Beauty Archives | What's Good by V

The Right Way To Brush With Charcoal Toothpaste

A hot ingredient in face masks, supplements, and now even in toothpaste, activated charcoal has made its way into pretty much all aspects of our self-care routines. Here’s what you should know before brushing the black stuff all over your pearly whites.

Why Charcoal?

“Charcoal has been used in health and beauty since the beginning of time,” says Sonya Krasilnikov, D.D.S., co-founder of Dental House in New York City.

The carbon ash produced when things like wood or coconut shells burn, charcoal becomes ‘activated’ (and more porous) when heated. “This is where the benefits lie,” says Krasilnikov. “Because of its porosity, activated charcoal is extremely absorbent and, like a magnet, attracts and traps debris and toxins—like undesirable chemicals and gases—effectively.” Known as a ‘binder,’ activated charcoal is even used to absorb drugs in the stomachs of people who have overdosed to prevent those drugs from being further absorbed into the body.

About Charcoal Toothpaste

Just as it does for our gut and skin, activated charcoal may also have detoxifying benefits for our mouths.

“Research suggests that activated charcoal can remove surface stains and make teeth appear whiter,” explains Jennifer Silver, D.D.S., dentist at Macleod Trail Dental in Alberta. The theory is that activated charcoal binds to various impurities, leaving your smile looking brighter. However, there’s not much definitive science on that yet.

While only bleaching products (like peroxide) can truly affect the color of your enamel and underlying dentin, charcoal seems to remove a small amount of surface staining, says Mark Burhenne, D.D.S., founder of AsktheDentist.com.

Activated charcoal toothpaste’s benefits don’t end there. “Charcoal toothpaste may be good for your oral microbiome because it gets rid of some of the nastier things, like bacteria or fungi, that may contribute to decay or other oral issues,” says Burhenne. “Because it absorbs highly-acidic toxins, activated charcoal can help eliminate bad breath and bring the mouth’s pH closer to neutral.”

While not as glamorous as whiter pearly whites, these benefits are important. “Balancing your mouth’s pH, for example, can help teeth remineralize, which reverses tooth decay and prevents new decay,” Burhenne explains.

Activated Charcoal Toothpaste Concerns

Since activated charcoal has such a significant impact on its environment, you have to use charcoal toothpaste with care.

“The abrasiveness of activated charcoal can actually damage the enamel of your teeth if it’s scrubbed against them,” explains Anatolij Koniouchine, D.D.S., founder of Rockcliffe Dental in Ontario. “If you are going to use activated charcoal, it’s important to only lightly graze the teeth during application.”

Regularly scrubbing activated charcoal into your teeth could potentially damage your enamel—the top protective layer on your teeth—over time. “Once enamel is gone, you can’t regrow more—and enamel is essential in protecting your teeth against cavities,” Macleod says. When enamel is stripped away, bacteria enters beneath the surface of your tooth more easily.

Best Practices For Brushing With Activated Charcoal

Interested in trying an activated charcoal toothpaste? First, check with your doctor to make sure your enamel is strong and healthy.

Then, look for a reputable brand and be very careful about the type of charcoal it contains. “You can produce charcoal by burning off just about any material, so I recommend a source that comes from bamboo or another natural source,” says Burhenne. Anything made from synthetic materials, or that’s not ground finely enough, can be more foe than friend to your teeth.

My Magic Mud’s Activated Charcoal Toothpastes use charcoal derived from coconut shell, along with other natural ingredients like coconut oil, and are some of the most popular pastes in the game.

From there, use your toothpaste just once every other day or so; not every time you brush your teeth. “Charcoal toothpaste should never be considered a substitute for your regular toothpaste,” says Macleod. The key to reaping its benefits is not to overdo it.

Pin this infographic for future reference:

Diggin’ What’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy, Staying Fit, and Keeping It Keto today!

February 20, 2019

Ashley Mateo

Should You Make The Switch To Natural Skin-Care?

Many of us already prioritize eating clean, quality foods—but should we hold the products we put on our skin to the same standard? According to many experts, yes. Here’s why it’s time for you to give natural skin-care a try.

The Influence Of Organic Food

Around the early 2000s, people started adding more organic food options to their grocery carts. This may have been the result of smart marketing (many companies started pairing the word ‘organic’ with ‘healthy,’ linking the two in consumers’ minds) or because people were learning about the effects pesticides have on the environment, says Ellie Kempton, R.D.N., founder of Simply Nourished Nutrition and consultant for Life Smart by Carrie Dorr.

Since then, the movement has compelled the food industry to put more organic options in stores across America. These days, 45 percent of Americans try to include organic food in their diets. “I’m excited and confident [that] this percentage will only continue to grow,” says Kempton.

Beyond Food: Why What We Put On Our Skin Matters

In recent years, the interest in cleaner food options has spilled over into other aspects of our health, too. It’s no longer just about nutrition and exercise, but what we put on our bodies, too, Kempton says. That’s why natural skin-care is an obvious—and important—next step for anyone focused on clean living.

“Our skin is the largest organ of the body, with the greatest surface area for absorption,” says Jamie Schehr, N.D., R.D., a naturopathic physician in New York City. “When we are constantly putting things on our skin that are inflammatory, toxic, or reactive, it can have an effect on [our] overall health or directly damage the integrity of skin cells.”

Some of the biggest offenders in our products: parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), BHA and BHT, and formaldehyde.

The Research On Skin-Care Products And Health

Science hasn’t yet confirmed how the amounts of these chemicals found in beauty and skin-care products affect our health. However, research has identified them as potentially harmful.

Take parabens, for example. Typically, these chemicals, which act as preservatives and halt bacterial growth, are added to products to extend their shelf life. In 2014, a small study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found that out of the breast tumors of 20 women, 19 contained traces of parabens. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that the parabens caused the cancer—or that they’re definitively linked—it suggests a concerning potential connection.

And if you’re not sold on the idea that your skin actually absorbs these chemicals, consider this: One 2016 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that after just three days of using personal care products labeled ‘chemical-free,’ levels of phthalate, parabens, and phenols in teenagers’ urine decreased significantly.

Clearly, more large-scale research needs to be done to truly determine just how much threat synthetic products pose.

While we wait for science to catch up, many consumers are proactively opting for more natural products. “As we continue to discover [the link between] certain chemicals [and] higher incidence of disease, we can choose to avoid these chemicals or ingredients,” says Schehr.

Strides In Natural Skin-Care

Luckily, more and more body- and Earth-friendly brands are popping up every day. One example: Shea Moisture, a brand that leaves parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and other suspect ingredients out of their hair-care, skin-care, and men’s products. (The Vitamin Shoppe carries a wide assortment of Shea Moisture products, as well as many other beauty and skin-care brands that prioritize quality, natural ingredients.)

And the healthy beauty movement doesn’t end with making products less harmful for our bodies, says Schehr. The industry is also moving to make products less harmful for environment by using greener production and packaging methods.

Dr. Bronner’s—a household name for its super-clean soaps—supports suppliers who use sustainable farming practices, uses 100-percent post-consumer plastic in their packaging, and is currently working toward becoming a zero-waste business. Meanwhile, the high-end brand Origins uses renewable energy to produce their products, transports said products in recycled cardboard shippers (zero Styrofoam involved), and only works with factories that contribute zero waste to landfills.

Shopping For Good-For-You Skin-Care

Though we can all benefit from cleaning up our routines, converting to natural personal products is a highly individual process. After all, you have to consider which products to swap, your budget, and your personal skin concerns, Schehr says.

If you are going to do it, Schehr recommends starting with deodorant. “This has become a hot topic in the health and wellness world due to the potential negative effects of conventional deodorant,” she explains. “Because we are likely to wear it daily and apply in excess, choosing a natural deodorant is a great place to start when making the switch to natural products.” Two popular options: Every Man Jack’s Cedarwood Deodorant and Crystal’s Lavender & White Tea Deodorant.

From there, prioritize the other products you switch over based on how often you use them. Swap out products you use daily—like body wash and moisturizer—before cosmetics you only use once in a while. “What is most important is that when considering a change, [you] do it in a fashion that is sustainable, affordable and, most importantly, effective,” Schehr says.

Looking for sustainable packaging is another easy place to start. “It doesn’t directly affect the skin, but it does have a major effect on the environment,” Schehr says. And more often than not, brands that prioritize environmental sustainability also prioritize quality ingredients.

Beyond that, just check your labels. “The best thing you can do is understand what is in your product,” Schehr says. “If you see an ingredient you’re unfamiliar with, look [it] up.” In general, avoid products that contain parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), BHA, BHT, and formaldehyde.

If you want more specific guidance, pay your dermatologist a visit. They can recommend which other ingredients to look for and avoid based on your skin type.

Just remember, personal care decisions are just that: personal. What works for one friend may not be best for you. And that’s okay, Schehr says. Because “if it doesn’t make you feel great, then what’s the point?”

Diggin’ What’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy and Staying Fit, today!

February 14, 2019February 15, 2019

Samantha Lefave

7 Rose Beauty Products That Beat A Boring Valentine’s Day Bouquet

Bouquets of roses are romantic and all, but let’s face it: Their beauty is pretty short-lived. Instead, we’d much rather reap roses’ skin-care benefits.

In fact, we’ll take any of the following seven rose products, thank you very much.

The Beautiful Benefits Of Rose

Rose has been used for its fragrance and medicinal qualities for centuries, says dermatologist Erum Ilyas, M.D., M.B.E., F.A.A.D. Recently, research has confirmed its benefits, finding rose to be soothing, cleansing, hydrating, and all-around complexion-boosting. How? It’s loaded with antioxidants and calming compounds.

According to Ilyas, incorporating rose into your skin-care routine can help keep your complexion fresh, clear, and youthful-looking.

Rose Water vs. Rose Oil

Typically, you’ll find rose in beauty products in one of two forms: rosewater and rose essential oil.

Rosewater is made by steeping dried or fresh organic rose petals in water for hours or even days, says Candice Crane, founder of rose-infused beverage brand Petal.

Rose oil, meanwhile, typically comes in two forms.

First, your typical rose oil, which is made by dissolving rose blossoms in a solvent and then extracting out that solvent to leave behind the concentrated oil.

Then, rose otto oil, which is made by steam distillation. In this process, rosewater is heated until the water evaporates out and the remaining liquid contains a more concentrated amount of rose essence.

While these rose oils are more concentrated and thus provide a more potent dose of rose’s benefits, pure rosewaters still offer antioxidants and have soothing qualities.

Rose In Beauty Products

Rosewater and rose oil are both used in a number of skin-care products, including just about anything formulated to soothe and revive skin. It’s also a staple in products made to hydrate skin without causing oiliness and reduce redness and irritation. Plus, it’s a great option for treating breakouts without over-drying the skin.

Some of the most popular rose-infused products out there: facial mists, masks, moisturizers, and toners.

