Lōa Skin Care Blog | Holistic Solutions Backed By Science

Chemical Safety Review: Phenoxyethanol

noreply@blogger.com (Lōa Skin Care) — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 03:20:00 +0000

What is phenoxyethanol?

Phenoxyethanol is one of the most commonly used synthetic preservatives in cosmetics today, and is also used as a fixative for perfumes. Companies use phenoxyethanol as a "safer" alternative to parabens, and will often market their products as paraben-free (since many people know to stay away from parabens).

Phenoxyethanol is an ethoxylated compound, and is formed by the chemical reaction between phenol (from either natural or synthetic sources), and ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen). It may be contaminated with carcinogenic toxin 1,4-dioxane, which is generated by ethylene oxide as a by-product. Contamination of 1,4-dioxane in products is not uncommon among conventional cosmetic brands, and even "natural" and "organic" ones either.

Products it can be found in:

Moisturizers, eyeshadow, sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner, mascara, styling gel, lip products, or anything water-based.

Other names for phenoxyethanol listed on product labels:

Fragrance or parfum (synthetic fragrances can contain one or more of 3,000 allowed chemicals, which includes phenoxyethanol), rose ether, optiphen™ (optiphen is a mix of phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol), 2-phenoxy-ethanol, 2-hydroxyethyl phenyl ether.

Safety data

EWG hazard rating: 4

Classified as toxic (for use around the mouth), and an irritant by the European Union.

- Phenoxyethanol is a skin irritant. (Source), (Source)

- Phenoxyethanol induces cell death at low concentrations. A 2002 study showed that within a 24-hour period, a one-time application of phenoxyethanol at usage levels up to 1%, induced apoptosis and necrosis (two different forms of cell death). (Source)

- It was shown in a 1997 animal study that phenoxyethanol is a reproductive toxin. (Source)

- Phenoxyethanol was shown to be toxic towards not only ovarian function, but the development of offspring as well, in a 2010 animal study. (Source)

Other warnings:

The FDA issued a warning to consumers in 2008 about a nipple cream for nursing mothers that contains phenoxyethanol, saying the ingredient "can depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration in infants."

Japan and the EU have restricted the usage rate of phenoxyethanol to 1% in products.

"Natural" companies that use it

*Many conventional brands use phenoxyethanol in their products, so i'm focusing this list more on brands that tout themselves as natural.

- Aveeno
- Burt's Bees
- The Honest Company
- Lush
- Yes To

- Derma E

- Alba Botanica

- Nature's Gate

- Aveda

- Jason

- Korres

- The Body Shop

The bottom line
Many companies and organizations will have you believe phenoxyethanol is "non-toxic" at low concentrations, but studies clearly state otherwise. As an ethoxylated compound, phenoxyethanol can contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane which is a known carcinogen.

While ingredients like phenoxyethanol are necessary to give water-based products protection against microbial growth, it would be better to use oil-based products instead to completely avoid preservatives, emulsifiers, and other potentially harmful ingredients.

Treating Acne With Oils: Heal Your Fatty Acid-Deficient Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Lōa Skin Care) — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 23:51:00 +0000

We're all used to hearing about companies like Proactiv as being one of the few defenses against acne, but their are deep-rooted causes that are often overlooked.

It may seem strange, a fatty acid deficiency causing your acne? The truth is, acne sufferers have unbalanced skin.

What the deficiency is

Our skin is primarily made up of lipids such as essential fatty acids, ceramides, and cholesterol, and plays a crucial role in our skin's barrier function.

It has been shown in studies that those with acne have abnormally low levels of linoleic fatty acid in their skin, which is an omega-6 essential fatty acid.

"When linoleic acid is not present or is present at much-reduced levels, sebum is produced with oleic acid, which is denser, more likely to cause follicular blockage, and is irritating to the skin" - Source

Oleic fatty acid or omega-9 fatty acid, is problematic for those that have acne or are prone to breakouts, and will make the conditions worse. The skin tends to be greasier, pores become clogged, and it has fewer anti-inflammatory and protective properties when the sebum in the skin is comprised of mainly oleic acid.

On top of that, GLA (gamma-linolenic acid, or omega-6) and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid, or omega-3) have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce acne symptoms - Source, Source

These deficiencies can be healed internally and topically

Dietary supplementation of GLA and omega-3 fatty acids can significantly decrease inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. - Source

An easy way to treat acne is through topical application of linoleic acid. This study showed a 25% reduction in the size of microcomedones over a one month period.

How to topically treat a fatty acid deficiency

So, then what is the answer to balancing out acne-prone skin? Carrier oils. They're oils that can be used on the skin, are either edible or inedible, and come from a variety of sources such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Carrier oils are mainly made up of fatty acids, with linoleic and oleic usually being the most abundant.

It may seem counter-intuitive, but oils are your new best friends! This is where you'll get the healthiest dose of linoleic acid your skin needs.

