If you’re new to the idea of putting oil on your skin, the title of this blog post might just cause you to raise a brow and think, “no way!” But hear me out. For decades, the beauty and skincare industries have preached the concept of “oil free” and even me, a licensed holistic esthetician, has fallen into the trap of this misinformed marketing verbiage in the past. We’re led to believe that our acne or breakouts are best treated with harsh cleansers, drying astringents, and an oil-free moisturizer. Or, that facial oils are solely for folks with dry skin. We’ve been taught that oil is bad, even our naturally occurring oil. To demonize our naturally occurring sebum is to not fully understand the structure and function of the body’s largest organ. Once you have the fuller picture, using oil on your skin to help acne or dry skin, will feel less daunting.

With all of that in mind, it makes sense that many people are left with the wrong impression about facial oils and need help understanding just how transformative they can be for skin. Dive into some common questions and concerns below about using facial oils for all skin types! Let’s start with the fundamentals.

What role does sebum play in skin health and function?

According to a study - one of sebum’s (aka oil) main functions is to lubricate the skin, protecting against friction. Not only that, but our natural sebum helps skin prevent moisture loss while having the ability to transport antioxidants. It also has antibacterial properties and has pro and anti-inflammatory functions. Love your oil a little more?

Why shouldn’t I dry out my breakouts or rely on oil-free products?

Think about all of those beautiful functions above that natural oil provides for our skin. Why strip your body’s largest organ of this essential substance? Contrary to what you may have thought, supplementing your skin with the right types of oils won’t exactly make you break out. When you deny your skin of its natural oils, it works twice as hard to produce more - which can ultimately lead to a breakout or congested skin.

You can also think of acne as a cut. When you have a cut, would you dry it out with harsh ingredients to help it heal? Quite the opposite! You’d deliver antibacterial and soothing ingredients to aid in the healing process. Think of your acne or breakouts like those cuts - they need nourishment and hydration to heal. Healthy skin is hydrated and moisturized, and when skin is healthy, it can heal more efficiently.

I often experience acne, have oily skin and/or currently have a breakout. Won’t adding more oil cause me to break out more or make my skin worse?

Not always! If you have acne/oily-prone skin, your skin could be experiencing an inadequate amount of sebum if you’ve been over-cleansing or using harsh products that strip your skin of its oil. Your sebaceous glands may be in overdrive to produce what’s been stripped away - producing more than what’s actually needed. Hello breakouts.

Skin can actually benefit from gamma linolenic acid-rich oils like borage seed oil (find it in this facial oil). A few other oil-balancing ingredients worth noting to look for are green tea and squalane oil.

For skin currently experiencing a breakout, a combination of the above oil-balancing ingredients, anti-inflammatory superstars like Clary Sage and Immortelle essential oils, as well as antibacterial essential oils like chamomile and thyme can collectively support the skin’s natural function to heal breakouts.

I have dry skin. Will a facial oil be enough?

Start by applying 3-4 drops of facial oil to your skin twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. Take note of how your skin feels after; do you still feel dry? Is your skin tight? Do you still experience dry or flaking skin? If so, incorporate a facial moisturizer into your routine and try this: apply a pea-sized amount of moisturizer or cream to your fingertips, add 2-3 drops of serum, and mix. Apply thoroughly to your face and neck.

Pro tip: Commonly experience dry skin? Skip your morning cleanser and opt for just water and your moisturizer and serum. Save your cleanser for nighttime!

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Acne. There’s certainly no “one size fits all” solution that can indefinitely clear up one of the most frustrating and commonplace skin conditions. There are many factors to take into account when addressing the root cause of your acne and skin congestion including but not limited to diet, hormones, lifestyle behaviors like sleep, stress levels, exercise habits, and finally, topical skincare products. We’re firmly rooted in the belief that optimal health is a delicate balance of a few core tenets including nutrition, physical wellness, and mental well-being. So, it’s important that when dealing with your acne, that you assess your overall well being, both physical and mental, and aim to help address your acne through a holistic lens for long-lasting, healthy skin. 

