Fall Springs Forth New Ideas

I've been remiss in getting my blog out.  I promised you and myself that I would not be a sometime blogger and here it is weeks since my last blog.  While not blogging, I have been in my workshop making lots of products.  Fall is the time for body butters and lip balms.  I am adding a few new products which I will be announcing soon.

Lavender Body Butter

I love the Fall (though Spring is my favorite).  Although this summer wasn't particularly hot and humid, as it usually is, I still welcome those crisp clear mornings and evenings.  Sipping one of my tea blends in the evening curled up on the sofa, the trees showing off their magnificent colors and sometimes the faint smell of wood smoke from the very few homes with fireplaces in my neighborhood..  I feel refreshed and invigorated....new ideas spring forth. 

So back to my workshop and stay tuned to find out what I have been up to.

10 Skin Care Mistakes Keeping you From Healthy Skin

Day after day people book appointments with me for facials to help them with their skin.  Some have skin care problems such as acne, rosacea or pigmentation issues.  Others come to maintain healthy skin and slow down the aging process. But some come because they are having issues that can be quickly remedied by following these 10 easy steps.

1.Use the right products for your skin type.  One size does not fit all.  Get your skin properly analyzed by a professional.  This brings me to number 2.

2.  Cleanse your skin properly.  First make sure you are using the right cleanser for your skin type.  If wear makeup, you must cleanse twice.  Once to remove the makeup, second to clean the skin.  After cleansing your skin should not feel tight or taunt.  If so your cleanser is too drying.

Renew Botanicals Herbal Cleanser

3.  Moisturizer.  This is very important for everyone, even those with oily skin.  Not applying moisturizer especially to wet skin will cause the water to evaporate leaving your skin dehydrated.  Your skin will overcompensate for the loss of hydration which can lead to break outs, and the most common condition dry cheeks and oily t-zone.

hydrating moisturizer

4. Over Exfoliating .  This has become one of the biggest problems in the last few years because so many companies or putting exfoliants into their cleansers such as jojoba beads or alpha hydroxy acids.  Even products that say gently daily exfoliant are not good for your skin. That is not to say exfoliation isn't important because it is, but once or twice a week is enough.  Once or twice a week you are removing the dead skin but more than that you are actually removing the protective barrier which can cause inflammation, moisture loss and sensitivity.

over exfoliated skin

5.  Sunscreen.  Wearing sunscreen everyday should be part of you daily regime.  Besides protecting your from skin cancer, nothing will age you more than too much sun damage.  It is important to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 25-30 (more is not necessary).  If you are going to be out in the sun all day, reapply.  Avoid sunscreens with chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate.  Stick with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as your only active ingredient, although I prefer just zinc oxide.

6. Drink Water.  Keeping hydrated is important for your inner health and outer beauty.  Your skin is your largest organ and if your skin is not getting the sufficient amount of water, the lack of hydration will present itself by turning your skin dry, tight and flaky which may have the same results and lack of moisturizing (see #3).

fresh water with lime

7. Picking at Your Pimples.   When you pick, pull, squeeze your pimples and your skin you are causing damage.  This can lead to scars, which are far worse than the pimple.  It can also lead to irritation and inflammation and most of all infection.

8. Eat Healthy.  As mentioned above, your skin is your largest organ so what goes in your body will reflect on your skin.  Eat lots of fresh veggies, fruits, lean meats, healthy fats and complex carbs.  Cut back on dairy, sugar bad fats. Choose organic and grass fed dairy and meats, whenever you can.

9.  Clean Your Makeup Brushes.  Obviously dirty brushes will introduce bacteria into your makeup and on your skin.

make up brushes

10.  Throw away expired products and makeup.  Most products and makeup have a shelf life.  Using products that have expired can introduce bacteria into your skin.

In addition to following these tips, treat yourself to a facial at least 4 times a year, if you can do it more often all the better.  Make sure you are using the right products for your skin and check ingredients.  Remember glowing skin is healthy skin.

