Cocoa butter

Cocoa butter starts off as a fatty substance that is extracted from the cacao seed. It is an excellent skin softener and protector.  Cocoa butter is full of the Vitamins A, E and C which are fantastic at helping with your skin cells and keeping them looking younger.  This oil acts as a protective layer to hold the moisture to the skin. It melts on skin contact and has a natural chocolate scent. Cocoa Butter is a natural choice for skin on the mend such as stretch marks and new scar tissue. Coco butter can be found in many skincare and sun care products. If you would like to try it, you can search out where to buy it in it’s raw state and let it melt on your skin. You will be amazed how soft your skin will be!

Shea butter

Obtained by cold pressing of the fruit (seeds) of the African Karite Tree, this butter is smooth, creamy and extremely moisturizing and gentle to the skin. Shea Butter is high in natural phytosterols making it beneficial as an anti-inflammatory. Shea Butter also offers protection to the skin against weather, sun and aging. Shea butter is well known to assist dryness, dermatitis, eczema and burns. Shea is a very popular butter used in skin and hair care products. You can use it on it’s own or look for it as one of the main ingredients in hair and skin products. If you can, try to avoid the refined variety, as the processing diminishes the vitamin content of the butter. Although some people do not like the natural nutty smell of the unrefined variety, your skin will benefit a great deal more.

Mango Butter

Mango Butter is obtained from the kernels of the mango tree. It has a high content of stearic acid which makes it similar to Cocoa Butter. Mango Butter has good emolliency and lends protection against the sun, although not to be used exclusively as a sun protector.  It is said to prevent drying of the skin and formation of wrinkles. Mango Butter also reduces degeneration of skin cells and restores elasticity. Mango butter feels light and is very good at penetrating the skin.

Kokum Butter

This butter is not very well known unfortunately, but is gaining more and more popularity in the skin care scene. Kokum butter is obtained from the Indian tree Garcinia indica. It is used in skin care products because of its ability to soften skin and heal ulcerations and fissures of lips, hands and soles of feet. Kokum Butter helps reduce degeneration of the skin cells and restores elasticity. When found in its natural state, it is quite hard and “crumbly” and is best used in moisturizers and creams.

Choosing skin care now–a-days seems like a science in itself But Nature has provided us with powerful healers for your skin So Choose what’s best for you!!!!

ZINC: an invaluable mineral that acts as a natural healer and a powerful anti-oxidant. It helps skin fight the damaging effects of free radicals. Zinc encourages the production of collagen and elastin, which are naturally found in the skin and enhance its elasticity, helping to maintain flexibility. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that support the underlying structure of the skin, helping reduce the appearance of lines and other signs of aging. Zinc is believed to help control acne, through the regulation of the skin’s oil production.

COPPER: the third most abundant trace mineral in the body and a powerful antioxidant. Copper acts to remove free radicals and helps prevent cell structure damage. It also stimulates the synthesis of collagen (a protein responsible for supporting skin growth) and elastin (helping to maintain skin elasticity, tone and texture). Why not just buy a cream with collagen? Collagen molecules are too big to penetrate the skins surface, hence rendering it a useless ingredient in skin care – look for ingredients like copper in foods and supplements to stimulate your own body’s production.

MAGNESIUM: about 50% of magnesium in the body is found inside tissue cells and organs, making it an essential skin care mineral. Magnesium penetrates below the surface of the skin, promoting the healing and regeneration of cells. It helps rid skin of dead cells which dull the complexion, promoting the growth of new, healthy cells and resulting in a fresher, more radiant-looking complexion. Taking Epsom salt baths high in magnesium is a great way to reap the benefits of this important mineral. Your skin will readily absorb the magnesium due to the open pores from soaking in warm water – a relaxing way to get a healthy dose!

CALCIUM: the most abundant mineral in the body, which regulates the replacement of skin cells. By increasing the level of this mineral in the epidermis (top layer of the skin), the rate of cellular turnover is increased. The result: plumper, younger-looking skin. People  with Higher levels of calcium  in the skin are less likely to experience premature aging of the skin or skin cancer (as a result of the calcium stimulating the skin’s production of protective antioxidants). Eat food rich in calcium such as yogurt, salmon, beans, nuts and broccoli.