You might be wondering, but where can I start today? While not always the complete solution, beginning your journey to clearer, blemish-free skin can start with what you put on it. While our skin is inherently intelligent and designed to self-cleanse, moisturize and protect us, we can support these natural processes with clean, nutritive ingredients to encourage clearer, happier and optimally functioning skin. 

What is acne?

First, it’s helpful to know what’s happening below the surface of your skin. After all, it is your body’s largest organ! Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, collectively made up of the hair follicle, hair shaft and sebaceous gland, your oil-producing gland. Most often, acne is experienced on the face, chest, shoulders or back. Excess sebum production, aka oil, bacteria, and inflammation are a few of the usual suspects when it comes to the formation of acne - which ranges in both appearance and form. It can include comedones, commonly referred to as black or white heads, papules which resemble small, raised bumps, pustules that contain pus and have a white head, and cysts which can range in severity. 

How can I help address my acne topically?

Like we mentioned earlier, skin is smart. We each have a unique skin barrier and microbiome designed to keep pathogens and harmful bacteria out, and the good stuff in. Through years of marketing, we’ve been made to believe that oil is bad when in fact our skin so expertly produces this wax-like substance to coat and protect us. The truth is, healthy skin is in the balance, and our microbiomes and skin barrier are too often under attack by harsh ingredients and products that strip our protective sebum and sweat as well as the healthy bacteria which lives on the skin’s surface. 

Think of your skincare products as supportive rather than replacements for what your skin is naturally designed to do. Let’s dive into one of the key products in our natural skincare line to address acne, supportively. 

Charcoal & Sea Salt Soap 

Focusing in on the concept of supportive skincare, our handmade soap deeply and gently cleanses your skin without stripping it of its natural sebum and healthy bacteria to better allow your skin to carry on its natural processes and begin to heal. Topically, acneic skin needs to be treated gently with bacteria-fighting ingredients but it also requires hydration, rather than harsh, drying treatments. 

Supportive

Activated charcoal is extremely absorbent and when applied topically to skin, acts like a magnet for dirt, oil and other build up. By helping to remove this excess build up that accumulates, our pores can better carry out their natural functions like sweating and natural detoxification. 

Hydrating

Our soap is made from a base of organic saponified plant oils (a process that involves the conversion of fat or oils into soap) that are super-fatted (meaning they contain extra fats or oils) to ensure they retain their moisturizing properties. The result? Skin is provided with the moisture it needs to help stay balanced. 

Nutritive

Dead Sea salt is rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium and bromide which help level out some of the root causes of acne like high cortisol production and hormonal imbalances. When absorbed into the skin, these essential minerals can also help stimulate detoxification, reduce inflammation, and improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

Bacteria-busting

A star ingredient in this formulation is tea tree oil. This native Australian essential oil been has been shown to possess antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, meaning it can help fight off the bacteria that can lead to breakouts.

How to use it:

It’s important to keep in mind that over-cleansing or drying out the skin can actually further aggravate existing acne conditions. 

On the drier side? We recommend using this soap 4-5 days per week, once daily at night. Be sure to follow up your cleanse with a hydrating, bacteria-fighting facial serum or a moisturizer. 

Oily to Normal skin? You can use this soap 1-2 times daily. Don’t forget to follow up with a hydrating, bacteria-fighting facial serum or a moisturizer after thoroughly cleansing.

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Skin Purging Vs Breaking Out

Whether you’re looking to treat your own mom or a special motherly figure in your life this Mother’s Day, moms simply deserve the best. Selfless, supportive and loving moms are surely the most deserving of moments of self care - time dedicated purely to themselves to recalibrate, relax, and celebrate their unique beauty. Deciding how best to show your appreciation can be difficult; how can you say thank you to someone who does so much? Like many of us here at Life’s Abundance, we’re regularly sharing our favorite botanical-powered skincare with important women in our lives. We love that our natural skin care products are gentle and clean, but most of all, we love that they help support the natural beauty of the women we share them with. We thought we’d share a few tips on how you can help create moments of beauty for the mom in your life this Mother’s Day.

