Beauty From The Inside--Is It Legit?

Don't forget to sign up for our Official Scandle Candle Blog to continue to catch up on the latest beauty news. Today's post talks about nutricosmetics.

Cool As A Cucumber

Join our Official Scandle Candle Blog for the latest beauty tips and information. Today's recipe is for a Cucumber-Honey Toner.

Relax With a Bubble Bath

After you join our new Official Scandle Blog soak up some bubbles in a relaxing bath. Happy Wednesday!

Detox After A Massage

It's Monday again! Make sure you wash away those beginning week blues by joining our new Official Scandle Candle Blog. Today's topic is detoxing after a massage. Have a great week!

English Ivy Is Mother Nature's Sunscreen

This week is flying by. Don't forget to join our Official Scandle Candle Blog. Today's feature discusses English Ivy and its potential to become a natural form of protection from the sun. Enjoy the rest of your week!

Scandle, LLC Announces Partnership with Distributor in Dominican Republic

Make sure to join our new blog the Official Scandle Candle Blog to check out our press release about our recent collaboration with a distributor in the Dominican Republic. Happy Manic Monday!

Massages Help Decrease Risk of Dementia

Like our blogspot? Join us at our new Official Scandle Candle Blog. Today's post talks about massages decreasing the risk of Dementia.

Are Nano-Cosmetics the New Pink?

Well, it's the beginning of a new week. We don't know about you all but it's hot as Hades here in Texas. So while your kicking it in the air conditioning check out our Official Scandle Blog. Today's topic is Nano-cosmetics.

Too Soon To Regulate Organic Beauty?

It's the middle of the week. We know you're ready for Friday so while you're waiting for the weekend to role around check out the dish on possible new organic beauty regulations. Read up on the facts at our Official Scandle Candle Blog. Let us know what you think.

Drug Store Beauty Is Back

It's Monday afternoon. Bored? Still sleepy from the weekend? Need new lipstick but don't feel like spending a ton of money? Well, according to statistics Walmart is the new place to be for buying beauty products. Check out the facts at our Official Scandle Candle Blog. Enjoy!

Tea-rific New Skin Cancer Treatment in the Works

Apparently tea tree oil has the potential to do some major damage to skin cancer. Who knew? Check out more information at our Official Scandle Candle Blog

A New "Facial" Can Get You Bikini Ready

Now this is truly interesting. There's a new craze going around: facials for your derriere. Check out the facts at our Official Scandle Candle Blog.

Humble Beggings Created the Spa Industry

Got a case of the Mondays? Have no fear because Scandle is here! Check out our post on the history of Spa. Did you know it's an industry that has been around since the 1500s? Our Official Scandle Candle Blog has all the details.

Delicate, Delicious Lavender

Did you know lavender is used in both baking and cooking? Lavender cheese, anyone? Mmm...sounds delicious! Check out our blog post on lavender cooking at the Official Scandle Candle Blog. We're even giving you a yummy lavender creme brulee recipe!

Happy First Day of Summer Ya'll!!! Stay cool and remember to check out today's blog post on homemade acne remedies at our NEW Official Scandle Candle Blog.

The good, the bad and the moisturizing – hand sanitizer gets a makeover

Hi, Everyone! Hope you're having a scandle-ous Wednesday! Check out our post on the new research being done on hand sanitizer at the Official Scandle Candle Blog. Ciao!

Workshop To Find Alternatives to Animal Testing

Happy Monday, Everyone! Check out today's blog post about testing cosmetics on animals at our Official Scandle Candle Blog

Wick Trimmer Giveaway!

Make sure to check out the details of our wick trimmer giveaway at our new Official Scandle Candle Blog. Using the wick trimmer will lengthen the life of your Scandle!

To Prime Or Not To Prime?

Hi Everyone! Happy Hump Day! Did you know that caffeine has some major benefits when added to beauty primer? Check the facts out at our new blog spot:
http://abodycandle.com/blog/to-prime-or-not-to-prime/

Last day to enter the Scandle-ous giveaway!!!!!!!!

Today's the last day to sign up to follow our new blog and be entered to win a Scandle Candle Helping Hands Treatment Kit. Here are some of our recent posts:

• Skin cancer considered an epidemic in US

• Can’t relax – pop open an anti-energy drink

• Add some more oil to mine please

• Another reason to go coastal

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

24-karat golden glow

There are some unique/strange beauty treatments gaining attention and praise. To find out the first one in this three-part series, click here.

