The CELSUS Skin Care and Beauty Blog covers all things Health and Beauty related, but with a focus on Skin Care and related topics. The blog is hosted by CELSUS Bio-Intelligence, producer of a Natural and Organic Scar Cream with Anti-aging benefits.
Trading in your mainstream beauty products for natural, chemical-free formulations is one of the very best things you can do for your health. Mainstream beauty products are notorious for containing harmful ingredients including phthalates, parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, fragrances and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Luckily...
Marketing often leads consumers to believe that sunscreen is a summer skin care essential, however, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), sunscreen should be your last resort. There is a huge discrepancy between what people think they should be doing for their skin and what is actually safest and healthiest. While some types of sunscreen are safe, many sunscreens are actually...
Each holiday gives us an opportunity to slow down and celebrate something meaningful to us; and the 4th of July is no exception. On the 4th, we celebrate our independence with picnics, BBQ’s, fireworks, parades, and quality time with our families and friends. Sometimes all of this fun can translate into zero down time to relax and rejuvenate.
In the spirit of creating some down time for yourself and your skin this 4th, here are 3 homemade facial treatments that...
So you’ve got a bun in the oven. What does that mean for your skin? You could soon be experiencing anything from a “pregnancy glow” to stretch marks and even skin eruptions. Here’s our full scoop on the skin care changes we recommend that Mamas-to-be incorporate into their beauty routine:
We highly recommend cutting out products containing toxic chemicals, parabens and additives whether you are pregnant or not, however if you haven’t done so already now is the time. Your skin can absorb up to 60% of what you put on it, which means that any toxic ingredients in your beauty products are being absorbed directly into your blood stream and can also make their way into your baby’s blood supply and potentially negatively impact your growing baby. Ideally everything that you put on your skin including soaps, lotions, beauty products and makeup should be chemical-free, pure and organic.
Many new mamas complain about stretch marks across their belly. While there are great products out there that can help fade stretch marks, it’s much easier to prevent them from forming in the first place. So what can you do to make it through pregnancy to birth with little to no stretch marks? The answer is quite simple. Take impeccable care of your skin and give it the building blocks it needs to stretch easefully. For starters, eat foods that will help boost your skins elasticity. Incorporate collagen rich foods such as bone broth, gelatin, eggs, cod liver oil and other healthy oils in your daily diet. This will nourish your skin from the inside out and give your skin the nutrients it needs to improve its elasticity. In addition, make sure to drink plenty of water, which will help keep your body and skin adequately hydrated. Next, give your belly maximum moisture topically in order to support your skin as it stretches. The best way to do this is by using a highly emollient natural oil such as 100% pure Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter. Make a twice-daily belly massage part of your pregnancy self care routine. And finally, ensure that you are getting plenty of the key nutrients that help prevent the formation of stretch marks. These nutrients include zinc, which can be found in lamb, pumpkin seeds, eggs and whole grains and Vitamin C, which can be found in kale, bell peppers, broccoli and oranges.
What you eat is more important now than ever. First off, everything you consume being absorbed by your growing baby, which means that the foods you are consuming are either nourishing or potentially harming the little one developing inside of you. Second, since high amounts of vitamins, minerals and phyto-nutrients are being sent straight to your growing baby, your system is getting less of these nutrients than you typically would. If you aren’t getting enough nutrients that can easily impact the health and appearance of your skin. Combat this by eating a lot of fresh, nutrient-rich foods such as spinach, bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, berries, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and wild caught fish.
Acne is the most common skin problem among pregnant women and is caused by the secretion of oil induced by increased hormone fluctuations. The most common area for breakouts during pregnancy is around the mouth and chin. Avoid reaching for any harsh or acidic products to treat this pesky hormone-induced skin problem. Instead, treat your problem areas naturally using the following tips:
The use of essential oils during pregnancy is very controversial and there are a wide variety of options on the matter. According to Naturopathic Doctors, there are some essential oils that are safe to use in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. These “safe” oils include lavender, Chamomile and Ylang Ylang, all of which help calm and soothe. There are also several essential oils which can cause contractions and should be avoided during pregnancy. Some these include Cinnamon, Rosemary, Clove and Clary Sage. For a complete list of essential oils to avoid we recommend that you consult your Naturopath or Physician.
