HOW TO START YOUR NATURAL SKINCARE JOURNEY

There are so many benefits to creating your own natural skincare regimen you'll wonder why you didn't start sooner! It's easier than you think and anyone can do it. Listed below are just a few basic ingredients to an amazing natural skincare journey.

CASTILE SOAP

An all natural, concentrated cleanser made completely from plant oils, Castile soap is extraordinarily versatile and works super well with my skin. Castile soap can be purchased in a number of scents and scentless versions, including a gentle baby wash! It’s inexpensive, versatile, and lasts for a long time. And in addition to my skin care routine below, I also use Castile soap for bubble baths and household cleaners!

RAW HONEY

Honey is a wonderful antibacterial that helps to eliminate breakout-causing bacteria and diminish breakouts. It’s full of antioxidants, promoting skin healing and helping you gain a natural glow. Honey is also an emollient that helps to nourish, calm, and condition sensitive skin, and it works wonders on your hair too!

JOJOBA OIL

I have tried a number of natural oils on my skin (and hair) and have found that jojoba oil and avocado oil (below) work the best for my body. Jojoba oil very closely mimics the natural oil our skin makes, and it never irritates my sensitive skin one bit. While other oils tend to sit on top of the skin or moisturize only the top layer, jojoba oil sinks deep and nourishes my skin. It leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth, and beautifully colored, and protects it from rougher weather or fabrics.

AVOCADO OIL

Similar to jojoba oil, avocado oil deeply conditions my skin with lasting effects. I find that avocado oil is heavier than jojoba oil, sometimes a bit too heavy, so I tend to use this more sparingly in my skin care routine.

LEMON

Lemons are another antibacterial ingredient that helps to clear up pimples and acne and smooth and brighten your skin. They help reduce the oil on your skin and lighten dark spots, helping to even your skin tone. It is important to note that lemon is phototoxic, which means that it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV rays. Try not to use lemon treatments before spending a lot of time outdoors, and always be sure to use sunscreen on your face.

VITAMIN E

Vitamin E is an ingredient well-known for promoting skin health and luster. The antioxidant oil helps to moisturize, nourish, and decrease the effects of aging on skin. It is best when diluted, and is great for deep conditioning and helping to heal, hydrate, and smooth our skin.

ESSENTIAL OILS

No DIY ingredient list would be complete without essential oils! The best natural way to customize your homemade products, essential oils not only add smell goods to the things you make, they also add their own unique benefits based on what oil you are using. Citrus oils and ylang ylang help decrease breakouts and minimize oily skin; chamomile helps to calm inflamed or red skin and eczema; and lavender helps to regenerate skin cells, promoting the healing of dark spots, scars, and sun damage.

Misty Cassady

Natural Supplements & Your Skin

Natural Supplements & Your Skin



There are several supplements that have been scientifically proven to help clear up clogged pores, boost radiance, calm inflammation, reduce imperfections, and even slow down signs of aging.

 

The Connection between

your skin health and your diet.

 

People are often quick to credit enviably clear complexions to great genes or potent products, but naturally bright skin often starts with diet choices. You’re probably aware that some of your habits affect your skin — things like whether you wash your face daily or whether you wear SPF regularly, but more and more research shows a strong connection between the nutrients you are getting and your complexion.

 

Garlic Supplements

Garlic has been used medicinally for centuries. A few research studies have shown that garlic can be useful for some medical conditions.

Garlic has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiseptic properties from allicin. Allicin helps to kill the bacteria causing acne. It also helps to reduce swelling and inflammation, and improve blood circulation. These beneficial effects allow the skin to receive more nutrients. Garlic also has thiosulfinates, which can act as an antimicrobial. Many believe that with regular use, it clears the skin.

Garlic also contains other vitamins and minerals that combat acne, like vitamin C, vitamin B-6, selenium, copper, and zinc (used to control oily substances). Garlic has also been known to have potential effects on several medical conditions like cancer, psoriasis, and wound healing. Some studies have shown that garlic has anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are believed to help reduce the inflammation of acne.

