So why is scent so important to us?

Scientists have found that the limbic system is the part of the brain that controls the emotional responses of humans. It decodes the information of scent molecules that trigger these emotional responses. Scents are very potent mood enhancers. They bring back memories, tell us if something is good or bad, increase or reduce appetite, excite, relax or repulse us. As an example, Aromatherapists have used the essential oils of citrus fruits to aid people with depression and anxiety. The oils have been used as medicinal aides for hundreds of years

The main differences between essential oils and synthetic fragrance is that essential oils are aromatic compounds derived from plants, stems, flowers and leaves (others are resin from sap and bark) prepared for therapeutic use. They are extracted though distillation, expression or through solvents. Essential oil scents don’t last as long as the synthetic fragrances but have the benefit of helping people therapeutically. Fragrances don’t.

Fragrance has been said to be the leading cause of allergic reactions in cosmetics. Most of these toxic cocktails contain phthalates and other harmful chemicals that can cause of slew of health problems. Virtually everything we find on the shelves nowadays is scented!! According to the book “Beauty and the Toxic Beast” by Julie Gabriel, of the 5,000 materials currently available for use in fragrances, only 1,300 were tested for safety. Scientists believe fragrance contributes to the sharp increase in allergies and respiratory illnesses; not to mention skin irritation and reoccurring headaches.

Our skin absorbs approximately 60% of what you put on it, so why purposely poison yourself when there are healthier, safer options? Mind you, wearing a spray of the latest celebrity perfume or slathering on the “to-die-for” chocolate cherry body butter now and then isn’t a crime! If you can’t handle the thought of never wearing your signature perfume again, keep it! Just wear it out on special occasions.

How can you avoid harmful synthetic fragrances?

• Start by reading labels. Look for essential oils individually or in a blend. Scents are usually found hanging out at the bottom of the ingredient list, so check carefully when scanning through.
• If you are one of those people who are truly sensitive to all scents, then you might want to opt for a scent free product.
• For moisturizing, you can buy Shea butter on it’s own to use as an all over moisturizing balm or try unrefined virgin coconut oil if you are needing something a little bit lighter. Both can usually be found at your health food store.
• Try to become more savvy by utilizing ingredients in your kitchen .Need an eye make-up remover? Grab the olive oil. Chapped lips? Leave a layer of honey on overnight. swollen eyes? Cucumbers!!! Nature has provided us will the tools we need to look and feel our absolute best.
• How about cleaners? Seventh Generation has a great selection of scent free cleaning products if you are looking to switch up your pine-sol and other harsh detergents and cleansers. Another Great idea, especially if you are sensitive to laundry soap, is an awesome new product called Miracle Wash Balls or Eco-Friendly wash Balls. They clean efficiently and you never have to use detergent!! You can find them on-line and in various stores. I got mine at the Bargain Shop for $5.95! Great deal and no synthetic anything! Just goes to show you that “less is more”.

Remember, every person is different, so always perform an allergy test when choosing a product. It doesn’t matter if it’s fragrance, perfume or essential oils. Any person can be sensitive or allergic to any one of these, so always test it out on your wrist and wait 24 hrs. If no redness or irritation appears, then the product should work for you.

I encourage you to research synthetic fragrances for yourself so you too can become a knowledgeable green shopper. Refuse to become the negligent consumer green washed companies are relying on to sell their products. Educate yourself, it’s worth it!

When you get a sting or bite from an insect we all have some sort of reaction due to the venom injected by the stinger. Some reactions may not be as severe as others. Usually the area will become itchy, red, and possibly painful. If you scratch the area it may actually become infected; but you can’t help it right? Most of us fall into that boat! And of course, we are left with an unsightly red scar that can turn purple or dark, dark red – not good for bathing suit weather!

As a side note to our beauty problem with bug bites, we should mention that the most dangerous reaction to a sting is not an ugly mark on your skin, but a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. It is usually found out when you’re a child, so you should know if you have it. Signs of a reaction include:

• Hives
• Flushing
• Itching
• Swelling
• Nausea
• Fever
• Trouble breathing

If you think you are having a severe allergic reaction call 911 so that you can be taken to the nearest hospital. Insect bites are not as painful as a sting however, the main concern with these types of bites are transmission of disease, such as the West Nile Virus. That’s why it’s important to handle your bites carefully.