Please Say No to Palm Oil

Palm oil from the oil palm tree is a high quality versatile oil.  However, it grows only in the tropics where it has had a disastrous effect on the environment.  According to the environmental group Friends of the Earth, it is estimated that 87 percent of Malaysia’s deforestation was due to palm oil plantations.  Their researchers also estimated that if nothing is done to alleviate the rising rates of deforestation, orangutans could become extinct within 12 years.  The palm oil trade is destroying orangutan habitats, endangering other rain forest animals, contributing to the high levels of carbon emissions, and has placed Indonesia as possibly having the world’s fastest deforestation rate (Greenpeace sources estimate an area equivalent to 300 soccer fields per hour).  And according the the World Wildlife Fund "Large areas of tropical forests and other ecosystems with high conservation values have been cleared to make room for vast monoculture oil palm plantations – destroying critical habitat for many endangered species, including rhinos, elephants and tigers. In some cases, the expansion of plantations has lead to the eviction of forest-dwelling peoples."

In 2004 The World Wildlife Federation and teamed up with the Palm Oil Industry and launched RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil).  Many manufacturers especially small companies proudly state they are using sustainable Palm Oil, however, this is not as benign as many of them think because the rules are riddled with loopholes. 

The environmental groups Greenpeace International and Wetlands International argue that such loopholes allows palm oil firms to join RSPO and improve their image despite the fact that very little palm oil has yet been produced according to the sustainability criteria. And The Jakarta-based Center for Orangutan Protection has directly opposed the certification scheme. The group said last year that it found two RSPO member companies clear-cutting forests that were home to orangutans, sun bears, and Borneo gibbons. "It has been six years after RSPO was put into operation but forests are still cleared and orangutans are continually killed," said Novi Hardianto, the Center's habitat program coordinator, in a press release. "All criteria on sustainable palm oil and certification process are merely public lies."

Because of it's versatility, Palm oil is used in so many products, ranging from margarine, cereals, sweets and baked goods, to soaps, washing powders and cosmetics. (If you are a vegan and use products by Earth Balance beware that they use Palm Oil in many of their products.) And you have to practice due diligence if this concerns you, because often times it is listed as an ingredient on product labels, with the term ‘vegetable oil’ often being used instead.

So, please practice consumer awareness and I hope that the next time you are shopping think about who and what will be affected by that product. 

Why A Facial?

If you have never had a facial you may be wondering why should you get one.  You may think that is a luxury, it isn't important.  But did you know your  skin is the largest organ in the body?. Healthy skin is slightly moist, soft and flexible and is free from blemishes and disease. The skin protects the body from bacterial invasion. Proper nutrition and exercise is important for healthy skin, as well as overall good health. Our health and how we take care of our bodies is reflected in our skin.

facial massage

The benefit of receiving facials on a regular basis goes far beyond relaxation. Facials naturally slow down aging by stimulating collagen production, increasing circulation and removing dead skin. Removing the dead skin buildup allows the penetration of serums, masks and moisturizers to be more effective. In addition the skin will look brighter and will help rid any congestion. The facial massage you receive helps to relax the senses, nerves and muscles of the face to reduce the visible effects of stress. In addition, the massage stimulates the blood flow to aid oxygen and other nutrients to the skin and its underlying tissue and help in the efficient removal of waste products. Massage also helps maintain the tone of the underlying muscle, therefore preventing sagging and lines from forming. A facial can restore the normal balance of oil and pH for the skin, refining the texture of the skin.

treatment mask

Last but not least you will learn how to take care of your skin at home.  The best products to use for your skin.  Remember as in my previous post, your skin condition is unique to you.  What your friend uses may not be right for your skin.  And your skin changes: seasonally, through diet, hormonally, etc.

So do yourself and your skin a favor and schedule a facial, you will love it.

