What does it mean to exfoliate? To exfoliate means to remove dead skins cells from the skin. The body's natural cycle goes thru a natural shedding on average, every 30 days. This cycle attempts to replace dead surface cells with a new, healthy layer. Now, as your body begins the aging process, skins cells become weaker and can be damaged by environmental factors. The dead cells remain on the surface of your skin, causing the skin to become dull in appearance and cause fine lines.
Exfoliation is a process that helps remove dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin, in addition to softening, smoothing and clarifying the complexion. There are numerous exfoliants on the market to choose from including microderm abrasion, and man made chemicals. The best way to exfoliate is with an all-natural body scrub. Upon successful exfoliation, the appearance of your skin reveals a younger, healthier skin, improving the texture, unclogging pore and reducing the signs of fine lines and wrinkles.
What is a body scrub?
A body scrub is the removal of dead skin using an exfoliant such as sugar, salt loofah or herbs. An abrasive product is rubbed vigorously, and massaged across and into your skin in a circular motion, then rinsed away to reveal a moisturized layer of fresh, clean and smooth skin, leaving it looking and feeling radiant.
What is a body polish?
A body polish is the gentle buffing or massaging of the skin with botanical or marine extracts or salt for exfoliation and smoothness. Our body polish contains Sea Kelp and fruit peels such as lemon or orange.
Why are scrubs/polishes good for the skin?
There are many benefits to a body scrub or polish. They exfoliate the skin, sloughing off dead skin cells and rubbing away hard and flaky skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Scrub or polishing products typically include an oil base, which moisturizes and soothes your skin as it is scrubbed. Scrubs and Polishes are not only invigorating, but they improve the circulation of blood and lymph to the surface of the skin, help fight cellulite and improve your skin tone from dull to bright and radiant.
A good body scrub or polish is the premise for body treatments as it opens pores and awakens the skin before body wraps and/or mud treatment.
When should I use a scrub or polish?
Before using a scrub or polish, shower first. Upon rinsing massage the scrub into your skin in circular motions, avoiding the face, except for scrubs specifically designed for the face. Upon completion, rinse and pick up your normal routine.
PRECAUTIONS
Our scrubs and body polishes contain all natural ingredients, so please read the label to ensure you are not allergic to any of its ingredients. Avoid using scrubs and polishes on sunburned, irritated or broken skin. Salt scrubs can be especially irritating on broken skin. If you have a medical condition and are not sure about scrubs/polishes, check with your physician first to ensure it is safe and appropriate for you.
TYPES OF SCRUBS AND POLISHES
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Salt and oil: finely granulated sea or mineral salt is mixed with essential, moisturizing oil.
Salt and oil: finely granulated sea or mineral salt is mixed with essential, moisturizing oil. •Sugar is also used to exfoliate, along with oils or creams. We typically use brown sugar because of the nourishing factors.
Sugar is also used to exfoliate, along with oils or creams. We typically use brown sugar because of the nourishing factors. •Loofah Scrub contains a cream and loofah to slough off dead skin cells or simply a loofah pad.
Loofah Scrub contains a cream and loofah to slough off dead skin cells or simply a loofah pad.•Herbal may be mixed with essential oils or creams, with the exfoliating scrub. Herbal Scrubs are typically used in aromatherapy.
Herbal may be mixed with essential oils or creams, with the exfoliating scrub. Herbal Scrubs are typically used in aromatherapy. •Food – YUM-YUM!! You can create your own body scrubs using pureed strawberry, oatmeal and other edible products to nourish and soothe t.
Food – YUM-YUM!! You can create your own body scrubs using pureed strawberry, oatmeal and other edible products to nourish and soothe t.Facial clays are excellent additions to your skin care regiment! Although they can be used once weekly, we recommend using them once every other week or every ten days. Clay masks reduce acne outbreaks, and clear and closes clogged pores.
How does a Clay Facial Mask work?
A mask works by adhering itself to the dirt and toxins typically trapped in your pores. When you gently rinse the clay from your face, you are in essence removing the toxins and dirt.
When should I use a Facial Mask?