SELENIUM: of great benefit to the skin, this mineral is an essential mineral with antioxidant functions. For example, gluthione peroxidase (containing selenium) is an antioxidant, detoxifying enzyme that helps the body fight acne. Several antioxidants founded on selenium help prevent free radicals from damaging collagen and elastin in the skin, reducing the effect of aging and improving elasticity. Selenium is an extremely beneficial mineral for those who are fighting acne.

Evening Primrose Oil:
This oil aids in skin cell restoration and contains a high percentage of GLA (gamma-linoleic acid), a natural fatty acid that maintains healthy skin and repairs tissue damage. An excellent oil for dry, mature, and aging skin. Found in moisturizers, night creams and serums.

Hemp Seed Oil:
Hemp seeds produce a vegetable oil that is high in protein and can be used within a variety of cosmetics. Hemp Seed Oil is one of the more effective skin-care oils. High in linoleic and linolenic acid – natural essential fatty acids known as the omegas – making this oil very nourishing and healing to the skin.

Linolenic acid: is one of the major forms of the Omega 3 fatty acids.

Linoleic acid:  is an unsaturated n-6 fatty acid. It’s an essential fatty acid that the sebaceous glands use as a normal component of sebum. Essential fatty acids are required by the body and most people are more familiar with linoleic as omega 6 oil,

Both of the above are very similar in names and are very important in their roles relating to skin care.

Jojoba Oil:

(ho-ho-ba)

Jojoba is actually a liquid wax extracted from the fruit of the Jojoba plant, a desert loving plant found in North America. Its composition is very similar to human natural skin oils. For this reason it penetrates the skin rapidly. Jojoba is nourishing to skin and also softens and moisturizes mature and dry skin. Jojoba helps to heal inflamed skin conditions such as psoriasis or any form of dermatitis and can help control acne and oily scalps. It is an extremely beneficial oil in any skin care.

Olive Oil:  

Olive oil is high in oleic acid and a good skin cell regenerator. Olive oil attracts external moisture to the skin (acts as a humectants) and is great for moisturizing dry skin. It helps to soothe itching and inflamed skin and helps the synthesis of substances like collagen and elastin. It makes for a wonderful ingredient in skin care or even on it’s own. Also great for taking off make-up, especially mascara!

Rosehip oil: 

Rosehip seed oil is high in essential unsaturated fatty acids, namely oleic, linoleic, and linolenic. They are called “essential” because our body is not able to reproduce them. Rosehip seed oil is also high in vitamin A and retinoic acid.  Retinoic acid was initially introduced for the treatment of acne, however, is now used widely for sun damage. Retinoic acid markedly improves the complexion by reducing fine wrinkles and improving pigmentation and fine texture of the skin. Rosehip oil is recommended for those who get too much sun, or have had past skin damage from over exposure to the sun.

Sunflower oil:

This pretty flower oil is rich in vitamins A, D, and especially in vitamin E and essential fatty acids and works as a protective barrier when applied to the skin. It has an excellent ability to help the skin retain moisture and helps the body manufacture new cells.
Sunflower oil is very moisturizing, has a light, non-greasy texture and is easily absorbed by skin. A gentle oil good for sensitive and all skin types and is helpful in relieving skin irritations such as acne, and other sensitive skin conditions.

Castor oil: 

One of the world’s first medicinal oils because it naturally contains a unique and beneficial mixture of triglycerides, or fatty acids. About 90% of Castor seed oil contains the hydroxy fatty acid ricinoleate (ricinoleic acid). Ricinoleic acid inhibits the growth of many viruses, bacteria, yeasts, and moulds. Castor oil also has remarkable and anti-inflammatory effects. Castor oil can be used on its own and in many skin preparations. Also has a humectants effect and is an excellent moisturizer.

