Aromatherapy

Have you ever found yourself asking your 3 year old, in all seriousness, if she could just please, please, give you a break? Or how about bargaining with God (or whomever else you might pray to) that if s/he just lets the morning sickness subside, you will become Mother Teresa incarnate? Well, while those negotiations continue, breath deep and try this..a personal humidifier using aromatherapy.

Steam is known to reduce stress by soothing the body and mind. And it can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles- who couldn’t use that? Meanwhile, aromatherapy is known to help reduce tension and anxiety, boost concentration and alertness, and give you an overall uplifting experience. Here are some essential oils for aromatherapy that you might consider:

For nausea try: peppermint, lemon or ginger.

For stress try: lavander or rose.

For tiredness try: Jasmine, Cinnamon or Lemon.

For congestion try: Eucalyptus.

Here are some personal humidifiers we found on the Web: Spa Mist Color Changing Fountain Mister by Pearl Essence, about $30.00 on Amazon.com. Westinghouse Aroma Diffuser with Humidification, about $45.00 at Target.com. AromaSens Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser, about $55.00 at Amazon.com

xoxo

Amalou

(Source: amalouskin.com)

There’s arsenic in my apple juice.

Yup. And there’s human hair in my bread, rat hair in my shrimp, maggots in my mushrooms (canned) and crushed bugs in my red-tinted yogurt . Oh, and there’s paint chemicals in my salad dressing and sex hormones in my milk.

And all of these things are considered acceptable ingredients and/or minor “defects” by the FDA.

Here are some interesting things we found out about some of the most gross food ingredients:

-According to one article we read, the FDA legally allows 19 maggots and 74 mites in a 3.5-ounce can of mushrooms. YUCK!!!!!!!!!! http://www.rodale.com/gross-food?page=3

-According to the Dr. Oz website, Consumer Reports “found that 10% of apple juice and grape juice samples had total arsenic levels above the drinking water standard…Consumer Reports also found that the majority of the arsenic in the tested juice was inorganic, the kind to cause cancer.” http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/arsenic-apple-juice

-“White” salad dressings can contain Titanium dioxide, which is sometimes contaminated with toxic lead and is mostly used in paints and sunscreens. But it can also be added into salad dressing, creamers and icing.

-Non-organic mild can contain the synthetic hormone rBST which enables cows to produce twice as much milk. But this hormone is also linked to breast, colon and prostate cancer and its is banned in a lot of other countries.

-Carmine (also listed as natural red #4, crimson lake or cochineal ) is a bright red food colorant made from bugs. It’s in red candies, tinted yogurts and juices. It’s kind of gross, but we’re not sure there is anything actually “harmful” to you, health-wise, in this ingredient.

-The dough conditioner called L-cysteine is an amino acid made from dissolved human hair or duck feathers and is used to improve the texture of breads and some other baked goods. It’s unnecessary and it’s just plain gross. We also suggest avoiding any bread with the ingredient with the non-descript ingredient “dough conditioner” because you just never know.

-Imported farmed shrimp often contains mouse and rat hair. A little know fact is that the U.S inspects only about 2% of imported seafood. Chose domestic shrimp instead.

-Did you know that up to 9 different pesticides have been found in non-organic peaches? They can be soaked in chemicals for weeks before shipment to the supermarket to prevent things like bruising. Similarly soaked in chemicals are non-organic spinach, strawberries, celery and apples. Chose organic instead. http://eatthis.menshealth.com/slide/8-conventional-supermarket-peaches-can-be-coated-many-nine-different-pesticides?slideshow=186413#sharetagsfocus

-Your ice cream may contain Parabens. Parabens are preservatives used to prevent mold and are usually used in cosmetics. They’ve been linked to hormone disruption and also found in breast cancer tissue. If you wouldn’t use it in your skin care products, why oh why would you eat it?

-Other cosmetic chemicals found is some produce are Phthalates. These plasticizing chemicals, often used in shampoos, soaps and nail polish, are also used as pesticides and fertilizer. As such, they are making their way into our food chain. Some studies have found a link between allergies, asthma, eczema, hormone disruption an child behavioral issues and Phthalate exposure. http://www.rodale.com/gross-food?page=0

Bottom Line: Read your ingredient labels and try to eat as much organic and non-processed food as possible.

As always, Amalou uses no parabens, phlalates, sulfates, or fragrance. Try our maternity-conscious products for pregnancy acne and discoloration. No benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinoids.

xoxo

Amalou Skin.

Getting To Know Your FDA Categories

If you suffer from hormone-induced breakouts and discoloration during pregnancy, before now there weren’t many options to consider. Most doctors will tell you to avoid over the counter products (“OTC”)until after you are pregnant,  just to be on the safe side.*  This is because many OTC products can and do fall into FDA category C.   

