Tag: organic beauty products

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Natural Skin Care – Remedies

 

Hey Earth’s Enrichers

Natural Skin Care- RemediesTime for a skin care trip to the past! Ever wonder how they came about?  Skin care remedies have been passed down over the years.  Remember all those stories that your mom and grandmom used to tell you about home remedies to help with your skin care? The truth is that there are a lot of similar remedies shared by many cultures with their children and their children’s children.

If you look at many organic or all-natural skin care products, you will notice that some of those ingredients that your loved ones told you about can be found in them. Some examples are honey, oatmeal, avocado, milk, and so on. Their benefits tend to vary and some can have multiple benefits.

Imagine way, way back then, having just finished a bath with your skin beginning to dry and become ashy; what do you think they would use? They might also have to worry about skin ailments like eczema, callouses, acne, and stretch marks/injuries on their skin. For most moisturizing situations, coconut oil would be very useful. For aliments that would need aid in healing or to ease the discomfort, aloe vera would be useful. Both are included in many organic skin care products today.

There are many other remedies used by people all over the world that help them maintain healthy skin. This would even include the way you eat. A healthy balance of both food and hygiene makes for a remedy of healthy living!

In some countries like China, they still practice their old remedies that have been passed on from generation to generation. Traditional Chinese Medicine or, as coined, TCM uses herbs and food for certain ailments. A specialist or YiSheng, would conduct a physical to assess your ailments then give you the proper dosage of herbs and a proper diet to aid in good health. This approach focuses around the concept of Yin and Yang, that healthy eating and hygiene (in the sense of taking care of yourself) helps balance out your health.

Really, if you think about it—good skin health should equal all around good health. Switching to organic or all-natural skin care should be the first step to better healthier decisions. So if you’ve already moved on to organic, all-natural products start thinking about incorporating healthier foods into your diet like fruits and vegetables. Remember, organic all-natural skin care products cannot fix everything on their own. However, they can be helpful in aiding in better, healthier skin by avoiding ingredients that could cause harm to your health. 

The EE 411: Highlights on Remedies

There is no guarantee that these remedies will work or even be effective to any extent. As always, know your skin and body to protect your health. These are some highlights of old and new remedies:

  • Toothpaste- The mint in toothpaste is used to ease the pain of zits that have reached a painful point. Also, mint could be an anti-inflammatory.
  • Aloe Vera– Used on dry patches, and skin ailments like burns.
  • Honey, milk, avocado, or almond oil could be used as moisturizers.
  • Baking soda, lemons, or oatmeal could be used on irritated and itchy skin.
  • Black tea is used to clot blood (some dentist prescribe it to create blood clots after Wisdom Teeth surgeries).
  • Crème de Menthe could be used to help stomach nausea.
  • Apple cider vinegar could be used for acne (dry it out) and with honey may be used to help arthritis.
  • Sugar or brown sugar- with vinegar or honey was used as an exfoliant.
  • Ginger- used for colds and to soothe coughing and sore throats.
  • Alfalfa tea- used to help with arthritis.
  • Juniper- used by Native Americans on the surface of skin for irritating ailments.

If you are interested in more home remedies that go beyond skin care, check out Pioneer Thinking, where people share their own remedies and suggestions. Just remember though, that people suggest or share what works for them, and this may not be necessarily true for you. Like with Chinese herbal medicine, those specialist prescribe what’s best for you based on your needs, not everyone else’s. Take care!

Share with Us: What are some of your family’s remedies for skincare?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Bathing Tools

 

Earth’s Enrichers

Organic Skin Care - ExfoliatingYou know all those strange bathing tools like the sponge, the loofah or luffa, bath scrunchies, washcloths, brushes—have you ever wondered where they came from or their uses? There are so many bathing tools for so many different reasons like accessibility, specific skin care needs, and to cater to different skin types. Just like the different steps in skin care like exfoliating, cleansing, and moisturizing there are different tools to help you achieve these goals.  

For exfoliating, there are the tools like the scrub brushes, hand gloves with the built in scrubbing materials, also the loofah (luffa).  The designed purpose of the exfoliating tools is to help remove dead skin and dirt off of your body as you bathe. The scrub brushes can be used all over the body because of the different brush types that can be chosen to benefit particular types of skin.  Unlike the loofah or hand/bathing gloves, you can find scrub brushes with varying types of bristle strength from soft to something a bit more bristly.

