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Save the Reefs with Australian Gold
April 22nd is known as Earth Day, a day where we come together to celebrate ways to save our plants, including our reefs… coral reefs, that is! And right now, as the summer is coming closer and closer, we are going to make plans to go vacations on the beach, and explore the ocean.
According the EWG, an estimated 25 to 60 million bottles worth of sunscreen chemicals wash off into coral reef areas each year. About 25 percent of sunscreen applied to the skin is released into the water within 20 minutes of submersion. When we shower, these chemicals wash off our skin and can pollute wastewater that ends up in the ocean as well.
The issue is becoming increasingly more serious. On January 20, 2017, Hawaii state senator Will Espero introduced a bill which would ban sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in Hawaii (except under medical prescription) to the state Congress. Espero argues that a ban is important to preserve the state’s tourism industry, because Hawaii relies heavily on tourists attracted by its coral reefs.
What can you do? It’s simple. Get your UVA/UVB protection from products that have “reef safe” claims that do not use the ingredient oxybenzone.
Enter Australian Gold’s New Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotions, whose reef-friendly, antioxidant rich formulas are free of Oxybenzone, Parabens, Phthalates, Petrolatum, PABA, SLS, Dyes and Oils. Their non-chemical sunscreen lotions deliver a refreshingly luxurious, powdery-clean feel that is never greasy and always safe for the entire family! Doing your part for Mother Earth has never been so easy!
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Lotion($12.99; Ulta.com, Ulta, CVS, Walmart)
This non-chemical sunscreen lotion delivers a refreshingly luxurious, powdery-clean feel, while the subtle tint seamlessly blends into any skin tone yet washes away with water. Specially designed for sensitive facial skin, this lotion won’t clog pores and is fragrance free. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants from native Australianbotanical ingredients, it allows you to enjoy the sun your way, protected from both UVA and UVB rays, and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Discover the non-greasy, non-sticky feel of the Australian Gold® Botanical Line and experience worry-free days in the sun!
- Broad Spectrum UVA/UVA Protection
- Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Ingredients:
- Eucalyptus to calm, reinvigorate and oxygenate skin
- Protein packed Red Algae to nourish with Vitamin A and Amino Acids
- Kakadu Plum which contains exceptional levels of Vitamin C which is known to help protect against free radical damage
- Vitamin E to maintain moisturized, healthy looking skin
- Eco conscious formulations:
- Packaging is designed to use as few materials as possible in a recyclable container to reduce any potential waste.
- Reef Friendly Formulas are free of Oxybenzone, parabens, phthalates, Petrolatum, PABA, SLS, Dyes and Oils
- Hypoallergenic , Dermatologist and Pediatrician Tested, Not tested on animals
- Fragrance-Free
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotions SPF 30 & SPF 50($14.99; SPF30 – Ulta.com, SPF 50-Ulta.com, Ulta, CVS, Walmart)
Feature a non-greasy, antioxidant rich formula that provides UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. Formula uses Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to provide a non-chemical sun protection option, with a powder-like matte-finish that’s never greasy.
- Broad Spectrum UVA/UVA Protection
- Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Eucalyptus to calm, reinvigorate and oxygenate skin
- Protein packed Red Algae to nourish with Vitamin A and Amino Acids
- Kakadu Plum which contains exceptional levels of Vitamin C which is known to help protect against free radical damage
- Vitamin E to maintain moisturized, healthy looking skin
- Eco conscious formulations:
- Packaging is designed to use as few materials as possible in a recyclable container to reduce any potential waste.
- Reef Friendly Formulas are free of Oxybenzone, parabens, phthalates, Petrolatum, PABA, SLS, Dyes and Oils
- Hypoallergenic, Dermatologist and Pediatrician Tested, Not tested on animals
- Citrus Oasis fragrance with notes of Pineapple and Pomegranate
I have got this one for my summer vacation! What about you?
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Get Your Skin Glowing with Green Goo
Warmer weather means muscle tanks, board shorts, flowy dresses and shoulder-baring tops. Feel confident showing off your glowing skin with the help of Green Goo! With cool sunnies to protect your eyes and 100% natural products to protect, nourish and heal your skin, everything you need for those sunny days can be found with Green Goo!
