Lifstyle
Nurturing, healing, loving, and giving…few words embody these qualities quite like “Mother.” It’s no wonder the essence of the earth has been affectionately called Mother Nature for centuries and across cultures. Moms and nature feed us body and soul, tenderly nourishing us so we can live healthily and happily.
This month, as we celebrate Moms and all they’ve given us, we invite you to give back. Choose a gift for your mother from our nourishing hair and body products Fresh From Nature and you could win one too!
HOW TO ENTER:
What is the greatest gift your mother ever gave you? What is the greatest gift you’ve received from Mother Nature? Answer in one of the following ways to enter!
- Tell us in the comments below.
- Like Desert Essence on Facebook and post your answer on our wall. (Feel free to tag mom, too. It’s sure to make her smile!)
- Follow Desert Essence on Twitter and Tweet your answer using #NaturallyNurturing.
We’ll pick 10 lucky winners at random on 5/11/12. Each entrant will receive two sets of their preferred product from our Fresh From Nature hair and body products. Keep one for you and give the other one to Mom!
*Open to U.S. residents only. Please allow up to 3 weeks for delivery. All products will be shipped to winner’s address only.
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?
Each of our faces tell a story, not just about who we are, but the choices we make. As we’ve gotten to know the Desert Essence community, it’s become clear that you all choose natural products for reasons special and unique
to you.
But there are threads that tie these stories together. Health, wellness, and happiness are always at the core.
This month, join us in spreading this message even further. Share why you choose natural with family and friends on Facebook and help us put a picture to the stories. We’ll compile all the images—a virtual mural of health and beauty—and send three lucky winners a customized Desert Essence gift basket. Each will include:
- Skin care regimen of your choice (a combination of 3 products especially for your skin type)
- Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner
- Sweet Almond Body Wash
- A bottle of our Organic Lavender Tea Tree Oil
Upload a picture that captures the face of natural beauty. You can even include your favorite Desert Essence product in the shot.
Add this caption and fill in the blank: “I choose natural skin care products because _____. These are the faces of natural beauty.”
Don’t forget to tag Desert Essence so we can see the picture!
Winners will be selected randomly from the images at the end of the month. Open to U.S. residents only. Please allow up to 3 weeks for delivery.
Whether you’re looking to buy the latest in natural beauty and personal care products, or simply seeking to
maintain a healthy diet, it’s likely you’ve come across the mention of antioxidants. For the green consumer,
antioxidants are everywhere. But what exactly are antioxidants? And in what sources do you find them most?
To understand the benefits of antioxidants, it’s best to start first with understanding the nature of free radicals in
your body. Free radicals are the molecular byproducts of normal bodily processes like respiration and metabolism,
or from environmental exposures to pollution, sunlight, cigarette smoke, etc. Within each of your cells, free
radicals are molecules that become unstable with the loss of an even pairing of electrons. These free radicals
then try to bond with other molecules, which in turn also become destabilized, and the chain reaction may continue.
At their simplest level, antioxidants are nutrients that may help our body neutralize free radicals. By providing free
radicals with a stabilizing electron, antioxidants neutralize them from going after other molecules. The chain
reaction is stopped and cell damage resulting from free radicals is minimized.
- Flavonoids/Polyphenols
Look for them in tannin-rich fruits like red grapes, pomegranates, and cranberries, as well as in wines and certain teas. - Lycopene
Also known as a cartenoid, this antioxidant compound is what gives a tomatoes its color. - Lutein
You’ll find it primarily in broccoli, squash and dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale. - Lignan
These are found in flax seeds.
As the single largest organ in the human body, our skin protects us from
the elements, and when it’s healthy and glowing, it can make us look and
feel beautiful. The care of our skin is vitally important to our general
health, and it only stands to reason that the products we use in our daily
skin care regimens are worth some equally careful thought.