Tips for preventing and treating insect bites and stings (so you don’t get scars and marks on your skin!)

• Remove the stinger by sliding something hard across the bite to get it out. Don’t squeeze or try to pinch it out, you’ll only make it worse.
• Clean the area right away with soap and water.
• Put some ice on the bit to minimize any swelling or redness that can start happening around the bite.
• Don’t stand in areas with still water. That is where the mosquitoes and biters love to live. Beware campers and explorers of marshes!
• Same goes for areas that attract bees and wasps, such as weeded areas and places where flowers bloom. (Let’s rethink that butterfly catching outing..)
• When you’re out on a path hiking, keep on the path and don’t go into the wooded areas. You’re probably not allowed there anyway. Serves you right if you get bitten.
• When you’re out in mother nature, keep your skin covered up. If you find that mosquitoes love you even when you’re not near their living areas, then sorry friends, you’ll have to invest in some light-weight summer clothes that cover you up – and wear pajama pants to bed, not shorts.
• Try not to keep sweetened drinks around your picnic tables. You’d only be inviting the bugs. If you are outside avoid drinking from a can; there may be an insect in that can. Pour your drink into a cup.
• Try to avoid going out during peak mosquito times, such as dusk.

The truth about bug repellents:

Most mainstream bug repellents contain a chemical known as DEET (a.k.a. N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide). Many professionals will tell you the chemical is safe to use, and it’s true, it is very effective at keeping mosquitoes away for long periods of time, and most people get by without any reactions to it. However, the green movement experts have something else to say about it, as they usually do. Luckily, they also offer some great natural alternatives that product developers are getting better at when it comes to effectiveness (compared to DEET). Here are some to try:

• Repel Lemon Eucalyptus
• OFF! Botanicals
• Fight Bite Plant-Based Insect Repellent
• MosquitoGuard
• Bite Stop
• Natrapel
• Beat It Bug Buster
• All Terrain
• Herbal Armor
• Buzz Away
• Green Ban
• Bite Blocker
• Pretty much anything with soybean-oil, geraniol, citronella, picaridin and/or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Other herbal remedies and essential oils, of which there can be many, like cedarwood, coconut oil and lemongrass.

While we’ve mentioned the above products that use alternatives to chemicals to get rid of bug bites, we haven’t taken a look at what other ingredients these brands use. For that we say, as our conscious consumer readers, please read your labels and remember that the less ingredients there are, the more likely the product is better for you. And please, leave your comments to tell us of any other news you have on this topic!

Aging is inevitable. Aging gracefully often indicates an enjoyment and lust for all things lovely in life–things which are not always agreeable with our bodies. Perhaps the greatest example of this is the sun. Supplying warmth and light, individuals enjoy to bask in the simplicity and soothing nature of its gifts. However, not all of what the sun supplies is safe. Age spots, otherwise known as sun spots, are caused in large part by the sun or more specifically its ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Age spots are patches of discolouration found mainly on the face, hands, and forehead. Generally they are tan, brown, or gray, due to an inconsistency of pigment in the skin. This inconsistency is caused by an overexposure to UV rays. As our skin absorbs sunlight something called melanin pigment aids in the protection of our skin. As time goes on the skin’s ability to protect itself from these harmful rays is impaired. The degredation of this natural protective ability leads to areas of accumulation of debris, thus leading to the appearance of age spots. Generally such markings are purely superficial, but at times can be indicative of a more serious problem: cancer. Be aware of any strange discolouration and if found consult a healthcare provider promptly.

There are various ways to lighten the appearance of age spots. Rather than using harsh chemicals or expensive products follow these tips for a natural, affordable, and simple alternative.

Yogurt and Honey – Simply look to your refridgerator and pantry for this natural home remedy. Yogurt contains lactic acids whcih will help to lighten the appearance of spots, while honey will soothe and exfoliate irritated skin. Take one teaspoon of plain yogurt, preferably organic, and one teaspoon of honey. Mix together and apply to clean face and neck. Let mixture sit for twenty to thirty minutes and remove with a soft, warm cloth. For best results use a few times a week. Do not apply to sunburnt or windburnt skin.

