MVOrganics Skincare Blog

Oils for Face and Body: Your Best Protection Against Dehydration and Aging

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:39:00 GMT

Your body works best to combat disease and heal when it receives the nutritive wherewithal it needs to repair and rebuild itself. Most of us know that one of the best ways to nourish the body is by taking Omega 3-6 rich essential fatty acid supplements daily, in the form of either fish, krill or flax seed oils.

While this regimen indirectly benefits skin, you will also see dramatic and immediate improvement in skin quality when those internal supplements are augmented by topical supplementation of oils. This is because when oils are applied to the skin they are absorbed directly into the top layers of the epidermis, where they instantly go to work to improve lipid barrier function.

In addition to being the skin’s first line of defense against environmental assault, the lipid barrier keeps water from evaporating on the skin’s surface, preventing dehydration. If you have dry skin you will see an improvement in flakiness and dry patches almost from the first application. If you have oily skin, you will see oil production balance itself because the skin is not constantly seesawing from too dry to too oily.

MVO Oil Blends

All of our blends are composed of oils selected for specific job performance, for example, our Sun Protective Oil contains UV filtering oils such as red raspberry seed oil while our Anti-Aging Oil+ contains krill oil, high in phosphatidylserine, an important anti-aging fat molecule.

Our Anti-Aging Body Oil is informed by the same careful thought process. It contains oils which have been selected for their fatty acid composition to help: hydrate and protect the skin, fight wrinkle formation, encourage regeneration of healthy skin cells, and prevent premature aging of the skin. In addition to their nutritive benefits, some of the oils also have deeply penetrative and cleansing properties. The result of our attentive balancing act is an overall blend that is therapeutic on many levels without ever feeling heavy or greasy.

Jojoba-- Jojoba is actually a liquid wax, not an oil, and closely resembles the natural sebum within our skin. This makes it an excellent moisturizer for all types of skins, as in addition to balancing sebum, thereby controlling the production of oily matter, its emolliency renders dry skin soft and supple.

Avocado-- This highly therapeutic oil is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B5 (Panthothenic acid), Vitamin D, E, minerals, protein, lecithin, palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. It is also high in sterolins, which are reputed to reduce age spots and help heal sun damage and scars.

Apricot kernel seed-- Rich in essential fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid, apricot kernel oil is high in vitamin A. Since it penetrates easily it is a good oil for prematurely aged, dry or irritated skin, helping it retain its elasticity, clarity, and suppleness.

Watermelon seed—The rich composition of essential fatty acids contained in watermelon seed oil, especially Omegas 6 and 9, helps restore elasticity to the skin. Non-greasy yet highly moisturizing, it aids in dissolving sebum build-up.

Vegetable squalene --Squalene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon found in human sebum and deep sea shark liver oil. Vegetable Squalene is derived from the oil of freshly pressed olives, and is prized for its deeply hydrating properties. It is so healing it is often used in formulations for eczema and psoriasis where relief from dry, itchy and damaged skin is needed.

Why body oil? Because putting oil on your skin is good for your whole body, inside and out, and it isn’t just your face that ages!

Anti-Aging Products You Don't Need

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:51:00 GMT

Dr. Oz’s beauty blog has some very good advice on which anti-aging products don’t give you much bang for your buck. Last week’s post, Three Anti-Aging Products You Don’t Need points out it can be difficult to sort out the hype from the facts, especially when it comes to anti-aging products. Many of the ingredients being touted as providing the fountain of youth are actually still in the experimental stage.

Not mentioned are the “hidden costs” of some products or some of the solutions offered as alternatives. Some of these products may contain ingredients that increase your body’s chemical burden, and given the level of exposure we already face we don’t want to add to it by slathering potentially toxic materials onto our skin, especially when safe, easy and effective alternatives are readily available.

1. What you want in a cleanser

Cleansing: A cleanser is designed to clean your skin. Period. Because you put it on, then wash it off, you don’t need or want anything fancy. For daily cleansing, try tepid water only in the morning and a gentle cleanser at night when you need to remove make-up and accumulated grime. Dry sensitive skins like non-sudsing gels, but if you are partial to that super-clean feeling use a cleansing gel that contains a sugar-derived surfactant.

2. What to do for chapped lips

It’s a struggle to keep lips from chapping, especially in cold weather, but many people are hesitant, and for good reason, to use the one thing that REALLY seems to work, namely, petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly is an excellent occlusive that holds in moisture splendidly, but putting a by-product of petroleum processing on your lips means you will almost certainly ingest some of the contaminants it is likely laced with. Here are some alternatives that I find work well.

Coconut oil is a saturated fat, meaning it is solid at room temperature and thus quite thick. It is safe to use on the lips whenever desired, because in addition to its excellent moisturizing properties it is also a healthy food.

Shea butter, cocoa butter and mango butter are good occlusives, but are very hard at room temperatures. There are various chapsticks and so on that contain shea butter, and these are quite safe and pleasant to use.

Exfoliating lips with macademia nut butter is very effective. This butter is quite granular, so you get mechanical scrubbing action combined with great emolliency after the butter dissolves.

3. Keep retinols and AHAs separate

The problem: Ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and retinols occupy important places in the anti-aging war chest: alpha-hydroxy acids like lactic acid exfoliate by dissolving the glue that holds dead skin cells together, leaving skin smoother and with more even skin tones, while retinols increase both cell turn-over rate and collagen production. However, each of these ingredients when used in excess has a tendency to irritate skin. Combining the two together in one product can also irritate skin, and the reason this doesn’t happen more often with dual combination products is due to pH incompatibility. AHAs are acids, that is they do their work at low pH, while retinols work at a higher pH.

The upshot is that in most combo products only one ingredient will be working, though you are paying for both. On the other hand, if you are “lucky” enough to have found a high tech product where one of the ingredient is encapsulated, allowing both to act at the same time, you might be getting what you paid for but more than you bargained for—if your skin becomes irritated it could be the product is doing its job too well! Either way the price is too high, especially when a simpler and much safer approach exists that lets you control the level of exfoliation so it is always appropriate for your skin type.