Oils high in linoleic and low in oleic acids are considered "drying" oils, meaning they absorb quickly into the skin without leaving a sheen, and are more beneficial for oily and of course acne-prone skin, versus high oleic oils. I know, oils that reduce oiliness on the skin?? It's true!

Oils high in oleic and low in linoleic acids are your olive and avocado oils. They're heavier than high linoleic oils, take longer to absorb, and are typically more beneficial for those with dry skin. However, they can come at a cost by causing breakouts and making the condition of acne worse.

Carrier oils for acne-prone skin

It can be hard to distinguish which oils are higher in linoleic than oleic acid. I've made a list of oils below that contain high amounts of linoleic acid with low amounts of oleic acid, with their corresponding percentages.

You may want to experiment with mixing different oils together if certain ones aren't moisturizing enough, or if you want the added benefits of omega-3 and GLA.

Oils high in linoleic and low in oleic fatty acids

*Some of the oils may contain GLA, and/or omega-3.

Evening primrose oil - 72.6% linoleic: 8.4% oleic: 9.1% GLA

Safflower oil (high linoleic variety) - 68 - 85% linoleic: 8 - 30% oleic

Grapeseed oil - 70.6% linoleic: 16.2% oleic

Hemp seed oil - 51.96% linoleic: 9.85% oleic: 10.07% omega-3

Pumpkin seed oil - 57.2% linoleic: 23.3% oleic

Black cumin seed oil - 55.6% linoleic: 22.6% oleic

Rosehip seed oil - 44.1% linoleic: 13.9% oleic: 33.9% omega-3

Soybean oil - 52.97% linoleic: 22.72% oleic: 6.95% omega-3

Borage seed oil - 38.8% linoleic: 17.9% oleic: 20.1% GLA

Oils slightly higher in linoleic than oleic fatty acids

Kuikui nut oil - 39.8% linoleic: 25.4% oleic: 25.6% omega-3

Sesame oil - 45.69% linoleic: 39.21% oleic

*Optional - tea tree essential oil

P. acnes is a bacteria that has been linked to acne. Tea tree essential oil is a strong antibacterial, and a few drops can be added to carrier oils for its added benefits.

Buying Organic

It's important to buy certified organic oils that have been cold-pressed (extracted using a low heat) from reliable sources. Non-organic oils are usually refined, contain pesticides and have a completely different fatty acid and nutrient profile than organic varieties. In fact, some non-organic oils on the market have even been found to contain harmful chemicals.

I personally buy most of my oils from Mountain Rose Herbs. Most of what they sell is certified organic, and they offer the highest quality and cost-effective ingredients I have found so far. All of the percentages of fatty acids above are provided by Mountain Rose Herbs and are unique to their own products.

Healthy Tip: A great way of effectively cleansing your face without leaving it dry or irritated is by washing it with oil! Cleansing with high linoleic oils helps to remove bacteria and impurities. Check out my post on the Oil Cleansing Method, and how it can benefit your skin.

I would love to know if you've used any oils for reducing acne, breakouts, or oiliness, and how it worked out for you!

The Oil Cleansing Method: Benefits & How To Do It

noreply@blogger.com (Lōa Skin Care) — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 22:22:00 +0000

Have you ever used cleanser and it left your face feeling dry? With many water-based cleansers, the constant stripping and moisturizing of the skin can be quite harsh. I mean, what's the point of stripping the skin of its natural oils, only to replenish it again?

Well, say goodbye to that feeling and say hello to the Oil Cleansing Method, otherwise known as the OCM!

The concept behind it is that instead of using your water-based cleanser, you simply cleanse your face with a natural oil. I know that seems absolutely crazy, and sounds like a breakout waiting to happen. But it actually makes sense and comes with a lot of benefits.

While some oils can make you break out, contrary to popular belief, certain oils can actually help to prevent acne and reduce oily skin.

Even Acne.org recommends the oil cleansing method, saying:

When done properly and consistently, the OCM can clear the skin from issues like oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, blackheads, whiteheads and other problems caused by mild to moderate acne–while leaving your skin healthy, balanced and properly moisturized.

How does the Oil Cleansing Method work, exactly?

Well, it's actually very simple. Going by one of the most basic rules in chemistry, like dissolves like. In this case, oil dissolves oil. As you cleanse your face with oil, you're removing the impurities and bacteria in your skin and replacing them with fresh, hydrating oil. This maintains the balance of fatty acids and nutrients in your skin.

The beauty of using the oil cleansing method is it's very simple and cost effective. You cut out all of the harmful ingredients, and can pinpoint specific plant oils that work best for you. No more stripping away the natural oils in your skin!

What You Need

All you need is natural oil, a wash cloth and tap water. That's it!

The fun part of it is you can make your own cleanser based on your own skin's needs.

How To Make Your Own Oil Cleanser

There are many different types of oils you can experiment with in your oil cleanser, such as essential oils, herb-infused oils, and of course regular plant oils. An astringent oil is commonly mixed into oil cleansers because they help get rid of dirt and bacteria from your pores.

