Safe Cosmetics ~ Healthy Faces by Eve Organics

Healthy Skin from the Inside

Guest Blogger:   Pam Koskinen

I came across this article while searching the web (healthywomen.org) and thought it was worth passing on.  With so many things against us when it comes to our skin it's great to know that Eve Organics skin care and make-up are full of the best ingredients to keep your skin healthy and beautiful. 

Get Beautiful Glowing Skin

Ever noticed how whatever is going on in our life seems to show on our face? If we're stressed, we can expect acne and dark circles under our eyes. If we're dehydrated, our skin looks dry and flaky. If we're sick, our face appears pale. Eat or drink too much and we wake up with puffy skin. But get a stretch of feeling great, exercising, eating right, and we positively glow with health.

Well, there's a reason for that. Our skin is our body's largest organ-an average of 21 square feet, to be exact. Whatever goes on in the inside shows up on the outside.

Take smoking, for instance. Studies find that smoking prematurely ages skin by disrupting your body's natural process of breaking down old skin and replacing it with fresh skin. Smoking also triples your risk of squamous cell skin cancer (not to mention numerous other cancers).

Stress can also negatively affect your face (and the rest of the body). But the opposite is also true. What you eat and how you live your life can lead to smoother, healthier skin. Overall, your best bet for your skin is also what's best for overall health: a low-fat, high-fiber diet filled with fruits, vegetables and whole grains, plenty of water, regular exercise and enough sleep every night (not just on weekends). More specifically, here's what the science shows:

• Fats. Several studies find that the amount of poly- and monounsaturated fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, you get in your diet may affect the amount of sun and aging damage your skin experiences. The best source of omega-3s? Cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel and tuna. For healthy mono fats, we recommend olive oil and nuts.
• Tea. To understand the effect of green tea on skin health, you first need to understand what causes aging. We now know that skin aging is mainly the result of free radical damage to cell walls and other cell structures. Sun exposure and cigarette smoking contribute to the production of these free radicals. Antioxidants, on the other hand, are molecules that neutralize these free radicals. One good source is any type of tea. One Arizona study, for instance, found that the more black tea people drank (particularly tea with lemon) the less likely they were to develop squamous cell skin cancer.
• Fruits, vegetables and fish. You know these foods are good for you for any number of reasons. But did you know they may prevent wrinkling? When researchers from Monash University in Australia studied the diets of 453 people aged 70 and older from Australia, Greece and Sweden to see if there was any correlation between what they ate and the amount of wrinkles on their skin, they found those who ate the most fruits, vegetables and fish had the least amount of wrinkles. Conversely, the researchers found, foods high in saturated fat, including meat, butter and full-fat dairy, as well as soft drinks, cakes and pastries, and potatoes, increased the likelihood of skin wrinkling.
• Exercise. Regular exercise maintains healthy circulation and blood flow throughout your body, including your skin.
• Vitamins. Although it's always best to get what you need from food, several studies attest to the skin-protecting effects of supplements containing the antioxidant vitamins E and C.
• Other nutrients. Other studies suggest that consumption of borage oil (high in omega-3 fatty acids), garlic and ginkgo biloba may also protect skin from the detrimental effects of sunlight and free radicals.

10 Foods to Eat for Your Face

1. Salmon
2. Green Tea
3. Olive oil and olives
4. Sardines
5. Brazil nuts
6. Blueberries
7. Flaxseeds
8. Non-fat dairy products
9. Canola oil
10. Avocados

Thinner with Chocolate?

Guest Blogger:  Pam Koskinen

 

 

Ok - So I'm always looking for articles on WHY Ishould continue to eat chocolate and this just happened to be in my in-box this morning from Dr. Weil!  I thought it was worth passing on. 

 

"My weakness is chocolate; not pop, or coffee or tea. Actress Katherine Hepburn credited her famously slim build to "a lifetime of chocolate," and now a new investigation from California suggests that eating chocolate is "calorie neutral" and doesn't cause weight gain. Researchers from the University of California, San Diego set out to test the hypothesis that eating small amounts of chocolate on a regular basis wouldn't contribute to weight gain. They analyzed information from 1,000 overweight, but not obese men and women and found that those who ate chocolate most often tended to consume more calories overall, including saturated fat, but weighed five to seven pounds less than people who didn't eat any chocolate. This held true regardless of age, gender or amount of exercise reported by the chocolate-eaters. The difference seemed to hinge on how often the participants ate chocolate, not how much they ate. The study was published online on March 26, 2012 by the Archives of Internal Medicine.

My take? Chocolate has many health benefits - it is a source of polyphenols (the same type of antioxidants found in red wine), and the fat it contains, stearic acid, doesn't affect cholesterol levels. In addition, research has indicated that the flavonoids in dark chocolate may help reduce the stickiness of platelets, cells that play an important role in blood clotting. As a result, blood takes longer to clot, reducing the risks of coronary artery blockages. Chocolate's polyphenols also appear to boost levels of HDL (the "good" cholesterol) and lower LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) at least in the lab. I have long recommended good-quality dark chocolate as a healthy snack, as long as you don't go overboard. An ounce or two a few times a week is good for you, but it's not a strategy to lose weight. I'll be interested to learn what it is about chocolate that explains the findings that people who eat chocolate regularly are thinner than those who don't.