Using AHA’s and retinols effectively

AHA’s: When you are ready for an exfoliation try an AHA/BHA/enzyme peel, but no more than once a week. AHAs and BHAs can also be a part of your daily cleanser, but AHAs in a night time lotion are overkill. AHAs like glycolic acid should also never appear in your day serum, and especially never in a sunscreen.

Retinols: Use your retinol/Retin-A product at night according to your doctor’s recommendation, and feel free to use an oil blend or a night time moisturizer over it if your skin feels dry and irritated. Make sure the moisturizer does not contain an AHA.

Sunscreen: Your skin is thinner and more susceptible to UV exposure when using an exfoliating product (this includes retinols) so wearing sunscreen every day, rain or shine is a crucial anti-aging step. NEVER use a sunscreen containing either an AHA or a retinol.

Image source: Technorati

Why Oils are More Beneficial than Lotions

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:11:00 GMT

There are two major reasons why body oils are better than lotions for your skin, the overall health of your body, and even the health of the environment! Both have to do with the chief components of each product. Lotions are principally composed of wax and water, with a few oils thrown in, and generally rely on a strong scent of some sort to give them their appeal.

By contrast body oils are usually composed of a combination of oils selected for their ability to nourish the skin and penetrate quickly. Their appeal comes from the fact that they make your skin feel smoother and more supple without leaving a greasy film. Of course, oils vary greatly in their therapeutic value, so it’s important to read the labels. We discuss below some things to be aware of when selecting a body care product. First let’s take a look at why oils are a more beautifying choice than lotions, then we’ll go on to examine why oils are also a healthier choice.

Wax and water vs oils

The recipe for most body lotions is a large amount of water and a small amount of oil held together with a plant or animal emulsifying wax. (As an interesting side note, a common practice in the skin care industry is to add a few organic botanicals to the water phase—if the botanical infusion (which is primarily water) content is 70% or higher the finished product qualifies as “organic” under current regulations.)

Waxes form an occlusive layer on the skin, which helps to hold moisture in. However, the law of diminishing returns eventually kicks in with waxes. Because lotions and creams hold in moisture they seem to work well at first, but as time goes on the wax barricade prevents oils from delivering nutrients, like essential fatty acids, to the skin, leaving it less equipped to prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Many people then encounter the paradox that the more often they apply lotion to combat dry skin the drier their skin gets! You’ve heard the expression, “works like a well-oiled machine”?

Like the rest of your body, your skin needs fats and oils for lubrication and optimal function, not wax. Wax build-up can also clog pores--waxes, not oils, are the one of the main causes of skin congestion. You wouldn’t put wax on your bicycle chain after all.

Synthetic Fragrances vs essential oils

The biggest problem with most body lotions is that they are heavily scented with synthetic fragrances. Being mostly wax and water they lack intrinsic health benefits, so are marketed instead as feel-good/smell-good “treats” for body and soul. The parallel between highly scented body care products and junk food is quite exact—no nutritive value but you get hooked on the smell and/or taste and associate them with a feeling of comfort. Unfortunately, getting hooked on scents can, over the long term, have as much of a negative impact on your health as being a junk food junkie. Here’s why:

1) In “Making Sense of Scents,” Julia Kendall et al tell us: “In 1986 the National Academy of Sciences* targeted fragrances as one of the six categories of chemicals that should be given high priority for neurotoxicity testing. The report * states that 95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and many other known toxics and sensitizers - capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.” "Neurotoxins: At Home and the Workplace" (Report by the Committee on Science and Technology. U.S. House of Representatives, Sept, 16, 1986) [Report 99-827]

2) Phthalates are present as a component of most synthetic fragrances, and are used to fix the scent. Jane Houlihan, Vice President of the Environmental Working Group research Group, wrote recently about the phthalate risk to public health: “Over the past seven years a series of scientific studies has demonstrated that the U.S. population faces chronic exposures to complex mixtures of phthalates. Over that same period scientists have published a number of epidemiology studies linking the chemicals to birth defects in baby boys and reproductive problems in men. This evidence joins many dozens of laboratory studies proving phthalates to be potent reproductive toxicants that target the male reproductive system, posing the greatest risks during development.”

Beyond fragrance-free

One way to limit your risk is to avoid products that list “fragrance” or “parfum” as one of the ingredients. But beware, “unscented” does not mean the product contains no fragrance—it means that a masking fragrance in addition to other fragrances may be present. You can look for “fragrance-free” on the label, but bear in mind that fragrances and trade secret formulas are exempt from the FDA requirement that all ingredients contained in a product be listed on the label.

Accentuate the positive

Most body care products smell like something—the public demands it. To make sure your product does not contain synthetic fragrances you can look for fragrance-free on the label, which is helpful in some cases but not always. You can also look for essential oils on the label. Essential oils are volatile liquids extracted from plants that retain the smell and taste of the original plant. Contrary to synthetic fragrances, many essential oils don’t just smell wonderful, they also have therapeutic properties. Responsible organic companies (and some do exist) do not use synthetic fragrances, and list the essential oils that they do use on their labels.

Saturday Spin: Nanomaterials Risk, Kale Wonders and a Very Special Event

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:30:00 GMT

We’ve scoured the Net for this week’s Saturday Spin top picks of resources worthy of your time. You'll learn about the rising concern regarding nanomaterials, how consumer products are wrecking your immune system, how to add more vegetables to your diet (painlessly), how to stay hydrated and why Andre 3000 is smitten with kale.