Don't forget to sign up to follow our new blog for a chance to win a Scandle-ous prize!!!!!!!!!!

FDA not so hot about ear candles

The manufacturers of these candles claim the candles can relieve sinus pressure, cleanse the ear, improve hearing and even relieve vertigo. Each company claims different pros to using their ear candle but the FDA says there is no proof that any of these claims are true.

To read more about this study and other info, check out our new blog, here.

Scandle®, LLC Announces Distributorship in Belgium, Luxemburg, and The Netherlands

Hey guys, Scandle Body Massage Candles and Spa Products are now available in Benelux.


For more info, click here.

Also, don't forget to follow our new blog for your chance to win some winter repair for dry hands.

We are moving..................Blogs that is. And you can win!

It's official, the new Scandle blog is up and running.

Unfortunately, if you have signed up to follow us here, you will need to sign up at the new site. But don't worry there is something in it for all of our followers!!!!

Sign up to follow Scandle's Blog and you will be entered into a giveaway for Scandle's Helping Hands kit.*

Give those tired/dry hands and feet a special treat with our Scandle Helping Hand treatment packs. Each pack contains a pair of special moisturizing socks or moisturizing gloves (one size fits most) and a Scandle Travel Candle (infused with tea tree & lemongrass essential oils)

Thanks for your continued support. Happy blogging!!!!!



*Entries must be received by midnight EST on March 31.

So long lather, rinse, repeat; hello emu

Lather, rinse, add toner, sunscreen, spot acne treatment and daily moisturizer, every day; forever!!!

It is a common misconception that all of these steps are needed to maintain beautiful skin. Actually, sometimes these routines cause more damage than repair. Think about it. Does acne really react well to harsh, strong scrubs and toners?

So what if we could eliminate at least half of the process? Well, something new is emerging in high end spas and beauty products that should help eliminate the need for that 6-step skin care routine.

Emu oil is one of nature's best kept secrets. It is a safe option for any type of skin, absorbs immediately into the skin and aids in the release of trapped oil, skin and makeup in our pores.

Not only is the oil an amazing natural acne fighter, it has been used to treat chronic arthritis, strains, sprains and other muscle related pains. In Australia, the natural habitat of the emu, it is actually used as a wound healing accelerate.

But, buyer beware! A lot of these new "emu oil" beauty products are not so bird friendly. Make sure to read the label carefully to make sure it actually contains emu oil.

Have you tried emu oil? In a spa treatment? In a cosmetic product? Let me know what you think?

Add some passion to your winter season

With the weather finally creeping up the thermometer, it is time to put some passion back into my winter.

The passion fruit has long been a staple of South American medicinal treatments and is now making its way into spas and cosmetics.

This powerful fruit is said to reduce cancer cell growth. Though research is underway, the phytochemicals in the fruit juice are considered to inhibit cancer cell growth. It also contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium and tons of antioxidants.

Since I don't have time for an all-day trip to the spa, I thought I would light my Scandle (for my spa treatment) and make a Passion Fruitini (for my mind treatment).

Passion Fruitini:
• 1 cup lemon vodka
• 2 tbsp triple sec
• 12 oz white cranberry juice
• 12 oz passion fruit juice

Put in large pitcher filled with ice, and stir briskly. Pour into cocktail glasses while straining the ice.

What are you doing to keep the spring in your winter season? Let us know.................

Chamomile that dry skin away

When will it ever heat up again?????? It seems that every day is colder than the one before. Well maybe I am exaggerating a tad bit but this seems to be one of the harshest winters on my skin and the tightest on my wallet!

We are all pinching a penny but still need glowing skin in the dead of winter. I found this great recipe for a chamomile tea skin toner, many spas use it pre/post facial to rehydrate the skin and you can make it for just a couple hundred pennies :)

Chamomile Tea Skin Toner:

• 3 organic chamomile tea bags
• 2 cups boiling water

Pour the boiling water over the tea bags and allow the tea to steep for a couple of hours (until the tea has cooled completely). Bottle the mixture in a spray bottle or toner bottle.

Use the toner throughout the day, especially on the really cold ones, to keep your skin hydrated and free from weather irritation. Discard the mixture after 7 days.

You can also use the bags from chamomile tea to:

• reduce puffy, irritated eyes: place warm chamomile bags over eyes for 10-15 min.
  
• relax your mind with its essential oil scent
  
• add to your bath to aid in healing sunburned skin and dry, chapped skin.