Facial Masks should be used no more then once per week. After cleansing your face, pat it dry, then mix your clay and liquid and apply it to the skin. Cleansing the face prior to a mask is vital to the successfulness of your mask as it will remove the surface layer of dirt and grime. Apply your mask in a circular motion to help the mask penetrate the pores, nooks and crannies of your skin. Allow the mask to dry, which may take 5-15 minutes. Once your mask has dried, loosen it up by placing a warm moist cloth on your face, then rinse. After you've rinse the mask thoroughly from your face, rinse your face with cold water. This helps closes the pores, preventing dirt and grime from penetrating the skin as quickly.
What should I use to moisten my clay mask?
Clay masks can work with tap water, however, to receive the maximum benefit, we recommend using one of the following:
Rose Water - Normal to Dry Skin
Aloe Vera Gel - Problem Skin
Apple Cider Vinegar - Oil & Problem Skin
Milk or Cream - Normal to Dry Skin
What is a Toner?
Toners also referred to as a facial freshener or astringent. Toners help restore the natural pH balance of the skin and remove the dirt and other toxin left after an initial facial wash. It should be used after a cleansing but before your moisturize. They leave skin feeling refreshed and clean.
Choosing a Toner
You should choose your Toner based on your skin type. Subtle Essence offers two toners. Subtle Facial Toner is designed for normal to dry skin, while our Grapefruit Toner is ideal for Oily skin.
Applying a Toner
The typical facial regiment should include a facial cleansing, toner, then your moisturizer. Cleansing the face simple remove the surface make up and environmental dirt, while a Toner clears the pores. Toners should be applied using a cotton ball or cleansing pad, which you can find in any pharmacy. You should always avoid the eye when applying a toner. A general rule of thumb is to apply the toner to the forehead, chin, nose and cheeks. If you’re using a commercial off the shelf toner, then it may be wise to refrain from using it daily as it can dry out the skin. We use all natural ingredients in our toners, making it safe and effective!
Signs of a good Toner
Toners should have a base of natural ingredients. If your toner contains alcohol of any type listed as one of the first three ingredients, then you should be concerned. Alcohol dries out the skin tremendously and should never be used on the face. Our Toners key ingredients, which make up the first three ingredients, are Aloe Juice, witch hazel and rose hydrosol. Even if you opt to use a different Toner, find on that has natural ingredients. A toner is supposed to make your skin feel refreshed, if it burns or gets becomes red, you are using the wrong toner. Your skin should feel clean and clear, however, if your skin feels oily or have residue after each use, try to find a new toner.
CLEANSING THE HAIR
How shampoos work and what shampoos do?
Shampoos work to cleanse the hair and scalp. All shampoos have a base surfactant – meaning ‘surface active agent'. Surfactants are the essential cleaning substances in shampoos. Oils, like sebum, your scalp's natural oils, do not mix with water; the water needs an addition to make the oily matters soluble. Surfactants are the ‘power ingredients' that do this
When your shampoo is mixed with water it creates what we call “lather”. Please understand the amount of lather DOES NOT reflect the cleaning power of the shampoo. For some, it gives the impression the hair is clean. It’s an indicator that it spread through the hair and upon rinsing, it shows us that we rinsed well. Sorry we couldn’t give you a more technical and elaborate response, but it truly is that simple.
Surfactants are what actually cleanse the hair, but the surfactant alone doesn’t create the lather. Surfactants loosen, lift and remove the dirt, excessive amounts of called sebum. When you rinse your shampoo from your hair, the dirt particles are removed together with the lather.
Establishing healthy hair and scalp requires effort. It’s wise to brush your hair gently before cleansing the hair. Brushing stimulated the hair follicle and loosens dirt/oils on the scalp. Your hairbrush should be made from man-made materials. While cleansing the hair massage the scalp and always ensure the shampoo covers the entire head of hair – from the root to the scalp. Always rinse thoroughly. Shampoo not rinsed from the hair will leave hair feeling and looking dull and lifeless, therefore, attracting more dirt. Its only necessary to wash the hair once, however, all cosmetologist are taught to wash the hair at least twice for the sake of the patron and not know the time span between shampoos. Towel dry the hair, but avoid rubbing, pulling or wringing wet hair. Wet hair loses its resilience/toughness, hence making it more prone to snapping and breakage.
