Keep your skin healthy and happy this season with natural solutions to common skin care concerns.

Imagine this: It's a sunny Saturday morning, and you're ready for a fun day at the beach with friends. You've got your favorite swimsuit, a wide-brimmed hat, and stylish sunglasses. As you pack your beach bag, you wonder—how can you keep your skin as radiant as you feel?

Welcome to our expert guide on summer skin care tips! Whether you're a beach lover, a hiking enthusiast, or just enjoy lounging by the pool, keeping your skin protected and glowing is essential.

At Life's Abundance, we believe that healthy skin is happy skin. Inspired by the University of Rochester Medicine dermatologist, Dr. Mara Weinstein Velez, we’re sharing our top summer skin care tips. [1]

We'll also introduce our Facial Cleanser, detailing its carefully chosen organic ingredients that make a real difference for your skin. With this product and expert advice, you can start a natural skin care routine that protects and pampers your face. Let’s get started!

How To Take Care of Skin in Summer Naturally

Hydration is the Magic Word

Drinking plenty of water is key to keeping your body and skin happy. Dehydrated skin can look dry and dull, with more fine lines and wrinkles. In the summer, we sweat more, so it's even more important to stay hydrated in the heat.

This means you should sip water throughout the day, especially if you’re going to be outside. Add cucumber, lemon, or mint for a refreshing twist!

Eat Well with Hydrating Foods and Healthy Fats

Eating the right foods directly impacts your skin’s health. Nutritionists and dermatologists agree that adding essential fats to your diet keeps your skin soft and elastic. Start by eating oily fish like salmon two to three times a week and adding seeds or nuts to your snacks. Flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are rich in good fats that nourish your skin.

Antioxidants are also your skin’s best friend, especially in summer. The sun can cause free radicals to damage your skin cells, but antioxidants can neutralize these effects. Add berries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens to your diet.

Hydrate your skin from within with foods high in water content like cucumbers, watermelon, lettuce, celery, tomatoes, and apples. Oranges are also great, with high water content and plenty of natural vitamin C to brighten your complexion.

A glowing summer complexion also means cutting back on foods that can cause skin congestion and breakouts, like dairy, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods. While we're not suggesting you ditch your daily coffee or Friday night pizza altogether, moderation is key. Focus on adding more of the good stuff to make your diet skin-friendly.

Sunscreen is a Must

Harmful UV rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, and increase your risk of skin cancer. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it generously to all exposed areas.

Opt for sunscreens with mineral-based ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They naturally deflect sunlight to prevent UV damage. For those prone to hyperpigmentation, a tinted mineral-based sunscreen with iron oxides can block light contributing to pigment production.

Reapplying sunscreen every two hours is also crucial, especially if you're swimming or sweating. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate the clouds, so sunscreen is a must!

Life’s Abundance Facial Cleanser is the perfect way to remove SPF at the end of the day, without stripping your skin’s natural oils.

Add a Post-Sun Care Routine

Keeping your skin clean in the summer can be tricky. After a day in the sun, your skin craves some TLC. Start with a cool shower and our Facial Cleanser to wash away sweat and sunscreen residue. Then follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to replenish lost moisture. Aloe vera gel can soothe sunburned skin. Avoid picking at peeling skin and steer clear of hot showers to prevent further irritation.

Our Facial Cleanser is a perfect choice because it's packed with organic ingredients that cleanse without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Let’s break down the benefits:

• Aloe Leaf Juice: Soothes and hydrates, reducing inflammation.
• Argan Oil: Moisturizes and softens with essential fatty acids and vitamin E.
• Apricot Kernel Oil: Nourishes and revitalizes.
• Hemp Seed Oil: Deeply hydrates and balances oily skin.
• Glycerin: Attracts moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.
• Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Protects from free radical damage.
• Bilberry Extract: Strengthens skin and reduces redness.
• Sugar Cane Extract: Promotes gentle exfoliation.
• Orange & Lemon Peel Extracts: Brighten and refresh.
• Cranberry Fruit Extract: Rich in antioxidants.
• Mango Seed Butter: Moisturizes and smooths.
• Shea Butter: Deeply hydrates and soothes.
• Flax Seed: Improves texture and elasticity.
• White Willow Bark Extract: Clears pores with natural salicylic acid.
• Neem Seed Oil: Keeps skin clear with antibacterial properties.
• Rosemary Leaf Extract: Protects from free radical damage.