With summer break just around the corner, it’s time to prep for warmer weather by giving your skin a little more attention. Have fun in the sun while protecting your skin naturally with Green Goo! Whether you’re off to Barbados or sitting in the sands of St. Lucia or enjoying a staycation, Green Goo’s pure products will make your skin look and feel amazing, while treating your body to natural ingredients.Remember your essentials: sunscreen and a stunning pair of shades! Protect your eyes with Green Goo’s new sunglasses. Add some excitement to your eyewear with these two-toned, white with green trim sunglasses. Made out of 100% recycled polycarbonate, these stunners keep it green while shielding your eyes with UVA and UVB protection.
Looking for that healthy glow on the go? Pack Green Goo’s Skin Care Travel Pack in your suitcase to keep your skin silky smooth during any adventure. Discover what’s in this set:- Nourishing Lip Balms: Pucker up and protect those lips with 100% natural, herbal-based lip balms that nourish with intense moisture to relieve dryness year round. Soothe dry skin and create lush, hydrated lips with a high concentration of Calendula Flowers infused in specific organic oils that emulate the body’s natural chemistry. Formulated with Coconut Oil for natural sun protection, these beneficial lip balms heal your lips while achieving a soft and smooth look over and over again!
- Solar Goo 30 SPF Travel Tin: The best solution to protect sensitive skin from the sun’s rays, this simple yet powerful homeopathic recipe blocks UVA and UVB rays with the combination of Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and 20% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide. With the infusion of Calendula Flowers, this sunscreen conditions and heals skin so you can enjoy your next outdoor adventure with ease!
- Skin Repair: The nutrient-rich blend of Aloe Vera and Vitamin E oils will nourish and improve your skin’s appearance while the natural formula reduces inflammation and pain from over-exposure to the sun. Apply this soothing salve after a long day in the sun, use it as a daily moisturizer or a night eye cream to help relieve wrinkles, puffy eyes and dark circles.
- Face Wash: Gently dissolve harmful dirt and makeup without the harsh chemicals found in soap. Calendula infused olive oil and Vitamin E nurtures the skin leaving it clean and radiant without clogging pores. Replenish essentials nutrients your skin will love!
Prep and prime your skin for that next big trip with the affordable, healthy products from Green Goo. Green Goo is a certified B company passionate about giving back. Some organizations Green Goo has teamed up with are World Vision, John Hopkins, Mandela Foundation and many more.
About Green Goo:
A women-owned and family operated business, Green Goo started small making products for friends, family and the local farmers market. Now fully grown into a thriving, value driven company, all their products are made in the USA with 100% all natural herbs and oils. With all their growth, they still remain committed to clean, effective body care products and strive to leave a positive footprint on the planet through sustainable practices and healing ingredients.
You can purchase these collections at www.greengoohelps.com. Green Goo’s all-natural deodorants are also now available at Target!
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Beauty Gifts: 3 Skicare Products for the Mom
Moms have a busy lifestyle, but she can take the Cuvée Travel Kit wherever she goes. A three-piece travel set to help prolong any style, the Shampoo, Conditioner and Styling Balm are the basics for the girl on the move. Shampoo and Conditioner to gently cleanse, add shine and hydration. Styling balm will help protect, tame frizz, without weighing hair down. Now that’s glamour on the go! ($30; CuveeBeauty.com)
Gift your mom a new scent that is sure to be a hit with Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Fragrance Collection. Each fragrance starts with a warm base of Madagascar vanilla and layers on a unique blend of pure essential oils for an exquisite expression of nature that captures a mood, a memory, or a moment in time. ($58; Lavanila.com)
Every mom is in need of some pampering! Gift her with the KORRES Wild Rose Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial. More than a mask, more than a night cream, this overnight facial-in-a-jar delivers great skin by morning, as the weightless soufflé melts into skin and works overnight for brighter, petal-soft skin. Infused with wild rose oil that evens out skin tone, repairs fine lines, moisturizes, heals, and softens skin, this face cream with vitamin C also helps minimize the appearance of skin discolorations and black spots ($48; Sephora.com).
