Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Stress Relief Benefits of Lavender

The benefits of lavender
The stress relief benefits of lavender are safe, gentle and dependable. Lavender has been used by herbalists for hundreds of years. It has a mild pleasant gentle aroma. It is easy to grow and is therefore relatively inexpensive.
Lavender flower is calming and relaxing both physically and emotionally.
  • Lavender is particularly useful for easing tension headaches, and other physical aches and pains.
  • It is very useful for easing the digestive upsets and gas which often accompany stress.
  • It has been used to ease depression.
  • Lavender is said to be very helpful for people who are “stuck” in repetitive patterns of thinking about a particularly stressful or traumatic event or circumstance in their lives.
  • It is also often used for encouraging deep restful
    sleep and stress relief.
  • Lavender soothes the respiratory system, making
    breathing for stress relief easier.
The physical constituents of lavender thought to be the source the healing benefits of lavender include: flavonoids, coumarins, triterpenes and of course volatile oils for which lavender is famous.

How to Use Lavender

Making lavender herbal tea - some herbalists suggest taking ½ to 1 teaspoon of the dried flowers per serving. Place the lavender flowers in a cup, pouring boiling water over the herb. Then cover the cup and letting the tea steep for 10 to 15 minutes before drinking. This can be done a couple of times a day and is generally considered quite safe. (It is suggested to avoid using large amounts of lavender during pregnancy.)
Lavender is often used in the form of an essential oil. It is sometimes considered to be an almost universal remedy which helps bring the body to a state of balance.
The benefits of lavender oil are similar to those of the herb. But the process of using the oil is different. Since essential oils are generally purchased in small bottles, they are very portable and convenient.
There are many varied uses for lavender essential oil.
  • With lavender essential oil one might place a few drops on the pillow case at night to promote restful sleep or toss a lavender sachet under your pillow.
  • Apply a few drops of lavender oil to temples or some other part of  head to ease a tension headache or eyestrain. (Please keep the oil away from the eyes.)
  • The oil is well known as helpful burn remedy. It can be applied directly to the skin.
  • Lavender essential oil can also be applied directly to aching or painful muscles or joints.
  • The benefits of lavender oil include relaxation from overwork, one of the main causes of stress. Try rubbing a few drops of the oil between the palms of your hands and then bringing your palms to your face and breathing deeply of the scent. It can bring soothing relief.
  • Even adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to the washing machine can also add a soothing fresh aroma to the laundry room and clothes and help make routine housework more enjoyable. It's another example of the diverse benefits of lavender.
Please remember, this page is informational. It is not intended to be medical advice. It is always wise to consult with a trained health care professional for appropriate recommendations for your situation.

Sources:
Hoffmann, David. 1987, 1988, 1998. The Herbal Handbook A User’s Guide to Medical Herbalism. Rochester Vermont: Healing Arts Press
Hoffmann, David. 2003. Medical Herbalism The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester Vermont: Healing Arts Press
Higley, Connie and Alan. 1998. Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Olathe, KS: Abundant Health
Winston, David and Maimes, Steven. 2007. Adaptogens Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press

Friday, September 16, 2011

Some Helpful SkinCare Tips!

1. Did you know the #1 anti-aging product you can use is a Sunscreen! UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermal layer of the skin and can cause a host of aging effects such as: destruction of collagen and elastin; hyper pigmentation; and damaged DNA.

2. Are you cleansing long enough? To get the most out of your MyChelle Cleansers apply to damp skin and rub in circular motions for 60-90 seconds. This will allow the enzymes to gently exfoliate the skin, leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for your next MyChelle step.

3. Don’t forget your décolleté, the neck and chest area. The décolleté is the second place that shows the sign of aging, first being the eye area. Help prevent age spots and elastin degradation by using your MyChelle Apple Brightening System and age defense products in this region. Sun damage and wrinkles aren’t just on the face; give the rest of your body the MyChelle Glow.

4. Kombuchka (Black Tea Ferment is referred to as the immortal health elixir, promoting health and longevity). It works to prevent the reaction of protein and sugar that naturally occurs in the skin which increases aging. This reaction results in the skin becoming rigid and a decrease in skin radiance. It is found in Deep Repair Cream and Deep Repair Cream Unscented.

5. Improve hydration with exfoliation! Often time’s dry skin has a buildup of dead skin cells. Removing those skin cells with an exfoliator will help hydrating products penetrate better and be more effective. Try this easy at home facial once a week in the evening. Step 1. Use a cleanser with Alpha Hydroxy Acids like the Fruit Enzyme Cleanser. Step 2. Use the Tropical Skin Smoother to slough off the dead cells. Step 3. Apply the Hydrating Cactus Mask to deeply hydrate and prevent moisture loss. Step 4. Use the Ultra Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum to restore moisture balance and improve suppleness. Step 5. Apply the Revitalizing Night Cream and let your skin be drenched in moisture and nourishment while you sleep. Your skin will look like you just spent a weekend at the spa - freshly hydrated with a glowing complexion.