This creamy, light cleanser removes impurities without harming your skin’s natural barrier. No harsh chemicals, parabens, or additives here—just pure, skin-loving goodness!

Ready for Radiant Summer Skin?

By following these summer skin care tips, you’ll enjoy healthy, glowing skin all summer long. You don’t have to stay indoors to protect your skin from the sun. As long as you’re incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you’ll be able to embrace the long, sunny days all while keeping your skin healthy and glowing.

Visit Life’s Abundance to learn more and grab your summer skin essentials today. Go ahead and soak up the sun–radiant skin is just a few steps away!

References:
[1] University of Rochester Medical Center. (2021, June 30). 5 skin-smart tips for summer. Health Matters. Retrieved June 12, 2024, from www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/publications/health-matters/5-skin-smart-tips-for-summer

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Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties for skin protection.

Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for the skin care showdown that’s been decades in the making! In one corner, we have the reigning champion, olive oil, admired for its hydrating and antioxidant properties. In the opposing corner, coconut oil shows off its remarkable ability to soothe and repair your skin.

It's the battle of a lifetime: olive oil vs. coconut oil for skin care. But who will emerge victorious and claim the crown for that youthful glow you’ve always wanted?

In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the benefits of olive and coconut oil for your skin and uncover the truth behind their benefits - so you can decide which reigns supreme for your healthiest, most radiant skin.

The Benefits Of Olive Oil For Skin

Ever noticed that special glow from folks in the Mediterranean? Guess what? Their secret's olive oil. More than just making delicious salad dressings, this liquid gold is also a well-known powerhouse for your skin.

Skin care benefits of olive oil include:

• Hydrates and rejuvenates dry skin
• Mimics your skin's natural moisture
• Rich in antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids
• Provides anti-aging benefits with Vitamin E
• Gently exfoliates for refreshed skin
• Soothes skin irritations
• Boosts collagen production and prevents wrinkles

So the next time you're in the kitchen reaching for your EVOO, pause for a moment to appreciate all of its glowing benefits. And pour a little extra on your hands for a intensive hand treatment. It's not just a culinary must-have but a skin care MVP.

Life’s Abundance Charcoal & Sea Salt Soap is made with organic coconut and olive oils to maximize the benefits of these well-known, natural moisturizers.

The Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Skin

But wait - rising above all the buzz of modern-day beauty secrets, one tropical treasure continues to stand out: coconut oil. Not just a delicious ingredient for your smoothies and baked goods, this natural wonder is a true champion of skin care too.

Skin care benefits of coconut oil include:

• Moisturizes dry and flaky skin
• Natural antibacterial and antifungal powers
• Fights aging and smooths wrinkles
• Calms and soothes irritated skin
• Strengthens your skin's natural barrier
• Absorbs quickly, giving your skin a quick hydration boost

Whether you're cooking or want to add some natural hydration to your skin care routine, coconut oil's got your back (and face, and hands, and…well, you get the idea). Grab a tablespoon, mix it with some salt and scrub it on your heels to feel the smoothing power. You’ll ask yourself why you haven’t been doing this before!

Comparison Of Olive Oil And Coconut Oil For Skin Care

So how do you decide which is best for you? They both offer a plethora of benefits for the skin, so it's important to understand how they compare.

• Olive oil's ability to promote collagen production and act as a gentle exfoliant makes it suitable for those with signs of aging and clogged pores.
• Coconut oil's intense hydration and soothing properties make it a great option for those with dry or irritated skin.

When the final bell rings in this skin care showdown, it's fair to say it’s a draw - both contenders have proven their worth. Choosing your leading skin care champion all depends on your skin's needs. Perhaps olive oil is your go-to for its antioxidant magic, or maybe coconut oil wins your heart with its soothing touch. Everyone's skin story is unique.

How To Use Olive Oil And Coconut Oil For Skin Care

When it comes to olive oil and coconut oil in skin care, we decided - why should you have to choose?