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My Cool Slim Belt Review
Bathing suit season is coming! Get the summer body you want and feel good when you slip into your bathing suit with the help of myCoolSlim. It’s a natural way to reduce unwanted body fat… yes please, right?!
myCoolSlim delivers a safe and effective cold temperature directly to stubborn areas of fat around the stomach, thighs or bottom and gets rid of it. Wear it for 30 minutes a day – no more than that – and watch the fat cells shrink away! It’s a safer and much cheaper alternative to expensive plastic surgery.
myCoolSlim is specially designed based on science to freeze and naturally eliminate fat cells. Simply freeze the gel packs, slip them into the neoprene pockets of the compression wrap and velcro myCoolSlim around your targeted area for a half hour each day. Seriously, it’s that easy! $79.99 for a wrap and two gel packs; http://mycoolslim.com
First impressions: The belt is definitely sturdy and well made, it is similar to neoprene waist training belts but it also has an inner lined pocket. The gel packs are light blue and transparent. Very cool. Cold contouring is something available at medical spas and very expensive. The myCoolslim package is a great at home alternative for a fraction of the price. The whole idea of Freeze Fat Away is interesting to me. I guess when your body gets cold, it takes energy and burns calorie to warm you back up?
Trying it out the first time. It was very easy to use. I just left the ice packs in the freezer overnight and then inserted them into the belt’s inner lining and then wore it around my waist. You are not suppose to wear it over 30 mins. I only lasted 3 mins and then took it off. It is very cold! I am a creature of comfort. I like comfort food, I don’t wear high heels for too long and I don’t like to be too hot or too cold. That’s probably why I have the extra fat in the first place! Ha!
You are not suppose to do anything when you wear this belt. You cannot exercise or shower or anything. So basically you should just stay still. You can wear it around your legs, your arms, your torso. My skin did get ‘red’ from the cold after 10 mins. This is me laying flat with the belt on my bed. It is interesting to see how fat cells react to cold. The brown fat cells and the white fat cells react to extreme cold temperatures, thus resulting in the slimming you see. After my first 30 mins, all I had was a very cold belly. I will try it a few more times to see what happens!
myCoolslim works best with a low calorie diet and exercise. Wearing this belt alone should show results in a few weeks so I will keep you posted on what happens when I use it again! Like all health and beauty items, this product will work best in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise. I would definitely recommend this belt to someone who is trying to achieve that ‘revenge body’ for the summer!
Get more details on http://mycoolslim.com/about/ and let me know what you think!
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Tips For Deep Sleep: Acupuncture for Sleep Hacking
The idea of poking yourself with sharp objects (commonly needles) might not be appealing if we are talking about practical ways to improve sleeping habits. But take heed, first impressions are often deceitful.
The straightforward approach is to try the standard remedies that work for you. And if they don’t, well, think out of the box. There’s acupuncture for example. Unbeknownst to many, acupuncture is effective against sleeping disorders.
Acupuncture is one of the most treasured Chinese medicine practices. Today, Western medicine practices acupuncture as an alternative and complementary therapy by many medical practitioners. It’s slowly gaining a favorable approval among people who suffers from different health problems, drug-induced diseases, alcohol addiction and insomnia.
Evidences exist to prove that acupuncture was used in Europe, hundreds of years ago. But the practice came to be known around the world on the second half of twentieth century.
Unfortunately, acupuncture gained an undeserved reputation as an unsupported practice without enough evidence.
To shed some light about this, acupuncture not only works for Chinese medicine and simple self-experimentation, but also there is a substantial clinical evidence behind using acupuncture for improving sleep and curing sleep disorders.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a treatment that involves the insertion of thin needles to your skin at the specific points in the body. The depth of the needles insertion depends on the severity of your body’s problems.
According to the medical theory of Chinese practices, the acupressure points in your body is located on the meridian part where ‘qi’ or the vital energy of the body passes.
