The new year is here, and you’re ready to face it with glowing, gorgeous skin. Whether you’re still rocking that summer glow or have been taking some time off over the holidays to rest and enjoy good company, you’re feeling great about your skin. Now the question becomes “how do I keep this new year feeling all year long?” Use these tips to keep your complexion flawless throughout the coming year.
Establish a Routine: Nothing keeps skin in amazing shape like a regular routine. Use the new year as a starting point to create your own skincare rhythm. Think back over the last year: what worked well for your skin, and what didn’t? If you’re happy with your routine, keep it up. If you’re not, get rid of the techniques that just weren’t working for you. If you didn’t have any type of routine at all, now’s the time to start one. Check out our Five Minute Facial Routine – it’s a great way to get started.
Throw Out the Old: The new year is the perfect time to clear out your shower and bathroom sink. Get rid of all of the moisturizers, shower gels, shampoos, facial cleansers, soaps, and anything else that isn’t giving your skin the treatment it deserves. Take a good look at the ingredients lists to determine if a given object contains chemicals you don’t want anywhere near your skin. This is also a great time to get rid of those almost-empty bottles that have been cluttering up your bathroom for months (you know you have them!).
Welcome in the New: Now that you’ve gotten rid of all the products that aren’t helping your skin, it’s time to play around with something new. Celebrate the new year by taking care of yourself in ways you haven’t considered before. Try a new way to moisturize your skin (like our aloe vera gel). Whip up a homemade shampoo or soap recipe for yourself or a friend. Relax with that face or hair mask someone gave you for the holidays. Get a little outside of your comfort zone and you’ll find plenty of things your skin will love.
Give Yourself a Treat: Great skin comes from great self-care. If you want to keep your skin in perfect condition throughout 2016, you’ll need to take some time out for yourself. This could mean setting aside more time to sleep, making yourself a nourishing smoothie in the morning, or taking a meditation break during a long day of work. Your skin will reflect your overall wellbeing. Take great care of yourself and your complexion will follow.
Whether it’s a new natural skincare product or a long-awaited change in your routine, the new year is the perfect time to adjust how you take care of your skin.
]]>We recently took a stroll down the skincare aisle at a local drugstore and picked up a bottle of conventional aloe vera gel marketed for after sun care. Here are just some of the ingredients it contained:
If you compare the list of ingredients on a conventional product with our own aloe vera gel, you’ll notice a big difference: our list is much, much shorter. Here’s what you’ll find in Earth’s Daughter’s aloe vera gel:
…and that’s it!
When it comes to aloe vera gel, we believe less is more. Aloe has so many amazing qualities on its own, there’s no reason to weigh it down with unnecessary and potentially harmful ingredients. Pure, simple, and natural: why do it any other way?
]]>For some additional healthy vegan food and beauty ideas and an all around fantastic resource for coconut lovers check out this great guide from https://happyhappyvegan.com .
Eggnog is a yuletide staple. People typically start sipping on this rich, spiced concoction around Thanksgiving and don’t stop until the New Year. Unfortunately, store bought eggnog often contains harmful additives, and it’s easy to knock back too much. For a delicious holiday treat, Simply Organic provides a recipe for eggnog cream pie, “a cool, refreshing treat that provides the perfect spice combination for the holiday season.” The process for making this delectable dessert is simple—it should take just 15 minutes to create the pie filling before you pour it into an organic graham cracker crust and chill it for four hours.
Pumpkin is one of the most ubiquitous holiday season ingredients, making an appearance in everything from traditional pies to special Starbucks lattes. For an organic take on this favorite flavor, you could make Deliciously Organic’s pumpkin bundt cake recipe. In addition to being organic, these treats are grain-free and in accordance with the popular Paleo diet. Once you’ve buttered a mini bundt cake pan, you’ll combine organic eggs, maple sugar, melted coconut oil, pureed pumpkin, coconut flour, arrowroot, pumpkin spice, and vanilla extract to create a bundt batter, put it in the pan, and bake it for about 25 minutes. This recipe makes six little cakes for you and your family to munch on.
Apple pie is an American classic, but it can be quite dense in calories, and you’ve got to watch out for non-organic ingredients, especially when it comes to fruits. In her food blog Just Putzing Around the Kitchen, D.C.-based food blogger, Tina, provides her recipe for Apple Crunch Pie Apple Cups. She explains that she makes these sweets when she wants to “feel like [she’s] indulging in something, deliciously naughty, but actually be consuming something low cal and relatively healthy.” To make this recipe even better, you can use organic versions of the gala apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, flour, butter, and cream it calls for. These treats pack in a lot of fruit and fiber while giving you the fun flavor and crunchy texture of apple pie. In addition, serving them in scooped out apples provides a fun presentation your friends and family can appreciate.
Sugar cookies are a simple yet wonderful holiday sweet. Since they’re so versatile, it seems like everyone has a unique take on how to make them. Averie Cooks describes her health-friendly, natural recipe: “No butter, no white sugar, no complaints. Just dark and rich cookies so soft that they bend rather than break.” To make these soft batch dark brown sugar coconut oil cookies, all you have to do is “[combine] coconut oil with dark brown sugar, an egg, vanilla, and cream the ingredients until they’re soft and fluffy, about five minutes,” refrigerate the batter for a couple of days, and then bake the cookies for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Especially if you use organic ingredients, these cookies are delicious and nutritious. Coconut oil lends a rich, sweet taste to these cookies while offering a host of health benefits, including improved digestion and boosted immunity.
Peanut butter cups are delicious in every season, but especially around the holidays. As Karielyn explains in her food blog, The Healthy Family Home, “just like all S.A.D. (Standard American Diet) candy bars, [typical peanut butter cups like Reese’s] are filled with GMo ingredients, highly refined salt and sugar, preservatives and dairy. They are also filled with empty calories and do not nourish the body. Also, non-organic peanut butter can contain up to 8 different pesticides.” As an appealing alternative, she provides a recipe for organic homemade peanut butter cups. The peanut butter bottoms are made of organic peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. They’re topped with organic raw cacao powder, maple syrup, and (once again) coconut oil. With healthier ingredients, these peanut butter cups are scrumptious and sustaining.
You can maintain your health and beauty with our exceptional lifestyle products. Our items make wonderful holiday gifts! Contact us today to learn more about Earth’s Daughter or start shopping.
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Constant stress is tough on the body, leading to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems. It’s tough on the mind as well, greatly increasing your risk of depression and anxiety and driving a wedge between you and the people you love the most.
Here’s the good thing, though: you can take back control. Small changes to your lifestyle can dramatically reduce stress’s impact. Here are three changes you can start making today to reduce the amount of stress in your life.