Loofahs have a rough, sand paper like texture and consistency when bought, but over time they tend to wear.  Their original texture will begin to soften when used over and over. While fresh, they do get the job done, though.

For those of you that are more “hands-on”, the bathing gloves also come in different varieties. Some have scrub-like abilities and then others are just like washcloths. They are easy to use, and you don’t have to worry about dropping them while bathing. However, they do tend to snag and tear so if you wear jewelry when you shower or have long nails, this may not be the best option. Some of the bathing gloves are like mittens and others are like ordinary five-fingered gloves.

It is important, as we always say, to know your skin. So if you have sensitive skin, try using exfoliating tools with softer surfaces, and if you have less sensitive skin or need deeper exfoliation, try those with coarser surfaces.

There are other bathing tools for cleansing and moisturizing such as sponges, bath scrunchies, and washcloths. Sponge tools can come in dual sides (exfoliating and bathing sides) and then others like sea sponges are consistent in texture all around. This tool, like the scrunchie, is a relaxing bathing tool. It lathers up your choice of soap and gently massages it into your skin. This helps your cleanser do its job whether it is lavender, which helps relaxation or oatmeal which helps your skin regain its health and eases irritated skin.

Softer tools are usually used on sensitive areas that may have sores, sunburn, irritations, eczema, and so on but they are also for the delicate skin on your face. Washcloths are ideal for facial cleansing. They are soft and fold perfectly on the hands to allow easy wiping of the face. Also, soft brushes can be used to exfoliate the dead skin off of the face.

Using hard brushes to exfoliate the face or any sensitive area is not recommended because it could cause redness and irritation. Also, be careful not to over wash or exfoliate without properly moisturizing afterwards, especially in cold weather. Exfoliating can dry out your skin and moisturizing helps your skin protect itself. Another tool to help you achieve healthy, moisturized skin is the lotion applicator which help you moisturize your skin in hard to reach places like your back. You’d be amazed at some of the bath tools out there. They were made to help you achieve a perfect bathing experience.

The EE 411: Did you know that was once alive?

There are two bath tools that we mentioned previously that were once living. Don’t freak out, but can you guess which ones?

The loofah or luffa was once a seed pod of a plant native to Asia that was dried out and sold as body scrubbers. Talk about organic!

The sea sponge was an actual living creature. It was an underwater creature with pores that allowed water to travel through it. Ehaha, who knew, right?

Share with Us: What is your favorite bathing tool?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Organic Skin Care – Winter Routine

 

Good Winter Earth’s Enrichers!

Organic Skin Care- Winter RoutineThis is the coldest part of the year. Do you have what it takes to complete the winter routine challenge? Each day during the harsh cold of the winter season, there is a routine to keep your skin healthy and give it what it needs to protect itself from the cold atmosphere. The goal of this winter routine is to keep your skin moisturized– that way it won’t become chapped or blistered.

Believe it or not, during the cold winter season your skin is introduced from one extreme climate to the next. When you’re outside it’s pure cold, maybe a harsh wind or two, and sometimes without enough moisture to help your skin. Then when you go inside to warm up, it can be too hot for your skin reducing the amount of its moisture.

There are routines that you can do to keep your skin hydrated and protected.  The most important area of focus is the skin on your face. In the winter you are more than likely covered neck to toe in warmer clothes that shield your arms, legs, and sometimes hands from the harsher weather. Your face has to endure the whipping wind and extreme cold—so it should be your priority before you leave the house to have it properly moisturized.

To moisturize properly, look for moisturizers especially for your face that protect from the cold and also the sun! Even though it is freezing and it feels like the sun is on vacation, it is really still emitting rays that could negatively affect your skin, depending on the sensitivity. Look for moisturizers that contain sunblock. That way you add another layer of protection to your facial skin.

The usual morning routine consists of washing your face.  During cold weather, it’s best to take extra precaution in your facial cleansing.  Since the cold weather already has the capability of drying out your skin, try not to use cleansers that will aid in this. Instead, try looking for cleansers that do not contain sulfates or alcohol, which tend to dry out and chap skin.

Remember, your lips are a part of your face and they need their own special kind of care. When it’s cold it can be even more difficult to keep your lips from falling apart, so be sure to look for moisturizing lip balms or chapsticks that contain sunblock. That way your entire face is happy and you can show it through your lips with a perfectly comfortable smile.