You can have the best of both worlds with our handcrafted Charcoal & Sea Salt Soap - where dreams of radiant, moisturized skin become a reality! Our special formula creates a skin care staple that stands out because it provides:

• Ultimate hydration power. Organic olive and coconut oils come together and meet the creamy embrace of cocoa butter. The result? Unmatched hydration.
• Deep cleanse with a gentle touch. Activated charcoal dives deep into pores, pulling out impurities, while the mineral richness of Dead Sea salt revitalizes your skin's texture. The results are a nourishing and deeply cleansing facial experience.
• Botanical benefits. Organic tea tree and neem oils introduce a fresh, botanical scent and amplify all of those skin care benefits. With this dynamic duo in the mix, you have an effective and natural treatment for irritated skin.

Together, these ingredients create a synergy that provides a thorough cleanse without compromising on moisture or nutrients. But an added charm of this special facial bar lies in its 97% organic composition, which ensures you're giving your skin the best.

The Winner In the Olive Oil vs. Coconut Oil Battle for Skin Care

In this ultimate battle for healthy, radiant skin, the winner between olive oil and coconut oil is not always so clear-cut. It’s dependent on individual needs and preferences. But in the end, the true winner is you!

Now armed with the knowledge of the benefits, you can make an informed decision and create a skin care routine that caters to your skin's unique needs. So go ahead, experiment, and may your skin reign supreme.

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Life’s Abundance Hibiscus Mask & Scrub is gentle and exfoliates with all-natural, organic ingredients like colloidal oats and sugar.

In the depths of a lush rainforest, hidden among a dense backdrop of jungle foliage, there exists a flower shrouded in mystery. It comes in over 200 shapes, sizes and colors and makes a bold statement in a tropical paradise. Some use it as tea, others use it in stews and soups because its uses are endless! Delicate yet commanding, this flower holds a fascination that spans cultures, continents and centuries.

Have you guessed which flower we’re talking about yet? It’s hibiscus! This absolute stunner has caught the world's attention because of its beauty. But it doesn’t stop there. Hibiscus is a botanical powerhouse when it comes to natural skin care too.

Read on to learn the research-backed benefits of hibiscus for your skin. You’ll also find out how we’ve found a way to harness its powers in an all-natural hibiscus mask. So grab your face towel, and let's uncover the secrets of this floral wonder for a glowing and radiant complexion.

The Proven Skin Health Benefits of Hibiscus

Time for a history lesson! In ancient Egypt, hibiscus was the talk of the town. Treasured for its breathtaking beauty, this flower took center stage in beauty rituals and skin care concoctions. The Egyptians knew a thing or two about harnessing nature's wonders. They adored hibiscus for its ability to capture youthfulness and radiance. From perfumes to cosmetics, hibiscus was their secret weapon in pursuing long-lasting allure.

But we’re in modern times…so what does this mean for skin care today? It’s exciting to learn there’s recent research proving what the Egyptians knew all along. In 2022, researchers found hibiscus isn’t just another pretty plant - there’s absolutely more to it.

Hibiscus has three important skin benefits:

1. Potent antioxidants. Antioxidants are the superheroes responsible for your skin's health, fighting off free radicals that cause fine lines and wrinkles. Anthocyanins and polyphenols are the dynamic duo found in hibiscus (fancy words, we know). They work together to keep your skin looking youthful and radiant. Some people even call hibiscus “nature’s anti-aging secret”!
2. Anti-inflammatory benefits. Inflammation is a common issue for many people. Fortunately, hibiscus has anti-inflammatory properties that can help maintain a clear complexion and reduce irritation. This makes it an excellent ingredient for anyone with sensitive or reactive skin that needs calming.
3. Antibacterial effects. Research has revealed that hibiscus possesses antibacterial effects, tackling pesky bacteria head on. More research is needed here, but the future looks bright for hibiscus - not for bacteria!

Here’s the most surprising part: you can’t get this kind of radiance and skin health benefits from any other ingredient, man-made or natural. So what’s the final conclusion on hibiscus from the researchers? Simply put, this flower has great potential in developing anti-aging products![1]

Hibiscus is truly a radiant superstar ingredient for your skin. Whether you're looking to protect against fine lines, soothe or improve the texture and tone of your skin - this flower has got you covered! So next time you see a hibiscus plant, give it a little nod of appreciation. It's doing way more than just looking pretty.

