Reasons Why Using Sulfate Free Shampoo is Better For Your Hair

You may have heard that sulfates are present in a number of products. But you may not be aware what they do to your hair. Here is some information to help you make the decision on whether sulfate free shampoo is better for your hair.

Sulfates are recognized as a type of detergent and are typically found in the majority of the rinse-off products and shampoo happens to be one of these. The sulfate shampoos are said to be safe when used in the hair very briefly and then rinsed out thoroughly. However, there are a few people that have a reaction to sulfate shampoos. Here are some of the side effects that some people experience:

Scalp Irritation

Sulfates are associated with skin irritations. When applied to the scalp, these detergents will remove the natural oils. However, they remove all the oil that it ends up stripping the protective layer of oil over the scalp. With a barrier function that is now compromised, the needed moisture escapes and harmful bacteria can get in. The sulfates can leave the scalp more sensitive, itchy and dry.

Dry Hair

Sulphates will not only affect the scalp, but also the hair. You can forget about glossy and healthy hair when using sulfate-laden shampoos. Because sulfates remove all the oil from the hair and the scalp, the lengths of the hair will usually lack shine and moisture. If you already have curly and dry hair, then shampoos with sulfates are definitely not suitable for your hair type. This is also applicable for colored hair, as the sulfates strip out the color after you have just dyed your hair and will fade the color a lot faster.

Hair Loss

There have also been a few claims that sulfates are also associated with hair loss, shedding and thinning. This has to do with causing inflammation in the area of the scalp. The skin and the hair require anti-inflammatory substances in order to grow and stay healthy, which is why it is best to stay away from shampoos that contain sulfates.

You should choose one of the sulfate free shampoos when you have:

• Sensitive skin

• Have naturally dry or curly hair

• You color your hair frequently

Conclusion

Choosing a shampoo that is free from sulfates is always a better decision for your hair. Using an all natural shampoo will preserve the oils in the hair and on the scalp and they are also color-safe. Sulfate-free shampoos may have a reduced lather, as the sulfates is what contributes to creating a lather. You may also find that the sulfate-free shampoo does not remove oil or dirt from your hair as easily. If this is the case, you should give the product and your hair a bit of time to adjust. Like many other products, it will take some time before you start to notice the positive results. After a few weeks you will start to notice that your hair looks and feels a lot better.

Finding the Best Conditioner for Damaged Hair

Damage to hair comes from exposure to the sun, heated styling tools, illness, hormonal imbalances, genetics and sometimes the weather. There are plenty of causes and there are, thankfully, plenty of effective all natural conditioners to fix the problem.

You can either buy a conditioner at your favorite beauty retailer or you can make a conditioner at home using ingredients you have on hand in your kitchen. When choosing a store-bought conditioner there are a few ingredients you want to look for.

Coconut oil is found in many conditioners. This is an excellent ingredient that smooths hair and helps it grow thicker and healthier. You can also buy coconut oil on its own and use it by applying it directly to your scalp and massaging it in. Smooth it down from the roots to the tips sparingly and your hair will become shinier and healthier in a short time.

Popular conditioners that work to fix badly damaged or dry hair contain Moroccan Argan oil. This rich oil has fatty acids that work quickly to moisturize the hair. You should opt for a deep conditioning treatment that contains this oil, too. This way, you can supplement your everyday conditioner once or twice a week with an intense moisture-infusing treatment.

You can also rinse your hair out with all-natural apple cider vinegar a few times a week. In between regular shampoos and intense conditioning treatments, apply apple cider vinegar to your hair when it is dry. Leave it on for five minutes and then rinse it out. Shampoo and conditioner your hair as usual and you will be amazed at how shiny your hair is.

Olive oil is also a good ingredient to help repair damaged hair but use it very sparingly. Blend it with some avocado and your hair will get nutrients that heal the hair right down to the shaft.  Apply it and then cover your head with a shower cap for 20 minutes. Shampoo it out and condition using a good damage control conditioner.

If you do buy pre-made conditioners for damaged hair, get products that are sulfate-free. These products are kinder to hair and will help repair damage without causing any dryness.

More expensive products do not always work better than the less expensive ones do. Some name brands of conditioner are quite effective despite their low prices.

Check online reviews for more information about the best conditioners for damaged hair and find what works for you. Your hair is as individual as you are, so you might need to take some time before you find the ingredients that repair your damaged hair best.