Our Most-Loved Rose Products

1. Alteya Organics Organic Bulgarian Rose Water

Whether used on your skin or hair, this sweet-smelling rose water spray is sure to please. Made from organic Bulgarian rose petals, Alteya’s rose water is a pure, easy way to restore, soothe, and tone your complexion, or promote soft, shiny hair. It comes in handy when you need to freshen up while traveling or need a midday pick-me-up.

Why Bulgarian roses? According to Ilyas, roses grown in different parts of the world are believed to have different quality oils and essences—and Bulgarian roses are thought to be loaded with the good stuff.

If you’re new to the rose water trend and want to give it a try, this is a good place to start. You can use it on its own, or mix it into other skin-care products, like your moisturizer, suggest Ilyas.

2. Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Floral Toner

“In addition to the rose water, the aloe, hyaluronate, and other soothing ingredients in this toner set it apart from others,” says Ilyas. This soothing, calming is great for anyone with dry or sensitive skin—and is especially helpful in the winter when the air is extra dry.

Use it after cleansing, day and night.

3. Organic Skincare Doctor Organic Rose Otto Day Cream

This intensive daily treatment supports skin firmness, tone, and hydration. In addition with rose oil, the cream packs other antioxidants to protect the skin, says Ilyas. Argan oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera also provide deep nourishment.

Apply a generous amount of cream after cleansing—any anytime you need a hydration boost.

4. Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Rosewater Mask

Slathering on a face mask a few times a week can make a big difference in your complexion—especially if you want to rejuvenate and soften your skin.

“When you need more hydration, this mask can help,” says Ilyas. It concentrates those skin-loving ingredients on your skin to really ramp up hydration. Consider it a more intense version of Andalou Naturals’ 1000 Roses Toner.

Apply this mask to clean skin, leave on for 10 minutes, and rinse off with cool water. Treat your complexion one to three times a week.

5. Heritage Rose Petals Rosewater

This rose water product combines rose oil with vortexed, magnetized water (believed to increase its energy) for a versatile spray. Because this spray uses rose oil, it may offer greater benefits than rosewater.

Use it to refresh your skin or hair, or to add a light, pleasant scent to your linens or air at home.

6. Shea Moisture Peace Rose Oil Complex Sensitive Skin Facial Wipes

Toss these babies in your gym back to use after working out, or use them to remove makeup and cleanse at the end of a long day.

Since rosewater and other soothing ingredients make these wipes less likely to dry or irritate your skin, they’re perfect for anyone with sensitive skin.

7. Heritage Rosewater & Glycerin Spray

If you love your rosewater spray but need something a little more intense and hydrating, this spray, which combines water, rose oil, and glycerin, is for you.

According to Ilyas, glycerin attracts moisture to the skin, so it helps the rose oil stay on the skin to work its magic. For that reason, this spray is more hydrating than your average rosewater.

Use it as a face or body lotion wherever your skin needs extra nourishment and moisture.

Diggin’ What’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy and Staying Fit, today!

February 13, 2019February 14, 2019

Isadora Baum

Rosehip Oil Is The Soulmate Your Skin Has Been Longing For

Has coconut oil finally met its match? Many beauty bloggers have been singing the praises of rosehip oil for its multiple skin benefits. Consider this your guide to the trend.

What Is Rosehip Oil?

To start with, rosehip oil is not rose essential oil. In fact, they’re actually quite different from one another. While the latter is extracted from rose petals, rosehip oil is pressed from the plant’s bright red fruit and seeds.

Throughout history, rosehip oil has been revered for its ability to enhance skin and overall health. “Rosehip oil is packed with nutrients known to be nourishing for the skin, like antioxidants vitamin A and vitamin C, and essential fatty acids—including gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA,” says clinical researcher and natural beauty expert Leigh Winters, M.S., an instructor at Columbia Business School’s Venture for All program. “When applied to the skin, these nutrients work wonders in giving you a healthy, radiant glow.”

Skin Benefits Of Rosehip Oil

Intrigued? Here’s more on how rosehip oil can do your body good.

1. Moisturizes

When applied topically, rosehip oil helps moisturize and soften skin, says Deirdre Hooper, M.D., board-certified dermatologist, co-founder of Audubon Dermatology and member of the Women’s Dermatologic Society. Rosehip oil’s concentration of essential fatty acids—a combination of linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and GLA—takes the credit here.

2. Wards Off Fine Lines And Wrinkles

Because rosehip oil is chock full of antioxidants, it’s a dream for your skin. “Antioxidants help limit the skin’s production of free radicals caused by sun damage, and therefore have the ability to make us look younger,” says Mara Weinstein Velez, M.D., general and cosmetic dermatologist and member of the Women’s Dermatologic Society.

To reap its fountain-of-youth goodness, Winter recommends pressing a few drops of rosehip oil into your skin after cleansing, toning, and applying any serums. Then, follow up with a water-based moisturizer to seal it all in.

3. Improves Skin Elasticity

By now you’ve probably heard that collagen protein is crucial for our skin’s elasticity. (And that our natural collagen production decreases as we age.)

One major way to support collagen production: Consume the nutrients our body uses to build it. “In order to make collagen, our bodies need certain nutrients like vitamin A and vitamin C,” says Hooper. You’ll find them both in rosehip oil.

In theory, rosehip oil could help stimulate collagen production and promote supple skin.

4. Reduces Pigmentation & Supports Even Skin Tone

Have a hyper-pigmented or uneven complexion? Rosehip oil may help you even things out naturally. “The vitamin C and vitamin A carotenoids both boost cell rejuvenation and work wonders on smoothing the skin,” says Winters.

Rosehips For General Health

The same antioxidants in rosehip oil that help your skin stay glowy also have a powerful impact on your interior health when you consume rosehips. According to Josh Axe, D.N.M., C.N.S., D.C, author of the upcoming Keto Diet (Feb 2019) and member of The Vitamin Shoppe Wellness Council, the antioxidants in rosehips help reduce production of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules, warding off oxidative stress in the body and promoting a strong immune system.

Having less oxidative stress means wide-reaching benefits for our health. For example, according to Axe, rosehips’ antioxidants may help ward off immune-related joint issues. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation recommends five grams of a standardized form of rosehips from Denmark (sold as Litozin and Hyben Vital) daily to support joint health and ease joint discomfort.

What’s more, according to the University of Maryland, rosehips are so antioxidant-rich that rosehip supplements may even be comparable to vitamin C supplements.

I you decide to try a supplement, start with five to 10 grams, recommends Jonathan Valdez, R.D.N., owner of Genki Nutrition and spokesperson for the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Because of its vitamin C content, higher doses may interact with certain medications, so check in with your healthcare provider first.

Is Rosehip Oil Right For You?

If any of rosehip oil’s skin benefits appeal, it’s worth trying. “Rosehip oil is gentle, so I recommend it for people of all skin types—even people with eczema,” says Winters. Since rosehip oil isn’t made from rose petals, it’s practically aroma-less, making it a nice option for those sensitive to fragrance.

Shopping For Rosehip Oil

Once you decide to add rosehip oil to your routine, it’s key you find a quality product. “If you can, shop for a certified organic oil to ensure it comes from plant material that hasn’t been treated with pesticides or chemicals, which would greatly affect its quality,” says Winters. At the very least, the brand should clearly share where the rosehips were sourced and how the oil was extracted.

Then, take a look at the oil itself. A quality rosehips oil has a “clear, dark orange hue,” says Winters. “If the color is really light, the oil might be compromised.”

Applying Rosehip Oil

Once you get it home, store your oil in the refrigerator. This will help lengthen its shelf life and keep it from going rancid.

Since any product—even natural ones—can irritate sensitive skin, test rosehip oil on the inside of your forearm first. Unless any redness or itching pops up, you’re good to go. You may notice a faint, orange-y glow after first applying the oil, but the hue will fade after a few minutes, assures Winters.

Pin this handy infographic for quick reference:

Diggin’ What’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy and Staying Fit, today!

December 18, 2018December 19, 2018

Gabrielle Kassel

Holiday Gifts For The Health Nuts In Your Life

Holiday shopping season has officially begun, and while you probably know exactly what to get your nieces and nephews (they’ve had their lists ready since August), it can be tricky thinking up gifts for other family members, friends, and co-workers. That’s where we can help!

We’ve rounded up our top picks for everyone from your meal prep-obsessed boss to your gym buddy. So sit back, relax, scroll, order, and voila—every health nut in your life will be praising your thoughtfulness.

Self-Care Essentials

Perfect for at-home spa days and any natural beauty regimen, these masks, bath bombs, and more help even the busiest people slow down and self-pamper.

Nubian Heritage Coconut & Papaya Bath Bombs

Made with natural ingredients like essential oils, shea butter, and coconut oil, these Coconut & Papaya Bath Bombs from Nubian Heritage make any bath feel luxurious! Drop one of the effervescent balls into warm water and you’ll feel instantly relaxed. Plus, the bath bombs’ moisturizing ingredients will leave you skin soft and heavenly-smelling.

Organic Skincare Doctor Organic Manuka Honey Face Mask

Manuka honey has been long praised for its high antioxidant content and benefits both as a food and a skin-care ingredient. This Organic Skincare Doctor mask pairs Manuka honey with a number of other skin-boosting ingredients, like clay. Together, they deep clean, nourish, and rejuvenate skin. It’s a two-in-one detox and refresh for your complexion.

Vital Proteins Strawberry Lemon Beauty Collagen

If you truly want to glow, you’ve got to nourish a beaming complexion from the inside out. Vital Proteins’ Beauty Collagen provides 12 grams of collagen—the protein that helps our skin stay firm and elastic, and supports strong hair and nails—per serving. It also includes 120 milligrams of hyaluronic acid, which supports moist skin. Naturally flavored and sweetened, it’s a delish way to upgrade any glass of water.

My Magic Mud Mint Activated Charcoal Alcohol-Free Oral Rinse

Activated charcoal has taken oral care by storm, making its way into chewing gums, toothpastes, and even mouthwashes. My Magic Mud’s charcoal-based oral rinse is literally a breath of fresh air for anyone looking to clean up their routine. Made with natural ingredients like aloe vera, baking soda, activated charcoal, turmeric, and vitamin C, it gently but effectively promotes a healthy mouth and a radiant smile. Alcohol-free and flavored with natural peppermint, it gets the job done without making your mouth burn or eyes water.

Fitness Fundamentals

These picks will help take anyone’s workouts to the next level so they can crush their goals day in and day out.

BlenderBottle Classic Full Color Shaker Cup With Loop

Perhaps the number-one essential of any gym-goer is a good shaker cup. Whether you’re downing a pre-workout or good ol’ H2O, it’s a must-have companion. BlenderBottle’s 20-ounce bottle is BPA-free and sports a convenient loop for easy carrying. It’s a simple, sleek, and reliable way to hydrate both in and out of the gym.

