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!!

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......

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....

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............

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!

Peppermint holiday helper

By now candy canes are appearing everywhere from grocery stores to shopping malls. This edible Christmas time staple contains a valuable ingredient when it comes to skincare and health: peppermint

Peppermint oil's health treatments include: indigestion relief, help with respiratory problems, and relief from headaches, nausea, fevers and more. And it is also a stress reliever, making it perfect for the holidays.

However, be careful with peppermint oil if you are pregnant. It can be too stimulating for expectant mothers.

To relieve those tension headaches all too common during this time of year, add one to two drops of peppermint essential oil to your conditioner. Shampoo, then massage the conditioner starting at the base of your hairline and work your way around in circular motions.

Got any great peppermint treatments? Let us know............

Tap back into your water!

Many of us think that bottled water is a much safer option than who knows what coming out of our kitchen sinks. But, a recent report published last month says bottled water is actually less-regulated by the FDA than tap water.

The report finds that the FDA has very little authority over bottled water and several companies do not disclose their sources of purification.

If you cannot find your favorite bottled water company's source of purification or want to add a new step in your greening efforts at home, try switching to tap water and using an eco-friendly portable water bottle.

If you are still a little weary about tap water, you can purchase a water purification device that attaches directly to your sink. In the long run that devices saves money you would have spent on all those plastic bottles.

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.

Does a skinny wrap make you skinny?

Sometimes we can get a little carried away with "miracle" products or services that can melt away any body issue we have. But, this one might actually be more than just a beauty myth.

Many spas have inch-loss wraps and here is the info you need to get your bang for the buck. A body wrap is an economical treatment that can deliver immediate visible results. The inch-loss body wrap is just that--it takes inches off a person's physique while detoxifying the body at the same time.

Exercise helps to release toxins through sweat; a body wrap helps to extract and flush out toxins by absorbing. Wraps greatly increase toxin removal and help reduce the amount of stagnant fluids in the body. Most people will notice a significant reduction in puffiness after a proper body wrap.

When considering which body wrap to try, always look for these products in combination with each other. One or more of these key ingredients in wrap will definitely detoxify:

• Clay
• Mud
• Seaweed kelp
• Essential oils (grapefruit, orange, juniper, rosemary, cinnamon, cypress, geranium, lemon and thyme)
• Herbs (gota kola, horse chestnut, green tea, sweet clover and dandelion)
• Niacin
• Caffeine
• Aloe Vera

Let us know if you have found and experienced any of these body wraps..........

Everyone could use a little Shea.

Hydration is a very crucial element for a healthy, balanced body; both inside and out. While it is easy to remember to drink your water it is not so easy to remember that the body needs hydration on the outside too.

Shea butter is rich in vitamin A, E, and F. It is a moisturizer that contains remarkable healing properties for a variety of skin ailments, including eczema, psoriasis and acne. Shea butter is also used to fortify and protect cell membranes, fade scars, minimize the appearance of stretch marks and wrinkles.

While everyone should incorporate a little Shea into their skin care routine, if you have any of the following situations, you should always use Shea in your skin care regiment:

• Those who suffer sunburned, extremely dry, mature, dehydrated and/or pigmented skin
• Those who work out extensively and have tense muscles
• If you travel by air often
• Those who have had recent surgery and would like to minimize scarring
• If you have been exposed to strong medications or chemotherapy
• Those who are stressed
• If you recently had a baby and want to tighten the elasticity quicker and minimize the appearance of stretch marks.

All of Scandle's Body Candles contain Shea butter.

Do share any great skin care products you have found that use Shea butter.

Take a Cat Nap, It's Good For You!

Studies show that 20 minutes of sleep in the afternoon provides more rest than 20 minutes more sleep in the morning.

A "cat nap" has been shown to increase alertness, reduce stress and improve cognitive function. But, be sure to keep your snoozing between 15 to 30 minutes. The longer you sleep the deeper the stages of sleep your body goes in to, making it difficult to wake up.

If you do not have time for a nap or do not have a place where you can lie down, try meditating for that period of time. It gives your body a rest and produces slower brain waves, like sleep does.

Another excuse to eat watermelon

During a hot summer day, the mention of watermelon can make anyone week in the knees. We all knew this summer fruit favorite was good for us but more and more research is emerging about its effects on our skin.

Watermelon is the lycopene leader in fresh produce, beating out any other fresh fruit or vegetable. Lycopene has been considered a potential agent for the prevention of some types of cancers. It also promotes cardiovascular health, and a two-sup serving of watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin A, B-6 and C.

While consuming watermelon has great health benefits, new research is emerging in the topical spa treatment arena. Watermelon seed oil and watermelon extract are both highly sought-after ingredients in spa products and treatments.

Watermelon seed oil is rich in omega-6 and -9 fatty acids, it is highly moisturizing and helps dissolve sebum buildup and restore elasticity. Now, watermelon is commonly found in professional skin care products as well. It is often used in baby formulations, creams, lotions, soaps and eye treatments.

