How To Shrink Pores And Why They Get Bigger With Age
SEPTEMBER 12, 2018
Written By:
Jen Wynn
If you feel like your pores are getting larger as you’re getting older – you’re not alone! In fact, figuring out how to minimize pores while also tackling the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is a common concern. But why is this? And what’s the best skin care routine to treat both of these issues at the same time? Find the answers to these questions below and share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
Aging Skin
It’s no secret that as we age, our skin changes – but why is this? Two major factors are a loss in elasticity and a decrease in oil production. As you age, production of collagen and elastin decreases (both of which are crucial to keeping skin firm and flexible), leading to less “bounce back” in your skin. This is due to hormonal changes and changes in the connective tissues, and it’s the reason why fine lines deepen into wrinkles and skin often begins to sag. Sebaceous glands also produce less oil as you get older, leading to the skin looking and feeling more dry, itchy and tight than in your youth. The outer layer of your skin (the epidermis) will become thinner and more delicate as well, so this dry, itchy skin will also become more easily irritated by environmental stressors.
Why Do My Pores Look Bigger?
Pores are also elastic, and as collagen levels decrease, pores lose this elasticitySo, how exactly does a decrease in elasticity and oil production make your pores larger? Pores are also elastic, and as collagen levels decrease, pores lose this elasticity. As you age, the skin’s natural exfoliation process, known as desquamation, slows down – all while your skin is becoming more dry. The result is more dead skin cells, sitting on the skin’s surface for longer and filling pores that are likely to stay stretched out.
Not helping this process? Sun damage and exposure, which we often see as symptoms of aging skin. As Livestrong points out, “Sun damage creates a rim of cells around individual pores. Although this accumulation takes place on a microscopic level, the end result is noticeable … While genetics are 20 percent responsible for pore size, exposure to sun accounts for a whopping 80 percent.”
How Do I Shrink Pores And Smooth The Look Of Wrinkles?
So what are the key treatments and techniques to minimize pores while also reducing the look of wrinkles and sagging skin? Exfoliation, sun protection and professional treatments with an esthetician are your best bet. To help mitigate a slower desquamation process, incorporate gentle exfoliation into your daily skin care routine, along with professional peels that clear away build up of dead skin cells.
We recommend booking a treatment with our Mangosteen Lactic Pro Peel 10%, which is safe for even the most sensitive skin types, minimizes pore size and leaves the skin feeling deeply conditioned and supple. Additionally, consider booking a skin assessment with a licensed esthetician who can create a custom routine with you and address your main concerns. To get you started, we’ve put together the following at-home skin care routine featuring some fan favorite Eminence Organics products.
Skin Care Routine
As we’ve mentioned, exfoliation is key to minimizing pores and fighting the visible signs of aging, but so is hydration to nourish the skin and keep it feeling healthy.The following six step routine focuses on these two principles to leave skin looking smooth and plump.
1. CLEANSE
Our Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser is a beautiful milky gel containing our Lactic Acid Complex to leave the skin glowing. But our main reason to suggest this cleanser? In an #AskNatalie video, Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar was asked: “What are the best products to help with … large pores but also help with fine lines, wrinkles and aging skin?” Natalie recommended our Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser because it lifts impurities and preps the skin for exfoliation. Watch her response in the video below for some more great tips on shrinking pores and helping diminish the visible signs of aging.
2. EXFOLIATE
Also recommended by Natalie? Eminence Organics Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Peel. Use this firming peel solution up to three times a week to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as to slough off dead skin. If you prefer more of a physical exfoliation, our Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant will leave skin feeling smooth, with rhubarb and BioComplex to improve the signs of aging. Gentle enough to use daily, our Dermafoliant can either be mixed with a few drops of water, or with a cleanser like Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser.
3. TONE
To balance the skin’s pH level and prep it to absorb further treatment, toning is a crucial step in your skin care routine. We recommend our Stone Crop Hydrating Mist to soothe dry skin and leave your complexion looking bright and youthful. This award winning toner is deeply moisturizing thanks to ingredients like stone crop and aloe juice. Spritz this mist directly onto the skin or, if preferred, onto a cotton round first, then gently sweep it over the face.
Moisturization and sun protection are key to fighting the look of fine lines and shrinking pores. We recommend applying our Balancing Moisturizer Duo morning and night to hydrate the skin without clogging pores. As this duo features both a Green Tea T-Zone Mattifier and a Pomelo Cheek Hydrator, you can easily customize for the level of moisture your skin needs. During the day, an SPF is key and we suggest using our Red Currant Protective Moisturizer SPF 30 over top of the duo to protect from the sun’s rays while reducing the look of wrinkles.
6. TREAT OVERNIGHT
Lastly, to give your skin some extra love, incorporate our Lotus Detoxifying Overnight Treatment into your routine. This luxurious creamy treatment works, while you sleep, to repair dry skin and detoxify the pores. Apply a generous layer to the face and neck area before bed, massaging deeply into the skin. You will wake up with skin that looks rejuvenated and restored.
With this routine, we feel confident that you can shrink pores and tackle the visible signs of aging. Do you have any additional products you would include? What other pore size concerns do you have? Let us know in the comments or join the conversation on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | LinkedIn | YouTube | G+.
Fall Skin Care Tips: The Best Skin Care Routine For Fall
SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
Written By:
Alisha Whitley
The end of summer is (regrettably) fast approaching, which means it’s time to switch up your Eminence Organicsskin care routine for fall. The change in seasons can wreak havoc on your complexion, leaving it feeling dull, dry and dehydrated. To ease the transition, we’ve hand-picked a variety of Eminence Organic Skin Care products for your fall skin care routine. Designed to revive and replenish your complexion, these picks will keep you glowing all season long.
Step 1: Cleanse
Wash away impurities, slough off surface debris and tighten your skin’s appearance with Eminence Organics Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser. This multi-action exfoliating cleanser is infused with natural fruit extracts to gently remove dead skin cells and fragrant monoi to deeply hydrate. A Natural Retinol Alternative combines with Swiss Green Apple Stem Cells to tighten and lift for a firmer, more youthful-looking complexion.
Step 2: Mask
Embrace the changing seasons with two limited edition Eminence Organic Skin Care masks inspired by autumnal ingredients. Replenish your skin’s moisture and fight the visible signs of aging with the vitamin E, Omega 9 nutrients and antioxidant-rich pumpkin in Eminence Organics Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque. Eminence Organics Cranberry Pomegranate Masque is loaded with whole fruits, seeds and juice to revitalize your skin’s appearance and enhance your natural glow.
Step 3: Tone
Energize your complexion with Eminence Organics Red Currant Mattifying Mist. This award winning toner features Eminence Organic Skin Care’s exclusive Youth Shield Antioxidant Complexto hydrate, invigorate and promote the look of elasticity. Skin appears mattified, refreshed and perfectly radiant.
Finish your fall skin care routine with Eminence Organics’ limited edition Sugar Plum Whip Moisturizer. The nutrient-rich plum, hydrating primrose and calming chamomile in this sweet smelling moisturizer combine to give your skin the hydration it needs to look younger and wrinkle-free.
We hope you enjoyed these fall skin care tips! Are you excited for autumn? While we’re sad to see summer go, we must admit we’re looking forward to autumn leaves, Pumpkin Spice Lattes and cozy cable knits. Tell us what you love about fall in the comments below and join the conversation
Minimize The Visible Signs Of Aging With The Face Yoga Method
JULY 6, 2017
Written By:
Alisha Whitley
Yoga has long been celebrated for its mind and body benefits, including its ability to help turn back the clock. If you hit the mat regularly to keep your mind relaxed and body trim, it’s time to turn your attention to an oft-neglected workout target: your face.
Through repetition of a series of facial exercises, face yoga promises to relax and tone your facial muscles, lifting and firming the skin for a natural, non-surgical facelift.Enter, the face yoga method. Through repetition of a series of facial exercises, face yoga promises to relax and tone your facial muscles, lifting and firming the skin for a natural, non-surgical facelift. If you’re wondering how to exercise your face, here’s how face yoga can improve the look of aging and enhance the work of the natural ingredients in your Eminence OrganicSkin Care routine.
HOW FACE YOGA WORKS
Face yoga expert Danielle Collins tells Marie Claire that by working the lower, middle and upper layers of the epidermis, repeated facial exercises increase blood circulation. This invites more oxygen into the skin to reveal a healthy, glowing and youthful looking complexion. Along with reducing tension and stimulating circulation, face yoga techniques also boost collagen and elastin production for plumper and firmer looking skin.
HOW OFTEN TO DO FACE YOGA
For optimal results, Danielle recommends practicing face yoga for 20 minutes, six times a week. In terms of results, she says: “As a general rule you will start to see more of a long term improvement in your face and neck after two weeks. After 2-4 months, you will notice you have less fine lines and less tension and people will notice you look healthier and more energized. Within 6-9 months people have reported that they look and feel many years younger and feel more relaxed within themselves” (Marie Claire).
1. Using your fingers, gently apply pressure to the inner and outer corners of the eyebrows.
2. Look to the ceiling and raise your lower eyelids to squint, then relax.
3. Repeat six times.
4. Squeeze eyes tightly shut for ten seconds to complete the exercise.
HOW TO GET RID OF SMILE LINES & SAGGING SKIN
1. Place your palms on your temples and push your hands up and back to lift the sides of your face.
2. Open your mouth into an “O” shape and hold for five seconds.
3. Repeat twice.
HOW TO REMOVE FOREHEAD LINES
1. Place both of your hands on your forehead, facing inward.
2. Spread your fingers out between your eyebrows and hairline.
3. Gently sweep your fingers up and back, applying light pressure.
4. Relax and repeat 10 times.
HOW TO TIGHTEN LOOSE NECK SKIN
1. Look straight ahead and cross your hands at the bottom of your neck.
2. Using your fingertips, gently stroke your skin downwards with your head tilted back.
3. Bring your head back down to your chest.
4. Repeat twice.
3 Best Moisturizers For Oily Skin
Written By:
Karen Young Chester
Here are some skin-saving facts on why warm days affect your skin, why you still need to hydrate, and what are the best moisturizers for oily skin:If you find your skin becoming more greasy or acne prone as the days turn warmer, you may ask yourself if you even need a moisturizer for your oily skin. Is it necessary to add any more moisture to the oil that seems to be pooling on your forehead? At Eminence Organics we say, “Yes!” Here are some skin-saving facts on why warm days affect your skin, why you still need to hydrate, and what are the best moisturizers for oily skin:
True Or False? Warm Weather Makes Oily Skin Even More Oily
True. When you have oily skin, warm days not only turn up the heat but also open the floodgates to oil production. That’s because heat stimulates the oil glands, kicking them into overdrive as we enter spring and summer. To cool down the complexion, Eminence Organics President Boldijarre Koronczay recommends this handy skin care trick: Keep your masks and moisturizers in the fridge. “Applying products directly from the refrigerator will keep your skin temperature lower,” advises Boldijarre, “thereby reducing excess oil production.”
True Or False? You Need A Moisturizer, Even For Oily Skin
Convinced? If you’re ready to dip your toe into the world of warm weather moisturizing, we have the three best Eminence Organics moisturizers for oily skin:
This award-winning lightweight moisturizer is perfect for complexions that range from normal to oily and are prone to problem skin. Keep your shiny spots at bay with ingredients like cucumber juice, tea tree and willow bark. A beauty editor favorite with mentions in Instyle and Vanity Fair, this moisturizer tones and shrinks pores, leaving your skin smooth and balanced.
Ideal for skin types that are oily yet sensitive, this lightly hydrating moisturizer is formulated with the purest Biodynamic® ingredients like echinacea and evening primrose. This soothing fluid cream won’t clog pores or leave your skin feeling the slightest bit greasy.
Discover the best moisturizers for your oily skin at an Eminence Organics partner spa near you. What are your best tips for coping with overactive oil glands? Let us know in the comments below or on social media on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | LinkedIn | YouTube | G+.
5 Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Skin
MAY 9, 2018
Written By:
Alisha Whitley
Are your daily habits damaging your skin? From the foods you eat to the amount you sleep, the things you do every day can help or hinder your skin’s health. Here are five common mistakes that are ruining your skin and how to fix them.
Unhealthy Snacking Habits
Too much salt can cause your body to retain water and leave skin with a swollen and inflamed appearanceSweet treats and salty snacks may tempt your taste buds, but they don’t do your skin any favors. Sugar is one of the worst offenders for aging your skin and body. In a process called glycation, sugar-bonded proteins produce free radicals that not only destroy collagen and elastin but also prevent your body from making more. Without these essential proteins, your skin loses its strength and elasticity, and fine lines and wrinkles begin to set in. The sodium found in processed foods is no better: Too much salt can cause your body to retain water and leave skin with a swollen and inflamed appearance (Medical Daily).
You can combat these negative effects by cutting back on your consumption of sugar and processed foods. Instead, satiate your sweet (or salty) tooth by reaching for foods like dark chocolate and walnuts to boost your skin’s health. Using skin care products that contain antioxidant-rich ingredients can also help to reduce free radical damage. The Vitamin C in Eminence Organics Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil helps fight the visible signs of aging, smooth wrinkles and protect against further environmental damage.
Skipping Sunscreen
Sun exposure has the potential to deliver a host of skin issues, including melanoma, premature aging and the emergence of dark spots. This year alone, an estimated 178,560 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States, with 86% of cases attributed to sun exposure (Skin Cancer Foundation). When it comes to aging, UVA rays are the prime culprit. Eminence Organics President Boldijarre Koronczay says: “They destroy collagen, contribute to a lack of elasticity and tone and cause thicker looking skin – what I call alligator skin.” In addition, spending too much time in the sun without proper protection can contribute to the emergence of dark spots on your skin’s surface.
As the weather turns warmer, sun protection should be your first priority. One of Boldijarre’s favorite sun care products is Eminence Organics Red Currant Protective Moisturizer SPF 30. Infused with zinc oxide, red currant and our Youth Shield Antioxidant Complex, this award-winning moisturizer protects skin from sun exposure as well as minimizes the visible signs of aging. At night, apply Eminence Organics Bright Skin Overnight Correcting Cream to even your skin tone and fade the look of dark spots while you sleep.
How much is too much? The general consensus is that one to two cups of coffee per day and one glass of alcohol in the evening is plenty. In addition to upping your water intake, your skin will benefit from products that are high in hyaluronic acid. This star ingredient is extremely effective in retaining skin’s hydration, plumping it up and keeping it soft and supple. Eminence Organics Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum is infused with botanical hyaluronic acid from marshmallow plant extract to deeply hydrate the skin and replenish moisture.
Dirty Makeup Brushes
Have your makeup brushes seen better days? If so, you’re not alone; only 61% of women clean their makeup brushes once a month and 22% have never cleaned them at all (Huffington Post). Brimming with plenty of dirt and grime, unwashed brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria and “swiping a dirt and bacteria-infested brush all over your face can cause an overload of microbes that your skin isn’t used to handling” (Bustle).
To combat clogged pores and breakouts, dermatologists recommend cleaning your brushes at least once a month – and preferably every two weeks. Simply spritz your brushes with Eminence Organics Natural Brush Cleanser after makeup application to keep them fresh and clean for longer.
So, what is the magic number? Experts agree that seven to eight hours of sleep is optimal. That said, fitting enough sleep into a busy schedule is often easier said than done. One way to kickstart a nighttime routine is to use your phone’s bedtime feature; the nightly alarm will signal to your body that it’s time to prep for bed. Treat yourself to some digital downtime: Rather than scroll through Instagram, relax in a warm bath and apply your favorite Eminence Organics face mask.
Why Do Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) Make Your Skin Glow?
MARCH 15, 2018
Written By:
Karen Young Chester
If you want to be savvy about your skin care, we have a buzz ingredient for you: alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs. These skin care saviors are a group of natural acids and chemical exfoliants which, when introduced to your regular skin care routine, give you that coveted, glowy complexion (WebMD). The most gentle alpha hydroxy acid in skin care, lactic acid, is a key ingredient in the new Eminence Organics Mangosteen Lactic Collection and our proprietary Lactic Acid Complex, formulated to reveal your best, most luminous skin. Not on your radar yet? Here’s how these acids work and why they’ll uncover your inner radiance:
1. REMOVES DEAD SKIN CELLS
Lactic acid resurfaces the skin by breaking down the “glue” that binds together the dead layer on top of the skin. The acid dissolves away dead skin cells, promoting a brighter complexion. You can experience the results of lactic acid with Mangosteen Lactic Pro Peel 10% at an authorized Eminence spa. This professional peel removes surface buildup with immediate results and no downtime – even for sensitive skin.
2. REVEALS FRESH NEW CELLS
By clearing away the dead skin cell layer, lactic acid reveals fresh young skin cells underneath. With new skin cells coming to the surface, you’ll boost the wattage for your complexion and restore your luminosity. Feel the effectiveness of lactic acid with Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser which removes the superficial surface of the skin without overstripping, leaving it soft and smooth.
3. BRIGHTENS SKIN
Exfoliation can revive your skin, taking it from dull and tired to glowing and healthy. With lactic acid sweeping away your dead skin cells, you’ll find your complexion looks visibly brighter and your skin tone appears even. In fact, after 30 days of using our Mangosteen Lactic Collection, 90% of the participants surveyed agreed that their skin looks radiant.
4. EXFOLIATES GENTLY
Safe for all skin types, lactic acid is the most gentle of all the alpha hydroxy acids, yet works effectively on your complexion. Although lactic acid is often derived from milk, the acid in our Mangosteen Lactic Collection is actually sourced from plant sugars, and every product in this collection is vegan.
5. HELPS SKIN RETAIN MOISTURE
Not only do alpha hydroxy acids hydrate the skin, some dermatologists also believe that alpha hydroxy acids enhance the skin’s moisture-retaining ability, so the tissue maintains its soft, padded firmness (Reader’s Digest). Out of all the alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acid is the most hydrating.
6. REDUCES THE APPEARANCE OF FINE LINES & WRINKLES
Not only does lactic acid improve radiance and moisture, this skin care superhero also reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. By resurfacing the complexion and smoothing out skin tone, your face will look revitalized and your skin texture, refined.
You are what you eat. Not only is your skin affected by the products you put on your body, the condition of your skin is also a reflection of the food you put in your body.
Around 20 per cent of women suffer from acne well into their 20s and 30s, which can be caused by anything from stress to hormone fluctuations and moreNobody enjoys waking up with a red, inflamed blemish (or two or three) on their face. The truth is, problem skin isn’t simply something that comes around during your teenage years. According to Glamour UK, “Around 20 per cent of women suffer from acne well into their 20s and 30s, which can be caused by anything from stress to hormone fluctuations and more”.
For those of you who experience frequent breakouts, why not try combining your skin-clarifying products with a clear skin diet?
To get you off to a good start, below are 4 nutrient-rich foods that give you glowing, flawless skin from the inside out:
1) NUTS & SEEDS
Instead of reaching for a pack of salty, greasy potato chips – try snacking on almonds instead. Deficiencies in minerals such as zinc and selenium are often linked to problem skin. Nuts and seeds are a great source of minerals that many acne sufferers are lacking. Nuts also contain healthy fats and other nutrients such as Vitamin E, copper, magnesium, calcium and iron which are all essential to skin health and function (Glamour UK).
When you’re stressed, your hormone-regulating adrenal gland releases high levels of cortisone, and this imbalance of hormones can result in a nasty pimple or twoWhen you’re stressed, your hormone-regulating adrenal gland releases high levels of cortisone, and this imbalance of hormones can result in a nasty pimple or two. The solution? Combat stress and boost your mood by regulating your blood sugar levels. You can do this by eating complex carbohydrates (the healthy vitamin-packed kind) like sweet potatoes. This sweet, tasty alternative to the standard potato takes longer to digest resulting in a slower, sustained release of blood sugar levels over time (Glamour UK). Root vegetables including sweet potatoes and carrots also contain high levels of vitamin A which, when digested, can help improve skin circulation and oxygenation (Health Alicious).
4) SPICES
Don’t just add spices to your food for flavor, start adding them your dinner plate for the sake of your skin! Spices contain all of the things that healthy skin craves: high levels of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and nutrients (Everyday Health).
