Great Moisturizers.....

Great Moisturizers for your Skin

BY EMILY MAIN

The season for dry, flaky skin is upon us. But before you reach for that bottle of lotion, consider this: Some ingredients in moisturizers can actually make your skin drier, interfering with the barrier on your skin that prevents moisture from dissipating.

"Skin creams can actually increase signs of aging," says David Pollock, a beauty-product developer turned consumer advocate and author of the book Just Stop the Lies! Secrets the Beauty Industry Doesn't Want You to Know. Emulsifiers, binding agents that allow oil and water to mix in moisturizers and lotions, leave a residue on the skin that disrupts your skin's lipid barrier, allowing water to evaporate from the skin faster. "You get a fast shot of moisture that eventually fades," he says. So you use more lotion, and your skin gets drier, and the cycle just continues.

Not only does that expose you to dozens of unregulated and untested chemicals that are ingredients in lotions, but it's costing you money, too. The cure? Look no further than your kitchen cabinet. The very same oils you use for cooking are some of the best moisturizers for dry skin—much more effective than expensive lotions and creams at just pennies an ounce, says Deborah Niemann, author of the new book Ecothrifty: Cheaper, Greener Choices for a Happier, Healthier Life and the blog The Thrifty Homesteader. It's one of the most amazing beauty tricks you may have never heard about. "You can go all out and use something exotic, and it's still going to cost you pennies," she says.

Cold Weather Skincare Fixes

But not all vegetable oils are good for your skin, she warns. Some can actually dry your skin out, while others, such as canola, corn, and "vegetable" oils, are likely derived from genetically modified crops that have been sprayed with heavy doses of harmful pesticides. To keep your skin soft (and pesticide free), here are the four best moisturizers for dry skin that Niemann recommends:

Grapeseed Oil

A by-product of wine-making, grapeseed oil comes from the seeds of pressed grapes and, says Niemann, is reputed to work as well as over-the-counter creams that cost hundreds of dollars per bottle. Many holistic beauty care experts consider it the best oil for skin, regardless of your skin type. "It's especially good for thin skin around your eyes and neck," she says, and can even reduce fine lines. Not only that, but grapeseed oil is also high in vitamin C, which brightens your skin.

Olive Oil

This is a great oil if you have really dry skin—there's a reason Mediterranean women have used it as a moisturizer for centuries. It provides intense moisture, Niemann says, and the rich antioxidants that make it so good for your insides benefit your outsides, too, fighting free radicals created by exposure to sunlight.

Sunflower Oil

Just as good as olive oil, Niemann says, but a little less expensive. In addition to being a good moisturizer, she adds, it makes for a good massage oil because it's thinner and more slippery than some of the other cooking oils you can use. It also absorbs into the skin more quickly.

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More from Rodale.com:

Oils for Hair Growth

The 10 Best Oils For Hair Growth

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One of the best ways to promote hair growth is through the application of natural oils. Oils help to nourish and moisturize, they help to add body and shine, and they can help to promote new and faster hair growth.

In this blog post, I reveal my favorite oils for hair and hair growth and share how you can use them to improve the health and condition of your hair.

Sidenote: This list contains only oils made up of a single ingredient. I believe the absolute best oil for hair is actually an oil composed of seventeen ancient natural and organic ingredients. It’s called Mira Hair Oil and it stimulates the growth of soft, silky, luxurious hair while also preventing hair graying, eliminating dandruff and stopping hair loss dead in its tracks. This oil works and I strongly recommend it. Read our Mira Hair Oil review and consider buying yourself a bottle.

