La Isha Natural & Organic Anti-Aging Skin Care

Olive Oil - La Isha's Do It Yourself Summer Beauty Tip of the Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:00:00 +0000

Olive oil isn't just for cooking. It can be used to condition your cuticles, and applied to your skin as a moisturizer. Massage some into your hands and feet before bedtime; cover with cotton gloves/socks for the night. Your skin will be soft and smooth in the morning! #naturalbeauty #doityourselfbeauty #skincare

Make A Fabulous Hair Conditioner - La Isha's Do It Yourself Summer Beauty Tip of the Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:00:00 +0000

If your hair is becoming dry and brittle from being outdoors and getting extra sun, here's a simple yet effective beauty treatment you can do at home.

Apply a combination of coconut, almond, sesame and avocado oils to your hair once a week. Coat hair well, and cover with a warm towel or a shower cap. Leave on for 20 minutes for fabulous conditioning. Mix in some castor oil too, to help prevent hair loss.

Check back with us tomorrow for more summer beauty tips!
#summerbeauty #beautytips

Are You Blushing Yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Tue, 14 May 2013 03:48:00 +0000

by Nicole Heckers for La Ishá Natural & Organic Skin Care

After decades of wearing makeup, believe it or not, I’ve just recently discovered the secret to instantly achieving a glowing, polished and finished look- blush. The best products on the market will give the illusion of an elongated face while subtly highlighting the delicate cheekbone area. Not to mention that with a light touch, you can create dimension and depth, all without looking like you’re wearing a ton of makeup.

In my case, blush is now what lipstick was to me in the 90’s, or lipgloss in the 2000’s. I find blush exciting partly because of how far it has progressed with its soft textures and easy-to-use formulas that have emerged. There are of course creams and powders. But we also have the best of both worlds- the cream to powder hybrid. And let’s not forget the gel based stains and other stains which have evolved into the multi-purpose cheek and lip stain.

Whether you’re an old-pro at blush selection and application or a newbie who has recently discovered the benefits of this delightful product, here are a few tips to help you look your best, simply by adding blush to your makeup routine.

First off, it’s important to prep your skin. The more exfoliated your skin, the easier it is to apply blush and avoid streakiness, splotchiness or the tendency of powder blush to crease. The perfect solution to exfoliate the delicate skin on your face is our popular OrangeCoconut Skin Polish. Fit for everyday use, the wonderful blend of sugar and decadent essential oils will awaken dry, dull skin, while providing the perfectly smooth canvas you’ll need before applying your makeup.

Color is also important. Tap into your creative side and play around with color and layer different pigments. A good rule for choosing color is to wear what you like and that you find you look good in. Start with a light touch and then build in intensity based on the effect you’re trying to achieve. If you have pale skin, you probably want to avoid hues with too much orange to prevent you from looking sallow. If you have darker skin, make sure the blush you use has enough pigment to show up on your skin. Look for a formulation that is buildable and richly pigmented.

Consider formulations that are finely milled (when you’re dealing with powder). The fine texture will help you achieve a flawless, finished look. This is an important consideration for women who are a little older. A high quality, finely milled blush will help avoid the product settling into creases.

Regardless of your age, (unless you’re a teenager), avoid products that are too glittery. The effect you want to achieve is luminosity created by a soft and subtle shimmer.

If you have oily skin, you might want to consider a powder formulation. Those with drier skin might want to experiment with a cream based blush. Gels are fun to play around with regardless of your skin type but they can be a little harder to control. To minimize this issue, again, make sure your skin is prepped and ready after you’ve exfoliated and moisturized. Try our PomegranateMoisture Booster which adds that extra touch of hydration that thirsty skin needs. And if you want your blush to last a full day, use foundation or a setting powder underneath.

Make sure in terms of application that you blend, blend, blend! Blush that is too obvious and streaky will just make you look clownish. There are many techniques regarding the placement of blush. I love the makeup tutorials on YouTube by Goss Makeup Artist. He advocates for alternatives to the traditional method of applying blush to the apples of the cheeks based on where you smile. I highly recommend that you check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIYwe7OW5xQ

At the point where you’re finally ready to make your new purchase, test out the different shades. If you’ve had a makeover at the makeup counter or you’ve been playing with and applying different colors at a place like Sephora, once you leave the store inspect your new look in different types of light. You’ll get a better feeling for whether the color, texture and formulation is right for you or not.

Now that spring is here and summer is quickly approaching, it might be time to try out a new blush and experiment with the amazing selection of hues ranging from coral pink to deep berry. It is remarkable how a little pop of color on your cheekbones can brighten a dull complexion to help you look dewy and radiant. And when you look your best, this translates to helping you feel even more glowing, perfected and youthful on the inside.

Want to Get Rid of Cellulite?

