Today more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits nature has to offer and are seeking environmentally friendly products in their homes and in their skin care regimen. Therefore, it is no surprise that skin care manufacturers are catering to this wave of eco-friendly consumers and labeling products natural and/or organic.

The words natural and organic are interpreted and implied as the same meaning, however, there are distinct differences between the two.

Natural – this implies that one, some, or all of the ingredients are unprocessed and comes from nature, such as fruits, vitamins and minerals for instance; Aloe Vera is a natural product thus a product with Aloe Vera could be labeled natural. However, that does not mean the natural ingredient was grown organically and it does not mean that the skin care product is not mixed with synthetic/chemical ingredients. The term natural is not regulated in the skin care industry so the term natural is used loosely and extensively in marketing ploys.

Organic – means that no chemicals or pesticides were used during the growth of various plants and herbs. Additionally, the processes to extract the various oils from the plant did not use any type of chemical processing.  If a product with Aloe Vera in it is labeled organic, then the Aloe would have had to been grown without any type of pesticides and there would be no chemical processing to extract the oils from the plant.  Thus the product could be labeled organic.

A good analogy would be a skin care product which lists papaya and Aloe Vera. If the papaya, and Aloe Vera were grown with any type of pesticides then the skin care product can not be labeled organic, however, it could be labeled all natural and still can contain harmful chemicals.

Additionally, just because a product is labeled natural or organic that does not mean you will not have an allergic reaction. A product made with beeswax or honey would not be recommended for people that are allergic to bees, a product with almond oil would not be recommended for people with nut allergies. A skin test is always recommended with any new skin care product whether it be a synthetic, natural or organic product.

The word botanical is used a lot in skin care products too. This implies that the product includes ingredients that are derived from plants and/or trees, such as Aloe Vera and coconut. Again, botanical products can be labeled as natural but does not mean they are also organic.

Currently there are no legal standards for the terms organic and/or natural for personal care products sold in the United States. Therefore, skin care manufacturers are allowed to make all kinds of claims that their products are pure, natural and/or organic. A case in point is Clairol Herbal Essences which gave users an “organic experience”, however there isn’t much about this product that is herbal or organic as it contains more than a dozen synthetic petrochemicals and has a moderate toxicity rating. Visit Campaign for Safe Cosmetics on the web to read more about your skin care products.

The skin care product industry is a billion dollar business and the claims they make concerning their products may or may not be true. Additionally, if you are paying top dollar for cosmetics that read pure, natural or organic, read the label, research and decide for yourself. The most prominent ingredient on the label will be at the top of the ingredient list and the least ingredient at the bottom. So if your natural or organic ingredient is at the bottom of the ingredient list chances are the amount in the product is minute and has no significant value for your skin.

As a personal note, I would like to state that I do believe in the natural and organic concept in skin care products, although if I am buying natural or organic products I expect them to be just, natural with safe synthetic chemicals or truly organic. There are so many chemicals in skin care products that can be harmful to your health and these chemicals are so detrimental to our environment so I read the labels and do the research to find some “green” in the products I use.

For skin care recipes, great skin care articles and wonderful products and ebooks visit Complete Skin Care Therapy    

I don’t know about you, but I’m as hooked on bath and body products as I’m going to get! I can’t pass the aisle at Wal-Mart without taking a look. Trips to the mall have become half hour events in the Bath and Body store. Gift buying for female friends and family is now a much anticipated outing because I can wander over to the bubble bath and lotion and pick up a little something extra for myself while I’m buying their present!

Now that there are private label bath and body product businesses online, the adventure never ends. I have found some of the most wonderful products from small, online specialty shops that can’t be found in stores or malls. Many of these darling businesses, such as ‘Marlo Quinn’ and others like it, hand-make and design their own soaps, lotions, bubble baths and other personal care products, most using all-natural, or mostly natural ingredients.

Ever wonder if you could make some of your own bath and body products at home? I know, most of you will audibly laugh at the idea of even having the time to take a bubble bath, much less actually making something you’d want to put in your bath water and sit in! Ok, I get it. You’re busy. But just imagine that you have a few minutes one weekend and get the ingredients together to make your own deliciously scented, natural spa products. Wouldn’t that leave you with a warm sense of accomplishment and ultimately a warm, frothy bubble bath or scrubby facial mask?