The Best Natural Acne Treatments

An issue that is common among those who have an oily skin type is acne. And while there are many treatments and medications that are designed to help get rid of acne, a large number of these come with harmful side effects. If you are interested in clearing up acne without the use of potentially harmful products, you're in luck. In this article, we will discuss the best natural acne treatments that do work.

One natural way to treat acne is to use certain essential oils. Many essential oils out there help to kill bacteria, which means that using them in skin care can help with acne that is caused by bacteria. Some of the best essential oils to use in this way include lemon oil, lavender oil, and tea tree oils.

If you are not using a face wash that you yourself have made, we suggest using your normal facial cleanser twice per day (once in the morning, and once before bed) and then following each cleanse with a homemade toner. Mix a few drops of your chosen oil with witch hazel and gently sweep this on your skin using a cotton pad. Make sure to only do this twice per day to avoid drying your skin out.

Another great natural treatment for acne? Exfoliation. Acne is often caused by dead skin cells, oil, and other debris that is trapped in the pores. Regular exfoliation helps to get rid of this debris and keep the pores clear. You can make your own facial scrub from natural ingredients, as well as a very gentle chemical peel that you can whip up using items found in your kitchen.

For a facial scrub, mix 1/2 cup coconut oil with 1 cup salt. Add a few drops of essential oil if you like. Place this in a clean jar and use it to exfoliate your face twice per week. For a homemade chemical peel, mash up a banana and mix it with plain yogurt. You can choose to use a facial scrub alone, or follow it with the chemical peel. Just make sure that you are not exfoliating more than twice per week, as this can cause your skin to overproduce oil and make acne worse.

Honey is another natural acne treatment. Raw honey contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help with the redness and swelling that those with acne may experience. And unlike most acne medications, honey is not known to cause peeling or drying of the skin. We recommend using honey in a homemade facial wash. Mix it with lemon and leave it on your face for no less than ten minutes. Wash this off using warm water.

Make sure to follow up with a good acne cream to keep your skin moisturized. Keeping your face clean can make it dry, which just means more irritation. Whenever you pick skin care products make sure you go with all-natural. Chemicals added to cheap products aren't good for acne prone skin.

Other natural ways to help with acne are sufficient sleep and a balanced diet. Be careful about what you put into your body, and make sure that you get enough rest each night to help your skin to become and stay clear. Drinking enough water and staying away from sugary sodas and other drinks can help you to flush your system and see fewer breakouts as well. Good luck!

How to Find the Top Natural Skincare Products?

When it comes to natural skin care products, is coconut oil still king? One of my friends told me I shouldn't use the coconut oil so often because it will cause my skin to burn. Let me tell you, I have a big container of coconut oil in my bathroom that I use almost daily. I don't do the same thing every day when it comes to skincare. I go with the flow, but let me tell you some of the reasons why I use coconut oil.

Coconut oil hydrates the skin cells so much, and I don't mean this as some simple benefit folks. You really have to experience it to know what I'm talking about. Yes, there is a refreshing feeling, but I'm more talking about what you see. Look closely at your skin in the mirror. First of all, you can see the hydration from afar, too, as well as the other benefits.

The coconut oil gives your skin a glow. I will tell you that if you put it on leisurely and then go sweat, it's going to appear like you are sweating extra. It is still my absolute favorite part of natural skincare. I have to admit that I haven't been as proactive as I should be with trying out natural skincare products, but I have tried some. Plus, I am familiar with many of them having written past articles on the subject.

One of my other favorite products that I have used in the past but don't use at the moment is a grape seed extract exfoliant. I also like the St. Ives Apricot Scrub, which I have used for years. What types of natural skincare products have you used? I have used several facial mask products in the past. They certainly have all-natural facial masks available.

Natural skincare products are important for so many reasons. They don't have any harmful chemicals, and they have less side effects, if any. You can even make your own natural skincare products. There are all kinds of recipes posted on the web containing food and all kinds of natural ingredients. You have likely heard of the oatmeal mask and the cucumbers on the eyes at least, basic all natural skincare tips.

Vitamin E oil is also highly talked about these days. It is said not to overuse it though. Avocado is supposed to be good for your facial skin. Just remember that natural skincare isn't all just about your facial skin. Plus, you need different products or homemade recipes for various processes. For example, you need an exfoliant, a moisturizer, a cleanser and more. Many people like to also include essential oils.