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:48:00 +0000

Now that summer is just around the corner, you may have started trying on swimsuits, and are wondering what you can do about those mysterious dimpled bumps and lumps that have taken residence on your legs and rear end.

Cellulite, often referred to as “cottage cheese” skin, is an unattractive visual condition caused by fat cells globbing together in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin), and collectively pulling on the skin’s connective tissue. This creates a dimpled surface, and is most often seen on the derriere, thighs, and back of the legs. Getting rid of cellulite seems to be at the forefront of many women’s summer beauty issues.

While cellulite may be eliminated or greatly reduced through expensive surgical and laser procedures (be aware that traditional liposuction will not correct this condition), there are simple inexpensive things you can do at home to minimize and reduce its appearance, all by yourself!

Here are several suggestions:
• Brush your skin. If you are not familiar with skin brushing, now is a good time to acquaint yourself with this practice. Daily dry brushing with a loofa or natural plant fiber pad can stimulate a stagnant lymphatic system, increase blood flow, slough off dead cells and increase cellular growth and turnover rate. The best time to brush your skin is right before you bathe or shower. Be sure to follow up with a cool rinse to further tone your skin, and moisturize while your skin is still damp with an essential oil blend created specifically for the purpose of reducing cellulite.

• Stop smoking and cut down on your alcohol consumption. Detoxing your body can be enormously helpful to reducing cellulite. A product I like to use is the detox foot pads carried by many health food stores. These pads contain a combination of Chinese herbs and botanicals that help draw out toxins. I apply mine at night, and always feel better the next morning. You will need to wash your feet well afterwards, to get rid of the funky smell that accumulates on the pad, but it is well worth the extra few minutes added to your morning routine.

• Avoid yo-yo dieting. Frequent fluctuations in weight can stress the skin’s connective fibers and aggravate cellulite. Enough said.

• Some dietary supplements are thought to help repair trauma to the skin. Glucosamine is one nutrient that is often used in connection with cellulite treatments. Be sure to check with your naturopath to figure out the proper dosage for your body weight and type.

• Stay away from junk food! This includes processed foods, saturated fats, diet soda, synthetic preservatives and artificial anything. Too much salt or sugar in your diet can cause you to retain fluids in addition to creating a slew of other health-related problems further down the line.

• Embrace a healthy diet that includes plenty of greens, fresh fruit, veggies and organic protein. Try to stay away from produce that has been conventionally grown using toxic agricultural chemicals.

• Increase your water consumption. Drinking clean, filtered water stimulates the body’s metabolic processes and is a natural diuretic. Be sure to drink 2 glasses of water for each glass of caffeinated tea or coffee that you consume, to avoid dehydration.

• Last but not least, get out there and exercise! Exercise stimulates circulation, brain function, burns calories, and releases endorphins that make you feel alert and vibrant!

By incorporating these suggestions into a healthy lifestyle not only can you look and feel your best, but also improve your chances for cellulite-free skin, and help prevent the deterioration of your body’s connective tissues as you age.

La Isha Natural Skin Care's Mother's Day Anti-Aging Special!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Fri, 03 May 2013 22:56:00 +0000

Feeling responsible for the worry lines you gave Mom?

Erase them with La Ishá Natural Skin Care's Mother's Day Anti-Aging Special!

La Ishá Natural Skincare is the 1st all-natural skincare line dedicated exclusively to safe anti-aging for women 35 and over. Based on clinical grade essential oil therapy, our high-potency line is certified cruelty-free, vegan and gluten-free.

Made without synthetic preservatives, artificial colors or fragrances
Free of all-known potential cancer-causing agents including parabens, phthalates, sulfates and petroleum derivatives
Made with organic, cold-pressed therapeutic grade oils of maximum potency
Never tested on animals
Earth-friendly: packaged in recyclable containers
Always made fresh to order, one small batch at a time for optimal results you can see!

To Get Your Discount: Enter code "HELPMOM2013" in the discount coupon box during checkout and receive an unprecedented 15% off all orders over $70.

Offer expires: May 13, 2013

Please note: this offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts, and excludes our Anti-Aging Skin Care Sampler. Shop early for best selection!

Are you a vibrant 35+ year old women? Help us with our project and tell us what you need! We are listening!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 22:13:00 +0000

Are you a vibrant 35+ year old woman, like we are here at La Isha?

Did you know that our staff and formulators are all women just like you?

We figured out a long time ago that when we look good, we feel good, and that affects everything in our lives including self-esteem, our ability to have satisfying relationships, and how financially secure and successful we can ultimately be in the job market.

Want to take control of your life? Then help us!

We are humbled and delighted to announce the formation of an advisory board for the La Isha Foundation: a philanthropic organization dedicated to uniting women and assisting those of us who need help in rediscovering and pursuing our full potential. We are asking women across the globe to share their biggest challenges, fears and concerns.

