Category: skincare tips

The one device you need this winter blog post

The One Device You Need This Winter

Posted on by Lydia D

What Is The One Device You Need This Winter?

Today I will talk about the importance of using a humidifier in the home during colder months.

Living in a colder climate brings its own set of challenges. Outdoor sports enthusiasts can run the risk of developing frostbite, hypothermia, sunburn and even an asthma attack. It’s important to protect skin, lips and hair when spending time outdoors.

However, often little thought is given to indoor relative humidity and its impact on skin and hair. So what is relative humidity? In simple terms, it describes the percentage of water vapor in the air compared with how high the water vapor could be at that temperature. A relative humidity between 30 and 50% produces a comfortable interior while preventing the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. It’s easy to measure relative humidity – just get a hygrometer. You can pick up an inexpensive one here.

Colder air is drier than warm air. When you heat your home, the temperature increases but the relative humidity does not. The result is dry skin and hair. This often causes static electricity and cracked lips. It can also dry out mucus membranes (sinuses and eyes), which can leave us vulnerable to sinus infections, nosebleeds, etc.

So how to we solve this? The easiest way to do this is with an ultrasonic cool mist humidifier. Designed to add moisture directly to the air, all that is left is to choose the right size for your particular room. Small, desktop humidifiers are fine for small rooms – up to 300 square feet. Medium size humidifiers cover up to 500 square feet. For a larger room, a floor model may be necessary. Companies like Aircare and Honewell make good ones. There are other features to consider, such as the ease of use, whether it has a timer, etc. A desktop model that we like can be found here.

Staying hydrated is also important. Barrier moisturizers can help prevent evaporation from the skin and hair. We produce vegan body balms and lip balms that provide targeted moisture while maintaining a moisture barrier. The body balm can also be used in the hair to reduce static electricity.

If you buy nothing else this winter, make it a humidifier. Your family will thank you.

References:
Reader’s Digest article on humidifier types
WebMD article on managing indoor air

Sponge Loofah or Washcloth - Which is best?

Sponge, Loofah or Washcloth – Which is Best?

Posted on by Lydia D

Sponge, Loofah or Washcloth – Which Is Best?

Most would agree that exfoliation is an integral part of practicing daily hygiene, whether it be in the shower or in the bathtub. The question remains whether to use a sponge, loofah or washcloth to get the job done.

There are many products to choose from these days. I’ll be discussing a few of them below.

Sea Sponges

If you are looking for a natural product, it’s hard to beat the sea sponge (Porifera). It is classified as an animal that eat small particles as they pump water through their bodies. There are thousands of varieties, but only a handful are harvested for use in the bath and body industry. We have been doing this for over 100thousands of years. One popular variety is the wool sea sponge, which can be purchased at places like the Acme Sponge Company, based in Florida. A few reasons for choosing the sea sponge:

  • They become soft when wet and are suitable for young children
  • They contain natural enzymes that help prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew.
  • They are sustainably harvested by leaving the stalk attached so that it can regrow. If not harvested, they have a lifespan of about 10 years.
  • Sea sponges tend to last longer than synthetic ones.
  • Sea sponges are biodegradable, minimally processed and do not contain added chemicals.

Loofah Gourds

Unlike sea sponges, loofahs are easily grown from seed in warm, sunny climates. They are part of the gourd family and have many uses. Young loofah gourds are actually edible. If grown for sponges, they are allowed to mature (turn brown), and their skin removed to reveal the fibrous portion. A few reasons to use them:

  • Their versatility. They can be grown for food as well as for bath and body use. They need a long growing season (about 200 days).
  • They may appeal to those who would prefer to use plant rather than animal material.
  • They are biodegradable, compostable and fairly inexpensive. They can be purchased online at The Luffa Farm, based in California. Their low cost makes it easy for you to replace them often.
  • They come in various shapes and sizes, including bath mitts.