Kaged Muscle Orange Krush Pre-Kaged

With so many pre-workout supplements out there, it can be hard to find your perfect match. Kaged Muscle’s Pre-Kaged combines a number of winning nutrients for a high-quality pre-workout that ramps up energy, focus, strength, endurance, and pump. One serving packs 6.5 grams of the pump-boosting amino acid l-citrulline and 3.5 grams of muscle-loving BCAAs (with an extra three grams of leucine), along with beta-alanine, betaine, and more. With 274 milligrams of caffeine a pop, it’s sure to provide a boost.

BodyTech Fruit Punch Creatine & Glutamine with Beta-Alanine

To support workout performance and recovery without the buzz of caffeine, this stim-free combo of creatine, glutamine, and beta alanine from BodyTech is the way to go. While creatine supports strength and performance, glutamine supports muscle recovery and growth (and immune health!), and beta-alanine boosts muscle strength and endurance. Every serving provides five grams of creatine, three grams of glutamine, and 1.6 grams of beta-alanine. If that doesn’t convince you, the fruit punch flavor will.

Sports Research Sweet Sweat Yellow Waist Trimmer

When a successful workout means sweating buckets, Sweet Sweat makes it happen. The Sweet Sweat Waist Trimmer helps increase your core temperature during exercise, ramping up sweat production. The flexible material is contoured to provide lower back support without limiting your range of motion.

For Friends & Colleagues

Candles and coffee shop gift cards aren’t your only gift options for work BFFs and bosses! Why not give something that can help them brighten up their work space or chill out on stressful days?

Evolution Salt Co. Himalayan Crystal Salt Lamp

Nothing brings good vibes to a work station—even the bleakest of cubicles—quite like a Himalayan salt lamp. Its warm glow is comforting, and seems to minimize everyday stresses. (You might just want to order one for yourself, too.)

Healing Solutions Top 6 Blends Aromatherapy Set

Essential oils can enrich our health and well-being in so many ways. Whether added to an oil diffuser (check out our favorite next), dropped into a warm bath, or simply massaged on the inner wrists, they do everything from energize us to help us relax. Healing Solutions’ Top 6 Blends set includes the Good Night blend, the Zen blend, the Stress Relief blend, the Health Shield blend, the Breathe blend, and the Hope blend.

SpaRoom Puremist Essential Oil Diffuser

For all-day essential oil enjoyment, this small, colorful diffuser nestles perfectly into the corner of any desk. In addition to spreading essential oil magic into the air, its seven rotating colors also brighten up any room.

6 Pack Fitness Cube Stealth Meal Bag

For the colleague that’s a meal-prep warrior, consider a 6 Pack Fitness meal bag. The Cube Stealth is a compact way to transport a full day of meals, so it’s perfect for the office. The gel pack keeps food cool for eight hours, while the zippered pouch stashes snacks and bars.

Stocking Stuffers

Few gifts are as fun to open as stocking stuffers—but does your dad really need more golf tees? These gifts will help keep your loved ones healthy and happy throughout the holiday season.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Packets

Collagen protein is ever-popular for promoting hair, skin, nail, and joint health. Unflavored collagen peptides are easy to add to everything from coffee to soup, and these single-serving packets from Vital Proteins make it easy to get your fill on-the-go.

NUUN Active Lemon Lime Electrolyte Drink Mix

Whether you’re training for an endurance race or just trying to drink more water, flavored electrolytes make a great addition to any water bottle. NUUN’s effervescent electrolyte supplement turns regular H20 into a fizzy, citrusy delight, and provides vitamin C, magnesium, sodium, and potassium to keep you fueled.

Prince of Peace 100% Natural Ginger Candy

When in doubt, candy is the perfect filler for any stocking. While we’re certainly not opposed to peppermint bark and chocolate-hazelnut truffles, why not add a functional treat to the mix? These all-natural ginger candies warm the senses and help sooth stomach issues. They’re great after a big, festive meal—or anytime you crave something sweet.

Nuts N More Cookie Butter High-Protein Peanut Butter

You simply can’t go wrong with nut butter. Nuts N More’s high-protein nut butters add whey protein isolate to classic peanut butter to ramp the protein up to 12 grams per serving. The Cookie Butter flavor is slightly sweet and worthy of being spread on everything from toast to fruit.

Check out more of our favorite holiday gifts!

November 16, 2018December 27, 2018

The Editors of What's Good

6 Nutritional Deficiencies That Can Cause Hair Loss

Like birthdays and taxes, one of the few constants in life is hair loss. However, not all hair loss is caused by aging. In fact, some hair loss can be triggered by our eating habits. Here, we walk you through six nutritional deficiencies that can negatively impact your locks.

Hair Loss: What’s Normal And What’s Not

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the average person loses up to 100 strands of hair every day. And that’s totally normal! How much hair we lose—and the pattern in which we lose it—though, varies from person to person.

Our genes, as well as certain health conditions (such as hormonal imbalances and immune disorders), can strongly influence hair loss. For instance, approximately 6.8 million Americans suffer from or will suffer from alopecia, a genetic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles. It’s marked by either patchy or complete hair loss, which can occur in unpredictable, repeating cycles.

Some prescription medications (like blood thinners and certain anti-depressants) can also contribute to hair loss. And though not permanent, extreme hair shedding (called telogen effluvium) can occur because of stressors like childbirth, surgery, or sudden weight loss. Similar to alopecia, this hair loss happens suddenly, but it tends to be temporary.

Nutrition And Hair Loss

In other cases, diet can play a notable role in how much hair ends up in your shower drain. Below are six nutritional issues that may be sabotaging your ability to grow a thick, healthy mane.

1. You’ve Cut Calories

Slashing calories in the hopes of losing a few pounds? The weight may not be the only thing you end up shedding.

“Our bodies rely on a constant source of calories to meet our basic needs,” explains board-certified dermatologist Shari Hicks-Graham, M.D. “When we experience a sudden change in caloric intake, our body adjusts to support our life-sustaining organs.” The result: Less blood (and nutrient) flow to the scalp. This change may lead to a change in hair quality, or increased shedding.

If weight loss is your goal, consult with a registered dietitian before slashing calories left and right. They can help you create an eating plan that supports your goal without sabotaging your health in other ways.

2. You Don’t Eat Enough Protein

Known as the building blocks of the body, protein and the amino acids it’s made of are crucial for healthy and strong body tissues—hair included.

Hair is made up of proteins, most notably keratin. Eating a wide variety of protein-rich foods—including eggs, meats, poultry, nuts, seeds, and seafood—provides the balance our hair needs, says board-certified dermatologist Lauren Eckert Ploch, M.D.

3. You’re Not Getting All Of Your Vitamins In

A variety of vitamins—especially vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E—have a hand in hair and scalp health.

Both antioxidants, vitamins C and E help prevent free radical damage in the hair follicles. Vitamin C also supports iron absorption (more on why that matters in a minute). According to the National Institutes of Health, the average adult needs 22.4 IUs (15 milligrams) of vitamin E and 75 to 90 milligrams of vitamin C daily.

Plus, vitamin D deficiencies have been associated with hair loss, and are even implicated in the development of alopecia. “Therefore, we know it is essential for the health and maintenance of the hair follicle and hair growth,” says Ploch. The FDA recommends adults consume about 600 IUs of D daily.

4. You Have Low Iron Levels

Iron supports the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your bloodstream. Without ample amounts of the mineral, blood-flow becomes less oxygen-rich, which can slow hair growth and even increase shedding or thinning.

Since the body doesn’t produce iron on its own, we have to get it from our diet or supplements. Adult men need just about eight milligrams a day, while adult women need 18.

“Vegetarians and vegans, and those with medical issues like heavy menstrual bleeding, a recent surgery, or gastrointestinal conditions may be at risk for iron deficiency,” explains Hicks-Graham. If any of these apply to you (and you’ve experienced hair issues), talk to your doctor about whether an iron supplement could help.

5. You Don’t Get Enough Biotin

“Although data directly linking increased biotin intake and hair growth is somewhat limited, biotin has been linked to keratin production,” says Hicks-Graham. That’s why this B vitamin is known for making hair stronger, adds Ploch.

Although rare, deficiency in biotin can cause hair thinning and hair loss. The average recommended daily intake of biotin for adults is 30 micrograms, and you’ll find the vitamin in all sorts of supplements formulated to support hair, skin, and nails.

People with hereditary conditions that influence hair loss may especially benefit from biotin supplementation, says Ploch. (If you have a hair loss-related condition, talk to your doctor about adding a biotin supplement.)

6. You Have a Zinc Deficiency

Another essential nutrient for healthy hair: the mineral zinc, which supports normal cell function and helps the body synthesize proteins. In fact, zinc deficiency has been identified as a key nutritional component in telogen effluvium hair loss. (This is especially common in people with hypothyroidism.)

Adult women need eight milligrams of zinc per day, while adult men need 11. Though zinc deficiencies are uncommon, vegetarians, pregnant or lactating women, heavy drinkers, and people with digestive disorders all have increased risk.

When To See Your Doctor

If you’re concerned your hair loss may be abnormal, take a trip to the doctor (either your dermatologist or primary care practitioner).

Many of the health issues that cause hair loss—and the resulting hair loss itself—are treatable, but it’s important to be evaluated as quickly as possible, since changing patterns in hair loss and growth can take months.

“My approach to hair loss is to first do a detailed physical exam, and then order bloodwork,” says Ploch, who typically tests for iron deficiency and anemia, vitamin D deficiency, thyroid abnormalities, and autoimmune issues right off the bat. A registered dietitian can also help you identify connections between your current eating habits and hair health.

Pin this infographic for future reference:

Diggin’ What’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy and Staying Fit, today!

October 23, 2018November 14, 2018

Yi-Jin Yu

Best Of Natural Beauty Awards: See The Winners!

Wellness isn’t just an inside job—what we put on the outside of our bodies matters just as much. That’s why we created our first-ever Best of Natural Beauty Awards! We asked you to vote on the natural products you can’t live without—and the votes are in. Check out the winners:

Best Facial Moisturizer

Winner: Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Hydration Face Lotion

Made with coconut oil, coconut milk, and other skin-loving ingredients like shea butter, aloe, and green tea extract, the 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Hydration Face Lotion from Shea Moisture promises to soften and restore skin. It’s a luxurious but light daily staple for a nourished, hydrated complexion. Plus, it doesn’t leave even the slightest of greasy residues.

Best Facial Serum

Winner: The Vitamin Shoppe^® brand Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Serum

This simple serum moisturizes, rejuvenates, and restores skin. And, at just $5.94 a bottle, it does so for much cheaper than its competitors. Two pumps after cleansing and before applying creams works hydration magic.