Suffice to say there’s no scientific explanations yet to back up the benefits of acupuncture but countless of therapeutic benefits are enough proofs that this practice works.
How Acupuncture Works
The acupuncturist used needles to open the channels of your qi which have become blocked.
When your spiritual and physical energy flow shuts down, your body hits back with sickness and other bodily malfunctions like insomnia. The symptoms involves obstruction of the energy which the acupuncture relieves.
Evidence Behind Acupuncture for Insomnia
A study conducted in 2004 found that acupuncture increases night time melatonin (natural hormone made by the pineal gland) production and total sleep time. The patients, who underwent acupuncture treatment fell asleep faster, experienced less stress and less arousal at night.
Further studies and researchers also found that acupuncture also improves the sleep quality of patients with HIV. Sleep disturbance is a common problem among people infected with HIV. What’s more is that, acupuncture is also effective in relieving chronic pain.
Using Acupuncture for Sleep Hacking
For those interested in trying acupuncture to improve sleep, these are the steps to follow:
- Look for a qualified acupuncturist. Getting a botched treatment from a bogus or fake acupuncturist would be the last thing you want to happen.
- Make sure that you are comfortable with your acupuncturist. Acupuncture is not just about needles. It’s important that you trust the healing abilities of the person. It does not mean that an acupuncturist who you do not like won’t help. Staying comfortable and relaxed helps you get the most out of the experience. So, sit back and relax in the couch.
- It’s not a one strike deal so give acupuncture an honest effort and several treatments at least before you decide if it helps or not. It may take several visits before you notice the changes. At other times the improvements are lasting and immediate.
Acupuncturist can’t cure sleeping problems in one trip. In fact, practitioners will advise you to return for another set of therapy. This depends on how acute or severe the sleeping disorders that you have.
A lot of patients experienced relaxation and calmness after acupuncture sessions and others report an immediate relief from stress.
A particular type of insomnia is the evident of a primitive energy balance in Chinese medicine practice which is incomparable. Different type of insomnia requires different approach in acupuncture. They will never be treated in the same manner because each disorder is related to a particular imbalance issue.
Takeaway
Trying acupuncture may still not be appealing to you, but researchers and much personal experimental biohacking have shown that it is indeed, effective. It may have received a dubious reputation for being “woo-woo”, but again acupuncture is successful in dealing with insomnia for centuries and continues to provide relief to people who suffers from different sleeping disorders.
Author Bio:
Alyssa Mason Prout is an active traveler and blogger. She constantly travels on different countries to explore the latest trends in fashion, health and industrial scene. She also loves writing, and it has been her greatest passion. Whatever she learns in her journey, she writes it and shares it with her readers. Alyssa is an active contributor for Focus on Furniture, a website that sells furniture and bedding.
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Boutique Skincare Company Explains Why Sun Protection Needs No Chemical Input
Clued-up beauty buffs will incorporate UV protection into their daily skincare routine to protect against the signs of aging however, as the weather is heating up more are starting to purchase sun protection products to keep their skin safe from harmful rays. Boutique skincare expert and lover of natural ingredients, ASDM Beverly Hillsreveals why it may be time to leave the store-bought chemical filled sunscreens on the shelf.
Alexandra Marquez- Co-founder of ASDM Beverly Hills explains, “Numerous in-vitro studies have shown that physical sunscreens surpass their chemical counterparts in efficiency and safety. In addition, physical sunscreens are not absorbed into the bloodstream, but rather sit on the skin’s surface deflecting damaging UVA and UVB rays which cause sunburn and premature aging.”
Physical sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients such as titanium or zinc oxide, also a main ingredient in diaper rash cream and safe for use with sensitive skin. It sits on the surface of the skin and physically deflects the sun’s rays. Physical sunscreens work instantly when applied to the skin. In comparison, chemical sunscreens take up to 20 minutes to work after application and contain numerous components such as octylcrylene, avobenzone, actinoxate, octisalate, 4-MBC and more, using a chemical filter to absorb the rays. These ingredients cause unwanted allergic reactions in some users and can irritate the eyes.Alexandra continued, “Many are unaware of the true nature of most mainstream sunscreens, with skin rashes and irritation common. As a result, many may put their skin at unnecessary risk by refusing to use sun protection altogether in order to avoid skin redness, itchiness and more. Physical sunscreen is the perfect alternative.