Why DIY Skin Care Can Be A Problem

I am sure this blog post will not be very popular with many of you, but I feel it has to be said.  With blogging becoming more and more prevalent, so many bloggers think they are experts.   Just because you read somewhere that some treatment, ingredient or DIY product is fabulous, does not make it so.  Even if it works great for you, it does not mean it will for everyone else.  Skin care is NOT "one size fits all."

While I am doing research for new formulas for my skin care line or reading a post on one of my facebook groups I seem to constantly come across some article recommending this or that to help your skin look better.   Some suggestions are fairly benign but some are downright wrong and in some cases even harmful.

There is science behind developing skin care products and skin care treatments.  Even natural and organic products.  It involves understanding chemistry, biology and anatomy.  It involves research and development.  Most importantly it involves knowing about the skin and how ingredients effect the skin and every skin conditions.   So while an oil like avocado oil or, even using an avocado, may be wonderful for dry skin it is not something to be used on an oily skin. 

The latest craze that has me in a spin is the recommendation for using baking soda as an exfoliant and then following with vinegar thinking the vinegar will bring the pH back to balance.  If you  remember your high school chemistry, then you will recall that on the  pH scale works  1 is acidic, and 14 is alkaline. Things are either acidic or alkaline based on where they fall  on that scale, except  7 which is neutral. Skin  has a pH of 5- 5.7.  An alpha hydroxy acid most commonly used as an exfoliant  is generally around 3.5-4 .  Baking soda is a 9, and the average Vinegar  is 2.5-3.  So what does this mean?  If an ingredient is too alkaline (baking soda) the skin barrier is disrupted or damaged, too acidic (vinegar) and you risk burns. Doing this you have disrupted the natural acid mantle (affecting the skin barrier) This weakens the skin’s immune system,  can cause inflammatory skin diseases and conditions such as acne and dehydrated skin. It most commonly leads to the dry/acne or dry/oily combo that is so frustrating. The longer you use it, the more damage it does to your skin.  

Vinegar and baking soda are household chemicals and they are not safer just because they are not in a bottle in the skincare aisle. Baking soda can be remove stains on enamel (like your bathtub and toilet)  and vinegar is used to remove lime deposits in your coffee maker or use as a all purpose household cleaner.

Some things are better left to the experts.  There is a reason Estheticians go to school and are licensed by the state to care for skin.  So I suggest sticking with the professional products.  While I love to find my own recipes to cook and tips for gardening or house cleaning, it is too easy to become misinformed or misuse a product when it come to your health and after all your skin is your largest organ.

Taking Care Of Your Skin in the Summer

Summer is usually a busy time for us. Many people take their vacations during this time and we also tend to be out and about more.  Because of our crazy, hectic, having fun schedules we are more prone to neglect our skin. Yes, more and more people are remembering to use sunscreen but summer skin care is more than just applying sun protection.

The first thing to consider is your home care regime.  Are you using the same products you do in the winter?  For some of us that is fine, our skin doesn't really change much seasonally.  However,  many people need to switch their skin care products for lighter weight cleansers and moisturizers.  That creamy cleanser that was perfect in January may not be what you need in July. If you are feeling a bit more oily you may need a gel or foaming cleanser.  Renew Botanicals has a cleanser that is a little of both.  Our Herbal Cleanser has some of the ingredients and properties of a gel cleanser but with additional oils so that your skin does not feel dry.  The addition of activated charcoal helps to detoxify the skin.  Same idea holds true for your  moisturizer.  Your current moisturizer may still be perfect but just as with your cleanser you may need a moisturizer that is a little lighter.  You still need to use your moisturizer twice a day.  If you are feeling too oily do not stop using a moisturizer, this is a mistake many make.  Your skin can still become dehydrated in the summer.  Just lighten it up.

Speaking of dehydration.  It is so important to drink lots of water during the summer.  Remember iced tea (unless it is herbal) and iced coffee will further dehydrate, you as will any alcoholic beverages.

Don't forget to take your skin care products with you on vacation.  It is also a great idea when you get back from vacation to see your Esthetician for a facial.  It is a great way to replenish your skin.  And don't forget keep applying your sunscreen.