What is Eczema? Eczema is a medical condition in which patches of skin become rough and inflamed, with blisters that cause itching and bleeding.
What Are the Causes of Eczema?
While medical science isn’t sure about the exact causes of eczema, there are factors that are thought to be contributors to this condition. The following factors...
Cleansing: verb. To make clean
This term is typically applied to our homes, our cars, our hair, our closets, etc. A mere 10 years or so ago, the idea of cleaning the INSIDE of ourselves was reserved for colonoscopies and health freaks. Now, the idea of cleaning out our “earthly home” is becoming more widely accepted and understood. Lets talk about the basics of getting our insides squeaky clean and why it matters.
Why? Simply put, our lives are full of additives, junk, toxins, pollutants, and chemicals we can’t pronounce. Everything from...
Move over Face cream, there is a new kind of facial moisturizer in town and it’s getting loads of positive attention. “What is this new product?", you wonder. It’s Facial Oil- and it’s popping up all over the place in a slew of formulations ranging from single oils to fancy oil blends infused with essential oils. Here is the scoop on this new skincare craze:
Facial Oil vs. Face Cream Creams are typically water and wax-based with a few oils added in. While waxes are great at holding existing moisture in, they have two major downsides:
#1. The barrier they create to help hold moisture...
We love the sun! The sun helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, regulates sleep cycles and increases feelings of well-being. But as much as we need the sun’s golden rays, we also need to be mindful of their downside. Over exposure to the sun can lead to wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer. Here are a few skincare tips that will keep your skin protected from the sun this summer (and beyond):
1. Slather on the Sunscreen. Sun damage is the #1 cause of premature aging and skin cancer. Protect your skin from harmful UV exposure with consistent daily use of sunscreen. When we say “daily” we mean every single day- rain or shine. Look for a light weight, chemical-free formula that contains zinc oxide. This is important during any season of the year, but it’s especially important in the summer since the sun is stronger and more of your skin is exposed to the elements.
2. No Nano Particles Please. For many years natural sunscreens have...
Once you’ve hit 50 (or close to it) you will start to see major changes in your complexion. You’ll most likely notice the brown spots and uneven tone that resulted from all the prior decades of sunbathing, dark circles beneath your eyes that even a goods nights sleep cant shake off and a level of dryness that rivals the Sahara dessert. In addition, expression lines no longer fade away after you stop smiling and pores are larger and more visible. Although we cannot help you erase your wrinkles or to completely transform your sagging skin, we can help you to get your skin looking its absolute best. Here is what you need to know about caring for your sink in your 50’s and beyond:
In a world full of fancy spa treatments, luxurious crèmes and expensive serums, it can be difficult to believe that less can actually be more. But what if less is more? What if one simple ingredient can provide better results than a formulation of 40+ ingredients? We believe it’s possible! Here are six 1-ingredient beauty treatments that rival expensive products and fancy spa treatments.
Beauty Treatment #1: Coconut Oil Deep Conditioning Treatment
Unlike most oils that simply coat your hair, coconut oil penetrates hair follicles to moisturize from within, repair damaged hair, and protect your hair from future damage from hair products and heat. In addition, coconut oil protects your hair from losing protein, which results in thicker, stronger hair. To top it all off, the fatty acids in coconut oil help prevent split ends and give your hair a healthy shine.
How to Use It: Massage 2-4 Tablespoons of coconut oil into...
Although most signs of aging probably won't kick in until your 30’s, its never too early to start getting into the habits that will help you preserve your youth as long as possible. Good skin-care habits in your 20’s are the perfect foundation for maintaining your youthful glow throughout the decades that follow. Here is what you need to know about skin-care in your 20’s:
Adopt a natural skincare regimen and stick to it
A proper skin-care routine is the foundation for healthy, glowing skin. Start with a gentle cleanser, which removes dirt, oils and impurities from pores and prevents them from getting clogged. Next, restore your skin’s natural ph balance by spritzing a hydrating toner all over your freshly cleansed face. After giving your toner a few seconds to dry, slather a...