 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is excellent for your digestive system. But do you know that it works like magic when it comes to making acne vanish? Yes! ACV is one of Nature’s most effective weapons to heal most skin-related woes (especially acne).

 

Turmeric Root

For hundreds of years, people around the world have linked turmeric to healing properties and cosmetic benefits. The bright, yellow-orange spice is related to ginger. It’s available as a ground spice or in supplements and other beauty and dermatology products.

Turmeric gets its health benefits primarily because of curcumin, a bioactive component. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Turmeric contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components. These characteristics may provide glow and luster to the skin. Turmeric may also revive your skin by bringing out its natural glow.

 

The curcumin found in turmeric can help wounds heal by decreasing inflammation and oxidation. It also lowers the response of your body to cutaneous wounds. This results in your wounds healing more quickly.

 

Consult your doctor about taking

 supplements for skin health

It’s always a good idea to seek consultation from your practitioner or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have concerning a skin condition and using a natural remedy for treatment.

It’s always best to try and get any nutrients you may be missing in your diet from food. But if you’re finding it hard to get skin healthy nutrients into your diet, chances are you will benefit from dietary supplements. Now you know, you can actually wine and dine your way to get clear skin, naturally!

 

Misty Cassady

Misty's Natural Skincare Regimen

Today's blog is about my daily skincare regimen. Ive been asked about 5 times this week about my skin so I thought I might just put it another Natural Skincare Chick blog post.

If you have followed me in the past you know that I am BIG on Exfoliating. So I wont go into a long explanation about the benefits of exfoliating. However Moisturizing is KEY to your natural Skincare success. 

100% Natural Facial Moisturizer

 I use 4 main ingredients in my 100% Natural Facial Moisturizer

1.     Shea Butter

2.     Aloe Vera Gel

3.     Frankincense Essential Oil

4.     Lavender Essential Oil

You cant go wrong with these natural ingredients

Shea Butter

High concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins make shea butter an ideal cosmetic ingredient for softening skin. Shea butter also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Using shea butter on your body, especially your face, can condition, tone, and soothe your skin. The Shea Butter in our moisturizer is one of the best moisturizing, anti-aging regenerating and protecting natural products in the World! It heals....

Dry skin

Skin rash

Skin peeling, after tanning

Blemishes and Wrinkles

Itching skin

Sunburn

Shaving cream for a smooth silky shave

Small skin wounds

Skin cracks

Tough or rough skin (Feet, Elbow)

Cold weather

Frost bites

Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy

Insect bites

Healthy skin

Muscle fatigue aches and tension

For before and after strenuous exercise

Skin allergies such as poison ivy or poison oak

Eczema

Dermatitis

Aloe Vera Gel

The Aloe Vera contains two hormones: Auxin and Gibberellins. These two hormones provide wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin inflammation. ... Additionally, in Ayurvedic medicine, Aloe is used to effectively heal chronic skin problems, such as psoriasis, acne and eczema.

Frankincense Essential Oils

Frankincense essential oil is a powerful astringent, meaning it helps protect skin cells. ... Frankincense has the ability to strengthen skin and improve its tone, elasticity, defense mechanisms against bacteria or blemishes, and appearance as someone ages.

The astringent properties of Frankincense make it an excellent choice for topical uses. Anti-aging products use the oil for the skin benefits. It also may help speed healing of minor wounds and insect bites. I personally use it in homemade beauty products for its scent and for reducing scars or tightening skin.

Frankincense essential oil is obtained from the dried and distilled resin of the Frankincense tree, which is native to specific regions of Africa and the Middle East.

Frankincense oil gets its name from the term “franc encens,” which means “high-quality incense” in French. Considered to be a “pure incense,” it was the most desirable of all the other types of incense.

Its potent aroma can be described as woody, earthy, and spicy with a fruity nuance. Used in aromatherapy, its sedative and comforting fragrance is believed to strengthen and invigorate the respiratory system.

Frankincense essential oil contains properties that reduce feelings of anxiety, stimulate the immune system, and diminish signs of aging, among other demonstrated activities. It can be used cosmetically, medicinally, and for eliminating surface area blemishes or wrinkles.

