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Skin care basics for newborns to tweens

by Debra Myers

The question I’m asked most is, “what wash or shampoo do I use on my baby?” Of course, there isn’t a one sentence answer, but here are the basics. First, newborns up to about 6 weeks old do not need to be washed or shampooed. Their skin is still adjusting to being out of the womb where they have lived in a watery liquid for nine months. Very simply, bathe your newborn with tepid temperature water. Be mindful that their private parts need to be clean and dry, but, again, if a baby has soiled their diaper, use a wet nap or something similar to clean the soiled area and then dry.

After about six weeks, you can move into a body/hair wash. Pay attention to ingredients since harmful and harsh detergents can irritate baby’s gentle skin and fine hair. Stay away from sulfates, parabens and fragrances. Read the rest of this entry »

by Debra Myers

Today’s women are savvy and educated. Today’s women are inundated with information. How on earth can we ladies figure out which of the 150+ brands of mineral makeup to try or buy? Simply, read on….

To understand mineral makeup I think it’s important to have a basic understand on non-mineral makeup. Most (not all) make up powders and foundations are formulated with talc. While talc is an ingredient that absorbs moisture, it’s also an ingredient that clogs the pores.

The simple fact is talc is inexpensive and easy to use in formulations in addition to various other chemicals. Talc can provide us the “matte” effect in oil-free makeup as well as that “powdery feel” that we’ve been conditioned to expect out our luxury brands of makeup. As an esthetician I do not like talc. It clogs the pores, and I’ve seen over the years pore size become larger with its use. Something all women deplore. Read the rest of this entry »

by Michelle Bexelius

As a mother, I check the labels on the food I bring home and encourage our children to eat well. I’ve come to realize the importance of also looking at the labels on ALL the products we put ON as well as in our bodies, this means soaps, shampoos, cosmetics and lotions.

Beauty isn’t only skin deep. The products we use on our skin go well beneath the skin and into our bloodstream. Studies show that consumers buy roughly $20 billion worth of personal care products every year. Unfortunately, many ingredients in these potions and lotions are linked to damaging effects on human health as well as the environment. Read the rest of this entry »

by Debra Myers

Since the days of Cleopatra, women have been putting stains, waxes, glosses and lipsticks on their lips. In our quest to accentuate our natural beauty and gain the attraction of the male species, women have been looking at ways to draw attention to their lips. Whether your lips are full, flat, chapped, moist, tender, sensitive or just plain Jane, you’ll want to read on and see if indeed what we put our lips is friend or foe.

Did you know a large portion of what we put on our lips actually is ingested? It’s true. According to industry experts the average woman actually consumes about 4 pounds of lipstick during their lifetime. Read the rest of this entry »

by Debra Myers

Today in skin care there are lots of products touting the benefits of antioxidants. With all the hype, we’ve been asked the question; What are antioxidants and do skin care products that contain them provide benefits?

First let’s talk about what antioxidants do. Antioxidants are free radical hunters and neutralizers. Free Radicals are not a Punk band from the 80’s but are the unstable chemical substances in our bodies that damage our cells causing them to oxidize; they are generated during normal bodily processes and are also caused by air pollution, processed foods, radiation and chemicals. When our cells begin to oxidize they mimic the oxidization a piece of fruit goes through when it is cut and exposed to the air. The fruit begins to turn brown and lose vital moisture. In comparison our skin begins to thin, wrinkles appear and it too loses its moisture balance.

Antioxidants can prevent and even reverse cell damage by free radicals and that is why they are so important in natural and organic skin care products. There are many natural antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E, pomegranate, acai, manganese, and zinc. Read the rest of this entry »

by Debra Myers

I get quite a few questions about masks for the skin. How do they work? Are they necessary? How do I use one? What type should I buy?

The basic components around these questions aren’t difficult but you first need to know your skin type. Is your skin dry, sensitive, acne prone, mature, sun damaged, or oily? Our skin changes constantly, and simply recognizing this will go a long way in determining what type of facial mask is appropriate.

In very simple terms a mask is a delivery system. The goal is to deliver nutrients, vitamins and the like to our skin. A mask is designed to function in a multitude of ways i.e. moisturize, cleanse, calm, restore tone, and protect. Read the rest of this entry »

by Debra Myers

The quest for truly natural and beneficial bath and body products can be daunting. Don’t despair. There are a few simple steps to find what is truly natural and good for your skin.

In today’s environment, the word “natural” is used on everything from baby wipes to shampoos. But what does it mean? The FDA does not regulate natural bath products nor do they give guidelines on what ingredients may or may not be used to produce such products.
There is actually a small list of key ingredients to avoid that are money-savers with no true benefit to your skin. Companies often cut expensive ingredients like essential oils with cheaper alternatives like fragrance oil to keep the overall ingredient cost down. Some manufacturers will place a natural claim on their label when, in fact, the formula may contain less than 1 percent of the natural ingredient.
In general, if you want to buy natural products, avoid the following ingredients: Read the rest of this entry »