Sensitive Skin and Organic Skin Care

Hi Folks

Blake here – This week I’d like to talk about sensitive skin and the word “Organic”…………

I have sensitive skin.  This limits my use of many personal care products on the market today.  After years of trial and error I’ve developed a list of certain products that I can use on a regular basis.  But alas………… I have a much longer list of products that my skin will simply not tolerate.

Many brands use the word “Organic” on their packaging to attract the attention of the consumer.  The buzz being that if it’s organic it must be “good for you”.  The word organic defined is roughly: “of, relating to, or derived from living organisms”.  The definition of organic doesn’t contain the words “good for sensitive skin”.  Did you know that many of the organic products on the market can be much harsher on your skin than a synthetic counterpart?  This is especially true with essential oils. 

Anyone can have a reaction to a skin care product regardless of its ingredients.  The only true way to know if a product will irritate your skin is to try it.  I usually test new products in a small area on my inner arm.  Most brands carry suggestions and instructions for testing before use.  Many folks ignore the suggestion and just jump right in and use the product.  If you have sensitive skin you most definitely should do a test.  I’d rather have a small contained reaction on my inner arm than to have a full blown reaction on my face!  Many manufactures change the ingredients they use in their products.   Beware if the label changes to read new or improved - you may want to take the time to do a test just to be sure of your reactions to the changes.

I’ve found the most cost effective way to test a product is to ask friends, co-workers, or family if they use the product – if they do, just ask them for a sample.  Some manufactures will send you a sample if you send them a request that’s written to let them know that you have sensitive skin and would like to try the product before you buy.  After all, they do want your business. 

I visited the web site My Sensitive Skincare (mysensitiveskincare.com) and was amazed at the info they have to offer. 

Remember take time to enjoy life!                                                                         

What The…Who The?!?!?!?

Oh Hi Friends… and Happy Friday! 

So I woke up yesterday morning not being able to bend over and tie my shoes.  At some point in the night, I swear someone came in my room and kicked me square in the back, because it hurt so bad.  What in the holy heaven did I do to my back?  Yeah, still do not have an answer for you. 

I begged and I pleaded with my kids to rub my back… and well for those with pre-schoolers, you know what kind of back rub you get.. haha.. bless their little hearts!  They do get an “A” for the effort!  But I still didn’t have any relief.  So I thought about what I would really help me.  My first thought… A hot bath..check!  Slipped into a hot bath… glass of wine… check!  Then I had the idea that I could stretch my hamstrings while I was in the tub and my muscles were warm from the hot water.  Perfect!  When I got out, I felt about 75% better and then put my big fuzzy robe on and then I was 100%.

It’s amazing how something so simple could improve your outlook on the day.

Now I know that this is totally off topic, but I have to give a shout out to two new products that I’ve tried.  One is from Aveeno.  It’s their Anti-Fatigue eye treatmentserum.  I love this stuff.  I bought it on a whim because I was almost out of my Smashbox Photo Op.  This serum is a 2 in 1.  It helps take away the puffiness that the late nights leave behind and then brightens under the eye.  SWEET!

The other one is from Josie Maran.  I was standing in line at Sephora and I have to admit I’m always tempted by those little sample sizes they have by the registers.  This time I’m glad I made the leap.  I tried her Argan DailyMoisterizer with SPF40 in it.  It’s a little sticky at first, but then feels so light on my face.  Even better is it’s scent.  I’m very sensitive when it comes to putting product on my face.  If I can’t stand the smell…it’s gone.  Even if it is the miracle cure… sorry Charlie, come back when you smell better!

So until next week, have a great weekend!

Cheers-

Beckie b

Bath Salts for the Soul

Greetings Grayce here!

Have you ever done anything that involved 26.2 miles & doing it for 4hrs 58 minutes & 17 seconds.

I did I ran the New York City Marathon and finished.. I was amazed it was totally awesome to race thru the 5 boroughs in NYC

During my training with NYC Road Runners I noticed another runner applying something to his legs , shoulders & arms then used another item & applied to the top of his feet & waist.

Of course I need to find out just what he was using, so a approach him cautiously not sure what his response would be!

To my surprise he took out a tube of Ben Gay & handed it to me & showed me just where to apply the ointment then told me it would help warm my muscles & be less likely to cramp.

