Sensitivity, It's in your air

More than half of Americans say they have some type of skin sensitivity but a recent study says only 2 percent are actually born with it.

Skin sensitivity can result from certain products or ingredients coming in contact with your skin and causing excessive dryness, burning, redness and tightness. Sensitivity can be genetic and inherent but the majority of people that have negative reactions from products are affected so because of environmental or lifestyle factors.

Environmental factors and exposure to irritating ingredients and chemicals are known to bring on skin sensitivity. But, if the irritations are eliminated within a reasonable amount of time, your skin may return to its original state.

When caring for sensitive skin, use calming ingredients. Seaweed, olive oil, olive leaf extracts, green and white tea are natural antioxidants that help with free radical damage, and should be ingredients in your skin care and cosmetics.

Tips for sensitive skin:

1. Your cosmetics should be rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants in order to protect, hydrate and defend against any environmental factors attributed to skin sensitivity
2. Throw away any beauty products that may be contaminated with bacteria
3. Avoid highly fragranced products, essential oils (like The Scandle Essential Lotion Candles) are okay because they are all-natural
4. Do not over-exfoliate; avoid scrubbing or scratching
5. Always try to use products made especially for sensitive skin types

Do you have any great beauty products perfect for sensitive skin? Let us know!!

Natural products aren't just for the big kids anymore

Baby care is one of the fastest growing sectors of the cosmetics and toiletries industry. But questions over the safety of a number of cosmetic ingredients, such as parabens, phthalates and triclosan have made headlines over the negative effects research is starting to show.

Expectant mothers and parents of new-borns are now searching for personnel care products free from certain chemicals and synthetic colors, fragrances and dyes. Particularly because of the rise in levels of some chemicals in products. These chemicals, combined with the environmental changes, some studies suggest, have become significant factors in the rising rates of baby allergies.

Growth opportunities for baby care, particularly within the natural category, are steadily on the rise. But, with great opportunity comes strict scrutiny. Just like the big girls cosmetic industry, consumers must be wary of the "natural" or "organic" stamp on personnel care. Here are some tips that work for baby as well as mommy, when selecting personnel care items:

• MUST be paraben-free
• NO phthalates or triclosan
• Contains natural scents (Shea butter, essential oils) not synthetic fragrances
• The product must not be created, processed or form from synthetic solvent extraction, synthetic additions or hydrogenation
• All products and ingredients should be derived from nature, free of chemical processing.
  

Scandle Candles are paraben-free and all ingredients are FDA approved including: high grade cosmetic soy butter, Shea butter, jojoba, vitamin E, and body safe fragrances or essential oils.

Do you know of any scandle-ous natural baby products or even some Mommy can enjoy? Do tell.