Best Shampoo

Winner: Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Shampoo

This clarifying, sulfate-free shampoo gently removes product buildup while moisturizing hair, leaving it soft and shiny. Made with natural ingredients like Jamaican black castor oil and apple cider vinegar, it’s gentle enough for daily use. It’s also suitable for processed, color-treated, or heat-styled hair.

Best Conditioner

Winner: Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner

Damaged, dry, or over-processed hair will soak up this sulfate-free conditioner. Made with natural and certified organic ingredients like shea butter, sea kelp, and argan oil, it moisturizes, repairs, and restores.

Best Body wash

Winner: Dr. Bronner 18-in-1 Hemp Peppermint Pure Castile Soap

Dr. Bronner’s products are famous for using fair trade ingredients and organic oils—and no detergents! This soap features organic coconut oil, organic olive oil, organic hemp oil, organic jojoba oil, and organic peppermint oil. Perfect for gentle cleansing.

Best Body Lotion

Winner: Nubian Heritage Raw Shea Butter Body Lotion

This luxurious lotion from Nubian Heritage stars unrefined shea butter for fast-absorbing, non-greasy moisture. It’s also infused with vitamins E and B5, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, and macadamia seed oil. Plus, frankincense, myrrh, cardamom, ginger and black pepper add an aromatic element that also supports nourished, supple skin.

Best Men’s Bar

Winner: Shea Moisture Three Butters Utility Soap Cleansing Bar

This men’s bar does it all! Made with shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter, and avocado, it’s ultra-moisturizing, and excellent for dry, chapped, irritated skin. Great for everyday cleansing and shaving, too.

Best Essential Oil

Winner: Aura Cacia Lavender Essential Oil

Known for its calming properties, lavender essential oil makes the perfect addition to a bedtime bubble bath or nightly massage oil or moisturizer. Aura Cacia’s lavender oil is 100 percent pure.

Best Collagen Supplement

Winner: Reserveage Nutrition Collagen Replenish Powder

Reserveage’s Collagen Replenish powder features three all-star skin ingredients: collagen peptides, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. Together, these nutrients support skin elasticity and firmness, while protecting it from oxidative stress and promoting hydration.

It mixes clear and is easy to add to water, juice, or any other beverage.

Diggin’ What’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy and Staying Fit, today!

October 15, 2018November 5, 2018

The Editors of What's Good

6 Foods That Could Be Behind Your Breakouts

They say ‘we are what we eat’—because it’s 100 percent true. The foods we consume have a significant effect on all of our organs, none more obvious than that on our skin. Here’s what experts have to say about the nutrition-skin connection and how our diet can cause (or help fight) breakouts.

How Food Affects Your Skin

“The nutrition from food travels through the bloodstream to every part of the body, including our skin,” says Maral Skelsey, M.D., Director of Dermatologic Surgery at Georgetown University. Eat the right things (think antioxidants, vitamin E, and vitamin A), and that food can help reduce damage in your skin and even ward off wrinkles.

The flipside is also true, however. Eat the wrong ingredients and you can set your skin up for blemishes, breakouts, and acne. “When we eat foods that contain a combination of increased inflammatory markers and antibody complexes, those antibodies can get trapped in the skin and trigger these reactions,” says Jason Way, N.D., a naturopathic doctor with NexGen Natural Medicine.

Skin-Sabotaging Foods

If you’re dealing with persistent, otherwise inexplicable skin issues, the foods on your plate could be to blame. Below are six of the most common culprits.

1. Dairy

The internet likes the blame dairy for, well, pretty much everything, but numerous studies do show a strong correlation between dairy consumption and acne outbreaks, says Way. “Dairy contains compounds that stimulate the release of a hormone called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), he explains. “This leads to higher testosterone levels and inhibits cell turnover in sebaceous glands, which secrete oil into the skin.”

These factors create an environment prime for acne, explains Vivian Bucay, M.D., founder and president at Bucay Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics and member of the Women’s Dermatologic Society. Higher levels of androgens (male sex hormones) like testosterone are linked to excess oil production in the skin. When bacteria in the skin break down that oil, they release free fatty acids. These compounds increase inflammation that contributes to breakouts.

2. Refined Carbs

Refined carbs (like white bread, white flour, and white rice) have been stripped of their fiber and nutrients. They cause your body to produce a lot of insulin, another hormone that can overly-activate the sebaceous glands on the surface of skin and contribute to acne.

Plus, “refined carbs also disrupt the healthy bacteria in your intestines that keep the bad things out of the bloodstream,” says Way. Over time, this gut damage can allow partially-undigested foods and other compounds to be absorbed into the blood stream. This triggers an immune reaction (a.k.a. inflammation) that can impact you on a body-wide level—including your skin.

3. Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Unlike anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and flaxseed, omega-6 fatty acids have been linked to increased incidence of acne, says Skelsey. Omega-6s are found in meat, eggs, and (most notably) vegetable oils.

“Evidence suggests that acne is less common in diets high in omega-3 fats than diets high in omega-6 and saturated fats,” she says. The inflammatory nature of omega-6 fats can make skin cells less stable, allowing for more breakouts and blemishes.

4. Soy

The culprits behind soy’s potential impact on our complexions: phytoestrogens. These compounds behave very similarly to the hormone estrogen we produce naturally in the body.

“Phytoestrogens affect the level of estrogen in our bodies and replace our own estrogen at cell receptors,” explains Bucay. “This disrupts the body’s hormonal balance.” The result: decreased estrogen production and increased male sex hormone production. As you now know, increased testosterone production triggers oil production, which can then spur acne.

Plus, increased consumption of phytoestrogens can overwork the liver, which bears the responsibility of metabolizing hormones like estrogen. Should excess estrogen-like compounds tax the liver beyond its abilities, the hormones begin to build up in our blood stream and can contribute to clogged skin and breakouts.

5. Sugary Foods And Drinks

No surprise here: Like refined carbs, sugary foods and drinks cause major spikes in blood sugar. “High sugar intake stimulates insulin production, triggering the release of a series of hormones that can cause excess oil production in skin glands,” says Skelsey. Also like refined carbs, sugary foods mess with your gut microbiome.

The inflammation caused by sugar can lead to “redness and flushing, damage the collagen that keeps skin firm, and contribute to dehydration, all of which result in dry, lackluster skin,” says Bucay.

The sweet stuff (especially fructose) is also very disruptive to your liver and can affect its ability to break down excess hormones, a function with big implications for your complexion, says Way.

6. Alcohol

While alcohol itself doesn’t directly cause acne, its effect on many organ systems (like, you guessed it, the liver), can contribute to chemical or hormonal imbalances associated with acne, says Skelsey.

Wine, beer, and cocktails wreak the havoc of both alcohol and sugar on your body and are especially unfriendly to your face.

Reclaim Your Skin From Breakouts

If you suspect your blemishes, breakouts, and acne are diet-derived, try limiting the above potential offenders. Way recommends an elimination diet, in which you completely pull out all common skin-sabotaging foods until your complexion clears up. Then, you’ll reintroduce the foods one by one to see what you can tolerate.

In addition to cutting out the bad guys, make sure your daily diet also incorporates foods that boast skin benefits. “Foods containing vitamins A and E, zinc, and antioxidants (like vitamin C) seem to promote healthy skin,” says Skelsey. For vitamin A, try sweet potatoes and kale. For vitamin E, try nuts and seeds. And for zinc, turn to beans and whole grains. Finally, for antioxidants, load up on vitamin C-rich fruits like citrus, papaya, and tomatoes.

Fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), which are full of omega-3s, and cruciferous veggies (like broccoli), which help break down and balance excess hormones, also support a clear complexion, says Way.

If problems persist despite your skin-friendly diet, make an appointment with your derm. Your skin issues may run deeper than your diet.

Diggin’ What’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy and Staying Fit, today!

October 2, 2018October 16, 2018

Ashley Mateo

I Tried Coconut Oil For 9 Different Health And Beauty Uses—Here’s What Happened

Ever since doing my first Whole30 three years ago, coconut oil has become a permanent fixture in my pantry. Because the versatile oil has a high smoke point, I can whip up homemade sweet potato fries at home without setting off the fire alarm. Plus, its pleasant scent compliments everything from eggs to zucchini noodles. Until recently, though, I had never thought about using it as part of my beauty routine.

Coconut Oil Benefits

When it comes to body and beauty, one of coconut oil’s biggest claims to fame is the fact that it’s super-moisturizing. It’s rich in fatty acids like lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid, and because of its chemical makeup, gets absorbed by hair much easier than other oils. It’s also packed with the antioxidant vitamin E.

Plus, honestly, who doesn’t want to smell like a tropical island?

Putting Coconut Oil To The Test

I spent a few weeks testing out the many body-care and beauty uses for coconut oil. Here’s what dazzled me—and a few that fell flat.

1. Coconut Oil Pulling = Awkward

In the ancient technique of oil pulling, you swish a teaspoon of coconut oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes first thing in the morning to improve your breath, promote oral health, and draw out toxins. (There aren’t a lot of studies to back this up, but man is it popular.)

At first, the coconut oil was delicious. Minutes later, it wasn’t. I’m no quitter, but I’ve gotta be honest: I didn’t make it past minute seven of swishing.

After throwing in the towel and spitting out the oil, my mouth still felt, well, kind of oily. I did a breath check to see if I could smell any difference, and didn’t notice anything good or bad, which I guess I’d count as a win?

Ultimately, oil pulling felt like a lot of effort for not much reward, so I think I’ll stick with traditional mouthwash.

2. Coconut Oil Is Way Better Than Shaving Cream

An early adopter of those razors with the built-in shaving cream, I’d never thought twice about my convenient routine—until I tried using coconut oil as shaving cream instead.

Granted, applying the coconut oil added another step to the process (and made my shower super-slippery), but there was no denying that I not only got a closer shave, but sported silkier legs than usual, too.

I’ll still turn to my built-in shaving cream razors when in a rush or feeling lazy, but I’ll definitely whip out my jar of coconut oil when I want a quality shave.

3. Deep Condition With Coconut Oil At Your Own Risk

My hair is on the thinner side, slightly wavy, and a little oily, so I was hesitant to use coconut oil as a deep conditioning treatment. Trendy as it is, I figured it would be too much for my hair to handle. And my fears turned out to be warranted.

After showering one night, I rubbed a tablespoon of oil into my scalp and through the ends of my hair, put on a shower cap, and went to bed so the oil could condition my hair overnight. The next morning, no matter how many times I shampooed, I just couldn’t get all of the oil out! My hair looked noticeably greasy, and felt heavy and weighed-down. It took a few days-worth of showers to get it back to normal.

The ends of my hair ultimately did feel softer and more moisturized, though! In retrospect, I’d skip the scalp portion of the coconut oil conditioning and just add a little bit to my dry ends.

4. Coconut Oil Is A Worthy Makeup Remover

The makeup remover I swear by is oil-based and unreasonably expensive—around $28 for a bottle. So when I saw that coconut oil can be used to remove makeup, I was pretty excited to give it a try.