Coconut oil:

Obtained from the meat of the coconut. This amazing oil contains some of the largest amounts of lauric acid, giving it antiviral and antibacterial qualities. Has a medium chain triglyceride, making this oil very unique. Try to look for coconut oil that hasn’t been heavily processed and deodorized, deteriorating its very beneficial effects. Can be used on its own or found in skin care.

Borage Oil:

This botanical oil contains a high percentage of GLA (gamma-linoleic acid), a natural fatty acid that maintains healthy skin and repairs tissue damage. An excellent oil for dry, mature, and aging skin.

Vitamins A: Greatest skin benefits: Helps with fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin A is necessary for healthy skin. A serious lack or excess intake can cause dry, rough skin, among other problems. Synthetic vitamin A-like compounds called retinoids, such as tretinoin, applied directly to the skin have been used to treat acne and skin wrinkling and mottled pigmentation caused by chronic sun exposure.

Vitamin B’s: Greatest skin benefits: moisture retention. Vitamins B-3 (niacin) and B-5 (pantothenic acid) have become popular additions to skin-care products because of their ability to assist in retaining moisture. B-3 has been known to be much gentler than the harsher alternatives like glycolic and salicylic acid, which some feel is too harsh for their complexions. B-5 is a more common skin-care additive, and is widely recognized for its moisturizing ability (along with Vitamin E).

Vitamin C: Greatest skin benefits: Repairs sun damage.  Also known by its chemical name (ascorbic acid), this vitamin plays an important role in healing wounds in the skin and in preventing scurvy. There is evidence that applying topical vitamin C will help “rejuvenate” the skin and make it appear younger and more supple.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D is formed in the body in part by interaction with sun light. Vitamin D is considered to be an antioxidant and anti-carcinogen, and may play a role in skin pigmentation. Since it can be absorbed by the skin, applying this vitamin topically can have an effect on skin’s health. Like anything in large amounts, Vitamin D is toxic, and mass doses should be avoided. Sunbathing, however, will not result in an overdose.

Vitamin E: Greatest benefit: an antioxidant. This is the most recognized antioxidant among people.  It can help prevent free radical damage caused by the sun and other environmental agents, There is the possibility that Vitamin E may be effective in preventing skin damage. It is being used in more and more skin preparations as a way to fend off this damage. Because it is such a potent antioxidant, it is used in preparations to help preserve the natural oils in skin care

Vitamin K: Greatest skin benefits: Repairs dark, under-eye circles. Topical Vitamin-K is a good additional defence against discoloration under the eyes.  Topical Vitamin K enters through the pores all the way to the damaged capillary or artery and helps to clot the blood, thus stopping any seepage (often the cause of dark circles) and allowing the tissue to heal itself. Dark and puffy eyes are the thorn in may people’s side. You can look tired, even when you have had a full night’s sleep, and that is frustrating. Look for a cream/serum containing this valuable vitamin.

Tea tree oil is most commonly used as an alternative for acne treatments compared to harsh chemical based products on drug store shelves today. It is collected from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca Alternafolia tree and therefore is also called melaleuca oil.

YOUR TEA TREE OIL SHOPPING LIST!
	The Soap Works Tea Tree Oil Soap
	St.Ives Clear Pore Cleanser Purifying Face Wash
	Desert Essence Natural Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste
	Nature’s Bounty Tea Tree Oil

The oils from the leaves are known to have strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and can kill the bacteria that create acne blemishes. Tea tree oil can effectively clear varying degrees of acne for those suffering from this problem. Studies have shown that there are fewer side effects from tea tree oil than products that contain benzoyl peroxide.

But did you know tea tree oil can do more than heal acne?

In fact, since it is antibacterial and anti-fungal, it is used in natural products like deodorant (since germs are what cause our arm pits to stink), tooth paste and mouth wash, and shampoo (not only to keep our scalps squeaky clean, but to help with dandruff!). There is even bar soap made with tea tree oil!

In more serious cases, tea tree oil can be used to fight fungal and bacterial infections, such as yeast infections, and nail disease. Tea tree oil also attacks buts like head lice and scabies. Keep THAT in your first aid kit!

