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Hand Sanitizer and Sanitation

                                                                        Hey Earth’s Enrichers 

Sanitizer
Sanitizer

After dealing with allergies, blowing your nose, and sneezing…all things you can do that can incorporate your hands, we should probably talk about the most popular way to deal with the germs in the room. One popular solution for fighting bacteria and germs is hand sanitizer. We don’t know about you, but we noticed a sudden boom in hand sanitizer use within the past few years and wanted to make sure you know the facts.

For instance, hand sanitizers are great for dealing with small or minor cases of bacteria and germs. They are not helpful for grimy and visible situations. With that being said, the main and most effective ingredient in hand sanitizers is ethanol, more commonly known as alcohol. This ingredient in hand sanitizer is only effective at destroying bacteria and germs if the alcohol percentage is 60 or above. Any alcohol content lower than that in hand sanitizer is basically not as effective as should be.

Using hand sanitizer in tight or mobile situations can’t be helped but should not replace the tradition of hand washing. Washing your hands with soap and water is more effective and healthier for your skin. With the constant use of alcohol your skin can become dried out and crack. This leaves your hands rough and vulnerable to infection. The drier your skin, the greater the risk that cracking can cause minor open wounds vulnerable to the bacteria and germs you come in contact with.

We know you are desperate to get ahead of allergies and spreading/catching germs but make sure you keep in mind the repercussions of excessiveness. Just because something is said to be good for skin doesn’t always mean it’s good for your skin and good in excessive amounts.

The EE 411: General Hand Sanitizer Tips

When using or selecting hand sanitizer, please keep the following in mind:
• Make sure to choose hand sanitizers with an alcohol content of 60% or above.
• Never over or excessively use hand sanitizers—wash your hands with soap and water instead.
• Look for sanitizers that may incorporate a skin nourishment feature such as a moisturizer.
• When using hand sanitizers or washing your hands, keep hand lotion nearby and apply when needed to prevent cracks in your hands. This would be a perfect opportunity to try some of our body balms. They are cost effective, and a little at a time is all you need to rehydrate your skin. They are perfect to keep near the sink or on your desk in case of emergencies.
Remember to never just take our word for it. Though we do our research, we highly recommend you do yours! Always do what’s best for you, like we always say, you deserve it!

(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, Organic Lip Balms and Organic Hair Care) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Organic Skin Care: Exfoliating

Organic Skin Care - Exfoliating

Hey Earth’s Enrichers!

Keeping in mind that regular bathing helps to get rid of dead skin cells, the best way to do so is through frequent exfoliation.  Exfoliation is the essence of skincare and spa treatments!  It is something that you can do in or out of the shower. Its primary purpose is to remove dead skin cells which make your washing and cleansing easier and more effective.   

To exfoliate properly, all you need is a loofah, exfoliating gloves, pumice stone or anything with effective scrubbing properties. This would also include an exfoliating body wash for in the shower or a body brush which can be used outside the shower.  (For a “how to” on exfoliating, check out the EE 411 at the bottom of this blog!)

One great thing about exfoliation is that it leaves you with breathable skin!  Have you ever gotten out of a nice shower or bath and still didn’t feel as if you were completely clean?  You felt like something was missing and you didn’t quite know what it was. It is probably because you did not exfoliate.  Next time try exfoliating and see if you can feel the difference!

Exfoliating, if not done regularly, could make it more difficult to get that clean skin feeling. What often happens when you bathe without removing dead skin cells is that they build up. This build-up can make you feel icky and sticky and requires intensive scrubbing. In some cases, the dead skin cells that build up can alter the way your skin looks and feel.  When skin is exfoliated properly, it radiates with its natural vivacity. It is also baby smooth because you are allowing the new skin cells to strut their stuff!

Now remember, everything can be overdone. Keep in mind that exfoliation is only generally only need 2-3 times a week.  If you overdo it, you could hurt yourself. People with oily skin should exfoliate more than people with dry skin. If done to frequently, it could irritate your skin and make it painful to touch, sort of like sunburn. So please, don’t be excessive.

The EE 411: How to Exfoliate Effectively

Warning: Do not exfoliate if you are sunburned—it’s a bad idea! Also, do not exfoliate if you have some other skin conditions that require you to be gentle on your skin.

Tools and products:

Look for an exfoliating product you like and trust. Believe it or not, salt, oatmeal and sugar are natural exfoliates.  Be careful when using chemical options for exfoliates such as alpha-hydroxy acids and salicylic acid. They may be too harsh for your skin.

To exfoliate properly, all you need is a loofah, scrub brush, exfoliating gloves, pumice stone or anything with good scrubbing abilities.

Before the shower:

Before you hop in the shower, be sure to brush your skin. This helps remove lose dead skin cells and blood circulation. Also, don’t forget to brush is your feet too, no matter how much it tickles!

In the shower:

Use your exfoliating product and a loofah (or whatever trusty tool you choose) to scrub your skin. This will help demolish any left-over dead skin that you didn’t get with your first sweep.

Out of the shower:

Now, step out of the shower and moisturize (which is next week’s topic)!  Your skin will come alive and feel refreshed!

Tell Us: What are your exfoliating experiences?

(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!)