Your feedback will enable us to target the specific issues you want help with, and help us figure out how to address the universal needs of women who are entering the potentially most powerful and liberating phase of our lives.

La Isha is dedicated to empowering you, so won't you please help us help you, and tell us what you need? We are listening!

We can be reached on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LaIshaSkinCare, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/LaIshaSkincare or by email at JustBetweenUsGirls@La-Isha.com.

Wishing you the blessings of good health and timeless beauty,

Sharon Gnatt Epel

Founder/CEO

Which Works Better: Oils or Lotions?

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:54:00 +0000

If you are an American woman, chances are that you grew up watching your mama apply lotion to her face and body, but if you hail from Europe or Asia, you are more likely to be familiar with using oils to hydrate and nourish your skin.

There are many pros and cons to using each of these, but the main physical difference between them comes down to percentage of water content.

Lotions need water to emulsify (combine oils and liquids that normally resist being mixed together) and generally require heat to bind the ingredients so that they won’t separate. The downside of this process is that exposure to high temperatures can destroy whatever therapeutic properties are contained within the natural oils. Lotions are also looser in consistency, giving them a lighter, less-greasy feel on the skin. If you tend to have an oily complexion this may not be a concern, but a lighter weight also means that the lotion’s moisturizing effects may not last very long.

If you have dry skin, live in a cold or arid climate, or spend most of your time working indoors in an artificially heated or air-conditioned office, you probably want to use a moisturizer that will last all day. Creams tend to be thicker than lotions, usually contain a higher percentage of oil, and their moisturizing effects last longer. A cream that contains a well-balanced combination of carrier (oily) and essential oils (dry oils) can not only moisturize skin and alleviate dry flaky patches: it can also offer significant antioxidant and health benefits while creating a gentle moisture barrier between your skin and the elements.

Whether you prefer to use a lotion, cream or oil, another important consideration is permeability: whether or not the moisturizer will just sit on top of the skin, or be easily absorbed within a short period of time. In order for a moisturizing agent to do any good, it must be able to penetrate the top layer of skin. Oils in general have a good history of doing this but can be a bit too oily for some people’s personal tastes. Lotions, on the other hand, usually won’t leave behind an oily residue, but their moisturizing benefits seem to evaporate within ten to fifteen minutes, leaving your skin as bone dry as it was before you applied the lotion.

If you are concerned about oils being comedogenic (causing acne or breakouts), you may be surprised to learn that many natural oils can actually be helpful to acne prone skin and will not cause clogged pores. It is the type of oil that determines the likelihood of breaking out, so it is a good idea to read product labels very carefully and research any ingredients that you are not familiar with. Even when a product is labeled non-comedogenic, it is not a guarantee that it is free of all comedogenic ingredients. Retin-A cream contains Isopropyl Myristate, a highly comedogenic and occlusive substance, yet in spite of this, many dermatologists prescribe it for acne-prone skin.

(By the way - if you tend to break out on your neck and back, the true culprit might be residue from your shampoo or conditioner. Make sure to rinse all hair products off your body to reduce the likelihood of irritating skin and clogging your pores).

Ultimately, the best way to figure out what will work for your individual needs is to buy small trial sizes or – preferably – samples of the products you are considering. Be sure to use them one at a time until you find the brand that suits you best. This method of trial and error takes a little time and patience, but is the most sure-fire way to discover which type of moisturizer and brand name will ultimately help protect your skin and keep it young-looking and healthy. Looking beautiful requires dedication and consistency, but when you consider that you have only one body to last an entire lifetime, it is a labor of love that is well worth the effort!

Do You Have Cleavage Wrinkles?

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:02:00 +0000

Cleavage wrinkles are those pesky vertical lines on your chest that make you think twice before putting on a low cut blouse, a revealing nightgown or wearing a sexy bustier.

Usually a result of sleeping on one’s side, cleavage wrinkles form when gravity forces the top breast to extend past the body’s midline while you sleep. These wrinkles can also be caused by wearing tight sports bras and push-up beauties, both of which tend to squoosh the breasts together and reinforce creases in the cleavage.

Lest you start blaming yourself for your "evil" side-sleeping tendencies, you should know that sun exposure and aging both contribute to this phenomenon by expediting the breakdown of collagen in the skin. The reduction in collagen levels causes wrinkles to run deeper and linger longer after you wake up in the morning and assume an upright position. There are various physical devices on the market that are designed to create a buffer between the breasts while you sleep, but in addition to looking silly (especially if you are not sleeping alone), they are often uncomfortable and can fall out during the night.