As you plan out an all-natural skincare routine, think about what you can use for certain skin conditions, too. For instance, tea tree face cream is supposed to be good for natural acne treatments. There is a natural skincare remedy for everything and an ingredient or ingredients for each process in your skincare regimen. And some ingredients even work as a face and body lotion.

The Best Natural Acne Face Washes You Can Use At Home

Nearly everyone suffers from acne when they're growing up to a certain extent, some more than others. However, some people experience more extensive problems than others and for a much longer time.

For the most part, acne is caused by an imbalance in hormones that happens in our teen years but clears up as our systems straighten out. As long as you keep your skin clean and disinfected you'll have far fewer problems, less scarring, and it won't last for the long-term. Here are some tried and true ways to eliminate acne by cleaning your skin naturally with common skin care products, some of which you may have on hand around the house.

There Are Several Deep Rooted Causes Of Acne

One of the reasons why teenagers are more prone to getting acne is that they are experiencing an over production of certain hormones, mostly the male or female hormones that cause an increase in skin oil. When the glands on the skin begin making too much oil, it's very important to keep them clean since they have a tendency to clog up. When they are clogged, they'll have a blackhead or pimple form and begin to get infected by bacteria. There are layers of bacteria on our skin all the time, you can't possibly scrub them all off.

By using a skin scrub you can keep the pores open and the over abundance of oil from getting infected. If you use a scrub that has some medicinal qualities you can also help fight the infections as well. What you're looking for in the best all natural acne face cleanser is one that has the ability to remove some dead skin cells, unclog the pores, and finally disinfect the skin and pores as well. Some products can do all three at once but some of the best products will do only one step really well and then other steps need another product.

Natural Treatments for Acne

One of the best natural acne products is tea tree oil. This oil will naturally cut through dead skin cells and help remove them, then also kill bacteria at the same time. If you use it in it's pure form then it should be diluted. You can also find and use a quality tea tree cleanser which will have other ingredients for acne. Used daily it can help prevent acne, keep the pores cleaned out, and also remove the dead skin cells that can block pores.

Apple cider vinegar is also very similar, but maybe not quite as strong. If you have sensitive skin, then you might step down to apple cider vinegar instead. You can leave it on longer without experiencing problems.

Baking soda is also a good scrub to use since it is naturally gritty. You should take some and add water to make a paste then apply to the skin and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before rinsing well. Over time you can leave it on longer if you still are getting acne.

If you're having an acne problem you need to take action immediately and don't wait. The longer the infections last the deeper they become and scarring can result. Once you have the situation under control, you can reduce your treatments from every day to every three days as a preventative measure.

Natural Anti-Itch Ingredients That Really Work

If you're curious to learn more about natural anti-itch ingredients that can really work to alleviate some of the pain and discomfort you may be experiencing due to skin dryness, then this article is going to give you some useful advice that will truly benefit you.

I have suffered from skin problems such as eczema and skin dryness for much of my life, and while the problem plagued me through much of my younger years, it is only over the last few years that I have successfully been able to get the problem under control. What's more, I've been able to do this simply by using natural anti-ageing ingredients, so let's take a closer look at what has worked for me.

First of all, there are a wide variety of different natural remedies available for itchy skin, but it's safe to say that not all of them are as good as the hype claims. But despite this fact, there are a few key natural ingredients that can truly work wonders when you're trying to reduce the severity of dry skin and itchiness.

One of my favorite things to use is a form of clay known as bentonite, and this is very useful for if you're itching is being caused by an insect bite; and it's also useful if you suffer from skin dryness due to acne as well.

It's very simple to use this as an effective skincare treatment, as you simply need to mix it in a bowl of water (preferably filtered), and mix it with a creamy substance such as peanut butter and then apply it to your skin generously. You can then wrap a bandage around the clay to help it stay in close contact with your skin, and this simple form of clay pack will provide many benefits to your skin, as well as go a long way towards relieving the itching.

Another classic natural anti-ageing ingredient is Apple cider vinegar, which is actually an antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal agent which ticks all the boxes. Because of this, it's very effective for many different types of skin dryness ranging all the way from sunburns to insect bites, so it's well worth having a bottle of apple cider vinegar in your cupboard whenever you are prone to itchiness.