Your hands are very important you, so it makes sense to keep them moisturized as well, especially if you don’t have gloves. That way you give your hands a fighting chance against winter’s scorn. Keeping them moisturized helps prevent abrasions (such as splitting of the skin due to dryness) and uncomfortable things like hangnails.  Since your hands are one of the most busiest parts of your body, you might want to use creams to help keep them moisturized longer.

Outer beauty isn’t always all that counts; it’s inner beauty as well. Eating and drinking properly can keep your skin nourished. Other than moisturizing properly, you should drink lots of water. It helps keep your skin moisturized. It’s almost like your body’s back up plan against dryness. So keeping it fueled with enough hydration helps keep you looking young and refreshed, instead of dry and ashy.

Even though we highlighted a few areas that need the most care in this weather, it is important to moisturize all of your skin on a daily basis. That way your entire body is protected.   So we challenge you to take up these routines in 2014 to shield your skin from the harsh elements of the outdoors. 

The EE 411: General Steps

For keeping your face moisturized and ready for the day:

  1. Wash your face using alcohol-free (sulfate-free, etc.) cleansers.
  2. Use moisturizers that are beneficial for your skin type and contain sun protection
  3. Avoid exfoliating when skin is dry or chapped; it could cause blistering. (If this happens, you should see a medical professional.)
  4. Apply lip moisturizer (balm, chapstick, etc.) that is beneficial for your lips and also contains sun protection.

What not to leave the house without:

  1. Lip balm (or chapstick, etc.)
  2. Water bottle
  3. Hand sanitizer
  4. Hand cream
  5. Gloves

Give your hands a hand! Moisturize them before you leave the house and after washing your hands when going outside. That way they can help you do the activities you do every day. Stay warm!

Share with Us: What are your winter routines to keep your skin protected?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Natural Skin Care – Make up Tips

 

 

Hey Earth’s Enrichers!

Natural Skin Care - Make Up TipsMakeup is the now-a-days daily necessity. Everyone tends to wear it and there is nothing wrong with that. Makeup is used to accent one’s beauty, although, it does make one beautiful. It helps make qualifying features stand out and the not so favorite features seem invisible. Makeup is a part of the modern way to present oneself, whether it is onset for television, a business meeting, a night on the town, or sharing a great dinner with loved ones on Thanksgiving.

Even though there is nothing wrong with using make up, there are some aspects of using it to keep in mind.  It is very important to take care of your skin when using makeup. This means washing your face before you put on the makeup and washing it before you go to bed. The reason why you wash your face before you put it on is so that you get rid of all the sleep, drool, or any dead skin you shed while sleeping—this would include whatever makeup left over from the day before. Going to sleep with makeup on is a no, no. Not only does it mess up your linens, but it can clog your pores and cause you to break out. Sweating while having on makeup can also cause clogged pores which leads to break outs.  

To prevent break outs while using makeup, other than washing your face, don’t overdo it and layer your makeup.  It makes it harder to remove and locks up all the germs that your face encounters during the day. Of course, it takes some considerable effort to put makeup on, so when you sweat there are some ways to help you without wiping off your make up. Innovators have created dry wipes, which are basically tissue paper, to blot your face when sweating. It keeps from smudging makeup while lessening the amount of dirt that may get trapped in your pores.  

Makeup can contain ingredients that can break you out as well. The most common of these ingredients are fragrances, and oils. Also, make sure you know your skin, and any particular ingredient you’re allergic to. Makeup can also cause acne. So, look for makeup that contain less oil, is dedicated to being acne free, and has natural ingredients without added fragrances. Practice safe skin! That way you can avoid the chances of breaking out and still enhance your natural beauty. 

The EE 411:

How do you know you’ve broken out or had an allergic reaction?

When your skin starts to feel warm, inflamed, and it begins to itch, swell, or burn, it may be time to see a dermatologist. If it persists, it could create blisters (from scratching or skin sensitivity).   It’d be best to tackle the problem before blisters occur.

What are some cosmetic contributions to skin irritations?

  • Irritant Contact Dermatitis- itching and burning caused by a makeup product
  • Allergic Contact Dermatitis- allergy to ingredients in makeup resulting in blisters, itching, and swelling.
  • Acne Cosmetica-  Acne caused by cosmetics

What to look for in cosmetics?

