Affordable Ways to Green Your Spa

Going green is one of those things that started out as a fad, but has grown into a movement that has everyone buzzing about how to protect our mother earth. While the spa environment is typically one that focuses on the health and well being of the human race, it’s also one that uses a lot of the world’s resources. So, it’s essential that the spa industry becomes a leader in the fight to reduce environmental waste and to raise awareness, while also being able to remain profitable.There are a lot of easy and affordable ways that your spa can start going green one step at a time.

You might want to start out by scheduling an energy audit by a certified expert who will go through your spa and point out areas that could be easily converted into greener methods.

You can also do a few things on your own, such as replacing light bulbs with energy efficient ones, installing low-flow faucet aerators and showerheads to reduce water usage, purchasing unbleached paper towels and toilet papers, using environmentally friendly cleaning products and laundry detergents, providing receptacles for clients and employees to place their recycling materials, and making environmentally freindly purchases of products for treatment and retail like our Scandle Body Candle, for instance, that's made with 100% natural ingredients and is safe the skin & the environment!

Sustainable Packaging and Beauty Products

Last week, Scandle LLC, had the opportunity to exhibit at in the "New & Emerging Beauty" section at Cosmoprof 2008, an international beauty event for the trade only.

When I had a moment to walk the floor, I was apalled at the number of hair care & cosmetic companies that were still not worrying about the impact their packaging will have on the environment. To a lot of these companies, it was all about who could have the flashiest packaging. Although it may be true that flashy packaging is more eye-appealing and will attract the customers, I think it's time we try to look beyond that and ask ourselves what impact a company's packaging will have on the environment and what their stand is on sustainability.
From a business stand-point, I realize that more companies today are more eco-consious than say 20 years ago, but a lot of companies are holding back due to cost issues. However, doing something as simple as making your packaging re-usable is doing something for the greater cause and that doesn't cost all that much, does it?

For instance, The Scandle Body Candle 7.5oz comes in a porcelain canister that can be reused. After the massage candle is gone, the canister makes a great syrup dispenser, creamer, or vase.
I think that many manufacuturers are torn between doing what is right for the planet and doing what will attract the most customers - which is usually flashy packaging. I think that it is our duty as consumers to help companies realize that it's the planet and the quailty of the product we care about, not the glitz and glam and purchase products from companies that promote sustainability.

Perfect 10 - Natural Nail Care

It's hard enough to keep nails healthy and strong. But in the steamy, active days of summer--when nails are more prone to breakage, ragged cuticles and fungal infections--your digits may end up a disaster. Not to worry. With the right nutrients, proper care and a few good natural products, you can grow nails that are a Perfect 10.

Composed primarily of a hard protein called keratin, nails are more than ornamental. They protect sensitive, nerve-dense fingertips and toes, shielding them from trauma and injury. And their appearance can tell a lot about your overall health. Dry nails with ridges may signal a lack of B vitamins, brittle nails often indicate a vitamin A deficiency and vertical ridges in nails may point to an iron deficiency. If nails split and crack, it may mean the stomach is lacking in hydrochloric acid. Hangnails may indicate a lack of protein, vitamin C or folic acid.
For hands-down great nails, start by eating a balanced, healthy diet with adequate protein and lots of water--at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day--to prevent dry, cracked nails. Then focus on the following nail nutrients:

* Sulfur promotes nail flexibility and makes nails less vulnerable to breakage. Where to find it: cabbage, Brussels sprouts, garlic, onions, arugula, hot peppers, egg yolks, turnips, fish and dairy products.

* Biotin has been shown to increase nail hardness and thickness. Where to find it: brewer's yeast, soybeans, brown rice, peanuts, eggs, fish and oats.

* Silicon promotes nail strength and firmness. Where to find it: onions, strawberries, whole wheat, oats, avocados, comfrey, alfalfa, horsetail, rice and nettles.

* Folic acid helps maintain nail flexibility and strength. Where to find it: whole grains, broccoli, spinach, kale, legumes, berries and citrus fruits.

* Essential fatty acids make nails glossier and more flexible. Where to find them: salmon, flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil and black currant oil.

In summer, nails are especially sensitive to infections. Fungi thrive on protein and love warm, damp areas, so the skin under your nails is an ideal breeding ground. To prevent infections, keep nails dry and wear flip-flops around pools and in public bathing areas. If you do develop a fungal infection, drinking a few drops of grapefruit seed extract added to a glass of water can help. Tea tree oil also has anti-fungal properties and, applied directly to the nails, can kill fungi and prevent its spread to other nails (try the Scandle Healing Blend candle infused with tea tree oils).