The Top 10 Best Oils For Hair
& Hair Growth

Oil #1
Coconut Oil for Hair & Hair Growth

For thousands of years, coconut oil has been used to protect, clean and nourish hair. The chemical composition of the oil (medium chain triglycerides) passes easily though your hair’s cell membrane to deeply penetrate the shaft of the hair itself. This allows the coconut oil to prevent the loss of proteins and replace natural hair oils lost due to daily exposure to toxins and frequent shampooing. A topical massage with natural coconut oil is the best method for application. Keeping the hair shaft healthy not only prevents hair loss, but may help to re-grow hair. (Read More…)

Oil #2
Olive Oil for Hair & Hair Growth

The hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) puts a choke hold on hair and decreases hair follicle size. It is generally considered to be a large part of the cause of male pattern baldness. Olive oil blocks DHT from doing its dirty work and promotes normal hair growth. Being loaded with antioxidants, olive oil rids the skin of free radicals, stimulates circulation and brings nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles as well. (Read More…)

Oil #3
Lavender Oil for Hair & Hair Growth

As well as being the most popular essential oil, lavender is also considered to be one of the most effective natural treatments for the prevention of hair loss. Its ability to combat Alopecia areata (a common condition responsible for excessive hair loss) allows for considerable re-growth within months of regular use. Along with the preventative effects, lavender oil is a powerful antiseptic. The disinfecting properties of the oil not only treat many scalp conditions, but also fight microbes, fungi and other viruses. (Read More…)

Oil #4
Castor Oil For Hair & Hair Growth

Although commonly known for its use as a natural laxative, castor oil is also very effective in the treatment of hair loss. Castor oil contains Ricinoleic Acid: a strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungicidal agent, which protects the hair and scalp from infections. The omega-9 fatty acids and humectant properties in the oil moisturize and nourish hair leaving it thick, shiny and strong. (Read More…)

Oil #5
Jojoba Oil for Hair & Hair Growth

Derived from the seed of the jojoba plant, this liquid wax is similar in composition to sebum; the moisturizer/conditioner naturally produced by our bodies. Unlike most other oils used in hair growth treatments, jojoba oil does not penetrate the hair. Rather it seals the hair follicle to seal in moisture. Breaking up crusted sebum build-up is how jojoba benefits hair health. Crusted sebum makes hair brittle and creates a blockage at the root. (Read More…)

Oil #6
Almond Oil for Hair & Hair Growth

Cold-pressed from the seeds of almonds, almond oil stands side by side with olive oil for its ability to protect and moisturize hair. When massaged into the hair, almond oil removes the build up of dead skin cells which alleviates scalp inflammation and allows the hair to grow freely. Although almond oil is not known to re-grow hair, it does protect and stimulate the growth of existing hair follicles making them less prone to breakage. Almond oil is also very effective in treating skin conditions like seborheic dermatitis. People with allergies to nuts should use caution when using almond oil and discontinue use if any allergic skin reactions occur. (Read More…)

Oil #7
Rosemary Oil for Hair & Hair Growth

Rosemary oil is distilled from the rosemary herb, a member of the mint family, for its many internal and external health benefits. The oil is known to dilate blood vessels and stimulate cell division. This, in turn, encourages hair follicles to produce new hair. Rosemary oil is also believed to inhibit both hair loss and graying in addition to removing dandruff and soothing dry, flaky scalps. The disinfectant properties of the oil also aid in preventing bacteria and other harmful organisms from thriving on the hair and scalp. (Read More…)

Oil #8
Fish Oil for Hair & Hair Growth

Containing 2 essential omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fish oil has long been known to be a critical component for health as our own bodies do not produce these acids themselves. The list of health benefits from fish oil is long and impressive. Although there hasn’t been sufficient enough research done on the benefits of fish oil on hair growth to establish a direct link, it is suggested that the nourishing effects the oil has on the skin would also apply to the hair. Unlike other essential oils, fish oil is not used topically. It is taken in a softgel form and puts its healing powers to use from the inside out. (Read More…)

Oil #9
Emu Oil for Hair & Hair Growth

This all natural oil is derived from the emu; a flightless bird similar to an ostrich. Emu oil has been used for generations in Australia by aboriginal tribes for its regenerative and therapeutic properties. Its potent anti-fungal and anti-bacterial aspects break up residue around the hair promoting better hair and scalp health. Emu oil can also facilitate a 300% increase in cellular activity in the hair creating more resilient, livelier hair without a complex brew of chemicals that strip and damage hair. (Read More…)