Natural Food Enzymes - Once again elements of this natural concoction can be found in your kitchen or backyard. Enzymes found in such foods as papayas, pineapples, cherries, pumpkins, grapes, pomegrante, and raspberries can initiate the repair of old cells and growth of new cells. Soak a cotton ball in any of the juices of the aforementioned fruits or vegetables and apply to affected areas. Let sit for twenty to thirty minutes, then wash off with soft, warm cloth.

Buttermilk – Another easy remedy. Containing lactic acids much the same as yogurt, saturate cotton ball in buttermilk and apply to affected areas. Once again, let sit for twenty to thirty minutes and wash off with soft, warm cloth.

Aloe Vera – Aloe vera will promote and encourage the growth and repair of skin cells. This gel can be used once or twice daily and is safe to use on sunburnt skin.

Lemon Juice - Although natural, this is a slower acting approach to lightening the appearance of age spots. Its acidic qualities are what aids in the lightening process. Dab on spots twice daily for maximum results.

Oats – The consumption of oats can help to lighten and lessen discolouration due to the presence of beta-glucan. Beta-glucan is a fiber which can encourage skin repair.

Avoid the sun – The most obvious way to avoid the appearance of sun spots is of course to stay out of the sun! Protect your skin by always using sunblock no less than thirty SPF. Think outside of the box by applying lip balms or moisturizers containing SPF defense. Wear light clothing, wide brimmed hats, and avoid overexposure.

By following these tips for natural and simple remedies to troublesome age spots, hopefully a balance can be found between the sun’s harsh effects and the beautiful gifts it relays to it’s worshippers.

It is funny to see so many experts and articles go on about how sun exposure is bad for us and that it can lead to many diseases and cancer. However, have you ever thought how a deficiency in Vitamin D, which we can get plentifully from the sun, may affect you? Research has shown that optimizing your Vitamin D can actually help prevent diseases, as long as you are safe about it.

What is Vitamin D and why is it so important?

Vitamin D is a fat soluble and comes in two major forms; D2 and D3. Vitamin D3 is what gets produced after we are exposed to the Ultraviolet B light form the sun. Now you may be wondering what Vitamin D actually does for our bodies. Well for one it is carried in our bloodstream to our liver where it is converted into a hormone called calcidiol, which is then converted into calcitriol when calcidiol is circulating through the bloodstream. Calcitriol defends the body against diseases and improves the immune system. When synthesized in the kidneys, it circulates as a hormone to:

• Regulate levels of calcium and phosphate in the bloodstream
• Promote healthy mineralization
• Help grow and remodel bones

Vitamin D also helps:

• Reduce the rick of multiple sclerosis
• Reduce the symptoms of asthma
• Reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women

When you don’t receive enough Vitamin D, this can lead to thin, brittle, or misshapen bones, rickets in children and osteomalcia in adults. When combined with calcium, Vitamin D prevents osteoporosis in adults.  And we’ve only touched the tip of what Vitamin D can do for us humans!

How much Vitamin D do I need?

The amount of Vitamin D varies person to person. Typically the amount is determined by:

• Age
• Body weight
• Percent of body fat
• Latitude
• Skin colouration
• Season of the year
• Use of sun block
• Our individual reactions to the sun
• Overall health

Generally, the older age bracket needs more Vitamin D than the younger age group, heavier people need more than thinner people, dark-skinned people need more than fair skinned people, winter people need more than summer people, and people who are unhealthy may need more than healthy people.

According the Health Canada, Vitamin D recommendations are as follows:

• 400 IU (International Units) for children ages 0 to 1
• 200 IU up to the age of 50
• 400 IU for adults 51 to 70
• 600 IU for adults 71 plus

Chances are you don’t have to worry about getting too much Vitamin D.  From the sun it is not a problem because the sun itself gets rid of any excess in your body that also came from the sun.  From vitamin supplements you should be more careful, but it is unlikely your supplement will contain too much Vitamin D to begin with.  Just stick to the recommended dosage!

Exposing Yourself to Healthy Sun Exposure and Vitamin D

Considering that sun exposure is both natural and essential to our lives, avoiding it to the extreme is not recommended. Although medical experts out there will tell you to avoid the sun as much as possible, it is now being recognized that perhaps we have been over-doing the sun protection thing for a while now.