CONDITIONING THE HAIR
Conditioners contain ingredients like humectants, which lock in moisture. Humectants rid hair of the dryness. Conditioning your hair is of utmost importance because it coats your hair shaft, protecting it from wear and tear. It also makes your hair smooth and shiny and prevents hair breakage.
Intensive Conditioners are formulated to provide specialized conditioning for damaged hair, i.e. weak, brittle, excessively dry or damaged hair as a result of chemical treatment or other environmental damages. Damage hair can also com from routine activities such as towel drying, aggressive brushing, incorrectly combing, heat styling and chemical styling aids as well as everyday exposure to sun, wind and environmental pollution, which can also damage your hair, making it look dull, dry and listless.
If your hair is in this state, you should be using intensive conditioners as a weekly treatment. An effective treatment will help you achieve your hair’s perfect state – soft, shiny and healthier looking.
TIP: If you swim regularly without a swim cap, apply a small amount of conditioner to your dry hair before getting into the pool.
Condition your hair AFTER a cleansing. Apply a generous amount of conditioner to the hair after cleansing. Gently work the conditioner into your hair, from front to back, combing it through. Avoid applying conditioner directly to the scalp, as conditioners are only necessary for the hair, unless otherwise stated. You should feel a difference in the weight of your hair while using a condition, however, it should return to a much lighter feel after rinsing. If you have time, wrap your head in a towel or a plastic cap and sit under the dryer for a few minutes. This helps the conditioner repair the hair. When you’re done, rinse out the conditioner, towel dry gently and style.
FACT: Your hair is dead and is not capable of repairing itself.
What is mineral oil?
Mineral Oil is derived from the mineral source petroleum, as opposed to oils derived from plants and animals. Some believe this heavy oil derived from petroleum, although quite natural, is NOT recommended for use in body-care products. Well, the jury is still out on this. Mineral oil DOES however; leave a residue on skin and hair. Contrary to belief, this ingredient is not as healthy for the skin as would a natural plant or vegan oil. The bottom line is that mineral Oil coats the skin like plastic, clogging pores and interfering with the skin releasing toxins, which causes acne, premature aging and skin irritation. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.
Mineral oil is in nearly all our skin care products. Read your labels. 8 out of 10 of all skin and hair care products contain this unbelievably cheap ingredient - mineral oil. Manufacturers may even call your product all-natural because in addition to the mineral oil, it may contain very small amounts of other oils. Please don't be fooled by this marketing trick!!! If possible, avoid using products containing mineral oil. There are too many unanswered questions regarding the safety of this ingredient.
WHAT IS A HYDROSOL? Hydrosols are also known as floral water or distillate water. Hydrosols are produced by water or steam distillation of a flower or herb, and contain most of the hydrophilic (water-soluble) molecules from the plant or flower material that did not distil into an essential oil. They are also known as hydrolat, hydrolate, distillate water or floral water. Hydrosols have many of the same properties as the essential oil, only in lower concentrations making them safe and effective in cosmetics and safe enough to consume. Hydrosols should not be confused misters, which is water and essential oils combined with hydrosols. Hydrosols can be used externally in skin care products, added to bath or soak a cloth for use as a compress, or even internally as a douche, taken as a tonic or combined in a beverage drink. They can also be used as a:
•Use in Clay Facials and Masks
Use in Clay Facials and Masks •Facial Toner
Facial Toner •Body Spray/Splash
Body Spray/Splash •Makeup Remover
Makeup Remover •Facial Steams
Facial Steams •Compresses
Compresses •Baby Care
Baby Care •Room Spray
Room Spray •Linen Spray
Linen Spray •Clothing Spray
Clothing Spray Hydrosols should be stored in a cool dark place. They have no preservatives and therefore should be used within a year of distillation.
