury
Neurotoxic lead may appear in products as a naturally occurring contaminant of hydrated silica, one of the ingredients in toothpaste, and lead acetate is found in some brands of men’s hair dye. Brain-damaging mercury, found in the preservative thimerosol, is used in some mascaras.

Nanoparticles
Tiny nanoparticles, which may penetrate the skin and damage brain cells, are appearing in an increasing number of cosmetics and sunscreens. Most problematic are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, used in sunscreens to make them transparent. When possible, look for sunscreens containing particles of these ingredients larger than 100 nanometers. You’ll most likely need to call companies to confirm sizes, but a few manufacturers have started advertising their lack of nanoparticle-sized ingredients on labels.

9) Parabens
(methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-) Parabens, which have weak estrogenic effects, are common preservatives that appear in a wide array of toiletries. A study found that butyl paraben damaged sperm formation in the testes of mice, and a relative, sodium methylparaben, is banned in cosmetics by the E.U. Parabens break down in the body into p-hydroxybenzoic acid, which has estrogenic activity in human breast-cancer cell cultures. (We do not use these nasty little bens)

10) Petroleum Distillates
Possible human carcinogens, petroleum distillates are prohibited or restricted for use in cosmetics in the E.U. but are found in several U.S. brands of mascara, foot-odor powder and other products. Look out for the terms “petroleum” or “liquid paraffin.”

11) P-Phenylenediamine
Commonly found in hair dyes, this chemical can damage the nervous system, cause lung irritation and cause severe allergic reactions. It’s also listed as 1,4-Benzenediamine; p-Phenyldiamine and 4-Phenylenediamine.

12)  Hydroquinone
Found in skin lighteners and facial moisturizers, hydroquinone is neurotoxic and allergenic, and there’s limited evidence that it may cause cancer in lab animals. It may also appear as an impurity not listed on ingredients labels.

The Truth about Organic Skin Care

What does Organic really mean?

Organic products are grown and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilizers or genetically modified organisms. Organic farming is now recognized as a cutting edge technology and methods used in the process are what make organic products the healthiest choice for our bodies and environment. Organic products are chemical free and have been meticulously grown, prepared, processed and packaged without the use of any artificial chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers in their making. The best part is that Organic products are better nutritionally for us as Organic based ingredients contain more vitamins, nutrients and cancer-fighting antioxidants than non-organic ingredients.

So what does Organic mean in terms of Natural Skin Care?

It means everything! Organic products are the purist and healthiest for you to use which is great. BUT beware of impostors because it also very difficult for a company to claim they are organic and mean it. In order to do so they must be USDA Certified Organic, Organic, or using Organic Ingredients.

100% Organic products can be labeled as “100 percent organic” and must contain (excluding water and salt) only organically produced ingredients and processing aids. These products are extremely rare.

Organic products must consist of at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt) and any remaining product ingredients must consist of non agricultural substances approved on the USDA National List including specific non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form.

Products meeting the requirements for “100 percent organic” and “organic” may display these terms and the percentage of organic content on their principal display panel. Interestingly enough, the list of products that would make this category is quite short, and yet more and more companies are somehow putting the USDA seal on their products. This is why it’s so important to only buy from a trusted source.

Products Made With Organic Ingredients must contain at least 70 percent certified organic ingredients can use the phrase “made with organic ingredients” and list up to three of the certified organic ingredients the principal display panel. The percentage of organic content and the certifying agent seal or mark may be used on the principal display panel. However, the USDA seal cannot be used anywhere on the package. You will notice that Natural Grace Products are labeled this way. All of our products are made by a certified organic laboratory that we have chosen because of the integrity and quality of ingredients and manufacturing process.

Natural Ingredients

Natural ingredients must come from ingredients found only in nature including flora (plant), fauna (animal) and minerals (earth).

Overall, synthetic ingredients used on your skin and found in natural personal care products should be avoided whenever possible. Using a synthetic material is only acceptable when there is no viable natural alternative and it has absolutely no negative effects—on you or the environment.

Certain synthetic ingredients should never be used in any natural personal care products. This includes ingredients like parabens, phthalates, glycol and petrolatum. These types of ingredients are currently deemed safe but only because they are not regulated as of yet by the FDA. However, there is evidence questioning their safety that natural alternatives should be used instead.

Why go Natural??

One of the biggest global trends in the past 20 years has been the growing need to make choices that positively impact ones health and well-being. Natural personal care products created with the right ingredients can be profoundly effective, safe and contribute to your overall health and well being and are healthy for our environment.  Finally we realize that we are only as healthy as what we put in and on our bodies.

Your Skin acts as a sponge:

What you put on your skin is absorbed. If you put harmful chemicals and toxins on your skin you are putting them into your system. When a mother washes her infant with synthetic baby wash she is exposing her baby to an array of harmful toxins and chemicals that have demonstrated to be harmful when tested on animals. Bottom line is our skin is our largest organ, and what we put on it gets absorbed into our bodies just as someone who inhales smoke puts chemicals into their lungs.

Natural History:

Natural skin care is not a new thing as many of our natural ingredients have been around for centuries. But as we have evolved so has skin care and throughout the years commercial giants decided to use synthetic substitutes for natural ingredients because they are cheaper, easy to use and reliable. From a company’s bottom line stand point that sounds great but they failed to take into consideration the health and environmental risks associated with the use of synthetics because they are not always biodegradable or renewable, as in the case of petrolatum. Most consumers prefer knowing their personal care products don’t carry these risks because they are natural.