“Our ASDM Beverly Hills physical sunscreen has passed rigorous testing, coming up at a high protection value of SPF 35. When viewed close up, you can even see the protection smoothing crevices on skin, creating an amazing protective barrier.”
In addition to offering unrivalled sun protection, the sunscreen from ASDM Beverly Hills enhances skin tone and leaves a sophisticated matte finish, taming the unwanted shine that often occurs after sunscreen application.
Alongside this leading sun screen product, the natural skincare brand’s range of summer-ready skincare products includes scientifically tested Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum to prevent the hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage.
Here is another product from ASDM Beverly Hills that I also would like to recommend.Beauty fans long for skin that ‘bounces back’ from all situations – skin that is plump, strong and bursting with elasticity. In new research, ASDM Beverly Hills has found that its Vitamin C Serum could be the hero product that many are searching for.
The advanced skincare specialist performed randomized tests on 50 participants that had applied the antioxidant product to their skin for just two weeks. After executing the skin turgor test to measure skin’s resiliency, the product, containing 15% Vitamin C, was shown to deliver a significant increase in the skin’s elasticity for 75% of participants.
Alexandra Marquez, from ASDM Beverly Hills said, “Vitamin C is incredibly popular, loved by foodies that want to boost their immune system and add an element of vibrancy to their day. However, we suspected that applying this vitamin topically to the skin as well as ingesting it can bring a number of beauty-boosting benefits, and our recent studies have proved us right!”
In-vitro studies have shown that Vitamin C is an essential ingredient for collagen biosynthesis, producing qualitative changes in the collagen molecule. It also serves as a cofactor for the enzymes prolysyl and lysyl hydroxylase which are responsible for collagen formation, essential for maintaining youthful skin. Regular use of this nutrient can visibly increase collagen production, improving skin’s structural strength and resiliency, as shown in the tests performed by ASDM Beverly Hills.
In order to leverage the collagen boosting capabilities of Vitamin C, ASDM Beverly Hills has developed a scientific serum, combining it with components to add to the effectiveness of the nutrient and to improve the skin’s overall appearance. Green tea extract, hyaluronic acid and pure argon oil are among the other active ingredients infused in every drop of the serum, increasing collagen production while also protecting the skin against free radicals and other harmful external factors.
Alongside the randomized tests, other reviews of the Vitamin C serum from ASDM Beverly Hills highlight the effectiveness of the product, gaining a 4.7 average rating from customers.
To find out more about this sun protection secret andskin resiliency secret, or to view the full range of summer-ready skincare products from ASDM Beverly Hills, visit the website at www.asdmbeverlyhills.com
About
ASDM Beverly Hills Corp was founded by Alexandra Marquez in the early spring months of 1998. It all started with one persistent dilemma that drove Alexandra from one dermatologist to another: her melasma. This type of melasma was not simply superficial, but it also had hormonal aspects that motivated her to change her diet, re-balance the alkaline nature of her body and detoxify her cells and organs from everyday accumulated toxicities.
Despite this drastic change in diet, her melasma persisted. After countless failed prescriptions promising to clear up her melasma, Alexandra was ready to take matters into her own hands. With the help of her innovative husband and his background in chemistry, they concocted a unique lightening formula that addressed the main issues of melasma: hydration, exfoliation, targeting, and prevention.
This amazing miracle cream outperformed all of her prescribed creams by not only targeting the issue, but also renewing and nourishing her skin back to health. In less than 3 months, her face was clearer than ever before, with more life and resilience. As is expected with anything that is actually effective, her friends started to notice. And so was born ASDM Beverly Hills basing its humble roots from one remarkable cream: The Arbutin Skin Lightening Cream. It marked an exciting beginning to an amazing collection of skin care products that would prove to be loved by all.