Happy Scandle-ous Valentine's

If you are running a little behind on your Valentine's shopping (you only have 2 days) check out these great reviews and giveaways to get your own free Scandle!!!!

• Networking Witches: BeWitched Valentine's
• Angela's Bits: Scandle Review & Giveaway
• Brown Couch Events: Valentine's Blog Party Game

Congratulations to our winners from:

• Blissful Bee Boutique
• Lesli Loves Veggies

If you still need a couple of suggestions for your special someone, check out Valentine's on a budget.

If you are making it a night in, don't forget your Brazilian Rose.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Winter skin advisory

It is snowing in Texas!!!!!!!! My hands are freezing, my socks are wet and my lips are chapped, but its snowing in Texas!!!!!!

When winter season is in full gear it is important to remember that although the snow and cold can look like a wonderland they can wreak havoc on your skin.

For a refresher corse on winter happy hair and skin, check out Keep Jack Frost from nipping at your hair and Dry skin: 10 best quick fixes.

Don't forget, even though its cloudy and snowy, daily sunscreen is still essential. And sure, soaking in a burning-hot bath feels great after frolicking out in the cold. But the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture.

Happy snowman making day!!! What do you do to keep the cold at bay? We could sure use the advise here in Texas :)

Brain food from the Mediteranean Coast

We know that a Mediterranean diet is excellent for our waistline but a new study published by Columbia University says this diet is also good for our brain.

The diet, which consists of fruits, vegetables, fish and olive oil has been shown to reduce the onset of Alzheimer's in patients already showing signs and also helps prevent the disease from even occurring in some cases.

Not only does the diet ward of dementia, people who consume a moderate to high amount of these foods are at a much lower risk of developing heart disease, some cancers and Parkinson's disease.

The study also says that people who were not extremely stringent in the diet still saw tremendous health improvements and a reduction in brain cognitive impairment.

The study couldn't pinpoint an exact reason why this diet is so good for the brain. But maybe it is the high fish content (they're packed with Omega-3s) or the olive oil (great for a healthy heart) and you can never go wrong with fruits and veggies.

What do you do to keep your brain healthy? What do you think about this study? Let us know.....

Fried foods = acne, fact or fiction?

How many times did your mom say, "Eating greasy foods will make you get pimples?" Mine sure did! So I am happy to say that this golden beauty rule is indeed a myth.

While I don't encourage you to down a greasy meal every day, it is safe to say it will not effect your complexion. There is no scientific evidence that fried foods can cause or worsen acne. But still, eating excessive amounts of fried foods is not a healthy waistline option.

However, there is strong evidence that if you work in a greasy environment your acne will get worse. If your skin is exposed to airborne grease from frying foods, you will need a good cleanser and astringent to fight the effects.

What is a "beauty golden rule" you now know to be a myth? Let us know......

Hearts all around!!!!

Not only is February the month of love, it also the month of the heart.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of Americans and there are small steps everyone can take to naturally reduce their risk of heart disease.

Exercise regularly, stay in your recommended weight range and reducing your stress levels are the most common ways to reduce your risk.

But in today's world there are other factors that we don't pay attention to as much. We do not eat the same as people 50 years ago. I know I enjoy a drive-thru meal every once and a while :) So we do not consume the vitamins we need from our food.

It is important to remember that daily heart health starts with what you consume. If you know you are not getting your recommended daily vitamins, incorporate at least a few of these:

• Fish oil. Even if you are an avid fish eater you might want to consider taking a small capsule daily. Cold water fish can sometimes be devoid of essential Omega 3's due to poor manufacturing and handling practice.
• Vitamins C, E and all of the Bs. These are the best for heart health (especially if your diet is a little lacking in the veges' department)
• CoQ10. If you already have high cholesterol or heart risk factors, this is one of the most important supplements.
  

What do you do to stay heart healthy? Let us know.............. Happy Heart Month!!

Valentine's on a budget

If you are lucky enough to have that special somebody this Valentine's Day (you still have a little over a week) you know that it is the little things that count.

We all love flowers, sparkly objects we can wear and who doesn't love chocolate? But in today's economy people are downsizing everything.

Valentine's Day can be one of the most expensive days of the year and it doesn't have to. Here are some things I would love to do and they all costs under $20.

• Any chocolate is good chocolate. You don't need to buy a box that costs more than a nice home cooked dinner.