After dabbing a little bit of coconut oil on the end of a cotton swab, I swiped it across my liquid-lined eyelids, and the entire layer of jet black came right off!

Not to mention, my skin felt moisturized and the coconut oil made my lashes look more conditioned. I’ll definitely keep using this one!

5. Coconut Oil Is A Power-Moisturizer For The Body

Admittedly, I’m guilty of moisturizing my body with whatever drugstore brand product happens to be on sale. Not surprisingly, my lack of discrimination doesn’t always play out effectively.

Knowing how intensely moisturizing coconut oil is, I decided to capitalize on its potential benefits for my neglected skin. After showering one morning, I rubbed a dime-sized amount all over my arms and legs—and I could really feel the difference! My skin (especially my elbows, which are usually extra dry) felt super-hydrated. (Though my skin did feel a little oily for the first few hours.)

Given my moisturizing habits, I don’t expect to oil myself up every day. But since moisturizing with coconut oil even just once made my skin feel so luscious, I’ll probably make it a once-a-week thing.

6. Coconut Oil Couldn’t Save A Broken Makeup Palette

A friend of mine had recently broken one of her favorite makeup palettes (a matte-pressed face powder), so after reading that coconut oil could remedy the shattered powder and basically glue it back together, I decided to play surgeon.

I dripped a quarter-sized amount of coconut oil into the broken palette and slowly mashed the pieces of pressed powder into the oil until an even mixture formed. I think I used too much oil for how much powder was left in the compact, though, because the end result looked incredible wet.

If I had used just a little bit less, it might have worked, so I’ll give it another shot if ever needed.

7. Coconut Oil Makes For A Heavenly-Scented Body Scrub

DIY beauty bloggers all seem to rave about simple exfoliating body scrubs made from equal parts coconut oil and granulated sugar. Given that my go-to store-bought scrub clocks in at around $30, I was eager to try a homemade alternative.

Since I didn’t have any granulated sugar, I used sea salt as a substitute—and it worked incredibly well. The scrub was effective but not too harsh, and the coconut oil left my skin super-moisturized. It looked head-to-toe smoother and healthier (not to mention I smelled delicious). I’ll definitely be making batches of this to save some cash!

8. Coconut Oil: An A+ Brow Enhancer

I’ve never had unruly brows or invested in one of those pricey brow wands, but I do get the occasional stray and love the bold brows so many women are rocking right now.

I read that coconut oil could come in handy in the brow department, too, so I applied a dab of it to the end of a cotton swab and smoothed it over my brows before heading out for the day. Not only were they free from fly-aways, but they stayed perfectly shaped all day long!

9. Lip Balm Has Nothin’ On Coconut Oil

My last beauty experiment was to swap coconut oil in for my usual lip balm (SUGAR by Fresh). After rubbing it on just about every other part of my body, I had a feeling I’d like how coconut oil felt as a lip balm—and I was right! My lips felt instantly moisturized and the oil tasted great. My only qualm: It’s much easier to carry a tube of lip balm around than a giant jar of coconut oil…

The Final Results

After using it pretty much everywhere on my body, I can confirm that coconut oil is just as versatile and hydrating as people make it out to be. I’ll definitely continue using it in a few parts of my routine:

makeup remover (a major money-saver)
weekly deep moisturizer (a win for lazy girls)
body scrub (another way to save cash)
shaving cream substitute (on special occasions!)

While I wasn’t a fan of oil pulling or deep conditioning with coconut oil, I’d still definitely recommend giving them a try before writing them off—especially if you hate the burn of conventional mouthwash or have a different hair texture than I do.

Diggin’ What’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy and Staying Fit, today!

September 7, 2018September 20, 2018

Danielle Page

Review: I Tried Mineral Fusion’s All-Natural Makeup

I don’t like applying beauty products that aren’t primarily made with natural ingredients. I have fairly sensitive skin, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve had issues—like skin allergies and pimples—from using certain makeup brands.

That’s why I was so happy when The Vitamin Shoppe Wellness Testers program sent me the Mineral Fusion Waterproof Mascara in Cocoa, Mineral Fusion 3-in-1 Color Stick in Rosette, and Mineral Fusion Lipstick in Alluring.

I’m someone who enjoys wearing makeup, so finding brands that don’t cause me to break out or feel like I’m covered in chemicals has always been a challenge. I hadn’t used this particular brand before, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. I was hoping it would go on easily, look pretty, and not cause skin irritation, and after using the product for about a week, I definitely noticed its benefits.

Mineral Fusion Lipstick

I tend to prefer subtle touches of color, especially for work, and Mineral Fusion’s Alluring lipstick was exactly what I wanted: a blush-like lip-color without aluminum. The texture is creamy and thin, which I very much prefer because it’s not cakey and doesn’t feel like I actually have lipstick on. Plus, it’s moisturizing.

Mineral Fusion Waterproof Mascara

The Mineral Fusion Waterproof Mascara was easy enough to apply, and it didn’t clump at all. It also separated my lashes in a way that looked natural and not overdone. I did have to apply a good few coats to achieve the curl and length I wanted, but I loved how the mascara didn’t cause my lashes to get brittle or spider-like.

Mineral Fusion 3-in-1 Color Stick

I loved the Mineral Fusions 3-in-1 Color Stick in Rosette, as it was really flattering and soft looking. It was easy to smooth on and exceptionally creamy, which creates a dewy look.

I usually can’t use blush because I break out super-easily, but this product didn’t clog my pores at all or have any adverse reactions. The Rosette color worked really well for my skin tone, and didn’t look too kitschy or harsh, as many blushes often do.

Verdict

I will definitely continue to use the lipstick and mascara, because I found the color and application easy and pleasant to use. Also, because the products are more natural and high-quality, I would recommend the brand to my friends. I believe it’s important to advocate for and use products that are good for us. Mineral Fusion will definitely be one of my go-tos from now on.

This Wellness Tester received free products in exchange for an honest review.

August 3, 2018September 20, 2018

Joanna Valente

6 Skin-Rejuvenating Face Masks You Could Also Eat For Breakfast

No doubt we all love a night at home with a good book, candle-lit bath, and luxurious face mask—but the cost of department store beauty can leave us high and dry. The good news: With a little creativity—and a well-stocked kitchen—you can whip up your own similarly effective masks at barely any cost.

Here, beauty experts share the all-natural face mask recipes they rely on to keep their skin clear, healthy, and glowing. Bonus: You can find all of the ingredients in your kitchen!

1. Cooling And Reviving Cucumber-Avocado Mask

Ingredients:
– 1 cucumber
– 2 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt
– 1 Tbsp avocado

Directions:
1. Slice the cucumber into half-inch-thick rounds and purée in the blender
2. Pour the cucumber purée into a small bowl
3. Mix in the avocado and yogurt
4. Apply the blend to your face and relax for 15 to 20 minutes

Benefits: This mask is full of healthy fats, vitamins and antioxidants, which is why it’s a favorite of professional makeup artist and SkinOwl founder, Annie Tevelin. “Avocados are great for moisturizing your skin while reducing redness and calming flare-ups,” she explains. “Cucumber is not only cooling, but it’s also chock-full of skin-boosting nutrients, including vitamin C and caffeic acid.” Since cucumbers have such high water content, they also help moisturize your skin—plus their peels contain silica, which supports supple, youthful skin. And the Greek yogurt? It contains lactic acid, which can help break down dead skin cells and minimize the appearance of pores.

2. Moisturizing Banana And Cucumber Mask

Ingredients:
– ½ cucumber
– ½ banana, skin on
– 1 Tbsp honey
– 4 Tbsp lemon juice
– ½ tsp extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:
1. Blend the cucumber and banana (skin included) together in a food processor or blender
2. Stir in the honey, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil until you have a smooth consistency
3. Transfer the paste into a small bowl and use your hands to apply an even layer over a clean face and neck, avoiding the eye area
4. Lie down for 30 minutes and let the mask work into your skin
5. Wash off with lukewarm water and pat skin dry with a towel

Benefits: “Banana skin contains high amounts of vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, as well as magnesium and potassium—all fantastic ingredients for promoting clear, glowing skin,” says Tevelin. (Each of these nutrients supports cell function.) While the honey and olive oil act as humectants and keep your skin moisturized, the lemon juice helps exfoliate away dead skin cells and brighten your complexion. Tevelin loves this mask for those with dry but acne-prone skin.

3. Breakout-Banishing Face Mask

Ingredients:
– 1 tsp raw apple cider vinegar
– 2 tsp green tea
– 5 tsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp honey

Directions:
1. Brew the green tea and let cool
2. Mix the tea with raw apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and honey
3. Stir until the mixture becomes thick
4. Apply the mixture onto your face and massage gently (skip the massage if acne-prone)
5. Let sit for 10 minutes and rinse skin with warm water

Benefits: This mask is stacked with all-star ingredients. “Apple cider vinegar contains alpha hydroxy acids that exfoliate and remove dead skin cells to reveal the healthy and vibrant skin underneath,” explains Tevelin. The brown sugar also helps physically exfoliate the skin, while also locking in moisture. Meanwhile, the green tea offers antioxidants called catechins, which fight free radicals, and honey soothes skin. Tevelin recommends using this one once a week to support a clear complexion.

4. Exfoliating Brown Sugar Mask

Ingredients:
– ¼ cup honey
– ½ cup brown sugar
– ¼ cup milk
– 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:
1. Place the honey and brown sugar in a small mixing bowl and mix well
2. Mix in the extra-virgin olive oil and then the milk
3. Store in an airtight container in the fridge

Benefits: This calming mask is great for exfoliating sensitive skin, says celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas. The lactic acid from the milk helps resurface the skin, while the olive oil offers a dose of moisture, she says. Massage the mask onto skin using circular motions for a few minutes and then let it sit for an additional 10 before rinsing off.

5. Total Hydration Mask

Ingredients:
– 2 Tbsp honey
– 2 Tbsp avocado
– 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 mango

Directions:
1. Cut the mango into small cubes and mash in a small bowl
2. Add the avocado, honey, and extra-virgin olive oil and mix well with a fork
3. Apply and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes

Benefits: If you want to hydrate without risking a breakout, honey is the all-natural ingredient for you, says Vargas. “Meanwhile, avocado, with its omega 3-fatty acids and B vitamins, also helps restore the skin’s lipid layer,” she adds. Lastly, mango, which is loaded with vitamin C, brightens the skin.

6. Pigmentation Perfecting Mask

Ingredients:
– 1 red grapefruit
– ½ cup cooked oatmeal
– 1 cup milk

Instructions:
1. Slice the grapefruit in half and scoop the insides into a bowl
2. Mash the grapefruit well
3. Add in the cooked oatmeal and milk and mix well
4. Apply to cleansed skin and leave on for 15 minutes

Benefits: This mask simultaneously soothes and renews. While oatmeal is famous for its soothing properties, milk both soothes and exfoliates, says Vargas. And the grapefruit, of course, is loaded with antioxidants to help renew skin. Try this one if your skin needs some TLC after a night of drinking, or just an overall pick-me-up.