6. Did you know that if skin is striped of oil, it’s unbalanced? This causes the body’s protection mechanism to produce additional oil to compensate for the dryness on the surface.  The goal is to control and monitor the oil production.  Use MyChelle Clear Skin Cleanser, Fruit Enzyme Mist, Oil Free Grapefruit Cream to keep your skin balanced.

7. Vitamin C will increase radiance by lightening hyperpigmentation spots and improving overall skin luminosity. It will “lighten, brighten and tighten”. It is a powerful ingredient for any Customer, of any age, and of any skin tone.

8. An idyllic stratum corneum (top layer of the skin) water content is 20-35%. When the water content is below 10% the skin is visibly dry. One of the best ways to hydrate your skin is with Hyaluronic Acid, a humectant that holds 1000 times its weight in water! It is the camel of the skin care industry! Recommend the Serious Hyaluronic or Ultra Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum to boost hydration levels underneath a daily moisturizer. The skin is instantly plumped and hydrated!

9. Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) is the loss of moisture through skins surface. It occurs when the protective barrier of the skin is weakened, causing it to become dry, dehydrated and inflamed. The skin is affected by TEWL more at night due to increased temperature and permeability of the skins surface. Moisturizing oils and essential fatty acids can help to reduce TEWL, and help to hydrate and restore the skin. Use the Ultra Hyaluronic Serum or any of the MyChelle Moisturizers to prevent TEWL.

10. The eye area is the most delicate on the face and is in constant motion due to blinking and expressions. Because of these factors it is a necessity to use eye products on a daily basis.

The Fabulous Eye Cream is an advanced formula that is moisturizing and nutrient-rich which helps to rejuvenate the delicate eye tissue. Research shows that when applied twice daily for 20 days, Fabulous Eye Cream can reduce wrinkle depth by 15%!

Magnolia Fresh Eyes is a blend of peptides and plant extracts strengthen weakened capillaries and promotes repair for a well-rested look.

11. Ever wonder why men age so well!? Partly because they exfoliate daily through shaving. To create a deep cleansing whip for a daily exfoliation, mix together the Fruit Enzyme Cleanser and Fruit Enzyme Scrub. Use in the morning in the shower for a luminous glow that lasts all day long!

12. The eye lashes serve as protection from any invasions into the eyes. So not only are long lashes beautiful, but we are intended to have long luscious lashes to protect our eyes. Bat your thicker, fuller eyelashes after using the Ultimate Lash and Brow Serum. The clinically proven Myracle Peptide Complex and Apple Fruit Stem Cells naturally improve the appearance of lash length, darkness and volume. A clinical trial showed the Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 works to increase eyelash thickness and length by 25% within 2

13. Vitamin A can help to address different skin concerns:
·         Benefits an acne concern by retexturing and removing dead skin cells
·         Support the body’s ability to build collagen and elastin. Vitamin A Plus Serum accelerates cellular turnover for clear, youthful, even toned skin.


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Ingredients matter...and quality ingredients matter most!

The highest quality ingredients make for the most effective products available.
    Ingredients matter...and quality ingredients matter most.
  1. Every ingredient that goes into a Dr.Hauschka Skin Care preparation has an important job to do. Whether delivering essential moisture, encouraging resilience, improving efficacy or adding natural, aroma fragrance, each ingredient is carefully selected for its particular effects and its interaction with the whole composition.
  2. Hauschka manufacturer WALA Heilmittel has been studying and working with nurturing plant and mineral extracts since 1935. Over the decades they’ve developed an in-depth understanding of the way certain plants mirror specific skin functions and the manner in which each plant interacts with the skin to stimulate and support a toned, balanced and radiant complexion.
  3. We rely exclusively on healthy, ecologically and socially responsible sources for our ingredients. WALA Heilmittel supports sustainable, ecologically sound agricultural practices by obtaining as many of their ingredients as possible from certified Biodynamic and organic sources. Burkina Faso, Africa, WALA helped local women establish sustainable agriculture cooperatives to produce shea butter. Those cooperatives now provide all the certified organic shea butter WALA needs to manufacture its Dr.Hauschka Skin Care products.
  4. WALA owns and operates its own Biodynamic garden and farm, which provides a number of the ingredients used in its homeopathic remedies and the Dr.Hauschka Skin Care line. The vast majority of ingredients in the Dr.Hauschka Skin Care line are from Biodynamic and organic sources, and not a single ingredient comes from an organization involved in animal testing.
    1. Our natural botanical preservatives help keep products fresh without the use of chemical additives. In this way, we're able to maintain the vitality of our Biodynamic and organic plant ingredients, delivering their nurturing, supportive qualities directly to you.
    2. Dr.Hauschka Skin Care has been 100% natural for over 40 years. Throughout 2011, Dr.Hauschka Skin Care products will begin displaying the mark of NATRUE certification, a new, international standard for natural and organic skin care.
      • NATRUE certification ensures that a product has met the strongest criteria available for natural ingredients in cosmetics, as verified by an independent certifier.
      • NATRUE is a non-profit, international association founded by the pioneers of natural and organic cosmetics.
    Dr.Hauschka Skin Care manufacturer WALA Heilmittel is proud to recognize the NATRUE seal as a major advancement in establishing a natural and organic cosmetic certification that is internationally recognized, transparent and whose criteria is readily available to consumers worldwide. www.NATRUE.org.
    In addition, All Dr.Hauschka Skin Care preparations are certified natural by the BDIH, an association of German product manufacturers whose "Guidelines for Natural Cosmetics" are amongst the most selective available. Following comprehensive independent testing and verification, BDIH certification is awarded exclusively to products that are free of synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colors, dyes and petroleum derived synthetics. www.kontrollierte-naturkosmetik.de.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