To get good Vitamin D production going in our bodies, it is essential to get at least 15 to 20 minutes of sun exposure a day without sunscreen. Of course depending on your skin colour you may need more or less exposure. The goal is to expose yourself to a healthy amount of sun to reap the benefits of sunlight. Keep in mind that you want to avoid getting sunburn. Sunburn is not healthy and means that you have had to much sun exposure. But the more time you spend in the sun, the more your skin will get used to it.

Lastly, if you are going to be out in the sun for a longer period of time than what your skin can handle you should definitely protect yourself. The best way is to wear light clothes that still block the sun. If you must use sunscreen, choose something organic (or at least free of toxic chemicals) and which blocks both UVA and UVB radiation, since many brands only block UVB, which is not as harmful as UVA.

In such a hectic world we all must find time for ourselves, time to indulge in the finer things in life. Taking a bath is a perfect way to relax and unwind. The fluidness and warmth of the water can wash away stress and tension, relieving the mind, body, and spirit. The sound of rushing water alone can be enough to ease the pressures of the day-to-day . The incorporation of flowers only adds to the serenity of the bathing ritual. The vivid colours, alluring scents, and beauty benefits make them an essential part of any bathtub pampering.

All flowers are beautiful and should be enjoyed through their colour, scent, and the soothing effect they seem to exude. Roses, chamomile, and marigold flowers are some of the best to use in the bath, with each having their own differing benefits. When using any flower in the bath be sure to choose those which are pesticide free, as not to cause irritation or exposure to harmful chemicals. Such flowers can be found at organic retailers, local farmer’s markets, or even your own backyard. Use flowers from which the petals are close to falling from.

Flowers you can use in your bath:

A rose petal bath will aid in softening the water, therefore softening the skin. Of course the vibrant colours and enchanting aroma will soothe the mind and soul.

The chamomile flower proves to be a wonderfully natural beauty and health remedy. If placing the petals directly in the water, four handfuls is recommended per bathtub. Chamomile flowers contain essential oils, vitamins B and C, and an array of mineral substances. This flower is said to revive the complexion and add sheen to hair. It may also act as a natural substitute for over the counter anti-inflammatories as it is thought to relieve menstrual cramping.

The marigold flower specializes in healing and providing relief to inflamed skin. Containing proteins, resins, and vitamin B, marigolds may help to treat acne and lessen the appearance of burns or wounds.

Above all, these flowers act as an agent of comfort, refreshing the individual emotionally, physically, and spiritually. So, the next time you draw a bath after a hard day’s work or long night out consider the benefits of something so natural, beautiful, and simple as the flower.

There are three basic ways to obtain the benefits of flowers in the bath. The first is to fill a cotton muslin pouch with the flower of your choice. Place the pouch in the water or under the tap while the tub is filling. The second is to simmer loose petals or plants. Bring water to a boil and then allow the flowers to simmer for twenty to sixty minutes. Strain and pour the infused water into the tub. The third way is to place handfuls of petals directly in the bath for a more simple, although visually appealing approach. Lastly, lay back and enjoy!

Happy bathing!

In these cases, keeping physically healthy will not only make you feel more human, but will play a vital role in creating that healthy holiday glow. Trying to keep pre-flight stress to a minimum is the first step, as stress can manifest in your body as toxins, leaving your skin and hair dull and lackluster. Remember, you’re going on vacation to de-stress! Be calm and happy, and look forward to the adventures to follow, and you’ll look and feel much better.

While sitting on an airplane for hours on end is not exactly the same as sitting back in a massage chair, trying to relax and get a decent amount of sleep will help to deter jet-lag at the other end. Drink bucket loads of water to combat the dehydration flying causes, munch on light, healthy snacks (no salted peanuts!), avoid alcohol, and try not to keep your seat-back television blaring for the whole 12 hour flight! Use a lavender eye mask to block out light and relax the senses (try Urban Spa Silk Eye Pillow with Lavender, $13.29 from well.ca), and settle back into your partly-reclined chair for a (mostly-interrupted, uncomfortable) sleep. Use all this spare time to pamper your skin, slathering on a rich foot-cream under your socks, a heavy hand cream, and an intensive facial moisturizer, because all that air-conditioning will be sucking much needed moisture from your skin. For all skin types, including oily skins, I would recommend using rosehip oil, either on its own or under your favourite moisturizer, to replenish lost vitamins and nutrients. Rosehip oil is a fantastic moisturizer, and naturally contains essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A and E, so your skin gets treated to a nice first-class cocktail of goodness. It also plumps up your skin, so your pre-landing make-up will glide on smoothly. Try Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil.