ROSE HYDROSOL or (Rosewater) is great when used in any skin care product as a stand-alone toner or in moistening a dry mask. Rosewater stimulates the skin and increasing blood flow. Rosewater controls and balances sebum production, making it ideal for both dry and oily skin. It balances and restore the skin's natural Ph and aids in tighten pores. Its has antibacterial properties that aid in fighting acne allowing a gentle skin treatment.
LAVENDER HYDROSOL is one of the more relaxing and balancing hydrosols from our collection of flower waters. It is ideal for oily and combination skin, and is an excellent coolant for minor burns, rashes, and hot sores. Mentally refreshing and marvelous on the emotions! Lavender Hydrosols are highly effective when used after over-exposure to the sun.
EUCALYPTUS HYDROSOL is has a cool and fresh aroma. Eucalyptus hydrosol has antiseptic and anti-oxidant properties aiding in treating sorts of insect bites, grazes and minor cuts. When mixed with a Peppermint Hydrosol, it makes a great refreshing and antiseptic mouthwash. Its also ideal for refreshing and deodorizing tired, sweaty feet!
PEPPERMINT HYDROSOL is best known for its use as a revitalizing and refreshing body spray. Our hydrosol is well rounded and is strikingly robust. Just like fresh picked Peppermint wands! Can be used liberally on the body as a general cooler, in food preparations, and it is particularly helpful for abrasions, hot spots, and as a facial toner. Peppermint hydrosol are especially refreshing and reviving to hot, tired and aching feet at the end of a busy day.
ORANGE HYDROSOL is gentle, fresh, and oh so cooling. While commonly used for babies and children it is equally suitable for us grown ups and has aphrodisiac qualities. Orange Hydrosols have natural hydrating and regenerating effect on the skin making it perfect for refreshing and reviving dull, tired skin.
It also soothes dry skin and cools hot, itchy or sensitive skin.
LEMON HYDROSOLis revitalizing for all skin types and lightly stimulating and uplifting for those gloomy days. A great pick me up in a bottle, which also acts as a astringent and cleanser.
*Vegan Friendly
*Organic Ingredients
What causes Acne?
Acne is a common skin disease caused by clogging pores and inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles on the face, neck, shoulders, back and chest. These glands typically produce too much sebum, rather, oil then become clogged. The result is often referred to as - whiteheads, pimples or blackheads. The sebum mixes with dead cells on the surface of the skin clogging pores and causing blackheads and whiteheads. Bacteria around the hair follicles enter the skin if the whitehead ruptures causing a pimple. Avoid squeezing pimples as they can cause pitting and scars on the skin.
Acne isn't a teenage problem; in fact it’s quite common for adults as well.
It has often been referred to as "skin hypoglycemia" or "skin diabetes." This means that the skin, which is an organ, is intolerant to sugars.
It could be caused by poor hygiene and diet, stress, heredity and hormone imbalances often are causes of acne.
What can I do to avoid acne outbreaks?
Some may not agree, but adjusting your diet by reducing the intake of sugar, milk, caffeine, chocolate, white flour, processed foods, and meats high in fat. Drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. Additionally, iodine-rich foods, such as liver, cheese, iodized salt, kelp products, clams, crabs and other shellfish have been known culprits to acne outbreaks. Try avoiding foods that contain trans-fat and hydrogenated oils. Deficiencies in zinc, vitamin A, and essential fatty acids contribute to acne.
Cleansing the skin and those items, which come in contact with your skin aids in reducing acne outbreaks. Your bed linens have dead skin, oil; sometimes even make-up, dirty hair preparations and dirt can contribute to acne.
Keep your hands away from your face or other affected areas. They contain oils and bacteria that promote acne.
Wash your skin twice daily with a mild cleanser, tone and moisturize with a light facial moisturizer.
What can I use to treat acne?
- A cleanser that contains aloe vera is nourishing for the skin.
- Take a steam shower or boil some water on the stove and put your head over the vapors for a few minutes. This will open up the pores, and clears pores. After doing so, blackheads can be squeezed out more easily. Avoid squeeze the whiteheads, as this is an infected area and can cause other problems.
- Apply a warm washcloth on the affected area several times a day and hold it firmly. This opens the pores and helps cleanse the skin.