five fabulous uses for grapeseed oil in skin & body care




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1. Use to treat blemishes
A few dabs with a cotton swab directly on the blemish 2x a day does wonders! The cotton swab is key because it prevents the transfer of bacteria from your finger tips to other areas of the skin, which causes blemishes to spread.

2. Use as a makeup remover 
Grapeseed oil effectively removes even the most stubborn eye makeup and helps to treat your skin at the same time with it's potent antioxidants and vitamins. It performs double duty tasks by targeting fine lines and wrinkles with powerful polyphenolswhile removing makeup.

3. Use as a massage oil
Massage therapists love grapeseed oil for it's quick absorption and compatibility with all skin types from sensitive to oily.

4. Use to moisturize extremely sensitive skin
100% pure grapeseed oil is a perfect choice for people with super sensitive skin. Our cold expeller pressed oil is not exposed to any chemicals like solvent extracted (cheaper and less effective) grape seed oils. It also does not contain any preservatives, essential oils or additional ingredients. This makes it an ideal choice for moisturizing if you have allergies and/or reactions to lotions which need preservatives so they do not grow bacteria. Be very wary of any lotion that claims it is "preservative free" unless you are keeping it in the fridge between applications and using it up in 1-2 weeks. The best rule of thumb for extremely sensitive skin is to stick to products with a small ingredient list that explain how the ingredient was formed. 100% pure grapeseed oil has just 1 ingredient!

5. Use in your bath
Add 100% pure grapeseed oil to a warm drawn bath to moisturize as you soak and relax. Make a cup of tea or sip on some cucumber water. You'll hop out hydrated and relaxed!

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Vitamin C


Unlocking Photo-Aging...Beyond the Photo in the Attic
Photo-aging...it’s a word which conjures gothic images of hidden portraits in an attic which age in our stead. While this romantic notion is the fantasy of many women and men, the reality of our faces, the signature of our Self to another, changing with age, remains.
The truth is, our skin constantly evolves and our skin ages both 1) biologically based upon inherited skin tendencies and 2) Photo-ages based on the effects of our lifestyle due to smoking, pollution, sun exposure, diet and stress. Photo-aging damage includes but is not limited to: wrinkles, dark blotches, freckles, leathery texture and loss of elasticity.
Recent studies show that it takes only eight relatively small dosages of UVA before changes are evident, and these changes are not even prevented by using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 22!
Topical Vitamin C Can Be Targeted Directly to Skin to Combat Photo-Aging
Topical Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant for skin protection and should be a useful adjunct to (but not replacement for) sunscreens. It is the process of oxidation that can destroy body tissues. (This is the same process that causes cars to rust, and rubber tires to crack.) In time, it is believed that these changes may result in connective tissue breakdown (aging and wrinkles) and skin cancer. The goal is to interfere with environmental ravages, including sunlight, smoking and pollution. Vitamin C not only neutralizes free radicals destructive to the skin, but also actively regenerates Vitamin E which serves to protect all cell membranes from the degenerative effects of these environmental offenders.
Topical Vitamin C Stimulates Collagen Growth
Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis. It is the only antioxidant that has been proven to increase collagen synthesis. Collagen is a protein which contributes to the skin's firmness and elasticity and can be considered the structural steel of skin. The body’s ability to produce collagen slows dramatically as we get older. In addition, ascorbic acid is necessary for “crosslinking” one collagen molecule to another collagen molecule. This reaction is required for tissue strength.
Topical Vitamin C has a Reservoir Effect
Stabilized topical vitamin C becomes an inherent part of the skin. It cannot be washed or rubbed off. Testing shows that it is fully protective for as long as three days after application.
Topical Vitamin C Controls Inflammation and Promotes Healing
Topical vitamin C is capable of controlling the inflammatory response associated with ultraviolet light (sunburn). It is protective even when it is applied after sun exposure. It also is helpful in speeding the healing process. It is often recommended as a pre and post-operative regimen for laser resurfacing patients.