Here is a quick course in FDA categories in case you did not know.  The FDA classifies drugs for safety during pregnancy into 5 groups:

•           Category A: Studies in women show no risk to the fetus

•           Category B: Animal studies show no risk to the fetus; no human studies

•           Category C:  Animal studies show risk to fetus, i.e. defects; no human studies, use only if benefit to mother justifies risk to fetus

•           Category D: Some evidence of human birth defect; use only if necessary for health of mother

•           Category X: Strong evidence of human birth defects; do not use.

Source:  Briggs, Gerald G.; Freeman, Roger K.; Yaffe , Sumner J. ; A  Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk; Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation, seventh edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005

The most notorious skin care product to fall into Category X was Accutane, which is actually a vitamin A derivative.

(See: http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/accutane.html, http://www.cosmeticscop.com/BULLETIN/092711-full.htm?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Read+More+%C2%BB&utm_content=Pregnancy+%26+Skin+Care%3A+What%27s+Safe+%26+What%27s+Not&utm_campaign=09.27.11+Beauty+Exclusives).

WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU.

If you are pregnant and suffer from:

Acne:

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid (another vitamin A derivative) fall into Category C because these ingredients can be absorbed through the skin.  So many doctors will recommend their avoidance during pregnancy and nursing.

Instead try:

·         AHA peels.

·         prescription topical antibiotic, such as erythromycin or clindamycin, both of which are considered safe for use during pregnancy.

·         prescription Azelaic acid, another prescription option considered safe for use during pregnancy*

Skin discoloration:

Hydroquinone falls into Category C as well.

Instead try:

·         Broad-spectrum sunscreen. We recommend a sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide which are physical blockers and possibly a safer choice.  Use SPF 30 or higher.

·         Use a daily exfoliant or consider a series of AHA peels from your dermatologist.

·         Consider  prescription azelaic acid which can be effective for treating hyperpigmentation*

Wrinkles:

Retinoids (Retin-A) and OTC products with retinol fall into Category C.

Instead try:

·         products with vitamin C

·         microdermabrasion* with your dermatologist

*http://www.cosmeticscop.com/BULLETIN/092711-full.htm?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Read+More+%C2%BB&utm_content=Pregnancy+%26+Skin+Care%3A+What%27s+Safe+%26+What%27s+Not&utm_campaign=09.27.11+Beauty+Exclusives

OR MAY WE SUGGEST THAT YOU CONSIDER TRYING THE AMALOU SKIN REGIMINE.

Amalou Skin is an easy four-step skin care regimen that includes REVEAL Exfoliating Face Wash, PRIME Detoxifying Tonic, GLOW Balancing Moisturizer, and RESTORE Night Treatment. Each product does its part to cleanse, balance, moisturize and help prevent breakouts and skin discoloration in hormone addled skin.

Our ingredients were chosen carefully, in consultation with cosmetic chemists, dermatologists and OBGYNs, to provide an even complexion without the worry that comes with many of the chemicals commonly used in skin care products today.

Instead, Amalou Skin formulations use the benefits of other, safer effective ingredients like Azelaic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, GreenTea, Witch Hazel, Chamomile, Thyme, Grape Seed Extract and Peptides.

To address BREAKOUTS and DISCOLORATION , our products use the following ingredients for the following reasons:

Azelaic Acid is an antibacterial agent which is also known to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and melasma. It can help reduce swelling and inflammation by exorcising toxins in the skin. However it does not reduce oil production, so it won’t dry skin or cause sensitivity to the sun.

Jojoba Beads which are a natural alternative to polyethylene beads.  Put into our REVEAL Exfoliating Face Wash, they act as a mechanical exfoliat helping to wipe away layers of dead skin and keep pores clear and healthy while also helping to reduce the appearance of pore size.

Chamomile is a natural antiseptic with calming properties. It helps reduce the appearance of redness in the skin. It also helps to rid pores of impurities and to reduce inflammation.

Witch Hazel is a natural and gentle astringent with cleansing properties. Witch hazel can help tighten the appearance of pores.

To address SIGNS OF AGEING, our products use:

Thyme is a natural antiseptic with ant-inflammatory properties and is known to have anti-aging properties.

Green Tea Extract is an anti-oxidant and is also linked to cell rejuvenation. Promoting elasticity and warding off free radicals—Green Tea also has been shown to have anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, promoting healthy looking skin.

Grape Seed Extract is an antioxidant which can help protect cells from free radical damage and slow down the appearance of the ageing process. It may be considered more potent than Vitamin C.

Peptides: Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 used in conjunction with Palmitoyl-Oligopeptide are peptides that can help boost the growth of connective tissues in the skin and naturally increase the production of collagen in the skin. Increased production of collagen can help skin renew and repair itself.