There is a slightly slower time in seeing positive results from tea tree oil, however, once applied to areas of the skin affected by acne it is known to be equally as effective as benzoyl peroxide (remember Proactiv, anyone?).

You may also be interested in knowing that tea tree oil is a very popular ingredient in several types of cosmetics such as pressed powder and blemish concealing sticks. Some day lotions also contain tea tree oil to help control oily skin.

Where can I get tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil is common and you should be able to find it in the health and beauty section of your local store. Just make sure the tea tree oil you buy is 100% tea tree oil to get the best concentration of the stuff, BUT be very careful because it is strong! You should never try to swallow tea tree oil and if you feel your skin burning when using it, take caution and stop, or dilute it in some lotion or water first.

$40.49, with Free Shipping in Canada

There is nothing better than welcoming the first warm rays of the sun after enduring a harsh cold “spinter”, but what happens when you over indulge?

You’ve got it…sunburn.

Most people can say that they have had the displeasure of experiencing this unfortunate summer side effect. It starts off as tight, irritable skin followed by the sensitive, radiant heat, then the painful burn that lets you know that you have overexposed yourself. Perhaps you just suck it up and wait out the few days to a week for it to clear or maybe you are one of those people that want to end the misery as soon as possible and are researching every sunburn remedy to bring some relief.

The important thing however, is that when caring for your skin, you want to use the least harmful ingredients. That’s where home-based remedies come in handy!

Below are some great sunburn remedy recipes to try at home!

Overall sunburn remedies:

For immediate sunburn relief you want to get the heat out of your skin. Try soaking in a cool bath (not freezing) or wrapping your body with cold cloths.

Apple cider vinegar or regular white vinegar has been used to take the ‘burn’ out of ‘sunburn.’ Pour some in a spray bottle with 50% water and spray all over body (don’t get into eyes!). The acids in the vinegar will neutralize the stinging pain on the sun burned skin and provide relief. Spray as needed for painful skin.

Of course, lets not forget Aloe Vera. This sunburn staple is the first thing people think of when they become sun burned. Aloe is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, two necessary elements for epidermal cells. They can quickly repair after-sun damaged skin.

To use, spread Aloe gel where you have sunburn. If you want, try the plant as a whole. Cut the stalk at the base and squeeze out the gel. Avoid aloe vera gels and lotions that contain more water and alcohol than aloe. Alcohol can have an instant cooling effect but will ultimately dry out your skin causing more itch and discomfort.

Drink lots of water!!!! Keep as hydrated as possible as your skin needs to replenish the moisture lost from the sun.

Cornstarch your sheets. If you have one of those terrible, non-forgiving burns that won’t even let you move, sprinkle your sheets with cornstarch. This will prevent chaffing and help you get a better sleep.

Sunburn remedies for specific areas:

For severely itchy, sun burned skin, have an oatmeal bath. You can grind up regular oatmeal and place it directly into the bath or put it in cheesecloth or a sock so just the liquid juices flow and not the clumpy oats. Soak in oatmeal for about twenty minutes or until your burn feels relieved.

Important! Be sure not to rub your skin with a towel, but instead to pat dry! Your sun burned skin will be very sensitive at this point!

For a face sun burn, try out this recipe:

½ peeled cucumber

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tbsp vinegar

3 drops lavender essential oil

1 tbsp glycerine

Blend all ingredients together until thoroughly mixed. Place a wash cloth or paper towel in the solution and apply to your face until you feel relief.

Cucumber soothes irritated skin, vinegar takes out the sting, yogurt acts with enzymes and extracts to help speed up healing, lavender has been used as a burn relief for many years and also as a blister preventative. Glycerine is a humectant that draws moisture from the air to help prevent your skin from drying out. You can keep this recipe in the refrigerator for up to five days. Use 2-3 times a day until you burn starts subsiding. Avoid putting it on your eye area.