We’ve pulled together a simple guide for you to make the best skin care picks that will help the mom in your life keep her natural glow radiant. Because our natural skin care products are formulated with clean, natural & plant-powered ingredients, they are extremely gentle and suitable for most skin types, making picking the best one for the mom in your life a bit easier.

For the busy mom

Keep “me time” simple with an easy-to-follow 2-step skin care ritual packed with nutritive plant botanicals and natural actives. As a first step, our Charcoal & Sea Salt bar cleanser will gently cleanse skin to remove impurities and her makeup from the day. Our facial bar soap is formulated with the tea tree and neem oils that fight bad bacteria and Dead Sea salt which delivers earthly nutrients directly to her skin. She can finish off this quick routine with our organic ingredient-filled Facial Moisturizer to boost hydration and keep her skin happy day and night. Fresh, bright skin in a breeze.

For the multi-tasker

Just like many moms who are so naturally gifted with the ability to multitask, give her a gift that works just as hard as she does. Our 2-in-1 Hibiscus Mask & Scrub promises to do just as it says, offering a masking experience that will truly make her feel pampered, and a gentle scrub to keep her skin fresh, smooth and bright. As a mask, it’s the perfect excuse to carve out “me time” for a spa-like treatment, or it can be applied and work it’s magic while she answers emails or handles a multitude of life’s daily tasks. This honey-based mask works as a humectant to retain moisture, leaving her skin smooth and supple after it’s rinsed off.

For the mom who misses her regular facials

Unfortunately, living through the past year with Covid-19 has meant much of our normal routines have shifted; including regular haircuts, facials and other appointments that help us to feel our best. Make her feel pampered with the soothing experience of an at-home facial with this four step, spa-inspired skin care ritual that will leave her skin nourished, hydrated and glowing.

1. Give her the full experience starting with a gentle, calming cleanse using the foamy suds of the Charcoal & Sea Salt Soap.
2. Just like she’d receive in her professional facials, she’ll love the exfoliating, brightening treatment that is our Hibiscus Scrub & Mask. 98% organic and packed with natural ingredients, this mask can be left on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.
3. While her Hibiscus Mask works it’s magic, our Body Lotion can be applied to hands, feet or anywhere that needs a boost in hydration and softness.
4. Post exfoliating and moisturizing hibiscus mask, she can perform a luxurious facial massage using our Facial Serum as her medium. The end result? Glowing, fresh skin!
5. The last step to this “almost as good as the spa” facial is crucial to seal in all of those beautiful plant-based ingredients she’s delivered to her skin. Our Facial Moisturizer is a light-weight, easy to massage into skin cream that’s effective at hydrating, plumping & softening skin.

The beauty of our skincare products is that they’re formulated to be gentle and effective for all skin types. Not sure which above routine to choose? Pick and choose your favorite products to create a custom ritual just for her - there’s no wrong way to do it! Whether near or far from the mom in your life this Mother’s Day, the gift of these simple-yet-beautiful skincare rituals will help her feel loved and celebrated everyday.

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Sugar. We love it, we crave it & we do our best to avoid it. The human brain can be biologically impaired when it comes to excess sugar intake; our cognitive abilities degrade and our self-control is pushed to the limit. We all know the (many) reasons to avoid over-consuming it - like chronic inflammation, poor dental health, weight gain that can lead to liver or heart disease, & glycation (a natural aging process that’s exacerbated by sugar) - but what if we told you there’s a seriously beneficial way to incorporate sugar into your life? It turns out, sugar may not always be so bad.

Topical Skin Care

You read that right. Your everyday skin care routine is a perfect place to introduce this controversial ingredient. Now hear us out. Not all sugar is created equal - discover how sugar can gently support skin health. How? Let’s explore this sweet ingredient in its many forms below.

Sugar Cane Extract

Saccharum officinarum, or as we’re discussing it here, sugarcane, is a hearty species of grass that originates from Southeast Asia. Beloved by cosmetic chemists and skin care formulators, this plant extract contains humectant (moisturizing) and exfoliating properties.