1. Know What Stresses You Out: Ever hear the saying “know your enemy?” Understanding which situations or people trigger your stress response allows you to take steps to avoid them.
Take a few moments in a quiet place to write a list of the things that cause you stress. Be specific. At first glance you may feel that your job as a whole causes you to feel stressed out, but on further reflection you may realize it’s really the interactions you have with your boss or the fact you’re always feeling behind.
Go over your list when you’re done and find items you can weed out or change. Does a stressful daily traffic jam set your day off on the wrong foot? Find a different route, or pick up some new music or an audio book to help you relax while you wait. Is there friction between you and someone you see regularly? Try to mend the relationship, or make changes to limit your interactions with that person. Don’t worry if a change seems small: small life changes can lead to big results.
2. Simplify: Stress often hides in the multitude of stuff in our lives. Stuff can mean physical objects that need care and weigh you down. Stuff can mean the multitude of appointments, obligations, responsibilities, and relationships in your life. Stuff can even mean the information you take in from your phone, your television, your computer, and every other noisy, distracting thing in your life.
Remove unnecessary stuff in your life to reduce the drain on your time, energy, and emotions. Donate items that you don’t need. Take a break from unnecessary social obligations (unless they truly bring you joy). Turn off the phone, shut down the computer, and hide the remote. Stress will have no place left to hide.
3. Reach Out: Reaching out to others when you feel stressed is a wonderful thing. Take a break from a hectic day to share a coffee and a laugh with a good friend. Spend time in play with your children. Go on a date with your partner. Relax and enjoy the company.
Helping others is another great way to reach out when you’re feeling stressed. Use a little bit of the time you created by avoiding unnecessary appointments and obligations to make a difference in someone’s life. Volunteer your time and talents for a charity or organization you believe in. The feeling you’ll get from making an impact on other’s lives is a potent stress-buster.
You’ll probably never live a completely stress-free lifestyle, and that’s okay. Making small changes to manage and overcome unnecessary stress can be a huge relief that transforms how you view your life and your world.
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Decorating for Christmas doesn’t mean you have to fill your tree with plastic ornaments that could be harmful to the earth. Try creating an all-natural Christmas tree with homemade christmas tree ornaments this year – it’s sure to be one you remember.
]]>Unfortunately, recent research has revealed that these powerful, prevalent preservatives may pose serious health risks. At Earth’s Daughter, we’re committed to helping our customers stay healthy and beautiful with natural products. Understanding which additives to avoid can help you take charge of your wellbeing. In the following blog, we explain the top three harmful effects of parabens and describe how we can help you avoid them.
Parabens have a documented impact on both female and male hormones. Livestrong notes: “data indicate that methyl, propyl, and butyl forms of parabens interfere with the functioning of the endocrine system. Specifically, parabens are endocrine disruptors stored in the body tissue that interfere with glandular activity and hormone production.” Hormones are vital for a whole host of bodily functions, helping the reproductive system, heart, liver, and kidneys work properly. Parabens interfere with these activities, which can cause a variety of health effects.
In addition to directly disrupting the endocrine (hormone secretion) system, parabens can actually behave like certain hormones. In their Medscape article, “The Health Controversies of Parabens,” Dr. Mark G. Kirchhof and Dr. Gillian C. de Gannes explain: “the estrogenic activity of parabens was first identified in 1998 and has since been validated in vitro and in vivo.” These preservatives’ estrogenic effects can create hormonal imbalances in both women and men. Livestrong explains: “in addition to this chemical’s estrogen-like effects in women…several studies have reported low sperm counts as well as decreased levels of testosterone in men, and it was concluded that these results were related to the absorption of parabens in commercial products.” To protect your health and hormones, we recommend avoiding contact with parabens.
Many of the lifestyle products containing parabens are lotions, gels, and creams designed for topical application. Unfortunately, in many instances, these chemicals can actually have a detrimental impact on the skin. Livestrong reports: “ironically, while several of the commercial products that contain parabens are beauty products that are supposed to enhance the skin, such as lotions and moisturizers, research has found that they accelerate the skin aging process…the methyl type of parabens increases sensitivity to and damage from the sun.” According to a study conducted at the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in Japan, “when exposed to ultraviolet rays, skin cells die at a much faster rate than normal.” In this way, parabens could accelerate the aging process, which is the exact opposite intended effect of many skincare products.
Of course, parabens’ dermatological damage actually extends beyond premature cell death. Drs. Kirchhof and de Gannes write: “parabens, as is the case for many preservatives, can be allergenic in a small subset of the population. This sensitization commonly manifests as an eczematous rash.” Between a half a percent and 3.5 percent of people are sensitive to parabens. If you fall into this category, you could experience an unsightly and uncomfortable allergic reaction.
The aftermath of parabens can become quite serious. Their endocrine and estrogenic effects may become carcinogenic in some cases. Livestrong describes the data: “in 2004, findings from a study published in the ‘Journal of Applied Toxicology’ were released indicating that parabens may play a role in the development of certain types of breast cancer.” Similarly, in her Best Health Magazine article on parabens, Anne Mullens cites this study and questions: “is the rising incidence of breast cancer linked in part to the fact that parabens…have been found in breast cancer tumours and can be isolated from other body tissues? Are declining sperm counts and increasing rates of male breast cancer and testicular cancer related to the fact that these chemicals can be absorbed into our skin?” These questions are not entirely resolved yet, but some evidence does suggest a connection between endocrine-related cancers and parabens. In any case, it’s wise to steer clear of parabens for the time being.
Chances are, when you read the label on your current lotion, you’ll find one or more parabens in the ingredients list. Given the harmful effects these preservatives can produce, you’d do better to find a replacement than continue to expose your body to them. Our all natural Aloe Vera Gel is paraben-free, 99.75 percent organic, and cold-pressed, making it the perfect alternative. Plant based and pure, this product can help you heal from sunburns, soothe rashes, treat acne, tighten your tissue, and more.
Replace your paraben-filled products with natural, plant-based ones today. Contact Earth’s Daughter to find out more about our offerings or purchase yours today.
]]>Typical toothbrushes are made of plastic, rubber, nylon, and other synthetic polymers. These materials are durable and inexpensive, but they are far from good for the Earth—or your wellbeing.
These products are not usually biodegradable, and About.com reports: “some 50 million pounds of them are tossed into America’s landfills each year. If we followed our dentists’ recommendations and replaced our toothbrushes every three months, we’d be throwing even more of them away.” Each brush could take hundreds to thousands of years to finally break down, having a major cumulative impact on our planet in the long-term. The nearly impossible to open plastic and paper packaging conventional toothbrushes come in only add to this waste.