Because nails grow faster in the summer, they require more regular maintenance. Trim them to a manageable length, and keep manicure tools scrupulously clean to prevent infections. Never clip cuticles--they act as barriers against bacteria, and trimming them can lead to dangerous infections like paronychia that may cause nail loss. Beware of mainstream nail products: Most polishes contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and toluene that can cause redness and allergic reactions, and polish removers contain a solvent called acetone that can dry nails and irritate skin. For the most natural summer look, try massaging a drop of vitamin E into cuticles (try all of the Scandle Candles as they are all infused with Vitamin E), then buffing nails to a high gloss.

Debunking a Beauty Myth

I was recently perusing the pages of a beauty magazine and an article about "Debunking Beauty Myths" caught my eye. One of the biggest myths circulating about beauty is that you can get rid of cellulite.

Ah, if only that were true! "This remains one of the holy grails of cosmetic dermatology," says Timothy Flynn, a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. The truth is, nothing can be done to permanently eliminate it — not even liposuction. Cellulite consists of fat deposits that get trapped between the fibrous bands that connect the skin's tissues. The bands squeeze the fat under the skin, resulting in a lumpy texture. Luck of the gene pool mostly determines who will and won't get cellulite. It doesn't matter whether you're fat or thin, rich or poor, famous or just plain folks. You can, however, temporarily reduce its orange peel-like appearance. Firming creams often contain caffeine to tighten and smooth the skin. But a moisturizer, like our Scandle Lotion Candle, will also work to hydrate and swell the skin, making cellulite a little less obvious. Sunless tanners also do a great job to masque it!

The Beauty of Epsom Salt

After a long day and 2 hours at the gym weight lifting and boxing, I look forward to my nightly ritual of soaking in a warm tub with epsom salt.

With the creation of new medicines, treatments, tonics, rubs, sprays, soaks and other aids, many people have lost sight of the fact that before all of the fancier products came along, the old-fashioned products were what did the trick for most people. The newer products might come in fancier packages, have added aromas or come with sparkles and colors, but stripping all of that away, you end up with the underlying ingredient which is the one that works. Some of these main ingredients have been around for many years and in their plain form are all but forgotten by most people, but still work very well. Among these products are epsom salts. Did you know, for instance, that soaking a splinter in Epsom salts can release the splinter and help the area to heal? Many people know that Epsom salts work to relax tight muscles, and are found in many bath salt products, but Epsom salts actually have dozens of healthful benefits. Epsom salts - magnesium sulfate - are a natural way to treat skin problems, relax the nervous system, and draw toxins from the body.

Soak aching, tired feet in a pan of water with half a cup of Epsom salts and not only will your feet feel better, but they’ll smell better too. Epsom salts work to neutralize odor and soften skin. Soak feet until they feel better then rinse and dry well. A full bath should contain 2 cups of Epsom salts for relief of tired feet, back muscles, legs or just as a way to have softer skin.

You can also rub Epsom salts all over the body, while wet, then rinse and towel off. Rubbing Epsom salts directly on the body exfoliates skin and leaves it smooth and silky. They make a great gift to give someone when you put them in a nice glass jar with lid and tie on a pretty ribbon. You can add scent to them by sprinkling them with essential oil. Or mix Epsom salts with baby oil and keep by the sink if you wash your hands a lot. The combination can be used on the face, too, to treat dry skin problems. Cleanse your face with Epsom salts mixed with half a teaspoon of salts and your regular cleansing cream.

The salts do wonders for the hair, absorbing oil from problem hair by adding 8 tablespoons of Epsom salts to a half a cup of shampoo that’s formulated for oily hair. Put a tablespoon of the shampoo mixture on dry hair and work it in and around the scalp area, rinsing it out with cold water. To rinse it well, and further treat oily hair, pour a cup of apple cider vinegar over the hair, leave on for 5 minutes, and then rinse with cool water. To add fullness to thin hair, combine equal parts of Epsom salts and hair conditioner. Warm the mixture in a pan then work it into hair. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.

For occasional constipation or irregularity, adults can mix 2 to 4 teaspoons into water until dissolved and drink. Kids 6 to 12 take half of that. This can be used twice a day by taking the first treatment, waiting 4 hours and taking the second dosage if necessary.

Bruises, sore or strained muscles and sprained ankles receive relief when soaking in Epsom salts. Epsom salts are safe to use but when applying directly to the skin or hair, rinse well. The next time you’re shopping for bath, health or beauty products, pass by the fancy, expensive stuff and try Epsom salts for a blast from the past.

Beautiful Basil

Basil is a well-known cooking and garden herb and is part of the Labiateae Family in the plant kingdom. This makes it a relative of other well-known herbs such as Lavendar, Thyme and Sage.