I've made a few different recipe options for your specific skin type, as astringent oils can affect everyone differently. While a high amount of astringent oil can be extremely beneficial for those with oily skin, it can cause dryness and flakiness for those with dry skin.

Grapeseed is one of the most available and effective astringent oils to purchase, so i'm including it in the formulas! Any other oil listed in the formulas are known as "carrier oils" - they are used to dilute other oils. Everyone's skin is different, so play around with different mixtures to find one that works best for you.

If you don't want to make your own, our Miracle Oil is an amazing oil cleanser. It's high in astringent tannins (the compound that makes tea bitter), numerous anti-inflammatory agents, youth-promoting essential fatty acids and nutrients, and is gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Combination skin:

1 part organic grapeseed oil, 4 parts organic avocado oil.

Dry skin:

1 part organic grapeseed oil, 9 parts organic avocado oil.

Oily skin:

1 part organic grapeseed oil, 3 parts organic avocado oil.

Sensitive skin:

1 part grapeseed oil, 2 parts rosehip seed oil, 8 parts olive oil

Optional: 0.5% roman chamomile essential oil.

Oils you can substitute with

Astringent oils you can use instead of grapeseed:

- Borage oil
- Hazelnut

* Most blogs suggest using castor oil as the astringent oil, but I don't recommend this. It's unsustainable and has been processed to remove a toxic component, called ricin, which can cause allergic reactions and nerve damage.

Carrier oils you can use instead of olive and avocado:

- Sweet almond oil
- Sesame
- Apricot kernel
- Jojoba

- Tamanu
- Hazelnut
- Camelina

Oily skin:

- Rosehip
- Evening primrose
- Chia
- Safflower (high linoleic)

Steer clear of mineral oil, It's not a natural oil. It's a by-product of tar. Yuck!

Optional - astringent essential oils:

Essential oils are very concentrated and should be diluted to 1% or less in a formula. They can offer added benefits, and be used for scenting products as well.

- Frankincense
- Juniper
- Ginger
- Rosemary
- Spikenard
- Tea tree
- Manuka
- Sandalwood
- Yarrow

Calming essential oils for sensitive/irritated skin include: roman chamomile, geranium, lavender.

Optional - astringent herb-infused oil:

Herb-infused oils are what the name suggests - herbs that have been infused into oil, similar to how tea is made.

- Witch hazel
- Birch leaf
- Burdock root
- Comfrey root
- Green tea
- Skullcap
- Cleavers
- Self heal

Soothing herbs for sensitive/irritated skin include: Calendula, chamomile, plantain, licorice.

How to infuse your own oil:

Infusing certain herbs like the ones shown above into an oil can give it strong astringent properties. Personally, I have noticed it makes oil cleansing much more effective. Infusing works the same way as making tea, except is done a little differently. Go here to learn how to infuse herbs into oils.

How To Oil Cleanse

Don't wash your face or get it wet before oil cleansing. Oil cleansing will also remove makeup, so there's no need to wet your face or remove makeup beforehand.
In a smooth circular motion, massage a quarter size amount of oil onto your face for 1-5 minutes, while adding more oil if needed. If you have more problem areas like dry skin or blackheads, focus more on that.
The next step is to steam the skin to remove impurities from your pores. Soak a clean washcloth with warm tap or shower water. Wring it out and place it over your face for 20 seconds to a minute. For any oil that's left, simply wipe away with the washcloth.
The final step is optional. If you use toner as part of your beauty regimen, now is the time to use it. If your skin is feeling dry afterwards, you may want to apply a dime size amount of oil to moisturize your skin. If it isn't dry, you can make the choice whether or not to moisturize with oil.

Cleansing Frequency

The OCM can be done twice a day (morning and night). There is no set rule on how much you do it, so it can be customized to you and your skin's needs. I don't have that kind of dedication, so I just oil cleanse whenever I take a shower.

When first starting oil cleansing, It's recommended you do it 1 to 2 times in the first week (allowing 2-3 days in between each cleanse) to see how your skin responds. Many people report a "detox" period, where the skin can breakout for up to 2 weeks. If you this happens to you and lasts longer than a couple of weeks, discontinue use.

The Oil Cleansing Method is definitely worth a try. Let me know if you've had success using it!

What's In Your Sunscreen? Chemical Vs. Mineral

noreply@blogger.com (Lōa Skin Care) — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 06:57:00 +0000

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is the leading cause of premature aging, and one of the main concerns for skin cancer.

Chemical and mineral, or physical, are the two general types of sunscreens available. They can be differentiated by their SPF (sun protection factor) agents, which have their own mechanism for protection. Chemicals absorb into the skin and work by absorbing or scattering UV rays, while minerals sit on top and actually reflect UV rays off of the skin.