• Watch a movie you know your significant other would like, even if it isn't your cup of tea.

• Take turns giving each other a massage. (Limited-edition Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and Cupid's Wings are almost gone!!!)

• Make your own card. Not only is it cheaper, it is more personal.

• Aromatherapy bubble baths are the best gift to give someone who needs some peace and relaxation in life.

If you can, make it a night in with your loved one. Spending quality alone time is hard enough.

Got any great gifts we missed? Let us know.........

Cold season isn't over yet - don't let it ruin your Valentine's

As I (Charlie) sit working from home today with a horrible cold, I thought it would be fitting to share some natural ways to ward off that nasty little bug:

• Gargle once a day. Japanese researchers found that a daily gargling with water reduces your cold risk. People who gargled with water were 36 percent less likely to be struck down when compared with non-garglers.

• Drink your liquids. Hot tea, cold tea and simple water keep your body hydrated and able to better fight unwanted infections.

• Take a sauna. A recent study in Germany found that people who took a sauna twice a week were 50% less likely to get a cold.

• Wash your hands!!!!!

• Get plenty of sleep. It is important to get enough sleep to maintain your normal routine. That means you need even more to keep your immune system at its best

What do you do to keep that nasty bugger at bay? Let us know........ We all want to make it through to spring, cold free. Till next time AAACCCHHHHOOOO!

Argan oil - nature's new beauty gift

It seems like every month there is a new, wonder beauty product that will heal all that ails us, cosmetically speaking.

One new "wonder" product is argan oil. It is popping up in health studies, beauty articles and even cosmetic lines. But this all-natural oil is cause for praise.

Argan oil is made from a tree, which grows almost exclusively in Morocco. Beauty products claim that this oil can restore skin and has age-defying effects.

While there are many studies in effect right now, it is true that this oil is high in vitamin E, essential fatty acids and phytosterols, which are good for scar tissue repair.

Some studies already concluded show that people really did see a decrease in inflammation, it minimized the appearance of wrinkles and the oil can actually protect the skin from environmental factors.

The oil is ideal for all skin types.

What do you think? Have you tried argan oil or used any new products containing it? Let us know......

Yak About your favorite Scandle

Scandle is set to be featured on Yak About It this Monday and we need your help!!


Yak About It is a great site that promotes products and inventors. They only carry items that are from inventors and independent entrepreneurs.

Everyday or every Monday, two products battled it out for purchase, attention and the title of the "Most Yakable."

Help us win Monday's, February 1, Most Yakable. Share your stories, raves or favorite fragrance with us.

Valentine's night in

If you are planning to stay in with your loved one this Valentine's Day, you have got to try this lover inspired cocktail to coincide with a romantic dinner.


Brazilian Rose

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Leblon cachaça
• 3 oz guava juice
• Splash of triple sec
• Rose petals

Preparation:

• Pour all of the liquid ingredients into an ice-filled cocktail shaker
• Shake well
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
• Garnish with one rose petal

Got your own favorite Valentine's drink recipe? Let us know.........

Red is the new green

Move over green tea, there is a new kid in town. Well, not too new.

Red tea has be around for centuries to soothe allergies, asthma and digestive problems.

Green tea has been hailed for years as one of the best ways to get your surge of antioxidants. But red tea is now making breakthroughs in the beauty industry. The antioxidant properties are 50 times higher in red than in green tea.

Red tea comes from South Africa and contains the highest levels of the most potent antioxidant, superoxide dismutase. These antioxidants are used in cosmetic products to reduce free radical damage to skin; more commonly to reduce fibrosis following radiation for breast cancer.

While many spas in the US are now serving up various red tea treatments, you can also consume the beverage daily, like green tea, to reap many of its topical benefits.


Got any red tea-rific treatments you have to rave about? Let us know....

Essential oil that cellulite away

We all have it; and women are much more likely to have the uneven, dimpled or trademark cottage-cheese-looking skin.

Many uncontrollable factors such as hormones, heredity, circulation and age contributor to cellulite. But your diet, exercise routine and massage regimen can also aid in the treatment of it.

Aromatherapy treatments are a great way to stimulate your body's circulatory system which aids in the redistribution of blood and lymphatic fluid, which is essential in the treatment of cellulite.

For your own cellulite treatment, essential oil massage, try the following:

• Combine 8 drops of juniper breeze oil with 10 drops of geranium and 2 drops of peppermint
• Mix your oils with about an ounce of sweet almond oil (you can also use fragrance-free lotion)
• Massage in a circular motion around the areas most in need of the treatment

This massage will stimulate circulation and support detoxification in the areas where cellulite accumulates.