Sugar cane extract contains glycolic acid, falling under the category of an alpha-hydroxy acid, or AHA. AHAs are water-soluble acids, with their most common sources being fruit, and you guessed it, sugar cane! They work by gently peeling away dead skin cells on the surface to unveil more even-toned skin. AHAs, like the glycolic acid found in sugar cane extract, are an excellent option to help aid skin that has hyperpigmentation or a rough texture.

Sugar Maple Extract

Just reading this ingredient name, we’re dreaming of warm morning waffles topped with freshly tapped Vermont maple syrup. But let’s switch gears. This sugar extract is in fact from the very same source as your morning breakfast syrup, but formulated into skin care, this extract can help reduce signs of aging and more. This particular sugar extract is also a member of the AHA family, containing malic & tartaric acids. Let’s break them down:

• Malic Acid: Most commonly found in apples, malic acid is an AHA beloved for its ability to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, even-out discoloration known as hyperpigmentation & reduce congestion in the skin. But what sets it apart from other AHAs, you ask? It’s molecule size. Larger than other AHAs (like glycolic acid), it is unable to penetrate the skin as deeply, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. While this does mean it may not be as effective as other AHAs in its family, it is however a more suitable option for sensitive skin types that have experienced irritation from other AHAs.
• Tartaric Acid: The largest in molecular size than other AHAs mentioned in this post, tartaric acid is an AHA that’s often added to formulations to help enhance the performance of other AHAs when it comes to sloughing away dead skin cells.

Find these delicate exfoliators in our Facial Cleanser. Gentle enough for daily use, the sugar cane extract & Sugar Maple Extract support skin function by gently exfoliating dead skin cells as you wash, revealing fresh, more even-toned skin.

Sucrose (Sugar) Extract

Consumed through sweet baked goods or sugary beverages (added sugar can be sneakily hidden in many coffee drinks & even gut-healthy drinks like Kombucha), sugar can be detrimental to skin health and appearance. The natural process of glycation (a process in which our skin ages) is excelled with the introduction of sugar, and sugar has also been known to cause breakouts and inflammation. But fear not, when sugar is topically applied, skin reaps many benefits.

Sucrose is most likely the most common form of sugar you may be familiar with. It is naturally a humectant and an exfoliant (an AHA). Humectants work by attracting and retaining moisture in the air to seal in hydration. Similar to the Sugar Cane Extract discussed above, sucrose is a natural source of glycolic acid that helps slough away dead cells at the skin’s topmost later to help uncover smoother, brighter skin. Sucrose takes form in the shape of small, crystalline particles which allow it to perform as a gentle abrasive to remove the top layer of dead skin cells and buildup that can lead to congestion, breakouts, or a dull complexion.

Put sugar to work with our Hibiscus Mask & Scrub. Use it as a gentle facial scrub 2-3 times weekly, or opt for a face mask 1-2 per week. Let sit for 15 minutes & rinse.

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Winter weather looks and feels quite different across the U.S. For some, winter means below the freezing point with plenty of snow, but for another lucky bunch, sunny skies and warmer temps are the norm. In the same way that switching out your summer wardrobe for fall sweaters is a yearly ritual, your skin can majorly benefit from a similar update when it comes to the skincare products you use each season. Whether you’re in the harsh temps of NYC, or basking in the LA sunshine this winter, your unique skin deserves the best protection it can get!

What does winter skin look like?

Generally speaking, as winter temps drop, so do humidity levels, meaning air becomes drier and naturally, so does our skin. How does this manifest in my skin you might be wondering? Oftentimes, these changes look like flakiness or dullness and skin can feel itchy or chapped. Plus, existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can be exacerbated. In harsh winter regions, like the Midwest or the Northeast, some people may also experience redness caused by the effects of extreme winter conditions.

All of that dry air means that skin is more prone to losing water in a process called Transepidermal Water Loss, or TEWL, so skin may need extra assistance in sealing in water. Our skin relies on a healthy, functioning skin barrier to retain water with ample lipids, so when this natural barrier is out of whack, so goes hydrated skin with it.