Our favorite solution to the cleavage wrinkle problem is a topical serum called Breast SOS. You simply massage it into your chest and breasts before bedtime, and wake up with better looking skin and a noticeable reduction in cleavage wrinkles. In addition to smelling divine, Breast SOS is a spa-quality at-home treatment that helps tone and firm the skin, fade sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and restores a tighter, springy resilience to the "girls" that many of us may not have seen in years.

But don’t take our word for it: here is a testimonial from a very happy client:

“La Isha Breast SOS is simply the single best remedy on the market for vertical (cleavage) breast wrinkles that happen in the night. It gives immediate results, couldn't be simpler to use and delivers on its promise. I highly recommend this product to all the ladies who read my blogs and follow my conversation with older women through my website, [...]. I would also recommend it to younger women, none of whom are free from those pesky chest wrinkles. I use it nightly, it works!"
~ Judy Steinberg, Palm Desert, CA. TV producer, author of Fabulous After Fifty and Sexy At Sixty, former President of the Palm Springs Women's Press Club, Public Speaker. Judy holds the Ms. Senior America 2010 title for San Diego County.

Be sure to check out additional testimonials for Breast SOS at https://la-isha.com/products/breast-sos-64ml

La Isha Launches New Website!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:18:00 +0000

Yay! We are launching our new improved website today! Please bear with us as we get the kinks out. If you have trouble placing an order online in the interim, just call us and we will take care of everything! :)

Thanks for your patience!

Starting Over: How a Teenager's Potentially Disfiguring Accident Became the Inspiration for a Natural Anti-Aging Skincare Line

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:03:00 +0000

Reported by Jennifer Ryan, 9News Denver Colorado

Sharon Gnatt Epel never imagined herself as an entrepreneur. She was a concert pianist with her own plans for success. But when tragedy struck her family a few years ago, her new path became crystal clear.

"It was an interesting series of events that happened," Epel said.

It began with her son's trip to Costa Rica when he was 17 years old. He was rafting on a river when officials said he had an allergic reaction to sunscreen.
But his mother knew better.

"It was very scary," said Epel. "Luckily my son had the presence of mind to take pictures."

It turns out it was not an allergic reaction, it was a chemical burn caused by a plantation that allowed dangerous chemicals to seep into nearby rivers.

"Within two hours he had small blisters on both hands and knees," Epel said. "Then, six hours later, the blisters were so huge that they hung over the side of his hands."

When her son arrived back in the states she began treating his burns with essential oils, a move that changed both their lives.

"The injury just started to disappear," Epel said.

Within one month her son's hands transformed leaving Sharon and doctors shocked and amazed.
"I'm thinking OK 'how can I use this?' I had just moved to Colorado, my skin was dry and I was aging badly here," Epel said.

Epel came up with a business plan to use those essential oils that helped her son and create a skin care line to help aging women.

"We are currently the only natural and organic anti-aging skin care company for women over 35," Epel said.

It is a story of success for Epel and her two sons.

"All of a sudden it just clicked, and then something like this happens and you realize 'Oh my god everything I've done has brought me here to do something like this' and it's humbling," Epel said.

To learn more about La Isha skin care go to www.La-Isha.com.

How to Take Care of Your New Tattoo

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:52:00 +0000

Taking good care of your tattoo while it is healing can make the difference between it lasting a lifetime, or quickly fading into oblivion. Preventative care can also keep it from becoming infected and threatening your overall health.

Here are the basics:

1. Keep the bandage on for up to 24 hours unless your tattoo artist instructs you otherwise.

2. After you remove the bandage, apply a thin coat of antibiotic ointment to the area. Be careful not to apply too much or use plain petroleum jelly as both of these may cause the tattoo to fade. Using alcohol or peroxide can dry out tattoos, so steer clear of these too.

3. Keep the tattooed area clean by washing it gently with mild soap and water, and patting it dry with a soft towel. (Do not rub!). When showering, do not subject your skin to direct streams of water that could potentially dislodge the scabs prematurely.

4. Resist the urge to touch or pick at scabs as they form. They are a normal part of the healing process and will fall in approximately two weeks when they are ready. Removing them too early can result in infection and permanent scarring.

5. In case of redness or swelling, gently apply an ice pack to the area. This will help reduce inflammation.

6. Choose your clothing carefully. Avoid fabrics and clothing that could stick to the tattoo, or fit too tightly.

7. Steer clear of hot baths, soaking in hot tubs, and going swimming until your tattoo is fully healed. Same goes for sun bathing and exposing it to direct sunlight.

If you are experiencing pain, excessive oozing, drainage, pus, swelling or itching, please contact your doctor immediately. Allergic reactions to certain dyes are not uncommon, as are infections, so be vigilant. It is always better to err on the side of caution than to endanger your health.

Following these guidelines will help you heal quickly, protect your investment and allow your tattoo to look fresh and vibrant for many years to come.