Tips For Mixing Frankincense Oil Into Your Skin Care Products:

Use ~6 drops per ounce for face products.Use ~12 drops per ounce for body lotions.Use ~20 drops per ounce for shampoos, hair masks and products you rinse off.Always do a patch test first to check for skin sensitivity.For liquids, shake well before use.

The Candle Doctor stocks and distributes 100% Organic Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils. To purchase a 15ml bottle of Frankincense Purchase Below.

Lavender Essential Oils

Lavender has a distinct, relaxing aroma. It is often used in aromatherapy and commercial bath products. There is a growing body of research looking at the potential health benefits of this popular plant.

In a 2013 study, a research team studied the antioxidant effects of lavender. Their findings suggested that lavender oil helps protect against oxidative stress in the brain.

These same effects may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines when applied to the skin. However, more studies need to be conducted with humans to prove lavender oil's effectiveness.

Some people are allergic to lavender. It is advised to do a patch test before applying any new substance to the skin.

The Amazing Benefits Of Patchouli Essential Oil

The health benefits of patchouli essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, deodorant, diuretic, fungicide, insecticide, sedative, and a tonic substance. It also has wound healing and scar reducing properties, as well as aphrodisiac effects. 

For many people, a whiff of patchouli oil brings to mind the hippie movement of the '60s and '70s. But beyond this oil's unique aroma that's associated with the "flower children" is a wealth of benefits that can soothe and heal you inside out. Discover more interesting facts about patchouli oil below.....

What Exactly Is Patchouli Oil?

Patchouli oil is derived from a large evergreen perennial that is a member of the Labiatae family, and a close relative of mint, lavender and sage. 

The name "patchouli" (Pogostemon cablin or Pogostemon patchouli) is said to be derived from the ancient Tamil words "patchai" and "ellai," meaning "green leaf."

Others say it comes from the Hindustan word "patchoi," meaning "to scent," referring to its use as a fragrance.

Patchouli originates from Southeast Asia. Today, it's cultivated in China, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and the Philippines, but also grows in South America and other tropical regions like Hawaii.

Patchouli oil is extracted from the lightly fragrant leaves and the white, violet-marked flowers of the plant. It's a thick, light yellow or brown liquid, with a strong, musky-earthy and slightly sweet aroma, reminiscent of wet soil. For some, the potent fragrance of this oil is an acquired taste.

What sets patchouli oil apart from other herbal oils is that it gets better with age. Its light yellow color turns into a deep amber, and the scent becomes smoother and richer.    

The insecticidal and insect repellent properties of this oil have been known for many years, particularly as it was used in the protection of clothes and fabrics from insects. More health benefits of patchouli essential oil have been discovered and it is now one of the most versatile and celebrated essential oils on the market.

How to use Patchouli Oil.....

Patchouli has been used for thousands of years. It was very valuable — early European traders actually  exchanged 1 pound of patchouli for a pound of gold.

Romans used it as an appetite stimulant while, in Egypt, it was said that Pharaoh Tutankhamun — also known as King Tut — arranged to have 10 gallons of patchouli oil buried with him in his tomb. Patchouli oil has long been used in traditional Asian medicine, especially in Malaysia, China and Japan. It is used to treat skin and hair problems, such as dermatitis, eczema, acne, dry chapped skin, dandruff, and oily scalp.

It also has wound healing and scar reducing properties, as well as aphrodisiac effects. The link to sexual desire likely originated from India, where it is used in Tantric sexual practices.

Patchouli oil is also popularly used as a fabric fragrance, a practice that dates back to 19th century India. Manufacturers used it as a moth repellent for fabrics that are exported to other countries. The scent was so widely used that it became an indicator of authentic Oriental fabric. English and French garment makers even became obliged to add patchouli oil to their imitation products to make them acceptable in the market.

Today, patchouli oil is used as a fragrance in skin and personal care products, air fresheners, laundry detergents, and paper towels. It's also used as incense and as a base note for perfumes. In aromatherapy, patchouli oil is said to help relieve anxiety, stress and depression. Its calming effect is very effective for relaxation and meditation. Simply add a few drops in a diffuser or vaporizer.

