Posts Tagged ‘organic skin care’

Posted on September 2, 2010 - by Leslie Billera

Toxicity Fight Club: Boys & Girls Edition

If ingredients linked to allergies, cancer and other ailments deserve a one-two punch in grown-up products, they deserve an extra whammy when it comes to kids’ lotions and potions. After all, the wee ones count on us to make smart, grown-up decisions (even if they do scream over washing their hair or a smart slathering of sunscreen).

Here are some highlights of what to avoid when it comes to chemical-free kiddie care…

Shampoo & Conditioner:

Avoid these ingredients…

• DMDM Hydantoin: This allergen and irritant can form cancer-causing contaminants
• Fragrance:  As we’ve pointed out before, ‘fragrance’ is code for all kinds of funky allergens that may contain neurotoxic or hormone-disrupting chemicals
• Ceteareth & PEG Compounds: These harmful petrochemicals that may contain cancer-causing impurities are far from kid-friendly.

Body Wash & Liquid Soap

Avoid these ingredients…

• Triclosan: Like we said, try, try, try for no triclosan! It’s a potential hormone disruptor which can effect the endocrine system which regulates growth and development.
• DMDM Hydantoin: See above, and keep in mind that in Japan, DMDM Hydantoin is prohibited for use in some types of cosmetics!
• Fragrance: See above and always opt for ‘fragrance-free’

Play Make-up

Kids love to play dress-up. But when it comes to trying on mom’s make-up, keep in mind that…

• Your lipstick may contain harmful impurities that your child might swallow in trace amounts
• Most nail polish contains dibutyl phthalate and toluene, both of which are linked to hormone disruption and cancer
• Cosmetics in powder form might damage lungs when inhaled

Buy organic, keep toxins at bay for your tot, print the guide to learn more and don’t forget the ultimate in full-disclosure personal care for you and the kids – Do It Yourself (DIY!).

Posted on August 24, 2010 - by Leslie Billera

Rough patch? The ‘Why’ Behind Dry

Your skin is more complicated than it looks. The average square inch of your skin holds:

• 650 sweat glands
• 20 blood vessels
• 60,000 melanocytes (pigment skin cells)
• 1,000+ nerve endings

All three main layers (epidermis, stratum corneum and dermis) work in harmony with one another. If any of the following are a part of your daily life, dry skin may disrupt your natural ability to moisturize:

• Exposure to excessive sun
• Excessive bathing
• Use of conventional, detergent-based soaps
• Low humidity
• Central air and heating

It’s time to get rid of pesky dry patches one and for all!

Moisturizing Madness to the Rescue!

Napa Valley Bath’s Moisturizing Madness gift set includes 3 steps to moister, smoother skin:

1. 8oz. Lavender Lotion – Certified organic herbal extracts, the highest-quality natural food-grade safflower vegetable oil, nourishing seaweed (algae) and healing aloe vera blend with four lavenders selected from around the world. Decadent, delightful…and mortal enemy of dry skin.
2. 4 oz. Body Butter - Combines the highest quality shea butter from Uganda, healing herbs, health-food-grade fresh vegetable oils, natural vegetable waxes, and soothing aromatic lavender water from the Aromatic Plant Project. A must-have for cracked, callused and parched skin.
3. Hoof Cream – This tin of rich balm revitalizes your hands and feet with a blend of olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax, tocoperol, orange essential oil, lavender essential oil and peppermint essential oil

…given the prices of typical department store brands (which are chock full of synthetic ingredients, toxic fragrance and may even be tested on animals) the Napa Valley Bath Moisturizing Madness package is a steal at $58 – order yours here!

Posted on August 21, 2010 - by Leslie Billera

Holistic Mom Power!

Bringing a new face into the world makes it a whole lot brighter…but a lot more worrisome too.

What’s in that bubble bath? Is that burger grass fed? Is that car seat in correctly? Is he/she eating/drinking/sleeping/smiling enough?

Mamma mia is right!

Holistic Moms to the Rescue!

Holistic Moms Network is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization connecting parents who are interested in holistic health and green living. (Dads are welcome too by the way!).

For $45 a year, you gain access to a Holistic Moms Network chapter meeting near you. This network of like-minded people beats at the heart of your membership. Membership includes a slew of benefits, but I particularly like the FREE digital subscriptions to Mothering and Organic Spa Magazines in addition to the Wise-E Mom E-Magazine that HMN publishes. The HealthE Mama News is free to all.