In addition, the health effects of plastic toothbrushes can be quite concerning. Most dentists recommend that you brush your teeth for at least two minutes at least twice per day, which translates to a lot of exposure over the years. The rubbers and plastics used in traditional toothbrushes are made from petroleum, a fossil fuel and a potential carcinogen. In an article for Fox News, dentist Dr. Gerry Curatola “said one of the worst mistakes a person can make when it comes to toothbrush hygiene is microwaving a brush to kill germs.” While heat can certainly disinfect, it can also heighten the harmful effects of the plastic, silicone, and nylon used to make them. This can also “put people at risk for exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical found in many types of plastic that has been linked to a wide variety of ill health effects, including infertility and various types of cancer.” Unfortunately, even if you don’t microwave your toothbrush, you could still be at risk. You use this product every day, so it’s bound to warp and wear down, potentially releasing these chemicals into your system as you brush.
In her Red Ice Creations article “Toxic Toothbrush,” Lana Lokteff explains: “Nylon is a toxic plastic made from petroleum [and] the handle of the toothbrush [is] most often made of plastic containing BPA, PVC, and phthalates, all of which are toxic to humans and the environment.” Plastic toothbrushes can have a foul taste, pollute the environment, and expose your mouth to toxins.
Instead of harmful plastics, the handles of our toothbrushes are made from strong, sturdy, and highly sustainable bamboo. This prolific plant is an outstanding material, both functionally and environmentally. Gaiam Life describes: “bamboo’s environmental benefits arise largely out of its ability to grow and spread quickly—in some cases three to four feed per day—without the need for fertilizers, pesticides, or much water.” Beyond not contributing to deforestation and preventing the use of plastic, bamboo can actually benefit the environment. Gaiam Life reports: “a bamboo grove also releases some 35 percent more oxygen into the air than a similar-sized stand of trees, and it matures (and can be replanted) within seven years….helping to improve soil conditions…it can yield 20 times more timber than trees on the same area.” We are proud to use this powerful plant in our new product.
What are Earth’s Daughter’s Bamboo Toothbrushes like? Some key characteristics include:
As usual, we’ll be giving five percent of our profits from these Bamboo Toothbrushes to charity. To add to these contributions, we’ll also be making a donation to children in need for every product purchased from our new Earth Friendly Essentials line. We may give a toothbrush, a pair of socks, or another everyday item to youngsters who could benefit from these gifts. Check back on our site for updates on our charitable efforts and the effect they’re having on the world.
Are you ready to brush your teeth better? Contact Earth’s Daughter today to find out more about our new line or order your first (but certainly not last) set of Bamboo Toothbrushes today!
]]>A solid winter skin care routine starts with moisturizer. We love using our aloe vera gel as a base for a soothing, moisturizing, and nourishing lotion. Use it every day to keep your skin supple and hydrated, or give it out as a thoughtful holiday gift. Your friends and family are sure to love it.
Homemade aloe vera lotion only requires a few ingredients. You might even have some of them on hand already:
Gather the following ingredients:
Start by placing ½ cup of coconut oil in a bowl. Using coconut oil in its solid form will give you a rich, dense lotion. If you’d like a slightly lighter end product, melt your coconut oil in a double boiler and allow to cool slightly (but not all the way to room temperature) before using.
Add 1 cup of aloe vera gel and the contents of 1 vitamin E capsule to the coconut oil. Mix thoroughly using a hand mixer or a whisk. It will take 5 to 10 minutes for the lotion to reach a usable consistency.
Once your lotion is fluffy (look for a frosting-like consistency), add in a few drops of essential oils. Peppermint essential oil is a great choice if you are planning to give your lotion away as a holiday gift. Thoroughly whisk the oil into your lotion.
Transfer your lotion to a small jar. If you’re planning on giving it away, consider creating a personalized label or adding a bow or another decorative touch.
DIY aloe vera lotion is a simple and thoughtful way to help your favorite people take great care of their skin, and a must-have in your own skincare arsenal as winter weather rears its ugly head.
]]>You’ve probably heard the term “hypoallergenic” bandied about, but what does it actually mean? Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines this word as: “having little likelihood of causing an allergic response.” This word originated in the mid-1950s, when manufacturers became wise to the fact that millions of Americans suffer from allergies or sensitivities. As such, they began designing their goods to limit these adverse effects. Nowadays, everything from textiles to pets is hypoallergenic, but this type of product is most prevalent in cosmetics. Many people swear by hypoallergenic brushes, blushes, pads, creams, and more. When we created our teardrop-shaped blending sponges, we wanted to them to be as healthy and nontoxic as possible, so we made sure they were hypoallergenic.
Latex, or rubber, is one of the most widely used materials on the market. Unfortunately, not everyone can tolerate it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one to six percent of the “general population” suffers from a latex allergy. The CDC further describes this condition: “people can become sensitized and develop allergic reactions to certain proteins in natural rubber latex…symptoms include skin redness, hives, and itching; more severe respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and asthma; and in rare cases, shock.” To make matters worse, increased exposure to latex increases its allergic risks: between eight and twelve percent of “health care workers” suffer from a latex sensitivity.
To reduce these risks, the CDC recommends health care workers and other sensitivity-prone individuals limit their contact with latex products. While it may not seem as severe as using rubber gloves every day, applying makeup with a latex-based sponge on a regular basis could cause you to become less tolerant to the material. If you do suffer from a latex allergy, “avoiding contact with latex products is essential, but may be quite difficult.” We strive to make our clients lives’ easier by providing completely latex-free blending sponges. You’ll never have to worry about suffering from annoying or damaging latex allergy symptoms when using our high quality products.
Many companies dye their cosmetic sponges to give them a more attractive appearance. However, these aesthetic additives can have a detrimental impact on your health. In her 2012 Forbes article, “Living in Color: The Potential Dangers of Artificial Dyes,” Rachel Hennessey explains: “The safety of products containing artificial colors has been a point of debate for decades….Around the turn of the 20th century, scientists began formulating synthetic colors, derived from coal tar…these synthetic alternatives have proven to have their own slew of problems.” Many of these dyes have been linked to cancer, migraines, anxiety, and contact dermatitis, among other conditions. Over the past hundred years, the FDA has whittled away at the number of “safe” and “acceptable” artificial colors, and “today only seven colors remain on the FDA’s approved list.” At Earth’s Daughter, we want to protect our customers from the harmful effects of dyes. We know you’d rather have safe, all-natural, tan sponges than neon-colored ones that could stain or irritate your skin.
In to a 2011 study conducted by the International Society of Dermatology, 44.6 percent of nearly a thousand participants “declared having ‘sensitive’ or ‘very sensitive’ skin.” This “complex dermatological condition, defined by abnormal sensory symptoms” is often related to allergies. Our soft, suede-textured, hypoallergenic blending sponges are ideal for people with delicate or sensitive skin.