For sun burnt lips try Manuka honey. Topical use of Manuka honey on wounds has been known to reduce swelling and scarring. All types of honey contain hydrogen peroxide, which is known to act as an antiseptic. The acidity of honey also prevents the growth of many bacteria. The pH of honey is commonly between 3.2 and 4.5 which is not desirable for bacteria. What makes Manuka honey so special is that the honey often contains a bonus. With the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties already in the honey, scientists have discovered an additional property unique to the Manuka. The antibacterial and antimicrobial activity seems to be up to 100 times stronger than in other varieties of honey. Researchers have called this the “Unique Manuka Factor” or, UMF. As the UMF is not affected by light and heat it is more stable and therefore more effective. Look for a UMF of 5 or more.

To use: apply manuka honey straight onto the lips throughout the day and especially at night. Because of the antibacterial quality of the honey, any “nasties” that could possible because of cracks in the skin should be greatly reduced.

Steer clear of the following bad sun burn habits!  DO NOT:

Pop any blisters that may form. This can be a great porthole for infection.

Coat your skin in anything greasy until the heat has come out of your burn

Ignore any signs of a severe burn (fever, troubles breathing, vomiting). If you have these symptoms, seek attention right away.

Go back out into the sun unless your skin is completely covered.

DO:

Keep hydrated

Stay indoors or fully clothed and out of direct sunlight until the burn has healed

Apply a hydrating moisturizer after the heat is out of your skin. Ones that contain natural coco butter, shea butter and mango with added vitamins will serve your skin best

Apply a manuka mask 2x after the burn has started healing to replenish your skin’s own moisture and to keep it clear of any infection.

Keep up with the routine of your home sun burn remedy to prevent blistering and infection.

Allow your body to shed skin without picking.

Seek medical attention if you are light headed, vomiting, have severe swelling or any other symptoms that are unusual.

Remember to always be careful when out playing in the sun this summer. Use caution when the sun is at the highest peaks (usually between 10-2pm). Nothing can ruin a great beach day, vacation or camping trip faster than painful sunburn. So cover up and keep cool!

Keep your summer supply of sun burn remedies fully stocked!

Shop our affiliate partners for the following natural household beauty products! The following links also offer FREE SHIPPING in Canada!

Corn starch: Try Avalon Organics Silky Cornstarch Baby Powder

Aloe Vera: Aubrey Organics Pure Aloe Vera

Oatmeal: Use a pack of instant organic oatmeal in your bath. Try: Nature’s Path Organic Instant Hot Oatmeal

Apple Cider Vinegar: Eden Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Lavender essential oil: Aura Cacia Lavender Essential Oil

Glycerine: NOW Foods Vegetable Glycerine

Manuka honey: Green Bay Active Manuka Honey (all natural)

Or Comvita UMF 15+ Manuka Honey (all natural)

Or a cheaper option with less UMF, Comvita Active 5+ Manuka Honey (all natural)

Shea and cocoa butter lotion: Ayu Cocoa Butter & Shea Butter Sun Protection Body Lotion

With the abnormal demand of perfection among both genders in today’s beauty obsessed society, cosmetic procedures are gaining more attention and becoming a comfortable topic in our daily lives. Magazine covers, internet articles, celebrity news, movies, and T.V.has influenced the way we view beauty and how we should look to be accepted into our own grandiose self image. Even if you believe that self image starts with self esteem or self worth, which should take the majority vote, many others unfavourable compare themselves to the airbrush starlets whose lips and legs are idolized and perfect, wrinkle free skin is coveted. Even the big Hollywood stars are trying to chase nature away by undergoing the knife or, even more affordable, injecting themselves with Botox.

Most people have heard of this as a quick fix to get plump lips and smooth laugh lines, but do they really know what is getting injected in their bodies? Botox has become the most popular and most used anti-aging treatment on the market today. Because of the quick procedure and relatively low cost compared to major cosmetic surgery, a huge percent of people are paying for the toxic injection instead of undergoing the very costly surgical counterparts.

What is Botox?

Botox is a protein derived from a botulisum toxin that is injected underneath skin to minimize and even out lines and wrinkles on the face. When used in low doses, it paralyzes or relaxes the facial muscles, giving the female or male (not just for the ladies!) a smooth facial appearance.  Botox is one of the many trade names for the neurotoxic protein. Other trade names include BTXA, Dysport, Myobloc, Neurobloc, Xeomin, Botox Cosmetic, and Vistabel.

