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WEBA Natural Products Consumer Survey Results

Consumer Survey Results

Posted on by Editorial Team

Consumer Survey Results Are In!

Earlier this year, we sent out a /Consumer Survey to customers and Facebook follwers, and the results are in. We’re going to share them here.

Why A Survey?

We know that our customers and fans can provide us with lots of valuable feedback regarding their skincare needs. By checking in with them, we hope to continue to meet their needs, as well as learning what is on their most-wanted list.

We asked four simple questions. The results are indicated below:

  1. Which product category are you most interested in?
    Skincare – 100%
    Haircare – 80%
    Color Cosmetics – 50%
  2. What Are Your Skin Concerns? Dry – 90% Oily – 20% Acne – 20% Eczema – 10% Rosacea – 10% Sensitive Skin – 50%
  3. When Choosing Products What Criteria Do You Use? Price – 50% Natural Ingredients – 90% Made in USA – 60% Effectiveness – 100% Vegan – 30% Cruelty-Free – 10%
  4. Where Do You Prefer To Shop? Amazon – 50% Etsy – 10% Drugstore – 20% Healthfood Store – 20% Company Website – 50%

What We Loved About The Results

The results of the survey told us that:

  • We were reaching our target customer; people with dry, sensitive skin who are looking for natural products that are effective and are made in the U.S.A.
  • We are focusing on products that consumers are looking for.

We are thankful to our consumer survey participants. We hope that we will be able to count on them to provide feedback as we strive to improve and expand our line of natural products.

Acids and Skincare Blog Post

Acids and Skincare

Posted on by Editorial Team

A variety of acids are commonly used as part of a customer’s skincare routine. Science has demonstrated that alpha and beta-hydroxy acids, for example, confer a number of benefits to the skin when used regularly and appropriately. Here, I will dive into what makes these acids so beneficial and why it’s important to tailor products containing acids to your skin’s particular needs.

What Are Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids?

Alpha Hydroxy acids are water-soluble compounds that have two functioning groups separated by one carbon atom. They can be either naturally occurring or synthetic; they are very popular in skincare products. Well-known examples include citric, lactic, mandelic and glycolic acid. Citric and mandelic acid are known as fruit acids. There are many other fruit acids that have been used (tartaric, benzoic, etc.)

Alpha Hydroxy acids primarily work by loosening the “glue” that holds cells together, which enhances exfoliation. They can also help thicken underlying layers of skin, which promotes smoothness. Some are more penetrating than others, impacting their effectiveness. For example, glycolic acid molecules are very small; its enhanced penetrating ability means that it is highly effective at exfoliating and hydrating. However, susceptible individuals my have a reaction to it.

They are also found at varying concentrations of anywhere from 2-15% or more. The best products will tell you what concentrations they are using. They are used in over-the-counter and commercial peels, which can also cause irritation. If in doubt about the strength of a product, always consult with a dermatologist, especially if you have sensitive or problem skin. In addition, AHAs like citric acid can be unstable when exposed to the air, so which type is used and how the product is formulated is key to its effectiveness.

Beta Hydroxy Acids are oil-soluble organic compounds with two functional groups separated by two carbon atoms. The most well-known is salicylic acid, derived from white willow bark. These acids penetrate well and are more suited to individuals with problem skin due to their anti-inflammatory properties. They can also be found in varying concentrations, so always check labels before using.

Both Alpha Hydroxy and Beta Hydroxy acids can increase the skin’s sensitivity to light, so it’s always a good idea to use a sunscreen during the day or to apply them only at night. And always discontinue use if redness, itching and other forms of irritation develop, as you may need to adjust the concentration or you may be developing an allergic reaction to an ingredient.

These organic acids can be very effective skincare tools, providing many benefits that maintain healthy skin and enhance appearance. What you use is dependent on your skincare goals and your skin type. Feel free to experiment with different products and formulations, or consult a dermatologist for a custom-tailored regimen that will leave your skin healthy and glowing.

References:

Staying Healthy During Air Travel Blog Post

Staying Healthy During Air Travel

Posted on by Editorial Team

Staying Healthy During Air Travel

Air Travel is a fact of life for most of us. It has made it easy for us to travel around the world in record time and in relative safety. But many worry about staying healthy during air travel; after all, pathogens can travel around the world, too. With the advent of diseases like MRSA and norovirus, airline passengers want to protect themselves from contracting potentially deadly diseases.

Air Travel Facts and Myths

  • It’s been said that airplane air, being recirculated, can carry pathogens from one part of the plane to the other. This is only partly true. Some air is recirculated, but fresh air is also pulled in on a regular basis. The fact is that airplanes carry high-grade filters designed to keep air clean.
  • Airplane washrooms are never cleaned – the fact is that the washrooms are cleaned after every flight. There are portions of the plane that don’t get cleaned regularly, which I’ll go into later.