Now that you understand the benefits of hypoallergenic blending sponges, you can experience them firsthand. Our natural products are designed to be as easy on your skin as they are effective. If for some reason they don’t work for you, you can return them for a full refund within 90 days. Order your hypoallergenic blending sponges today!
]]>Earth’s Daughter’s Aloe Vera Gel works in several different ways to help you and your family find relief from eczema:
Use aloe vera gel regularly during eczema flare-ups to reduce discomfort, keep your skin moisturized, and reduce your risk of infection. Your results will depend largely on how persistent you are in applying your gel.
When you first notice the signs of an eczema flare-up, apply a light layer of aloe vera gel to the affected skin. Try squirting a small amount of gel onto a clean cotton ball, then apply the gel. Using a cotton ball instead of your fingers can help to limit the amount of germs that come in contact with your already sensitive skin. Reapply your gel 3-5 times a day to keep your skin feeling comfortable.
Aloe vera gel is a great way to treat eczema in children as well. Unlike prescription creams, there are no known side effects to aloe vera, and allergies are extremely rare. Use the same procedure to apply aloe vera to your child’s eczema as you would to your own, and get ready for a happier, healthier, and much less itchy kid.
Eczema is a pain, but there are ways to dramatically decrease its impact on your life. Use aloe vera gel to help your skin stay moisturized and comfortable for the duration of your flare-up: no nasty side effects required.
]]>When used correctly, blending sponges can help you achieve flawless foundation coverage. First, you’ll need to dampen the device, wring out excess water, pump your favorite liquid foundation onto your hand, and dab it with the sponge. Next, you’ll simply stipple it across your entire face. What exactly is stippling? Birch Box explains that you should “bounce [the sponge] along the skin, pressing slightly on the surface…This motion blends while depositing makeup, which makes foundation look more like, well, skin.” Using your sponge to apply foundation can help you use only what you need, giving you a more natural appearance while saving product.
You can use the point of the blending sponge to do more detailed makeup work. Once you’ve applied your foundation, certain blemishes, scars, lines, and dark circles may still be visible. Blending sponges work with both dry and liquid concealer. For powdered products, you can simply coat the end of a dry sponge and gently tap it onto your face. For creamier concealers, you can wet your sponge and stipple away.
Having harsh lines, streaks, or uneven coverage is especially noticeable with the bright color of brush. For a natural hue, you can use your blending sponge with liquid rouge. The technique is the same as for foundation, except that you’ll concentrate on the apples of your cheeks (the parts that lift when you smile) and blend upward to define and flush your face.
A sponge can help you create a fresh, doe-eyed look with your eye shadow. Once you draw on eyeliner and brush on your favorite colors, you can blend under-eye makeup or highlights with this implement for a subtle but beautiful appearance. We recommend using the blending sponge dry for this purpose.
We’ve all been there—you’re in a hurry and swipe blush across your brow or get a bit too heavy-handed with your concealer. Never fear—we all have aesthetic accidents, but you can reverse them with a blending brush. Birch Box writes: “Everyone has a makeup mishap now and then…Don’t panic or remove all of your makeup and start over.” All you have to do is use a blending sponge to wipe unwanted makeup off your face—“the texture of the dry sponge works as an eraser.”
Hydrating creams, anti-aging toners, and special serums can be expensive—even more so if you over-apply them. Your blending sponge can evenly distribute your skin care products like it does with your foundation. To better care for your skin and avoid breaking the bank, simply wet your sponge and stipple. (You could even use your sponge to put on our pure, cold-pressed Aloe Vera gel!).
Uniform coverage is key when it comes to bronzing your skin. No one wants to deal with a splotchy self tan or orangey streaks. Fortunately, a blending sponge is the perfect tool for applying tan-in-a-bottle products. Just use the stipple strategy to color your skin for a realistic, even tone.
In the past several years, numerous blending sponges have become available. At Earth’s Daughter, we’ve striven to create the best possible product for our conscientious customers. Our blending sponges are:
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Blending sponges are becoming a popular way to apply makeup, but we like to think our Nature’s Blender really stands out from the crowd. Unlike other sponges we designed ours so you’ll never have to worry about allergens. Because it doesn’t contain any latex, allergens, irritants, or synthetic colors, there’s nothing in it that could irritate your skin. It’s great for sensitive skin types, as well as for anyone who loves a little luxury in their cosmetics toolkit.
Want to get the most out of our blending sponge? It’s all in the application. Here’s how we use our sponge for a flawless finish:
If you’ve never applied foundation with our Nature’s Blender Blending Sponge, it’s time to make a change. These sponges are a natural, safe, and effective tool for bringing out all of your natural beauty. Have fun!
]]>Aloe Vera has numerous archaic origins. Aloe Medical Group International explains: “[some of] the earliest documentation of Aloe was discovered on the clay boards from Nippur, which date back as long ago as 2,200 BC.” The Mesopotamian peoples used Aloe to cleanse their intestines and “believed only a divine plant such as Aloe had the natural power to exorcise the demons” that made them sick. Queens Cleopatra and Nefertiti used Aloe Vera to refresh their skin and maintain their beauty. Healing with Aloe Vera explains that, up to 6,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians called Aloe Vera “the Blood of the Gods.” They used it to “embalm the dead…fight many diseases…fix ailments within the intestinal tract [by drinking it, and] protect their skin.”
Thousands of years later, ALOElf describes how Grecian herbalist and physician Pedanius Dioscorides penned “the first detailed description of Aloe” in the first century, AD. He lauded aloe as a virtual cure-all. His physician peers, Pliny and Galen, also extolled the virtues of Aloe. The magic of Aloe was not restricted to the Greco-Roman community—according to Dr. Christopher’s Herbal Legacy, “the Hindu people…named it the ‘silent healer,’” Chinese healers called it a “harmonic remedy…Russians called Aloe Vera ‘the Elixir of Longevity’…[and] the native American Indians used Aloe for its emollient and rejuvenating powers.”
Aloe Vera appears multiple times throughout the Old and New Testament. ALOElf writes: “Aloe was employed as an embalming ingredient. In the Gospel of St. John (19:39-40), the body of Christ was wrapped in linen and a mixture of myrrh and Aloe.” According to Scribd, another famous Biblical figure, King Solomon, is “known to have great knowledge of the natural plant,” which he apparently cultivated and used in his wedding. As a result of his affinity for Aloe, it’s even mentioned in the famous Song of Solomon. Numbers 24:6 also describes Aloe as a god-given plant: “as the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river’s side, as the trees of Aloes which the Lord hath planted.”