Ranging from diet and lifestyle to environmental factors and types of products used, there are many factors that can affect your skin’s health and appearance. Although many of these factors play a role, there are some that have a more noticeable effect on your skin than others. One of the biggest contributors to the condition of your skin is the amount and quality of sleep that you get. Deprive your body of sleep and it won’t take long for your skin to begin showing the beauty-diminishing effects of sleep deprivation. On the flip side, if you consistently get a good night’s sleep you will see visible results in your skins appearance.
How does sleep affect skin? Deep sleep stimulates collagen production and helps our skin cells repair and regenerate themselves. In addition, when you are sleep deprived your body produces more cortisol (the stress hormone), which may lead to an increase of...
Taking excellent care of your skin is one of the best things you can do to combat aging and maintain your youthful glow, but with so many skin-care products and treatments out there it can be really confusing to know how to best care for our largest organ. That’s where we can help! Our approach to skin care is simple and is centered around good habits and natural (we mean TRULY natural) products and ingredients. Here are our skin-care basics:
Use Products and Ingredients that are in Harmony with Nature
Mainstream cosmetics are chocked full of toxic chemicals, parabens and sulfates that can wreak havoc on your skin as well as your health. Some of these chemicals may help to temporarily alleviate symptoms such as acne, skin rashes and puffy eyes, but in the long run they can cause more damage than good. For long-term skin health, opt for clean, natural and ideally organic products made without synthetic ingredients or additives. Our favorite natural skin care brand is Pangaea Organics, whose line of all-natural skin-care products...
Most of us don’t“guzzle” our facial moisturizer or eat our lipstick, but we might as well be. What we put ON our bodies, ends up IN our bodies---in fact about 70% of what you put on your body gets absorbed into your bloodstream. Its’ no wonder that most detox spas preach the motto “If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it on your body”. We love this motto and make it a goal to live by it as often as possible. Here is one of our favorite DIY (and its edible too!) beauty treatments:
Anti-aging Honey & Avocado Mask
You'll need:
Although its wonders have only recently been rediscovered, aloe vera has been known as a powerful healing plant for many centuries. In fact, the Ancient Egyptians held it so highly that they considered it to be the “Plant of Immortality” and Cleopatra regarded it as her beauty secret. We can surely relate to Cleopatra’s deep love for aloe. In fact, our love for aloe vera inspired us to make it one of the primary active ingredients in our award-winning scar cream. Here are the top 8 reasons we love aloe:
1. Aloe is a nutrient-rich Super food: Aloe contains over 75 different vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and phenols. In addition aloe contains salicylic acid, which is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that also helps to unclog pores. To top it all off, aloe boasts sky-high levels of vitamin C, which helps promote circulation and is essential to the health of the adrenal glands.
2. Aloe helps prevent and treat acne. Aloe contains Auxin and Gibberellins, 2 hormones that have powerful...
What Is Acne?
Acne is an inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by pimples on the face, neck, back and chest. In severe cases, pimples are cystic and can lead to scarring.
What Are the Causes of Acne?
There are several contributors to this condition. One of the most common causes of acne is a change in hormones. During puberty this manifests as an increase in testosterone. In adulthood, there could be a number of catalysts for hormonal changes including birth controls pills, prescription medications and stress. Other causes of acne include diets high in sugar and processed foods, pimple-causing ingredients in mainstream beauty products as well as hidden causes such as touching your face too much or using a cell phone.
Factors That Can Make You More Prone to Acne Scars
While its widely known...
Protecting your skin against the signs of aging isn’t rocket science, but it does require the cultivation of a few good habits. Aside from the obvious ones (drink tons of water, avoid getting too much sun and don’t smoke), there are two simply non-negotiable habits we suggest you adopt in order to preserve your youthful glow.
The first? A solid skin-care routine consisting of the highest quality, natural skincare products. And by “natural”, we are not referring to brands that are positioned as natural. What we are referring to are truly natural (and preferably organic) brands that don’t use harmful chemicals such as propylene glycol, parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate and synthetic fragrances. Your daily skin care arsenal should ideally consist of a gentle cleanser, a toner, a light moisturizer and highly effective wrinkle cream (our scar cream doubles as a wrinkle cream and significantly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines).
The Second? A diet chocked full of...