What is the skin barrier & what does hydration have to do with it?

The skin barrier is our last natural defense between us and the outside world. It’s a fancy way of saying the outermost layer of our skin, and its function and purpose is vital to maintaining healthy hydration and overall skin health. The skin barrier keeps vital water in and potential pathogens and free radicals out. In order to lock in hydration, the stratum corneum, the skin’s outermost layer, relies on a healthy layer of protective lipids (oil) to coat each skin cell, effectively keeping water in and intruders (like drying winter air for example) out. The bottom line is that hydrated skin and a healthy skin barrier go hand in hand.

How to pick the right winter moisturizer for you

Knowing your skin type is a helpful place to start when considering what your independent needs may be. Dry, oily, or balanced? Read on.

Normal or balanced skin

This skin type falls in the middle of the skin spectrum; it doesn’t produce excess oil, but it’s not overly dry either. While balanced, this skin type is still vulnerable to winter extremities and can benefit from a protective barrier plus other nutritive ingredients to restore skin. Those with normal skin types can benefit from Life’s Abundance Facial Serum, formulated with essential fatty acid-rich oils and antioxidants to protect skin from harsh, external environmental factors like dry air or cold wind. If skin needs an added boost of moisture throughout the winter months, add a few drops to your facial moisturizer before bed to help prevent TEWL.

Oily skin

This skin type naturally produces excess sebum as compared to normal skin types, so water can be key when looking for a moisturizer. Opt for the Life's Abundance Facial Moisturizer. Containing 7 of the 8 essential amino acids that help skin retain water, dry winter air will meet its match. This lightweight formula easily absorbs into skin and won’t leave behind oily residue.

Dry skin

Dry skin types produce less sebum than normal skin types, meaning they lack lipids. Add dry winter air to the mix, and dry skin types will also lack water, leading to a state of dehydration.  The best way to combat this is to consider a double-dose of moisture using both water and oil. Start with the Facial Moisturizer and add in 2-3 drops of the essential fatty acid-rich Facial Serum. Blend in the palm of your hands to create a creamy emulsion and massage into skin for an ultra-hydrating, protective barrier.

Plant actives at work

Dive into how each moisturizer works to hydrate and nourish your skin back to health.

• The Facial Serum is packed with essential fatty acid-rich ingredients to protect, moisturize and restore.
• Pomegranate oil: High in punic acid (omega-5) to help prevent moisture loss.
• Chia oil: Contains the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), that’s been shown to help restore the skin's moisture barrier, especially in dry skin types!
• Prickly pear seed oil: Exceptionally high in the essential fatty acid linoleic acid (omega-6) which plays a key role in maintaining a healthy skin barrier function.
• The Facial Moisturizer offers skin a hydrating, protective base.
• Aloe leaf juice: Contains 98% water and helps skin to become more hydrated and improves elasticity.
• Hemp seed oil: One of the many amino acid-rich ingredients in this moisturizer that helps bind water to the skin.

Beyond skincare

In addition to your winter skincare arsenal to tackle dry, winter skin, here are a few lifestyle tips to help keep skin hydrated and happy this winter:

• Use a humidifier.
• Exfoliate regularly.
• Consume your water (don’t just drink it!) - think soups & bone broths.
• Avoid hot showers & baths as this can be damaging to the skin barrier.
• Drink extra H2O! Tip: If you want an extra nutritional boost, add Life’s Abundance Minerals and Antioxidants drink mix.

 

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We get it - looking for a truly clean formulation in hair care that delivers on its promises is harder than it should be. When we couldn’t find plant-based products formulated with organic ingredients that soothed our scalps, nourished our locks, and gave us the lustrous hair we’re promised in shiny commercials, we tackled this problem head on and formulated our very own. 