Canada was the first country to introduce Botox as a cosmetic treatment.  Formerly it was used for other medical purposes, such as spasms and droopy eyes.  Soon after it became known for erasing wrinkles, Hollywood took it on as an anti-aging cure-all.

What happens when you get a Botox treatment?

Small, diluted amounts are directly injected with a fine needle into specific muscles blocking the signals to the nerves resulting in weakening of the facial muscles. It generally takes three to seven days to take full effect and can last up to six months.

What are the side effects of Botox?

The common side effects include:

Nausea, headache, forehead or eyelid drooping, respiratory infection, flu-like symptoms, bruising, and swelling at the injection site. Not soooo bad right?

Think again.

It can also cause trouble breathing, and swallowing.  But that’s not all.

According to an article written by CBC Canadian Press, “In rare cases, the toxin might have spread beyond the injection site to other parts of the body, resulting in such problems as paralysis of respiratory muscles and difficulty swallowing, the FDA said…The problems may be caused by overdoses of the drugs, the FDA said.”

Other news reports you can find will tell you that Botox is linked even to death…though a direct link has not been found or strong enough for the FDA to tell practitioners to stop using it.

Pretty scary right? The article was based on studies where Botox was used in the medical treatment in children, but it is still the same stuff you use for wrinkles.

Understandably, Botox will still win over people with the allure of temporary youth due to its noticeable effects in a short period of time, but if you are not keen on injecting your face with a potentially harmful toxin, what is there to yield comparable results?

Natural alternatives to Botox

Remember, there is no one “magic” cure all for aging. Diet, sun protection, lifestyle, genetics, environment and general health all play a big part in how we age.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), including glycolic and lactic acids, have been the basis for chemical peels for years. They slough away old skin cells, revealing more youthful-looking skin and reducing the look of wrinkles. Vitamin C is also used to heal sun-damaged skin. Other ingredients that work to rejuvenate and plump up skin is lupin seed extract, creams made with antioxidants such as green tea, pomegranate and amino acids, Microdermabrasion (used to scrub off dead skin, reduce dark spots and eliminate fine lines), and natural or organic ingredients that help produce skins collagen and elastin (CoQ10, functional keratin, and natural plant based oils).

Carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach produce vitamins, A, B, and C, which all contribute to producing more collagen and elastin in your skin’s deep layers, helping keep your skin youthful and supple. Also, don’t forget to sleep!!! Lack of sleep depletes the body of vital nutrients resulting in lacklustre skin, so rest as much as needed.

If you must use Botox…

Well, ask yourself if it’s really worth the risk.  Trouble breathing? Death? We don’t think so.

If you do decide to go the Botox route, remember to look into reputable doctors and research the health risks associated with the procedure as there are people with certain conditions who shouldn’t receive treatment.  Botox parties and injections at someone’s house are not cool – even if all your friends are doing it.

Realize that Botox treatment is only a band-aid, an illusion of youth, and that real healing to your aging woes comes from healthy choices for long term solutions.

Other sources to check out:

The death of Botox

Botox linked to severe side effects, deaths: FDA

More about Botox and it’s other uses

Thinking of trying Botox? Hold your horses!  Try these products instead – they might just be your natural answer to wrinkles and aging!

CoQ10 Enzyme Skin Care Wrinkle Defense Creme, by Avalon Organics

Nourish Peptide Skin Firming Wrinkle Cream

Bert’s bees Naturally Ageless Intensive Repairing Serum

Dating back centuries, acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used as a restorative method of rejuvenation and circulation of the energy pathways called meridians. Traditionally, both men and women go to a practitioner to have very thin, disposable needles applied to particular pressure points in the body to create energy flow and resurrect the “Qi”(energy) in one’s body, thus maintaining good health and balance.

Cosmetic acupuncture works by utilizing the meridians that either end or begin at the face to rejuvenate and balance the Qi at the same time, attending to the underlying factors that contribute skins’ aging process. As the flow of energy is restored to the points on the face and the blood circulation is improved then the signs of aging diminish. This is a natural, non-surgical treatment to reduce the signs of aging and to restore overall health.

