I'm obsessed with DEXTER!!!

So, the Dexter Season 5 just wrapped up but I'm just getting into it!!!  I watch like 3 episodes a day!  It gives me anxiety... in a good way (HA! is that possible?  Good anxiety???)

The show airs on Showtime and OnDemand, but since I have neither of these so I am forced to watch it on the internet... like a nerd... awesome...

LOVE

I've Left the Older Posts...

Because I do love those articles.  Can't wait to start sharing new things with you!

The benefits of Pink Himalayan Crystal Salt

You've probably seen it on the spice shelf at your favorite place to shop, observed it, then moved on because you were probably thinking "cool, pink salt, I don't really need that."

Well, if you knew the health benefits of this cool, pink salt, you'd definitely want to purchase and use daily!!!

A few weeks ago a friend of mine had told me that her nutritionist had recommended she use the Pink Himalayan Crystal Salt instead of her regular sea salt.  Here began my research to find the benefits of this "miracle" salt.

Super Brief History

This salt has been around for millions of years and for millions of years it has been untouched by toxins and pollutants that invade certain forms of ocean salt.  It is small in cellular structure so our cells easily absorb it.

The benefits of this salt may include:

• Controlling the water levels within the body, regulating them for proper functioning
• Promoting stable pH balance in the cells, including the brain.
• Encouraging excellent blood sugar health
• Aiding in reducing the common signs of aging
• Promoting cellular hydroelectric energy creation
• Promoting the increased absorption capacities of food elements within the intestinal tract
• Aiding vascular health
• Supporting healthy respiratory function
• Lowering incidence of sinus problems, and promoting over-all sinus health
• Reducing muscle cramps
• Increasing bone strength
• Naturally promoting healthy sleep patterns
• Creating a healthy libido
• In combination with water, it is necessary for blood pressure regulation
• Prevents cellulite, when compared to table salt
• Reduces chances of developing rheumatism, arthritis and gout, when compared to common chemically-treated salt
• Reduces chances of developing kidney and gall bladder stones when compared to common chemically-treated salt

Source:  Global Healing Center

So if you're going to use salt, use these healthy, little crystals!

Trader Joe's has it for only $1.99!!!

                                                       

The Ingredient Challenge

I am challenging myself, and YOU, to really take a look at the ingredients in the products that you use at home.  It's simple!

Step 1
Go to: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ (Skin Deep)
Step 2
In the SEARCH box, type in one of the ingredients and hit search
Step 3
Let yourself be educated about what is in your products!!!

For my Ingredient Challenge, I looked up the ingredients in my sunscreen and my deodorant and I was super surprised considering that the brands of these products seem to be the "alternative" to products that are not so "natural".

Sunscreen: 
Brand: Fenix
These are the active ingredients meaning, that there are more of these ingredients in this product than any other ingredient.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient/704203/OCTINOXATE/
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
 http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient/704372/OXYBENZONE/ 
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane  http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient/700596/AVOBENZONE/
Homosalate
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient/702867/HOMOSALATE/

EVERY INGREDIENT IS TOXIC!!!

Ok, now for my Deodorant:
Brand: J/A/S/O/N. (slogan is Pure, Natural & Organic)
I searched this product by name, on the website, and they have it in their database:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/product/332027/Jason_Natural_Cosmetics_TEA_TREE_Deodorant_Stick/

Don't let the words NATURAL and ORGANIC fool you into thinking the product is the best thing for you.  In the case of the J/A/S/O/N. deodorant, if you have sensitivity in your underarm area, the fragrance in the product can really irritate your skin.

I would love to hear your comments/questions on this subject.  

I think it would be interesting to see what products everyone is using and the toxicity that is found in them.   Maybe we can get our own little database going!

Now for your part!

If you decide to take The Ingredient Challenge, I would love to have you post links to the ingredients found on the Skin Deep database with the name of the product.  Just post it on the wall to the

 IN THE LOVE Facebook page.

LOVE

My favorite Cleanser... iS Clinical Cleansing Complex

This is honestly the first cleanser that I've used, in a long time, that I absolutely LOVE!  There is nothing that I don't like about it... I like the consistency and the ingredients.  It's' effective and it even acts as a makeup remover!  My skin type is Oily/Combo and the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex helps control my oily shine and breakouts!  I haven't had one breakout since I started using this product about a month ago!

Key Ingredients:


Salix Alba (white willow bark) extract- A source of Salicylic Acid

I know that most of you have seen Salicylic Acid in one product or another and probably have no idea what it is and why it's beneficial for your skin.  So here ya go:

Salicylic Acid (sal-a-cil-ick)-  A natural ingredient that helps to slow down the shedding of the cells inside the follicles (pores) preventing clogging from dirt, oil, debris, and other environmental factors.  Also, helps in the breaking down of blackheads and whiteheads.  It is gentle enough for sensitive skin types as well as effective for almost every skin type.  So, it's a great ingredient!!!

Saccharum Officiharum (Sugar Cane) extract- A source of Glycolic Acid

Another ingredient you've seen but don't know about...