Diggin’ What’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy and Staying Fit, today!

July 11, 2018July 25, 2018

Jenn Sinrich

How My Nightly Epsom Salt Baths Make Everything Better

When I first learned about the magical powers of Epsom salt baths, I thought: This is too good to be true. For starters, Epsom salt (also known as magnesium sulfate) relaxes your muscles like nobody’s business.

Because of its many health benefits, I decided to start incorporating Epsom salt into my nightly ritual. I already loved taking long, sudsy baths, but adding Epsom salt to the tub kicked the experience up a whole lotta notches. Bath time became not only relaxing, but purposeful.

Here’s what regularly soaking in Epsom salt baths does for me.

Chills Me Out

Magnesium tends to be used up when we’re stressed out (leading to all sorts of bad news, like irritability, high blood pressure, and digestive issues), so sitting in a magnesium bath actually helps replenish those stores. I’m not certain of whether a single bath can do the trick, but taking a good 10 minutes before bed each night helps me drift off to sleep in a more peaceful way. The worries and anxieties of the day sort of just vanish. Whether it’s the effect of ritualizing self-care or the magnesium alone (or some combo of both), I have felt so much more relaxed after incorporating this into my routine.

soothes My Aches & Pains

My muscles are often tight, which, like most of us, comes from a combo of hunching over a desk and not getting enough movement in during the day. I’ve also got an autoimmune issue that causes chronic pain in my back and neck. Magnesium is said to relieve muscle and tissue aches, which makes sense because magnesium is found in our bones, muscles, and tissues. Spending just 10 minutes in a magnesium bath helps me feel more ready for bed—I’m way more limber and the aches and pains sort of fall into the background.

Eases my Stomach

I’ve always had digestive issues. They stem from autoimmune issues, as well as a deep love of cheese and carbs. Whenever I have dairy or gluten, I end up bloated, in pain, or constipated. Not a fun time! Short of trying to exercise control over some of my bad eating habits (“I’ll pass on the cheese” is a concept I don’t understand), I take probiotics and sit in my Epsom salt baths.

Some people drink magnesium or take magnesium supplements, but I find a bath to be helpful in helping me stay regular and debloating a puffy belly.

Softens My Skin

Every single time I leave an Epsom bath, my skin feels smooth, exfoliated, and soft. I tend to have pretty rough skin: I probably don’t drink enough water, and swimming in chlorinated water certainly doesn’t help! Thankfully, Epsom salt counterbalances all of those effects. I always apply a bit of coconut oil (Shea Moisture’s Virgin Coconut Oil is my favorite) after the bath to double down on the results.

All in all, making regular time for an Epsom bath has worked wonders for my body and my psyche. I like to know that I’m taking care of myself—and there’s certainly plenty of undeniable benefits to magnesium. Plus, it’s just so easy!

Diggin’ What’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy and Staying Fit, today!

July 6, 2018July 5, 2018

Lisa M. Basile

Whip Up This Turmeric Face Mask For A Complexion Pick-Me-Up

If you’re dealing with dark spots—or just need an all-around complexion pick-me-up—chemical peels or a trip to the dermatologist or spa aren’t your only options. This DIY face mask from The Vitamin Shoppe Wellness Council member Sophia Roe is easy to whip up at home, and helps brighten and revive dull skin and minimize hyperpigmentation.

Made with nourishing ingredients like turmeric, rose water, and aloe, it’ll leave you feeling fresh-faced and pampered.

Here’s what you’ll need to mix up this mask:
– 2 Tbsp turmeric powder
– 1 Tbsp raw manuka honey
– 1 1/2 Tbsp pure pearl powder
– 1/4 cup fresh aloe vera
– 1 Tbsp rose water
– 1 Tbsp The Vitamin Shoppe brand rosehip oil

Spread the mask across a clean face, or use as a spot treatment. Let sit for at least 20 minutes (overnight works, too!) before gently removing with water or a wet washcloth.

A veritable ball of energy, Sophia Roe is a wildly talented yet relatable holistic chef, wellness expert, empowerment architect, and beauty bandit whose candid videos and posts on health and mindfulness light up social media.

June 21, 2018June 21, 2018

The Editors of What's Good

Summer Skin Woes? This Soothing DIY Gel Can Help

Ah, summer. We’ve waited all year for your sunny days, jacket-free temperatures, beach weekends, and watermelon-filled barbecues. The skin issues, like sunburn, thousands of bug bites, and shorts chafing, though? Not so much.

If you’ve got a fair complexion, ‘sweet’ mosquito-magnet blood, or just all-around sensitive skin, your summer skin-care routine needs to be jam-packed with soothing ingredients. We love this DIY skin-soothing gel recipe for when we’ve spent a little too much time in the sun or gotten eaten alive by bugs in the backyard.

Show your skin some TLC with these three simple ingredients:

– 4 drops chamomile essential oil
– 5 drops lavender essential oil
– 4 Tbsp aloe vera gel

Aloe vera, our go-to summer skin savior, contains vitamin A (which supports cell health and growth), vitamin C (an antioxidant that fights the cell damage involved in aging), and a compound called barbaloin (another antioxidant). Plus, because aloe is made up mostly of water, it helps hydrate your skin, too. Meanwhile, both chamomile and lavender have long been used in schools of traditional medicine for their calming qualities—and they give this gel a lovely scent!

All you have to do is mix your ingredients and store the gel in the refrigerator for an instant cooling, soothing sensation whenever your skin is crying out.

Pin this recipe card to your fridge or bathroom mirror for quick reference all summer long:

Diggin’ What’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy and Staying Fit, today!

June 12, 2018

The Editors of What's Good

I Took Collagen ‘Beauty Shots’ For A Month—Here’s What Happened

With my 30^th birthday approaching sooner than I’d like, I’ve spent a lot of time recently looking into how to switch up my beauty routine in order to stave off the inevitable wrinkles. I tried Botox about eight months ago, and while I liked how smooth it made my forehead, it’s not exactly the most cost-effective method to keep lines at bay. So when I heard about Reserveage Nutrition’s Watermelon Mint Beauty Shots—antioxidant and collagen protein-packed beauty drinks that can be taken daily to support healthy, youthful skin—I knew I had to give them a, well, shot. I decided to down one every day for a month in hope of more youthful skin on the horizon.

What’s In A ‘Beauty Shot,’ Exactly?

The star of Reserveage’s beauty shots is the ever-trending collagen protein. “Collagen, an essential building block of healthy skin, is the protein matrix that keeps skin firm and strong,” says Bobby Buka, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and contributing founder and chief science officer of First Aid Beauty. “This collagen can become easily damaged as a result of our daily exposure to environmental factors such as sunlight and pollutants.” And when collagen breaks down, you can say hello to wrinkles.

Each beauty shot (three ounces) contains five grams of hydrolyzed collagen, along with a few other skin-loving ingredients like 90 milligrams of vitamin C (which protects against environmental damage that causes aging), 15 milligrams of biotin (the B vitamin that supports strong skin, hair, and nails), and hydrators like hyaluronic acid, cucumber extract, and aloe vera extract. The label references a study that found that 2.5 grams of collagen per day increased skin elasticity after just four weeks, so considering the beauty shots contained twice that amount of collagen, I was optimistic!

“When we take collagen, it gets broken down into amino acids by our digestive system,” says Monique Chheda, M.D., board-certified dermatologist. “These amino acids are then absorbed through the gut.” Once absorbed, collagen can be utilized throughout our entire body—not just our skin—so there’s no guarantee where it’ll end up, she explains. (Collagen is also important for gut and joint health.) Though more research is needed on collagen’s skin benefits, both docs I spoke with said there certainly wouldn’t be any downsides to getting more of it!

Shots, Anyone?

As a beauty writer, I have access to the best skin-care products (#workperks) and know I have to be very diligent with sunscreen, so my skin started off in pretty good shape. That said, though, I have started to notice itty-bitty lines forming at the corners of my eyes, and that my face looks more tired and dull than it did in my early and mid-20s.

So given how important collagen is for skin health—and how much pollution I’m exposed to living in New York City—I was pumped to add these beauty shots to my daily routine and see whether I’d notice any differences after a month.

I kept the rest of my relatively low-maintenance beauty routine exactly the same so I could measure whether or not the collagen shots were doing anything: I used a gentle facial cleanser morning and night, applied sunscreen in the morning, and continued my usual retinol serum before bed (retinol is the gold standard wrinkle-fighting ingredient). Once a week, I slathered on a brightening face mask.

I’m always in a rush to get to the office on time in the morning, so I stashed my shots in my bag the night before so I wouldn’t forget to take them. Still, I got home from work most days that first week only to find the shot still in my bag—so I had my first few shots for dessert. Once I started taking them out of my bag as soon as I sat down at my desk, though, getting into the routine grew easier. On crazy-busy days, I often didn’t get around to imbibing until the afternoon, so instead of going out for my usual iced hibiscus tea at three o’clock, I made the beauty shots my afternoon treat. (I consider the four bucks a day I saved a major perk of the experiment.) I even packed a few shots with me on a long weekend of traveling for a friend’s wedding, and knocked them back before moving onto more traditional celebratory beverages (a.k.a. actual shots).

I expected the shots’ watermelon mint flavor to be overly sweet and artificial (when I hear anything is watermelon-flavored, I automatically assume it’s going to taste like a Jolly Rancher), but it was really delicious! Nice and subtle with no weird aftertaste. And despite all of the ingredients in there, the shots went down like water. I worried they’d be goopy or chalky, but they had a thin, pleasant texture. I came to really enjoy drinking my shot every afternoon, and was sad when my 30 days were up.

My Complexion, A Month Later

After 30 days of dutifully downing my shots, I didn’t notice a change in the wrinkles around my eyes—but I did, however, notice that my complexion looked all-around glowier than usual. Prior to the beauty shot experiment, my entire face had been looking pretty lackluster, but the area underneath my eyes had really been riding struggle bus (which probably has something to do with the fact that I don’t always get a full eight hours of sleep) and I often sported dark circles.

By the time my month-long shot habit came to a close, though, not only did my entire face look brighter, but my under-eye area looked much more, well, alive. I even stopped applying under-eye concealer! Since dullness was something I was looking to address, I was really happy to see that these shots had some effect.

Plus, there was another surprising benefit from taking the shots: My nails suddenly felt harder and stronger. (Chheda told me that research suggests biotin may be helpful for strengthening nails, so I credited the biotin in the shots for the unexpected perk.) I bite my nails and they normally break very easily, but by the end of the 30 days, I realized I hadn’t dealt with a cracked nail since before I started guzzling the shots.