Our duo of clean hair care products, shampoo and conditioner, are carefully formulated with potent botanicals and soothing ingredients for a natural experience. If you’ve tried your fair share of natural hair products, chances are you’ve faced the same disappointments as we have; hair that’s left with build-up, stripped of its natural oils, or stiff and lifeless. Free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicone, dyes, synthetic fragrance and known carcinogenic preservatives like formaldehyde, our hair care is plant-powered with organics to provide deep nourishment, smoothness, strength and shine, starting from follicle to strand’s end.

Why switch to clean hair care?

Since you’ve landed here, you’re already one step closer in your journey to finding clean hair care that’s skin-safe for the rest of you, too. Each time you lather up in the shower, every chemical-laden, artificially fragranced sud inevitably washes across your entire body. When searching for hair care products, we believe it’s important to consider how they affect your body as a whole. From endocrine-disruptors to artificial dyes made from coal tar, many conventional shampoos and conditioners have led us astray from attaining healthful scalps, hair, and skin. In a sense, switching to clean, botanical hair care also means switching to safer body care that’s less likely to harm your skin or other bodily systems, without sacrificing the deep nourishment, moisture and shine your hair craves. 

Hair anatomy & function 101

The hair structure consists of 3 main elements; the shaft which is exposed above the scalp’s surface, the root, and a follicle beneath the skin’s surface which contains the root. While our hair is technically dead tissue mainly composed of the protein keratin, it contributes to how we shape our physical identity and is responsible for impressive processes like thermoregulation and UV radiation protection. An average scalp has between 100,000 and 150,000 hairs and grows about a half inch each month. With all of that hard work at play, your hair deserves clean nourishment and care. 

Feed your hair and scalp with plant-based nourishment

Simply put, we love plants and organic ingredients because we believe in their power to help promote the reparative process. Explore how our clean hair care system that’s formulated with carefully researched and thoughtfully chosen ingredients works to promote health and resilience from follicle to hair’s end!

Start at the scalp

1. Nourish the hair follicle and root to promote new growth.

• Stimulate healthy hair growth by strengthening the root with the help of organic sage leaf extract and antioxidant-rich organic horsetail extract.
• Organic ginseng root extract, provitamin B5 and vitamin E restore + nourish roots and follicles.

2. Hydrate and fortify the scalp to encourage strong hair.

   Hair growth is promoted by a healthy, hydrated scalp. Hair growth stemming from a weakened scalp environment can result in cuticle damage.
• Organic monoi and rose hips seed oils as well as provitamin B5 and vitamin E help nourish the scalp and hair follicles.
• Organic sunflower oil that’s especially high in fatty acids like phospholipids as well as ceramides and antioxidants to help nourish and soothe both dry hair and scalp.
• Organic, plant-based cetearyl alcohol helps restore the scalp to a balanced state.

Nurture the hair shaft

1. Strengthen and protect hair to help prevent breakage/brittleness.

• Marigold flower extract promotes healthy collagen production.
• Organic glycerine for its humectant properties that allow it to absorb moisture, creating a protective coating over each strand.
• Organic aloe vera provides a nourishing base that helps clean, strengthen and hydrate.

2. Help protect against damage from environmental stressors.

• Antioxidant-rich organic sunflower oil that’s especially high in fatty acids like phospholipids helps nourish, soothe, and protect dry hair.
• Organic chamomile essential oil helps protect from environmental stressors.

3. Hydrate for healthy looking hair and a longer hair life.

• Hydrolyzed wheat protein enables the hair shaft to receive and retain proteins and moisture to strengthen and hydrate from the inside out.
• Meadowfoam oil’s long-chain fatty acids coat hair to lock in moisture and add shine.

Clean hair care can be hard to come by - but we've made it easy with our nourishing shampoo and conditioner. Treat your hair right with this product duo that promotes the healthy, glossy hair you've been striving for.

If you’ve ever dealt with breakouts (or acne), you have likely heard that oily skin is the most common culprit. It may sound shocking, but in reality, your natural composition combined with oil-based products can be your skin's best advocate. Read on and take charge of your skin’s health and appearance.