Chemical is a funny word. All matter is made of chemicals, including humans and organic ingredients. When I talk about chemicals in this post, i'm referring to the synthetic chemicals that make up most of our sunscreens.

I'm going to share the best ways to keep your skin healthy during exposure to the sun.

Choosing Broad-Spectrum:

Most of us buy sunscreen products based on its SPF number. The higher, the better! Not exactly.

The SPF of a product only indicates protection against UVB rays, while disregarding UVA rays. This is very bad, as we get way more UVA exposure than UVB. A product can state it's broad-spectrum, but it still might not be effective at protecting against both UVA and UVB radiation.

There is a rating system for UVA protection in sunscreen, called the PA rating. It has three different rankings which are listed as: PA+, PA++, PA+++. The more plus symbols indicates higher UVA protection.

The Difference Between UVA and UVB Rays:

UVA rays aren't blocked by the ozone layer or clouds, and therefore make up the majority of UV radiation reaching Earth's surface. They penetrate more deeply into the skin than UVB rays and cause photo-aging, which leads to wrinkling, leathering and other signs of sun damage.

UVB rays are mostly absorbed by the ozone layer, and have different strengths because they can be reduced by clouds blocking the sun. UVB rays only account for a small portion of the UV spectrum. They penetrate the epidermis, the first layer of skin, and cause sunburns.

Sunscreens should even be used during winter months because the ozone layer thins out and absorbs less of the sun's UV radiation. Especially if you're snowboarding or skiing, as snow and ice on the ground reflect UV rays.

Both UVA and UVB rays can lead to skin cancer, whether malignant or benign.

Chemical

Absorb into the skin, and eventually the bloodstream
Must wait 20-30 minutes before it becomes effective
May start to breakdown during sunlight exposure

The truth is that chemical sunscreens are toxic. Some of the most common chemical sunscreen ingredients include: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, octinoxate, and homosalate. Chemical sunscreen products usually contain two to six of the above listed ingredients (but there are others as well). All of these ingredients can have negative implications on our health.

Oxybenzone, for example, is the most common ingredient used in sunscreen products in America. Around 600 brands use it, such as Coppertone, Banana Boat, Hawaiian Tropic, and Neutrogena. The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) released a study that revealed 97% of Americans have oxybenzone in their blood.

Oxybenzone has been shown to cause allergic reactions, and cell death. It's also a penetration enhancer, meaning it helps other potentially harmful chemicals in the same product penetrate the skin. So, instead of just oxybenzone finding its way into our blood, it brings other potentially harmful ingredients with it!

Oxybenzone and other sunscreen chemicals also have devastating affects on coral reefs, causing bleaching and die-offs.

Needless to say, chemical sunscreens are not healthy!

Mineral

Does not absorb into skin, but rather sits on top
Acts as a mirror by reflecting UV rays off of the skin
Becomes effective immediately after application

Now, onto mineral sunscreens. There are two ingredients that fall under this category: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They both work by reflecting UV rays off of the skin's surface. They don't absorb into your skin, or most importantly, your bloodstream.

Think back to when lifeguards used to have that white stuff on their nose, that's zinc oxide!! But don't worry, using it nowadays won't be as obvious.

Sun protection should be your top consideration when buying sunscreen. According to Skin Deep's Environmental Working Group (EWG), mineral sunscreens (in particular, zinc oxide) deliver the best UVA and UVB protection.

It's best to use a mineral sunscreen with only zinc oxide, or a combination of both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. While titanium dioxide is great at protecting against UVB rays, it does not protect against UVA rays as well as zinc oxide does. Also, zinc oxide is considered safer to use on the skin as it doesn't cause irritation. It's even used in rash creams for babies.

Comparison Of Chemical and Mineral Sunscreen Ingredients

Courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency, this graph is a good comparison between the 17 FDA approved sunscreen agents, and their efficacy for protecting against UVA and UVB rays.

As you can see, zinc oxide is the only ingredient that offers full broad-spectrum protection against UV rays.

Reading a sunscreen label:

On a product's label, all sunscreen agents will be listed under "Active Ingredients". However, just because the sunscreen ingredients are safe and healthy, doesn't mean the rest of the ingredients in the product are!

All of the other ingredients in a sunscreen product are listed under "Inactive Ingredients". If you can't pronounce most of what you're reading, it's probably not a healthy product.

Completely avoid any product that contains fragrance or parfum, parabens, propylene glycol, or any type of PEG (PEG-50, for example).

I always recommend oil-based products that are certified organic because they don't require synthetic preservatives, emulsifiers, or any additional additives. They usually have the added benefit of naturally healing the skin after UV exposure and protecting it from free radicals, which causes premature aging.

Check out my recent post to become a savvy shopper for natural and organic products.

If mineral sunscreens are so healthy and effective, then why aren't all sunscreens made with minerals?

Well, money of course!

It's more expensive to use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide than it is to use chemicals. You need to use a lot more minerals in a formula to obtain broad-spectrum protection. They're also heavier and usually leave a white sheen on the skin.

