As a living, breathing organ, your skin is exposed to all sorts of pollutants called free radicals - from cosmetics, our homes and our external environment.

In our society, we often lather on products containing harsh chemicals without knowing what kind of damage is being done - all in the name of beauty.

The amount of toxins in the majority of cosmetics is alarming and the FDA does not have the authority to regulate the ingredients prior to packaging. Many lipsticks contain lead; formaldehyde can be found in 
nail polish; while fragrances are full of neurotoxins. Considering these products are applied to your skin, which is porous, continued use can have devastating affects on your health.

We are finally beginning to see more and more companies climbing on the "green" bandwagon; however, BEWARE. Labeling and marketing can be deceptive. We have always encouraged our clients to read the labels for all products - be it food, cleaning supports or household products and clothing. Even 1 to 5% toxins can wreak havoc on your body, so always choose products containing 100% pure ingredients.

Ahhhh, how wonderful it is to climb into bed after a long day. It's suppose to be your sanctuary for rest and relaxation, right? But is it?

Our linens can be covered with dust mites, which feed off your dead skin and produce excretions that are unseen by the naked eye,and which cause allergic reactions in most people. If you sleep with your face against your pillow, think about the oils your body and scalp are eliminating that is being rubbed right back onto your skin. What to do? Change your pillowcase every day and your bed linens twice a week - or at least once a week. Also, choose an organic mattress cover and organic linens to avoid synthetics, which may contain toxins (this applies to clothing as well). Be sure to vacuum often and hopefully you are using a bag-less vacuum, because what may be inside those bags is a whole other issue. You may want to read about what's living in your vacuum.

We may have control over products we use in our homes, be it furniture, linens, toys, clothing, cleaning products, or skin care products, but what about the outside environment? If you live in an urban area, you are mostly likely constantly being bombarded by free radicals from car exhaust, gases, fumes and grease from food establishments, etc. You get the picture. What can you do?

Protect your skin from these chemicals. Keep it clean and unclogged. Be sure to cleanse and exfoliate everyday, and apply a natural barrier moisturizer with sunscreen properties. And, of course, that means you should be using natural, organic products. By being proactive and warding off these environment dangers, you are taking care of yourself, and that's a wonderful feeling!

What do you do to protect yourself from these skin gremlins?

This year's winter is definitely here, and while you're taking care to stay warm, keep in mind the important changes that occur to your skin throughout this season.

Colder weather means that you need to take extra car of your skin to avoid possible breakouts. Here are some steps to follow to soothe winter skin.

• Use an exfoliant moisturizer to remove dead skin cells. Be sure to exfoliate gently with a microfiber cloth or a soft scrubber, especially if your skin is extremely dry and easily irritated.  
• Be sure to turn down the thermostat, because the hot air is drier than cool air and your main objective is to soothe dry skin.
• Avoid hot baths or showers. Yes, they may feel marvelous after a long cold day, but your dry skin become even drier. Use lukewarm water and concentrate on washing the areas that have a tendency to get dirtier, such as the face, underarms and feet. 
  
• No worries about the sun, right? Wrong! You still need to protect against sun rays. The snow reflects 80% of the sun rays, so don't forget to use a hat and scarf for extra protection, along with a natural SPF 15 sunscreen. 
• Don't forget about maintaining a healthy diet. Eat foods rich in healthy fats to help soothe your dry skin. Fatty acids are our skin's natural barrier, preventing dryness and retaining moisture. Consume foods rich in omega-3, like flax seed, walnuts, salmon and sardines. 
• Use heavier creams and butters to inhibit moisture loss.

What do you do differently in the wintertime to care for your skin? Share your tips!

At the beginning of the new year, we promised you new products and we are getting ready to roll them out!  It takes a lot of work to make sure our products are ready for you through proper formulation and testing, so thanks for your patience.

Take a peek at what we have in store for you.  We're sure you'll be as pleased with them as we are!

Jagged Defense Shaving Cream 3 oz $25

Our natural shaving cream is ideal for both men and women. It is excellent for a man's bristly beard, as well as for the softer feminine hair on legs, underarms, bikini and Brazilian.  It soothes the skin and helps with razor nicks. Jagged Defense moisturizes, provides a smoother, irritation-free shave, creates slip with superior lubrication and prevents razor drag.  Helps eliminate razor burn and rashes, while protecting against the harsh environment.  You can expect smoother and suppler skin. Works great in combination with our Razor Glide Shaving Oil.

To use:  Massage cream into clean, wet skin to soften skin, uplift hair follicles, and provide slick razor surface.  Shave with the grain to prevent nicks.  Can be used solo or combined with our Razor Glide Shaving Oil for turbocharged results.