10 Easy Ways to Eat More Vegetables

The love of vegetables can be deceptive. Even though I adore Brussels sprouts, and kale and I should have made it legal years ago, I recently realized with a jolt of surprise that I don't eat nearly the amount of vegetables this love affair would suggest. Something didn't add up. To help me (and you) out, here are the top 10 tips from our readers on packing more vegetables into real-life meals and cooking. Read more

With Prevalence of Nanomaterials Rising, Panel Urges Review of Risks

Tiny substances called nanomaterials have moved into the marketplace over the last decade, in products as varied as cosmetics, clothing and paint. But not enough is known about their potential health and environmental risks, which should be studied further, an expert panel of the National Academy of Sciences said on Wednesday. Read more

The New Immune System Wreckers: Consumer Products

Never heard of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs)? They’re used in many of the most common consumer products, including non-stick coatings, waterproofing chemicals, and stain-resistent coatings on clothing, furniture, food packaging, non-stick pans, shiny coatings in pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, etc. They get into food, drinking water, and dust from coated products. And, then, into our blood and bodies. Read more

Outkast's Andre 3000 Gets His Kale On

"Being that I'm from the South, I've eaten collards, mustard and turnip greens all my life. I was introduced to kale a few years ago and fell in love with the way you can instantly stir fry or pan fry it. Kale is also nutritious, and by not boiling it to death like classic southern greens, most of that nutrition stays intact." Read more

How to Stay Hydrated Effortlessly & Indulgently

One of the main reasons why so many suffer from dehydration is because they just don’t like drinking plain water. I feel you. Unless I have reached the level of extreme thirst, I don’t typically reach for a bottle of water. Since I don’t enjoy waiting until I reach that point to hydrate my body, I have found some tasty ways to keep my body well hydrated and feeling awesome. Read more

A Very Special Event with our Founder Marie Veronique Nadeau

You are cordially invited to join us in celebration of Valentine's Day. Sip on champagne, nibble on chocolates and meet our founder, Marie Veronique Nadeau. You'll have the opportunity to experience our entire natural skin care line, and receive a complimentary skin consultation with recommendations on how to address your individual skin concerns.

Everyone present will be entered in a drawing to win a special 8 ounce bottle of their Anti-Aging Rose + Neroli Body Oil (valued at $126). Additionally, guests will receive a 1 ounce bottle of the luxuriously-scented body oil with any purchase that day.

Learn more: http://mvorganics.com/valentine

Latest from our Blog

Lactic Acid: Safe, Natural Skin Lightening Alternative

It’s no secret, we are huge believers in the natural power of Lactic Acid. From anti-aging and anti-wrinkles to sensitive skin conditions like rosacea and hyperpigmentation--lactic acid is a versatile and safe alternative to the harsh toxins and carcinogenic alternatives in most of today’s skincare products. Read more

Lactic Acid: Best, Natural Defense Against Aging and Wrinkles

Most recently, new information regarding LA as an effective ingredient used in anti-acne treatments has brought this powerful, natural skincare staple into the limelight again. And, while many within the skincare industry increasingly tout the benefits of lactic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids--we’ve been lactic acid fanatics since our humble beginnings in a Berkeley kitchen. Read more

Lactic Acid: Safer, Natural Skin Lightening Alternative

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:34:00 GMT

It’s no secret, we are huge believers in the natural power of Lactic Acid. From anti-aging and anti-wrinkles to sensitive skin conditions like rosacea and hyperpigmentation--lactic acid is a versatile and safe alternative to the harsh toxins and carcinogenic alternatives in most of today’s skincare products.

Lactic acid (LA) is a versatile alpha hydroxy acid derived from sour dairy products and fermented fruits and vegetables. Among its many standout benefits above all other AHAs, lactic acid is also one of the many ingredients that fit the bill in terms of being natural and safe to use for effective skin lightening.

The alternatives, like hydroquinone, are known carcinogens and should be avoided. A skin lightening active agent is defined by the US FDA as : “an agent designed to bleach or otherwise lighten limited areas of hyperpigmented skin through suppression of melanin formation within human cells.” The goal is of course to use safe ingredients that deliver the same lightening results people see when they use a product containing hydroquinone.

Despite the skincare industry standard of using ingredients that are known carcinogens, studies show that combinations of safer, natural skin lightening ingredients can deliver similar results but without the risks. For instance a study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science shows that “lactic acid produces very noticeable results when combined with ascorbic acid.”

Lactic Acid as a Skin Lightener

A serum containing a combination of tyrosinase inhibitors like licorice root, paper mulberry and lactic acid can lighten skin safely, over time. Adding ascorbic acid will certainly speed up the lightening process, but it very important to be aware of Vitamin C’s special limitations. Because ascorbic acid is so unstable it must be used fresh each time in order to be effective. You can ensure freshness by combining a small amount of Vitamin C powder to the serum each time you use it. In this way Vitamin C will act as an anti-oxidant and as a tyrosinase inhibitor, just as you want it to. The MVO skin lightening topical supplement also contains kojic acid, another powerful tyrosinase inhibitor. We combine it with the Vitamin C powder in the topical supplement because kojic acid is, like so many really active ingredients, unstable. The good news is that its instability is the key to its effectiveness--as long as it is used correctly.

AHAs Increase UVA Susceptibility

It is very important to remember that any course of skin lightening treatment is going to make your skin more vulnerable to UV rays. You particularly want to avoid the longer wave length UVA rays, as they are the rays responsible for hyperpigmentation. Follow these rules so that you do not undo all your efforts to improve your skin’s appearance.

Wear sunscreen SPF 20 to 30 every day, rain or shine, indoors or out. Make sure it is broad spectrum. Zinc oxide protects across the broadest UVA range (up to 400 nm) and is your best choice.
Use skin lightening treatments at night. Be patient. Natural treatments are slow, but they have the added benefit of being good for your skin. You will see anti-aging effects along with your skin lightening improvements. Avoid serums that already contain Vitamin C, as it is only fresh, non-oxidized Vitamin C in sufficient concentration (10% or higher) that is effective.

Feeling the lactic acid love?

Dig deeper into the science behind lactic acid in skincare or learn more about its anti-aging, anti-wrinkle benefits and versatility as a anti-acne treatment.