Looking for Gluten-free Skincare?

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 05:50:00 +0000

Check out this new post by Kit Kat plus Celiac! March 11-2013

La Isha Skincare -Review-

Always on the lookout for a gluten free beauty product I was more than happy to be able to review the La Isha line. What makes this line so attractive on paper? How about

Made without synthetic preservatives, artificial colors or fragrances
Free of all-known potential cancer-causing agents including parabens, phthalates, sulfates and petroleum derivatives
Made with organic, cold-pressed therapeutic grade oils of maximum potency
Never tested on animals
Gluten-free
Earth-friendly: packaged in recyclable containers
Made fresh to order, one small batch at a time

It looks great, and sounds great but I had to test the products to know how well they really work. I was sent a sample of most everything they sell and a full sized bottle of the breast SOS.

Let us start at the beginning of the beauty routine

Gentle Aromatherapy Face wash: This stuff smells fantastic, I loved using it. Not only was it effective but it left a subtle smell on my skin. I almost didn't want to moisturize my face because I didn't want to lose that smell. It was effective in cleaning my face and it left my skin feeling soft.

Orange Coconut Skin Polish: This smells like its name. Also it does a genital exfoliation; since the crystals melt, you know when you are done. It was easy to use and smelled fantastic. This left my skin feeling a little oily. However, I tend to have oily skin. It did make my skin glow, and did exactly what it was designed to do.

Nutrient Rich Face Crème: This was a light moisturizing face cream that didn't have much of a smell but it worked well. My skin absorbed it quickly and it didn't feel heavy to me.

Age Spot Eraser: I don't currently have any age spots but I used this on a darker spot where a dentist had burst the blood vessels and it never healed fully. While it didn't make that spot go away (it isn't intended to) it did make it less noticeable. That is a great plus for me.

Dark Circle Relief: This made my eyes brighter and toned down the dark circles under my eyes. I looked more youthful. This stuff was like gold it did what it was intended to do and took so little to accomplish it. I still have almost a full sample size and I used it for over a week.

Pomegranate moisture booster: You add a drop of this to your moisturizer and it boosts the performance. I did this and my moisturizer felt a little heaver for a while. However, it absorbed quickly and left a nice looking glow afterwards.

Now to my favorite product: The breast SOS, this acted not only as a skin reviver for the breasts and chest area, it also smelled amazing enough to be a perfume. When I finally got my breasts I went from a B cup to a D cup in just under two weeks. Not only was the experience painful, but it also left stretch marks. Those have dramatically faded after using the product. The skin on my chest and breast area has never looked better and I cannot say enough about how it smells. I adore this product, my husband likes it too since he spends much more time sniffing me. I have also noted a lack of blemishes to my chest and breast area (this used to be an issue) I really do have to say that this product is worth every penny and more. According to the claims the Breast SOS is supposed to...

"This patent-pending formula helps fade age spots and hyperpigmentation, minimizes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and the skin-creases caused by sleeping on one's side, and can restore a tighter, sexier, springy resilience to the chest that many women may not have seen in years." It follows through on everything they advertise and more. This product really does deserve every award it has been given.

The only downside to any of these products is that they can feel a little greasy to me at times. However, like I said my skin tends to that anyway. If I were buy myself more of these products I would get the Breast SOS, the Face wash and the Dark Circle relief. These products worked really well on me.

For more information please feel free to visit La Isha, Natural Skin Care, La Isha Facebook, or La Isha Twitter

How to Protect Yourself from 5 Common Hidden Dangers in Cosmetics

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 06:04:00 +0000

Toxic chemicals, hormone disruptors, heavy metals, carcinogens and bacterial contamination…these all sound like problems you are more likely to encounter in a toxic waste dump than in your makeup case. Truth is, even “safe” cosmetics can go bad and expose you to all kinds of health dangers. Here are several potential health disasters that can be avoided.

1. The Danger: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Fungus in mascara.
These germs, normally found in the eyes, settle in your mascara tube after coming in contact with the applicator wand, making it a virtual breeding ground for bacteria. Experts recommend that most mascara tubes be thrown out after about three months of normal use, but be aware that keeping mascara in your purse or your car where the temperature is higher than it is in your makeup drawer or under your sink will reduce the efficacy of the preservative system, thus allowing bacteria to multiply quickly and shorten the product shelflife.
The Solution: Be sure to store your mascara in a cool place. Sniff often to detect early spoilage.

2. The Danger: Mercury and hydroquinone in skin lighteners.
Skin lightening creams are popular with both men and women for reducing the age spots, hyperpigmentation and uneven skintone most of us develop as we get older. Two bleaching ingredients should be avoided at all costs: hydroquinone and mercury. Mercury poisoning can cause serious issues, including neurological problems, memory deficiencies and abnormalities in vision and hearing.

