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7 Tips to End Winter Dry Skin

‘Tis the season for…dry, flaky skin? No thanks. Just because every past winter has brought dry, dull skin doesn’t mean that it’s a seasonal requirement. Though we can’t prevent single digit temperatures or mass amounts of snow, we can help keep your skin nourished and balanced all winter with these 7 simple skin tips.

1. Drink Plenty of Water. It’s easy to remember to carry a water bottle when it’s hot and sunny outside, but our bodies need water in winter too – every organ (including our skin) depends on adequate water consumption for heat regulation, nerve function, digestion, even emotional balance and cell regeneration. Uneven skin tone, skin dullness, accentuated fine lines and dry lips are indicators of the body’s need for more water.  So fill up that water bottle and keep striving for half your weight in ounces every day. Add a lemon wedge or cucumber slice, drink some decaffeinated tea – whatever it takes to get you sipping on the H20.
2. Swap Cleansers. Try swapping super sudsy cleansers for oil /cream based formulas or alternate these with your existing gel wash. Make sure your current cleanser does not contain Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (a skin irritant which pollutes our ground water and is found in floor de-greaser – yuck) known to strip your skin’s hydro-lipid barrier. This barrier keeps moisture in and bacteria out; when compromised irritation and breakouts can occur.
3. Facial Exfoliator: Dull skin and dry patches are usually due to the accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. These cells build up and create a “wall” that doesn’t allow the beneficial ingredients of moisturizers and serums to penetrate properly. Help eliminate dry patches and dull skin by exfoliating 1-2 times weekly. A gentle (key word: gentle) facial exfoliator such as sustainable bamboo powder, stimulates cell renewal, minimizes fine lines and ensures your products will penetrate properly. Routine use also helps alleviate dull skin tone and promotes a youthful glow.
4. Body Scrub: While the face requires a gentle exfoliator, our body’s skin benefits from a denser exfoliating scrub. In addition to eliminating dry, flaky skin, an organic cane sugar scrub improves circulation and increases collagen production, which reduces the appearance of cellulite. Organic cane sugar has naturally occurring AHAs which digest dead skin cells and smooth the skin. Likewise, increased circulation from the scrub can ease muscular tension and leave you with soft, supple skin.
5. Use Warm Water. A hot shower or bath may feel fabulous during frigid weather, but it’s actually more drying for your skin. The hot water strips your skin of its natural oils/sebum, leaving you with dry, itchy skin. Instead, use comfortable warm water to prevent unnecessary dryness and be sure to hydrate immediately after your shower or bath.
6. Body Oil + Lotion: Unlike petroleum-based products that leave a suffocating barrier on top of your skin, nutrient dense seed oils moisturize the skin without an occlusive, greasy feel. Look for ingredients like organic Evening Primrose oil, which helps repair skin damage and alleviate psoriasis and eczema by promoting cell regeneration. Another beneficial ingredient for dry, winter skin is organic Sea Buckthorn oil, packed with antioxidants and trace minerals to eliminate dry skin and nourish your body’s largest organ. If dry skin is a major issue, try adding body oil on top of lotion to really seal in moisture and give the skin an extra boost of moisture and essential fatty acids. We keep travel sizes of our lotions all over to ensure skin hydration on the go.
7. Facial Moisturizers: Even with our best efforts, extreme temperatures can result in dry skin. To help repair and hydrate your skin overnight, choose facial moisturizers that contain nutrient dense seed oils and restorative botanicals like Olive Squaline: derived from olives, this botanical lipids works deep within the skin to provide antioxidants and rehydrate dry skin. Hyaluronic Acid is also a hero ingredient since it binds 1000 X its weight in water and helps to hydrate and plump the skin. And don’t forget your lips! Keep a petroleum free lip balm next to your night stand, in your purse, your car so it’s easy to find and swipe on for instant lip hydration and protection.

Even though Mother Nature might bring brutal cold, snow, and wind, these skin tips will help your skin stay hydrated and balanced. Adapting your skincare routine each season, and using pure botanical ingredients, will help you maintain your youthful glow year round. While we can’t predict the weather, we can predict great winter skin.