Edible Organic Ingredients
Garcinia Indica (Kokum) Seed Butter, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Lecithin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Peel Extract, Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil

Razor Glide Shaving Oil 1 oz $25

Works wonders for both men and women on even the most sensitive skin. Razor Glide provides greater protection, smooth glide-enabling and superb moisturizing properties, giving you a closer, consistently smooth and irritation-free shave.  The organic ingredients help eliminate razor burn due to its protecting ability and moisturizing effect without clogging pores, leaving your skin conditioned and moisturized, not oily.  It applies clear, so you can actually see where you are shaving with no mess! Say goodbye to cuts and nicks!

Our shaving oil is a blend of vegetable oils or silicone oils and essential oils that can be used as a stand-alone shaving lubricant or as pre-shave underneath shaving cream, soap or gel, to facilitate shaving facial and other body hair. If a pre-shave is your preferred method, we highly recommend using it in combination with our Jagged Defense Shaving Cream. Often these products would work best by wetting the area before the razor being used.

The concentrated formula delivers a comparable number of shaves as commercial brands, up to 100 shaves.

To use: Massage a few drops of oil into clean, wet skin to soften skin, uplift hair follicles, and provide slick razor surface.  Shave with the grain to prevent nicks.  Can be used solo or combined with our Jagged Defense Shaving Cream for turbocharged results. Razor Glide moisturizes, provides a smoother, irritation-free shave, creates slip and prevents razor drag.  Helps eliminate razor burn and rashes. Works great for men and women.

Edible Organic Ingredients
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Oil

Calming Comfort Balm 2.5 oz $50

Potent cell regeneration and repair capabilities help to alleviate irritated skin, bumps, bruises, wounds and burns. Treat ouchies organically with our special blend that promotes skin recovery, reduces redness and inflammation of the skin, while helping to relieve pain.  It assists in soothing and calming skin, and aids in reducing discomfort, as it helps restore and protect dry or damaged skin.  It is powerfully antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal, with natural relaxant, anti-depressant properties.

To use: Apply to affected skin and gently massage in, as often as needed. Safe for all ages, including infants.

Edible Organic Ingredients
Dromaius Novaehollandiae (Emu) Oil, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Pentadesma Butyracea (Kpangnan) Seed Butter, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Infused Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil

We are also working on a honey facial scrub that gently exfoliates, tones with anti-aging and anti-acne properties. Sweeeet!

We expect to roll out these new products within the next month, so be sure to check back soon.

What products would you like to see in our store that we don't already offer?

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are derived from fruit and milk sugars.  They work mainly as an exfoliant by causing the dead skin cells of the epidermis to slough off and allowing regrowth of new skin cells.  By exfoliating, AHAs help stimulate production of collagen and elastin, which in turn can improve wrinkling, roughness and mottled pigmentation.  Generally speaking, AHAs in skin care products work best at concentrations between 5% to 8% and at pH levels of 3 to 4.  At this time cosmetic manufacturers are not required to provide concentration information on labels. If the AHA ingredient is listed as the third or fourth ingredient on the label, it more likely contains the proper concentration.  The only way to know the pH of a product is to test it with a pH strip.

Here are the 5 major types of alpha hydroxy acids found in skin-care products and their sources:

• glycolic acid - sugar cane
• lactic acid - milk
• malic acid - apples and pears
• citric acid - oranges and lemons
• tartaric acid - grapes
  

When you choose AHA products, whether they are moisturizers, cleansers, eye cream, sunscreen, or foundations, pick one product that has AHA as your exfoliant, then select other skin care products or cosmetics that don’t contain AHAs to reduce the possibility of skin irritation.  AHAs in a moisturizer base may be the best choice.  Cleansers with AHAs are as effective because AHA must be absorbed into the skin to be effective.  Sunscreens with AHAs are not stable at the pH required to make AHA work successfully.  It is recommended that sunscreen be applied liberally when using an AHA product to avoid sun damage. It should contain zinc oxide and have an SPF of at least 15 for UVA and UVB protection.  As a single ingredient, zinc oxide is the broadest range sunscreen on the market with a long history of safe use. It is not irritating and compatible with sensitive skin.

Applesauce Face Mask

This at-home remedy works especially well for oily skin.  Oily skin is caused by over-active glands, which produce too much sebum. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands. It is necessary as it helps lubricate your skin and carries away dead skin cells. When the skin is oily, too much sebum is being produced. The skin becomes dull and greasy and pores may become clogged.  Fruit acid masks are very effective in oily skin care. They remove the excess oil and dead skin cells, without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

You will need one apple cut into quarters plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon dried herbs for oily skin, such as parsley, sage or rosemary  -- or use other preferred herbs.  The lemon juice will act as astringent, helping tighten large pores and brighten the face, while the malic acid from the apple will exfoliate your skin, sloughing off dead skin cells to make way for new skin.

Heat the apple in a pot of water until it softens enough to mash the pulp.  Remove apple from pot and mash.  Strain liquid and set aside.  Discard the pulp. Add the lemon juice and herb to the liquid. Mix well. Apply the mixture to your face.  Wait 5 to 15 minutes. Rinse off the mask and apply a moisturizer to the face.

Feel free to add your recipes for AHA skin care.