Enjoy!

Is There a Difference In Skin Care Products?

Very often I hear the question is there really a difference between skin care products sold in stores or by estheticians? You may have heard or read reports from beauty editors that there is no difference. I am here to set the record straight. YES, there is a difference! We begin by looking at what factors may determine the cost of a product.

Concentration of active ingredients such as vitamins/anti-oxidants, minerals, essential oils; production costs, advertising and packaging. Let's take a closer look. Drug store brands usually contain lower amounts of active ingredients and are primarily made up of water and fillers. That is how they keep the prices so low. Department store brands have a higher percentage of active ingredients, however, they spend a lot on packaging and advertising, which is passed on to the consumer. When you purchase products from a department store, salespeople with no skin care experience are making the recommendations. Do I need to spend $100 on a moisturizer to have it work, you may ask? The answer is NO. If a manufacturer is adding ingredients of the highest quality and the price of the cream is between $30 and $50, than what would justify another cream selling for $100? The $50 cream has the highest quality ingredients, right? It comes down to packaging, gimmicks, name recognition, and celebrity endorsements. The only exception is when you are purchasing serums, eye creams and specialty products. However, even these should never exceed $100.

In addition, you should always look for products that have no synthetic, toxic ingredients. A natural organic product that uses high quality ingredients should not have to carry a higher price tag than a high quality toxic product.

Professional skin care products contain the highest percentage of active ingredients that are available without a prescription. Therefore, these professional products will be able to treat the skin more effectively. More importantly, the products you purchase from your esthetician will be the correct products for your skin type. There is no guessing or chance of purchasing the wrong product.

Important Things you Should Know Before Going Out in the Sun

Summer officially starts in a couple of weeks but you already may be hitting the beach or the pool.  We hear over and over again how important sun protection is but many of us ignore the warnings.  If you are trying to prevent aging (and who of us isn't?) or more importantly

prevent skin cancer (which is on the rise)  than you must wear sunscreen. 

 

The latest scientific studies tell us that we need a broad spectrum sunscreen.  Most sunscreens in the market protect you from UVB rays.  UVB rays are only partially absorbed by the ozone.  These rays are responsible for causing harmful sunburns and are most dangerous between 10 am and 4 pm.  However, most of the rays that reach the earth are UVA rays.  The UVA rays are present sunrise to sunset and penetrate the skin much deeper. UVA rays can cause free radical damage causing the breakdown of collagen which leads to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and aging skin.  UVA rays can penetrate through light clothing, cloud cover and untinted glass.   Both UVA and UVB can cause skin cancer.  SPF only protects against UVB.  The only safe ingredient to protect against both UVA and UV is zinc oxide.  According the Environmental Working Group many sunscreen products contain oxybenzone which is a hormone disrupter.  It is also an ingredient that many find causes rashes, breakouts and other skin problems.  The addition of green tea, which is rich in antioxidants is beneficial in fighting free radical damage.  Did you know that lip cancer is most common on the bottom lip where sun exposure is the most direct?  So it important to protect your lips as well.

The American Cancer Society advises putting sunscreen on 30 minutes before you go outside and repeat every two hours.  This is where most people make a mistake.  Applying once a day will not protect you all day.  And apply generously.

So please make sure you are wearing enough of the right protection. As they say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

June Flowers Herbs and Skin Care

As the old song goes "June is Busting Out all Over"  and it is with two of my favorite flowers/herbs for skin care.

CALENDULA

My all time favorite herb, Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is the Herb Society of America's herb of the month.  Calendula is used in skin care for it's anti-inflammatory properties. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center Calendula has high amounts of flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants that protect cells from being damaged by unstable molecules called free radicals. Calendula appears to fight inflammation, viruses, and bacteria. Also great for skin rashes.  It addition it improves hydration and may help firm the skin.  I make an oil infused with the Calendula Petals or an alcohol based tincture and then add one or both to most of my Renew Botanical skin care products.  In addition to the healing properties, the addition of the infused oil add a beautiful pale golden yellow color to my products.