As word about the healing properties of Aloe spread, many began to cultivate it as a medicinal crop. In the fourth century BC, Alexander the Great “used Aloe Vera to treat his wounded soldiers,” according to ALOElf. When he sent his soldiers to “the southern Yemen island of Socotra,” he had them grow Aloe there, apparently at the behest of famous philosopher Aristotle. In the following centuries, Socotra became an important plantation for this panacea—Dr. Christopher describes how “the Aloe produced was used for trade to other countries such as Tibet, India, and China.” The Aloe market continued to expand over the next thousand years.
The exploration of the Americas both improved and inhibited Aloe Vera’s medical popularity. Christopher Columbus brought Aloe Vera with him on his journeys to heal his crew and the British East India Company began trading Aloe (grown in Socotra and Zanzibar) during the seventeenth century. Furthermore, ALOElf notes: “the Dutch established plantations in Barbados, Curacao, Aruba, and Bonaire” in the 1600’s. Despite this boom in growth, Aloe Vera’s reputation suffered and its efficacy diminished. Dr. Christopher writes: “Aloe Vera lost its potency for healing when it started being imported. The pulp worked best when fresh.”
Aloe Vera resurfaced in the 1930s clinical trials demonstrated its success in healing skin burns. Interest in the plant’s healing abilities continued to grow over the next decades, as research continued to confirm its capabilities. Dr. Christopher explains: “by the 1970’s there was a breakthrough in processing techniques…[manufacturers finally] stabilized the leaf gel [so it could be both potent and preserved] using natural ingredients and cold pressing.”
At Earth’s Daughter, we offer cold-pressed Aloe Vera gel to deliver millennia of benefits in the modern day. Purchase a bottle today to experience its healing abilities for yourself.
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But that’s okay! With a solid plan for beating dry winter weather, your skin will stay moisturized and healthy all season long.
]]>Your skin is your body’s first line of defense against viruses and bacteria. Aloe Vera contains Salycylic acid, hormones, and other compounds that kill harmful microorganisms. Its natural antibacterial properties take some slack off of the skin cells, enhance their shielding capabilities, and speed the healing of scrapes. In addition, the magnesium lactate in Aloe Vera can help you stop itching any acne, scabs, burns, or other injuries so you don’t break the skin and make yourself more vulnerable to infection.
Probably the most popular use of Aloe Vera gel is to heal sunburns. People also sometimes use this plant-based product for hair loss and conditioning. According to Listovative, “it contains…proteolitic enzymes which help eradicate dead skin cells.” Using Aloe Vera gel on your skin can help slough off damaged skin cells to make way for new, healthier ones to grow. This substance is particularly good for scalp skin because “it has keratolic action that also breaks down the sebum and dead scalp cells too.” Furthermore, Livestrong reports: “Aloe Vera appears to increase the speed of wound healing and activate the immune cells responsible for fighting off infection, allowing a burn or wound to heal quickly and cleanly.”
Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause abnormal cell development. Since they have an odd number of electrons, they behave somewhat unpredictably and can disrupt the structure of surrounding cells, as well. Free radicals can damage skin cells. Their cumulative effects can give your skin an older appearance, cause discoloration, and even increase your risk for serious conditions such as cancer. Antioxidants help fight free radicals by lending their “extra” electrons to cells, stabilizing them. Overstock explains: “Aloe Vera contains flavonoids, which are known to be antioxidants.” Works With Water also notes: “Aloe leaves have antioxidants such as beta carotene, vitamin C and E,” boosting this effect.
Collagen is an important compound found naturally in connective tissue. According to Overstock, it is “a protein that is important to the structure and elasticity of the skin.” Using topical Aloe Vera gel can rejuvenate your skin because “fibroblasts, the skin cells responsible for manufacturing collagen, can be stimulated by Aloe Vera.” This gel is also a natural astringent, tightening the cells so they become firmer (and less acne-prone). For these reasons, many people use Aloe Vera along wrinkle lines, under their eyes, and on areas with larger pores.
According to Works With Water, “due to aloe’s high water content (over 99 percent water), it is a great way to hydrate, moisturize, and rejuvenate the skin.” Aloe Vera gel also contains dozens of helpful hormones, enzymes, and other compounds that can strengthen skin cells. Livestrong explains: “When applied directly, it readily penetrates the skin and acts to increase the amount of oxygen brought to skin cells,” among its “wealth of [other] active constituents.”
Earth’s Daughter offers pure, 99.75 percent organic, cold-pressed Aloe Vera gel to help repair and revitalize our clients’ skin cells. Purchase a bottle today to experience its many benefits.
]]>You’re not the first person to consider using aloe vera gel to heal cuts. This plant has been used for thousands of years to treat wounded skin. Much of its effectiveness has to do with its ability to create an environment perfect for healing.
First of all, aloe vera gel contains substances called glycoproteins, which keep inflammation at bay. It also contains polysaccharides, which soothe away pain and irritation caused by breaks in the skin. Aloe hydrates the skin, which creates a moisture-rich environment that helps with healing, and it also has antibacterial qualities, which keeps infections from forming. All in all, aloe vera gel gives your skin everything it needs to heal cuts and scrapes quickly and effectively. And Earth’s Daughter Aloe is 99.75% pure Organic Aloe Vera Gel so it’s the the next best thing to having an aloe plant in your backyard.
Use aloe vera gel at home to treat small cuts and scrapes. Aloe vera gel is not a good choice if you have a large or deep cut that requires stitches. Follow these steps to get the most out of your aloe:
Aloe vera gel is a remarkably effective way to heal all of life’s little injuries. Use it any time you or your family have a scape, cut, or bruise. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your skin heals and how great it looks and feels once it’s done.
]]>The cooling sensation associated with Aloe Vera gel is one of its most popular properties. According to Style Craze, the “magnesium lactate present in Aloe helps to alleviate t he itching sensation caused by acne. Magnesium lactate is also effective in treating skin rashes and sunburns.” As most of us know, picking or itching at pimples is tempting, but this harmful habit can actually make them look and feel worse. When you feel the urge to scratch your face, you can put on some of our Aloe Vera gel on your blemishes to soothe them.
This natural treatment also has some astonishing antibacterial abilities. Home Remedies for Life reports: “Aloe Vera contains hormones called gibberellins and polysaccharides, which kill acne-causing bacteria.” In fact, this potent plant’s gel contains dozens of antibacterial compounds. We Love Aloe! explains: “Anthraquinones…are actually an entire group of phenolic compounds which can be found in [Aloe Vera’s] sap. They include barbaloin, anthracene, emodin, and anthrone-C-glycosides and chromones…all of them are potent antimicrobical agents.” In addition, Aloe Vera leaves have Salicylic acid, “an aspirin-like substance that shows high antibacterial action and also acts as an anti-inflammatory.” Salicylic acid is one of the most popular acne cures, although many modern skin products use a synthetic, processed form of it.
