Beauty
Wavy, straight, short, coarse—no one hair type is exactly the same. Luckily, with natural hair care products you’re never short on abundance or variety. Nature’s ingredients are plentiful, each so unique that you’re bound to find one that works for your type and needs. With many being so tempting (how to choose between apples and coconuts?!) the options can seem endless.
Our best advice? Pick a scent you love with the ingredients most beneficial for your hair type. Take into account your hair’s texture, whether or not it’s color-treated, and your everyday routine as you browse your natural hair care options.
For dry or damaged hair, try a shampoo and conditioner combo rich in coconut extracts or shea butter. Coconut oil is known for its rehydrating properties, and it also restores shine to dry or dull hair without weighing it down. If you’re most concerned about breakage and split ends, give shea butter a whirl. Packed full of vitamins that deliver moisture to the hair and scalp, it helps repair hair while preventing further damage.
If your hair is very fine, think strength and volume. Just like our bodies, hair is fortified by a healthy amount of vitamins and minerals. Organic kelp and nettle extract, which are rich in iron, calcium and potassium, strengthen each hair strand as they’re absorbed. Look for these extracts in products like our Red Raspberry Conditioner or Green Apple and Ginger Shampoo.
If you lead an active lifestyle and need to wash your hair daily, try a shampoo that’s jojoba-based. The combination of this essential oil with keratin in our Jojoba Shampoo strengthens the inner layers of the hair shaft while gently cleaning and retaining moisture, even with daily use.
Finally, if your hair is color-treated, we’re guessing you’ll want that salon-perfect hue to last as long as possible. If that’s the case, antioxidants are your friend—they act as UV filters to aid in protecting your hair and color, while helping correct any damage or stress from treatment. We’d recommend the Italian Red Grape Shampoo/Conditioner duo (they even contain red wine extracts for an extra antioxidant boost).
And, because nature’s wonders never cease to amaze, keep this little trick in mind in the unfortunate event of a too-dark dye job: Tea tree oil and lemon help lighten hair. That’s not-so-great news if you love your color, but it can be a real life-saver if it’s just a couple of shades off!
What’s your hair type? What do you look for in a natural hair product?
You probably know what your favorite scent is, but do you know why? It may have more to do with emotions and memories than simple preference. Because our olfactory bulb—the part of the brain that processes scents—is so closely linked to where memories and emotions are stored, it’s not uncommon for a whiff of something to come loaded with vivid feelings. And naturally, we end up favoring scents that bring back the best memories, whether we do it consciously or not.
Take your favorite shampoo, for example. Do you love the Coconut because it reminds you of childhood summers on the beach? Or the Green Apple & Ginger because grandma made a delicious pie?
Even if the origins of your favorite scents are cloaked in mystery, one thing’s for sure—we all perceive fragrance differently. We’ve had fans swoon over the smell of Tea Tree Oil while others say its many benefits make up for its scent, and our Fragrance-Free Hair Care is a big hit with those who’d rather smell nothing at all!
Take a Deep Breath
Personal feelings aside, scents take on a whole new meaning when used in aromatherapy. The use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes is an ancient practice adopted by the Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans thousands of years ago. Some oils, like tea tree and jojoba, are known for their physical benefits of helping deal with problem skin and soothe dry skin, while others, like lavender oil, are popular for their calming, anti-stress effects.
The beauty of aromatherapy is its diversity, not just in the oils but in how you can enjoy their benefits. Breathe in the soothing effects of eucalyptus oil mixed with jojoba as you get it massaged into your skin for an ultra-relaxing experience, or try peppermint or tea tree for an energy boost on a long day.
Whatever you choose, remember it’s never a bad idea to slow things down and stop to smell the roses!
Your turn: What’s your favorite DE scent? Why do you think that is?