There are countless moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and eye creams promising clear complexions and a natural glow. But, if your skin care contains these common ingredients, you may actually be causing damage instead of creating healthy, nourished skin.  Whether you’re spending $5 or $100, if your products contain any of these seven ingredients, it’s time to choose safer skin care.

The skin is the body’s largest organ, and some of what goes onto it is also absorbed into it.  So, in addition to harmful effects on your skin, some of these ingredients may also have negative affects on your endocrine, reproductive, and digestive systems.

Regardless of marketing hype, check your skin care labels, and leave any with the following ingredients behind on the shelf.

1. Parabens/Phthalates: Used to prohibit mold growth, parabens and phthalates are unfortunate common skin care ingredients. Sure, a longer shelf life may be advantageous for the manufacturer, but parabens/phthalates are hormone disrupters imitating estrogen and have been linked to breast and testicular cancer. They can also cause skin rashes and allergic responses. Double check your labels; even though a product may claim phthalate-free, they be lurking under the ingredient “Fragrance.” Parabens & phthalates are banned in the EU.

2. Fragrance/Parfum: Added scents to skin care may be popular, but they’re also dangerous. Synthetic fragrances are a blend created from hundreds of possible chemicals. Since this blend is considered “proprietary,” which chemical is causing headaches, rashes, or allergies isn’t known. Likewise, synthetic fragrances have been linked to skin irritations, migraines, allergies, cancer, and respiratory/nervous system damage. Check your labels: even products listed as “unscented” may still contain Fragrance or Parfum.

3. Mineral Oil/Paraffin: Both are petroleum by-product ingredients used to “moisturize” skin. Though they’re water-resistant and said to prevent moisture loss, they actually create a barrier for the skin. This prevents allowing the pores to “breathe” and, instead, clogs pores increasing likelihood of blackheads and breakouts. Also, since mineral oil and paraffin are petroleum by-products, they are susceptible to contamination and they provide no nourishment or benefits for the skin.

4. Benzoyl Peroxide: Though commonly used to treat acne, benzoyl peroxide is not only harmful on a short-term basis but long-term as well. Benzoyl peroxide strips the skin of its natural sebum necessary for healing and protection. Dry, flaky, irritated skin are common reactions while in use. Prolonged use, however, increases free-radicals within the body which promotes tumor growth, increased risk for cancer, and premature aging of the skin. Banned in the EU.

5. Ethanolamines (MEA/TEA/DEA): Though you may find their full names- monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine- listed in the ingredients of facial cleansers, body washes, and cosmetics (as well as some pesticides), their abbreviations (MEA/DEA/TEA) are more typical. While they’re declared “safe” when rinsed-off the body, prolonged use increases risk for cancer, liver/kidney toxicity, and nervous system damage. Due to their ammonia compounds, skin burns, respiratory illnesses, and allergic responses are also common side-effects.

6. PEG’s (polyethylene glycols): Another petroleum by-product, PEG’s are often used in skin care creams. Like parabens/paraffin, PEG’s also create a barrier on the skin eliminating moisture loss, but act as a suffocating barrier. There is a high contamination risk during production that increases exposure of ethylene oxide and 1,4 dioxane: a known carcinogen and possible carcinogen respectively.

7. Sulfates (sodium laurel sulfate (SLS)/ sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)): Associate foam and suds associated “clean?” Not anymore. Sulfates are created, once-again, by petroleum by-products. While SLS and SLES give us bubbles, they can also provide skin irritation, brittle hair, lung irritation, and kidney damage. And, 1,4 dioxane- a possible carcinogen- is often a by-product of SLES.

Though some ingredients are deemed “safe” in trace amounts, when they’re found in multiple daily-use products (in addition to others outside of the skin care category), exposure is no longer minute. Daily toxins accumulate in the body damaging the skin and  increasing susceptibility to illness. Avoiding these seven ingredients is a safer start. You can further maintain the skin’s youthful suppleness and natural glow by choosing skin care with plant-based and nature-derived ingredients. If we consider our skin care food for our skin, selecting ingredients that nourish the tissue is essential. Controlling which ingredients you’ll allow on your body ensures that your skin care not only promotes gorgeous skin but also a healthy body.