The lesser known but commonly used hydroquinone is associated with a slew of health issues, including toxicity, allergic reactions (severe burning, stinging, swelling, trouble breathing), photosensitivity, possible carcinogenic properties, and ochronosis – a blue-black discoloration on the skin that ironically develops from using the very hydroquinone bleaching creams intended to lighten the skin. These concerns have been widespread enough to warrant the ban of hydroquinone in several countries. The FDA has suggested removing it from products in the U.S. as well, but has yet to do so.
The Solution: Read labels carefully. Be aware that imported creams may use other names for mercury, such as “mercurio”, “mercurous chloride”, or “calomel”. If the product in question does not publish a list of ingredients and you don’t know what’s in it, don’t use it.

3. The Danger: Lead in lipstick.
There is no federal lead limit set for cosmetics and no safe level established for children. However, according to the FDA, lead in lipstick does not pose a significant danger to women if used correctly, citing that the average lead content in lipsticks ranges between 1.11 ppm (parts per million) and 7.19 ppm, well below traditionally acceptable levels. Children six years old and under are at greatest health risk from exposure to lead, which makes one wonder about the potential danger to a fetus in even trace amounts when used by a pregnant woman. Although it is hard to imagine anyone chowing down on a tube of lipstick, small amounts do make their way into the body when a woman eats food, licks her lips, or kisses someone.
The Solution: Remember the old axiom: “when in doubt – leave it out”? It might be wise to err on the side of caution, read labels and opt for a lipstick that does not include lead.

4. The Danger: All-Day Foundation.
As tempting as the notion is of applying your makeup once in in the morning and having it last all day, consider what it takes to make foundation cling to your skin and look flawless no matter what the weather, or how much you sweat in aerobics class. All day makeup usually contains a heavy dose of Phthalates - a solvent routinely used in cosmetics that makes it easier for ingredients to dissolve in water and preserve your picture perfect appearance. This dangerous chemical can be absorbed directly through the skin or simply by breathing it in. Studies have shown that phthalates cross the placenta barrier causing birth defects in both male and female reproductive systems, are hormone disruptors when applied to the skin, cause premature breast development in girls, and may be responsible for increased childhood asthma rates. As if this wasn’t enough, phthalates have been linked to breast cancer since 1997. Phthalates are banned in the EU, but not in the U.S.
The Solution: Deal with looking a little less than perfect. Choose a brand of foundation that is phthalate-free, and simply touch up your makeup throughout the day and night as needed.

5. The Danger: Mineral Makeup
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve no doubt heard a great deal of buzz about mineral makeups. Touted as safe and all-natural because they contain mineral pigments from the earth, many of these formulations contain plenty of other nasty ingredients, including the aforementioned phthalates, parabens (petroleum-based hormone disruptors that mimic estrogen and have been incriminated as a possible cause of breast cancer), titanium dioxide (classified as a possible carcinogen), mica (which is a lung irritant that can cause internal scarring), and talc (which is closely related to asbestos and been shown to cause tumors in the ovaries and lungs of cancer victims). The bigger problem here is the nanotechnology being used to create smaller and smaller particles of minerals that apply smoothly to the skin. Unfortunately it also allows them to become airborne easily and inhaled into the lungs, which is potentially harmful to everybody’s health.
The Solution: You are better off using a liquid foundation and applying a pressed powder (as compared to a loose one) sparingly if at all.

Summary: We all derive great pleasure in looking good. A good appearance is life-affirming: it shows that you respect yourself, and affects the behavior of the people around you. When we look good, we feel good and this can be contagious. You don’t need to give up cosmetics altogether – just take precautions when choosing the ones you do use. Remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Copyright 2013 Sharon Gnatt Epel for La Isha Natural Skincare

Anti-aging and what you need to know about free radicals!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:46:00 +0000

Free radicals are unstable organic molecules that perform some truly positive functions, including fighting off infection and interacting with enzyme function, but they also play a negative role in the aging process - one that contributes to the hallmark of premature aging, tissue damage and disease.

How does this happen, and what can you do to minimize it? Oxidation is the natural by-product of breathing, a system that creates energy in the human body and keeps us alive. It also produces free radicals, molecules that start out fairly disciplined and well-defined, but tend to go rogue as we get older. They are created by a variety of factors including environmental pollution, excessive alcohol consumption, toxic cleaning products, and cigarette smoke. They are always looking for an extra electron they can steal away from another more stable molecule, and tack on to their own structure. The result of this behavior is like a pileup of bumper cars at an amusement park. Imagine the chain reaction set off when one of these molecules manages to pry an electron away from a healthy skin cell. The free radical not only leaves behind a damaged skin cell which is now missing an electron, but turns it into another vampire-like free radical, now on the prowl for its own stabilization. When this scenario is played out over and over again it creates a snowball effect that weakens healthy skin and subjects it to oxidative stress that can be seen and measured in terms of sagging skin and deteriorating health.