A certain percentage of ingredients in any product you apply to your skin
will be absorbed internally, which leaves your body susceptible to whatever
chemical element that may be included in the product’s formula. In
fact, experts agree that absorption through the skin is more dangerous
than eating through the mouth, since when eaten, substances pass
through the kidneys and the liver where any would-be toxins are filtered
and broken down and rendered harmless to your system. On the other
hand, a chemical or toxin absorbed through the skin can go directly into the blood steam. That’s why recent research shows that many ingredients including parabens, petrochemicals and phthalates are particularly problematic in skin care products; once absorbed, these ingredients can mimic the effects of body hormones, and many worry that a buildup of these chemicals can potentially lead to an increased risk of cancer. Other non-natural ingredients can also cause skin irritations such as hives and rashes, and are of special concern in the case of babies and small children, since their skin is thinner and more sensitive than an adult's.
There is another added benefit to using natural skin care. Studies done on chemical ingredients are done on one product. How many of us actually use one product? Most women use an average of 13 products a day. If you think that's high, look at an average day for Desert Essence General Manager, Wendy Cockayne Lucas. She uses shower gel, body lotion, body or face scrub, shampoo, conditioner, styling product, face moisturizer, eye cream, foundation, powder, eye shadow, eye liner, mascara, blush, lipstick, lip balm, deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, hand soap, and hand cream. That’s 22 products! Who has studied the effect of 22 chemical-filled products
over time?
Congratulations to Shanon Quinn of Moscow, Idaho for her winning
story on how switching to natural products has changed her life.
Before becoming a wife, mother and journalism major at the
University of Idaho, Shanon Quinn grew up on 8 rural acres of the
Pacific Northwest, a timberman’s daughter and no stranger to all
things natural. But not until she visited a health food store to buy the
essential oils she needed for making her own soap did she ever
consider a natural skin care product to help address her 20-year
struggle with acne.
How Desert Essence Changed Two Lives
by Shanon Quinn
I have suffered from acne since age eleven, and have grown accustomed to experimenting with new
products several times per year, applying creams, gels, foams and scrubs with crossed fingers, only to be
disappointed. My search ended just a few months ago, when I discovered Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash. As a 31-year-old student, wife and mother of two, I don't have time or money for costly and
complex skin care regimens, so this product was a true miracle for me. My skin is fresh, clear, soft and
healthy, for the first time in twenty years.
That, however, is not why I entered this contest. My 4-year-old niece, Lexus Nykole, was diagnosed last year
with Plaque Psoriasis, caused by the treatment of Scarlet Fever. This beautiful little girl was stricken with
horrible white plaques all over her body, which traditional medical treatments did not begin to heal. The
children at her preschool shunned her, as did their parents, who were convinced her condition was
contagious. Lexus began to withdraw, and cried regularly because she did not feel she was pretty anymore.
Our family was distressed and understandably concerned, both for her developing sense of self-esteem,
and from the worry that this was a condition she would have for her entire life.
Any use of chemicals, artificial fragrances or colors only exacerbated her condition. Even hypoallergenic
products produced more plaques and more heartache. After doing some research, I found that tea tree oil
was a natural remedy for Psoriasis, and so, for Lexus’ Easter present, I ordered Desert Essence Therapeutic Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner, plus a large bottle of your liquid Castile Soap (so she can have bubble
baths again!). She used these products for only five days before I received an email message and photo from
my sister-in-law, showing that all of the white plaques have vanished from Lexus' skin, not only on her scalp,
but her face, neck and chest as well. In addition, the red lesions beneath were fading fast. I immediately called
Lexus on the phone and she told me, "Auntie, my spots are away. I want to use this stuff forever and ever."
Thank you, Desert Essence, for creating these wonderful products! You have most certainly improved the
quality of two lives, and have my beloved niece on her way to recovery and being just as beautiful on the
outside as she is within.
Does Shanon’s winning story sound all too familiar? Share your own success story about going natural in the Comments section below!