Washcloths

The humble washcloth has been a staple in homes and hotel rooms throughout the U.S. since the dawn of the towel. In other countries they are known by other names; in England, they’re called “flannel” or “face flannel.” In Europe, they have “face cloths” and wouldn’t think to use them on their bodies. These are over-generalizations, of course, the point being that different cultures give different names to this small towel that is used with soap or shower gel. The material also evolved, from small flannel squares to the more common terry cloth. There are, however, handmade versions of this bath item – crocheted, like our own Cotton Washcloth, or knitted. These are great loofah alternatives that provide the exfoliation you seek without too much effort. Reasons to use them include:

  • Their earth-friendliness. Our washcloth, for example, is made from 100% organic cotton in the U.S.A.
    This makes it biodegradable, long-lasting and almost endlessly reusable.
  • They do not contain any added chemicals, dyes or other questionable additives, as do some commercially-available synthetic poofs.
  • Their versatility. They can be used in the bath, the kitchen, and to clean floors and pets.
  • They can be easily disinfected by microwaving or by tossing them in the washer/dryer.
  • They can get into places where the sponge or loofah might not, and are useful for generating lather.

Believe it or not, there are many other options for personal cleansing. One worth mentioning is the synthetic poof or sponge. They are usually made from nylon and come in many sizes and colors. I would shy away from these, however, for the following reasons:

  • Nylon is a man-made plastic polymer derived primarily from coal or petroleum, and as such is not at all earth-friendly. There are eight types of nylon – Nylon 6 does not biodegrade, but Nylon 4 is more biodegradable. However, its manufacture releases much greenhouse gas and uses a lot of water.
  • Synthetic poofs contain artificial dyes and other additives that you may not want in your bath.
  • Synthetic poofs are not as durable as the natural alternatives mentioned above.

Which cleaning product you use (or none at all) is a very personal choice. I hope that this makes it easier for you to choose one that is safe, durable, and does the job without harming the planet.

References:

Wikipedia’s Sea Sponge information page
Are sea sponges greener than synthetic shower poofs?
All About Nylon

Should You Use A Toner?

Posted on by Christen Sblendorio

If you find yourself wondering if you should add a toner to your skincare routine, know that the answer to your question is not a direct “yes” or “no”. Although toners have been typically for oily skin types that need an extra cleansing boost, many of them are now packed with extra skincare benefits, like hydrating and soothing properties. Different toners have different benefits and these benefits depends on your skin type and the type of toner that you use.

Dr. Alicia Zalka, a Yale-affiliated dermatologists states that “toners are not necessary, but they can be a great adjunct to a skincare regimen for those that need help with oily skin or markedly plugged pores.Toner is something I consider a second step of the cleansing process. The benefit is that, when used correctly, it can help remove excess oils and dead skin cells that may lurk on the face after washing. To some extent a toner can help other skin applications penetrate more rapidly.”  

What do toners do?

A toner’s purpose is to do a complete cleanse of the skin and refine pores. Toners remove dust, pollution and impurities that can still linger on the skin after washing with a cleanser. Toners were originally designed to help restore skin’s pH balance, which is slightly acidic (5.5-6.5). Old styles of cleansing (cleansers like soap bars) disrupted that balance, leaving skin more vulnerable to bacteria and other microorganisms. The disruption to skin pH can lead to inflammation, dryness and over time, accelerated aging. If you wash your face with a balanced, organic cleanser, your skin might not need the pH-balancing properties of toners.

Should I forget about toner?

If you have oily skin, a toner might be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine. Many toners targeted at reducing oil and clogged pores. If you have normal, dry or combination skin, the right toner will have ingredients that create a number of benefits, giving you a quick and refreshing lift that helps repair, restore, and renew your skin. For all these reasons and more, it is recommended you make toning the second step in your skincare routine after cleansing.

Natural DIY Toners

The good news is you can make your own natural toner at home. The following are ingredients on how to make your own toner best suited for your skin type and concerns.

A green-tea toner is a great option if you have normal skin. First make one cup of green tea. Then add half a teaspoon of honey and mix well. Let the mixture cool. Once cool, add three drops of jasmine essential oil to the mixture. Pour into an airtight bottle and store in a cool place.

If you have normal to oily skin the following toners are more efficient. To make an apple-cider vinegar toner add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to an airtight container and mix in 200 milliliters of mineral water. Store in a cool place.