Nanoparticle Minerals:

Because of the heaviness of mineral sunscreens, companies often market theirs as being "clear" when applied to skin. These are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which were manufactured to be microscopic. They can potentially cause damage to DNA within skin cells. Keep a look out for products that are "non-nano" (I'll list some good recommendations below).

Why Uncoated Minerals?

Nanoparticles are more susceptible to degradation, so they're often coated with an inert substance to prevent free-radical formation on the skin. However, the coatings themselves can break down and create additional free-radicals.

Therefore, it's wise to use a mineral sunscreen that's non-nano and uncoated.

Steer Clear of Sunscreen Sprays And Powdered Makeup:

Spray sunscreens and powdered makeup with sunscreen agents in them should be avoided, whether they're chemical or mineral-based.

Inhalation and the impact on lungs is a concern, mainly from nanoparticles and chemical sunscreens. Also, sprays and powders are not an adequate substitute for the protection you get from creams and liquids. Sunscreen protection depends on how much you put on, and it's hard to tell whether or not you're putting on enough with sprays and powders.

Product Recommendations

Badger

Badger, in my opinion, is the best option out there. They have a wide-array of oil-based sunscreens that only use non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide with vegan, and certified organic ingredients. They even have a bug-repelling sunscreen, and tinted sunscreens that reduce whitening. While I don't agree with the use of iron oxides in their tinted sunscreens, it's still the best option out there.

Raw Elements

Another great sunscreen I found was from Raw Elements. It's Non-GMO certified, and uses non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide. It's oil based using only certified organic ingredients. What I like about Raw Elements is they use a high amount of green and black tea in their sunscreen, which are great for healing UV-exposed skin. However, it uses beeswax so it's not vegan.

Both Badger and Raw Elements sunscreens are broad-spectrum.

The Takeaway

It's extremely important to properly protect yourself from the sun when you're outside, even if it's winter. Be cautious about which sunscreen products you choose to use, as they could cause more harm than good.

A non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide sunscreen that contains mostly certified organic ingredients is the best choice for protecting skin.

8 Amazing Skin Care Benefits of Aloe Vera

noreply@blogger.com (Lōa Skin Care) — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 18:41:00 +0000

Aloe is a succulent plant and part of the lily family.

It has been used medicinally for over 5000 years, dating all the way back to ancient Egypt. Hailed as the "plant of immortality" back then, Cleopatra herself used aloe as part of her beauty regimen.

What's so great about it?

Aloe gel is the "goo"-type substance that's taken straight out of the leaves of the fresh plant. This gel is a type of mucilage that offers many skin benefits and is made up of over 99% water.

Aloe is a nutrition powerhouse, containing over 200 active nutrients including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, 7 of the 8 essential amino acids, polysaccharides, and fatty acids.

All of these nutrients give aloe its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Eight amazing skin care benefits of aloe:

1. Sunburns

Aloe is one of the most effective remedies for sunburns. As a natural anti-inflammatory, it reduces any swelling and allows the burn to begin healing.

The gel itself is a natural pain reliever, and applying it provides immediate relief of the burning sensation.

2. Moisturizer

Aloe is an excellent moisturizer. Due to its polysaccharide content, it forms a protective layer on the skin and acts as a humectant. This naturally hydrates and heals dry skin by drawing in moisture from the air.

Aloe can be used anywhere on the body for its hydrating and soothing effects.

3. Acne and Other Skin Conditions

In terms of skin conditions, aloe is a star in my books. Well, not just me. According to numerous studies, it's extremely beneficial for different skin problems.

The gel contains glycoproteins, which are known for their ability to prevent pain and inflammation on the skin.

Acne

When using aloe, improvements in the condition of acne can be seen in as little as the first week.

While it may not completely cure acne, it greatly reduces the redness, swelling and inflammation associated with it. It's also useful for preventing the outbreak of acne and pimples in the first place.

Eczema and Psoriasis

Eczema and psoriasis are similar inflammatory skin conditions. Eczema causes patches of dry, red, and itchy skin. Psoriasis causes thickened, red patches of skin and silvery-white scales.

Thanks to its healing and anti-allergic properties, aloe strengthens the skin's moisture barrier to help repair the rough, and dry skin associated with eczema and psoriasis.

Aloe can cure psoriasis vulgaris (the most common form of psoriasis), with no side-effects.

Although not scientifically proven (that I know of), I have seen aloe vera work wonders on eczema when taken internally.

My cousin had really bad eczema, to the point where his mouth would crack open and bleed. He completely healed it by drinking aloe vera juice for a couple of months. It was amazing, and I recommend it to everyone for eczema.

Rosacea

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the face, causing redness and bumps.

The causes of rosacea can be really hard to determine, and there isn't really any cure. However, using aloe may actually reduce flare-ups and redness.

Frostbite

Astonishingly, aloe may even improve tissue survival after frostbite injuries.