Did you know you could enhance the flavor and experience of wine drinking with Essential  Oils?

Lately, there has been a lot of positive talk about the benefits of drinking wine.  From replacing a gym session to helping you sleep… it seems there is more and more to love about wine.  I’m pretty sure, however, that most wine drinkers simply enjoy the taste and experience of a good ‘ole glass of wine.

But did you know that by adding the use of Essential Oils while drinking wine, you could actually make the experience even MORE enjoyable?  Yes, it’s true!

Now you’re curious, so let me explain.  There are several terms often used to describe wine such as:  crisp, fruity, oaky, florally, etc.  You can pair an essential in the same ‘category’ of the wine you are drinking to enhance the experience and flavor.

Riesling, for example, would pair while with a fruity essential oil such as Sweet Orange, Tangerine, Pink Grapefruit, etc.

A Woodsy wine would pair well with Cedarwood, Black Spruce, Fir Needle, etc.

A more florally based wine could pair well with Juniper Berry, Geranium, Lavender, etc.

These are merely suggestions.

There are two simple ways you can use the wonderful aroma of essential oils while enjoying your glass (or bottle) of wine:

First, you could simply inhale the essential oil directly from the bottle as you are sipping.

Second, you could diffuse the essential oil in a diffuser while you are sipping (this benefits everyone else in the room too!)

Enjoy your wine and essential oils!

That’s right… they don’t interfere… they Enhance!

Click here to see the possibilities:  http://www.greenenvee.com/product-category/aromatherapy/essential-oils/single-note-essential-oils/

We use organic evening primrose in all of our Green Envee body oils.

View our Green Envee peppermint essential.

While we’re busy switching our sweaters for short-sleeves and our boots for sandals, it’s a good time to take a look at our skin care products too. We all want our skin to look and feel its healthiest, but some common ingredients are actually detrimental to the health of our skin…and the environment. Cleansers, exfoliants, lotions, and body oils don’t have to contain harsh chemicals to be effective. Eliminating these six ingredients from your skin care routine can improve skin tone, support your health, and protect the environment.

1. Fragrance/Perfume/Parfum: Although artificial fragrances may mimic natural scents, their side effects are anything but natural: skin irritations, allergies, headaches, even endocrine system and hormone disruptions. Oftentimes, skin sensitivities may be a reaction to synthetic fragrances. Unfortunately, as a consumer, we never know which of the thousands of chemical scents a company has chosen for their proprietary blend. Instead, choose products using quality essential oils in their ingredients which provide a safer scent and aroma therapeutic benefits.

2. Microbeads: Since these tiny plastic beads have turned up by the millions in our lakes and oceans, many cities have placed a ban on microbeads. These petroleum-based plastic beads are commonly utilized in exfoliators and scrubs, but they have become an ecological nightmare. Skip the microbeads and “polyethylene” to eliminate dry patches and rejuvenate your skin. Bamboo powder and organic cane sugar are natural exfoliating alternatives that help soften skin, reduce fine lines and fight free-radicals.

3. Methylisothiazolinone/Methylchloroisothiazolinone: Many companies understand that consumers are seeking products without synthetic fragrances or formaldehyde ingredients. Just because you don’t see those listed on packaging labels doesn’t mean that the company has eliminated cheap “antibacterial” ingredients too.  Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone are common triggers for skin allergies and irritations. Organic essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Tea Tree oil are naturally antibacterial.

4. Mineral Oil/Petroleum/Paraffin: Your skin may feel soft after applying petroleum-based skin care products, however, they’re actually doing long-term damage. In addition to possible toxins within the petroleum by-products, these ingredients clog the pores and may cause skin irritation since their water-resistant properties trap dirt and contaminates inside the pores. Choose skin care creams, lotions, and moisturizers that utilize nutrient dense seed oils like organic Evening Primrose, organic Sea Buckthorn, and organic Jojoba oil which mimic the skin’s natural sebum and allow the pores to breathe.