  • Makeup that doesn’t clog your pores
  • Nonallergenics
  • Makeup dedicated to not causing acne

Share with Us: What are some of your make-up tips?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Mission – Who We Are

Mission - Who We AreOur Mission:

  • Endow our customers with healthy skin care products that are pure and luxurious.
  • Exclusively use the finest ingredients to ensure only premium products.
  • Enlighten all to the overall importance of healthy skin care and constantly educate them on the benefits of nourishing and maintaining the largest organ of their body – the skin.

 Our Principles:

  • Exemplify honesty and integrity in all facets of our business, our products and our practices.
  • Enrich and empower our community socially, economically and physically.
  • Engage others with information and resources that will positively affect their lives.
  • Encourage women and children through charitable giving. 

 

Who we are-

In a nut shell:

Three women who simply love skin care products and were convinced that all skin care should be: 1) uncompromising 2) healthy and 3) luxurious. 

The Whole Story:

All three of us were employed in very uneventful and highly technical jobs.  There came a time when we wanted to step outside of the box and create something meaningful. We longed for engagement in a company that would produce something to impact the lives of its customers and offer them something that was extremely luxurious.  We wanted to create something wonderful and pleasing to the senses that people could take advantage of in their everyday life.  There were two things that we all loved.  Food and skin care!  Food wouldn’t work since none of us can cook.  But we all loved skin care, all kinds of skin care: soaps, butters, lotions, scrubs, balms, everything!  So…skin care it was!

As we ventured out on the journey to create skin care products which were uncompromising, healthy and luxurious, we took a year and a half to research the skin care market.  We tirelessly researched scents, consistencies, properties, and processes.  “How difficult could this really be?”  Our initial excitement quickly turned into dismay.  The more we researched the more we saw that skin care was not really what we thought it would/should be.  We discovered that the ingredients listed on our favorite product labels read more like experiments gone wrong than something that you should put on your body.  As a result, the labels really made us question the products that we put on our skin and the skin of the people we love.  Therefore, we became more conscious of what we wanted in our products.  Although all of us were somewhat health conscious, we were not your typical “organic consumers.”  We were more into the smell and feel of a product than its health factor. 

As mothers, daughters, sisters and aunties we were extremely bothered by the possible side effects that were connected to the chemicals in the products that we were using.  Realizing that we make the purchasing decisions for skin care products in our homes and that we are responsible for their use on our babies, daughters, sons, and husbands, we began to give more thought to the toxins therein.    We understood the science and reasoning behind why preservatives and other chemicals were being used, however, we felt that there had to be a better way.

This led us to looking into natural and organic soaps and other skin care products.  We could easily read and understand these ingredients.  We could also do research and find out about the soothing and healing properties that these ingredients provide.  We were sold! 

But there were still three main problems.  First, we spent a lot of time trying several organic products, but we never seemed to find the right combination of what we wanted.  If the product was luxurious, then it was not organic and if it was organic, then it wasn’t very luxurious.  This gave us the desire to create products that were both organic and luxurious.  Secondly, it was clear that organic materials were a lot more costly and a little harder to find.  This meant that our organic skin care brand would definitely require extra financial investments.  Thirdly, was the issue of shelf life and preservatives?  Do we use them or do we not?  Sure they would extend the life of our product, but maybe products that go on your skin shouldn’t be made to sit in your medicine cabinet or linen closet for multiple years.  Skin care products feed the skin just as food feeds the body.  Therefore everything that is supposed to be beneficial to your body should have a shelf life, including healthy skin products.    As a result of our findings, we were forced to answer the question “Is healthy skin care really worth the ‘extra’ it would take?”    We voted YES!  Hence, Earth’s Enrichments was born.

Here at Earth’s Enrichments, we create and offer organic skin care products that are healthy, environmentally friendly and that are suitable for all ages and skin types.  The ingredients that we use in our products enrich, protect, and revive the natural condition and beauty of your skin.   As we hand craft our skincare lines we want to ensure that we create the best products possible for our families and yours.

Please stay connected to us as we continue to develop our luxurious organic skin care products and share with you what we discover about healthy skin care.

 

Earth’s Enrichments

‘Enriched by Earth…Deserved by Everyone!’

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Nail Care

 Nail CareHey Earth’s Enrichers! 