Most of us think of fruits and vegetables as antioxidant sources, but surprisingly, herbs and spices pack the most punch“Most of us think of fruits and vegetables as antioxidant sources, but surprisingly, herbs and spices pack the most punch” explains Jessica Crescenzi, founder of Beauty Guru NYC in an interview with Forbes.
Fall Skin Care Tips: The Best Skin Care Routine For Fall
SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
Written By:
Alisha Whitley
Keeping your skin refreshed and replenished is the key to extending your summer glow through the fall season.The end of summer is (regrettably) fast approaching, which means it’s time to switch up your Eminence Organics skin care routine for fall. The change in seasons can wreak havoc on your complexion, leaving it feeling dull, dry and dehydrated. Keeping your skin refreshed and replenished is the key to extending your summer glow through the fall season.
THE BEST SKIN CARE ROUTINE FOR THE FALL SEASON
To ease the transition from summer to fall, we’ve taken the guesswork out of choosing your autumn essentials. Here are our recommendations for your fall skin care routine, chosen from a selection of Eminence Organic Skin Care products hand-picked to revive and replenish your skin all season long.
STEP 1: CLEANSE
Wash away impurities, slough off surface debris and tighten your skin’s appearance with Eminence Organics Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser. This multi-action exfoliating cleanser is infused with natural fruit extracts to gently remove dead skin cells and fragrant monoi to deeply hydrate. A Natural Retinol Alternative combines with Swiss Green Apple Stem Cells to tighten and lift for a firmer, more youthful-looking complexion.
STEP 2: MASK
Embrace the changing seasons with two limited edition Eminence Organic Skin Care masks inspired by autumnal ingredients. Replenish your skin’s moisture and fight the visible signs of aging with the vitamin E, Omega 9 nutrients and antioxidant-rich pumpkin in Eminence Organics Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque. Eminence Organics Cranberry Pomegranate Masque is loaded with whole fruits, seeds and juice to revitalize your skin’s appearance and enhance your natural glow.
STEP 3: TONE
Energize your complexion with Eminence Organics Red Currant Mattifying Mist. This award winning toner features Eminence Organic Skin Care’s exclusive Youth Shield Antioxidant Complex to hydrate, invigorate and promote the look of elasticity. Skin appears mattified, refreshed and perfectly radiant.
Finish your fall skin care routine with Eminence Organics’ limited edition Sugar Plum Whip Moisturizer. The nutrient-rich plum, hydrating primrose and calming chamomile in this sweet smelling moisturizer combine to give your skin the hydration it needs to look younger and wrinkle-free.
5 Step Nightly Detox Ritual With Eminence Organics
APRIL 6, 2017
Written By:
Alisha Whitley
Is your skin looking less than lively? Every day, we are confronted with airborne particles that stress our complexions, causing dullness, dryness and premature aging. These negative effects can be compounded when we step indoors, making damaging pollution difficult to avoid. If you’re suffering from a lackluster complexion, it may be time to add a detox to your nightly routine. At Eminence Organics, we believe in feeding your skin from the inside out (with a healthy lifestyle) as well as from the outside in (with products that are infused with nutrient- and vitamin-rich ingredients). Here’s our 5 step nightly detox ritual to give your skin the healthy boost it’s craving.
1. SIP MINT + LEMON WATER
Hydration is key to helping your body fight the negative effects of pollution. PopSugar says, “The best way to flush out toxins… is simple: lots and lots of water”. For a calming bedtime beverage, add a squeeze of lemon and sprig of mint to a cup of hot water. Lemon juice helps to “cleanse and alkalize the body”, while mint aids in digestion to prep you for a soothing slumber.
2. REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP & DEEP CLEAN YOUR PORES
Start your nightly skin care routine with a double cleanse to gently remove makeup and sweep away impurities that have accumulated throughout the day. Lift away stubborn makeup with the gentle Eminence Organics Stone Crop Cleansing Oil, then wash off the dirt, dead skin and grime that have collected on your skin’s surface with your favorite Eminence Organics cleanser. For an even deeper clean, de-gunk clogged pores with Eminence Organics Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant™.
3. DIP INTO A DETOX BATH (OPTIONAL)
You may not have the time to devote to a soak every evening – but consider dipping into a detox bath on those rare nights you have free. Huffington Post recommends these bathtime recipes to “cleanse and calm your body” before bed. Add a few drops of Eminence Organics Apricot Body Oil and apply your favorite Eminence Organics mask for an extra indulgent experience.
4. PROTECT YOUR SKIN WHILE YOU SLEEP
Your skin doesn’t go to sleep when your head hits the pillow – in fact, the best time for your skin to repair and regenerate is while you’re sleeping. Before tucking in, give your skin an added dose of protection with Eminence Organics Lotus Detoxifying Overnight Treatment. This lightweight gel cream prevents water loss, supercharges the skin and defends against drying environmental stressors, revealing a perfectly dewy complexion by morning.
5. TURN OFF YOUR DEVICES
Consider implementing a digital detox to give your brain some downtime before bed. Instead of reaching for your phone and endlessly scrolling until you doze off, close your eyes and follow one of these easy meditations to lull yourself into a deeply restful sleep.
ÉMINENCE BLOG
Top Health & Wellness Trends For 2017
DECEMBER 29, 2016
Written By:
Alisha Whitley
With 2016 coming to a close, it’s time to reflect on old habits and renew our minds and bodies for the year ahead. The past year saw us sipping matcha, eating clean and meditating en masse – and with another year around the corner, we can’t help but wonder what 2017 will have in store. Here are four health and wellness trends Well+Good’s experts have predicted for the upcoming year.
#NOMAKEUP BEAUTY
Spurred by Alicia Keys’ #NoMakeup movement, barefaced beauty has had a major moment in 2016. With celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Lady Gaga jumping on board, the less-is-more look is here to stay. To nail a lit-from-within glow in the New Year, try Alicia Keys’ Éminence skin care routine.
NESTING AT HOME
With self-care on the rise, we’re tending to swap late nights out for more “me time” at home. To make the most of the nesting trend, get cozy, turn on your latest Netflix obsession and treat your skin to your favorite Éminence masque.
CLEAN BEAUTY
Women (and men) increasingly view skin care as an extension of overall health. The result? We scan beauty and skin care ingredients as rigorously as we would a food label (Well+Good). Éminence embodies this clean beauty ethos, using sustainable farming and green practices to deliver the highest quality natural, organic and Biodynamic® skin care.
WELLNESS TRAVEL
With several Éminence spa resort partners topping Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards, it comes as no surprise that wellness travel is forecast to grow in 2017. According to The New York Times, we are living in the “golden age of the wellness vacation”, with destination spas that offer a full range of mind- and body-improving amenities paving the way. Golden Door Spa Resort in San Diego, California (pictured left) and Canyon Ranch in Tuscon, Arizona are two Éminence partners that offer luxurious, full-service wellness vacations. Don’t miss your chance to enter our Holiday Contest – you could win a luxury retreat to the famous Golden Door Spa Resort!
Which of these trends will you embrace in 2017?
ÉMINENCE BLOG
Which Oil Or Serum Is Right For Your Skin?
NOVEMBER 16, 2016
Written By:
Karen Young Chester
They deliver potent benefits directly to the skin, correcting concerns, nourishing the skin and boosting hydration. If cleansers and moisturizers are the basics of skin care, oils and serums are the high-level superstars. Building on the simple skin care routine, oils and serums add all the powerful extras that your complexion needs. They deliver potent benefits directly to the skin, correcting concerns, nourishing the skin and boosting hydration.
With the wide variety of products available, you want to pinpoint the best oil or serum to target your concerns. Although the oils and serums below are suitable for all skin types, they also fix specific problems. Here’s a handy guide to help you choose the best oil or serum for your unique complexion:
FOR UNEVEN SKIN TONE:
Our Stone Crop Serum relieves the signs of aging, especially the look of age spots. This serum not only hydrates the skin and leaves the complexion looking softer and revitalized, it also brightens the look of skin tone.
FOR EXTRA TLC:
If your skin tends towards the delicate end of the spectrum, we recommend our luxurious Facial Recovery Oil. Handcrafted from the purest, Biodynamic® ingredients, this facial oil gently soothes dry, sensitive skin.
FOR MORE HYDRATION:
A powerful rehydrator, our beautiful Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum returns moisture to the skin so the complexion appears plumped and smooth. This serum not only smells delicious, it also results in skin with a supple texture and youthful glow.
FOR FINE LINES:
Vitamins C and E protect against fine lines from skin cells damaged and stiffened by excess sugar consumption. Powered by results-oriented actives and ingredients, the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil specifically increases the look of elasticity in your skin for a younger appearance.
FOR ANTI-AGING:
Fast-absorbing and advanced, the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum is the best face serum for targeting the look of aging. With regular use, the skin looks plumped and firm and the visible signs of aging are reduced.
Still not sure which oil or serum to choose? Explore all five products in our limited edition Oils & Serums Signature Series Discovery Set. Only available during this holiday season, the gift set is the perfect opportunity to reveal the best oils and serums for your skin concerns.
There’s nothing more autumnal than a whiff of fragrant pumpkin spice on a chilly day. This season, save what you usually spend on twice-a-day pumpkin spice lattes (no judgment here) and spice things up from the comfort of your own kitchen. The best part? Pumpkins are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that nourish the skin, so you can feel (almost) guilt-free about indulging in your pumpkin spice creations.
What Are the Health Benefits of Walking Backwards?
by BETTY HOLT Last Updated: Aug 18, 2013
Some treadmills can go backwards. Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Walking backwards is not just for frolicking kids or teenagers goofing off any more. It actually has some health benefits for sports performance and rehabilitation after surgery or an injury. Walking or jogging backwards is popular in Japan because it burns several times more calories than doing it forwards. Although it may be folklore, it has been said that 100 steps backwards are equivalent to 1,000 steps forwards.
Who Benefits?
People who might benefit from backward-walking as a form of exercise, according to Body Results website, include the following: someone undergoing post-surgical knee joint rehabilitation: someone suffering from muscle strains of the hip, groin, lower back or hamstrings; or someone suffering from a sprained ankle, Achilles tendon tears or shin splints. Other candidates include those who have tried everything from ibuprofen, ice or heat treatments, time off from training, physical therapy or stretching without results, those looking for a different stimulus or cross-training option, or someone involved in a sport where they need to change directions rapidly or run backwards.
Two University of Oregon professors, Barry Bates and Janet Dufek, have studied the benefits of backward walking and running on people since the 1980’s. They found that backward walking creates reduced shear force on the knees, and may be useful for anyone experiencing pain going up and stairs or doing lunges or squats. Walking backwards uses more energy in a shorter period of time, and burns more calories. It is good for those recovering from hamstring strain because of reduced hip range of motion. Backward walking creates no eccentric loading of the knee joint, the lengthening phase of going down hills or stairs, and can give hikers and scramblers some rest from overuse.
One simple way to see if walking backwards is for you is to take 10 steps forward and nine steps back and check for discomfort. Then find a flat area, clear of traffic, and walk backwards for 20 to 30 yards. After practice you can try walking up a hill with a little elevation. You can also walk backwards on a treadmill, but start at a slower speed than what you usually walk. With practice, as you get more comfortable, you can increase your speed, or even try jogging backwards. If outdoors, check regularly that you don’t stumble over dogs, bikers, or uneven pavement.
Older People and Balance
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that older people do a variety of activities for exercise, both for enjoyment and to reduce risk of injury. Because older people are at an increased risk for falling, it is important that they do exercises to help with balance. Balance exercises can include backward walking, sideways walking, heel walking, toe walking and practicing standing up from a sitting position. A form of martial arts, Tai Chi, may also be beneficial for balance.
ÉMINENCE BLOG
Éminence’s Facial Recovery Oil Is Featured In Dr. Oz The Good Life Magazine
AUGUST 9, 2016
Written By:
Felicia Steinfeld
Once again, our Facial Recovery Oil has proven to be a fan favorite among celebrities and magazines. Featured in the September issue of Dr. Oz The Good Life, our Facial Recovery Oil is spotted in the article, “Oils Your Skin Will Love”.
The editor highlights the product’s ingredients saying, “Éminence Organic Skin Care Facial Recovery Oil combines tea tree oil with olive oil and sage leaf extract to hydrate, tone and soothe skin.” We’re happy to hear that they love our product as much as we do!
Our Facial Recovery OIl is a luxurious treatment suitable for all skin types. It tones and hydrates with precious herbs and nourishing oils to soothe and renew sensitive and aging skin. Made with Biodynamic® ingredients from Demeter International Certified Biodynamic® farms and a winner of multiple awards, this product deserves all the glory.
Have you tried our popular Facial Recovery Oil? Let us know about your experience in the comments!
11 Rules Women with Great Skin Always Follow
By Danielle Fontana , Editorial Assistant | May 06, 2016
More times than I’m willing to admit, I catch myself staring at women with perfect complexions and wondering how in the world they do it. Is it their moisturizer? Their cleanser? Sick of guessing what it could be, we decided to reach out to some of the top skin care experts in the country to get to the bottom of perfect skin and how to get it. Here are their top 11 tips.
“I have always been a big believer in serums to be used twice daily under your moisturizer. In the evening, however, use only the serum instead of a heavy moisturizing cream,” explains celebrity facialist Mamie McDonald, adding that nighttime moisturizers stay on the surface of the skin and are not easily absorbed while sleeping (they just stain the pillow!). “Skin repairs itself while we sleep, so let it happen as naturally as possible, with just a little help from a serum.”
2/11
They hydrate both internally and externally.
“We naturally lose moisture while we sleep, which can result in puffy eyes, dark circles or a lackluster complexion,” says celebrity aesthetician Kate Somerville. “It’s really important to hydrate both internally by drinking plenty of water during the day and before bed, and externally by using products that contain hyaluronic acid, which carries 1000 times its weight in water.”
“I emphasize nighttime skincare,” says celebrity aesthetician Joanna Czech. “Your skin is about 60 percent more potent to absorb everything at relaxation time, and this is also the most regenerating time. Two or three times per week, I use a mask either in place of my moisturizer or right before my moisturizer.”
4/11
They eat their way to better skin.
“Eat a clean diet. What you put into your body shows on your skin,” says dermatologist Whitney Bowe. “Drink at least 8 ounces of water a day and eat a diet full of lean protein and fiber. It’s also important to eat foods that are anti-inflammatory and contain lots of antioxidants such as blueberries, and green leafy vegetables such as kale.”
Celebrity aesthetician Natarsha Bimson says that a facial massage increases blood flow, soothes nerve endings, helps to relax muscles, tones, contours and reduces puffiness. “Using an oil, cleansing oil, cleansing balm or cold cream, apply to dry skin with dry hands, work it into your skin (including over the eye area), loosen up all of that gunk from the day, take a few deep breaths and give yourself a quick five-minute face massage. Finish your massage-cleanse by steaming off the oil/balm/cold cream with a hot wash cloth. Use a clean one every day—this will provide your skin with gentle manual exfoliation without being abrasive or causing microlacerations that are caused by many facial scrubs on the market today.”
6/11
They use retinol.
“Retinol is my favorite anti-aging ingredient,” says aesthetician Shani Darden. “You should use retinolnightly (or even every other night) if your skin can tolerate it. It decreases fine lines and wrinkles, boosts collage in the skin and helps make skin glow and look tighter and younger.”
7/11
They thoroughly cleanse skin.
“I always tell my clients to remove their makeup every night before bed, either with a cleansing milk or an eye makeup remover, depending on how heavy their makeup is that day,” says top Hollywood facialist Cristina Radu. “I also tell them to exfoliate every single day. The cleaner your skin is, the cleaner the canvas is to apply all sorts of different ingredients.” Radu explains that when skin is exfoliated, products (serums, moisturizers) are able to penetrate much deeper (and faster) into the skin because there is no longer a barrier of impurities or damage created throughout the day.
8/11
They always use a toner.
“A crucial before-bed step would be to take the time to use a quality treatment toner to remove not only the remnants of your cleansing product, but also the mineral deposit from the water, body salts, makeup and environmental pollution,” advises celebrity facialist Biba de Sausa. “By toning your skin, you are virtually removing the day and preparing the body and skin for the nighttime repair processes.” De Sausa compares toner to “Windex for the skin,” explaining that if this crucial step is skipped, you’ll most likely wake up with a blotchy complexion due to the aforementioned ingredients still being left on the skin surface, causing tightening, irritation or acne breakouts.
9/11
They ingest good-for-your skin nutrients.
“Since I’m crazy about keeping skin clear and healthy, I always suggest that my clients ingest proteolytic enzymes just before going to bed,” says aesthetician Julia March. “They are anti-inflammatory and positively affect the health of our whole body, especially the liver, thus promoting a healthy, glowing complexion.”
10/11
They “double cleanse.”
“The double cleanse process removes ALL makeup, loosens impurities, circulates blood flow, stimulates muscles and helps with collagen production,” explains holistic aesthetician Erika Yamaguchi. “The first step is to massage an oil cleanser onto dry skin for about 30–45 seconds, rinse, and follow with a foam cleanser.”
11/11
They properly moisturize.
“I always abide by my L.O.C. theory,” says Los Angeles facialist Marc Edward, adding that the acronym stands for “Liquid, Oil, Cream” and consists of apply liquid spray first, then oil, and finally a cream. “It is three layers of moisture versus only one, and delivers much more moisture to the barrier of the epidermis. Each step helps to penetrate the next and allows for more moisture retention. Skin will become more plump and youthful if it is properly hydrated.”
Why Am I Sore After Massage
Not many feelings can beat those you feel just after a massage. A good quality massage leaves you feeling warm and relaxed, while at the same time rejuvenated and full of life. You may even experience one of the best nights of sleep you have ever had. On the following morning, however it can be a different story. The muscle aches and soreness you feel as you get ready for you day are reminiscent of a full body workout rather than a full body massage. At this point, it is all too easy to begin panicking and assume something is wrong. It is more likely, however, that the massage has done exactly what your massage therapist intended.
More than just a back rub
Before you have your first massage, you may have a very idealized picture of what it will be like. The reality may be very different and is certainly different to the occasional back rub given by a friend or a loved one. The main purposes of a massage include:
Releasing the tension in the muscles
Promoting healing
Improving blood flow
Reducing blood pressure
Reducing pain and inflammation
It has even been suggested that massage can aid in the treatment of depression and anxiety, as well as be used as therapy for multi-dimensional illnesses such as fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In these cases, the muscle soreness can be simply the return of symptoms that abated during and immediately following the massage session.
More than one way to exercise muscles
Even without secondary health issues, a massage puts the muscles through a much more vigorous workout than most people realize. A massage therapist works to find all the kinks in the muscles that build up through daily stress and either lack of exercise or a tendency to overtrain. The act of massaging the muscles stretches them, encourages the blood to flow more efficiently through them and stimulates them to work at their optimum level over the long term. However, this is hard work for the muscles, and they are bound to rebel at some point, particularly if sessions are too intensive, too close to each other or too long.
What do the experts think?
The head of the Sports and Deep Tissue Massage Department at McKinnon Institute Keith Grant agrees with the analogy between massage and exercise. He states that a massage is very much like workout. If the muscles aren’t used to it, they often respond with some soreness. Grant notes that the soreness should only last for a maximum of two days. If the soreness lasts any longer, then it is possible that the massage was too intense. The key to getting the intensity level right is good communication between therapist and client. Once the effects are explained, the therapist will adjust the intensity level in the next session. As the body adjusts to the manipulation, the intensity can be increased to allow the same benefits to be felt.
Is there such a thing as too relaxed?
Your body is one of the most complex machines in existence. There is an interplay between body and mind that is only really beginning to be understood. This connection could, however, explain the soreness experienced the morning after a massage. Neurological sensitivity, or “sensitization,” explores the “whole response of what’s going on in a person.” During a massage, the body’s experiences are processed through the central nervous system to be understood by your brain. At times of high stress, the nervous system and the brain may feel overwhelmed by this increase in information. The soreness and tiredness experienced the following day are then understood as side-effects of this information overload.