Let’s assume you go with option number two, and make a date with yourself to create something wonderful. Hey, you could even go as far as getting together some like-minded (bath product enthusiasts) friends, chill some good wine and make a party out of it! Everyone can take home their creations and report back later as to the overall effect and results. I can make a party out of just about anything these days.

So, here is an easy and yummy smelling home-made soap recipe to get you started and in the mood for more. You’ll want to gather your ingredients a few days in advance. Have fun!

‘A’ is for Apple Soap

4oz. clear, unscented glycerine soap
1 Tablespoon liquid soap
1 teaspoon liquid glycerine
1/2 teaspoon Apple Fragrance Oil
2 drops Red Food Color
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Melt soap in small pan over low heat. Add Liquid soap and glycerine and stir well gently Add fragrance, color and cinnamon. Stir and let stand a couple minutes, until you see it start to thicken and the cinnamon is mixed evenly. Pour into molds such as muffin tins or character candy or soap molds. Allow to set completely and store in zip lock storage bags.

When the soaps are all set, they make great little gifts for special occasions. How cute would they be as a ‘Teacher Gift’ at Christmas time, especially if you use ‘apple’ molds. There are more home-made recipes and ideas at ‘Natural You Mineral Makeup and Skincare.com’.

Product Description
Nioxin Cleanser is a detoxifying cleanser for fine, thin, non-chemically treated hair Formulated with a concentrated blend of botanicals and humectants, this cleanser removes product build up, minerals, pollutants and to… More >>

Isn’t it paradoxical that inspite of the fact that most of us enter the world as bald as a coot, and sometimes even exit that way, we spend our lifetime trying to maintain our hair through thick and thin. All of us lose between 40 and 120 strands of hair a day, depending on the amount of hair one has and its growth cycle.

Hair growth is not a continuous process. Hair follicles have a growth phase (anagen) and a resting, non-growth phase (telogen). Depending on how we treat our hair there will invariably be a variation in the amount of hair loss too. The lost hair is often so quickly replaced that we almost never notice its departure. But If you start to notice an alarming amount of hair on the bathroom sink or on your brush, if your pillow is covered with scads of loose hair, if your part seems to be getting wider or you’re seeing more scalp, you’ve probably got a problem and its time to take some action before you are fated to join the million men and women suffering from hair thinning or pattern hair loss. Hair loss and thinning can lead to anxiety, depression, and lack of confidence and fear too.

Why on earth did it happen to me?

Hair loss begins when a certain enzyme converts the hormone testosterone into another hormone called DiHydrotestosterone (DHT). Androgenetic Alopecia, or hereditary hair loss is the most common cause of hair loss. Roughly put, the more Androgens or the hormones that affect hair loss you have the faster you will lose hair. Men generally lose their hair in a horse-shoe shaped pattern; i.e. they lose hair at the top of their head. Women on the other hand very rarely ‘go bald’. Here hair thinning takes place with the part getting wider and the hair receding from the frontal area behind the frontal hairline. Telogen effluvium or hair loss due to emotional stress is another major cause for hair loss. What happens here is that hair goes through a synchronized shift from the anagen phase to telogen, the resting phase? This occurs after severe physiologic stress, such as any major surgery, pregnancy, death, divorce, loss of job etc. Usually once the period of stress is over hair growth slowly returns to normal.

Other factors for hair loss include use of birth control pills (relating to the amount of the progestin hormone in the pill), or a reaction to certain medications or even some supplements. Hair loss is also a known reaction to chemotherapy drugs. Thyroid, syphilis and other illnesses will also lead your hair to fall out. Improper care too plays a role in hair loss. Pulling the hair by wearing a very tight pony tail, cosmetic changes like colouring the hair, rebonding too much blow drying , over zealously brushing your hair , can all cause hair to be pulled out prematurely.

Another important factor is diet. Improper diet, iron deficiency, dyes used incorrectly, losing too much weight too soon and menopause can also cause your hair to thin out.

So what can one do to slow down or reverse hair loss?

History tells us of how the Greek physician Hippocrates tried to alleviate his patients’ baldness with pigeon droppings. Aristotle tried goat’s urine to remedy his own baldness. Cleopatra prepared pastes for Julius Caesar made of ground horse teeth, deer marrow and charred mice mixed with bear grease. Its unlikely that any of these remedies bore fruit but the effort in that direction continues. One should however not lose hope as today, more than ever, there are many ways to slow down and even treat hair loss to a large degree.