- Avoid greasy creams and cosmetics, especially ones that contain synthetic oil, dye, and fragrance.
Are there natural supplements to treating acne?
Yes, however, do some research to find the right one for you.
1.Acidophilus
Acidophilus 2.Brewer's yeast tablets
Brewer's yeast tablets 3.Chromium (GTF or glucose tolerance factor)
Chromium (GTF or glucose tolerance factor) 4.Omega 6 Fatty Acids found in:
Omega 6 Fatty Acids found in:- evening primrose oil (take 500 mg three times daily)
- black currant seed oil
- borage seed oil.
- Fish oil
- Cold-pressed flaxseed oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids
5. Selenium & Vitamin E together.
Selenium & Vitamin E together. 6.Vitamin A to reduce sebum production
Vitamin A to reduce sebum production 7.Folic acid (a B vitamin) 10 mg daily
Folic acid (a B vitamin) 10 mg daily8.Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 9.Vitamin B6 restores normal hormone balance. Women should start a week before menstruation and continue for a week afterward.
Vitamin B6 restores normal hormone balance. Women should start a week before menstruation and continue for a week afterward.10.Vitamin C helps promote healing and cellular repair, enhances the immune system,
Vitamin C helps promote healing and cellular repair, enhances the immune system, 11.Vitamin E
Vitamin E Natural Remedies
- •Aloe gel counteracts infection and promote healing. Use the ointment on pimples and sores. For acne scars, using aloe vera juice morning and night for as long as necessary (perhaps six months or longer) will help reduce the scars and improve skin complexion and color. It is drying, so if you have dry skin, use an aloe-based moisturizer. The pulp of the aloe vera plant is an excellent skin cleanser. Break off a portion and rub the pulp directly on the skin.
- Apple cider vinegar/lemon juice - Clean your skin and apply either lemon juice or apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball. The acid in these kitchen remedies helps flush out the pores and keeps the skin looking beautiful. Vinegar acts as an astringent and helps remove excess oil, kills bacteria, and normalizes the skin's pH. This remedy should work quickly. Lemon juice Apply fresh lemon juice to the affected area with a cotton ball or Q-tip before bed. Wash off in the morning.
- Another method using apple cider vinegar is to "steam clean" the face by putting it over a pan of boiling water with a towel over your head to trap the steam. This will loosen the dirt and oil. Then apply the vinegar with a cotton ball to remove the dirt and oil buildup. Repeat twice, then dab more vinegar on the pores to close them. Use this method once a week.
- Carrot Juice The essential oils in carrot juice will aid digestion and help stop acne.
- Charcoal To aid digestion, take 3 tablets of activated charcoal three times daily.
- Colloidal Silver Cleanse the skin morning and night with colloidal silver. You should start to see improvements within a week. Colloidal silver is a natural antibiotic that has safely been used for a century.
- Liquified Cucumber a peeled cucumber in a blender and apply the juice to the acne. Another variation of this remedy is to drink four or five cups of cucumber juice daily for a week. This is said to purify the blood and lymphatic system, resulting in a clearer skin.
- Molasses Take 2 teaspoons of molasses with one teaspoon of sulphur once or twice daily to cleanse the blood. Skin eruptions may increase initially, but they are an indication that the blood is being cleansed.
- Oatmeal is great for eczema and other skin irritations, people have used oatmeal to conquer acne. Apply some cooled, cooked oatmeal to the whole face for fifteen minutes, then wash off. Oatmeal is an astringent and seems to draw oil and impurities out of the skin, keeping it clean and blemish-free. This method may take a week or two, but should have good results.
- Witch hazel In the morning wash your face with a gentle cleanser. If you have oily skin, rub a cottonball saturated with witch hazel over your entire face. It is an astringent and will help dry the skin and shrink the pimples. Next, spread a thin coat of a 2% salicylic acid product (found in drugstores) over your whole face. Its deep penetrating action will help unclog oil-clogged pores. Repeat the cleansing and witch hazel steps, then dab 2.5% benzoyl peroxide over the entire face to kill bacteria.