Benefits of cosmetic acupuncture:

- Minimize or eliminate fine lines

-reduce a double chin

-reduce frown lines

-lift sagging skin, and droopy eyelids

-increase collagen production

-improve facial muscle tone

-improve hormonal balance to reduce acne

-even facial colour and tone

-increase blood, energy and lymph circulation

Cosmetic acupuncture can be done at any age and is recommended to start early before signs of aging start appearing on the face. Since it is a corrective natural treatment, so there is no restriction on when you want to start. It has been said that acupuncture is the most natural way to fight aging because it dually improves the look of your skin while optimizing your general health. A double benefit that newer procedures such as Botox and injectables cannot boast.

How many treatments would you need?

A series of ten to twelve treatments is recommended for optimal results. These treatments can be preformed to what suits your schedule and time, usually once a week for twelve weeks or twice a week for five to six weeks. To maintain the results, it is recommended that you have one treatment every six to eight weeks. Because your practitioner will be approaching you from a holistic point of view, it will also be suggested that you follow a healthy diet and skin care regimen to reap the full benefits of the procedures.

Are there any risks?

Facial acupuncture is a less invasive than surgical procedures and the risks are minimal. Acupuncture can cause slight bruising, therefore, treatment is not recommended for people that bruise easily or suffer from any bleeding disorders. Other contradictions may also apply, so please consult with your practitioner before proceeding.

It would be recommended to research to find a qualified practitioner that has experience in cosmetic acupuncture and obtains the proper credentials backing up his or her diploma. As with any procedure, you want to feel confident in the hands of the person who works so close to you.

Teeth whitening can seem like the long awaited answer to coffee-ridden shy smiles.  Anyone who cares about their looks, and drinks coffee and tea regularly is bound to have noticed their teeth turning a little more yellowish lately.

It can cause a panic attack whereby one runs to the dentists or spa clinic to get a professional teeth whitening job done.  Or, for the more frugal yellow smilers, the $30 one-size-fits-all teeth whitening trays at the drug store will do just fine.

Anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock in the last couple years can’t help but notice the many Internet ads, dentist suggestions and amazing deal offers for teeth whitening that have popped up all of a sudden, as if it’s the new black.

And people will always say that it causes sensitivity for a while.  But did you know teeth whitening can do much more than that?

Truly speaking, the process of whitening teeth can be gruesome to your teeth enamel.  If over done, or done improperly, the following dramatic side effects could occur:

• Your teeth can turn blue
• Your teeth will appear white only in some areas – either becoming blotchy from a job not well done at home, or because false teeth or fillings aren’t affected, thus creating a multi-coloured mouth!
• Your gums can recede
• Vomiting from accidentally swallowing hydrogen peroxide
• Bad breath from alcohol
• Teeth dehydration from glycerin
• Chemical burns

Skeptics also believe that with the chemical effects that cause teeth pores to open up, not only will sensitivity become an issue, but you will become more prone to teeth decay.  Even worse is that your teeth may stain more easily in the future.

Even whitening tooth paste ingredients can contain chemicals that actually break away at your teeth enamel, with the idea that taking off the top stained layer will reveal a whiter layer underneath.  This is not a long-term strategy, since teeth thin with age anyway, and when they do, they can crack more easily.

Teeth whitening may also just not work for some people.  If your teeth were darkened from using tetracycline for acne, your case is almost irreversible.  Same goes for teeth that have had a root canal.  Crowns, bridges and filling also cannot be whitened.

If your teeth are currently undergoing construction at the dentist’s office, beware of feeling rushed by your dentist to get your teeth whitened too soon.  You may need to let the teeth settle for a while.

For those who have sensitive teeth already, the cost of pain associated with a teeth whitening procedure may not be worth the perceived value.  Imagine how much worse it will be when you take in hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods.