Harness the Power of Hibiscus with an Exfoliating Scrub

Incorporating hibiscus into your skin care routine is as easy as a summer breeze with our all-natural, 98% organic hibiscus mask and exfoliating scrub. So get ready to bloom, and discover the amazing benefits of flower-powered skin care.

Life’s Abundance all-natural Hibiscus Mask & Scrub is made with:

• Honey
• Hibiscus sabdariffa*
• Colloidal oats*
• Pumpkin*
• Sugar*
• Açaí berry*
• Aloe vera*
• Rose hips*

*denotes organic ingredients

We included organic oats and sugar to gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. That means what you see in the mirror is a smoother and more refined complexion. This delightful concoction will nourish your skin, leaving it feeling as smooth as a petal and as radiant as the sun!

When it comes to finding the perfect kind of hibiscus for your skin care routine, let's make sure you're getting the good stuff. Look for organic hibiscus flowers or products with organic hibiscus extract. Remember, always give the ingredient list a quick scan and go for trustworthy brands that care about using high-quality ingredients, specifically from the Hibiscus sabdariffa variety.

Hibiscus is becoming a well-known and powerful ingredient in anti-aging skin care products.

 

Common Misconceptions About Using Hibiscus for Skin Care

We all have different needs when it comes to our delicate skin. Some people are concerned about adding anything new to their skin care routine, and that’s ok! But by debunking some common myths about hibiscus, we can open the door to hibiscus bliss for everyone. Brace yourself because we’re about to drop some truth bombs.

Misconception #1: hibiscus is only for certain skin types. Nope! Hibiscus is like a chameleon that suits all skin types - dry, oily or sensitive - hibiscus is beneficial. It's the versatile MVP of skin care ingredients.

Misconception #2: hibiscus will wreck my skin. Sure, everyone's skin is unique, and we all react differently to individual ingredients. But guess what? Hibiscus is generally a gentle soul. It's like a soothing hug for your precious skin, keeping it happy and healthy.

The best way to find out if hibiscus will work for you is a patch test. Just apply a small amount to a tiny spot on your skin. This little test run will let you see how your skin reacts, giving you the green light to dive into the world of hibiscus skin care.

The Future of Hibiscus and Skin Care

And there you have it, folks! The future of skincare is looking brighter than ever, all thanks to our floral friend, hibiscus. With its impressive lineup of antioxidants and skin-rejuvenating superpowers, hibiscus holds the key to unlocking age-defying beauty - and science is proving it.

As researchers delve deeper into the world of hibiscus, we can expect a wave of innovative hibiscus-based products to flood the market. So whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a new product lover, remember to choose wisely. Opt for high-quality ingredients and trusted brands that have harnessed the true potential of this flower. Your skin deserves nothing but the best, after all. Let the power of hibiscus work its magic and witness the remarkable effects firsthand!

References:
Wang, D., Nagata, M., Matsumoto, M., Amen, Y., Wang, D., & Shimizu, K. (2022). Potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and Hibiscus Acid to Reverse Skin Aging. Molecules, 27(18), 6076. Retrieved from ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9504376/

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Begin your day with a with a plant-based moisturizer that will make you feel good about what you’re putting on your skin.

Some of the most famous, powerful people swear and live by their routines. Even Oprah says she can’t start her day without her morning meditation and sweat session. Let’s see how she’s living her best life:

• 7am-9am: Wake up, wash, walk the dogs
• 9am-10am: Meditation, breakfast, exercise
• 10am-12pm: Work
• 12pm: Lunch with Stedman <3
• 1pm-5pm: Work
• 6pm-8pm: Dinner
• 9-10pm: Reading, tea
• 10pm: Bath, bed

Pretty simple, right? It’s amazing how much she accomplishes in one day with an easy schedule like this. But that’s just it - studies show building habits with easy, manageable steps are the key to stressing less and better overall health.[1]

That’s because having a routine combats a range of everyday challenges like bad sleep habits, eating the wrong foods, and pushing off the gym for something else. With a routine, you have the stability and ability to enjoy more of life (even if you don’t have a Stedman of your own).

 

Where do you start with building a routine?