Lactic Acid: Best, Natural Defense Against Aging and Wrinkles

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:26:00 GMT

Lactic acid (LA) is a versatile alpha hydroxy acid derived from sour dairy products and fermented fruits and vegetables. Since its discovery inside the beauty industry, lactic acid has been proven to benefit the fight against aging and wrinkles, alongside a growing number of different skin conditions.

Most recently, new information regarding LA as an effective ingredient used in anti-acne treatments has brought this powerful, natural skincare staple into the limelight again. And, while many within the skincare industry increasingly tout the benefits of lactic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids--we’ve been lactic acid fanatics since our humble beginnings in a Berkeley kitchen.

The Better, Gentler Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Lactic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids are exfoliants that have long since been used to impede or delay skin aging. Exfoliants encourage the removal of dead skin cells on the surface, triggering an increase in cell turnover and renewal. Unfortunately, LA is often grouped with other AHAs, such as glycolic acid, because of the similarity of benefits they deliver as a whole. However, it’s important to understand how LA is different from other AHAs and why it is the clear winner in the fight against aging and wrinkles.

Lactic acid is less prone to cause skin irritation because it does not penetrate the skin surface as deeply as other AHAs. This makes LA a top pick for sensitive and rosacea prone skin.
Lactic acid has powerful humectant properties, helping your skin increase water content. Other AHAs tend to have the reverse effect of drying your skin.
Lactic acid stimulates the natural way your skin stays plump and pliable, providing true hydration beyond surface levels unlike other AHAs which provide only artificial, temporary benefits.

Buyer Beware: AHAs in Anti-Aging Products

Next time you’re browsing the skincare aisle at your local store or shopping online, remember these important AHA guidelines:

In Cleansers—Avoid Glycolic Acid
The exfoliating action of lactic acid in a cleanser will be very gentle, while the humectant properties will keep skin soft and moist. You will not get the drying effect of the stronger AHAs like glycolic acid.

In Facials---Lactic Acid is Best
Most skin types, including but not limited to mature and sensitive skin, would be well-advised to choose lactic acid peels. Professional treatments use lactic acid peels at higher concentrations and are very effective without being irritating. In between professional treatments you can use yoghurt or sour cream, both of which contain lactic acid, when your skin needs a pick-me-up.

In Serums—Don't Over Pay for Hyaluronic Acid in Topical Serums
Hyaluronic acid is the most important glycosamineglycans (or GAG for short) in the dermal matrix, keeping skin plump and pliable. Unfortunately trying to get hyaluronic acid into the dermis via topical applications of serums which contain HA does not work, because the molecule is too big to penetrate. While these serums do act as emollients, smoothing and softening the top layers of the epidermis, they are not humectants. A humectant helps skin retain moisture, and in the case of lactic acid it does so by stimulating biosynthesis of glycosamineglycans (like hyaluronic acid) in the dermis. Thus LA is much more effective at actually plumping skin than serums containing ingredients like HA that merely sit on the skin's surface. These HA serums tend to be expensive and do not live up to the claims that are made for them.

A special note about AHA safety:

The FDA has ruled that AHAs, including lactic acid, do increase sun sensitivity. Special care should be taken when using AHAs as part of your anti-aging skincare regimen. Follow these 2 simple rules to protect your skin:

1. Wear sunscreen SPF 20 to 30 every day. Studies show an increase in sun sensitivity with AHA use, but even an SPF 2 eliminates the sensitivity.
2. Use AHA treatments at night. Some sunscreens and day lotions actually contain glycolic acid in them. Never use a day lotion or a sunscreen that contains an AHA.

Feeling the lactic acid love?

Dig deeper into the science behind lactic acid in skincare or learn more about its anti-aging, anti-acne benefits and versatility as a natural skin lightener.

Saturday Spin: Food Label Lies, Child's Potato Experiment, Twinkie Reality and Beyond

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:28:00 GMT

We’ve scoured the Net for this week’s Saturday Spin top picks of resources worthy of your time. You'll learn about 5 spices with wonderful benefits, 7 super foods you must have in a healthy diet, how to manage stress, the truth inside a Twinkie and much more. Let's dive in!

5 Spices that do Amazing Things

A great resource from Care2, the list includes tumeric, fennel seeds and ginger, with an explanation of each's benefits for your body... and skin. "To get you started, here are five easy-to-find spices I hope you’ll begin cooking with more often, starting today. May they and other spices become a friend to your health — and the pride of your kitchen!" Explore the 5 spices

The Super 7: Food with Benefits

Load up on the "Super 7" -- the seven most nutritionally-valuable foods you can buy. What makes them super? Few calories, little sugar or salt plus lots of soluble fiber, nutrients and health-boosting phytochemicals, and not a drop of guilt should you overindulge! So, if you want to weigh less, look and feel great, the magic pill you've been looking for is in the organic produce aisle and at the seafood counter. Here are the "Super 7" -- the building blocks of excellent nutrition and sustainable wellness. Explore the Super 7

Nanomaterials Used Freely in Consumer Products Under FDA Watch

What do you do if a government agency charged with protecting you from unsafe products refuses to do its job? Well...there are a good number of ways you can express your concerns. You can petition the agency, send the agency formal comments or you can even meet with agency representatives in one of its many offices. What if none of those options work? If that’s the case, then you need to use the law directly to defend your health and rights, which is exactly what Friends of the Earth decided to do a couple of weeks ago when we filed the first lawsuit on the health and environmental risks of nanotechnology and nanomaterials. Learn more here

Looking Inside the Twinkie

The news that the food maker Hostess filed for bankruptcy protection has triggered a national discussion of its products, including Wonder bread, Ho Hos and that nostalgic lunchbox favorite, the Twinkie. Learn the shocking truth about your favorite childhood treat

What Terms on Food Labels are Lies?