Minimizing muscle soreness
There are a number of ways to minimize the unwanted side effects of a good massage. Here are just a few things you may want to consider:
Understand the need to look after your body and mind
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water after your session
Take it easy after your massage; relax and find your balance naturally
Communicate honestly with your therapist, particularly about your general health and mental wellbeing
Try different massage techniques
Change the length or intensity of sessions
In most cases, experiencing some muscle soreness after a massage is completely normal. However, if this lasts more than a couple of days, or incapacitates you in any way, then it needs to be addressed. As has been explored, there are a range of very simple explanations for this phenomenon. All of them are easily remedied, and all begin with an open, honest conversation with yourself, followed by one with your therapist.
5 WAYS YOU COULD BE SABOTAGING YOUR SKIN WITHOUT KNOWING IT
No, you’re not destined for a lifetime of less-than-perfect skin, say Tara Curran and Hayley Roy, the health coach and aesthetician behind Skin Food—a wildly popular holistic beauty workshop series that takes place at locations around Los Angeles. (Next up: a class at Wanderlust Hollywood on May 2.)
Roy, at left, and Curran of Skin Food (Photo: Skin Food)
Even if you think you’re doing everything right, they say, there are loads of (totally avoidable!) acne triggers we expose ourselves to every day—and skin eruptions can be a valuable clue that something in the outside world is causing you harm on the inside.
“People can get really embarrassed or frustrated by their skin issues, when they really can be a good guide to what’s going on internally,” says Roy, who along with Curran, helps clients get to the bottom of chronic skin woes through a tag-team approach of diet, skin-care treatments, and lifestyle tweaks. “I look at my skin as a really great tool for my health,” says Roy, implying we can all learn to do the same.
And once you’ve done the right detective work and eliminated what’s not serving you, say the duo, you might be surprised at how quickly your skin takes a turn for the better.
Keep reading learn the unexpected ways you might be undermining your beauty efforts—and learn the quick fixes that create clear skin.
The first thing Curran and Roy suggest for nagging skin issues is eliminating the five most common food allergens—gluten, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and sugar—while keeping a detailed journal of what you eat and the daily state of your digestion and skin. “I find that cataloguing your day-to-day activities can be a really insightful way to see what your small triggers may be,” says Roy. (You may notice, for instance, that you always get a zit the day after you eat hummus—in which case, so sorry!) The stripped-down approach also applies to skin care, she says—rather than blitzing your breakouts with harsh acne products, try switching to single-ingredient oils in order to eliminate as many potential irritants as possible.
2. You’re using the wrong toothpaste
“If someone has breakouts going on around the mouth, the number one thing I’ll say is ‘What toothpaste are you using?’” says Roy. “It’s usually something with a lot of different chemicals and fluorides.” She says that switching to a more natural product (like those made by Dr. Sharp or Living Libations) often does the trick.
3. You’re washing your face in the shower
And no, this one has nothing to do with mistaking your conditioner for face wash. (Or am I the only one who does that?) “As soon as you’re done cleansing, you want to immediately move on to the next step in your skin-care routine,” explains Roy, who notes that even the few minutes it takes to towel off after a shower can be detrimental. “Cleansing can make your skin really alkaline, so if you don’t immediately [balance the pH] with a rose or aloe-based hydrosol [toner], it can take longer to self-regulate. Then when you go outside, the environmental factors could trigger inflammation.”
Curran adds that it’s important to have water filters on both your shower head and sink faucet—the pair are a fan of Vitamin C filters for the shower and Pur filters for the sink.
4. You live in a city
“If you live in New York or LA, the pollution can really affect your skin health,” says Curran. “You could be doing everything right with your diet, but if you’re not fully supporting your detoxification processes internally, your body is still working overtime to reduce the toxins.” To help your body rid itself of toxins before they show up on your skin, the duo stresses the importance of eating an alkaline diet, taking regular Epsom salt baths (or floating), and using protective skin-care products with zinc, vitamins E and C, and omegas 3, 6, and 9 (like this one from 100 Percent Pure).
5. Your skin-care routine hasn’t changed since college
“We have to remember that our skin is a live organ and it needs different nutrients at different times of the year,” says Roy. “People tend to get stagnant in their routine when really they need to be switching it up.” She and Curran suggest reevaluating your skin’s needs with the seasons and swapping in different antioxidants, enzymes, and acids based on the climate conditions, while also being mindful of eating seasonally, as nature intended.
ÉMINENCE BLOG
Plastic Microbeads: Dangers & Safe Alternatives
OCTOBER 16, 2015
Written By:
Christie Pike
As you rinse off your favorite cleanser every day, how many of you think about what happens after it washes down the drain?
You may assume that your beauty products either biodegrade naturally or are safely treated and processed before being released back into our environment. And it’s true – water treatment facilities can process some of the harmful parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, synthetic dyes that come from personal care products. However, there’s still a considerable amount of damaging beauty care waste that makes its way into our water systems. Plastic microbeads are one of the worst culprits and slip through water-treatment plants by the millions (Allure Magazine).
This past September, the California State Assembly passed a bill restricting the sale of personal care products (such as cleansers, exfoliants and toothpastes) that contain environmentally hazardous plastic microbeads.This past September, the California State Assembly passed a bill restricting the sale of personal care products (such as cleansers, exfoliants and toothpastes) that contain environmentally hazardous plastic microbeads. If signed into law, this bill will ban “selling or offering for promotional purposes in this state a personal care product containing plastic microbeads that are used to exfoliate or cleanse in a rinse-off product.” (Huffington Post). According to Allure Magazine, “this is a huge step in the effort to protect wildlife endangered by the tiny plastic particles that have accumulated in rivers and oceans”, and we couldn’t agree more.
In a recent study by McGill University, researchers have found that the plastic microbeads sink to the bottom of lakes and rivers and stay there (CBC). These beads are then ingested by fish and other marine organisms that could potentially end up on our dinner plates. Once these tiny plastic beads end up in our food chain, a dangerous cycle begins.
The good news is that we can all do our part in eliminating harmful beauty byproducts from our environment by choosing safe, natural alternatives. Below is a breakdown of different types of Éminence exfoliants and their natural substitutes to plastic microbeads:
PHYSICAL EXFOLIANTS:
Physical exfoliation uses fine, natural granules to physically slough off dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
Yam and Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5% – uses natural acids and naturally occurring fruit enzymes from yams, pumpkin, pineapple and papaya to remove dead skin cells from the skin.
CHEMICAL EXFOLIANTS:
Contrary to the name, chemical exfoliants can be perfectly safe and natural. Éminence chemical exfoliants use naturally occurring mild acids (AHAs & BHAs) that remove dead skin cells at a much deeper level than physical exfoliants.
A beach day with your besties should leave you with a sunny high, not depleted and dehydrated. From how you feed your skin to what you feed yourself, here are six simple ways to build some extra wellness into your seaside chill-time…
BUNS IN SAND, drink in hand. We’re all about those divine days at the beach, but keep that beach day from being depleting with these health and wellness tips from L.A.-based lifestyle blogger, Lauren Gores Ireland of You & Lu. Start with a little meditation, drift into a good book and swap out those chips for something hydrating…
Summertime sun. Salty hair. Crashing waves. Beach days bring happiness to our souls; restfulness to our minds. In the moment, nothing feels better than sinking your toes in the sand while staring at the ocean.
Oftentimes, my beach days are spent with friends. We admittedly eat too much (and drink too much) and read magazines all day. But I’ve realized the importance of squeezing in what I call ‘healthy beach time.’ Think pressed juices, meditation, a soulful book… the list goes on.
The quiet time will calm your mind while waking up your body. Here’s how to keep your beach days healthy…
6 HEALTHY BEACH DAY HABITS
GET MOVING
Kick off your time by the water with a brisk walk or light jog. Keep it to a mile or so, to avoid sore ankles from running on the sand. Leave your phone behind, so you can be in the moment.
STAY HYDRATED
Swap your boozy favorites for super hydrating sips. Coconut water contains electrolytes, which helps with dehydration. Chlorophyll water is another great option, because it’s both hydrating and helps control hunger.
FEED YOUR MIND
In between reading your favorite magazines, indulge in something that will lift your spirits — a book that will inspire gratefulness in the moment. Be Happy: Remember to Live, Love, Laugh and Learn is among my favorites. It’s a quick and easy read, reminding us happiness is a journey, rather than a place.
SNACK SIMPLY
I love crunchy munchies as much as anyone else! To avoid eating a bag of something you’ll regret later, try packing simple, wholesome foods – like kale chips and mixed nuts – rather than traditional snacks. You’ll still get that crunch, but with added benefits! Fruits and veggies are also great options.
Begin and end your day with some time to yourself. Sit at the edge of the waves and allow your mind to clear — even if only for a few minutes. This will help you be happier + more productive during your work week.
You Are What You Eat: This Is How Fast Your Diet Affects Your Face
Photo:Imaxtree
We all know there are supposedly foods that negatively affect the way you look. That first mirror check the morning after a late, booze-filled night is proof enough. But just how quickly do these foods show up on your face? And if you give them up, how long before you are able to notice a positive change in your skin? I chatted with Dana James, functional medicine practitioner from Food Coach NYC, to find out.
1 / 5
“If you have an undetected gluten sensitivity, it can make your face puffy due to its inflammatory response. It will show up within two hours. The remedy is to drink a green juice made with cucumber and parsley, as both act as a diuretic and help clear the inflammatory debris from the body.”
2 / 5
“Dairy products can make your skin break out because they change how testosterone and estrogen are regulated in the body. This will show up the next day. The only time my skin breaks out is after I eat yogurt! There isn’t much you can do, except to wait it out and keep your diet very dairy-light.”
3 / 5
“Fried food, including those 10 fries you stole from your friend’s plate, will show up on your face—your skin will appear sallow and oily. Fried food changes the cell membrane structure, making it harder for the skin cells to eliminate their waste. It’ll show up about 12 hours after you consume it. Drink a turmeric tonic to help bring clarity back to the skin.”
4 / 5
“If you need dessert every night as a wind-down to your day, be warned, you’ll see it in about six to eight hours. Regular consumption of sugar breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to crows feet and fine lines. Satisfy your sweet cravings with kombucha, like Health Aid Pink Lady Apple ($8). Kombucha contains probiotics, which help restore the microbiome for a more youthful complexion.”
5 / 5
“One too many cocktails and you’ll know it. The skin is red, parched, and blotchy. This can happen almost immediately, if you’re prone to redness, or by the next morning. Hydrate with coconut water or a green juice made with cucumber, fennel, and cilantro. Drink consistently throughout the day to put oxygen back into the skin.”
Look 10 Years Younger Using Coconut Oil in 5 Different Ways (Tips from World’s Leading Experts)
When it comes to your beauty and health, coconut oil is one of the best ingredients you can use as it is high in nutrients and beneficial properties. We will reveal 5 unique ways to use it in order to treat your skinproperly and rejuvenate it completely:
Chemical-Free Shaving Cream
The shaving creams we buy at the supermarket can be quite expensive and are rich in chemicals which are dangerous for our health. Therefore, avoid using them for the underarms and legs, and use this beneficial oil instead.
Coconut oil is inexpensive, completely natural , has a pleasant smell and has strong antimicrobial properties. This soil soothes the skin after shaving and leaves it moisturized and radiant.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
2/3 coconut oil
2/3 cup Shea nut oil or Shea butter
2 tablespoons of baking soda
1/4 cup olive oil or grapeseed oil
Contents of 2 vitamin E capsules (optional)
10-20 drops of your favorite essential oils/oil blend
Method of preparation:
Melt the Shea nut oil and the coconut oiltogether, and after you turn the heat off, stir in the olive oil or grapeseed oil. Next, add the essential oils and pour it into a suitable container. Stir it well and refrigerate it.
As soon as it is solid, add the baking soda and the vitamin E capsules to an electric stand mixer, and beat tit until you get the desired consistency.
Night Skin Care
Coconut oil is incredibly effective as a nighttime skin care cream. You should apply a bit of it on the skin at bedtime and leave it thus. The next morning, your skin will be clean, soft and fresh. This oil deeply enters the skin and nourishes it.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 cup coconut oil, solid
¼ tsp tea tree oil
½ tsp vitamin E oil
Method of preparation:
Whip the coconut oil in an electric mixer until it is fluffy and light. Add the tea tree oils and the vitamin E, and store the cream in the fridge. Apply it on the face before you go to sleep.
Coconut Oil Hand Cream
Your hands may become dry and rough due to the bad and cold weather, so they need more attention and care. Coconut oil is great for this cause, as it can reverse dry skin on the hands, without causing any side- effects.
You can make your own homemade coconut oil hand cream that will nourish your skin and make them smooth and soft.
Recipe:
Ingredients
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/8 cup cocoa butter
1 tablespoon aloe Vera juice
1/8 cup Shea butter
5-10 drops essential oils (optional)
1 tablespoon liquid oil of choice (such as jojoba, sweet almond, etc.)
Method of preparation
Over low heat, heat the coconut oil, cocoa butter and shea butter to melt. Then, remove them from the heat and add the essential oils, liquid oil, and aloe Vera juice. Stir well and pour the mixture into a container to store it.
Whipped Coconut Oil Cellulite Cream
Cellulite is a common issue nowadays, and people all around the world struggle to find an effective way to fight it. Coconut oil is extremely beneficial in the case of coconut oil, as it is not cheap, it is affordable and provides incredible effects.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
3/4 cup Coconut Oil
30 drops Grapefruit oil
2 tablespoons shaved Beeswax
10 drops Rosemary oil
30 drops Cypress oil
3 tablespoons Witch Hazel
10 drops Juniper oil
Method of preparation:
Mix all the essential oils listed above and the witch hazel. Melt the beeswax over low heat and add the coconut oil. As soon as they are liquefied, add the mixture of the essential oils and blend them all. Pour the mixture into a suitable container and keep it in a dry and cool place.
Homemade Liquid Hand Soap
Coconut oil can be used in the preparation of a homemade liquid hand soap. In this way, you will save money, but you will also enhance the state of your skin and you will avoid the negative effects of the chemicals found in purchased products. This natural hand soap will nourish the skin and prevent drying, it will clean it and make it soft and smooth.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)
1 cup virgin coconut oil
a few drops of essential oils for fragrance (optional)
Method of preparation:
In a cup of extra virgin coconut oil, add vitamin E and optionally, some essential oils. Whip the mixture in a blender or a kitchen mixer for 6-7 minutes on high speed. Next, just pour it into a suitable container and it is ready to use!
As the weather warms up, our Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie recommends readjusting and reorganizing your home care routine to balance the new changes you may be experiencing in your complexion.
One of the greatest ways to get your skin ready for a new season is to bump up your exfoliation at home“One of the greatest ways to get your skin ready for a new season is to bump up your exfoliation at home,” comments Natalie, “You want to introduce different types of treatments or ingredients that will help your skin during this transition phase.”
AN ÉMINENCE-APPROVED SPRING SKIN CARE ROUTINE:
Step 1 – Cleanse
Cleansing is an essential step to prepare the skin for exfoliation, and the first step towards a glowing springtime complexion. Wash your face with your favorite Éminence cleanser, or cleanse, tone and remove make-up in one step with our Rice Milk 3 in 1 Cleansing Water.
Step 2 – Exfoliate
Once you’ve removed excess makeup and oil from your face, it’s time to exfoliate. Natalie recommends a gentle exfoliant, as most skin types tend to experience increased sensitivities as the seasons change. She also suggests our Calm Skin Chamomile Exfoliating Peelwhich uses soothing chamomile, calendula and arnica flower to moisturize and soothe the look of redness and reduce the appearance of inflammation.
Step 3 – Treat
Facial oils are an extremely effective way to balance moisture levels and restore your skin’s natural radiance. Natalie is a huge fan of our Facial Recovery Oil. This Éminence cult favorite tones and hydrates the skin with precious herbs and nourishing oils made with Biodynamic® ingredients.
Step 4 – Moisturize + Protect
We recommend wearing SPF all year long but as temperatures rise and sun rays increase in intensity, SPF protection becomes more important than ever. For moisture and sun protection all-in-one, try one of our SPF moisturizers.
As the weather warms up, our Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie recommends readjusting and reorganizing your home care routine to balance the new changes you may be experiencing in your complexion.
One of the greatest ways to get your skin ready for a new season is to bump up your exfoliation at home“One of the greatest ways to get your skin ready for a new season is to bump up your exfoliation at home,” comments Natalie, “You want to introduce different types of treatments or ingredients that will help your skin during this transition phase.”
AN ÉMINENCE-APPROVED SPRING SKIN CARE ROUTINE:
Step 1 – Cleanse
Cleansing is an essential step to prepare the skin for exfoliation, and the first step towards a glowing springtime complexion. Wash your face with your favorite Éminence cleanser, or cleanse, tone and remove make-up in one step with our Rice Milk 3 in 1 Cleansing Water.
Step 2 – Exfoliate
Once you’ve removed excess makeup and oil from your face, it’s time to exfoliate. Natalie recommends a gentle exfoliant, as most skin types tend to experience increased sensitivities as the seasons change. She also suggests our Calm Skin Chamomile Exfoliating Peelwhich uses soothing chamomile, calendula and arnica flower to moisturize and soothe the look of redness and reduce the appearance of inflammation.
Step 3 – Treat
Facial oils are an extremely effective way to balance moisture levels and restore your skin’s natural radiance. Natalie is a huge fan of our Facial Recovery Oil. This Éminence cult favorite tones and hydrates the skin with precious herbs and nourishing oils made with Biodynamic® ingredients.
Step 4 – Moisturize + Protect
We recommend wearing SPF all year long but as temperatures rise and sun rays increase in intensity, SPF protection becomes more important than ever. For moisture and sun protection all-in-one, try one of our SPF moisturizers.
Sleep Tips Made Easy
Practical Sleep Tips
Train your brain and body for restful sleep. Try these practical inexpensive tips which are proven to help you get a good night’s sleep.
Get exposed to natural light. Studies show that people who aren’t exposed to enough natural light during the day have trouble producing melatonin at night. Open the blinds first thing upon waking to take in more natural light. Or, better yet, take the dog for a morning walk.
Drink tart cherry juice. In one study drinking 1oz. of tart cherry juice daily resulted in napping less during the day, sleeping longer and better at night. It appears that the juice stimulates melatonin.
Fuel early fuel well. Start the day with a balance of protein and slow-burning or low-glycemic carbohydrates, such as whole-grain toast and a poached egg to help keep energy on an even keel.
Dine for sleep. Research has suggested that for some people it may be helpful to eat dinner about four hours before bedtime and to include plenty of complex carbohydrates and food high on glycemic index like rice and potatoes. Limit bedtime snack to less than 200 calories, no closer than one hour before bedtime.
Avoid stimulants such as caffeine (after noon) and chocolate (six hours prior to bedtime). It may also be helpful to avoid strenuous exercise before bedtime.
Get outside in the early afternoon. Step outside into sunlight. It can help you perk up, delaying that melatonin surge until you really need it.
Exercise. A Stanford study found that those who did aerobics or took brisk 30- to 40-minute walks four times per week for 16 weeks fell asleep faster and slept more deeply and longer.
Power down. One hour before bedtime, settle in and prepare for tomorrow. Journalize your thoughts “out of the brain and onto paper” so they don’t race through your head as you’re trying to sleep.
Wake up at the same time every day. By getting up at the same time every day including weekends, your “sleep hunger” which builds up throughout the day maxes out at the same time every night.
Create an atmosphere in your bedroom that is conducive to sleeping: low lights or darkness, a humidifier for dry climates, a comfortable temperature, and a good sleep surface. Don’t use the bedroom to read, watch television, or work.
Calm your thoughts before you sleep. Read, soak in a warm bath, listen to music, or meditate.Picture sunbathing near the ocean or lying beside a quiet creek—whatever image calms you. Use a lavender-scented diffuser in your bedroom. The scent is known to have sedative properties.
Ayurveda practitioners recommend going to bed by 10 pm at the latest to take advantage of your natural circadian rhythms. This allows you to use the sleepier, quieter Kapha time of night to help you fall asleep.