4. Wounds

Aloe is a must have for any first aid kit. It promotes cell growth, speeds up healing, and has strong antibacterial and antifungal effects. These properties make aloe extremely helpful for treating minor cuts, scrapes and abrasions. Aloe also helps with scar formation, resulting in less visible scars.

Aloe can even be used to help heal surgical wounds and reduce pain.

Since it has a large mucilage content, it can also soothe the skin of irritations such as first and second-degree burns, rashes, bug bites and blisters. It will prevent itching from these conditions as well.

5. Aging Skin

Looking to add an anti-aging moisturizer to your skin care routine? Well, aloe will do the trick. It stimulates collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, making it more elastic, toned and less wrinkled.

You may not see instant results (it isn't botox), but with continued use your skin will be in a healthier state. Just like how keeping yourself healthy internally is important, the same is said externally.

6. Scars

Aloe can be used to treat fresh scars, stretch marks and acne scars. Like mentioned above, it stimulates collagen production and therefore promotes faster healing of scar tissue.

It's better to use aloe on newly-formed scars and minor wounds, to lessen the tissue damage. On old scars, the collagen that has built up is much

7. Fungal and Bacterial Infections

Aloe vera has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Why is this good? Well, it helps prevent infections in wounds. It's important to clean wounds and prevent any bacteria from growing in the first place.

Aloe can be used to treat skin infections such as ulcers, athlete's foot and cold sores. It's even effective in the treatment of genital herpes. Yes, you read that right! This study proved that a cream with a 0.5% aloe extract cured the first episodes of genital herpes in men. Imagine what you can do with 100% aloe vera.

8. Skin Cancer

Using aloe to treat cancer is unconventional, but the benefits for aloe are huge and should be known to the general public. In the past, an aloe vera manufacturer was shut down by the FDA (typical) because it had a 94% cure rate on terminal cancers. Insane, right!? Now, that's just internally, which makes it all the more incredible.

In terms of external uses, aloe is actually an anti-tumor herb.

Researchers from the University of Belgrade School of Medicine have confirmed that aloe vera and its constituents inhibit the process of skin cell proliferation that accompanies skin cancer.

In 2010, China Medical University researchers found that Emodin and Rhein, two constituents in aloe, halted tumor progression and caused cancer cells to die.

If that isn't amazing.. I don't know what is.

How To Use Aloe

Aloe-containing cosmetics can be used, but I don't recommend them. Products containing fresh aloe vera gel or juice need to have preservatives in them.

There are a few different ways to get the benefits of aloe.

The Fresh Plant

To get all of the benefits aloe vera has to offer, get the live plant and cut open a leaf to squeeze out the gel from the inside. You can use this directly on your skin, but may sting if used on a sunburn.

You can find the aloe plant at Home Depot, Ikea, Lowes, and even Walmart. To find a high quality one, call up some local plant stores and ask if their aloe was grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides and if it's GMO-free.

Thankfully, it's a cheap plant to buy.

Aloe Vera Gel

Using aloe gel is your next best option. Finding a good-quality one is difficult. I did find one brand, Lakewood, and they sell a USDA-certified organic, GMO-free aloe vera gel.

To preserve it, they use lemon juice. The only other ingredients in the formula are natural gums, which are safe to use on the skin.

Powdered

Lastly, you can also buy aloe vera in powdered form from Mountain Rose Herbs. They're an amazing company that sells high quality herbs and botanicals.

Want to bathe like Cleopatra? Throw a little bit of aloe vera powder in your bath. Or, add a little bit of water to the powder in a small container and use it as a face mask.

You can also steep aloe in hot water like you would tea, making it as strong as you want. Pour the tea into a container and apply it to your face with a cotton ball or face cloth. Make sure to keep it in the fridge and use within a week.

Conclusion

Aloe isn't just a herb, it's medicine.

Aloe is able to treat a number of different inflammatory skin conditions when used topically. The benefits range from healing sunburns, to killing skin cancer. The possibilities seem to be endless with this wonder herb.

In very rare cases, people can have an allergic reaction to aloe, resulting in burning and redness. However, if you aren't allergic there's really nothing to worry about. Apply aloe to a small area of the skin first to test for an allergy.

Disclaimer: Make sure to consult your doctor before using aloe for any medical conditions or surgical wounds.

Now that you've learned about the incredible skin care benefits aloe vera has to offer, how are you going to incorporate it into your life?

Discover Your Natural Skin Care Routine

noreply@blogger.com (Lōa Skin Care) — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 07:04:00 +0000

Enough with the toxic chemicals!

Finding effective, natural skin care products can be hard. Especially with the synthetic chemicals found in our everyday cosmetics.

You walk into a drug store and see an array of moisturizers, cleansers, face masks, anti-aging creams, body scrubs, and so on. For someone who isn't knowledgeable about the beauty world, it's pretty overwhelming.