What are some natural remedies you have tried? Where they successful? Let us know........

Vacation for your health

A new study released in the Netherlands says people who take regular vacations have many more health benefits than those who do not.

Regular vacationers not only have lower stress levels, they also weigh less, have lower blood pressure and develop fewer disease. There is even evidence they live longer too.

The study also showed that a change of your environment is beneficial to the brain. So remember when your planning those few and far between trips to completely change your scenery. It will help get those creative juices flowing once you return to work.

One sad thing about the study, in America especially, many people do not go on vacations at all.

If you are one of those lucky Americans who takes vacations, what's your favorite place to get away from it all? Let us know your top destination pick............

Post-holiday, pre-Valentine's help

Love is in the air, well Valentine's Day is in the air. The stores are stocked full of candy, chocolates and flowers but you don't have to wait until Valentine's Day for some pampering and romance.

Treat yourself to your own pre-Valentine's Day treatments with some of these ideas (you don't need a partner):

• Unwind by taking a bath. Fill the tub with bubbles, some aromatherapy oils and light a few candles. (Throw in some flower petals for an added romance feel)
  
• Get a foot massage, it will do wonders to liven up your senses. Do it yourself and incorporate Scandle's Chocolate Dipped Strawberry massage candle to get the full VDay workup.
• Splurge on a VDay inspired spa package. You can share one with your hunny for a special date or take a day off and invest in "me" time.

No matter what, it is important to treat yourself this year. Valentine's Day is about spending time with the one you love but it is also time to pamper yourself. We just finished the holiday season, who doesn't need a little recovery treatment?

What are you doing for yourself post-Holiday, pre-Valentine's Day? We all need some "me" time........ what's yours?

Pamper yourself, it might save your life

The World Health Organization says by 2020, the top 5 world-wide diseases will all have one common underlying contributing factor.......stress.

In today's fast-paced society it is important to remember that regular massage therapy, acupuncture and meditation are all natural ways to relieve stress.

With that said, you do not have to bust your wallet on these treatments. Any type of massage is a stress reliever. Create your own at-home spa (don't forget your Scandle). You don't have to be an expert to give a hand, foot or back massage.

If you prefer the spa treatments, look for spas that are offering spa samplers. These treatments have seen a dramatic rise in 2009, with spas offering shorter massage times but tons of great add on treatments.

What do you do to relieve stress? Let us know........

What a pain in the neck

While stress is a major factor in neck pain, your sleeping habits can create as much tension and pain as stress can. Many people either sleep on their stomachs (which is the biggest cause of sleep-related neck pain) or use a poor pillow.

If you suffer from neck pain and the messages are not working and you have reduced your stress inhibitors, think about investing in a memory foam or neck-support pillow. Also, did you know that there are certain types of pillows for certain types of sleepers?

• If you sleep on your back you need a flat, medium firm bed pillow
• If you are a side sleeper, invest in good neck support
• If you are a stomach sleeper try to use a flat, soft pillow. If you can, try changing positions. Your neck will thank you later.

What do you do to reduce neck pain? Let us know......

Donate, but beware - how to help Haiti

By now many agencies and programs have started the recovery and relief program to help devestated Haiti.

While everyone can help and get involved, it is important to remember that in time of tragedy we still have to be wise about who we donate to.

If you want to donate money, your safest bet is the Red Cross. Not only is the Red Cross a trusted organization, it is present in Haiti and knows firsthand what supplies are needed. They have even made it as simple as texting HAITI to 90999 and $10 from your phone bill is donated to the Red Cross.

UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders, two other groups showing up frequently in calls for help, have set up sites for their Haiti efforts.

If you come across an organization but are wary of donating, check out this web site: Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of non-profits and aid organizations, has compiled a list of relief organizations working in Haiti that have attained three- or four-star ratings from their studies, and are generally considered trustworthy and efficient.

They're here....limited-edition Valentine's Day fragrances

Relax with your hunny this Valentine's with a Scandle-ous massage:

• Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Ripe, red strawberries are surrounded by creamy milk chocolate notes and combine with a hint of sweet vanilla cream
• Cupid's Wings: soft perfume with notes of sweet musk

Already got your Valentine's Day gift? What are you giving your special someone this year?

Scandle Candle will be on the Daily Grommet!!!