How To Reduce The Look Of Dark Spots: A Real Life Story
APRIL 5, 2016
Written By:
Karen Young Chester
As a new mom, Carly S. was not only adjusting to life with a newborn baby but also the dark spots that appeared on her face during her pregnancy. The uneven skin tone made her self-conscious about her complexion and she felt that “she did not look like herself” at all. Fortunately, she tried Bright Skin Targeted Treatment from our new VitaSkin™ Targeted Treatments and found the remedy completely effective in visibly reducing all signs of dark spots on her complexion.
Read more about Carly’s story:
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SKIN BEFORE USING BRIGHT SKIN TARGETED TREATMENT?
I was a freckle monster! I was pregnant at the time and because of the pregnancy I started developing some hormonal pigmentation from 36 weeks onward. I started seeing dark spots becoming more and more prominent on my face.
HOW DID YOU TRY TO RESOLVE YOUR SKIN PROBLEMS?
I tried to stay out of the sun. But to be honest, I didn’t have time to do a lot because I was a new mom! The sun definitely made the skin worse. Exhaustion certainly didn’t help either.
HOW DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO MAKE A CHANGE?
People were constantly asking me if I’d been out in the sun. It was so noticeable, I really felt like I didn’t look like myself.
WHAT WERE THE FIRST SIGNS THAT THE TREATMENT WAS WORKING?
The look of the dark spots started fading around the eyes first and then it faded more all over the face from there. My husband was the first to notice.
Well, the treatment worked so well that I just don’t have the problem anymore. There isn’t the littlest bit. It’s gone. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SKIN NOW? Well, the treatment worked so well that I just don’t have the problem anymore. There isn’t the littlest bit. It’s gone.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT BRIGHT SKIN TARGETED TREATMENT?
Besides the fact that it works, I like that it’s organic, fresh and light – not heavy at all. Also the fact that it is so easy to use. It doesn’t take any time at all.
Sweat it Out to Straighten Up: 4 Exercises to Improve Posture
With growing numbers of people leading a relatively sedentary lifestyle, bad posture is becoming an increasing problem. Sitting at a computer for long hours, staring down at your smartphone, or vegging out on the sofa on a Netflix binge are no help for your general or postural health. All this sitting around, slouching, and inactivity is a major cause of bad posture. Thanks to these bad posture habits our bodies are pushed and pulled out of alignment and if it’s not caught early, it can become a permanent problem and may result in other muscular issues related to postural misalignment. There are ways to counteract postural problems if you catch them early and using exercise and weights can be a great way to bring back balance to your body. Here are four ways to use simple exercises to improve posture.
Deadlifts
Working out most of the major muscles in the legs, glutes, lower back, and your core, the deadlift is a great exercise to incorporate into your workout. Seek professional advice before performing any new exercises with free weights to avoid injuries, however to perform a deadlift correctly stand with your feet shoulder width apart, barbell on the floor in front of you. Grip the bar on the outside of your legs and lower your hips so your back is at a 45 degree angle to the floor. Looking straight ahead, engage your abdominal muscles and lift the bar keeping your arms straight and straightening your knees and hips to a standing position leaving the bar at hip level. Return the bar to the floor keeping your arms straight and bending again at the hips and knees. Deadlifts work to increase strength in the legs, glutes, and back including the whole spine which is important for correct posture.
Planking
Your core abdominal area is probably the most important for posture. Having a weak core will result in slouching forward and holds no stability for your lower back resulting in an increased back arch. You will be amazed at how much your posture will change once you start strengthening this area.
One of the fastest ways to increase strength in your core is to perform a plank. Face downward as if you were going to do a press-up. Prop yourself up on either your hands or forearms and on your toes with feet shoulder width apart. Keeping your back as straight as you can (bottom down) engage your core and hold for as long as possible. Planking can be hard at first if you have no strength in your abdominals, however you can always start out holding for 30 seconds and gradually build up to longer planks of over a minute.
Dumbbell Rows
Your arms and chest muscles do a lot of work each day without you even realizing it. The chest can quite often become tight resulting in an upper back hunch or kyphosis. Performing exercises that counteract this dominance in the chest will help to keep your back strong to avoid any postural problems. There are always a myriad of ways to perform any one exercise however using dumbbells is easy for doing these dumbbell rows. If doing both sides at once stand as you would with the deadlift with a dumbbell in each hand. Looking forward engage the upper back muscles and pull your elbow up past your back and then lowering back down. Repeat this action for 3 sets of 15. If doing one side only, kneel with one knee on bench and one hand also on the bench and perform the same motion with just one side then swap.
Stretching
Stretching is so important to counteract muscular tension. After performing repeated contractions your muscles are left in a shortened position therefore after any workout you should ensure to perform stretches on all the muscle areas you have worked out. This will not only help to relieve the excess tension but helps to release any built up lactic acid reducing any post workout soreness.
Remember, it is important to remember to work out opposite muscle groups to ensure you aren’t overworking one set of muscles. For example only doing exercises for your chest will result in overly tight muscles in that area. Your posterior shoulder and back muscles will be weakened and cause your shoulders to slouch forward resulting in a hunch back. The same goes for your legs, tight quadriceps will create an anterior pelvic tilt which usually results in a lower back arch which then causes a knock-on effect into your upper back.
Movement and strength are an important combination for keeping our bodies in optimal condition. If you are spending long periods of time sitting down at work it would be wise to at least get up and move about and stretch during the day. Talk to a professional trainer about adding some weights to your workouts. Weight training is beneficial not only for strengthening but also burns calories long after your training session ends! What are you waiting for?!
Your “Gentle” Cleanser May Not Be as Amazing as You Think
As a general rule, the fewer ingredients you find on the label, the cleaner the product is. Case in point: all of those do-it-all coconut oil balms that keep the ingredient list short and sweet with one ingredient, coconut oil. But there are exceptions to every rule. And to remove makeup, oil, and impurities, sometimes you need a little bit more on that list. So adding a few ingredients isn’t a bad thing. But when that limited ingredient list is littered with sulfates, fragrances, and anything that starts with methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl, you’ve found the exception to the rule.
Once upon a time, being free and clear of synthetic dyes and fragrances gave your product the sensitive-skin stamp of approval. We’ve come a long way since then. These days there are dozens of seemingly innocuous (though hard-to-pronounce) ingredients filling cleanser bottles everywhere. Of course, not everything with a scientific-sounding name earns a spot on the no-no list, but many of the chemically manufactured ingredients you find in so-called gentle cleansers aren’t doing your skin any favors. Cetyl alcohol, for example, is a wax. Does wax help cleanse your skin? No. Instead, you should look for ingredients that help your skin—like antioxidants, vitamins, and nourishing oils.
Scroll through for a few of our favorite gentle cleansers that have earned their title!
Spring Ready Skin: Detox Your Complexion Like A Celeb
MARCH 10, 2016
Written By:
Christie Pike
Many of you may have started 2016 with an ambitious number of new year’s resolutions: Eat more veggies, exercise daily, mask weekly and learn a new language … Sound familiar? Kudos to those of you who managed to stick to your new habits, but don’t feel ashamed if you’ve gone a little off track.
Spring is just around the corner, and as the next season approaches, it’s the ideal time to set new goals. If your intention is a healthier you this spring, then why not start with a detox plan? We’re not referring to “extreme” diet restrictions, but simple changes that can create massive improvements to your overall health and wellbeing.
We’re sure that Hollywood knows detox best, so here are 3 celeb-approved detox tips to a healthier & happier season ahead.
1. BRING DIGESTION BACK TO BALANCE WITH FIBER, PROBIOTICS & WATER
The first step to your spring detox is getting your digestion back in check. A properly functioning digestive system means that your body absorbs nutrients and expels toxins. The solution to balancing your digestive tract is simple: water, fiber and probiotics – all three help promote friendly bacteria in the colon and flush the system of toxins. While healthy bacteria work from the inside out to clear your complexion, they also have a number of benefits as a skin care ingredient. InStyle Magazine raves about our Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer:
“For soothing hydration that also keeps acne under control, check out this ultralight moisturizer formulated with tea-tree oil, shea butter, willow-bark extract, and probiotics.”
Celeb Detox Tip: Dita Von Teese
I’m getting great results from the natural Éminence line. It makes me feel good to be using fewer (possibly toxic) products!”Dita Von Teese tells Vogue Magazine that she credits her beautiful skin to both genetics, healthy habits and natural lifestyle choices. This burlesque beauty starts every morning with a large glass of water. She then follows with her breakfast of choice, a fiber-packed smoothie – “I have a green smoothie, which is 70 percent green and 30 percent fruit, as advised in Kimberly Snyder’s book Beauty Detox Foods”. She also stays clear of toxins when it comes to her beauty routine – “I’m getting great results from the natural Éminence line. It makes me feel good to be using fewer (possibly toxic) products!” comments Dita in an interview with Cosmopolitan Magazine.
I’ll add a few drops of turmeric powder, which is naturally anti-inflammatory and gives a slight sun-kissed look.Thandie Newton, a timeless beauty and Éminence fan, also swears by the inflammation-reducing, beauty-boosting benefits of turmeric: “I’ll use those moisturizers with a little color in them, then I’ll add a few drops of turmeric powder, which is naturally anti-inflammatory and gives a slight sun-kissed look.”
sugar can cause non-alcohol fatty liver disease which disrupts the body’s natural metabolic and detoxification processFructose can be extremely damaging to your liver. If consumed in excess, an over indulgence of sugar can cause non-alcohol fatty liver disease which disrupts the body’s natural metabolic and detoxification process, not to mention the effects of aging on the skin (bodyandsoul.com.au). Moral of the story? By limiting or reducing your sugar intake entirely, you’re giving your liver a fighting chance at removing toxins from the body. The result? Improved health and a glowing complexion.
The one and only Madonna is well aware of the benefits of a sugar-free diet. When this ageless beauty is ready for a detox, she’s been known to follow a macrobiotic diet. This meal plan involves removing meat, dairy, sweeteners and sugar from the diet (Daily Mail UK). When it comes to her skin care, Madonna also opts for natural, toxin-free products. Her Éminence favorites include our Blueberry Soy Exfoliating Cleanser, Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum and Coconut Sugar Scrub.
10 Healthy Eating Exercises That Really Make a Difference
When the average person thinks of different exercises, she probably thinks about any of the vast number of ways to move our bodies that can help us stay fit. But when I think about exercises, my mind travels to eating. Mindful eating, that is, and the different ways we can begin to practice the method, to help us develop a relationship with food and eating that truly supports our health.
Experiment with Mindful Eating
In today’s busy world, mindless eating is the go-to. To break that habit, we have to experiment with doing things differently. Experimentation is key because you want to find something that helps, and not everything necessarily works for every person.
So here are 10 exercises to try to make eating mindfully a regular part of your life. There are no right or wrong answers to any of the questions. The point is to observe your experience, which can help you make more supportive choices as you become more skilled in mindful eating.
1. Slow down: Put your fork or spoon down between bites. Alternate that with eating with your non-dominant hand. How does that affect your eating?
2. Take a few deep breaths before eating: Even close your eyes or stare unfocused out at nothing. How do you feel? Are you hungry? Tense? Is what you feel like eating affected by your level of hunger or stress? Does the awareness of what you are feeling affect the choices you make?
3.Chew slowly: Take a bite of food, then move it around in your mouth before you start to chew. Notice how the food tastes, how the textures feel, how the temperature changes. Then start chewing slowly, still moving it around in your mouth. What do you notice?
4. Wait for hunger before you eat: For two days, eat only when you are hungry. What does that feel like? Now eat when you are not hungry. What does that feel like? Caveat: Everyone eats occasionally when they are not hungry and that can be healthy because it allows for the many roles that food plays in our lives. It’s just when we frequently eat when we are not hungry that it can lead to trouble.
5. Stop eating when you feel satisfied, not necessarily full: For two more days, as you are still eating only when you are hungry, pay close attention as you eat. At what point do you feel like the food stops tasting as good as the first bite? When do you feel your hunger go away? When do you feel like you could stop and go for a few hours without getting hungry again?
6. Sit down when you eat: Before a morsel passes your lips, seat yourself at the table, or even your desk or the nearest chair. Does this simple act make a difference in your ability to tune in as you eat?
7. Take a smaller portion size than you usually do: Not too small – you want to have enough to experiment with. Eat it slowly, tasting it thoroughly. When finished, check in – do you feel satisfied? If not, take another small portion and eat it in the same manner, checking in after each bite. How much does it take for you to feel satisfied?
8. Consider what you really want before eating: Close your eyes and think about what would taste good to you right now. Then think about how you will feel as you eat it, and after you eat it. Make your choices based on all these factors.
9. Eat balanced meals: Experiment for a few days by eating meals that contain a mix of protein foods, grains/starchy vegetables, and vegetables and/or fruits, such as grilled chicken with mashed potatoes and broccoli. For the next few days, then eat meals that are missing one of those groups, such as just grilled chicken and mashed potatoes. Do you feel differently when you eat the different combinations?
10. Eat a variety of foods: For a week, make it a point to eat a new food each day – one you don’t commonly eat or haven’t ever eaten at all. Does it make any difference to how satisfied you feel with eating well?
As you try these experiments, it can help to know that even the most skilled mindful eaters sometimes eat mindlessly. So just hang in there and keep experimenting. Find some that work for you, then practice them regularly, and you can find mindful eating becomes second nature. It will just be how you eat.
ÉMINENCE BLOG
CHARCOAL ALL THE BUZZ!
Why Everyone’s Using Charcoal
MARCH 12, 2015
Written By:
Karen Young Chester
It’s one of the latest buzz ingredients to storm the worlds of health and beauty: activated charcoal. That’s right, charcoal has officially migrated from BBQ grills and onto our faces and even into our food and drinks. So, what exactly is activated charcoal and why is it so popular? We have the answers in this quick guide to the trending new substance and how you can use it in your body and on your skin.
Activated charcoal’s unique detoxification and absorption properties are what’s turning this little black secret into such an on-trend ingredient in both health and skin care products.The term “activated charcoal” refers to the treated form which is extremely porous and able to attract and hold on to chemicals (generalcarbon.com). Activated charcoal’s unique detoxification and absorption properties are what’s turning this little black secret into such an on-trend ingredient in both health and skin care products.
Here are 3 reasons to use activated charcoal in products:
1. Attracts toxins
Feeling icky? Now you can swig a bottle of charcoal juice which acts like a magnet for your body’s toxins and flushes them away (well+Good). Sure, it’s unnerving to drink a bottle of black, gritty liquid but the makers of Activated Lemonade claim that their charcoal potion detoxifies and improves skin (PopSugar).
2. Holds toxins
Eating charcoal is actually not a new phenomenon. Activated charcoal is often swallowed to help treat cases of poisoning because of charcoal’s ability to bind to chemicals and draw toxins from the body (WebMD). These days however, the presence of charcoal in food has sky-rocketed and its use extends beyond unpleasant cases of poisonings. From black macarons to charcoal-infused ramen, activated charcoal is popping up in your favorite snacks in hopes that the new ingredient will bind to general chemicals and rid the body of all unwanted substances. Charcoal cheese, charcoal donuts, charcoal layer cake – nowadays you’re in luck if you’re searching for some sooty-looking food to chow down on.
3. Draws out impurities
One of the main aspects of activated charcoal is its ability to pull impurities out of the face and body. The Balancing Masque Duo in our new Balance Collection uses this very quality to deep-clean the skin, drawing out oil, dirt and bacteria. By using activated charcoal, the Balancing Masque Duo reduces the look of sebum on the skin and controls the appearance of oiliness. The charcoal component also refines and purifies the appearance of the T-Zone area.
The Super Bowl: Some come for the football game, others come for the snacks. I happen to root for the latter category. And if there are healthy snacks to nosh on, it’s even more of a win-win.
Score major points when you put a healthy spin on fan-favorite Super Bowl snacks with these recipes from HelloFresh.
Skillet Chilaquiles with Chipotle, Black Beans & Radishes Added elements like black beans, fresh tomatoes, and cilantro add fiber and flavor. Plus, who doesn’t love a healthy recipe that still includes sour cream? Serves 4.
6 oz tortilla chips
4 scallions
2 lime
6 radishes
2 cans black beans
2 cans chipotles in adobo sauce
1 C cheddar cheese
2 bunches cilantro
4 T sour cream
2 tomatoes
2 T olive oil
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Thinly slice the scallions, keeping the white and green parts separate. Halve the tomato, remove, and discard the seeds and white core, then finely dice. Thinly slice the radishes. Coarsely chop the cilantro. Halve the lime. Drain and rinse the black beans.
Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the scallion whites and cook for 30 seconds. Add the black beans, chopped tomato, and 1 teaspoon abodo sauce (more if you like the heat!). Cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
In the same pan, mound the tortilla chips. Top with the black bean mixture and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake for 5‐10 minutes, until cheese has melted.
Meanwhile, toss the radishes and half the cilantro with the juice of half a lime. Season with salt and pepper. HINT: This would be a great time to fry up two egg to top the chilaquiles with, if desired!
Remove the pan from the oven and top with the radish and cilantro salad. Top with the scallion greens, remaining cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of lime juice. HINT: If you’re a serious heat‐seeker, add more adobo sauce or even some chopped chipotle pepper on top!
Spiced Turkey Chili with Avocado Use lean ground turkey to dwindle fat content; the meat and kidney beans make this chili filling yet healthy.
12 oz ground turkey
1 avocado
½ oz cilantro
2 cloves garlic
1 lemon
1 onion
2 T sour cream
1 t chili powder
1 can kidney beans
1 can diced tomatoes
1 T olive oil
Finely chop the onion, garlic, and cilantro. Cut the lemon into wedges. Drain and rinse the kidney beans.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and when hot, add the onion, garlic and cook, stirring until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Season with ½ teaspoon salt. Add the turkey and cilantro and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Season with another ¼ teaspoon salt.
Add the tomatoes and the beans. Season with the ancho chile powder. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally until thick, about 10 minutes.
Cube the avocado before serving. Plate the chili in bowls and top with the avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and the remaining cilantro.
5 Signs That Sugar Is Aging Your Face
JANUARY 14, 2016
Written By:
Karen Young Chester
Here’s some news that will make you put down that donut and walk away: sugar ages you.Do you have a sugary donut in your hand? Here’s some news that will make you put down that donut and walk away: sugar ages you. Although there are lots of factors that ruin your skin, sugar is probably one of the worst offenders for outright aging your face and body.
Not only should you be avoiding sugar for dietary reasons (the new US health guidelines recommend you cut way back), you now have the added incentive of protecting your looks from the aging ravages of sugar. You heard it here first: Sugar is the new Big Bad.
HOW SUGAR DAMAGES YOUR SKIN
Sugar bonds with proteins in your body in a process called glycation. These sugar-bonded proteins produce free radicals which destroy your collagen and elastin, the building blocks that keep your skin strong and supple. They also harden collagen and elastin, and prevent the body from making more. All these effects mean your skin loses its elasticity, lines and wrinkles start to set in, and signs of aging become more visible.
5 SIGNS THAT SUGAR IS AGING YOUR FACE
The effects of sugar on your skin are so unique, there are tell-tale signs on your face that sugar is the culprit aging you:
1. The surface of your skin looks hard and shiny.
2. Deep, crosshatch lines appear along your upper lip.
3. Discoloration and hyperpigmentation mark the skin.
4. Deep crevices appear, especially around the laugh line area.
5. Skin around the jowl area is sagging.
1. Cut back on your sugar intake, especially food containing high fructose corn syrup.
2. Supplement your diet with vitamins B1 and B6 (Prevention) which inhibit the damage caused by sugar-bonded proteins.
3. Eat food and use products with antioxidants like vitamin C which reduce free radical damage to the skin and body.
Our brand new Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil is infused with oil-based vitamin C that fights the visible signs of aging and smooths wrinkles. Its ingredients also work hard in a preventative way and help reduce further symptoms of aging skin. With regular use, your complexion will look hydrated, firmer and plumped. Target the sugar-fueled signs of aging with this unique facial oil and reveal your most beautiful, youthful-looking skin.
Will you be reducing sugar in your diet? Let us know in the comments below.
Click Link for Facial Yoga ! http://www.byrdie.co.uk/face-yoga-exercises/slide2
What’s on Riley Keough’s Vanity Table?