Glycolic Acid (Gly-call-ick)- Another natural ingredient, it is excellent in penetrating the skin to help slough off the dead skin cells (exfoliation) allowing new,  live skin cells to come up to the surface of the skin and speeding up the cell renewal process. (I will soon write a full article on Glycolic Acid).

Chamomila Recutita (matricaria) extract- Chamomile oil

Chamomile is a natural soothing ingredient

Vitamins A, C, and E (more info to follow, shortly, about these oh-so-good ingredients)

iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Benefits:

• Deep cleans without drying
• Gently remove dead skin cells (see Exfoliation 101)
• Helps control and prevent acne
• Preps skin for treatment products

A little bit goes a long way with this cleanser, meaning only a dime size is needed to cleanse your face and neck.  It's got a great consistency and the scent is pretty pleasant as well!

Retail price is around $30 and is offered at Genesis Medical Aesthetics in Tustin, CA.  You can also checks their website for other retailers.

iS Clinical is a great line and I am currently reviewing more of their products, so be on the lookout for more about them cuz I am truly a fan!

LOVE

Exfoliation 101

Working as a Skin Therapist, I am kind of shocked when I ask my clients if they exfoliate and they say, "what's exfoliate?"

So here it is: EXFOLIATION 101 the simple version

What is Exfoliation?

Sloughing off dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and debris from the surface of the skin

Why Exfoliate?

In order to promote new skin cell growth, we need to eliminate the "crap" that's preventing the new skin cells from doing their magic... which is:

• improving resistance against the environment
• helping build up Collagen and Elastin
• and overall, helping to improve a brighter more youthful appearance of the skin

As we age, our skin renewal cycle slows, along with everything else... Exfoliating helps speed up our cell renewal process.

Other benefits of exfoliation:

• helps with acne by eliminating the "crap" that's holding in the bacteria on the skin that causes breakouts
• helps with scarring from acne and sun damage
• promotes a smooth, even complexion

Now, this the most important part...

What to exfoliate with

There are two types of exfoliants: chemical and physical

Chemical exfoliants:

Include: Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), and Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)

Physical exfoliants:

Include: grainy scrubs that feel sandy or rough, or cleansers that have "micro-scrubbers" or "micro-beads"

Chemical vs Physical

Chemical

Positive

• penetrate the skin better because of it's small molecular size.
• promotes a higher state of Collagen and Elastin

Negative

• can be irritating to sensitive skin
• a few amount of people can have allergic reactions
• can take a few days to show it's effectiveness

Expect to feel a slight tingle with chemical exfoliants and redness may occour for longer than using a physical exfoliant

Physical

Positive

• No chemicals are involved so there's less risk of burning sensation or slight irritation
• Super natural ingredients (most of the time)
• Immediate results of smooth, even skin

Negative

• can irritate the Epidermis (outer layer of the skin) due to larger molecular size
• often have uneven shaped particles, or rough edges, (ie: a certain brands Apricot Scrub) that can lead to outer layer skin scratches and micro-tears

My opinion

I love chemical exfoliants! Including chemical peels. They do take a little bit longer to show full results but it's worth the wait. Slight flaking or peeling may occur with chemical exfoliants but that just lets me know that it's doing it's job!

Mild physical exfoliants are perfect for the "in-between" treatments between chemical peels because it will eliminate that slight flaking or peeling

Ultimate Opinion:

They compliment each other

The Rules of Exfoliation

• Base your exfoliant on the thickness of the skin. The thicker the skin, the more it can take!
• Do NOT over do it! Once a week is cool for either type of exfoliant
• Limit Chemical peels to once every 4-6 weeks to avoid thinning of the skin and possible cell damage
• Natural is ALWAYS the best!!!

My fave is a physical exfoliant:

Wei Pomegranate Buffing Beads

This product is awesome because you can mix it with your favorite cleanser or use it by itself...

... And my ultimate fave is something for your entire body

Dermalogica's The Ultimate Buffing Cloth

Use with your favorite body wash (sulfate-free, of course) and lather up starting from your feet moving upward toward the heart.  The cloth is extra long so you don't have to miss an inch!  ... it's easy to store and it's machine washable!

The Dirty Dozen & The Clean Fifteen... a Shoppers Guide to Pesticides

The Dirty Dozen is a list of the 12 most pesticide contaminated fruits and veggies we consume. From nectarines and apples to celery and lettuce, this list provides percentages of pesticides, found on these fruits and veggies, from what they sampled in research. Read this list and you will now know why we need to EAT ORGANIC and pass the word along...

The Clean Fifteen is a list of the veggies least likely to have pesticides. This list excites me! My favorite stuff is on this one, from broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes to sweet corn and onions.

These lists were put together, after thorough research, by the Environmental Working Group, EWG. Check out their website and you can learn a thing or two!

Through the EWG's Shoppers Guide to Pesticides, you can also learn how to reduce exposure to pesticides, health effects of pesticides, and government regulations concerning pesticides. This site is super useful and informative so share this info with the one's you LOVE!

Another cool thing about this site is that they have a downloadable guide and an iPhone app!!! For the iPhone app, search for Dirty Produce in the App Store...

LOVE