Mornings are a great place to start your daily routine.Try this one morning: at sunrise, after your alarm goes off, brush your teeth and add in a simple skincare routine. Now you're officially on your way to becoming the next Oprah - exact results not guaranteed…

All jokes aside, your brain reacts to your skincare routine similarly to when you indulge in a facial or massage.[2] So with a skincare routine like this, you get more of those feel-good, mood-boosting endorphins first thing in the morning.

Studies show a simple morning routine can have several stress-busting benefits.

3 Steps to a Stress-Free Morning Skincare Routine

Your morning skincare routine should focus on prevention and protection for the day ahead. Most dermatologists agree there are three basic steps to an effective skincare routine*:

1. To simplify your skincare, start with a gentle, yet effective, plant-based cleanser. Try a cream with natural antioxidants like pomegranate seed that are sure to leave your skin feeling nourished and soothed.
2. Follow this up with a toner designed to further remove any debris or dirt from makeup, while keeping your natural hydration intact. Toners made with rose have been used for years because of their softening and plumping properties.
3. Lastly, you should preserve and protect your skin with a fast-absorbing moisturizer. Look for plant-based products made with botanical extracts like aloe and hemp oil that help bind water to to your skin naturally.

*Stress-free morning routine tip: While you go through your morning routine, focus on taking five deep breaths. Inhale to the count of four and exhale to the count of six. This will help you focus on the day ahead.

There are other steps that can be added here, but these are the tried and true building blocks for healthy, glowing skin. The good news? It doesn’t have to be a 15-step process that takes over an hour…who has time for that? (Definitely not Oprah!) Some doctors even agree that too many products and steps can do more harm than good, leaving your skin irritated and overworked.

Take it One Step at a Time

Building a media empire doesn’t happen overnight - and neither does starting a new habit. It takes time to develop a new habit (66 days to be exact) - so have patience! A morning routine with fewer steps and a plant-based facial moisturizer will help you start your day off in the right mindset - ready to walk the path of success with cool, calm confidence.

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6378489/
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/skincare/a33008631/skincare-routine-reduce-stress/

 

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Natural skincare products made with pure, organic, and plant-derived ingredients is the foundation of a clean and effective routine.

 

As an adult, you care about what goes into your body - and onto your body, particularly your skin. And why shouldn’t you? You deserve the best! So it makes sense you seek out plant-based skincare. You want to feel good about what you're putting on your skin.

There's only one problem…you have all these great skincare products to choose from, but don't know where to start when it comes to applying them (much less in what order).

This is a common dilemma–too many products. Then overwhelm sets in, knocking your beauty routine out of whack–but the beauty influencers, bloggers, and makeup artists make it look so easy!

The internet is flooded with advice on the best natural skincare products and how to use them. But most products out there are filled with chemicals, preservatives, or harsh additives. This makes finding the good ones a scavenger hunt, leading you to an embarrassing amount of expensive, unused products sitting in your bathroom cabinet.

But there's a simpler, cleaner way to get the glowing results you want from your skincare routine. Yes, you can have:

• Hydrated skin
• Smoother skin
• Even skin tone
• Smaller-looking pores

All without a long list of ingredients you can't pronounce. Here is where your new skincare routine comes in. Let's dive into how to clean up your easy skincare routine and build a solid foundation for an effective and natural skincare routine.

Wake up every day with softer, smoother skin with products created from antioxidant-rich formulas.

 

5 Steps For an Easy, Natural Skincare Routine

When it comes to what you put on your skin, most dermatologists agree: less is more. The general rule of thumb is to apply your products from lightest to heaviest.

Layer your natural skincare products in this order to achieve the skin you want:

1. Cleanser: Set the stage with a gentle, plant-based skincare product to help remove oil and dirt. No parabens allowed here. You want to clean your skin, not make it dirtier!
2. Toner: Clean a little deeper with a toner. It helps further prime your skin by removing any leftover makeup or impurities your cleanser didn’t get. Regular toning helps brighten the skin and provides light hydration.
3. Serum: Renew your glow with an antioxidant-rich serum that rejuvenates your skin. Pack an extra, potent punch with concentrated formulas made with Vitamin A and botanical emollients that act as nature’s retinol.
4. Moisturizer: Hydration is key—and a plant-derived moisturizer made with organic ingredients delivers just that. Moisturizer made with hemp and olive oil binds water deep into your skin, giving you all-day moisture and smoother skin.
5. Sunscreen/SPF: Protect and preserve your skin by keeping those UV rays at bay! Sun damage leads to wrinkles and spots. Keep your skin safe with daily SPF sunscreen.