Once you’ve landed, made it through customs, and dragged your suitcase to the hotel, try and get out and do some exercise. Even going for a brisk walk will get the blood pumping and begin re-setting your body clock, and it’s a great way to get your bearings in a new city. If you’ve just landed somewhere cold and dry, continue using rosehip oil and other rich moisturizers to give back the moisture that cold and wind will strip from it. Even oily skin can suffer from dryness, and letting your skin dry out will cause it to create more oil to overcompensate, blocking pores and leading to breakouts.

In a hot and humid climate, too much oil and sweat can lead to the same problem of breakouts. Lightly pressing (not wiping) oil-blotting sheets over your t-zone can mop up the excess oil and sweat, without disturbing your make-up. Try Tea Tree Oil Facial Blotting Tissues from The Body Shop, with the tea tree component acting as a natural antiseptic against breakouts.

Regardless of what climate or country you’re in, drinking plenty of water, continuing with regular exercise, using sunscreen everyday, and getting adequate sleep will provide the best protection against a mini skin-meltdown, and you’ll arrive home looking just as fabulous as you feel after a great vacation.

When it comes to choosing healthy beauty products, most of us don’t know where to begin. Unfortunately, some of our favourite brands of perfumes, lipsticks, nail polishes, and even bath products are full of harmful chemicals. This information may come as a shock to you and thankfully there are natural alternatives that we all should be turning to.

Take a look at almost any shampoo bottle, deodorant, shaving cream or lotion. Is the word fragrance there? Thought so! Be wary of this word. The term “fragrance” could actually be there to mask the odour of other chemicals. There could be hundreds of synthetic chemical compounds in that smell you adore so much. Some things to watch out for are allergens and sensitizers which may cause immune system damage. Once sensitized, you remain that way for life, prone to allergic reactions when exposed to fragrances. One in 50 people may suffer from this. Phthalates, which most perfumes hide on labels as “fragrance,” are chemicals that have been linked to hormone disruption and even sperm damage in men. Diethyl Phthalate (DEP) is still used in many products today.

Lipsticks, though pretty, can contain an assortment of things which can have extremely negative effects on the human body. There are fragrances and flavours added to lipsticks to cover up the tastes and odours of chemicals. Synthetic coal tar based colours (FD&C or D&C followed by a number) have been known to cause cancer in animals. It turns out that the myth of lead being in lipsticks is actually true! In 2009, FDA released a study and found that the highest levels of lead were in lipsticks made by Cover Girl, L’Oreal and Revlon. The FDA has taken no action to protect consumers so it is paramount to do your own research! There is no safe amount of lead exposure. Lead builds up in the body gradually and has been proven to cause language, learning and behavioural problems. Lead exposure also causes lowered IQs, reduced school performances and increased aggression.

Nail polishes smell horrible! It isn’t too difficult to realize that they are harmful to us. Some companies are getting rid of the worst chemicals: dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) adds sheen to our polishes but it’s also a reproductive and developmental toxin that has been known to cause feminizing effects in baby boys. Formaldehyde hardens the nails and is also a human carcinogen. It irritates the eyes, nose and throat and causes skin irritations. Toluene, which helps form a smooth finish, can affect the central nervous system and cause headaches, dizziness and fatigue. It also may be a developmental toxin. OPI, the favourite brand of salons, used to be the most toxic brand out there! After years of pressure from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, it is now DBP, toluene and formaldehyde free.

