In the past ‘Green’ make up has, unfortunately, been quite limited in terms of colors, coverage and performance. However, jane iredale make up is revolutionary in that it works like—or even better than—conventional make up but stays true to natural and ethical principles.

Features of jane iredale make up:

• Sun protection – broad spectrum UVA & UVB protection
• No nano-size particles in the minerals
• Only natural preservatives are used
• Anti-inflammatory
  ingredients to contribute to skin health
• Non-comedogenic, which means it will not clog pores
• Allergy tested
• No talc, oil, perfume, chemical additives or artificial dyes

It’s perfect for those with rosacea, acne and other sensitive skin conditions, the make up evens the skin’s tone while actually nourishing, soothing and protecting with natural ingredients.

We get asked a lot – “Is this organic make up?” No, it’s mineral make up so it cannot be ‘organic’. Organic means that it derives from living matter and minerals are, basically, rocks. However, all the plant derived ingredients, such as flower extracts, etc. used in jane iredale products are natural and/or organic.

The love of animals extends from humanely derived ingredient practices to a commitment to a completely ethical approach to the natural world. For example, carmine is a pigment frequently used in lipsticks and the company ensures that the beetles die naturally before harvesting and extracting the pigment.

jane iredale’s Amazing Base, PurePressed Base, Powder-Me SPF, Dream Tint and Lip Drink are now recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, which means you can trust these popular products to provide SPF 15 and higher water-resistant sun protection without causing sun sensitivity or skin irritation.

We are proud to be aligned with a company that is a fellow member of the Green Spa Network. jane iredale was also one of the first companies to sign the Compact for Safe Cosmetics.

Now, with jane iredale make up you can create the look you desire, that will last all day long, without damaging your skin.

To schedule a make up application call 941 362 4194

www.bloomorganics.com

1.   Smoking

Smoking constricts blood vessels, restricts oxygen uptake, gives a gray color to your complexion and literally eats up Vitamin C in your body. Need I say more?

2.   Sun exposure

Excessive sun exposure leads to dry, wrinkled, uneven, prematurely aged skin. Although one needs their daily Vitamin D, everything in moderation. Here in Florida, I always recommend to wear a daily SPF of 25 or more.

3.   Pollution

The solution to pollution is to avoid it whenever possible. If you live a dirty, smoggy city and exercise out-of-doors, do so in the early morning when pollution concentration is at its lowest, otherwise, join a gym. Pollution affects your skin in the same way as smoking, minus the puckering and creasing.

4.   Dry air

Air-conditioning is one of the worst environmental culprits for drying out the skin, and if your whole day is spent in air-con — at the office, in the car and at home — your skin will definitely show it. Skin can easily become parched and thirsty. Keep a hydrating facial toner handy at all times and drink more WATER!

5.   Over-exfoliation

Exfoliation is a very important part of one’s skin care regimen. However, doing it too frequently or using exfoliants that are too abrasive (like my favorite, Apricot scrub!) can cause irritation and prolonged usage can cause skin to thin. When oily skin is over exfoliated it can cause even oilier skin with more breakouts. Speak to your skin care therapist and select an exfoliant suitable for your skin and follow her advice on frequency.

6.   Alcohol

I enjoy a glass of Pinot Grigio in the evening but everything in moderation. Alcohol dehydrates you from the inside out (that’s why we crave salty foods in the morning), puts a strain on one’s liver and uses up our B vitamins.

7.   Medication / drugs

Many drugs can have side effects that can affect the skin as well. Check with your health care provider. Some medication can cause photosensitivity, dryness, blotchiness or even acne.

8.   Weight loss/ weight gain

Our skin, though quite elastic, is not a rubber band. If we stretch anything too many times, it eventually loses its spring. Stretch marks and sagging, untoned skin can be the result of yo-yo dieting. Try to maintain a relatively constant weight.

In my opinion, it requires a wellness way of life, including lots of exercise, a healthy diet, minimal stress, ample rest, good skin care regimen and a great attitude. It’s a lifestyle choice and commitment that, when made early on in life, is certain to yield significant preventative benefits over the long term.

There are two main sets of factors that cause aging: intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) agers. Intrinsic applies to biological and physiological aging which we cannot control as it is predetermined by time and genetic programming. Extrinsic factors include lifestyle choices, such as smoking, diet, sleep, stress and sun exposure. All things we have control over. Exercising control over these things, although admittedly, not always easy, can be what makes the difference, over a lifetime.

Of course, skin changes over the years. In our 30′s we begin to have the first visual signs of aging. As collagen and elastin production decline we start to see fine lines and wrinkles developing and some discoloration may arise due to skin thinning slightly or sun exposure. If dryness is a factor and skin is depleted of hydration it will lose its elasticity and plumpness and is more susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles.