What is Holistic?

Here’s how HMN puts it:

Holistic living is the art of living in balance with ourselves and our environment. Understanding and respecting that all things are interconnected is at the heart of a holistic lifestyle.

Holistic living is about taking responsibility for our actions and choices in the knowledge that these choices have consequences for all living things on the planet.

If that sounds good to you, consider the Holistic Moms Network. And as always, we welcome your ideas and comments on living life naturally, organically and happily right here!

Read More: Baby Love: Keeping Toxins at Bay

Posted on August 5, 2010 - by Leslie Billera

Michael Pollan Says Invest in Organic!

“Don’t eat anything your grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.”

Simple, smart advice like this is why I’m a fan of Michael Pollan, a writer who covers the politics and pleasures of eating with a passion.  Several generations ago, no one would recognize the foods commonly found in today’s vending machines…or pretty much anything pre-packaged for that matter.

Pollan was interviewed recently in what looks like the Greenmarket Farmers Market in Union Square, NYC. At Napa Valley Bath, our focus is on personal care products, but I thought I’d do a ‘tip of the hat’ to our sister site, St. Helena’s Olive Oil Co. and share some of Pollan’s top sound bites (pun intended!):

• “Food is too important to economize on.”

• Organic is always a better choice for the environment:  buying organic helps contribute to keeping pesticides out of land and water supply.

• If economizing, buy organic when it comes to delicate skin foods – peaches, apples, grapes. They tend to have more residues than thicker skin fruits and veggies (oranges, bananas, pineapples).

• Organic food is harder to grow – hence why it’s more expensive.  More weeds means more work (vs. labor-saving chemicals/pesticides).

• One way to economize with organic meat is to buy in bulk and freeze what you don’t use.

• Organic junk food is still junk food – don’t fall for it.

• When it comes to organic milk, make sure it comes from grass-fed dairy cows. Ditto for buying beef.

What are some of the healthy food choices you live by? Share them with other readers here!

Check out Michael Pollan’s interview in its entirety at NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams.

Posted on August 3, 2010 - by Leslie Billera

The Cold Coal Truth

Coal tar, a thick liquid or semisolid obtained from bituminous coal, is an oft-used ingredient in:

• Anti-dandruff shampoos
• Hair dyes
• Topical treatments for psoriasis and skin rashes
• Moisturizers
• Most of the synthetic colors and dyes found in our cosmetics

Why the Goal Should Be No Coal

Coal tar is a…

• known human carcinogen
• contributor to lung and urinary tract cancer
• potent skin irritant

The European Union banned coal tar in 2004. But yep, it’s still in play here in the U.S., even though it scores a 10 (highest hazard rating) in the super helpful Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Database. And the Centers for Disease Control recommends that coal tar simply should not come in contact with your skin.

Coal tar can also be listed on ingredient lists as:

• Tar
• Coal
• Coal tar solution

What to do? Invest in organic personal care products. The Organic Trade Association says it best with their campaign Organic: It’s Worth It. I love this title since it frankly admits that yes, organic is more expensive…but it is a worthy investment in order to protect your health and the health of your loved ones.

Posted on July 15, 2010 - by Leslie Billera

De-Stress with a Self Massage

We’d all love to dash over to the nearest deluxe spa for massage treatments a couple of times a week.

But who has the time – not to mention the cash flow – to do it as frequently as our levels of stress demand?

Hands On Control

Wiggle these treatments into your daily schedule – after you get home for work, or maybe on your lunch break in your office or cubicle.

Not only will these self-massages refresh and relax you, they’ll give you a jump start for what’s next.

Face It!

We think of stress as building up in shoulders, neck and back…but your face holds it own tension. Follow these steps to a simple facial massage:

1. Sweep your hands over your face and lightly tap your fingers against your skin.

2. Place an index finger on each side of the sinus cavity (the bridge of your nose) and gently sweep downward.

3. Take your index finger and middle finger on each hand and place them on your temples, gently rubbing them in small circles.

Optional: Use a droplet of Napa Valley Bath’s Organic Lavender Massage oil and tap into lavender’s calming effect.

Back Up

Don’t let the stress that builds up in your back lead to serious back injury down the road. Work it out now for a healthier back later.