Riley Keough attends the 2015 Guggenheim International Gala Pre-Party, made possible by Dior, at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, in New York City, November 4, 2015.
Actress and model Riley Keough, the eldest granddaughter of the iconic Elvis Presley, is creating her own legacy. She starred in the hit films Magic Mike and Mad Max: Fury Roadand has nabbed the lead role in the upcoming Starz TV series The Girlfriend Experience, based on Stephen Soderbergh’s film of the same name and coming out in 2016.
And, as you may have noticed, she is the face of fragrance Norell New York’s newest campaign. Directed by Michael Avedon, the campaign celebrates legendary fashion designer Norman Norell. “I love giving narratives and having my models channel a character from the past,” says Avedon, the grandson of the late, revered photographer Richard Avedon. “Riley is a terrific young actress, and directing her into the character I desired to capture on film was a very exciting process.”
Famous for his ultra-feminine ready-to-wear designs, Norell was the first American designer to ever launch a fragrance. The original, Norell, debuted in 1968 and is a classic. It has been remastered as the new Norell New York, a floral scent made of more than 200 jasmine petals, orris butter, vanilla, and musk. In honor of the new scent, Baccarat has handcrafted 500 limited-edition perfumes, each bottle numbered and signed, every bit as glamorous as one of Norell’s signature pieces.
So after this up-and-coming star’s brush with one legendary artist, we just had to ask Riley, “What’s on your Vanity Table?” Check out the slide show below for a look at her fragrance, Norell New York, and more of her favorite beauty items and destinations.
For our chocolate lovers out there, we have the perfect recipe for you that combines the sweet aromas of coconut with the exquisite taste of cocoa.
The added bonus – these delicious snowball cookies contain all natural and organic ingredients and have no added sugar! Did we mention there’s no baking required?
Ingredients
• 1/3 cup of honey
• 3/4 cup organic coconut oil
• 1 1/4 almond milk (soy/coconut/organic milk will also work)
• 3 cups of rolled oats
• 3 cups of organic, unsweetened desiccated coconut (set one cup aside for rolling)
• 7 Tbsps of organic cocoa
• ½ cup of dark chocolate chips (we used Belgium dark chocolate – yum!)
Instructions
1. In a large saucepan, combine the coconut oil, honey and milk. Boil together over medium heat for about two minutes.
2. Add cocoa and dark chocolate chips to the saucepan and stir until chocolate chips are melted.
3. Combine oats, coconut and cocoa.
4. Add the boiled mixture to the dry ingredients until well combined.
5. Let warm ingredients cool at room temperature for about 5 minutes and then chill in fridge for approximately 30 minutes.
6. Once mixture is chilled, roll and shape mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls.
7. Roll the balls in additional coconut.
Notes
This recipe makes about 4 dozen snowballs. We recommend storing them in a fridge or a freezer.
Enjoy!
THE BEST ANTI-AGING SKIN SECRETS FROM TOP FACIALISTS
The secrets they tell their age-defying, camera-ready clients.
By Liz Krieger and Photographs by Ben Hassett; Fashion Editor: Anna Trevelyan
“I’ll have what she’s having.” Yes, it’s a famous movie line, but more often than not it’s what we think upon seeing the glowing skin of today’s most beautiful actresses and models. Here’s insider access to the golden rules of skin care, straight from A-list treatment rooms.
KNOW THYSELF: Turns out, many people don’t know what kind of skin they have. “You’d be surprised how many people are simply using the wrong products for their skin type,” says Los Angeles aesthetician Shani Darden, who keeps Jessica Alba glowing. Everyone should have at least one professional skin-care consultation with a licensed aesthetician to get assessed and establish a treatment plan, says New York facialist Mamie McDonald, who works with Kerry Washington.
EXFOLIATE WITH CARE: Exfoliation is key for younger skin. Cindy Crawford’s Los Angeles facialist Cristina Radu prefers fine granular scrubs for removing dead skin cells, and is insistent that people avoid those made with crushed shells, salt, or anything too rough. “You want the finest particles possible,” says Radu. If you have sensitive skin or rosacea, Nicole Paxson, an aesthetician at Adam Kolker’s plastic-surgery practice in New York, cautions against using anything with physically abrasive ingredients. Instead, rely on fruit enzymes or chemical acids. Her pick: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50($61). New York facialist Joanna Vargas, who preps Karlie Kloss, suggests the Eminence Citrus Exfoliating Wash ($38) but warns that if you’re using a retinol or Retin-A, you may not want to perform an additional exfoliant step because your skin is already undergoing faster cell turnover.
ÉMINENCE BLOG
7 Unusual Ways To Use Facial Recovery Oil
NOVEMBER 26, 2015
Written By:
Karen Young Chester
Eminence Organic Skin Care’s Facial Recovery Oil is my favorite product in the whole, wide world. If I had to choose just one, this would be it.We named it Facial Recovery Oil. They call it “Liquid Gold”. For adoring fans, this extraordinary golden oil is one of our most popular products and holds near-cult status. One such devotee, celebrated model and swimsuit designer Malia Jones, expresses the kind of passion that grips many of the oil’s users: “Eminence Organic Skin Care’s Facial Recovery Oil is my favorite product in the whole, wide world. If I had to choose just one, this would be it.” We agree and here’s why: facial oil benefits are more than just hydration. This oil, made from organic and Biodynamic® ingredients, solves a whole host of problems on your face and body.
Need to know more? Here are 7 ways to use Facial Recovery Oil that you might not have known about:
1. SIGNS OF AGING IN THE NECK AREA
When applying Facial Recovery Oil, don’t forget the crucial neck area! The hydrating oils tone and moisturize with pure oils and sage leaf extract, giving the delicate skin in this area a plumped up glow. Regular use directly affects the visible signs of aging for the neck, especially fine lines and wrinkles. Dermascope recently spotlighted the oil in its anti-aging feature “The Future 40”.
2. KERATOSIS PILARIS
Also known as “chicken skin”, these unsightly bumps are hardened protein which builds up in hair follicles often in the arm area (XOJane). A lack of sebum and fatty acids cause these protein plugs which explains why liberal use of Facial Recovery Oil seems to melt the bumps away.
3. PUFFY EYES AND CROW’S FEET
Did you know that Facial Recovery Oil especially benefits the eye area? Key ingredients reduce puffiness under the eye and hydrate intensely. Since there are less oil glands around the eyes, the oil delivers the extra moisture needed in this area prone to dryness.
4. CHAPPED LIPS
Drop the petroleum-based chapstick and soothe chapped lips with Facial Recovery Oil. With winter winds chafing your lips, the oil relieves your pucker with a single drop. Afterwards, add a slick of shimmering color with our Organic Kiss Lip Gloss.
We discovered this oil three years ago and can’t imagine life without it.5. DRY CUTICLES
After applying facial oil to your complexion, why not rub the remaining traces into your cuticles as well? Soften irritated dry cuticles and ensure your nails stay hydrated, healthy and strong.
6. THE LOOK OF UNEVEN SKIN TONE
Vitamin E and herbal ingredients in Facial Recovery Oil target the look of uneven skin tone on your cheeks. With regular use, skin appears smoother, more even, and refreshed. Beauty editors at The Fashion Spot testify, “We discovered this oil three years ago and can’t imagine life without it.”
7. STRETCH MARKS AND SURGICAL SCARS
For skin issues like stretch marks and surgical scars, intense moisture from Facial Recovery Oil increases elasticity and improves the look of skin. Also, a key ingredient, clary sage oil, has anti-inflammatory and healing properties for the skin – important qualities when hydrating damaged skin.(OrganicFacts.com). Looking for more tips for expectant moms? We have another clever, organic skin care mixology to help with the appearance of stretch marks.
4 Festive Treats That Will Stop Holiday Cravings
NOVEMBER 11, 2015
Written By:
Karen Young Chester
Spoil yourself with festive treats that indulge your skin rather than your stomach.The holidays are approaching and this year – you swear – it’s going to be different. With the free-flowing buffet of sweet treats that accompany the season, you’re prepped and developing an iron will to resist candied yams and chocolate truffles. But what happens when mental strength is not enough to keep holiday gluttony at bay? How will moderation over the holidays win out? Here’s our suggestion: Spoil yourself with festive treats that indulge your skin rather than your stomach.
Here are four festive goodies that will delight your senses – and encourage mindful eating over the holidays:
Craving cranberries? Try our Limited Edition Cranberry Pomegranate Masque.
Instead of loading up on sugar-filled cranberry jelly, soothe your sweet tooth with the scent of our nutrition-packed Cranberry Pomegranate Masque. Combining whole fruit, seeds and juice in our natural skin care, this limited edition masque smooths and tones the skin, leaving it glowing with health.
Visions of sugar plums? Try our Limited Edition Sugar Plum Whip Moisturizer.
Stop those bonbons from dancing in your head. Instead of scarfing holiday candy, delight yourself with this sweet-smelling moisturizer that reduces the look of wrinkles and fine lines.
Chocolates on the brain? Try our Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque.
Put down the dessert spoon and give your complexion a treat instead. Our cocoa-rich masque smells heavenly and also plumps and firms your skin.
Hankering for yams? Try our Yam and Pumpkin Enzyme Peel.
It’s hard to resist a holiday dish that usually comes smothered in marshmallows. Either try our yam-rich Autumn Chop Salad instead or get your fix with our Yam and Pumpkin Enzyme Peel. This exfoliating peel refines and brightens the skin so the complexion looks firm, supple and radiant.
The agave nectar, found in every healthy food stores, contains up to 80% fructose.
This is more than what’s found in high-fructose corn syrup.
You know what’s the best natural sweetener for you?
Raw honey!
It has antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties.
It’s a powerful antioxidant and promotes improvement in the digestive and body health.
Raw honey is recognizable as a powerful antioxidant and strengthens the immune system.
Here is the other part of its beauty benefits:
“Healthy” Food #5 – Energy or Sport Drinks (Healthy Swap – Coconut Water)
It’s not important how the energy drink companies advertise their product… these drinks are not healthy.
Maybe they will say the drink has been made with natural ingredients and the process is very healthy for your body, but trust me, it’s not quite like that.
They are energy boosters all right, but what’s in there that increases your energy?
That’s right.
When you replace these energy drinks with something that’s truly natural and healthy, you will feel all the benefits.
Coconut water is a natural drink that “hides” the same benefits of the formulated sports drinks.
It contains electrolytes calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and sodium.
All in their NATURAL forms!
“Healthy” Food #6 – Any Type (Name) of Sugar (Healthy Swap –Cinnamon)
How many times have you entered a discussion about the “brown” sugar or the “raw” sugar?
It’s not important how many times I’ve tried to tell my friends that the brown sugar is just white sugar with brown color, they won’t listen.
They are using it anyway and then wonder why they gain weight constantly.
Well…
I’m not a fool for using cinnamon as a substitute.
Maybe I don’t get the same sweet taste like when i am using sugar, but I’ll still pick cinnamon and enjoy its benefits.
If you don’t trust me, here is a chart that will help you understand:
On the other hand, cinnamon is full with amazing benefits for you body and health.
The Ceylon cinnamon is the real cinnamon and you would want to look for it when shopping.
With its substances and antioxidants, it will have nothing but positive effects on your metabolism.
The anti-inflammatory properties in cinnamon help you lower the risk of illness and diseases.
Here is a picture of how to use cinnamon sticks properly.
Amber Ketchum, RD at Shane Diet Weight Loss and Fitness Resort, shared this delicious recipe for pumpkin spice brownies and our mouths started watering immediately! Packed with fall flavor, these brownies are the perfect seasonal treat.
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
½ cup pure maple syrup
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
3 eggs, lightly whisked
¼ cup coconut oil
2½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons almond flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
pinch of ground cloves
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix until well combined.
3. Grease an 8×8 glass baking dish with coconut oil or olive oil spray and pour in the mixture.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes until you can poke a toothpick in the middle and have it come out clean.
5. Let it cool, slice into 9 brownies, and enjoy.
Studded with rich dark chocolate, these nut-free, egg-free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are crispy on the outside and have an incredible crumb on the inside. The coconut flour-arrowroot base is so amazing that I foresee using this flour combination for many other Paleo cookie recipes –I like it that much and I think you will too!
I love pumpkin because it is both gorgeous and flavorful. It’s also incredibly healthy. Pumpkins are full of carotenoids, (a precursor to vitamin A), contain loads of vitamin C, and are chock full of healthy fiber. What better way to get all of the health benefits of pumpkin than in a nut-free, egg-free Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie?
In a food processor, combine flours, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda
Pulse in butter, pumpkin, and honey until dough forms
Remove blade from food processor and stir in chocolate chips by hand
Scoop dough one level tablespoon at a time onto a parchment lined baking sheet
Press balls of dough down firmly
Bake at 350° for 10-15 minutes
Cool for 1 hour on baking sheet (do not handle prior or cookies will break)
Serve
Now, for the back story on these cookies. Every year I spend hours attempting to make amazing Paleo pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, and each year, up until now, I haven’t been totally satisfied. The reason? I don’t like cookies that are cake-like, and adding pumpkin puree to cookies has the tendency to make puffy little things that are more mini-cakes than cookies.
This year the challenge actually increased because so many of you left comments on my Pizza Muffin recipe asking for a nut-free version, as well as more nut-free recipes. If you have a nut-free school, or a child with nut allergies be sure to check out my Nut-Free Recipes page! Because of all these requests for nut-free recipes, I just had to take your feedback into account when crafting my Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! Thankfully they are not only nut-free, but egg-free too for those of you with egg allergies!
In any event, due to your requests, I made more than a dozen batches of nut-free, egg-free, grain-free cookies and was not entirely pleased. So I took a step back. I referred to this recipe from the Coconut Mama’s website for egg-free coconut flour cookies. I made Tiffany’s astonishing 3-ingredient recipe which contains coconut flour, butter, and honey. For my palate, which is accustomed to high-fat almond flour dessert recipes it was just a tad dry, but a wonderful start. So, I added in arrowroot flour and a lot more butter. Voila! The best nut-free Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies ever!
If you change this recipe please leave a comment letting us know about your substitutions! I tested this recipe 21 times (seriously, no joke!) this year alone, to get it just right! I haven’t tested it with other ingredients, or played around with substitutions. As I frequently mention, the only way to know if a substitution works is to test, test, test! So please help others and let us know how your substitutions work out. Especially if you make these into a dairy-free cookie and replace the butter. Happy baking my dearests!
ÉMINENCE BLOG
Fall Skin Care Tips
OCTOBER 21, 2014
Written By:
Christie Pike
There are so many things to love about fall – cozy sweaters, colorful leaves, crisp fresh air and that feeling of change that comes with every new season. Falling leaves could be the first indication that change is in the air, but our skin can also show the effects of a seasonal transition. Seasonal change can leave our skin feeling dull, dry and dehydrated – but it doesn’t have to be that way.
We have 5 simple skin care tips that will help give you that perfect glow all season long:
1. Don’t forget your SPF
Cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours don’t mean you should skimp on the SPF. Sun damage can occur all year long, so make sure to add a layer of sun protection to your daily beauty routine.
Exfoliation is the key to glowing skin. As we age, our natural ability to regenerate new skin cells slows. This can cause surface build-up which can leave our skin looking congested, dry and dull.
Autumn brings on cool, windy weather which can cause your skin to become dry and dehydrated. The fall season is the perfect time to correct any sun damage caused by summer heat and sunshine. Make sure to pick a moisturizer or masque that works best for your skin type. If your skin is extra dry, don’t be afraid to use heavier, natural, oil-based products.
Skin care doesn’t stop at your neckline – it’s important to pamper, moisturize and treat every beautiful inch of your skin. To help keep your skin healthy (after that summer tan) look for products that nourish and even out your skin tone.
The cool fall weather can leave your lips feeling dry and cracked. Protect and moisturize your lips daily with a non-petroleum based lip balm to keep your pout kissable all year long.
Botox has become so popular that even twentysomethings are holding Botox parties and lining up for injections. Listen, I get it … all of us want soft, smooth, wrinkle-free skin. But here’s the problem: Botox can be downright dangerous.
In case you aren’t aware, Botox is derived from a strain of botulinum, one of the most potent neurotoxins on the planet. The bacteria used to be almost exclusively associated with improperly canned food, where it can cause botulism, a condition that damages nerves and ultimately leads to paralysis and death if not treated immediately.Now people are using the paralyzing power of botulinum to get the smooth, wrinkle-free skin they desire. The toxin works by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thereby paralyzing the surrounding muscles. When you inject the toxin into specific muscle groups they “relax” (aka become paralyzed), smoothing out the skin over the muscle and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.(Of course, this is also why botched treatments lead to telltale signs like drooping eyelids, lopsided smiles, and other facial muscles not working properly.)Proponents claim Botox is safe, and I admit some initial short-term studiesseem to corroborate this. But there’s still reason for concern. First off, no long-term trials have been conducted on the safety of the injections. Additionally, this is just one of those treatments that doesn’t pass the common sense test. Is injecting a neurotoxin into your muscles really the best, safest way to tone your skin?Here’s the real irony: There are natural interventions that are better than Botox. Here are my top five all-natural strategies that’ll keep your skin looking young, healthy, and wrinkle-free for years to come:1. Wear sunscreen. I can’t stress this enough. If you want to avoid lines and wrinkles on your face, do everything in your power to protect your skin from what causes them in the first place: oxidative damage from the sun. Choose a nontoxic sunscreen and use it religiously.2. Drink water.Hydrating your skin cells fills them with water, tightens them and gives your skin a smooth, clean appearance. Remember that juice, sodas and other sugary beverages aren’t going to cut it. Water is the source of life — and the source of great, ageless skin — so stick with pure H20.3. Avoid age accelerators.To take care of your skin, you need to take care of your body. When you drink alcohol and eat sugary foods, your blood sugar spikes. This leads to excess blood glucose that can bind to collagen and elastin, damaging skin. This process is called glycation and its end products, called advanced glycation end products (AGEs), cause our skin to become rigid and less elastic, resulting in wrinkles.Get regular exercise to improve circulation and keep your hormones balanced. Focus on foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients (check out the list below). And if you’re still smoking, quit: It’s one of the biggest triggers for oxidative damage and therefore age-enhancing effects.4. Power up on age-reversing nutrients.Your skin cells need to have enough of the essential raw materials that allow them to repair damage, function optimally, and keep you healthy (and beautiful!). Feed your skin the nutrients it needs. Here are my top recommendations:
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) are fruit acids like glycolic, citric, lactic, magic, and tartaric acids. You get them from the foods you eat; berries are especially rich in them, so make sure to include plenty in your diet. You can also try making your own fruit mask as an great way to benefit topically from AHAs.
Apples are packed with vitamin C and bioflavonoids like quercetin, which helps protect your skin’s natural antioxidant properties. Oxidation is one of the primary mechanisms by which your skin ages. Antioxidants help reverse the damage.
Papaya is a natural alternative to chemical exfoliants since the AHAs in papaya break down proteins and dissolve dead skin cells.
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and others are rich in chlorophyll, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that will leave your skin glowing.
5. Choose age-defying natural skin care ingredients.
Want to take your skin care regimen to the next level? Here are three natural ingredients your skin will love way more than Botox:
Cranberry seed oil: Use directly on your skin as a moisturizer. It has the perfect ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, which means it’ll absorb beautifully and hydrate your skin more effectively than many commercial products. You’ll also benefit from the massive quantities of antioxidants, especially vitamin E.
Raspberry seed oil: Yet another all-natural oil packed with skin-loving goodies. It’s one of nature’s natural SPF, is rich in antioxidants, and has extraordinary anti-inflammatory properties.
Virgin sea buckthorn oil: This increases collagen levels and encourages cell turnover, while also containing very high levels of the relatively “rare” omega-7 fatty acid, a sort of a super-moisturizer that’s been shown to improve and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
How else can you flush the toxins this fall? Getting a good night’s sleep, sweating it out and drinking plenty of water are just a few more ways that you can detox naturally. Add to that list our favorite go-to for detoxification: a simple smoothie. With inspiration from the fall harvest, this Autumn Detox Smoothie incorporates fresh fruits and veggies of the season that are packed full of antioxidants, nutrients and plenty of detoxification properties.