Glowy skin aside, I’d continue drinking the shots just to keep my nails strong year-round!

Want to try Reserveage’s Beauty Shots for yourself? Treat yourself to a six pack or two.

June 5, 2018June 6, 2018

Christina Heiser

Castor Oil Is Making A Comeback—Here Are 4 Health-Boosting Reasons To Use It

If your pantry is already stocked with natural superstar ingredients like apple cider vinegar and coconut oil, there’s another multi-purpose staple that should be on your radar (and on your shelf): castor oil.

Castor oil, which hails from Africa and India, has been used for health and well-being—especially for hair, skin, and digestion—for hundreds of years. The oil contains high concentrations of a hard-to-find fatty acid called ricinoleic acid that experts believe is responsible for many of its benefits, explains Traditional Chinese Medicine specialist Elizabeth Trattner, A.P.

Want to reap the benefits of this ancient oil for yourself? Here are five ways castor oil can do your body good, inside and out.

1. Boosts Lymphatic Function, Detoxification, And Immunity

Our lymphatic system, which consists of a network of hundreds of connected lymph nodes, is responsible for dispersing immune-boosting white blood cells throughout our body and filtering out waste and toxins. But if our lymph nodes don’t drain and transport their lymph fluid properly (which can be caused by high doses of medication, lack of activity, and certain diseases), they can affect our liver’s ability to detoxify our body.

To boost lymphatic function, Trattner recommends applying DIY castor oil packs. Research published in the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine shows that castor oil triggers our body’s production of lymphocytes (a.k.a. white blood cells), and thus can support proper lymphatic drainage and immunity. “I used to use castor oil packs to support my liver through all the asthma medication I was on,” she says. “I would soak old rags in castor oil, wrap them around my midsection over my liver, cover them with towels, plastic wrap them, and apply heat.”

Research suggests castor oil packs need to be applied for two hours, so try wrapping yourself up before your next weekend Netflix session.

2. Supports Regular Toilet Time

Castor oil has long been used to ease constipation, and now researchers know how it works: The oil’s ricinoleic acid binds to certain receptors in the muscles throughout our digestive system and causes them to contract, which helps move waste through and out of our system. (Fun fact: Because of this effect, castor oil was also traditionally used to induce labor!)

If you’ve never taken castor oil before, start with just an eighth of a teaspoon, and gauge how your system reacts, recommends Mariana Daniela Torchia, Ph.D., R.D., M.P.H. Otherwise, take up to half a teaspoon to help you go.

3. Nourishes Skin

Want dewy, soft skin? Consider adding castor oil to your skin-care regimen.

Because it’s made up of fatty acids—especially that ricinoleic acid—castor oil helps to soothe and lock moisture into the skin, explains Trattner. In fact, castor oil is a popular ingredient in tons of cosmetic products already on store shelves—it may even be in a lotion or moisturizer you already use! (It’s typically listed as ‘Ricinus Communis.’)

Since castor can be allergenic for some people, apply a small amount to the back of your hand to test for any allergic reaction or sensitivities before slathering it all over your body. If you’re good to go, mix a little castor oil into your moisturizer or massage the oil into your skin before bed (rinse off any excess in the morning).

4. Conditions Scalp And Hair

Castor oil can also be used as a natural conditioner, and can bring moisture back into dry locks and nourish your hair follicles. “Castor oil and its benefits for scalp, hair, and eyebrow health have been believed and followed for ages,” Trattner says. In addition to its moisturizing fatty acids, vitamin E also contributes to the oil’s conditioning effects.

To use castor oil as a scalp treatment, wet your hair, massage a few teaspoons into your scalp for about two to three minutes, and rinse. To condition your strands, you can either add a few drops of castor oil to your usual conditioner or deep condition by rubbing the oil directly into your hair. If deep conditioning, let the oil work its magic for about 30 minutes and then rinse.

Intrigued? Pin this infographic for future reference!

Diggin’ What’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy and Staying Fit, today!

May 18, 2018May 30, 2018

Isadora Baum

All The Ways I Use Castor Oil In My Beauty Routine

Castor oil has been used in beauty and wellness rituals for centuries, particularly in India and across Africa. My mother, who is Romani, has always used castor oil liberally on her skin, from head to toe, and I was lucky to learn her beauty tips.

Castor oil is made by cold-pressing the ricinis communis—or castor—plant. It contains triglycerides (a type of fat), so it’s thick and gooey. Some people find that castor oil, because of its texture, feels a little tacky on the skin. Personally, I’m down with the thickness. If I do want to lighten it up, I’ll combine it with other nourishing oils, like sweet almond, jojoba, or coconut oil, which are less viscous (and add a sweet scent).

Here are all the ways I use castor oil in my beauty and wellness routine:

For my hair

I’ve noticed that thick, glossy, and hydrated hair is a bit more achievable with a little help from castor oil. Here’s how I pull it off:

Nourishing Scalp Oil Treatment

I massage this warm oil elixir into my scalp to nourish my roots and keep my scalp flake-free and moist:

2 tbs castor oil
2 tbs coconut oil
Optional: 3 drops of tea tree oil, which keeps my hair from getting dry

I warm this mixture briefly on the stove (I don’t boil it—I just warm it up). Next, I massage the warm oil into my scalp, using my fingers to work the oil into the roots, which stimulates blood flow (and supports healthy hair!). I leave this to sit for 20-30 minutes before I rinse it out.

Hydrating Overnight Hair Mask

My hair tends to be thick and dry like a horse’s tail, so overnight hair masks are an integral part of my hair care—keeping it soft, shiny, and voluminous.

Here’s what I use:

3 tbs castor oil
3 tbs coconut oil
Optional: Add a tablespoon of jojoba and almond oil to add a sweet scent to the mix.

I shower, towel dry my hair, warm the mixture on the stove, and then apply it to my hair—from root to ends. I then wrap my hair in a warm towel (or Saran Wrap) and settle into bed. In the morning, I shampoo it out and then use conditioner.

Hair Gloss & Split End Sealer

Even after washing and conditioning, the ends of my hair are often still dry. I don’t cut my hair nearly as often as most folks do—partially due to cultural reasons, and partially due to being cheap!—so I always need a little help with my split ends.

While nothing but a trim can truly get rid of split ends, a few drops of castor oil worked into the ends of my hair will make it appear smooth, shiny, and soft. I also try not to wash my hair more than twice a week, and when I’m in between washes, I’ll add a couple of drops to enhance its shine and softness.

Full Lashes & Brows

Before I was allowed to wear makeup, my mother pacified my desperation by teaching me how to smooth a drop of castor oil into my eyebrows to make them darker, and to carefully cover my lashes with castor oil to make them appear fuller and more defined.

The best part? The oil seems to encourage hair growth, so I actually noticed thicker and longer lashes and fuller brows. These days, I do this treatment at night before bed. On my no-makeup days, I still use the trick to add a natural pop to my eyes.

For my hands and feet

Hands and feet get a lot of wear and tear. This is why I sometimes massage castor oil into my hands and feet as a bedtime ritual.

First I’ll exfoliate with pumice and a good sugar or salt scrub, and then I’ll apply the castor oil. And if I’m really committed, I’ll also wear cotton socks and gloves to trap the moisture. In fact, my mother, who suffers from scleroderma, a painful disease that hardens the organs (including your skin), always goes to bed while wearing castor oil and little white cotton gloves.

For my nails

To keep my nail beds strong and conditioned, I often rub a few drops of castor oil into my bare nails after filing and buffing. The oil softens my cuticles, so I can easily push them back down to encourage nail growth.

For my Skin & face

Facial for Dewy Skin

Everyone’s skin is different, of course, but castor oil never seems to clog my pores. Instead, it leaves my skin smooth and hydrated. Sometimes, at the end of the day, my skin will feel irritated and dry from wearing makeup. When that happens, I pat warm or room-temperature castor oil into my face, neck, and décolletage after cleansing and toning.

Other times, if my skin is feeling very dry or irritated, I’ll leave the oil on all night, waking with smooth and plumped skin in the morning. Oh, and for any spots I might have, I’ve found castor oil especially effective for soothing irritated skin.

Fading Scars & Stretch Marks

I apply castor oil nightly to scars, or to skin that may scar later on. I’ve noticed that the oil keeps scars and stretch marks moisturized, which helps fade their appearance. The scars I do have are definitely less visible after being diligent about this particular beauty practice.

Healthy Lips

I love a good lip mask and treatment, but castor oil is my trusted standby. I smooth a very thin layer of castor oil on my lips before applying lipstick to keep them moisturized (though not necessarily slick). If they feel dry during the day, I sometimes add another drop of castor oil on top of the color, keeping it highly pigmented—with a touch of shine.

May 10, 2018May 10, 2018

Jezmina Von Thiele

The Oil You’ve Never Heard Of That Saved My Face

Anyone who has dry skin knows that managing it can be a never-ending, often painful challenge. The most uncomfortable permutation of my own dry skin is the malar rash I get on my face. A malar rash is also known as a “butterfly rash”—an irritated patch of skin that stretches across the cheeks and over the bridge of the nose.

Two years ago, I had flaky and sore neon-pink triangles on either side of my nose. After a wash, the dead skin would peel off leaving the skin raised and inflamed. This was the kind of enemy that could not be defeated by mere soap and coconut oil.

Fed up with the affliction, I wanted to finally nail down an effective skin routine that didn’t take hours or leave me feeling raw. My skincare-enthusiast friends expertly assembled an assortment of expensive, high-quality products that promised to fix my face: cleanser, gentle exfoliant, toner, and moisturizer. What could possibly go wrong?

Well, first of all, all those excellent products didn’t work. The rash persisted. Moisturizers failed, making me feel like I was wearing a cling-film mask. And the toner dried out my damaged skin even more.

But everything changed when my friend sent me a bottle of maracuja oil. The contents of the enticing little bottle hadn’t worked for her oily skin type, so when she heard about my skincare struggles, she passed it along.

After just one application, I was hooked.

Maracuja oil comes from the seed of the passionfruit, known to scientists as Passifloraedulis, which is native to tropical and subtropical areas in South America. Products bearing the same name may also come from Passiflora incarnata, more commonly referred to as a passion flower, which is a wild vine that populates the southern United States. Both varieties are packed with nutrients known for promoting skin health, most notably the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin B, as well as oleic and palmitic fatty acids.

For optimal results, I rub an approximated silver dollar amount over my hands and massage it into my face. Since I use so much oil, it does take a minute or so to work it in, but my desert-dry face absorbs the moisture like a dehydrated sponge. To finish the job, I like to apply a vitamin E cream on top.

I apply the oil after cleansing in the morning and before going to bed. Using it gives me an extra layer of protection against the elements and keeps my face feeling supple and healthy.