1. Take a medium-sized ball and place it between your shoulders and a wall.

2. Bend your knees and slowly roll the ball up and down your back.

3. Feel the tension in your back dissipate.

Nectar for Your Neck

Anxiety and stress can cause muscle tension in your neck. Rolling your neck in a circle from time to time during the day is a simple and effective stretch. Try this quick neck massage too:

1. Use both of your thumbs and find the indentation where your neck meets your shoulders.

2. Gently press your thumbs into the indentation and rub slowly.

If time and location allow, light a soy burning candle and set the mood. Soy burns cleaner than traditional paraffin candles. We recommend our Organic Lavender Soy Massage candle for its glowing aromatherapy (and you can use the melted soy as a massage oil!).

Do you have a quick fix for stress relief? Let us know your favorite ways to de-stress right here!

Posted on July 10, 2010 - by Leslie Billera

Rub a Dub Dub: The Benefits of Bath-Taking

I consider bathing the comfort food of cleanliness. A decadent soak in a warm bath spurs a host of beautiful – and very real – benefits…

• Water suspends your weight, enabling your muscles to relax as you take on a lighter sense of physical being
• Your blood pressure safely decreases in response to your blood vessels dilating from the warmth
• Sore joints – if you have them – feel more relaxed
• Tension just seems to melt away
• In cooler temps, a warm bath becomes a special way to warm both body and spirit

Ingredients in a glorious green bath include milk, salts and fragrant oils – forget about detergent-based bath foams. When it comes to bathing ingredients, less is definitely more.

Consider some of the ingredients we opt for in our bathing milks and teas:

• Organic mustard – an amazing detoxifier
• Organic buttermilk – high in fat, buttermilk is an amazing skin softener
• Dead sea salts – cleanses and detoxifies and an absorber of essential oils
• Organic lemon and rosemary essential oils – therapeutic aromatherapy
• Lavender – the ultimate cure for insomnia
• Chamomile – relaxes and uplifts spirits
• Calendula – a skin-soothing botanical

Is it any surprise why the Romans made bathing a vital social event of every day life?

One Stipulation for Soaking…

Make sure that the bath water is no hotter than 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celcius) and that you soak no longer than 20 minutes. Prolonged bathing – even with the most natural and luxurious bathing salts, teas and milk – can dry out the skin, so stay within these guidelines for maximum benefits.

Posted on July 6, 2010 - by Leslie Billera

5 Ways to Repower Your Soul

Put your ear down close to your soul and listen hard.

-Anne Sexton

Our days are crazed; rarely do we think of the toll it takes on our soul…

It’s time to give your inner-strength the TLC it deserves. Try to incorporate these healthy habits into your day, and watch as your week gets more wonderful, and your spirit soars.

1. Stay in the Moment

Nothing is more frustrating than having a conversation with an obsessive mobile phone checker. When you are actively engaged with someone, turn it off or put it away. Ditto for when you are doing work. Multi-tasking is over-rated…do one thing at a time and be present. You’ll actually get more done – and you’ll feel more fulfilled.

2. Meditate

Without sounding to hippy dippy, it’s wise to connect with your inner spirit at least once a day.  Meditation allows your brain to ‘recharge’ and sparks creative flow.  Start with just five minutes and work up to at least 10-15 minutes a day – ideally, two times a day. It may sound decadent, but you deserve this ‘you’ time!

3. Be More Sexual
Reconnecting with your sexuality can be as simple as how you carry yourself and the type of energy you exude.  It’s a subtle stepping up of your sensual side. A soft, silky shirt. A langorous bath. An appreciation for your body as-is…not as ‘what if.’ A sensuous stretch. Take the time to tap into your sexuality in even the smallest way, and enjoy!

4. Giggle

Read a book by your favorite comedian. Watch a funny movie. By a joke book and try some new material out on your friends and family. Laughter soothes the soul.

5. Eat Organic

We talk alot about feeding your skin with truly all-natural, organic skin care products. But feeding your body nutritionally-rich food keeps energy levels high and health optimized. Eating organic food not only helps you build and support a healthy immune system, it contributes to a hale and hearty Mother Earth in support of sustainable agriculture. It’s truly win-win!

Posted on July 3, 2010 - by Leslie Billera

Goosebump Alert: Try Cold-Water Therapy!