Interestingly, something that many people don't realize is that you can make a simple clay and apple cider vinegar pack that's very affordable to buy and gives you great relief and while providing you with a powerful soothing sensation to the skin. In fact, many people believe this rivals some of the more expensive skin care moisturizers on the market, and this has certainly been my personal experience as well.

At the end of the day, experiencing chronic skin itchiness is no joke, but if you apply these simple anti-itch ingredients you may receive relief in no time at all. I hope these tips have helped you to understand which natural anti-aging ingredients are worth trying first.

If you want a natural cream that stop itch fast then check out Elixir by Era Organics. It covers all the best ingredients need to make an anti-itch cream, and it's complete safe to use!

The Best Baby Lotion Ingredients for Healing Dry Skin (Naturally)

When it comes to baby lotion, there are so many options to choose from—and they’re not all created equal. Here’s how to identify the best lotion for natural, non-toxic relief of dry skin.

If you’ve been a parent for more than, oh, a day, then you know how challenging it can be to find a lotion for babies and children that is both effective and safe.

Infants and young children are particularly prone to dryness because their skin is much more sensitive than adults’.

Everything from indoor heating to cold outdoor air, summer sun exposure, air conditioning, diaper rash, and frequent bathing can cause young skin to become dry, patchy, or irritated.

In other words, baby lotion is a must-have for any parent.

But here’s the rub: So many of the body moisturizers geared toward children are filled with impossible-to-pronounce ingredients that have been linked to dubious health effects.

The list of toxic chemicals found in many moisturizing creams is depressingly long. Suspect ingredients include (but aren’t limited to) DMDM hydantoin, fragrance, parabens, PEG, phthalates, propylene glycol, quaternium-15, and sodium laureth and lauryl sulfate.

These ingredients have been linked to a slew of potential health impacts, from respiratory issues such as asthma to eye damage, skin damage or irritation, allergic reactions, hormone disruption, and even neurological issues.

Many of them—including PEG and propylene glycol—may be carcinogenic (meaning they have the potential to cause cancer).

That all sounds pretty scary. After all, the role of a parent is to protect their children, not give them asthma.

So before we go any further, let’s all take a deep breath. The good news is there are baby lotions that are both safe and effective for treating dryness and keeping young skin healthy.

In order to find the best lotion for your needs, you simply need to know what ingredients to look for.

Now that we’ve covered what you don’t want in a kid lotion, let’s take a look at some of the ingredients that are ideal for young skin. Armed with this information, you’ll be empowered to weed through the body moisturizer aisle (or the online shop) and find the best body lotion for your children.

The Whys and Hows of Baby Lotion

A good child lotion should help counteract young skin’s proclivity toward dryness. As mentioned above, a host of factors can all collude to zap your baby’s skin of moisture. These include dry air, sun exposure, and air conditioning.

When a infant lotion is doing its job, it should:

• Help soothe skin dryness
• Heal rashes
• Keep skin soft, and
• Promote healthy skin overall

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4 things your baby lotion should be doing:
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Experts recommend applying a moisturizing cream after bath time year round. It may also be helpful to apply moisturizer before putting on a new diaper—this way, the lotion provides a “barrier” that helps prevent the diaper from irritating your infant’s skin.

In the winter, aim to apply kid lotion at least twice a day. Same goes for any time your kid’s skin is noticeably dry.

Again, it’s critical that you choose a body moisturizer that contains helpful ingredients (and doesn’t contain harmful ones). Otherwise, you risk doing more harm than good.

5 Baby Lotion Ingredients for Healthier Skin

Once you’ve committed to ditching toxic chemicals, it’s time to select a natural or organic moisturizer that relieves dry skin without exposing your child to potentially harmful chemicals.

The tricky thing is that even when you know what to avoid, it can be tough to identify ingredients that will actually provide your child relief.

After all, as much as you don’t want to expose your child to harmful ingredients, you also want to treat their skin issues. Just because something is natural, that doesn’t mean it will be effective.

But with the following ingredients, you get the best of both worlds. Not only are they non-toxic and naturally occurring, but they’ve also been proven to soothe dry skin, heal rashes, keep skin soft, and generally promote healthy skin.

And that is the earmark of a quality lotion.