Isn't that awesome news worth SHARING?

Who is this Guest Blogger?

Guest Blogger:  Pam Koskinen

Some of you may be wondering, "Who is this new 'guest blogger'?"  Well, my name is Pam and I am the wife to Dan for 23 years (this July) and mom to 3 kids, 2 teenage daughters and a 12 yr. old son. I grew up in the city, in a subdivision with lots of friends to play with, but always dreamed of living on a farm. 

About 10 years ago, we moved to the country and bought a quaint 15 acre farm.  I love the country life and all of our animals we have accumulated over the years;  horses, goats, chickens, ducks, cats, dogs and a bunny. 

I have been affectionately referred to as 'the farmgirl with make-up'. I don't mind getting dirty and working hard, but also love getting dressed-up.  I've always loved make-up! 

I will admit I'm not much into shopping (I'll leave that to my mom and sister); I would rather be outside riding my horse.

Both our girls are involved with horses and our son loves everything that has 'horse power'.  In recent years I have been making the switch to a healthier lifestyle (with a lot of help from my husband!).  You see, I like 'junk' food - with my main weakness being...of course, chocolate!  But, I have a desire to cook with healthier ingredients, use healthier products, and train and teach my kids the importance of the healthier side of things. They now look at the ingredients when we go grocery shopping!

I discovered Eve Organics 2 years ago and absolutely love the products.  Everything that goes on my face is EO.  I will admit, though that it took some time for me to get used to a non-foaming type of face wash.  I liked the foamy bubbles (you know the kind we all like, but is so bad for your skin)!  If you haven't tried Eve Organics Cleanser yet, give yourself some time to get used to it - you will find that it does a great job cleansing, even without the 'foam'!

Eve Organics Natural Mineral Makeup Foundation is amazing!  I've never used a liquid foundation, so this was a no-brainer for me and I love the coverage it has. I really could write a little something about all their products, but for now I'll keep it brief - look for future blogs :)

Essential oils sparked my interest recently too, and I now have about 11 different varieties.  It really is fascinating when you start to research the different oils and how and what they can help with.  Having them in the Eve Organics line is a huge benefit!

So, I hope that helps you get to know me a little better.  I will continue to blog about different topics; make-up, skin care, recipes, essential oils, etc... and maybe a funny story or two about our life on the farm.  This time of year is so pretty with the birds singing and the trees blooming - finally looking out to green pastures and not mud! lol :) 

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

How to Switch to Organic Produce, Without Going Broke

I know I mentioned before that I subscribe to Dr. Weil's email newsletter.  He is highly regarded in the field of alternative medicine and natural health; I believe his insight on a wide range of topics, from breathing correctly to natural pet care, is endless.  I love to absorb everything I can from his posts.

This video about organic produce was part of a recent newsletter. I think it's totally worthwhile to watch.   

Do you want to eat organic, but feel it's too hard to find organic products readily available or that it's too expensive to completely switch over?  Dr. Weil has a concise little video with tips on doing just that.  It explains the "Dirty Dozen" produce and the "Clean 15" so that you can integrate organic and conventional produce, while still feeling comfortable that you're purchasing the healthiest fruits and veggies out there . . .  and, just a hint, they don't all have to be organic!

 

What do you think?  Any comments on Dr. Weil's suggestions?

Epsom Salt and Lavender - A Beautiful Combination

Guest Blogger:  Pam Koskinen

The next time you're at the store pick up some Epsom Salt. You can find it near the health/beauty or pharmacy area.  For about $5 you can start reaping the benefits of this quietly kept little gem. Our family has been using it for years and have found it to be very versatile. 

Have sore feet?

Take some very warm water and pour some (2 cups per gallon roughly) epsom salt along with 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil into it.  Sit back and enjoy.  

Child feeling under the weather?

If so, put some epsom salt in the bath and let them soak in it.  You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil as well.  Epsom Salt has magnesium sulfate in it, which naturally acts as a drawing agent.  So, it will work hard to rid toxins from your body.  Adding lavender creates a calming and relaxing fragrance. 

Have a splinter? 

Try using an Epsom Salt paste and apply it to the skin.  The drawing action will help bring the splinter to the surface!

Any tidbits on Epsom Salt you'd like to add?  Post a comment below.

The Doctors Connect Makeup With Gluten Intolerance

"The Doctors" tv show had a segment on gluten intolerance a couple of weeks ago. There was a mention in that segment about cosmetics in relation to gluten sensitivities (specifically celiac disease).

I tried to find the video segment online to no avail. I did, however, find an article snippet on their website. It's so interesting to see the mainstream physicians change and embrace what the alternative medicine scene has been trying to say all along. . . 

