Indie Beauty - Eye Candy "Scandle Body Candle"

Learn more about how The Scandle Body Candle came about and more about it's founder Christine White-Stanton in this month's Indie Beauty Network Newsletter!
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Have a happy and relaxing Labor Day holiday!

Why Switch to Natural Beauty?

The human skin wraps and protects our bodies. It constitutes a living, dynamic tissue system. It has the remarkable ability to absorb applied products, partially or completely, into the bloodstream. In fact, up to 60% of the products we use on our skin are absorbed and deposited into the circulatory system (Fairley, 2001). For instance, the average woman absorbs 30 pounds of the ingredients contained in moisturizers over sixty years (Dr.Hauschka).

You'll be happy to know that our Scandle Essentials contain no syntheic ingredients that can be harmfully absorbed into the body. Scandles are made from soy butter, shea butter, jojoba, vitamin E, & essential oils.

Natural Beauty Made in The USA

According to consumer polls, most Americans don't know or care where products are made, and if asked will say only that they would buy American-made products if the cost were the same or nearly the same as the imported versions.

With our single-minded pursuit of low prices, we have attained unprecedented levels of material possessions, but what have we given up? The answers are all around us if we would but look. The more I read and listen, the more reasons I find to pay attention to where things are made.
At Scandle LLC, we are making big strides to ensure that every component of our Massage Candles (even the packaging) is made right here in the good ole' US of A! Although doing so may cost us more to produce the product, for us, it's a commitment to make the planet a little "greener." How is this helping our planet?

Buying products from U.S. companies, and moreso US companies that use US components, often means reduced transportation impacts (from shipping of inputs and finished products), and cleaner, more energy-efficient production relative to imported products from less developed nations. In addition buying US supports our economy.

So the next time your shopping around for your beauty buys, take a good look at the label and packaging and ask yourself, "Is this, I mean ALL of this made in the USA?"

Green Spas

When I'm vacationing, or can find some time for a little R&R, I love to visit spas that put natural beauty into practice. If you know of a spa that is truely commited to environmental sustainability weather it be through business practices, products used, or facility design; please share the info here on Scandle's blog. Happy Spa-ing!!

Put it in Writing

In business, it's always a good idea to get it in writing. Whether it's a contract, the correct recipe for a new product or the directions to a new restaurant in town, you are better off always if you get it in writing.

Fighting the draft of the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 is no different. Now is the time to take action and make an impact on this pending legislation, and it has to be done in writing.

Kayla from Essential Wholesale recently posted a wonderful "How To" on writing to your local and state governments about the pending legislation. Click here to find out how you can join Scandle LLC and thousands of others (yes, we are thousands strong) take action

Essential vs. Fragrance Oil

At Scandle LLC, we believe in truthfully labeling our products and, as such, have made a clear distinction between our body massage candles that are fragranced with essential oils (Scandle Essentials) and candles that are fragranced with fragrance oils (Scandle Originals). As consumers, you should know that not all massage candle companies will do so and prey on the fact that most consumers don't know what a true essential oil smells like. So, here is some facts to be aware of:

• 
  Essential oils are different from fragrance oils. The quality of the essential oil is what makes the difference between being therapeutic and just smelling nice.
  
• Essential oils are extracted from the seeds, roots, bark and berry of plants and are carefully refined to preserve the very thing that makes them "essential".


• The effect of the oil also depends on the species of plant used and how it was processed. Different varieties of the same oil can have different qualities and be used for different things. One essentially needs to be a chemist to really understand them all!


• Essential oils are usually more expensive. It takes about 30 petals of a rose to make a single drop of rose oil.


• Most candles are often scented with fragrance oils. There really isn't any cranberry essential oil.


• Fragrance Oils have usually been mixed with other synthetic oils or substances.


• Fragrance oils are usually cheaper.

Caring for Your Feet Naturally

Our feet are the most strained and worked out part, and also most abandoned human part also. Lack of good care for feet result in many ailments like corns and bunions, cracks, infections and ingrown nails. These are some natural tips for these common problems:

• Massaging the feet each night with oil is relaxing and keeps them soft and supple. Warm oil, like Scandle Body Candle Oil, can be used . The natural oils in The Scandle really gives immediate remedy for the routine pain on your feet.


• Avoid wearing tight shoes or ones that don't fit right. If the shoes are to tight, pinch or do not fit properly - corns appear due to the pressure put on the bony areas of the foot and also interfere with the circulation of blood ultimately leading to corns. The quick remedy tip for this is to apply papaya juice or milky juice from green figs on the affected area.


• Limit walking barefoot on rough surfaces or excessive exposure of bare feet. The sun, wind & water causes cracks on the heels and soles, which cause dryness and roughness of the feet. The best natural treatment for this is… take about three spoons of honey and mix one teaspoonful sesame oil in it. Warm it a little and apply on the affected areas.


• Herbal Foot Mask wash & massage your cracked feet with Peppermint essential oil, found in The Scandle Uplifting Blend, which is best for it's cooling and tingling effect.
  Use warm water and soak your feet for 10 - 15 minutes to soften the skin and allow the herbs and oils to penetrate and wash with a good natural soap to wash your feet.
  

Show Your Support!

In today's cosmetics industry, there is no more pressing issue than the FDA Globalization Act of 2008. It's the wrong policy, the wrong law and the wrong time.

On Tuesday, the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics, of which the Environmental Working Group is a part, issued a petiton supporting the FDA Globalization Act and asking for even stronger legislation. But the law will do nothing but put small businesses out of business.
Make no mistake about it, if passed, this will put the majority of small cosmetics business, out of business with the stroke of a pen. Any company unable to move their products over to private label with us or able to shoulder the costs of the new red tape will be shut down by this legislation if it becomes law.

Many companies, Scandle LLC included, initially signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, which was created by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics because we believed that the main purpose of the Compact was to educate consumers. Unfortunately, that does not appear to be what they have in mind.

As a result, Scandle LLC issued the following letter of demand to the Compact for Safe Cosemtics:
***
Subject: Please Remove Us from Your Compact

We recently learned that you issued a petiton supporting the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 asking for even stronger legislation. As a small and growing company, we strongly believe that this legislation will do nothing but put small businesses out of business.

Scandle LLC Supports Safe Cosmetics. It is our life's work. We support educating consumers and spas about cosmetics ingredients, and while doing that may be part of the goal of the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics, it appears that is not all you intend to do. Otherwise, you would not support a law that will do more to hurt consumers than it will to help them.

I appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
***
Of course, we support safe cosmetics, research, environmental issues and breast cancer organizations such as those that fund the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. But it appears we were mislead, like so many others, by the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics into believing that they had consumers' best interests at heart.

We are not afraid of the regulations this legislation could bring to our business because we feel we can survive them. But we are in the ring fighting for you, our customers.

Won't You Join Us!!?

Join us by signing the Petition in opposition of this law. You can see a video presentation, the Petition opposing the law here. Once you read the Petition, scroll to the bottom of the page and leave your comment with your name, city, state and zip code. (Don't forget that part!)

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)!