If you're feeling #extra, exfoliate 1-2 times a week, as needed. An all-natural scrub and mask replenishes dull skin tones and this additional TLC brings life back to your skin. Masks are just fun, too! Look for products with ingredients like oats and hibiscus that soothe and cool.

And that’s it! In the end, the best advice out there is don’t overthink it. With our natural skincare products and the steps above, the natural glow you want is possible in just a few minutes a day. You can have the same results you see online - with fewer products and more beneficial ingredients from Life's Abundance.

 

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Valentine's Day is a great time to shown your skin the love it deserves.

Valentine's Day is a day of expressing love for those you appreciate in your life - but while you’re at it take this time to pamper yourself and show your skin some love too. Here are a few tips that will make you feel confident and help you glow from head-to-toe.

Start off with a clean slate by giving your skin a thorough cleansing. Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. This will prepare your skin to better absorb any products you use afterwards and ensure that you're not clogging your pores.

Next, it’s time to exfoliate! Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and reveals a brighter, smoother complexion. This Hibiscus Mask & Scrub is a great 2-in-1 product that was designed to both exfoliate and nourish the skin. You can either gently massage into your skin and rinse or, if you have a little extra time, leave it on for 10-15 minutes to give your skin a more potent dose of antioxidants and vitamins to combat environmental stresses. Suitable for all skin types, your skin will feel softer, smoother, and look more radiant.

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and reveals a brighter, smoother complexion.

After your mask, it's time to apply your other favorite skin care products. This includes serum and moisturizer. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, using these products can help target these problem areas. Look for a serum with a blend of antioxidants, plant extracts, and essential oils, which are said to help improve the appearance of the skin. After applying a few drops, follow up with a hydrating moisturizer. This is especially important for those of us with drier skin.

Show your body some love too. Your skin care doesn't need to stop at your face. Give yourself a full-body treatment and show it the love it deserves. Finish up your day of self care by applying a delicate body lotion that will leave you feeling soft and hydrated. Pay special attention to areas like your elbows, knees, and heels, which tend to be drier.

Life gets busy, making it hard to take care of your skin on a daily basis but Valentine's Day is a great time to show your skin some extra love and attention. By cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, and using the right products for your skin type and concerns, you can achieve a glowing, healthy complexion. With these tips, you'll be ready to celebrate Valentine's Day feeling confident and beautiful.

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Stress Relieving Skin Care

Tip: To banish stress, breathe in, hold it, then let it out slowly.

“I’m so stressed.” How many times have you heard that from family, friends and just about anyone you encounter?  It often seems worse during the holidays, because so much is demanded of us with so little time to accomplish anything. No wonder there’s more stress, anxiety and tension - just thinking of that endless holiday to-do list can raise your blood pressure.

Bring it back down to normal with these five tips on how to manage holiday stress, before it wreaks havoc on your sleep or your peace of mind. Nobody wants those disturbed.

Gratitude. Be thankful for what you have. Most people are fully content in life without having an Aspen ski chalet or a 90-foot yacht. Psychologists have researched that, when you celebrate what you already have, you tend to be happier and healthier. With that, stress has less of a chance to take hold, and you’re less concerned about keeping up with the Kardashians.

Breathe. You’re in a mad rush to grab a bottle of wine for your best friend’s holiday party and the person on line in front of you forgot their wallet. While they shuffle off to get it in their car, you’re left in line waiting. And waiting. That’s when oxygen becomes your best friend. Take a deep breath through your nose, hold for a count of four, then let it out to the count of eight. Repeat five times and your mindset will shift from red hot to rosé all day.

Tip: It's proven. Playing with your pets calm and relax you.

Play with your pets. Fact: pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression. They have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels which guard against heart problems. Even better? Playing with dogs or cats elevates your levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax you. Pets do so much for us, it’s only natural to want to reward them. Try Pork & Apple Sausage Treats for dogs or Turkey Hearts Freeze-Dried Treats for cats. Both are Y-U-M.

Let go of perfection. Throttle back on anxiety when your 9-year-old’s rendition of silent night needs more work before the holiday pageant. Instead of trying to improve it to the level of Mariah Carey, relax, sometimes it’s better to just let good enough be enough.