Oil #10
Tea Tree Oil for Hair & Hair Growth

Tea tree oil (commonly known as melaleuca oil) in a diluted solution helps to unblock clogged pores on the scalp. It also moisturizes the skin, conditions the hair and its anti-bacterial properties protect the skin from bacterial and fungal infections. By promoting the general health of the hair and scalp as well as boosting the body’s entire immune system, tea tree oil is very effective in healing damaged hair and allowing it to grow long, thick, strong and healthy. (Read More…)

Update March 2012: I originally planned to share just the top 10 oils for hair and hair growth in this blog post, but since publishing this series, I’ve discovered more oils that can help improve hair health, prevent hair loss and promote new hair growth.

I’ve posted them below so click through and read the full blog post to find out how you can use these oils, plus some recipes you can make at home.

Argan Oil For Hair

Grape Seed Oil For Hair

Mustard Oil For Hair

Avocado Oil For Hair 

Always use common sense and caution when applying or ingesting any holistic or homeopathic remedies as not all are safe for everyone. If you are allergy prone, taking any prescription medications, pregnant or nursing, very young or very old, please exercise extreme caution and only use these substances under the supervision of your physician. A little research can go a long way in making certain that you make safe, yet effective choices in holistic and homeopathic hair treatments.

Want to learn more about how to grow healthy, beautiful hair naturally? Pick up a copy ofNaturally Healthy Hair – Herbal Treatments & Daily Care For Fabulous Hair.

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As mentioned earlier in this article, my favorite and most effective hair oil for hair growth is Mira Hair Oil.

Mira Hair Oil transforms your hair from dull and lifeless to soft, smooth, silky, nourished and moisturized. It stops hair loss, stimulates new growth, eliminates dandruff and prevents hair from graying.

If you want to see if this oil is right for you then read our Mira Hair Oil review.

Source: http://www.herbsandoilsworld.com/oils-for-hair/

Are you experiencing "hair crisis"?

DIY HAIR DETOX

I have been having a “hair crisis”of sorts lately.

As I get older my hair is getting thinner, and so to COMPENSATEI’ve been using more and morehairspray! Not only am I usingMORE hairspray…but I’ve even starting buying the “industrial strength” hairspray!  Can you say“Helmet Hair”?? :-)

Anyway, my hair has been feeling weighed down lately, and looking tired. Regular shampooing hasn’t helped, so I started looking around for something to detoxify and revive my wilted hair. Little did I know how simple it was.

All you need is:

Course Sea Salt    &   Your Favorite Shampoo

Full of minerals, sea salt de-greases hair, removing dead skin cells and dirt, without stripping natural oils. It also removes PRODUCT BUILD-UP which gives hair a LIFT. Perfect for hair in need of a boost….like MINE!

Sea salt is also the main ingredient in the very popular shampoo BIG by Lush which is $26.95 for 11.4 ounces!!!!!  We can do better than that! :-)

To make your own Sea Salt Clarifying Shampoo for PENNIES….just mix 3 parts course sea salt with 2 parts of your favorite mild shampoo. (In hindsight I would probably try adding a little coconut oil next time for some added softness. Seems likeEVERYTHING’S better with Coconut Oil!)

Wash hair with mixture and then thoroughly rinse with water. I like to finish with a COOL WATER rinse. As cool as I can stand without starting to shiver! ;-)

This is NOT a shampoo for daily use. I would recommend using once a month for a thorough cleaning. Using too often could be drying to your hair and scalp.

I was really pleased with this shampoo. It felt GOOD to actually use something on my scalp that had a big of an exfoliant action to it. My scalp felt tingly and clean. IDEFINITELY noticed more volume and lift to my hair after using. All that hairspray was really doing a number on my limp locks.

I was also pleasantly surprised at how SHINY my hair was!  I guess all that caked-on hair product wasn’t allowing my flaxen strands to shine through. ;-)  Now you pretty much have to wear shades to even look at my hair! lol. Not really. But it’s definitely shinier and bouncier….which is EXACTLY what I was hoping for!