You can also mix it into your face cream, lotion or shampoo, or even add it to your bathwater. 

Here are other ways to use patchouli oil:

• Massage it on your skin to help prevent wrinkles and cellulite. Simply dilute it in a light carrier oil.
• Dab a small amount on your skin to soothe cuts, scrapes, burns and sores, as well as insect bites.
• Apply a few drops on your wrists or add it to your sheets to keep ants, bedbugs and other pests away.
• Put two to three drops on a cotton ball and dab it on your underarms to prevent body odor.
• Mix a couple of drops into your shampoo or conditioner to treat dandruff and oily hair. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.

 Health benefits of Patchouli Oil

 Patchouli oil can help address health conditions such as:

• Inflammation — Patchouli oil can help soothe inflammation and/or irritation. It also works for inflammation-related conditions, like gout and arthritis.
• Fungal infection — It helps inhibit fungal growth and gives you protection against notorious infections, such as athlete's foot.
• Colds and flu — Patchouli oil can bolster your immune system to help you avoid colds, influenza and tonsillitis.
• Fever —It helps fight infections that cause fever and reduces your body temperature.
• Sexual problems (men and women) — It stimulates the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone, and helps boost your sex drive. It is useful for impotence, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction and sexual anxiety.

Patchouli oil is a tonic that helps promote your overall well-being by toning your stomach, liver and intestines to optimize metabolic function. It also helps regulate your Endocrinol secretions of hormones and enzymes, and boosts your nervous and immune system health.

The Candle Doctor carries 100% Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils & No Blends. 

Lemongrass & Rose Facial Scrub

Lemongrass & Rose Facial Scrub

Lemongrass

Grown by family farmers in Southern India, lemongrass produces a smoky, citrus essential oil that offers a variety of  purifying and toning benefits to the skin. Consider adding a few drops of Lemongrass essential oil to your daily cleanser or moisturizer to help tone and purify skin.

The health benefits of lemongrass essential oil can be attributed to its beneficial properties as an analgesic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicidal, galactagogue, insecticidal, nervine, sedative, and a tonic substance.

The antiseptic properties of lemongrass oil make it a good application for external wounds as well as a useful ingredient in antiseptic lotions and creams. The antiseptic properties of this oil do not let the external cuts and wounds become septic.

Rose Buds

Antibacterial: Naturally antibacterial rose buds can help treat acne and acne-prone skin. Combined with its cleansing properties, rose makes an ideal ingredient in face washes and cleansers.

Anti-inflammatory: While we may think of roses for their iconic deep red color, rose oils can actually help reduce swollen spots or redness on your skin. Its calming properties can also help sooth rosecea and eczema.

You can even create a calming face mask from rose petals. Simply soak 8 petals in 3-4 tablespoons of water for 2-3 hours. Then mash the petals into the water and add 3 tablespoons of honey. Mix well, and apply to entire face. Leave on for 15-30 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Antioxidants: Rose contains high amounts of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. This important vitamin can help protect skin cells from damage, such as from staying out in the sun too long. Some evidence even suggests that rose water can help prevent sunburn.

Moisturizing: The natural oils found in roses help lock moisture into the skin, keeping skin feeling smooth. Rose is especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin because the sugars in its petals create a soothing feeling.

Naturally fragrant: Many organic beauty products choose to include rose for its delicate aroma in lieu of artificial fragrances.

Relaxing: When used aromatically, rose calms and soothes the mind. In fact, rose petals are a staple in Ayurvedic medicine to detoxify and calm. While this characteristic doesn’t directly add beauty benefits, it sure makes that rose-scented lotion or cream an extra pleasant experience.

Toning: As a natural astringent, rose helps tighten pores and restore suppleness for a glowy complexion. Unlike conventional alcohol-based toners, rose leaves skin feeling smooth, not dried out.

Why use a Facial Scrub

The truth of the matter is exfoliation is a no brainer; it is essential if you want clean healthy skin it's something you should practice at least once a week. .