Healthy Child Healthy World has an excellent post, featuring the top food label lies mean to confuse consumers about the real ingredients found everyday in your grocery store. Read the full list here

5 Meatless (and Tofu-free) Foods to Keep You Satisfied

Whether you're looking to cut calories or reduce your carbon footprint, reducing your meat intake is a trendy (and healthy!) way to manage your diet. Instead of foregoing this versatile food group, consider participating in Meatless Monday or lowering your meat intake to one meal per day. Try adding one of these five foods into your week's meals to enjoy the satisfaction and heartiness of meat without the meat. Read the full list here

Lessons from a Potato Project

This is an excellent video, from a young girl who discovered important truths about "organic" foods while completing a potato project for school.

Discover good reads worthy of our time this week, we'd love to hear about them!

Leave a comment below with your top picks:

Hydrate and Protect Your Skin During the Winter Months and Beyond

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:04:00 GMT

As we move through the winter months and head into spring it's time to revise our skin care routine to hydrate and protect our skin. But not by much—we all know by now that we don’t pack away our sunscreen along with the bathing suits until summer. Here are a few tips to make the remaining winter months easier on you and your skin.

Keep Your Skin's Environmental Barrier Intact

The stratum corneum, the top layer of skin, keeps moisture in and protects against all sorts of environmental assault, whether cold, wind, glare or UV rays. This lipid barrier requires almost constant replenishment as wind, cold, sun exposure and too much indoor heating leads to lipid loss which compromises its integrity.

We recommend applying Sun Protection Oil under Everyday Sheer Coverage in the morning and Anti-Aging Oil + at night to replenish lost barrier lipids.

When outdoors, Sun Protection Oil may be reapplied whenever Everyday Sheer Coverage is reapplied, if desired.

Misting before the oil application with Anti-Aging Mist hydrates the skin and helps the oil spread more smoothly, while the green tea provides extra protection from UV rays.

UVA Protection Every Day

We now know that the best way to delay the visible signs of aging is to make year round UV protection part of your daily routine. Ideally your UV protection will contain zinc oxide, which is proven to provide the broadest spectrum of protection, up to 400 nm. This covers the whole UVB and UVA range, i.e., from 280 to 400 nm.

Everyday Sheer Coverage with its 16.6% non-nano zinc oxide protection is perfect for the fall and winter months. UVA protection is essential because even on sun-free days UVA rays, sometimes referred to as the aging rays, are present from sunrise to sunset, penetrate clouds and glass and are 1,000 times more prevalent than UVB rays.

They are called the aging rays because they:

Cross link collagen and elastin
Damage DNA
Are potentially carcinogenic
Turn melanin darker and create problems of hyper-hypo-pigmentation (sun spots)
Induce broken capillaries

A Lower SPF is Generally Okay in The Winter Months

Since in most geographical settings you will be receiving less UVB exposure (the earth orbits away from the sun during winter, which especially affects northern latitudes), an SPF of 15-20 is usually sufficient during winter months.

We recommend our Everyday Sheer Coverage, SPF 20

A Higher SPF is Still Required in Certain Conditions

An SPF of 30 would be recommended during the winter months in the following conditions:

1. Latitude UV levels are greater in tropical areas near the earth’s equator. The farther you are from the equator, the smaller your risk of too much UVB exposure

2. Altitude As you ascend atmospheric pressure decreases, air is thinner and less oxygen is available. It is also colder, drier and the ultraviolet rays from the sun are stronger.

3. Setting UV levels are greater in wide open spaces, especially when highly reflective surfaces are present, like snow and sand. In fact, UV exposure can nearly double when UV rays are reflected from the snow. UV exposure is considered less likely in urban settings, where tall buildings shade the streets. But beware of traffic jams or settings where glare from shiny surfaces can inflict damage. Many people will spot developing problems first on the side of the face that gets the most ultraviolet exposure while driving.

4. Climactic conditions Extreme cold and wind strip the skin of the protection provided by the lipid barrier, found in the uppermost layers of the epidermis called the stratum corneum. Skin is more vulnerable to burns under cold, windy conditions because UVB rays partially blocked by the strateum corneum penetrate more readily.

In these conditions, we recommend using Moisturizing Face Screen, SPF 30

Image Source

Natural, Organic Skin Care versus “Fast Food” Skin Care

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 02:48:00 GMT

While many are flocking to organic food to avoid the perils of processed fast food, organic skin care is often overlooked, despite being more beneficial than "fast food" skin care. In the first part of this series, 7 reasons organic skincare is better, we outlined how the same line of reasoning about the benefits of organic foods also applies to what you put on your skin. This is because your body works hard every day to keep you healthy, but it can only work with what you put in it and on it. Unprocessed, natural food is better for you and tastes better. With natural skin food, you’ll not only feel better, you’ll LOOK better too.

Below is a table that lists food and skin food equivalents, and how they work to build and maintain a healthy AND beautiful you.

Fast Food Ingredients	Organic Food	Fast Skin Food Ingredients	Organic Skin Food Ingredients
Hydrogenated fats/trans fats, leads to Heart disease and aging.	Omega 6 and omega 3 rich oils, leads to healthy vascular system	Waxes, stearic acid, hydrogenated oils and trans fats, leads to Clogged pores/ loss of natural lubrication/bacterial buildup.	EFA rich lipids, leads to hydrated skin, refined pores and no breakouts.
Sugar and high fructose corn syrup, leads to inflammation, glycation, wrinkles, and aging.	Anti-oxidants and polysaccharides from fruits and vegetables, boosts immune system and prevents premature aging.	Propylene and Butylene glycols, leads to a disruption of natural hydration process via oil production.	Polysaccharides (complex sugars) attract water and retain moisture, leads to hydrated and dewy skin.
Antibiotics fed to animals, has led to arise in number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and higher risk of infection.	Grass fed beef high in EFAs, leads to healthy protein source provides the essential building block of life.	Topical anti-biotics, eg triclosan, leads to chronic inflammation and break outs, diminished natural protection due to bacterial imbalance.	Anti-microbial oils, leads to healthy, blemish-free skin

* * *

7 Reasons Organic Skin Care is Better

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 02:52:00 GMT

The same line of reasoning that has people flocking to organic foods while avoiding processed fast-food has applies to what you put on your skin. Your body works hard every day to keep you healthy, but it can only work with what you feed it. Unprocessed, natural food is not just better for you, it tastes better. With natural skin food you’ll not just feel better, you’ll LOOK better.

