Tag: body balms

Embracing skinimalism pinterest graphic blog post

Embracing Skinimalism

Posted on by Editorial Team

What is Skinimalism?

Of all the trending buzzwords we’ve come up with, “skinimalism” is one that many are embracing. But what is skinimalism? Coined by editors at Pinterest, it emphasizes the “less is more” philosophy when it comes to skincare products and routines. Suddenly, customers are celebrating their natural skin with all of its quirks. The trend toward simpler skincare and minimalist makeup are here.

Why Skinimalism?

There’s no doubt that before the pandemic, ten-step routines and product layering were real things. When the pandemic hit, a combination of events changed the game for those of us who were sequestered at home for a period of time. Suddenly, using a plethora of products seemed excessive. Having to wear masks translated into a reduction in the use of lipsticks and foundation. Specific skincare issues like maskne and redness became the focus of attention. And who doesn’t want to same time and money on their skincare routine? The question now is whether skinimalism is here to stay. We may not know the answer until later this year. If you’d like to embrace skinimalism, keep reading.

How To Embrace Skinimalism

For those who are looking to simplify their skincare routine, we have a few ideas;

  • Re-assess your skincare needs – There is no one-size-fits-all approach. It depends upon your current lifestyle. Are you experiencing more stress or increased irritation? Are there too many confusing steps or ingredients that you don’t know anything about? Or is your skincare routine just too expensive or too complicated? It’s important to know what you really need and what you don’t.
  • Start with the basics – We know that we need to cleanse, moisturize and protect. Once you have the basics down, a spot treatment can address any skin issues. Keeping it simple will allow you to see if your products are causing irritation or allergic reactions.
  • Use multipurpose products – this is also trending, and it makes sense if you’re looking to simplify. Multipurpose moisturizers like our All Purpose Body Balms or our All Purpose Dry Oil soften and nurture head to toe. Our 3-in-1 bar soaps contain glycerin and castor oil, and are suitable for cleansing, shaving and shampooing. Other products can include shampoo/conditioner combos, tinted moisturizers and serum foundations. You are bound to find the product combination that works for you.
  • Embrace your natural skin – when Grammy winner Alicia Keys went make-up free, it was the beginning of a move towards a more natural look and heightened self-acceptance. Today, countless people choose not to hide their freckles, moles, wrinkles or gray hair. Cosmetics have also become lighter and more natural-looking. As a result, the emphasis is more on targeted skincare products that enhance and protect. If you need to, consult with a dermatologist in order to get troublesome skin conditions under control. They can also suggest products to use, particularly if you have infections or very sensitive skin.

Whether you choose to embrace skinimalism or not, it’s a trend that may have a long future as consumers move towards more natural looks.

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

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