As the temps get hotter and hotter this time of year – true of pretty much anywhere you live in the U.S. – now is a great time to tap into cold-water therapy!

The underlying premise of cold water therapy is that briefly and somewhat regularly exposing the body to certain kinds of natural stresses (like cold water) can enhance health.

Cold Shower Power

The communal DIY site, Earth Clinic Folk Remedies, recommends cold showers – but encourages you to heat the bathroom before to make exiting a cold shower more palatable. According to the site, cold-water therapy…

• Brings blood to the capillaries, therefore increasing circulation throughout the body
• Cleans the circulatory system
• Reduces blood pressure on internal organs
• Provides flushing for the organs and provides a new supply of blood
• Strengthens the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems
• Contracts the muscles to eliminate toxins and poisonous wastes
• Strengthens the mucous membranes, which help resist hay fever, allergies, colds, coughs

Note that the site also warns against cold showers for women who are menstruating.

4 Steps to Chilling Out

How to take a cold shower may seem obvious, but taking a modified approach will help you ease into cold-water therapy.  Here’s the best way to introduce a cold-water shower into your personal care routine.

1. Begin with your standard warm water shower, hopefully scrubbing up with a bar of organic soap.

2. When finished, step out of the water stream and turn off the hot water; leave the cold water running.

3. Start the cold-water therapy by wetting your feet first. Next, expose the hands and face.

4. Finally, step under the shower. Let the cold water run over your scalp, face, the front of your body, then down your back. Start with a couple of seconds and work up to 40 seconds.

Do whatever is comfortable: you can get great benefits from applying cold-water therapy to your feet, hands and face alone!

Cold Water Trivia

Cold-water therapy was first popularized by the German priest Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897). In the winter of 1849, Kneipp successfully battled then-incurable tuberculosis by plunging several times weekly into the frigid Danube River. His 1886 book, My Water Cure, became an international best-seller.

Still committed to your languorous bath time? We support you 100%!

Posted on June 29, 2010 - by Leslie Billera

Personal Care Products: Taking Stock

Here’s an interesting exercise: count up each and every product you put on your face, body, hair, feet…the whole corporal gamut. Most likely it includes shampoo, conditioner, body soap, face soap, body lotion, face lotion, perfume/cologne, and deodorant.

Ladies (or some guys for that matter!): don’t forget the make-up: concealer, blush, eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, lip gloss, powder…

Seriously. Count ‘em up. Each and every product.

What’s your total?

If it’s pretty darn high, you’re not alone. An Environmental Working Group survey indicates that the average adult woman uses 12 products a day.  And teens use more like 17.

With that personal care product number goes a super scary chemical count:

• 12 products a day = 168 unique chemicals
• 17 products a day = 174 unique chemicals

Kristoff Weighs In: “New Alarm Bells About Chemicals and Cancer”

We’ve reported on the danger of chemicals in your personal care products and encouraged you to choose organic and truly natural, plant-based products like Napa Valley Bath’s line.

We’re doing this because the shocking lack of regulation when it comes to chemicals in our products is truly egregious.

So much so that Nicholas D. Kristoff, a Pulitzer prize winning journalist known for hunting down human traffickers and reporting on the atrocities in Darfur, recently devoted some of his high-value, written real estate to the topic of dangerous chemicals in everything from home products to personal care to food. Highlights of Kristoff’s piece include:

• 41% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives
• The President’s Cancer Panel, typically the heart of the medical mainstream, has recently admitted the danger that chemicals pose to the general public in what Kristoff calls a “landmark 200-page report on the topic.”
• Kristoff says that the Cancer Panel’s report “blames weak laws, lax enforcement and fragmented authority, as well as the existing regulatory presumption that chemicals are safe unless strong evidence emerges to the contrary.”
• “One reason for concern is that some cancers are becoming more common, particularly in children. We don’t know why that is, but the proliferation of chemicals in water, foods, air and household products is widely suspected as a factor.”

All this from a Cancer Panel known for its conservative thinking: no wonder Kristoff took it on! Read the piece in its entirety, here.

When it comes to consumer products and the toll they may take on your health, you’re simply on your own (although that will hopefully change in the near future!).

Find out exactly what is in the products you use on your skin - and around your house.  Limit the personal care product you use and try to keep that count down…and choose the ones you do use wisely.