You develop blemishes when your pores become clogged with old cells, oil, dirt, and bacteria. The larger your pores, the more likely they are to become filled with this damaging debris. Aloe Vera can diminish your acne by causing your cells to contract, making your pores smaller. The Indian Journal of Dermatology’s review of Aloe Vera notes that the “zinc [in Aloe Vera] acts as an astringent to tighten pores.” The astringent aspect of Aloe Vera can also act as an anti-aging agent, firming your skin for a rejuvenated appearance.
Acne is typically characterized by the presence of bright red bumps. These develop as material builds up within the pores. Aloe Vera can help alleviate the discomfort of acne and diminish its appearance with its anti-inflammatory effect. The University of Maryland Medical Center’s overview of Aloe explains: “One study found that Aloe Vera gel displayed anti-inflammatory effects superior to 1 percent hydrocortisone cream or a placebo gel. Another study found that Aloe Vera gel combined with tretinoin was more effective than tretinoin alone for treating acne.”
What about Aloe Vera makes it so good at reducing swelling and redness? Partially, it’s the salicylic acid (which also fights bacteria). Livestrong describes its composition: “glycosides and acetic acid are the main compounds that allow Aloe Vera to effectively reduce inflammation” and “gibberellin, a glycolic and growth hormone found in plants” also “accounts for…anti-inflammatory activity.”
In addition to helping you prevent and treat acne, Aloe Vera can aid in the healing process after a pimple has wreaked its havoc. Long after their blemishes have gone, many people deal with acne scars, the residual discoloration and damage from having had clogged pores. Home Remedies for Life describes: “Aloe Vera gel reduces scars and pain due to its influential antioxidants, zinc, and vitamins C and E.” A 2000 study concluded: “Aloe Vera could exhibit…wound healing promotion,” and Livestrong explains: “Aloe Vera is able to penetrate deeply into the skin to [moisturize] it and help increase the amount of collagen your skin produces to promote healing.” To lessen the appearance of both old and new acne scars, we recommend putting a small amount of Aloe Vera gel on the affected area for about 30 minutes twice per day.
Our Aloe Vera gel could help you enjoy clearer skin. Purchase a bottle today or contact us to learn more about it.
]]>Earaches are common among young children. Abnormalities in the ear can lead to inflammation, swelling, and itchiness, all of which can leave your little one uncomfortable and cranky. Young swimmers are also much more susceptible to ear aches and itchiness.
Aloe vera helps to correct those abnormalities. The same properties that help it reduce swelling and pain when you have a burn are also effective when used in the ear. When applied, it can help to restore pH balance and deflate swelling tissue, reducing itchiness and pain. The best part is that it’s all natural and safe for any age.
When your child complains of an earache, you may be able to use aloe vera to soothe it away. Determine if your little one has any other symptoms. If they have a fever, are unable to hear as well, or if you notice any fluid draining from the ear, it’s time to call the doctor. However, if you know that the irritation is caused by activity (such as swimming), or if you’ve already checked in with your pediatrician and they’ve given you the okay, aloe vera gel is a great go-to remedy.
Applying aloe vera gel to your child’s ear is simple. Use a medicine dropper to drop three to five drops into the ear. This is most easily done when your child is lying on his or her side. After applying, put a cotton ball in the ear for a few minutes to keep the aloe from draining out.
Keep in mind that putting cold liquids into the ear is quite uncomfortable and could lead to dizziness. If you keep your aloe vera gel in the refrigerator, heat it slightly in the microwave before use. The aloe should be warm, not hot. Aloe vera left at room temperature can be applied comfortably.
Aloe vera is a safe and effective way to eliminate pesky ear irritation. You might be surprised at how quickly it can soothe inflammation and itching in the ear, and how much your kids will love it! Click here to purchase yours today!
]]>Aloe Vera is an ancient medical and cosmetic remedy. Long before modern lotions lined the shelves at grocery stores, people were cracking open this succulent plant’s leaves to get the precious gel inside. As the Indian Journal of Dermatology’s review of Aloe Vera explains: “[this] plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal, and skin care properties…2000 years ago, the Greek scientists regarded Aloe Vera as the universal panacea. The Egyptians called Aloe ‘the plant of immortality.’” The authors go on to note that Egyptian empress Cleopatra used it to beautify her skin and Christopher Columbus helped heal his pioneering soldiers’ wounds with Aloe Vera. This powerful plant extract has been used across the globe for generations. Its benefits have stood the test of time, making it a much more ideal choice than typical lotion.
While cultures around the world have known about Aloe Vera for millennia, most Americans learn about this herb after a long day at the beach. It’s commonly used to treat sunburns because it is so soothing to the skin. Healthy.net explains: “in the mid-1930s, researchers enthusiastically reported quick and complete healing of skin burns caused by X-rays and ultraviolet and gamma rays” with Aloe Vera, and “since the first clinical trials of the gel…subsequent trials have produced similar, positive results.”
Why is Aloe Vera such a calming, healing substance? The magic of this plant remains somewhat of a mystery to scientists, but its “gel comprises more than seventy-five compounds, including polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates), steroids, organic acids, enzymes, antibiotic agents, amino acids, and minerals.” In short, Aloe Vera is an organic powerhouse that can help you look and feel great.
One of the best things about our Aloe Vera gel is what it doesn’t include: potentially harmful, irritating substances you’re likely to find in lotion. This makes it safe and simple to use. It’s a quintessential product for children, people with sensitive skin, and those who just aren’t too keen on unnecessarily exposing themselves to synthetic substances.
There’s a reason the Greeks thought Aloe Vera was a cure-all: this product has myriad uses. You can use our gel to:
As you can see, the uses are virtually limitless. This makes having Aloe Vera in your medicine cabinet a much more versatile choice than sticking with the same old lotion.
Are you ready to swap out your lotion for Aloe Vera gel? Purchase a bottle of ours today to find out how this time-honored treatment could help you.
]]>Here at Earth’s Daughter, we love our furry friends. That’s why pet shelters are one of the charitable causes we’re proud to support and why we bring rescue animals into our family. We believe loving our pets means taking excellent care of their health, and aloe vera gel is a great way to do so. Pets can use aloe vera gel just like people: here’s how!
• 1 quart of water
…and when you see how effective aloe can be in reducing your furry friend’s discomfort you’ll love it too. When applied externally, aloe vera gel is a safe and non-toxic way to soothe itchy and irritated areas, leading to a happier, healthier pet.