Then, in our 40′s and 50′s, skin will lose the ability to retain less moisture and discoloration may become more apparent. Due to hormonal changes, breakouts may also return. Collagen and elastin fibres continue to decrease.

Your Bloom Organics’ esthetician is able to analyze your skin, discuss any issues you may have and devise a program designed to meet your needs.

Invest in Yourself!

Healthy aging, therefore, is about investing in yourself, mentally, physically and spiritually today and reaping the benefits over the long term. The choices we make now will become our destiny in later life.

Call 941-362-4194 now to reserve your complimentary skin analysis

www.bloomorganics.com

Massage therapy has been practiced for thousands of years in civilizations all over the world, from Ancient Egypt to China and apart from relaxation (which many spas focus on today) it provides a proven range of associated health benefits that are often overlooked in favor of OTC medication.

• Increased circulation – massage increases circulation which means that the blood moves around your body more, bringing nutrients and oxygen to all parts and cells of your body and, at the same time, picking up waste materials and toxins from all over too! That’s why it’s important to drink plenty of water after massage and visit the restroom frequently. That way one can expel as many toxins as possible.

• Increased lymphatic flow – the blood is not the only fluid that’ll be moved, your lymph is stimulated too. This is very important because lymph only moves by muscular contraction and breathing, so it can be a bit stagnant in most people. As lymphatic flow is stimulated, it’ll pick up the toxins that are too large to be picked up by the blood, and then take them to lymph nodes (our cleaning stations) to be removed.

• Increased production of endorphins & serotonin – studies have shown that during massage therapy, the brain stimulates the production of endorphins which are chemicals that regulate the activity of a group of nerve cells in the brain that relax muscles, dull pain and reduce anxiety. Massage therapy also triggers serotonin which is another chemical that generates calmness and feelings of serenity. Once anxiety and stress levels are reduced sleep is improved too.

Therefore massage therapy helps to:

1. Ease pain

2. Helps heal some injuries, especially sports-related ones

3. Manage stress, anxiety and depression

4. Improve sleep

5. Relieve headaches & migraine

6. Reduce inflammation

7. Control blood pressure

8. Boost immunity

But, of course, having one massage every six months is not enough to expect to manage these types of ailments. Regular massage is the key. With touch there is also improved well-being: we are social animals after all. When all these things are taken together, plus the added benefit that it could also help reduce dependency on medication, massage therapy does indeed begin to seem like a forgotten wonder.

The Rolls Royce of microcurrent systems, CACI (Computer Aided Cosmetic Instrument) uses a range of systems to achieve industry leading results. The CACI Ultra is at the forefront of anti-aging technology, delivering truly visible results without the need for surgery or invasive procedures. The improvements in skin tone, elasticity and wrinkle depth reduction achieved with CACI has attracted a world-wide reputation and an impressive A-list celebrity following.

“After having worked with CACI treatment systems in the UK and having seen amazing results, I wanted to make sure that we are offering the same quality and cutting edge technology here in Sarasota”, says president and skin care therapist Yasmin Farrell, CIDESCO Diplomate.

Bloom’s Holiday Sense & Serenity Event will take place on Thursday, November 29, from 5-8pm. Wine & organic refreshments will be served. Treatment and product prizes will be drawn throughout the evening. Please RSVP, by calling 941-362-4194. First 20 to RSVP will receive a Gift Bag with a $75 value!

For more information, please visit: www.bloomorganics.com
Find us on facebook at: www.facebook.com/bloomorganicsdayspa

You’ve probably noticed that the mainstream cosmetics and skin care products are now advertising ‘sulfate-free’ and ‘paraben-free’. As the consumer is becoming more aware and educated, we see cosmetic companies responding accordingly. This is a very good thing. However, as a consumer we still need to be aware of potentially harmful ingredients to help make informed decisions.

When we talk about these chemicals, it’s difficult to prove that they are harmful. There is research to suggest certain reactions take place in the bodies of animals tested and certain diseases appeared. However, this article is not meant to frighten or scare anyone. What we’re trying to do is start your own questioning process:

How long will this chemical stay in my body? Will it build up over time? And if it doesn’t, how much strain is it putting on my body trying to get rid of it? Could it react badly with other chemicals in my system or the product?

This list below is by no means exhaustive and only the most common chemicals are mentioned. There are a number of other less well known ingredients which we will visit in future articles, but these are probably the ones you’ve read about in the press over the last few years.

Parabens

Most people are familiar with these as they’ve been getting a lot of media coverage. Parabens are preservatives and are commonly found in cosmetics as they are cheaply produced and effective. There are many different kinds and they end in
‘paraben’, e.g. Methylparaben or propylparaben. Studies have shown that parabens can indeed penetrate the skin and mimic the hormone estrogen. They have also been found in breast tumor tissue.