The proof is in the putting (on, that is), and here a just a few reasons why.

1) Prevent free radical damage.

We are told to eat blueberries for their anti-oxidant properties, but guess what, your skin needs its daily anti-oxidants too. Free radicals damage skin cell membranes and even DNA, which leads ultimately to visible signs of aging and wrinkles. Topical supplements that have not oxidized and retain their anti-oxidant power do more to prevent and repair damage than anything else you can put on your skin.

2) Inhibit glycation.

Dr. Daniel Maes, Vice President, Global Research and Development for Estee Lauder, had this to say "We now know that between 40 and 50% of skin ageing is caused by glycation - the damage directly resulting from eating sugar. It’s one of the worst skin agers; more than sun, more than the environment." Glycation is a process whereby the formation of protein-sugar compounds promotes increased production of brittle, cross-linked collagen fibers, making the skin stiff and inflexible. Diet is important (not too much sugar!) but topical anti-oxidants also help counteract glycation by increasing the amount of anti-oxidants available to the skin. Glycation inhibitors like aminoguandine and l-carnosine also help prevent collagen destruction.

3) Give your skin the oil it craves.

Nature cleans skin from the basal cell layer up, by secreting oils that carry dirt to the surface of the skin. Oils penetrate deeper below the surface of the skin, and since lipids dissolve lipids this is the best way of clearing up impacted, congested skin.

4) Give your skin a drink.

Humectants add moisture to the skin, but complex sugars (polysaccharides) like those found in green tea do a better job than petroleum based products like petrolatum and propylene glycol in preventing transepidermal water loss. This is because sugars attract moisture, while petroleum acts as an occlusive, accomplishing moisture retention by setting up a physical barrier.

5) Protect the surface.

Nature provides us with an environmental protection barrier, made up of dead skin cells held together by lipids. UV exposure and age compromise barrier function, so in particular as we get older we need to keep the surface replenished with oils high in EFA’s. This is the same rationale that applies to taking EFA supplements daily, which most of us after a certain age do.

6) Balance bacteria.

A healthy skin, like a healthy gut, is alive with bacteria. Without bacteria we would not be alive, and bacteria on the skin keeps our largest organ healthy and blemish-free. The trick is to keep friendly and not-so friendly bacteria (like P.acneens on the skin, the one responsible for Acne) in balance. You do this by using oils to lubricate and deep clean. Some oils like emu oil and red raspberry oil are also anti-microbial as well as deeply moisturizing. You can also use a probiotic rich food like yoghurt, high in friendly bacteria, to help maintain the balance of bacteria found in healthy skin.

7) Your Skin is What it Eats.

Ultimately, we are what we eat, and the same goes for what our skin eats.

New Year's Resolution: Go Natural and Beautify Your Skin

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 02:58:00 GMT

As we head into another year, many people ask us about simple changes that can be made to their daily routine that help transform skin's health. Rather than add to a burdensome list of advice you likely hear and see every day, we’d like to offer some suggestions for change that are so easy they won’t seem like chores. In fact, you’ll want to keep them in your daily routine when you see the improvement in your skin!

1) Exfoliate with oil rather than harsh peels or scrubs

Why: Too much exfoliation with chemical peels and scrubs can strip skin of its natural protective barrier, exposing it to more damage down the road. However, since lipids dissolve lipids exfoliating with oil removes excess dead skin cells very effectively and safely, while leaving the environmental barrier intact.

How: Pour a small amount of oil into the palm of your hand, about a quarter’s size worth, and apply to the face. Massage gently into the skin for 1-2 minutes. You will feel the dead skin start to loosen and float off. Massage a second time if you have stubborn dry patches. Unlike most exfoliation procedures, this is safe to do on a daily basis.

MV options: Anti-aging Body oil, Anti-aging oil, Anti-aging oil plus

DIY options: olive oil, sunflower oil

2) For more exfoliation with AHA’s, choose lactic acid rather than glycolic acid

Why: AHA’s are used to trigger increase in cell turnover and renewal. Not only is lactic acid less irritating than glycolic acid, it has humectant properties, increases natural ceramides (part of the lipid barrier) and lightens skin by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme which initiates melanin production.

How: Use a cleanser or mask product containing lactic acid. Leave on skin for a few minutes, then rinse. You may do this 2-3 times a week.

MV options: Gentle Cleanser contains lactic acid in 1% concentration, safe for even sensitive skin. If you have acne-prone skin you might want to choose the Exfoliating Cleanser, which contains salicylic as well as lactic acid.

DIY options: yoghurt or sour cream makes an excellent cleanser/mask. To use as a cleanser apply about ½ teaspoon all over face and neck, then rinse. To use as a mask, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then wash it off. Salons are allowed to use AHA’s at higher concentrations than you can buy over the counter. If you get salon facials, ask that lactic acid be used in your exfoliation step rather than glycolic acid.

3) Use liquid or creamy cleansers rather than soaps and suds.

Why: Soaps are highly alkaline, and so can be very drying to the skin. Liquid cleansers require less alkaline treatment in the production process and consequently are less drying. Suds are produced by surfactants like sodium laurel sulfate which can irritate skin. Studies show that people who wash with soap or sudsy lather in the morning are about 50% less protected from the sun than people who use just water. This is because highly alkaline and surfactant loaded products strip the skin of its protective lipid barrier.

How: In the morning a splash of warm to tepid water is enough for most people. Those with acne-prone skin may want to use a cleanser with a warm washcloth. In the evening, use a liquid, non-sudsy cleanser to wash off the dirt that has accumulated during the day. To gently exfoliate or to remove make-up, try the oil technique from suggestion 1 above.