Alternatives to a brighter smile include natural options such as rinsing your mouth with baking soda every once in a while.  It might taste gross, but it beats the harsh side effects of using hydrogen peroxide.  And of course, no one can deny that simply avoiding the foods that cause teeth stains in the first place is the best way to a whiter set of jewels!

Shopping List
(we did the work for you)
	North American Hemp Co. Green Apple Lip Balm
	Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmers,smooth and highlight your lips.
	eos Lip Balm is 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free.

Lip balm.

While I can’t really say that I know of too many people who don’t wear it or people that coat their lips for reasons of pure pleasure or desperate necessity; but lip balms have a place in almost every home that I know of personally.

So what exactly is lip balm anyways?

To put it quite simply, lip balm is a ointment made up of emollients, oils, waxes or petroleum jelly used to protect lips for either the sun, wind, or cold and for use in healing lips that have been damaged and cracked. So as not to get confused with other products out there, lip balm seems to serve a purpose, where as lipsticks, stains and glosses are used for only cosmetic purposes.

As time progresses, lip balms have become more than just a protective shield for your lips, they have become an almost iconic staple, a simple, yet exciting must have. Now you can find them tinted, flavoured, hard, soft and buttery, multi-layered in shiny tubes or printed pots and mini tin sliders. Long gone are the days of dipping fingers into a vat of petroleum jelly.

Ingredients you should look for in a lip balm

If you take the time to shop around, you will notice loads of lip products on the market today use petroleum jelly as a main ingredient. It’s a cheap, non-biodegradable environmental toxin that coats the skin like plastic as it has no ability to penetrate. This is why you may find yourself constantly in need of reapplying the cheap stuff. Also, skip any synthetic dye as they have been linked to a host of nasty issues in our bodies. As with most products I would recommend that if you can’t read it, don’t buy it.

As with all body care products, it is essential that you look for the most natural and organic ingredients such as: beeswax, or soy wax (if you are vegan), natural oils such as grape seed, sweet almond, jojoba, apricot or hemp; natural/organic butters such as Shea, mango, and cocoa; some essential oils as peppermint, orange, anise, spearmint and organic flavour oils, which are made with 100% natural ingredients.

If the lip balm has any coloring, check that it is from a natural source such as fruit or vegetable or mica minerals. Again, become a knowledgeable consumer. Learn to the read labels of everything you buy and don’t fall victim to the green washing. Keep anything synthetic away from your face, especially your lips! They are extremely delicate and sensitive and don’t have a natural moisture barrier like the rest of your face, so be choosy when applying anything on them.

With so many options now on the market, how do you choose?

As with a lot of savvy shoppers, price will always factor in with any product that gets a lot of use. Most balms will retail anywhere from $2.00 – 5.00; this, of course, being an average price in popular retail stores. There are many other products that range higher in price either because of the quality of ingredients used or to pay the mark up of the specialty store that they are being sold in. It all really depends on personal taste, how much you use lip balm and what it is worth to you.

Buy less, waste less

Be careful not to get sucked into the enticing product packaging. Like so many others, I can stand motionless, staring and admiring the different textures and vibrant colours. While packaging is a critical selling point for all companies in the beauty industry, you have to understand that it is the packaging that you are really paying for. That pretty floral box with the cool green pamphlet inside is just going to end up in your waste basket. Plus, do you really need lengthy directions on how to apply lip balm? Save your money and go for the standard tube, tin or pots that can either be recycled, reused or made out of recycled materials. Your pocket and environment will thank you.

Going green doesn’t have to be expensive or a headache.  This summer and every season, enjoy the little delight which is lip balm. Happy shopping!!

———

Check out our cool natural lip balm finds!

North American Hemp Co. has all natural lip balms in mint-o-licious , Canadian maple, and green apple – yum!

eos lip balm comes in a crazy cool container and flavoured like fruit. And yes, it’s completely “paraben and petrolatum free”!  They also have a honeysuckle honeydew flavour.

Burt’s Bees has a 100% natural lip balm that uses soy wax, as described above, instead of petroleum jelly.

View a lot more natural lip care products at well.ca.  When you buy, you are supporting Beau Review, plus Canadians get free shipping on anything!