See, it turns out your skin is your largest organ and literally the barrier between you and the outside world, producing and then shedding millions of cells each day.

Exfoliation is the simple process of removing these dead cells from the top layers of your skin in order to reveal the healthy cells beneath.

Exfoliation is not so much about vanity as it is about a good healthy practice, as it is under this dead skin that oil build up and grim accumulates.

 

The Benefits Of Skin Exfoliation

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Exfoliation is the removal of dry/dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and is one of the most important aspects of your home skincare routine for face and body.
Exfoliation not only helps many skin problems, it also increases blood circulation, which in turn helps you to achieve healthy and glowing skin.

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

I suggest exfoliating twice a week as part of a good home care regime – both the face and body. While it’s important to remove dead skin it’s also important not to strip away too many of your natural oils, so a good balance is essential.

Aftercare For Exfoliating

Because you are increasing blood circulation, breaking down toxins and encouraging new skin cells to come through, our best advice is to drink lots of water which drains toxins and helps give those new skin cells a “drink from the inside”.

It is important to apply a good Natural Facial Moisturiser to hydrate the skin from the outside in. The Candle Doctor has created a revolutionary 100% natural facial moisturizer excellent for all skin types. Click Here for more information…

Do not expose your exfoliated skin to UV rays, sun, sunbed for 24 hours.

 

Specific Benefits of Exfoliation

Blemished Skin

It is important for people with blemished skin to use an exfoliator on the face or body at least twice a week. Some people believe the best way to stop a break-out is to strip the skin, killing bacteria, but, this will also dry out the skin and cause irritation.
We would suggest removing dead cells while keeping the skin clean and hydrating with a good Natural Facial Moisturizer, making sure that you apply the moisturizer with clean hands to prevent bacterial infection and spots. *****

Post-Breakout, Red and Dark Marks

After having a blemish on the skin there can sometimes be a dark mark left for a while. The best way to fade these dark marks is to exfoliate twice a week to remove those damaged skin cells and encourage new healthy skin tissue to grow through.

Clogged Pores

If you suffer from clogged pores, exfoliation helps to draw out congestion, otherwise known as blackheads and whiteheads. Most common areas for breakouts are the nose, chin and forehead. Remember, twice a week max.

Pigmentation

Pigmentation is the dark areas that come from age, pregnancy and changes in your hormonal balance. These areas tend to become more apparent and darker as the skin ages.
Exfoliation is beneficial for breaking up pigmented cells, encouraging them to fade. Regular targeted exfoliation treatments are also good to help promote healthy skin reproductions, helping these areas to fade.

 

Dry Skin

If your skin is dry or dehydrated, you may find scaly or flakey areas which would benefit hugely from exfoliation. Once you have exfoliated an area of dry skin you can apply a moisturiser to the new skin cells.

Ingrowing Hairs

When you have your legs or bikini line waxed you are pulling the hair from the root. Although the hair will eventually grow back weaker, it sometimes cannot pierce through the skin and a red spot will appear around the hair. This is an ingrowing hair – Exfoliation the area you will remove dead skin and allow the hair to break through the skin.

General Health and Well Being

When you exfoliate the body you are increasing the blood circulation and lymphatic system which is very beneficial for the body, this helps encourage new skin cells, breaks down fatty tissues, and breaks down and drains toxins from the skin. After exfoliating the skin is left beautifully soft ready to absorb a good moisturiser.

Sun Tanning

Exfoliating dead skin cells from your body is essential for sun tanning and is ideal as a pre-holiday skin boost. By getting rid of dead skin cells the sun will be affecting the new skin cells, which will last longer and leave your tan looking more even. Make sure you moisturise and keep your skin protected safely when tanning, and also hydrated through body moisture lotions.

Fake Tanning

A good tanning regime (whether cream tan or spray tanning) should start with exfoliation. Removing dead skin cells from your body will leave an even and consistent surface to your skin for applying the fake tan. This will ensure your tan looks amazing and lasts longer.

The Candle Doctor has created a revolutionary Lemongrass & Rose bud Facial Scrub.