The 2^nd ointment he handed my was a bigger mystery, I was not sure of the purpose yet so simple. He suggested that I apply it to my waist , the top of my feet & under my straps. So simple it would prevent chaffing of anything & act as barrier for anything fabric or elastic rubbing against my skin.

Voila I was good to go.

To this day I use both when I work out or run (it has been years since I have been running any major distance)

Using Epsom Salts is a fabulous muscle relaxing treatment. Apply a generous amount to your bath add different essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, rose petals etc. wonderful try it & enjoy

 Origins The Way of the Bath™ Matcha Tea Body Soak

“A unique, beautiful and richly flavorful drink, Matcha provides an energetic awareness and sense of well-being. The simple ritual of preparing it is both enjoyable and meditative.” Dr. Andrew Weil

It is said that those who participate in Chanoyu, the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony find the five senses working at their fullest. At the heart of this revered daily ritual is the famous, fragrant, jewel-green powdered tea known as Matcha. Harvested by hand, made of specially grown whole leaves and stone ground with the greatest of care, this “functional” beverage has been used by many Asian cultures to promote alertness as well as calm and focus during meditations.

This effervescent and purifying Matcha bath soak provides healthy refreshment for body and soul. Rich in natural antioxidants plus revitalizing Japanese sea salts, it unburdens skin, enlivens consciousness, revives the spirit and silences stress to restore the four perfect principles of the Tea Ceremony - “Wa (harmony), kei (respect), sei (purity), jaku (tranquility)”.

enjoy the journey!

Wrap Away your Strain and Pain

Happy Wednesday Fabulous Readers!

Jessica here again, and this week we are talking about Muscle Comfort Treatments. One of my relax and muscle soothing remedies is the Epsom Salt bath...but as I had said I don't aways have the luxury or time to take a bath! So when my back starts to have a painful flare up or my gym session was intense and leaving me with sore muscles I turn to my Comfort wrap.

Earth Theraputics Relaxing Microwavable Comfort Wrap to be exact :) This wrap actually claims it can be used hot or cold! I have only ever wanted to use the hot treatment though, since it is winter and all. It is the best when I put it in the microwave and it is infused with the aroma-therapeutic scents of  Lavender and Chamomile which are deeply relaxing. Perfect for the evening when I throw this on after the gym, or just want to be soothed before bed. I have even heated this up when I have a major chill and throw it on my neck to sleep with all night!

Hot from the microwave, the heat-retentive rice delivers gentle, long-lasting warmth, assuaging muscular pain and tension, while tapping the infusion of stress-relieving herbal essences. May also be chilled in the freezer to reduce minor swelling or cool down after exercise. The soft cover can be removed so you can wash it. This makes to be the perfect travel companion! You can even wear it around the office...like I am now :) I like how the rice really sits well on my shoulders and the pressure helps to relieve the tension from sitting at a computer most of the day. These also make a perfect gift for even the person who has everything.

A cool thing about the company Earth Theraputics, with the particular pink product I purchased, it helps to support The National Breast Cancer Foundation! That makes me happy in more than one way now :)

Until next week...Keep on Being Beautiful You!





For A Back Ache, Spice Can Be Nice

 Hi everyone, it’s Tara here to discuss a topic I personally don’t think gets enough attention—muscle rubs and balms.  These products can be great this time of year, as many of us made New Years resolutions to spend more time working out, and are experiencing some soreness as a result.  I, for one, resolved to be able to do at least five pull-ups by the end of the year (I still can’t do one without help!), so I’ve been using my favorite muscle rub much more often than usual.

My favorite rub right now is by Moon Valley Organics.  It contains cayenne and habanero pepper, and seriously helps remedy that stiff, tight feeling in the back of my legs, when I begin running more, and in the back of my shoulders when I’m doing more pull-up (attempts), push ups, and swimming.  As recommended on Moon Valley’s website, I sometimes even apply a hot washcloth compress after I’ve rubbed the product in—this is really calming and usually increases the effect of the rub itself.  I generally go through this process immediately after showering, before going to bed. 

Of course, when facing serious or repetitive joint or muscle pain, the Doctor knows best.  But when faced with the slight soreness that comes with a new exercise routine or the like, I’ve found Moon Valley’s rub to be great!  But that’s just me—what do you use to relieve muscle pain?

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Sara

Grayce

Jessica

Beckie

Tara

Blake

Amy