Antioxidants, molecules found in many vibrant, colorful foods, are natural substances created by oxidation that help prevent free radicals from destroying healthy tissue. It accomplishes this by neutralizing the free radical and interrupting the chain reaction. Your body’s ability to produce antioxidants is partially dictated by heredity, but significantly affected by your exposure to oxidative stress. Supplementation in the form of vitamins can be helpful, but you must be careful because mega-doses could be harmful or even toxic to the body. The safest and most comprehensive way to cover your bases is to eat a variety of nutritious fruits and vegetables every day. It is the synergy of the components in these naturally occurring foods that delivers the most bang for your buck. Using natural, organic and preservative free skincare products that contain these anti-oxidants can also be extremely helpful by reducing your body’s exposure to toxins and helping minimize the free-radical damage. This in turn will help stave off the aging process and allow you to look younger longer.

A Natural Beauty Treatment for Dark Knees and Elbows

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 21:12:00 +0000

Here’s another natural beauty tip to keep your elbows and knees free of dark splotches.

Squeeze the juice from a fresh lemon into a glass bowl. Take a cotton ball and soak it in the lemon juice…then apply it liberally to your elbows or knees. Leave the juice on for 20-30-minutes… then rinse off with warm water. Make sure you apply an emollient cream or moisturizer to the areas afterwards. You may need to repeat this procedure for a few days before you see results.

As always, before trying out a new product or remedy, you might want to spot test your skin for potential sensitivity. A good way to do this is to apply a little bit of the lemon juice to your skin, then cover with a band-aid to intensify the absorption and leave on overnight. Remove the band-aid the next morning and check for signs of irritation. If you haven’t had an allergic reaction or increased sensitivity to the area, you are good to go!

Got Dry, Cracked Hands? Try This!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 08:04:00 +0000

Washing your hands can deter the flu, but wreak havoc on your skin! Here's how to remedy this...

If you are like millions of people who are washing their hands frequently to avoid catching the flu, you may be suffering from dry skin that is so irritated it may even crack and bleed. What can you do to remedy this?
1. Wash your hands with a mild soap or cleanser. Look for one that contains tea tree oil, which is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.

2. Use a gentle exfoliant to smooth rough skin. You can make one at home by mixing honey, brown or white sugar, and a few drops of oil (extra virgin olive oil works great!). Apply this to your hands and rub gently. Rinse when done.

3. Moisturize your hands immediately after washing them and seal the moisture in by applying a heavy lotion or rich cream onto still-moist skin and massaging it in until it is absorbed. Look for one that contains vitamin E, botanical oils or shea butter. This will help create a barrier between your skin and the environment. Make sure to reapply cream every time you wash your hands.

4. At night, after applying cream, cover your hands (and dry, cracked feet too!) with light cotton gloves. This will help the moisturizer soak into your skin, and you may see and feel a significant difference by morning. Severely dry, cracked skin will require diligence, and can take days or even weeks to heal.

5. Don’t use scalding water to wash your hands.

6. Wear (latex-free) rubber gloves when washing dishes or using cleaning products to limit your exposure to water and abrasive chemicals that can irritate your skin.

7. Drink more water!

You Might Want To Think Twice About Getting a Tattoo If...

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 07:09:00 +0000

Part 4: If You Have Any of These Medical Conditions You Might Want to Think Twice About Getting a Tattoo…

1. Allergies and Skin Sensitivities: Having an allergic reaction to the dyes and inks used in the tattoo process is fairly common among people who have sensitive skin. An allergic reaction can lead to an itchy rash, scarring and other dermatological symptoms that can linger for a long time after getting a tattoo, and actually take years to clear up.

2. Acne: If you tattoo skin that is prone to acne, you can get one heck of a rash that could result in permanent scarring.

3. Keloids: Are you a keloid healer? Unlike regular scars, keloids are hard, thick, red or purple raised scars that sometimes form after trauma to the skin, and often spread to the surrounding tissues. They can develop anywhere on the body and are an over reactive response of the fibrous connective tissue of the skin to anything from minor abrasions, burns or piercings to surgery and severe injury. If you already have a keloid on your body, you stand a pretty good chance of developing more from a tattoo, so think twice before you go ahead with it.

Here is a picture of a keloid that occurred as a result of a tattoo.

Things To Do and Not To Do Before Getting a Tattoo

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 06:59:00 +0000

Part 3 of La Isha's series on Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Tattoos, and Then Some...