First check if you are missing out on any of the following:

· Adequate intake of vitamins.

· Balanced diet rich in iron and protein.

· Intake of raw vegetables, fresh fruits, salads, green leafy vegetables regularly.

· Washing hair twice weekly with a light shampoo.

· Reduce anxiety, stress and sleeplessness.

· Check for infections of scalp.

If hair fall persists meet a dermatologist or a physician who deals with hair loss and ascertain the reason for the hair fall. No absolute cure for hair loss has been found so far, yet not all varieties of hair loss are untreatable. Drugs known to slow the onset of common baldness, minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) are available with prescription. These have gained wide popularity but few of its side effects are still coming to light.

Other Options

Surgical treatments are becoming quite popular as they give a very ‘natural’ look. Hair is transplanted from the back of the scalp from where it grows. This is a very expensive treatment and the can be quite invasive. Experts agree that a diet rich in whole foods and irons help promote hair growth. The food we eat shows in the quality of blood, and, therefore, the hair. For men, it has been suggested that a low fat diet may help decelerate the balding process. For women, hair loss could be a sign of a gastrointestinal problem, which needs to be checked. Lack of protein, or an excess or Vitamin A are a often stated cause of hair loss.

According to Chinese Medicine, hair loss is related to a kidney deficiency. The ancient texts caution that too much sweet or salt could cause hair to fall out. Natural remedies such as Aromatherapy, and natural supplements and herbs such as Saw palmetto oil, Folic acid,Silica biotin, and vitamin B5 are also said to help rejuvenate and maintain thickness of the hair. Ayurveda believes in a holistic approach to alleviate hair loss issues. It is based on the use of plant oils, herbs, as well as meditation, diet, exercise and massage to balance a person’s three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) that make up one’s “Prakruti” (mind-body type). According to this ancient science, oils such as brahmi and Bhrigaraj oil reduce Pitta dosha in the hair follicles thereby stimulating hair growth. Mixing either of these oils with some coconut oil and leaving it overnight is a popular solution.

Everyone’s hair loss is different, and with constant care and attention one can reduce hair loss and have a head full of beautiful tresses.

The skin care and anti aging and cosmetics industry is a huge industry, worth, by some estimates, around $50 billion. And there are many many companies making skin care products, including so called natural skin care products, as well as cosmetics, beauty products, hair, and body care products, and more. Hair colorings, hair removal, anti aging products, body oils, dry skin treatments, oily skin treatments and so on and so on.

When there are so many products available to you to satisfy every need you could ever have to purchase a product to pamper every part of your body, why would you want to bother searching out “natural” products, including natural skin care products.

First let me say there is no formal definition of “natural” skin care products. However it’s quite possible to compare the different types of skin care and anti aging products by looking at what’s available to you on the market.

First there is, of course, the big brand name products. I’m sure you know the ones I mean. Saturation TV advertising, their skin care products seen on the shelves of just about every department store.

Would it surprise you to know that many of these big brand name products, probably most, are not considered to be effective, and have ingredients which are often suspect or even downright dangerous?

Yes it’s true, the skin care industry isn’t effectively regulated, and they can put just about anything they want into their products. The FDA doesn’t require these products to be tested for safety or efficacy.

Here’s just one example, but there are many. Recent tests showed lead in over 50% of big brand name lipsticks tested, to the point where the State of California, at least, has banned lead in lipsticks.

There’s many other examples of suspect or dangerous ingredients in our body care, hair care, skin care and nail care products and just about all of our beauty and personal use products like simple shampoos and toothpastes.

On the other hand there are companies, one in particular, that make extremely effective and safe natural skin care products.

By “natural” this means naturally occurring ingredients which are known to be safe for human use.

Here’s some examples.

Shea butter, extracted from the seed of a tree. An extremely effective natural moisturizer.

Jojoba oil from the nut of the Jojoba plant, very high in natural anti oxidants that are very good for natural skin health.

Grape seed oil, extracted from the seeds of various grape varieties, high in natural fatty acids and anti oxidants and also an excellent natural skin moisturizer.

And more, there’s many many naturally occurring substances that aren’t made in a lab, and are extremely effective when added to a natural skin care range of products.

However it’s not sufficient for a company to use naturally occurring ingredients in it’s skin care and anti aging products. To be truly “natural” the company needs to have a commitment to producing and using these ingredients safely. Because it’s quite possible to change the makeup of an ingredient in the process used to extract it, particularly by the use of heat. And this can make a useful naturally occurring ingredient quite useless.