Below are a selection of key smoothie ingredients that can help you cleanse and detox the natural way:
Beets (a.k.a beetroot) – Not only are they rich in fiber (and color), beets are also a potent source of vitamin A, manganese and nitrates. This purple veggie works hard to purify your blood stream and deeply cleanse your liver (Veg Kitchen).
Pears – As one of the highest-fiber fruits, 1 pear meets your daily requirement of 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day. This fruit cleanses your colon, prevents belly bloat and keeps your digestive tract in check (PopSugar).
Apples – High in vitamins A and C, calcium and fiber, apples help clear the digestive track and expel toxins from your system (Best Health).
Spinach – When it comes to detox, leafy greens are your friend. Greens like spinach boost chlorophyll levels in the digestive tract which helps rid your body of toxins (PopSugar).
½ green apple (we used an organic Granny Smith apple)
1 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (grated)
1 handful of fresh mint leaves (chopped)
½ ripe banana
Juice from 1 lime
1 tbsp of honey (or to taste if you prefer a sweeter tasting smoothie)
⅓ cup of water (coconut water or coconut milk optional)
5 ice cubes
Instructions:
Chop beets, pear, and apples into small cube sized pieces.
Grate ginger and chop mint into smaller pieces.
Place all ingredients in blender, with the exception of the beets.
Bring water to a boil on the stovetop and add beets. Boil for 2 minutes.
Remove beets from boiling water and add to blender with other ingredients.
Squeeze lime juice into the blender on top of the ingrdients.
Add honey, water (or coconut water/milk) and ice cubes to the mixture and blend on high until all ingredients are combined.
Option 1: Pour into glass and serve.
Option 2: If you prefer a cold smoothie, we suggest pouring the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze for several hours. Once frozen, put cubes back in the blender, add approximately ¼ cup of water and blend on high until smooth.
Serves 1-2
What are your favorite smoothie ingredients? Tell us in the comments below.
7 Beauty Tools That Don’t Last Forever
We know that makeup doesn’t last forever. If you’ve ever put an expired gloss on your lips, you will have learned this lesson quickly. You may think that you never need to replace your beauty tools because you don’t have to worry about them tasting curdled milk mixed with asphalt but not all of them are buy-once-keep-for-life. If you take care of your makeup brushes, a set could last you for life but the same rules don’t apply to other products.
You probably have a few sponges floating around at the bottom of your makeup bag. Even if you wash them, they can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria. Plus, using a dirty sponge on your face can make you break out. If you’ve been using the same makeup-covered sponge forever, get some new ones. Even your beloved beauty blenders will eventually need to be replaced due to wear and tear.
If you splurged on a scrub brush, the last thing you probably want to hear if that you need to spend more money on replacement brush heads. Sorry but you do, unless you bought a brush that doesn’t have the traditional bristle brush, like the FOREO Luna. The bristles get worn on your scrub brush just like they do on your toothbrush. To ensure your brush is working to its optimal ability, switch the head when it shows signs of wear.
Have you ever cleaned your eyelash curler? Has the thought ever crossed your mind? You don’t need to replace you actual eyelash curler but you should be switching the silicon rubber pads on it. They’ll eventually start wearing down from all the clamping down your lashes. Plus, even if you remember to wash it, it can still spread bacteria. Make a note to get new pads. The eye area is one spot on your face that you definitely don’t want to mess around with.
A good hairbrush can last a long time. You definitely don’t need to replace it as often as you do your lipstick. After awhile, the bristles (natural or synthetic) will probably start coming out. Furthermore, all that hair wrapped around the base that you could never get out when you washed it will only keep building up. To keep your locks looking as good as Rapunzel’s, toss that old brush.
Just think about this one for a second. You clean under your nails with that stick, do you really want to be using the same one you did two months ago? Ick. Furthermore, they will eventually become dull and they can start to splinter. Orange sticks are cheap so you can get a whole new package for a few dollars.
Over time, your bath sponge will stretch out. It can get to a point where it look more like a net washcloth than a round ball. When it starts stretching out, replace it. You can’t expect to get a good exfoliation with one that looks like a misshapen rag.
Don’t toss any of those free nail files you always seem to be getting with things because eventually you are going to need them. They don’t just come in multi-packs so you can have a nail file in every drawer. It’s because eventually emery boards wear down. If that nail file couldn’t shape pudding, it’s time for a new one.
Reveal Your Natural Beauty With New VitaSkin™ Exfoliating Peels
SEPTEMBER 1, 2015
Written By:
Karen Young Chester
Are you ready to accelerate skin care results with an innovative peel?
Today, we launch VitaSkin™ Exfoliating Peels, a collection of natural peel solutions with cotton round pads that complement the existing routine for each of the four VitaSkin™ pillars: Firm, Bright, Calm and Clear.
WHAT DO VITASKIN PEELS DO?
Formulated with alpha hydroxy acids and natural active ingredients, these natural peels gently remove dead skin cells and uncover a softer, revitalized complexion. Formulated with alpha hydroxy acids and natural active ingredients, these natural peels gently remove dead skin cells and uncover a softer, revitalized complexion. The exfoliating action enhances the results from existing VitaSkin™ products, primes your skin for the next step in your routine and requires no neutralization or downtime.
WHAT ARE THE FOUR TYPES OF VITASKIN™ PEELS?
Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Peel
This firming peel solution is formulated for normal to dry or mature skin types. Packed with antioxidants sourced from acai berry, grapefruit and goji, the peel also includes lactic and glycolic acids for firmer looking skin.
Bright Skin Licorice Root Exfoliating Peel
This results-oriented peel solution targets uneven skin tone. Lactic and mandelic acids remove dead skin cells while licorice root and our Natural Hydroquinone Alternative from African potato and tara tree brighten the appearance of dark spots.
Calm Skin Chamomile Exfoliating Peel
A gentle exfoliating solution for sensitive skin types, this peel renews the complexion with lactic and mandelic acids. Other ingredients including the refreshing benefits of chamomile, calendula to moisturize and soothe the look of redness, and the arnica flower which reduces the appearance of inflammation.
Clear Skin Willow Bark Exfoliating Peel
A deep-cleansing, clarifying peel solution for problem skin types. Ingredients include salicylic acid which removes surface impurities, willow bark to calm the look of skin, while lilac helps reduce the appearance of redness and inflammation.
HOW DO I USE A VITASKIN™ PEEL?
There are 3 easy steps:
1. Choose your preferred side of the cotton round pad.
2. Dispense solution.
3. Apply and leave on.
Which VitaSkin™ pillar (and peel) suits your skin conditions? Let us know in the comments below.
Learn About How Peels Work Here:
Everything You Need To Know About Facial Peels
SEPTEMBER 8, 2015
Written By:
Karen Young Chester
Confused by what facial peels are? Do they dry on your skin like a thin layer of glue that you pull off your face? (No. Those are peel-off masks) Do they make your skin actually flake and peel off? (Sometimes. Depending on the strength of the peel.) Facial peels often have no visible peeling effect at all, which is why we’re here to unpuzzle your puzzlement with this ultimate guide. Here’s everything you need to know about facial peels:
Peels are simply another form of exfoliation. They remove dead skin cells mainly through the use of acids which loosen the bonds between cells and dissolve dead skin awayWHAT DO FACIAL PEELS DO? Peels are simply another form of exfoliation. They remove dead skin cells mainly through the use of acids which loosen the bonds between cells and dissolve dead skin away (SheKnows). Unlike scrubs, peel ingredients sink into the skin, targeting deeper layers of skin cells.
WHAT INGREDIENTS DO THEY USE? Acids are a common ingredient in facial peels. For natural peels like our VitaSkin™ Exfoliating Peels, we use fruit-sourced acids like Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA).
AHAs are mild, naturally occurring acids like glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids. A great choice for dry skin, AHAs exfoliate the skin surface while improving hydration.
BHAs are a little stronger and sink deeper into the pores to exfoliate and clean the pore walls. BHAs, like salicylic acid, are recommended for oily, problem skin.
Unlike our natural peels, strong chemical peels use more powerful acids that strip skin cells deeply, wound the skin and require downtime for recovery.
WHAT ARE FACIAL PEEL BENEFITS?
When you remove that dulling layer of dead skin cells with a facial peel, your skin benefits in multiple ways. Depending on the kind of peel you use, peels improve your skin tone, leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, and prime your skin for further stages of treatment. You may find that your skin looks radiant, brighter and more youthful.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES?
There are mainly three different types of peels:
1. Deep peels
As mentioned above, these are strong chemical peels which use acids like carbolic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in a painful process that penetrates deeply and causes a second degree burn on the face (WebMD). Side effects from deep chemical peels include months-long recovery periods, the appearance of redness or burns, and the skin literally peeling or flaking away from the face.
2. Medium peels
A milder version of the deep peel which also uses TCAs, the medium peel still results in redness and a 5 to 7 day recovery period.
3. Light peels
The gentlest version of facial peels is effective without involving downtime. Light peels, like our VitaSkin™ Exfoliating Peels, don’t result in redness or require recovery. Also, our Exfoliating Peels do not need neutralization – you just apply, leave on, and see results! However, even with gentle peels, don’t forget that your skin will be more sensitive to the sun – use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and limit your sun exposure.
With leaves turning orange and days growing shorter, our skin will soon feel the seasonal change that arrives with the cold autumn breeze. Fall ushers in lower temperatures that dry our complexions but also brings harvest produce to nourish our skin. Foods like apples, pears, pumpkins and yams are all packed with essential vitamins and nutrients – delicious sensory treats for our tastebuds as well as our skin.
To celebrate the arrival of autumn (and the last few days of summer), we’ve put together a delicious vegan autumn salad recipe for you to enjoy.
With a blend of vitamin-rich ingredients, this Autumn Chop Salad crams in apples and pears loaded with antioxidants to fight the aging effects of free radicals. Generous spoonfuls of pumpkin seeds bring a rich source of zinc, a mineral needed for immunity and skin health. Yams are another star ingredient – packed with potassium, copper and manganese which energize your body and rejuvenate the skin. Paired with a complementary apple and Dijon mustard dressing, this salad will have you – and your skin – ready for the change in seasons.
AUTUMN CHOP SALAD
INGREDIENTS:
Salad:
(Use organic ingredients wherever possible)
• ½ cup Granny Smith apple
• ½ cup ripe pear
• 8 cups spinach
• ½ cup yams, cut into small cubes
• ½ cup beets, cut into small cubes
• 3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
• 1 tablespoon cranberries
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Chop the yams and beets into small cubes. On a well-oiled baking sheet, distribute the chopped yams and beets evenly and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Bake the yam and beet cubes for approximately 20 minutes or until browned. While the yam and beet cubes are baking, chop the Granny Smith apples and the pear into small cubes. Once the yam and beet cubes are cooked and nicely browned on the outside, remove them from the oven and place them aside to cool. Once the yam and beet cubes have cooled, mix them with the apple, pear, pumpkin seeds and cranberries and lay them on a bed of spinach.
To make the dressing, simply pour all the ingredients into a jar or container, adding ingredients to adjust the taste as you please. Shake well when ready to serve.
Endless summer is doing exactly what it said it wouldn’t – it’s ending. And in addition to misleading you with false promises, this summer probably inflicted major damage to your face and body as well. It’s finally time to shake the beach out of your hairdo, and survey the wreckage of summer. Here are the worst offenders of summertime skin damage and how to repair:
POOL PARTIES
Chlorine (and salt water, if you’re a beach bunny) tends to strip away oil from the skin, leaving your post-summer complexion parched and dry (Health.com). The end of summer is the perfect time to treat your skin with a replenishing masque to rehydrate your complexion. If you’re suffering from too much sun and dry skin, our Blueberry Soy Repair Masque uses shea butter to provide the deep moisture you need.
Don’t forget – all that swimming has left you dehydrated so keep your whole body rehydrated with plenty of water. Down those eight glasses a day and keep your moisture levels topped up.
SUN, SUN, SUN
Have you noticed age spots and freckles materializing on your nose and cheeks? Your skin protects itself from the damaging effects of the sun by increasing a skin pigment called melanin. That means sun spots, uneven pigmentation and freckles (Mayo Clinic). If you want to reduce the aging appearance of these pigment spots, use a skin care product like our Bright Skin Masque with a natural hydroquinone alternative. Its natural ingredients brighten the skin and fade the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Also, protect yourself for the remaining days of summer by wearing a product with SPF and the best option: a large hat.
LATE NIGHTS
With the sun setting late, you’ve probably pushed your regular bedtime later as well. Midnight hours and summer shindigs may have left unsightly dark circles under your eyes. Now that summer’s winding down, this is a good time to reset your body clock with full nights of sleep. Snoozing eight hours daily will go a long ways to eliminate those raccoon eyes that have been plaguing you all summer.
Want to do more to pamper your peepers? Try our Wild Plum Eye Cream to reduce the look of dark circles under your eyes.
Heat, sweat and bacteria are the unwelcome trio of summer skin nightmares. All three factors trapped together create the perfect environment for problem skin. SWEAT & BACTERIA Heat, sweat and bacteria are the unwelcome trio of summer skin nightmares. All three factors trapped together create the perfect environment for problem skin. If this summer has set off unpleasant skin issues, now’s the time to tackle them. Make sure you cool off quickly, change your clothes frequently and keep your skin clean. Plus, target your problem skin with our Clear Skin Willow Bark Booster-Serum and Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser to clarify the look of your complexion and leave your summer sorrows behind.
The blueberry and soy combination is one of our favorites for skin care: the berries are packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients and our non-GMO soy, rich in isoflavones and vitamin B. The result is a formula which deeply refreshes and rehydrates the skin. So why not take this delicious pairing and let it inspire you for a perfect summertime treat? Cool down hot days this summer with our Blueberry Soy Popsicles – an easy frozen dessert tempting for the tastebuds and rejuvenating for the skin.
BLUEBERRY SOY POPSICLES
Ingredients:
300 g non-GMO organic soft tofu
1/4 cup organic maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup organic blueberries
Small handful of organic blueberries
Instructions:
Blend the tofu, maple syrup and vanilla extract in a blender until smooth. Pour the thick tofu mixture half way into the popsicle molds. Add the cup of blueberries into the tofu mixture (leaving a small handful for the last step of the recipe) and blend until smooth. Pour the blueberry mixture into the popsicle mold almost to the top. Take the small handful of blueberries and pop 2 to 3 berries into each mold, using a chopstick to push the blueberries closer to the bottom. Insert popsicle handles and freeze for at least 4 hours. The end result are pretty layered popsicles to sweeten your summer.
The Glowy Skin Lunch: What To Eat for a Better Complexion
There’s a science to feeding your skin, and we’ve got the formula.
Achieving gorgeous skin isn’t about piling on products, but about how you live. Call it the wellness approach to beauty. “Women often focus on the lotions and potions they put on their skin without considering what’s happening internally,” says Lauren Slayton, R.D., founder of Foodtrainers in New York City. “When it comes to your skin, you are what you eat.” So how to kick-start your complexion for a naturally gorgeous effect?
Beyond drinking water (eight glasses a day, minimum), focus on nutrient-rich foods that replenish your body and nourish your skin. For your midday meal, load up on vitamin C and zinc to increase your skin’s elasticity and ward off dullness, says Frank Lipman, M.D., founder of Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in New York City. Try a salad with garbanzo beans, slices of mandarin oranges and watery veggies like peppers to pack in extra hydration.
SELF contributing experts Stephanie Clarke, R.D., and Willow Jarosh, R.D., created this recipe just for SELF that hits all the marks for a super-powered meal.
Crunchy Curry Roasted Garbanzo Bean Salad
Spread 1/2 cup rinsed, drained, and air-dried canned garbanzo beans out on a baking sheet and bake at 450 degrees until slightly crunchy and lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven, cool completely, and toss with 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/8 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon curry powder. Place back on sheet in over at 450 until crispy and browned, about ten more minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
Whisk together 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 teaspoons sunflower oil, 1/2 teaspoon honey, 1/8 teaspoon sea salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Set aside.
Toss together 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup chopped purple cabbage, 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper, 1 peeled and chopped mandarin orange, and the roasted garbanzo beans. Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped toasted cashews.
Nutritional Information: 463 calories per serving, 22 g fat (2 g saturated), 59 g carbs, 14 g fiber, 13 g protein
Sweet Potato Fries! BUT healthy!
My Husband enjoys eating healthy, but lets face yesterday was National French Fry Day and I didn’t want him to feel left out! So I came across the Easiest Recipe EVER and now he already wants more! So Simple..ready!? Get yourself some organic sweet potatoes, some coconut oil. Simply Cut the sweet potatoes into preferred fry sizes ( I did all diff sizes). Next lightly coat each fry with coconut oil. Set your oven for 350 degrees and in 30-40 minutes depending on your oven you will have healthy fries! I threw a tiny bit of sea salt on there but we had leftover dressing from one of our favorite restaurants Jerry & The Mermaid’s amazing Coconut Shrimp so we used that to dip the fries into. But you could make any dipping you’d like!
Not only are sweet potatoes readily available, inexpensive, and delicious, they have many other benefits for your health. Here are 9:
1. They are high in vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 helps reduce the chemical homocysteine in our bodies. Homocysteine has been linked with degenerative diseases, including heart attacks.
2. They are a good source of vitamin C. While most people know that vitamin C is important to help ward off cold and flu viruses, few people are aware that this crucial vitamin plays an important role in bone and tooth formation, digestion, and blood cell formation. It helps accelerate wound healing, produces collagen which helps maintain skin’s youthful elasticity, and is essential to helping us cope with stress. It even appears to help protect our body against toxins that may be linked to cancer.
3. They contain Vitamin D which is critical for immune system and overall health at this time of year. Both a vitamin and a hormone, vitamin D is primarily made in our bodies as a result of getting adequate sunlight. You may have heard about seasonal affective disorder (or SAD, as it is also called), which is linked to inadequate sunlight and therefore a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D plays an important role in our energy levels, moods, and helps to build healthy bones, heart, nerves, skin, and teeth, and it supports the thyroid gland.
4. Sweet potatoes contain iron. Most people are aware that we need the mineral iron to have adequate energy, but iron plays other important roles in our body, including red and white blood cell production, resistance to stress, proper immune functioning, and the metabolizing of protein, among other things.
5. Sweet potatoes are a good source of magnesium, which is the relaxation and anti-stress mineral. Magnesium is necessary for healthy artery, blood, bone, heart, muscle, and nerve function, yet experts estimate that approximately 80 percent of the population in North America may be deficient in this important mineral.
Hi All! So as previously mentioned it is so important to avoid fragrance contact with your body, its full of chemicals and can cause damage when the sun hits it….ahh thats where those sun spots on your chest came from ! Here’s an article of more products to avoid! Enjoy
We’re realists: it’s hard to go all-natural all the time. Clean beauty pro Sophie Uliano on what’s worth it – and what ingredients to avoid at all costs.
WE TRY TO go au natural as often as humanly possible when it comes to our food, fashion, and beauty products. It’s easy to hear about a study or controversy over a new no-no ingredient and feel like we’re royally screwed – we thought we were being “good!” We’re also realistic, – in today’s world it’s not always easy to find things that are 100% natural all the time.
Pros like clean living guru Sophie Uliano are invaluable to us. Sophie has spent years in the green lifestyle space, researching and publishing many books essential to our safe navigation through the shopping aisles. In her brand new book, Gorgeous For Good, Sophie is taking the middle ground between natural and fake: instead of focusing on extremes, Sophie looks at what truly healthy options actually work, what we should avoid at all costs, and what beauty ingredients aren’t end-of-the-world status if they slip in here and there. Want the Cliff’s Notes? Here are the top six skincare ingredients Sophie says women should avoid at all costs…
There is quite an Internet hullabaloo about the plethora of skincare ingredients that we must avoid at all costs. The implication is that using these ingredients will probably (sooner or later) lead to cancer or some other life-threatening disease. The truth is a little less dramatic. Although I know the “deadly chemicals in our skincare” sound bite sells, I think it’s important to make sure that, especially where our health is concerned, we remain very levelheaded, and stick to the scientific facts.