5. Parabens: Essentially all skin care products that contain water need a preservative to prevent bacteria growth. The commonly used parabens, however, are not the safest choice. Parabens disrupt the body’s natural hormone processes- specifically estrogen- and have been linked to breast cancer. Plant-based preservatives like vegetable emulsifying wax NF and vegetable glycerin add moisture without drying the skin or interrupting the endocrine system.

6. PEG compounds (polyethylene glycol): Often used to thicken moisturizer creams, but, like parabens, PEG compounds have been linked to endocrine and reproductive system: uterine and breast cancers. Fractionated coconut oil safely adds moisture and thickness to lotions and skin creams.

Skin care products shouldn’t have to come with warning labels. Understanding ingredient list helps you choose products safest for your body and for the environment. Ready to take it a step further? Check out these 29 additional ingredients that can be harmful for your skin, health, and nature.

As a parent, it’s especially worrisome to find dry patches and rashes on your child’s skin.  Are they sick? Is it something they ate? Sometimes, however, the solution is as simple as changing your child’s skin care products. The same synthetic fragrances and parabens you actively avoid in your own skin care is, unfortunately, rampant in theirs.

Though the FDA has deemed many of these chemicals safe, many of the tens of thousands “approved” ingredients have never been thoroughly tested, and most have never been tested for safety on infants, toddlers, or children. Avoid risking reactions to their delicate skin and sensitive systems by seeking specific ingredients in their body washes and lotions.

Scents: If you’re choosing scented products for their aromatherapy benefits, ensure that the ingredients include pure essential oils. Simple listings such as fragrance/parfum/parfume indicate a potentially toxic combination of synthetic chemicals. Artificial fragrances have been linked to allergies, skin sensitivities, and even respiratory illness. You’re more apt to notice therapeutic calming effects of lavender (lavendula officianalis) or chamomile (anthemis nobelis) when the pure essential oil is used. Look for the oil’s botanical name to help ensure a quality aroma. *Note: even products labeled “unscented” may still list fragrance or parfum in the ingredients, be sure to read the label for certainty.

Petroleum-free: Though petroleum-based ingredients (mineral oil or paraffin) may seem to heal chapped or irritated skin, they actually create an impermeable barrier. The pores lose their ability to “breathe” and can seal in any dirt or bacteria. There is also a possibility that petroleum-based ingredients are contaminated with 1,4 dioxane- a likely carcinogen- and they may also interrupt hormone activity. Why are these in anyone’s skin care products, especially our children’s? Instead, look for ingredients like aloe and olive oil to help nourish their delicate skin and alleviate any dry patches.

Organic: Selecting products with organic ingredients helps alleviate concerns of pesticide contamination and GMO usage.

Nut-free: Parents of children with allergies adds another layer of concern. Because approximately 60% of what goes onto the skin is absorbed into the body, ingredients safe for children with nut-allergies is imperative. Rather than shea or almond oil, choose lotions and washes with nutrient dense seed oils such as evening primrose (oenothera biennis) or meadowfoam (limnanthes alba) and jojoba oil (simmondsia chinensis) which closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum. Coconut oil (cocos nucifera) is another beneficial and nourishing oil. Even though the FDA classifies coconut as a tree nut, they are technically a “drupe” in which the inner seed is encased by a hard covering, similar to a peach. While coconut allergies do exist, they are generally independent of tree-nut allergies.

It’s our natural instinct to protect our children, and we’d like to assume that all companies have intentions for our children’s best health also. Unfortunately, many big corporations are more focused on their bottom line than better health. Understanding ingredient labels allows you to look beyond marketing gimmicks, and choose products that you trust are created with your child in mind.

To view our organic skincare for children click here. Use coupon code: nutfree for 20% off 4/15/16-4/17/16.

Now that the threat of slipping on snow and ice has subsided, it’s time to lace up those sneakers and hit the trails. Whether it’s a leisurely run around the block, or you’re training for another marathon, running can decrease stress and depression, but can often lead to common body aches: muscle strain, tendonitis, inflammation, joint pain, and even athlete’s foot. Addressing aches and pains before they turn into sidelining injuries is essential. Incorporate these pure essential oils into your well-being routine to ease symptoms and help reduce recurring issues.