Source: http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/10/diy-hair-detox.html

Honeygar?

             The Wonders of Honeygar and the Alkaline Body

Honeygar (Honey and Cider Vinegar)

Honey and cider vinegar combined with just boiled water is normally called ‘Honeygar’ and a mighty fine thing it is.  This potion is not only a lovely brew (an acquired taste) it also has great health properties and cures many ailments.  Both Hippocrates and the ancient Egyptians are said to have appreciated the healing properties of cider vinegar.  It  has also been used as an anti-aging elixir, which is always popular!

Good cider vinegar is a completely natural product and is normally made by allowing crushed apples to ferment in oak barrels.  It has cleansing and disinfecting properties which self detoxify the body and it is a powerful cleansing agent and healing elixir with naturally occurring antibiotic and antiseptic that fights germs and bacteria.  Honey (unprocessed) is normally added to make the drink more palatable.

Cider Vinegar also helps to keep the body nicely alkaline.  Vinegar is obviously acid but when broken down in the stomach becomes alkaline.  An alkaline body fights germs and disease better and helps to ward off ailments such as bladder and kidney conditions, osteoporosis, aching muscles, low energy and chronic fatigue, and slow digestion.

Raw fruits, leafy green vegetables, tea and legumes are examples of alkaline foods.  Interestingly a foods actual pH is not a good indicator of a food that has acidic effects on the body, for example, lemons and limes when processed by the body actually have a very alkaline effect.  All animal products are acid forming, even if they have a alkaline pH prior to digestion.  The ideal ratio of alkaline to acid foods in a diet id 70/30.  High stress levels can also effect the amount of acid produced in the body.  For more on getting alkaline see here.

Cider vinegar is especially good at treating arthritis and with the British national health service restricting the access to arthritis treatments, many people are looking for alternative methods of treatment.  There have been many articles recently in the press verifying these healing effects.

Lillies on the windowsill (nothing to do with Cider Vinegar, but lovely non-the-less)

Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the famous explorer and endurance chap, suffered with arthritis in his hand and hip and turned to drinking honeygar.  He says “Without it I wouldn’t be able to have done all the things I have done…it has completely kept my arthritis at bay.”

Honeygar is best drank regularly and can take a while to kick in, so stick with it.  It also must be combined with a low acid diet, that means no nasty foods high in sugar, nothing processed (factory food) and alcohol.  If you have stiff muscles and joints, try taking regular hot baths with epsom salts.

I have a hip that clicks and a dodgy neck, which are probably old injures from when I was young and used to do terrible things to my body, all in the name of sports.  I have started to drink honeygar and will keep you posted on the progress of my dodgy bits.

I think the message is, get off those awful painkillers and other drugs if you can and try something different.  There is enough evidence out there to suggest that honeygar and a huge number of other alternative remedies actually work.   This is not always backed up by medical tests, but who needs that when it works!

When buying cider vinegar, check that it contains the ‘mother’ and is organic.  This ensures that it is completely natural, the good stuff, and has not been distilled.   The distillation process kills of the powerful enzymes and minerals like potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, sulphur, iron copper, fluorine, silicon, pectin and natural malic and tartaric acids, which are important in fighting body toxins and inhibiting bacteria growth.

‘Honeygar’ Recipe

Add 2 tbs cider vinegar and top up with freshly boiled water, add honey to taste (1 tbs is normally good for us)

Source: http://thebeachhousekitchen.wordpress.com/2012/07/28/the-wonders-of-honeygar-and-the-alkaline-body/

Ways to Improve Hair Naturally

5 Ways to Improve Hair Naturally

Now that I’ve been pregnant several times and had the wonderful thick hair that accompanies pregnancy and seen it thin again after pregnancy, I started searching for and testing ways to naturally promote hair growth.

