Why Exfoliate?

E X F O L I A T E

What?

According to the World English Dictionary, exfoliate is a verb meaning to wash (a part of the body) with a granular cosmetic preparation in order to remove dead cells from the skin's surface. 

When?

I tend to use a gentle exfoliator (minerals cleansers) daily for my complexion, neck and décolleté. I like to use it at night so that my toners and moisturizers sink right into my skin. I love waking up with a polished radiant complexion.

I use a more coarse sugar or salt scrub several times a week on the rest of my body. I like the oiler scrubs in the winter months because my skin becomes so dry. They are great to use before shaving to help with a closer, smoother shave with less chance of in-grown hairs.

Oilier skin tends to need exfoliated more often. Age and climate also play a roll in how often you need to exfoliate. You know your skin. If it feels or looks dull, you may need to exfoliate more often.  

Why?

• removes dead skin cells improving texture and tone
• stimulates cell renewal making way for healthier cells
• nourishes skin
• leaves skin softer and smoother
• boosts circulation
• tightens skin without removing natural healthy oils
• unclogs pores and helps to rid skin of blackheads
• allows for easier, deeper infiltration of toners and moisturizers 
• prepares skin for a smoother shave
• smoothes rough skin
• reduces blemishes and rashes
• reduces occurrence of in-grown hair
• provides perfect canvas for a more even tan from a bottle or the sun

How?

Brush your skin with a long-handled natural bristle body brush before bathing. Start with the soles of your feet and work in a circular motion toward your heart. Rinse with warm then cool water. Moisturize.

Use natural mineral cleansers, salt or sugar scrubs:

- Wet and apply in a circular motion. Rinse with warm then cool water. path dry. Apply a natural toner and moisturizer or serum.

- Apply salt or sugar scrubs to dry skin. Rinse off in the tub or shower with warm then cool water. Pat dry. Apply a natural toner and moisturizer or serum.

Use a natural loofah or exfoliating wash "cloth" or glove to apply natural cleansers.

Pumice stones work well on heels and other tough spots.

WEEDS: Plantain

Plantain

Plantago major

(The Weed not the Fruit...)

Fantastic nourishing oil for all ages and skin types including sensitive, babies and toddlers.

Nourishing    Revitalizing    Restoring

A natural skin lubricant that treats damaged skin and speeds recovery. 

Relieves itchiness, blisters, pain, swelling, diaper rash and even hemorrhoids. Prevents scarring. (Try some gentle plantain oil for baby's bum!)

Draws out splinters and infection while healing ring-worm, torn muscles and mucous membranes.


Studies have shown plantain to prevent breast cancer, reverse cysts and even early forms of breast cancer (in-situ cancers) and repairs abnormal pre-cancerous cells. This is great news! (Try some Plantain Oil as a breast self-massage oil (or you can always have a partner help out).

The elements (below) of plantain make it a fantastic oil for those of us with anti-aging concerns.

Plant Elements:

Acubin-protects skin from UV rays, wound healer, promotes collagen

Allantion-softens the skin, helps sounds, burns and scars to heal quickly; effective against sun burn and chapped skin and lips; fantastic on skin irritations including diaper rash and cold sores

Beta Carotene-antioxidant, provitamin A, positive impact on the immune system, anti carcinogenic, positive impact on the immune system as well as anti-carcinogenic effects, reduces signs of sun damage

Vitamin K (Linoleic Acid)-essential fatty acid (EFA), antioxidant, may lighten dark eye circles, diminish rosacea and broken capillaries; other redness in the skin, restores skin cells, repairs skin barrier, anti-inflammatory, draws moisture to the skin, great for dry and mature skin

Vitamin A (Retinol)- antioxidant (prevents wrinkles & increases collagen production), manages acne, dermatitis, sun damage, improves skin tissue appearance

Vitamin C-antioxidant, reduces wrinkles and discolrations of the skin, repairs and strengthens skin, anti-inflammatory

Properties:

• reduces swelling
• stops growth of bacteria
• controls bleeding
• promotes discharge of respiratory mucous
• neutralizes toxins
• binds moisture to skin
• cooling
• wound healing
• cough suppressant

I hand craft my own plantain-infused oil using fresh organic plantain and organic extra virgin olive oil. This oil is fantastic to massage into your complexion if, like me, you have anti-aging skin care concerns. It is also great as a massage oil for breast health. 


I also offer my plantain oil combined with other oils for breast health and for healing diaper rash and in a diaper rash salve. 


All $100+ orders placed at my site using the code PLANTAIN (type in note to seller at check-out) will receive a .33oz roller bottle of Plantain Oil with my compliments. Hurry! Only while supplies last!

VETIVER

Oil of Tranquility

My Vetiveria zizanoides essential oil is steam distilled from the root of the vetiver grass organically grown in Indonesia. It is of the highest therapeutic quality. 

The essential oil has a very strong balsamic and earthy scent that may take some getting used to. I personally love it, but that was not always the case.

Vetiver essential oil is know for strengthening, calming and balancing the nervous system while stimulating the circulatory system. It soothes irritability, anger and hysteria while boosting the immune system. 

The essential oil relieves stress and tension, promotes sleep, balances mood and grounds the user. Vetiver also controls infection and inhibits fungus growth.

When used properly, there are no known safety issues for vetiver essential oil.

In 2001 Dr. Terry Friedman studied the effect of essential oils on students who had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He used an EEG to measure brainwaves of the participants.

The study showed an improvement in performance in 100% of the students who were given vetiver essential oil during the study. These students had improved brain activity and a reduction in ADD or ADHD symptoms. 

Parents of the students claimed an improvement in at home behavior, and teachers noted an improvement in school performance.

Because of its balancing and calming properties, Vetiver is one of the five essential oils that I use in my PEACE synergy.

Thanks to Dr. Friedman's study, and my access to the highest therapeutic quality vetiver essential oil, I am now offering a Calm and Focus Kit to help alleviate the symptoms of ADD and ADHD.

Curry for your Complexion?

One of the spices used to make curry is a fabulous root called Turmeric (Curcuma longa). Not only is it delicious in your favorite Indian dish, but its natural healing properties make it fantastic for your skin.

Turmeric is full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It provides prevention and healing for many skin issues including acne, eczema and psoriasis. Great for bruises, cuts and burns as well.

Turmeric is an excellent helper in the elimination of toxins from your skin and body. It also stimulates your immune system. 

This calming and warming oil reduces pain and swelling making it great for joint and muscular pain relief.

Rubbing a natural massage oil containing turmeric on your abdomen may help with digestion, reduction of fluids and prevention of gas. Fantastic for menstrual cramps and nausea, too.

Turmeric powder is what gives curry its yellow color. So, you can expect the oil to be yellowish as well. The scent of turmeric is delightfully earthy, spicy, woodsy and warm.

Turmeric is regularly used in Ayurvedic medicine. Some of its medicinal uses include skin, heart, liver and lung treatments as well as with the treatment of diabetes.

Currently research is being performed on the use of turmeric as a cancer tumor inhibitor, an aid in the recovery of stroke patients, and as a diabetes and Alzheimer's medication. Exciting stuff! 

Turmeric may irritate very sensitive skin and should be avoided during pregnancy.
 
As always, this information is provided for educational purposes and is not intended for any other use. Always follow safety guidelines when using essential oils and never use them without the guidance of a clinically trained aromatherapist or physician.  

If you are a follower of this blog, I would like to show my appreciation for your time by offering a 20% discount on your entire order when you purchase any of my products containing turmeric during the remainder of June. Use Coupon Code "CURRY" at Etsy check-out.