In terms of chemicals that abound in our personal care products, only one is a known carcinogen, and that little guy is called formaldehyde. It is primarily found in hair-straightening “keratin” treatments, and becomes dangerous when heated (as in a flat iron) because it creates a gas that can be inhaled by you and/or your stylist. So, yes, this is one that you absolutely should avoid.
Unfortunately, there really isn’t a catchall list for other ingredients you absolutely have to avoid, since there is so much speculation involved. However, the following list names some of the ingredients I avoid or use minimally. And frankly, with so many incredible clean brands out there now (for my favorites, download my free e-book of product recommendations), there is no reason to use beauty products that contain any of the following:
FRAGRANCE:
Unless it’s clearly stated that a formulation is fragranced with pure essential oils, it’s likely that the fragrance cocktail, made of hundreds of chemicals, will contain a class of hormone-disrupting chemicals called phthaltes.
These are synthetic chemicals that are used to stabilize and preserve products. They can cause allergic reactions and are a possible carcinogen – best to avoid when possible.
COAL TAR DYES:
Coal tar dyes are synthetic and derived from petroleum. Many of them can be contaminated with heavy metals. Where possible, I try to avoid D & C Red 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 17, 19 and 33; Green 3 and 5; Orange 17; FD & C Blue 1, 2 and 4; Red 4 and 40; and Yellow 5 and 6.
NANOPARTICLES:
Due to the unique engineering that is used to create these uber-tiny particles, they may pose a health risk when brought into your body, either through inhalation or application to the skin. Little is known about the long-term health effects of nanoparticles, as it’s a relatively new science, so it’s best to avoid them where possible. If in doubt, ask the company if their products contain them.
You’ve probably heard of parabens because they are now the most widely recognized endocrine disruptor. Some people also warn against these as carcinogenic; however, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to date that provides a causal link between parabens and any kind of cancer. What has been shown is that they most likely have a weak estrogenic effect on humans.
FORMALDEHYDE:
Found in hair-straightening treatments and in nail polish (unless it is “3-free” or “5-free”). Even if a “keratin” treatment says that it contains zero or negligible amounts of formaldehyde, don’t believe it: if it permanently straightens your hair, it contains the evil stuff!
— thechalkboardmag.com
Hey Everyone ! It’s Me Jaime, hope you are all enjoying the articles I share! So I recently started using chia seeds to make porridge ( a perfect breakfast) and have been using coconut oil as my daily moisturizer. Its funny because after reading this next article I was reassured my feel good feelings from these foods were not just in my head! I feel like the chia definitely fills me and the coconut oil keeps my skin hydrated and it’s nice knowing I am not putting questionable chemicals that all moisturizers are filled with on my body! I can definitely tell my body is thanking me! Enjoy the article by MindBodyGreen.com
3 Foods You Should Be Eating For A Bloat-Free Belly
There are many reasons we gain weight, one of which is inflammation. Though it’s a natural, healthy response our bodies use for protection (think about when your ankle swells up after a sprain), it can sometimes become a chronic issue.Many of the foods we eat on a regular basis increase levels of inflammation. Things like sugar, artificial sweeteners, refined grains, unhealthy fats, stress and too much sitting turn the entire body into a hot, swollen mess that retains fluid, and feels sick and run down. By substituting a few low-stress, high-nutrient superfoods into your diet, you’ll be able to reduce irritation, shed excess fluid, increase energy, and feel slim and sexy for summer.These are three go-to superfoods I use to keep my inflammation down:1. Chia seedsWhy: Chia seeds absorb many times their own weight in water and are high in fiber, so you’ll feel fuller, faster and stay satisfied longer. They’re also a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids.While a 2:1 or 3:1 balance of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids has shown to reduce inflammation, many Western diets are imbalanced at 15:1 or more. Ultimately, the Omega-3s in chia seeds can help offset imbalances and reduce inflammation.How: Sprinkle them into smoothies, add them to salads or try making chia seed pudding.2. Coconut oilWhy: Coconut oil is the darling food of the health world right now, and for good reason. Not only is it anti-inflammatory, it boosts your metabolism, helps balance hormones and is anti-microbial, all culprits of inflammation. In particular, virgin coconut oil that hasn’t been treated with chemicals or high heat can actually stop the effects of chronic inflammation.How: Cook with it, bake with it, sauté in it, add it to your smoothies.3. Hemp seedsWhy: Hemp seeds are a great source of plant-based protein, and protein intake has shown to be helpful for curbing appetite, increasing feelings of satiety and reducing food intake later in the day. The seeds also have a perfect Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio.How: Sprinkle them into smoothies, add them to salads, make your own hemp milk or mix up some hemp cilantro dip. Just be sure to avoid heating or over processing your hemp as it can be easily damaged.Photo Credit: ShutterstockPorridge Recipe- 1/4 Cups Chia Seeds, 2 Cups Almond Milk, Dash of Honey, Some Sliced Almonds. Leave overnight in sealed container in fridge. Wake up, add some fruit of your choice (try strawberry or blueberry) and have a yummy breakfast calling your name!
Yummy Healthy Cookie Recipe
-My dad loves Almond Joy Candy so I found this recipe to cook for him on Father’s Day. Even my little cousins loved them!!~
Obviously, I love these cookies because they taste amazing (I’ve already made three batches!), but I also love them because they’re a cool treat on a hot, summer day that requires minimal effort. Seriously. Just mix up the ingredients, roll into balls, and place in the refrigerator to cool. Simple as that! I don’t think there’s an easier (and more delicious) cookie out there!
We all hear about the dangers we face from the sun. Beauty magazines proclaim the sun’s aging effects, medical experts lecture us on skin cancer, and your friends Instagram the latest photos of their painful sunburn.
We say: Believe the hype and get informed because, like most people, you’re probably using your sunscreen wrong. Want to make sure you’re truly protected this summer? Here’s a definitive guide to natural sunscreen and how to wear it.
What’s the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
UVB are the rays that lead to sun damage and skin cancer. UVA rays accelerate aging, cause photo damage and can penetrate glass and cloud cover. Make sure that you choose a sunscreen that protects against both types of rays.
What SPF should I choose?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and measures how long your skin will be protected from UVB rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends an SPF of 30 or higher.
How much sunscreen do I need to put on? For the face and neck:
Our Tropical Vanilla Day Cream SPF 32 is one of the best sunscreens for the face because it’s a broad spectrum formulation which protects against both UVA / UVB rays and doubles up as a fantastic makeup primer. Perfect for keeping cosmetics in place on a hot summer day.
For the body
Use the equivalent of 1 – 1.5 shot glasses to cover the whole body with sunscreen (Skin Cancer Foundation).
Where do I apply?
Not only should you slather sunscreen on the main parts of your face and body but also these easily forgotten areas: the tops of ears, lips, back of the neck and the hands. Men with little to no hair should always be diligent in applying sunscreen to the entire head!
We recommend Sun Defense Minerals as the easiest and safest way to get that sun kissed glow. How do I protect against the signs of sun damage but also not ruin my makeup?
With all the events going on during the summer (wedding season!), you need to be protective but still look good. We recommend Sun Defense Minerals as the easiest and safest way to get that sun kissed glow. Use a lighter shade of the Sun Defense Minerals as your foundation or highlighter, and a darker shade as your bronzer or contour. You can also use the Sun Defense Minerals as a tint for your décolleté, shoulders and legs to give the appearance of a natural tan!
Kevin Masch is a former journalist turned medical esthetician. He is currently part of the Product Support team at Éminence Organics, turning his love of talking with people and passion for skin care into the perfect career. For any product related questions, get in touch with Kevin or anyone else on the Product Support team with the new Live Chat feature on our website.
These are all indications that you could have some Leptin issues. Leptin is a master hormone in the body that controls hunger and feelings of satiety. Leptin is secreted by adipose (fat) tissue, so the more overweight a person is, typically, the higher his leptin levels.
According to Mark’s Daily Apple: “Leptin is the lookout hormone – the gatekeeper of fat metabolism, monitoring how much energy an organism takes in. It surveys and maintains the energy balance in the body, and it regulates hunger via three pathways:
By counteracting the effects of neuropeptide Y, a potent feeding stimulant secreted by the hypothalamus and certain gut cells.
By counteracting the effects of anandamide, another feeding stimulant.
By promoting the production of a-MSH, an appetite suppressant.”
It is also directly tied to insulin levels. Many people these days are Leptin resistant and there are many health problems tied to this problem. High leptin levels have been tied to high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease and stroke, as well as blood sugar related problems.
High levels of Leptin and the accompanying leptin resistance can also decrease fertility, age you more quickly and contribute to obesity. If you’re trying to lose weight or improve a health problem, chances are you have Leptin resistance. If you can’t seem to stick to health changes, chances are you have Leptin resistance.
In other words, if you want to make lasting health changes or lose weight and keep it off, you have to fix your leptin. The good news is: if you’ve failed at diets or health changes in the past, it was likely because you failed to regulate your Leptin levels and doing so can help you finally make lasting changes. Leptin resistance and its related problems are a complex problem involving the endocrine system and reversing them requires more than simple calorie restriction or will power.
The Downward Spiral
Leptin is the satiety hormone produced by fat cells, so it would seem logical that those with more fat cells would produce more Leptin, which would signal the body to eat less food and weight would normalize. This over-simplified idea is great in theory, but doesn’t always occur, especially in those with damaged metabolisms or endocrine problems (which includes most overweight people).
According to this article: “The problem is not in the production of leptin, but rather, studies show that the majority of overweight individuals who are having difficulty losing weight have a leptin resistance, where the leptin is unable to produce its normal effects to stimulate weight loss. This leptin resistance is sensed as starvation, so multiple mechanisms are activated to increase fat stores, rather than burn excess fat stores. Leptin resistance also stimulates the formation of reverse T3, which blocks the effects of thyroid hormone on metabolism (discussed below).”
So, the person is eating excess food but the body thinks it is starving and tells the person to eat more. It’s easy to see how this cycle could contribute to weight gain!
Factors that Contribute to Leptin Resistance
As with all hormone issues, Leptin resistance is a complex issue with no singular cause, but there are many factors that can negatively impact Leptin levels including:
In short, the (non-negotiable) factors that will help improve leptin response are:
Eating little to no simple starches, refined foods, sugars and fructose
Consuming a large amount of protein and healthy fats first thing in the morning, as soon after waking as possible. This promotes satiety and gives the body the building blocks to make hormones. My go-to is a large scramble with 2-3 eggs, vegetables and left over meat from the night before cooked in coconut oil.
Get outside during the day, preferably barefoot on the ground, in mid-day sun with some skin exposed. There are many reasons this is helpful and I’ll be explaining them soon)
DON’T SNACK!!! When you are constantly eating, even small amounts, during the day it keeps your liver working and doesn’t give hormones a break. Try to space meals at least 4 hours apart and don’t eat for at least 4 hours before bed. This includes drinks with calories but herbal teas, water, coffee or tea without cream or sugar are fine.
Don’t workout at first. If you are really Leptin resistant, this will just be an additional stress on the body. Let your body heal a little first, then add in the exercise.
When you do exercise, do only sprints and weight lifting. Walk or swim if you want to but don’t do cardio just for the sake of cardio. It’s just a stress on the body. High intensity and weight lifting, on the other hand, give the hormone benefits of working out without the stress from excess cardio and are great after the first few weeks. Also, workout in the evening, not the morning, to support hormone levels.
Remove toxins from your life as these are a stress on your body. There will be more specifics on how to accomplish this in the next few weeks, but getting rid of processed foods, commercial deodorants (make your own) and comercial soap (use microfiber) will go a long way!
Eat (or take) more Omega-3s (fish, grassfed meats, chia seeds) and minimize your Omega-6 consumption (vegetable oils, conventional meats, grains, etc) to get lower inflammation and help support healthy leptin levels.
only sleep on one side. And throughout the day, it feels better. I’ve gone back to weights but doing baby steps. Where I am getting at this is, if rather lose weight the natural way. No pills, which also means no supplements designed for weights lose.
So, in case the title didn’t give it away, today’s post is on an interesting topic, but hear me out before judging!
I get a lot of questions from people who try my homemade deodorant or deodorant barsand have issues with rashes or odor or excessive sweat. I’ve found that the magnesium spray deodorant can be a good alternative, but wanted to find a way to help those who were still having trouble.
After much experimentation, research and help from a few brave friends, I found an unusual solution that works really well!
Why Armpit Detox?
It occurred to me as I sat researching the sebaceous glands one night with a bentonite clay face mask on that perhaps my face mask was the answer to the armpit question as well.
Why detox your armpits at all? Why not just keep using regular deodorant and avoid the whole problem? Glad you asked…
Conventional deodorants and anti-perspirants contain a variety of chemicals and additives. It takes something un-natural to block the body’s natural ability to sweat, and the chemical list in some deodorants is impressive:
Aluminum– some evidence links aluminum to cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease
Phthalates– Endocrine disruptors often also found in plastic that can cause hormone imbalance and even infertility (especially in med)
Propylene glycol– common name: antifreeze. It is a hotly debated additive in personal care products but the Environmental Working Group reports that it carries a moderate risk of immunotoxicity and allergies.
Formaldehyde- a known carcinigen… guess it kills the germs though.
Parabens- Another hormone disruptor and parabens have been found in biopsied tissue with breast cancer
Antibacterial Substances- I talked about these before but they are endocrine disruptors and can negatively affect the immune system
Why is this a big deal? Ever gotten sick and had a lump in your neck or armpit? That is a lymph node and they are a major part of your immune system. Putting endocrine disruption chemicals directly on top of them is a great way to screw up your hormones and suppress immune function.
The skin is the body’s largest organ and what touches our skin can easily enter our bloodstream. With skyrocketing rates of breast cancer, it would seem prudent to avoid these chemicals until further research is done.
A great advantage to doing an armpit detox, besides that it helps speed up the natural deodorant adjustment period, is that it might help pull some of these chemicals out of the skin and tissue of the armpits. This can be especially helpful after years of conventional deodorant use.
Does it Work?
I tried it personally and had several friends who hadn’t yet made the switch to natural deodorant try it as well and then switch. Here are the results:
We all noticed less odor, even without wearing any deo afterward
Nobody who tried the detox noticed a rash when using the natural deodorant
All but one person said they noticed less sweat
Everyone said they would recommend it to a friend
Completely un-scientific trial but practically applicable and the results seem promising!
How to Detox Your Arm Pits
Don’t you love when something is so easy that it almost doesn’t need instructions?
You might already have the ingredients on hand. You’ll just need bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar and water.
A natural way to detox the armpits to remove odor, speed up the adjustment to natural deodorant and help remove chemical build-up in armpit skin and tissue.
Mix all of the ingredients in a glass bowl (do not use metal!) with a wooden or non-metal spoon until about the consistency of sour cream.
Spread in an even layer over the armpits and allow to sit for 5-20 minutes. I suggest starting slowly and working up to a longer period of time once you see how your body adjust. If it hurts at all, remove immediately.
This may cause some redness as it will increase blood-flow to the area, but it will go away quickly.
Wash off in the shower or with a warm, wet washcloth.
Repeat daily or as needed until under-arm odor goes away and natural deodorant is non-irritating.
Notes
I’ve found that I don’t even need the baking soda in my natural deodorant after doing this.
Additional Things to Try
If you are still struggling with odor or have itching or lumps in your armpits, consider dry brushing, which is said to help improve lymph circulation.
Also, make sure to drink a lot of water any time you stimulate lymph flow (dry brushing, massage, detox, etc) to help flush the body and avoid getting dehydrated.
Your turn. Ready to try an armpit detox? Think it’s too weird? Share below!
In addition to being successful actors, philanthropists and all around handsome heartthrobs – what else do Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo and Hugh Jackman have in common? They’re all great dads. From watching their children’s soccer games to attending parent-teacher meetings, these three celeb dads share the same responsibilities as many other fathers around the world. And, like all great fathers, they do their very best to be positive role models so that they can raise happy, healthy and well-behaved kids.
In celebration of all of the superstar dads out there (not just the famous ones) we thought we’d share how Channing, Mark and Hugh balance their careers, personal life and fatherhood – and still keep looking better with age.
CHANNING TATUM
As a famous actor, dancer and the Sexiest Man Alive(according to People Magazine 2012) – it sounds like Channing Tatum has a lot going on. However, if we had the opportunity to ask him what his greatest accomplishment in life would be – we have no doubt that it would be being a father to his daughter Everly (born May 31, 2013).
What makes him a great role model?
Channing is continually active with his charity work, supporting cancer and AIDS & HIV research as well as advocating for the environment. In 2012, Channing and his wife Jenna were nominated as a “Do Something Couple of the Year” by Do Something, a nonprofit that encourages young people to give back to their communities (Huffington Post).
What makes him a superstar dad?
Even as a new dad – Channing is already shaping up to be a pretty amazing one. In a number of interviews, he reinforces the fact that he has high hopes for his baby daughter and will continue to encourage her to follow her dreams and become the person she wants to be.
I don’t want to be a controlling father,” said Channing Tatum in an interview with Independent UK “You have to let them live, you have to let them grow…I want her to have a grounded, beautiful life.”“I don’t want to be a controlling father,” said Channing Tatum in an interview with Independent UK “You have to let them live, you have to let them grow…I want her to have a grounded, beautiful life.”
I’m a husband, father, actor, director, and a climate change advocate with an eye on a better, brighter, cleaner, more hopeful future for all of us.Most recently known for his return role as Bruce Banner (The Incredible Hulk) in Marvel’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron, this famous dad (and Academy Award nominee) doesn’t simply identify himself as a successful actor. According to Mark’s Twitter profile -“ I’m a husband, father, actor, director, and a climate change advocate with an eye on a better, brighter, cleaner, more hopeful future for all of us.”
What makes him a great role model?
Mark is a huge environmental activist and puts a lot of his passion and resources towards advocating for clean, sustainable and renewable energy solutions. To add to his earth-friendly resume, Mark recently launched Water Defense, a nonprofit that takes on fracking and other extreme or unconventional methods of energy extraction (MotherJones.com).
What makes him a superstar dad?
As a father of three children, Mark and his wife (actress Sunrise Coigney) recently moved their family from hectic L.A to a remote area of upstate New York in order to give their children a more laid back and private life (Men’s Journal). His children are also his biggest fans. In an interview with ET, Mark commented that his teen son has been dealing with “major Hulk fandom”: “My son’s hair is dyed green right now,” Ruffalo explained. “His clothes are green, his hair is green. I’d like to think it was because of me.”
What’s his secret to looking so good?
So what do Mark Ruffalo and Éminence have in common? Green values (yes, pun intended for the Hulk actor). As a nature-lover and environmental activist, Mark chooses our products including our Stone Crop line (Stone Crop Gel Wash& Stone Crop Moisturizer) which keeps his skin bright, hydrated, and revitalized after long hours of filming and parenting.
HUGH JACKMAN
Most of you know him from his long-running role as the lethal “Wolverine” in the X-Men films, but Australian-born actor, producer, and singer Hugh Jackman also chooses roles that show his gentler side. For those of you that have seen Hugh as the courageous and protective father-figure, Jean Valjean in Les Misérables – it’s easy to see how this real-life father has a natural parental instinct on- and off-set.
What makes him a great role model:
In addition to his successful acting career, Hugh supports a number of charities and is also co-founder of Laughing Man Worldwide – a not-for-profit organization which helps entrepreneurs in developing countries around the world start their own businesses. 100% of Laughing Man Worldwide’s revenue goes back to education, community development and new business development.
What makes him a superstar dad:
This down-to-earth dad knows how to embrace the simple things in life. When it comes to vacationing with the kids, Hugh opts for camping trips. For him, simply spending time with his family is the “best thing in the world.” (Dad.info)
The things that I really cherish are the everyday moments, like sitting around cooking pancakes together on Sunday morning, or getting home after a tough day and my kids come up and give me a hug and remind me what’s really importantAccording to Hugh – “The things that I really cherish are the everyday moments, like sitting around cooking pancakes together on Sunday morning, or getting home after a tough day and my kids come up and give me a hug and remind me what’s really important” (IMDb).