Remember the saying about the white spots on your nails? “Those little white spots on your nails would determine how many ‘significant others’ you would have”.  Well, some of you may have heard it.  Anyway, what are those white spots you may ask?  Those little spots are actually quite normal in some cases (not supernatural).  Some folks say it is a vitamin deficiency, but that isn’t always the case. They are usually the result of scrapping or accidentally damaging your nail somewhere in the past. So, how can you avoid them and maintain healthy nails?  Don’t worry, it’s really quite easy!  

There are some rules and regulations for you to keep in mind in order to sustain the health of your nails.

To begin, let’s discuss what’s normal and what’s not normal for your nails.  As previously stated, those white spots or even lines on your nails aren’t anything to be concerned about and they will eventually grow out.  This also applies for the vertical ridges that may appear on your nail bed.  They are natural too and they usually become much more visible as a person ages.  

Here is what’s not so healthy: unnatural curling or shaping of the nails, nail discoloration such as dark spots that may appear on the top or under the nail, and the thinning or thickening of the nail.  Symptoms of these ailments include irritation, bleeding, pain, or swelling.  If you ever experience any of these symptoms, you know that they can be very painful and that you should probably go see your doctor.

When it comes to your feet, remember that they can be affected by unhealthy nails as well! In fact, they are the more susceptible to infection because they come in contact with the dirtiest part of our world, the ground.  Also, being trapped in a shoe all day they can become hot and sweaty. This can breed infections.  Therefore, to help reduce the chances of any type of infections, change your socks and wash your feet every day.  Also, if you are working out, do not wear colored socks—they do not absorb sweat very well.  Finally, pay attention to itchiness and chronic foot odor.  These symptoms could also be signs of some sort of infection.  So, if you experience any of these signs and they persist and nothing that you do gets rid of them, then please go and see your doctor.

The EE 411: Steps to Maintaining Healthy Nails

  1. Trim and file your nails- It’s not just to make your hands and feet pretty, it keeps your nails from snagging and being bent back.  If this had happened to you in the past, you now that this is not a good feeling!
  2. Dry and clean your nails frequently- This keeps bacteria from growing under the nail.
  3. Moisturize you nails- There is skin under and around your nail. If it cracks, it can result in an uncomfortable hang nail.
  4. Keep your nails safe- Try not to hit them and distort them.
  5. Don’t bite! – Do not bite your nails or your cuticles.  This damages the nail bed and could lead to infection.
  6. Clip your hangnails- Do not pull them!  This could tear the nail bed or destruct ‘ouch!’
  7. Save your nails- If your nails show some of the symptoms listed above, go get them checked out before they gets worse.

 Share with Us: What do you do to take care of your nails?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Aromatherapy and Natural Perfumes

Aromatherapy and Natural PerfumesHey Earth’s Enrichers!

Get ready for the winter season, it will be quite cold and nippy this year. However, when the cold rolls in so do the Holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. This season brings around new aromas like pumpkin spice, and cinnamon  that contribute to the delicious scents of the season.

Although scents can be used as Feng Shui ( to create the perfect balance) and for aesthetic purposes, they are also used to help individuals’ moods.  As you may already know, this is called Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is often a preferred alternative method to medicine.  It is used to help change the state of a person’s mind.  In some cases, aromatherapy can help create a mood of relaxation after a long day of stress or it can help boost your mood when you may be feeling a little tired.

The aroma in aromatherapy is made up of essential oils from plants like roses, lavender, vanilla, or cinnamon.  Some oils have specific benefits that they provide.  For instance, if you’re in your office and you need some inspiration, get some peach spray or oil to help you perk up.  Or, if you are having problems with your sinuses, try some mint oil mixed with hot water and inhale the steam. You will be able to breathe again!

Aromatherapy can also be done with candles, not just oils.  When you finally get home from the cold, dim the lights, light some candles, and then take a nice warm bubble bath. The aroma from a lavender scented candle will help relax you.  Likewise, when your family comes over for the holiday, light a cinnamon  candle and watch them smile as they come through the door.

Here are some things that are important when looking for oils: First (1) look for oils that are not harsh on the skin.  You may want a long lasting fragrance that stays with you all day; however, you do not want oil that will break you out by the end of the day. Secondly (2), find the purest oils. They give you a great experience and they will help you obtain the functionality that you want (i.e. to relax, to perk up, etc.). Thirdly (3), make sure that you are careful around oils with your clothes.  You want oils that are skin and clothes safe.  Lastly (4), just for fun, look at the origins of the extracts that are in the oils. You should know if you are allergic to them and what they can actually do for you and your body.  Doing so may even help you figure out why you like them so much.