One of the more shocking truths is that some baby shampoos contain cancer-causing chemicals. Two known carcinogens, 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde, could be in your shampoos. Product tests found these chemicals to be in trusted brands like Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo. 1,4-dioxane is a by-product of a petrochemical process called ethyoxylation, which actually causes other chemicals to become less harsh, but it’s still unnecessary. Thankfully, new standards are coming about such as the Whole Foods Premium Body Care Seal, which does not allow ethoxylation.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (http://www.safecosmetics.org/) is a great way to inform yourself about the dangers of harmful chemicals in makeup. There you can sign petitions to help promote safer ingredients in beauty products. You can also find all natural, non-toxic DIY recipes for your favourite beauty products. The cosmetic laws and regulations for each country are also listed on the website.

The Campaign for safe Cosmetics’ partner the Environmental Working Group has created an online cosmetics safety database called Skin Deep (http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/). The database matches the ingredients in more than 25,000 personal care products with 50 toxicity databases. The advanced search allows you to find products that contain no carcinogens or fragrances. Search up your favourite brand of shampoo or moisturizer and see if it really is as natural as it claims to be!

Remember that products labelled “pure and organic” may not be what they say they are. There are no legal standards for organic or natural personal care products sold in the United States. Sometimes companies use words like organic as marketing ploys, which is a scary thing indeed. Even top-selling brands can contain carcinogens so be a smart consumer and remember that “natural” is not a legally binding description.

Most of Belle’s Botanicals (http://www.belles-botanicals.com/) products including body sprays, fragrances and moisturizers received a hazard ranking of 0 on the Skin Deep search. Acquarella nail polish (http://www.acquarellapolish.com/) received a hazard rating of 1. Most of Coastal Classic Creations (http://www.coastalclassiccreations.com/) lipsticks received a rating of 0-1. As you can see, there are plenty of brands out there that are a much healthier option.

The ingredients in our precious sticks include a colouring, which can either be a soluble dye (stains the lips) or an insoluble dye (coats the lips). A fatty base controls how the lipstick feels and usually is made from waxes that come from plants. Beeswax, carnauba, lanolin, and paraffin are just a few of the oils or waxes used in lipstick production. Finally, a solvent is added that could potentially use chemicals including fatty alcohols, castor oil or polyethylene glycols.

A single lipstick container may carry very little chemicals, but it is estimated that we consume around 4 pounds of the stuff in our lifetime! When deciding on a lipstick to buy, make sure to read the ingredients. There are an assortment of fragrances and flavours added to the lipstick to cover up the tastes and odours of nasty chemicals. Watch out for FD&C or D&C followed by a colour and number. These are synthetic coal tar based colours that have been known to cause cancer in animals. If you have sensitive skin and lips, these could be especially scary as they have been known to cause skin irritations. Other ingredients to watch out for are parabens, perservatives used in lipsticks. They are as follows: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. Less common parabens include: isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, benzylparaben and their sodium salts. Don’t forget to watch out for phthalates, used in fragrances and some lipsticks.

Why not opt for natural lipsticks, which are healthier and give you a much more beautiful colour? When shopping for eco-friendly lipsticks, look for ingredients such as jojoba, sunflower, chamomile, rosehip, and citrus. Stick to plant-waxes and beeswax. Make sure to thoroughly check the ingredients. Some lipsticks claim to be all-natural while they only have partly organic ingredients. Luckily, with our current go-green trend thriving, it’s easier than ever to stick to healthy lipsticks.

Here are some examples:

Aubrey Organics is just one of many brands that offer 100% all-natural hair and skincare products. They have a great, safe, organic, vegan lipstick line that’s perfect for people who want to be healthy or who just have sensitive skin.

Primitive Makeup offers a natural lipstick that also comes with a bit of scent, to those of us who appreciate it!

Alba, an organic cosmetic company, makes a lip gloss in mineral shades.

Burts Bees and Green Beaver offer Lip Shimmers in different colours.

Peacekeeper Cosmetics offers a mineral lip gloss.

Lavera offers a lip gloss with organic jojoba and vitamin E, for extra nourished lips!

For a not so strong look, try Dessert Essence Organics Lip Tints.

Whatever you chose, remember to do your research and have fun!

Henna comes from leaves of different plants. The three main leaves are:

• Lawsonia – red colour
• Indigoferae – dark colours
• Cassia – condition hair and keeps the hair colour neutral.