1,4-Dioxane

This is an ingredient you won’t find on the ingredients list of products because it is a byproduct. It forms during a procedure called ethoxylation, a cheap process that companies use to add mildness to harsh ingredients. This method requires the use of ethylene oxide, a petrochemical, which generates 1,4-Dioxane as a byproduct. 1,4-Dioxane is considered a probable human carcinogen by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is also on California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act’s (Proposition 65) list of chemicals known or suspected by the state to cause cancer or birth defects.

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a strong inhibitor of melanin production so it is commonly used as a skin lightener, in sunscreens and anti-aging products. There is concern of the toxicity of this ingredient, especially when it is overused. It has been banned in Europe for a number of years now.

Chemical sunscreens

As we have discussed in previous articles, there are two different types of sunscreen – chemical and physical. Physical sunscreens are physical blockers and reflect the sun off the skin. These are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays before they can cause the damage on the skin. These include oxybenzone, avobenzone and benzophenone which are suspected endocrine disruptors and PABA which is a suspected carcinogen.

Phthalates

A group of chemical compounds used in plastics, cosmetics, perfume and various other products. They can be found in perfume, fragrances in products, nail polish and hair spray amongst other products. These are endocrine disruptors and suspected carcinogens. On ingredient lists they are commonly referred to as DBP, DEHP, DMP, DEP. Steer well clear of these!

Ethanolamines: Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA)/Ethanolamine (ETA)

These can be emulsifiers, foaming agents or used to adjust the pH of a product. The National Toxicology Program found a connection between topical application of DEA and cancer in lab animals. DEA is the most suspicious with MEA and TEA also containing residual DEA.

Propylene Glycol, Polyethylene Glycol, PEDs & PEGs

Propylene Glycol is used as a humectant (moisture-sealer) and penetration enhancer. It can be derived naturally but very rarely is. It can be found in a lot of cosmetics, such as sunscreens, deodorants, moisturizers and others. It is associated with skin irritation, systemic toxicity and contact dermatitis.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate / Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

This is a surfactant used in anything that is supposed to foam. SLES and SLS are effective at cutting through grease and are cheap to synthesize. This chemical has also received a lot of media coverage and there are many companies that have removed them from their products. These cannot be metabolized by the liver, are common skin and eye irritants and are suspected to be endocrine disruptors.
The Bottom Line…

The bottom line is that the long term effects of many of these chemicals are just not known. Many of the manufacturers will say they are harmless but the research is often pointing in another direction. Of course, we have the final say in whether or not we purchase the product, but it is certainly our right to ask questions.

Sources & for more information, please visit:

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) www.cir-safety.org

Environmental Working Group (EWG) www.ewg.org

The Green Beauty Guide, Julie Gabriel, Health Communications, Inc., 2008

No More Dirty Looks, Siobhan O’Connor & Alexandra Spunt, First Da Capo Press, 2010

A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, Ruth Winter, M.S., 2005

I’m often asked why organic skin care products are better for you than lab-made ones. So I’ve compiled some good reasons that may make you think!

What you put on the skin enters your body

First off, 60% of what is applied to skin will enter your blood stream and thus your systems. And the average woman applies 200 chemicals through cosmetics and skin care products alone during the course of the day. I’m sure you’ll agree, that’s a big number!

Cosmetic manufacturers wouldn’t use chemicals in their products that were unsafe, would they?

Most cosmetics and skin care products (including body products) consist of ingredients that have been synthesized in laboratories. There may be some with more natural ingredients than in others but, by and large, you’ll find chemicals in them, especially to prolong their shelf life or to make them more resistant to bacteria. If you put your fingers in a jar of face cream and the product doesn’t go off for 2 years, there’s a reason for that.

The safety of all of these chemicals is not proven as we still do not know what their long term usage will look like. Many have already been found to be irritants, such as propylene glycol, and others can cause various illnesses or even disrupt the endocrine system.

So from a health standpoint it’s a good idea to limit your exposure to these chemicals, especially because we are already over-exposed to them elsewhere on a daily basis, in cleaning products, processed foods, furniture, medication and even in the air.

Natural vs Organic?

There are many products out there that are ‘natural’. But the question I always ask myself is ‘if a flower is grown on a field next to a nuclear plant, it’s still natural, but is it full of beneficial compounds that my body can use or full of harmful ones?’ So by choosing certified organic products you can be sure that there’s been a closely monitored process that the farmer has gone through to make sure they deliver only the highest quality plants that have grown in rich soil and not been spoiled by pesticides or, in the case of the nuclear plant, radioactive particles!