It's all connected!

Read The Doctors article here.

5 Ways to Use Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon* (citrus limon) essential oil has antiseptic properties and contains compounds that have been studied for their effects on immune function.  is inexpensive and can be used for a wide variety of applications!  WARNING:  Be careful with direct contact to the skin as it can be photosensitizing.  Don't expose skin to the sun if it has had lemon applied to it in the past 72 hours.

Make sure you are using therapeutic grade essential oils!  Any oil stating only for external use are not therapeutic grade and should not be used on the body.  The following tips that have to do with body application are only for people using therapeutic grade oils.  The household tips are ok to follow using other grades of lemon.

Following are 5 ways to use Lemon* essential oil:

1.  To sanitize counters, add 2-3 drops of lemon oil* to water in a spray bottle.  Shake well and spray over countertop and wipe (it smells great too!).

2.  A few drops mixed into a Tablespoon of olive oil and rubbed on cellulite improves circulation and helps to eliminate wates from cells.

3.  2 drops lemon oil*, 2 Tablespoons honey and 2 cups pure water mixed well makes a wonderful glass of lemonade.  (Adjust honey to taste)

4.  Add a drop of lemon oil* to the dishwasher wash cycle for extra squeaky clean dishes.

5.  1 drop lemon oil* on a q-tip is great for blemishes.

*As mentioned on the website and elsewhere in the blog, if you use essential oils, always use therapeutic grade essential oils.  Other oils can be contaminated with solvents used to express the plant oils.  These chemicals taint the essential oils and are absorbed into your body when the oil is applied.  To get the desired results without putting the body at risk with undesired toxins, use therapeutic grade essential oils (these oils are pure enough to ingest).  There should be not be a warning on the bottle saying "for external use only", except for the few oils that should never be ingested.

An Argument for Household Plants

We all know that plants brighten our mood and our environment.  Here are a few more reasons to add houseplants to your room:

1.  The American Society of Horticulture Science found that common ornamental plants (the purple waffle plant, in particular) removed indoor air pollutants, significantly improving indoor air quality.

2.  A study in the Netherlands discovered that plants boosted productivity in creative work environments.

3.  Hospital patients exposed to plants had shorter stays and less pain, anxiety and fatigue than their plantless counterparts, according to a study by Kansas State University.

So include a plant in your decor.  You'll be happier, more productive and have more energy because of it!

Source:  Natural Health Magazine, June 2010

Ask Troy: What Herbs Promote Radiant Skin?

What Herbs Promote Radiant Skin?

What herbs will help improve radiant skin? Well let’s start with proper elimination of toxins, if we don’t eliminate the bad stuff, it can eventually cause skin problems and overall health problems. I try and make simple recommendations so that my clients will get quick results.  Therefore, I will start out with two suggestions.

1.  Improve Blood: Sometimes we need to cool the body internally, especially in the summer heat when increase heat can cause inflammation and skin rashes. Therefore, a wonderful herb called Neem can help purify the blood and cool the body, resulting in improved skin and health.

 

2.  Improved Digestion: Not a sexy topic, but we need to be regular to have good skin texture. I suggest 2-3 bowel movements per day without much effort; if this is a problem, work needs to be done to make sure you are eliminating toxins and wastes from your system. I recommend a wonderful ayurvedic formula that will help improve digestion and wastes and add antioxidants to your body and skin….this formula is called triphala. 

Check out Troy's website at omwellness.net

Keep your questions for Troy coming.  Comment below or email me at info@eveorganics.net. 

Neem Oil

ORIGIN

Neem oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the fruits and seeds of the Neem (Azadirachta indica) evergreen tree. Neem was originally found in India, but has since been introduced to many other tropical areas.

Neem oil is generally light to dark brown, bitter and has a rather strong odor, said to smell like a combination of peanut and garlic.

Neem oil is not used for cooking purposes.  In Indiaand Bangladeshcold-pressed neem oil is used in skin care and cosmetics (known as the skin care secret and the key to flawless skin) and in Ayurvedicin the treatment of a wide range of afflictions, including skin diseases, inflammation, fever, rheumaticdisorders, insect repellentand pesticides.  Traditional Ayurvedic uses neem in a variety of other ways, including treatment of: acne, fever, leprosy, malaria, tuberculosis, tetanus, psoriasis, and eczema.

SKIN CARE USES

Neem oil is an excellent moisturizer, high in Vitamin E, rich in emollients and fatty acids, soothing dry, cracked or otherwise stressed and damaged skin. Unlike petroleum based moisturizers, neem oil actually restores the skin's natural elasticity.

Used in combination with the medicinal properties of aloe vera and tea tree and you have a perfect skin care formula ~ antibacterial properties combat blemishes/acne, anti-inflammatory properties reduce the swelling and redness of conditions like acne and rosacea, and the general support for the immune system promotes healthy skin and an even skin tone.

Eve Organics uses neem oil in many of our products.  Pretty cool stuff hugh?