How to:Herbal Facial Steam Recipe

Herbal aromatherapy facial steams (also known as facial saunas) is one of the oldest methods for naturally  cleansing and removing dirt from pores. Cleopatra used hot stones for her body , including her face, and she was known for her love of essential oils. Facial steams were also used as a remedy for alleviating sinus pain and congestion .Using facial steams is a great way to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin.

Steam recipe for dry to normal skin
1.Bring 2 to 3 quarts of water to a boil
2.Add 3 parts comfrey leaf, 2 parts calendula , 2 parts chamomile , 2 parts rose oil or roses , and 1 part lavender
3. Place a towel over your head and lean over the bowl no closer than 12 inches to the bowl.You can come out occasionally to breathe in cool air. Steam for 5 to 8 minutes.

Remember to relax and inhale all the herbal goodness.

Warning
Be extra careful when handling boiling water,and never place your face closer than 12 inches to a bowl of steaming water. Also ,be sure to remove any make-up before giving yourself a facial steam.

We used rose oil instead of roses

Now remember never get to close to a bowl of steam!

Hidden Dangers in Sunscreen

At the first signs of warm weather millions of Americans including myself, toss off those bulky winter coats and head outside for some fun in the sun. In a sun induced trance, I always hustle to the grocery store and grab the first sunscreen I see with the highest SPF.  The Environmental Working Group recently published a 2012 sunscreen guide which will have you and I both think twice before grabbing any sunscreen off store shelves.



There are several questionable sunscreen ingredients, but the worst offenders are:

1.Retinyle Palmitate
2.Oxybenzone
3.Frangrance
4.Uv Filters

• Uv filters have an estrogenic effect on your body and are known to elevate the levels of estrogen found in women. 
• Retinyle Palmitate - a popular sun screen ingredient, that is a form of vitamin A. However, a 2010 study conducted by the Environmental working group revealed that the use of synthetic vitamin A may speed up the development of skin tumors and legions when applied to the skin.
• Oxybenzone-found in half of the beach and sport sunscreen on the market, has hormone disruptors that can effect regulations of reproductive, thyroid,nervous and immune systems. Experts also warn against using any sunscreen that has oxybenzone in it on children due to their still developing systems.
• Fragrance- according to the Environmental Protection Agency, many sunscreens contain fragrances that can have several hundred unlabeled ingredients, some of which are hormone disruptors and probable carcinogens.

What makes a good sunscreen?

Natural sunscreens that contain minerals such as, zinc or titanium dioxide are the best choices. These sunscreens do not penetrate the skin and offer uva protection. 

What are other ways to be safe in the sun?

• Shade
• Wearing a wide brim hat
• Covering yourself with clothing that offers sun protection
• A nutritious diet that contains foods that are high in antioxidants which neutralize free radicals.

Be sure to consult the 2012 EWG sunscreen guide for more information and list of the best and worst sunscreens.

I love natural Soap

While visiting Saint Augustine, Florida a couple of weeks ago with my amiga Tosha, I discovered Hickory Ridge Organics, which is an awesome soap and cosmetics boutique that specializes in making natural beauty products using ingredients that come from the earth. Most of the ingredients that are used in their products come from local organic farmers. The soaps range in price from $6.99 per 4 oz bar for a body soap- to $7.99 per 4 oz bar for facial soap. They also have a special. You can buy five bars for $30 and you can mix and match. Did I mention that with each purchase you get free samples of other soaps that they sell! Who doesn't love free!

 My personal favorite is the healing clay which is made from clay that comes from the mountains bordering France and Germany. I suffer from mild eczema and the healing clay leaves my skin feeling smooth and less irritated after using. If you are ever in St. Augustine, Florida you should definitely venture downtown and check their store out. If your not going to Florida anytime soon then you can browse their products online at http://www.hickoryridgeorganics.net 

 You should buy this product if..

•  You are tired of commercial soap stores that use a lot of chemicals.
•  Enjoy shopping at local small businesses.
• You want products that are made with natural ingredients  

 Pros 

• Organic
• Vegan
• Variety of soaps to choose from including 100% pure olive oil for sensitive skin
• Smells amazing

Cons

• Plain packaging
• Only a few flavors of lip balm to choose from 

I give Hickory Ridge Organics a 2 out of 3 (green) thumbs up.  I love that they use all natural ingredients in their products, and offer soaps with medical benefits.