Here’s What You Can Do on Airplane Flights

  • Be prepared – don’t assume that things like blankets, pillows, headphones and other items are brand new and/or cleaned. Bring your own. There are many travel accessories like noise-cancelling headphones, eye masks, pillows, travel blankets, compression socks, breath mints and healthy snack packs that fit easily into a carry-on bag.
  • Carry sanitizing wipes for those surfaces that are used all the time, like seat belt buckles, headrests, tray tables and washroom door handles. If you can, avoid touching surfaces directly; use a tissue or paper towel. Unscented wipes like these are effective against airborne pathogens while keeping strong scents to a minimum. Wipe surfaces more than once, especially during long flights.
  • Airplane air is extremely dry at about 20% humidity, which can quickly dry out mucous membranes and make you more susceptible to infections. To avoid this, hydrate regularly with plain water or seltzer. Carry a small multi-purpose lotion with you. A lip balm like our Cucumber Melon Lip Balm will keep lips happy. One of our Body Balms is an easy solution for keeping nails, hair, etc. moisturized. Sealed ampules of preservative-free eye drops can be tossed in a bag or pocket to keep dry eye away. Cough drops with ingredients like eucalyptus oil, zinc and Vitamin C are great, too.
  • Avoid the aisle seat – while convenient, people using the aisle seat have been found to be more susceptible to airborne pathogens. If you do get the window seat, be sure to apply sunscreen before boarding the plane.
  • As far as meals go, avoid raw foods, deli meats, shellfish, dairy and ice cubes. These tend to be more problematic on busy flights. Bottled or canned drinks, fruits with thick rinds, and individually wrapped items are generally safe. Always go by smell; it if smells off, give it a pass.
  • Wear slip-on shoes and layer your clothing; airplane temperatures can vary widely.

With a little advance planning, you can make air travel a relatively pleasant experience. Staying healthy during air travel is really achievable.

References:
Time article on the dirtiest places on airplanes
Tripsavvy.com article about air quality

five types of skin conditions you should not ignore blog post

Five Skin Conditions You Should Not Ignore

Posted on by Editorial Team

FIVE Skin Conditions You Should NOT Ignore

At one point or another, our high-speed, stressful lifestyles can leave us with skin conditions that are embarrassing or annoying. We might try to deal with them with over-the-counter medications, creams, and cosmetics that mask the problem. However, there are some skin conditions that we should not ignore. These are serious, even life-threatening, conditions that should be treated by a medical professional.

Our skin is second only to our intestines in size, comprising approximately 20 square feet, and is our body’s first line of defense against many pathogens and other substances. Our skin’s condition can reflect a number of health conditions, as described below.

Common Skin Conditions

  • Dehydration – a very common condition which manifests as dry skin that doesn’t bounce back when pinched.
  • Hives – this can be on one part of the body or a whole-body allergic reaction. It is also very treatable.
  • Eczema – also called atopic dermatitis, it can be caused by a combination of genetics and the environment. It can be treated with oatmeal baths and/or cortisone creams.
  • Seborrhea/Psoriasis – a condition that can cause dandruff and cradle cap, it is also found on the body. Red, scaly patches can be brought on by stress; a yeast may also contribute. It can be treated in a number of ways including special shampoos, sunlight, etc.

When Skin Conditions Require Immediate Medical Attention

  1. Redness, warmth, pain and swelling – This clearly points to an infection like cellulitis or other medical condition that requires immediate treatment.
  2. Peeling skin – This often occurs when the outer layer of skin has been compromised, as with severe sunburn or other serious burn. Scrapes from falls can also create an infection, and should be treated professionally.
  3. Changes in a mole’s color, shape or size – This is indicative of potential skin cancer. Do not wait; have your mole checked by a physician to rule this out.
  4. Open sores – This indicates that the skin’s integrity has been severely compromised. Things like bed sores, stasis dermatitis, or another medical condition can raise the potential for a serious infection.
  5. Any skin discoloration – This can be indicative of a wide variety of medical conditions, from frostbite to necrotizing fasciitis to gangrene. Please see a medical professional right away.

Our skin is not just there to make us beautiful; it is designed to protect us. If we recognize the warning signs, we can keep our skin and bodies healthy for many years to come.

Disclaimer: This blog post is meant to provide information; it is not intended to diagnose or treat disease. Please see your medical professional if you have questions about a skin condition.

References:
Healthline article on skin disorders
Wikipedia article on human skin
Article by American Family Physician on Seborrhea