We are so excited to be featured on the Daily Grommet on Monday, January 18th.

If you are looking for some Scandle this Valentine's Day be sure to tune in starting at noon EST. The Daily Grommet allows users to post questions, comments or raves about a new product.

If you are a fan of Scandle, help us get the word out on our unique product.

It would be wonderful to hear your thoughts, reflections and feedback about our products and to add them to the conversation - it's really easy to leave a comment in the "Talk about this Grommet" section. And if you want to make sure you don't miss our feature, sign up for the daily email from Daily Grommet. See you on Monday!

Sickle cell eased by massage therapy

Massage therapy continues to produce new medical results. In a study conducted by the Journal of Pediatric Psychology, doctors found children with sickle cell disease, a rare blood disorder that affects red blood cells, benefited tremendously from massage.

The study reveled that the benefits the children received through massage were reduced pain, lower or no anxiety and depression symptoms were much lower.

The children who received the massages experienced drastically less of the negative emotions and pain the children in the controlled group felt.

Massage therapy is also known to enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow, the body’s natural defense system. It can also reduce post-surgery adhesion and swelling and pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.

Have you seen other benefits from massage therapy?

Breast cancer survivors get alternative to implants

Soon breast cancer survivors will have an alternative to cosmetic surgery. A revolutionary new breast growing treatment will be available to breast cancer survivors this year.

Instead of artificial implants, a breast-shaped chamber is inserted under the chest skin. The technique, called Neopac, will first be offered only to breast cancer survivors, starting next month.

Within a decade, this process may even be an alternative to women who want to increase their bust size for cosmetic reasons.

What do you think about this new technology?

Japanese beauty, a world apart

Whew! Just got back from Japan this week and had a great time. While I enjoyed time with family and friends, I could not help but notice some of the unique beauty products around me.

While all beauty differs around the world, Japanese beauty is definitely some of the most unique.

Japanese women are known for their longer-than-average grooming time. In Japan, a woman can easily spend over 2 hours getting ready every day. Well if you used some of these top sellers in beauty, it might take that long too!

If you are bothered by the size of your nose and need to do something about it, pick up a Hana Hana Nose Stretcher. This stretcher looks pretty much like an over sized clothespin. At less than $7 at the average Japanese drug store, this "natural nose lift" is a real bargain in place of the plastic surgery version.

Another popular item in Japan is the face mask that apparently shrinks your face. In Japan, a slim face is a mark of beauty. Put on this rubber mask and it supposedly massages and melts away fat from your face.

Along with these popular items, there are about 100 different brands or versions of serums, powders, creams or tools claiming to create eye creases. Some have rave reviews but most product enhanced eye creases last about an hour.

Got any unique beauty products we need to know about? Have you tried any of the treatments mentioned above? Let us know.......

Vitamin supplements, myth or fact?

There continues to be a debate between topical vitamin skin care treatments and vitamin supplements taken by mouth. Vitamin deficiencies can make skin look lifeless.

In a recent study, patients who took nutritional supplements while also using topical applications of beauty products containing vitamins saw healthier skin, reduced sun damage and in some result it can even repair DNA.

Do vitamin supplements really improve your skin?

Well, health care experts believe that for people who follow a strict, daily diet that provides an adequate dose of vitamins and supplements, it may be unnecessary. But for those of us a little less on the daily strict diet program, supplements are a vital part of a balanced skin care routine.

Here are some vitamins and their skin healthy benefits:

• Vitamin A is a necessity for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue
• Vitamins C and E reduce the damage free radicals cause to our skin
• Vitamin B Complex is essential for the maintenance of skin, hair and nails
• Colostrum contains natural growth factors to nourish skin
• Omega 3 promotes a healthy cellular process

What other vitamins are good for your skin? If you know, let us in on it too!

Hot Chocolate, guilt free

Winter is in full swing and who doesn't enjoy a big mug full of hot cocoa? Well your skin will love it too.

To banish those winter blues, try a foot soak. Combine a small amount of almond oil and cocoa powder in a bowl or pedicure spa and soak with warm water and a splash of milk.

You can also treat yourself to a full at-home spa treatment by starting off with an exfoliating scrub. Combine Dead Sea Salts (like Scandle's Sea Salt Soak & Scrub), almond oil, chocolate cream and some vitamin E oil and scrub away. Then enjoy your foot soak.

Got any cocoa-rific treatments? Let us know.......