ROSE

Aside from being considered one of the most beautiful flowers with a heavenly aroma, the rose has many therapeutic benefits for the skin.  Whether using the essential oils or rose water most skin types can benefit from the queen of the flowers.  The natural oils found in the rose help retain moisture.  I use rose oil in my blends for Renew Botanicals Hydrating Cream and the Hydrating and Rejuvenating Cream.  Even sensitive skin can benefit from rose oil and rose water due to the high sugar content which is very soothing.  Because of it high antibacterial properties it can be beneficial to some types of acne.  A spritz of rose water on the skin is also very refreshing.  Keep in in the fridge and use on a hot summer day. In addition to skin benefits, the scent of rose oil can be uplifting and is said to help those grieving.  For many it is a favorite in perfume blends but only the pure essential oil...many find synthetic rose fragrance overpowering and can give you a headache.  My favorite flower water is blending rose, rose geranium, chamomile and lemon balm. 

Keep in mind that the essential oil that is steamed distilled is referred to as Rose Otto and has a light fragrance.  The Rose Absolute which is solvent extracted and best used for perfumes has a deeper aroma and needs to be well diluted.

If you haven't I hope you try some products that use these wonderful plants.

Change is Good

I'm moving my business.  Well actually I am moving and going back to just having a skin care studio.  For many reasons I have decided to no longer have the retail shop.  Having the shop was a valuable learning experience, and life lesson.  I will continue to make my skin care products and some of my body care as well and of course continue utilizing my herbal and aromatherapy training which is integral to my skin care products.

In addition I will provide customized products upon request.  I am excited that Sixteen Tons, an exclusive men's shop in Baltimore will be carrying my line of men's aftershaves and lotions.

Change is good and I embrace it.

A Snowstorm and a Bad Cold Was Just What I needed.

I am an introvert by nature.  So it isn't unusual for me to spend long hours by myself.  However, most of the time I am working.  Thinking up new products, keeping up with social media, making new products, well you get the picture.  I've been pretty much on the go since I opened the Wellness Boutique in June.  Well on Monday we had a snowstorm, which normally wouldn't have had any effect on my working from home BUT I came down with a bad cold...yes I started taking Elderberry syrup. And the Elderberry did it's job and I am completely better.  But I digress.  With an awful head cold I really did not feel like doing very much except sleep and rest and sleep some more. 

For the first time in months I felt too awful to work on new products, keep up with social media or any work related matters.  I was forced to just rest.  I really needed that.  It gave me the chance to step back, re-evaluate things.  I will share some of these decisions in the coming weeks.  Do you give yourself the chance to rest when your body is telling you to?  If not you really should think about it.

Have you used Calendula?

Calendula  or Calendula officinalisis one of my favorite herbs.  Please do not confuse it with the ornamental marigold which is genus Tagetes.  It is my go to for skin care though it has a wide range of uses. It's anti inflammatory and antiseptic properties is what makes  it shines for many external skin problems and injuries. Calendula can help to heal burns, wounds, bruises, and sprains. It may decreases swelling, clears infection, speeds tissue regeneration, and prevents scarring.

I add it to almost all my skin care products for it tissue regenerating abilities as well as it soothing anti-inflammatory properties.  It is in every baby products to help sooth and calm baby's skin and to decrease dermatitis or eczema.

Much of the healing properties of calendula are because of its high levels of carotenoids (vitamin A like compounds). These compounds are oil soluble therefore, making an infused oil with the Calendula makes sense. 

It is really easy to make an infused oil. Fill a jar about half way with the dried petals (if using fresh petals make sure that your calendula is dry and that the oil completely covers the plant material to prevent mold growth) and cover with olive oil or sunflower oil (I use only organic oils).  Let this oil set in a sunny window for two weeks or more shaking it periodically to help extract the properties from the flowers. Or if you do not have a sunny warm window, you can place the jar in a pan of water or use a double boiler and very gently simmer for several hours.  When ready to use filter the oil through cheesecloth. You can use this oil directly in a balm or just use the infused oil. This infused oil can help with skin regeneration, diaper rash, sunburn, and other inflammatory skin conditions.   