Don’t abandon your healthy habits. Yes, it’s snowing. Yes, it’s cold. But a short jog can help raise your spirits and get your endorphins flowing. Refreshing runs, or even a brisk walk, are a good start. Now keep up the good work by refreshing your skin. Keep that summer glow of yours from fading with our Facial Serum. A few drops is all it takes to revitalize, hydrate and pamper your skin. So now a petal-soft complexion is definitely in season.

Remember, the key for a happy, healthy holiday season and beyond is to catch stress before it starts - so you can concentrate better, sleep better and feel much better for the holidays.

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Tip: Find a Beauty Bar with clean, botanical ingredients to nourish your skin.

Touchable results. Vibrant, healthfully nourished skin that retains moisture. A feast for your senses … beauty bars are back with all their nutrient richness. 

We’re talking about fresh, new soap formulations to pamper yourself and feel you’re doing the absolute best for your skin’s health with fatty acids, vitamin E, antioxidants and calcium.

The word is out on the soothing and calming effects of Beauty Bars. Their praises are being sung in salons, gyms, health clubs and on social media. Have you noticed? People are raving about how great they are. But great is only the beginning. Because more importantly, the right way to describe the new Beauty Bars is to say, “they really work”.  For us that’s huge.  Because we know people who are forever buying products but come away feeling a little let down -- their high hopes are not quite met. Sound familiar to you? But the new Beauty Bars are different, so write this memo to yourself: No let downs here.

Okay, we said Beauty Bars are back which immediately prompts the question, where have they been all your life? Like us you’ve probably been using facial cleansers. They’ve been on everyone’s shelf for a long time. But the scientists working in product labs have been making breakthroughs. They’ve been developing new beauty formulations by asking important questions.

Questions like, what if we combine plant-based ingredients in a bar that avoid sulfates, chemicals and harmful additives. Or ... what if we aim for a range of scented soaps that, for once, don’t irritate the skin. Then there are exfoliants. Could we start with gentle lathering agents then add fine sea-salt or tiny, almost microscopic crystals that exfoliate without damaging sensitive skin.

Activated charcoal acts like a magnet to pull toxins from pores.

And what about hydration? If you think like us, that’s the key. So, can the new soaps help with that? The answer is yes, but here’s the thing, even with a good facial cleanser you still need to finish with a moisturizer. The same is true with Beauty Bars, but you’ll be pleased to know skin experts have made many of them hydrating in the best way. Adding glycerin and ceramides sees to that. In plain English, Ceramides retain the skin’s moisture and seal out harmful elements.

Explore Beauty Bars and you’ll discover organic, botanical ingredients play a key role. Which is why a light lathering session leaves you feeling relaxed and radiant. It’s a bit like a mini visit to a day spa. The development labs have created rejuvenating formulations that allow you to add a luster to your skin. How do we know this? A friend who is forever experimenting, lathered up several different beauty bars, rinsed away the bubbles and started taking selfies to compare the results. She used bars with fragrance, bars without, and bars with the fresh scent of essential oils. But what came first for her was a need for gentleness and a soft finish to the skin.

Gentleness is essential when you understand how your skin is formed. It’s developed in layers, taking about three weeks for the innermost layer to emerge on the surface. So even if you’re around 30, your skin is only about three weeks old – which is reason enough to treat it like a baby. 

For that there is a sea salt cleansing Beauty Bar we love as it also soothes, calms and hydrates your skin. It’s our Charcoal and Sea Salt Soap. It’s made with tea tree oil distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca plant found in Australia. Its skin care benefits are many but the most important one is its ability to soothe the skin. Activated charcoal creates tiny internal spaces or holes in the charcoal, making it extremely absorbent. When applied to the skin, it acts like a magnet by sticking to and pulling out dirt, oil and toxins from pores, providing a deep clean and clearer skin. Science triumphs and you benefit.

Now that you've got a clean fresh foundation you’re ready to apply your moisturizer.

You may have stopped growing but your skin hasn’t. Mother Nature provides you with new skin every three weeks -- then it’s up to you to maintain it and a beauty bar is the best tool in your skincare arsenal.