The essential oil of Sweet basil is extracted by steam distillation from all the above ground parts of the plant, but is concentrated primarily in the leaves. The oil is a light green colour and has a refreshing odour like a mixture of thyme, peppermint and liquorice.

Basil oil may be used to reduce nervousness, nervous debility, anxiety and headache and is one of the main essential oils in our new Dextoxifying Blend Massage Candle.

Basil oil is thought of a ‘de-toxifier’ as it stimulates sluggish and congested circulation of the skin and can be used for acne and minor skin infections. It is also reputed to have antiseptic value and to neutralise the toxins of bites and stings.

All this and it tastes great in pasta too! Who would have thought?

Detoxifying Massage

I recently came up with a new blend of essentials oils to incorporate in our brand new Scandle Detoxifying Blend Candle. The candle not only smells great but encompasses essential oils designed to help rid the body of toxins through inhalation and deep tissue massage.

Detox massage is a form of bodywork designed to naturally detoxify and rid the body of unhealthy toxins. A detox massage consists of intermittent pressure techniques that softly compress and stretch muscle tissues and helps to relieve health conditions like fibromyalgia, headaches and other organ or system functions affected by toxins.Detox massage is similar to Swedish massage and lymphatic drainage massage, and exhibits beneficial attributes toward achieving good health and overall well being. Detox massage can help in improving circulation, oxygen levels, colon drainage, swelling, and organ function stimulation. Enhancing lymph flow, detox massage is beneficial to patients suffering from chronic health conditions and disorders, including stress, chronic fatigue, neurological problems, immune system issues, and arthritis, among others.

Boosting the body's natural immune system, additional therapies that are sometimes facilitated during a detox massage session include aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, herbal body wraps, colon hydrotherapy, and far-infrared light therapy. Often provided in a day spa, salon or massage clinic, detox massage is typically administered by a certified massage therapist; with sessions lasting about an hour.

I, for one, have been detoxing now for the last several months and I can't begin to tell you how much it has improved the appearance of my skin and helped lower my weight (which is always a bonus)!

FDA Globalization Act of 2008

I wanted to bring to your attention The FDA Globalization Act of 2008, an act that is truly anti-small and anti-family business legislation. In essence the legislation would put thousands of small beauty manufacturing businesses out of business by forcing them to pay outrageous registration fees and comply with burdensome paperwork.

If passed, this law would drive consumers back to the days when they could only choose between a few huge, faceless, nameless big box stores and brands for their cosmetics and personal care products. And fewer consumer choices always leads to higher prices.

Tell Congress you want none of it by reading this Petition and then leaving your comment as your signature to the Petition opposing the draft law.

I have long been a fan of lavender and, with no surprise, it continues to be one of the #1 selling Scandle Body Candle fragrances in our line up!

The health benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to remove nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect scalp and skin, enhance blood circulation and treat respiratory problems. Lavender has the Latin name Lavare, which means “to wash”, due to its aroma which fills a room spread with lavender oil with a clean aroma.

Lavender oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of the plant, primarily through steam distillation. Lavender essential oil has been traditionally used in making perfumes due to its aroma. The oil is very useful in aromatherapy and many aromatic preparations, like The Scandle Essential Calming Blend, are made using lavender oil. The various health benefits of lavender essential oil include:

• Nervous System: Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves and helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. Its refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity.


• Sleep: Lavender essential oil induces sleep and hence it is often recommended for insomnia.


• Pain Relief: Lavender essential oil is also an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, backache and lumbago. Massage with lavender oil provides relief from pain in the joints.


• Urine Flow: Lavender essential oil is good for urinary disorders as it stimulates urine production. It helps in restoring hormonal balance and reduces cystitis or inflammation of the urinary bladder. It also reduces any associated cramps.


• Respiratory Disorders: Lavender oil is extensively used for various respiratory problems including throat infections, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. The oil is either used in the form of vapor or applied on the skin of neck, chest and back. It is also added in many vaporizers and inhalers used for cold and coughs.


• Skin Care: The health benefits of lavender oil for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and antifungal properties. It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammations. It heals wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns rapidly as it aids in the formation of scar tissues. Lavender oil is added to chamomile to treat eczema.


• Hair Care: Lavender essential oil is useful for the hair as it can be very effective on lice and lice eggs or nits.


• Blood Circulation: Lavender essential oil is also good for improving blood circulation. It lowers blood pressure and is used for hypertension.


• Digestion: Lavender oil is useful for digestion as it increases the mobility of the intestine. The oil also stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile and thus aids in treating indigestion, stomach pain, colic, flatulence, vomiting and diarrhea.