Working with the body

If you believe that the ingredients in skin care should improve your skin (and I do!), would you not want to feed the skin with only the best quality of ingredients? As opposed to chemicals that are forcing certain reactions in your skin? Feeding the skin with antioxidants, EFAs, vitamins and the occasional natural peptide will improve the health of the skin as a whole. Chemical lab-synthesized skin care forces chemical reactions locally wherever the product is applied and the chemicals may enter your system and then wreak havoc somewhere else.

Organic is bigger than that

Most organic companies have a respect for nature that will also extend into their packaging and business practices. As we respect the environment, limit our exposure to chemicals, we also limit the agricultural exposure therefore allowing nature to thrive the way it was meant to be. These products also don’t tend to be tested on animals.

So, not only are you improving your skin and health, but you’re also contributing a little bit to a better world. It’s a win, win.

Which chemicals should I avoid?

Next time, we’ll look at the list of chemical ingredients to watch out for. Many of these are already known to be questionable and some are even banned in other countries and in Europe but not in the US. Why? That’s another story…

Summer’s in full swing and whether at the beach or by the pool, we all want to look our best. With this in mind, we have some great tips to help keep your skin healthy, brighter and smooth.

1. Exfoliate: In the summer, oily build up on the face is very common due to our increased perspiration during the hotter months. So exfoliate more frequently than normally to ensure a clear complexion. For normal to dry skin I recommend Eminence’s Pear & Poppy Microderm Polisher, as the granules are larger and more effective than some exfoliators and allows for a more vigorous exfoliation.

2.Peel, Peel, Peel: Pores look more obvious in hot, humid weather. And if your exfoliation at home isn’t enough, why not get a peel? There are varying degrees of depths to choose from. So discuss what’s best for you with your skin care therapist. Just make sure to use sunscreen religiously afterwards!

3.Wash those make up brushes: As previously mentioned skin is oilier during the summer months, using dirty make up brushes on your face can cause bacteria and oil to get caught within the bristles resulting in clogged pores and breakouts. So wash your brushes regularly. Simply hold under the faucet, wash with a gentle shampoo until it lathers a little and then rinse really well. Dry flat, ideally in the sun light as the UV rays destroy bacteria.

4. Wax it off: Whether you’re thinking of wearing summer dresses or going to the beach, you don’t want any unsightly hair spoiling your look. Waxing (removing the hair from the root) allows all the hairs in one area to revert simultaneously to the earliest part of the growth cycle called the anagen phase; the earliest stage of hair growth. Once all the hair is in the same growth cycle you can go for up to 6 weeks between waxing appointments. It’s also less irritating and less time consuming than shaving. Small areas of waxing such as brow, lip and underarm are not that painful and become less so over time. Why not give it a try?

5. Be aware of sun sensitivity: If you are taking prescription medication, ensure that you check the labels to see if they affect your body’s reaction to the sun and heat, or ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Stay healthy

http://www.bloomorganics.com

1. Sunscreen: Apply a broad spectrum, physical sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide at home before leaving for the beach. That means that while you’re walking from your car into the sand, you’re already protected! And while you’re on the beach or doing outdoor activities make sure you re-apply your sunscreen. The more you sweat or hit the water the more frequently you need to re-apply.

2. Sunburn: So you didn’t follow tip #1 and you have sunburn. Now you need to get the inflammation down as soon as possible to curb damage in the skin and to calm redness. We all know that Aloe Vera is great for sunburn. And you don’t even need the gel, although it is sooo soothing! Just buy or grow an Aloe plant, keep it in your kitchen, cut off one leaf and use the juice that oozes out! Although this may be a little tricky if you have large areas of inflammation.

3. Ouch – Soothe, Soothe, Soothe: Alternatively, applying whole milk compresses to sunburn for 20 minutes also really helps. The fat soothes the pain and prevents peeling while the lactic acid encourages cell regeneration and promotes healing. Also full-fat, plain Greek yogurt can also be applied for 5 minutes to help cool, moisturize and heal sunburned skin.

4. Break Outs: If you’re prone to breakouts on the décolletée and upper back areas from using sunscreen, I recommend you use your face sunscreen on those areas instead. Also exfoliate in the shower after a day at the beach (but only if you’re not sunburned, otherwise that’ll hurt a lot! If you did get too much sun, follow tips #2 or #3.)

5. Keep Hydrated: This applies to your body as well as your skin! Drink plenty of water while outdoors to replenish the fluids you’re literally sweating out. Your skin and body will be less dehydrated. And especially for your skin, I recommend to frequently spritz a gentle toner or bottled water on your face. Not only is it refreshing it will also keep your skin from becoming dehydrated! I like a toner because they tend to be infused with lots of additional nutrients but good quality water also works.

10 Summer Skin Care Tips – (Part Two) coming soon!

http://www.bloomorganics.com