If you have used calendula before please share your experience.  If not I hope you will try it.

Elderberries

So many people are coming down with colds and flu right now it seemed appropriate to begin my weekly herbal/plant medicine post with Elderberries (Sambucus nigra).  Elder, is a flowering tree with berries which grows in some parts of Europe, North America and Asia and has long been used for cooking and medicinal purposes.  All parts of the Elder shrub have been used for thousands of years.  But today I am going to focus on the berries. The berries have a strong flavor, and to me they taste sweet tart. Since they contain precursors to cyanide, it's important to cook them before eating.   

 Some studies have shown that elderberries are effective against 8 different flu viruses.

"In clinical trials, patients who took the elderberry juice syrup reported fast termination of symptoms. Twenty percent reported significant improvement within 24 hours, 70% by 48 hours, and 90% claimed a complete cure after three days. Patients receiving the placebo required six days for recovery. As proof that elder has more to it than the enzyme neutralizing constituents, researchers found that the patients who took it also had higher levels of antibodies against the flu virus." - Rosalee de la Foret - Herbalist.

My favorite way to use the berries for colds and flu is to make a syrup.  It is simple to make and better than most of the store bought brands which are loaded with sugar.  Simply purchase dried elderberries unless you have access to fresh ones.  Simmer 2/3 cup berries in 3 cups of water for about 30-45 minutes. You can add ginger root, cinnamon sticks or dried orange peel even a few cloves.  When done smash the berries then strain. To this add raw local honey.  Keep refrigerated.  It is generally recommended to take 1 tbs every day to prevent cold or flu.  If you are sick take 1 tbs every  hours.  I think it taste yummy.

 Have you used elderberries?  Do you have a recipe for Elderberry syrup or do you have a different remedy to help with colds and flu.

Why a Facial?

If you have never had a facial that may be a question you probably would ask and it is a good question.  Most people don't realize the skin is your largest organ and needs to be cared for just as you would your internal organs.  And although facials are relaxing they are so much more than an extravagant pampering session.

As stated above the skin is the largest organ in the body which protects the body from bacterial invasion. Healthy skin is slightly moist, soft and flexible and is free from blemishes and disease.  Proper nutrition and exercise is important for healthy skin, as well as overall good health. Our health and how we take care of our bodies is reflected in our skin.

The benefit of receiving facials on a regular basis goes far beyond relaxation. Facials naturally slow down aging by stimulating collagen production, increasing circulation and removing dead skin. Removing the dead skin buildup allows the penetration of serums, masks and moisturizers to be more effective. In addition the skin will look brighter and will help rid any congestion. The facial massage you receive helps to relax the senses, nerves and muscles of the face to reduce the visible effects of stress. In addition, the massage stimulates the blood flow to aid oxygen and other nutrients to the skin and its underlying tissue and help in the efficient removal of waste products. Massage also helps maintain the tone of the underlying muscle, therefore preventing sagging and lines from forming. A facial can restore the normal balance of oil and ph for the skin, refining the texture of the skin.

How often you receive a facial depends on you and your skin.  Generally, we recommend every four weeks, especially if you are trying to correct a skin imbalance.  However, even 4-6 times a year will be helpful.  Keep in mind your home skin care regime is just as important...up next.