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Here is what makes for a high-quality, effective baby lotion:
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Beeswax

Turns out beeswax isn’t just for candles. Instead, it’s a safe skin moisturizer with a wide range of benefits. Among them:

 1. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties and has been shown to reduce inflammation
2. It’s high in Vitamin A, which can both rehydrate and soften skin
3. It works particularly well as a barrier cream to protect skin from diaper rash and other irritations

Calendula Oil

Calendula, which is derived from marigold flowers, has a long-standing reputation as one of the most soothing skincare products around—and for good reason. This oil promises a number of perks for your child’s skin:

 1. It can help treat minor cuts, burns, bruises, and skin irritations
2. It accomplishes #1 by preventing infections, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing
3. It boasts antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which help maintain skin health
4. It’s particularly effective for soothing diaper rash

Cocoa Butter

Sorry, parents: Cocoa butter doesn’t actually erase stretch marks. But that doesn’t mean you should throw the cocoa butter out with the bathwater. This shelf-stable fat provides a host of benefits for young skin:

 1. It’s high in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and promote skin health overall
2. Its antioxidant content also helps explain why it’s a powerful anti-inflammatory and can help relieve psoriasis, eczema, and rashes
3. It’s high in saturated fats, which are very effective skin moisturizers
4. It’s particularly effective for treating chapped or burned skin and reducing itchiness
5. It’s high in polyphenols, which help maintain skin elasticity and complete skin health

Coconut Oil

You’ve probably heard that coconut oil is great for adults. It’s recommended both for oral consumption and topical application, and it’s thought to soothe all kinds of ailments, from dry skin to digestive issues, chapped lips, and sore throats.

Just as coconut oil is a safe and effective skincare option for adults, it’s also an ingredient in some of the best baby lotions on the market. Coconut oil is a great choice for kid lotions for several reasons:

 1. Much like cocoa butter, it’s high in saturated fats, which help moisturize and smooth the skin
2. It contains plenty of Vitamin E, which has been shown to prevent cracked skin and repair dry or broken skin
3. It’s high in lauric acid, which has both antiviral and antibacterial properties—making it a good choice for soothing rashes
4. It helps the skin retain more moisture so that it’s less prone to dryness in the first place

Rosemary Extract

That’s right: Rosemary isn’t just for garnishing fancy cocktails or flavoring stews. It also promises some powerful skin benefits:

 1. It promotes circulation, which can help soothe symptoms of eczema and speed up wound healing
2. It’s packed with antioxidants, which can ward off skin damage and promote overall skin health
3. It’s both antimicrobial and antiseptic, which makes it a helpful treatment for conditions such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, and oily skin

The Best Baby Lotion Around

If you look for a body moisturizer that includes these five ingredients (and omits the dangerous chemicals mentioned above), you’ll help ensure that your child has healthy skin for years to come.

Where might you find such a lotion?

Well, based on these parameters, one of the best kid lotions on the market right now is Honeybuns Baby Lotion.

It contains each of the beneficial ingredients listed above—and then some. Other laudable ingredients include:

• Aloe Vera juice, which is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids and has been shown to moisturize dry skin and help treat sunburns, psoriasis, rashes, acne, and dermatitis
• Carnauba wax, which is hypoallergenic, keeps skin soft and hydrated, and helps the lotion apply smoothly
• Lecithin, which reduces skin dryness and flaking, promotes overall skin health, and helps in the treatment of eczema
• Non-GMO mixed tocopherols, organic compounds that are high in vitamin E and antioxidants that keep skin healthy

What you won’t find in this organic moisturizer is parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, or any other of those scary-sounding ingredients. Instead, your child will benefit from effective dry skin relief—naturally.

Keep This in Mind the Next Time You Buy Lotion for Dry Skin

The best baby lotions don’t need to rely on harsh, potentially dangerous chemicals in order to soothe dry skin.

Instead, they draw on safe, natural, and (oftentimes) organic body lotion ingredients that are proven to treat dry skin and rashes and keep children’s skin soft and healthy.

The next time you’re in the market for a moisturizing cream, be sure to read the label. If you can’t recognize or pronounce the ingredients on the list, you should probably keep looking.

If, on the other hand, you find a paraben free body lotion that includes some or all of the natural ingredients listed above, then you’re on the right track.

And if you’re not sure where to start, give Honeybuns Baby Lotion a try. It’s effective, natural, and safe for even the most precious skin.

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