]]>Think of the morning task you hate doing the most, the one you put off to the last minute. Maybe it’s helping the kids get everything they need into their backpacks, maybe it’s choosing the right outfit, maybe it’s packing a lunch. Anticipating these unlikeable tasks can slow your morning down, so choose to “eat your frog” first thing, or, even better, the night before. Get unpleasant tasks done early, and you’ll be shocked at how smooth your morning seems to go.
Establishing a quicker morning routine all comes down to identifying your needs and putting yourself in a position for success. Prepare early and stay organized and you’ll be out the door in no time.
]]>Puffy eyes can be caused by salt consumption, allergies, dehydration, stress, fatigue, and more, but fortunately you don’t have to get too fancy to treat them. We love using our aloe vera gel to soothe, moisturize, and reduce swelling whenever we have an early morning wakeup call.
Aloe vera gel is full of good stuff, including antioxidants and vitamin E. Not only do those ingredients help to reduce the formation of wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, they also help to reduce puffiness. When you apply it to puffy eyes, you can also take advantage of aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties. Increased circulation will help to flush out fluids sitting underneath your eyes, reducing puffiness and helping you look awake and refreshed.
If you tend to wake up to puffy eyes, keep a bottle of aloe vera gel in your medicine cabinet. Use it every morning in this puffy eye-reducing routine:
Try these tips for refreshed, puff-free eyes every morning:
Use aloe vera every morning to reduce puffiness while adding nourishment and moisture to the skin around your eyes. This natural solution will keep you looking bright, refreshed, and ready for whatever the day brings.
]]>The best way to stay safe from germs is to wash your hands regularly with soap and hot water. However, there’s not always a sink nearby, and you may find yourself in a situation where hand sanitizer really comes in handy. Use our aloe vera in this homemade sanitizer to keep germs from spreading without exposing yourself to the potential dangers of conventional sanitizing gel.
Aloe vera has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries. While its ability to help soothe and heal burns is well known, it’s a little less known for its antimicrobial properties. Because it helps to kill harmful bacteria, aloe vera can be used on small cuts and scrapes to speed healing. It also makes a great addition to homemade hand sanitizer, as it kills germs without drying out your hands or smelling awful.
To make your own aloe vera hand sanitizer, you’ll need a few ingredients:
In a clean glass bowl, mix the essential oils and the contents of the vitamin E capsule. Add the witch hazel and mix well. Pour the cup of aloe vera gel into another bowl, then add the witch hazel and essential mixture to it. Mix well. Carefully pour the end result into your preferred container. Shake your hand sanitizer well before each use. The Vitamin E in the sanitizer will help it keep for three to four months.
It’s rough out there during cold and flu season, but by taking steps to avoid germs you can keep yourself and your family healthy. Use homemade aloe vera hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available to kill germs and avoid getting sick.
Interested in mixing this up? Try our cold-pressed, 99.75% organic Aloe Vera Gel!
]]>No matter how severe your acne, there are ways to reduce and eliminate scarring. Take great care of your skin before, during, and after acne breakouts to keep stubborn scars from sticking around.
]]>You know that patchwork of bright red skin on your baby’s bottom is diaper rash, but you’re not sure what caused it. Babies can experience diaper rash for a number of reasons, including the following:
Identifying and eliminating the cause of your little one’s diaper rash is the most effective way of ensuring it doesn’t happen again.
You can’t always prevent diaper rash, but you can make your baby as comfortable as possible until her skin heals. Using soothing aloe vera baby wipes when changing your baby’s diapers can help. Creating homemade baby wipes allows you to make customizations so your end result is exactly right for your little one’s needs.
Start by choosing the materials for your wipes. If you want to create disposable wipes, we recommend using a heavy duty paper towel. Use a sharp knife to cut a roll of paper towels in half for a more manageable wipe. To create reusable wipes, cut up old receiving blankets, t-shirts, or other soft cloth rags into 8×8 squares.
Next, choose a container for your wipes. Recycling a used wipe container is an economical choice. You can also use food storage containers or a plastic shoe box.
Now it’s time to create the liquid for your wipes to soak up. Here’s what we use for our own little ones:
You can make some substitutions if there are other essential oils you prefer, or you may choose to leave certain ingredients out if you know they tend to irritate your baby’s skin. Do what works best for you. Mix all of your ingredients together in a bowl and stir.
Place your paper towels or cloth squares into the container, then pour the mixture on top. Give it a good ten minutes to sink in, then flip the container over to make sure each wipe is entirely soaked. When your paper towels are saturated, pull out the cardboard tube: this should encourage the innermost wipe to stick out for easy grabbing. Use your finished product as you would any other wipe.
No one likes to see their beautiful baby suffering from diaper rash, but with soothing, healing homemade aloe vera wipes you can help to solve the problem fast.
]]>There are several different reasons why you might be dealing with dandruff. One of the most common is simply having dry skin. If you notice dandruff flakes on your shoulders, check in with the skin on your legs and arms. If you notice dryness there, it’s likely that your scalp is dry as well, leading to small flakes of dead skin. On the other end of the spectrum is irritated, oily skin (also known as seborrheic dermatitis). This common cause of dandruff occurs when the skin becomes red, greasy, and scaly. This condition tends to cause dandruff that is more stubborn than the flakes caused by dry skin, and it’s much more likely to last over the long term.
Finally, your dandruff might be caused by a fungus called malassezia, a yeast-like organism that grows on most adult scalps. While many people aren’t affected by this fungus, some find that it irritates their scalps, causing more skin cells to grow. This rapid growth leads to rapid loss of extra cells, which fall off and look white and flaky in your hair.
Earth’s Daughter’s Aloe Vera Gel is an effective ingredient in homemade dandruff remedies. Its moisturizing abilities help to keep dry scalps happy, it helps to heal and soothe irritated skin, and its antifungal properties may even help to keep malassezia under control. Here are a few of our favorite ways to use aloe vera to fight those itchy flakes:
Dandruff is a pain, but getting rid of it may be simpler than you think. Aloe Vera gel is a mild and effective solution to those annoying flakes.
]]>Step 1. Remove Your Makeup: If you wear makeup, remove it before washing your face. You can use a dedicated makeup remover, but we find that our Aloe Vera gel is just as effective. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball and gently swipe over your complexion. Aloe is a great choice for removing makeup in sensitive areas, including your eyes. If you have a few extra minutes to add to your face wash routine, refrigerate a few aloe vera soaked cotton balls before you plan to wash your face. They’re gentle, cooling, and a great way to reduce puffiness around your eyes.
