Cool Cleansers

If you have oily skin, summertime can be the worst. Heat and humidity can make your skin feel extra dirty, and washing 5-6 times a day may be difficult to schedule, causing your skin to dehydrate. The best way to combat this problem is to choose a good bar cleanser, and an astringent toner. These products used in conjunction with each other can make your skin feel better and look healthier. It is also a good idea to incorporate exfoliation into your routine a few times a week, before or after the cleansing stage. Here are some great products that I (and my friends) use!

Energizing Eucalyptus

For me, there is something special about eucalyptus in the summertime. Maybe it has this effect on me because of the naturally stimulating, and energizing smell. Or perhaps eucalyptus appeals to me due to the antiseptic properties of the oil. Eucalyptus also has been shown to be an effective bug repellent. It is no wonder why I love this bar soap I found from SallyeAnder online. I have personally used it for years, it really is my favorite bar in the summertime...try it... and post your comments...:-)

Balmy Bugs

Without sounding like a pessimist, the warmer weather really only makes me think of one thing... mosquito season. Depending on your area, you may experience black flies, horse-flies, or even ticks. 'Tis the season for repellant, but which one will you choose? There is certainly no end to the choices on the market. As a reader of this blog, you know your best bet is to stay natural, and organic. But can you find a product that is all that, while also remaining effective? The answer is yes, and it is a remarkable creme produced by the nice people at SallyeAnder. This No-Bite-Be creme can be found at various retailers online, or at the manufacturer's website. Either way it is a wonderful and effective natural creme, even for pets! The great thing about this creme is that it also works as an after-bite if you forget to put it on before you go out (like me!). THIS summer, camping will finally be fun!

Shocking Sunscreen Secret

With summer around the corner, the season of sunblock and sunscreen is upon us. What's the difference? A sunscreen is a lotion with an SPF of 2 and higher, while sunblock works to effectively block harmful rays from absorption into the skin and are categorized as lotions with an SPF 15 and higher. When choosing a lotion for you and your family, make sure to read the ingredient list carefully. A particularly harmful ingredient that is found in many sunblocks is benzophenone. This organic compound is used frequently, yet has extensive research has shown that it may not be safe.  While this is not the only ingredient that you need to keep an eye out for (i.e. parabens) it has been the subject of discussion in the scientific community. Your best bet is to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Of course, while this may not be all that practical, consider using a sunhat, or umbrella if you have sensitive skin. Here are two nice organic lip balms that protect the lips from sunburn without clogging pores with SPF.

Fad Free Personal Care

The natural skin-care market has exploded. More companies than ever have appeared on the marketplace promising better skin quality, fewer blemishes, and to reduce the effects of aging. But is this just a fad? When looking for a new product, perhaps you should consider a product line that has been around longer than the fad. I found a great company that has been around for over 20 years, and they offer everything from laundry treatments, to anti-aging cremes. Perhaps longevity in the industry is indicative of a superior product line. Check out their website and post a comment with your thoughts...

Blueberries Bring Benefits to Skin-Care!

In the past few years the public profile of the common blueberry has been steadily rising. High levels of antioxidants contained within the skin of the blueberry is the focus of most of the discussion. It seems that not only are they incredibly good for you to eat, but when included in your favorite skin-care product,  they have a wonderful effect on the skin! This so-called 'superfood', contains the highest levels of antioxidants of ANY food. I suppose it should be less surprising that items such as blueberry juice, blueberry infused beauty products have flooded the market. 

Aluminum Alert!

Aluminum is an element that has been proven to harm the body. Internal consumption has been linked to breast cancer, Alzheimer's, and kidney problems. The most common place where we intake aluminum is in our drinking water. Cooking in Aluminum pots and pans is also not recommended because the aluminum is transfered from the cooking vessel to the food. Aluminum toxicity is also well known in the food preparation business. In particular, breweries take care not to brew their beverages in aluminum containers. It doesn't just influence our food preparation, it also appears in anti-perspirants and deodorants. The aluminum in deodorants lodges itself in the pores and absorbs the sweat naturally produced by our body. While it does not permeate the skin, it clogs the pores in an area that is dangerously close to important underarm lymph nodes. I recommend using a natural deodorant crystal made from either ammonium allum, or potassium allum.