But don't worry, I've broken all of this down for you. By the end of this article, you'll be a savvy shopper and know exactly how to care for your skin.

How To Identify Natural and Organic Products:

It's important to know how to identify truly natural and organic products when looking for them in stores or online. Simply check the packaging of the product you're interested in buying for third-party certification seals such as the USDA, NSF or NPA, pictured below:

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) seals signify an organic product. The NPA (Natural Products Association) seal signifies a natural product, containing a minimum of 95% natural ingredients.

Be cautious about products that don't bear a third-party certification seal, yet claim to be "all natural" or use the word "organic" on their packaging. Read more about these third-party certifications and their standards: USDA, NSF and NPA.

Avoid products that contain:

Fragrance, parfum, or aroma
Parabens
Phenoxyethanol
Propylene glycol
Dimethicone
Diazolidinyl urea
Tetrasodium EDTA
Any kind of PEG

These are some of the worst ingredients you can put onto your skin because of the potential health concerns (breast cancer, endocrine disruption, contact dermatitis, etc).

If you're ever curious about the healthiness of a product or ingredient, you can search it up in the Skin Deep Cosmetics Safety Database. Alternatively, you can also use the iPhone app Think Dirty to see if their are any potentially toxic ingredients in personal care and beauty products.

With this knowledge, what are the necessary steps and types of products you actually need in order to create your natural skin care routine?

Step One: Cleanse

Cleanse morning and night to remove makeup, excess oil and dirt.

Bubble and Bee's Cool Cucumber Facial Cleanser is gentle and great for people with sensitive, oily or acne-prone skin.

Instead of cleansing, you can simply wash your face with a warm washcloth. It's just important to have a clean face before moisturizing.

The Oil Cleansing Method:

My favorite method is oil cleansing. Basically, you massage plant oils onto your skin and then simply wash it off. After that, slap on a little more to replenish the oils in your skin. And voila - that's oil cleansing.

The oil cleansing method is based on one of the most basic principles in chemistry, like dissolves like. In this case, oil dissolves oil. By doing so, you're essentially removing the impurities from your skin.

It seems scary slathering oils all over your face to cleanse it, and even I was skeptical at first, but I've personally had success with it. A healthy glow to your skin is usually expected, but for me, it does help to prevent breakouts (along with the rest of my routine) - but you have to use the right oils for you skin type.

Read more about the Oil Cleansing Method (and what oils to use for your skin type) in our recent post here.

Step Two: Exfoliate

Gently exfoliate up to four times a week after cleansing to remove dead skin cells and uncover a fresh new face below.

Moisturizers will be able to penetrate more deeply into the skin and in turn will make them more effective.

Exfoliating Gloves

Exfoliating gloves are a great option. They're cheap, easy to use, and very effective. All you have to do is put them on, wet them and lightly massage your face.

Absolutely no mess involved and your skin will love you for it! They last a very, very long time. By far the best investment you can make.

Start here for a pair of $11.95 bamboo exfoliating gloves.

Optional: Facial Mask

Facial masks can be extremely beneficial.

Clays are often the base of a facial mask product, or simply used by themselves. They contain a power house of vitamins and minerals. Clays such as bentonite, kaolin and rhassoul have the ability to remove impurities (dirt and bacteria) and heal skin issues, tighten and give skin a healthy glow.

I really recommend buying your own natural clay at a health food store, or anywhere you can find some. This way you'll avoid water-based facial mask products, filled with unrecognizable ingredients.

Once you get your clay, all you have to do is add water and make it into the consistency you like best. You can go ahead and add honey and oils for added benefits. Leave on face for 15-20 minutes or until dry. Wash.

You can also use raw foods on your face, like avocado, bananas, honey, and even lemons. Try different combinations of healthy foods to see what works best for your skin, and stick with that!

Replace the exfoliating step with this one and use up to two times a week.

Step Three: Tone

Tone after cleansing and exfoliating or whenever skin feels dry and needs refreshing.

If I'm ever having a "dull" moment, I just spray some toner on my face and I instantly feel more alive.

Toning is important for balancing the skin's natural pH level and for removing any leftover makeup, dirt and oil.

Acure's Balancing Rose + Red Tea Facial Toner is great because it's a blend of organic herbs, including rooibos and witch hazel. They're natural astringents that help to shrink pores, relieve irritation and restore healthy pH of the skin.

Or... Simply make your own DIY green tea toner:

Strongly steep green tea into roughly one cup water and allow it to cool to room temperature. Pour it into a sealable container.
Add a couple drops of essential oil or some honey (optional) to make it more effective. Some essential oils you could use are tea tree and lavender oils for acne-prone skin, and frankincense oil for its anti-aging benefits. Manuka honey would be the best option for its skin healing qualities.
Apply it to your face using a face cloth or cotton ball. You can also invest in a small sprayer.
Store it in the fridge and be sure to make a new batch each week. It's a natural product and it will go bad quickly.