Of course, some of the post-pregnancy shed is entirely hormonal and somewhat inevitable, but I’ve found some tips that seem to help promote hair growth and strength. I also wonder if these tips help baby’s hair growth in utero, as my kids have all come with a LOT of hair, especially my 4-year-old (her hair is in the picture above and she was three then!) Her hair has always been naturally thick, curly and easy to work with. In fact, she was born with almost two inches and I’ve now cut off over 16 inches of her still waist-length hair!

It is also important to remember that the condition of the hair and skin can be a good indication of the state of the body on the inside, so it is important address the body as a whole to improve hair and skin for the long term.

Either way, these natural tips are also good for the body in other ways, so there isn’t much to lose. Have you ever done anything to help improve hair growth? Please share your tips below!

1. Consume Enough Protein

Protein is essential for hair growth, so consuming enough protein can make sure that the body has the necessary building blocks for hair. Complete sources of protein like meats and fish are the most beneficial for hair growth and many meats also contain iron, which is another essential aspect of proper hair growth.

Foods like meats, fish, eggs, and especially bone broths (see below) are excellent for hair growth. These foods also contain necessary fats that help promote healthy hormones (see below) and healthy hair!

2. Get The Vitamins!

Some vitamins help promote hair growth- most notably: Vitamin C and Biotin. The body needs Vitamin C to produce collagen, which is necessary for healthy hair and skin. Vitamin C also helps with iron absorption, which promotes hair growth (plus it is an immune booster!). Since the body can’t manufacture Vitamin C, it is one vitamin that must be obtained from food or supplements. Foods like citrus, broccoli and spinach all contain Vitamin C.

Biotin (and other b-vitamins) can also promote faster and stronger hair growth, and it is also good for the skin. Biotin is a water soluble B-Vitamin that is also used in proper digestion of fats and sugars. Eggs, nuts, berries, fish and some vegetables all provide Biotin, though in small amounts, so sometimes a supplement can be helpful.

3. Up the Gelatin

I’ve posted before about the many benefits of Gelatin, including its support of healthy hair, skin and nails. Gelatin is one thing I make sure to consume daily in some form, either in bone broth or gelatin powder (or both). From a previous post:

“Gelatin is largely composed of the amino acids glycine and proline, which many people don’t consume in adequate amounts as they are found in the bones, fibrous tissues and organs of animals and as a population, we don’t consume these parts as much anymore. These amino acids are needed not only for proper skin, hair and nail growth, but for optimal immune function and weight regulation!

Glycine, which makes up about 1/3 of the amino acids in gelatin powder is anti-inflammatory and evidence is finding that it can help speed wound healing. Glycine in gelatin can also help improve sleep ease and quality.”

Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate Gelatin.

4. Balance the Hormones

“When it comes to health, hormones and gut bacteria have a much bigger effect than many people realize. In fact, these two factors can destroy health even if everything else (diet, supplements, etc) is optimized. Conversely, fixing hormones and gut bacteria can do a lot to boost health, even if not all the other factors are optimal. In fact, there are even studies about using certain hormone reactions to heal brain trauma.”

Hormones are often a major cause of hair loss or poor hair growth and unfortunately, there can be many causes of hormone imbalance. This is also the reason for hair loss after pregnancy. Of course, some steps can be taken to improve hair while working to balance hormones, and these are my top tips for balancing hormones naturally.

Stress and lack of sleep are two major contributors to hormone imbalance and here are some suggestions for optimizing those.

5. External Hair Treatments

Though the major causes of poor hair quality and growth are internal, external treatments can help improve existing hair and prevent breakage. From a previous post:

“I got this tip from Pinterest and have been amazed at what an intensive conditioning and strengthening treatment it is! To make, stir 1 tablespoon of Gelatin powder in to 1/2 cup of cool water until mixed. Add 1/2 cup warm/hot water, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of honey to create a thick gel/liquid. Pour into hair and massage through hair and scalp. Leave on for at least 5 minutes and rinse with hot water. Shampoo as normal.”

Another great hair treatment is to mix melted coconut oil and honey and massage through hair. Leave on for at least 20 minutes and then wash normally. My favorite ratio is 4 tablespoons of melted coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of honey.

How do you keep hair healthy?

Share your tips below!