Step 2. Wash Your Face: Your face collects a surprising amount of dirt, oil, and debris over the course of the day. Washing with a gentle cleanser removes them. Choose a cleanser that complements your skin type. Use warm water to wet your face and open your pores, then apply your cleanser in a circular motion. After washing, rinse your cleanser away completely, then pat your face dry with a towel. Be careful when drying your face: rubbing vigorously can damage your skin.
Step 3: Use an Exfoliant: When used correctly, exfoliation is a great way to get rid of dead skin cells that build up on your face and dull your complexion. However, it’s not something you want to do every day, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. If you have oily or combination skin, use an exfoliating scrub once or twice a week after cleansing your face. If a scrub irritates or dries your skin, decrease frequency and use a less abrasive product. Even better, make your own! We love mixing equal parts brown sugar with jojoba or almond oil for a robust exfoliant, or oatmeal and honey for a sweet, gentler scrub.
Step 4: Moisturize: Give your skin some moisturizing love before you head to bed. Use a moisturizer that plays well with your skin type. Dry skin usually loves a rich cream, while a gel can help to hydrate skin that is oily or prone to acne. Apply your chosen moisturizer in a circular motion, then head to bed with a smile.
A great face wash routine is a direct path to great skin. Five minutes is all it takes to enjoy skin that is naturally cleaner, clearer, and more radiant.
]]>If you’ve ever looked at pictures of a US President before and after their term, you’ll notice a major difference: by the end, just about every one of them goes completely gray! This and other anecdotal evidence leads many people to believe that stress can cause gray hair, but there’s no evidence to back up this theory.
What stress can do, however, is lead to temporary hair loss. When the hair grows back, it often has less pigment than before, leading to more gray. So while stress doesn’t actually cause gray hair, it might help it come around more quickly. Stress also leads to other physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, which is why managing it is such an important part of maintaining your health and beauty.
Have you ever heard that most sun damage occurs before you turn 18? That’s a flat out myth. Even if you have a bit of sun damage already, the sun will still impact your skin if you spend time in it unprotected. In fact, as you grow older you’re more likely to spend time outside playing golf, working in the gardening, or just enjoying retirement. As you grow older, it’s more important than ever to use sunscreen to keep your skin youthful and avoid skin cancer.
There’s a common belief that if a little bit of anti-aging skin care is good, then a lot of it must be even better. If you’re thinking about piling on the anti-aging products, though, it’s time to take a step back. Higher doses of the ingredients found in many anti-aging products provide diminishing returns, and you are more likely to experience skin irritation if you use more than the recommended amount. A little bit goes a long way, so there’s no need to overdo it.
When you look at the price tag on high end anti-aging products, you have to assume that they are more effective than their less expensive alternatives. This isn’t always the case. Skin care products are made effective by their active ingredients. Expensive products may have a more beneficial formulation or concentration than less expensive products, or they may not.
Assuming that the only effective way to fight aging is to pay as much as possible is an easy way to lose money. Natural alternatives are accessible, affordable, and effective. Earth’s Daughter’s Aloe Vera Gel, for example, helps to reduce the signs of aging by repairing skin damage and helping to retain moisture. Use it to find that youthful glow without emptying your wallet or risking irritating side effects.
Almost everyone wants to look younger, which is why there are so many misconceptions and old wives tales that center on aging. Equip yourself with the facts to make informed decisions about your skin care.
]]>To make a gentle, effective soap for you little one, mix the following ingredients:
Mix all of these ingredients together in a 12 ounce container. An empty foaming soap dispenser will work perfectly if you have one. If not, any squeeze bottle will do. During bath time, gently massage the soap into your baby’s skin, then wash away. Her skin will be clean, soft, and moisturized. If you notice any slipperiness left in the tub once her bath is over, wipe it away and use a little less oil in your next batch.
Aloe vera is a wonderfully mild and natural way to soothe and heal your baby’s skin. We love using our All Natural Aloe Vera Gel to help soothe away diaper rash and mild eczema. Simply apply a small amount to the affected area when doing a diaper change. Make sure to let it dry completely before putting a new diaper on.
Although it’s no fun to think about, babies can and do get small cuts and scrapes. If you notice your baby has a scratch, dab on a little bit of gel. Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory and infection fighting properties will help your baby heal, all while protecting her delicate skin.
When used in soaps (like our aloe vera baby soap), aloe promotes healing and helps skin stay soft and supple. It’s also remarkably gentle, making it a great choice for little ones. Making your own aloe vera baby soap allows you to know exactly what your child is coming in contact with, so you never have to worry about potentially dangerous ingredients.
Taking great care of your baby’s skin is as easy as reaching for the aloe vera. Give aloe vera baby soap a try: we think you’ll see the difference.
]]>1. Take a Quick Shower: There’s nothing better than waking up to a hot shower… except for waking up to a hot shower that doesn’t waste water. Cut back on your shower time to reduce unnecessary water use. Even better, shower with a partner: one less shower per household per day can make a huge difference. Finally, test how much water your showerhead uses. See how long it takes for your shower to fill a one gallon bucket. If it takes less than 20 seconds, it’s time to switch to a more efficient showerhead.
2. Wait Until You Have a Full Load: Water efficient laundry machines and dishwashers can be much more efficient than doing chores by hand. However, this efficiency only comes into play when you’re doing a full load. Wait until your appliances are entirely full before using them to get the most out of every drop of water.
3. Skip the Garbage Disposal: Unlike your dishwasher, your garbage disposal is an incredibly inefficient way to get chores done. Every time you run it you’re wasting water. Fortunately, there are some more earth-friendly ways to get rid of unwanted food, including composting. Start a small composting bin for a natural way to nourish your plants with food you don’t need.
4. Don’t Over-water Your Lawn: Your lawn is a thirsty beast, and it’s easy to give it too much to drink. During the summer, limit your watering to once every 5-7 days. Take rain into account in your watering schedule – there’s no need to water right after a storm. Consider letting your lawn go dormant during the winter to save on several month’s worth of watering. When you water your lawn, do it in the morning. The lower temperatures will help reduce evaporation wastage. Finally, be thoughtful about where you place your sprinklers to make sure you’re not watering the sidewalk or the car.
5. Teach Your Kids to Save Water: Good habits start young, so make sure your kids know what they can do to save water. Teach them to turn the faucet off tightly after using it, and encourage them to turn the water off while brushing their teeth.
6. Check for Leaks: Leaky plumbing wastes tons of water and can easily run up your water bill. Use your water meter to check for leaks. Pick a time of day where no one needs to use any water. Read your meter before and after a one hour period. If the numbers are different, it’s likely you have a leak. If the problem is easy to spot and fix, like a leaky sink, do the repairs yourself. If the leak is less apparent, it’s time to call in a professional.
Saving water doesn’t have to be a chore. With a bit of creative thinking (and some help from the whole family), you can make a big difference.
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