What Causes Breakouts

Breakouts are caused by skin congestion, which is the result of excess oil clogging your pores. This is what you may have NOT known: If you over dry your skin to reduce the oiliness, your body can overcompensate by producing even more oil.  This can end up leading to more clogged pores and skin congestion, which in turn leads to breakouts. In short, that squeaky clean feeling after washing your face could be working against you.

What Products to Look For

Skin care products that closely match your skin's composition are going to have the biggest payoff. Oil-based products are some of the best to keep your skin nourished and hydrated precisely because certain botanical combinations resemble your skin’s sebum, they’re readily accepted by a variety of skin types and help the skin to self-regulate. But, be on the lookout for harsh chemicals that may be lurking in the ingredient list. Look for products that use organic, botanical ingredients.

3 Products Every Skin Care Routine Needs

When you find the right products, your dream of a simple skin care routine can be reality.  Start with a gentle Facial Cleanser.  As a major added bonus, the best ones will also be effective at removing make-up.  A nourishing daily Facial Moisturizer is the next must-have. To really beef up the nutrient delivery, complete your routine with a Facial Serum.  Even if you only use it once or twice a week, it will help strengthen your skin with an additional nourishing barrier.

• Facial Cleanser: Remove the day’s buildup without stripping your skin of its natural oils.

• Facial Moisturizer: Soften and smooth the skin without irritating chemicals.

• Facial Serum: Promote a healthy barrier that nourishes and protects your skin.

More Tips to Help Clear Skin

If your daily routine just isn’t enough to keep your skin glowing, it may be because things like diet, exercise and environment play a role in your skin clarity as well. Pick a couple of the suggestions below and stick to them to see if they make a difference:

• Eliminate any irritating skin care products from your routine

• Drink water and stay hydrated all day

• Try cutting out as much processed sugars and foods as possible

• Include fruits and vegetables in your daily diet

• Eat fermented foods that are rich in probiotics

• Exercise regularly to help your body remove toxins 

At Life’s Abundance we created a skin-loving care line that’s handcrafted and organically sourced. Our skin care products are made with organic, plant-based and nourishing ingredients.  Best of all, they really work — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We’ve all been there. You wake up in the morning, take a quick glance in the mirror, and see it — a pimple that wasn’t there the night before!

But before you start blaming hormones or genetics, it is important to figure out if you’re just having a skin purge or if you're breaking out. Here's everything you need to know:

What is Skin Purging?

This essentially means that your body is “purging” the toxins that you’ve ingested or used in skincare products through your pores. It can happen when you make significant diet changes or try a new makeup brand. Stress or a lack of sleep can also be a trigger.

Skin Purging vs. Breaking Out

Location is key when trying to determine the difference between a skin purge and a normal breakout. Breakouts associated with general acne tend to happen in areas where your skin is already pretty oily, like your nose or around your mouth. Blemishes caused by purging can show up anywhere and usually do in places you wouldn’t normally get a pimple.

How Long Does Skin Purging Last?

In most cases, skin purging should only last a few days as you continue to use your new product. However, it should never last more than a month total. If the issue worsens dramatically or lasts more than that time frame, you might want to look into talking to your doctor or dermatologist.

It’s also important to pay attention to see if your skin purge is really just irritation in disguise. If blemishes are accompanied by redness or swelling, it would be a good idea to talk to your dermatologist and find the culprit of what’s happening.

How Do You Know a Skin Purge is Over?

This one is simple — you’ll notice your skin clearing up and blemishes disappearing without any new ones taking their place. You can also tell the end is near when you’ve continued to use your new products and are seeing results associated with their intended use.

Why Your Skincare Ingredients Matter

Making the change to using skincare products with organic ingredients is worth it. As you can tell from the consequences, the ingredients in the skincare and makeup products you use matter greatly. If the brands you are putting on your face contain a high level of harsh chemicals, there is a greater chance you’ll see a skin purge after you’ve stopped using them as your skin forces toxins out. 

Are you ready to see for yourself what a regime of high-quality products can do for you? Shop our collection of premium skincare products to see for yourself. You’ll love our effective, luxurious and clean formulas designed to keep your skin looking and feeling spectacular.