Herbs In My Life

Since herbs play such an important role in my life and my skin care products I thought it would be fun to post information once a week on a different herb. So starting next Tuesday and every Tuesday until this series is complete, I will discuss an herb and how it can be used. For those of you who are only familiar with using herbs for culinary purposes I hope to introduce you to a whole new way of looking at herbs. And for those of you who are already familiar with medicinal herbs hopefully I will bring some new ways for you to use these herbs and I look forward to you sharing your comments on how you use them.

oil infused with Calendula

Herbs can be used internally in teas, infusions, decoctions and tinctures, depending on the part of the plant used, condition being treated and strength needed.  Teas, infusions and decoctions are made with water while most tinctures are made with alcohol though they can also be made with vegetable glycerin or vinegar.  Externally, herbs are first generally infused in oil or made into a tincture using alcohol and then added to other ingredients to make salves, ointments, or added to any skin care product as I do. I use a variety of herbs in my skin care products and baby products.  I would not add a water based infusion to products used externally unless you are going to add a preservative.  Once water is introduced to a product it is susceptible to bacteria, mold an fungus.

And as my day comes to a close, I love to curl up on the couch sipping a blend of herbal tea.  Tonight it will be a blend of Linden flower, Hawthorne berries and milky oat tops.  What tea are you sipping?

SHOP FOR A CAUSE

Whether you celebrate Valentines Day or not; shopping for a loved one or for yourselves; on Saturday February 8, 2014, from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm,  you can shop knowing  20% your purchase will  be donated to The House of Ruth..   Four local women entrepreneurs/artistisans are getting together to hold an Open House Shopping Event at ReNew Botanicals Wellness Boutique.

 
In addition to helping a worthy cause, the event is an opportunity to purchase locally handcrafted gifts. Shelley Birnbaum, owner of ReNew Botanicals, makes her own organic skin care products, body butters, perfumes, men's aftershave lotion, and much more.   Mattye Hamilton is selling her paintings and her one-of-a-kind hand painted Valentine's Day Cards; Kyndl Walston of Butterfly Bones Jewelry will have earrings, necklaces, cufflinks and rings for sale and Renee Tantillo will be showcasing her handcrafted metal candle holders and sculptures.

Is Winter Reeking Havoc on Your Skin?

This winter has been pretty brutal here on the East Coast.  The Midwest and South have also had record cold temperatures as well as snowfall and California is experiencing the worst drought in years.  This weather takes its toll on the skin.   The skin is easily susceptible to dehydration.  External sources such as harsh wind, winter weather, heating systems literally draw the moisture out of the skin.  Lifestyle also plays a role in dehydration.  During the winter we tend to drink less water and more coffee and tea which acts as a diuretic further drying out our skin. Lack of sufficient fluid intake, excessive salt in the diet, alcohol, smoking, tanning and using the wrong skin care products can also dehydrate the skin.

These stressors on the skin are known to cause the formation of free radicals, which break down collagen and elastin in the skin, causing it to age.  Fortunately, there are effective solutions to combat dehydration. 

• Use recommended skin care products from your Esthetician faithfully.
• USE SUNSCREEN EVERY DAY
• AVOID TANNING BOOTHS
• Do not over exfoliate; more is not better.
• Drink Plenty of Water
• Turn down thermostat in winter; use a humidifier
• Do not take hot showers.  Hot water removes natural oils from the skin.
• Schedule facials according to your Esthetician's recommendation.  
•  Moisturize 2 x Day

We still have a few more months of this weather to deal with but if you follow these simple tips at least your skin won't be longing for spring.

Overcoming the Fear of Pinterest and other Social Media

I admit it, most social media overwhelms me at times.  I am from the era where people communicated in person or by telephone and letters. 

But I am also not one who is stuck in their ways and afraid of new things.  So when Facebook came along and marketing experts said you need to have your skin care studio on Facebook, although I hesitated for a while, I finally jumped in and went full steam ahead with it.  Then it was blogging, so here I am.  BUT Pinterest was a different story.  A few months ago I was told you have to be on Pinterest...so I went onto Pinterest to check it out...it was sensory overload for me.  "Not for me" I said.  But it kept coming up in conversation after conversation that Pinterest is the place for businesses to be and would be the perfect venue to showcase my skin care product line. 

So I took the plunge.  I am there and you can find me at http://www.pinterest.com/botanicalsrenew .

 I think I am catching on and maybe soon I will even learn to love it, I just hope I don't fall down the rabbit hole.