Once a year, Earth Day inspires us to recommit ourselves to the health
and welfare of our planet. Events and rallies are scheduled around the
globe and millions of people turn out to speak in a shared voice of
environmental interest and concern. With so much activity happening
the world over, it can be little overwhelming to consider how you
yourself can join in to make that earth-friendly difference to the
community where you live.
We at Desert Essence encourage you to play a part in this year’s
Earth Day, and suggest that whether you’re interested in organizing a
town hall meeting or lending a hand to a local clean-up effort, a
great source for ideas and inspiration is the environmental service
campaign called A Billion Acts of Green. Launched this year by the Earth Day Network, this worldwide
initiative builds environmental awareness through one green act at a time. Over 70 million people have
already pledged to take personal action in improving the health of their communities. From eating local or
using less water to writing elected officials—the pledge is yours to make, and to inspire others to make.
A Billion Acts of Green features a leaderboard where you can post your promised action and see what others
have pledged to do. You can also learn about ongoing events happening around the world and other ways you
can support the over 22,000 organizations that are part of the Earth Day Network.
The goal is to register one billion actions in advance of the global Earth Summit in Rio in 2012. With your
involvement, let’s make sure to get there.
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.
We at Desert Essence believe that everyone can make a difference.
We know that everyone making small changes can lead to even
bigger changes that benefit our planet and all living beings on it.
We would like to share with you some of our favorite and simplest
ways to help the environment. And we look forward to you sharing
yours with us.
“We heat our home with wood, not just oil. And of course, I turn off
the lights whenever I go into another room or part of house”
Jessica, Marketing Coordinator
“I avoid using hot water when doing laundry and I use a cool dryer. Also, we use energy efficient bulbs
in our apartment.”
Sandie, VP, Human Resources
“I use reusable shopping bags”
Melissa, Graphic Designer
“I avoid killing spiders and other bugs.”
Michelle, Marketing Manager
“At work, I turn off the lights when I’m not using them in the office.”
Cathy, Director, Customer Service
“I don’t let water run when brushing my teeth.”
Angela, Graphic Designer
“I recycle whenever I can.”
Carol, Regulatory Affairs Assistant
“I carpool to work.”
Mary, Asst. Regulatory Affairs Manager
I use a composter.”
Wendy, VP, Sales and Marketing
“I take quick showers to save water. And for my kids, I have them draw and color on both sides of paper
and limit the amount of paper they can use.”
Parul, Marketing Manager
Have your own easy way to be eco-friendly? Share it in the comments section below.
We at Desert Essence are proud to welcome you to The Blooming
Sage, our new blog committed to bringing you the latest in natural
beauty and living well. Especially for those living in snowy climates,
during these winter months, we could all use a little advice on how
to keep our spirits high when the temperature is low, or how to keep
our bodies in tune when all we hear outside are blizzard winds.
Winter can be a challenge for a number of reasons, physically
and mentally.
Of all the cold weather hazards, the most treacherous can simply
be inactivity and feeling disengaged from everyday life. Even with the
dropping temperatures, a brisk walk outdoors is the easiest way to
invigorate any seasonal slump, and put you back in touch with the
natural world around you. If you are not able to take that walk outside,
no problem. Exercise indoors. Picking up your heart rate with a little
workout will pick up your spirits better than a cup of coffee.
Winter is also a great time to discover the nurturing benefits of natural herbs and botanicals. From
lavender to peppermint, you can find a range of simple, healthful ingredients to offer your mind and body
both soothing therapy and restoring energy. Whether you’re trying out aromatherapy or a relaxing soak, or
even a hot cup of herbal tea, you will find that stimulating your senses can help cure the winter blahs faster
than you can say brrrr.
When you do get stuck inside, spend some quality time with loved ones. Talk, laugh, play. Pull out some
board games. Call someone you haven't spoken with in awhile. Reconnecting can also do wonders for
the soul.
Share your favorite cure for winter in the comments section below.