MV options: Gentle Cleanser, or for acne-prone or oily skin, Exfoliating Cleanser.

DIY options: cleanse with yoghurt as described in suggestion 2. To be really organic, use whole milk organic yoghurt.

4) Use misters or hydrators rather than toners or astringents to keep skin moist and dewy

Why: toners, designed to tighten skin and shrink pores, typically contain alcohol, water, antiseptic ingredients and humectants. Alcohol is not only drying to the skin, it can increase hyperpigmentation problems. And even people with oily skin may find that removing too much oil from the skin triggers more oil production as the skin tries to compensate for too much moisture loss.

How: Look for misters/hydrators that are alcohol and astringent-free and contain “humectants.” Green tea and rosewater are excellent examples of humectants, that is, they keep moisture in the upper layers of the epidermis by preventing water evaporation. Green tea also neutralizes UV light, providing modest levels of sun protection.

MV options: Gentle Mist, Anti-aging Mist

DIY options: make your own mister by combining cooled green tea with rose water.

5) Avoid synthetic fragrances

Why: Synthetic fragrances contain a number of health hazards, and since the FDA does not require the listing of the many questionable components that go into making a proprietary fragrance you don’t know what you are getting. Fragrances are considered a trade secret, so companies do not have to report the presence of various substances like phthalates, a known endocrine disruptor. Even “unscented” products can contain a masking scent.

How: Choose products with no added fragrance or “Parfum.” Read the labels to make sure the product advertised as “unscented” does not contain a masking scent. You may use the Skin Deep advanced search to find products that do not include fragrance. Essential oils are safe and good-smelling substitutes, just make sure the label reads “essential oil,” as this lets you know that a pure essential oil and not a synthetic is being used. Beware of body care products that are both highly scented and inexpensive—these two features together are a sure tip-off that synthetic fragrances are part of the formula. Shampoos, conditioners, facial cleansers and body lotions are among the biggest culprits.

MV options: all of our products are free of synthetic fragrances

DIY options: if you make your products at home use organic essential oils.

10 Skin Care Rules for the New Year

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 03:05:00 GMT

Given that we absorb at least 60% of what we put on our skin, we can look at topical applications (skin cream!) as being another form of food. So, here are some simple skin food rules to follow when you are confronted with a dazzling array of products and wondering where to start. As you begin a new year, making resolutions for healthier living, be sure to include these skin care rules for healthier, younger looking skin.

1. Here is the major rule from which all else follows.

Look at the ingredients, not the claims. There’s very little that can’t be said about a product, but the ingredients are its fingerprint.

2. If you have allergies:

Fragrance aka “parfum” is the number one cause of allergic dermatitis. Be aware that “unscented” can be translated as “this product contains a masking fragrance.” Look for “fragrance-free,” particularly if you have sensitivities.

3. Shopping for an anti-aging product:

Studies show that ascorbic acid is crucial for both repairing existing UV damage and building new collagen. Since Vitamin C oxidizes rapidly in liquid Vitamin C serums should be avoided. The color guide is, if it’s clear it’s okay, but when it starts turning yellow, orange or brown it’s time to throw it away!

4. To exfoliate or not to exfoliate:

Abrasives can eliminate precancerous cells with regular use. The rule here is to use gentle scrubs, avoiding those that contain irregularly shaped kernels that may tear skin.

5. Glycolic vs lactic acid:

Lactic acid is less irritating to the skin than glycolic acid. It also has humectant properties and assists in skin lightening. If you like AHAs stick with lactic acid, and especially avoid “sunscreens” containing glycolic acid.

6. Chemical sunscreens vs physical sunblocks:

About 15% of the population will break out from some ingredient in a chemical sunscreen. For a large number of reasons your safest choice in sunscreen ingredients is zinc oxide, preferably non-nanosized.

7. For skin lightening:

Avoid hydroquinone. Look for natural ingredients that help lighten skin gradually over time, such as: ascorbic acid, licorice root, paper mulberry, uva ursi, kojic acid.

8. For vegans:

In case you were wondering, lactic acid is derived from a fermentation process using beet sugar and is vegan. However, there is an ingredient which shows up frequently in skin care products that you should be aware of --stearic acid. Used as an emulsifier, its source can be either animal or vegetable.

9. To alleviate dry skin:

Most skin creams are made up of water and wax, with a little oil thrown in. Water and waxes can be more drying than emollient, since the inappropriately named “cream” sits on the surface of the skin. Look for hydrators that contain more oil than water or wax, since what the skin needs in order to protect itself, heals itself and retain moisture, is oil.

10. For acne:

Every skin needs oil. If you are using treatments which dry out your skin rebalance with an oil blend at night. Some good oils for acne-prone skin: pumpkin seed oil (high in zinc), sea buckthorn and red raspberry oil (anti-microbial).

Green Holiday Gifts Guide: For Home and Pet Lovers

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:42:00 GMT

In the last of our Green Holiday Gifts Guide, we asked our CEO, Hillary Peterson and Founder, Marie Veronique what is on their own holiday wish list. No surprise to the team, Hillary chose eco-friendly gifts for the home and Marie highlighted green gifts for pet lovers and their furry family members.