Watermelon extract also aids in protecting some cell structures from damage by UV-induced radicals and decreases redness after UV exposure.

Many spas this time of year offer different treatments involving the oils and extracts. Be sure to pamper your summer skin with a watermelon treatment before the chill of fall moves in.

So the verdict is in. Enjoy these summer fruits before their season is over. The watermelon does wonders inside and out.

If you have any great recipes or new beauty products utilizing watermelon, please do share.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's beauty myth countdown

And now the moment we have all been waiting for...........................

Myth #1:

Facial exercises tone facial muscles and make you appear younger.

Truth:

Your face is the only part of your body where muscles attach directly to the skin. The face does not have any facial ligaments or tissue that can be "toned."

The opposite is actually true. Constant facial exercise and tugging can add to additional lines. Wrinkles often form along expression lines cause by facial movements.

Remember, just because summer is slowly coming to an end, these beauty tips should be used all year long. It is never too late to update a skin care routine.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's beauty myth countdown.

Myth #5:

The higher the SPF (skin protection factor) rating, the higher the rate of protection.

Truth:

SPF ratings, soon to be revised by the FDA, only provide protection from UVB rays. Our skin needs sun protection that has chemical and physical blockers, plus antioxidants. Below are some of the requirements and ingredients you should make sure your sunscreen contains:

• Select a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB
• Choose a sunscreen that includes a good level (around 4% to 5% or more) of zinc oxide (also called micronized zinc), or titanium dioxide, or Parsol 1789 (also called avobenzone) among the list of active ingredients
• Choose a sunscreen with a SPF 30 rating or higher – this is the minimum level now recommended by most dermatologists across America. (But do not base your sunscreen only on SPF ratings, if they do not meat the other requirements, they provide a false sense of security)
• Determine the activity you will be doing for the day and apply a product that will meet the task. (Water activities mean you should use a waterproof sunscreen; sports use a sweat resistant sunscreen)
• Always choose a sunscreen that feels good on your skin – so you will be comfortable wearing it every day.

Sunscreen needs to be reapplies every 90-120 minutes when outdoors or in the water, even if you have a specific sunscreen designed for it.

Enjoy your summer fun now but protect your skin for the future.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown

Myth #7:

Topical creams containing collagen can replace collagen.

Truth:
There is a significant lack of impartial, as well as empirical data and evidence that the topical application of collagen or elastin can penetrate the skin's layer. While topical application does bring moisturization to the top layer of skin, only injections are conclusively effective.

Scandle-ous news and updates:

• Gift Shop, Summer 2009. Check out Scandle and some other great products in Candles Glow Green.
• CGI Magazine named Scandle Candle one of the top five Twiterers to follow. Find us here.
  

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown

Myth#10:

Mineral oil is bad for your skin.
Truth:

Today's cosmeceutical mineral oil is a completely different product than the industrial type used in the past. Mineral oil is a very effective ingredient aiding in the removal of oil from the skin.

Mineral oil should not be used alone on the skin, in its pure form. Mixed with kaolin--a fine clay--it makes a cocktail to assist in controlling oil production in problematic skin.

However, vitamin A is the best product to normalize skin.

Scandle Body Candle does not use any mineral oil in our products.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown

Myth #12:

Preservatives in skin care are bad.

Truth:

Preservatives help stop the growth of bacteria that can clog pores or create redness. The bacteria, fungi and other organisms can also deteriorate a product's effectiveness and spoil the product. However, parabens do raise a concern now that some research has been conducted. Some studies show topical application of parabens can lead to harmful accumulations.

All Scandle Candles are paraben-free.


Scandle in the news:

Check out Elke Von Freudenberg Blog for a great review of Scandle.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown

Myth #13:

Packaging is not important

Truth:

Great packaging of a skin care product is essential in providing protection for the efficiency of its ingredients. Products packaged in wide-mouth jars, transparent containers and pumps that are not airless all pose potential problems in keeping ingredients safe and potent.

Sustainable packaging is also an important element of beauty packaging. The difference with sustainable packaging is products packaged this way:

1. Are beneficial, safe & healthy for individuals and communities throughout its life cycle;
2. Meet market criteria for performance and cost;
3. Maximize the use of renewable or recycled source materials;
4. Are manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices

Scandle uses sustainable packaging throughout our line.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown.

Myth #14:

Chocolate and greasy foods cause acne.

Truth:

Eating chocolate does not cause acne. Some individuals may be allergic to certain foods and that can cause your skin to break out. The root of all skin problems come from hormonal factors, bacteria and clogged skin cells. Remember though, stress can enhance acne.

Beauty Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown.

Myth #17:

Getting a base tan before going on a vacation prevents a sun burn.

Truth:

Any unprotected sun exposure is a scar, that includes tanning. There is no such thing as a healthy, safe tan. Self-tanners are the only way to obtain a healthy, scar-free tan.