Dehydrated Dermis

Dry skin is a problem for most people in the winter.  The dry wintry  air absorbs moisture from the skin, regular bathing then becomes damaging because it depletes the naturally occurring body oils and not replenishing lost moisture. Sometimes, people reach for a petroleum based lotion or cream intended to prevent further damage to their skin. What if we could use something that moisturizes the entire dermal layer? In fact, you can. Oils applied directly to the skin will work, or some creams with an oil base. Soaps with a cocoa butter, shea butter, 

Luxurious Lavender

It is now midwinter and if you live in the North-East like I do, you are probably feeling a bit of the wintertime blues. Incorporating lavender into your day is a wonderful and relaxing way of combating the dreary weather. Lavender oil is anti-fungal and antiseptic, but aside from those wonderful properties, it also has the ability to sooth tension, and the nerves. Enjoy various lavender products in your home and in your shower, just be sure to use organic lavender and organic lavender oils. 

Antibacterial Vs. Antiseptic

There are about ten times as many bacteria cells as human cells in the human body, and while many of us have become obsessed with obtaining a germ-free world, the reality is that bacteria is necessary for proper health. Is eliminating bacteria necessary or even possible? Hand sanitizer has become a popular alternative for people on the go who are unable to wash their hands, and it is a helpful product for people who shake hands all day, or live in a city, or a dorm. Of course it has also become a habitual favorite of your local germophobe hypochondriac. One has to wonder how effective it is at preventing disease and infection. Recently studies have questioned the alcohol content of these products, if it is lower than 60% alcohol, your product probably is not as effective as you think. There IS a better alternative to this antibacterial craze, antiseptic herbs for millennia have been known as antiseptic, and recent science has shown that naturally occurring alcohols behave this way. Herbs such as lavender, thyme, and myrrh along with  clove buds, and tea tree oil are all proven antiseptic agents. Perhaps we should be using personal care products with these naturally occurring ingredients, rather than the chemically created alcohols that are being peddled by major manufacturers. My favorite company SallyeAnder has created many products containing lavender, myrrh, thyme, tea tree, and clove. Check it out!

Fallacious Fragrances

Personally, I have been allergic to fragrances in personal care products since I was very young. My parents noticed it first and made the change to all-natural skin-care in the mid 1980's, way ahead of the curve (of course). Apparently, artificial fragrances cause what's known as dermatitis. These harmful ingredients are typically not essential oils, but are rather complex chemical compounds intended to deceive the nose into conjuring vivid and imaginative responses from our brain. One study found that in a single type of perfume, there were 177 different chemicals that, when sprayed, diffuse into the air and contribute to further environmental pollution, contributing to reduced lung function. I am not alone in my passion against artificial fragrance, there are many others who are affected by these chemicals and the number is growing every day. A quick Google search will reveal many groups of people who have organized themselves to raise awareness and provide resources for people like me. Here is my favorite information resource regarding fragrances. 

Olive Oil: Nature's answer to skin health

Olive Oil has been used for millennia, and recently, topical application of this oil has been shown to counter the damaging effects of the sun, and the consumption of the oil has also been linked with keeping colon cancer at bay. Soap, or personal skin care products that feature an olive oil base, have been crafted as well, resulting in softer, more supple skin. Typically, personal care companies have a blend of oils that together, provide nutrients to the body. A few pure olive oil soaps are available on the market, this is my favorite!

Natural vs. Un-Natural

"Natural" is a word companies are throwing around everywhere, from packaging to advertising. But does it mean anything? The word is defined as something 'existing in or formed by nature'. But this definition is confusing because most ingredients are at some point formed in nature, or affected by nature. If something is deemed as 'natural' does this mean it is better for your skin than something that is not labeled as such? Pufferfish poison and Cobra venom are natural, but of course that does not imply it has any benefit for the skin. The real question is not if an ingredient or product is natural, but rather if some naturally derived ingredient is most beneficial for the maintenance of healthy skin. Natural is not always better.

Lather: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Lather. It conjures up a luxurious image of a morning ritual. However wonderful it may seem, it may not be doing your skin any favors. Lather is actually a chemical that may be damaging your skin. Chemicals such as METHYLcellulose are used in many bath and beauty products because it makes the products lather, and you in turn assume you are achieving a higher state of cleanliness. Be sure to read the labels of any product you buy before using.

Green Tea is GREAT for our skin!

Ok so green tea is gaining acceptance in the marketplace as a wonderful thing for our skin! SallyeAnder soaps have some wonderful products with all natural green tea in them. I have used them and the cream in particular leaves your skin feeling really soft. They make a cream, bath salt, and soap...check it out!

Welcome to the Tub Times!

Welcome to the Tub Times everyone! Every day there will be new and interesting information related to the world of All-Natural Skin Care.