For dads like Hugh who come from a sunny climate like Australia’s, the SPF protection factor is extra important. Having been treated three times for skin cancer – Hugh is a big advocate for sun protection. Click here to learn more about our sun care products.
—- MAKES A PERFECT GIFT FOR DAD THIS FATHER’S DAY!! —-
ÉMINENCE BLOG
Everything You Wanted To Know About Éminence Organics
MAY 22, 2015
Written By:
Karen Young Chester
We recently asked you to pose brain-teasing questions for our company president, Boldijarre Koronczay, and we now have your answers! Drawing from his years of global experience in esthetics, Boldijarre sat down to our Q&A and personally replied to your pressing questions.
Curious about what makes our hot masques hot? Wondering how to get rid of dark undereye circles? We have the definitive answers and much more below:
Kathyjo S. asks: “Can any of the masks be left on overnight for increased treatment?”
This is a great question! Big hugs to you, Kathyjo!
I primarily recommend leaving masques on for as long as possible (yes, even overnight!) if you are treating oily or acne prone skin. A clay-based masque, like our Clear Skin Probiotic Masque, will continue to draw impurities out from the skin even after the masque feels “dry” to the touch.
You can also leave cream-based masques on overnight to treat dehydrated skin – like our Coconut Cream Masque or Blueberry Soy Repair Masque. However, if a masque gets too dry overnight, it may dehydrate the skin – so make sure the masque stays moist.
Shelly H. asks: “What are the benefits of the ‘heat’ in the Eight Greens Phyto Masque – Hot?”
Thank you, Shelley, for this great question! The superstar element in our Eight Greens Phyto Masque – Hot is an Éminence signature ingredient: Hungarian hot paprika (or “erős paprika” as I would say in Hungarian).
Hungarian paprika is a spice made from red chili peppers and has eight varying levels of heat based on the peppers. By infusing the hotter version of this organic spice into the masque, we add extra stimulation to the skin.
Like running, exercising or sitting in a sauna, the heat from the paprika increases circulation to the skin, bringing fresh blood to the skin’s surface to help the complexion look radiant. This activity in blood flow also increases the oxygen intake of the skin cells which means that every product applied will absorb better . . . giving you even more amazing results.
Jennifer T. asks: “How do I determine the cause of rosacea or dark circles on my face and what is the best product to address these issues?”
Jennifer, you get two answers in one – BONUS!
While rosacea and dark circles are very different skin concerns, they actually have some of the same causes. Generally speaking, rosacea and dark circles may result from lifestyle, allergies or genetics. However, there are many causes and it is best to see an esthetician if you have concerns about your specific skin concerns.
Rosacea is a result of capillaries under the surface of the skin that expand and dilate, creating redness and flushing. I recommend our Calm Skin Collection to help even skin tone and reduce sensitivity. If you are looking for one “hero product,” I would recommend the Calm Skin Arnica Booster-Serum that can be applied morning and night, under moisturizer, or mixed in with the moisturizer.
To help alleviate symptoms of dark circles, I suggest the Wild Plum Eye Cream and the Bearberry Eye Repair Cream from the Biodynamic® Collection.To help alleviate symptoms of dark circles, I suggest the Wild Plum Eye Creamand the Bearberry Eye Repair Cream from the Biodynamic® Collection. Both products contain our proprietary blend of botanicals, Eyebright, which was specially developed by our organic skin care lab to soothe the delicate skin under the eyes.
…BONUS TIP! Many times, dark circles can be affiliated with a lack of iron so be mindful of your iron levels.
Krista B. asks: “What exactly makes the Eight Greens Phyto Masque (and all the Eight Greens products) so magically hormone-balancing? Life-changing!”
Krista, I am so happy to hear that the Eight Greens Phyto products are life-changing for you! To hear this feedback from you totally makes my day. Thank you for sharing!
What makes the Eight Greens Phyto Masque and the Eight Greens Phyto collection so “magic” is the special selection of eight leafy greens such as yucca extract and red clover. These are just two of the amazing organic ingredients in the Eight Greens collection that contain naturally-occurring phytoestrogens.
Phytoestrogens are botanical (plant-based) hormones that are not synthetic. None of the organic plants featured in the products are genetically modified. Also, phytoestrogens are only absorbed at the skin’s surface so the bloodstream is not impacted.
These phytoestrogens increase the production of collagen to tighten the skin and also help counterbalance excessive oil production. Overactive oil production is generally the cause of cystic hormonal breakouts.
Sonya T. asks: “How do enzymes work to eat dead skin, and then what happens to the skin? Is there a by-product?”
Sonya, I really appreciate this question! You must know a lot about skin care already!
There are two types of exfoliation for the skin: physical and non-physical. Physical exfoliation features actual exfoliating granules that you can feel, like in our Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant.
Non-physical exfoliation uses botanical enzymes, like in our Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, to buff away dead skin cells. These fruit-and-vegetable based enzymes “undo the glue” between dead skin cells and healthy skin cells. This allows the dead skin cells to lift off the surface of the skin in a natural and healthy way. Removing dead skin cells prevents build-up that could cause congestion, smooths the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Any by-product from these skin cells gently washes away.
I recommend exfoliating two to three times a week to keep skin looking fresh and healthy.
Do you have any more questions for Boldijarre? Ask them in the comments below and we’ll review them for our next Q&A.
BLEMISHES BEWARE
Battle problem skin from the inside out with probiotics:
Clear Skin Diet: How To Make Kefir
MAY 21, 2015
Written By:
Karen Young Chester
Blemishes beware – probiotics are battling problem skin on the inside as well as out.
These “good” bacteria in your gut are powerful weapons in treating acne naturally by reducing inflammation all over the body as well as in the skin. According to Dr. Frank Lipman – one of the best-known holistic doctors and consultant to stars like Gwyneth Paltrow – clear skin starts with healthy gut flora (The Cut).
Kefir, a traditional 2000 year old beverage from Eastern Europe comes packed with at least ten strains of bacterial cultures (Well+Good).And what better way to heal our digestive environment (and get glowing skin as a bonus) than by drinking our probiotics? Kefir, a traditional 2000 year old beverage from Eastern Europe comes packed with at least ten strains of bacterial cultures (Well+Good). This increasingly popular fermented drink is showing up on dairy shelves at the supermarket but personally, we prefer to make our own.
Here’s a quick and easy recipe for making kefir – an excellent source of probiotics for skin breakouts:
WHAT YOU NEED:
2 T live kefir grains*
2 cups of organic milk
*These are milk culture particles – dried versions can be purchased online from stores like Cultures For Health or buy live kefir grains from others making the drink. Kefir grains cannot be manufactured.
THE STEPS:
Put kefir grains into a glass container and pour in milk. Cover container lightly with cheesecloth or paper towel so mixture has sufficient exposure to air. Leave container at room temperature for approximately 24 hours until the mixture is slightly thickened. Strain out kefir which is now ready for consumption and can be refrigerated. Put aside strained kefir grains to produce the next batch of kefir.
Note: Although making kefir is generally safe, avoid making batches during hot days when milk may spoil more quickly than the bacteria can culture it. Also, always ask for advice from a qualified medical doctor before making major changes to your diet.
Mini Vegan Carrot-Coconut Muffins
Think the secret to moist muffins is oodles of oil, eggs and milk? Think again. Melt-in-your-mouth texture is made without a drop of dairy or other animal-derived ingredients in these adorably plump, nutrient-packed little morsels. Freshly grated carrots, a bit of pumpkin, chopped walnuts and chewy coconut give them a hearty heaviness, while cinnamon and allspice infuse naturally sweet flavor. Top with homemade cashew cream “icing” for an even dreamier healthy treat.
Do you have dry, itchy skin? Red, blotchy skin? Acne? Rosacea? Eczema? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be deficient in omega-3 fatty acids.
The best source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish oil. However, some individuals can’t eat fish or take fish oil supplements, and so must turn to plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Enter Flaxseed.
Flaxseed contains the highest concentration of all the plant-based omega-3s and is rich in alpha-linoleic acid, one of the essential fatty acids that cannot be produced within the body and must be acquired through diet. Flaxseed is also the richest dietary source of lignans, a group of chemical compounds that can bind to estrogen and flush excess amount of estrogen from the body, reducing the risk of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Lignans have shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in research on human diseases, and may even be associated with reduced risk of breast cancer.
Flaxseed’s anti-inflammatory properties have the ability to quicken wound healing, and the omeg-3 content of the flaxseeds keeps your skin well hydrated and moisturized. This leads to a protection barrier against environmental pollutants and irritants, and locks in water, decreasing the appearance of wrinkles.
In a study in the British Journal of Nutrition, Silke De Spirt and a team of researchers studies the effects of flaxseed oil and borage oil on the skin. They noted diminished skin redness, reduced blood flow, and significantly increased skin hydration after 12 weeks of use. Also noted, was decreased transepidermal water loss and significantly decreased roughness and scaling.
If this study doesn’t pique your interest, then how about flaxseed’s status as one of Hippocrates’s original medicines? It was widely used during the height of the Roman Empire for its healing benefits.
-Flaxseed in Your Diet-
There are a number of ways you can introduce flaxseeds into your diet. You can use flaxseed flour for baking, you can grind flaxseeds into a flaxseed meal, or you can add flaxseed oil to everyday dishes like rice, salad dressing, or steamed vegetables.
Start your day off with 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal in your smoothie and add 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil to your lunch or dinner salad. Flaxseed meal and oil have a refreshing, nutty taste. Not only will your skin benefit from this plan, your digestive system will also thank you – 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal has 3 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber
A word of caution, you should never cook with flaxseed oil, as the high fatty acid content makes it extremely susceptible to damage, even from low heat. Ensure it is kept in a dark bottle and refrigerated, as it can become rancid quickly, and avoid temptation of buying a supersized bottle!
Shelley Burns ASCP Skin Deep Magazine
A doctor of naturopathic medicine, completed studies at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and has a certification in complementary and integrative medicine from Harvard University.
1. Lightly spray grill rack with nonstick cooking spray, and preheat grill.
2. Sprinkle both sides of fish with fajita seasoning, gently pressing into flesh. Grill fish 3-4 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Flake into pieces with a fork; keep warm.
3. In a small bowl, mix together cabbage, lime juice, salt, and cilantro.
4. Wrap the tortillas in paper towels, and microwave 1 minute on HIGH or until they’re warm.
5. Place taco ingredients on the table for assembly. Spread each tortilla with 1 teaspoon of sour cream, if desired, and top with fish, cabbage mixture, and avocado. Serve with salsa and lime wedges on the side.
Unlike beef tacos, fish and chicken tacos are low in saturated fat. Choose fat-free sour cream instead of reduced fat. Avocados are a great source of monunsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy.– HEALTH.COM
Apple cider vinegar — particularly the raw, organic, unfiltered kind — is one of those undiscovered natural remedies. Some people call it magical, and say that regularly incorporating a small amount of the vinegar into your diet can result in copious health and beauty benefits. Some also use it topically on their skin to reap its benefits.As apple cider vinegar is a natural substance, many feel better about ingesting it than manufactured chemicals, but of course, it must be done in moderation. While ACV has great benefits, it is an acid — all vinegars are. Consume no more than a few teaspoons per day, and never drink it without diluting it with water or juice.
Here are some of the beauty benefits we’ve found:
Clear skin problems and stop acne. The acidity in the vinegar will dry out the blemish allowing new, healthy skin to take its place.
Regulate the pH of your face: mix 1 part ACV with 2 parts water and use as a toner using a cotton ball and lightly blotting around t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
Soothe a sunburn: add 1 cup ACV to your bath, and soak for 10 minutes
Give your hair body and shine: after you shampoo, apply 1/2 tablespoon ACV mixed with 1 cup of water, then rinse.
Encourage hair growth: ACV will stimulate hair follicles, and can also treat dandruff and an itchy scalp.
Give yourself an at-home pedicure by soaking your feet in equal parts warm water and ACV. Its anti-fungal properties will keep your feet healthy, soft, and clean.
Help with varicose veins because of its high levels of vitamins, which will work to deter and reduce the veins
Target age spots: mix 1 tablespoon orange juice with 2 tablespoons ACV to fade age spots
In addition, ACV has many health benefits since it’s high in potassium and malic acid. It can also:
Lower cholesterol and blood pressure
Stop heartburn
Promote proper digestion
Control weight by breaking down fats so that your body can use them, rather than store them
Regulates blood sugar (key for those with Diabetes), as it will lower glucose levels in your blood
Fights sinus infections and sore throats by breaking down mucous
Most strive for these benefits by consuming a little bit of Apple Cider Vinegar each day. Many create drinks with it — it is not advised to drink it alone — again, we suggest combining the vinegar with water or juice. We’ve also heard of a sweetened version: with about a cup and a half of water, 2 tablespoons ACV, a splash of apple juice and honey to taste. Others use it in homemade salad dressings.
Apple cider vinegar has a potent odor, but if you can find a way to eat or drink it that you like, you’ll likely see some of the benefits we’ve described above. If you have one of the more severe ailments it is said to help (such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol) we’d recommend speaking with your doctor before partaking.— STYLELIST.COM
Could This Plant Reduce The Appearance Of Aging Skin?
APRIL 9, 2015
Written By:
Karen Young Chester
Scientific studies also confirm that the plant is rich in antioxidants that reduce signs of aging skinThe key to younger-looking skin? It could be hiding right in front of you. The stone crop (also known as sedum) is a popular household and outdoor plant which, in the past, was traditionally used by herbalists to heal and brighten the look of skin. Scientific studies also confirm that the plant is rich in antioxidants that reduce signs of aging skin (National Center for Biotechnology Information).
Here are three ways that stone crop could be a major factor to youthful-looking skin:
Healing
For centuries, the stone crop plant has been applied to skin ailments as a rejuvenating and healing element. From wounds to warts to eczema, stone crop’s unique qualities treat a wide range of skin problems. Even mouth ulcers can respond to an application of stone crop (WebMD).
Brightening
Not only does stone crop and its water-storing leaves help in the healing process, it also lightens and brightens the appearance of skin. Ideal for uneven skin tones, ingredients from these succulent leaves render complexions with a smoother appearance. Aging skin spots also benefit from the lightening effects of stone crop, reducing the look of hyperpigmented skin.
Anti-aging
Antioxidants in stone crop are crucial elements which help ward off the aging process. These natural chemicals capture those pesky free radicals which damage your cells and promote aging skin. With powerful antioxidants fighting off harmful free radicals, your skin has the opportunity to refresh and look renewed.
4 Top Superfoods For Healthy Skin (And Éminence Products That Use Them)
MARCH 17, 2015
Written By:
Karen Young Chester
From pomegranates to poppy seeds, superfoods are loaded with potent ingredients that not only build up your health but can also overhaul your complexionWe know they pack a nutritional punch on your salad plate, but how exactly do superfoods deliver the same power for healthy skin? From pomegranates to poppy seeds, superfoods are loaded with potent ingredients that not only build up your health but can also overhaul your complexion.
Here are four top superfoods (along with four Éminence products) and why they super-boost your diet and skin:
Pomegranates For your diet: The jewel-like seeds in this vibrant red fruit come packed with polyphenol antioxidants that benefit the heart and help prevent cancer. Try pomegranate juice for easy ingestion – this miracle nectar improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure and may prevent artery plaque buildup (The Globe and Mail).
For your skin: Magical polyphenols not only aid your heart and health, they protect and balance your skin. Get your glow on with our Cranberry Pomegranate Sugar Scrub – a daily exfoliant that leaves your skin feeling nourished all over. The superfood ingredients in this sugar scrub ensure your skin looks silky-smooth, polished and positively revitalized.
Poppy seeds For your diet: Those little black seeds you’re always picking out of your teeth after a bagel? They’re actually rich in oleic acids which help lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol in the blood. Poppy seeds are also chock full of minerals including iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium (Lifestyle and Strength).
For your skin: Our Pear & Poppy Seed Microderm Polisher uses those tiny seeds for exfoliation, smoothing out your skin, while infusing your complexion with bioflavonoids and antioxidants. Skin Inc.gives this exfoliator a thumbs up, especially for men.
Strawberries For your diet: Not only do these berries taste as sweet as summer, their antioxidants “mop up” free radicals which are responsible for diseases from cancer to Alzheimer’s. Bonus: Apparently the acid in strawberries also helps whiten teeth (Toronto Sun).
For your skin: Who would have known that strawberries not only make a mean shortcake, they also exfoliate and cleanse? Refinery 29 recommends our Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum which contains berry-sourced salicylic acid for extracting impurities. One or two drops of this superfood for skin health leave the complexion looking brighter and with the appearance of smaller pores.
Kale For your diet: The king of superfoods boasts a ridiculously long list of nutrients including vitamin A, B, C, K, calcium, iron, fibre and cancer-fighting phytonutrients (Men’s Fitness). And not only are kale leaves good for you, they crisp up into totally addictive chips.
For your skin: Antioxidants in kale not only work for your health, they also help your skin appear rejuvenated. Beauty bloggers love our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum – its leafy green ingredients improve the appearance of skin elasticity as well hydration, leaving your complexion more youthful looking.
Gluten-free thin mints are a scrumptious Paleo holiday cookie and make a great gift for friends and neighbors.
Don’t be sad that it’s Girl Scout Cookie season, because now it’s gluten-free Girl Scout Cookie season, and you can partake in gluten-free Thin Mints. You can even dive into Paleo Girl Scout Cookies, otherwise known as Paleo Thin Mints.
Give thanks for this to the fabulous Tammy Credicott, author of Paleo Indulgences. Without her book, full of fabulous Paleo recipes (including a couple of Paleo Girl Scout Cookie recipes), I would not have thought of making this delicious gluten-free dessert.
HOW TO GET RID OF CROW’S FEET & DROOPING EYELIDS
HOW TO GET RID OF SMILE LINES & SAGGING SKIN
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HOW TO TIGHTEN LOOSE NECK SKIN
skin! Spices contain all of the things that healthy skin craves: high levels of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and nutrients (
1. SIP MINT + LEMON WATER
#NOMAKEUP BEAUTY
WELLNESS TRAVEL
Craving cranberries? Try our Limited Edition 
deeply cleanse your liver (Veg Kitchen).
Acids are a common ingredient in facial peels. For natural peels like our 
POOL PARTIES
We say: Believe the hype and get informed because, like most people, you’re probably using your sunscreen wrong. Want to make sure you’re truly protected this summer? Here’s a definitive guide to natural sunscreen and how to wear it.
As a famous actor, dancer and the Sexiest Man Alive(according to People Magazine 2012) – it sounds like Channing Tatum has a lot going on. However, if we had the opportunity to ask him what his greatest accomplishment in life would be – we have no doubt that it would be being a father to his daughter Everly (
Chosen as one of People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People in the World” for 5 years in a row ,(2000-2004), we’re honored to know that another one of the world’s most beautiful people uses Éminence. 
Flaxseed contains the highest concentration of all the plant-based omega-3s and is rich in alpha-linoleic acid, one of the essential fatty acids that cannot be produced within the body and must be acquired through diet. Flaxseed is also the richest dietary source of lignans, a group of chemical compounds that can bind to estrogen and flush excess amount of estrogen from the body, reducing the risk of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Lignans have shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in research on human diseases, and may even be associated with reduced risk of breast cancer.
pollutants and irritants, and locks in water, decreasing the appearance of wrinkles.
your diet. You can use flaxseed flour for baking, you can grind flaxseeds into a flaxseed meal, or you can add flaxseed oil to everyday dishes like rice, salad dressing, or steamed vegetables.
Anti-aging
Pomegranates
smoothing out your skin, while infusing your complexion with bioflavonoids and antioxidants. 
Kale
. Without her book, full of fabulous Paleo recipes (including a couple of Paleo 
, combine almond flour, coconut flour, cacao, baking soda, and salt
to ⅛ inch thick
, cut out dough
only sleep on one side. And throughout the day, it feels better. I’ve gone back to weights but doing baby steps. Where I am getting at this is, if rather lose weight the natural way. No pills, which also means no supplements designed for weights lose.