• Immunity: Regular use of lavender essential oil provides resistance to diseases.

Other health benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to treat leucorrhea. It is also effective against insect bites. The oil is also used to repel mosquitoes and moths. You will find many mosquito repellents containing lavender oil as one of the ingredients.

As with many other essential oils, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender essential oil. It is also recommended that diabetics stay away from lavender oil. It may also cause allergic reactions to people having sensitive skin. Some people may also witness nausea, vomiting and headaches due to usage of lavender oil.

Be A Natural Beauty

With the abundance of products out there claiming to make you younger, more beautiful, skinnier...it's hard to figure out the fact from fiction. Today, I wanted to take the time to address the "all natural" things we can do to enhance our own natural beauty. The best part about these beauty secrects is they're absolutely free!

1. Get as much rest as you can. An average person needs at least 8 hours of full rest. If you snore you lose about 2 hours per night. Make sure your head is postured the correct way. There's a likely chance you could be losing air when you snore.


2. Eat less meat and more vegetables. Don't eat a lot of greasy or oily food, it can make your skin break out. Its ok to splurge occasionally but keep portion control in mind.


3. Add more fiber, omega3 acids and omega6 acids into your diet to improve digestion.Eat lots of fish like salmon and mackerel. If fish is not your thing ,feast on almonds as a mid-afternoon snack.Go easy on olive oil!It is an absolute boon for hair and skin. These are the best sources of omega fatty acids as well as EFAs which keep your skin glowing and blemish free. Flax seed is also rich in these elements. You will begin to see the difference in just a few days.


4. Don't eat out. Cook your own food, then you really know what's in it. Fresh food really counts in a diet. All that microwave, frozen, junk food and restaurant food could be harming your body.


5. Drink lots of water to flush you out clean. 8oz. x 8 (or 64 ounces) per day is good for your health.


6. Get good exercise, cardio, and fat burning. but make sure you have the protein to go with it.


7. Keep yourself clean and shower daily.


8. Wash your face with water - you really don't need all those face washes, and they may dry you out. The key thing to remember is to not use it as much as they suggest. You will see an improvement in your skin.


9. Exfoliate your face once a week with a product such as Scandle's Dead Sea Salt Body Scrub.


10. Make sure your towel is clean.


11. Make sure your clothes are clean.


12. Keep yourself fresh.


13. Moisturize your skin daily with a natural product such as The Scandle Body Lotion Candle.


14. Brush your teeth twice a day, to keep you teeth nice and white! If you need to, use whitening strips.


15. Every morning ,evening and before going to bed at night ,do this exercise:


16. Stand straight. Now bend as much as you can towards the front. Join your hands at the back to perfect this stance. Doctors have shown that this very simple exercise greatly improves circulation to the face and scalp thereby leaving you absolutely refreshed and glowing!


17. Finally, have a positive attitude and self confidence!

Scents for Your Health

Aromatherapy is probably the most increasingly popular holistic treatment of our age. Since prehistoric times, aromatherapy was used to promote physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Almost everyone has experienced some of the aromatherapy benefits often without even realizing it. Today, modern medical science comes to agree with our ancestors and prove that essential oils can be used for therapeutic purposes.

The Scandle Massage Candle was created on the premise that essential oils are absorbed into the body with two main ways, inhalation and absorption by skin. When an essential oil is inhaled, say by lighting a Scandle Body Candle, it activates the nerve cells in the nasal cavity which send impulses that stimulate the brain and produce positive feelings and emotions, while at the same time substances of the essential oils are drawn into the lungs and then quickly absorbed into the bloodstream providing physical therapeutic benefits. Moreover, when an essential oil is applied to skin (never undiluted), say by using the Scandle Body Candle Oil on the skin for massage, it penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream this way.

Therefore, aromatherapy can be helpful in combating various conditions and promoting emotional wellbeing. The most noteworthy psychological benefits of Aromatherapy are spirit stimulation, mental clarity, stress relief and mood improvement. On the other hand, essential oils can help circulation system, support immune system, regulate human hormones and aid skin regeneration - just to name few of the physical benefits.

For many years the Dead Sea salts were thought to contain healing powers. Medical researchers in the Dead Sea area have proved this ancient prophesy true. Dead Sea salts and minerals regulate and activate cell functions. We age, we eat poorly, we suffer effects of pollution, stress and our bodies soon lack the vital salts and minerals. Without these we accelerate the aging process; we lack hydration; are prone to infections and lack energy. Dead Sea salt products replace these vital minerals through the skin. Dead Sea salt products replenish cells, re-hydrate; re-stabilize and defy the aging process. The skin only absorbs substances it recognizes as similar components to its own cells.