If there were ever a better time in life to discover the benefits of natural skincare products, it would have to be
the teenage years. The oiliness, blemishes, dry patches and other general skin issues that result from hormonal
changes, late nights, and crammed schedules are a challenge to any teen. But skincare products with harsh
chemicals are not the only option for dealing with these challenges. Especially when nature already provides a
bounty of essential oils and botanical extracts that deliver the gentle, effective care young skin needs.
One great option is 100% pure Australian tea tree oil, an essential oil that helps reduce blemishes and oil, and
maintain the clear, glowing skin every teen wants. Tea Tree Oil Facial Cleansing Pads are not only effective on
skin, but also ultra-convenient to use and ultra-easy to carry in any daypack or messenger bag.
Lavender is another essential oil known for its soothing effect, while jojoba oil, argan oil and a host of plant
extracts provide necessary moisturizing and conditioning even for oily/combination skin. It’s best to look for
cleansers or lotions that include any of these incredible natural ingredients. And do a little research. Ask friends.
Chances are there’s a natural alternative out there that will work for you. You’ll look and feel better for it
CLEAR SKIN TIPS FOR TEENS:
Eat Right, Sleep Right.
Eating properly, drinking lots of water and getting a decent night’s sleep directly impacts the health of your
skin, so try keeping to a schedule that helps you handle all three—even with a full class load.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize.
Even if you have oily/combination skin it is absolutely important to keep your face properly moisturized. Look for
an oil-free or oil-control lotion. Thoroughly Clean Oil Control Lotion doesn’t clog pores and moisturizes without
leaving behind a shiny finish.
The Future Is Now.
The skincare choices you make now can have a lasting, positive effect on the health and appearance of
your skin ten years from now. So protect your face. Use sunblock daily and choose products that are gentle on
your skin.
The healthy and beautiful outward appearance we all want—whether it’s
a fresh, glowing complexion, or silky, soft hair—is ultimately determined by
the inward care we devote to our minds and to our bodies. This is the
holistic approach to beauty.
What are the foods we eat or the personal care products we use? Do
we exercise regularly? Do we balance work and family with enough
time for personal reflection? Holistic beauty takes all these factors into
consideration and reminds us that looking good and living well go
hand-in-hand. The day-to-day choices we each make for ourselves
can—and do—make a difference. Here are 4 simple suggestions to
get you on track:
Know What’s Going in Your Body
The ingredients in the personal care products you use every day can impact your body as much as the food
you eat. Organic, chemical-free skin and hair care products have the same beneficial effect on your system as
organic foods. Take the time to learn about things to avoid, such as parabens or PEGs, and then be sure to
carefully read the label before purchasing any product.
Eat Right, Exercise Better
A balanced diet and drinking 8 glasses of water daily gives your body the proper nutrition and hydration it
needs to support healthy skin. Exercise also tends to promote better sleeping habits, and a good night’s rest
is nature’s best way to revive your skin—9 hours of sleep works better than any concealer!
Soothe Your Heart
Anyone who has ever had a bad day knows well how your emotions can affect the way you look. So remember
to make time for your family and friends—and for yourself. The joy you get when spending time with those your
care about is as important to your health as it is to your smile. How we feel on the inside directly affects how
we see ourselves on the outside—and how others see us as well.
Feed Your Mind
If the words “stuck in a rut” sound all too familiar, than you’re probably also wondering why it is that lately you
look and feel “blah”. Igniting your curiosity with a visit to a new place, a new hobby, or even simply reading a
good book can do wonders to bringing out that inner glow you’ve been missing when you look in the mirror.
The choice between traditional beauty products and their
natural alternatives is not simply a matter of preference. Going
natural can lead to any number of beneficial results, from
healthier skin to a healthier home and community. It’s a ripple
effect that impacts all of us, as any who has already made the
switch can tell you.
What’s your story? How has switching to natural products
changed your life? Which Desert Essence product has had
the most positive impact on your health and wellbeing?
Share your comments below and you could win a year’s supply
of the product you write about! The winning entry will also be
featured in an upcoming blog post.