After one and a half decades of fighting against clogged pores and irritated skin, and trying a myriad of acne medicines and over-the-counter products, what I began to learn about most consumer remedies was troubling. Consumer products that travel across a supply chain and boast longer shelf-lives often contain preservatives, such as parabens. Parabens have been known to disrupt hormone function – an effect that has been linked to breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. This linked article in Scientific American cites several studies that have reached similar conclusions.
As an acne-prone, oily skinned adult at the start of maturing skin, ingredients in products I’d been using all my life became a serious concern. I read the research on all-natural oils, and began using coconut oil. While coconut oil has many health benefits, I realized it couldn’t be the only topical oil I applied to my skin due to its high comedogenic rating. Coconut oil has a rating of 4 out of 5. I read even more research on non comedogenic oils and carrier oils low on the comedogenic scale – with only a slight chance of clogging pores and treatments. The carrier oils I chose have individual healing benefits and helped me formulate products for universal use. There are an abundance of health benefits and they are suitable for a wide range of skin types. Some of the oils used in the body butter and lotion bar recipes are: rosehip, meadowfoam, and hemp. Rosehip has a comedogenic rating of 1, and is rich in retinoic acid. Retinoic acid protects cells with powerful antioxidants. It can improve fine lines and wrinkles and helps treat acne scarring. Hemp oil has a comedogenic rating of 0. It is nourishing, moisturizing, and smoothing to all skin types. It penetrates skin well due to its high vitamin E content. Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant and is essential for the maintenance of healthy skin. Meadowfoam oil has a comedogenic rating of 1. It is a moisturizing oil which also contains vitamin E and has the added benefit of UV protection.
Once I was confident in my knowledge of carrier oils I also started exploring ways to enhance my products using essential oils. I developed body butters and lotion bars using a series of experimental profiles with pleasing scents. Today we sell products that contain three blends: Bliss, Harmony, and Fresh. I designed the base recipes for the body butter and lotion bar to be quick drying and fast absorbing for convenience and enjoyment. Learn more about our blends on our products page. Some of the ways in which I’ve used my products daily are: application to my whole body after showering and before drying off, when handling paper at work to hydrate hands without having to worry about drying time and oily residue, on chapped lips, under my eyes and by my bedside to put on hands, feet, or face throughout the night.
I’ve noticed an overall improvement in my complexion. Prior to having an all-natural routine, I was using products that led me to constantly feel the need to wash my face. Long gone are the days of unpredictable dryness and episodes of extremely itchy skin (pruritus) in dry winter months. In addition to body butters and lotion bars for daily use, we are continuing to develop products for the specified treatment of a variety of skin care needs. For the summer months we have available the Bug Repelling Lotion Bar. Our newest product is Scented Lip Balm with a lovely and thoughtful blend of carrier oils. It currently comes in Spearmint Lime, but Lemon and Vanilla Orange scents are coming soon! Learn more about our products on our products page.
We are excited to share what’s cooking next! Stay tuned to our blog to learn about individual items and ingredients, health benefits, methods of use, and upcoming products. Always stay natural!