Though my skin sometimes maintains a little redness, the hydration provided by the maracuja oil has helped manage the flaky dryness and keeps the area smooth. I’m also pleased to note that long-term use has not resulted in any pore clogging or increase in pimple activity!

Maracuja isn’t the only oil I use to tame the horsemen of the apocalypse doing their best to wreak havoc on my face. I also love camellia oil as a make-up remover and cleanser. I have experimented with various other oils as a primary staple, but many make me feel greasy, rather than hydrated.

Ultimately, this oil has been a lifesaver. Total game changer. My holy grail skincare product. After implementing it into my routine, I was suddenly taking selfies without a filter and admiring the natural glow my skin developed after regular applications.

Before, using makeup to cover the bright patches on my cheeks was necessary but frustrating, as the texture was visibly unpleasant and removal was always painful. Now, if I do wear concealer or foundation, my face isn’t a disaster zone when it comes time to take it off at the end of the day. I’m like, “Foundation-who?”

Many people I’ve encountered say they avoid maracuja oil because they’re familiar with it only through the super-expensive versions sold by luxury brands. This breaks my heart, considering that you can find affordable versions—like this oil from Shea Terra Organics—without dropping all your cash.

Best of all? I was able to forego the million-step skincare routine so many others before me have endured. Maracuja oil spares my face and my fragile attention span by keeping things neat, clean, and simple.

April 25, 2018

Jem Zero

All The Ways I Use Tea Tree Oil In My Beauty Routine

One of the greatest things about the beauty world is the diversity of methods, products, and natural ingredients from all over the world—along with the amount of cultural exchange it can foster.

With my family being half Italian and half Romani (a diasporic ethnic group from India, more commonly known by the racial slur “Gypsy”), I was lucky to grow up with a lovely mish-mash of beauty rituals involving oils, flower essences, and sometimes elaborate practices.

In fact, my Romani mama is a former bikini model and aerobics instructor, so she was always looking to improve her beauty routine. In the ‘70s she discovered tea tree oil, and when I was in middle school she introduced me to it, telling me that tea tree oil was the key to clear and healthy skin, hair, nails, and even teeth. I don’t remember her having any blemishes to speak of, so I assumed it either worked well or she was a witch of some kind.

I, on the other hand, did have some blemishes to test on, and got right down to it. And it turns out that she was right! I saw noticeable improvements in my skin, and it has been a fixture in my beauty arsenal ever since.

My mother and I love it, but the science speaks for itself: Studies have found that tea tree oil has cleansing and purifying properties. In fact, people indigenous to Australia have recognized the stuff’s efficacy for a long time.

Here’s how I incorporate tea tree oil into my beauty routine. Tip: Just be sure to test it out on a small patch of skin before you use it!

1. As a cleanse

I tend to get acne if there’s even a trace of makeup left on my face at night. Since I model, I often have a full face of makeup on and get home late at night completely exhausted. I have to fight the urge to just crawl into bed, no matter how wonderful that would feel.

I find that I can get excited about my skincare routine if I’m excited about the products I’m using. This makes my beauty routine feel less like a chore and more like self-care. (FYI: An oil-based cleanser, like Shea Moisture Sensitive Skin Facial Cleansing Oil, does an excellent job of getting off tough to remove makeup.)

After I’ve removed my makeup, it’s time to cleanse with tea tree oil. I turn this into a little bit of a facial massage by rubbing together some warm water and a few drops of tea tree oil along my jawline, nose, and cheekbones. Then, I rinse.

2. As a mask

I use a tea tree oil-based clay face mask about once a week to draw out any impurities. My mother has been using Aztec Secret Bentonite Healing Indian Clay since the ’70s, and passed the secret on to me.

Like a lot of beauty gurus and bloggers do, I mix a tablespoon of the clay in a bowl with a tablespoon of Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar for clear skin (I love the fizzing sound it makes!), a dollop of royal jelly honey for moisture, and a drop or two of tea tree oil for its added benefits.

I apply the mixture to my face (it will probably tingle a little from the tea tree oil), leave it on for 10-20 minutes, and then remove with water to reveal a glow.

3. As a toner

Some toners can really dry out the skin, making oil production and acne even worse in the long run. Today, I use what my mother prefers: Thayer’s Witch Hazel Alcohol Free Toner. She taught me to swipe it—along with a drop of tea tree oil—over my face after cleansing to remove any remaining residue and to tighten my pores.

4. As a spritz

Spritzing facial mist throughout the day is one of my most beloved beauty discoveries. It keeps me looking fresh and awake. Here’s a spritz recipe I make on my own:

1 cup of weakly brewed and cooled chamomile tea, or rose water (both chamomile and rosewater have been used by Roma, and other cultures, to heal and calm the skin)
2 drops of lavender essential oil
1 drop of tea tree oil

I combine it all in a spray bottle, shake, and spritz my face a couple of times a day when I need a pick-me-up.

5. As dental care

Tea tree oil can also help support dental health (and it’s got a great fresh scent). I like this Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil and Neem Toothpaste in Wintergreen and their Tea Tree Oil Floss. I follow it all up with a mouthwash like Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash Whitening Plus.

I also like to make my own mouthwash with naturally cleansing ingredients.

DIY Mouthwash

2 cups of filtered water
½ a teaspoon of sea salt
½ a teaspoon of baking soda
2 drops of peppermint essential oil
2 drops of tea tree oil
1 drop of clove essential oil

6. As hair care

In the winter, I tend to get a dry, flaky scalp and it drives me absolutely crazy. Over the years, I’ve come up with a few different ways to combat it, and tea tree oil’s cleansing properties make it a star ingredient. I simply mix a few drops of tea tree oil into my shampoo or condition and then smooth it through my hair as normal.

7. to support nail health

Due to tea tree oil’s cleansing properties, it can be great for nail health. When my nails are looking a bit yellow or brittle, I add a few drops of tea tree oil to my hand and foot cream and rub into my cuticles and nails.

8. to support beauty sleep

Aromatherapy always makes me feel a little better. When I’m stressed out, I like to add three drops of lavender oil, two drops of tea tree oil, two drops of eucalyptus oil, and one drop of peppermint oil to my diffuser. I feel like it helps me breathe more deeply, reduce my congestion, and catch up on my beauty sleep.

April 5, 2018

Jezmina Von Thiele

I Tried A Charcoal Peel-Off Mask—Here’s What My Skin Had To Say

From pimple-popping to drag queen transformations, there’s something inexplicably satisfying about watching the Internet’s unusual assortment of viral beauty videos. But none ignites my fascination—and horror—more than a charcoal peel-off face mask trial. (If you haven’t witnessed YouTuber Tiffany’s disastrous peel-off experience, stop reading this and go watch it now.)

Painful mishaps aside, these black goo-like masks promise to reveal smoother, blackhead-free skin. The charcoal found in peel-off masks is activated charcoal, which has been heated to a very high temperature to make it more porous. The idea is that the pores produced during the process help the activated charcoal absorb extra bacteria and other molecules from your skin. “In a peel-off mask, charcoal can draw out bacteria and dirt from the skin to the surface, so it can then be washed off,” explains Gary Goldenberg, M.D., of Goldenberg Dermatology.

I’ve been genetically gifted (*sarcasm*) with an acne- and oil-ridden complexion—and though my acne was much worse during my teen years, I continue to deal with lingering purple-y blue scars, bulging cystic time-of-the-month pimples, and random whiteheads that pop up for no reason at all. And though my current skin-care routine includes a cocktail of creams, toners, and moisturizers, I don’t really do much to remove impurities—I just try to cover and moisturize them. So the notion of quite literally ripping them from my face certainly appealed. Curious (and slightly afraid), I decided to try the trend out for myself and see if it benefited my complexion.

Application #1: My Mask Doesn’t Look (Or Feel) Right

On morning one, I stood at my bathroom mirror before work with a bottle of BioMiracle’s Detoxifying Charcoal Peel-Off Mask in hand, ready to make the pore-purification magic happen. The bottle promised ‘a visibly clearer, smoother, more clarified complexion.’ Yes, please.

I’m a total baby when it comes to pain, so as excited as I was to detox my face, I couldn’t help but think back to the cringe-worthy YouTube videos of painful peel-offs I’d seen. As I started to spread the mask across my freshly-washed face, my heart rate kicked up a bit. With the piercing screams of beauty vloggers ringing in my ears, I continued to cover my face with the thinnest possible layer of the mask.

The directions on the bottle said to apply an ‘even and thin, but opaque’ layer of mask, and as the mask dried I learned that ‘opaque’ was the key word there. Because I applied such a thin layer, the mask just crumbled off in pieces and had no discernible effect on my skin, other than leaving behind a few black specks that I had to rinse off. Fail.

Application #2: This is Surprisingly…Cathartic?

As instructed by the bottle’s directions, I waited a few days to use the mask again—even though I was pretty sure my first attempt didn’t count as an actual application. This time, I made a point to smear myself a nice opaque layer of mask despite my lingering nerves.

As the mask dried, I could tell it was appropriately thick this time; it felt tighter and tighter over my skin—especially when I tried to move my mouth or crinkle my forehead. After 30 minutes (during which I guzzled wine), my phone alarm alerted me it was time to remove the mask. I trudged to the bathroom, took a deep, deep breath, said a prayer, and began to peel away at the edges. This time it came off in (mostly) a single sheet.

The removal process was surprisingly cathartic—somewhere between the sensation of peeling off dried glue (you did that in school, too, right?) and ripping off a Band-Aid. I did experience some minor pain at first—something I attributed to extra hair around the outside of my face—but I could practically feel the mask stripping my pores of blackheads and oil, and it was so, so satisfying.

I analyzed my freshly-peeled complexion in the mirror, noticing a newfound smoothness as I ran my fingers across my oil-free face. Ahhhh. The little redness I noticed faded quickly, but my blackheads still persisted. (The mask also ripped off a whitehead I had, which was bleeding a little bit, so I made note to avoid putting the goop over any sensitive-looking pimples the next time around.)

The Next Few Applications: Instantly Gratifying Complexion Fixes

By the time I reached my third, fourth and fifth applications—about five, nine, and 14 days into my trial—I had perfected proper mask application and consistency. With each application, my confidence grew, and I applied an increasingly thick layer. The thicker the layer, the more painful the peel-off—but I found myself almost enjoying the pain.

The results continued in a fairly predictable pattern: I’d remove the mask to find a smooth and grease-free complexion. Any redness would subside in the next hour or so.

The Final Verdict

Like most of the buzzy beauty products I’ve tried out, the charcoal peel-off mask seemed to be more of a short-term magician than a long-term miracle-worker. That being said, though, I will absolutely use this mask again—probably the night (or a few hours) before an event, so my skin will be fresh and shine-free when it counts.

Want to test a charcoal peel-off mask for yourself? Try BioMiracle’s Detoxifying Charcoal Peel-Off Mask.

March 6, 2018May 17, 2018

Julia Sullivan