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In an ever-growing world of clean skin care products, trendy ingredients have been appearing everywhere, such as essential oils and extracts. First, is this something you even need in a product? Second, how do you know if lavender oil or lavender extract is right for you? It mostly comes down to understanding their differences. Let's take a slightly deeper dive into the benefits that each one offers.

Essential Oils vs Extracts 

One of the main differences between essential oils and extracts is that oils are highly concentrated, while extracts are more diluted. Why? Because these plant-based products are created in two very different ways. 

Essential oils are made from the aromatic parts of a plant, which are simply the parts that contain volatile oils. In order to collect these oils, the plant generally undergoes a complex steam distillation process.  

While this process is no easy task, it does release the plant’s oils in their purest form. As a result, the oil maintains more of the plant’s antibacterial and antiviral properties - which is a huge plus! This is also the reason that essential oils tend to have a much stronger aroma than extracts.  

Extracts produce a more watered-down version of a plant's elements, and they’re also much easier to create. Think of the process as similar to soaking your tea in hot water.  

Plants can be turned into extracts by soaking them in anything from water or glycerine to alcohol, allowing them to release their properties into the surrounding liquid. This creates a sort of infusion that isn’t quite as strong as what you’d get from a pure essential oil. 

So which should you choose? Well, there are pros of each:

The Pros of Oils

As mentioned, oils tend to be very concentrated and contain important natural properties of a plant in their purest form. That's why you'll find antioxidant-rich oils such as grapeseed, cranberry seed, and thyme oils in products like facial serums. Another benefit of oils, when it comes to skin care, is that a little goes a long way. Often, just a few drops are more than enough to cover your whole face.

The Pros of Extracts

While extracts may not be quite as strong as oils, by being less potent they tend to be a great choice for sensitive skin while still providing plenty of benefits. Our Facial Cleanser, for example, uses extracts like sugar cane, white willow bark, and citrus peel to exfoliate your skin without causing irritation. 

If you’re the type of person who wants the best of both worlds or you have trouble deciding, just take a look at our Facial Moisturizer. Its expertly blended with both essential oils, like pomegranate seed oil, as well as extracts, such as olive oil extract. This combination allows you to experience both types (oils and extracts) while still getting a slew of skin-loving benefits.

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Have you ever noticed how your acne, eczema and other complexion issues flare up when you’re stressed? It’s no coincidence - it’s science! It’s been shown that external stressors can have an adverse effect on not only your skin but also your mental well-being. That’s why it’s important to schedule some relaxation time! Here are some ideas to help you unwind while taking care of your skin - it’s the only kind of multitasking we recommend.   

Wash Your Stress Away Each Evening

Mindfulness can be a powerful ally in reducing your stress levels, and adding this simple relaxing skin care routine each night can help. As you wash your face, imagine all the stress you've collected during the day washing away as well. Certain scented soaps can really help your mind and body get into a relaxed state.

Give Yourself a Soothing Facial Massage

Who doesn’t love a good massage? We get it though, you can’t always hit the spa every time you’re feeling stressed - that’s where an at-home facial massage comes in. Each night during your skin care routine, as you apply serum, take your time massaging the oils into your skin. Concentrate on areas where you tend to carry the most stress - for most people it’s their temples and jaw muscles.

Rejuvenate With a Facial Mask

Continue your at-home spa activities with a luxurious facial mask. Not only will your skin reap the deep cleansing benefits, but you'll have an excuse to take 10-15 minutes and relax your mind as the mask does its magic. For bonus relaxation points, consider streaming a free guided meditation, or even some soothing music. 

Glow From the Inside Out

When you've got a lot going on, it's more important than ever to help your body work smarter. Ensuring that you get the nutrients you need will go a long way in preventing fatigue and other factors that can wreak havoc on your skin. And if you don't have time to cook yourself a delicious healthy meal each day, supplements can be a quick and easy way to keep your skin hydrated and smooth. Consider working a daily multivitamin into your regimen or replacing sugary sports drinks with a minerals and antioxidant-rich drink mix.

Each day brings plenty of little opportunities to help reduce stress while maintaining your skin. Yes, it may be tempting to believe that serenity requires a week-long yoga retreat, you now know that relaxation can be found right at home - and all it takes is your favorite skincare product and a willing set of hands. 

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