 

When people hear “hemp seed oil”, some still think about the psychoactive effects of cannabis. While it won’t alter your state of mind or show up on drug tests, studies have shown that the topical use of hemp seed oil can be great for your skin!

This skincare ingredient naturally contains a rich profile of nutrients, fatty acids and bioactive compounds that can help keep skin healthy and clear.

The benefits of hemp seed oil for skin are so apparent that many beauty companies are adopting this ingredient — including some of our own premium skin care products!

According to studies, here are the different ways that hemp seed oil benefits skin:

Moisturize and Soothe

• The most popular benefit of hemp seed oil for the skin is its ability to moisturize, leaving a soft and supple feeling. It can balance your skin and regulate oil production without clogging pores — this can help acne that is caused by excess oil.

Feed Your Skin

• Hemp seed oil contains omega-6 fatty acids which encourages new cell generation. These nutrients can also help soothe irritation.

Reduce Lines and Wrinkles

• The naturally occurring acids found in hemp seed oil can minimize fine lines and facial wrinkles. Linoleic and oleic acids aren’t produced by the body, but these hemp seed oil compounds can supply your skin with important nutrients.

Ongoing Scientific Studies

• Studies suggest that hemp seed oil may have antibacterial qualities — future research will determine if it can be used as a possible treatment for various skin ailments.

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Now that you know a little bit about the benefits of hemp seed oil for skin, you may want to try a product that uses this ingredient. Check out the hemp seed oil and other amazing ingredients in our Body Lotion, Facial Cleanser, Facial Moisturizer and Facial Serum!

When you think about yoga, there’s a good chance you picture a group of women bending and contorting in a wide variety of poses at some boutique gym. But there’s a new trend that’s sweeping the country that has very little to do with total body fitness — face yoga.

Here’s everything you need to know about face yoga and how it could make you look younger:

What is Face Yoga?

In simple terms, face yoga is exactly what it sounds like: special exercises designed to tone the muscles in your face. Most regimens include special movements that workout up to 57 different areas including the face, neck, and scalp.

For example, one common exercise involves opening your mouth wide, folding your upper lip over your front teeth, and smiling broadly. This is just a sampling of the various types of facial movements included in face yoga.

Does Face Yoga Work?

Although there are plenty of skeptics, preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that face yoga is actually beneficial to one’s appearance. In most cases, those who remain committed to the program will see some sort of positive change within the first couple of months.

The reason for this is as old as time—the movement of the body will always cause a lifting and firming sensation. What makes this program unique is that most people mentally believe that exercise is only for areas of the body you would traditionally train at the gym, such as abs or quads. But in this case, it’s the finer muscles in the face that are being worked out.

What Can Face Yoga Help Improve?

One of the first things face yoga participants generally notice is a brighter complexion, due to an increase in blood circulation. Something else many people experience is fuller cheeks. The reason for this is simple — after continuously working the muscle, it grows in size similarly to how your bicep would after doing weeks of curls in the gym. In turn, this counteracts some drooping and sliding of the skin for a more youthful appearance.

Furthermore, it is important to note that face yoga is actually used in a medical setting. Patients recovering from injuries and even neurological or stroke episodes have used various forms of facial movements in the same manner for years. However, it is typically referred to as a form of physical therapy and not for beauty purposes.

The Downside to Face Yoga

According to most experts, the only real downside to trying out this new trend is time. Just like working out your body, this isn’t something that you can see results in just a session or two. The average amount of time spent doing face yoga is around thirty minutes daily for a minimum for eight weeks. For most busy women, this is far more of a time commitment than their busy schedules allow.

Of course, activities like face yoga are always better when paired with a positive skin care routine. We offer our own line of beauty products designed to help your skin look and feel amazing!

Some people might scoff at the idea of yoga for your face, but there’s really not much to lose other than time. Partaking in special exercises to help improve your overall look and muscle tone is never a bad idea. And it’s completely non-toxic, free to try, and can be done on your own schedule. What’s not to love about any of that?