We wanted Amalou Skin to work together to address blemishes, discoloration and signs of ageing.  Because we wanted our products to multi-task, just like you do.

So give us a try.  What do you have to lose except some blemishes and worrylines?

xoxo

Amalou Skin.

(Source: amalouskin.com)

Welcome to Amalou Skin!

Amalou Skin is the first and only full maternity skin care line that works together beautifully to cleanse, balance, moisturize and even help prevent blemishes and skin discoloration.
 
We worked with leading medical and cosmetics experts to develop carefully selected and formulated products.  So we’re able to take the guesswork out of label-reading. No benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids, hydroquonine, parabens, phlalates, sulfates, or fragrance – just great ingredients for great skin.

Visit us at http://www.amalouskin.com

Summer is coming— Time to ramp-up your SPF routine.

As spring turns into summer, it’s time to “spring clean” our beauty routine as well.  Cosmetics containing SPF in them are wonderful for use in winter months, but now that the sun is stronger it’s time to ramp-up your protection as well. During stronger-sun months you should use an actual Sunscreen.

First, you likely need to go out and buy yourself some new SPF. The average shelf-life for sunscreen is about 1.5 years.

After cleansing and using a toner/and or moisturizer, wait a couple of minutes for those products to sink in and then apply your sunscreen.

Here are some other things to consider:

* If your skin is acne-prone or oily, try a lightweight lotion or liquid, or an alcohol-free gel base. Spray-on sunscreens are also a good option and can be re-applied over make-up without messing up your “look”.

* Everyone should use a sunscreen of at least 30, that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

* If you suffer from melasma, than you should also consider using an SPF that contains physical blockers, like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Regular use of SPF will help your other melasma treatment products to be more effective. Melasma is made worse with sun-exposure so one of the best things in your beauty arsenal is to use plenty of sunscreen and of course, a hat.

* A recent study found that there might (we stress might) be a link between skin cancer and a common sunscreen ingredient, Retinyl Palmitate (a combination of Vitamin A and palmitic acid). So consider avoiding sunscreens that contain this ingredient.   (See: http://www.ewg.org/release/nih-panel-links-vitamin-sunscreen-skin-tumors).

Whichever one you go with, layer it on and have a great Summer!

xoxo

Amalou Skin

http://www.amalouskin.com

Hey Stretch!

Exercise is good for you, of course. But we’re not going to tell you to do it. It’s a personal choice and we’ll leave it at that.

However, if you’re pregnant (or otherwise), we will say that stretching feels good. And yoga feels better. It’s not going to give you a Hollywood Body, but it will give you the ability to walk down the block or up a flight of stairs without painful waddling (or at least not as much).

We found this video really helpful: Yoga Journal’s Prenatal Yoga (put out by GAIAM, it can be found on Amazon.com). Instructor Shiva Rea, and demonstrator Poppy, are human-looking pregnant women and so are the other participants. No one in here is going to make you feel bad about yourself for not looking more lean, mean or put together… just the opposite… they make you feel like you look exactly how you should… beautifully, humanly pregnant.

And the routine is easy - again, this video is to get you more flexible - to stretch - not to sweat. If you’re looking for a hardcore workout, this is not it. But if you are looking for some peaceful time, just for you, and the ability to touch your toes again, even for just a second, well - check it out.

xoxo Amalou Skin

http://www.amalouskin.com

What’s Your Score?

Did you know that benzoyl peroxide scores a 7 and so does salicylic acid? Even Willow Bark scores a 7.

What is this score business you ask? It’s the scoring system created by the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database. The scoring goes from 0-10, 0 being the least hazardous, 10 being the most toxic.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit organization that specializes in environmental research in many areas of advocacy including toxic chemicals and agricultural subsidies. As stated on their website, the mission of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) is “to use the power of public information to protect public health and the environment.” www.ewg.org/about

What is the Skin Deep Database you ask? The Skin Deep Cosmetics Safety Database is a safety guide to cosmetics and personal care products, created by EWG researchers. The Database looks at thousands of products and their toxicity levels (or lack thereof). It is a great consumer resource.  Research a product name or just an ingredient—to help determine whether you want to use it.    (See: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/)

When we heard rumors about benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid being unsafe to use during pregnancy, we hit the Skin Deep Database just to check it out, and that’s what we found.

But what’s a girl to do now that pretty much ALL of the products previously used in the arsenal to combat blemishes is now ruled out? Well, create our own of course.

And that’s what we did. We created the Amalou Skin line using some star ingredients: Azelaic acid scores a 1; Tea-tree oil scores a 1, Hydrogen Peroxide scores a 3, Chamomile scores a 0.

Amalou Skin—Expecting Beautifully.

http://www.amalouskin.com