The three colours can be combined together to create a medley of colours. If you are mixing your own leaves, use precaution. The leaves need to be combined properly to obtain the colour that you are looking for. For a faster and more reliable approach, a box of henna hair dye can be picked up at any major drug store chain. Usually henna produces hues of red, and dark brown, but nowadays manufacturers of the herbal dye are able to make a variety of colors with the plant and other agents to neutralize the redness.

The steps are easy when making your henna paste to dye your hair:

1. Place the powder into a bowl and add 3 parts hot water and 1 part powder. Mix this together until it forms a paste-like consistency.
2. Apply the paste evenly throughout your hair. Use a comb to get the paste into the roots of your hair.
3. Leave the henna paste in your hair for approximately 30 minutes. Once 30 minutes has elapsed, wash your hair until the water in your shower running from your head loses all its color.

Note: when using Henna as a dye, keep in mind that it is a semi-permanent hair dye. Additionally, henna can stain your nails and clothing!

What happens if you change your mind and want to remove the henna colour from your hair?

Well there are a few options that you can try, but keep in mind that you will need to remove the henna hair dye within 24 hours of dying your hair.

• If you have light hair, one suggestion is to mix a tub of Crystal Light Lemonade with half-cup of conditioner. Apply this to your hair and then cover it with a shower cap or plastic cap. Wait approximately 45 minutes and rinse out.
• If you have dark hair, mix together baking powder and molasses (same amount for each) and then apply it equally to your hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic cap and once the mixture hardens simply wash it out with shampoo.
• For gradual removal, apply shampoo followed by a heavy conditioner consistently until the color fades on its own.

Julie was plaqued with very dry skin from birth. Growing up in the era of the synthetically fragrant body butters and colored lotions laced with mineral oils and other irritants but with total lack of knowledge of how bad these items actually were, her skin grew more aggravated and dehydrated as the years went on. She tried body butter from every beauty store possible: all the new lotions, from the reasonably affordable to the outrageously expensive. Wrinkle creams, eye creams, and the list goes on. Yet, nothing seemed to help.

She needed a solution and was determined to develop it herself. As a result, at the ripe age of 30, with a little business sense and an ever growing passion to find a solution to her dry skin, she brought Raw Element to life. It began with hours, days, and even entire weekends devoted outside of her 45+ hour a week job to research natural skin care ingredients.  She began learning about and experimenting with such things as carrier and essential oils, herbs, natural preservatives, recipes, packaging – all with quite a bit of trial and error to find the perfect skin care recipe.

It finally paid off when friends and family began trying the products she made and kept coming back for more. She began selling locally in and around St. Louis, MO from her home town and current location in Maryville, IL. As the business quickly spread via word of mouth (oh, you know how those small towners gossip!), she began selling on Etsy to better serve her local customer base as well as reach consumers across the United States.

All products are handmade and fresh upon order. Ingredients that will NEVER be found in Raw Element’s products are synthetic fragrances and dyes, parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, and petrochemicals (mineral oil).  Since the products are made of natural ingredients with natural preservatives, they do expire much quicker than those found in stores, which by the way can last several years on the shelf. But that’s a good thing! With Raw Element’s all-natural ingredients, the products provide superior benefits for the skin without the toxic effect of other products.

Although still in the very early stages, Raw Element continues to grow and expand. The business currently offers face and body butters, scrubs, and oils for normal to dry skin.  However, stay tuned because product development is underway daily to offer a wider variety of items including those targeted towards acne and oily skin. The containers and labeling used are not intended to be flashy but all are recyclable and thus, Raw Element remains conscious of its effect on the environment as well.

The overriding focus of the line and brand is to provide simple and pure products. As Julie had found from years of trying a myriad of products that failed to work, and then learning how to craft better solutions by hand, she realized that the less ingredients coupled with the higher quality of those ingredients, the better off her skin would be for both the short, and long term. As all good skin care enthusiasts know, a simple but high quality product, in sync with a healthy diet and reduction of stress, are the keys to healthy skin.  As such, Julie presses on with Raw Element and its mission to help educate consumers about the benefits of natural ingredients.  And of course, she continues to produce superior quality products at affordable prices!

This wonderful article was written by Julie, the owner of Raw Element Skin Care Products.