For a Mint Toner, boil 6 cups of water and add a couple of mint leaves to the water while it is still hot. Allow the solution to cool and then saturate the pad with the solution and wipe your face with it after cleansing.

An Aloe Vera Toner can be made by slicing an aloe vera. Scoop out the gel and dilute 2 tablespoons of the gel with 1 cup of cool water. Apply the solution onto your face using a cotton pad after cleansing. This solution can also be used to sooth sunburns and rashes.

Make a Cucumber Toner by taking 2/3rds of a fresh cucumber and chopping it up into small piece. Pour a cup of water into a pan and add the chopped piece of cucumber. Heat the pan for about 8 minutes or until the water starts to boil. Blend the cucumber and the water. Let cool and then filter the solution out using a sieve. Apply to clean face using a cotton pad.

Ingredients To Avoid

When it comes to choosing a toner that’s right for you, there are some ingredients you want to avoid. Do not use a toner that has alcohol, menthol, witch hazel or fragrance in it. These four ingredients are not good for your skin. If you do choose to add a toner to your skincare routine and you choose your toner carefully, you’ll have a product that will do the following: complete cleansing, minimize the appearance of large pores, hydrate, help with oily skin and protect.

Self tanner spray tan by professional

Self Tanner Dos and Don’ts

Posted on by Lydia D

What is a self-tanner, and what are some Dos and Don’ts for their use?

A self-tanner is a cream or lotion containing chemicals that react with the skin’s surface to produce an artificial tan. They’ve been around for a long time, and no doubt most of us have tried one at least once. The FDA approved the use of the main ingredient, Dihydroxyacetone (or DHA), in the 1970s for use in self-tanners. Before this, people utilized the tannins found in tea leaves to stain the skin a darker color. Ugh!

Formulations have improved quite a bit since then. Unlike the products that made one look like a carrot, it’s now possible to have a fairly natural-looking tan (even tanning gradually) with the products on the market today.

Self Tanner Dos

There is the obvious reason for using a self-tanner: you avoid excess sun exposure which is known to damage the skin. One also gets instant gratification; instead of tanning for hours, an instant tan can be had with very little effort. For someone looking to look sunkissed for a special event, it is a quick and easy way to achieve the look without the risk of sunburn. Some self tanners also contain erythrulose, a carbohydrate that helps to produce a more natural-looking tan.

Self Tanner Don’ts

So what are the downsides to using a self-tanner? For one, some individuals may be sensitive to the main ingredient DHA. It has been shown to cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. More importantly, some studies have shown that sun exposure within 24 hours of applying DHA can cause free radical formation, thereby damaging skin cells. Therefore, it’s important for consumers to know that when using self-tanners containing this ingredient, they should avoid sun exposure for a period of time.

Many individuals also use tanning booths where the self-tanner is sprayed onto the skin. This increases the likelihood of inhaling DHA and other ingredients, which can have negative effects over time. Long-term effects of inhaling these ingredients is unknown. The dyes used in these products could also cause allergic reactions. In addition, many of the other ingredients found in self-tanners like fragrances and preservatives may also cause reactions in some individuals.

So can one find a self-tanner without DHA? Alternative ingredients are being developed for self-tanners that do not produce the same type chemical reaction. For example, the amino acid Tyrosine has been shown to possibly enhance melanin formation in the skin. Other ingredients like this include Vitamin D metabolite, retinoids, and Forskolin (derived from the Indian Coleus root). It may be some time before they are commonly available.

Alternatives to Self-Tanners

Another idea that involves zero commitment is to use cosmetics to create a temporary glow. Many cream and powder bronzers are available on the market that can be used on the face and body to provide some color. Ingredients used in cosmetics in the U.S. are regulated by the FDA. Even so, a patch test is always a good idea if your skin is particularly sensitive. Powders tend to have fewer ingredients than creams and lotions.

Regardless of which product you use, it’s always a good idea to obtain an ingredient list and to perform a patch test before using it all over. Read reviews and exercise caution when going out into the sun. With a little experimentation, you will be able to find the right self-tanner to give you the sunkissed glow you’re seeking.

References:
Wikipedia article on sunless tanning
Huffington Post article on self-tanners
Compound Interest article on the history of a fake tan