Warming tissue prior to exercise increases circulation and bring nutrients and oxygen to muscle tissue. Chronically tight hamstrings and quadriceps- as well as a muscular imbalance between the two-place increased pressure and tension on the knee’s ligaments. Massaging a muscle and fascia liniment oil into tissue pre-run increases circulation and helps eliminate cellular waste. Utilizing this blend of peppermint, clary sage, and sweet birch organic essential oils post-workout reduces muscular pain and spasms, decreases inflammation, and increases range of motion.

Likewise, increase therapeutic pain relief by gently massaging tendon and ligament liniment oil into sore tendons and ligaments. This nutrient dense seed oil integrates eucalyptus, peppermint, and sweet orange organic essential oils to ease joint pain, increase circulation, and improve flexibility.

Although it may cause annoying itching more than pain, athlete’s foot and other fungal infections, can create continual discomfort. Ease itching and scaling with naturally anti-fungal essential oils. Fill a small tub or sink with water; then add 8-10 drops of organic clove bud, tea tree, lemongrass, or geranium pure essential oils and soak feet for five to ten minutes daily until symptoms subside. Or, dilute a combination of any of the above oils into the foot soak or add them to an unscented seed-rich oil and massage into feet. Prefer a ready-made blend? Try the Solar Plexus Chakra (3rd-Power) essential oil blend which, in addition to clove and lemongrass, also includes powerful anti-fungal cinnamon, eucalyptus, and peppermint essential oils.

Although ice treatments are beneficial for targeting specific injuries, warm baths are effective for alleviating muscular tension and increasing relaxation. Boost these benefits by adding Epsom salts and  10-15 drops of pure organic essential oils such as  clove bud, frankincense, patchouli, rosemary, sandalwood, and sweet orange. Looking for relief on the go, Relax and Refresh body lotions and misters are ideal post-workout options for the car or gym.

While it’s difficult to make it through an entire running season without aches and pains, incorporating pure essential oils into your training routine can help keep them to a minimum. By increasing flexibility, range of motion, and circulation, your body can naturally provide the nutrients necessary for your working muscles…and let you concentrate on your next mile.

This past weekend we had the pleasure of being a part of the Face & Body Spa Conference & Expo in Chicago. At the expo we launched our new line of over 30 Single Note Essential Oils! We’re really excited about this line. You can view the complete Single Note line here. We also did Marma Point Facial Demos at our booth using our Green Envee Vahati Oil and a body oils. Our facial demos were such a success that we wanted to share more information on them with everyone. You can learn the technique we used for our Marma Point Facials by clicking here. Feel free to download/ share the PDF.

Spring is a great time of year with new, fresh, and beautiful wildlife. However, for many people, spring is a dreaded time of year. Allergies. If you or someone you know suffers from allergies, it can be a very unpleasant experience. Those who suffer from allergies often rely on prescription or over the counter anti-histamines and decongestants. Although this may provide some relief, it doesn’t come without side effects, be it right away or in the long run.

One option that many allergy sufferers don’t consider is Aromatherapy. Two very beneficial oils for allergies are Peppermint and Lavender. Although others are useful as well, we’ll keep it simple here.

Peppermint essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and works wonders for congestion and head tension.

Lavender essential oil has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties, making it great for allergy relief.

Ways to use these essential oils would be to diffuse them via use of a diffuser, you can apply 1 to 2 drops in the palm of your hands, rub together and cup them over your nose and inhale deeply 3 to 6 breaths.
Green Envee Organics has wonderful blends for allergy relief. Our French Lavender and Anthemis Nobilis (Organic Roman Chamomile) Essential Oil Synergistic Essential Oil and Aroma Mist would be great, as well as our Tunisian Rosemary and Peppermint Synergistic Essential Oil and Aroma Mist. Each of these blends is also available in lotion, body scrub, body oil, bar soap, etc. that can help with allergy relief as well.