Things To Do Before Getting a Tattoo
1. Take the time to visit the parlor and observe the tattoo procedure on someone else before you have it done to your body.
2. Check the tattoo parlor for cleanliness. Make sure they use disposable needles, and/or sterilize them and the rest of their equipment with a professional autoclave.
3. Make sure the artist uses disposable gloves and changes them between clients.
4. Disposable towels and cleaning products should always be used to wipe the skin as the tattoo is being applied. If not, or if the tattoo artist is not wearing a glove, leave.
5. Make sure they are opening brand new tubs of ink and disposable needles that they have not been previously used. This will lessen the chance of catching something communicable.

What NOT To Do Before Getting a Tattoo
1. DO NOT take pain killers like aspirin or ibuprofen beforehand as they may cause increased bleeding.
2. DO NOT get tattooed on an empty stomach because it may make you feel faint, dizzy or even nauseated.
3. DO NOT get tattoed while you are drunk or drugged… your taste in art may be impaired, and you may live to regret it later!

Part 2 of La Isha's series on Everything You wanted to Know About Tattoos, and Then Some...

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 21:49:00 +0000

What exactly is a tattoo?

A tattoo is essentially a puncture wound, where the design is made by piercing the skin with an electrical machine that has one or more needles that deposit dye into the dermis layer (the second – not the top layer of the skin). The cells of the dermis are considered more stable than the cells of the epidermis, and are responsible for the tattoo pretty much staying in place for the duration of a person’s life.

The tattoo process is done without anesthesia and can cause varying levels of pain and even a little bit of bleeding. What determines this is how experienced the tattoo artist is, where on the body the tattoo is being drawn (some spots are more tender than others!), and last but not least, your pain threshold.

btw - The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian word 'tattau,' meaning 'to mark'.

Next Installment: What you need to do before getting a tattoo.

Thinking About Getting a Tattoo?

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 00:26:00 +0000

Tattoos are a form of body art that have been enjoying a resurgence in popularity over the last few years. If you are thinking about getting one, make sure you know what’s involved ahead of time. Over the next few days, we will show how you to assess whether or not to get one, based on long-term beauty and the potential health risks involved. If you are considering getting a tatt, you will certainly want to do it safely, so be sure to read our series on Getting a Tattoo!

How to Fix a Fake Tan That Has Streaked!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 20:12:00 +0000

Okay, it's definitely winter, and in some parts of the country the weather is too cold, the sunlight too sparse, and some of you feeling the need to add a healthy-looking glow to your pale face by applying a self-tanner. Before using one, you should always exfoliate your skin with a loofah or a body scrub to eliminate dry spots that could attract and absorb too much color.

Even if you do this, mistakes do happen. If you have ever gotten streaky or too orange from using a self-tanner, here is an easy way to help minimize the damage, using ingredients you probably already have at home!

You can make an exfoliating paste by combining baking soda with water, and using it to exfoliate the areas where your unnatural-looking color has accumulated. Going over these areas with the baking soda paste will lighten the globbed-on "tan" spots and rub out the excess color in the streaks. Please remember to be gentle, though, and not scrub too hard! This is a gradual process, and may need to be done more than once.

Are you over 35 and still applying blusher to the apples of your cheeks?

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 06:43:00 +0000

Today’s Natural Beauty Tip from La Isha!
How many of us were taught that the best way to apply blush is to smile first and then apply the color to the apples of our cheeks? I recently read an article suggesting that women over the age of 35 should never do this. Why?

When we stop smiling, the face falls, so the blusher winds up lower on the face than would be natural. Smiling also creates little creases in the skin, making it hard to get a smooth finish. Instead, try applying the blusher over the upper cheekbone, and blending the color higher up toward the eye, rather than lower down on the face. This creates an illusion of high cheekbones.

Try it, and let us know what you think!

Peppermint oil soothes sore legs, tired feet, and upset stomachs!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:40:00 +0000

Got sore legs and feet? Applying a drop of essential oil of peppermint to the soles of your feet can be a refreshing, reinvigorating pick-me-up! A cup of tea made from steeped peppermint leaves can also be used to soothe an upset stomach.

Got Dandruff? Here is a Safe, Natural Solution!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 05:12:00 +0000

More Natural Beauty Tips from La Isha'...

Applying Tea Tree Oil to your hair can help prevent dandruff.
You can either mix a couple of drops in with your shampoo and leave it on for a few minutes, or apply a few drops directly to your scalp and massage it in before you shampoo. Remember: tea tree oil has a very strong scent. Be sure to take a test sniff before you decide to use it!

Shea Butter: It's Good for Your Hair As Well As Your Skin!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Gnatt Epel) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 04:48:00 +0000

You probably already know that shea butter from the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) is wonderfully hydrating to parched skin, but did you know that it can also be applied to your hair as a conditioning mask or used in small amounts as a leave-in hair conditioner? Try it! You'll love how soft and manageable it makes your hair feel!