For the Home

Recycled Nautical Sails

Reclaim, Reuse, Reycle: Reiter8. This pillow is made from upcycled sail boat sails! Add a little sail to your sofa! These accent pillows add an instant dash of nautical style to any setting; they are great for nursery, kids rooms, beach house, boat house or house boat!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/reiter8?section_id=5146749

Eco-Iron Green Cookware

Heirloom-quality enameled cast iron is an exceptional value any way you look at it: it’s chemical free and will not leach into food and it’s built to last. Stovetop to oven-safe, it is suitable for use with any heat source, requires no seasoning and is easy to clean.

http://www.napastyle.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=4392

MadMats for the Outdoors

Made of recycled polypropylene (plastic) these mats are perfect for porches, decks, and patio areas. Unlike most outdoor mats, attractively designed Mad Mats are made from high-grade recycled polypropylene from sources such as water bottles and plastic milk and soda bottles and and other kinds of packaging. Popular for their classic style and modern usage, they can be put anywhere around the house, inside or out.

http://www.outdoorrugsonly.com/mad_mats-outdoor-rugs.asp

Viva Terra Gifts Under $50

Viva Terra is a favorite place for green, eco-friendly loving home lovers. Everything they carry from furniture to home accessories to women's gifts is chosen for its style and environmental impact. You'll also find many unique gift ideas for every day of the year.

http://www.vivaterra.com/gifts-1/under-50

For Pet Lovers

Organic Catnip Cotton Sushi Toys

A roll, sashimi and wasabi! All seasoned with catnip. Om nom nom. Now your cat can haz sushi. This listing is for three individual sushi toys! Three > one. Made with certified 100% organic catnip.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72897441/sushi-cat-toy-catnip-sashimi-crochet

National Wildlife Foundation: Adopt a Lemur

Ring-tailed lemurs are primates native to the African island country of Madagascar. The dry forest habitat that they depend on for survival is rapidly vanishing. Ring-tailed lemurs can easily be identified by their long, striped, black-and-white tail. Unlike some other primate cousins, ring-tailed lemurs use their tails for balance but can't grasp with them. Instead, they use their hands and feet to move through the trees. Adopt a lemur today.

http://www.shopnwf.org/Adoption-Center/Adopt-a-Lemur/index.cat

Cycle Dogs Recycled Collars

Cycle Dogs are collars, leashes and other dog lover accessories made from recycled bicycle tubes. The goal at Cycle Dog is to create the world's best dog products with a focus on the environment and to raise awareness of the millions of bike tubes thrown into landfills every year. Cycle Dog products are proudly made and tested in Portland, Oregon.

http://cycledog.com/index.html

HuffPost Green Feature: Nanoparticles and Your Health

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:52:00 GMT

The Huffington Post has featured another contributed article from our CEO, Hillary Peterson, exploring the reality of nanoparticles, assessing your health risks and why you should care about the growing industry of nanotechnology.

Here's a highlight from the article:

"You may assume, as I did, that the FDA is actively regulating substances such as nanoparticles. Unfortunately, this is not the case. I have had the privilege of meeting several top scientists who have helped me to understand that one of the greatest issues with consumer products today is that they are often made without regard for the precautionary principle, allowing manufacturers to use ingredients that are not proven harmful rather than only allowing the use of ingredients that have been proven safe. To make matters worse, many consumers are not aware that nanoparticles exist in many of their everyday products. My goal is to help ensure a spotlight is placed on nanoparticles so that you understand what they are and where they are. This will allow you to assess your health risk, shift your buying habits, and send a message to manufacturers that until they are proven safe, we would rather not expose ourselves or our families to nanoparticles."

Read the full article: Nanoparticles: Assessing Your Health Risk and Why You Should Care

Hillary is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post Green section, you can read her articles here.

If you're a regular HuffPost reader, be sure to connect with Hillary!

Image source.

Green Holiday Gifts Guide: Eco Kids and Teens

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:05:00 GMT

Finding gifts for your kids and teens that are also eco-friendly, sustainable and stylish used to be a difficult task. The times are changing, as more companies, designers and local groups understand the next generations love for all things eco.

We asked green teens from Southern California, "What is on your wish list this holiday season?" Here's what we found on their wish lists.

Helveticus Lap Top Sleeve

Helveticus accessories and bags are made from 100% recycled, vintage Swiss army blankets. They are not only fashionable, but durable with a classic, vintage feel.

The lap top sleeve provides stylish protection for your teens Macbook and PC laptops.

Lucy and Mei Mona Organic Cotton Dress

Lucy and Mei makes 100% organic clothing for babies, boys and girls. Their online boutique is packed full with organic clothes made for every age group.

Their popular Mona organic cotton dress is absolutely adorable and versatile, perfect for a more dressed up day or casual.

Alter Eco Clothing Upcycled Shirts

Alter Eco Clothing, on Etsy, offers a teen fashion that is unique, edgy and eco-friendly. Most are upcycled and recycled classics from pop culture's past.

A top pick included the Kurt Cobain Upcycled Hoodie shirt, made from a vintage look Kurt Cobain t-shirt and hoodie.

Polli Babushka Pendants

Polli is an amazing sustainable company in Australia founded by Maja Rose and Tess Lloyd in 1999. Their line includes earrings, pendants, brooches, cufflinks and more.

Sweet Polli is a line of pendants for girls and teens, made from sustainable plantation grown hoop ply pine. Did we mention adorable. Shipping is surprisingly affordable.

Contexture Coffee Cuff

Contexture creates sustainable items that have form and function. Their products are all made from sustainable materials and simply unique.

The Coffee Cuff has form and function. My daughter's friends love it for their Starbuck's tea and wear it as a sustainable fashion statement.

Dandelion Day Dreaming Organic Beanie

Dandelion Day Dreaming offers custom crocheted items made from 100% organic cotton. From beanies to baby items, each is handmade and cute as a button.

The Dandelion organic cotton beanie is a must have for teen girls. Available in various, soft colors and in different styles.

Fluf Lunch Bags

Fluf offers safe and sustainable lunch bags with style. They have different styles to suit girls and teens alike. Each is made from 100% certified organic cotton and are free of BPA, Lead or other harmful chemicals.

Teens love to make a statement, Fluf's new "Lunch" bag is a perfect statement. My daughter takes her organic, vegetarian lunch in her Fluf bag.

Everyday Sheer Coverage

And of course, we couldn't forget our current obsession, our Everyday Sheer Coverage. We both love the sun protection, sheer coverage and the condition of her skin when using it every day. The next generation is all about form and function, requiring sustainability that is also stylish. These eco gifts make perfect stocking stuffers too.