The EE 411: 

There is a difference between perfume and the oils in aromatherapy.  Perfumes very rarely have any natural oil extracts.   Their ingredients usually contain synthetic and artificial scents with added chemicals such as Ethyl alcohol, phthalates, and Benzyl Benzoate. 

Oils on the other hand, usually only contain extractions of the featured oil scent and perhaps additional essential oils that help complement that scent. They are mainly flavored by herbs and spices but they should contain nothing synthetic.  However, some oils are hard to come by.  So some venders may find the next best thing or they may dilute it a little.  If you read the ingredients of an oil and it has the same ingredients of a perfume, then it is essentially not an oil that should be used for aromatherapy.

Here are a few scents and their functions:

  • Lavender oils help boost your immune system, help you relax and sleep, and it has been known to help with depression.
  • Chamomile oils can help with digestion, it can be used as an anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory, and it is also a wonderful relaxant.
  • Rosemary oils can help stimulate circulation, relieve pain, and help with decongestant.
  • Peppermint oils can help with sinuses, digestion, decongestant, and it can also be used as an antiseptic.

 Share with Us: What’s your favorite oil scent and what does it do for you?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Natural Lip Care

Natural Lip CareHey Earth’s Enrichers!

Lip care?!  I know what you are thinking, what about lip care?  What is there to know other than moisturize by using chap stick? Well, what you may not know is how important it is to moisturize your lips properly.  Just like the other fleshy parts of your body, your lips can be sensitive and may need special treatment.

Have you ever heard of lip allergies?  It can happen when the skin on your lips reacts negatively to certain lip products.  The symptoms may include burning, itching, or even chapping.  These symptoms can also occur if your lips are not moisturized properly.  But most importantly, allergic reactions to lip products can be triggered by some ingredients in the products themselves, such as propyl gallate.  This ingredient is found in a number of lipsticks.  Also, look out for phenyl salicylate which can cause lip irritation as well.

Most folks forget that their lips are also exposed to the harshness of the elements.  Cold weather, wind, and even the sun can affect your lips.  So, wear lip products that can comfort your skin but also protect it from the elements.  They make chap sticks, and lip balms for a variety of occasions.  For instance, if it is freezing and the wind’s blowing fiercely, unless you like minty cool feeling, try to avoid it.  Use something more soothing and warming like coconut or aloe vera based lip products.  Also, it is important to use chap sticks and lip balms with sunblock in them.  It helps protect your lips against the sun’s rays.

When selecting and buying lip products that suit your needs, make sure you read the directions along with the ingredients.  Believe it or not, some chap sticks are strictly made for medical usage and should only be used in certain dosages.  If used incorrectly, you could potentially damage you lips.

The EE 411:

Your lips aren’t just there to complement your smile.  Their primary purpose is to help you fulfill your nourishment requirements meaning they’re there to help you eat.  They come in contact with everything you eat and drink!

When drinking or eating foods or beverages that are high in acid (citrus, etc.) it could potentially dry out your lips and irritate them.  Also, if you’re eating greasy or oily foods, be sure to wipe your lips and around your mouth so that they don’t break out or become irritated.

Do not use wipes (like the ones they give you in restaurants for your hands) to wipe your mouth.  They were not designed for facial usage.  If you have baby wipes (for facial usage) or any wipe that is designed for facial skin, use those.

One of the other most frequent things that come in contact with your lips is toothpaste.  For some of us it touches our lips about two or three times a day.  Toothpaste can contain chemicals called guaiazulene, and sodium lauryl sulfate which can cause chapped lips and skin irritations.  So always read the toothpaste labels so that you know what is coming in contact with your lips.

Try to avoid alcohol, parabens, fragrances, menthol, camphor and phenol cool.  These can produce lip irritations as well.   

Last but certainly not least, don’t lick your lips too often.  No matter how attractive you think it is, it can irritate you lips as well.  Keep your hands and any foreign objects (metal objects) away from your mouth.

Share with Us: What are some of the things that you do or use to prevent irritated & chapped lips?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Natural Hair Care

Natural Hair CareHey Earth’s Enrichers!

Hey everyone, this week’s about hair care. Let’s start with the basics: Wash, Rinse, and Repeat …simple right? I am afraid it takes a little more than that, especially in terms of hair type. There are a lot of things to be careful of when taking care of your hair. Here’s the hair care trinity—most sacred for all hair care—Shampoo, Condition, and Moisturize. 