Tip: You can substitute green tea for practically any other herb like rooibos, chamomile, hibiscus, dandelion, etc. to make this DIY facial toner.

Step Four: Moisturize

Moisturize your skin after toning.

A proper moisturizer can soothe and prevent dry skin. Depending on the product or ingredients used, it has the potential to:

Treat sensitive skin.
Improve skin tone and texture.
Create a barrier on the outermost layer of skin. This helps to prevent water loss and protect from environmental stress.
Free-radical scavenge (prevents the degradation of collagen and elastin, two important nutrients in your skin that provide firmness and elasticity).
Prevent and treat aging skin.

Just use oil!

For moisturizing, oil is the most effective and frugal way to keep your skin soft, healthy and young. They have the potential to do all of the bullets listed above.

Lotions are usually made up of 70-80% water. While this doesn't necessarily make it bad (just a huge money waster), the remainder of the formula contains emulsifiers, thickeners, preservatives and so on...

Contrary to popular belief, most natural oils aren't going to make you break out. If you decide to cleanse your face with oil, moisturizing with it makes the process all the more easy!

And guess what! All you have to do is apply a pea-sized amount to your face (and yes, definitely use oil on the rest of your body). More bang for your buck.

Organic olive, sunflower, and avocado oils are a great way to boost the nutrient value of your beauty routine. They're cheap and won't clog your pores.

Personal favorites of mine are tamanu oil and rosehip seed oil. Simply because they're among the best oils in the world, with amazing anti-aging and skin healing benefits.

I have to admit, moisturizing your skin with oil does take some getting used to. People like that "hydrating" feeling when they use lotion, and using just oil doesn't give you that effect.

Beauty hack: Put some oil on your fingers, wet under tap, apply. Now you have that lotion-y feel without all of the toxic chemicals ;)

Use your own oil or try out Bubble and Bee's Organic Face Cream. It only contains three ingredients (shea butter, rosehip seed oil, and vitamin E). It's an excellent moisturizer.

Avoid mineral oil. There's a lot of controversy online and in the real world as to whether this ingredient is good or bad for you. Basically, It's a by-product of tar and used in many beauty products. It blocks your pores and doesn't allow your skin to breathe, causes hormone disruption in the body, and may contribute to cancer. Not very appealing...

Sun Protection:

Taking it one step further, use a product with an SPF to prevent UV oxidation. Sun exposure plays a huge role in premature aging. So, if you're a frequent user of tanning beds or use baby oil to tan, stop!! For the sake of your health and skin, please stop.

Badger's SPF 15 Unscented Sunscreen Cream is USDA organic and made only with botanical oils and zinc oxide (a safe, mineral sunscreen ingredient).

Avoid synthetic chemical sunscreens (examples: Banana Boat, Coppertone) as the "active" sun protecting ingredients in them have known toxic effects. Use mineral-based ones with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Also, don't be duped into buying a sunscreen product completely based on the SPF number. Anything over 50 adds little to no benefits and is solely a marketing ploy.

Conclusion:

First cleanse, then exfoliate, then tone, and lastly, moisturize.

It's totally fine if you don't follow a strict skin care routine every single day, that would just become a hassle for most people (including myself). If you simply put in the effort for healthier skin, you will see results.

With all of that taken into consideration, the time to start your natural skin care routine is today!

What kind of skin care routine do you currently follow? Let me know!

Introducing Loa: A Holistic Skin Care Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Lōa Skin Care) — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 20:01:00 +0000

Hello health and beauty enthusiasts!

My name is Spencer and I officially welcome you to the Lōa Skin Care blog.

I've created this blog in order to share the knowledge I have learned over the years developing natural, handmade skin care products.

What does Lōa stand for?

Lōa stands for land, ocean, and air. It represents our planet as a whole, containing all of the necessary components to sustain ourselves.

This blog is an extension of my skin care brand, Lōa.

I began my journey in high school, after learning about some of the harmful chemicals found in the products I was using. I started by making natural lip balm, with simple ingredients like beeswax and olive oil. The results were fantastic, as the condition of my lips (dry and cracked) improved dramatically. They were healthy again!

I knew I was onto something, so I continued researching and making more products. The more I looked, the more shocking it got. I learned that certain ingredients, like parabens (a class of synthetic preservatives) for example, can potentially have adverse effects on your health.

However, I also learned about all of the incredible herbs and botanicals our planet has to offer. Turmeric, for example, can be an effective treatment for eczema, acne, skin discolouration, and much more.

With all of the new information I had learned, it pushed me to become a natural health advocate.

This isn't just another blog jumping on the natural bandwagon. It's time to break down barriers and get through all of the nonsense. I will explore topics such as healthy solutions for skin problems, to industry lies for profit. Anything that can potentially effect your skin, health and overall well being will be talked about.

In time, I hope to make you knowledgeable about the products and ingredients you choose to put on your skin.

Welcome to the Lōa lifestyle!