The Dead Sea salts and minerals are consistent with ours.

• Dead Sea salt has a beneficial effect on the skin and body:


• Dead Sea salt products are especially beneficial for those seeking relief from skin and medical disorders such as skin, rheumatic, joint and inflammatory diseases.


• Dead Sea salt products stimulate circulation.


• Dead Sea salt products enhance cell regeneration.


• Dead Sea salt products improve skin tone.


• Dead Sea salt products help keep the skin healthy.


• Dead Sea salt products refresh as well as cure muscular pains and stress.

The largest organ in the body, the skin seems to have the most noticeable effect from the Dead Sea salt. The skin absorbs the Dead Sea salt, vitamins and other substances into the body. It is universally accepted the Dead Sea salts and vitamins can have a wonderful effect on circulation and on the metabolism.

To experience these theraputic benefits and more, give our Scandle Dead Sea Salt Soak/Scrub a try today!

Natural Skin Care with Soy

One of the key ingredients of our award winning Massage Candles is soy. The benefits of soy in natural skincare are numerous! Here are just a few:

• Soy moisturizes and protects the cells without clogging them. The oil washes away easily, again, unlike other oils.
  
• Soy based skin care products, like the Scandle Body Candle, even out skin tone and can correct pigmentation brought about by hormonal changes and damaging sun exposure.


• Soy softens and smoothes skin texture, and it moisturizes too. The proteins, amino acids, and lipids found in this wonderful bean allow for rapid hydration and cell regeneration.


• Soy is naturally rich in Vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and lecithin which benefit the skin when applied topically. Topical application of Vitamin E promotes healing and regeneration through its antioxidant properties. Essential fatty acids help moisturize the collagen below the skin surface, and lecithin helps maintain the elasticity of the skin, helping to smooth out fine lines and prevent premature aging.

So, not only does the Scandle Candle smell good & feel good...it's good for you!

Is It Natural?

One of the questions we get at a lot from our customers at Scandle LLC is , "What is considered 'natural' when it comes to beauty products?" By definition, natural means the product was created from botanical sources without additives or preservatives. Up until now, there has been no regulation on what is natural and what isn't. Companies have been prone to label their products natural when they contain one or 2 natural ingredients.

Here are some guidelines that we offer our customers when they are looking at The Scandle Body Massage Candle to determine if it is truely as natural as we guarantee it to be:

• Product must be made up of at least 95% truly natural ingredients or ingredients that are derived from natural sources.• No ingredients with any potential suspected human health risks.
• No processes that significantly or adversely alter the purity/effect of the natural ingredients.
• Ingredients that come from a purposeful, renewable/plentiful source found in nature (flora, fauna, mineral).
• Processes that are minimal and don't use synthetic/harsh chemicals or otherwise dilute purity.
• Non-natural ingredients only when viable natural alternative ingredients are unavailable and only when there are absolutely no suspected potential human health risks.

Non-GMO Green Beauty

Beauty products often contain derivatives from genetically modified organisms - plants and animals whose genes were scientifically modified. Many products in the cosmetic industry use genetically modified soy and corn as extracts and oils.

Many green beauty manufacturers, like Scandle LLC, are very strongly opposing the use of genetically modified plant extracts and oils. Most often, you will find the clear sign that tells you that this particular green product contains no GMOs. You may also notice that some soy bean oils, soy extracts and such are “non-GMO”, as clearly noted in the ingredients list. However, it's important to note that a beauty product free from GMO is not necessarily organic.
Currently Commercialized GM Crops in the U.S.:(Number in parentheses represents the estimated percent that is genetically modified.) Soy (89%), Cotton (83%), Canola (75%), Corn (61%), Hawaiian papaya (more than 50%)

So what’s the bottom line? Even though a great many cosmetics and personal care products are harmful, there are products like The Scandle Body Line that are safe and healthy to use. But you’re the one who needs to know what cosmetic and personal care products you’re using are safe. The way the current regulations are structured, the government simply cannot protect you. Their hands are tied. According to John Bailey, Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors, “Consumers believe that ‘if it’s on the market, it can’t hurt me,’ and this belief is sometimes wrong.”

Knowing how to read and interpret the ingredient label on cosmetics, toiletries and personal care products is a powerful shield. Some manufacturers are fighting back. They’re designing packaging with seductive designs to make it look like their products are healthy and made from natural ingredients. Don’t be fooled by the fancy packaging and persuasive words like “natural,” “gentle” and “hypoallergenic.” When you read the label, you’ll probably find that is not the case.