Tea Time

Let me start off by saying I am a coffee lover.  It is part of my morning ritual.  The aroma fill the house and gets me going  BUT as fall approaches I think about cocooning in the evening with a cup of hot tea.  Through the dark winter months there is nothing more soothing, warming and nourishing to my soul than a cup of herbal tea. Of course herbal teas are so much more than that.  I will discuss different herbs and there healing properties in future posts.  This fall I started experimenting with different blends.  My husband who has never been a tea drinking accepted a cup one evening of my Sweet Dreams blend that I created using Chamomile, California Poppy, Valerian Root, Linden Flower, and a few other hersb.  He told me the next morning it was the best nights sleep he had in a long time. 

So I am now making my Sweet Dreams tea blend available at the Renew Botanicals Wellness Boutique.  I will be adding other tea blends in the very near future and don't forget my elderberry syrup kit to fight cold and flu.

So, make your self a cup tea sit back relax and enjoy your evening.

Herbal Workshop: Herbs for Healing the Skin & the Gut

When I opened the Wellness Boutique one of my goals was to offer lectures, classes and workshops to introduce people to different healing modalities.  Since the skin is our largest organ everything we do will have an effect  on the skin.  As part of my ongoing quest to provide education into a holistic way of looking at skin care please join Master Herbalist Olivia Fite and myself for this engaging and informative workshop on herbs that promote healing of the skin and digestive organs. 

We will discuss the wonders of herbs such as calendula, marshmallow root, plantain and much more... Learn simple ways to incorporate these remedies into your life and medicine cabinet. Snacks and Q & A will be provided.

Please RSVP to Olivia via email: oherbals@gmail.com
$15 - Thursday, January 30th @ 6:30 pm-8pm

The Truth About Antibacterial Products

Finally, after 30 years of sitting on a ruling the FDA announced that unless manufacturers can prove that antibacterial soap is safe and more effective than using soap and water it will have to be removed from shelves by 2016.

For me as a holistic skin care practitioner this is great news, only I wish it hadn't taken so long and I wish it would go into effect sooner, but later is better than not at all. 

For those of you wondering what is wrong with antibacterial products here are some facts, the ingredient in these antibacterial products, Triclosan can:

• The can create antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria - The World Health Organization calls it "a threat to global health security"
• Some studies have found that, in animals, triclosan appears to interfere with the body's regulation of thyroid hormone.   If this is the case in humans, too, there are worries that it could lead to problems such as infertility, artificially-advanced early puberty, obesity and cancer.
• It may cause allergies

• It is harmful to the environment.  It is still found after going through sewage plants and has been detected in streams and other bodies of water where it disrupts alga's ability to perform photosynthesis.  

The bottom line is using triclosan as an antibacterial wash is really no more effective than good old hand washing with soap and water according the the Center for Disease Control...just use soap and wash for about 30 seconds...singing the alphabet song if you like.

In my skin care practice and when I make my skin care products I never use any product or  ingredient that may harm humans, animals, or the environment and many like myself have been fighting long and hard to get these harmful products off the shelves.  So a small victory but a victory nonetheless.

Skin Care for Men

During the holidays I introduced a line of aftershave lotions for men.  These were not your typical alcohol drying aftershaves.  While there is some alcohol present in the herbal tincture, the herbs themselves are moisturizing and anti-inflammatory.  More than half of the aftershave is composed of soothing aloe juice.  At present three scents are available composed of my essential oil blends.  Terra Firma which is a deep earthy, smokey blend; Awaken, a fresh blend of lime and bergamot, a little spruce and cedarwood; the last is a classic Bay Rum.

With the overwhelming success of the aftershaves. I am working on expanding a line just for men.  Some men have expressed the idea of a face and body lotion in one while others like the idea of two separate products.  Do you have a preference?  I would love to hear what you think.  Are there other products you would like added to the line?  Beard Oil? Mustache Wax?  I'm all ears.