What is your hair status? Is it oily or does it always need a little hydrating? It’s always important to figure out your hair status. This would also include the type of hair you have whether it is straight or has a curl pattern. The shampoos and conditioners are designed for different hair types and status. For dry hair you may want to look for shampoos that don’t contain sulfates, which will strip your hair of its moisture. Even if your hair is oily, try to avoid sulfates; you don’t want dry out your scalp. 

Always accompany shampooing with conditioning. It helps replace and maintain the moisture in your hair. Especially if your style is all-natural, it is recommended to deep condition your hair once every month to maintain your hair’s shine and to prevent it from getting dried out. The most important part of hair care is moisturizing.

Moisturizing keeps your hair from breaking off, prevents itchy-dry scalp, and keeps your hair healthy. Usually after you wash and condition your hair, the next step is to decide which products you need for your hair style. It’s helpful to use oil to make sure your scalp is well hydrated. It is easier to disperse in your hair, especially if you have a really thick curl pattern. Grease can sometimes be a little too much depending on how well your hair can hold its moisture. Also, leave in conditioners are great for locking in moisturizer without leaving an oily feeling.

The EE 411:

Do you know why it is important to clean and moisturize during your hair care process? Sometimes people forget that under the hair is skin– your scalp. It is probably the most ignored portion of skin on your body. It needs to be cleaned by products that will look after its well-being and will not dry it out or leave it oily. Also, like other parts of your skin, it needs to be moisturized properly. So find oils that are not just good for hair but also for skin like coconut oil, argon oil, and oils made from nuts, avocado, or olives. In taking care of the skin, you can actually help your hair stay healthy.

Share with Us: What’s your hair care regiment? Use anything special?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Organic Skin Care: Moisturizing

 

Organic Skin Care - MoisturizingHey Earth’s Enrichers!

So far we have touched on all the main skincare steps from cleansing to exfoliating.  Now, we’ve arrived at one of the last but most important steps to skincare maintenance, and that is moisturizing. Moisturizing should occur all throughout your skincare process.  In other words, when picking all of your selected skin products, make sure that they have some moisturizing properties them. That way when you bathe and exfoliate you are not stripping or drying out your skin.   

Moisturizing is one of the most essential steps in skincare because it keeps your skin from dehydrating and becoming easily damaged. It protects your skin and prevents it from being split, cut, or torn.  Take for example the feeling of putting on silk right out of the dryer when it is full of static.  Your clothes and sheets will irritate your skin if it’s dry.  It will feel as if pieces of your skin are getting caught and pulled by the materials. Your skin could end up feeling drier and irritated. This is not a good feeling.

In contrast, moisturizing your skin regularly, let’s say once a day or every time you wash your hands, will keep your skin hydrated and conditioned. Keeping your skin hydrated makes the healing process easier for your skin. Also, it increases the soft, smooth feeling of your skin (Isn’t that the best compliment?).  It also keeps your skin looking fresh and younger. When you neglect to moisturize your skin, wrinkles, blemishes, and other signs of aging tend to be more prevalent. 

The best time to moisturize is right out of the shower (you know after exfoliating). This way it locks in the hydration and effectively replenishes your skin.  Also, routinely moisturizing can help with some types of dry skin conditions.  So, make sure that you moisturize frequently and that you chose the right moisturizer for your skin.

When it comes to your face, moisturizing is still important after cleansing. Your skin can become flaky and just as irritated if not cleansed then moisturized properly. Still, keep in mind that you must look for products that are right for your skin type. Also, look for facial moisturizers that are oil-free so you don’t clog your pores.

The EE 411:

There is a difference between lotion moisturizers and creams. Lotions are much lighter and can contain less oil than creams.  Creams on the other hand are a lot thicker and contain more oil.

In choosing which to use for your skin, the key determinant should be your skin type. If your skin is naturally oily and doesn’t always need to be moisturized, it is better to use lotions than creams.  However, if your skin is not naturally oily and you have cases of extreme dryness, you should be more inclined to use creams.

Remember, you can always overdo it. Overdoing moisturizers could lead to clogged pores. To avoid this, first find out what your skin type is and chose a lotion or cream that best suits you.

Share with Us: What are some compliments that you have received about your skin?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!)