An example is keratin, a naturally occurring part of skin hair and nails. Keratin is used by the big brand name companies, however it is extracted from the horns and hooves of animals by heat, thereby changing it’s makeup to a less useful form.

The best manufacturer of natural skin care products has a commitment to using only naturally occurring ingredients that are both safe for human use and also effective. In fact their brief is to produce the worlds best natural skin care products that are safe enough to eat.

So despite the fact that there is no formal definition of natural skin care products, an examination of both the ingredients used in skin care products combined with an examination of the company’s philosophy about the production of it’s products will establish quite clearly what the best “natural skin care products” are.

After a long day, who doesn’t love to indulge in a warm sudsy bath lightly scented with stress relieving essential oils? Pampering bath and body products are widely available, but many contain chemicals, perfumes and dyes that are often harmful to sensitive skin. There is an alternative for people who choose to go the natural route. Natural bath and body products, including skin care products for men and children have become increasingly popular as the population demands better products and more options.

Why should we consider natural bath and body products over commercial synthetic products? Natural products are more easily recognized, absorbed and eliminated by our bodies than products containing chemicals. Also, natural products can usually be used by the whole family since they do not contain harmful ingredients.

There are quite a few natural bath and body, along with, skin care products available online. Bath and body recipes also make it possible to create quality, effective, natural skin care products right at home. Here are a couple of natural bath and body recipes to try. Keep in mind that these recipes are most often meant to be used immediately and shouldn’t be stored for more than a couple of days.

Natural Moisturizing Bath Bomb

1 cup citric acid

2 cups baking soda

1 tsp. fragrance oil

1 tsp. olive oil

Mix the first 2 dry ingredients together. Next, mix the 2 wet ingredients together, finally, mixing both wet and dry and forming into balls. Let dry for 24 hours before using.

Natural Shower Exfoliating Body Scrub

1 cup of extra virgin olive oil

2 cups of sea salt

3-4 drops of peppermint oil

Combine all of the ingredients, and use in the shower. Do not use on children as scrubs can cause harm to sensitive skin.

Natural bath and body and skin care products are easily found online with a simple Google search. Many online natural bath and body product companies do not carry large quantities of stock and actually make the products as they are ordered to ensure freshness.

We all love to relax in a steaming, scented bath and of course everyone wants to be assured that they are pampering themselves with products that are good for them! Scinboutique provide some great natural and organic products to treat you skin, relax your body and make every bath super special…

Jo Wood Organics have two bath oils, both with 97.5% Organic Ingredients. The ‘Usiku Bath Oil’ is totally decadent, inspired by the sensual steam rooms of a Moroccan harem, this highly concentrated and deeply aromatic bath essence combines the soothing, relaxing properties of cedarwood and vetiver with cardamom and ginger to warm the heart and lift the spirits. Basking in the heady vapours of this oil will leave a gorgeous fragrance on your body for the rest of the day and will leave your skin feeling ultra-nourished.

The ‘Amka Bath Oil’ is pure luxury in a bottle. The Amka aroma is more floral than the Usiku range and is the lighter of the two aromas. This concentrated, restorative bath oil contains a blend of only the highest grade organic essential oils. It combines the healing properties of Persian rose otto with reviving Egyptian jasmine, and includes neroli from Comoro Island and bergamot from the Mediterranean coast for their bright uplifting effect. Add two capfuls to running water to revive your body and perk up your spirits.

If you want to shed the troubles of a busy day and unwind, then try This Works ‘Deep Calm Bath and Shower Oil’. This soothing, grounding fusion of vetivert, lavender and chamomile will bring the world to a standstill. This Works’ lavender is grown at high altitude in France and chosen for its high quality and fragrance. The soothing, antibacterial properties are combined with strengthening and emotionally balancing vetivert, wild chamomile and nourishing, pure coconut oil. Add one capful to a full bath or apply to body before showering. You can even apply a drop to your pulse points or massage anticlockwise to solar plexus to aid relaxation.

On the other hand if you need a boost of energy then the This Works ‘Energy Bank Bath and Shower Oil’ is for you! This exotic fusion of ylang ylang, patchouli and geranium will give you renewed vitality morning and evening. This Works’ uses high quality essential oils used for this reviving bath product including, sensual ylang ylang, geranium sourced from China, rosemary – to stimulate the mind, grounding sandalwood and pure coconut oil.

