Safe Cosmetics ~ Healthy Faces by Eve Organics

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?

Make Your Own Skin Smoothing Scrub

During the autumn months, as the seasons change, so does our skin, especially the delicate facial skin.  The furnace turns on and dries out our skin; the blustery wind kicks up and dries out the skin; and we tend to drink less water which . . you got it . . . dries out our skin.

Here is a great make-at-home mask that is perfect for exfoliating and smoothing the skin (and it's not expensive to make).  The oatmeal helps breaks down impurities and the bran gently lifts them from the skin.

Bran and Oatmeal Scrub (Make Fresh for Each Use)

1/2 c. bran

1/2 c. oatmeal

2 Tblsp. whole milk (maybe more)

2 drops frankincense (optional)

Mix together the dry ingredients.  Add frankincense to milk and add little by little to the bran and oatmeal mixture until you get a looser consistency than a thick bowl of breakfast oatmeal so that it is easy to handle.  If you need a little more milk, add it a drop or so at a time.

Apply handfuls of mixture to face and massage into the skin.  Use leftovers on thighs or buttocks!  Rinse with luke warm water. 

Pumpkin ~ 3 Reasons to Rub It All Over Your Skin

While the pumpkins are a plenty this fall and you are carving those Halloween jack-o-lanterns, keep the pulp and give your face a good rub!  Your body will thank you for it.  Why?  Read on. 

1.  Anti-Aging:  Pumpkin is more than a veggie for Halloween carving . . . it contains more than 100 beneficial nutrients, which are used in skin care to help reverse the signs of aging.  Pumpkin is a rich source of anti-oxidants, vitamins and enzymes that act like alpha hydroxy acids (which have been proven to promote younger looking skin by increasing the rate of cell renewal and hydration in the windy, cooler autumn and winter months.

2.  Skin Nourishment:  Fresh and cooked pumpkin is loaded with Vitamin A, C, E and beta carotene.  These essential nutrients absorb quickly and deeply into the skin for top notch nourishment.  When used as a facial masque or peel, followed by a safe toner and moisturizer, skin gets an instant boost of vitamins, promoting a healthy, glowing appearance - without the extra calories!

3.  Anti-Inflammatory:  Pumpkin masques help acne prone skin.  Inherent nutrients are naturally soothing and anti-inflammatory, helping skin recover from acne related damage.

Look for do-it-yourself pumpkin masque recipe here on our blog in the weeks to come. 

Do you have any other ideas on how to use some of the over-abundance of pumpkins this fall?  Let us know.  Comment below.

3 Quick Steps to Perking Up Your Face The Morning After

Another tip from that fantastic tip book:  FAST BEAUTY:  1,000 Quick Fixes . . . Have you ever awoke the morning after a late night or a really long flight wondering how to "wake up" your face to look "presentable" for the day's scheduled appointments?

1.  Wash your face with a gentle exfoliating scrub.

2.  Now, alternate splashing your face with cool then warm water, about 3 times.

3.  Apply a moisturizer that contains mint or rosemary. (Cool! All of our moisturizers contain rosemary).  Dab a bit in front of your ears and on your wrists for an instant pick-me-up.

*BONUS TIP:  Use a little Peppermint Lip Balm to wake up your senses and soften up the smoocher too! 

Love to Garden But Hate Dirty Nails?

Ok - I found another great tip for all of us gardeners who hate those dirt-embedded nails that are inevitable, even when you wear gloves.

Listen to this  . . . so simple, yet, I know at least I've never heard of it before.

 

All you need to do is scrape your nails along a bar of soap prior to putting your gardening gloves on.  You can save one bar for this one particular purpose so that all the soap cakes in your house don't end up looking like the cat attacked them. The soap will fill the underside of the nail as well as the gaps in the nail beds, creating a barrier AND they'll be easier to clean when you're done in the dirt!

If you really don't want to scrape up a bar of soap, I have a tip for you too!  Wear two layers of gloves, the first rubber or latex and gardening gloves on top.  It may be a little warm in there, but you'll be dirt free for dinner!

Skin Care: One Easy Step for Glowing Skin

Of all the things you can do to keep your skin looking bright and glowing, the most important things you can do on a regular basis is exfoliate.  And, it's easier than ever.  A good exfoliation sweeps away dead skin cells and leaves skin with a beautiful glow.

All exfoliants are not created equal.  Many exfoliants contain sharp, abrasive particles that can create miniature scratches and abrasions.  Try to stay away from any products that have crushed walnuts, kernels or anything that feels sharp when rubbed on the palm of your hand.  Instead try products that contain soft jojoba beads, oatmeal or sugar, which are much more gentle on the delicate facial skin. 

Try to keep a rountine of exfoliating 1-2 times a week after cleansing the face.  Tone well after the exfoliation and follow up with a good moisturizer.

Regular exfoliation allows the skin to be more receptive to the active ingredients in skin care products.  This means all of your skin care products will work more effectively.

Exfoliation is one simple, inexpensive step that makes a world of difference in the health and look of your skin.

Check out Eve Organics Skin Optimizer Exfoliating Scrub made with jojoba beads.