The Taer Icelandic ‘Glacier Bath Oil’ is 100% natural, uplifting, soothing, detoxifying and smells amazing. Take time out and immerse your body in the aromatic glacial water to rejuvenate and indulge. Glacier Bath Oil cools, invigorates and de-stresses both the mind and the body. This highly concentrated blend of essential oils ensures you only need 2 capfuls for an opulent milky bath, the heat of the water allows the therapeutic oils to fill the air. Sweet Birch takes care of aching muscles with its anti-inflammatory properties and also soothes and softens the skin. Spicy Fennel helps increase circulation and disperses water retention. Refreshing Peppermint combats mental fatigue, stimulates and increases mental agility, as well as easing headaches and migraines. Finally, Fir needle helps to balance the nervous system, uplift your spirits and, teamed with Fennel helps to combat muscular aches and signs of cellulite.

The Laidbare ‘Chamomile Bath Soak’ has marshmallow, apricot and jojoba extracts to revive mind, body and soul. Chamomile is an all round skin healer, soother and calmer. Marshmallow and apricot extracts are known to be super softening, smoothing, hydrating and conditioning. Jojoba is a valuable skin oil, rich and nourishing, and holds in moisture. Pour under warm running water for a truly delightful tub full of bubbles!

 

Beautiful and healthy hair truly comes from with. By eating well, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep all help your hair. As well as staying away from drinking too much and smoking because it all shows up in our hair. Only women can blame having a really bad day on our hair. Sorry guys it doesn’t sound quite right to hear from you that you are having a “bad hair day”. Women say it all the time.

Yet we really do want to have well cared for looking hair using natural treatments that we can do at home on our own time.

Are you finding your hair has become unmanageable and dry in spite of taking precautions? Even normal hair can use special treatment using natural products. Check out these simple natural treatments with items you will find in your kitchen or local natural store.

To begin with you can shampoo your hair before trying any of these natural treatments. Condition your hair after your natural treatments to get truly soft and lustrous hair. Whether you have short or long hair, you should take real care of it if you want to have luxuriant curls and dense locks.

Homemade hair care recipes

Following are some homemade recipes that you can use in your hair to get beautiful hair:

1~ Mix a tablespoon of honey and any vegetable oil and distribute it evenly all over your hair.

2~ Take ½ cup molasses or even honey and apply it directly to damp hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, shampoo your hair as usual.

3~ Hair pack for dry hair. Take 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pit removed and 1 Cup mayonnaise. Mash the avocado and blend it into the mayonnaise. You want to gently massage into your scalp and hair. Cover your hair with plastic shower caps to leave it for 20 minutes. Shampoo as usual.

Special hair care treatments

Hair care treatments should be used on all types of hair like dry hair, oily hair or normal hair.

Following are the hair care treatments for your hair:

Hot oil treatment – Any oil will work for this. Specially useful for dry and dull hair. Warm oil until its slightly warm. Rub a little into your scalp and through out every part of your hair, massaging gently as you go. Cover your hair with a shower cap for 20 minutes. Also heating your hair will help the oil penetrate into your hair shaft. Shampoo and rinse well.

Henna treatment – Use herbal henna powder mixed with warm water, and put gooseberry powder, egg, tea leaf, lemon, curd, coffee powder, and oil in it, apply it on your hair for 45 minutes and wash it off. Take care when using and henna enhancers. Henna will not lighten and is not suitable for use on blond hair. If your hair is more than 20% gray, white, tinted, bleached, or highlighted it’s a very good your chances of getting orange hair. Just be careful when using Henna and ask your hair stylist if you are not sure you should.

Neutral Henna Treatment - There is neutral henna that can be used to add gloss and luster to your hair without adding any color. Mix the henna with water to create a stiff paste. Stir in 1 egg yolk for extra conditioning, plus a little milk which will help with the paste remain pliable as you add it to your hair. Apply to your hair and leave it on for 1 hour before rinsing thoroughly. Repeat this every two to three months.

Boost the shine – Treat your hair with white vinegar once a month. All you need to do is dilute two tablespoons in a little water and rinse it through your hair. It will balance the pH also making your hair look extremely healthy.

With the use of natural ingredients can help you achieve beautifully conditioned hair. Taking care of your hair naturally saves you trips to your hair stylist sooner than planned. Take care of your hair and it will show off all its glory!

 

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